Calling Upon Your Loyalties

[Rouland de Archer]

Rouland had wondered how long it would take them to get onto the topic of the Lady Morgana. Conversation like that was particularly monotone at this time in the afternoon. He hadn't wanted to raise the topic of conversation himself because he knew how much the King was ailed by her absence and why would he have wanted to upset the king? Especially as it now meant Rouland being incredibly polite and courteous towards the King's feelings.

Great.

Rouland had seen little of the Lady Morgana over the years. He hadn't really known her family and only knew her by face, rather than on a first name basis. He had no problem with the woman, but he suspected Uther would stop at nothing to find her. Seeing as Uther's last conquest had left most Camelotian families dead through the Great Purge, Rouland for one no longer felt incredibly safe.

He sat comfortably in his chair, taking in more wine and thinking that soon he must go and visit his niece. That was before the King could ask him any more favours. Rouland accepted he had to comply with the king for the sake of his lands, but it didn't mean he had to enjoy it.

"I must offer my families deepest sympathies at the Lady Morgana's disappearances." He sniffed back, "I know my niece spoke most highly of her at court." He didn't know what he expected his words to do. Lighten the mood perhaps? "Are there search parties out to find her?"

[kinguthersqueen]

"I thank you, and you may extend my thanks to your niece as well when you visit her. We are all very saddened by her disappearance, and it is clear the entire kingdom hopes and prays for her safety." said Uther.Yes, the search is ongoing, as many hours a day as possible."

Naturally, there had to be enough men left to defend the kingdom, but what troops weren't employed in defense were out searching as much as possible. Uther would not fail in his vow to find her. He knew that Morgause was going to make things a lot more difficult than normal, but it wouldn't deter him.

"I have vowed not to rest until she is safe, and I will not fail. We face a difficult task since magic was involved, but the one responsible will be found and made to pay. It will be a great relief to all when this is over and she is home."

[Rouland de Archer]

Rouland stiffened up slightly as the king thanked him. He was glad he said no more than that as Rouland was fully expecting for the King to ask him for men or even to ask Rouland to aid the search for Morgana. Although Rouland did not approve of the kidnapping of the Lady Morgana, he felt he gave enough to Camelot in a way. It sounded like Uther already had a large search party out for the girl so perhaps there was hope yet, it was early days. At any rate, a Kings ward was worth a lot more alive than dead.

"I shall tell my niece of your thanks, I will be visiting her shortly." The meal had come to an end anyway, and the impending doom of finally calling upon his niece was fast approaching him. He knew she would be angry, and probably shout at him. Perhaps Rouland could sneak a goblet or two of wine upstairs, that would ease his pain at least of having to face his niece. "I am sure she will be returned to your side sooner rather than later sire." Was all he could say because in truth Rouland had no idea what fate lay ahead for the Lady Morgana, he could only hope she was found alive and well, but these were dangerous times.

He wrinkled his nose, scratching the end and then thinking about what to do next. Courtesy of course came first and he turned back to the King, "My family is most humbled by how you have treated my niece. When she is recovered I shall see that she gives thanks to you in person." He gave a small grin and then decided to take another swig of his drink, because he was Rouland, and that was what he did best.

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[kinguthersqueen]

Uther listened as Rouldand spoke some more, taking a swig of his wine every now and then. He wanted to have all confidence that it would happen, that she would be returned. His biggest worry, although he would not voice it, was that she would fall into the hands of his enemies. She was a valuable hostage, and he knew other kings would not hesitate to force him to pay a huge ransom. Especially if the king was named Cenred.

He did not know yet that she knew about her sister, only that the witch had attacked Camelot with the knights of Medhir just before the dragon attack. Hopefully Morgause would not find her before he did.

He turned his thoughts back to the present. "I thank you. And, I am keeping all confidence about Morgana. I know I must not give up hope."

Rouland said that Caitrin would come and see him after she was well, and he nodded."I shall look forward to it."

[Rouland de Archer]

Rouland nodded to the man as he said he did not want to give up hope. Through all of Rouland's cynicism he believed that one must have hope in order to live. He sat back in his seat, in his younger days he had seen so much more in the world, now it seemed, as an aging man, the only thing which mattered to him was his own possessions and family. And probably in that order. His lands were what he had worked all his life for and his family, well they had been there for most of the journey.

Rouland was geniunly worried for Morgana. He didn't feel worry exclusively of course, he was incredibly nosy and wondered just exactly what had happened and why. Then again, he could not imagine being in the position Uther was in now, with a ward kidnapped. At least Caitrin knew how to keep herself safe, well as long as a dragon wasn't involved. "I am sure with your careful attentions to her search parties she will be returned to your side soon enough. After all you do have the entire of Camelot at your disposal my Lord."

The more he thought on Caitrin the more he felt that he should go and see her. He was sure that wishing to see ones niece could not offend the King and he gave a quick grin to Uther. "I should go and visit my niece my Lord King, I am sure she misses my company, after all I have not seen her since before the dragon attacked."

[kinguthersqueen]

Uther listened to Rouland's reply, nodding now and then. That was, indeed, what he had in his favor, and hopefully it would be enough. What he could not speak of, would not speak of, was his fear that Morgause would reveal the truth about Morgana's birth if she found Morgana. That would leave him to fear what Morgana would do in retaliation. He tried not to dwell on worst case scenerios, but it was difficult not to at times.

Rouland said that he had to take his leave, and Uther nodded.

"I thank you for your confidence."he said. Yes, of course, do go. I do not wish to keep you from your niece. I thank you again for coming, and for your help."