Alright I'm still alive, there have been a lot of people asking me to update many times over the last year and even though I wanted nothing more than to grant their wishes, I wasn't able to so, so let me explain.
For those of you who might not know, I'm a 3rd year University student and this particular year has been one of the hardest and my results have slipped and I'm not sure why, so every time I opened Microsoft Word to start writing all I could think about was the amount of essays I had to do on this programme and how I was struggling badly with them. So every time I went on FF it was distracting me badly from my work and I'm to believe this may have been a hand in my bad results. So I haven't done any writing no matter how many times I would say "I've got the holidays" it never happened. I'm fitting in stories occasionally to try and upload chapters and this is one of those chapters so, here you go.
DISCLAIMER – I don't own the village name, the characters or anything else you may recognise, the story it my own (apart from any obvious episode mentions)
Word in advance – this one will be a tear jerker :'(
Hunith wasn't kidding when she greeted the group with a mixture of different vegetables, along with a loaf of bread and fresh wine in small cups. It certainly wasn't the luxury Arthur was used to, but seeing the happiness on Merlin's face he realised that this was probably a kings feast compared to what they're used to. Balinor sat down next to Hunith and shared out the small wooden plates. Even though this was very little compared to what he was used to, Arthur was already enjoying this family meal. His own 'family' meals would be sat in silence, with neither Pendragon engaging in much conversation (unless of course something had happened to perk Uther's interest, he wasn't usually interested in his children's lives.) Here Balinor had his arm around Hunith as they both laughed about the journey to Ealdor, proceeding to mention Merlin's nearly face planting a tree in his sleep. The boy in question felt his ears go bright red and he ducked his head to the table.
"I thought we were going to forget that event…" Merlin mumbled. Arthur simply laughed.
"How could we possibly forget, you went to hug that tree in your sleep and completely missed it. Yet you still slept through it," The whole table laughed at Merlin's embarrassment as he tried to come up with embarrassing stories of Arthur in order to even the odds. Although he couldn't decide on the rat eating or the enchanted love with the sidhe. So naturally… he told them both, with his parent's still in laughter. For nearly 3 hours, the group discussed stories of their time, Balinor proceeding to tell his tale since leaving Ealdor, Hunith explaining the last few years on her own, and Arthur and Merlin finding more and more tales about their time in Camelot. Soon enough the night came and the candles began to dwindle. Hunith stood up and began to clear the plated, Arthur stood up.
"It's alright Hunith, I can do it." He offered, Merlin looked shocked.
"Okay, what was in this food because I've never seen Arthur offer to clean dishes?" He stated, Hunith smiled.
"Well maybe you can help him, Merlin, I'm sure he won't mind." Judging from Arthur's smirk, Merlin guessed Arthur didn't mind at all. Grumbling to himself he took a cloth from the small basin and helped Arthur wash. While the boys were busy, Hunith and Balinor set about arranging the furniture, making the house big enough to accommodate all four people. Eventually as the last candles went out, all four were rested peacefully on their 'beds'. Arthur turned next to Merlin.
"I can see why you love it here, even though you don't have much, you're richer than even my father is." Arthur whispered. Merlin smiled and whispered back.
"It's going to be hard leaving in a few days." He admitted sadly. Arthur rubbed Merlin's shoulder gently.
"Hey remember what I said, we'll make it work." He replied. Merlin brightened up slightly but couldn't shake the feeling that something was going to happen as he gently drifted off to sleep.
MERLIN BALINOR MERLIN BALINOR MERLIN BALINOR MERLIN BALINOR MERLIN BALINOR MERLIN BALINOR MERLIN BALINOR MERLIN BALINOR MERLIN BALINOR MERLIN BALINOR MERLIN BALINOR MERLIN
Back in Camelot, Uther was brooding in his chambers. Arthur had been gone for four days which had him concerned. Uther may put on an entirely cold front in front of his subjects and even his children but he genuinely cared for their safety. Since Morgana had been taken by the evil sorceress who trapped his kingdom in a lifeless sleep, he had tried to take all necessary precautions to keep his remaining child safe. He was reluctant to call in Balinor, seeing as he knew the kingdom well and was close to Uther before his eyes were opened to Balinor's evils. In the trial room all that time ago, Uther had contemplated the idea of Balinor's freedom but knew Balinor was powerful and would call Uther out should he break his word. That didn't mean he shouldn't extra measures to ensure Balinor abides by his end of the deal. Just as he was musing, a knock startled him from his thoughts
"Enter," he called. Through the door arrived Sir Leon, who stood formally inside the door way closing his behind him
"You summoned me Sire?" He questioned. Uther nodded and called Leon closer.
"My son has been gone for a while, taking only his servant to a hunt with him. He did not say where he would be going, for how long, nor did he express his reasoning for a hunt, seeing as we have plenty of game in the kingdom. Does that not strike you as odd Sir Leon?" He queried. Leon kept a strong face determined to keep it a secret for his friends.
"It has been a while Sire, although I suspect with the recent attack and the Lady Morgana's kidnapping, Prince Arthur has not had the opportunity to leave the castle for his own purposes and a hunt usually helps him return to his correct mind-set." He offered. Uther silently nodded.
"And taking only his servant, who has hardly any skills in fighting or defence. Why would he take that boy alone?" Uther probed once more, internally Leon smirked, this was an easy one.
"Well Sire, Merlin is perhaps the only one brave enough to travel into any danger without any armour or weapons, which Prince Arthur always finds an admirably quality. Of course seeing as he is also a servant means that he is around to carry anything caught and also Prince Arthur's own weapons." He responded. Uther queried this for a moment.
"Very well, however once he returns inform him I expect him to see me before anything else." He ordered. Leon bowed and dismissed himself breathing a small sigh of relief and secretly hoping Arthur and Merlin would hurry up.
Uther sat a while longer before calling a servant to prepare him for bed. Just as he was settling in another knock startled him out of his thoughts. He muttered to himself.
"I haven't summoned anybody, who would be knocking this late." He opened the door to a tall figure fully robed. He instantly recognised the man. "Thomas, can't your report wait until dawn." He growled. The man instantly bowed.
"I wish it could your majesty but this was something I felt you must hear as soon as I knew." Uther muttered quickly to himself and invited the man into his chambers shutting the door as not to arouse suspicion.
"Well what did you find?" He asked quickly
"Well you're majesty, I did as you asked and all my contacts in the different kingdoms were on the lookout for Balinor, earlier this evening one of my informants wrote to say he was found in Cendred's kingdom, in the village of Ealdor." Uther stroked his chin.
"Ealdor, why there specifically? The place has no wealth, no power, he would starve there." He muttered to himself.
"There's more Sire," Thomas cut it. "He has found lodgings with a woman named Hunith. From what I have heard she has been living on her own for quite some time since she sent her son to live in Camelot." Uther's head shot up. He didn't recognise the name but was wary that perhaps there was someone in Camelot who was trying to hide Balinor. "But I'm afraid Sire that this news is not the reason I had to tell you urgently. During his search, my informant found two royal horses tied in the woods." Uther scowled
"He stole my royal horses, how dare he!" The king cried. Thomas held his hands up.
"Sire this is the worst part, he was escorted there and his companion, or should I say companions were none other than your son and his servant." Uther's face reddened with anger. How dare Arthur lie about this, before he was overcome with a look of horror?
"The dragon lord has stolen my son. He thinks we won't find him, well we'll see about that… Thomas fetch my head of the knights and inform him to ready the horses, we will travel at first light."
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Morning broke through the half open windows, lighting half of Arthur's face, causing the young prince to turn his head.
"Merlin, shut the curtains!" He moaned, expecting to hear Merlin chuckling as he went to shut the curtains. Hearing nothing, he peeked open an eye and looked around his surroundings and remembered where he was. He looked next to him wondering if Merlin was still asleep, to his surprise, he was alone. Standing up he walked outside "Merlin?" He called. He looked around and spotted his manservant leaving the woods holding a full basket of berries. Merlin smiled
"Oh good morning your royal pratness!" He called "I thought you might need a few more hours of beauty sleep this morning, guess it hasn't worked!" He joked. Arthur mock scowled, knowing Merlin was only playing.
"Oh really, and here I though you're brain cells didn't understand what early morning was, seeing as your usually late waking me up." He retaliated. Merlin laughed.
"Yes I suppose, maybe it's just the thought of having to put up with you so early in the morning that makes me rethink my plans." Arthur crossed his arms.
"You know, the stocks haven't been in use for a while, do you fancy trying them out when we get back home?" Arthur threatened. Merlin shrugged
"What can I say, my adoring fans probably miss me." He cackled. Arthur just shook his head and walked over to Merlin peering into his basket.
"So what's all this then, Breakfast?" he asked. Merlin nodded.
"Yep, mother and father went to get some more firewood to light the pot, see if we can have some porridge and fresh jam." It was definitely not what Arthur was used to for breakfast, but Merlin's smile reminded him that this was probably a good meal. Arthur nodded and followed Merlin back into the house.
"Would you like me to do anything?" He asked Merlin. Merlin just stared at him.
"Ok who are you and what have you done with Arthur Pendragon." He asked, only slightly joking. Arthur laughed
"Very funny, I do have some manners, I'm a guest in your home, it's the least I can do." Merlin just shook his head and pointed to the pot, getting Arthur too prepare it for the fruits. The boys were alone for only a short time before Hunith and Balinor returned. Greeting the two, Hunith put down her pile of logs into the fire and went to join the two boys.
"I hope you both slept well." Hunith commented. Arthur and Merlin both nodded and returned the question. As the jam was cooking, the group sat down at the table and discussed plans for the rest of the day, however the conversation soon drew onto Arthur and Merlin's departure.
"We will likely be leaving tomorrow, I daren't stay any longer than that, as my father will surely question my whereabouts and may even send out knights for me, and I daren't put you or your family in danger Balinor." He stated looking to the man. Balinor nodded and looked into Merlin's eyes.
"Just remember son, you're both welcome to come home anytime you can." He offered. Merlin smiled and looked to Arthur.
"Me and Arthur have worked out a system so that I can stay in Camelot to keep him safe but also that I can come home. You'll hopefully see me a lot more now than before mother." He said to them both. Hunith smiled and walked round to Merlin putting a kiss on his forehead.
"Just promise me you'll be careful." She asked. Merlin gave her a smile,
"I promise."
The day went slowly, with Arthur and Merlin completing chores around the village while Balinor helped Hunith in her usual chores. The afternoon soon approached its end as the group settled down for an evening meal. However before they could begin they were interrupted by the door slamming open. Hunith neighbour and close friend Mary burst through.
"Hunith, there are soldiers coming to the village, Uther is leading them!" She cried looking indirectly at the three men at the table, unsure exactly who the King was here for. Hunith paled and rushed to close all windows and doors in the house. But before anything else could be said or done, a knight appeared at her door and she along with the others were shepherded out of the house and pushed to their knees in front of the King. Uther glared at all four and, stepping down from his horse stood in front of Balinor.
"I grant you your freedom, and you abduct my son as a thanks!" Uther bellowed. Arthur shouted out
"Father I wasn't abducted, I came here freely." He announced. Uther took his attention from Balinor a moment to approach Arthur.
"And why did you stay so long, a simple 'hunt' shouldn't have taken this long. Are you being kept here against your will?" He questioned
"I already told you, I came with Balinor freely, it was only right to take him home after all he's done. It was late when we arrived so naturally we were invited to stay." He slightly lied. Uther was only slightly convinced
"And you're servant, this is his village, seems a little conspicuous doesn't it." Arthur tried to come up with something to take the attention off Merlin but Uther had already taken Merlin's eye. "Was this you're doing servant, you take my son out of Camelot where he could have been killed." Merlin shook his head mutely
"Leave the boy alone Uther!" Balinor shouted. Uther scowled at Balinor before pausing and turning back to Merlin. A horrifying realisation made its way in his head
"You are related to one another, father and son, it's the only possible explanation for your similarities." His face grew red "I have been housing the son of a dragon lord in my household all this time, I should kill you now where you can no longer be a danger to my son!" Merlin tried to come up with any spell that could do anything at this point, but Arthur speaking up saved his neck for him.
"Father please, Merlin didn't know about his heritage until all this began, can you really blame Merlin for any of this. He can't help who his father is any more than I can." He pleaded. Uther was silent for a moment and the group on their knees exchanged terrified looks with each other hoping this would not go wrong. Finally Uther spoke addressing Merlin directly.
"Do you wish to stay in Camelot boy?" He asked. Merlin nodded.
"Please Sire I don't intend any ill against you, the prince or Camelot, I never have and never will." He pleaded. Uther paused then nodded his head
"Very well I will make you a deal. You may remain in Camelot… but you are to have no contact with this village or your parents." He degreed. Merlin looked horrified.
"But Sire, I've barely spent two days with my family whole." Merlin pleaded.
"Then there is a second option. You remain here, with your parents… but you will be banished from Camelot, and never to have contact with the royal family." Merlin couldn't comprehend the two choices. It wasn't just his destiny that kept him there but also the people there such as Gwen, Gaius, Leon and of course Arthur. But to choose that would mean he could no longer see his parents, the parents he had just seen reunited. His mind felt fuzzy and he almost missed Arthur crying out.
"Father that's a bit extreme…" He pleaded but Uther would have none of it.
"Those are my terms, I cannot put my family in danger knowing you have contact with a dragon lord, a traitor to the crown. " Uther stated. All four deflated, knowing that no amount of arguing would deter Uther's thoughts.
"At least give him time to make this choice." Arthur muttered, already knowing Merlin would pick Camelot based on what he had been told. The least Uther could allow him to spend a last night with his parents. Uther pondered Arthur's suggestion.
"Darkness is already upon us, I do not wish to travel outside Camelot's borders in the dark. We will camp in the woods for tonight," Turning back to Merlin "I expect you're answer by morning." And with that he led the other riders into the forest. The crowd that had gathered slowly dispersed leaving only Hunith, Balinor, Merlin and Arthur on the ground silently. Balinor stood up with Hunith and both slowly walked over to Merlin, helping him stand up and lean against their chests. The family huddled together for a few moments, the quivering breaths indicated their tearful sobs. Arthur felt a great sadness on him, along with anger at his father's selfish decision. He walked over to the group putting a hand on Merlin's shaking shoulder. The boy turned around and Arthur could see the tears gathering on his cheeks.
"Is there anything I can do?" He asked sadly. Merlin shook his head silently
"No… but thank you for saving my life…" He whispered. "If it's alright… I…. I need to spend this last time with my parents." Balinor's grip on his shoulder tightened and Merlin leaned into his grip
"You've decided then?" He asked. He too knew what Merlin was going to pick but he hoped that he would be wrong.
"I'm sorry father… I have to be in Camelot, and not just for my destiny… I have a life there… and even though both of you are here now… I don't fit in here… and I never will." Balinor nodded and led Merlin into the house, leaving Hunith and Arthur outside.
"You'll take care of him, won't you Arthur?" Hunith tearfully pleaded. Arthur felt tears coming to his eyes at her wish.
"I promise, and I'm so sorry about all of this, If I hadn't come, my father wouldn't have looked for me and come here." He apologised. Hunith put an arm on his shoulder.
"Arthur, let me say… none of this is your fault… you're father cares for your safety… and often makes mistakes and hurts others to ensure that. He did the same thing all those years ago. Just promise me one thing." She asked. Arthur nodded
"Of course"
"You're father isn't elderly, but nor is he young, when you eventually take the throne, no matter how long it is, will you bring Merlin back here… even if we are no longer here… he deserves that at least." Arthur finally let some tears fall as he gave the woman a hug.
"I promise."
And at over 3000 words I'm going to stop that chapter. Apologies for squashing everything in, but this was a key chapter and didn't really want to leave you on a cliff-hanger considering my current reputation for updates. As explained above I'm at university, so updates for this story might be a little slow. But just so you are aware, there will probably be only 2 or 3 more chapters to this story. It was going to be longer but I'm having a little change of thought about my ending so if I make it any longer it's just going to drag so that's always nice to hear. Please review, even though I've been on hiatus for about a year and reviews aren't always likely to ensure an update but they certainly make getting through uni easier
Thanks again to all faithful followers and reviewers… this chapter is for you guys
Krissystvs