Chapter 5 [Throne Chamber—A Quarter of the Hourglass Later]

Judicial proceedings occupied the entire afternoon. Case after case had paraded before the dual thrones. Litigants pleaded their issues. Rodor and Taene listened. The gaunt man to their left listened. His quill scratched Detail after Detail onto vellum sheets. Decisions came from the monarchs. Matters resolved and recorded before another followed them.

Circumstance kept Mithian's usual seat empty on that day. Her donation of good will earned her a respite on Subjects' behalf….

Malaise and Lack of Caring prompted Kay's absences more often than not. His latest skip merited (another) lecture….

Rodor took a draught from his gilt goblet. "Are there any other cases today, Lord Blumenwald?" The day's cases wearied him more than usual. Tension arose from border disputes and competing nobles. Custom established Tolls until a cheat tried to get more than the going rate. Anger flared over forged documents in a previous case.

"None that I can see, Sire." Blumenwald straightened himself. "I have everything." His eyes noted Gallery's restlessness. Insolence and Resistance showed up at times as well. "I believe we have done our business unless you have something?" He looked toward Taene's throne. "Would the Queen have anything?"

"She would have told me. Very well." Rodor turned back toward the others. "Thank you, Everyone. That is all for today. Have a safe journey back to your estates. Take care." He stood and watched the audience back away from him for several steps. Then he saw them turn and depart from the area. A heavy sigh escaped his lips. "You saw, did you not? I am troubled by some of our nobles."

"You mean the resistance in relation to the Bartlesbottom case? Aye. I have noted the reactions. Lord Aethelwald's absence seemed suspicious to me. Normally, he and the other counselors are faithful attendees." Blumenwald stacked the calf skins. "I will have these ready for your review upon your return, Sire."

"Excellent as always, my Friend." Rodor's mood lightened at his High Chancellor's detailed approach. "Meanwhile, I have to get ready for that trip." He leaned back against the throne. His eyes bore into the ceiling overhead. Uther and Meleagant each represented their respective challenges in their own right. Together? Well, Gentle Reader, he knew 'formidable' would prove an understatement.

"Aye. I have written up our considerations for your meetings with them." Blumenwald reflected on the forthcoming trip to Camelot. Concern dominated his thoughts over the other rulers. Rodor and his father had stood strong against them. Several times, they'd skirted War's destructive edge by a hair. Consequences remained behind, nonetheless. "The Queen will be with you."

"Aye. I have faith in Queen Taene." Rodor rubbed his chin. He'd seen her dominate in negotiation. "As I do in you as Regent. Princess Mithian knows how to watch. Besides, I believe she and Lady Morgana will wish to catch up. Nay. I worry about Prince Kay." Worry knit his brow. "I let him go there for tournaments. I want him to see and experience our neighbors' realms. Still, I see him with the Hardliners on the Royal Council. He and the Princess quarrel about our subjects. He grows intolerant. Jousting, military acts and external diplomacy occupy his thoughts. He rarely attends the essential gatherings. It is not a good look." He exhaled a deep breath. "If only I could strike that foolish law about women and the throne." Kay's attitude weighed on him.

"Princess Mithian, if I may say so, Sire, learns quickly. She studies in the library. I test her from time to time on situations. It is hard to believe she is only fourteen. Her mind already surpasses many Princes twice her age," Blumenwald assessed.

"Aye. Again, I wish Princess Mithian was the elder and that law was not in place. I'd name her my heiress and make Prince Kay First Knight or allow him that marriage on the Continent that he desires. I mean to speak with the Queen about that. I wish to get him away from the Hardliners." Rodor saw Taene and Mithian enter. "I see you found our benefactress!" Delight and Satisfaction brightened his face. He rose from the throne and strode toward them.

"Forgive my absence, Sire." Mithian nodded to Rodor. "I know there were difficult cases. I could've learned a great deal from watching Mother and you."

"Everything in balance, Mithian. I am sure your mother has said the same." Rodor appreciated Mithian's thinking. "You have seen property disputes and ill feelings before. You will again. Did your investment work?"

Mithian shrugged. "The group was smaller this time. Still, I was able to give each family a whole loaf apiece this time! There was a boy and his elder there too. My hunt helped their family."

"I saw a great deal of good out there, Mithian." Taene hugged Mithian's shoulders. "Do not underestimate kindness and what it can do. Your brother may not understand. The people, however, know that you have a good heart. They know that you care about them."

"That's all I want to do is care about them. Sometimes I wish I was a man. Then I would not have to worry about prejudice because I'm a girl." A playful snort escaped Mithian's mouth. "I wonder if Lady Morgana is still at Camelot? I look forward to seeing her. She is like a breath of fresh air."

"Perhaps she is. I know King Uther and she are close. She and you are very much alike. We will have to be careful however." Taene paced about the area. "I would have you remain out of sight from King Meleagant as much as possible."

Mithian cringed. Her skin crawled. Memoria recalled Cawdor's tyrant and his leers. She bit her lip. "I know my duty. I beg you both. I cannot be married to that monster."

"We would never do that to you." Rodor imagined Meleagant's potential abuse of Mithian to be honest. Her fire and strength would attract violence and humiliation. "There has to be someone for you out there. We are searching. Be patient. The Queen's advice is sound. Granted, she and I are fortunate. I pray someone out there can love you and be suitable to our needs. Meantime, other than the banquet on the first night, I would have you remain out of sight as well. Perhaps Lady Morgana and you can enjoy yourselves?"

"Perhaps, Sire. Thank you." Mithian nodded to him again. "I am sure Britomart will come up with something. I was hoping she could come."

"Actually…" Blumenwald cleared his throat. "Her presence was requested specifically. Apparently, Camelot has issues with their servants. They hoped that she might work with one such young man. Britomart is a servant of quality."

Pride warmed Mithian's heart over that compliment. Her smile pushed up against her ears. "She simply wishes to please us through her work, Lord Blumenwald. She's such a loyal person. I'll admit that I'm biased."

"She does earn our favor. This is an opportunity to put King Uther in a good mood. I would not deal with Meleagant and him in sour moods together." Rodor shook his head.

"Strength and resolve do make impressions as well, Father." Kay had watched and listened by the door. Britomart's invitation of sorts rolled his eyes. "I returned but a short time ago." He nodded to Rodor. Then he kissed his mother's hand. "Mother."

"Kay." Taene narrowed her eyes. She allowed Kay his gesture. Still, Disapproval stabbed through her eyes at him. "You were missed in court today. Mithian had her reasons for not being here. What are yours?"

Rodor raised an eyebrow. "I talked with Sir Richard and Sir Horace. I know you returned two turns of the hourglass ago. You were also seen in the training yard. Two courtiers alerted us to your presence. You also had time to stalk your sister. I do not appreciate you making fun of her charitable activities!" He rubbed the back of his neck. "Do you think your entire world is this citadel? Is it your armor or time on horseback? Or perhaps the conservatives like Lord Aethelwald or Lord Wulfstan? I've overheard you speaking with Count Bernard of Astolat. Be careful of who you listen to."

"Father…." Kay scowled.

"Kay, what is with you? I do not understand! These are Father and Mother! They are the King and Queen!" Mithian grabbed onto Kay's arm. "We do not rule simply for the lords and counts! We are responsible for all of our subjects!" She pointed at her dress. "My gown might be a year old. Are there patches in it? Nay. Is it worn or threadbare? Nay. Britomart takes great care with my wardrobe. I do not need to be laden in jewels or gold! Do you see any animal trophies from my hunts like some of the lords have? I would say not! I have what is needed, Brother. I would spend the rest of whatever I have on arrows to hunt with for food or grain to bake for bread. Then, as with Little Henry outside, I can give them a little meat or perhaps a loaf of bread. THAT IS DUTY!"

Kay rolled his eyes at her. "We defend them. They have the opportunity to raise their crops and scrape out an existence. What else should they expect? You are listening to Lady Reyna again? She and her daughter should be dealt with. I know Count Bernard is embarrassed by them. Do you understand what Father is about to deal with?" He pointed at Rodor. "He is about to deal with Kings Meleagant and Uther. Meleagant lusts after you, Sister, whether you like it or not. King Uther wants to be an ally. He wants us to stop protecting sorcerers! Why can you all not see that? What do we owe them?" He threw his hands up.

Taene folded her arms across her chest. Her eyes narrowed. "You will lower your voice and speak to us in a respectful tone, Kay. You are still addressing your King and Queen. Still, you do not understand. Not everything is about agendas or politics. We are aware of Camelot's, Mercia's and Cawdor's aggressive postures along our mutual borders. That being said, your sister said it very well. We rule for them. King Uther likes to blame sorcerers for Queen Igraine's death. That is how he justifies his genocidal Purge. I hear those lords and Count Bernard's words coming through your mouth. When you go to those tournaments, how much time do you spend with Prince Arthur talking about such matters? While we should respect King Uther's prerogative, you agree with him far more than I'd like. Think about our people. Whatever else happens, we are SWORN to serve them first!"

"We protect them, Mother. They would never understand…." Kay stifled Anger's retort. "Why can they not use magic? Just be like everyone else! That power cannot be controlled! King Uther is right! We cannot trust them!"

"Magic, my Son, is like any instrument or tool." Rodor ground his teeth. Patience strained to keep him composed. "It is not good or evil in itself. Rather, Intention determines whether it is used for good or evil. Count Bernard did save my life once in battle. Then again, so has the Dragon Lord, Sir Balinor. Lady Reyna has saved many lives with her herb craft and sorcery. She does not have a mean bone in her body. Sir Balinor gave up everything including his love and home to protect us! To protect YOU! Camelot wraps itself in grand tales and a stellar reputation. He and I are opposites. I seek to preserve life and honor all of my subjects. King Uther only honors those who serve his whims. Vengeance, not Justice, moves him. I fear you are becoming too much like him." A profound sigh escaped his lips. "Proceed with care, Kay. One day, you may succeed me as King. Remember your oath. When I said that I hold your oath, I mean that. We have all sworn to do so. DO NOT FORGET THAT! You are not any better than the lowest born peasant or anyone else!" He drank a big mouthful from his goblet. "We have a turn of the hourglass prior to the evening meal. Both of you should let Britomart and the servants know to pack for the journey. We leave tomorrow at First Light. Meantime, I need some air." He held out his hand.

"Think on his words please." Taene squeezed Rodor's hand in her own. Then he followed her from the chamber.

"I wish I could understand you. You speak so grandly of nobility, but you act as a churl sometimes." Mithian stalked off toward her own quarters. Necessity demanded a venting session with Britomart before Temper exploded in (yet another) unseemly manner.

Kay curled his lip. "Father has no idea." He stormed after Mithian's path up toward their chambers. Bile and Spite burned at him. He knew Arthur and Uther would definitely disagree with those sentiments.

Rifts widened. Factions developed….