Here's the next chapter, and it's personally one of my favorites! I hope you all enjoy! More to come!
Gwaine left Gaius to prepare for his knightly duties. He was to join Prince Arthur and the others for a patrol of the Eastern Plains per King Uther's orders. Gaius thanked the knight again for bringing Merlin home safely and for his great assistance in treating him and fixing their home. Since Terrowin's search, Gaius had managed to somewhat organize his belongings and herbs. However, his sole focus was on Merlin.
Gaius crushed herbs and made his healing paste yet again to apply to the wound. He was satisfied with his mixture and walked towards the resting Merlin's room.
Gaius opened the door and dropped his bowl.
Sitting at Merlin's bedside was a cruel man wearing frightening black armor and an equally terrifying glare. He fiddled with a dagger at his fingertips - the same dagger Gaius pulled from Merlin's back.
"Sir Terrowin," Gaius gulped, trying to appear calm. His eyes darted to Merlin who was sleeping, oblivious to the intruder, "What are you doing here?"
"What fortunate news it is that young Merlin here will survive his most devastating wound," he said in a grating voice.
"Yes, it is very fortunate indeed," Gaius responded stiffly, "and I ask you once more, what are you doing here?"
"Why I've come to check on the health of my servant," Terrowin's dark eyes shone, "and might I comment that, given the seriousness of his wound, he has recovered quite quickly. Almost like magic."
Gaius gulped, "You have seen him, and I now respectfully ask you to depart so that Merlin here can recover even quicker, sir."
Terrowin stood, but made no motion of exiting. He completely ignored Gaius, "You see this here armor? Most terrifying, isn't it?"
Gaius looked from Terrowin to Merlin. He was frozen, not wanting to make a move for Merlin's sake.
Terrowin continued, "My armor possesses very capable abilities, one is to detect the foul curse of magic. I ask you, Gaius, if I were to use my armor at this moment would I discover anything of...interest?"
"Absolutely not," Gaius said firmly, "I am a healer, not a sorcerer. I firmly believe in and practice science, not magic."
Terrowin circled Gaius slowly, like a lion stalking prey. He still held that dagger in his hands, "A brave answer for such an idiotic man. Lying to me is ineffective, I always know. My armor does not lie."
Gaius eyed Terrowin's protective gear. The intricate carvings showed scenes and symbols of pain, torture, and punishment. Then, it started to glow. The lines of the carved details glowed a deep, blood red. Gaius' jaw dropped as Terrowin's lip spread into a malicious smile.
"I detect magic in this household," Terrowin announced darkly as his enchanted armor besieged Gaius' denials.
"Leave this place," Gaius lifted his chin, "Now. You have no purpose here."
Terrowin chuckled low to himself, then, quick as a viper, his arm pushed Gaius against the far wall. The old healer was held painfully against his will as Terrowin kept him pinned. The dagger, blade dried with Merlin's blood, flicked up towards his neck. He could feel the blade press into his neck.
"Liar," Terrowin hissed under his breath, "I have been summoned for a special purpose, one bestowed upon me by greater powers. That pest Merlin will perish at my hands. He escaped death once, but I assure you that the next attempt will be firmly sucessful."
"Who-who sent you?!" Gaius gulped carefully, "I warn you to stay away from Merlin."
Terrowin laughed coldly, "Your warning falls upon deaf ears. Now," the hunter smiled to reveal yellow teeth, "prepare to meet your doom-"
"Hello? Gaius?"
The voice of Prince Arthur sounded from the doorway. Gaius slightly closed his eyes in relief as Terrowin glared in the direction of the entrance. The Prince must've stopped by before his patrol.
"You're too late," Gaius whispered to the witch hunter, "release me or you will be caught. Assaulting a member of King Uther's trusted circle will earn you banishment."
Terrowin seemed to deliberate this ultimatum quickly. His advantage had no more power with Arthur's presence. The Prince would discover him.
"Gaius? Are you home?" the inquisitive calls continued.
Terrowin pressed Gaius further into the wall, "Listen carefully. You are to meet the Prince and act normal, as if nothing is out of the ordinary. You are to keep him in the common area, Arthur is not to see Merlin."
Gaius responded with slight confidence, "And what shall stop me from your request?"
Terrowin pulled away, freeing Gaius from his hold. He slinked towards Merlin's bedside like a snake. Gaius felt his heart flutter when the witch hunter sat on Merlin's mattress. He lifted the blade and aimed the dagger towards Merlin's heart. The unconscious young man was oblivious to his surroundings, and his possible death hovering just centimeters above him.
"No!" Gaius shook his head, eyes wide with fear, "You mustn't!"
"Do not test me, old man!" Terrowin hissed, "You are to meet Prince Arthur and rid of him immediately. Should he enter this room and spot me, your precious Merlin will die from the stroke of my blade."
"Gaius?!" Arthur's voice sounded a few feet from the door, "Are you there?"
"Make a decision!" Terrowin growled.
"Very well!" Gaius shouted desperately, "Please, do not hurt him!"
Merlin barely survived the night before, he could not lose him again.
Terrowin nodded with an evil smile and Gaius reluctantly exited quickly. He slammed the door shut behind him to run face to face with Prince Arthur.
"Oh, Gaius!" Arthur sounded surprised, "You are home!"
"Y-Yes!" Gaius spoke quickly, "Just checking on Merlin!"
"Speaking of him, let me go and check on him. I haven't been able to see him all morning-"
"No!" Gaius responded too fast. Arthur eyed him suspiciously as the healer blocked the doorway. He took a deep breath to calm himself, "No, please, sire. Merlin must rest without interruption. I am positive you are anxious to see him, but he must heal properly."
"Oh…" Arthur looked slightly crestfallen, "of course…"
Gaius softended and nonchalantly led Arthur away from Merlin's room knowing who lurked behind it, "I am sorry to disappoint you, but please return at another time. I'm sure Merlin will be awake by then. He's eager to speak with you."
"He's woken then!" Arthur brightened up considerably, but tried to hide his excitement, "I mean...that is very good news indeed. I should like my servant back."
"Of course, my Lord."
"Then I shall return later tonight," Arthur announced as he walked towards the door, "after the patrol."
"I look forward to it, sire," Gaius' plastered a fake smile, ushering Arthur out of his home. The Prince left without any suspicion. Gaius waited until he had distanced himself from the home then rushed towards Merlin's room.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o
Waiting in the town square was Arthur's knights. Sir Gwaine, Percival, Leon, and Elyan sat atop their horses, dressed in full regalia. They had dark looks on their faces as a gloomy sky churned above them. Arthur kept his head down as he approached his white steed. A black horse with no rider chuffed and swiped at the stone with a dark hoof. It seemd restless, waiting for an equally menacing rider.
Sir Terrowin approached like a thundering black cloud. He wore his helmet to match his terrifying armor that gleamed against the grey sky.
Arthur kept a watchful eye as Terrowin mounted his steed fluidly. The other riders all watched him sternly.
"Sir Terrowin," Arthur dipped his head in a cold greeting.
"Riding with Camelot's finest," he said in a tone that verged on mocking, "What are we waiting for? Let us head off!"
Terrowin clicked his heels and his black horse obeyed swiftly. It trotted towards the gates, ahead of the patrol.
Arthur exhaled deeply and followed suit, his knights following quickly as their horses made the trek towards the Eastern Plains. The patrol was quiet, few quiet words exchanged between the knights. Their eyes stayed on Terrowin who was observing every surrounding like a hawk.
It took them nearly an hour to reach their location, and Arthur's senses were on high alert. His distrust for Terrowin and the possibility of the fugitive lurking these woods set his radar high. He constantly scanned the trees and brush for any odd sightings.
"Gwaine, Elyan," Arthur called to his two knights, "search in the underbrush and forest thickets. Percival, Leon, scan the grassland plains and to the border."
His knights nodded upon receiving their instruction.
"Sir Terrowin," Arthur looked at the hunter, "we shall keep an eye on the horses."
"Why let me be of service to one of your brave knights," Terrowin protested, "I will assist in the search, it is the least I can offer."
"Your offer is wasted. My knights are capable to search on their own. You shall stay with me and guard the horses. That is my instruction."
A tense silence hung in the air for a moment. Terrowin was surrouned by the Prince and his four knights. Terrowin laughed harshly for a moment then descended his steed. He approached Arthur. The knights held the hilts of their swords cautiously as the hunter stood before Arthur's tall stature.
"You are nothing but an inexperienced child running about in a king's role he has yet to grow into," Terrowin whispered close to the Prince's ear, "your father will obey me before his own son. That must dig into your heart."
Arthur eyed Terrowin murderously, but the man continued.
"I have your precious little city wrapped around my finger. I control it. I have the ability to tear it apart by a mere breath of a suggestion," Terrowin growled gleefully, "your pitiful servant boy Merlin saw that himself."
That did it.
Arthur growled and threw himself at Terrowin. The witch hunter did not react as the enraged Prince tackled him to the ground and threw punch after punch at his face. His knights rushed off their horses and ran towards their Prince. They grabbed at his shoulders, pulling him off with great effort as Terrowin just laughed and spit blood from his yellow teeth.
"Arthur!" Gwaine shouted, trying to restrain the strong man, "Enough of this!"
Percival held his arm tightly, face red with effort as Arthur continued his lunges at the hunter.
Leon and Elyan stood by Terrowin, pulling him to his feet and keeping him back and quiet as to not entice Arthur anymore.
"My, my!" Terrowin mocked, "Young Arthur throwing a tantrum again! Why, what will his father think?"
Every snide comment just increased Arthur's fury. Percival pulled him away to cool as Gwaine felt his own rage boil. He pulled his sword fast as lightning and pointed it towards the hunter's chest.
"Sir Gwaine!" Elyan shouted in protest, "Put your sword away!"
"You miserable swine!" Gwaine snarled at Terrowin, "You will pay for your curse upon this city!"
"Gwaine!" Leon stepped in front of the blade, "Listen to Elyan, lower your sword! Sir Terrowin is an honored guest of our king, remember your place!"
Gwaine breathed heavily for a few seconds, then headed the words of his friends. His arm dropped to his side, sword along with it. Elyan carefully took the blade from his hand as Gwaine stepped towards the trees to cool.
Meanwhile, Percival had managed to calm Prince Arthur, who had returned to the riled group with a terse expression. His jaw was clenched in anger, but he managed to reel in his outburst. He glared at Terrowin with a rage-filled expression.
Leon, Gwaine, and Elyan approached their Prince. They kept their heads and eyes low as he spoke to them.
"This patrol will return to Camelot immediately," Arthur spoke in their huddle, "I will meet with my father at once and discuss this most disrespectful occurrence. Have no qualms, Sir Terrowin will leave this city. I will ensure it."
Sir Leon pursed his lips in doubt, "My Lord, King Uther has declared Sir Terrowin as his honored guest and has offered an invitation in the Royal House so long as magic should be eradicated from Camelot's gates. I fear he will not see reason to your claims."
Elyan continued, "I apologize for speaking freely, sire, but you initiated the attack on Sir Terrowin. He will use your actions to his advantage."
Arthur clenched his fists, knowing that Elyan was correct.
"What shall we do?" Percival asked, looking to Arthur for guidance.
Arthur opened his mouth to speak, but Gwaine interrupted him.
"Wait!" Gwaine cried, "Sir Terrowin is gone!"
The knight huddle dispersed, each looking around the clearing searching for the witch hunter. He was nowhere to be found.
"Fan out!" Arthur ordered, "Find him!"
"That is not necessary!" Terrowin's voice sounded from the trees. He emerged, face bloody from Arthur's assault, but with a smile across his lips. His black armor matched his dark soul, as he held a bleeding, injured man from the collar of his shirt.
They all watched in utter shock as Terrowin threw the man at their feet. The half conscious man sprawled weakly across the dirt. Blood oozing from various wounds.
The man was none other than an injured Edmund. Terrowin was aware of this, but the knights were clueless of his identity.
"I have found him," Terrowin beamed, "The fugitive of Camelot."
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Gaius rushed into Merlin's room, heart pounding. He bounded to his ward's side and immediately inspected him. Merlin was alive, still unconscious and resting. There was no sign of Terrowin, he had exited from the open window to join the patrol.
Gaius breathed a sigh of relief, kneeling beside Merlin and stroking his hair lovingly. He was so afraid of losing him once more…
"Oh, Merlin..." Gaius closed his eyes, trying to calm his panicked nerves.
Terrowin was a menace, a violent, cruel man hellbent upon his own volatile mission. He also threatened Merlin directly. That left unanswered question for them all. Was Terrowin behind Merlin's stabbing? He said Merlin was to perish by his hand, and that could mean at any moment.
They had to eliminate Terrowin, for all of their safety!
A gleaming piece of metal caught Gaius' eye.
He looked at Merlin's wooden drawer. The healer slowly stood and walked to it cautiously.
It was the dagger that Terrowin had, the one that stabbed Merlin and the one he used to threaten Gaius. Its blade stuck into the metal, pinning a piece of parchment with it.
Gaius pulled the blade from the wood with shaking hands. He gripped the parchment and read the crude writing penned out in black ink:
"MERLIN SURVIVES FOR NOW….THE TIME WILL SOON COME WHEN THE SORCERER WILL BLEED."
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