CHAPTER 10 : MAGICAL CREATURES
Merlin flung open the door and raced in. Gaius turned as the youngster barrelled into him, hugging him, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to get lost…"
Gaius held him and looked over his head at Prince Michael. "Sire, I was so worried about him. He's only seven and a half and not really used to life in a big castle. Wherever did you find him?"
Prince Michael inclined his head towards Merlin letting Gaius know that he would feel better talking without Merlin listening.
Merlin was ravenous having had nothing since the bread and cheese, late afternoon the previous day. Gaius made him a bowl of oatmeal to keep him going until he sent to the kitchen for something more substantial.
"May I eat it outside with Knightly?" he asked and Gaius agreed.
Prince Michael explained how his manservant had noticed the boy wandering around during the jousting and asked him to help him. He also confessed what his manservant had tried to do. "I arrived back and yelled and the chap flung him away. Poor mite, he lost his balance and knocked himself out. I didn't know where he belonged so I left him in the bedchamber on the bed and locked the door.
"I celebrated with the others until dawn and made my way back. He was fast asleep but woke as I checking to see if he was conscious. He's a real charmer. He told me about you and his mother and about Arthur. Is he really his friend?"
Gaius smiled, "Hard to believe but they are friends and I am expecting Arthur to come charging in as soon as he's breakfasted and his manservant finds someone to accompany him here. We're very careful of the prince during Tournament Week, and curtail his freedom. He's just turned ten and in some ways, quite grown up but still a child at heart."
"I'm sorry this happened. Gaius, I don't think he has any idea of what would have happened if I hadn't come back earlier than expected but he might be wary of strangers for a little while.
"I blame myself entirely, I ignored for years gossip and insinuations as my man always laughed it off. I'd see how some of the pages and younger squires would scurry out of his way but I figured he was just brusque with them. It wasn't until I saw your young lad trying to bolt at the sound of his voice that I clued in and everything fell into place."
"...and Merlin hadn't even been a victim." Gaius added sadly thinking of all the other boys.
"I have a lot of guilt at the moment and see no way to make it up to all the boys he interfered with."
Gaius realising that the young prince was truly remorseful for his ignorance said, "You must actively stand up against any other boys being used in the same manner."
"I have no idea how many boys were hurt. I feel sick about the whole thing."
"Now that you know what went on, keep your eyes open and stand up for what you know is right. Not, what is sadly common place in the lives of many pages in residences, royal or otherwise. As a prince, you can get involved in any situation. You will be surprised the number of people who will stand with you. The abusers are thankfully in the minority."
After experiencing Merlin's trying to pull away from even the sound of Jack's voice, Michael had already made a decision. He wouldn't stand for Jack's nonsense any more. As far as he was concerned, he was no longer his manservant and he would also make sure that he no longer, was employed at Caernarfon nor would he have references from him for another job. "I wish I had taken a stand and got rid of the bastard years ago… can I say goodbye to Merlin before I leave?"
Prince Michael walked out into the courtyard and saw Merlin lying on the grass sharing his oatmeal with a rabbit and a myriad of butterflies covering his dark hair like a bejewelled crown. There was something about this lad, he couldn't put his finger on it but for some reason he knew that he was special. "I'm going now, Merlin, I'm tired and I need to get to bed. Thank you for your help, yesterday." He slipped the boy a small silver coin, saying, "Get something nice for yourself and your mother."
Merlin's eyes lit up at the sight of the coin but insisted that he hadn't worked hard enough.
"Take it, you deserve it!"
"Thank you, Sire. Can I see you tomorrow before you leave…?" After a slight pause, Merlin looked directly at him and whispered, "…and thank you for helping me," then he went back to eating his porridge.
The prince turned and came into the court physician's chamber as Arthur burst in yelling, "Merlin, wait till I tell you what happened!" He looked at the prince from Wales and said, "Oh, Michael, I didn't know that you knew Gaius? Have you met my friend Merlin?"
As the prince passed the squire holding the open door, he turned to Arthur said, "Yes, Sire, I have…" Then he nodded at Gaius mouthing, 'Thank you!'
-0-0-
Merlin finally had some bread and cheese and ate an orange which Arthur had brought him as a treat. Arthur kept telling him about the supper, "…and then Sir Rupert stood up and wished me a Happy Birthday and all the knights stood there yelling, 'For the Love of Camelot!' You would have liked it, Merlin!"
Merlin turned to Gaius for confirmation who smiled and said, "That is exactly what happened and Arthur took it very well and bowed accepting their good wishes."
"Weren't you frightened?"
"No. I've heard them do it before. They're awfully loud but it was fun. What did you do yesterday? Did you get to watch any of the jousting?"
"I helped Gaius with the people who got hurt and then I helped Prince Michael's man. Did you know that he had three horses to ride and he came second to Sir Rupert in the jousting? The prince is nice, he brought me back here this morning."
Arthur asked, "Why…?"
Gaius headed off the answer by saying "I only have one patient to see later this morning and then for lunch, I intend to go for a picnic with Sir Martin. Anyone interested in going?"
As one voice, the two boys shouted, "Yes!"
Aubrey the squire said, "Gaius, Charles said to remind you that the prince will be joining His Majesty on the steps, when the contingent of knights from Cumbria leaves this afternoon. We have to be going soon."
Gaius said, "You'll have go to be with your father, Arthur, we will picnic on another day. I promise!"
Merlin asked, "Can I go with Arthur up to his room and then come back when he leaves."
Normally Gaius's answer would have been, 'Yes but be careful!' but today he said, "No! There are still too many visitors in the castle. You can do it another day."
Arthur left with Aubrey and Gaius looked at Merlin. They needed to have a little chat.
"Let's sit outside and Pendragon can join us."
Merlin stood still and the dragon materialised in his arms. Gaius smiled, if only life were as simple.
"Do you have a bump on your head?" asked Gaius once he was seated in the courtyard. Merlin looked a little worried and came over. Gaius felt the back of his skull and Merlin winced.
He remained standing in front of Gaius and said, "I was bad wasn't I Gaius? I should have gone back to you when I lost Rodick. But this man asked me to run a message and I usually do messages for you and Geoffrey so, I did. Then I didn't like him, he had a scary laugh and grabbed at me but then Prince Michael was there and I fell and I woke up in a comfy bed and I was tired so I went back to sleep."
Gaius nodded saying, "It wasn't a sensible thing to do to go off with someone you didn't know but you are all right that is the main thing."
"Why do some people suddenly become creepy? What did he want? He frightened me! I didn't understand what he was talking about. What did he mean, Gaius?" Merlin stopped but feeling that maybe he wasn't going to get an answer, continued, "Prince Michael is nice isn't he? Will I have to see the other man again? The prince really yelled at him, was he going to get into trouble?"
Gaius thought, 'He'd get his comeuppance' but said, "You will not have to see that man again. He will be sent home immediately. Some bad people can be very scary that is why I have rules about where you are allowed to go and with whom."
"Would Arthur have been frightened as he has a sword? Can I have a sword one day? Then he started laughing as Pendragon no longer the centre of attention had climbed up on Gaius's shoulder and was trying to eat his hair.
Gaius pulled Merlin to him hugging him, enabling Pendragon to walk onto Merlin's head and look down into his eyes causing him to go cross-eyed. He smiled, the world could be a worrisome place not only for children but also for the adults who loved and cared for them.
Two days later, Arthur, Merlin and Gaius were on the front steps, waving goodbye to Prince Michael. He was sorry to be leaving as he had enjoyed the tournament and he felt much better after the words which he had had with Gaius. He was not accompanied by his manservant.
-0-0-
One rainy afternoon as Gaius was making up salves and Merlin was playing on the floor, Gaius handed Merlin a book about unicorns. He pretended to be paying attention to his ingredients, however he was watching Merlin whose eyes had almost popped out of his head and whose finger was following the words carefully across the page.
Geoffrey's choice of the book was perfect. The illustrations were beautiful and heart warming and the text could easily be understood by someone of Merlin's reading ability.
Merlin looked up with tear-filled eyes and said, "Gaius, I never knew…"
"Wonderful, aren't they?"
"Have you even seen one? Did it let you touch it? Was it beautiful like in this book? Gaius, I can feel it in here!" and he put his hand to his heart. "Why didn't my Mam tell me about them I could have been looking for them for a long time, all the time when we were coming here?"
Gaius smiled. So many questions for a little boy! He said, "No, Merlin I have never touched one but I did see one. It was during a sad time for me and I was out in the woods and I heard something like a deer stamping its hoof and I looked across the glen to see a unicorn watching me. It made me feel complete again and I accepted my father's and brother's deaths and went home to look after my mother.
"Unicorns stand for purity and grace and they will not let just anyone touch them, the person has to be innocent and pure, that means very, very good. I think that they watch out for people who are in trouble and that they are often around but we just don't see them. Your mother had a lot of things on her mind and maybe she didn't even know about them."
"Can I tell her? I can copy some of these pictures and then she can see what they look like."
"I think that's a lovely idea. She would be very happy to see your drawings. You could even write a few words about them." He left the table and walked to his cupboard finding Merlin a precious piece of foolscap, watching as he started his drawings.
He sat their dreaming thinking to himself that this little boy seated at the table with the sun shining on him and the dust motes playing over his head, could be the one, a unicorn might befriend, even allowing him to lay his hand on its white coat and curl his fingers in its mane.
There was a knock at the door and Gaius was called to the council chamber. He turned and seeing that Merlin was still busy, he said, "Don't leave the chambers. I'll be back before supper but you could put the kettle on to boil once it gets dark. Merlin, are you listening?" and Merlin nodded.
When Gaius returned, the fire was lit and the kettle was on and Merlin was dozing in the chair with Pendragon on his shoulder. Curled up on his lap fast asleep, was a little unicorn. Gaius was worried that someone other than he might have come in.
He said softly, "Merlin, wake up I'm back."
Merlin shifted comfortable in the chair and rubbed his eyes, dislodging Pendragon who also slid to his lap.
He opened his eyes and gave Gaius one of those smiles which Gaius knew he would keep with him until the day he died, absolute love and trust, absolute peace and beyond all, absolute magic.
Shaking his head, Merlin grinned, "I didn't do it purposely but when I sat down she appeared, all by herself. Her name's Grace and Pendragon likes her as well."
All Gaius could think of saying was, "Merlin, remember you must be careful…"
-0-0-
One mid-August morning, a squire came to Gaius and handed him a packet wrapped in linen and addressed to Gaius and Merlin, The Court Physician's Chambers, The Royal Court, Camelot. Merlin was out with Sir Richard on Ghellie as Arthur was having his riding lesson. Today, they were riding over to Castle Farm to see a new horse which the king had bought.
Gaius sat by the fire and carefully opened the packet. It contained two letters, one bulkier than the other and two pairs of socks, one his size and the other just right for Merlin. He smiled, there was going to be a very excited little boy in these chambers this afternoon.
He opened the letter addressed to him and sat down to catch up on Hunith's life.
Dear Gaius,
This letter if only for you.
I am writing this in late July but don't know when you will receive it.
I have taken the liberty of enclosing a second letter to you which
Merlin can read. He's a good reader and will probably want you to
read the letter I sent him and expect you to share your letter from
me. He likes to be up on anything which is happening, which by now
you know.
I arrived safely at my friends and was able to help her with healings
and confinements. My darling daughter was born two months ago.
She is beautiful! I am planning to leave her with my friend who only
has sons. She is thrilled to have a little girl. Gaius, I really can't give
her the life she deserves. She will be loved and spoiled by her new
father and the boys.
It breaks my heart realising that I am actually going to leave her
but it has to be. Please never let on to Merlin about the baby. He
would be heartbroken that he has a sister whom he will never know.
That is a secret which you and I will have until the day I die.
I will leave here around Samhain so, could you keep Merlin until mid
November? I hope he is being obedient and not causing you problems.
I miss him so much. He's the little star which keeps me going in bad times.
Thank you for your help,
Hunith.
Gaius reread the letter. He had an extension of about seven weeks on Merlin's time with him He carefully folded the letter and because Merlin if he tried could easily know that there was another letter in the room. He crossed to the fire and lit it. He let it float onto the cinders waiting until the edges browned, and it became crisp and disintegrated. He took a poker and mixed the ashes thoroughly into the wood ash.
He returned to the table, opened his second letter and read what news he would be able to discuss with Merlin. He smiled more omissions than actual lies. He reached for the socks; they would keep his feet warm this winter.
As he heard steps on the stairs, he looked up and Merlin came in grinning. "I cantered and didn't fall off! Sir Richard said that my balance has improved and Ghellie really understands what I am asking her to do." He sighed with satisfaction, relaxing his shoulders. "Do you remember that first day, when I rode bareback? I knew I was going to be able to do it properly. Gaius, isn't this exciting?"
He came over to the table and saw the socks. "Nice socks, Gaius. Have you a girlfriend who knitted socks for you?"
Gaius smiled and handed the second pair to Merlin. "My Mam makes socks like this." He looked up at Gaius through his fringe and said, "Has she come back for me?"
"Not yet! She sent us a packet with socks and two letters."
Tears streamed down Merlin's cheeks and Gaius put an arm around his shoulders as the lad sobbed, "I really thought that maybe she had forgotten us. She's been gone so long. It's not that I don't like being here as I do but I…" he sniffed, "I do love my Mam, you know!"
"Yes, Merlin, I know you do. She is a lovely person and I'm sure, she loves and misses you as much. Let's open our letters and see what she has to say."
They sat side by side in their little courtyard and read the letters. The further Merlin got into the letter, the more his magic became active. Pendragon appeared, followed by Grace, a cloud of butterflies and Gaius had to laugh as he glanced up to see two merlins settle on the high walls. He thought, 'Good thing, I didn't give it to him in public!'
Merlin finished his letter and wiped his eyes. "She didn't forget me for one little moment. Gaius, she really misses me." He held the letter to his heart and closed his eyes and Gaius could hear him softly whispering, "Love you, Mam!"
"Well, Merlin, would you like to see what your mam wrote to me?"
"Could I, Gaius, really? Here, you read mine. We can switch…"
And so they did, Gaius smiled at Hunith's explanation of her absence as her friend really needed help with her new baby and her work as a healer. She reminded Merlin to be good, always obedient and to listen to everything which Gaius told him. She said that she expected he had grown a little and probably needed to have his hair cut! She told him that she would be seeing him in mid-November.
Gaius's letter also contained the dates of her return, her friend's condition and that she hoped that Merlin had made her proud, been obedient and willing to listen to Gaius's advice.
"I do, don't I?" Merlin asked.
"Yes, but you do sometimes forget…" He grinned at Merlin and nodded at his magic friends.
"Gaius, did those merlins come just for me? They've never done that before!"
"Well, they have probably been watching over you since you arrival in Camelot and they just wanted to see how happy you were when you received your letter. Come on, it's time we had lunch. We're going to watch Arthur this afternoon as he has his first lesson with a bow and arrow."
"May I wear my socks to bed tonight?"
"I don't see why not. Mind you, you feet will be very hot."
"Are you going to wear yours?"
"I might put them on this evening when I'm sitting in front of the fire. They're a mighty fine pair of socks."
Merlin agreed, "Can I write back to my Mam? Do you have her address?"
"Yes, I have the name of her friend and the village. We don't know how long it will take to get there but you've got three months before you leave so maybe tomorrow you could start a letter to her."
"Can I draw Grace for her?"
"Certainly, I think she's like that but tell her to keep it a secret!"
"Oh, Gaius…" said Merlin laughing.