I'm glad you guys are still happy with how the story is going.
Thanks for keeping a interest. =]

-Monty

"Merlin! Merlin!"

Gaius inwardly cursed as he heard Arthur making his way up to the tower quarters. It was evening and he knew Arthur had noticed that Merlin had not been present at the feast that was being held tonight for the tournament in the morning. Usually Merlin was sitting there right along side Arthur and Guinevere, but tonight he had been absent.

Suddenly, the sound of the door opening was heard and Gaius turned to see Arthur standing there, looking a bit concerned. "Sire? Is there something wrong?"

"Where's Merlin? He wasn't at the feast tonight." Arthur walked in and glanced around, though Merlin was no where to be found.

"Oh?" Gaius said, putting on a fake smile. "I'm sure he's just out for a walk or something."

Arthur turned to the older man, setting a serious gaze on him. "Gaius, I know you've been prone to lie for Merlin in the past, but if he's up to something I should know about then you need to tell me."

He was right.

There was no need to lie to him these days about Merlin's doings.

Though Gaius worried about how he would take the information about Merlin leaving to find someone to rule the kingdom. What other choice did he have though? Arthur deserved to know how Merlin felt about things and what he was doing.

Sighing some, Gaius motioned to the table and chairs for Arthur to sit with him.

As soon as they were both sitting down, Gaius filled him in on everything.

"Merlin has gone to find someone suitable to rule the kingdom while you are gone on your quest. He wasn't comfortable with the idea of ruling in your stead." Gaius replied. "He felt very strongly about it and he said he would be back before you leave."

Arthur didn't look very pleased, but he wasn't angry.

He should have known that it would make Merlin uncomfortable.

Hell, Merlin had even said it to him and he had just brushed it off.

"Do you know where he's gone?" Arthur asked.

"He went to speak with Kilgharrah." Gaius said with a shrug. "Where they meet, I know not. Besides, I am sure Merlin would not want you coming along. This is something he has to do on his own. For now, enjoy your time with your wife and enjoy the tournament tomorrow. Merlin will be back soon."

"Can he really find someone in that short of a time to rule Camelot while I'm not here?" Arthur was a little unsure about it all. How could Merlin find someone in such a short period of time that would be trust worthy? How would he know?

A comforting smile came from Gaius and the older man reached over, placing his hand on Arthur's. "When Merlin sets his mind on something, he can do anything. I am sure whoever he finds will be a good man. You don't need to worry." he gave Arthur's hand a pat, then pulled it back and motioned for Arthur to leave, "Go. Spend time with Gwen."

Arthur nodded, rising from his seat. "When Merlin gets back, you'll make sure he comes to see me first thing, will you?"

Gaius chuckled some. "I think that's exactly what he means to do when he gets back. Don't worry."

"Good." Arthur managed a small smile, then took his leave.

As soon as the door shut, Gaius let out a huff of air, resting his chin in his hand. "I'm getting too old for this."

"He's done what?"

"He's left - gone on some quest of his own to find someone worthy enough to be King while I'm gone."

"Did anyone go with him? Arthur, you know how dangerous it is for him out there."

"Merlin can take care of himself, besides, he didn't want anyone else going with him." Arthur sighed heavily as he laid there in the bed beside Gwen, arms crossed over his chest, brow creased as he thought about his friend out there on his own. He could take care of himself, he knew that, but, he was worried. Merlin had a lot of enemies out there and if he got into some kind of trouble, no one would be there to help him out.

Softly, Gwen's hand came to rest against Arthur's face and she smiled faintly at him, "He will be alright, Arthur. He always is. If he's not back by the time you prepare to leave, then perhaps you can send someone out for him then." she suggested.

Arthur gave a nod of his head, knowing his was right. He leaned his head against her hand and closed his eyes, breathing her in for a moment before turning to look at her. "You always manage to bring so much peace to me."

Gwen smiled brightly, "That is my job as your wife." she said before suddenly giving a bit of a surprised look and placing her hand on her stomach.

"What? Is everything okay?" Arthur asked, alarmed. "Is the child coming?"

A faint trickle of laughter came from her lips and Gwen shook her head. "No, the baby is just very anxious to see the world. Here, feel." she grasped Arthur's hand and placed it on her swollen stomach. A moment later, the baby kicked against it and Gwen beamed as she saw Arthur's look of excitment.

The woods were silent.

A few chirps from the birds could be heard here and there, but that was about it.

Then of course there was the sound of Merlin's footsteps as he made his way to the bridge that he knew all too well. The first time he had crossed it, it had been to go find Arthur and save him as he was on his quest for the Fisher King's golden trident. The second time had been when he, Arthur, and the knights of Camelot had crossed it to meet Morgana out on the Perilous Lands to face her in a final battle.

Merlin's heart ached as he thought about it.

With all of the magic he had within himself, he couldn't stop such a horrible battle from happening.

He couldn't stop men from cutting each other down - or watching those he had known for so long fall to the ground, their life struck short.

The thought of having to travel in those lands again did not settle well with him, but if the man he seeked lived there, then he would gladly go and find him. He didn't have long though. He had the rest of this night and the next day to find him.

Merlin's pace picked up as he saw the bridge ahead of him.

Normally, a Dwarf by the name of Grettir was there.

He had been there the last time, warning them about Morgana and her forces, but then after that he had disappeared and they had not seen him again. Merlin wondered if the Dwarf had managed to escape the battle. If he had survived and was still at his post, guarding the bridge.

As Merlin neared he noted that the silence got eerily heavier.

His pace slowed and he tensed a bit, sensing that something wasn't quite right.

He couldn't just NOT go through. He needed to continue, but, he needed to be cautious. His blue eyes blazed as they scanned his surroundings. Off to the side was a cauldron that had a nice fire going under it. A stump was pulled up next to that with a wooden bowl and spoon resting on it.

Yet, there was no sign of Grettir.

However, Merlin could feel someone watching him. He clenched his teeth and stopped in the middle of the clearing. "Show yourself." he commanded, "Now."

"You could try saying 'please'." a voice came from behind him.

Merlin swung around. There, sitting on the stump, bowl in hand, was Grettir. He gave a bit of a sigh of relief, relaxing some. "Why are you always hiding when people come up to this place?"

"I'm not always hiding. I'm here, people just don't notice me right off." Grettir shrugged and looked over at him. "So, Magic, you're on a quest of your own I see." he set his bowl aside and got off of his stump, stepping over towards Merlin, "you wish to cross my bridge and make your way into the Fisher King's realm?"

Merlin nodded. "The Great Dragon says that a man I seek is over there."

"The Great Dragon would be correct. You seek Loyalty - though he is a hard man to find these days. It will take heart to find him." Grettir replied, motioning towards the bridge, "You will find a means to reach him when morning comes. It will not be what you expect."

Merlin's brow creased. "What does that mean?"

Grettir smiled. "Wouldn't want to ruin all of the mystery for you, now would I? Good luck on your quest, Master Warlock." with that, Grettir disappeared from sight, however, in his place was a piece of paper, held down by a stone.

Reaching down, Merlin took it, reading it with curiousity.

Enjoy my fire for the night - and my soup.
Since you did not bring 'Strength' with you, you will need some of your own.

Happy hunting.

-Grettir

A faint smile spread over Merlin's lips and he glanced over at the camp fire.

It was tempting, but, he didn't have long to find the man. If he waited until morning, then that would be precious time lost. As much as he would love to rest, Merlin knew he needed to keep going. He folded the letter up and put it into his pack, then, with one glance back at the tempting camp site, he turned and made his way across the bridge.