"I'll get you some fresh water." Leon said briefly, then bowed to the king and left in a rush.
"Gaius."
"Sire."
Uther spotted the unconscious figure on the table and Gaius saw him get lost in the view. Surely the sight looked slightly more vivid in the well lit chamber then the darkness of a cell. Gaius followed his glance, then looked to the floor while turning back to the king. He felt a mix of emotions wash through him. He felt relieved that his ward was in his care again, however wary of the kings' presence; but as angry as he was he knew he has to control himself; for both their sake. The boy was dear to him, yet this was the king of Camelot that was standing in front of him and there was nothing he could do, should the man decide something.
He lifted his head looking at the king, and felt an odd sense of satisfaction as the look on the ruler's face reflected something similar to guilt; not real guilt, though. Uther never felt guilty for anything he'd done, but Gaius felt it was just for the man to face him in the presence of his mutilated ward. If he couldn't feel guilt at least he felt uncomfortable.
"What has happened.. is unfortunate." That was the most that the king managed to squeeze out, his status not letting him express anything more, and in reality he felt the situation to be merely bothersome.
"That it is." The physician said, unable to hide a certain edge in his tone.
"Gaius, you must understand.."
"I don't understand." The old man snapped, for it reminded him far too much of the time the witch finder was called to Camelot just a few moons ago. Different victim, different method, but the reason for it and the person behind it was the same.
"I just saw him and he looked.. just like Balinor." The king said with a hiss. Obviously he still hasn't fully calmed down from his rage, and it made Gaius a little uneasy. "The resemblance is striking.."
Gaius turned and looked at Merlin for a moment, then turned back to the king.
"Just because he's grown a beard, while he's been captive with your son, there's no reason to call for a witch hunt."
Uther picked his head up and his eyes narrowed.
"Careful physician.." The man snarled.
Gaius had to admit it wasn't the wisest move he'd made. The king would take his ward's life just to prove his point and he prayed his slip of anger won't cost him that. More than that, he felt he was wasting time, while life was slowly seeping away with every drop of blood that left Merlin's body.
„I'm afraid I don't see it." He said, then figured it won't be enough, but the king spoke before he could continue.
"The boy is from Ealdor, and that is the place Balinor was last seen." Uther spat.
"You misunderstand me, Sire. I knew Merlin's father, and he is not what you think he is. "
Arthur marveled how carefully worded that reply was, as if it held both the truth and a lie in the same time. He stood holding his breath, not to miss a word as they spoke, but then he heard something that nearly made him burst out into the main chamber.
Merlin groaned and it seemed he was waking up.
I'd like to thank everyone who's been reading/following/favoriteing and reviewing this little fic. Those of you who review as guests, thank you as well for taking the time to write, I'm sorry I cannot reply. I'm blown away each day of all of your wonderful reviews and incredible response~
I didn't want to add any additional text to it, not to distract, but I do feel I need to just.. say "Thank you"