Confession
Characters: Gaius, Arthur, Gwen
The camp had been set up in a clearing in the forest. All around people were lying about, many of the men making the most of the rest, before the call of battle claimed them. No one knew when it would start, but there was already a sense of everyone being ready.
Gaius sat by a tree alongside Gwen, they were busy making various potions and treatments for when they would be needed. There was no talk, everyone just busy doing what was they had to do for what lay ahead. But as well as concentrating, Gaius knew there was a tension in the air. Merlin being absent, had clearly caused a problem for Arthur, more than Gaius had anticipated. Everyone though tiptoed around the awkward situation.
Working on Gaius was rather relieved about it. Recently it had seemed he'd had problem after problem landing on his plate. He sighed suddenly feeling every inch his age. Being outside wasn't helping his creaking bones either, but considering what everyone else was about to do, he remained quiet.
Suddenly a voice took Gaius by surprise, he phsyically jumped as he looked at Arthur.
"Vital supplies?" Arthur said looking at him.
Gaius looked at Gwen, before he turned to Arthur replying "Excuse me sire?"
"It was a shame Merlin didn't feel able to join us." Arthur remarked touching the end of his sword.
"I'm sorry sire, for I must take the blame." Gaius replied regretfully. "But I cannot treat the wounded without sufficient medicine. The timing is unfortunate I grant you. "
Gwen looked at Gaius, not believing him, but she had no intention of saying anything in front of her husband, there was little point.
"Yes." Arthur replied, "unfortunate."
Arthur left saying nothing more, Gaius watched him go. All of a sudden he was aware of Gwen, looking at him, with a look he was not able to read.
"I don't think he believes you Gaius." she said. "I'm not sure I do either." she admitted looking at him sideways.
Gaius could do nothing but look at Gwen awkwardly. He hated having to lie to them , but he felt there was nothing else he could do. He realised Gwen had a point to make.
"I know how devoted Merlin is to Arthur. He would never leave him at a time like this. Not for a mere errand. Not unless there was something else. Something he felt unable to talk about?"
Gaius took a deep breath, he should of known there was no fooling Gwen, she had always been intelligent. A part of him would of liked to have told her, but he knew in the long run now was not the time.
"My lady, there is something else." Gaius said leaning over towards her.
Gwen looked concerned, as she listened intently to him.
"Something of the greatest importance." Gaius continued. "And I wish I could tell you, but I can't for reasons that affect us all."
For a moment Gwen considered what Gaius had just said. It pretty much confirmed what she'd suspected all along. She knew there had to be a good reason for Merlin not to be here. She knew him better than to think he would ever miss his duty for no reason at all. Suddenly she felt afraid for him, but realised the best thing she could now do, was to support Gaius, whom she knew would worry even more.
She leaned over to him, putting her hand on his arm.
"Then there is nothing more to be said. Except whatever it is I wish him luck." Gwen said.
Gaius nodded silently, knowing that Gwen would hopefully reassure Arthur, so that there would be no problems upon Merlin's return. Thinking of Merlin, Gaius wished he knew how his ward was getting on. While he was relieved that Gwaine had got Merlin to the crystal cave in one piece, he knew his problems were only just beginning.
He attempted to keep himself busy, in order to stop his mind from worrying. He just wished that Arthur could understand. He sighed thinking of the oncoming battle that was about to be unleashed. Gaius had lived through many battles in his time, but this one had so much hanging on it, that at times he found it hard to keep on going. He briefly wondered what Uther would of made of it?
It seemed to him that life in Camelot just went around in circles, the same problems staying unsolved. He wondered if there would ever come a time when it changed for the better. As he thought of the oncoming battle his worry for Merlin increased, he knew the boy would never forgive himself if anything happened to Arthur. What is to become of us, he sighed.
As the light faded and preparations were made for the night, Gaius looked up at the first signs of a full moon showing itself. He wondered not for the first time what tomorrow would bring.