Emissaries (Divides Crossed 17)

DJ Dubois

November 2017

Rated T (Teen)

Notes: Merlin (this version at least) belongs to the BBC. Other than the ones I note in the story, all others are of my own invention. Thanks in advance for reading. For comments, please send 'em to dante0220 .

Chapter 1 [Camelot—A Few Hours Following the End of "Survey"]

Gloom's cloud hung low over the walled city. Hammers seemed to bang with less intensity against forges' anvils. The townspeople shuffled almost as if sleepwalking through their affairs. Merchants accepted the first offer from a customer rather than the usual haggling. Foot traffic declined.

While essential affairs continued onward, Neglect dampened resolve. Details slipped through the cracks. And even those whose success depended on such things couldn't see their affairs fraying right under their eyes…..

[Royal Dining Room]

[A/N: Unless otherwise noted, the Arthur mentioned here is the imposter.]

Arthur leaned back in the varnished oaken chair. The meal of venison and potatoes satisfied him. Remembering the Sorceress' advice/threat, he wiped the remaining gravy from his mouth. He placed his hand in front of his mouth before belching. Then he sipped rather than gulped from his goblet. "Wine to your liking?"

Gwen nodded. She sipped from her own goblet. "Master Rudolph outdid himself this year." She looked to the servant waiting on their next request. "Might I have my glass refilled please?"

Arthur bristled. He'd expected the servant to notice the glass being half-empty and deal with it accordingly.

"It's all right." She reassured her King. Then she held her goblet up. "I appreciate it."

"My apologies, Queen Guinevere." The young red haired steward locked his arms ahead of himself. He tipped the wine vessel. His wine sloshed ever so slightly in her goblet. Still it didn't spill over the sides. Unlike George, he knew when to stop the effort. "Please let me know when you need more, Milady."

"That's great, Philip. Thank you." She smiled at the steward. "This wine goes well with the venison."

"I'm glad you like it, Gwen." Arthur relaxed. Approval warmed his heart. He'd certainly come to understand Arthur's feelings for her. "I've sent Michel on the hunt for quail. I remember how you like that."

"Arthur, you're going to make me fat yet." She giggled and drank from her wine. While she knew that the person across the table from herself was an imposter, she kept up the act. She pushed her chair back.

"Nothing but the best for you, Gwen. Even that steward seems to know that at least. That's unlike certain other ingrates." Arthur curled his lip and shook his head.

She sighed. Even if names weren't mentioned, she could well imagine that the reference pertained to a certain prince of Nemeth. "Arthur, we've been over this. Merlin more than deserves his title and place in Nemeth. We're happy together. Aren't we?"

"I couldn't be happier save in your company." Ardor burned brightly in his eyes.

Her smile increased. Why does he have to be so nice? I know he isn't Arthur but still…. "All right then. We're good. Lancelot's happy with Lady Elaine. Why can't Merlin be happy? He and Mithian certainly do as much for each other."

"Aye. They seem to. Still…." Arthur cut off his reply at her narrowed eyes. "Perhaps we might move on then? We could take a walk?"

"I do have the seamstress to visit. Mariah injured herself. I hoped to deliver some cheer to her. Perhaps though we might postpone that until tomorrow?" She wiped her own mouth off.

While he didn't recall any particular seamstress by that name, Arthur nodded. "Of course! We'll do that. I'll have George make us a picnic feast."

"That would be splendid! Thank you!" She nodded to him and then departed the area.

Arthur slid his goblet across to the steward. "More wine!" Then his eyes looked about the chamber.

Life did seem good at that point…..

Gwen hustled down several side corridors. Every so often, she'd look over her shoulder. She hated to lie to the troll. Her heart ached knowing that deception deserved deception. Still, even if he was the Sorceress' tool, he was trying to be nice. She hadn't experienced any real threats to her person or even aspersions against herself.

Quite the contrary in fact….

She slipped into a nearby storage chamber and shut the door behind herself. Then she waved her hands.

Somehow mists filled the chamber spiriting her away.

Deception, it seemed, did merit Deception….