Only a few hours later Merlin found himself hauling a barrel up some stairs. Mordred kept silent inside as Merlin juggled the weight, swaying the large object and battering it as he forced it up the stairs. Merlin finally dragged it down the corridor to Morgana's chambers, sweating heavily and panting like an animal. Two maids passed him, eyeing the servant and barrel inquisitively. Merlin ignored them all, rapping loudly on the door to Morgana's room. Morgana appeared behind the door. 'Merlin, what are you doing here?'
'I have something for you.' Merlin said, issuing to the barrel behind him.
Morgana gave him a questioning look, 'What is it?'
Merlin kept his voice low, 'My lady it's from Arthur.'
'Alright then.' She conceded, still keeping her doubtful gaze on the object. Merlin ignored her, hauling the wooden mass into the room. He shut the door behind him, flicking the lid off the barrel. Morgana still stood there looking nervous, her fingers clenching her sleeve. Merlin reached inside the barrel helping the small boy out.
He turned to Morgana with the small boy stood silently in front of him. Morgana froze, staring wordlessly at the druid boy. Together they looked at each other, druid boy and the king's ward, all the love in Morgana's eyes filling the void between them.
'You're the boy Genevieve is using against the reaper!' Morgana exclaimed, her features lined with worry now. The lady stepped forward, hugging the boy close to her.
'The lady Morgana.' Mordred said plainly.
She beamed, holding him away slightly, looking into his face, 'you speak!'
Merlin smiled widely, watching Morgana and the druid together reminded him of how his mother looked at him; the bond he saw now was like that of a mother and child, maybe not as strong, but he knew Morgana would protect him with her life. 'Arthur suggested he stay with you until tomorrow; it's safer inside the castle, and we knew you'd want to see him.' Merlin interrupted.
Morgana stood, still keeping the druid boy close, 'Of course. Thank you for bringing him here Merlin, it means a lot to me.'
Merlin smiled, 'no problem.'
He turned to leave, but Morgana caught his sleeve, 'be careful tomorrow Merlin, I have a really bad feeling about this.'
Merlin sighed, 'I'm not sure anyone has a good feeling about this.'

* * *