Chapter 7
Sorry this is so short, I was going to write more but I don't have time so I have split it into two and the rest should be up in the next couple of days.
Merlin POV
Once Arthur had left I walked over to the armour. Fern and I stared at one another for a moment before we both gleefully declared, "Magic Time!" She raced out into the hallway to stand guard while I uttered a quick spell that resulted in instantly clean armour. I announced the all clear and she came back inside to prepare a quick afternoon snack. Walking up behind her I slipped my arms about her waist.
"Why did you look so shocked this morning, whats going on with Arthur?" I whispered. I felt her startle at the question and wondered at her reaction.
"Oh, its nothing really he just doesn't like me very much," she said smiling.
"Fern, why is it I feel your not telling me everything?" I asked. It was hard to believe that anyone could dislike her.
"You're just being silly," she said before turning to place a quick kiss on my lips. Taking my hand she picked up the basket of food and dragged me out the door. "Come on, do you want me to show you that new spell or not?" she asked. Walking faster I began to whistle cheerfully, I loved practising magic with Fern.
We walked deep into the forest and found our usual clearing that we used for magic practise. It was surrounded by thorns and hidden behind a dense screen of bush so it was a bit of a crawl to get in but the privacy was well worth it.
Fern sat down cross legged on the ground and motioned for me to join her. "Levitation is a useful skill and takes a lot of practice to master," she began. "The first step is to be able to hover above the ground, sitting like this. But in time you will be able to hover up to windows, over walls and as high as 2 storeys." She closed her eyes and muttered "Lev-arso in can-tato." I watched spell-bound as she moved about 2 feet in the air and hovered.
"I want to try!" I declared.
I closed my eyes and prepared to attempt the spell when I heard a hoarse scream nearby. I instantly jumped to my feet and scrambled out of the clearing, Arthur was in trouble!
Arthur POV
I followed Merlin and Fern into the forest and stood behind a tree as I watched them crawl into what looked liked some kind of thorn bush. "Damn it!" I cursed, there was no way I could watch whatever they were doing while they were in there. Turning back in defeat I began to head back towards Camelot. Suddenly I heard a savage cry directly above me and let out a scream as I saw the Sphinx descend upon me. I went to reach for my sword but it was too late… the beast had me. I felt myself begin suffocate as the beast pressed down upon my throat.
"Stop!"came a cry from nearby and much to my astonishment the beast backed off. Fern walked forwards looking fearsome indeed, "Why is it you attack this man?" she demanded.
The Sphinx made a series of odd clicking sounds in the back of its throat. This was some kind of strange magic indeed. It was if Fern was actually talking to it!
Fern stared at me for a moment before turning to the Sphinx. "Put aside you anger friend and look into his heart, this was not the one who murdered your young. You have been deceived," she said.
The beast let out a shrill cry before tackling me and gazing deep into my eyes. I stared back unafraid. After what seemed like an eternity it backed off and turned towards Fern. I watched in astonishment as it bowed to Fern before 'speaking' once again. Fern walked forwards and placed a hand upon its forhead and for a moment her eyes seemed to glow.
"We must go after the man who did this Merlin, he will continue to come after Arthur and the King… for it was the laws of Camelot that saw his wife beheaded for witchery," she said.
I stared at her in horror; she was obviously some kind of enchantress. The worst thing of all was that Merlin knew. It made me begin to wonder, how many other sorcerer friends did he have? Then suddenly it was as if everything became clear, all the times Merlin had miraculously saved my life. He was a sorcerer! Incompetent, clumsy and lovable Merlin was a sorcerer. I began to back away, I would tell father about Fern but not Merlin. No, I needed to think about this. Merlin looked my way and our eyes met. He smiled sadly before uttering a spell under his breath. His eyes flashed gold and suddenly I could not move.