"Horribly Perfect Timing" (Rose)
I don't know how these things happen. I'm on my way to pay Merlin a short visit before cooking our dinner, when the clanging of bells din all about me. Knowing that this is the time of day Arthur is served his evening meal, I am certain of where to find Merlin.
No sooner than I locate them, Arthur has armed himself with guards to investigate. I hurry to Merlin's side, "What is it?"
"I'm not entirely sure," he gives me a look that says he has a better idea than anyone does of what has transpired. I trust his judgment in keeping a low profile, so I ask no further questions.
Arthur says nothing against me coming along, so we all head down to what they explain to me as the vaults of Camelot. That's when it hits me that whatever it is that went on cannot be anything to be taken lightly.
Arthur secures a torch in hand before walking through an open gate-like door. I look around and what I see are many old, and I'm assuming valuable objects and many cobwebs. The cold air fills my lung and gives me the shivers. However, I think that partially had to do with the thought of what made those cobwebs.
The prince proceeds into another cage-like section of the place and stands before a now empty red pillow.
"The Crystal of Neahtid," he tells us what it was that was there and continues, surveying the area, "The locks are not damaged."
Both his and Merlin's brows furrow, as do my own.
"What does that tell you?" Merlin asks innocently with eagerness.
"It tells me that somebody stole my keys," Arthur's tone takes a dive.
I swallow hard knowing just who will be blamed for this occurrence. I peek over at my dear friend, the poor serving boy who was undoubtedly going to be reprimanded, and harshly. I can see the wheels of his mind turning, his lips parted. I was right- he does know something else.
"Was it precious, this crystal?" he asks in a hurried manner.
"Of course it was precious. It wouldn't be down here otherwise, would it?" Arthur quickly bites back.
"Right," Merlin comments quietly.
"Whoever it was knew exactly what they were looking for," Arthur further concludes.
"Apparently," Merlin confirms in the same tone as his previous one.
"Apparently?" Arthur turns to him with disappointment on his face, "That's all you've got to say?" He pauses, and I know what's coming next. "Tell me, Merlin- whose job is it to ensure my chambers are locked at all times?" his voice begins to raise, "Whose job is it to ensure that something like this NEVER HAPPENS!"
As he storms past Merlin, a look of shame coincides with traces of deep contemplating on Merlin's face. He turns his gaze to Arthur leaving, "Sorry!" he calls after him, almost nonchalantly. That's how I KNOW he's distracted. His mind is totally elsewhere- and I'd like to know just where that is. He takes a moment to peer at the pillow.
"Come on," he lays a hand on my shoulder, "We should go. Arthur isn't the only royal we have to worry about discovering what has happened."
My heart drops into my stomach. I'm unprepared. Last time I saw the king was at Roland's sentencing. I was too hurt from the treachery even to think about seeing the king as the man who ultimately killed my father. Now, that will be all I see, and I fear him. He doesn't know who I am, nor will he find out unless someone were to tell him. However, I am somehow afraid that he will look into my eyes and connect the dots despite previously not knowing I exist. And what a strange meeting- "King Uther, this is my old friend who murdered your guards. By the way, I'm Rose. You killed my father, and now I live in your castle. Give me justice."Horribly perfect timing: this is my life.
"How it Feels" (Merlin)
We reach the council room, cold and empty with the exception of the king (who really just adds to the chill), where Arthur cautiously explains our discovery. I can see the heat rising in Uther's face.
"You're sorry?" he presses, "That's not good enough."
Now, I'm starting to feel jittery- it is technically my fault. I glance at Rose nervously, who gives me a small, tight smile. Her efforts to make me feel more at ease help a little, but both of us now have a big, big problem on our hands.
"Did they force their way in?" the king questions.
"No, Sire," Arthur answers with respect in his voice.
"Then how did they gain access to the vault?" a perplexed Uther continues to interrogate. Say and think what you will about him, his intimidation factor is awfully high.
Arthur pauses and looks at me sideways, "They stole the keys," he says plainly.
"How is that possible?" Uther counters, voice beginning to rise.
"Here we go," I whisper the quietest I can. Poor Rose, standing here, listening to the man who had her father killed pick apart her new friend. She's been trying to avoid any sort of contact with his Royal Rudeness ever since she arrived in Camelot; this is one of the reasons she's been keeping to our chambers during the day, rather than tagging along with me on my daily endeavors.
"Someone broke into my chambers," Arthur is coolly honest, but I can see him bracing himself for another verbal attack. I just remain quiet, looking anxiously about the room and between the two men.
"This is a grievous loss, Arthur," the king explains, "The Crystal of Neahtid was locked away for good reason." His tone evokes thought about the object.
Arthur asks the question on probably all of our unsuspecting minds, "Why is it so important?"
"It is an instrument of magic," the king spits back and turns around, facing the Prince with a somewhat wild look in his eye. "In the days of The Purge," he continues, "A great many sorcerers died to try to protect it. Whatever it is, it's important to them."
I consider the fact that Uther isn't even sure what it does or the reason behind its importance and what he's said, search my brain for any previous knowledge of this crystal, and come up with nothing. I may not know anything but I know two people that just might.
A very brief silence takes over before Arthur says, "I'll search the town ... Find out what I can," he starts to turn to the door.
"Arthur," Uther stops him with a tone of warning in his words, "This crystal cannot fall into enemy hands."
"Yes, Sire," Arthur submits quietly. I know how it feels, being reprimanded by a higher authority and having them make you feel like irresponsible, useless dirt. He quickly makes his way past me. I open my mouth to speak, and then shut it just as fast. Nothing I have to say will be proclaimed in front of Uther.