2/12
Merlin
Honoured to Serve
Dusk was an unsettling time of day, it caused shadows to become more sinister, made inviting openings look like traps for the unwary. Pulling his homespun cloak, a gift from his mother, tighter around himself, lest the slight drizzle that was falling soak him to the bone. His horse, trotted on without a care. It was old, he knew that, but he had owned it for over eight years, and the bond between them, between rider and horse was one of deep abiding respect. Overhead a low rumble of thunder rolled across the sky, there had been nothing but rain since the drought the previous fortnight. The horse started slightly by the sound. He reached down and patted its main.
"Easy girl, it's just thunder" he said soothingly, guiding the house to a small set of trees next to a wide lake.
Hopping down, he tied the horse to a low branch on the tree, and removed the pack from where it was attached to the saddle, and opened it, pulling out some dry bread and an apple. Sitting down under the shade of the tree, he watched the ripples on the lakes surface where the water touched it, after awhile he felt his mind clouding over. Sleep, yes, sleep would be good. He thought, laying back, his cloak offering some more protection against the rain.
"Well, look here boys, got ourselves one of those village idiots" the voice was harsh, cruel. His horse cried out, in pain, and the man jumped to his feet, pulling a sword from its holster at his side.
"Who are you?" he demanded.
"Well you see that depends on your definition, to some we're bully's, thieves, the dregs of Camelot's darker areas, to others we're just bandits" the cruel man said, eyeing the sword.
"I have nothing you could possibly want" said the man. The bandit shrugged.
"See, now, that could be a problem, for you" he replied, his grin was wide, several teeth were missing.
"Actually I think the problem will be yours" replied the man, swinging the sword expertly.
"Nice reflexes, but, seven of us, one of you? The odds are still with me and mine" the Bandit said. He held up his fist and clicked his fingers. "Kill him" he ordered.
The first bandit came in fast, to the left, swinging a knife wildly. The man neatly sidestepped him, and elbowed him in the face, before he was gripped and kneed in the face and thrown into the waters of the lake. The second Bandit made his move, leaping forwards. Even as he landed the sword whipped around cutting him down where he had landed. The man looked back at the bandit leader, who seemed to have lost some of the swagger he had only moments ago possessed. It was a stupid mistake, and one he would have chided himself for had he been given the chance, instead, the rest of the Bandits took his momentary pause as a sign to attack as one, and as excellent a sword fighter as he was, the numbers were too great, and within moments he found himself on the ground, pinned in place. The bandit leader sauntered over to him and knelt down.
"You're good with a sword, I'll give you that" he said. Suddenly a wicked looking blade appeared in his hands. "But not that good.." he said. A moment later the blade was in the man, who screamed in pain. The others grinned, then their eyes went wide, and they began to quake in their boots. The bandit leader looked up at them.
"What?" he demanded, they simply continued to stare. With a sigh the bandit leader turned to look behind him, and he too became frozen to the spot.
"I truly have no interest in you. So I suggest you run, before the man expires and I have to do something… rash" said the Great Dragon.
The bandits ran.
"Merlin, have you seen my boot?" asked Arthur Pendragon, looking around his chambers.
"Boot?" asked Merlin.
"Yes Merlin, the thing that covers my foot? Looks like this one almost" he replied holding up his foot.
"Oh your boot, no sorry" Merlin replied. Arthur rolled his eyes.
"Did you become stupid overnight? Or is this some mysterious test I have to pass?" asked Arthur. Merlin looked at him and yawned.
"Sorry, did you say something?"
"Merlin, what is wrong with you today?" asked Arthur.
"Sorry, I didn't sleep well, at all, had nightmares, not even one of Gaius's potions helped" Merlin admitted, as he picked up the boot from under the bed.
"Nightmares?" asked Arthur.
"Strange dreams, lots of.. darkness. I actually woke up and could have sworn someone was looking at me, I know, Merlin's losing his mind at last" he said with a grin.
"Has Gaius looked you over? Make sure you're not coming down with a fever?" asked Arthur.
"Ahh, see that's the Arthur we all love, the caring one" Merlin said playfully. Arthur looked at him, as if looking at something truly astonishing.
"You know Merlin, sometimes, you really, really annoy me" he said.
"It keeps you on your toes" Merlin said. Arthur shook his head and smiled, before pulling on the boot.
"Come on, there's lots to be done today" Arthur said as he headed for the door.
"The peace initiative with Odin?" asked Merlin, steeping into place beside him.
"Yes, we have the five kingdoms with us, but if can get Odin involved as well, then we can concentrate on rebuilding the farm lands and restocking the villages that we're most affected by the drought" Arthur explained.
"Do you think he'll accept?" asked Merlin. Arthur shrugged.
"I have no idea, Odin has every reason to hate me, I did kill his son"
"But that was in honourable combat, he knows the rules himself" said Merlin.
"True, but, unfortunately when family are involved, emotion often clouds peoples judgements" Arthur said.
"Okay, see that impressed me" said Merlin.
"What did?" replied Arthur, stopping to look at him.
"Thinking things through, rather than barrelling forwards like a complete prat" Merlin replied.
"Do you like your head?" asked Arthur, looking at him.
"I'm going to be very quiet now" replied Merlin.
The rocky outcropping, far above the ground was cold, still the Great Dragon did not seem to mind it.
"Thomas.." he said quietly. The man shifted in his sleep. "Thomas Costa.." said the Dragon again. Slowly the man opened his eyes. The first thing he noticed was the rock wall next to him. The second was that he was sure he should have been dead after the Bandit attack. Slowly he looked around, seeing the great claw first. He followed it around to the leg, then up to the body, then onto the face of the Great Dragon, his eyes went wide in fear.
"You have no reason to fear me" said the Dragon, watching him.
"What… what do you want of me?" asked Thomas, eyes still wide.
"You are traveling to Camelot, in search of work" the Great Dragon said. Thomas nodded. "Good and to Camelot you will go. For your destiny lies there in the time to come"
"Destiny? I'm nothing, what possible destiny could I have?" asked Thomas.
"Thomas, everyone, from the greatest warriors to the lowest peasant has a destiny, you have yet to learn this truth" the Dragon said, watching the small human before him.
"Then.. what do you want of me?"
"A time of great upheaval is coming to Camelot, enemies will be made, battles hard fought, some will be won, some will be lost. You Thomas Costa are my second choice to aid Camelot" explained the Dragon.
"How could I possible aid Camelot?" Thomas muttered.
"You have gifts, talents that will be much needed. I have healed your wounds as best I can, I will return you to the forest outside Camelot, and you will go from there"
"what do I do when I'm there?"
"You will seek out a young boy, his name is Merlin, he will guide you, and in turn you will guide him" the Great Dragon explained.
"How will I know him?" asked Thomas.
"You will meet in time"
"And what do I say to him?"
"Tell him I sent you"
Merlin tossed and turned, gripped in a nightmare, sweat on his brow. Fists clenched, he gripped the sheets tightly. Suddenly he sat up, eyes wide, breathing heavily. A moment later his door opened and Gaius entered the room.
"the nightmares again?" asked the old physician. Merlin nodded.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to wake you" Merlin said. Gaius smiled as he sat on the edge of Merlin's bed.
"These, nightmares, they are that bad?" asked Gaius. Merlin nodded.
"Yes. Vivid, but blurry at the same time, I can't explain it" he said. Gaius nodded.
"Why are these happening now?" asked Merlin.
"I don't know, the potion did not help you?" asked Gaius. Merlin shook his head softly. Gaius put the back of his hand against Merlin's forehead.
"Well you're not hot, that's a good sign" he said. Slowly he stood up.
"What did you see, from what you can remember?" asked Gaius.
"Blood. My blood, Arthur watching something happen to me, you standing by, then I saw Odin, he was angry, very angry.. then creatures, hundreds of them. In the castle" he said.
"Strange" muttered Gaius.
"These… these aren't prophetic dreams? Are they?" asked Merlin suddenly. Gaius raised an eyebrow at him.
"Like the ones Morgana used to have?"
"Yes"
"Merlin, I would like to say no, but, your power, like you is growing, who is to say how it will develop?" Gaius replied.
"That's what scares me" said Merlin. Looking very alone and small. Gaius pulled him into a hug.
"Merlin, just remember, whatever happens, we are here for you" he said soothingly. Merlin nodded. "Come, try to get some rest, it'll be dawn in a few hours"
Thomas watched as the Great Dragon flew off into the slowly lightening sky. Not far, in the distance, he could make out the gates of Camelot. By the time he had reached them, dawn had broken and the city was waking. He stopped at a few stalls in the market place as he made his way up hill, until the stalls thinned out, and he eventually found himself at the gates to the castle. Guards were posted everywhere it seemed.
"excuse me" said a soft voice next to him. Thomas jumped and turned to see a woman standing there. She smiled and gestured behind him. Thomas turned and saw a water pump just behind him.
"I'm so sorry" he said stepping aside. The woman smiled again and began to fill a bucket.
"You're new here?" the woman asked.
"Yes, I've come to Camelot to look for work" Thomas told her.
"Well, welcome to Camelot" she replied, picking up the buckets.
"Here, let me help" Thomas said, taking one of the buckets.
"No, its no bother, I've been doing this for years"
"I insist, I'll walk you at least to the castle steps" he said. The woman considered for a moment then nodded, handing him a bucket.
"Gwen" she told him. He smiled.
"Thomas" he replied.
"so you're here looking for work?" she asked as they began to walk.
"Yes, I come from the village of Sutton" he told her.
"Sutton?"
"It's not a large village, thirty people, a few houses" he explained.
"ahh, so you left to come here?"
"Yes, My father is ill, my sister spends her days looking after him, while my mother toils the fields.. I hope to find some way to make a little coin that I can send back to support them" he said.
"I see, well, I hope you find something" Gwen replied as they reached the steps, and took the bucket from him.
"Thank you Gwen" he replied, as she walked up the steps, he turned away from the castle and began to walk back down towards the gates, maybe the Tavern would have some work going, he thought.
"Thomas, wait!" Gwen suddenly called out. He turned to face her, a quizzical look on his face.
"Give me five minutes" she said.
"okay" he replied.
"He's here looking for work, just to send some coin to his family" Gwen said. Arthur looked up at her.
"Gwen, as much as the man's plight moves me, I can't just give work to everyone who turns up" Arthur said.
"I know, but, at least speak to him" she pleaded.
"Gwen…"
"Please"
Arthur let out a slow sigh and rolled his eyes. "bring him in"
"Thank you" she said, smiling.
Thomas was looking up at the castle again, marvelling at its beauty, when he saw Gwen emerge from the entrance, his hand moved to his stomach where a scar still showed under his tunic from his recent encounter.
"sorry, Please, if you'll enter, the king will see you" she said. Thomas's eyes went wide.
"The king? The king is seeing me?" he asked.
"Yes, the king"
"King Arthur?"
Gwen chuckled. "Yes, King Arthur" she clarified.
"But… I'm not dressed to meet him" he said. Gwen actually laughed. "Do you have any other clothes?" she asked.
"No" he admitted.
"then we'll have to make do, now come on" Gwen said, leading him up the steps. Thomas seemed to grow very nervous as they moved through the halls, until eventually they arrived at the audience chamber. A guard stood on either side of the door, looking ahead. As Gwen stepped forwards, they opened the massive doors. Gwen entered, Thomas a moment behind her. He was aware of the knights watching him from the sides of the room, At the front of the room was a young, blond haired man, watching them walk forwards.
Arthur watched as the man knelt before him.
"My name is Thomas Costa, I have come seeking work in Camelot" the man said, kneeling in front of Arthur, his clothes were torn in some places, his hair in disarray, but his tone was one of pure respect. Arthur stood and stepped forwards.
"Welcome to Camelot, so it is work you seek?" Arthur asked.
"Yes my liege, I am from a village on the outskirts of Camelot, we are not a rich village, but we do what we can" Thomas said.
"The village of Sutton"
"Yes my liege" Thomas replied.
"Oh, sorry, please stand" Arthur suddenly said. Thomas did so, and Arthur could see how nervous the man was.
"You have skills?" asked Arthur. Thomas nodded.
"In my village, I was one of the defenders, I also cared for the horses, and helped gather the crops"
"I see"
"It's not an impressive resume I admit" Thomas said. Arthur nodded at him.
"I make you nervous?" he asked. Thomas blinked.
"My liege, when I came here, I did not expect to see you, unless at a distance, this is more than I imagined" he replied.
"I see" replied Arthur, before turning away. "I have no need of defenders, or stablemen or crop keepers" he said sitting back down.
"I understand my liege" Said Thomas bowing. "It has been an honour to meet you" he added, as he backed away. As he reached the doors he turned.
"Wait" Arthur called after him. Thomas turned back.
"My liege?" he asked, wondering if he had broken some form of royal etiquette.
"Can you train horses?" asked Arthur.
"Yes my liege" Thomas replied.
"Very well, report to the stables, there is a particularly nasty horse there, that none of us have tamed, you have a go"
"Of course my liege" said Thomas bowing.
"Gwen, if you can take him to the stables?" asked Arthur.
"Of course" Gwen said, before leading Thomas out. A few moments after they left Arthur looked at the knights.
"So, shall we see how it goes?" he asked.
As Gwen lead Thomas away from the audience chamber, Thomas let out a long slow breath.
"Thank you Gwen" he said.
"Don't think of it" she replied, ducking out of the way as a young man ran past, towards the audience chamber, before he skidded to a halt.
"Is Arthur in there?" he asked.
"Yes, well he was, you'd better hurry though" she told him.
"He's going to have my guts for being late again" the man replied.
"You can handle him, you have been for years" Gwen replied.
"That was before he was king"
"Arthur will always be Arthur" Gwen said with a smile.
"I can handle him" said the boy, returning the smile, before he turned and ran off, as did Gwen and Thomas.
"Sorry, he can handle the king?" asked Thomas as they walked.
"He's the kings servant boy, he was Arthur's serving boy when he was just a prince" explained Gwen. "To be honest, He's the best thing that happened to the king, and though neither of them will admit it, they care for each other and would willing die for each other"
"He would die for a serving boy?" asked Thomas.
"Yes, its one of the things we all love about him, his ability to put even complete strangers at ease" said Gwen, leading him to the stables.
"I'll see you later, good luck Thomas"
"Thank you Gwen" he replied.
The stable was empty, with the exception of one chestnut coloured horse. Thomas picked up the saddle, and then untied the horse, leading it out of the stable. He was fastening the saddle to it when he noticed the King and the others watching. Taking a deep breath he calmed his nerves and stoked the Horse's main. It snorted as he did so. Slowly Thomas mounted the horse, and got secure, the horse had not moved. He frowned then dug his heels in, and the horse gave up the pretence of being docile and shot forwards into an immediate gallop. Thomas gripped on for dear life. He rode past the king and his knights who were laughing, and Gwen who looked scared to hell. Thomas pulled back on the reigns, the horse was having none of it. Thomas thanked the fates he hadn't come off it yet, which is when he noticed the low level branch coming up.
"Funs over he snarled and pulled the horse to the left, it carried on for a few more feet, then abruptly turned left, following his movements. Thomas pulled back on the reigns.
"Easy now big fella" he said to it. The Horse snorted, but amazingly it began to slow.
"Good boy" he said stroking its main, as it slowed even further, before moving to a leisurely trot. Thomas smiled to himself as he brought the horse to a stop in front of the king. An open mouthed king. Gwen was beaming, and beside her, the strange boy from earlier, also looking on in awe.
"How…?" Arthur said.
"Discipline" Thomas said. "This is a proud animal, Sire, it will not be easily rode, but it can be"
"Okay, I'm impressed" said Arthur.
"they're easier to train from birth, and they're like people in a way that they get to know those who ride them, and in turn you learn the horses various abilities, so in a sense they train you" Thomas said.
"This horse, has defied any sort of training" said one of the knights, still mildly awed.
"And it's not, not totally, the trick is to use the horses abilities against it" Thomas said sliding off the saddle, stroking the horse's main again. "It all comes down to Discipline, as I said" Thomas began then stopped, realising to whom he was talking. "Forgive me my lord, I lost myself for a moment there"
"No need to apologies. Very well Thomas, You are now the official royal trainer" said Arthur. Thomas gaped at him, then bowed.
"The honour is mine to serve my leige" he said. Suddenly he gripped his stomach and winced.
"Are you alright?" asked one of the knights.
"Yes my lord, it's just a small cut"
"Cut?" asked the boy.
"Why I was on the way here I was ambushed by Bandits, they took most of my possessions and killed my own horse" he said.
"Why didn't you say you were hurt?" demanded Arthur.
"It did not seem important sire" said Thomas.
"Well If I had known that I would not have had you riding around like that" Arthur replied. "Merlin, take him up to Gaius please" said Arthur.
"Of course" replied the boy. Thomas looked up and nodded.
"When your seen to, please come to the audience chamber" said Arthur.
"Yes sire" replied Thomas as he followed Merlin away.
"Gaius, you here?" asked Merlin walking into the physicians office.
"Just one moment" came the reply. Merlin looked up and saw Gaius on the small upper level, leafing through a book.
"Gaius, you have a patient" Merlin replied. Gaius looked down at Merlin and the other man standing with him.
"Oh, please forgive me" he said, walking down the stairs, and putting the book on the table, which Merlin started leafing through. "Gaius, Thomas, Thomas, Gaius" Merlin said absently.
"How can I help?" asked the old man.
"I'm sorry to intrude, I was attacked in the forest, Bandits I'm afraid, but they managed to cut me" Thomas explained. Gaius nodded.
"I see, we'll take off your shirt and we'll have a look" Gaius said. Thomas frowned.
"Surely that's not necessary"
"Well I can't treat the wound if I can't see it" Gaius pointed out. Thomas nodded.
"True" he replied as he pulled the shirt over his head. The fresh wound was plain to see on his stomach, but the large scar that went across his chest told another story, even though it was faded. Thomas appeared to be very self-conscious of it. Gaius instead just glanced at it then got to work.
"Merlin, pass me some dressings and water please" said Gaius. Merlin did so, and Gaius cleaned the wound.
"hmm. It looks bad, but it only appears to be superficial, its more painful than dangerous, still, we'll keep it clean and bandaged for the next few days, we don't want it getting infected" he said as he began to dress the wound. A few moments later, he turned and walked to the cabinet, looking over various bottles. Thomas turned his attention to Merlin.
"You.. you're Merlin?" asked Thomas, looking at the young man.
"Yes, sorry, do I know you?" asked Merlin
"No, but I was told to seek you out" Thomas replied.
"By who?" asked Merlin. Thomas looked over to Gaius, who was still busy at the shelves.
"When I was attacked, I thought I was going to die, but I was saved, he told me to find you, the Great Dragon" Thomas said.
"you've seen him?" asked Merlin.
"Yes, he said something about my destiny having something to do with you" Thomas explained with a shrug.
"Ahh, Merlin, please can you sort the shelves out like I asked you to" Said Gaius turning around.
"Sorry, I'll do it tonight, Promise" Said Merlin.
"Yes, well see that you do, now you'd best go, before Arthur sends out his knights on a man hunt"
"He'd just love that" replied Merlin, he looked over at Thomas. "Maybe we can talk later" he said.
"Of course, its good to meet you" Thomas replied, a moment later Merlin was gone.
"Here, this should keep the pain to a tolerable level while the wound heals" said Gaius handing Thomas a vial. Thomas put it on the table and pulled his tunic back on.
"Thank you Gaius" said Thomas. Gaius nodded.
"Come see me tomorrow, and I'll change the dressing" said Gaius.
"Of course" Thomas turned to go.
"Just one question" said Gaius. Thomas turned back.
"Of course"
"Did the Great Dragon explain how Merlin was so special?" he asked. Thomas chided himself, then blinked.
"You know of the Dragon?"
"Of course I do, I've spoken to it myself" Gaius said.
"I see. But no, it did not, it simply said I would find out in due course" Thomas replied.
"That sounds like him alright" said Gaius.
"Beg your pardon?" asked Thomas.
"Never mind, please come by when you are able, and we can see what the Dragon was talking about" said Gaius.
"ahh Thomas, hope your feeling well" said Arthur as Thomas entered the Audience chamber a grin on his face. Merlin was standing next to him, also grinning.
"Yes, thank you my Leige" replied Thomas.
"Please, sit" said Arthur gesturing to a chair at the side of the room. Thomas did so.
"So tell me of Sutton, I heard that a great battle took place there eight years ago"
"Yes my liege, I remember it well" said Thomas.
"May I ask what it was about?" asked Arthur. "My father never told me"
"It began one summer, it had been a bad harvest, and the crops had mostly failed. Then one day a man appeared, arrogant, demanding. He demanded our crops for his own use, and promised punishment if the village did not accede to his demands" Thomas sighed, "We, of course, refused, and the man went away. Two weeks after that the dead rose and marched on the village. We did not realise we had encountered the necromancer, Sondra" Thomas explained.
"I've heard of him" said Arthur quietly.
"Yes, he was relentless in his attacks, we sent word to Camelot, and your Father rode out with his troops. It took four days, but eventually we beat him back, and Uther eventually killed him. It was only after the battle that he discovered that Sondra had planned to use the resources he was stockpiling to march on Camelot. I remember Uther talking to our villagers, telling them how proud he was that we who had no training, had helped defend Camelot and its ideals" Thomas said. Then he smiled, but it was a sad one. "At least that's what I was told"
"You weren't there?" asked Merlin.
"Oh I was there, but I was one of three people on guard duty the night after the king came, when the risen attacked, we fought them, but we're outnumbered, one of the other guards sounded the warning alarm, but I was badly hurt" he looked over at Merlin. "That's the scar on my chest" he said. "When I finally pulled through it was over, we had won" he shrugged. "I'm sorry my liege, it's not much of a story" he said. Arthur shook his head.
"I'm sorry, it sounds like a painful memory for you, I should not have asked" Arthur replied.
"Its nothing to be ashamed of, but it was during the battle that my father was also badly injured, left paralysed, which is what led me to train in the sword"
"You are a fighter?" asked Arthur.
"Only in defence, never for revenge or personal gain, I became one my villages defenders, but I never took a life unless necessary"
"That's sounds lenient" said Arthur.
"My father told me long ago that to kill for revenge makes you no better than the other person, I live by those words, my own personal code of honour"
"And the bandits?" asked Arthur.
"I killed two, but only after they attacked me" Thomas said. Arthur nodded then smiled.
"So, tell me then, how you also became a horse trainer?" Thomas smiled.
"I love horses…" he replied.
It was late into the night when Arthur finally stood, he had dismissed Merlin a few hours earlier. Thomas stood as well and bowed.
"I've had a room made available for you in the lower wing, it's not a lot, but it's a bed" Arthur said.
"Thank you my liege" replied Thomas as he followed Arthur out.
"Good night" Thomas.
"Thank you" said Thomas suddenly. Arthur turned to him and frowned.
"Whatever for?" asked Arthur.
"For taking the time to make me feel welcome" said Thomas. Arthur smiled.
"You are one of the most sincere people I have met, humble, respectful, yet proud and brave, those are excellent traits, maybe one day, you may find yourself proving yourself against me in battle"
"I am well trained my lord, but it is self taught, I would not stand a chance" Thomas replied. Suddenly a loud scream echoed along the corridor. Both men broke into a run, the two guards on the door with them. Running up the stairs, they found Gwen outside her room, sobbing on the floor.
"Gwen?" asked Arthur concerned.
"In my room, a shadow, but its face…" she said. Thomas opened the door and pulled his sword from its holster, stepping into the room he looked around, Arthur just behind him.
"There's nothing here now" said Arthur looking back at Gwen. Thomas moved to the window and looked out, suddenly he frowned and pulled his hand away from the stone.
"This stone, is sticky" he said.
"So who is he really?" asked Merlin, looking up at the great Dragon.
"Exactly who he appears to be young warlock"
"So you did send him to find me"
"Indeed, But you must take heed, young Warlock, for the days ahead will be fraught with Danger, A terrible time is approaching Camelot, and you will need all the allies you can find, Thomas is but one such ally. But he must prove it to himself before he believes it" The Great Dragon explained.
"What terrible time?"
"You will know in time Merlin" said the Dragon, taking flight. Merlin watched it as it flew into the darkness.
"Why can you never give me a straight answer!" he called after it. The Great Dragon did not reply. "Great, more questions" Merlin muttered sarcastically.
"This is not water, in fact I'm not sure what it is" said Gaius, examining the window in Gwen's chamber.
"It goes from inside the room to outside" said Arthur sitting with Gwen.
"indeed" Gaius said, frowning. "You realise no natural creature could do this" he added. "I'll need to consult my texts, I'll start as soon as I am back in my chamber" he offered.
"Thank you Gaius"
"My lord" he said with a bow, passing Thomas and Merlin as they came back in.
"Gwen?" asked Merlin concerned.
"I'm fine, just got a little scared is all" she said.
"I couldn't make out much in the light, but there wasn't any of the, whatever that stuff is on the ground outside" said Thomas, looking at Arthur. Arthur nodded.
"So its either flown away, or.."
"It's still here" muttered Gwen, looking concerned again.
"Try and get some sleep Gwen, I'll go look in the lower levels" said Arthur, I'll leave the guards outside, just in case" he said.
"Of course" she replied, a moment later the men left her chamber. Arthur walked a few paces before he realised that Merlin and Thomas were both with him. The three of them remained silent as they went down to the lower level, torches flicked in the darkness, casting shadows that danced on the walls and floor.
"You know, I never realised how creepy this place is at night" muttered Merlin quietly. Arthur looked over at him and shook his head.
"shush" he replied quietly, as he led them on.
They moved slowly past the audience chamber doors, which we're still open. Arthur paused then gestured for them to go in. They did so, and cautiously moved around the room, it was empty, save for the goblets and plates of finished food still left on the table. Merlin turned back to the door and gasped, Arthur and Thomas turning to follow his gaze. A showed marred the doorway, simply standing there, however, from the lighting in the room, and the position of the others, Arthur knew that nothing could be casting it.
"What is that?" asked Arthur quietly.
"I have no idea" replied Merlin. Beside him, Thomas shook his head. They stared at the creature for what seemed eternity, it flicked softly, from time to time, but otherwise remained unmoving.
"Well, this is bracing" Arthur muttered at length.
"A trick of the light?" asked Thomas. As if in response the shadow suddenly went into motion, entering the room, it floated forwards, towards the three men.
"Back up" order Arthur, drawing his sword, Thomas doing the same. Merlin looked for a weapon, and picked up one of the empty plates.
"You two have the swords" he said, at Arthur's expression. Arthur shook his head as the creature carried on moving.
"I am Arthur, Crown King of Camelot, I demand to know why you are intruding" Arthur called out. The shadow stopped, then seemed to turn, looking from Arthur, to Merlin, then to Thomas.
"Well?" demanded Arthur. The shadow suddenly stopped moving, it's position showing that if it had a face, it would have been looking at Merlin. Merlin stepped back, clutching the plate. The shadow began to ripple, and then its face appeared. A rotting hag's head, with red, bloodshot eyes. The skin far too taunt across a skull that was far too prominent. The creature opened its mouth suddenly and then let out an almighty scream. It moved its head around the room, as it did so, the sound throwing Arthur and Thomas back. They landed with a thud on the hard floor, and immediately picked themselves up, but the creature had no further interest in them, its gaze was focused solely on Merlin. It advanced quickly and picked him up by the scruff of his neck, its eyes boring into Merlin's as their gazes locked. Merlin struggled in its grip, but as the eyes of the creature began to glow, he felt himself suddenly becoming very tired. Tendrils of magical energy slowly snaked from the creatures open mouth, wrapping them around Merlin's body.
"Get the hell away from him" The creature's concentration broken, it snapped its head around to glare at Arthur, when suddenly, from behind it, a sword whipped around, cutting through its middle, from behind it, Thomas smiled, but it faded quickly. The creature dropped Merlin, who landed roughly on the floor, but the wound Thomas had inflected filled itself again, and the creature was totally unharmed. It growled at them, then in a whirl of motion, vanished. Arthur dropped to his knees, helping a coughing Merlin to sit up. Arthur looked up at Thomas, who was scanning the room again, sword ready.
"You saw that thing right?" asked Arthur. Thomas looked down at him and nodded.
Morning came to Camelot, with a sense of relief. Word had quickly gotten around the castle of what had happened the night before, and no one was at ease. Gwen was still shaking as she took a sip of water that Arthur had passed to her. They were seated in the audience chamber, her, Arthur, Merlin, Gaius, Thomas and the rest of the knights of Camelot.
"And Thomas did cut it, in half actually" Arthur explained to the others assembled.
"Maybe you we're mistaken? Perhaps he just grazed it?" offered Gaius. Arthur shook his head.
"No, the sword went right through it Gaius" Arthur was adamant.
"Do we have any idea of what it is?" asked Thomas.
"Well I have looked into it this morning" said Gaius. He looked around the assembled. "there are many folktales which relate to the woman of shadows, or the woman who hides in the shadows" he said.
"This woman who hides in the shadows, is she a threat?" asked Arthur. Gaius cleared his throat and nodded.
"Sire, I have scoured many pieces of literature, and there is no mistake, it is a Banshee" Gaius said.
"A Banshee?" asked Gwaine.
"Yes. They're a rare form of sprit that use the life energy of the living to sustain their own. But although the tales are many, they are very contradictory. In some, the Banshee is the vengeful sprit of a wronged woman, who seeks revenge for some crime committed to them in life, in others they are simply misguided fae creatures that have lost their way, and in even others, they are the sprits of nature, said to appear when the balance of nature is upset." He explained. Merlin felt his heart skip a beat at those words.
"This drought is of natural origin, and it must have a natural end to it"
"And if it does not?"
"That, young Warlock, I cannot answer" The words of the Great Dragon floated into Merlin's mind, he shook his head, pushing the thought aside as Gaius spoke again.
"But I did turn up one interesting thing" he said.
"Go on" said Arthur.
"There are two things the majority of the folktales do agree on, one is that a Banshee is a resident of the veil, much like the Drocha"
"So when the veil was opened on the Isle of the blessed, its possible it released this creature too?" asked Gwen.
"Yes" replied Gaius.
"And the second thing?" asked Arthur.
"Sire, they select a mortal at will, and pursue that mortal until they have sated their thirst. You will remember the drought?" asked Gaius.
"What does that have to do with anything?" asked Arthur.
"Sire, these creatures literally suck the life out of people, including the moisture in their bodies" he admitted.
"Oh wonderful" muttered Arthur.
"What? I don't get it" said Merlin.
"The people who died of thirst during the drought, Gaius, are you telling me some of these may have been victims of this creature?" asked Arthur.
"Yes my lord. I was remiss in my duty's I simply choose the most logical explanation at the time" Gaius said. Arthur held up his hand.
"No, you are not to blame Gaius, it would have been the perfect feeding ground, we did not know about this creature then"
"So, can it be killed?" asked Thomas. Gaius shrugged.
"In the folktales I have read, it has never been done" Gaius admitted quietly. Arthur sighed and stood up, the others watching him.
"So, the question remains. If this creature, this Banshee is so powerful, why is it trying to kill Merlin?" asked Arthur. Gaius looked at him, then at Thomas.
"I have no idea. But if he is to survive, he will need help" Gaius replied finally.
"Should I be worried now?" asked Merlin, trying to lighten the mood, it failed.
"But it went after me first" said Gwen, looking up.
"True, but it physically attacked Merlin" said Arthur.
"Is there not someway to make sure it stays in solid form when it next attacks?" asked Thomas suddenly.
"What would that do?" asked Gwaine from behind him.
"Well the sword did cause it injury, perhaps if it were in a.. physical form long enough its wounds would become fatal"
"Nothing I can create would be able to do that, you would need powerful magic" said Gaius. Arthur shot him a look and Gaius lowered his head. Merlin put his head down on the table.
"I'm going to die" he said in a little sing song.
"No, there has to be a way" said Arthur, looking around. The room went silent as everyone looked at each other. Finally Gaius spoke up.
"Sire, many years ago, I did practice sorcery, as you'll recall" said Gaius.
"We are not using magic Gaius, that's the end of it"
"I understand" Gaius said slowly.
"Well, there's not much else to be done at this point, save to make sure Merlin is guarded at all times" said Arthur.
"I will go back to the books sire, see if I can find something of use" Gaius said, bowing before leaving the room.
Dusk had settled across the kingdom, torches we're lit in the castle and the night watch took their positions. In his chambers, Gaius had several books open, pouring over the information, looking for something, anything, that might help. He glanced up briefly as the door opened and Gwen entered.
"Gwen?" he asked in greeting. Gwen smiled and put a plate of food on the table.
"I thought you might be hungry" she said, "you've probably been pouring over those books all day" she added. Gaius nodded and sat back, wincing as his back gave a little protest after being hunched over the table for so long.
"Indeed, thank you Gwen" he said with a smile. He took a bite of the bread and looked back at the books.
"Have you found anything yet?" asked Gwen. Gaius shrugged and shook his head.
"It's all a contradiction, as I said. The Banshee has never been killed" he told her.
"How is he?" asked Gwen, looking towards Merlin's room. Gaius, stifled a yawn, rubbing his eyes.
"Asleep, Arthur is with him at the moment"
"that is quite a bond they have" admitted Gwen. "Who would have believed it"
"Yes" Gaius said, smiling. Then suddenly he frowned and looked back at the book.
"Gaius?" asked Gwen.
"Bond.. bond… Where is it?" he muttered, he closed one book then picked up another, scanning down that, then picked up a third. "Ahh! Gwen! Your brilliant!" said Gaius.
"I am?" she asked utterly confused.
"Yes, I've been so blind.. listen to this!" he said sounding almost joyful. "For the Woman's gaze is her ultimate weapon, no man can resist, no life can survive, save those who would take place. For the brother must stand in his place and banish the evil" Gaius read aloud. Gwen looked at him and blinked.
"You don't see?" asked Gaius.
"No.. not really" replied Gwen. Gaius smiled.
"It's really quite simple. If we cannot kill the creature, we must banish it, When it attacks Merlin, someone must stand between them" he explained. "It should, in theory, banish the creature back to the veil" he added.
"Arthur?" said Gwen.
"Yes!"
"Merlin's Brother?"
"Yes!"
"No."
"YES!" Gaius jumped to his feet, knocking over several books and the chair. He looked down at them, and frowned.
"I'll pick them up later" he muttered. Gwen blinked a couple of times, then shook her head as Gaius went to Merlin's room.
"You're sure this will work?" asked Arthur, looking at Gaius.
"It's the only thing I've managed to come up with" admitted Gaius.
"Arthur, you can't" Merlin said, looking between them.
"Merlin, if this thing comes back then we need to do something" said Athur.
"I won't let you do this, it's too dangerous, besides I'm just a serving boy" Merlin protested.
"Merlin if we don't stop this thing now, then there's no telling who will be next" Arthur protested. "Besides, I owe you" he added softly.
"Don't be a dollophead" Merlin said. "You don't owe me anything"
"Well you stop being a prat!" Arthur yelled back.
"Arthur, servants like me are far and wide, but there is only one king!" Merlin protested.
"Then who do you want with you?" demanded Arthur.
"No one, I don't want anyone put in danger because of me" Merlin protested. Arthur sighed and looked at Gaius.
"Would you give us a moment please" he said. Gaius bowed and left the room, closing the door.
"What's happening in there?" asked Gwen looking up.
"They're having a discussion" replied Gaius diplomatically. A moment later there was a crash from the bed room. Gaius blinked. "Or possibly a fight" he said sheepishly.
Merlin looked down at the remains of his chair where Arthur, in a fit of anger had kicked it, breaking it in the process.
"Feel better now?" asked Merlin quietly. Arthur turned to face him, Merlin could tell from the look he gave that Arthur was royally ticked off.
"Why are you fighting this so damned hard?" demanded Arthur.
"Because you're the king" Merlin replied.
"Merlin, you have to know, I do this for the defence of Camelot, we can't allow that creature to roam around, killing at leisure" Arthur said, slumping down onto the bed. "besides, I'm not about to let anything happen to you" he admitted. Merlin blinked and looked over at him.
"Sorry?"
"Merlin, you have to understand that despite all the hard times I give you, you are the best friend I have ever had. You keep me on an even keel, you make me laugh when I'm sad, you're wise beyond your years sometimes, and other times, so obnoxiously annoying, that I don't know whether to hit you or hug you" he continued.
"I thought I was just a manservant" said Merlin.
"No. you haven't been that for a long time" said Arthur. He fell silent for a moment.
"You remember the first time we met?" he asked.
"Target practice with a moving target" Merlin said.
"Yes, and you had the audacity to tell me that I was going over the top. I remember thinking who the hell were you to speak to me like that"
"I didn't know who you were at the time" admitted Merlin.
"No.. but then you found out and you insulted me again!" Arthur said.
"Yeah. I was a glutton for punishment" Merlin said.
"And you know something, at the time I was livid.. but then I realised.. I actually enjoyed it. Everyone was all, yes sire, of course sire, and then there was you, treating me like a normal person. You brought me a touch of perspective, and that's when I knew we'd be good friends" Arthur told him. Merlin looked at him, with a smile.
"Actually I thought you would have told your father and have me executed" Merlin admitted, his smile becoming a grin. Arthur chuckled as well, and it died down.
"So you see, why I need to do this" said Arthur at length. Merlin sighed.
"I understand, I don't agree, but I understand" Merlin said softly, as he stood.
"You're ready?" asked Arthur.
"Yes, but if you die, I want you to promise you're not going to haunt me for the rest of my life" Merlin told him.
Gaius and Gwen looked up as the door to Merlin's room opened and Arthur walked out, followed by Merlin.
"what do we have to do?" asked Arthur. Gaius grinned.
The audience chamber was quiet, again Arthur, Merlin and Thomas stood in it, watching the door. It had been hours since they had got there, and the quietness now, was beginning to grate. The plan was simple, They would let the Banshee attack Merlin, and when it began to feed, Arthur would step in, if anything went wrong then Thomas would attack it much as he had before. Thomas's presence had been Gwen's idea, and neither man could fault the logic. So now the three waited.
"Bored now" muttered Arthur, looking at the door.
"Maybe its left?" suggested Thomas. Arthur looked at him.
"We can hope" he agreed.
"It's not left" said Merlin slowly, looking at the door. And there it was, floating there, its shadowy form rippling in the little light there was.
"Everyone ready?" asked Arthur.
"Yes my liege" replied Thomas.
"not really" said Merlin with a forced smile as the banshee entered the room. As before the shadow began to solidify, become the hags face. This time no one moved towards it. It floated over to Merlin, its lips forming into a foul grimace as it picked him up.
"Wait" whispered Arthur as Thomas readied his sword. The Banshee looked at them, then back at Merlin, and its eyes began to glow. The magical tendrils moving out around him. As soon as they touched him, Merlin gasped.
"NOW!" yelled Arthur leaping in front of Merlin. The tendrils of magic now touched Arthur instead, whipping around his body. Arthur froze in place, but so did the Banshee. Its grimace became one of pure rage, but the damage had been done, try as it might, it could not let go of Arthur. Its grip released Merlin who fell to the floor and looked up.
"Why isn't it vanishing?" asked Thomas, running over.
"I don't know" Merlin said. He looked up at Thomas, and then at Arthur who was now shaking.
"Luminos Mortre, Salla Est, Kantu" Merlin whispered, his eyes glowed briefly and the Banshee dropped Arthur, who landed on his knees. It glared at Merlin then frowned, a frown that fell to the floor with the head of the creature as Thomas sliced through the creatures neck. The scream that followed shook the walls of the castle, as the Banshee's body began to wither away in front of the three men. At the door, the guards, Gaius and Gwen rushed in, watching in silence as the creature's remaining flesh stripped away, leaving an inhuman skeleton, then the bones too, turned to dust. Arthur blinked then sneezed.
"Banshee ash.. that can't be good" he muttered.
"You killed it?" said Gaius.
"Yes. Well Thomas did" said Merlin.
"Something went wrong, it took Arthur like it was meant to, but it didn't vanish, it became solid" said Thomas, looking at Merlin. Arthur stood up and looked at the group then down at the remains.
"Someone clean this up" he said.
"Does Arthur know?" asked Thomas as they sat in Merlin's bed chamber. It was light out, but no one had really slept after the nights events.
"Know what?" asked Merlin.
"You know.. The magic" Thomas said quietly. Merlin closed his eyes and sighed.
"I take that as a no then" replied Thomas. Merlin shook his head.
"And he can't know, not ever" Merlin replied. Thomas nodded and patted Merlin on the shoulder.
"And he won't, not from me" Thomas told him.
"Thank you" Merlin replied.
"Well the Dragon did tell me, I'd find out what was so special about you eventually, Maybe just telling me would have been a safer bet" Thomas said with a grin.
"believe me, you'll never get a straight answer off that one" Merlin said also smiling. Thomas nodded and stood.
"I guess, I should go get ready for my first proper day of work" he said. Merlin nodded and watched as Thomas walked out. As he laid back on his cot, he let a smile spread across his face. Life wasn't all bad, he thought to himself…
3/12
MERLIN
Mind Leech
"For the sins of the father, the son must pay" the first woman intoned, waving a strong smelling incense ball through the air. Beside her, the second woman spoke up.
"For the sins of the Son, the city must pay" she intoned, holding a large human leg bone, snapping it in half like a twig, beside her the final woman spoke up.
"For the sins of all… Camelot must pay"
"Merlin, this is a meeting of the knights of the realm, and last time I checked, you weren't even close to being a knight" Arthur said, oblivious as to how much the words had stung
Thomas felt bile rising in this throat as the royal executioner, a man clad in a hooded black mask pulled back the whip and struck again, causing Merlin to cry in pain. Thomas looked away, for something he could use to help the young wizard. There was nothing, but he did notice Sir Gwaine, looking over at him, his face saying he was as sickened as Thomas. Slowly he made his way over to him.
"What did he do?" asked Thomas. Gwaine shook his head, whispering.
"Nothing to warrant this" Gwaine told him. "This is sickening to watch" he added.
"I thought the king was fond of him?" said Thomas. Gwaine nodded.
"Ecta, Razani, toug Ta'la Decia" the woman holding the leech intoned.
"Mind Leech" they said as one, when they opened their eyes, the bones and the smoke from the incense was gone. Above them something let out a roar.
