Gaius was collecting his supplies while Arthur sat up in his bed. They'd been using the pretense of a medical visit to avoid discussing other matters, or at least Arthur had. But, soon enough that was over and the silence felt heavy and awkward. Arthur's face must have shown what he was thinking, because before he left Gaius turned back to the King.
"Was there something else, Sire?"
Arthur thought about lying and sending Gaius on his way, but truthfully he wanted to talk to someone, and if anyone would understand it was Gaius. Arthur motioned to the chair across from his bed, and the physician sat with a small groan.
"I assume you already know what happened?" Arthur asked.
"I know that you and Merlin had a," the older man paused as if trying to find the right word. "disagreement. He didn't tell me much else."
"He killed my father, Gaius." Arthur answered. Gaius opened his mouth to speak, but Arthur interrupted before he could.
"I know he didn't, really. But, he did. Everything is just so complicated, now. I want to trust Merlin, I do, but after everything I've seen magic do. I just don't know how to feel."
Gaius was silent for a long moment before asking.
"May I speak freely, My Lord?"
"It's never stopped you before."
Gaius didn't laugh. "I respected your father a great deal, but we both know he was cruel and unfair to magic users. And, everyday that he was on the throne was a day Merlin lived in fear. And, Merlin still did everything he could to save him. He was sixteen years old when he found out his destiny. And, everyday since he has risked his life for yours, and for Camelot. That boy grew up without a father, watching people like him being killed. All because of the crown. He had every reason to become like Morgana. But, he chose to stand with you and Camelot at every turn. He is the greatest sorcerer who ever lived. He possesses power that neither of us could begin to understand. He could have anything he wanted with a snap of his fingers. And, he has spent the last five years polishing your boots and mucking your stables. So, you need time to process, and that's fine. But, if you really have any doubt as to where Merlin's loyalties lie, well that's just hogwash."
Arthur was stunned into silence. Gaius always made his opinion known, but he knew better than to speak to a royal like that. That kind of talk could earn you a week in the dungeons or worse. Which is why Arthur knew he really meant it.
He had a harder time getting out of bed than he would have liked, but he waved off Gaius' attempts to help.
"I think I owe Merlin a visit."
—
Even though the prophecy was over with, it felt like something was trying to keep Merlin from leaving Camelot. It had been a beautiful sunny day at the castle, but almost as soon as Merlin began walking rain began pouring down on him. After half an hour or so his clothes were completely soaked through and felt like ice against his skin. But, he hadn't made it nearly far enough to look for shelter or set up camp so he trudged on, shoes squishing in the mud and wet hair dripping into his eyes.
—
The Castle was built two centuries before Arthur was born by his Great Great Great Grandfather. He had been attempting to gain some status and respect from the neighboring Kings and he went more for looks than practicality. So, the Castle was big. Absurdly, so.
They employed around 300 people between servants, cooks, stable hands, and the like. About half of which chose to live in the castle. Then the knights had their own wing on the same floor as Arthur's suite. Plus there always had to be spare rooms for visitors who sometimes came by the dozen. Even still whole wings of the palace were left empty. And, the only room set up for medical care and potion making was two floors down and on the other side of the Castle from Arthur's. And, the sudden downpour meant cutting through the courtyard wasn't an option. So it would already have taken twenty minutes to reach the physician's chambers, but Arthur had nearly forgotten his recent house arrest and every few steps someone wanted to congratulate him on his recovery or ask about throwing a banquet to celebrate his return. Any other day he would appreciate the sentiments, but he was eager to get to his friend. By the time he got to the physician's quarters the sun was setting.
Arthur didn't take the time to read the full letter that Merlin had left. it wasn't for him, anyway. As soon as he realized what Merlin had done he was racing through the courtyard. He arrived at the stables soaked and panting. He grabbed his favorite and fastest horse and didn't bother with a saddle. The good news was there was only one way out of the city, and even though Merlin had a head start he was on foot. So, Arthur started his horse on a gallop and went toward the woods, hoping the sorcerer hadn't gone too far.