Chapter Text
“Do we know if Queen Annis is aware of his visit?”
Arthur kept his gaze ahead. “No, I’ve sent Elyan to confirm with her directly.” As King, he knew he didn’t have to answer or explain anything to a servant. He knew his father would have scolded him for allowing a common servant to talk to him in such a manner, but for some reason, that never crossed his mind when Merlin asked him something. He always found himself answering. He trusted Merlin.
“So we don’t know why he’s coming,” Merlin surmised, trying not to sound too worried, after all, they often received visiting nobility.
“No,” the king replied. Two days ago, they had received word that the Lord of Orkney was en route and wished to be received by the court of Camelot to discuss important trade details. Considering the lands of Orkney lay within Caerleon’s boundary, Arthur found it strange Queen Annis had not mentioned anything when they were guests at her court a few weeks ago.
Not wanting to insult the visiting Lord or the Queen, should he be here on her behalf, King Arthur had no choice but to accept and start hasty preparations for their guest.
“The usual then,” Merlin continued, attempting to lighten the mood. “A tournament to show who’s the best at waving a sword around, a feast or two to waste perfectly good food, followed by some kind of grave and imminent danger.”
Arthur rolled his eyes. “Seriously Merlin, always the pessimist.” But deep down, he shared Merlin’s apprehension. It seemed lately Camelot was constantly under attack.
Gazing down towards the gates of the citadel, the top of Lord Orkney’s banners came marching into view, announcing the arrival of their guest. Arthur would never admit to anyone that he was a little nervous standing on the steps. Instead, he did what he was raised to do. He straightened his posture and placed his hand on his sword, looking every inch the regal man he was born to be.
***
“Thank you your majesty for the most gracious welcome.” Lord Oarkey raised his glass to a toast, his smile broad and charming. Beside him, his personal guard kept his eyes focused on the crowd of dignitaries as if he was afraid one of them would attack at any moment, looking anything but relaxed.
Arthur smiled politely, raising his glass in return. A chorus of cheers erupted throughout the hall as Camelot soldiers and all those in attendance did the same.
“Lord Orkney,” the king waited till the voices died down, “I thank you for your kind words. Both Camelot and Caerleon have only grown stronger in this time of peace. Now allow us to feast together as friends!” The King’s words were followed by a loud round of cheers from the knights and nobility assembled before each man turned to the vast amount of food that was prepared.
Arthur picked at his plate, wondering how much longer he would have to sit there. He did not entirely ignore the visiting dignitary but he did attempt to keep any conversation from delving into any real details about Camelot’s day-to-day life. There was just something about the Lord's behavior and questions that seemed strange as if the man was looking for information about something in particular without wanting to draw attention to the fact. The tactic worked until the Lord began asking direct questions regarding the Knights of the Round Table.
Hesitantly, Arthur answered truthfully knowing this was nothing the man could not learn elsewhere.
“And are all your Knights here tonight?” The Lord asked between mouthfuls of food, keeping his gaze on his plate full of food. Gwen had attempted to join the conversation several times, but Lord Orkney seemed to have no interest in anything she had to say. And so she instead took her leave of their guest to retire for the night.
Arthur took a drink from his goblet, taking the time to weigh his answer. From off to the side, he could see Merlin’s eyebrow rise at the odd question.
“No, not all. Some of the Knights are currently detained with other business.” He signaled for Merlin, and the servant came forward to refill the King’s cup. The two shared a quick glance before Merlin retreat back among the servants, this time however, taking a position closer to the Lord’s servants.
“Ah, I see. Perhaps tomorrow you will permit me to see this fabled round table for myself.” The Lord turned to face Arthur.
Arthur gave a polite smile. “Of course, perhaps we can also take the time to discuss the trade details.”
For a second, the Lord Orkney looked puzzled, but he quickly recovered. “Of course, I will be awaiting your invitation. However, I fear it is time for me to retire for the night. The journey was longer and more tiring than I remembered from my youth.”
The Lord rose to his feet and the King waved Sir Leon forwards. “I look forward to it. Sir Leon, would you please show the Lord and his entourage their quarters.”
The first Knight of Camelot, led the visiting dignitaries away, leaving Arthur to ponder the odd conversation. Arthur was convinced the man had a hidden agenda but he had no idea what it could be. Perhaps he hoped to unseat Queen Annis and rode to Camelot to enlist his support. Maybe tomorrow’s meeting would help shed more light on the man’s motives.
***
Lord Orkney made his way to his quarters, thanking Sir Leon numerous times for the warm welcome and the gracious accommodations. But once the knight of Camelot had left, the smile dropped from Orkney’s face as he tore off his cloak and rounded on his servants.
“Where is he?” he hissed at his men, his earlier calm demeanor vanishing, as he gripped the back of a chair with both hands.
“He wasn’t at the banquet,” his guard answered, his voice emotionless.
Lord Orkney flung the chair to the side in a rage, “I could see that for myself!”
His guard barely reacted to the outburst, having spent years in the man’s service. He was used to his master’s temper and had the scars to prove it. “He’s here somewhere, My Lord.”
“You better be right Eric.”
The sound of the door latch caught their attention and Eric quickly pulled out his sword, ready to attack. Recognizing the new arrival, his poster relaxed and he sheaved his sword.
“Tolin, tell me you’ve learned something.”
“He’s out of the citadel,” came the reply from the new arrival, a shorter man dressed all in black, “on a patrol due back within the next day.”
“Finally some good news,” Lord Orkney poured himself a cup of wine and moved towards the window. “Keep watch by the city walls, I want to know the second he returns to the castle.” The man nodded before disappearing back down the hall.
Orkney stared out the thick glass as he sipped his wine. He had waited so long for this moment, and he was ready to do anything to ensure his quarry didn’t disappear again.