by L. H. Nicole
“Aliana,” Dagg’s voice did little to soothe her as she all but ran down the steps and past the door to the great hall, deciding that she just needed to get out of the castle as quickly as she could. How could she have thought she would be able to handle seeing those two together?
She was going to have to avoid them both now, if she could.
A few passing servants gave her strange looks as she dashed past them. Only then did she realize what she must look like. Forcing her feet to slow down, she took a few deep breaths, calming her emotions and focusing instead on what was going on around her. She followed the path Merlin and the others had led her on last night, bypassing the throne room completely.
She considered reaching out to Merlin mentally, to tell him her plans, but she had never tried to do it before when he was more than a few feet away.
A pair of large hands gripped her shoulders, abruptly halting her movement. “Lady Aliana?”
A large chest covered in a loose gray shirt and brown buckled vest was right in front of her. She looked up to meet Leyon’s questioning gaze.
“I…I am so sorry,” she stammered, stepping back when his hands fell from her arms. “I was lost in my thoughts.”
“So it would seem. Are you searching for Merlin?”
She nodded.
“He is in the front courtyard with several of the others.” He pointed to her right. “It’s this way. I can take you if you so wish it.”
Since directions weren’t her strong point, she told him to lead the way. They walked in silence, Leyon glancing at her covertly every now and again.
“Is there something you’d like to ask me, Sir Leyon?” He was whip smart, in her time. No doubt he’d be just as clever here in Camelot. One thing she’d learned about her knights and the ones here, they were all very alike. Not totally, but still.
“Nay.” He opened a door in front of them. “But there is much more to you, lass, than you’d like for people to notice.”
She moved to go through the door but he blocked her. He wasn’t aggressive or threatening, and despite his words he appeared more curious than fearful she might be evil.
“Merlin wouldn’t speak for someone if he had any worry they meant harm to Camelot or King Arthur.” It was like he had read her mind. But he was wrong, and so was Merlin, who had after all spoken for Morgana. “You are a fascinating puzzle, lass.”
She grimaced. She really needed to keep a low profile from all of the knights. None of the guys remembered her in her time, so she couldn’t do anything that might make them remember her and inadvertently mess with the timeline.
“I believe you were taking me to see Merlin, Sir Leyon.” What else could she say or do?
He smirked. Her hands started to shake, but she raised her chin, stepped around him and headed down the stairs. She heard the click of his boot heels and the rustle of his leather clothes as he followed her down the narrow stairs and through a small arched door.
Raising her hand against the bright sunlight, she saw Owaine, Merlin, Gawain and Percival all circled around Galahad, swords drawn, shields on their arms. Her adrenaline spiked as she watched the scene in front of her, Leyon hovering at her back.
The guys were attacking him in turns, but Galahad was fierce in his defense and he fought all them back with powerful strokes and reverberating clangs of sword against sword and shield.
Gawain attacked him from behind, as Galahad deflected a blow from Percival. Before Aliana could cry out a warning, Galahad swung around quickly and kicked Gawain’s shield so hard the shorter knight lost his balance and stumbled back. Her fierce knight whirled again and in a few moves had Merlin disarmed, Owaine on his butt and Percival trapped with a sword pressed to his neck.
Her heart galloped in her throat, her eyes glued to the sharp sword set so dangerously against her best friend’s boyfriend’s neck.
Galahad smirked and his whole demeanor changed. He pulled his sword back, sheathing it and tossing his shield to the ground. Percival laughed, his head bobbing up and down in amusement before he turned and helped Owaine to his feet.
Merlin and Gawain were back on their feet by the time Sophvira slipped through the fence and handed her brother a piece of cloth, a proud grin on her Pixie-like face. “That was faster than last time, big brother.”
He smiled and ran his hand affectionately down her hair. He said something to Gawain that had all of them laughing.
Leyon cleared his throat and Aliana started. She instantly felt stupid for getting caught up in the guys’ training. She had seem them go at each other dozens of times, but seeing it now was a totally different experience.
Leyon led her toward the others, his grin widened to a satisfied smile.
“Good morning, Aliana.” Sophvira beat her smoldering brother to her side.
“Morning,” she said, finally peeling her eyes from the knight who was somehow still intoxicating even while wiping sweat from his face.
The guys all gathered around, and she felt like a circus show again as even nosy servants openly watched them. Morgana, who Aliana hadn’t even noticed, came to join them.
Shaken from her discomfort, Aliana asked, “Merlin, can I talk to you for a second?”
He set down his shield and vaulted the fence. Aliana had to admit that the handsome Druid was an impressive sight, even with such a simple display of strength.
They walked a few feet away, the guys turning back to their training. The tension between her shoulders lessened a little.
“Is everything all right?”
She smiled tightly. “I was thinking of going into the town for a while. I need to see if I can figure out what Titania sent me here for.” She glanced past the Druid and saw Morgana standing with Sophvira and Gawain. The blond witch was watching them from the corner of her eyes.
“There is a woman in the lower town,” Merlin said. “I have had some dealings with her in the past. She seems to have an uncanny knowledge of the Fae and the Isle of the Blessed. She may be someone who can help you. And her shop has some…unique items, if you can get the crone to show them to you.”
“And how am I supposed to do that?”
“I’m sure you’ll find a way.” He chuckled before telling her how to find this person as they rejoined the others.
“What are your plans today, Aliana?” Sophvira asked when they came to her side.
“I am going to go explore the city for a while.” And get some much needed space from the craziness of the day.
“That sounds like a wonderful way to spend the day,” Morgana said. “Perhaps you wouldn’t mind my accompanying you? I need to buy some new dress material as it is.”
Aliana’s voice failed her in her surprise. Morgana seemed sincere, her face open and friendly.
“Can I go too?” Sophvira questioned, looking as excited as a kid about to go on a ride. “I can show you some of my favorite places in the town.”
Both girls looked at Galahad. Aliana was worried he would say yes, but insist she be protected. That was the last thing she needed today. She racked her brain trying to figure out how she could tell Sophvira no without hurting her feelings. More voices came from behind them and Aliana glanced over her shoulder to see Arthur and Lancelot making their way toward them.
Galahad spoke first. “If Aliana would not mind your company I see no reason you can’t go.”
Sophvira smiled brightly. Aliana bit her lip. Now she was going to have to deal with an armed chaperone.
“Whom will you send with us?” the girl asked.
Galahad met Aliana’s eyes again. “If you promise to stay with Aliana and Morgana, I see no reason for you to have an escort.”
Aliana’s eyes widened. Everyone in the training yard stopped talking to look at him in varying expressions of shock and disbelief.
“Really?” Sophvira’s voice was hesitant.
Galahad ran his hand down her hair again and nodded.
“Deal!” The girl was nearly bouncing up and down.
<
br /> “Galahad?” Arthur questioned. “Are you sure?”
Galahad inclined his head to Arthur. “I think she will be safe enough with a Sorceress and an accomplished traveler.”
Aliana couldn’t hide her proud smile anymore. Galahad had listened to her, and actually taken her advice. Another crack formed in the walls she had constructed around her savaged heart.
Looking away from Galahad she saw Morgana’s open disbelief, which she quickly covered with a smile when she noticed she was bring watched.
“Let’s go then,” Sophvira said, grabbing Aliana’s wrist and all but pulling her toward an arching stone pass. “Before he changes his mind,” she whispered with a wave to her brother.
She followed, Morgana giving Merlin a quick kiss before she joined them. Aliana didn’t miss the way Arthur looked between them. His handsome golden face was tight but carefully blank, a look she recognized as the kingly mask he wore when he was hiding his true feelings.
The knights disappeared from her sight as Vira turned a corner of the castle and they entered the market. They passed a man selling straw from the back of his ox-pulled cart. The three of them were soon passing many of the merchants she had noticed when she arrived yesterday. The sounds were so foreign, all the loud voices jockeying for attention as the people milled about. Men and women came and went, barely noticing Aliana and her two companions. There was just so much vitality and life happening all around her it was almost overwhelming.
Morgana stopped at the third fabric vendor they passed. Vira looked over the fabrics, holding up a green one that complemented her pale skin.
“What do you think?” she asked.
“I like it. That color suits you wonderfully.”
“It will look beautiful on you, Sophvira,” Morgana added, holding tails of white and yellow fabric in her hands. “Maybe you could even have a dress made in time for the Feast.” She held up both of her selections to the girls. “Which do you think is better?”
“Yellow,” Vira said quickly. Aliana smiled and agreed. The color should have washed out the blond girl, but instead she imagined Morgana would practically glow with brightness.
“How about you, Aliana, do you see anything you like?” Vira asked.
She glanced down, her hands touching a piece of reddish pink material. “I don’t think I need anything.”
The girl seemed shocked. “But you’ll have to have a dress to wear to Camelot’s anniversary celebration!”
Aliana shook her head. “I doubt I’ll be going, Vira.”
“Nonsense,” Morgana said. “Arthur won’t hear of you not attending.”
Aliana took a calming breath. She needed to focus on finding what it was Titania wanted her to find, not open herself up to getting closer to the two men who could both shatter her completely. Or let herself get closer to any of the others, even Vira, knowing what she did about their futures.
Morgana turned back to the elderly man who had been watching them with assessing eyes. “It is a lovely color for you, m’lady,” he wheezed, no doubt anxious to take their money. “And my daughter could make such a dress for you with it.”
Aliana wavered. She would love to see such an extravagant party; maybe she could just slip in and slip out again? How could she pass this chance up? “Okay.” She caved and Sophvira laughed.
After Morgana bartered the price and all three girls had been measured by the man’s two daughters, they continued through the city. It was a fun and relaxing trip, set at a lazy pace. The tension in Aliana’s shoulders eased as she, Morgana and Vira fell into a rhythm of friendliness. She found that Morgana was actually pleasant company to be around. The Sorceress even talked about how she had grown up in a castle outside the village she was born in, and how she was trained to use her magic alongside several other girls. She was smart, and very enthusiastic when she told Aliana more about the celebrations and tournaments that would be held in less than a week. And it was impossible to miss the affection in her voice when she talked about her cousin, King Arthur, and Merlin.
They bought some fruit and pieces of cooked meat on sticks for lunch and finally made it to the lower town.
7
Lancelot and I had barely stepped into Mt. Olympus when the first memories hit. I should have realized something like this might happen. Only the Fae Queen has the power and motive to send Aliana back to Camelot. But why? She already had a hold in Camelot through Delphina. The more pressing concern is, if I am right, will Aliana tamper with the timeline, being back there? If she does, gods help us all. As it is she’s going to discover what I’ve been hiding for so long, if she hasn’t already.
~Merlin
A PRICKLING OF MAGIC hung in the air and Aliana followed it to a small barn-like stall that was packed with two large carts of wares and rough looking jewelry. She glanced back at Morgana and Vira, who were caught up watching a man on a short platform who appeared to be telling a grand story.
Satisfied they were okay, she walked over to the first cart, the magic getting stronger with every step she took. The wooden displays were in surprisingly good condition, pieces of glass and colored ribbon dangling from the long planks of wood that held the thatched roof in place. Scrolls and books littered some of the cart shelves along with wooden and stone-carved artifacts. There were pieces of fractured geodes and bundles of dried herbs and small bottles of various colored liquids.
She walked to the cart opposite and saw more of the same. Leaning in to get a closer look at a round piece of dull bronze, a book just a little ways down from it fell to the dirt ground with a thunk.
“Really?” she muttered as she bent down to pick it up, hoping it hadn’t been damaged.
“It would seem the fates desire ya ta’ see that.”
Aliana straightened, gripping the hardbound book tightly in her hands. An older woman was watching her from the doorway to the house the stall was attached to. She regarded her shrewdly, but then she smiled and ambled over.
Her magic senses flared as a familiar feeling overcame her. This woman had Fae blood in her. Just like Lacy. “What do you mean?” Aliana asked.
“Books don’t just jump out at any person gettin’ too close. Destiny is tellin’ ya there be somethin’ ya need to see in that tome.”
“I don’t think—”
The woman waved her hand. “Mark my words m’lady,” the woman warned like an old crone from some witches story. “You be needin’ the wisdom in those pages sooner than ya think.”
Aliana looked down at the bound pages in her hand. The hard brown cover was plain, just like the spine. Running her fingers down the rough paper edges, a flash of brightness flared.
“I think this woman may be right,” Dagg whispered.
Convinced, Aliana took out the small pouch of money Titania had sent her. “How much for the book then?”
The woman’s eyes danced with satisfaction. “One silver piece.”
Not even bothering to barter, Aliana paid the woman and left the stall. She glanced around to see if anyone was watching her, but no one seemed to notice her presence. Taking the chance, she plucked a bit of the ruby’s power, and just like with her magical bow, she envisioned the book disappearing into her prophecy stone. Suddenly, the book became a streak of pink and shot into the heart of the gem.
Aliana made her way back to Morgana and Vira. As she joined them, the man on stage finished his storytelling and the people clapped, a few even dropping some coins onto the base of his platform.
“What did you think of the story?” Vira asked.
“Um…” Hadn’t they noticed she was missing?
Morgana frowned, her eyes flicking over Aliana quickly before turning away.
“It was nice,” Aliana said, not sounding very convincing even to her own ears. But if Vira noticed, she didn’t let on. Instead they started to make their way back toward the castle, “window shopping” as they passed more stalls. They were halfway back to the castle when the trio heard laughter and music filling the l
arge square just ahead of them.
They stopped just outside a tavern over flowing with burly, loud and drunk men and women in very low cut dresses floundering about them. Serving wenches, apparently, never really changed from culture to culture.
Two giggling girls, maybe eight or nine years old, ran to Morgana. The blond witch knelt down and opened her arms as the duo wrapped their small arms around her.
Aliana laughed along with the girls, her guard lowering even more as she again realized there was a lot more to Morgana than she had known. She was openly affectionate with the little girls and Vira, and it was impossible to miss the love that showed on her face every time she looked at Merlin.
A heavy drumbeat kicked up and two men playing lutes joined in at a fast pace. A small troupe of musicians had set up since they had passed through this part of town earlier. Children started to dance as a gypsy-looking woman sang in a language she didn’t recognize.
The two girls leapt from Morgana’s arms and dragged the blonde behind them into the foray. A few onlookers laughed, swayed to the beat and started clapping. Vira, who had been talking with two girls she seemed to know, ran over to Aliana giggling, her friends hot on her tail. “Come on!”
They all grabbed Aliana, her mood soaring even more. Following Vira’s lead, Aliana raised her hands in the air and spun alongside the others. They kicked out their feet in little jumps and danced in a loose circle. Several of the smaller girls linked hands and started to dance-weave through the older girls, laughing and skipping as the beat kept growing and picking up pace.
Happiness spilled from all of them, and Aliana felt like her worries and fears were temporarily banished. Vira looked so happy, and there was a confidence to her moves that Aliana hadn’t seen from the sweet girl before. Out of the corner of her eye she saw several of the guys standing there laughing and clapping along. Arthur’s grin nearly took over his face. Galahad was looking at his sister, a deep-set happiness on his brotherly face. Aliana lost herself in the music again.
