It's the moment you've all been waiting for... The epic conclusion to the gripping saga: If a Tree Falls in the Forest...! Now, I know you're all on pins and needles, so, without further ado...
Description: If a Tree Falls in the Forest, and a Beaver Is Found Nearby- What Are the Odds Uther Will Accuse It of Sorcery? (And What Are the Odds That He's Right?) Part 2
Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin (But it's on my Christmas list!)
If a Tree Falls in the Forest… (Part 4)
Merlin had barely entered his chambers after his conversation with Arthur when a wrinkled hand grabbed his arm.
He spun around in shock, then breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that it was only Gaius.
"Don't scare me like that!"
Gaius frowned. "Why so jumpy, Merlin?"
The younger man looked around before leaning forward and saying in a low voice,
"Arthur just accused me of having magic!"
Gaius's eyes widened in shock.
"What? Why would he do such a thing?"
"Well," Merlin began. "This morning, while out on patrol, we were attacked by a band of outlaws–"
"Yes," Gaius interrupted, nodding his head. "I've already had to treat several of the knights for minor injuries."
"Yes, well, during the fight, Arthur tripped and was almost killed by some of the bandits. I ran over to save him, and a tree ended up falling and crushing the other men."
"I see," said Gaius. "And now Arthur suspects you of using magic to fell the tree?"
Merlin shook his head.
"Not anymore. I managed to convince him that I had nothing to do with it."
"Well, I must say, Merlin," Gaius replied, raising his eyebrows. "For someone so careless, you have rather more than your share of luck! I mean, what were you thinking performing magic right in front of Arthur, Uther, and most of the knights of Camelot?"
"But that's the thing," Merlin responded. "I didn't use magic! The tree fell on its own—or at least without my help!"
"But you just said–"
Merlin held up a hand to stop him. "I was going to use magic to save Arthur. The tree just fell before I could do anything."
Gaius still looked a little skeptical, and Merlin sighed.
"Really, Gaius, I'm telling the truth! If it was me, I would have done something really obvious and inefficient, like hit the bandits with individual branches or something like that!"
Gaius nodded, conceding the truth of this statement. Then he frowned.
"But if it wasn't you, what did cause the tree to fall?"
Merlin shrugged. "I guess we'll never know…"
OoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoO
That night, Uther dreamt of the beaver. It was standing over a basin of water, staring intently into its depths. And Uther knew—it was staring at him. Somehow, even though he was safely within the walls of Camelot once more, the beaver could see him.
As if aware of these thoughts, the creature chortled menacingly.
"Until next time, Uther Pendragon…"
For those of you who guessed that The Beaver was evil—Congratulations! You've won... Well... Nothing. Except for maybe the reputation of being just as paranoid as Uther... Anyway, yes, I do realize that this isn't really the end of The Beaver saga. I couldn't really wrap up the whole story in one part (Unless it was extremely long!). Plus, this way The Beaver can stay hiding in the forest, plotting Camelot's downfall, growing more and more powerful, and amassing an army of evil rodents (With maybe some woodworms and a certain smirking witch thrown in for good measure!). So don't despair—He will return someday!
On that note, I want to thank all of you who have stuck with this (very strange) series. What began as a one-shot about the cluelessness of Arthur somehow transformed into a four-part saga in which Merlin (for once) didn't use any magic, Arthur was not as oblivious as usual, a beaver plotted the downfall of Camelot, and Uther was actually right about someone possessing magic (Wow, that IS strange!)! Thanks for all of the reviews, alerts, and favorites, and I hope you all recover from your Beaver Fever quickly (I'm still getting over mine...).
Imogen: Thanks for the review! I'm so glad you've enjoyed my stories (And I hope you continue to do so!). I regret to inform you that The Beaver IS evil, which is probably why several people have expressed interest in his death! Thanks, too, for suggesting a name for him. I agree that Chauncey does make a very good beaver name... But I'll have to think about it (In the meantime, feel free to suggest any other name ideas—that goes for all you readers!).
Well, dear readers, that's all for today! I'll be back same time, same station, tomorrow, so please drop by! And don't forget to review—I love hearing from you, and it will increase the likelihood that The Beaver will make a reappearance if I actually think people like the idea! :)
Till tomorrow!
