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.processtext.com/abcpalm.htmlwith oils and the essence of life.The heady scents lingered on this pallet.Properly dried and measured in precise amounts before casting onto the embersof a dying brazier, the smoke from this combination could initiate a vision ofloved ones in distant parts.The scent of those herbs had clung to Nimue yesterday evening.Who had shesought in a vision? Her father and sisters, or a dear friend like Morgaine?One of the chests in another corner revealed an entire lady s wardrobe inblack.The fine weave of the linen and wool with the rich black embroiderybetrayed Nimue s preference for luxury.So she studied magic and slept here with the other women.But she didn t spendmuch time here.Otherwise someone would have remembered her presence andgossiped about her.The number of women who shared this room probably variedconstantly with the fluctuations of court life.Guinevere wouldn t sitanywhere long enough to notice a secretive woman slipping in after dark andout again before dawn.I had an idea where I would find Nimue and my father.The same place Da wouldhave taken me when I was his pupil.The woods were a good hour s walk away.A thick copse dominated by an ancientoak crested the next hill over fromCamlann.The wedding was due to begin in less than half that time.The Merlinwould be back in time for the ceremony.As Arthur s most trusted adviser, he had to witness this political union.Britain needed The Merlin to bless the union and bind Arthur to the Goddessand the land.The terrible famine and flooding of Uther s last year had provedto us all thai the Ardh Rhi and the land are one.Andraste only knew whatdisaster would plague us if Arthur and his bride were not firmly united inharmony with the gods and the land.A new thought chilled my heart.No.My father wouldn t deliberately stay awayin order to curse the union.Would he? Will you stand with me in blessing this marriage? Dyfrig, Archbishop ofCaerleon, asked Myrddin Emrys, TheMerlin of Britain. No, The Merlin replied.Dyfrig had waylaid him at theouter rampart just before he left the city.Nimue faded into the background rather than be seen by the archbishop.She hada true talent for this disappearing act.But she faded in physical ways, too,losing weight and color in her face.Soon she would be transparent, half inthis world and half in another. But you must stand with me, Dyfriginsisted.He clutched his brother s sleeve with clawlike fingers. If we donot stand united in this issue, political forces that are jealous of Arthur spower and resentful of the curb provided by any Ardh Rhi will tear this landto pieces. You have seen the same portent of disaster as I. Merlin confirmed hisbrother s vision with a sharp nod.He wasn t surprised.Arthur s marriagewould become volatile unless he did something. Yes.The marriage is right for Arthur, but the union needs our help.Britainis at stake here. Dyfrig wrung his hands together.Merlin raised one eyebrowat sight of his brother s anxiety. You would not stand with me in namingArthurUther s heir.Many hundreds of warriors and innocent Britons lost their livesin the upheaval after that night.I found a way to unite the kings in theirelection of Arthur as Ardh Rhi without you.Why should I stand beside younow? Because God has ordained this marriage.I did not stand with you then becauseI knew that Arthur had to prove himself as a leader as well as a warrior toevery last one of the kings.My blessing would not have aided that.  MyGoddess has not blessed this marriage.She gave me the vision of disaster sothat I might prevent it. He d watchedArthur s child bride.She loved another.The proper spell, set into motion,would push Guinevere into objecting to her marriage vows at the last minute.The Merlin turned to leave the isolated guard post beneath the northPage 184ABC Amber Palm Converter, http://www.processtext.com/abcpalm.htmlwatchtower on the outer rampart.Nimue stood patiently beside the posterngate, almost the same color as the stone and wooden wall.He felt her pullinghim away from this confrontation.Dana help him, he loved her more every day.If only they could fulfill theirlove as a man and woman& Not again.He couldn t risk joining with her as hetruly desired.Dyfrig detained him once more. My God granted me the vision so that I mightunite the factions that will tear apart the marriage and the alliances. Thearchbishop abandoned wringing his hands and pounded his left fist into hisright palm for emphasis. When you embrace the Goddess, I will stand beside you, Brother. Merlinturned on his heel and went to Nimue where he belonged.Chapter 44I dressed in the new willowgreen gown Hannah had made for the occasion of theArdh Rhi s wedding [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]