Merlin the Sorcerer AD491

By Aenghus Chisholme

Merlin embarks on a passionate affair with Morgan Le Fay, sister to King Arthur. But the beautiful and other-worldly faerie Nimue has other ideas for Merlin. King Arthur is facing battle with the murderous Saxon overlord Aelle. Meanwhile the self-absorbed ruler of the Faerie people Hellekin, is set to intervene in Arthur’s battle because of Nimue’s involvement with the humans. Causing a situation that may tip the balance of power to the invading warmonger. Enter a tangled web of intrigue and lust, sorcery and sword fights, as the lives of these mythical figures intersect and irrevocably change the natural course of events in the year AD 491. ADULT FICTION

• Language: English
• Publisher: Aenghus Chisholme
• Release date: Mar 24, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476449142

Aenghus Chisholme

Born New South Wales - Australia. Self-published since 2011. Innovative writer stretching his writing skills by traversing genres from sword-and-sorcery fantasy to murder mystery.

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©2012 Aenghus Chisholme

AD 491: Merlin the Sorcerer

Author: Aenghus Chisholme

ISBN: 978-0-987-2720-1-0

www.aenghuschisholme.com

Cover by Emily Bell

Also by Aenghus Chisholme

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AD 494: Guinevere the Queen

AD499: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

AD 517: Arthur the King

Murder on the Mary Celeste

Jack the Ripper: The Murder of Madam Athalia

The Best Things in Life Begin with the Letter B

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1 - Mensis Januarius/Anagantios

Chapter 2 -Mensis Februarius/Ogronios

Chapter 3 - Mensis Martius/Cutios

Chapter 4 - Mensis Aprilis/Giamonios

Chapter 5 - Mensis Maius/Simivisonios

Chapter 6 - Mensis Junius/Equos

Chapter 7 - Mensis Julius/Elembiuos

Chapter 8 - Mensis Augustus/Edrinios

Chapter 9 - Mensis September/Cantlos

Chapter 10 - Part 1 Mensis October/Samonios

Chapter 10 - Part 2 Mensis October 30th

Chapter 10 - Part 3 Mensis October 31st/The Feast of Sahmain in Samonios

Chapter 11 - Mensis November/Dumannios

Chapter 12 - Mensis December/Riuros

Chapter 1: AD 491-Mensis Januarius/Anagantios

A lone man on foot leading his horse, wound his way slowly down the hillside, following what could loosely be described as a road; a leftover from the days of Roman occupation. Something to be thankful to them for, thought the man. He was alone. As far as his eyes could see, there was no one. Not surprising though, given the time of year. This was Anagantios – the stay home time. Snow covered the frozen ground. The grey clouds above promised that there was more to come. He would himself be at home in front of a warm fire had circumstances been different. But there was an important job to do and it was charged to him to see that it was done.

He reached beneath the outer layers of his leather and loomed wool clothing, to the scroll that was secured to a strap that ran across the top of his left shoulder and below his right arm. It was there; he felt reassured just by touching it. This was an important communiqué from his ruler, the King of North Rheged to the young King Arthur. There was no need to be on edge, not here in Wales, Arthur’s kingdom. Caution was always advised however, regardless of the land being traversed. Even though there was little chance of running across any Saxon invaders this far to the west, the Angles from Mercia were another matter. His destination, Caerleon Castle, stood at the southernmost point of Arthur’s realm. Arthur himself had ordered that his fortress be built on the land bordering Wales and Mercia, as a warning and a challenge to the Middle Angles; ‘Do not seek to expand your ill-gotten dominion because the King of Wales and Northumbria is here to prevent you’.

The man stopped to survey the scene ahead. The cold wind stung his face. It was ahead, as it was behind him, barren. Good, no threats. It would not do to have the scroll fall into the wrong hands. The message he carried was not so secret though, that he did not know its contents. In fact, it was joyous news. His Queen, Ganieda, was to visit Caerleon castle the following month; an ambassador of goodwill between the two kingdoms. The Saxons or the Angles could make treacherous use of these travel plans by a woman of such importance. He would die before seeing this information fall into the wrong hands. This was a fact that the King of North Rheged, Rhydderch Hael, knew all too well. It was the reason why he was chosen as the messenger to Arthur.

Behind him and to the side of the road, a small parcel of snow pushed up and revealed a rabbit digging its way out of a burrow. Jumping forward, it freed itself from the confines of the den’s snow covered entrance. Wriggling its whiskers, the rabbit looked at the rider as if to ensure that he was looking the other way. If only the man had turned around at that moment, he would have seen the most extraordinary sight. With a shimmer of light, the rabbit changed into a man. The man looked sullen. He walked at the same pace as the rider; behind him, in order to conceal his footsteps.

Unaware of the miraculous feat that had transpired a short distance behind him, the messenger continued to muse on his travel. The journey was a long one, at least one hundred and forty mille passuum as the crow flies. Another night and day and he would reach his destination. Then, he could proudly deliver the news of Queen Ganieda’s impending visit directly to Arthur himself. Only then, could he relax before the warmth of a well stoked fire and take his fill of food and wine within the secure walls of Caerleon Castle. The return journey to North Rheged would not be so anxious; his only message would be confirmation to King Rhydderch that all would be ready to receive the Queen. This could be undertaken after a few days of rest. This is what he looked forward to the most. Not much longer and he could once more take his mount. The horse would be rested enough to once more carry him forth.

The stranger had gained ground on the messenger and reached forward to the intricate ties that made up the makeshift saddle for the horse. Gingerly untying a small bag from the horse, he slipped it around his neck and tied it to himself. In a silent shimmer of light, the man transformed into a fox and scurried away with his stolen prize.

A light trickle of snow began to fall. The messenger drew his cloak tighter around himself to provide more protection from the elements and he continued towards his objective, completely unaware that he had just been robbed of a sizeable portion of his food supplies.

Chapter 2: Mensis Februarius/Ogronios

Caerleon Castle was in sight. It stood atop a hill. Nestled beneath was Caerleon Village with ploughed fields surrounding the cluster of thatched roofed dwellings. Snow lay upon the ground. No crops would be rising from those fields, not during the ice time – Ogronios. All could be seen from this vantage point. The royal procession stopped at the order from the knight leading the way; his hand rose in signal to the others. Sir Ulfius was somewhat apprehensive. Not because of the scene that lay before him, all was exactly as it had been described, but because of whom he was soon to reacquaint himself. Over two and a half years had passed since he had first met King Arthur. At that time, Arthur was the newly crowned King of Wales and Northumbria, having only a fleeting six months before, pulled Excalibur from the stone in which it was confined. Releasing the sword had proved that he was the rightful heir to the Pendragon name and the title of King. Many had pledged their allegiance to Arthur, for one so young he had become extremely powerful in a very short period of time. The young King had sought submission from King Rhydderch but had not sought it by force.

Circumstances had changed because of two very important women in the court of King Rhydderch. Firstly Queen Ganieda, twin sister to Merlin the Sorcerer and secondly and more importantly the beautiful lady-in-waiting that had caught the young King’s eye, Gwenhwyvar. The smaller kingdoms and other feudal land-holding Lords that had made up Northumbria and Wales, had one by one started to accede to the rule of Arthur. But how could he impose his rule upon Rhydderch. This King of North Rheged was married to the sister of his mentor, sage and military adviser, Merlin. Moreover, there was the entrancing Gwenhwyvar. It had been love at first sight for the both of them; a fact that had not gone unnoticed by the entire court at King Rhydderch’s castle. You would have had to be blind not to see the effect they had upon each other. And then, there was the relationship between Ulfius, Arthur and Merlin.

Queen Ganieda interrupted Ulfius’ thoughts.

A beautiful castle, she said, skilfully taking up position beside Sir Ulfius upon her mount.

Aye mine Queen, heard much of Arthur’s Castle. Impressive as all that hath been told me.

Ganieda replied, King Arthur’s watchtower will alert him to one’s approach but not so quickly as mine brother.

Sir Ulfius did not understand the implications of the words that the Queen had just spoken. A look of confusion became painted upon his features. Thy pardon mine Queen?

Merlin will hath had a vision of our arrival, explained Ganieda with a smile. Sir Ulfius was assured by this explanation. He knew well that his Queen was sister to the famed sorcerer. Why wouldn’t the wizard know when his twin was near? It would all be part of the mystical abilities that Ulfius had witnessed with his own eyes in times gone by.

The royal troupe began to canter towards the castle at the signal from the knight. They were not dressed as you would expect of such an esteemed legation. Instead, bland cloaks of grey adorned each of the seven riders. The Queen, undistinguishable from her handmaid in her hooded garments, took up position beside the girl, also hooded, and they started to converse. Ulfius could not make out what they were saying. He cast his eye over the four mounted soldiers that made up the remainder of the group. These men had been specially selected foot soldiers that were more than capable of fighting whilst riding, should it prove necessary.

The proximity of Caerleon castle to the middle Angles of Mercia made Ulfius nervous. Travelling during the ice time was a tactical advantage. Keeping the numbers to a bare minimum was also part of the deception. It was decided that it was best not to draw attention to the party with large numbers, royal clothing and banners flying. The horse’s hooves marked the snow with their print as they carried the visitors forward, down the gentle slope to the base of the hill from which the castle sprouted, to the village of Caerleon. Then it would be a climb up to the castle itself.

The villagers themselves showed an expected amount of curiosity towards the visitors. It was not uncommon to have people come and go from the castle but not at this time of year. Ogronios was normally a quiet time for them. At least, the previous two ice times had seen no visitors to Arthur. It was hard to make such assertions when the village and castle had only been inhabited for less than three years now.

Hens clucked and scurried out of the way of the riders. An old village woman carrying scraps in a straw basket to the pigs in a nearby covered pen, looked up. Her eyes scrunched as she tried to make out the faces of the people passing by. One or two of the men on horses gave a friendly nod and smile. Comforted that these did not look like marauding Angles, the woman smiled a greeting in reply and went about her business.

Ulfius was deep in thought again. He could entertain such a condition now that they were within shouting distance of the security of Caerleon. This time he was remembering the second time he and Arthur had met. It was the wedding of Arthur and Gwenhwyvar, held at the court of King Rhydderch one year and one month ago. It was a happy time for all but Ulfius had felt out of sorts. He had been a friend and knight to Arthur’s father, King Uther. In addition, he had known Merlin for as long as Uther had. In fact, at the behest of Ulfius, both Uther and Ulfius had been transformed by Merlin; Uther taking on the form of King Gorlois and Ulfius transformed into Sir Brastias the right hand man of Gorlois. Had Ulfius not been so persuasive, Merlin may not have worked his spell of transformation, Uther would not have spent a night of passion with Igraine and Arthur would never have been born. But these were not the reasons that made Ulfius feel the way he did.

The royal company had passed through the village and started their final climb to the castle. Watchmen could be seen shouting messages to the castle inhabitants as to the progress of the riders. Nothing had been said to Ulfius at Arthur's wedding as to his disposition, a knight in the service of King Rhydderch. Surely Arthur felt that as Ulfius had served his father, then now, by rights, he should enter the service of his son. But no such request was made. The wedding had completed and Arthur had many opportunities during the drawn out celebrations to make the expected request of Ulfius. It never came. Arthur and Gwenhwyvar had left North Rheged to begin their life together as King and Queen. Ulfius had almost felt left behind.

There was no moat around Caerleon. Its position on a hilltop gave it enough advantage should it ever come under attack. The walls were unusually high; this too was a benefit to its safety. The huge doors of seasoned oak were open, ready to receive the party. Ignoring the cold and the snow, members of Arthur’s court had gathered just inside the entrance. They formed an honorary line on each side of the gate that stretched through the central courtyard to the main entrance of the castle. The chamberlain, steward, various kitchen hands and stable hands all rubbed shoulders, craning their necks to look upon the newcomers. Voices raised in cheer to greet the visiting Queen.

Ganieda raised her hand in acknowledgement and thanks. Gracefully dismounting with the aid of her accompanying knight, she turned to the crowd and addressed them.

Thank one and all for a hearty welcome. It doth mine heart good to feel at home, even though I am far from North Rheged. The compliment brought a hearty cheer from the crowd. Smiling, Queen Ganieda turned and with her cloak flowing, strode up the few stairs of the entrance and through the main door. Sir Ulfius followed, then Queen Ganieda’s handmaid. Inside was the hall that was used for feasting. A banquet table formed three sides of a huge square. Roaring fires crackled in both fireplaces to either side of the table. Sir Galahallt stood, waiting to direct them to the throne room. He looked resplendent in his knightly garb. No chainmail, this was a stately occasion, not a battle. He knelt on one knee in homage to the Queen and spoke. Greetings Queen Ganieda.

Ah Sir Galahallt, I hath not seen thee since the wedding. Thou looks well. Ganieda was genuinely pleased to see him again and it showed in her tone. Rise Sir Knight.

Mine thanks, Queen Ganieda. He stood and gestured with his left hand whilst taking one step backwards, This way to the King’s throne room. He hath anxiously awaited thy arrival. With Sir Ulfius and the handmaid in tow, Galahallt and Ganieda walked the length of the banquet hall to the door beyond and passed through. The King’s throne room was not what Ganieda expected; the main omission being a throne. Instead, there seated around the now famous round table, were Arthur and his knights. Twelve chairs of equal decoration, or lack thereof, were evenly spread around the table. Ganieda noticed that twice the number could easily have taken up positions. There were women standing behind some of the knights and an empty seat, presumably Sir Galahallt’s chair. It took only a moment for Ganieda’s eyes to find Arthur.

With Gwenhwyvar standing regally behind him, Arthur sat in place like all of the others. No special adornment gave away that he was the ruler surrounded by his knights. Not in his clothing, although it bore the crest of the Pendragon family, not in any way could it be told that he was the majesty of this land. Sir Galahallt took his allotted seat with his wife Elamite standing behind him. He sat with his two brothers Sir Guaen and Sir Garethe. Their respective wives positioned behind them, Florie and Lyonors.

Another woman stood with Gwenhwyvar that Ganieda did not recognise. Why would this person be standing near the king and queen, certainly not a maid, her clothing was too fine.

Ganieda made towards her former lady in waiting. Gwenhwyvar looked absolutely radiant. I bring greetings and good tidings from King Rhydderch to thine Majesties. Circling the table to their position, she stopped before them. As Arthur rose, Ganieda made to kneel as was befitting a proper greeting to the King of Wales and Northumbria. Arthur stopped her, Please Ganieda, thine presence in mine castle is homage enough. Thou are welcome in this land and mine home. Ganieda smiled broadly and reached out to Gwenhwyvar, they clasped each other’s hands. Gwenhwyvar, thou doth glow with the light of motherhood; it enhances ye.

I hath longed for thine visit Ganieda, there is so much to tell… Gwenhwyvar would have gushed forth even more of a delighted welcome but Arthur’s voice gently interrupted her.

Ye hath not met mine sister, now residing with us, returned from Gaul. Morgan Le Fay. Ganieda and Morgan exchanged civil good wishes. With that, Arthur turned his attention to the sole knight now standing in the round table room. Sir Ulfius, I am grateful to thee for seeing the Queen safely to mine home. It doth mine heart good to know that ye are located at mine Northern border, seeing to the security of our lands. This was it! The reason that Arthur had not previously asked Ulfius to join him was because Arthur saw more value in leaving a trusted knight in the service of Rhydderch. A great sense of relief flooded over Ulfius as he responded, I share thine vision King Arthur, of our lands rid of the trespassers for all time. Ulfius’ aged face looked as if it was about to crack as a smile lit up his features. He bowed his thanks for the compliment whilst thinking how much Arthur looked like his father. Uther and he would have been Arthur’s age when they had set on their way to Gorlois’ castle, transformed as imposters by Merlin. Now all these years later he stood before Uther’s son and felt assured that he had made the right decision after Uther’s death in battle, to enter the service of Rhydderch.

The room slowly became a polite cacophony of conversation. People mulled about here and there. Ganieda was introduced to Arthur’s knights that had joined him in the year following his marriage in North Rheged. Sir Dagonet, Sir Bedwere, Sir Pellus, Sir Brumean and Sir Alynore. All were fine looking unmarried knights to the old queen and she made it known to them. Blushing with modesty, each one courteously accepted the compliment. Then, Ganieda was reacquainted with the knights that accompanied Arthur to his wedding, Sir Bors De Ganys, Sir Ectorde Maris, Sir Lyonell and of course the three brides to the three brothers. Sir Guaen, Sir Garethe and Sir Galahallt each introduced their wives to the Queen. Ganieda had not met any of them before as the brothers had all married since Arthur's wedding. Each woman came from a former court that had handed over rule to Arthur in the few years since he drew Excalibur from the stone.

Sir Galahallt’s wife Elamite was expecting a child. She was now about mid-way through the pregnancy. Similarly, Sir Guaen’s wife, Florie was also with child. Conversation moved to babies and potential names for the children when they were born. There was also a gentle teasing of Sir Garethe’s wife, Lyonors about when an announcement of pending motherhood would come. They had been married for over three months now. People laughed with delight, Ganieda was a consummate stateswoman. Gwenhwyvar could hardly mask her admiration of Ganieda. She would be proud to model herself after the distinguished old woman. All this talk of children and I hath yet to see the little Prince? Ganieda looked expectantly at Gwenhwyvar.

I shall bid for him to be brought down, replied Queen Gwenhwyvar, as she turned to ask a maid to do just that. The maid hurried away in the direction of the main hall. But now thou must be wondering what hath become of thine good brother.

Not at all Gwenhwyvar, I know that Merlin will let Royal protocol take its course and make himself known to me when he sees fit. Gwenhwyvar replied that Ganieda was indeed correct. Merlin had stayed in his room high on the castles south tower and wished to let the proper procedure for greeting a visiting Queen ensue, prior to welcoming her himself.

Gwenhwyvar set about giving final instructions to the staff for the coming banquet that evening. The Royal party had arrived late in the day and darkness was beginning to make its presence felt. The kitchen had been a flurry of activity for the entire day; now, all that remained was to set the meal table ready for the feast. The timing could not have been more perfect.

In the meantime, the maid had arrived with Arthur and Gwenhwyvar’s child, Amhar. The proud mother carefully took the baby from the maid and displayed him to Ganieda. He is beautiful! Thou must let me hold him. With that, Gwenhwyvar passed over the child to the visiting queen. So much hair for one so young.

He is now three months, replied Gwenhwyvar. Amhar, as if realising what they were speaking of, raised a tiny hand to his head and yawned in an adorable way. This brought a collective chorus of approving ahhh’s from those closest to the child.

The reception went on for over an hour before Arthur brought it to a close. A feast tonight in honour of thy visit Ganieda and in celebration of Imbolc. It was fortuitous that Ganieda had arrived during the festivity of Imbolc. Observed during Ogronios, it would most certainly involve a dish made from the tails of the newborn lambs as one of the many that were to be served that evening.

Chamber Maids were dispatched to show Ganieda, her handmaid and Ulfius to their rooms. There would be the opportunity to change from their travelling disguises into something more suitable for visiting dignitaries, prior to the meal.

The party was shown through the banquet hall, now alive with preparatory activity, to the main staircase that lead to the personal rooms for the castle occupants. Ganieda and Ulfius stood at the bottom of the great staircase, carved in stone. It was hard not to be impressed with this feat of stonemasonry. It was quite the largest flight of stairs that either of them had ever seen. The maids, oblivious to their awe, had started the long climb to the main landing from which an additional east and west set of stairs rose.

An accented voice softly interrupted Ganieda’s wonderment, it was Morgan. Mine reaction was as thee. They do not carve stairs of such magnitude in Gaul. Never before hath I seen it’s like. The exceptional height of Caerleon obliges such an undertaking.

Ganieda liked Morgan. She was clearly a refined woman. Perhaps twenty-four years of age. Long blonde hair skilfully braided in parts, in complete contrast to her brother’s tangled dark locks. It was clear that Arthur had acquired his father’s looks and Morgan her mother’s. They began the long climb of the stairs together, with Ulfius following. Returned from Gaul? queried Ganieda. Morgan smiled and replied, I was sent to mine grandparents upon Uther’s marriage to mine Mother. When King Gorlois died in battle, Queen Igraine was fortunate to secure a royal suitor to remarry. Shortly after the nuptials, I was sent to live with King Gorlois’ parents.

So thou never had the joy of being raised with thine half-brother, King Arthur?

No. A situation I regret, however, I had a good life there. Mine grandparents are now quite old and fearful that I hath never married. So when news of Arthur’s existence first reached us, they hatched a plan to bundle me off to his court should he ever acquire one. Morgan looked suitably mischievous, reflecting the cunning disposition of her guardians. She continued, His exploits reach farther than the borders of the Britons. He hath accomplished so much in three years of rule. To hath united all of Wales and Northumbria and now position himself as a force to be dreaded by the Angles, Saxons and Jutes. Arthur’s vitality fills me with admiration.

By this time, they had reached the landing and faced yet another long climb up the successive stairs. Ganieda, now in the final year of her fifth decade, let out a very un-royal like puff and looked despairingly at the remainder of the climb before her. Morgan laughed and then Ganieda laughed at Morgan’s laugh. Then they laughed in unison at each other’s merriment and began to climb the stairs ahead of them.

After being shown her room and having her handmaid assist the Queen in redressing for the feast, Ganieda made her way towards Merlin’s chamber. No escort or explanation as to where it was would be necessary; Ganieda could sense which direction held her magical twin brother. At one point, she stopped in a torch-lit hall and looked slightly confused. There was something else, a feeling of something magical but small. Something she had encountered before, that knew of magic but was not as prevalent as the presence of Merlin. Dismissing the thought, Ganieda continued on her way towards the South tower.

Unnoticed, a small field mouse followed her, keeping to the shadows.

She raised her hand to knock on the heavy oak door but before her knuckles could make contact with it, the door opened of its own accord.

Ganieda almost raised her eyes in sibling dissuasion. Such simple tricks do not impress me Merlin, she said with a mock scathing tone. Walking through the door, there stood Merlin. His grey beard is neatly trimmed. No doubt just for mine visit, thought Ganieda, otherwise he would not be bothered. He was wearing what looked to be a newly made robe, the remnants of his hair tidily falling to just below his ears. He was beaming an open-hearted smile. Dear sister, he said in a crackled old voice, ye look as well now as ye did at the wedding.

Liar! Ganieda laughed. I look old and tired but seeing thee makes me feel young again. They embraced for a long time.

Is this a new robe? For mine visit? When hast thou ever cared so much about thine appearance?

Merlin looked indignant, The robe is in honour of Imbolc. What other reason could there be? They were about to continue the friendly banter when Merlin suddenly changed mood. Ganieda felt his mood alter. What is it? she inquired. Merlin was looking down at the floor, Ganieda followed his gaze.

A faerie! Wretched creature be gone! With that warning, he reached into his robes and pulled out a small cloudy white stone. He said something in the old Galatian language and the stone began to glow with a piercing white light. It filled the room. There on the floor! Merlin pointed to the mouse now poking its nose through his doorway. It looked up at Merlin’s accusatory finger, and if a mouse can have facial expressions, looked as though it was shocked, turned and scurried away as fast as it could.

"I