Merlin was dreaming.
"Keep scrubbing," Merlin heard himself say. He minced across his chamber and sprinkled a little dirt from a small sack in his hand. "Oh … I think you missed a spot."
Prince Arthur shot his manservant a dirty look, lips firmly pressed together.
"I will say though, it's a good thing you're a knight Arthur."
"And why is that?" The Pendragon grumbled.
"Well," Merlin paused, sprinkling more dirt. "You've got good arms for scrubbing. You could do the leech tank."
"MERLIN!" Merlin started awake. He was sprawled on a soapy floor. An angry prince stood over him.
