Merlin's Nightmare (The Merlin Spiral) by Robert Treskillard Read Free Book Online

never be king if he can’t fight. I don’t want this either, but it must be. It is his destiny.”
    Natalenya swallowed and nodded. “It’s hard to let go.”
    Merlin took her hands in his and closed his eyes. “I know.”
    “I just don’t want you, or him, to be captured by the Picts again. The first time nearly destroyed us.”
    “Our slavery is long past — and will never be again, so help us God. And now that we’ve helped Rheged become strong through her warhorses, it’s our task to prevent others from becoming slaves. Artorius needs to help now too.”
    Natalenya stood and turned to face the wall. “You promised me when we chose to live here — so far north, so close to the Picti — you promised that you’d never unnecessarily risk yourself. I wish I felt otherwise, but I can’t help but worry you are doing just that now.”
    “I won’t even be fighting. Bards don’t fight, you know that.”
    “I also know that battles can be lost and bards can be taken.”
    “Not apart from God’s will.” He stood and stepped behind her. “Natalenya,” he said, and she turned around in his embrace. “This issomething that Artorius and I must do, despite the possible danger. We can only put our trust in Jesu’s direction. Even now. Especially now.”
    At the sound of running footfalls outside, they broke apart. Arthur burst into the crennig, bringing with him a whoosh of air that smelled of horse and sweat and dirt. “Can I fight?” he asked breathlessly.
    “You promise to stay in the ranks and obey every command?”
    “Yes.”
    “Nothing reckless?”
    Arthur shook his head.
    Merlin glanced to Natalenya, and she squeezed his hand. Turning back to Arthur, he took a deep breath before speaking. “You’ll leave with the second muster, tomorrow.”
    “I thought there was only one. Dwin and Culann have permission and are getting their gear ready I just can’t believe you finally said yes should I bring a shield a spear or a sword can we sleep in the stables tonight?”
    Merlin didn’t answer at first in his amazement to see Arthur so happy. The energy radiating from him reminded Merlin of what he’d felt in Uther when they’d discussed ways to overthrow the druids. The young man’s dark chestnut hair was nearly shoulder length, like Uther’s had been, and though Arthur didn’t yet have the raw might of his father, it would come.
    “Well?” Arthur’s brown eyes fairly bulged at Merlin’s delay.
    “Yes, yes, and yes.”
    “But . . . spear or sword?”
    “Both.”
    Arthur took a trencher, piled it with venison and bread, kissed Natalenya, and then ran off, the door banging behind him.
    Taliesin stepped into the place where Arthur had stood. “Can I go too, Tas?” He had his sword out, and his brown traveling hat crookedly on his head.
    Merlin pulled him close. “Not this time, but someday you’ll join me. Though not as a warrior . . . as a bard. Have you practiced your harp today?”
    Taliesin frowned. “But, Tas! I’ve even strapped my knife inside my breeches in case I’m caught.”
    “Practiced harp?”
    The boy’s body sagged. “Yes.”
    “And your Latin?”
    “Um . . .”
    “Your rhyming?”
    “Yes!” he said, nodding.
    Natalenya put a hand on the boy’s shoulder. “And he’s been learning a new song we made named ‘Tingada’s Cloak’ — haven’t you?”
    Taliesin nodded.
    “Well,” Merlin said. “I’ll have to hear it before I go.”
    Merlin helped Natalenya clean up from the meal, but her silence made him feel awkward.
    Finally, after he had buried the coals in the ashes for the night, she spoke.
    “Merlin . . .”
    He looked at her, and a tear hung in the lash of her right eye.
    “Are you sure Artorius is ready?”
    “Yes, as sure as I can be. Caygek’s drilled him expertly in the sword. Bedwir in the spear and shield. Peredur taught him horsemanship. Ector taught him battle tactics and how to lead. And I’ve passed on all the reasoning skills and knowledge