Chapter 7 [Camelot—Merlin's Bedroom]

Merlin finished his packing with a heavy heart. He'd put all of his clothes into a heavy sack. Still, he couldn't find his wooden cup. He'd scoured the Physicians' Chambers for it. He turned every corner in the small bedroom over to find it. Alas, he had no idea of its location. Where did it go? I only use it at the table or in here. He reached under his bed for the hidden beams.

Under the loose boards, his grimoire and staff waited for their next use.

He placed them on the bed. I was lucky they remained hidden. He secreted the book amongst the clothes. He wrapped the jacket around the staff's end to conceal its true purpose. Then he set them both in the corner. Consideration reminded him of the last charge. He waved his hands. Canary glinted in his eyes.

The blanket and sheets flew off of the bed. Magic glittered about them. They drifted back down to the bed upon spell's end.

Might as well leave clean sheets and the blanket. He folded the sheets and blanket with care. He stacked them in a neat pile in the bed's middle. There. Now Gaius doesn't have to worry about that. He grabbed his sack and staff and walked them down the stairs.

A knock came from the door.

He quirked an eyebrow. Now what? "Aye?"

"Merlin?" Leon stepped into the chambers. "I know you are preparing to leave. I will not keep you." He peered out into the passage again. Then he brought out a tiny slip of parchment. "This is for you. Thank you."

Merlin accepted it. "Thank you, Sir Leon. I appreciate it. I wish I knew how I displeased the King." He sighed. "I know it's usually not appropriate for a servant to ask a favor of a knight."

Leon nodded. Under most circumstances, he'd not even hear a servant's request especially from one who'd just been sacked and exiled. However, he knew Merlin. He understood that this servant was different than any other he'd ever known. He'd seen Merlin charge into battle and defend their Prince without a second thought. "If I can, Merlin."

Merlin nodded. He set his jaw. "Take care of Prince Arthur. I won't be able to stand at his side any longer." He bowed his head. "I know that's your job and…."

Leon smiled. "Aye. It is my role as First Knight to stand at Prince Arthur's side. You remain loyal in spite of everything that has happened." Admiration magnified Respect's hold on him in that heartbeat. "I will keep watch over him. That is my promise. Thank you for your loyalty, Merlin. It means a great deal."

"Thank you for that." Merlin considered the parchment. "I'll wait until you leave. That way you won't know in case they ask." He bowed to Leon.

"I appreciate that. Thank you." Leon cleared his throat. "Go forth and be well. I hope the road to Ealdor is a safe one."

"I do as well." Merlin looked into Leon's eyes once again. "Give Prince Arthur my regards once again. Be well."

Leon turned and left without another word. He'd listened to Arthur's ranting due to George. He knew of the impending marriage. He wondered about Gwen's whereabouts. These were all curious things indeed…

He didn't say a word about Gwen. Where has Morgana done with her? Merlin walked about the main chamber one last time. He stacked the books in a neat pile on Gaius' worktable. He double checked the glass jars and vials for any traces of dirt or contaminants. He saw the note on Gaius' desk. Now let's see what this note is about. He opened it and read:

"Merlin,

The world it seems has turned upside down. It seems that despite his pardon, my father has not truly forgiven Gwen. He knows I will never stop loving her. Therefore he ordered Morgana to sack her this morning. He believes you are a bad influence on me as well. I told him that you are the worst servant in Camelot's history and you are terrible at everything. Well…almost everything. So help me, George keeps going on about that bloody silver polishing!

I know I cannot overrule the King's order. I can do one thing for you. You know that nag you ride with us? It seems she doesn't want to stay behind without you. At least she will get you to Ealdor. Just get there and look after Hunith. She is your mother. You know how much I miss my mother. At least you two can be together again. I just ask one favor. Whatever happens…whatever my father has done…find Gwen. Look after her. Even if I have to endure this forced marriage, I'll know she's safe. I can't believe I'm actually *begging* like a girl. Even though you are irritating and bad at keeping the secret, I know you understand.

Keep your eyes open and please for once, WATCH YOUR BACK! Don't be such a clot pole and an idiot!

With due regard,

Arthur, Prince of Camelot"

Merlin sucked in a deep breath. A smile creased his lips. "There's even hope for the Prat." He folded the parchment and slid it into his coat pocket. A sharp breath escaped his lips. Morgana's behind this. She did something to Uther to convince him. She gets rid of Gwen. She convinces Uther to sack me. What is going on?

I believe someone told you to kill the Witch. Now who was that? Kilgarrah snarked.

Merlin rolled his eyes. I really don't need this! He grabbed his sack and staff.

Someone needs to remind you. Now she sets matters in motion. A bastion for magic and our kind is endangered by this alliance. Two kings want to stomp out our kind. The Young Pendragon is being forced to do his duty. I do not know about the woman in question. It is for you to deal with. For now, Arthur is correct. You are to go to Ealdor. I will be watching.

Kilgarrah, Morgana has Gwen. She demands I meet her in that clearing where the scorpions attacked me. I am worried about a trap. Merlin sighed. He took one last look around the Physicians' Chamber. Then he shut the door behind himself.

And you should be worried. I shall be prepared. And…wait! Kilgarrah went silent.

Kilgarrah? Kilgarrah, are you all right? Merlin ground his teeth. Concern and Irritation took turns jarring him.

A few heartbeats elapsed.

I am fine, Merlin. In fact, I may have your answer. You feel alone. You are not. It seems another has been banished from his kingdom. He will meet you at the clearing. I will bring him and his companion there. You will not be alone. I will be waiting as well. Now go. We shall speak later. With that, Kilgarrah went silent.

Friends who are banished from other kingdoms? What is going on? Merlin hustled down the stairs and toward the stable.

A meeting awaited with an enemy…and friends yet to be determined….