Sorry this took a while to put up guys, I've had not inspiration until now. I think it may be my cat. Every time he comes and sits on me I am suddenly struck with ideas. Thank you so much to all those who have made this story a favourite or are following me! Enjoy, hopefully :)
The Good King, The Great Dragon, and The Guilty Witch
The King and Queen, their most trusted Knights and council elders sat discussing something about taxes, outlying village's population and crop growth and impending peace meetings with other kingdoms. Merlin stood dutifully behind Arthur off to the side. She had to stop herself once or twice from yawning and rocking on her heels in boredom. 'When would these old geezers learn that their young King had newer better ways of leading the Kingdom?'
Yes, leading not ruling, as how Merlin would describe how Arthur governed his Kingdom because although for all intents and purposes 'ruling' was what a King did, that implied that Arthur controlled his subjects and allowed them no choice. Whereas leading, as he did, meant that the people respected and chose to follow their King willingly. This was because he was just and fair, unlike his Father and prior King, Uther. He showed compassion and wisdom, his actions not forced by fear or prejudice. No, King Arthur was truly becoming the King, Kilgharrah the Great dragon prophesied.
MMM
"Merlin… Merlin."
The young witch heard to mystical voice in her head summoning her. She resolutely decided to follow it, even though she didn't know who it was or where they were leading her, in the middle of the night of all times. She snuck out of Gaius chambers, knocking a jar over with a loud bang. He didn't wake however and as she crept out she magically pulled up her guardians blanket looking fondly at the old man.
She magically tricked the incompetent guards into leaving their post and grabbing a torch she walked down some large stairs, into a dark cave.
She heard laughing, but she was not scared. "Where are you?"
A large, no enormously big brownish red dragon flew onto a rock perch in front of her. Ok maybe she was a little disturbed now.
"I'm here! How small you are for such a great destiny." The dragon said in a deep rumbly voice.
"Why, what do you mean? What destiny?" Merlin questioned, baffled as to what a dragon wanted with her.
"Your gift was given to you for a reason."
"So there is a reason." She exclaimed, staring into the golden eyes –the colour her own was when she used magic – of this great beast.
"Arthur is the one and future King that will unite all of Albion.
"Right." Merlin said, unsure of where this was going.
"But he faces many threats from friend and foe alike." The old dragon, called Kilgharrah, proclaimed.
"I don't see what this has to do with me."
"Everything" Kilgharrah intoned, "Without you Arthur will never succeed. Without you Albion will never be born."
"No, you've gone this wrong." The young girl denied, shaking her head in refusal.
"There is not right or wrong. There is only what is or isn't"
"No, I'm serious. If anyone wants to kill him, go ahead. In fact I will give them a hand."
The dragon laughed. Did dragons have a sense of humor?
"None of us can choose our destiny Merlin, and none of us can escape it."
"No, no there must be another Arthur because this one's an idiot."
"Perhaps that is you destiny to change that." The dragon riddled, spreading his giant wings. He flew off, chain dragging behind him.
"Wait, wait! Stop, I need more to know more!" The young, inexperienced witch got no more information and whilst she had gained some answers she was leaving with even more questions.
MMM
"Look enough!" The King raised his voice over the elders trying to persuade the King towards their choice of political agenda. "I will not raise taxes for the small outskirt villages. Camelot and its people are in perfectly good health. There is no need to make such drastic changes, they will only upset what so far has been good and successful."
"But Sire, if times become more difficult…"
"Then we must remember that it will also may be harder for those people. If the time comes in which Camelot need to go to such measures to insure a future then we will reconsider the matter. However for now, the outlying villages are still part of Camelot and we will grant them the same justice and protection as any other of Camelot without further taxes."
"As you would wish, my Lord" The man with the grey short beard sat back and said no more on the matter. Gwen gave Arthur a small smile and rubbed his hand soothingly. He knew by that gesture that what he had decided was the right thing. Gwen always had a wise social conscience. Rather like his manservant Merlin, who was currently slightly rocking back and forth on his heels smiling like he had just spoken himself. Idiot.
"Alright, is there any other business to address?" Arthur inquired to the group.
"There have been reports of a large group of possibly dangerous bandits gathering in The Forest of Ascetir." Leon announced.
"Ok, well it is best that we send out a patrol tomorrow to discover what they are up to and if need be apprehend them." Arthur gazed around at his men, slightly communicating with them.
Merlin saw the glint in her Masters eyes. By sending out a patrol, he meant himself and the rest the other four Knights of the Round Table. Which meant in extent Merlin was going on a patrol to catch dangerous Bandits. Sigh.
MMM
"Did you see those old men, Merlin?" Arthur raged, as he stormed down to the training field, with Merlin in tow. "They think they can make my decisions for me."
Merlin knew why he was so angry. Agravaine before his exposal was influencing Arthur's decisions with his fell advice, plotting to bring Camelot's downfall; to the feet of Morgana.
"Sire, it has been a long time since anyone had believed that can control and sway you from your beliefs. You have grown to be a Great King since the disposal of Agravaine and the defeat of Morgana. The people have grown to respect you. Not because of your title but because of your just and fair leading. You have brought Camelot into a time of growing peace." Merlin both calmed and cheered Arthur.
"There you go again Merlin! If I didn't know better I might mistake you for a wise man." Arthur clapped Merlin hard on the back, as he would do to show affection towards his Knights. Merlin was not expecting this sudden display of rough affection, fell flat on her face. "And then you do something ridiculous and I remember myself." Arthur rolled his eyes, as the scrawny boy picked himself up. Despite Merlin's words, his face fell and become contemplative.
"Merlin."
"Mmmm," Merlin mumbled tightening Arthurs armour.
"Is it that easy to lie to me?"
"What?" Merlin panicked, what had he discovered?
"I just mean that everyone dear to me, as managed to deceive me in someway." Oh, indirect question, Merlin thought with relief.
"I just mean that my Father lied to me about many things. Then Morgana goes and turns out to have magic and be evil. My Uncle was a traitor and counselled with Morgana. Even Gwen betrayed me." Arthur said aggrieved.
"Well, at least you have me." Merlin joked, thinking she had the biggest secret. Not evil just not not secret.
"Hmmm, I dunno Merlin. You have a shifty look about you."
"I do?" Her voice went a little higher.
"What are you hiding? History tells that you as well, being close to me, must have a secret. A pet badger under your bed maybe?" He asked suspiciously.
"No, nothing Sire." Merlin assured him.
"Thought not, you're a terrible liar. You couldn't keep a secret if your life depended on it. I'm glad you can be trusted." The King voiced, abated.
Merlin felt bad. She was hiding not one but two big secrets, from him. Her gender as well as her magic. But for his own good she justified. Initially she had dressed as a boy so the journey from Ealdor would be easier and somewhat safer. But then she had met the most annoying prat ever, and a great dragon had told her to protect him and it was just easier to be that close to him if she was a boy. She hid her magic for obvious reasons, fear of being hated, betraying her friends trust, losing her head. Hurting Arthur. All very good reasons actually.
She still felt really guilty though, so she didn't complain at all when it felt like her arms were going to fall off after she and thankfully a shield had taken a heavy beating from Arthur's sword.
