Once and Future Hearts Box Two by Tracy Cooper-Posey

Author:Tracy Cooper-Posey [Cooper-Posey, Tracy]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Stories Rule Press Inc.
Published: 2013-07-12T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Fourteen

If I could go a year without the north vexing me and tripping me up, I might make headway against the damned Saxons!” Arthur cried. His fist landed on the wide arm of the high chair.

Idris held still, glad he stood at the far back of the tent. The army and court were terrified of stirring Idris’ infamous temper, when they should be more afraid of Arthur’s. Only, Arthur never let his temper slip free where anyone but his most trusted friends might see the full power of his fury.

The object of Arthur’s anger today laid on the seat of the empty chair. Arthur scowled at the curled letter, while Merlin and Cai exchanged glances.

Bedivere and Lancelot kept their faces still.

“It might help to know what is in the letter,” Merlin said, his tone mild.

“Read the damn thing!” Arthur replied.

Merlin stepped forward and scooped up the letter. “Here, sit,” he told Arthur. “Let me read this, then we can consider the matter. Go on.”

The directive was sharply put. Idris recognized what Merlin was attempting to do. Idris looked up at the sword hanging on pegs behind the chair, up high where anyone who entered the tent could see it. Excalibur gleamed in the lamplight. Arthur no longer hung his sword over the back of the chair, like discarded linens.

Despite the sword and its meaning, Arthur still avoided the big chair, even now. He glared at Merlin and remained beside it.

“Lot, again, Arthur?” Cai asked, his tone just as meek as Merlin’s.

Arthur rubbed at his temple. “Lot claims Urien’s murder was a Saxon plot. And upon the very same page, he accuses Caradoc’s wife of arranging the matter.” Arthur sighed. “It would be nice if the man could make up his mind before he presents his arguments. He looks like a fool, pointing at everyone but himself.”

Idris stirred. “I should return to the north before things unravel more than they have.”

“No,” Merlin said, his gaze on the letter in his hands. “Not yet.”

Arthur glanced at Merlin, his eyes narrowing. “Why not?”

Merlin lifted his gaze to Arthur. “What did you say?”

“Why should Idris not go north?”

Merlin frowned. “Oh.” He considered, lowering the letter. His gaze shifted to the high chair. “For one, we have a coronation to arrange.”

Arthur whirled away from the chair, with a hiss of impatience.

Idris wondered why Merlin had lied. He had only thought of the coronation after looking at the chair. What had he not said? Had he seen something in the stars of which he would not speak?

Merlin moved to the chair and rested his hand on the arm. His gesture was reverent, unlike Arthur’s thump of his fist. “All of Britain is ready to declare you High King, Arthur. You can put it off no longer.”

Arthur waved Merlin away. “There is too much to do. I cannot halt an entire nation for some silly ceremony.”

“The ceremony is not for you,” Merlin replied. “It is for everyone to see you are properly made the High King, and your fate joined with the land.

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