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Chronicle II, Chapter 10 Reunion By William Black Sir Robert did not move, but every so often Will caught a glimmer in the sick man's eyes, as if the words he was speaking were taking root. Will spoke of battles long past, of successful quests, of honor and obligation, and of Morgan. The Druid noted that the mention of Morgan caused the greatest reaction. He focused on her. "Sir Robert, I will tell you now of my side of the story." Will waited for the telltale flicker of Robert's eyelids before continuing, "I met Morgan at a festival much like this one. But at that time she called herself Catherine. I thought she was the most beautiful woman in the world, and I was right. I recognized her at once as my soul mate. Yet my questing and promises took me far from her. To use an astrological term, our orbits, though they came close, did not remain aligned. I wanted her to go with me, but she was headstrong and had her own path to follow. It was the darkest parting I can remember; my soul is empty but for her." Will could see tears forming in the sick man's eyes. He had to work quickly so Robert wouldn't get the wrong idea. "Morgan had her own promises to keep. She met you, fell madly in love, and so remains unto this very day. Robert, she loves you with her life. We never dishonored you while we were together. Her heart was always apart from me. I sensed it, so never pushed for more then she could give." Now tears were flowing down the Druid's face." "It matters not whether you believe me, but I speak the truth. Morgan is my best friend, my soul mate. But you and her belong together. Do you understand?" Robert's eyes shifted as if trying to focus on the young knight's face. His mouth quivered. "Wait! Don't try to speak yet, there is more I have to say." Will grasped Robert's hand trying to will his own strength into the other man's weakened body. Doctor Laroux stepped closer to the bed, his eyes wide. "I don't believe this. He's responding to you. You have to be using magic." He kept shacking his head. Will looked up and saw doubt in the doctor's eyes, "I am not using magic, unless you think encouragement is magical." Then Will smiled broadly, "Well, I suppose encouragement is indeed a potent magic... hmmm, I will have to add this to my 'Book of Shadows'." He doubted the doctor caught the joke, but no matter, the Druid did. Turning back to Robert, he continued his treatment. "Sir, I would ask you to consider all that has been done. Know that a form of sorcery has been used against you. Don't bow to it; rather fight it with all the strength you have left." Will could see his patient faltering, "Damn it, Robert! I made a promise to Morgan, that she could speak with you at morning's light. By God, you better not disappoint me, or I will rip her away from you quicker than lightening leaps from heaven to earth!" Laroux jumped back in horror as the sick man sat up clenching at the Druid's robe. "You stay away from..." Robert croaked, then sank slowly back onto the bed with Will's support. "Damn Druid's and your tricks!" Robert attempted to laugh but started to cough horribly. "Get him some of that horehound extract," Will ordered. Laroux unstopped the bottle of syrup and mixed it with a little wine, then handed the cup to William. "Here, sip this slowly." Will held the cup to Robert's lips. The knight sipped and sputtered, but most of the potion went where it was meant to, down the sick man's throat. "Good wine," Robert whispered with a sneer. "Couldn't you use your magic to make that blasted stuff taste better?" "Don't you recall? No magic allowed. At least Morion and her subjects can adhere to the contract, even though I am sure Gardain did not." Robert closed his eyes as if to rest, but then said, "Where is our honorable guest and challenger? Hasn't he come to see his handiwork?" A thin smile crossed his parched lips. "Laroux, make our fine knight here a strong cup of mint tea please." Will chuckled. "To answer your question, Robert, I am not sure where Gardain is. I have a date with him later this day. I hope I can stay awake that long." Again Will laughed, but secretly hoped he had the energy for the contest. "Sir, here is the tea." Laroux handed the steaming cup to Will. "Morning light is breaking. Lady Morgan will be here soon." Will looked at the young doctor. Something in the others face made him think that the young doctor understood the situation quite well. Laroux was cautioning him. Will slipped his hood over his head. "Why the dark outfit? I thought Druid's wore white? "Druids wear many colors depending on the ritual or festival, but the black robe was used to become one with the night. Black absorbs all colors of the spectrum, thus is very potent in magic, even when one is not using it." Will grinned, "It allows me to move about in the dark with more freedom." Will's smile broadened, "I must be leaving. I promised Morgan she could talk with you by morning's light, yet I think it would be better if she saw you alone." Will stood and turned to leave, but an arm tugged at his sleeve. "Sir William, I... I apologize for the vile thoughts I had of you in the past. I can see what Morgan loves about you. You are a good man." "Rest now. And thank you." A smile was on Will's face as he headed out of the tent. He kept his head lowered and walked to where Aspen was tied. He thought of Sir Robert's words, and was comforted. For many years he had felt guilty of causing Morgan stress over her love of him. He wanted that love, and thought that despite all, the friendship would last. But he didn't count on how it bothered her; that she felt she was betraying Robert's love because of her feelings for him. Will slipped into the saddle, turned his mount and headed for the list but not before noticing the figure of a woman entering Sir Robert's tent. Though he was glad he had kept his promise to her (he always kept his promises), a stab of envy ripped through his heart. Yes, he indeed still loved her in a very selfish way. The sky was a deep blue as the sun rose over the eastern mountains. Rays pierced the early morning mist like a fishnet cast high above the waves of the sea. "God's fishnet," the Druid mused. "I wonder who he will catch today." He guided Aspen down the gentle slope towards the field; his mind tired from the last evening's events. A lot happened in the last 24 hours, and he had not yet slept. But there was much more to be done. "Anyway," he said out loud to himself, "I have herbs to keep me awake long enough to beat Sir Gardain at his own game." Aspen snorted as if in protest. "All right fella, maybe I do need a little rest." He rode to the fence and dismounted, sliding wearily to the ground. Tying his steed close by, he removed the saddle blanket and laid it on the ground. Then lying down himself, he fell fast asleep. A gentle nudging roused him from his slumber, but he managed to keep his eyes shut. "Aspen, cut it out. It can't be time for the contest yet, I just laid down." The nudging became more urgent. "Oh, all right." His eyes squinted open, protesting against the bright light of the sun. The face he beheld was angelic, or so he thought. It was a face from his past; seven years past. Morgan looked down at him with her brightest smile. No words were spoken, but glittering tears of joy moistened her soft cheeks. "My Lady, have I overslept? Is Sir Robert well?" Will was truly confused by her presence. "Oh, you..." Morgan pulled him into a tight embrace, and whispered, "Thank you," into his ear. Will held her gently, not knowing exactly what to say, but not really caring either. It was enough that she was here with him; enough that she held him once again, not as a lover, but as a friend. "I wish I had come sooner, but..." Will faltered for words, "even seven years in not enough time to forgive the wrong people believe I did to them and this land. If only they knew." Morgan released her hold on him slightly, "Don't blame yourself, for that is what you are doing. No one holds anything against you. Well, not the general populous. Now Robert..." "The gallant Sir Robert forgives me entirely, my Lady. For I have spoken with him throughout the wee hours of the morning about you. He understands my love, friendship, and most of all the honor which I hold both of you in. I was and shall always be your foremost champion," Will chuckled, "and his too." She hugged him again. "Morgan, I have to get ready. My match with Gardain will be soon, and look the people are already arriving." She released him suddenly, giving him a look that he was unsure how to interpret. People were starting to mill about the field, catching up on the activities of the day with their neighbors and friends. Servants were out raking the field smooth and making sure the list was sound. Others were unrolling the multicolored pennants and hanging them along the tops of the stands to flutter in the light breeze. Morgan stood up without a word and headed back to her tent, her red hair fanning out in the breeze like a vail. "Wait!" Will jumped to his feet and trotted after her. "Morgan?" He caught her arm and made her face him. "What did I say to offend you? What is wrong?" Morgan looked at her feet and remained silent for a moment. When she spoke it was in a whisper, "What you said back there... that you had to get ready and your match would be soon... those are almost identical words that Robert said to me before he faced Gardain. I was able to make love with Robert before his contest. With you I could wish... oh, nothing, it's not important. Be careful." With this she turned and continued on her way. Will stood looking after her. His heart knew what she wanted to say, but couldn't. He dearly wanted to look into the future for her and Robert, but this was itself magic, and his honor was at stake. He couldn't even see his own future at the moment. Only his present. He walked slowly to Sir Robert's tent. He could her voices within, knowing Morgan was soothing her love. Will wanted to see Robert before the contest, just to reassure him that this time, Gardain would take the fall. Will entered the dimly lit tent and walked over to Robert's bed. The knight's recovery was remarkable. Though he still looked skeletal, the color had come back into his face. His eyes were sharp and knowing. "Well, Druid. Are you rested and ready to meet our nemesis? Robert's eyes glittered with humor. Morgan watched him with quite concern. "Rested, no. Ready, hmmm... I suppose so." Robert's brows furrowed deeply, "You better not suppose! You must beat him for the sake of this realm and the honor of Lady Morion! You must beat him for your love of Morgan." His face went from stern to pleading, "You must beat him for me!" Morgan looked from Will to her love, "Rob, he will win. How could he loose with encouragement like that? Will, you will win?" Her tone made it a statement, but her eyes reflected the question. Will weighed his thoughts. He wanted to say that he was only a man, and fighting an unknown. That he had beat Gardain the day before because the dark knight was already tired. Today Gardain would be fresh; undoubtedly more refreshed himself. But as he watched shadows of doubt deteriorating the progress he had accomplished early, his mind was set. "Yes. I will beat him. But not for the glory of our Lady Morion, or for either of you two. I will win because I must. Sounds funny doesn't it?" Morgan stood and walked over him. "You will win because you must. You are a man of duty, honor, and conviction. And you will have our thanks forever." She gave him a light kiss on the cheek. Will took note that Sir Robert only smiled. No sign of jealousy crossed his face. Maybe they were truly friends now. Will hoped so. "Well then, I am off. I will see you after the contest." "Wait, before you go I want you to do something for me." Robert tried to sit up, but flopped back down heavily. "Guess I am not recovered enough for that, eh?" Then looking to Morgan he said, "Beloved, please fetch my sword and bring it to me." Morgan went to the corner where Robert's equipment was and took up the blade to bring to him. "Will, I want you to do me a big favor. I know this is not the blade you are used to, and it might prove to be a disadvantage to you; although I doubt it would be much of a one. I want you to use my sword to defeat Gardain. I want to be a part of his downfall. Would you do this for me?" Will looked at the sword. It was a fine piece of work, with beautiful jewels inlaid in the hilt. Will took it and tested the balance. Yes, it was a fine weapon indeed, but more cumbersome than he was used to. He glanced at Morgan who nodded her approval. "All right Sir, I will carry your blade into battle, but I then require a favor of you..." He paused not sure how to phrase his request, or even if he should ask. He looked at Morgan and decided that it was not worth the asking and altered his statement, "Do me a favor and get well." Without another word he walked out the door and headed for the list. "Will, wait!" Morgan ran up behind him. "What did you want to ask?" "It's not important. Let it alone." Will kept walking, keeping his gaze away from hers. She gentle tugged at his arm to stop him. "No, tell me. We have never kept secrets from each other before." "Haven't we, Morgan?" Will's voice was tinged with sadness, "Okay, I will tell you. I wanted to wear your colors into battle. I just thought better of it, that's all." Morgan, drew near to him, putting her hands around his neck. Her fingers grasped the object she was hunting for and withdrew it from under his tunic. Shining around his neck was a golden chain with a rune covered cross. "This, my beloved knight, is the token of my love for you. And it always shall be." She turned and went back to her tent, and to her knight. Will watched her go. He had become quite proficient in squelching his emotions concerning her. He turned and walked back to where Aspen was tied. William Black © Continues... Chronicle II, Main page |