Chapter 30

[A Twelfth of an Hourglass Turn Earlier]

[A/N: Looks like a certain someone's about to show up in Camelot a few seasons early….]

Merlin stepped several steps away from the bedside scene. Priority rested with Taene's conversations with Rodor and Mithian at that point Potential Implications worried him. Taene's trust created questions in his mind. She says to trust somebody named Radegund? Who would that be? How can I protect Princess Mithian and Prince Kay when I am supposed to be at Prince Arthur's side? And who is this person I resemble? His frown twisted in on itself.

Complain, complain, complain…. A dark robed specter appeared to his left. The crone's glare challenged him. The one to be known as Emrys. You are such a boy yet! Sarcasm scoffed through her nostrils and clenched lips. Do not speak. The dying mortal and you are the only two who can see me. The others will not. It is her time.

Questions bubbled over in his mind. Who is this?

The specter frowned. I am the Cailleach. So! You have some surprises at this point. You can hear me. How unexpected and impressive! Surprise lifted her eyebrow. We will meet again before the year is out. She floated past him and toward the bedside. It is her time.

Instinct prompted a step toward the Cailleach. Better sense, however, brought second thoughts. Canary flashed through his eyes.

Do you think your magic can stop me? REALLY? The Cailleach coughed at him. Perhaps when you are older, you might delay me. Now? You are just a boy! I am not here for you yet. There is more going on than you know. Keep back. You cannot stop the tide. Irritation darkened her glare still more at him. The mortal cannot do any more. She will meet her reward. Her crooked index finger extended into the air and shook at him. You have much to learn before you can even think of challenging me. Besides the old King is noticing you. Calm yourself. She pressed on toward the bed. Her eyes met Taene's. She crooked that index finger again. It is your time, Taene of Nemeth. Come.

Taene nodded. She looked again toward Rodor and Mithian. "I love you both. Be…strong. Look…to our people. Remember that." Defiance spread a smile across her face. Then she slumped to the bed. "I…love you." Her eyes closed. Last Breath left her lungs. Her spirit arose from her body. I am ready. She cast another look at everyone in the room. Then she floated toward the Cailleach.

Follow me then. Cailleach opened a portal in midair. She guided Taene toward it. Remember, Emrys, we will meet again. Look to the others now. She and Taene disappeared through the portal.

Merlin stared at the air. His hand reached through Portal's former place. Who or what is she? Legends and stories hinted at Death Crone's existence. Memoria recalled Hunith's frown at such stories full well. What or who is she? What about Queen Taene? What did she do? He took several composing breaths. He turned back toward Rodor and Mithian at Taene's bedside. Respect and Reverence demanded space for the grieving royals.

Britomart lingered but a step behind Mithian. Irritation and Questions bugged the Fire Hair as to Merlin's actions. She shook her head ever so slightly. What is he doing?

Rodor embraced Mithian. His tears could wait. King and Negotiations could wait. Priority lay with Father's role at that point. "Your mother is at peace with our ancestors now, Mithian. She is no longer in pain. I wish Kay could be here with us."

Mithian sucked in a deep breath. "I know, Father. We have to be strong. Mother worried about Kay's outlook. He listens too much to the Council and the hardliners. Can we trust him? Will we have a civil war?" She shook her head. "I do not want a divided kingdom such as Tintagel for us."

"Nor do I." Rodor regarded his daughter again. Her observation elicited a smile. Once again, Taene, you have seen what others might not have. Mithian's insight could serve her well next to me. Her apprenticeship will be a challenge enough. Memoria recalled well enough the courtiers' reactions to Taene's and Mithian's presence in royal affairs. How will she handle Count Bernard and the others on the Royal Council? This will bear watching. "We will speak more on this upon our return to Whitgate. For now, we should prepare the Queen's body for the return to Nemeth. Then I will speak with King Uther." He looked toward Merlin. "Merlin, perhaps you should have some time with Britomart this morning? I suspect we will not be staying much longer." He rubbed his chin. Anticipation deduced that Arthur told Uther of Reyna's presence there. Uther's response, he also knew, would be predictable.

Negotiations would not include turning on magical beings and sorcerers…not if Rodor could help it….

Disappointment weighed down across Merlin's shoulder akin to Leaden Cloak. "Your Highness, Queen Taene was a good woman. I am sorry that I could not do more." He bowed to them. Once more, the Cailleach's actions overwhelmed him. Who was that woman? Did she really take Queen Taene through the Veil?

"Merlin, you did what you could. You are but at the very beginning of your training. You served the Queen and kept her comfortable. I am glad for that at least. You understand service. I believe you need to learn technique. The rest will come to you." Rodor pulled the blanket over Taene's face. Then he looked Merlin over again. For some reason, Familiarity, as it had with Mithian earlier, ate at him. How would we know him? He was a peasant before coming to Camelot? Curious!

"King Rodor is correct, Merlin. We appreciate your caring and compassion. I am sure Master Gaius would be proud of you." A helpful smile broke through Mourning's overcast across Mithian's face. Her eyes lingered on him. If only you were not Arthur's man. If only you were not a peasant. Her heart twinged for some reason. That again? Now what? She sucked in a composing breath. "Perhaps, Father, we might have our knights watch over the Queen? We still have our functions here." Her hand swiped away Mourning's tears from her eyes. "She would want Britomart and me to help you, Merlin."

Rodor nodded. "Aye. She would want that. We do have our duties." He glanced down at the covered body. "Let us see what we can accomplish, Daughter. Britomart and you should go to our chambers. Then Lady Morgana will be expecting you. Merlin, can you watch the Queen? When our knights arrive, you can join the others."

"Aye." Merlin sat down next to Taene's covered bedside.

"Thank you." Rodor allowed a brief smile. He turned and walked out of the chamber. Uther's mindset demanded his full mental faculties. In his current state, Negotiations seemed in doubt. Mourning distracted him at that point. Continuity's question loomed before him as well. Cawdor's continued threat pressed down on him. Issues knotted up one into the other.

Merlin untied his neckerchief. "Princess. You need this." He held it out to her.

Mithian accepted the offering. "I…appreciate this. Thank you, Merlin. This is very kind." She dabbed her eyes. Then she returned it to him. Her eyes met his for a fleeting heartbeat. Then she snapped herself back to the situation at hand. "We will expect you at Lady Morgana's chamber. Thank you." Mithian put her hand on Britomart's arm. "Come."

"Aye, Milady." Britomart nodded to Merlin. Gratitude for Consideration's moment shone in her eyes. "We will keep it simple, Merlin. Watch over Queen Taene with care." With that, she followed Mithian out of the chamber.

"Watch the Queen." Merlin rubbed the back of his neck. Appreciation lightened his mind's and heart's burden. Worry, however, spun his mind in certain regards. He stood and smoothed his clothes. His eyes watched the door for Nemeth's knights. He wouldn't fail that task in the meantime.

Service created Expectation….