Sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry sorry! This chapter is so late! Two words: A Levels.
Anyway, Merliiiiiiinnnn! I won't do any spoilers but omg, the episodes which have come out were amazing!
I've planned what's going to happen in each chapter from here so there's a sense of direction now. I'm anticipating about 13 more chapters of varying lengths.
I hope you're enjoying the story! It's the first time I've been able to stick to writing anything.
Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin or Harry Potter.
The sun was shining in Camelot and it fell onto the cobbles of the courtyard in rays which blinked through the towers of the castle. Merlin had taken his jacket off and was quite content with the morning heat which shone on his face as he prepared the horses for a trip which he, Arthur, Gwaine and a few other knights were to take to the outer regions of Camelot to investigate reports of an intrusion by Alined's men.
It wasn't the first time that the King's men had acted up in various Kingdoms of Albion. A few years previously, King Alined had attempted to provoke war amongst the Kings who had come to Camelot to arrange a Peace Treaty. Merlin and Arthur had between them (though Arthur didn't know of Merlin's part in the plans) managed to prevent such an occurrence and the Kingdom had more or less fallen into a state of peace. But recently, Camelot had been receiving reports that Alined was in Camelot once more, this time terrorising residents of the outlying villages for money.
Arthur had told Merlin that they were to take this trip shortly after Merlin had seen Snape into his new job, so he had left a note for Gaius asking him to act as the boy's guardian. Merlin assumed that the trip would last no more than a few days, provided that Arthur was able to bargain with the King quickly.
Snape had in fact delivered the horses himself to the courtyard so Merlin was able to tell him of the situation then. Other than looking slightly worried, he took it well and Merlin did not anticipate any problems. It was almost early afternoon when the group managed to set off, with Arthur heading the troop and Merlin close behind, followed by Gwaine and the rest of the knights (there were about 5 or 6). The bags of supplies were split between the horses and their riders, with the exception of Arthur who had given Merlin his share.
As group trotted off into the woods, Merlin made sure he looked back to Camelot, as he always did when leaving the castle grounds. The journey he was going on would most likely not be a treacherous one, but Merlin had to make sure he got a good departing view in case he did not return.
The company progressed through the woods at a steady pace in silence for the next hour or so, with Arthur giving the odd order. After a certain amount of time, Arthur slowed down so he was riding alongside Merlin.
"I meant to tell you, Merlin," said the King, and Merlin looked to the side in interest, "In a few weeks we're to have a council meeting to review the laws of the Kingdom. There hasn't been a proper review of the laws for years, not since before my father died."
Arthur's voice cracked. It had been almost two years since Uther had been struck down and though Arthur was not one to show emotions, Merlin knew that he still felt sorrow when he talked about his late father.
"I see," said Merlin in a careful voice, "Would you like me to prepare the parchments or gather members of council?" It was often Merlin's job – now he had such an in-depth knowledge of Camelot after working there for so long – to organise events such as this on top of his regular serving duties. He was frequently responsible for making sure all of the members of council knew what was to be discussed, and also for deciding who would be able to attend.
"Actually, Merlin," Arthur said, "I believe that somebody else will be taking care of that. You do not need to concern yourself with that task."
"Oh."
Merlin had to admit that he was disappointed. He thought that he'd proven himself over the years and during the times when he'd done these jobs. Perhaps somebody more efficient had come along. This is understandable, he tried to tell himself. Slowing down the pace of his riding, Merlin looked over his shoulder and made to ride beside Gwaine, who smiled at him.
"Merlin, wait," said Arthur in an amused voice, "You haven't heard what I want you to do."
Merlin rode forward again hesitantly.
"I would like you to be at the council. And not just to sit in. I would like you to take part in the talks."
"You…you what?"
"I think you're ready now. Goodness, you know more about the running of Camelot than most of the newest council members anyway. We could use your input."
Merlin was lost for words. Of course, he had often thought about the moment when he would be able to act as an official adviser for Arthur, rather than just a guiding voice in his ear, but he never expected it to actually happen. This meant that Arthur has confidence in him. Maybe he could help Arthur to see that magic isn't always evil. Maybe he could change Arthur's mind…
By nightfall, the company had made good progress, not encountering any problems on the way. The group came to a fork in the path created by tracks, and they all decided that it would be a good time for a rest, so the group turned to the left fork and made their way out of the woods to a nearby town.
It turned out that Gwaine was acquainted with the owner of the one of the inns in the town and this, along with the fact that it was a quiet night, meant they could have rooms for the night rather than having to sleep on the forest floor.
After an evening in the tavern, the knights retired to their allotted rooms. Merlin was to share with Arthur as he usually did, and although the King snored loudly, it was always quite calming for Merlin to know that he was in the same room as Arthur. Perhaps it was because he felt responsible for him, so it was comforting to know where he was, or perhaps it was that his sleep noises reminded him of Camelot.
Merlin had only been asleep for a few hours when he woke up to the light of the morning and to a sharp rapping on the door.
"My lord," Sir Percival's head peeked round the doorway, much to Merlin's surprise as he had not been part of the trip.
Arthur looked up groggily at the knight.
"What is it, Percival?" he asked in a sleepy voice, "What's going on?"
"I bring news from Camelot," he said, "The Queen is with child."
