Something is wrong but I have no idea what. Everything looks normal. People are going about their everyday lives. There is a cat chasing a mouse by the stables and a baby crying out in the distance. Nothing unusual but this feeling won't cease. It started about thirty minutes ago and has only grown.

I was trying to work on the ever-growing mountain of paperwork when I felt like I ate a squad of living butterflies. That squad has now turned into an army of butterflies.

My instincts are normally very reliable but I've never felt anything like this before. As I walk by the armory the feeling increases.

What could be going on in there? At this time of the day it is mostly empty. Even Merlin should have left by now. Unless…

I almost run to the armory door and throw it open. At first glance it looks like Merlin fell asleep polishing my armor but is that blood on the floor? Not just dried flakes but a small puddle by the table. Giving up on dignity I run over to the sleeping or unconscious servant.

His pulse is slightly elevated but strong. He looks awful. I've seen soldiers come back from fighting bandits with odds 1 to 3 looking better.

His clothes are covered in blood and there is blood flowing from his head. His arms are also covered in bruises.

I've felt anger before. Several times in fact but I've never wanted to slowly beat someone until I felt their ribs break. I wish Gaius was here but he won't return from his trip until the day after tomorrow. I rip the sleeve of my shirt off and place it on the wound. I then run over to the door but slowly open the armory door. Good, there's no one there. This will make things easier in the long run. I head back to Merlin and as carefully as I can pick up the unconscious boy. I make sure to hold the material in place. He is horribly light. He needs to eat more. After this, I'm going to force-feed him if I have to.

I quickly move to the servants' entrance and start to jog up the stairs. Once Merlin is awake and fine I'm going to demand a duel against the idiot who hurt Merlin. No he doesn't' get the title of idiot. That title is too good for him. Whoever it is, is a snake. A vicious snake whose head needs to be chopped off. I can claim that by punishing my servant he insulted and belittled my authority since I should be the only one, besides the king, that can punish my manservant. That is the only way my father will allow a duel. Just because my pride is hurt not because someone used another person as a literal training dummy. This is taking longer than I thought it would.

I've never noticed how many stairs it takes to get to my room from the armory. I've done worse but I'm starting to breathe a little heavy by the time I see the exit that leads to the wing of the castle, where my chamber is located.

I slowly push on the door. Unfortunately the hallway is not unoccupied. Gabe (?) is leaving one of the chambers that will be used in a few weeks. Maybe it's not so unfortunate. I slowly sit Merlin down and lean him against the wall. I quickly but quietly exit the servant's passage.

"Ahem" I clear my throat loudly to get whatever his name is attention.

"Sire" he bows perfectly and doesn't seem surprised by my sudden appearance. "How may I help you?"

"My other servant is busy. Please arrange a bath and my dinner. Also add some broth to that meal as well. A pain reliever and sab is also needed. "

"Yes, Sire. He bows again and starts towards the servants' passage.

"Take the main passage. It will be quicker." There shouldn't be anyone around. My chamber is one of the nearest to the kitchens and no noble should see him on his way.

"As you wish." He must be great at betting. His face is always so blank.

Once he has disappeared around the corner, I run back to Merlin. This would be so much easier if Gaius was here. If I recall correctly Ambrose seems to have a short temper when it comes to his servants. The castle servants are already busy with their duties and getting ready for next month's celebration. That leaves me. I'm also oddly reluctant to leave him in someone else's care. What if his magic acts up or something? If my father found out about me trying to take care of a servant he would go into a furious rampage.

Once I'm in my chamber I lay Merlin on my bed and head over to the chair at my desk. I place the chair behind the screen and go to pick up Merlin once again. I place him on the chair and against the wall. I grab the first clean material that I get my hands on which is one of my older shirts. I quickly tie it around the cut on Merlin's head. Once the bath is filled I can start to clean the wounds.

Thunk, Thunk

That was quick. I walk over to my bed and sit down. "Come in." six servants enter my room. The first five are carrying large buckets of hot water and the last is carrying the desired food and the supplies from Gaius's rooms. The five buckets go into the wooden tub without a dropped being spilled and the tray is placed on my table. "You may go." More bowing and once the door is shut and I'm once more carrying my servant around.

"Only you Merlin could get into this much trouble. I hope you appreciate this."

I should probably strip him off to his undergarments and clean him off before I try applying the sab cream. I've never done this before but there is a first time for everything. I'll start by removing his shoes. "The things I do for my secret sorcerer."