Here it is! Chapter 2!
Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin or any of its characters.
Arthur ignored Merlin's attempts to get his attention as he walked back to his chambers. When he walked inside, his manservant turned to go to the kitchen, no doubt to get Arthur's food; pointless, as it was probably tepid by now.
"Wait," he said. Merlin turned to look at him, and Arthur beckoned him to come inside. "Did you know?" he asked and instantly berated himself for the pointless question.
Merlin ducked his head, not meeting Arthur's eyes. Although Arthur could not hear his answer, he could tell that Merlin had known. "What happened?" he asked.
Merlin took a deep breath and met Arthur's eyes. "I saw him in the courtyard, and he called out to me. He asked for my help, so I told him to follow me. Then I brought him to Morgana."
Arthur stood up from the chair he had been sitting in. "So you put her in danger?" he asked coldly. How could Merlin have done such a thing? He had always thought Merlin a bit reckless, but never so openly treasonous. Merlin nodded, but quickly added, "It was her idea. I never asked her anything, I promise."
"And yet you went to her," Arthur said. "I can't believe this. This would have never happened if it wasn't for you." Merlin opened his mouth, but Arthur silenced him with a glare.
"Save your apologies for someone who will listen. And don't bother getting my dinner. Now leave." Merlin nodded deferentially. "Yes, sire," he said, before turning and walking out the door.
For once in his life, Arthur didn't know what to do. He was certainly angry at Merlin, that was definite. He couldn't believe that that – idiot – had involved Morgana. Surely he had known it was dangerous!
However, Arthur still didn't know what he should do about it. His mind was telling him to go to his father; this child was a fugitive and needed to be dealt with. His conscience, though, was telling him to help the boy.
Groaning in frustration, Arthur sank down onto his bed. After several minutes, the prince fell into a fitful sleep.
Merlin walked down the stone steps into the dragon's dark cave, torch in hand. "Are you there?" he called, "Where are you?" The dragon flew out from behind a huge cliff face and landed on the giant rock before Merlin.
"What is your question this time?" it asked. "This boy," said Merlin. "How does he know me?" "Many people know you, but few call you Merlin," the dragon answered knowingly, "But listen to me – do not help the boy. He will destroy your destiny."
Merlin was confused. "Why shouldn't I protect him?" he asked. But the dragon simply flew away, the long chain swinging under him.
The next morning dawned bright and clear, but Arthur still had no idea what he was going to do on the matter of the druid boy. Once he had gotten out of bed, he saw that his breakfast had been placed on the table; Merlin was nowhere in sight.
Arthur got dressed and ate, and then he decisively walked out of the door. He didn't know where he was going: he just wanted to walk and think. Still, it surprised him when he found himself outside Morgana's room.
He knocked quietly, not wanting to wake them, although he needn't have worried – Gwen opened the door slightly. When she saw who it was, Arthur noticed she glanced furtively at the screen where the boy must have been hiding. "Please, Arthur, don't turn him in," she said quietly.
Arthur walked into the room and leaned against the wall. "Why do you want to help this boy so much?" he asked. Morgana answered, "I don't want to see an innocent child executed."
She walked over to the screen and pulled it open slightly, looking behind it. Arthur moved to stand next to her. The druid boy was awake; he was leaning against a pillow.
When he saw Arthur, he looked fearfully at Morgana and then attempted to make himself as small as possible. Arthur bent down, close to him. "What is your name?" he asked. The boy didn't answer. He began to ask again when Morgana said, "I don't know if he can speak," she said.
Arthur turned away from the boy and sat down in one of the chairs at the table. "It would be suicide to try to help him. Besides, he's a sorcerer. He can't be trusted," he said, trying to convince himself.
"But he's done nothing wrong," insisted Gwen. "Why should he be killed?" She instantly looked abashed and became flustered, saying, "No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that," and busied herself with making Morgana's bed.
"So this is how you'll be king," Morgana said quietly. "You'd condemn an innocent child just because he possesses magical abilities." Arthur began to answer but was interrupted by a knock on the door. "Prince Arthur? The king would like to see you," the guard outside said.
Arthur rose from the chair and walked toward the door. Morgana clutched at his sleeve, stopping him from going, and said, "He's just a child. Let him go, I beg you," she pleaded. In that moment, Arthur made up his mind. He certainly did not want to anger his father, but Morgana had a point. The child was innocent.
He turned around and said, "Very well. But don't do anything rash. We need a plan." Morgana let go of his arm and hugged him tightly. "Thank you," she said. He pushed her away and opened the door, walking out into the hall.
His steps were measured, and on the outside he appeared perfectly composed. Yet internally he was silently arguing with himself. Arthur really did not know whether he had made a good decision.
Of course, his conscience was telling him he had, but his mind, as prince, was telling him to go back on his word and tell his father everything. You promised Morgana, a small voice in his head whispered. Yes, but you have a duty to keep Camelot safe, another voice told him.
He had reached the double doors that led to the council chambers. Inside, his father was standing and looking out the window down at the village. However, Uther turned around when he heard the doors open.
"Arthur," he said, "have you found the boy?" "Not yet. Perhaps whoever was hiding him has escaped," Arthur said, fervently hoping the king would accept his answer.
"Yes, we must consider that. Have the guards double their searches on anyone leaving the castle. But you must search again for the boy. If they have not found him, he must still be in the castle." Arthur nodded and left the room.
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