Page 23 of Touched By Maen Llia
“You learned about wizards and water in Maridunum?” Marcus asked, trying to stir himself to some sort of interest, rather than founder in his black thoughts.
Bryn nodded his head to Marcus’ right. “You’re being hailed again.”
Lucan sat at the edge of the road once more. “He wants to speak to you again,” he told Marcus.
Marcus nodded and moved out of the company, rode to the front of the file with Lucan, then carefully eased Cuno back in among the horses. He took his time with it, for it gave him something to think about other than what he was leaving behind.
Merlin sat with Bedivere on his left and Lucan on his right, as before. The banner bearer rode directly behind Merlin, as was proper.
“You look tired, Marcus,” Merlin said.
“Truly, you see everything in a man,” Marcus replied. He winced. “I withdraw that. Iamtired.”
Merlin inclined his head. “Although it is true that with some men, I know far more than mere sight can provide.”
“Is that why we left Maridunum so swiftly? You have seen that you are needed at Camelot?”
“I saw, rather, that I was no longer needed in Dyfed,” Merlin replied. “I have felt a sense of responsibility for the ills which have dogged the kingdom since before I was born, for the seeds of those troubles were planted when my mother met my father.”
“I remember the tale,” Marcus said, for it was one of the many Merlin had spun when Bedivere had taken Marcus to sit with him at the head table once Arthur had retired for the night.
“I remember you listening,” Merlin said. “A man who can listen and not speak is prized by singers.”
Was that why he had been invited back over and over?
“You want to serve Britain, do you not, Marcus Yorath?”
Marcus drew in a breath. Let it out. “Today, I wish to serve no one. But tomorrow…and the days after that…yes, I do.”
Bedivere smiled grimly, his gaze upon his horse’s ears, as if he was caught up in his own memories.
“You served me, yesterday,” Merlin said. “And in turn, you served Britain, for Dyfed is a key kingdom. If it falls, the turmoil which followed would force Arthur to spend years settling it. Did that not fulfil your ambitions?”
“In truth, my lord—”
“Yes, indeed, let us dispense with conversational fripperies,” Merlin said.
Marcus hesitated. “I very much liked working to help you settle the matter. I felt as though…”
“As though you made a difference,” Bedivere said.
“Yes,” Marcus said, with a short nod. “That is it, exactly.”
Merlin and Bedivere exchanged glances.
“The man is wasted in Camelot,” Merlin declared.
Marcus’ heart knocked. “I beg your pardon?” His lips felt numb.
Merlin looked at him squarely, the youthful eyes steady. “You made a difference here yesterday. You could continue to make a difference here, while there are already too many heroes in Camelot and your contribution would be but a drop in the bucket. Catrin will need the help.”
Marcus couldn’t get his thoughts to work properly. “I do not understand. Mair of Corneus is my Lady, and I have sworn to serve King Arthur at her direction… You ask me to break my oath?”
“I ask you to consider a different type of service. One that servesme, and through me, Arthur.”
Deep in his middle, Marcus could feel a fine trembling. Thedangerhe was in, here! To foreswear Arthur was one of the most heinous crimes a King’s man could commit. No one in GreaterorLesser Britain would fail to spit upon him for such an act.
And yet…and yet…this man, this Prince he rode beside was no lesser a man than Arthur, and had given up his rightful inheritance so that Arthur could bring peace to Britain.
