CHAPTER 13 : HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MERLIN

Today, they would return home. It was actually fun packing everything. When everything was ready, Humphrey laid some logs near the fireplace in the lodge for the next visitors whomever they might be.

Arthur said that that was stupid as they should get their own logs.

"Arthur, that's not kind. If they arrive and it is raining, where would they find dry logs?" Merlin explained. "Maybe, you will be the next visitor and wouldn't you like to have dry logs?"

"I don't build fires! Do I Leon? People build fires for me."

"But what if you are all alone and very old, then you would have to build your own fire," insisted Rudd.

"No, I wouldn't as I would have a servant with me. Right, Humphrey?"

"Yes, Sire, you would have a servant that is unless you were alone." The others laughed. Arthur who had never been teased until Merlin arrived, scowled at them but Merlin grinned back poking him and Arthur finally laughed as well.

They travelled back a different way and crossed a very old Roman bridge. They stopped there for lunch and the boys skimmed stones and dropped heavy rocks into the river from the bridge and ran away before they were splashed. Then, Rudd overbalanced and fell into the river and Bryn had to go in to haul him out. After he had changed his clothes, they were ready to mount up and continue their journey.

Leon said, "A copper to the person who first sees the spires of Camelot."

They rode on; the boys very attentive to their surroundings. They were descending a steep track when Merlin suddenly yelled, "I see it!"

Everyone stopped with Arthur then insisting that he was about to say the same thing.

Leon said, "Sorry, there is only one winner. But there are surprises for everyone when we get to the bottom."

The surprise was a flat meadow with a well marked trail around it. Rodick pointed out a huge oak tree and told the boys that it would be a race to reach it. He warned, "No shoving at each other or trying to cut each other off as someone might fall off and get trampled. Ready, set, off you go!"

The boys took off and Merlin's Ghellie took the lead followed by Arthur. Caedrick and Rudd's ponies had no chance against the horses. Arthur finally pulled ahead and whooped as he reached the tree first. He slid off making a big fuss of his horse. Merlin laughed that had been fun, he was sure that he had never gone so fast on a horse and he was glad that he had had lessons with Sir Richard.

"We should come here to race next summer!" Arthur stated and the two others agreed, Merlin remaining silent.

The adults caught up to them and Arthur received a copper for his win. "I am always going to keep this coin as it is the first time that I ever raced and I won."

Leon smiled at Merlin and winked as he had seen him holding Ghellie back so that his friend could win.

Merlin dropped his head and grinned.

The next surprise was that they were met by a contingent of guards who 'just happened' to be in the area and they returned through Camelot in great style with Arthur and Leon leading and the other following. They made a lot of noise clattering through the lower town and the boys really enjoyed that.

Parents were waiting for them in the courtyard as grooms stepped forward to take the horses. Rudd was embarrassed when his mother Lady Alisse insisted on hugging him in front of the others. Gaius was there and Merlin was quite happy to receive a big hug from him. Uther was not present but Gaius also made a fuss of Arthur as did Sir Geoffrey who said, "So, you saw my home from the hill?"

Arthur nodded and said formally, "Thank you, for letting us stay at your hunting lodge." Then he smiled and added, "We had a wonderful time."

Sir Geoffrey put his hand on his shoulder and said, "Anytime, Sire, anytime!"

-0-0-

During supper, Gaius heard about everything which had happened and Merlin proudly gave him the coin which he had won for first seeing the turrets of Camelot.

"We slept around a fire and then in the lodge and Bryn and I fished and Arthur says he wants to hunt sheep." He stopped, shook his head and said, "Gaius, Arthur can sometimes be so funny!"

"So, would you say that the expedition was a success?"

"Oh, yes, we all got on very well. You know, Humphrey is a very nice servant, he let me hang onto him when I was afraid of the thunder…and Sir Leon was so clever as we didn't get lost, not even once."

Gaius smiled. He enjoyed the look of delight on Merlin's face as he retold his adventures. "I saw a salamander and I was going to bring it back here for you but I couldn't, so I am going to make you one," he glanced over his shoulder towards the door and then whispered conspiratorially, "with magic!"

The court physician had to laugh. Merlin was learning how to live in the world, enjoy his magical abilities and even joke about it.

"…and we didn't get as wet as Rudd who fell into the river and Bryn had to save him and Leon made him change into dry trousers." Merlin gave a big sigh, "I had, Gaius, the bestest time!" Then he continued sadly, "I looked everywhere for a unicorn but I never saw one. Do you think I ever will?"

Gaius smiled and said, "I feel certain that one day, you Merlin of Ealdor will see a unicorn. Now, I'll take care of these dishes, while you can get ready for bed and come back and sit in front of the fire and tell me more about your wonderful trip."

Merlin did just that and finally said, "Do you think that Arthur is telling the king about the trip as well?" Gaius lied and said, "I'm sure he is, Merlin."

Arthur was telling someone about his trip but it was his manservant Charles…

Merlin fell asleep, Gaius picked him up and put him in his own room, leaving the door ajar, for him to see the fire should he wake up.

-0-0-

In two days it would be Merlin's birthday and Gaius had finally decided on a present. He had talked with Sir Geoffrey about a slightly more advanced book on unicorns. Geoffrey had come back with one but apologised as it did have a lot of magic in it. "I don't think he will understand much about that but the illustrations are excellent and it gives a lot of information about the animal itself. It hasn't been on the shelves as the king would not have approved. Take it Gaius, read it and if you think it is suitable, Merlin is welcome to have it. He respects books and I would like to think that it is loved and appreciated."

Gaius thumbed through the book and realised that Merlin would be thrilled. There were basic spells and as Geoffrey had said wonderful illustrations.

Nodding, Gaius said, "Sounds excellent and I will explain that he has to keep it safe. He's a good boy and will respect it and all the mention of spells won't worry him."

"It will be a nice companion book to the one Arthur chose about dragons, which is a little easier to read but quite amusing as it even references our Kilgharrah who is currently an unwilling resident, below the castle."

"Hopefully, he won't get to that part until he is in Ealdor or otherwise he would be insisting that he had to try to find him. I've had such a wonderful time while he has been here. I'm sure I've become younger myself."

Geoffrey laughed as he said, "You probably have and the two boys were very well matched. Arthur has become a pleasure to deal with but that little dark-haired rascal has found his way into my heart."

Gaius thought to himself, '…but not as deeply as he has in mine!' He sighed continuing, "More people than realise it, are going to miss Merlin. Poor Charles is going to have his hands full but hopefully that little chap of Sir Rupert's can help, Arthur and Merlin seem very at ease with him so if Sir Rupert is willing, you might find that you have Rudd taking lessons as well as Caedrick."

"The more the merrier, sometimes the library feels like a tomb but not when the boys are there."

-0-0-

"Happy Birthday, Merlin!" Gaius called from the main chamber waking him up.

A yawning, rubbing his eyes, tousled-haired boy appeared at the top of the stairs. "Gaius, what time is it?"

Time for you to be up," laughed the old gentleman. "I have a special breakfast for you on this auspicious day!"

"Our-fish-what?" queried Merlin.

"It just means, promising, favourable, of good omen…"

"How do you say it again?"

"Os-pish-uss, a-u-s-p-i-c-i-o-u-s."

"I get it, os-pish-uss, like the day I arrived in Camelot was auspicious."

"Very true, Merlin! You couldn't have put it any better."

Merlin sat at the table and Gaius served him oatmeal with milk and stewed apples. He grinned, this was a real treat; he didn't often get milk in Camelot. Gaius then dribbled a little honey over the top. "Are you having some too?" Merlin asked.

"Just a little, to keep you company…"

"On this auspicious day…" Merlin added putting the oatmeal into his mouth with a grin, while Gaius turned to him and smiled.

After breakfast, Merlin removed the dishes and Gaius placed in front of him on the table, a linen bound packet. Merlin looked at it and Gaius motioned that he should open it. He removed the cord and just before he unwrapped it, Gaius said, "Happy Eighth Birthday, Merlin, and I hope that this book brings you lots of pleasure. Think of me and the things we have talked about, when you read it at home."

"I can take it with me, I don't have to return it to the library?"

"No, Merlin this is for you to keep forever. We'll pack it with your clothes, when you leave."

Gaius sat back and watched Merlin's face as he removed the linen. His eyes lit up and he shivered as he whispered, "Unicorns! Wait till Grace sees it!" This made Gaius chuckle.

Merlin froze as he read some of the words, he closed the book and wide-eyed whispered to Gaius after glancing at the door, "…spells…?" and Gaius nodded.

"This is a special book so you must be careful with it. For many people, it is just about unicorns and some silly magic but for you and me, it's very important. Promise to be careful and think twice before turning your friends into birds."

"That would be no fun, Gaius…pigs maybe but not birds!"

"Now, you are supposed to meet Sir Richard to go riding this morning with Rudd and Arthur, so put it under your pillow then get washed and dressed. You're also having supper with Arthur. You can look at the book later today."

-0-0-

Gaius and Merlin made their way to Arthur's chambers mid afternoon. Gaius knew that Arthur wanted to have time for something special before eating.

Charles had arranged for a special meal and the cook upon hearing the reason had gone all out with small portions and lots of variety. She had even made a dessert of cake, custard and cream usually only seen, at special celebrations.

Prior to supper, the boys were taken by Sir Montague, the Honorary Treasurer to visit the Royal Treasury. There were guards everywhere and torches lit the area.

Merlin was really excited when Arthur showed him the small coronet which he wore on very specially occasions and before anyone could stop him, he had placed it on Merlin's head and knelt before him saying, "Merlin, to thee, I pledge my allegiance!" Arthur had stood, then bowed and said, "Sire!" before the two of them had a good giggle.

By the look on his face, Sir Montague was not amused but Gaius had laughed it off, saying, "They're only boys who neither understand the importance of a crown nor the significance of the words."

"But the prince should!" murmured the treasurer knight.

Once again, Gaius had experienced a mind shattering flash as if more hung on those words than anyone understood. They continued looking at all the gold plate and various ceremonial goblets and chests of ingots and jewels.

Arthur went to touch a sword but was warned off by Sir Montague who thought, 'Children really don't belong in here.'

"Where is the king's crown?" asked Merlin.

After the experience with the prince's coronet, Sir Montague was relieved to be able to say that it was secure in a chest in the king's bedchamber.

"Does he have to wear it to bed? Doesn't it fall off?"

Even Sir Montague had to smile at that and he took the time to explain that the king only wore it when he was in special council meetings, when he was greeting important visitors in the throne room or at very important events at which other kings were present.

"Do the other kings also have gold stores like this?"

Montague who was beginning to warm to Merlin after Arthur's faux pas with his coronet, was happy to be able to say. "None of the other kingdoms have amassed..."he paused and said, "...collected as much gold as Camelot."

"That's good," said the birthday boy, "because the king has lots of things to pay for, especially food for all the horses and carpets."

Gaius smiled. Once Merlin had got used to the idea of having flagstones and not dirt floors, he was fascinated that you could put rugs on top of them for decoration and warmth. He had asked Gaius confidentially that if there was a carpet on the floor, why did Arthur need a bed to sleep in as he could just sleep on the carpet?

Arthur interrupted his memories by saying, "Please, may we see the golden skull?"

Their guide agreed as long as neither of them tried to touch it. They walked deeper into the vault and behind another set of guarded doors, was a wooden chest. Taking keys from his belt, Montague unlocked the chest and removed what looked like a dirty iron box, this was also unlocked and a red silk wrapped object was removed.

Montague turned to a table and placed it on it. The boys drew near; slowly, he unwrapped a gold skull. No decorations were on it and it was macabre.

Merlin drew back at the gruesome sight and Gaius put his arms around the frightened boy. He could feel his magic pulsing sending charges up Gaius's arms.

Arthur said, "Awesome!" he turned to Merlin saying, "Now that's a treasure! Don't you like it? I'd like to have that in my bedchamber."

"I don't think it's very nice, Arthur. It feels evil!"

"Don't be silly, you haven't even touched it, how do you know how it feels?"

"I know so! Don't I Gaius?"

Sir Montague started to wrap the skill and returned it to the chest. "People either like it or hate it... Well, Sire, that's the end of the tour. I hope that you and your little friend enjoyed it."

"We did, didn't we Merlin?"

Merlin nodded, he felt better now that they were back in the main area of the treasury and he could see the guards on the door. That skull was evil, he knew and he also knew that Gaius had had the same realisation as Merlin had been conscious of it as Gaius's hands were on his shoulders.

"Thank you for showing us all your treasures." He said making the knight smile and pat him on the head.

"It was a pleasure to show the prince and you, Camelot's wealth. Have a Happy Birthday!"

Merlin smiled, this certainly had been the most exciting birthday he'd ever had.

They returned to Arthur's room and the meal was laid out on the table in front of the window. It was already dark outside and the room was lit by many candles.

Arthur excused Charles explaining that Gaius could help them with the food. Gaius did just that and every dish was tasted. Merlin's favourite was the dessert while Arthur preferred the pastry balls containing quail eggs. They had watered cider to drink and Gaius had ale.

Following the meal that sat in front of the fire and Arthur handed Merlin his present.

Well, if one book was exciting a second book was unbelievable. Merlin's was wide-eyes as he saw that it was all about dragons and, as with Gaius's present he was going to be able to take it home with him. He reached over and hugged Arthur.

Arthur laughed and hugged him back. "I'm so glad that your mother left you with Gaius."

Charles returned and it was time to go to bed.

Merlin and Gaius went downstairs and as it was a special day, Gaius agreed that if Merlin got undressed and ready for bed, he could sit in front of the fire for a little while. He knew that Merlin wanted to ask about the skull.

With no preamble, Merlin said, "You felt it too, didn't you?" Gaius nodded. "What was it? It felt very frightening and black. It took all the life out of the room and left only sadness. How did that happen, Gaius?"

"It was magic but not our kind of magic used for healing and defensive skills. It was a dark magic used primarily for bad things, to hurt and cause trouble. That was what touched you and why you found it upsetting."

"Is the skull bad?"

"No, the skull is just a lump of gold, you picked up on the people who in the past have been associated with it."

"Is that why it is locked away?"

"Possibly, but I think it is in the treasury because of its gold content. It is very heavy and worth a lot of money"

"I'm glad it's behind lock and key and there are guards down there as I don't want to see it again."

Hoping to ward off any impending nightmares, Gaius said, "…and what about the lovely book that Arthur gave you. Pendragon and you are going to have a lot to talk about when you go home."

"He doesn't really talk back just makes little rumbles and grunts but I think I know what he is saying in my mind."

"I'm sure you do and I think that if he were here now, he'd be saying, 'Come on, Merlin, it's time you went to sleep'."

Merlin grinned and agreed, "I've had a lovely birthday but I think I should go to bed now."

Gaius followed him up the stairs and tucked him in, giving him a kiss on the forehead, "Sleep tight, Merlin and I'm glad you had a Happy Birthday."

"Can I have another birthday, when I come back in ten years?"

"I'll be looking forward to it!" Gaius stood up and walked to the door leaving it ajar so that Merlin would see the fire. He sat in front of it and thought., 'Ten years is a long time, I only hope I'm here when you return, Merlin!'

-0-0-

Gaius was pleased that Merlin would be able to celebrate Samhain. It was a great festival, often called the Feast of Avalon or Harvest Home. There would be feasting, now that the grains had been brought in, to celebrate the end of a successful harvest. Livestock not being wintered over would be slaughtered; meat for the castle being either salted or smoked. Fresh meat in winter was only available if hunting was successful.

Merlin would be in Camelot to celebrate the feast and Gaius was glad. Before leaving to return to his life in a poor village, Merlin would enjoy the merriment and the bonfires. In some aspects, it was a sombre time as at the Autumn Equinox, the lighter half of the year was over and the darker half was beginning, with the winter months of dark days and cold and in some cases treacherous weather.

…and it heralded Merlin's departure…