Thank you to my lovely beta, Paralelsky!
*Super extremely important note at the bottom*
o}O{o
Morgana's chamber door shut softly as her maidservant left for the night. The candle Gwen had left, the only source of light in the dark chambers was swaying on its wick. The drapes were drawn to block out the bright stars and all was still. But then sudden movement from the sole figure in the room broke the tranquility- Morgana began to toss and turn, helpless in the throes of a nightmare. It was not yet midnight and the king's ward had never begun dreaming so soon after falling asleep. She was wrapped in the satin sheets and her raven coloured hair was splayed chaotically around her head. Morgana's porcelain brow wrinkled in distress and her face pressed against her pillow.
The next moment she bolted upright as her loud gasp filled the room and she looked around to ground herself, only to fancy that the shadows grew in the corners- half expecting the cloaked, stocky man from her dream to jump out at her. Morgana held a delicate hand to her thumping heart and she knew she would not get back to sleep any time soon. She steeled her courage and slid out of bed and into her slippers, heading warily toward her window. Morgana peeled back the drapes and was dismayed to see that the clear night the day had promised was overshadowed with clouds. Drops of rain were beginning to tap on the castle and she listened to the increasing storm for a few moments before making up her mind. The lady found her fur stole and wrapped it around her shoulders before heading out the door and toward the physician's chambers.
Morgana's feet were noiseless as they tread through the stone halls and she froze when footsteps sounded around the corner. She tensed and wished she remembered to bring a dagger or at least some kind of weapon. But when it was a knight that came into her line of sight she schooled her expression- immensely relieved that it was not the druid from her dreams.
"My lady!" Sir Leon exclaimed surprised, "What are you doing up at this hour?"
"I fancied a walk to Gaius' chambers," she said offhandedly, knowing she was not fooling the knight.
"Then would you allow me the honour of escorting you, my lady?" he asked and bowed.
Morgana was going to refuse before she thought better of it. "Please," she said instead and continued on her way. Leon followed silently behind her with an unnoticed smile and she was tempted to make conversation but was not ready to concede another loss by talking first. In the end they made their way in a silence that was neither awkward nor comfortable.
"My lady," he said when they stopped outside the door. "I will wait until you decide to head back."
"Thank you, Sir Leon," Morgana said to him and flashed a small smile before going through the held open door. She smirked to herself when she heard Leon clear his throat as he shut the door behind her. Morgana then looked around the cluttered chambers and immediately noted something was amiss. There were lit candles throughout the room but Gaius was not in and his bed not slept in. Then she heard something that broke her heart; a child sobbing, and she knew it was Merlin despite never hearing his voice before.
She strode resolutely to the boys' room and knocked softly before entering. Morgana poked her head in to see Gaius standing in front of the door and Mordred sitting on a bed, rocking the distressed Merlin on his lap.
"My lady!" Gaius exclaimed. Mordred glanced at her before turning his attention back to Merlin, speaking soothing words that she could not hear.
"What is the matter?" she ignored Gaius and asked. Morgana felt a lump grow in her own throat as each of Merlin's wails felt like it battered her heart.
"Poor boy had a nightmare," Gaius answered, not offended in the slightest by her understandable lack of greeting.
Morgana moved past Gaius and went to sit on the bed beside Mordred. "Merlin?" she asked softly. The boy's cries did not cease and his face remained buried in Mordred's shirt.
"He gets like this every time," Mordred informed her quietly, "you do not need to worry."
"He has nightmares often?" Morgana asked.
"Not for a few days, but yes."
Morgana frowned and opened her arms. "Give him here."
Mordred was going to protest but refrained from doing so upon seeing the lady's stern expression. He slid Merlin over to her and the boy stiffened before relaxing in Morgana's hold. She rested his head on her shoulder and stroked his hair. "It's alright Merlin, you're safe now." The boy's crying lessened after she kissed his hair and his fingers found her long tresses. The rain outside quieted and eventually stopped, Morgana thinking that the silence put the boy to sleep. She looked at the stunned Mordred who had gotten off the bed and she gently laid Merlin down. Morgana couldn't resist smiling at his sleeping face and she took off her fur shawl and set it on him.
She then turned and the two males followed her out the door. "You have quite a way with children, my lady," Gaius said when they were in the main room.
"You said I have the same features as his mother did? Perhaps that is why. The poor boy."
"Thank you Morgana, you did not have to do that," Mordred told her and gave her a smile.
"How could I not?" she asked and glanced back to the closed door. "Isn't there something you can do for him, Gaius?"
Mordred looked to Gaius as he explained. "As Mordred said, he hasn't had a nightmare since he has come to Camelot. I am hoping that they go away with time. Besides, children Merlin's age should not be drinking any such remedies until they are older. I assume that is why you came, my lady?"
Mordred looked from Gaius to Morgana quizzically.
"You know me too well," Morgana offered a half hearted smile.
"Those remedies truly work?" Mordred cut in quietly.
"Yes, Gaius can work miracles, can't you Gaius?" the lady said.
The physician huffed and shuffled to one of his stores. "I am afraid miracles lie outside my area of expertise. But this should do." He came back and held out a small vial with a mustard yellow liquid inside.
"Thank you," Morgana said graciously and then faced Mordred. "Make sure you drop by with Merlin tomorrow, Mordred. Goodnight."
"Goodnight Morgana," Mordred said the same time Gaius did.
The king's ward opened the door and was greeted to Sir Leon's bow. "Thank you once again, Sir Leon."
"It is my pleasure, my lady," he said as he followed her. She couldn't help but smile slightly; she knew that Leon wasn't going to ask about her missing shawl, knowing he certainly did not mind its absence.
o}O{o
It was warm in the physician's chambers, and the morning sunlight wafted lazily into the room. The light shone brightly on the back of the small figure seated at the table causing Merlin's unruly black hair to glisten red in the light. He looked around when he heard Gaius tottering back to the table; the old man placed an apple, a book, and a goblet in the center to add to the various items spread out on the surface.
"Alright, Merlin," Gaius said while walking to the chair across from Merlin and sitting on it. "Would you like to play a game?"
Merlin looked at all of the items Gaius went through the trouble of getting to the table and he nodded slowly, unwilling to offend the physician. Gaius smiled and reached for the red and blue patches of cloth and putting them in front of the unenthusiastic boy. "Alright," Gaius started and held up one of the pieces of parchment that he had prepared earlier. "I want you to look at the word on here and point to the colour it says."
Merlin glanced up at Gaius before reading the large letters and then touching the red cloth in front of him. "Very good, Merlin!" Gaius beamed at him and when the child did not look fazed by the compliment the old man faltered. "Come now," he said softly, "where is that cheer of yours? Hm?"
But Merlin didn't want to be cheerful. Mordred had left him behind after scolding him for not letting anyone know that the weapons from yesterday scared him, which the older boy had puzzled out to have been the reason for his nightmare. Merlin had wanted to be like Mordred and like all the scary swords and things, but he didn't seem to want to look at them. And then he had the nightmare and remembered why it was so very hard to be like his big brother figure.
The boy gave Gaius a shrug causing the physician to sigh and carry on. As the morning wore away, Merlin eventually forgot his bad mood and began to enjoy the game. Gaius hid his surprise at just how many words the boy recognized but he was forced to cut the lesson short when Merlin was accidentally causing items to break in his excitement. Gaius had then elected to teach him how to better control his magic, even though it was broad daylight. He went with Merlin to the back room and left the door only slightly ajar so as to not be caught unawares. Gaius was nervous and had absolutely no idea what he was doing, but he sat on the bed opposite to the one Merlin was perched on anyway.
"This is very important, Merlin," Gaius told him seriously. The little boy nodded earnestly and waited for Gaius' next words. "You need to learn how to control your magic because your accidental displays are the surest way to get you caught." Merlin blinked and cocked his head to one side, causing Gaius to rethink his phrasing. "Ah...you need to stop using magic by accident. So I am going to teach you small spells to help you," the physician said slowly, gauging Merlin's reaction. The child smiled and nodded forcefully.
"I hope this will work," Gaius muttered under his breath and started by giving Merlin warnings- about the lessons themselves and the magic he would be learning. Merlin was very enthusiastic, and his energy did not dampen in the slightest when most of the spells proved to be beyond him. Gaius was only surprised that he managed to do some of them without any form of incantation. In twenty minutes, the old man figured out that Merlin could move any manner of light objects, conjure flame, manipulate time, and change the colour of Gaius' robes which were now a deep green, with apparently just a thought. Merlin may not be able to execute spells, but Gaius thought it was because of his unwillingness to talk. Not that he needed to since he clearly could use magic without them; but Gaius found that Merlin did not have as many outbursts when he was concentrating on doing a spell.
It was early afternoon when someone knocked on the door to the chambers. Gaius jumped a mile when the knocks broke the silence, and Merlin caused the dresser drawers to fly open in surprise. "Alright, Merlin, no more magic," Gaius said while standing up. He gave a pointed look to the boy who nodded and he travelled down the stairs a little warily. Before he bid whoever it was to enter, he cast an eye about the chambers to make sure there was nothing incriminating, like the floating sock by his head. "Merlin!" he hissed, and snatched the clothing out of the air. The boy looked surprised and then abashed, opting to burrow under the covers from the bed to hide himself.
Gaius swallowed and tried to calm his beating heart. "Enter!"
The door opened abruptly and a guard came feverishly through the threshold. "Gaius! Thank the lord you're in!" he was fidgeting with his hands and switching from foot to foot. "Lady Amelia has gone into labour!"
"What? Already?" Gaius asked aghast and ran around the chambers collecting all he thought he would need. "She is not due for another few weeks! You're sure?"
"Yes!" the guard gasped, "The midwife is in the chambers and the lady is screaming something awful."
"Alright, carry this and wait for me outside. I'll be right there." He passed the items to the distressed guard.
The guard nodded and marched outside the door, using his shoulder to push it shut. Gaius hurried back to Merlin's room to find the boy still sitting under the blankets. "Merlin."
Merlin did not move, seemingly under the impression that Gaius could not see him. "Merlin I know you are there," Gaius told him sharply, "I need you to listen to me."
The boy dragged himself out of the covers with a surprised expression on his face, causing Gaius to smile briefly despite the situation. "I need to go out for a little while, so you will have to stay here by yourself. Remember no magic, and do not leave the chambers." Merlin pouted and sprang off the bed to seize Gaius' hand. "I'm sorry Merlin, but someone needs my help." It was lucky that Merlin let go or else Gaius would have felt extremely guilty for walking out the room. Merlin followed him as Gaius left a note for Mordred and gathered a few other items and herbs. "Remember, no magic. And don't touch anything," Gaius warned.
Merlin sighed and gave him a nod. "Good boy. Now I will see you later." Merlin waved until Gaius was gone and the door was shut, and a bit after as well. He then sighed once more at finding himself alone. Merlin sat on the bed, absently causing Selwyn's elm sprig to float over to him. He stared at it for a few moments before placing it gingerly back in its spot atop the dresser and venturing into the main room. He soon forgot about his disappointment at Gaius leaving as he looked around the chambers. A mischievous smile grew on his face as he began to explore the room which he imagined was now a dangerous forest. Gaius' caution not to touch anything was quickly forgotten and Merlin took great delight in investigating any and every object. He wisely did not pick up the vials with liquid in them for he remembered that the physician had accidentally burned a hole in his boot when he spilled some this morning.
He pulled his scarf out of his pocket and painstakingly tied it on to cover his scarred throat before he shed his cloak on the floor beside the stairs and started to pile the many books lying around the chambers onto it, making a short, single wall. Merlin then went in search of something he could put inside his shelter, venturing into the broom closet. He cleverly made sure the door was almost shut to make sure no wild animals saw him. But then he frowned at the dark space and through great force of will he did not conjure a flame. Just as he was about to open the closet door, the door from the main chambers squeaked open and he perked up, thinking that Gaius was back.
Merlin smiled and anticipated scaring the old physician, certain that he wouldn't get mad at him. But when Merlin peered through the crack in the door, he froze in fear. Ben, one of the unkind druids was standing in the doorway and looking warily around the chambers. Merlin did not dare breathe as Ben slowly ventured into the room; the dark haired man was searching the quarters to make sure they were empty. As his footsteps got closer to the broom cupboard, Merlin pressed himself against the wall and tears blurred his vision as Ben got closer and closer. But then the boy drew in a shaky breath of relief when the cloaked man walked past.
Merlin desperately wanted to run but fear held his limbs where they were. He didn't know where Mordred was, or Arthur or Gaius, or Morgana, or Gwen- and if he ran Ben might see him. Merlin braved a peek and found that Ben was studying his blue cloak that was on the ground. The man's back was toward him and Merlin glanced through the open door to the hallway outside. He wanted to run, but he was scared. He wanted Mordred. Just as the tears seeped out from behind his eyelashes a resounding voice called in his head.
"Young warlock." It was the dragon! "Come to me, Merlin."
Merlin checked that Ben's back was still turned before he ran out of the closet and out of the physician's chambers. It did not occur to him that Ben did not hear him for terror wholly occupied his heart. It also did not occur to him to stop someone he passed by or a guard for help- he only knew of one that could help him now, and that was the dragon. Merlin caught the guard as he was sleeping off a hangover and tore past him down the steps. He very nearly fell but did not stop until he was panting at the edge of the abyss. His face was flushed, his eyes were bright, and his small chest was heaving but he was so very happy at seeing the great dragon sitting on his perch.
Kilgharrah brought his head close to the frightened boy and spoke quietly. "You should wait here until the druid is gone, Merlin."
Merlin nodded and sniffled. He reached out his tiny hand and laid it on the dragon's lip. Kilgharrah's eyes widened in surprise but he did not move. Merlin waited until his heart stopped trying to beat its way out of his chest before making his way to the rock wall and sliding down next to it. The cold seeped through his thin white cotton shirt and he gave a small shiver. The dragon stared at him and opened his maw, breathing a gust of warm air. Merlin's untidy hair rippled gently around his head and warmth settled into his skin. His clear blue eyes flitted around the dark cavern, and then tiny baubles of light poked holes in the darkness, floating around the vast space. He then stared at Kilgharrah, studying the dragon.
Every drop of water that resounded off in the deep cavern caused the boy to jump as well as the tumbling rocks dropping into the quietly murmuring stream below. Merlin only calmed after an hour of silence with him and the dragon. "I believe he is gone now, little one," Kilgharrah's voice echoed through the cavern, causing far away rocks to dribble down the walls. Merlin blinked at him but did not move. He sat there and picked at his worn leather boots while still staring at the dragon who tilted his head at him. "What a strange little child you are," Kilgharrah mused and said nothing else.
The dragon remained staring at Merlin as if he was remarkably interesting and Merlin remained unperturbed as he stared back. Another silent hour passed before Merlin plucked up enough courage to venture back to the castle. He stood up and gave a hesitant wave to Kilgharrah who nodded his regal head. Merlin turned and ran a hand along the rough and uneven rock as he traipsed to the stairwell and he gave a final look to Kilgharrah before climbing up; he forgot about the small globes of light, leaving them hanging on the curtain of darkness in the cave.
o}O{o
Rosy amber sunlight wafted through the streets of Camelot. The white castle walls shone warmly and shadows were growing in the corners of the courtyard. All the peasants were heading home for supper and Arthur and his friends were lounging on the steps to the castle. He had just dismissed Mordred to go eat his own dinner so he was free to laugh at the jokes Leonard was making, which were really rather offensive towards peasants. Arthur glanced at the passing people and felt the long sting their fleeting fearful looks- once again he sensed their judgement.
As Arthur rolled his eyes at Raymond's boisterous laugh, his gaze was dragged sideways to the shadowy entrance to the far corridor. He immediately noticed pale skin stand out in the dull darkness; Merlin stood against the wall, flitting his eyes nervously around the courtyard with his hands clasped lightly around his throat. The prince may not have seen him if the boy was wearing his dark cloak but his light shirt was revealed, as well as the stone dragon pendent hanging against his blue scarf.
Arthur stood up and paid his friends no heed as he strode to the clearly frightened boy. They called after him and Merlin was drawn to the noise, jumping when he seen the figure of the prince coming toward him. But then when Merlin recognized him, he sent another scrutinizing glance around the courtyard before relaxing.
"Hello, Merlin," Arthur greeted when he got to the boy and knelt in front of him. "Should you be alone?" The prince looked into the hall to see neither Gaius nor Mordred around.
The boy's eyes were wide as he shook his head emphatically and shuffled a small step toward Arthur. Merlin grabbed his sleeve and tugged it, his eyes once again darting around the square, then he pointed to the sword at Arthur's hip. The prince frowned and stood up, casting his own eyes around the courtyard. He only found numerous peasants staring at him oddly and his friends walking towards them.
"Arthur," Alan exclaimed, appalled. "Don't let it touch you!"
Merlin flinched and stepped behind the prince, hiding his face against Arthur's leg. The prince frowned coldly at Alan. "Relax, Whittard."
"What? We're not on a first name basis any longer?" Alan teased.
"Mind your tone," Arthur warned, reminding Alan of his place.
"Yes, Sire," Alan said around a curled lip.
Raymond stepped forward and made a shooing motion with his hand. "Why don't you go run along, you little urchin. Shoo." Merlin revealed half his face to frown at Raymond.
"I'm taking him back to Gaius," Arthur announced and for the first time he was irritated at being followed by his friends. He made sure Merlin was in front of him while he guided him through the courtyard.
"What, he can't say thank you?" Leonard asked.
"He doesn't talk," Arthur said evenly.
"Why not? Does he have a mental affliction?"
Merlin blinked at the words he could not understand, but hunched his shoulders at the tone- he knew that they did not like him.
Arthur stopped to pin Leonard with a hard stare. "He's had a hard time of it," Arthur said quietly. "Now, why don't you all go along and play somewhere else." The prince turned on his heel leaving the three lords behind. They all gave scandalized sniffs before stiffly bowing and stalking off.
Merlin seemed to grow increasingly tense the closer they got to the physician's chambers and Arthur honestly did not remember when he started gripping the hilt of his sword. Merlin's hold on Arthur's coat became tighter when they reached the door which slammed open a moment later.
Merlin scurried behind Arthur and the prince only managed to keep from drawing his sword before he realized it was only Mordred. There was a flurry of movement as Merlin barrelled past him and practically jumped into the older boy's arms.
"There you are!" Mordred exclaimed and bent slightly to catch Merlin. The boy wound his arms around Mordred's neck. "You found him?" Mordred asked the prince.
"He was in the courtyard," Arthur told his servant. Mordred's face was paler than usual and he sighed in relief.
"Please come in, Sire." Mordred turned and re-entered the chambers. Arthur saw that Gaius was not in. Mordred immediately set Merlin on the ground and spun him around, checking for injuries.
"You weren't supposed to leave here, Merlin, what were you thinking?" Mordred asked sharply and crossed his arms over his chest.
"I think he was scared of someone," Arthur answered for the boy. Merlin looked up to Mordred and nodded.
"Tynan?" Mordred gasped and Merlin shook his head. "Was it a druid?" Mordred knelt before Merlin when the boy bobbed his head up and down.
A grimace passed over Arthur's face; he had the guard on high alert so no druid should have been able to enter Camelot. Not to mention the frequent patrols.
"Was it Ethel?" Mordred asked and Merlin shook his head, and began to frown.
"Nyan?"
Merlin balled his small hands into fists and once again shook his head.
"Ormod then?"
Merlin stomped his foot and he was the only one unsurprised when a beaker on Gaius' work table violently shattered.
Mordred stiffened and thought faster than he ever did before. He waved his hand dismissively. "Gaius and his experiments," the servant said in a resigned tone. He masked his relief when Arthur rolled his eyes and luckily did not notice that there was nothing in the broken beaker.
"Ben?" Mordred returned to questioning Merlin who didn't even notice his mistake. The boy nodded swiftly.
Mordred's face darkened and his eyes seemed to glow like turquoise coloured diamonds. If Arthur was a lesser man he might have swallowed in apprehension at the rather intimidating boy who was unnerving for one so young.
"I'll organize a patrol, and get some knights to guard the door. Do not leave this room," Arthur said imperiously and strode out of the chambers. He had no illusions that the druid would be easy to find, if he could be found at all. The prince would have no trouble putting the city on alert though- his father would be more than willing to expend effort to catch a sorcerer.
If Arthur was uncertain about the boys' presence in his life, he knew one thing for sure; he would protect them and he would not fail.
o}O{o
Two days of searching led to no results and Arthur was staring moodily at the forest. He stood alone on the battlements with only the weak breeze for company. Sir Leon's footsteps got quieter the further away he went, now on his way from giving Arthur his report and leaving the prince to steam in impotent fury. There had been no progress in the knights' search for the intruding druid. Just as he was about to order Mordred to go muck out the stables, he remembered that he had sent the boy to go learn to ride with Morris. So Arthur remained with his hands on the wall, looking between the bright blue sky and the vast forest. As his gaze drew closer to the castle, a now familiar teal cloak caught his eye. He looked to see Mordred leading a dark horse and following Morgana who was leading her own white mare.
Arthur rolled his eyes and set out to the riding field Morgana usually rode in. The king had given the whole thing to Morgana and she was the only one allowed to use it- which made it perfect for her supposed plans. Arthur rolled his eyes once again at his almost sister's antics. When he got there he was surprised to see that Morgana's servant and Merlin were there as well. Merlin was perched in front of Morgana and had his arms out of his cloak to pat the horse's neck. As the prince strode closer he noticed that Mordred looked uncomfortable atop his own horse, which Arthur noted was the one that Morris had formerly ridden- the one with the small white patch on its forehead.
Morgana noticed him first and an irritable frown formed on her pink lips. Arthur's chin rose, not appreciating her reaction, and opened the gate without changing pace.
"What are you doing here, Arthur?" she asked. "I'm teaching them how to ride."
Merlin grinned at him and the prince felt forced to ease his tone. "...Yes. I sent Mordred to learn with my former servant." He then looked to Mordred who was trying to get his horse to stop twirling in a circle- the embarrassed scowl on his face caused Arthur to laugh. Gwen immediately rushed over to try and still the horse.
Merlin's lips immediately settled into a line and his gaze turned particularly cool. Morgana's expression was exceedingly more hostile. "And he was going to Morris. However we ran into each other and I wanted to help him."
"That doesn't surprise me," Arthur said dryly and left it at that. Mordred's horse finally stopped moving he was able to try and dismount- Arthur sighed and walked closer. As the servant's foot touched the ground the other one got caught in the stirrup and he would have fallen if not for Arthur catching him by the arm. Mordred's face reddened and he cleared his throat- the prince quickly stepped back.
"I just came to tell you that the search was fruitless," Arthur told him.
"I'm not surprised, Sire, Ben always knew how to be stealthy," Mordred said with none of the sting that Arthur had come to expect.
"Yes well, the patrols and guard will stay doubled. At least until the tournament is over. Which reminds me, you have to make sure my sword and armour are polished."
"He can't do two things at once, Arthur," Morgana spat.
"I'm not asking him to," Arthur replied tetchily before turning back to Mordred. "Hurry up with this and get on with your other chores." The prince then stalked away, choosing to ignore Morgana's indignant huff.
Arthur's turned back slowly drifted farther away and he tried to tune out Morgana laughingly urge Mordred back on the horse. The prince ruthlessly pushed down the hollow feeling of familiar exclusion- determined not to let something so silly bother him. He felt a heavy stare and somehow knew it was Merlin. As he disappeared out of their sight, he felt the absence of their gazes leaving him colder.
o}O{o
Hey guys, thanks for reading. What did everyone think? And I'd be very happy if you left a review :)
Till next update when a dastardly Sir Valiant comes to Camelot!
*****New note: Guys? Guys, I know I'm publishing this same chapter twice but I just discovered something magical! If you haven't already, search Harry Potter the war, on Youtube. WATCH IT. LOVE IT.
I've watched it… I don't know how many times but every time I get goosebumps. Like, I can't even...