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Chronicle III, Chapter 2, War Council Continued... By William Black Will was up early the next morning and feeling stronger than he'd felt in a long time. Before leaving Morion he gently kissed her and said, "My Lady's apology is readily accepted." He smiled at her and wondered if things might be different with her than with Morgan. He still loved Morgan, but she belonged to another. He looked at Morion and realized that to compare the two women was not only wrong, but also foolish. They were two separate people with two totally different personalities. And he realized that Morion was no man's "woman". She was herself and fiercely independent. What she gave was for the moment. If that moment extended any length of time, it was not due to obligation but her own desire. Morgan on the other hand had once been untamable, yet for the sake of her love she settled into a mellower life-style. She gave up her magic and her Druid upbringings to live with Sir Robert who so distrusted the mystical and unexplained. He couldn't stand magic, and she didn't want to hurt him. Yet she never lost her love of living. Lady Morion was born to magic. Her wisdom and strength of character won her the right to wheel the power of the Dark Crystal. She gave herself to no one lightly, though like Morgan, she loved to enjoy life and that to the full. And every eligible man of power in the neighboring kingdoms and realms sought her out as a potential ally, lover, wife, or all three. "What are you thinking about Will?" Morion looked up quizzically at the knight bringing him out of his musings. He looked into her eyes, and just for a moment wished with all his heart to be lost within them; to be lost with her away from the troubles of the world. "I was thinking about you, my Lady. Morion giggled, "Oh, good. By all means, continue…" A rapping on the door brought them back to the moment at hand. The rapping came again. "Just a moment," Morion called out. Both were dressed and well presented when Morion answered the door. Lady Ann stood smiling at both of them, as she handed Morion a note. "I hope you enjoyed your little talk," she grinned knowingly. Morion ignored Ann's smirk and said, "Yes. Will and I discussed several things of import and came to a…deep and lasting mutual understanding." She didn't look up from the note, but continued to scan its message. When she was finally done, she handed the note to Will, who took it and silently read the message. With a heavy sigh he glanced up at Morion, "Well, they are making good progress. We can start our expedition early tomorrow morning." "Lady Morion, Sir William, supper is also served in the council chambers." Lady Ann turned to leave, but then looked back. "You know, you two do make a fine couple. Don't blow it." She didn't wait for a response but quickly moved down the hall towards the council room. Morion looked at Will and commented, "The idealism of youth, rather refreshing isn't it?" "She's right, you know. We do make a fine looking couple." Will guided Morion over to her dresser mirror and stood behind her. He let his arms encircle her as he drew her close. He kissed her neck as she titled her head to make it easier for him. "Hmmm, uh, Will…I think…uhhh…maybe we should stop," she said with a laugh, "we'll miss dinner, and you do need your strength for later." She glanced back at him with a raised eyebrow. "Besides, I will never hear the end of it if. Dr. Ambros finds you weakened by our, uh, extracurricular activities. Anyway, tomorrow is a ways off. Come to dinner." She took his hand and led him down the hall to the council chamber. Those present all snapped to attention as their sovereign entered the room. Sir David looked at his Lady, then to Will. Will noticed the First Knight's eyes darkening with the knowledge that he had been with Morion, but he had no time to worry about such things. As Morion sat at the head of the table, Will took a place at the far end. Dr. Ambros was at his side almost immediately, whispering questions to him about how he felt. Will answered the old doctor as Morion started into the business at hand. "The report Lady Ann brought to me is encouraging. We believe you can set out on your defensive expedition tomorrow morning, is this true? Sir David addressed her formally, "Yes, my Lady. Our foot soldiers under the command of Captain Tactus will start out first, along with the engineers and construction workers. The war machines will follow them under the command of Sir Robert. Then the cavalry along with the falconers will take up the rear." The large man paused to see if there were any questions. He looked from face to face, but hearing none he continued. "The knights and soldiers that are left from King Ranus' army will join us in this fight. We also have a promise from the King of Sandan that he will send reinforcements under the command of his son, Prince Karl, if we have need of such aid." Sir William stood to address David, "And how many troops do we have compared to the enemy?" "I am afraid we are badly out numbered. We have forty thousand men total; this includes the engineers, laborers, and falconers." Morion shook her head, "Are there any others? Even unskilled at war?" "My Lady, I don't think you want to send old men and boys into battle." Sir Alan looked at Morion, then turned to his brother. "Will, what does your Druid's heart tell you? Can we protect this land from the coming plague?" Will steepled his fingers, pressing them against his lips. His brown eyes sparked in the lamplight. Then with a sigh he answered, "We can, if we believe in ourselves. What I would suggest is that orders be given to have the men make it an early night. The first wave will be setting out just before dawn. I will be with them." "What?!" Will was surprised that it was Ambros who objected. "You're not going anywhere, Sir." "Why? If Sir Robert and the rest are healthy enough to go, certainly I am too! No, since Morlyn is involved, I must be there." He looked at those seated with him. Morgan's eyes reflected her understanding, but Morion shook her head. "Sorry Will…I must agree with Dr. Ambros." Morion looked at her knight, but the seriousness in her voice was palatable. "You have done much for this realm and others. No one will blame you for sitting this one out. And you are right of course, though I hate to admit it. My people have to stand on their own, not dependent on magic. If you are there, they will perceive, even ever so slightly, that magic is involved. Sir David smiled at his Lady, then raised his eyebrow at Will. "There you have it Sir, directly from your sovereign." He placed unnecessary emphasis on the 'sovereign'. "You will sit this one out. Let us prove ourselves to her Ladyship. As I told you before, this is our home and our lives. We must defend them the best we can." "You are still not fully comprehending the gravity of the situation." Will was on his feet. "Morlyn will use magic. He will stop at nothing to accomplish his goal. Besides, you are also dealing with a High Priest of Loki, the Lord Banon himself. If Morlyn was not bad enough, Lord Banon is." Robert looked at Morgan, then to Will, "Sir, we can deal with this. I think your example and faith has taught us well. I think we need to do what is right for all of concerned." Will sat down and stared at his plate. He could think of no other arguments. Their minds were made up, and they had a point. If he were there, those around might perceive him as using magic. He shook his head slowly, a seed of a rebellion forming in his mind. "If I cannot be present, then I must insist that my brother take command of the falconers. Only he knows my style and Arrow, chief of the eagles, will respond to him. But this presents a problem. My brother is not as sensitive to animals as I am. What Arrow is able to show him might be misinterpreted. Not allowing me to direct the air assault is introducing unnecessary risk into this venture. " "Brother, I have gained a few insights since you've been gone from Annsbury. Have a little faith in me." Will looked deeply into his brother's green eyes, smiled, and nodded. "Done!" said David with a certain satisfaction. As they all started to eat, Laroux walked into the room and up to Will. Bowing he said in a low voice, "Sir, the compounds have been mixed and made ready. The containers have been loaded on carts, and we await your orders." "Good. Make sure the large bundles are sent out with the war machines. As for the smaller sacks, they are to be ready to travel with the falconers." Will smiled at the pharmacists. "Are the powders to the potency specified on the sheets I gave you?" "Yes, my Lord. I have also taken the liberty to supply you with antidotes for our men if they accidentally get exposed to the potions." "Potions?" Sir David looked at the Druid suspiciously. "Potions, yes. But only magical if you don't know what's happening. You see, one man's science is another man's magic." Will grinned knowingly. "The substances we are discussing will cause, depending on which one is used, mild hallucinations, severe numbness of the limbs, disorientation, headaches, temporary blindness, itching, or a combination of all. The enemy should have their hands full trying to overcome the effects of the weapons we're sending their way. As they fumble about our side will attack. These attacks will be short-lived and hopefully devastating. The arrow launchers and archers will be our main attack force. I would rather keep our men out of harms way then sending them in directly to do hand-to-hand combat. As we cut through their ranks, their leadership will start to worry. The more damage we can cause at a distance, the better. Thus the trenches and other traps." The Wizard had been watching the proceedings, but remaining silent. Now it was his turn, "Will, about the aconite. I believe I know what you have in mind, and it won't work. Once a few of their troops drink the poisoned waters of the Sapphire, they will rely on their rations to sustain them. The Sapphire will thus be poisonous for all downstream. I can't believe you would do this, not one sworn to protecting the earth and her creatures." Will looked at the old man and sighed. "Sadly, you still don't know me that well. No, I would not poison the river. The monkshood is for the tips of the darts launched by the war machines. It can also be fired from the catapults in tiny sacks containing glass and metal shards. Now, if you don't mind, I am tired and would like to eat without talking more of war." Will said as he stuffed a bite of food into his mouth. The others looked at him for a moment, and then they too started on their now cold meals. Only Morgan continued to look at the young knight with knowing eyes. The meal was soon over and those around the table began their own private discussions about what the next few days would bring. Will listened halfheartedly, then rose, bowed to Morion, and walked out into the knight. His mind occupied by a thousand thoughts, none of which were of any real importance. He gazed up at the heavens and wondered if 'the Source' truly cared for him. It was true that he had survived until now, but the happiness he sought was illusive. Regardless of how he viewed the indifference of the One who dwelt in heaven, he knew he was bound to his fate with fetters stronger than steel. And he knew why, though he could not explain this to anyone. He had tried once, but with little success. No, it was better to keep who he truly was to himself. "Will, can I join you?" Will expected to see Morion standing there. He was surprised that it was Morgan. "Sure, I think the sky is big enough for both of us to view." He prayed she did not notice his nervousness. "Will, I am sorry you won't be able to join the expedition tomorrow. But I have to agree with the rest. It is best to let them handle things. "Oh? Hmmm…then handle them they shall." Will turned back to the sky. "What do you have in mind, my love?" Morgan stepped close to him. "My love?" Will turned on her more quickly then he intended. She made a half-step back. "I wouldn't let Sir Robert hear you!" "Will, like I said, I do love you. I just don't have the freedom to say it too often. But regardless of what you think, I do. Now, please tell me what you have in mind." The Druid cocked his head to one side and remained silent. Then he looked at her, her face framed against the starry night sky, "To find out what I plan, meet me three hours hence at the stables. Then you will know." With that, Will turned and walked back into the palace. Walking up to Morion he bowed and said, "My Lady, I will retire now. I wish you a good night's rest." He then left the dining hall and walked towards his apartments. He turned back to see Morion following him. "Will, what are you doing? There is no need for you to get to bed early, unless I am there with you." She leered at him. "We will be up in plenty of time to see the first of our men off. Come back to the dining hall with me…on second thought, let's continue on to my room." She intertwined her arm through his as they walked down the corridor to her chambers. "What will the First Knight think," Will asked innocently. "Whatever he wants, I suppose. It is none of his concern about our relationship. I have spent far to long worrying about what others think. It is time for them to get lives and let me live mine. Now shut-up and get the door," she said laughingly. The room had been prepared, almost as if they were expected. Morion must have noticed the quizzical look in Will's eyes and said, "A woman must always be prepared. I have an excellent staff." She shut the door and put her arms around his neck in one graceful move. He lifted her up and gently laid her on the bed. Then with a swift move of his hand, waved the candles out. "Magic, my love?" came Morion's gentle voice. "No, my Lady, air pressure." Morion giggled, and kissed him… William Black © Continues... Chronicle III, Main page |