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much
as he did to Constantine, Uther knew that his mysterious friend was
very old indeed, and he had known many of the great men of times
past.
    Finally, after talking long into the evening,
Merlin rose slowly. "Well, my friend, I am not as youthful as you,
and I have had a long and hard road of late. It is time for me to
retire. I shall see thee again on the morrow."
    With that, he glided quickly to the door and
disappeared into the corridor beyond, leaving Uther to sit long
into the night and ponder the words they had shared. The fire had
burned down to ash before Uther finally rose and made his way
through the near-darkness to his chamber, his mind still deep in
thought.

    Easter morning dawned clear and cool. The
town church could not hold all those who had come for the council,
so tents had been erected in a great field so mass could be held
where all could attend. All except the nobles, for they celebrated
Easter in the Pendragon chapel in the castle, where the kings
received communion from Tremorinus, Archbishop of Londinium. Though
aged and frail, the revered churchman had come at Constantine's
bidding, and his presence added solemnity and weight to the council
set to begin the next day.
    Before him on their knees were seven kings,
bareheaded and silent. Twice he passed before them, bringing them
first bread, then wine, and when he was finished he bade them rise.
When he had concluded the Easter mass, the archbishop led the
assembled kings and barons in prayer for the success of the
council. His voice was old and wavering, but there was strength
still in it.
    In conclusion he said, "And so, oh mighty
God, we pray to thee to give this noble company here assembled the
strength to save the land and people, for they fight in your name,
and are humble and faithful servants to thee."
    When the services were done the kings and
lords retired to the courtyard, for everywhere there were tables
laden with food and drink, and King Constantine feasted his noble
guests. All around the courtyard of the castle were strewn garlands
of early spring flowers, and the tables were set with plates of
gold and services of silver.
    In the town and the camps below, the retinues
of the kings and the people of the village also celebrated, for
Constantine had declared that all would be feasted from his stores.
Over great pits in the green wild boar were roasted, and game birds
were piled in great multitudes, for the hunters of Caer Guricon had
ranged far and wide over the king's lands to prepare for the
festivities.
    Though it was Easter and declared a day of
rejoicing, there was no break in the work for Constantine, for he
was host to six other kings. On the morrow they would convene the
council, and Constantine did not intend for any bad feelings to
arise before it even began. He had seen more than one alliance
shattered by an insult delivered at a feast or careless actions
driven by too much wine.
    Indeed, there was ill blood between some of
those assembled, and Constantine and Merlin strove hard to keep the
peace and good feeling. Disputes would be common enough when the
council was in session, but today the king wanted his guests
mirthful and relaxed.
    Uther surprised his father, for he was among
the kings all day, drawing from each stories of battles they had
fought and even telling of his many escapes from the monastery,
which brought King Pellinore and King Rience to great laughter when
two had seemed about to argue.
    Long was the day, and after the midday meal
was finished there were minstrels and entertainments of every kind
and a grand tournament, where Uther claimed the victory, besting
Leodegrance in the final round.
    At dusk the celebrations ended in the town
and the camps, but in the castle there was a supper for the kings
and their sons. All were in good spirits and the revels lasted well
into the night. The last one to retire was Uther Pendragon, who had
taken Merlin's counsel to heart and had impressed all present with
not only