Halig burped and stood up, waving down one of the tavern girls. "Watch my food. I've gotta go check on my prize."
The girl nodded and he lumbered towards the door. Suddenly someone bumped into him, spilling their drink onto him.
"Oh, I'm so sorry!" a young woman said, brushing at his jacket.
"Not a problem," he answered, looking the thing up and down.
"Please, let me buy you a drink as an apology."
"Well, I won't say no to a drink, just let me -"
She set her hand on his arm. "I need to be going soon, let me buy you a drink now?"
He looked her up and down again. Well, his prize wasn't going anywhere. "How can I say no to a face like that?"
She muttered something under her breath then led him over to the bar. "A drink for my friend here!"
The barkeep grunted and dropped a tankard in front of them.
"Thank you," she said, paying.
"Thank you, dear," Halig chuckled. He grabbed the drink and took a big swig. He reached out for the young woman, but felt nothing but air. He looked around, but she was nowhere to be seen.
"Tease," he huffed. He finished off his drink then headed out of the tavern.
Gwen caught Merlin's eye in the hall and he ducked his head. "Gwen, thank you so much! I owe you."
"It's fine, Merlin," she replied.
"It isn't. Mordred told me about how that guy had been looking at you."
"Oh, it's not the first time I've dealt with creeps," she said, waving it off. "How is she?"
Merlin shifted the tray in his arms and glanced around them. "She's okay. We brought her down to the tunnels beneath the walls. I'm going to go check on her after I drop Arthur's breakfast off."
"Make sure you tell him," she said, giving him a knowing look.
"Yeah, yeah. You know he's going to kill me when he hears."
"No, he won't."
"I'm going to kill you!"
"Gwen owes me lunch," Merlin muttered, dodging a thrown goblet.
"What were you thinking? Nevermind, I already know you weren't!"
"Are you done, Sire?" Merlin sighed, grabbing the goblet and returning it to Arthur's table.
"No. And where's Mordred? I need to yell at him too."
"He chickened out and went to collect herbs for Gaius."
Arthur snorted and snatched up one of his sausages.
"Arthur, you should have seen her in that cage. I couldn't just leave her there."
The prince made the mistake of looking at his servant's face.
He rolled his eyes and grabbed a piece of cheese before shoving the plate at Merlin. "Wrap the rest of that up in a cloth."
Merlin gave him a bemused look, but did as told while Arthur pulled on his boots.
"Bring me to her," Arthur said, reaching for his sword.
"Is that necessary?" Merlin asked.
He rolled his eyes again, but left the sword. Instead, he grabbed Merlin's arm and shoved him towards the door. "Go."
Merlin led him down out of the citadel and towards the gate, but paused when he saw the line of people being checked over by the guards.
Arthur, on the other hand, ignored it. He continued past the line of people who curtsied or bowed their heads as he passed and Merlin hurried to follow. The guards didn't give Arthur and Merlin a passing glance, but the bounty hunter reached out and grabbed Merlin, yanking him away.
"Where'd you think you were going?"
Merlin blinked. "I was just -"
"Search him," the man ordered a guard, shoving Merlin at him.
The guard gave Merlin a confused expression, but stepped forwards.
"What is going on here?" Arthur snapped, finally noticing Merlin wasn't at his side and coming back around.
"Your Highness," the guard said, bowing, and the bounty hunter quickly followed suit. "A druid girl escaped from this man last night. We've been ordered to assist him."
"That doesn't explain why you're accosting Merlin of all people and holding me up."
"Apologies, My Lord."
"Your father gave me permission to search the people in case someone is hiding the girl, Your Highness," the bounty hunter said, puffing out his chest.
Immediately, Merlin and the guards flinched away. Everyone in the citadel knew not to bring up the king in Arthur's presence.
The man hadn't seemed to cotton on to the prince's mood though as he continued obliviously, "This boy tried to pass through without being checked."
"Are you suggesting I am hiding the girl?" Arthur growled.
He blinked, shrinking as he finally took in Arthur's furious state. "O-of course not, sire."
"Really, because Merlin is accompanying me to the Lower Town, so if you are suggesting he is going to meet the girl, then clearly you are suggesting the same of me."
"N-no, Sire, that's not what I meant. We can't just allow -"
"He is my servant. I can allow him whatever I wish. In fact," he turned to the guards, "Merlin has my absolute trust. He is to be allowed to pass freely from now on. If you have a problem with him, you come to me. Do you understand?"
"Of course, Your Highness," the guards agreed immediately, bowing.
Arthur sent the bounty hunter a look and he immediately ducked his head and agreed. The prince turned on his heel and marched off with a snapped, "Merlin!"
Once Merlin had stumbled up to his side, he growled, "I hate men like that. Those who think since my father shows them even the smallest favor then they can do whatever they wish."
"Yeah, only noble prats are allowed to act like that," Merlin joked.
Arthur turned his glare on the warlock. "Watch yourself. You're the one they're looking for, remember. I could always just go back and hand you over to them."
"But you won't," Merlin said softly, leading Arthur into the tunnels. "Do you wa-"
"If you ask me if I want to talk one more time…"
Merlin sighed. "She's a bit jumpy so try not to act so…"
"Intimidating?"
"Haughty."
Arthur reached out to smack his head, but missed in the darkness. "Damn it, Merlin I can't see anything!"
Suddenly a light appeared in front of them, glittering gold and blue.
"That's not what I meant," he hissed, managing to smack the warlock's head this time.
"Ow! Can't I ever just get a thank you?"
"Shut up, Merlin."
They reached the girl to see that she was sleeping with Cavall curled up against her.
He stayed back as Merlin gave her the food and set up some candles after waking her. It was only with the added light that she spotted the prince.
She flinched back and Arthur held up his hands.
"It's okay. He's a friend. I promise he's actually really soft," Merlin said.
"Oi!"
She glanced between the two nervously, but continued eating.
Arthur stayed back, letting the two talk.
"I know what it's like to keep secrets."
Freya looked up at the man Merlin had brought briefly, to see him staring down the tunnel. "Who else knows you have magic?"
"Besides Mordred, only Arthur and our friend Gwen." Merlin glanced at the man, Arthur, as well then leaned closer. "Modred has magic too, was a druid like you, but Gwen and Arthur… They don't really get it."
"I wish I was like everyone else, but…"
"You always know, deep down, you're not?"
"Because I'm cursed."
Arthur's head perked up, but Merlin didn't even blink.
"Freya, don't say that!"
"I think they've been killed by some kind of wild animal," Gaius explained.
"Have your men been able to track the creature?" Uther asked.
Arthur ignored him, looking over the ground to make sure he hadn't missed anything.
"Arthur."
"The ground is soft, Gaius. A bear or wolf would leave some mark, but there are no tracks."
Gaius glanced between them and pointed to a set of tracks. "Then what are these?"
"Human footprints."
"But they're leading away from the bodies. Did someone escape the attack?"
"No one's come forward."
"Could the person who -" Uther asked.
"Could a smaller animal have done this? One light enough not to make tracks?" Arthur asked, cutting over the king.
Uther scowled at him, then sighed.
"I don't believe so," Gaius answered cautiously. "These wounds could only've been inflicted by a beast of considerable size."
"And if this was done by neither a man nor beast, there's only one other explanation. It must be the work of a magical creature."
"I guess it's time for a witch hunt," the prince growled, standing.
"Arth-"
"If you'll excuse me, I need to increase the guards' patrols." Arthur met his father's eyes, daring him to comment.
Uther glared back for a few moments before waving his hand. "Leave."
He turned and left without any other fanfare.
It must be the work of a magical creature.
As much as he hated to admit it, his father was right. Arthur was an idiot. No, Merlin was an idiot who really needed to grow out of his pup face.
"That's not a strawberry," he heard the druid girl giggle as he approached her hiding place in the tunnels.
"Er, it's the right color," Merlin responded and Arthur came around the corner to see him handing her a rose.
Oh great, he has a crush! There was no way this was going to be easy.
"We need to talk," Arthur growled and the two jumped.
"Arthur?" Merlin asked, but the prince ignored him.
He marched up to tower over the girl. "Why did you do it?"
The girl stared up at him with terrified eyes, but also knowing ones.
"Arthur!" Merlin snapped, stumbling to his feet and trying to pull him back. "What are you doing?"
"Two people were found dead in the lower town. All evidence points to magic." Arthur turned his glare on Merlin. "Do you think it's a coincidence that you freed a druid girl and then the next night magic attacks?"
"Yes!"
"He's right."
The two turned to the girl.
"Freya?"
She gave Merlin sorrowful eyes. "I'm sorry. You've been so good to me, but I don't deserve it. I'm not like you."
"Why did you attack those people? Merlin rescued you, we've been hiding you. Why would you turn against us like this?" Arthur asked.
She bowed her head. "I didn't want to. I hate killing, but I have no choice. I'm cursed."
Merlin tried to go to her, but Arthur shoved him back, hand falling to his sword. "You said that before, what did you mean?"
"I'm a monster. I… There was a man. He attacked me. I didn't mean to hurt him, but I thought he was going to kill me."
"It was an accident," Merlin said.
"His mother was a sorceress, and when she found out that I'd killed her son, she cursed me to kill forevermore. At midnight I transform into a beast the druids called a bastet. I can't control myself in that form. All it wants to do is kill. That's why I went to the druids, to begin with. I had hoped they could help me."
"They couldn't?" Arthur asked, studying her.
She shook her head. "I was too dangerous to keep around. They didn't have a way to keep me contained long enough to find the cure. They could fend me off, but only for so long. Someone ended up getting hurt."
"There has to be a way for us to help you," Merlin said.
The prince thought over her words. "The dungeons should hold her."
The girl's head fell further down and Arthur could feel Merlin's eyes burning into his back.
"There are larger cells under the normal ones. We don't use them much now. They're made completely of stone aside from the solid metal doors. We could lock you in while you're transformed so you won't hurt anyone while Merlin and Mordred figure out how to cure you."
The girl's head whipped up so fast Arthur was sure it had to hurt.
He turned to Merlin, who was giving him his I'm a proud idiot smile. "Have you heard of this bastet beast before?"
"No, but I can ask Mordred. If the druids recognized it, then hopefully he'll at least know something that can give us a starting point."
"Then -"
"You believe me?"
He turned back to the girl.
"Of course!" Merlin chirped.
"Not yet," Arthur countered. "But if you are telling the truth, we need to get you somewhere where you can't hurt anyone. And if you aren't, then you'll already be in the dungeons so that's good enough for me."
"Arthur," Merlin hissed, but Freya relaxed and nodded.
"That is fair."
Arthur nodded back. "Then I will come and get you just after sundown."
"Mordred and I will prepare a cell, make sure it's comfortable for you."
"Thank you, Merlin," she replied and Arthur took his leave of the two.
Arthur eyed the guards marching along their patrol routes before slipping into the darkness.
Freya was waiting for him when he reached her, Merlin's jacket wrapped around her shoulders and the candles extinguished. He placed Merlin's cloak over the jacket. "Keep the hood up and your head down. No one's likely to question you as you're with me, but if the wrong person sees and gets curious…"
Freya frowned, but pulled up the hood. She ducked her head and held his arm as he brought her out of the tunnels and up to the citadel, avoiding the patrols easily.
Too easily. He was going to have to rework the routes when this was all over. There were far too many holes for people to use. Good for his warlocks to do their thing, but also good for anyone else up to no good.
Mordred met them at the entrance to the dungeons and led them down, distracting the guards so they could slip past. The three quickly slipped through the halls and down the stairs until they reached the cell Merlin had prepared, the older warlock and Guinevere waiting for them.
She smiled and stepped forward slightly, holding out her hand. "Hello, I'm Guinevere, though everyone calls me Gwen."
Freya tugged her cloak closer. "Merlin told me about you. He said you helped him free me."
"It was my pleasure." She held out a dress. "Here, it might be a bit big, but I thought it might be nicer than what you have now."
Freya stared at the dress, not taking it. "Why are you all so good to me?" she looked up at them. "I've killed people, many people. I could kill again."
"We won't let that happen," Merlin said, taking her hand. "I promised you I'd look after you, and I will. We will. You're safe here."
"And people will be safe from you," Arthur agreed. "If you're honest, then you've had enough pain brought upon you. I will see to it you do not face more."
"Told you he was actually really soft," Merlin whispered to her.
"Shut up, Merlin," Arthur growled, turning away and marching off to the sound of Guinevere and Mordred's muffled chuckles.
"Try to get as much rest as you can," Gwen said, giving Freya the dress before heading off after Arthur.
Modred gave her a wide smile. I'm going to start looking through our books. Night, Freya!
"Goodnight."
Mordred ran off, catching up to Gwen just as she turned a corner.
Freya turned to Merlin, clutching the dress closer. "You should go as well."
Merlin shook his head. "I want to stay with you."
"You can't -"
He stopped her with a squeeze of her hand, stepping closer. "Until just before midnight. Please, I don't want you to have to be down here alone."
"You're not scared of me?"
Merlin took another step closer and shrugged. "I've faced worse. Uglier too. You should have seen the troll."
Freya chuckled and pressed into his side.
"Come see what we've done," Merlin said, pulling her towards the cell.
She smiled, but inside she couldn't feel his excitement.
A cell was better than a cage, but it was still a cell.
He pushed open the door and waved her in. She stepped through, then froze.
Rose vines and Welsh poppies grew up the corners and across the ceiling, filling the room with their scent. A few glass orbs held up by the vines glittered with a soft, warm light. A nest of blankets and pillows created a soft-looking bed on one side, which Merlin's familiar was making use of. Most astounding though was the painting across one wall. It featured a tall mountain range with a lake at the base.
"You remembered!"
"Of course. I'm so sorry for what that sorcerer did to you."
Freya pulled him into a hug. This… This was the nicest thing anyone had done for her since she'd fled her home after realizing she'd been cursed. "Merlin, you have nothing to be sorry for."
He hugged her back. "I promise, we'll save you."
"You've already saved me. You made me feel loved."
Merlin pulled back with a blush.
The two looked into each other's eyes then, as one, leaned in.
"Has Halig found the girl yet?"
"The guards report that there hasn't been any sign of her," Arthur said shortly, not looking up from his meal.
"She's likely long gone," Uther said.
"If she was ever here. We've seen no sign that such a girl even existed. Maybe he made the whole thing up in hopes you'd pay him anyways."
"Halig's usually far more reliable."
"Perhaps you've allowed him too much favor and he's become complacent."
"You may be right. Either way, we can't waste men on this any longer. It's been a fortnight already. I'll tell the guard to return to their posts."
Arthur didn't respond. He finished his food and pushed his empty plate aside. "May I be excused."
"Arthur… you may."
Arthur watched the bounty hunter's cart trundle into the forest through a hall window before continuing on his way to the physician's chambers.
"Merlin," he called as he strutted inside, then paused.
Merlin was sitting at the table next to a girl he almost didn't recognize.
Freya had cleaned herself up, the dirt and grime washed away to reveal flawless fair skin and dark chestnut hair.
He smiled at her. "It's good to see you out and about."
She smiled back, running a finger over her braid. "It's nice to be out, even if it's only during the day."
Merlin smiled and set a hand on her shoulder, but was stopped from saying anything when Gaius came in.
"Prince Arthur, is there something I can do for you? Or were you looking for Merlin?" He asked, giving Merlin a look.
"Prince?" Freya squeaked.