The man walked straight passed the sentries guarding the eastern and main gates of the bustling city. As he entered, they paid him no heed, after all, lots of merchants entered the city every day to sell their wares and to the ordinary eye, this man would not seem to be anything but the same.
His thick brown cloak draped with care over his shoulders covering quite effectively almost all of the plain white shirt underneath. It also managed to conceal the two long swords and the harness holding them crossed lower on his back; purposely worn in such a fashion to ensure their concealment. If the stranger did expect trouble he would have to rely more on his skill at hand – to – hand combat and his fighting staff, at the moment concealed as a walking aid. To complete the disguise, he also wore a heavy sling satchel, though mostly for decoration, the bag was at the moment filled with rare medical herbs. A gift, he knew his first visitor would definitely appreciate.
He wondered if his old mentor would recognize him after all these years when he left Camelot at the age of fifteen he was only a boy, gangly and big-eared, nothing like the seasoned warrior he was today. Challenging battles and torture molding his previous thin frame into tough, strong muscle, experience and vast knowledge hardening his once innocent face and ocean blue eyes. Thick but well-groomed hair framed his now strong jaw complementing the long wavy locks just brushing the nape of his neck. Even his previously pale white skin had darkened due to his constant travel.
Reaching the main square of the citadel he slowed to a halt at the edge of a gathered crowd. There, at the center, was a chopping block awaiting its next victim, at the moment being escorted towards it by two armed guards. He knew what this was having witnessed it many times before during his youth. A wonderful welcome back home his mental voice announced, dripped with sarcasm, as King Uther Pendragon began his speech of condemnation.
The axe came down and that was the end of Thomas James Collins, another ceremonial spillage of magical blood and the emergence of another enemy of the crown. When was his father ever going to learn how much his unjust obsession was hurting his kingdom, his people and if Mary Collin's threat was any indication, his own family! The young man shook his head and as the crowd dissipated, continued his journey towards the western tower and the chambers of the court physician.
"Gaius"? he called as he opened the door; the man in question was on a small balcony reading a tomb. The call jolted him to turn so quickly that he lost his balance, falling onto the delicate railing and causing it to give way. Gaius would have fallen to his death had his old cot not sped across the room to catch him in time.
"What did you just do"! yelled the old man as he jumped off the bed to confront the stranger. "What I've always done" replied the man in a calm tone "is make sure that my natural born talent is put to good use" smirking at the end. Gaius was taken aback by the blunt reply for a second before taking a closer look at the stranger that entered his chamber. "Your Highness"! he exclaimed, to which the younger smiled and replied "Come now Gaius, is that all I am to you? Your prince"?
"Merlin" Gaius responds pulling the young Pendragon into his arms. The embrace was warm and welcoming two sentiments Merlin has not felt for many years. "We have a lot to catch up on old friend" the prince said seriously as they let go to face one another again.
Two hours later and both companions are sat at the rooms only dining table. Merlin had just finished telling Gaius of his learnings and adventures, he left out many of the gory details, trying not to burden his old companion with his darker experiences. There was a long silence before Gaius replied. "Sire are you sure all that you have gathered is accurate?" "I have received my knowledge from a great many reliable sources" replies the prince solemnly. "I finally found my purpose and ironically it resided in the very place I left to seek it".
"Speaking of which, where is my dear brother"? he asked the old man with a mischievous smile "Where he usually is at this hour My Lord, at the training grounds. He may be there for several hours still". "Good I don't want to reunite just yet. And Morgana? Where is she"? He had always held a secret longing for the lady in question, which had only grown over the years he had been away. Now, his knowledge of their destiny has only led to him wanting to act on his emotions more than ever before. If his plans bore fruit not only would Albion gain a powerful ally in the future but he would be able to fulfill his own hearts yearning as well.
"She would be in her room sire, the poor girl is suffering from nightmares again, I was about to go deliver her a sleeping draft myself". "Hand it to me I'll take it to her, it's been a while and I want to have some time with old friends before I'm swept into court niceties, curtsy of my father and position". "As you wish, my lord, here," the older man said as he handed over the blue tinted glass vile from the table to the prince with a smile.
"Things are going to be much livelier with you back Merlin. The king and prince haven't been coping too well with your absence. Ever since your supposed departure to the Monastery of Dokken there have been fewer smiles at court". "We shall see, I do look forward to what the coming times will bring". He smiled at the man "Thank you, Gaius, I hope to be seeing you again soon. Now if you excuse me I shouldn't keep the dear lady waiting". He winked at the old man before leaving the room.
For the first time in years, Gaius felt more hopeful for the future. Ever since he conspiratorially smuggled the young prince out of Camelot into the hands of the Druids to ensure his protection, he has always felt a worry for the young man who he looked to as a son. Merlin Pendragon had endured much in his time away from his home that had been obvious even if he wouldn't tell Gaius all of it in the end however, he has definitely grown stronger for it.