Epilogue 2
Conall was addressing a remark to his wife at one of King Uther's dinner parties when his attention was caught by one of the servants waiting on guests, a slender young man with dark hair and blue eyes. Startled by recognition, the noble so far forgot himself as to grab the servant's wrist when he paused to set a plate of cheeses on the table nearby. There was a sudden lull in the conversation around him, and the noble looked up to find himself the subject of an icy blue glare from the crown prince. "Pardon," he said, hastily, turning loose. The young man still stood near him, patiently waiting. "You don't remember me, do you?" Conall continued, sotto voce.
Merlin shook his head. "No, milord."
"I was with Daegan when he took you from the slave traders." Pause. "You are Prince Arthur's personal servant?" he asked, on a guess. He was uncomfortably aware that the blonde royal was continuing to watch them from across the table.
"Yes, milord."
"And Daegan was aware of that when he took you?"
"Oh yes. He wasn't being capricious. He knew who I was," Merlin said, with a small smile.
"You are fully recovered now?"
"Yes, the servants at Drachenfels took good care of me, and I owe Daegan my life." Merlin made as if to move away.
"He returned you to the prince when you recovered?" Curiosity prompted the noble to ask more questions than good manners dictated, but the servant took no offense.
"Mmm, no. Arthur came and got me," the dark-haired youth said, half-laughing.
"Merlin," Arthur spoke impatiently from across the table.
"If you'll excuse me, milord?" Merlin said, with a polite nod. He moved on.
a/n: This story won't stop writing itself. :-) Let it go, muse.