A few people have asked, Morgana will be making an appearance soon, either next chapter or the following one. I still haven't entirely decided what I am going to do with her. Hopefully I'll have worked it out before she appears.
Percival felt no surprise as Gwen headed down the corridor carrying a tray. On it steamed a bowl of soup, a plate held bread and cheese. She paused a few paces away from them.
"I brought some food, for Arthur."
Percival smiled at the hint, but then looked serious.
"Merlin has ordered that only Lancelot and myself can enter the room. I'll take it, and I am not about to eat it myself."
Gwen smiled. "I'll go back and fetch something for you as well, I just thought Arthur..." she paused and shrugged. Percival reached for the tray, taking it off her.
"When I checked him, he was sleeping," Percival said. "I'll try and wake him up to get him to eat the soup. The last time he ate was probably just as we left last night. I'll leave the bread and cheese if he's not really interested."
"I'll bring some fruit, as well as something for you two," Gwen said gently looking at the pair of them as if she wanted to say more, but in the end, she couldn't seem to think of anything.
"I won't be long," was all Gwen added as she turned away and walked back to bring them something to eat.
Arthur wasn't sleeping when Percival quietly let himself into the room. He had been, deeply, the images in his mind creating an odd disjointed dream that made very little sense. As he had roused he knew he was dreaming but the dreams held a reality the more he thought about it.
He eventually decided he wasn't thinking, he was in fact just letting the thoughts that appeared wash through his mind. He had been unable to stop them, over the last night, as the pain had sharpened his mind. It was something that had never happened before.
Merlin, Arthur decided, was the cause of it. The master who had demanded he behave as a person in his own right. He hadn't just treated him fairly. A few people had done that over the years. Merlin instead expected him to think, and act for himself. It had been as simple as Merlin expecting him to eat, and choose to sleep rather than be told when to rest. Merlin actually saw him, as oppose to just realising he was there.
Then there had been the facts. The ones that he had so recently learnt, And to those facts, Arthur's mind added flesh.
Alice had been the first point. Arthur still didn't remember her clearly, but that was simply because that had been the first time that Arthur had ever met her. Gaius caused the chain of events, because Gaius had taken him to her. Arthur remembered holding tightly to someone's hand as they negotiated the dark streets. Sounds had echoed around them and Arthur had felt nervous as he had trotted along. Something bad had happened, so bad that Arthur had been roused from his bed and dressed swiftly before he had been pulled through the dark castle corridor, out into the town. Now the memory asserted Arthur remembered the fear and uncertainty, but he trusted the person walking with him. It had taken his memory a little while to add the face, but eventually Gaius had revealed himself to Arthur.
He had told him to stay with Alice, that she would look after him and he was to be good, and do as he was told. Arthur had clung, to Gaius. The image in his mind told him that. And he hadn't wanted to stay in the small dingy cottage, which to Arthur after the castle, seemed so small. The castle was the only place he had known in his short life and he felt shocked by the change in environment, the dark and damp oppressing him. They had sat together quietly, Arthur clinging to her, waiting for Gaius to come back. But Gaius hadn't, others had found them, Arthur's little fists tightening on Alice's clothes as he was dragged away.
She had pleaded, pleaded to allow him to stay, that Gaius would take him. They would both leave with him, they could live quietly, pretend to be his grandparents. Let him live a simple life, no one need know who he was.
"You have a family," Alice had pleaded.
"I had a family. Uther destroyed it, and this is the result."
Arthur opened his eyes, not wanting to see any more. He could pretend that it was just a dream, a melding of images from the facts he had learnt. But Arthur was not a fool, his mind had been opened, having been given the facts to hang the memories on. He recognised the man who had removed him. He hadn't touched him, he had let the soldiers take hold of him, but Arthur put the man into place. Balinor had been there.
Knowing what he did Arthur couldn't blame him. Something had happened to Merlin's mother. Arthur had heard Balinor mention that more than once, reminding Merlin of the truth. Arthur wondered what it was. Perhaps he didn't want to know. He had learnt a lot over the last few days, he could possibly try and convince himself that the memories and dreams had just put themselves together, and he simply invented the situation in his mind as a product of the stress he had been through. Arthur couldn't really convince himself of that.
He opened his eyes slowly at the sound of the door latch clicking. He heard the footsteps as someone entered the room and closed the door behind them. Arthur listened warily, tension slowly creeping into his limbs, until he heard Percival's low tone.
"Arthur?"
One of the curtains at the end of the bed flickered and Percival peered through the small gap. If Arthur was still sleeping Percival would leave him and try later. However, Arthur saw no point in pretending, so he lifted his head off the pillow and opened his eyes. Seeing that he was indeed awake Percival added.
"Gwen brought you something to eat, there's some soup so you should probably have that while it's hot, I can leave the bread and cheese if you don't want it all straight away."
Arthur slowly sat up and Percival tucked back the curtain and dumped the tray on the linen chest at the end of the bed. Arthur crawled over, wincing as his sore body ached, and he peered out into the room.
"Where's Gwen?" Arthur asked, making sure he stayed concealed within the curtains and kept the blanket wrapped around his body.
"Merlin has ordered that only Lancelot and myself should come into the room. I told her you were fine, and just sleeping."
Arthur nodded, leaning over he scooped out a spoonful of soup and sipped at it. In the end he lay down and keeping the bowl where it was, used the trunk as an improvised table.
"She's going to bring a little more up, I'll bring it in," Percival added. Arthur lifted his head a little.
"Tell her thank you."
"I did but I'll tell her again. Now what?" he snapped at the sound of voices outside. Arthur blinked, retreating back into the safe confines of the bed's thick curtains. He used a small gap to peer out as the large knight strode to the door, opened it and swiftly shut it again. Arthur heard the click as Percival locked the door.
He pocketed the key swiftly and glared at Maleagant, who stood flanked by three other knights from Bayard's guard. Gwen stood to one side, the tray and the food it had held scattered around the floor. Lancelot had tried to step forward to protect her but one of the knights shifted position.
"What's going on?"
"We are taking the Golden Prince into custody," Maleagant informed him. Percival raised his eyebrows.
"We have orders to not allow anyone into the room, and I presume that Merlin intended for Arthur to remain in it."
"Your master does not have the authority here. We represent the kings of this land, and it is their decision what happens to him."
Maleagant took a step forward, Percival didn't move.
"Get out of the way, we are taking the Pendragon brat."
"Merlin wouldn't let you do that!" Gwen snapped stepping forward, only to be grabbed by one of the knight's his hand wrapping tightly around her arm. Lancelot stepped forward, intending to intervene, which would then leave Percival alone by the door. Maleagant and the other knights stepped to flank the bigger man. As good as he was, even Percival would be under pressure trying to deal with three of them. He clenched his jaw and looked entirely prepared to do so.
"We could take the bitch as well," the knight holding Gwen suggested. Lancelot snarled, Gwen kicked the knight hard on the shin. The man lifted his arm, with every intention of striking her. His hand froze in the air as a voice interrupted.
"Is there a problem here?" Gwaine asked, walking down the short corridor.
"Nothing that you need concern yourself with," Maleagant said. "These peasants need to realise they have no standing against those of nobility."
"Is that right?" Gwaine said. One hand lashed out, grabbing the raised arm of the knight holding Gwen. Gwaine gripped the knight's wrist and twisted causing him to yelp. He released Gwen, who wisely retreated behind Lancelot. "I don't see anything particularly noble about hitting women. Now what is going on?"
Percival and Lancelot glared, not really trusting Gwaine's involvement in the situation. However, Gwen spoke up.
"They're trying to take Arthur."
Gwaine shoved the man whose arm he was within seconds of snapping, releasing him and sending him sprawling down the corridor.
"Really, from what I understood of the situation, Arthur was to be left in Merlin's care."
"That was only temporary," Maleagant snapped. "We have orders to retrieve him."
"Is that a fact? Since the kings have been locked away in a meeting all afternoon it does seem interesting that this retrieval appears to be occurring now Merlin is also in the conference."
That appeared to have hit the nail on the head. Maleagant glared at Gwaine. "I am following my orders. As someone of noble blood I expect to be obeyed."
Gwaine stepped closer, going nose to nose with Maleagant. The knight blinked, swallowing heavily as Gwaine looked him in the eye.
"As someone of royal blood I expect to be obeyed. And by my instruction you are not to even attempt entry to that room, or I will find it necessary to stop you. Is that clear?"
There wasn't much else Maleagant could do. Gwaine was well within his rights to assert his authority.
"Yes, Sire," Maleagant snarled through gritted teeth.
"And if that's clear, you can go away."
That left Maleagant with even less options. He backed up, and Gwaine turned on his heel to stand in front of Percival and Lancelot, he folded his arms across his chest and waited while the four men skulked off down the corridor.
"Huh, that was interesting," Gwaine said. He turned and looked at Gwen, who had started to gather the tray and straighten up the mess. Gwaine crouched down and gathered up some of the items, putting them carefully down on the tray Gwen now had balanced on her arm.
"Thank you, My Lord."
"Not a problem," Gwaine said giving her a bright, flirtatious smile. Gwen slowly got up, taking a step back away from Gwaine, her cheeks darkening as she blushed. Gwaine rose up with her stealing an apple off the tray looking it over he decided it wasn't that badly bruised and he bit into it.
"Are you all right Gwen?" Lancelot also asked, scowling at Gwaine, who looked annoyingly unoffended, and took another large bite of the apple.
"I'm fine, I'll bring some more up."
"When you do, go via the training field. Gaheris is out there, let him know what happened and tell him he might want to get into the meeting and let our father know."
"Yes, My Lord," Gwen said, heading away, holding the tray carefully, walking slowly as if still in shock.
"Couldn't you just go and do that?" Percival asked Gwaine rudely. Gwaine shrugged, looking as if he was entirely oblivious to the knight's aggressive tone.
"Better I stay here, just in case. Bayard seriously doesn't seem to want to lose his hold on Arthur. Why didn't he hold onto him last night if he was that bothered?"
"I think this isn't just about Arthur, he's trying to rile Merlin," Percival mused.
"What would Bayard get out of that?"
"Half of Merlin's force now is independent of the kings. They do have less of a hold on him now. If he holds Arthur as well, that does give him powerful leverage. Whatever game Bayard is playing, I think he's keeping the rules to himself."
"What makes Arthur so special?" Lancelot asked. "No offence, but he is only a slave."
Gwaine shrugged. "It's always been like that. As far as I can ever remember. I know the history, he was kept as an example, when Camelot was overthrown." He slouched back against the wall and took another bite, talking around his mouthful of fruit.
"He's the last remnant of what Camelot was. But over time it seems to me that whoever holds him, throughout all the wars and petty squabbles that go on, always seem to retain an advantage. I get the feeling that none of the kings really considered the consequences when they took Camelot down. That kingdom lay at the heart of everything, and without that one dominant kingdom everything has been out of balance since. The only thing that appears to be left of Camelot is Arthur."
"You make him sound like less of a trophy and more of a beacon," Lancelot said. Gwaine shrugged.
"I can't say I've ever thought about it. When we owned him it just meant someone picked up after us and kept the bed warm."
Percival glowered at him. "I'd better check, he's bound to have heard something."
He had pulled the key out and already turned it in the lock as he spoke. He opened the door to find a naked Arthur shuffling back, away from the entrance where he had pressed his ear against it to listen to the confrontation outside. Percival's eyes widened at the sight of him, bruised and shivering from being out of the bed. He swiftly stepped in and shut the door before either of the others out in the corridor realised Arthur had been listening. Arthur huddled against the table, his legs wobbling a little.
"I'm certain that you should not be out of bed," Percival informed him. Stepping forward he took Arthur's arm to gently guide him back.
"Sorry," Arthur said.
"Merlin will hardly thank me if you end up catching a chill as well. What are you doing up anyway?"
The answer seemed obvious. However, Arthur never refused to answer a direct question.
"I heard the noises. I wondered what..." Arthur tailed off, while Percival reached out to hold the curtain out of the way and he gently bundled Arthur back onto the bed, leaning over to grab the blanket Arthur had been wrapped up in and pull it over him again. Arthur reached up, gathering it around himself again and Percival pulled back, dropping the curtain back into place and he went round to the end of the bed.
"You haven't eaten your soup," Percival commented picking up the bowl and holding it out to Arthur. Automatically Arthur took it off him, but looked at what remained in the bowl without much enthusiasm.
"I'm not really that hungry."
Percival stared at him for a moment, which encouraged Arthur to take the spoon and swallow a small mouthful of soup.
"What did you hear?"
Arthur almost looked up and then back down again. "Most of it," he said quietly.
Percival carried on staring at Arthur for a moment longer.
"Do you really think that Merlin will let you go that easily?"
Arthur didn't answer him, which didn't surprise Percival too much. Instead he reached forward and took the bowl from Arthur's hand.
"Gwen's going to bring up some more. I'll leave it here. If you need anything else, bang on the door, I'm going to leave it locked."
Arthur did as he was told, curling up in the bed as Percival left the room again and locked the door. With a heavy sigh Arthur pulled the blanket up over his head, trying to work out if he really believed that.
What would Merlin want with him anyway? Arthur asked.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxX
The meeting became a highly tense affair. When Merlin entered he took his usual place and said nothing for a while, simply watching the interaction intently.
"We know Cenred had no legitimate heirs," Caerleon announced. "And the territory is vast, it would take some effort for one person to hold."
"Several of the nobles will no doubt start claiming areas for themselves. It was only fear of Cenred that kept them under control," Olaf added. "It will put pressure on us to maintain peace in the area."
"As long as we can come to an agreement," Bayard said.
"I'm sure we can draw up something, but I would suggest we need Merlin's input in the matter. It may be we call on him to keep peace in the area," Olaf said. Bayard glanced in Merlin's direction.
"Are you willing to assist?"
"I will do so to protect the innocent people who will no doubt get caught in the crossfire of any petty squabbles. That has always been my only aim, your motivations are of no interest to me."
Several sets of eyes stared at Merlin in shock. Until Gaheris distracted them by entering the room, walking swiftly to his father and he whispered into Lot's ear, causing the king to blink in surprise. He turned his gaze to Bayard.
"And what is your intention in trying to forcefully remove the Golden Prince from Merlin's custody?"
"There was no force about it," Bayard said. "I simply made arrangements to have the boy removed. He is not a concern of Merlin's."
"From what I have just heard," Lot snapped. "There was a good deal of force to it."
Lot turned his attention to a white faced Merlin, who had looked ready to rise and leave the room.
"The boy is still confined in your chambers. Gwaine stayed with your guards on the door to ensure nothing further occurs."
"Thank you. Just because I am not personally there does not mean that Arthur is any less under my protection. You had no right to take possession of him last night."
Bayard glared at Merlin, Merlin glared back.
"Your father had no objections to the arrangement. It is hardly my fault if he failed to tell you of any agreements. The boy may be in your custody, but use of him has never been limited."
"It is now. I didn't think my words were unclear. Arthur had been confined to my apartments for such a reason. Whatever motivations you had for such a move, it will not convince me to release Arthur."
"Motivations. You make it sound underhand," Bayard said. Merlin raised his eyebrows.
"It certainly brings concerns when the agreement also involved no harm to Arthur."
"I believe the arrangement was minimal harm," Agravaine announced, sat on Bayard's right. Merlin sat forward, glaring at him.
"And I spent all morning cleaning up the damage. I think such a thing rather questions your integrity in any agreements you make. I also believe as Arthur's only living relative your behaviour should be called into question."
Agravaine smiled but his eyes glittered with anger. He sat back and surveyed the rest of the room. Bayard glared at Merlin, while the other kings shifted uncomfortably.
"I have never shown allegiance to the Pendragon family. I made sure Uther knew that, even from the grave I hope he knows that."
Merlin sat back, and decided to wipe the smirk of Agravaine's face.
"Well, by the same token, I wonder what your sister thinks, if she can also see from the grave, what you have done to her son."
Everyone watched the satisfied smirk falter on Agravaine's lips. During the pause Merlin also let his gaze drift to his father. The hint also going to Balinor. The Dragonlord looked away from Merlin.
"What actually occurred?" Lot asked carefully. "I am rather confused, as we did agree that Merlin would be responsible for Arthur. And now it appears you chose to ignore that agreement. How badly injured was the boy?"
"It was not minimal damage," Merlin said. "And I did not advocate the casual handing around of the Golden Prince. Nor was it my father's place to do such a thing." Merlin sent Balinor a very steady look, and then turned back to the rest of the group, starting to talk in a very over friendly tone. "However, I am sure we can clear up any misunderstandings on the subject, and as I am now fully aware of what does actually happen to the boy, I am rather inclined to insist that he remain with me. If anyone feels that as my general tithe it is more than you wish to offer, then I can certainly attempt to give any remuneration you all agree is fair."
"Are you saying to plan to keep the Golden Prince for yourself?" Olaf asked.
"Certainly not as any sort of bargaining tool," Merlin said casually. "I have to confess, I have found his presence useful."
Bayard raised his eyebrows.
"Have you used him, in a similar fashion?" Olaf asked.
"No, nor have I ever particularly considered having any sort of servant. Generally I have been self sufficient. However, Arthur does work efficiently, and it does mean I can concentrate on more serious matters."
Merlin paused and looked around the room, grinding his teeth a little as he did so. What he really wanted to do was blast Bayard into pieces and send the others running in all directions. But in the end Merlin knew he had to be careful. They found him useful, Merlin had made sure of that, but he had also made sure they had no idea just how powerful he was. Merlin never overused his natural talents. They knew he had magic, they knew eventually he would control the dragon. Remaining neutral protected himself and his father. Anyone that could take control of them would have use of the dragon. The fall of Camelot proved that if they combined their efforts then they were dangerous. Merlin could not afford to have them turn on him, and perhaps all the magic community. Uther had caused enough devastation already.
He had to play this game, sometimes their way, although he hated it; and it was probably why Balinor agreed to letting Bayard take Arthur for a night. It lessened Bayard's hold, and also, Merlin admitted this grudgingly, gave him more reason to hold onto Arthur. What he had to do now was keep their opinions divided. Calling Bayard into question had caused the first split, he needed to drive the wedge in.
"I may be willing to be polite about this, but make no mistake. I am not giving Arthur Pendragon into anyone's custody. Quite frankly a good number of issues between nobles houses have arisen over the ownership of the boy. I have no idea why you find him so particularly important considering the fact that Camelot has been lost for sixteen years. But if that's the case, then I intend to retain him for myself. I am the one you rely on to maintain peace within the kingdoms."
"And if we choose to disagree with that. You are only tolerated around our kingdoms," Bayard snapped. Merlin smirked, eying the king back with a steady glare.
"Really? I think it's a clear point. Several disputes have been caused simply over Arthur's ownership. It is entirely possible that is the only reason Cenred violated your border in the first place, destroying the home of one of your nobles."
"I have to confess," Lot announced. "Maybe Merlin is right. It does no harm to allow him to keep the boy for a while."
He looked around the room, keeping his expression and body language casual, and the king refused to let his gaze drift to Merlin.
"I certainly do not want the boy anyway," Lord Godwyn announced. "To be fair, I have no particular opinion on the subject, but if it remains as a contentious point between us, then maybe it is easier to have him removed."
"I have only one question on the subject," Olaf asked. "Do you intend to keep the boy in Camelot."
Merlin looked at them steadily. It was a rather interesting point. Leaving the last member of the Pendragon family in the remnants of his home could certainly cause interest. Merlin felt an unaccountable shiver ripple though his body, and he felt the core of his power stir. Years of practice meant it stayed tightly contained, and he had to be careful about his answer.
"All things considered, it is highly unlikely that the current situation will allow me any time to stay here. So, no, he will not be left here."
After the events of the last few days, he had no intention of letting Arthur out of his sight.