Merlin retired to his room, stretching out from the busy day. He cleaned the kitchen and helped the other servants with their duties as well. He was exhausted, staring out the window that was blocked by a big tree. He sighed, walking over to his balcony, stepping out into the cold night air. He leaned against the balcony rail, looking around the giant Pendragon manor grounds. He hasn't really been outside since he's gotten here, so taking it in made him appreciate it. He heard shuffling behind him, making him tense.
Looking over his shoulder, his stiff body didn't seem to settle when he noticed Arthur walking onto the balcony, looking defeated. Merlin immediately shot his gaze back to the Manor grounds. He spotted Arthur's arms lean against the balcony next to his.
"I heard you settled in quite well." Arthur spoke.
Merlin gulped. "I did. The staff is very nice." He says, scratching the back of his head.
Arthur sighed. "They are. I am sure you got your answers after asking around. May I ask why you decided to take up this job?" Arthur asked.
Merlin didn't really want to talk about this, but knew there was no denying Arthur. "I need the money. A servant under the care of a respected house certainly pays well. That is my reason for being here and that is all." Merlin explained, shifting his weight to his other foot.
Arthur peaked over at Merlin seeing the dark bags start to form under his eyes from lack of sleep. Arthur nodded. "Fair answer." He says, standing tall. "Get some rest. I am waking you in a couple hours for a quest I have been assigned to by the council." He explained, turning to walk away.
Merlin knitted his eyebrows, looking at Arthurs receding back. "Quest?"
Arthur slowed, reaching the door. "A pack of rogues seem to be terrorizing a town. We are to put a stop to them and their sorcerer behind it." Arthur looked over his shoulder at Merlin. "It will be your first day as my real manservant. This will allow you to see what it really means to have this job. I hope you are up to the task." Arthur smirked, turning Merlins doorknob, exiting into the hall. Merlin watched the door close behind Arthur, leaving him alone in his room once again.
Merlin physically deflated against the rail, looking up at the nearly full moon with dread. He honestly didn't know if he was prepared to deal with a quest like this. Once filled with rogue Vampires especially. He has read about how vile and untamed rogues can be since they were thrown into the world with no guidance. Arrthur at least has some people by his side to keep him in check, these rogues don't. With fresh worry in his mind, Merlin finally retired to his bed.
Barely getting 3 hours of sleep, he was awaken by Lancelot who told him Master requested his presence. Merlin, tiredly, dressed in his outfit before making his way to the Masters room. Merlin rubbed the groggy out of his face, lifting up a hand to knock. He didn't even get to land his knuckles on the door when it was thrown open, showing Arthur in a red and black suit with gold embroidery down the seams. He had black gloves on, that were clasping his jacket over his shoulders.
"Morning." Merlin grumbled out, stepping to the side, bowing.
Arthur chuckled. "Don't sound too happy." He joked, turning to walk down the hall. Merlin followed behind, keeping his eyes downcasted. They made it down the stairs where all the servants currently resided. "I will be out late. Please keep the Manor clean and safe as well as yourselves." Arthur says, walking past the bowing staff. Merlin waved a small goodbye as they left the manor. It was still dark out, roughly 2 in the morning last Merlin checked. He didn't mind being up this late, he just wished he had some more sleep. Merlin and Arthur got into the limo, both of them silent.
A few beats passed and Arthur decided to break the silence. "Does the name Mordred ring a bell?" Arthur asks.
Merlin shrugged. "Sort of. When I was in college I read that he was the start of the Vampire battle in the 1800's. Why?"
Arthur nodded, folding one leg over the other. "Curious." Was all Arthur replied as he turned his attention to the window.
They pulled up at the edge of a town Merlin didn't recognize. He was new to this part of town so of course this place was new to him. Arthur turned to Merlin with a smirk. "When we enter this town, stay close to my side. Once we reach the home I believe they are hiding in, stay outside. Let me handle it. Understood?" Arthur snapped.
Merlin nodded. "Understood." Merlin was fine with Arthurs plan, mainly because he really didn't want to be face to face with Vampires and he didn't want to expose his magic to Arthur. Arthur stepped out of the car, followed by Merlin who carefully examined the area. The town was quiet which Merlin kind of expected for it being so late. The street lamps were dim, making the streets look eerily dark against the light. The moon did little to help since it was hidden behind blotchy clouds. They started for the town, entering from the gate.
Merlin stuck close to Arthur but took this time to soak in the rustic tiles of the houses on his left. They looked rather old making Merlin believe this is one of the older towns of this place. Merlin loved the old, homely feel this town gave, but under that an uneasy eerie aura was also surrounding this little town.
Arthur paused, causing Merlin to bump into his back. Realizing what he did, he took a step back, looking up at an old mansion that was surrounded by an old rusting gate and dead grounds. Merlin felt an icy shiver cut through him, hoping with everything in his might this wasn't the place.
"This is the place. Come." Arthur says, walking onto the grounds, immediately moving from the dead grass onto the old stone path. Merlin followed, hesitating the closer they got to the door. "Wait here. That is an order. I will be out shortly." He barked, not even waiting for an answer as he walked up the steps and entering the room.
Merlin bit his lip, watching the door close behind Arthur. He felt useless standing out here but knew he couldn't just deny his new master. He looked up at the sky, seeing the moonlight was completely covered with dark gray clouds, casting an evil darkness across the town. His sight seeing was cut short when he heard clashing and grunting from inside the mansion, unsettling Merlin. He grew antsy not knowing what was happening inside.
His worry for Arthur wasn't the only thing to focus on when he heard rustling in the tall, dead grass behind him. Merlin didn't have time to react when he was tackled to the ground, slamming hard on the uneven terrain. Merlin felt weight press him down against the grass. Merlin let out a late starling yelp, looking up to see a young man with bright ruby red eyes and a smirk that said it all. Getting out of his shock, Merlin's eyes glowed gold and the Vampire was thrown off of him. Not bothering to see if his magic worked, Merlin scrambled to his feet, running away from where the rogue was thrown. Obviously magic having no effect on a magic born being, Merlin was grabbed from behind, causing a strangled scream to escape him as he was pressed against the outside wall of the mansion.
"I like when they try to run. Makes dinner so much more enjoyable." The man whispered, his voice deep and rough. Merlin wasn't giving up. He brought his head back, feeling it connect with something on the mans face, hearing a satisfying crack. The man stumbled back, letting go of Merlin.
Merlin turned around and used all his force to kick the Rogue in the stomach, watching him crumple to his knees. Merlin looked over to the gate, he immediately took off towards it. Once on the other side of it, he slammed the rusty gate closed. Looking back, he noticed the man wasn't there anymore, getting a bad feeling in his stomach.
The door to the mansion started to open and Arthur walked out, looking untouched, dusting off his clothes. Merlin sighed in relief, not really sure why seeing Arthur relieved him. Probably because he wasn't alone anymore. Arthur looked up, his face saying it all and Merlin knew something was wrong.
Merlin felt his hair being gripped and his head was whipped back so fast he got vertigo, making him dizzy. He felt a white hot pain in his neck, causing an unknown scream to escape his mouth. The pain didn't last long though, when whatever was latched onto him was thrown off of him, causing him to crumbled to the ground. Hot flashes raged his body, making him feel as if he had a fever. His breathing picked up, his vision growing black. He brought a hand up to grip his neck, feeling the slimy, hot liquid oozing out of the injury.
Merlin felt a hand on his shoulder and a distant voice, but he couldn't grasp it. The injury, the fighting and lack of sleep seemed to catch up with him and before he knew it, he had fainted into the arms of his Master.
