Chapter 1

"Come on Gwen, not far now. Once we've reached Camelot we can get something to eat and rest." Marina herself was fighting to keep going. She had been trudging through the woods for hours now, and her feet were starting to complain. So was her stomach in fact. Her last meal had been three days ago, meagre portions of bread and water was all she'd had to go on since then. Her determination was the only thing that kept her from giving up – that and the fact that she was not alone. She had promised her mother that she would do whatever it took to reach Camelot, and she had to. No matter how hard the journey was, she had to. It was her mother's dying wish that she leave the village and finds work in Camelot. Her childhood friend had refused to let her go on this perilous journey on her own, and thus had insisted on coming. Although Marina had protested, secretly she was glad to have her friend by her side; somehow it made all the hardships they came across a lot easier for Marina to bear. Her friend's voice drifted amongst her thoughts and she realised that Gwen had been talking to her for a while.

"I really hope we do manage to find a job in Camelot, or we're in big trouble. I suppose we could always try to get a job as maids in the castle, if all else fails, although I don't fancy cleaning tables and making beds for the rest of my life..."

Gwen's brave attempts at humour raised Marina's spirit a little, as it never failed to. "I'm sure being a maid in the royal household can't be all that bad." She said, a slight smile playing on her lips.

"Oh, oh, 'cause mucking out stables, cleaning floors, serving others and doing the laundry is not all that bad?!"

"Ha! Okay, point made. But it does mean that you get an actual room to sleep in..."

"Oh yeah, a room in the servant's quarters. How nice."

"Well, beats this anyway"

"Yeah you're right there...But then anything is better than sleeping on damp grass crawling with God knows what, with wolves probably lurking around and nothing to eat but bread and water. And no shelter. Okay. Rant over."

Whilst Marina was trying not to worry her friend, she was actually concerned as to what she would do when they reached Camelot. She didn't have a particular skill or talent, apart from an interest in science, which she shared with her friend. But she had never been able to nurture that interest; there was no place for science in her village. Especially not the kind she was interested in, which was not really science at all, but magic. She knew that the practice of magic would earn a token straight to the stake, but she couldn't help being fascinated by it. There were so many tales of great sorcerers who achieved great things through its use. Her mother used to sing about such sorcerers, and tell her many tales from the day when magic was not regarded as something to be feared, but as an art.

"Marina? Horses coming our way I think..."

Gwen was right; the sound of horses' hoofs on the damp forest soil could be heard echoing through the silence.

"Hey Marina, I think we should ask the way to Camelot"

"But we know our way to Camelot."

"No, you do, or at least you said you did, but I'm sure I've seen this tree about three times now..."

"You're right, okay I will. Maybe they'll take pity on us and give us a ride on that horse..."

"Don't count on it, I bet its some stinking arrogant knight or highly placed buffoon of the court who likes to spend his nights drinking and his days terrorising villagers."

"What is it with you and knights? Why do you hate them so much?"

"You shouldn't even be asking me that question!They're the ones who sit on their backsides when villages like ours get ransacked and people butchered!"

"Well, I heard that one knight, actually I think it was the prince himself, came to the rescue of a village that was raided frequently, and put a stop to it."

"Humph. That was just a device to swell the guy's ego. Nothing to do with knights actually having any kind of decency."

"Well, I hope that if we do end up working as maids you won't be serving knights."

The horse and its rider suddenly came into their field of vision, and Marina's breath was cut short as she saw who it was. "Gwen. It's the Prince."

"How do you know?"

Marina couldn't explain it, but there was something about the young man. Something almost...magical. And she knew that her friend felt it too. Suddenly, she realised that he was not alone. Beside him was a young man, tall, with dark hair, and handsome enough in his own way, but what captured Marina's attention was something else. His eyes, the colour of running water, entranced her, and seemed to reach deep inside her soul, stirring something within. There's definitely something magical about this one, she thought.

"Ladies, may I interrupt your journey for a quick enquiry?" the young prince asked.

Trying to shake off the strange feeling, Marina swallowed hard and walked towards the Prince and stranger. However, she found she could not speak, for the eyes of the stranger captivated her so intensely she found it hard to concentrate. Thankfully, Gwen was not as debilitated by the stranger's gaze and came to Marina's rescue.

"Of course you may, Sire."

"I'm in search of the King of Camelot's ward, Lady Morgana. She has been missing for over three months now. Have you by any chance seen or heard about her on your travels?"

"No, sorry Sire, we have been travelling for a while now and we have not come across anyone." Gwen paused before asking,

"Sire, we, ourselves, are seeking the city of Camelot, would you kindly point us in the right direction?"

The prince considered Gwen's question for a few seconds, as if unsure as to its meaning. Marina noticed that his gaze had not left her friend since he'd first laid eyes on her. She could see him taking in the long, velvety locks that hung gracefully over her shoulders, her big, expressive brown eyes, and her soft, creamy complexion. Although Gwen had never been aware of her own attraction, Marina doubted it had eluded the Prince. Finally he spoke.

"We are headed back there now. Perhaps you'd like to join us?"

Marina saw that the stranger's eyebrows shot up as the Prince made the suggestion, as if he was not expecting it. She hoped the Prince would introduce himself and his companion soon; she hated to be kept in the dark for too long. Gwen shot her a look, as if to ask what she should reply to the Prince's unexpected suggestion. Marina gave her a slight nod of the head, and Gwen accepted the Prince's offer.

"Thank you, this would be greatly appreciated. We've been travelling for days without certainty or clear directions."

"Here, have my horse, you and your companion can take turns."

"Oh no Sire we couldn't! Walking will do just fine!"

Marina made a mental note of reminding Gwen of the conversation they just had about knights and princes later, as she saw, albeit with some amusement, her friend furiously blushing as she, no doubt, recalled the earlier conversation they had too.

"No no, I insist. You are clearly tired and in great need of rest. Oh, and I almost forgot, I have not introduced myself. I am Prince Arthur of Camelot. And this here is my servant, Merlin." The stranger bowed his head awkwardly as the Prince introduced him. "And you are?"

"My name is Gwen, and this is my close friend Marina."

The Prince looked somewhat surprised, "Your name is Gwen too?" Then, almost to himself, he said "I did not think it was a common name..."

"It's not. With all due respect Sire, although people may be allocated to certain classes, names are not. Gwen is a name good as any and I – "

"Oh, I'm sorry, I should have made myself clearer...I only meant that I didn't think it was a widely used name...We also have a Gwen back in the castle..."

"Oh...Oh I see..." Gwen just about managed to hide her embarrassment, hoping that the Prince would not notice.

Having gone through the introductions, Gwen attempted a few more protestations, but realising that the Prince could not be swayed, she mounted on the horse and, somewhat embarrassed, proceeded to fall into deep conversation with the Prince.

"Great" Marina thought, "Now I'm left to make conversation with the strange awkward servant with the weird eyes. This should be fun."

Merlin clearly was not one used to initiating conversation, therefore, after a short and uncomfortable silence, Marina decided to break it.

"So...you're a Prince's servant. Must be fun."

"Yeah", Merlin shook his head in mock agreement. "It's great! I get to change his bed sheets, clean his boots, polish his armour... So much fun."

"Merlin I'm not deaf you know, I can hear you. And just for that you'll have to muck out the stables when we get to Camelot."

Merlin gave Marina a look that clearly spelled out "you see my point", and the latter couldn't help but burst out laughing.

"I see your 'prince' is not much of a prince in character!" she said between laughs, "How did he even hear you anyway?"

"I have no idea..."

Marina could see a hint of a smile forming on the young man's lips, and she caught herself wondering how handsome he would be when he genuinely smiled. "Oh for god's sake, get a grip" she thought. She felt his gaze upon her and burnt up at the thought of him being able to read her mind.

"What's your business in Camelot anyway? If you don't mind my asking...Do you live there?

"No, my friend and I live in a village further north from here. It's hard to find much money or food there, so my mother advised me to come here, to earn a living in Camelot."

"Oh. So you have no relatives here? You might find it hard...Everyone knows each other in Camelot, and newcomers are often received with a fair amount of suspicion."

"It's the only chance we have. It is the closest city to our village. We were hoping that the King might show us a little mercy and perhaps take us on as maids to work in the castle."

"You could speak to Arthur. He might be able to help you."

"Do you think?"

"It's worth a try. What've you got to lose? We'll be reaching Camelot in a relatively short amount of time so you should talk to him now...if you want to that is."

Thanking Merlin, Marina caught up with Gwen and the Prince, who were still engrossed in what must have been a very interesting conversation, for when Marina called out to them, neither seemed to have heard her.

"Prince Arthur!"

She was being ignored!

Merlin had joined her and called out to Arthur, who eventually turned around.

"Arthur, Marina has been telling me that she hopes to gain an audience with the King to ask if she and her companion may become maids in the ca-

"Merlin, I know."

"-stle, you see, they don't have any re-"

"Merlin. I know."

"-latives so it would be very difficult for them to find a living in Camelot. I really think you should-"

"MERLIN!"

"Yes?"

"Do you ever listen? I know all that. Gwen has told me everything. And I've told her that I shall help in any way I can. Now quit rambling."

Marina found it hard to believe their luck. She had never imagined that the Prince would care about their misfortune let alone offer his help. As she and Merlin walked side by side, now surrounded by an easy silence, she saw the sun was about to set, and the castle of Camelot came into focus in the distance, and thanked God that Gwen and herself had come across the Prince and Merlin, and could only pray that the King would show them as much kindness as they had.

oOo

As they entered the castle, Gwen couldn't help but gaze in awe around her, due to of the magnificence and sheer size of the fortress. The architecture itself was a breathtaking mix of art and gracefulness, emitting such a strong sense of character and spirit that she felt the castle would soon come alive in front of her very eyes.

"My father is with his council at this moment. I shall introduce your case to him myself when he has finished."

The Prince had been so polite and pleasant to her that she found it hard not to smile each time he turned to her. . Gwen found both his looks and character captivating; she felt a secret attraction towards his soft crystal blue eyes which were so perfectly framed by his golden hair.

The reason as to his concern for her and Marina's well-being was beyond her, but she couldn't deny the fact that his presence had been a blessing to both Marina and herself. It seemed that not all rich people were selfish; in fact, this one was very much selfless. "He'll make a great King someday", she thought. "I hope he inherited his kindness from his father and that the King will understand and help us as his son has done already." Marina came to stand by her side, smiling.

"So, I see you found your Prince Charming!"

"Shut up it's not like that!" Said Gwen, smiling despite herself.

"Uh-uh, yep, no, it's not...not AT ALL..."

"Marina! I've only just met him okay!"

"Well that hasn't stopped you from being glued to his side from the moment you met him! C'mon admit it!"

Gwen was accustomed to Marina's teasing. It had always been this way, and she'd learnt not to take the bait, although in all honesty, she wouldn't have minded further attention from the Prince. But then, who would.

"Gwen, come back to earth! Stop thinking about him and actually listen to me!"

"Shush what if he hears you?!"

"Pff, I bet you his hearing is really bad, I mean he did have to listen to you all afternoon..." Marina gave her a quick, cheeky grin and walked away towards the Prince's servant.

"My father will see you now."

Gwen followed the Prince into the glorious great hall, stopping just before the King's throne. Another throne was to his left, but it was empty. "Probably the prince's" she thought. The King did not seem to be in an agreeable mood; his blue eyes seemed troubled, and his forehead furrowed as if he was extremely worried. "This is not good" thought Gwen. Marina came to stand beside her, whilst Merlin stayed a few yards away. Gwen readied herself to speak out but the Prince had already started explaining.

"Father, I encountered these two young women on my way back to Camelot. Their village has been burnt to the ground and their families chased out of their homes. They were headed for Camelot to seek refuge and earn a living. However, having no relatives or acquaintances here, they may find this task hard, if not impossible."

"Well? I am extremely sorry to hear of this, but what is it that you want me to do?"

"I ask for you to consider the possibility of undertaking these women as maids to work here."

"No. I have no need for further servants. We already have all we need."

"Father, please. Extra servants can do no harm, and some of them are getting old. They are starting to find the workload difficult to cope with."

"Arthur. Why is it you seek my permission when you always end up countering my decisions with your own?"

"I am not countering your decisions, merely expressing my own opinion on the matter."

The King fell silent. Marina and Gwen looked at each other, certain that he would refuse. Gwen's heart felt as if it would explode, she couldn't bear the silence any longer. Marina's and her fate were at stake here. If the king refused to take them, where would they go? What would they do? She waited for the King's reply, her hands trembling and heart hammering in her chest. "Dear god", she thought, "please let him say yes."

"Arthur."

"Yes father?"

"Be aware that you shall be fully responsible for these young women. If anything goes wrong, you shall be the one I will speak to. Is that clear?"

"Yes father, thank you."

Gwen could hardly stand still. The King had agreed! She looked at Marina who clearly felt as elated as she, and thanked God for their good fortune. The King looked at Marina and Gwen for a moment, and finally addressed them.

"I trust you are familiar with the rules of Camelot?"

Marina spoke up, answering the King's question.

"Yes my lord, we are. It is common knowledge that the practice of magic in Camelot is forbidden."

"Not just the practice. Anyone having anything to do with it shall be executed. I trust that you shall not be foolish enough to break this rule?"

"No, we shall not."

Gwen could sense Marina's frustration, but hoped that the King did not. Marina's strange fascination with magic could lead them into trouble here. Although she herself felt the ban of its practice unfair, she was not as passionate about the subject as her friend was. She would have to speak about this with Marina later on.

Arthur signalled to them that it was time to leave the Hall, having gotten what they wanted. Once outside, the Prince asked Merlin to show the girls the way to the servants' quarters, and left.

"The rooms aren't very big, and you will have to share." Said Merlin apologetically.

"As long as there's a bed and a roof over our heads, it'll feel like heaven" Replied Marina.

Merlin showed them to the room that they were to share henceforth, and left them to settle.

"Gwen, can you believe our luck?! We've been rescued by a Prince, reached Camelot in one piece and got ourselves a job!"

"I know! I can hardly believe it myself!"

"Oh! Two beds! The way Merlin described it was as if there was only one bed that we'd have to share! That's what I thought anyway."

"Ooh, Merlin now is it?"

"Well I can't very well go round calling him 'the servant'."

"For all the teasing you've done, I think that you've got something going on yourself!"

"Oh, don't be ridiculous!" Marina laughed "He freaks me out with those eyes of his anyway...I feel as if he can read minds or something."

"Wouldn't matter though would it? I mean, you've got nothing to hide...unless you do like him in which case it's another matter altogether!"

"I see what you're trying to do, don't think I don't!"

"What?!"

"You're trying to keep the conversation from coming towards you and Arthur!"

"I am NOT!"

"Yes you are."

"Marina! Look; he's a prince. I'm a servant. Would I really be stupid enough to fall in love with him when I know nothing can happen?"

"Oh please, what an ancient excuse! Like you can help who you fall in love with!"

"Well, I can."

"No you can't."

"Marina?"

"Yup?"

"Just go to sleep."

"Haha, fat chance of that happening! This conversation is too interesting!"

"Not if I stop talking."

"Oh don't do that!...Gwen?...Gwen?...Oh c'mon!... Damn."

As she drifted off to sleep, Gwen couldn't help but recount the moments she had spent with the prince, and although she knew that it was not something that could ever happen, she let herself dream of what could be, if only she was of noble blood. She was unaware of the smile that formed on her lips as she fell fast asleep.