CHAPTER 17 : WITH THIS RING

By evening the following day, Merlin and Arthur were well on their way home. They'd stopped for a late lunch at an inn but decided to push ahead hoping to reach the next village which could offer accommodation. Dusk beat them to it so they decided to sleep rough by a river running on the far side of the road.

Quickly, getting a fire going, beside a large boulder facing away from the river, Arthur and he ate his Mam's bread and cold chicken which tasted wonderful. His mind was relaxed and happy. He'd had a good time away and was now looking forwards to seeing Romney married to Mathilda. Still in holiday mode, neither of them had much desire to do anything, so they lay against a boulder chatting quietly.

Merlin suddenly put his hand over Arthur's mouth and they both froze. They were not alone. Arthur raised his eyebrows questioningly but Merlin shrugged and removed his hand from his mouth. Motioning him to stay still, he got up and walked towards the river. He could hear indistinct voices but couldn't recognise any of the words. The voices were certainly not threatening. He crept closer and smiled, he came upon an older man and two youngsters. He listened; the man was grading the children on their abilities and valuing the goods which he had laid on the ground.

Merlin's face dropped, thieves but his face softened as he heard one of the boys say, "Da, will it bring enough to pay for some food?"

The father replied, "Yes, 'arry Love, your mammy and the kids will have food by tomorra."

Slipping away, Merlin returned to Arthur feeling guilty about the meal they had just eaten but knowing that he couldn't take on the everyday problems experienced by local folk.

His heart almost stopped as he was grabbed, he thought, 'Shit! I wasn't paying attention.' But immediately recognised his captor as arms hugged him and someone whispered, "I was getting worried," in his ear.

Arthur led him back to the fire and Merlin told him what he had seen. "Life is hard for many families, not that I condone stealing but…"

"Why can't they just hunt for their food?"

"You can live off the land but you need more than meat and greens, you need seeds and nuts. They were probably hoping to purchase some oats. Luckily, Camelot has grain set on one side to dole out to the needy. I remember one year, Ealdor along with other villages, was hit by a rust blight on our wheat and it looked diseased and shrivelled away. We had to depend on Cenred's men who brought grain to the village and it was handed out by the village elder. Needless to say, he demanded a handsome payment the following year when our grain harvest was plentiful."

Arthur sat staring into the fire. There were many responsibilities which he would face once he was king. He smiled and reached for Merlin's hand. At least, he wouldn't be facing them alone.

-0-0-

It was the pattering of rain on the leaves which woke Merlin, he smiled. He knew that Arthur was going to try to lay the blame the wet morning on him. He stood up and checked the horses, he led them to the river and then walked back tying them up and giving them their quota of oats. He stood watching them eat, smiling as Gidun kept glancing at him in the hope that more might be in the offing.

"Sorry, old chap you're out of luck but tonight you'll be home and Evan will see that you get extra."

"Extra what?" said a sleepy voice.

"I was talking to Gidun and telling him that tonight he'd be home in his own stable and I'd arrange for Mulgan and him to get extra rations."

"You're all heart, am I to expect any special treatment when we return?"

"Well, I'm sure Gaius and the others will be pleased to see you…"

"That wasn't exactly what I had in mind…"

"Oh, I see…yes, I'm sure that the cook will see that you get extra rations as well."

"Merlin, are you that thick?"

A smile drifted across Merlin's face then it blossomed into a full blown grin, as he threw his leg over his saddle he said, "Don't worry, Arthur, I'm sure I'll have figured it out, by the time I get home!"

The rain stopped and a faint rainbow appeared in the sky; the clouds cleared and the sun shone welcoming them home.

Home! Camelot was on the horizon; the weather had cleared, the two horses cantered leisurely across the meadow before making their way at a trot through the lower town and climbing to the portcullis and into the courtyard.

-0-0-

It was early June, the weather was prefect when Lady Mathilda of Sloane wearing mint green with a silver brocade overskirt, carried a posy of lily of the valley which Merlin had collected for her around dawn. Her groom-to-be Sir Romney of Montfieth wore the outfit of a Camelot Knight.

Just inside the door of the hall, Sir Rupert of Sloane gave his daughter's hand to Lady Hester of Montfieth who stood representing her late husband Sir Calder. With a smile, she in turn gave it to her son Romney. The couple, followed by Sir Rupert and Lady Hester, walked side by side down the aisle, towards Sir Geoffrey de Monmouth, who was officiating. Romney was attended by his cousin, Sir Spenser of Sherewell. Lady Yseult of Sloan, Rudyard's wife and future sister-in-law to the bride, attended Mathilda.

Sir Geoffrey took Mathilda's and Romney's hands and asked if it were their wish to be married. Romney turned to Mathilda who smiled in acknowledgement and he turned back to Sir Geoffrey and said, "Yes, it is so!"

Arthur moved his leg back slightly so that it made contact with Merlin's as he looked at the couple and smiled. He was so pleased for his brother knight, he deserved every happiness. There was just a little sadness that never could Merlin's and his love be so proclaimed.

Sir Geoffrey asked if anyone present knew of any impediment to the nuptials and there was silence. He nodded and continued.

Lasting vows were made and Sir Geoffrey then announced to the gathered guests, "You see here, before you, Sir Romney and Lady Mathilda of Monfieth."

The assembled guests rose and cheered. The couple turned and wild flowers were scattered before them as they walked to the bridal table set up in the hall. Romney was greeted by his brother knights and Lady Mathilda was surrounded by her family.

Arthur grabbed Romney, slapping him across the back, saying, "Now, you're a married man, my knights and I will take the responsibility of protecting not only you but the virtue and reputation of your lovely, lady wife Mathilda."

Romney looked into Arthur's eyes and for an instance wished that he too could have stood with the love of his life and declared his intentions. He realised that he would never celebrate as he and his Mattie were doing today. Gawaine, Gielbert and Rook came over and Arthur went as a representative of his father to pay his respects to the new Lady Mathilda of Montfief, daughter of Sir Rupert.

The wedding feast was perfect. It had been planned by Lady Alisse and her daughter and was attended by a select few of the family friends. The feasting carried on well into the evening when finally the newly married couple were escorted by Romney's friends to their new quarters, with many a ribald joke, causing both bride and groom to blush. They were left alone and the feasting resumed, continuing into the early hours.

-0-0-

Merlin's breath had caught as Arthur's leg had touched his. He was scared to look anywhere and it wasn't until Gaius had smiled at him that he realised he had been staring in his direction. He smiled back and looked away. His heart was telling him to put his arm around Arthur's waist and pull him to himself. He glanced across the room and saw Rupert with his arm around his wife Lady Alisse as they beamed at Romney and Mattie. Lady Hester stood alone probably remembering her wedding to her late husband Sir Calder and Lady Yseult glanced at Rudd.

Merlin had walked right into this wedding not realising how emotional it would make him feel. He had been so thrilled that Mattie had accepted his offer to pick her flowers. He caught Gaius glancing again and nodded. He wanted to slip away but as long as Arthur was there, he would stay. It wasn't that he wasn't happy for Romney as he was; it was just a shadow skulking in the back of his mind whispering, 'Your relationship with Arthur will never reach this pinnacle. It will always have to be hidden.'

"Sorry, did you say something?"

"Yes, for heaven's sake, Merlin, get with it. This is supposed to be a celebration, we are to be happy that Romney has found the love of his life and that Mattie's parents have agreed that he is a suitable husband. Look, even Gawaine is being correct and giving his compliments to the bride." He turned to him and said quietly, "Please, my Love, don't look so sad. Our love is a strong as theirs is, possibly even stronger, not public that's all."

"Go over and give Romney your best wishes. Look, Gaius is going. Join him."

Walking across the room, Merlin sidled up to Gaius in the line waiting to congratulate the happy pair. Gaius glanced at him and said quietly, "Chin up! It detracts nothing from Arthur's and your relationship," and he slipped his arm across Merlin's shoulders.

Romney was so gracious receiving his good wishes that it did make Merlin feel better. Gawaine then stepped in and pulled him away from Gaius. "You look as if you could do with a drink. Where's your side kick?"

Merlin had to laugh. Gawaine could always make him feel better. Arthur watched them and smiled. It had worked mentioning to Gawaine that Merlin was taking the wedding a little too personally.

"Are you ready to go to a tavern and use up my hard-earned money or do you want to imbibe of the free libation graciously offered here by the family of the bride?"

Merlin grinned, "Trust you to ask a loaded question?" By now only their regular friends and Arthur's former friend Rudd, who was the bride's brother, were around and Merlin was nursing a small measure of mead. He knew that either Arthur or Gawaine would finally drink it for him but it made him feel as if he belonged.

Rook having insisted that Merlin slip between him and Arthur, said "Not much space, but I'm sure you don't mind." Arthur slid over but not so far that Merlin's and his hips and legs were not touching. Arthur was entertaining everyone with his story of their crossing the pass and having both themselves and their horse skidding down shale descents.

"…and were the two of you in your right minds, when you decided to take the pass?" Gawaine wanted to know.

"Well, we'd got so far and then the idea of trying to climb back up the shale sections, helped us make the decision to continue, easier. Anyway, much to my Mam's relief, we arrived safely."

Arthur added, "A lot of the credit has to go to our horses. They were steady and on one occasion Gidun had to get out of the way as Merlin went careening down the slope on his arse, overtaking him!"

Everyone laughed and Gawaine added, "Knew that body part would be of use one day!"

Merlin blushed beautifully and Arthur leant over and hugged him, whispering, "You look good enough to eat!" making him blush even further.

Spenser said, "I would like to make a toast…"

"No, he doesn't!" interrupted Merlin as he realised that Spenser was going to come out with something really funny but inappropriate.

Leon said, "But Spenser is our official toastmaster. The only one capable of making both Arthur and Merlin's skin crawl and I'm sure Rudd would like to see that we have all been keeping Arthur in his place over the last few years."

Arthur looked at his friends around the table, then at Merlin and nodded, "Go ahead, Spenser but remember the time and the place."

Spenser stood grinning, "Raise your goblets and toast with me, the servant who not only takes his job seriously but also is one of the best friends our future king could every need. Merlin, you are an example to all…" they all nodded and went to raise their goblets but Spenser wasn't yet finished, "…and if ever Arthur should decide to cast you off, I can think of four other knights who would be fighting Gawaine for your affection."

The table dissolved into laughter; as Arthur smiled and pulled Merlin closer to himself. Rudd realised that he had missed this kind of camaraderie, glancing at Gawaine, he realised that there was no animosity between Arthur and him. Glancing at Merlin, he knew that Gawaine didn't have a chance. He envied them their easy brotherhood and friendship.

Soon, it was time to turn in and Arthur rose and wished everyone a good night reminding them to be in the courtyard tomorrow around noon to bid farewell to the newly married couple who were returning to Romney's former home with Lady Hester's party and taking a few days for themselves planning to return for this year's investiture.

-0-0-

They both fell into bed exhausted, Merlin saying, "Do you think, we'd have any friends to invite if we had had nuptials?'

"Merlin, what are you going on about?"

"Nothing…Goodnight Arthur." But Merlin's mind wouldn't give up; it remained with today's ceremony. He thought, 'Who would have been their attendants and who would have been brave enough to attend?' Then he chuckled to himself, 'Well, he knew someone he wouldn't have invited…Arthur's father.'

He pulled the pillow more comfortably under his head and let himself drift away.

He could feel that it was Arthur standing at the door with Sir Rupert. Gaius was standing beside him with his Mam. Gaius took his hand and gave it to Sir Rupert who turned and handed it to Arthur. They walked down the corridor to the door of the king's chamber and Sir Geoffrey was standing there with an owl which twisted its head and blinked at him.

Next, Geoffrey mentioned brotherhood and trust. He was now standing with Gaius on the dais beside Geoffrey. Geoffrey had a sword and was tapping Rupert on the shoulder. Nothing seemed surreal, that was the way it was supposed to be.

Arthur was looking for him but he hid behind Gaius. Arthur now stood alone before Geoffrey telling him that it was his wish to be married. Suddenly, Gielbert's little Aurora stood up and toddled over to take the empty place. Arthur smiled at her and Geoffrey began the ceremony.

Merlin moved to stop Geoffrey but he motioned him over to help officiate. He kept telling everyone that there was a mistake but no one would listen, Geoffrey continued and Arthur again looked at Aurora.

Merlin felt sick. He tried to yell, "No, this is the wrong person!" but the only sound he could make was the whimpering of an animal in a trap.

The blinking owl, no help, kept hooting, "Who? Who-o?"

His Mam and Gaius embraced and someone clapped and he realised that it was himself.

Arthur handed Aurora back to Donatienne and made his way by himself to the bridal table. Gaius advanced to congratulate Arthur who turned into a large wild cat. He swiped at Gaius narrowly missing him and Gawaine dispatched him with his sword.

Anguished cries filled the room; Merlin realised he was screaming…then the ceiling started to fall and he couldn't breathe.

He flew to the turrets, standing there and as the wind picked up rattling the pennants on the flag poles, he cried…

He woke, alone in the bed. His mind flashed back…yes, he would now be alone. He could feel the wind and hear the rattling. He felt someone sit on the side of the bed and slide in. He didn't want company so he moved away.

He heard a voice saying, "Great servant, you are, you left the window open and it was rattling…"

"...Arthur?"

"Who did you think it was…?"

He pushed himself into Arthur's side mumbling, "Arthur, it must have been a dream…"

Arthur smiled. Dreams could be very frightening but one good thing was that with Merlin, dreams often left him needy and Arthur knew just what to do…

-0-0-

Arthur's friends settled back into their routines. Those mentoring the candidates for the knighthood were kept busy, three more weeks of training and then the final interviews. Already, sponsors had been approached and the squires had been measured for their ceremonial clothes.

The staff were prepared for the influx of long time visitors. This was going to be one of the busiest seasons which Camelot had experienced in a long time.

There was a disturbance on the southern border but Arthur was not among those chosen by the king to settle it. His father had told him that until the tournament, he wished him to assist him in things pertaining to the castle. Begrudgingly, he had agreed.

"We'll be fine here. We can take little breaks away from everyone in the turret room and remember, you'll have plenty of time for training."

"You, Merlin, are ever the optimist."

"Must have been my upbringing and resulting general attitude on life, I'm a regular Little Mary Sunshine!"

"…and you get annoyed when I call you a girl, come over here, Mary!" Later, with Arthur's arms still around him, he was glad that he had obeyed.

There was a tap on the door and he slipped out of Arthur's grasp and opened it. "Welcome home, Stranger!" He said as Romney entered the room.

Arthur took one look at him and said, "Married life becomes you! How's your good wife?"

"Mattie's well, we had a lovely holiday and I have with me this young man whom I am hoping you will consider as a squire." Romney put his hand behind him and drew his youngest brother Rhylan into the chamber.

Arthur smiled, "Welcome, to Camelot. Where were you training?"

Rhylan looked at Merlin and smiled and then back at Arthur and said, "Sire, I have been at Caermorh Castle to the west since I was nine but as I want to be a knight of Camelot, I am here to request that you consider my suitability."

Arthur was impressed, he remembered Rhylan as an eight year old kid, who had been fascinated by Merlin. To the point where, if you found one the other would also be there. Arthur walked over to the desk and taking a quill jotted down a note, saying to the fifteen year old, "Well…Romney will take this to the Squire Master, Sir Malcolm and you will be on probation for the next six months. Prove yourself worthy and you will be accepted as a Camelot squire."

Arthur nodded at Romney and the brothers left the room, Romney putting his arm around his brother's shoulders and turning back to smile at Arthur.

Merlin grinned, "Nice wedding present, Arthur! I always liked that boy and if he turns out anything like Romney, he'll be a credit to Camelot."

"You know, I am always willing to give a chance to the knights' brothers. They seem to fit in well and we have been very pleased in the past. Mind you, we still need new blood, so I'm not adverse to welcoming already invested knights as well." Arthur caught Merlin's eye, "I know…there is one special man whom you would like to see wearing a red cloak but let's just say, that it will be one of my first appointments, once I assume control of the kingdom."

"You're a prince, Arthur! ...and I know that I'm not the only one who would feel that way. By the way, Spenser mentioned hunting tomorrow. Shall I round up your motley crew and make plans?"

Never one to allow an opportunity to hunt pass him by, Arthur nodded. "Include Rudd as he's staying here until the tournament. He was as keen on rabbit hunting as I was when we were young…not more than five of us, leaving around dawn, alright?" Merlin nodded, he'd make sure that it was a compatible group and looked forward to the outing if not the actual hunting. He'd check with the Master of the Hunt as to the best location and quarry.

-0-0-

By noon the next day, five tired but elated hunters returned to Camelot. The pack ponies returned with two, third year bucks and a small boar who had been quite aggressive as it was determined to take out Rudd. He'd handled himself well, dismounting to make the final kill. Merlin looked at Arthur, who was grinning from ear to ear. Rudd had been his companion until he was nine, when due to an accusation by an unscrupulous knight, Sir Rupert had decided for his son's sake to send him to his uncle. Arthur had sorely missed him. Although they rarely met, they had one of those easy friendships once they were together again.

They gathered that night for supper and entertained the rest of the knights with their expertise. After hearing that Rudd had got the boar, Rook said, "Great, I just heard Farmer Jones saying that his missus' pet porker has gone missing!"

Rudd tried to convince him that it was a wild boar, black and hairy but Rook insisted that as it was now probably scalded and on the spit he would have to take his word for it.

Rudd took the teasing well, insinuating that Rook, might not have been so quick to dismount as he had been, to give the 'coup de grâce'. Arthur roared and toasted Rudd on his nimbleness not only of foot but with his turn of phrase.

Merlin sat back enjoying the meal. Once the servants had been dismissed; he sat beside Arthur. The sideboard was laden with food and anyone wanting anything was encouraged to serve himself. Mind you, out of habit, Merlin always managed to figure out what Arthur needed. Although Arthur would put his hand on his arm telling him to stay seated as he could manage by himself, Merlin with a grin would say, "Please, let me! You can reciprocate later…" Carefully, watching the effect those words had upon him…

Merlin felt completely at ease with the men around the table, realising however, that as children they must have been rough and strong just like the boys who made his life unbearable in his village. He looked around and decided that maybe Leon wouldn't have been mean or Gielbert or Romney; certainly not Spenser or Gavin. Then as he glanced around, he doubted that any of them had a really nasty streak in them and then his eyes fell on Gawaine and Arthur…and he laughed. Those two must have been something to contend with.

"What's so amusing?" Arthur asked.

"Nothing, I was just wondering how we would have got on if we had all met up as children."

"Probably, the same as we do today. We'd have challenged each other, always trying to get the upper hand, yet have been willing to give our lives to save one and other. We'd have pulled ranks on the other children…and picked on the less fortunate." Arthur paused, then smiled guiltily, "We would probably have been nasty little buggers!"

He turned and looked at Merlin and said seriously, "But I would have been your friend and wouldn't have let anyone say or do anything to hurt you…I would have loved you even then!"

FINIS

To be continued in ALL THE ABOVE, MY LOVE which is the tenth story in the Rejected by Royalty Series.