Chapter 11: Covering Tracks

Saturday Morning

Morgana couldn't remember the last time she'd had a disturbed sleep or bad dream and it seemed that not even her argument with Merlin was going to change that. Either using magic was tiring her out, or the fact it was no longer trapped was making her more relaxed.

In fact, it felt as if she'd only just closed her eyes when Merlin was gently shaking her awake and offering a mug of coffee.

"Are you still cross with me?" he asked.

She shrugged, not certain of the answer herself, simply taking the drink off of him and blowing on its surface. "What will happen now?" she asked instead.

"Now?" He looked confused. "Oh, you mean with Robert? I've sent the usual messages to Eden and so, hopefully, someone will come and collect him later this morning."

"Not transport him?"

Merlin shook his head. "Not over that sort of distance, no. The mile hop from Camelot to here is about my limit, and I can travel further than most."

She nodded. "And when will we be able to get the next one out?"

"Morgana!"

"Serious question, Merlin. I still think you're all being too cautious here, but I know I'm new to everything and so... I really was just curious."

He sighed. "I'll pass on what I know about Gilly, as well as keeping Eden informed of Uther's response to last night, and then we'll all decide what to do next. Now there are two of us, it may well be possible to do this more often, which should help."

"I suppose."

She took another sip of coffee whilst Merlin watched her closely.

"I was thinking that you should be seen out and about this weekend," he said. "Perhaps go and spend some time with Gwen?"

She shrugged. "All right. What about you?"

He nodded. "Yeah, I'll go and see Arthur once all this is sorted." He grinned. "How about we arrange it so that the four of us meet up 'accidentally' this afternoon?"

She nodded. "Best to have us all together when Arthur gets the news, you mean?"

Merlin sighed. "Yes."

"You asked me how I felt about going against my family but I never did ask you. I know you're growing close to my brother and so, I was wondering, don't you feel awkward lying to him about who and what you are?"

"All the time." Merlin shook his head and frowned. "It wasn't the plan, of course. I was simply supposed to get myself into Camelot by way of Gaius who is known to have some sympathies to the cause. Try to get some job with him in the laboratory."

"So, what happened?"

He laughed. "Fate, perhaps?"

"Do be serious."

"I managed to get an appointment with Gaius on a fairly unofficial basis, but the girl at the front desk misunderstood and directed me over to where the candidates for Arthur's PA were waiting."

"Ah, I did wonder. You didn't seem to be the usual 'type'."

Merlin rolled his eyes. "Of course, when confronted by Arthur, I tried to explain the mix-up but simply ended up cheeking him. It then dawned on me that I could take advantage of the error and get myself in an even better position in the process. Although, I admit that I was still surprised when he took me on over the more qualified candidates."

"Did he ever give you a reason?"

"No." He smirked. "Perhaps you should ask him this afternoon."

~o~0~o~

Gwen seemed happy enough with the suggestion of a day in town and the idea was that they would do some shopping in the morning and then head to Arthur's favourite pub during the afternoon.

Morgana was too far away to talk to Merlin telepathically, but she sent him a text with the plan and he replied promptly with a brief 'thanks', which she assumed meant that he'd meet them there later.

"So, I haven't seen much of you lately," Gwen said as they made their way to the first shop.

"Yeah, sorry about that," she replied. "I've been having some issues at the flat. Everything seems to be breaking down at the same time - isn't it always the way? - so, I spent most of this last week trying to book appointments and listening to numerous variations of 'The Four Seasons' whilst being put on hold."

Gwen laughed. "Oh, I've definitely been there."

"And has Arthur asked you out yet?"

Gwen gaped at the unexpected question. "What? Why would you...? Why would he do that?"

She smirked. "He must be losing his touch."

"Morgana? What do you know?"

"Nothing, really. Just a feeling I got. Hey, look at those shoes. I just have to have them."

Saturday Afternoon

"All done. I'm at Arthur's now and trying to persuade him to come out to the pub."

"Ah!" The unexpected telepathic communication from Merlin had Morgana suddenly sway on her feet.

"What is it?" Gwen asked. "Are you all right?"

"Yeah fine," she replied to Gwen before silently talking to Merlin. "We're still shopping but I expect we'll be there in about forty-five minutes."

"You're still shopping?"

She was quite unable to prevent a giggle escaping at his incredulous comment, making Gwen even more concerned.

"Is it your Gauntlet?" she asked. "Is it playing up again?"

"No, it's been a lot better lately, but perhaps I am getting a little tired. Probably time to call it a day?"

"Okay. I think I will just go and get that scarf though and then, yes, as you said, time for a sit down and a drink."

~o~0~o~

The Rising Sun was one of the few old fashioned pubs in this part of town which had not been turned into a modern bar. It had the homely feel which Morgana had always preferred and Real Ale on tap which her brother insisted was the only acceptable beverage, making it an obvious choice for their plan. In fact, the two girls had only just started their drinks when Morgana saw Merlin and Arthur come in through the door.

"Oh, no," she said, acting annoyed. "What are they doing here?"

"Who?" Gwen looked up and saw the pair entering and her eyes widened. "Oh."

"Keep your head down," Morgana hissed, rather enjoying the act she was putting on. "With any luck, they won't notice us."

"Hello, what a co-incidence," Arthur said brightly, striding over to their alcove. Behind him Merlin smirked slightly.

"Yes, you must come and join us," Gwen enthused, starting to make space for the boys whilst Morgana continued to pretend she was annoyed by the interruption.

"Looks like you've been shopping."

"Wonderful powers of observation, Merlin," Arthur teased, as he helped move some of the numerous bags off the comfy sofas. "I knew there must be some reason why I employed you."

"And why did you employ him?" Morgana asked, curious to get her brother perspective on Merlin's earlier story.

"No idea. I think it was due to some mix up."

"Aw, be nice," Gwen said. "You know you'd be lost without him."

"Well, I wouldn't go that far but it really was a mistake, apparently. Merlin reckons he wasn't even there to apply for that job."

"I wasn't."

"Everything all right?" Morgana asked Merlin silently.

"Yeah, Robert got off with no problem and there's no reaction from Camelot yet."

"Surely someone would notice when they gave out the morning meal?"

"Not if it was a casual guard who didn't know which cells were occupied."

"Oh, I suppose not."

"So, are you getting the pints in or not, Merlin?" Arthur's voice cut through their silent conversation.

"Oh yes, of course. Sorry."

He rolled his eyes and headed off to the bar, whilst her brother quickly took the opportunity to sit next to Gwen. Morgana smirked at the sight.

"You got your phone problem sorted yet?" Arthur asked her.

"No, not yet," she replied. "They're taking their sweet time."

"And where were you last weekend when none of us could contact you?" he continued.

"Me? I was just resting."

She had said it as calmly as she could, but Gwen instantly gave her a suspicious look and she quickly ducked her head. Arthur was easy enough to fool but her friend was far more perceptive. And then there was the little matter of Gwen having fancied Merlin for some time. What would she think when she realised that Morgana had managed to get into his bed within one week of knowing him properly. She winced.

"What's the matter?"

And, if that wasn't bad enough, Merlin now knew exactly when her emotions were getting out of control.

"I was worried about how Gwen would take the news about us, as I think she had hoped that you would ask her out instead."

"Oh... I did wonder."

"And I'm trying to work out whether I should tell her or..."

"We need to get her and Arthur paired up then."

She smirked. "You know, that 's exactly what I was thinking."

"Here you go." Merlin was back at the table with the drinks and slid in next to Morgana, seeing Arthur had made quite certain he was placed next to Gwen.

"So, why did you take Merlin on if he wasn't actually there for that job?" Morgana asked her brother.

"No idea."

"My natural charm, obviously," Merlin countered.

"Your opinion," Arthur said.

"Or perhaps you just got tired of all the 'yes men' and wanted someone who would actually challenge you," Morgana suggested.

The two boys both pulled faces and Gwen giggled. "I think she's right."

"Not you too, Gwen?" Merlin complained

She grinned. "It's obvious you two are good friends and I think that's very sweet."

"Sweet!" Arthur complained.

"Ah, wrong word?"

"Definitely."

Arthur's phone suddenly buzzed loudly and Morgana automatically glanced at Merlin who was subtly checking his watch, making a note of the time.

"What is it?" Merlin asked as Arthur was checking the text message.

"It's Dad" he replied. "He wants me to call him urgently."

"Ah, right. Shame you need to deal with work stuff at the weekend."

He exchanged another look with Morgana and subtly squeezed her hand under the table as Arthur moved away to make the call. It was only then that she realised quite how much her heart was racing.

~o~0~o~

"There's a problem," Arthur said when he returned a couple of minutes later.

"Oh?"

"Yes, looks like..." He glanced down at Gwen and paused, biting his lip. "Something else has gone missing."

"Some-thing?" Gwen replied amused.

"There's no need to be coy," Merlin continued. "It really is a very badly kept secret."

"What is?"

Gwen giggled. "I have access to most of Camelot's files now, Arthur. It really wasn't very difficult to find out that we have prisoners of our own. It even makes a certain amount of sense."

"So, another one's gone missing?" Merlin asked, casually.

"Apparently and, yet again, there's no sign of forced entry, nothing on the cameras and no sign that any of the locks have been tampered with."

Despite having worked hard to achieve that aim, Morgana couldn't help but feel a wave of relief on hearing the news via Arthur.

"But that's not possible, surely," Gwen said. "Not even for sorcerers."

"It shouldn't be, no."

Morgana fished out her phone and frowned. "He's not contacted me. Should I come, do you think?"

"No. No reason for that. I'll just be me, Gaius and Leon he'll want to talk to, I expect." He stood up with a loud sigh. "Coming, Merlin?"

He let go of her hand and rolled his eyes. "Me? Why me?"

"Because you're my PA of course. Or had you forgotten?"

"I know I hadn't forgotten that it's Saturday afternoon."

"Shut up, Merlin."

"You're really going?" she asked him, silently.

"Of course. The good thing about this job is that I'm mostly invisible to someone like Uther and you know I'm the last person in the world he'd suspect?"

"Be careful, won't you."

"What for? I'm just trailing after Arthur as usual. Anyway, it's good. I can find out far more about what they know once I'm in there."

"Or what they don't know."

During this the four friends were saying a more casual goodbye out loud and promising to meet up again.

"I've an idea," Merlin said. "Why don't we all meet back here this evening?"

"Merlin, I thought I was getting another lesson."

"You are... trust me."

"That sounds like a good idea," Arthur said. "Depending on my father's mood, I may well be in need of a drink... or three."

"Gwen?" Merlin asked.

"I don't see why not?" She looked at Morgana who shrugged.

"What are you up to, Merlin?"

"Simple. They'll turn up and we won't. Hopefully that'll give Arthur the excuse he needs to ask her out."

"Sneaky."

"Merlin! Now! You know what my dad's like? He'll expect me there about a minute before he sent me that text."

"Coming, Prat," he replied, whilst scurrying off.

"Okay," Gwen said, turning towards her with a large grin. "Spill!"

"What?"

"You and Merlin. I saw the way you two were looking at each other."

"Ah... what?" She was quite certain she hadn't given anything away.

"All those little glances and raises of eyebrows. Like you had this whole secret language going on."

"Oh..." Obviously their silent communication was showing on their faces. She bit her lip. "The evening out last Friday was... not entirely unpleasant."

"Aha!"

"You're not supposed to sound gleeful, Gwen. You're supposed to be cross with me."

"What, for going out with Merlin?" She shook her head. "It's fine. It was just this... idea in my head. I think perhaps our friendship is more important, you know?"

"Our friendship?"

"Well yes. But I actually meant mine and Merlin's. Perhaps if he and I did date...?"

"Oh, I see."

"So, are you?"

"Am I, what?"

Gwen gave her friend an exasperated look. "Dating Merlin?"

Morgana shook her head, exceptionally reluctant to answer, but now more because of their midnight jaunt than this friendship.

"Fine," Gwen said with a smirk. "Keep your secrets. But I'll find out one way or another, either through Merlin or Arthur."

"What?" Morgana shook her head, urgently. "Not Arthur, please. If he even suspected..."

"Good point." She smiled again. "So, I shall take that reaction as confirmation, shall I?"

She winced. "Merlin and I may have arranged another... drinks session."

Gwen grinned smugly, apparently pleased at the concession.

~o~0~o~