Morgause eyed Merlin with the friendliness of a viper. “So says a petty, ancient magician who couldn’t break the childish trick.”
“I could have if I wanted to. Arthur, I told you it was more meaningful that you broke the enchantment yourself,” Merlin said, almost whining.
Britt purposely turned away from Morgause as the queen went to say goodbye to her sons. “I think Morgause might be right. I’ve seen you perform some magic, which I’ll give you is pretty cool. But all of this big stuff you claim your capable of? I haven’t seen the slightest proof.”
“You are the most ungrateful brat to ever be crowned king,” Merlin said as Britt crouched in front of Cavall to pet him.
Sir Kay stirred. “Historically speaking I don’t believe that is an accurate statement.”
Merlin eyed Sir Kay. “Of course you would say that.”
“Can you do anything tomorrow, during the hunting party?” Britt asked, her voice quiet, so quiet only Merlin and Sir Kay could hear her.
“Aye,” Merlin said, thoughtfully rubbing his chin. “I’ll be following you, but in secret and out of sight. A hunt isn’t a place for an enchanter, but I will go for your safety.”
“Why wouldn’t you normally come with?” Britt asked, making the gesture for Cavall to give her his paw. It was the most useless trick ever, but it greatly cheered Britt to be able to teach her faithful dog something.
Merlin shook his head. “Most love the thrill of the chase but I, I can’t stomach the kill. Not of stags anyway, I suppose boar hunting in the winter months might be different. But it was Blaise, my mentor, who first advised me to skip hunting parties. Hunting to live is one thing. Hunting for socialization is far different.”
Britt uneasily stood. “Great, I wasn’t looking forward to it already.”
“Do not worry, My Lord,” Sir Kay assured Britt. “Merlin is an oddity.”
“What did you just call me?” Merlin asked.
“My Lord,” Morgause interrupted with her husky voice. “I thank you for your hospitality. You have been a generous host, and I hope you and your house are blessed for it,” Morgan said as she stood with her mare, her Orkney escort was already mounted and waiting.
Britt bowed slightly. “You have honored us with your visit.”
“Don’t come again,” Merlin said, waving farewell.
“Merlin,” Britt hissed.
Morgause laughed as she mounted her horse with some help from a footman. “I see through your protests, Merlin. You are quite amorous of me, I know it.”
Merlin looked like he swallowed a frog. “Lady,” he said. “Wise, old lady. Please depart lest I be forced to help you depart.”
Morgause turned her delicate mare and laughed over her shoulder. “Very well, I admit saying you are amorous of me is a bit much, but you have become softer towards my gender in your old age, Merlin. I know it! It can be seen in all aspects of your life. Farewell you false magician, farewell my sons, farewell Arthur—true King of Britain.”
Merlin growled, but the queen was out of hearing distance, disappearing through the gate that led out of the keep area and into the public/commoner area of Camelot.
“I like her,” Britt decided.
“Great. Exchange letters with her, but never invite her back,” Merlin said.
“That would be very rude, Merlin,” Sir Kay said, startling both Britt and Merlin. “We are hosting her sons, how could we separate their mother from them?”
Merlin eyed Sir Kay again. “I think I liked you more when you had less of a cause and talked rarely.”
Sir Kay inclined his head. “In that case I must thank you for delivering my foster-brother to me,” he said as Morgause’s sons drew closer to Britt and her companions.
Britt crouched down. “Gaheris, Gareth,” she called, extending her arms. The young boys ran to her, pushing their week cheeks against her shoulders.
Sir Kay and Merlin shifted uncomfortably as Britt hugged the crying boys. After a few moments they backed off, noses sniffling. Britt stood and moved away from Cavall, who was promptly tackled by the youngest Orkney princes.
“I didn’t think the old hag was at all affectionate with them,” Merlin said as he watched Gawain sling an arm across Agravain’s shoulders. “It appears I was wrong.”
“It’s a hard thing, saying goodbye to a parent,” Britt said, unseeingly staring out across the keep yard. She startled when Merlin placed a hand on the top of her head.
“I’m sorry, lass,” he whispered. “I’m sorry.”
Chapter 7
A Hunting Party
“We found a second trail going north west. An assistant huntsman picked it up here.”