Merlin watched the trees fly by as his mom drove down the freeway. "Merlin," she spoke softly.
He didn't feel like answering. He was lost deep in emotions as a seven year old could be and he couldn't help feeling betrayed by his mother for what she was about to do.
"Merlin, you know why you have to go stay with Gaius? You know I don't want to give you up! But your friend Wil would have ended up being your downfall! You trusted him too much Merlin! You knew you weren't supposed to tell anyone!"
Merlin heaved out a big sigh but still didn't respond. He didn't like to fight with his mom.
"You will make new friends at your new school."
Merlin wished she hadn't reminded him! Last year he had loved his first year of school in Ealdor Elementary. Now he had to start fresh at a new school, new teachers, all new kids… He was already friends with all the kids in his hometown. He didn't want to be all alone in a new city, which his mother had told him was much bigger than their small town.
"I think you will like Gaius. At least we know he is someone we can trust with the knowledge of your gifts. He is a dear friend and I know he would never betray us. He will help protect you. He is also a teacher at Camelot Elementary so there will be at least one friendly face there."
Merlin didn't want to go live with a man who was old enough to be his grandfather that he had never even met before!
"But Merlin, you must remember that he is the only person you can ever confide in. I'm not sure what would happen to you if people found out, but I can't imagine anything good! The government would get involved, you would spend your whole life in a test facility, and…"
"Mom, I know, I know! You've told me like a million times!"
"I just want to keep you safe, my boy."
Merlin looked into his mom's eyes. He could never stay mad at her for long. "I know. I just wish I didn't have to leave."
She reached out and ruffled his hair lovingly. "I know. Me either."
