Part 10 The Story Behind The Scar
(Authors Note: I own nothing! We are nearing the close of the story! This will be like the second to last part, probably. Debated calling this one What They Told Arthur. Back to Arthur's perspective.)
Once he was sure Merlin was asleep he sighed relieved.
"And you're sure he'll be alright?" Giaus nodded, bustling about the room.
"Yes. Now tell me more about this witch. What exactly did she do to him?" Arthur shuddered at the memory of Merlin, helpless in the witches grasp. He explained that both times he had found her with Merlin she had been drinking his blood. Giaus frowned and pulled down several dusty books. He began flipping pages. Arthur looked over his shoulder. It was a book describing magical creatures and how to destroy them. Arthur made a mental note to listen to Merlin next time there was a magical creature attacking. After all he lived with the aging physician; he had to have learned something. Then he remembered the scars.
"Giaus!" The old man jumped as if he had forgotten that Arthur was there.
"Yes sire?"
"How did Merlin get those scars?" Giaus raised his signature eyebrow.
"The burn on his chest, start with that. It's about five maybe six years old, yet I know nothing about it. Why?" Giaus's eyebrow went a little higher, then he turned and looked up at the door to his young wards room. Arthur saw his eyes soften.
"Five years ago you were wounded by the Questing Beast. Do you recall?" Of course he did, the pain wasn't something he could forget. He nodded.
"Merlin shouldn't know I told you. He'd be very angry at me." Arthur raised his own eyebrow.
"Merlin was very worried about you. We all were, but I believe he felt responsible for what happened. I believe that he thought that, had he arrived earlier, the beast would not have had the opportunity to injure you." Arthur was stunned. What could Merlin have done, save jump in front of the beast? Arthur quickly smothered that idea. Even imagining Merlin in the pain he had felt was too much. Especially if it had been the claw that had been meant for him.
"He was distracted at best while you were ill. The day after you recovered I had him running an errand and he tripped down the stairs. I told you he merely broke a rib because that is what he asked me to say. Truth be told he was caring a torch at the time. When he fell it did as well, burning him." Arthur looked up at the door and sighed.
"Why didn't he just tell me that?" Arthur almost whispered. Giaus smiled.
"I think he was ashamed. He didn't wish to show weakness to anyone. He is stubborn like that." Arthur nodded. If there was one word that described Merlin it was stubborn.