1
Arthur Pendragon was in a good mood, he had just had lunch with his best friend, Leon. He also had plans to meet up with his other close friends to have a meal in his favourite restaurant later that evening. He was celebrating his fortieth birthday, his sister's idea he just hoped he wouldn't regret it. Life was good, alright he wasn't in a relationship at the moment but that suited him. He wasn't being big headed but he easily attracted members of the opposite sex but he couldn't seem to find one he wanted to settle down with. He had realised sometime ago that long term relationships weren't for him, he was happy running his business. Five years ago he has taken over as President of Pendragon Corporation, after his father's death, and the company was going from strength to strength. What's more it was beautiful September day and the sun was shining.
Walking along the side of the Thames he was heading back to his office, after a leisurely lunch. There were several artists taking advantage of the weather and Arthur glanced at their work, as he walked along. His sister Morgana had been trying to educate him about art. It was her passion; she owned an upmarket art gallery near the Barbican Centre. He couldn't understand modern art and hated it. Most of artists painting by the river were obviously amateurs, and he could see some of them were quite good. He liked paintings where he recognised what he was looking at.
As he neared the footbridge he needed to cross to reach Pendragon building, he did a double take at one of the canvases being worked on. Walking up behind the artist he looked over the young man's shoulder.
"That's very good" he said more to himself than anything. The canvas was almost covered and showed a view of the city over the Thames. Right in the centre was Pendragon House, his company headquarters. It one of the oldest buildings in the area and stood out amongst the steel and glass towers surrounding it.
"Why thank you kind Sir" the artist turned to look at Arthur. He was surprised to see a city gent stood there; he found they didn't normally speak to people like him. The man was good looking with blonde hair and blue eyes. He always seemed to notice eyes, must be the artist in him. The man also looked like he worked out regularly.
In turn Arthur found himself looking at a young man who looked to be in his late teens early twenty's. He was slender about the same height as Arthur with untidy black hair and a stunning face. His eyes were cerulean in colour and had a twinkle of amusement in them. But what made his face stand out the most were the most amazing cheekbones that were his face's most prominent feature.
"I'm not joking, that is very good, is it for sale?" Arthur asked the young artist.
"Well I suppose it could be, I don't usually sell my paintings, I don't do this for a living, I just love painting. But if you like it that much I could be persuaded." The young man said with a grin. "It's not finished yet, but I could let you know when it is, if you like."
"Yes I'd like that" Arthur put his hand in is jacket and got out a business card and handed it to the man.
"My name is Arthur Pendragon and the building in the centre of your picture is Pendragon House."
"Well Mr Pendragon my name is Merlin Emrys." He said as he took the card.
"I'll give you a ring when it's done."
Arthur grinned at him before looking at his watch.
"I better get on, I look forward to hearing from you."