Merlin

The tower bells were clanging and echoing through the castle making the walls shake. There was an intruder. Merlin reached the lookout where the archers pointed ready arrows towards the gate.

It was a moonless night and the dark was thick and unforgiving. A hooded figure on a black horse galloped straight through the closing gates barely making it before in they slammed shut. Guards surrounded the stranger yelling for a surrender, demanding to know who was riding. Even with the torches it was hard to see, but Merlin could tell the intruder was not responding. The guards moved closer threatening the rider swords drawn. The figure shifted on the saddle then went limp and fell of the side.

"Get the physician!" A guard called from below. Merlin rushed through the halls of the castle, motivated by curiosity more than anything.

"Who is it Gaius?" Merlin asked catching up with the old physician as several guards picked up the hooded figure to carry them inside.

"We need to wake Guinevere."

"Don't you think the bells already did that? Should I go prepare the table?"

Gaius looked at Merlin seriously. He raised an eyebrow and shook his head.

"No Merlin, she will need a proper bed, not the sick man's table."

"She?" Merlin turned back to the figure, the hood had fallen away revealing long dark hair and a pale face.

Outside the guest room

"No, I don't recognize her." Guinevere said to Merlin. They were both waiting outside one of the courtier guest rooms inside the main part of the castle. "Gaius didn't need your help?"

"I've uh, well you see, I've only tended to soldiers and the like." Merlin stuttered a bit.

"You mean men."Guinevere didn't try to hide her smile.

"Well, yes right."

"Do you expect Arthur to return soon?" Merlin asked abruptly changing the topic.

"Getting bored of Gaius' lessons already?"

"Not like shining boots is much of a party either, but to be honest yes."

"He didn't want to leave you here Merlin."

"Right right, I know, diplomatic visits and the like - providing the visiting king with a servant, not accepting is a dishonor etc. etc. But he could have had me as a guest. If I have to catalog herbs or drain the pus filled sores on Mr. Gravelant's feet again I might go mad. Or worse! run to the armory to polish something."

The door to the guest room opened and Gaius stepped out.

"That's all I can do for her. She will need to rest, but my lady you should know that this young woman, whoever she is, has been through. . ." Gaius took a breath and pressed his hand to his temple looking completely worn out. "She may never recover."

"Are her wounds that severe? Should we notify someone? Surely she has people looking for her?" Gwen asked, concerned now.

"Shouldn't we be concerned that we do not know who this person is?" Merlin added.

Gaius glared at him.

"Alright then sorry I asked."

"She will need new clothes, simple things and a loose corset. She has a wound down her side that I've had to put stitches in. I don't want a corset aggravating them."

"I'm sure we can find something. Thank you Gaius. I appreciate your help. If that is all, I will go back to bed." With a nod from Gaius, Gwen walked down the hall to her chambers.

"Maybe just put some guards outside her door in case?" Merlin suggested.

"It will be us that needs guarding."

"What does that mean?"

"I do not know anything for sure yet Merlin, but I think it would be wise for you to keep your distance."