Merlin's Mumbles

Chapter 4: Spilled Wine

I dare say I will ever forget that first day, it was troublesome staying focused and acting like someone I was not and worrying if Merlin was going to say the wrong thing. I could tell he was trying his hardest because there was a light sweat upon his brow and his jaw was tight. The greetings and the well wishes on the front steps of the castle went well but still I actually got even more nervous if it was possible, because Merlin who was in my body ordered me to show king Adelmound to his chambers and for a second I blanked, I had no idea which room I had prepared for him! But again in my time of need Merlin came thought.

"I think you will enjoy your quarters during your time here, they are one of the airiest rooms in the castle" He said and then looked at me. I think I audibly breathed a sigh of relief and bowed to the king and showed him to his chambers without any error.

"Will you be needing anything else my lord?" I asked before leaving.

"No, but I do have one question, are you the same Merlin who saved King Arthur from the sorceresses' revenge all those years ago? I heard Uther rewarded him with becoming his manservant."

"Ah, y, yes my lord I am."

"Hum, well you seemed to have made a good enough servant and a loyal one. I suppose you'll do. That is all you may go."

I bowed and left in a fog, I was trying to figure out what was just said to me! But when I did after closing the doors I was angry, he had just insulted Merlin, said "he would have to do"! Merlin was the best servant I had and am sure would ever have, and he had turned his nose up at him! Merlin might not be the most talented at actually being a trained servant but he had improved over the years and beside all I really care about is his loyalty and friendship, not that I would ever say it to him.

I really should stop myself or else I'll never get finished… I am still angry. That night at the feast was defiantly worse, It should have been easy, all I had to do was keep cups from running dry, just three of them, Gwen's Merlin's and that swine of a king! I stood by watching and listening to their conversation, I was mesmerized by how well Merlin was doing! He was surprisingly good at acting like someone else, acting like me! Even Gwen didn't seem to notice.

"I am glad to see your kingdom seems to be prospering considering the recent tragedy's that have fallen upon it." King Adelmund said

"Camelot is a strong kingdom and its people are strong. As you say we are a prosperous kingdom and that dose put us in a place of envy and many covet what we have, but we always overcome." Was Merlin's cool and calm response and I dare say pride could be heard in his voice.

I didn't know if he knew that Adelmound was actually testing him but so far he had seemed to be doing well. There were many similar things said and Merlin took them head on; I was beginning to get distracted at how well he pretended to be me! I honestly never knew he had it in him to keep a secret so well, but then again there was much pressure.

Standing for long periods of time without hardly moving makes your feet sore, or maybe Merlin was past due for a new pair of boots I can't say but just when I was thinking this King Adelmund lifted his cup a signal for me to fill it and as I was filling it he said, I can hardly repeat it…

"So this particular wench was just too good to let go I see Arthur. You seemed to have made a lovely queen for Camelot my lady."

And yes I spilled the pitcher and he was not happy about that, I did it on accident but really he deserved it and more! Somehow thinking back on this past week I can't believe I ever remember this man being this horrid! I remember not liking him too well in my youth but never hating him. And there must have been a fire in my eyes because as he was spouting all manners of insults and names for stupidity Merlin stood and took me aside where no one could hear.

"Arthur, now we can't let this fool ruin everything, don't blow our cover. His words are just words and that's all."
"I know I'm sorry I was just surprised, I didn't spill it all over him on purpose." I confessed.

"yeah well I'm glad you did either way, I know for a fact that that's not going to come clean and I'm an expert at getting out stains." He smirked. "You take the rest of the night off I can handle him, he must just be getting a bit drunk. Go see if Gaius has found anything out and if not help him we can't stay like this."

"Yeah you're telling me… "I then left and heard Merlin apologize for my clumsiness.