Author's Note:
Thanks for all the follows, faves and reviews!
I apologize. I meant to have this story up last night, but it just didn't get done. This particular chapter doesn't have any of the 'story' in it. Arthur just couldn't let Merlin's time at the tavern go unnoticed, now could he?
The 'story' portion will continue in the next chapter. PLEASE NOTE. The next update probably won't be until the beginning or middle of next week.
Enjoy!
P.S. Please point out any errors. I only reread it twice and probably missed mistakes.
Arthur woke early. He had been dreaming, he remembered that much. He was trying to remember the contents of the dream that was vanishing like wisps of smoke as his emerging consciousness fanned them away. It hadn't been a bad dream, he was sure of that. He had dreamed of dragons. Not like the nightmares that he used to have of the Great Dragon's attack – ones that he always denied having. No, these were just of…dragons. Hundreds of dragons flying around in the sky much like playful birds. He had dreamed of Balinor as well. The gruff older man refusing to help, then, for some unknown reason, changing his mind. In his dream, the old dragonlord was wearing the ring that Horatius had shown him. But Arthur remembered Horatius saying that the dragonlord had never received it.
He dreamed of the soldiers attacking. He heard a loud angry yell that sounded suspiciously like his manservant. Then he was walking through the quiet woods, the birds singing. He was happy. He looked up at a tree and the ring was hanging like leaf on a stem. He plucked it and looked closely at it. The stone was pulsating brightly with colors and images. Then suddenly, he was standing before Merlin on the ground holding a dead Balinor. He looked at Balinor's hand. The ring was still there. Then it started to shimmer and disappeared. It reappeared on Merlin's hand with the same shimmer. They both looked at the ring, then at each other. Merlin looked him in the eye full of resolve and strength.
"It is mine now. I deserve it, after all."
Yes, that is what had woken him. The shock of the manservant's words spoken with such coldness. His demeanor, almost challenging.
Arthur closed his eyes again. He remembered that day well. No, Merlin wasn't cold or challenging. He was in tears. Tears over a man that they had just met. Arthur often wondered at the ease in which his manservant would give friendship and show emotion. He, himself, was obviously quite different. He had found while growing up that the 'friendships' he had were usually one-sided and usually because his 'friend' wanted to be in good standing with the prince – or his father. Showing emotions was forbidden. It was pretty much the same with all royalty and nobility. A boys were taught early on that they were never to display emotion…that it was a sign of weakness.
Maybe it was that Merlin had grown up as a peasant. Perhaps they had different beliefs about showing emotions. Or…it could be that Merlin had grown up without a father around. Perhaps only having a mother as a reference for behavior, he learned to show his emotion. Regardless of the reason, Merlin was probably the most compassionate person he knew….and Arthur wouldn't have it any other way.
Arthur burrowed down further into his bed. He wanted to go back to sleep. He saw that the sun had come up as he could see the light leaking through at the sides of the curtains. Still, it was his day off, dammit, and he should be able to lie in.
He closed his eyes again, not really remembering when he had opened them, and tried to go back to sleep. Instead, he started to think about the ring. He had been a bit embarrassed when Horatius indicated that it should go to Merlin. Why hadn't he thought to have something made for his manservant? Come to think of it, why hadn't he even considered knighting the man? Well…that part was easy, Merlin was rubbish at fighting. No, that wasn't exactly true. Merlin has been known to dispatch a bandit or two. His fighting skills have improved considerably over time, but still, his skills are nowhere on par with that of a warrior.
Still, Merlin was loyal. More than that, he was completely and utterly loyal to him. To him and to Camelot. He wasn't quite so sure about his father though. His manservant seemed to be terrified of the king for some reason. Then again, most of the servants were. But Merlin seemed more fearful than most.
Arthur had long ago stopped trying to figure out his enigmatic manservant. But what he did know was that Merlin was compassionate, loyal, kind, humble, cheeky, bold, audacious, wise, and a complete idiot. The man was a walking contradiction.
Merlin was the one who was able to pull him out of the castle after they watched Morgana's betrayal. Arthur had been too numb to move. Merlin was also the one to pull him out of his slump several days later by throwing his rare, but oh so wise, words at him. Merlin had gone with them to take back Camelot. Merlin stayed beside Arthur – always.
So why did Arthur not think of him when he wanted to give the new knights a memento to thank them for their support and loyalty?
Propriety.
That same propriety that refused to allow Arthur to call Merlin 'Friend.' That same propriety that expected Merlin to be invisible except for when needed. To serve Arthur. To be a nonentity as far as royals and nobility were concerned.
Arthur mentally groaned, he really was the pompous prat that Merlin had so often accused him of being.
That was going to change. No, he really could not show deference to his manservant in public. But he would make sure, from now on, to let his friend know how much he was appreciated.
Arthur heard the soft click of the door opening. He heard someone quietly padding across the floor, then a tray being placed on the table.
Arthur smirked. He would show his appreciation later.
He heard the curtains being drawn back quickly. Light burst into the room. His manservant groaned.
"It's time to get up, Sire!" Merlin called out considerably softer than his usual cheery and robust manner.
"Good morning, Merlin." The prince replied.
Merlin spun around, looking like he wished he hadn't. "You're Awake!"
"Thank you for stating the obvious Merlin." The prince quipped as he sat up. "You're late"
Merlin apologized. "Sorry sire, I overslept. Gaius was in the lower town tending an illness all night. He wasn't back to wake me up."
The prince smirked. "Are you saying, Merlin, that at your age, you still need someone to wake you up?"
The manservant slowly turned and looked Arthur in the eye, saying nothing. His eyebrow, however, slowly rose in a scary imitation of Gaius.
Arthur barked out a laugh. "Don't give me that. I'm the prince, you are my manservant. It is your job to wake me up."
"Yes sire." Merlin sighed, "Would you like to eat your breakfast now, before it gets cold?"
Arthur walked to the table and looked at his servant. He really did look a bit green around the gills. "You feeling okay Merlin? You are a bit quiet this morning."
"Just a slight headache, sire." Merlin said as he unconsciously put his hand to his temple "I must have slept crookedly last night"
Arthur quickly picked up his goblet and took a drink to hide his smile. After composing himself, he set his goblet down. "I don't know, maybe you haven't had enough to eat, here take a sausage" he said as he stabbed a sausage with his fork then lifted it and put it right under his manservant's nose.
Merlin backed away hastily paling and looking decidedly nauseous. "No, that is quite alright. I've already eaten."
Arthur shoved the sausage at him again "You sure? You look awfully peaked."
His manservant grimaced and backed further away. "I'm sure. Besides, you need it to build up your strength for training."
Arthur set down the fork then stepped close to Merlin, getting into his personal space. "You went to the tavern last night didn't you?"
"What? No, no!" the manservant denied vehemently, his voice about an octave higher than usual. "I, um, went home last night…you know, seeing as I usually don't have a lot of free time. I wanted to spend some time with Gaius."
"I though Gaius was in the lower town" came the cool reply.
"Oh, um that was, uh, later that he got called out" the manservant replied nervously. "I went to bed after that."
"Uh huh…" The prince tilted his head. Merlin truly was a terrible liar. "So, you didn't get drunk at the tavern?"
Merlin looked him straight in the eye "I did not get drunk in the tavern." He said calmly.
Arthur just looked at him. This was interesting. Merlin couldn't tell a straight out lie to save his life, but it seems he is pretty good at lying by omission. Arthur would have to remember that. "So, you didn't get drunk last night…at all?"
"Arthur, how many times have you told me not to go to the tavern? Not that you really have a right to, mind you" the manservant pointed out "Be that as it may, I really don't cherish the thought of you putting me in the stocks. They are rather uncomfortable you know…plus sometime they throw potatoes! They hurt!"
Well, this is very interesting. It seems his manservant was rather good at lying by omission and by redirection. He wouldn't get away with it. "You didn't answer the question."
Merlin sighed "Arthur, why on earth do you keep insisting that I was out drinking last night?
"One" the prince began by raising a finger "Your breath reeks of it."
Merlin's eyes widened and he clamped his mouth shut.
"Two" the prince continued, bringing up a second finger. "You are obviously rather hung over."
Merlin sighed.
Arthur took a step back because, really, Merlin's breath did reek of that sickly sweet smell of someone who had too much to drink.
"And three," Arthur smirked as he held up the third finger. "I saw you getting thrown out of there".
Merlin stood there staring at his prince looking slightly horrified that he had be caught. Finally he sighed. "Arthur, I just went in there to get Gwaine out. He had early patrol this morning and I didn't want him showing up drunk."
"Ok, I'll accept that" The prince crossed his arms. "And then, you saw to it that Gwaine got back to his chambers?"
"Yes." Came the reply from the relieved servant. Apparently the prince would let it slide.
"And then?" The prince asked raising his eyebrows.
Merlin started looking around nervously and said with a small voice "We may have had another drink or two…" Arthur raised his eyebrows further "….or three" Merlin finished slightly above a whisper.
The prince put his hands on his hips and looked at his friend wearily. He started to say something then stopped. He worried about how much his friend drank. He, himself, rarely saw the man out drinking, but with Gaius always saying he was at the tavern, he figured that Merlin must be trying to hide it from him. However, he didn't want to ride him today. He would have a quiet discussion with him about it later. Perhaps the young man might be less defensive and more open if it were done in a non-confrontational manner.
"Very well" the prince finally said as he walked back to the table, sat, and began on his breakfast. He reached down and took a large piece of bread and handed it to Merlin. "Here, eat this. It will settle your stomach. I don't need you passing out on me when we go down for training."
Merlin watched him suspiciously. "Okay, who are you and what have you done with Prince Arthur?"
Arthur huffed out a laugh. "What's the matter Merlin? I can be nice every once and a while. Besides, you are right, it really isn't my business. With all we have been through in the last month, I won't begrudge you a night of drink and relaxation." He took a bite of his sausage and chewed on it thoughtfully. "As long as it doesn't happen again."
"I thought you agreed that it wasn't any of your business." The manservant huffed.
"And it won't be. Until it needs to be." Was the prince's simple reply.
Merlin studied Arthur silently trying to figure out the man's strange behavior. However, he didn't want to argue since Arthur could still change his mind about the stocks.
"So how did your meeting go with Horatius?" Merlin figured the best thing to do was to just change subjects.
"It went quite well. Which reminds me, have the cook prepare lunch for two today in my chambers. Horatius will be dining with me again."
Merlin stopped short and turned to look at his prince. "What's going on Arthur?"
Arthur laughed. Merlin was suspicious of everything these days. "Nothing at all. He was regaling me with an old story about…" Arthur stopped. Something inside him told him not to mention Balinor's name. "…the days before my father became king. It was quite interesting, but it got late and we decided to finish it today."
Merlin still looked at him a bit suspiciously, but turned and started gathering up the clothes that Arthur had strown around.
"Oh, when Gaius gets back I want to speak with him. Horatius has requested to see my father. However, he suggested that we check with Gaius first to make sure it won't cause my father agitation." The prince said uncertainly. "Usually, I would say no, but they are very old friends. I want to know what Gaius thinks."
"I'll check with him right after we get you dressed, and I go deliver the laundry." Merlin responded with his goofy smile. For once he was happy that he didn't have to be overly suspicious of someone. Gaius had spoken quite fondly of the man and said he was completely trustworthy. Even so, he was a bit concerned at how fast this man had gotten close to Arthur.
Merlin helped Arthur dress then left to drop off the laundry and to find Gaius.
Arthur was going over paperwork when a knock came at the door. He bade them to enter. Gaius walked in and stood before him.
"You wished to see me sire?" The elderly physician asked.
"Yes. As you know, Horatius is visiting." At the physician's nod, Arthur continued. "He is wanting to visit with my father, and I need your advice. Would it be…wise?"
Gaius knew what the prince was actually asking. "Horatius is an old friend. I don't know if it will improve your father's condition to see him, but I do not believe it would do harm either." The physician paused "I also know that Horatius will not divulge your father's condition to others."
"Thank you Gaius, that's what I needed to know." Arthur knew that it would not bode well for the true magnitude of his father's condition to be made known publically. "I was wondering if you could accompany Horatius to see him. I would go, but I have to be on the field in 30 minutes."
"I would be happy to sire." The physician bowed and left.
Arthur worked his new knights hard, but all were quite capable. More capable, he thought, than many of the other knights that had been training for years. He would need to work out a new training routine for all the knights. Some of the older knights had become downright sloppy. That would change.
After finishing he walked over to Merlin who had been watching from the bench. Merlin handed him a ladle of water and a wet cloth to place at the back of his neck.
"Well, how do they look?" the prince inquired.
"They are good. However Elyan is leaving his left flank open to attack. He really needs to work on that." Merlin replied lazily.
"Very good Merlin, you are finally starting to learn something" The prince teased.
After returning to Arthur's room, Merlin filled a bowl with warm water so the prince could sponge himself off before lunch. "Will you be needing me to serve you during lunch?" the manservant asked.
"No, I think we can manage on our own as long as you set everything up" The prince called out from behind the screen. "However, make sure to bring up a second pitcher of wine this time. We ran out last night."
Arthur heard Merlin grumble something about how the prince needed to pay attention to his own drinking instead of harping on him about his. He chose to ignore it.
Merlin set the table in the antechamber that the prince and goldsmith had been in last night. He then called out to one of the other servants to have the food brought up, and he, himself, left to escort the elderly man.
When Merlin and Horatius returned, the servants were finishing setting out the food. "Are you sure you wouldn't like me to stay sire?"
"No, I think I can manage serving myself this once Merlin. I'm not completely incompetent with food you know." The prince quipped.
"No, just with cooking it." The manservant smirked back.
"That will be all, Merlin" The prince glared at the manservant. He really didn't want Merlin telling Horatius about that story.
The manservant gave them both a bow and started to leave. He paused at the door as if remembering something. "Oh, just so you know, Gaius has requested I go out to pick some herbs. But I will be back well before dinner"
"Picking herbs isn't a euphemism for going to the tavern is it?" The prince asked raising his eyebrow.
Merlin rolled his eyes and sighed. "No, Arthur. I am really going out to gather herbs. We are running low."
"Okay then, if you are sure…you are dismissed." Arthur figured Merlin wouldn't be stupid enough to go back to the tavern right now, but he still wanted to mess with the man a bit.
Arthur turned to his guest and motioned him to sit down. "I trust you slept well?"
"I slept quite well, sire. Thank you for such comfortable accommodations." The old goldsmith replied.
Arthur nodded at the thanks. "And how was your visit with Father?"
Horatius frowned. "It went well as one could expect." He paused and looked at the prince sadly. "I'm so sorry Arthur. I knew it was bad, I just hadn't expected it to be that bad. But, he did recognize me, and we spoke, but only for a short time."
Arthur just nodded and looked at the man. "Horatius" he began, wondering how to phrase his next thought without possibly offending the man. "It is very important that the people not know the magnitude…"
Horatius held out his hand to stop the prince. "Yes, I completely understand. You can be assured that I will not speak of this to anyone. How are you doing with the council? It might be best for them not to know the full extent of his illness." Arthur opened his mouth to argue but Horatius held up his hand again. "Arthur, I live far from here. Even I have heard about Uther's…infirmity. Luckily, for once, the hearsay is not as bad as the actual truth – we need to keep it that way."
Arthur had kept it quiet from the Council, but had debating with the idea of full disclosure to the Council. "Surely they would stay quiet, it would be in their best interest, after all."
The old man smiled sadly. "Arthur, where do you think I heard the news from?" He sighed at Arthur's shocked expression. "The ones that told me had no ill intent. People just talk, especially if they are concerned. Then you have to worry about servants that might overhear. Most personal servants are faithful to their master and know to keep their mouth shut…but not all. No, Arthur, this needs to be held in close confidence by his most trusted advisors.
"Remember one thing Arthur. Not all on the council are your friends. They are nobles whose major concern is how to keep their wealth. Most are fully loyal to Uther, but not all." He slipped his hand in his robe and brought out a piece of parchment. He looked at it a moment then handed it to Arthur. "These are some of the people you need to be wary of."
Arthur looked down at the list. Most of the names on it didn't surprise him. He had either been told by his father, or had noticed himself the nobles that were untrustworthy. He did however raise his eyebrows at a few names.
"Lord Bendal?" Arthur asked surprised.
"His lands border Alined's. There has been recent rumors that there have been talks between the two."
"You seem to know a lot, Horatius. How is that?" Arthur asked trying not to sound suspicious.
Horatius barked out a laugh. "I travel a lot Sire. And, I still have a lot of contacts….I hear things"
Arthur chewed his lip. He wondered about the man before him. He was a very talented goldsmith, but knew so much about the workings of a kingdom.
Horatius laughed again picking up on Arthur's mood. "Don't worry sire, I think by the end of the story, most of your questions will be answered."
Arthur was startled out of his thoughts, embarrassed that he had been so transparent. "Ah, yes. I was wanting to get back to that."
Horatius smiled broadly. "Very well, let's continue then." The old man took a bite of his food. "Now, where were we?..."