A/N: I have recently discovered the wonderful world of "Merlin" and decided I wanted to try my hand at a fanfiction for him. The first chapter's a tad dull, but it will get better soon. I hope to delve more into both of their personalities, and take a close look at Merlin's loyalty to Arthur.
"You called for me, sire?" Merlin looked between Arthur and the man standing beside him.
"Ah, Merlin." Arthur nodded, acknowledging his presence, but immediately turned to the other man beside him. "I told you he would turn up soon, did I not?"
"You did indeed, my lord." The man agreed. It was at this time, Arthur's attention returned to Merlin.
"This is Sir Calfry." Arthur clapped a hand onto Merlin's shoulder. "For the time being, you're to be servant to him in addition to your normal duties to me. Do you understand?"
"But, sire-" Merlin began to protest, but was cut off.
"Do you understand?" Arthur repeated. After a moment's hesitation, Merlin tilted his head down slightly. "Good. And to ensure that you are attentive enough to him, I have given him the ability to punish you, or reward you as he deems necessary."
"Will that be all, sire?" Merlin asked.
"No. When I went for a ride this morning I noticed that the stalls need mucked out." Arthur said.
"Yes, sire." Merlin bowed slightly then turned to walk away.
After making sure Merlin was not within hearing distance, Arthur spoke once more to Sir Calfry.
"He may be lacking in punctuality on occasion, but I've never had a more loyal nor harder working servant." Arthur said. "He may act like an unintelligible fool, but I've always gotten the feeling that he's cleverer than he'll have people know. I know he'll serve you well in the time that you're here."
"I expect he will, you obviously think highly of him." Sir Calfry said.
"I trust him with my life." Arthur said. "You'll keep what has been said away from his ears?"
"Of course, my lord."
Arthur ran to catch up with Merlin, only to find that he was already mucking out the stables.
Pausing in the door way, he squinted his eyes.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm mucking out the stables, like you told me." Merlin said, confused as to why Arthur was questioning him.
"You never get on with it so quickly..."
"If I am to serve Sir Calfry as well, then I've got to get my previously given duties done early."
"Right, right." Arthur said. "And about Sir Calfry,"
"Yes sire?"
"He's acting as an ambassador for his country, it's all hush hush for the time being, so don't you dare breathe a word of this to anyone. My father hopes to strike an alliance with their king." Arthur said. "Don't mess this up, Merlin. The good of the kingdom is at stake."
Merlin nodded.
After finishing his usual chores, he went to see what Sir Calfry would require of him. There was something about that man, something about him, that made Merlin fairly confident that his experience as the man's servant would not be a good one.
Merlin took a deep breath before knocking on the door.
"Come in." The gruff voice echoed in the hallway. Merlin slowly pushed the door open and stepped in. "Merlin." The man nodded in greeting, but a smirk was developing on his face.
"I was wondering if you were in need of anything, Sir Calfry." Merlin said. "What ever you require of me, I will gladly do."
"Ah, yes. My armor could use a scrub, and my boots need polished. Feed and water my horse, and give her a nice rub down, won't you? My tack could use a deep cleaning as well. I don't want a speck of grime on it. My sword needs sharpening and my clothes need washed too." Sir Calfry ordered.
How am I going to get all that done before tomorrow? Merlin thought, nodding nevertheless. He turned to leave, but Sir Calfry's voice called to him once again.
"And Merlin,"
"Yes, Sir Calfry?"
"Do that for the rest of my men too, I'm sure they would appreciate it. Shouldn't be too hard, there's only three of them. " Sir Calfry said. "And be quick about it. I want it all ready by tomorrow morning."
"Yes sir."
It will be a very, very long night.
Merlin struggled to carry the stacks of armor back to the knight's room. Setting them down gently as he could, he exited the room, and went down to the stable to tend to the men's horses. After feeding and watering each, he sat about rubbing them down, brushing them until their coat shined.
If I must do this, I will do it well.
Sharpening the swords were next on the list, and after collecting them all, a thought entered his mind.
I forgot to get Arthur ready for bed!
There was a knock on Arthur's door, then Merlin walked in.
"Finally, Merlin!" Arthur said. "Where have you been?! I've been waiting for half an hour!"
"Sorry, sire." Merlin said. "I've been tending to Sir Calfry's needs."
"Ah." Arthur paused. "Well, good, then."
Merlin quickly prepared the prince for bed.
"Will that be all, sire?"
"Yes, Merlin. Go get some rest." Arthur said, as he slid into his bed. "You're going to need it."
"May I ask why, sire?"
"One of the knights is ill, he'll have to miss training tomorrow." Arthur said.
No, please no.
"And... what does that have to do with me?" Merlin asked.
Arthur smirked.
"I'll need a replacement dummy."