Avalon - Chapter 42 - The Good of all Men
The Good of all Men
He’d made a point to avoid Hogsmeade, and even Scotland these past years, and yet, inevitably, Myrddin found himself here once again, though this time, he wore a disguise.
He was to meet with the son of an acquaintance who had finished his time at Hogwarts some years prior, but who had been there during the time Potter had emerged.
Myrddin finally felt as though he was on the cusp of learning more of the young man.
“Are you, Mr White?”
Myrddin gestured for his guest to take a seat and poured him a cup of wine.
“I am indeed, and I thank you for joining me. I hold your father in the highest of esteem, Mr Bode. I expect him and even you to do exceptionally well for yourselves.”
Bode offered Myrddin a warm smile.
“He spoke highly of you, sir, and urged me to assist you in any way I can.”
“And I shall certainly make it worth your time,” Myrddin assured him. “I only have one point of interest to discuss with you, and that is the matter of a man named Harry Potter.”
Bode frowned.
“The dragonslayer?”
“The very same,” Myrddin confirmed. “I understand that you yourself were at Hogwarts the same time as him.”
Bode nodded.
“I was.”
“What can you tell me of him?”
“Not very much, I’m afraid,” Bode sighed. “He simply arrived one day, and he was confined to the medical bay for some time before he joined the older students. He was rather quiet during classes, but not without talent. I expect that was because he spent so much of his time with Godric and Salazar. Almost every morning he could be seen in the grounds being trained by Godric, and as he was in Salazar’s house, naturally, he spent additional time with him.”
Myrddin nodded.
“I expected he would be in Salazar’s house,” he mused aloud. “What training did you witness?”
“Physical mostly. Godric was training him to be strong, and like the rest of us, he wanted to see how far he could push Potter. He broke all of us.”
“But not Potter?”
Bode shook his head darkly.
“Potter gained reputation amongst the rest of us for his ability to thrive, even when Godric had done everything he could to get him to quit, and no matter what he tried, Potter never did. There was always something different about him, and Godric, and undoubtedly Salazar, pushed him to be his very best. I suppose that is why I wasn’t surprised to hear of his feats across the country. I didn’t know Potter, not like Marcus Gamp, but we could all see he was different.”
Myrddin leaned back in his chair.
He’d known Potter was talented, but to learn of such toughness was just the very information he was seeking.
He needed to find a weakness of Potter and find a way to exploit it.
“Marcus Gamp?”
“He and Potter were friends for the first couple of years after he arrived. Gamp left before Potter, but he isn’t so difficult to find. His father…”
“Is a member of the Wizard’s Council,” Myrddin broke in. “Yes, I am aware of him.”
He was, but Gamp was one of the few that had spoken out against Myrddin and his ambitions to help Arthur to unite the country under his banner. He was a firm man, and one very few would wish to cross, and yet, it seemed that his son was the very person who might just be able to help him.
“I truly am grateful for your time, Mr Bode,” Myrddin said sincerely. “Is there anything else you might be able to share?”
Bode’s expression darkened.
“Only that he used to spend a lot of time in the forest with the girl.”
“Morgana.”
Bode nodded.
“We outcast her not so long after she arrived. The magic she was using…”
“I am aware of it.”
“And I would bet that she bewitched Potter. He was friendly enough with all of us until he started spending time with her. Do you think he might be doing her bidding?”
Myrddin hummed thoughtfully.
“I cannot say for certain, but I suppose it is a possibility,” he answered. “Just one last question, Mr Bode. Do you remember exactly when Potter arrived?”
“It was after the storm. Do you remember it? The whole castle shook, and the forest was struck by lightning. I remember Godric and the others bringing in the damaged wood for the fires. Even the lake was turbulent for days after.”
“The lake?”
Bode nodded.
“We were told to stay away from it because of how unpredictable the waters were, but I remember the magic in the air. That storm was magical, and undoubtedly dangerous.”
The lake.
Myrddin had spent many hours sitting by it during his own time at the school, and it had been the same place he had first made the acquaintance of a certain lady.
“Again, you have my thanks, Mr Bode,” Myrddin murmured before taking his leave of the pub.
The Lady.
She had played her part in his own path, and that of Guinevere.
Myrddin had no doubt now that she was indeed involved in Potter’s presence.
How, or why, he did not know, but perhaps Marcus Gamp would be able to provide him with an idea or two.
Still, much more pressing was the mention of the storm.
If Potter had arrived the very same night, then it could not merely be a daunting coincidence.
No, the storm, Potter’s arrival, and even the Lady’s involvement were certainly connected in ways that Myrddin had given little consideration to. Now, however, he was convinced that they were not singular events, but all tied to one another, along with his own readings in the stars.
Harry Potter was indeed the Storm bringer, and though Myrddin was relieved that the man had finally been revealed to him, he knew it would be no easy task in being rid of him.
(Break)
“Guthrum has a weakness for women, whether they’re Danes or Saxons. He has dozens of bastards because of it, but there is one he cares for, a boy he shares with his wife. She died some years ago, and the boy is not yet of age. Guthrum keeps him in a monastery in East Anglia.”
“He will be there now?”
“Do you intend on killing him?”
Harry shook his head.
“I would never harm a child.”
Gunnar nodded.
“Good. The Monastery is in Lea and the boy goes by the name of Lars.”
“His mother was a Dane.”
“And once a slave,” Gunnar explained. “Guthrum fell in love with her, and she eventually followed. He was never so bad until she died. She did so after he began associating with the two women from the marshes. She became deathly ill, a curse from Guthrum’s gods.”
“Then perhaps I should retrieve the boy to use him as leverage. It will at least prevent him using the dead to attack innocents.”
“But not on the battlefield. Guthrum loves the boy, but that love does not outweigh his ambition, Do not push him. He has become quite unhinged.”
“Any man who raises the dead has taken leave of his senses. Thank you, Gunnar, but why are you helping me?”
The Dane nodded and released a deep breath.
“He was once a kind man,” Gunnar sighed, “but that is no longer so. I watched him become something unforgivably cruel, especially to me. He broke me, Harry, and did things I never thought him capable. Guthrum is no longer the man I recognise. Aye, I was a slave, but it wasn’t until he met those witches that he became what he is. He must be stopped, no matter what it takes. He cannot be allowed to spread across the country. He is nothing but a sickness now, and he will do nothing but destroy this land.”
“I will do all I can,” Harry assured Gunnar.
“And I’ll help you as much as I can, so will Darragh.”
“Then we will do what we can together,” Harry promised, clapping him on the shoulder.
Gunnar nodded appreciatively.
“Do you have need of ships?” he asked curiously.
“Not usually, but if Guthrum does, it might be useful to have them too.”
“We will find his fleet where the Danes first landed in East Anglia, far in the north in the sea.”
“You have been most useful. When we arrive in Wales, I will send for Leofric for you. He will come.”
Gunnar nodded appreciatively.
He found both the Dane and Irishman to be good company. They certainly had their share of stories, and both would be most welcome in Godric’s Hollow.
They were good men, and sought only to live in peace where they could farm, and perhaps even marry.
Gunnar had never experienced freedom, not that he could truly remember well enough. Much like Harry, his earliest memory was of witnessing the murder of his parents, and that was something he would never come to terms with.
If all had gone to plan, Erik would already be dead for his part in that, and Gunnar took some comfort in knowing the man had been punished for his actions.
Darragh seemed to have let go of being a slave easily enough.
His life had been unpleasant having been captured by the Danes, but no worse than it would’ve been had he remained in Ireland.
“You do realise that this will be you interfering in Arthur’s campaign.”
“Not intentionally,” Harry sighed, “but I know it is true. I can’t just let Guthrum do what he is, even if that means helping Arthur. I was going to do that anyway.”
“By destroying the dead and killing the witches.”
“Yes, but what does it matter? Guthrum is a threat to all, not just Arthur’s ambitions.”
“I know,” Morgana sympathised, rubbing Harry’s shoulder. “I just wanted you to realise what it is you’re doing.”
Harry released a deep breath as he nodded.
“Do you think I am doing the right thing?”
“I think you would be lying to yourself if you did nothing,” Morgana said with a shrug. “As much as you deny it, Harry, you are a man of the people. You are often led by your heart, and it tends to get you into trouble.”
Harry chuckled.
“You’re not wrong,” he conceded. “You know, there was a part of me that thought I might be able to live in peace when I first arrived here.”
Morgana shook her head.
“You would not appreciate it. You would quickly grow bored and find a way to occupy yourself, which would involve you getting into a different kind of trouble. That is who you are, Harry potter. You are a troublemaker.”
“You married me.”
“I did, and I do not regret it. You’ll give me my children soon enough, and then you can cause all the trouble you like.”
“You shouldn’t be encouraging me.”
“But it is not my place to stifle you, Harry. I fell in love with you and everything you are. You are drawn to trouble like a moth to a flame. I’ve known this since we met.”
“Do you think our children will be the same?”
“I have no doubt about it.”
Harry could only shake his head.
With whom their parents were, it would be nothing short of a miracle if they didn’t often find themselves in trouble, just like them.
“I had best get a message to Leofric. They’re both seen to see him again.”
Morgana shot him a grin, and Harry frowned.
“What?”
“You’re becoming soft.”
Harry snorted amusedly.
“Don’t let that get around. People will get the wrong idea about me.”
“That you’re not just a heartless killer of his enemies who lurks in the shadows waiting for them?”
“Is that what people think?”
Morgana shook her head.
“Not so much, but your reputation is that of the warrior of warriors. With all you have done, does that surprise you?”
“Not really,” Harry huffed, “and I fear there will be many more stories before all of this is said and done.”
Morgana nodded.
“You’ll one day be something of a legend.”
“But if History is kind, there will be no mention of me in any of this,” Harry returned.
“History is told by the victors, Harry,” Morgana pointed out. “If Arthur wins, they will undoubtedly know the story of Sir Harry Potter, the hero of his own tales. Even if he doesn’t, the enemies of Arthur will speak of you of as the scourge of Britain.”
“I don’t know what’s bloody worse,” Harry grumbled.
(Break)
“As much as I appreciate a bold plan, it would be foolish to attempt to storm the keep in such a way. Eadwulf will have protections put in place by druids. We both know how powerful they are, Arthur,” Cnut reminded him.
“Then what would you suggest?” Arthur asked curiously.
Cnut frowned as he peered towards the keep in the distance.
It was well guarded, and the walls had been made thick.
Even if they could breach all of the different protections, many would die in the attempt.
No, Cnut could respect Arthur’s willingness, but such a plan would end poorly for all.”
“How many men does he have?”
“Including the Irish, perhaps six thousand.”
Cnut hummed.
“That is a lot of mouths to feed,” he pointed out. “It may not be quick, but we could lay siege to the keep. They will run out of food eventually. We could starve them out.”
Arthur frowned thoughtfully before shaking his head.
“They will get provision from Ireland,” he sighed, nodding towards the sea. “We must find another way.”
“I’m afraid there may not be.”
Perhaps the Danes was right.
Arthur had hoped they could storm the keep quickly, take Eadwulf by surprise, but evidently, the man had heard of the fall of Erik’s forces, and even Erik himself would be of no use in a negotiation.
Eadwulf would care nothing for the man and would certainly give nothing for him.
Arthur cursed under his breath and slammed his fist on the table, his frown deepening as a familiar, ethereal crow materialised in front of him.
‘I need a moment of your time. Meet me south of your camp.’
Arthur merely nodded.
“I will return shortly,” he assured Cnut. “If you can think of anything that might change the tide of this in our favour, it would be most appreciated.”
“Of course,” Cnut acquiesced as Arthur left the tent, his gaze scanning the large camp they had set up.
Myrddin was still nowhere to be seen.
The man had vanished a few days prior to attend to something pressing, though Arthur could think of nothing more so than their current predicament.
As wroth as he still was with Myrddin, he could use the man’s advice, and yet, it seemed he would have to do without it.
(Break)
“Mr Gamp, I must say that I am quickly losing patience with you,” Myrddin warned. “I have it on good authority that you and Harry Potter were good friends during your time at Hogwarts.”
Marcus gamp had not been difficult to find.
With how wealthy his family was, he spent most evenings frequenting taverns across the country, and it had only taken Myrddin two days to track him down to one in Scotland.
“We were friends, but I did not know him so well,” Gamp protested. “No one did!”
Myrddin released a deep sigh as he shook his head.
“Why do you persist in lying, Mr Gamp? You shared classes with him and ate lunch together until you left the school. You must know something.”
“I do not!”
Myrddin flared his nostrils before pinching the bridge of his nose.
“So, you never spoke?”
“Of course we spoke, but I can tell you nothing of him personally. We discussed our work, and spoke of girls, just as all boys do.”
“So, you never spent time with him away from the Great Hall or in class?”
“No because harry was always busy! When we would finish lessons for the day, he would spend hours in the library or working on his magic. He was as dedicated as anyone I’ve ever met, and he was already brilliant. If you are to make an enemy of him, it would not be a good thing. With a wand and a sword in his hand, I could never bring myself to bet against him.”
Myrddin met the man’s gaze and nodded.
Gamp believed he was speaking the truth, and he believed his own assessment of Potter wholeheartedly.
Nonetheless, that told Myrddin very little, and eventually, he drew his wand before levelling it at Marcus Gamp.
“Legilimens!”
Evidently, Gamp had not taken his studies into the Mind Arts seriously, and Myrddin was able to navigate his way through his memories with little resistance.
Still, Gamp tried to fight back, and by the time Myrddin withdrew, he was barely conscious from the effort, and blood streamed from his nose.
Worse yet, it seemed that he had indeed been telling the truth, and he and Potter had spent less time together than Myrddin had been led to believe.
He cursed irritably under his breath as Gamp began to convulse in the chair he was tied to.
Perhaps he’d been a little less gentle than he’d intended.
Blood began to stream from the man’s ears and eyes, and though Myrddin made something of an effort to stop it, he did not care enough to truly try.
Gamp would not be missed.
His father had four other sons to continue his legacy, and in truth, his death would prevent the further worry of having to alter his memory, which could always be undone by someone skilled enough.
The young man’s passing would be regrettable, but there was much at stake, and the message in the stars was certainly more important than the life of one foolish man.
With that in mind, Myrddin waited and watched as what little light in Gamp’s eyes faded to nothing, and he slumped forward, lifeless, and held only in place by his restraints.
Cutting him loose, Marcus Gamp hit the floor with a dull thud, and Myrddin left the man’s wand just out of reach before casting a few spells at him.
To any who might discover him, it would appear he’d merely gotten into a disagreement with another, and Marcus had ended up worse off.
Not that it would be investigated too deeply.
Deaths occurred regularly in magical Britain, and with so many wars unfolding around them, this would receive little attention.
Nonetheless, Myrddin would leave this place frustrated, and no better off for his efforts.
Gamp had not only been foolishly loyal to Potter, but he truly had known little of worth.
Still, not that it mattered now.
Marcus Gamp was dead, and Potter remained the same threat as he’d always been, even if Myrddin had been blind to it until now.
(Break)
Harry watched as Arthur approached.
The man looked tired and worn from his time away from Camelot, but he offered him a familiar smile as he clasped his forearm tightly.
“It is always good to see you, Harry,” Arthur said sincerely. “I don’t suppose this is merely a social visit.”
“No,” Harry answered. “I came to ask if you could spare Leofric for a day or so. I shall personally return him.”
“May I ask why?”
“Because I ran into some friends of his who I am sure he would like to see.”
Arthur nodded.
“As it does not appear much will be happening here for some time, I do not see the trouble it could cause.”
“Thank you,” Harry said sincerely. “I suppose that means Eadwulf has barred his gates.”
Arthur nodded tiredly.
“He has, and I am at a loss of what to do. I had intended on taking him by surprise and storming his gates, but he closed them before the armies could be brought here. Cnut suggested a siege, but it will not be possible.”
“Myrddin could just blow the gates open.”
“Perhaps, but I expect there are magical protections to prevent it, and Myrddin is not even here. He has taken his leave to tend to something else.”
Harry frowned.
“Then a siege would be your best plan. Even magicals must eat, and there are only so many times food can be multiplied.”
“Eadwulf has a sea gate that we cannot prevent access to,” Arthur explained, and Harry chuckled.
“It seems as though our destinies are indeed intertwined,” he sighed as Arthur shot him a questioning look. “The two men I met in Wessex, Leofric’s friends, may have provided an answer.”
“You were in Wessex?”
Harry nodded.
“It is where Guthrum is, for the time being, but I do not expect him to linger. He will come north to see what happens here, even if he has no intention of intervening. He said as much.”
“You heard it?”
“He said that there is no use in involving himself whilst his enemies will destroy one another.”
Arthur released a deep breath.
“But he will still be at our backs. I cannot put faith in him not taking advantage of such a position. We will be facing a battle on two fronts.”
Harry frowned thoughtfully.
“Not necessarily,” he murmured. “It truly does seem that are paths once more find themselves crossing. Gunnar, one of the men I met, was a slave of Guthrum’s before he managed to escape. He spoke of a son that Guthrum is fond of, and I know where I can find the boy.”
“I do not wish for any child to be harmed!”
“Do you think me capable of doing so?”
Arthur offered him a look of apology.
“No, Harry, I do not believe you would harm a child.”
“And nor would you.”
“No,” Arthur denied emphatically.
“Then the boy could be used as something as a token hostage,” Harry pointed out. “Guthrum would certainly hesitate to attack if he believed the son he was fond of was in danger.”
Arthur frowned deeply.
“I do not like it, but a king must often do those things he does not enjoy. Still, even with the boy, that will only prevent Guthrum from attacking. It does nothing to solve the problem of Eadwulf.”
“Guthrum has a fleet.”
“A fleet?”
In the north of East Anglia. It would take a number of days for it to be transported here, but since he is not using it, it would be a shame for the ships to go on unused.”
“The sea gate could be blocked,” Arthur whispered.
“And Eadwulf would be forced to either negotiate, or meet you on the battlefield, but he will not do so unless he is forced. It is something you can use to your advantage.”
“I could,” Arthur said thoughtfully. “Perhaps all is not lost.”
“It appears not.”
Arthur shook his head and chuckled.
“It seems that I am once more in your debt, Harry.”
“I only gave you information,” Harry pointed out. “I will retrieve the boy, only because I can do so without any being harmed, and I will secure the fleet because it may just save lives. I will not intervene in the battle, but I will be on hand to keep Guthrum at bay, at the very least. If the opportunity presents itself, I will kill him for what he has done, and what he will do if left. Your campaign remains your own.”
“And yet, you have done more to progress it than any other,” Arthur replied. “I will ask nothing of you, Harry. I understand your desire to remain out of the affairs of muggles.”
“Fate seems to have other ideas, doesn’t it,” Harry grumbled irritably. “To what end, I do not know, but it seems that I cannot avoid what is placed before me. Send Leofric to me, Arthur, and be safe. It would be a shame for your campaign to end here.”
“I will,” Arthur promised. “Would you do me one last favour? It is not for me, but for Gawain. He wishes to speak with you regarding a matter of magic.”
Harry nodded.
“Send him along with Leofric and I will speak with him.”
“Thank you, Harry. For everything.”
Arthur grasped Harry’s forearm once more before taking his leave, and Harry looked towards the stars.
“Why do you persist in pushing me in this direction?” he whispered. “I am to kill Myrddin, not replace him.”
He received no clear answer.
The stars merely twinkled brightly in response.
(Break)
She drew the blade across her palm before allowing the blood to trickle into the fire. After a moment, the flames turned a bright purple, and Morgana began to murmur under her breath.
When she was done, she flicked her wand towards it, and with a whizzing sound, the fire shot into the air.
She felt the fresh protections fall into place, and she healed the wound on her hand.
“What was that?” Darragh asked curiously.
“Magic,” Morgana answered. “What I did his place a powerful protection over this place. Any who have the intention of harming me or my husband will find themselves in a lot of pain.”
The Irishman balked at the revelation before chuckling nervously.
“Then I am glad I do not wish either of you harm.”
Morgana nodded.
She did not suspect the two men of harbouring any ill-will towards her or Harry, but it was always best to be certain when dealing with strangers.
“Have you been using blood magic again?” Harry sighed as he arrived.
Leofric was with him, and the man greeted her with a smile before his eyes widened at the sight of Darragh and Gunnar.
“How…?”
She and Harry left the men to their reunion, and Morgana wrapped her arms around her husband’s neck.
“I might be,” she answered with a smirk.
Harry hummed before placing a kiss on her lips.
“With illusionary magic, is it possible to make it appear as though your head has been cut off?” he asked curiously.
Morgana frowned at the odd question.
“I expect so, why?”
Harry shook his head.
“Gawain accepted the challenge of removing a man’s head with the agreement that he would return a year later and allow the man to do the same to him.”
“What kind of fool accepts such a challenge?”
“Gawain is not much of a thinker, my lady,” Leofric broke in, taking Morgana’s hand and placing a kiss on the back of it. “It is good to see you.”
“And you,” Morgana replied with a smile.
She could not profess to like many people, but Leofric had always been polite, respectful, and honest with her husband on each occasion they’d met.
“Well, he doesn’t have so long before he has to meet the man, and he’s nervous. I told him I would look into it when we’ve dealt with what we must now.”
“And that is?”
Harry released a deep breath of frustration.
“We are going to kidnap Guthrum’s son, and then secure his fleet for Arthur to take. He needs it to lay siege to Eadwulf’s keep.”
Morgana quirked an eyebrow at Harry.
“I know,” he huffed. “You don’t have to say anything.”
Morgana merely grinned at the man, but kept her words to herself, for now.
“When do we leave?”
“I say we take the boy tonight and hand him to Arthur. Don’t worry, he has strict instructions not to harm him, and I know that he won’t.”
“And Myrddin?”
“Is nowhere to be seen,” Harry answered with a frown, “which means he is likely up to something. I will look into it. Him being absent from Arthur now means he is doing something he shouldn’t, or something he feels cannot be delayed.”
Morgana nodded.
“Well, let us take the boy now and we can return to secure the ships tomorrow,” she urged. “Will it just be us?”
“Gunnar will want to come along, which means that Darragh will too.”
“Then we go in the dead of night,” Morgana decided. “They can keep watch whilst we take the boy, but I want Arthur’s promise that he will not be harmed. I will look him in the eye when he gives it.”
Harry nodded his agreement.
“Let’s give this lot some time to catch up,” he urged. “We can get a little rest while we wait.”
“Rest?” Morgana asked.
“Yes, rest,” Harry snorted amusedly. “Don’t worry, I expect we will be left alone again soon enough.”
“We’d better be,” Morgana grumbled. “How are we supposed to make so many children without practice?”
(Break)
“Are you certain about this plan?” Lancelot asked sceptically. “If you send a thousand men, you will be vulnerable.”
“It is the only way,” Arthur replied. “I would trust no one more than you to lead the men there and sail the fleet back.”
Lancelot nodded.
“I will not let you down.”
“I know,” Arthur assured the man.
Lancelot would be going with Cnut, seven hundred and fifty of Arthur’s own men, and two hundred and fifty Danes. It will be more than enough to bring the ships around the south coast of England, and to the north.
It would indeed take a number of days to achieve, but Arthur was confident in the plan.
“What is happening, my king?”
Arthur turned to greet the seemingly unhappy Myrddin and gestured for the man to join him in the command tent.
As they arrived, the king took a moment to observe his advisor as he removed his cloak.
Again, he’d been gone for a number of days with no explanation as to what he was doing.
“We will be laying siege to the keep,” Arthur informed him. “Guthrum is currently in Wessex, and he has left his fleet in East Anglia. Lancelot and Cnut will take it and bring it here.”
“It is a good plan,” Myrddin mused aloud. “And what of Guthrum?”
“Another plan is already being unfolded,” Arthur answered. “I expect what we need will arrive soon enough.”
“It seems as though you have been busy, my king.”
Arthur nodded.
“Mostly with fumbling idea upon idea,” he admitted. “Fortunately, it sems as though god smiles on us once more.”
“How did you learn of Guthrum’s fleet?”
“Harry.”
“Potter?” Myrddin asked uneasily.
Arthur nodded.
“He informed me of the fleet, of which he learned the whereabouts from a couple of friends of Leofric. One of them also told him of Guthrum’s only son born to him and his wife. Harry is going to take the boy to ensure Guthrum does not involve himself in our affairs here. Do not worry, the boy will be treated with all the respect of someone of his position.”
“So, once more, it is Harry potter who solves your problems.”
“It is,” Arthur admitted. “Once more, I find myself in his debt, and yet, it does not weigh heavily on me. Harry has never asked for something impossible in return.”
Myrddin shook his head and appeared as though he wished to say more on the matter.
Instead, he kept his silence, and his frown deepened as he peered into the fire.
“It seems as though Potter is here once more, and he has brought his wife along,” he announced a few moments later. “I will consult the stars.”
With that, he stalked unhappily from the tent, and Arthur watched his retreat.
Something was not right with Myrddin.
It seemed that he had a problem with Harry, and yet, the man had only ever done them service upon service.
Still, if Myrddin had an issue with Harry, it was his own.
Arthur harboured nothing negative towards the man, and as he took his leave of the tent, he saw Harry approaching with his wife, escorting a boy between the two of them.
“Lars, this is King Arthur,” Harry introduced him. “He’s going to look after you until it is safe.”
The boy nodded nervously, and Arthur offered him a smile.
Lars clung to Morgana’s robes, and she gently handed him off to the king.
“You will look after him,” she warned. “If a hair on his head is out of place, I will come for you.”
“She means it,” Harry warned with a grin. “They have become rather fond of one another.”
Arthur chuckled as he held up a hand.
“You have my word that he will be cared for. There were no problems?”
“None,” Harry assured him. “We will secure the fleet tomorrow.”
“I have already sent Lancelot and Cnut to retrieve it and will await their return. Thank you both. You know if there is ever anything you need…”
Harry waved him off.
“Our interests our currently aligned, that is all. As soon as possible, I would see Lars returned to his home.”
“As would I,” Arthur replied. “Come, Lars, do you like horses?”
The boys’ eyes lit up in excitement, and Arthur offered Harry and Morgana a wave, only to find they had already vanished into the night, something he was becoming used to.
“Their involvement will only end badly, my king,” Myrddin spoke as he joined them. “Both are an unsettling presence.”
“For you, perhaps, Myrddin,” Arthur sighed. “Harry has proven himself a friend, and Morgana is a kind woman who cares for children. I do not understand your aversion to them, but you will not speak ill of either in my presence. Now, where have you been? You would not leave such a situation without good reason, and I would hear it.”
“A pressing matter concerning our future, my king. It is magic in its most unclear form, and I am doing my utmost to mitigate any potential problems arising from it.”
“Could I be in danger?”
“Perhaps,” Myrddin sighed, “but I am doing all I can to ensure you are not. All I ask is that you trust me, my king. I only have your best interest at heart. I am here at great risk. Many of my kind strongly object to me assisting you, but it is the path I have been set upon. Let me help you, my king. Britain must be united under one banner. If it is not, war will only persist, and perhaps even those of my kind will take advantage of it.”
Arthur frowned thoughtfully.
Harry had said there might just be those who harboured such ambition, but the majority of magical folk believed strongly that such an occurrence should never bet.
Yet, Myrddin was steadfast in helping Arthur, and the man had indeed been invaluable.
Did he know something Arthur did not?
Undoubtedly, and though Arthur was beginning to have his reservations, until Myrddin truly set him on the wrong path, he could not deny that he needed him still; for the good of his own men, and the good of all men who would one day become his.