First Official Trip
By: Montez
Disclaimer: Merlin Belongs to the BBC
Summary: Uther is taking Arthur on his first official trip around the kingdom, but things do not go as planned.
A/N: This popped into my head one day and I have struggling to find a starting point. We always see Uther as a 'cold' father most of the time, but I wanted to be a little different. I love Anthony Head and can see him as being a loving father, so I have made my Uther a caring father, totally OC (even though we did catch glimpses of this kind of father on a few occasions, like when he tried to carry Arthur across the courtyard after the questing beast incident). Sir Cador is actually a character from the episode the Poisoned Chalice, he was one of the Knight's with Uther when they were discussing the possibility of an invasion from Baylard's Kingdom. He struck me as a man who could be Sir Leon's father, same build/hair, so I went with it. This story is nearly complete except for some minor editing, so hopefully a chapter will be posted every few days. Hope you all enjoy-Montez
Chapter 1
The sound of metal against metal rang across the training grounds. It wasn't the hard, intense sound of the knights in training, but the sound was still impressive. Uther stood watching, the knights not due for training for another two hours, so this was the time that Arthur was getting his personal instruction.
By the age of three Arthur was 'playing' knight with a wooden sword, by the time he was 7 he was given his first real sword and a set of chainmail. Uther had been determined to instruct his son, but soon found his temper and Arthurs were not compatible for those particular lessons. When Arthur turned 8 Uther assigned his youngest, most promising knight to be his son's private trainer until he was old enough to become a squire. That had been a year ago, and he had never regrated the decision.
"He's come a long way My Lord" Uther had heard the other man walk up as they watched the young Knight and young Prince training.
"Your son has an amazing amount of patience that I'm sorry to say I am lacking" Uther glanced at his very good friend and first knight Sir Cador.
Both men again watched as Sir Cador's son Leon walked up to the Prince, knelt, and tapped the young boy's feet.
"He struggles with his foot work" the King said softly as he watched both boys take their stance and Leon called out moves for the Prince to engage.
"Much like his father I dare say" Cador said, gently nudging Uther's shoulder, both men laughing at one of the only flaws in his fighting style the King had.
"That is supposed to remain between us my friend" the smile slipping from his face as Arthur fell over his feet while retreating from Leon's advance, the young boys yell of frustration sounding over the field.
"I'M NEVER GOING TO GET THIS!" Arthur shouted, taking off his helmet and throwing it.
"You will, all your other skills are on point, complete coordination takes time Sire, it will come, I promise" Leon put his hand on the blond's shoulder, "Now go pick that up" the young knight pointed his sword toward the youth's helmet.
"That's what servants are for" Arthur stuck out his chin, trying so much to be the Prince he was, while Leon could still see the boy wanting to prove himself.
"Not while I'm training you and you know it, frustration will accomplish nothing, nor will damaging your equipment, now pick it up" Leon's tone took on an edge he rarely used with the young prince, but he was not going to let the young boy think he can intimidate people just because of who he was. A smile crossed his face as Arthur grumpily stomped to his helmet and snatched it up muttering under his breath.
Uther and Cador watched as the boys approached, Leon greeting his father while Uther put his hand on Arthur's shoulder as he passed, "You're coming along well" the King said.
"Whatever" Arthur mumbled as he headed toward the castle.
"He's hard on himself My Lord, he believes he should be perfect with his movements even while I tried to explain that it will all come with time." Leon reported to the King, "His skill with a blade is nearly instinctual, it's amazing"
"He gets that from his father" Sir Cador said looking between his son and his King.
"That may be, but he also seems to have inherited my temper and need for perfection, both things we know I still struggle with Cador." Uther watched as his son reached the stairs and disappeared into the shadows of the castle's interior. "Leon, thank you for your limitless patience with him. I have never regrated having you work with him. Your own natural skill is what allowed you to become the youngest person ever knighted." Leon ducked his head at the Kings unusual praise. "My hope is that much like your father and I, you two will come to have a solid, close friendship that Arthur will need in the years to come. That he will have at least one person that he will always know will have his back and that he can trust beyond all others. As a Prince he will need a level head to help guide him and in time when he is King he will need someone to help him see past his own temperament to make clear decisions that are best for the kingdom."
Cador looked at Uther, knowing the number of times he has had to reign his friend in when his temper would get the better of him, so he knew his son would have his work cut out for him with Arthur.
"Thank you, My Lord," Leon bowed, he shifted slightly before looking at his father, then the King, "If I may speak freely My Lord?"
"Of course." Uther replied.
"I am honored that you have entrusted me with the Prince's training, and I will do everything within my ability to continue to teach him the skills that both you, My Lord, and my father have taught me. I have come to view the Prince as a younger brother, if you will. I hope I can be someone that he can come to if he needs to talk. I know it is difficult to talk to our own fathers sometimes and I hope to give him someone he can trust when he is frustrated or just needs some reassurance. I hope I am not overstepping in the capacity for which you have given me." Leon looked a bit afraid at what he had just said, hoping the King did not take it the wrong way.
Uther looked at the youth, no older than twenty, but with wisdom beyond his years, just like his father. Placing his hand on Leon's shoulder Uther responded. "You have not overstepped. I am pleased you feel this way. I know it is difficult for Arthur with no one his own age around and I know he will not always want to come to me. I know now that I could have entrusted him to no one better. Thank you, Leon." Squeezing the young knight's shoulder, Uther turned to head inside, he had a council meeting to attend.
"I am proud of you Leon," Cador looked at his son, who glanced down sheepishly at his father's praise. The older man pulling his son into a hug "so very proud."