LOL, well, here is the promise update. WHEW, I'm finally caught up. The next update will be on monday...hopefully, that is if I don't get distracted by homework or fanfiction. XD Hope you enjoy.
With dawn came news of the first signs of the curse they had incurred on Camelot. The two stood next to Uther, staring out across the barren field of dead grain. As far as the eye could see, it was a waste land, no greenery to be found or edible plant left alive.
"Messengers have been arriving all morning with reports of a similar destruction. It spreads all the way to Camelot's border. No fields were spared. At this rate, the grain stores will only last for a few months if everything is rationed enough." Arthur said softly, voice somber as he took in the destruction.
"Can you do anything?" Uther asked aloud, turning to look at the half Druid, a small flicker of hope in his eyes.
Merlin shook his head morosely, extinguishing the spark. "Even I don't have enough magic to go against this curse. The only way to lift it is to pass Anhora's tests. He may not even appear to us."
Uther seemed to deflate for a moment and then straightened, squaring his shoulders and jaw. "Have a guard placed on the grain stores. Any caught trying to steal more than they are given will be thrown in the dungeons and flogged." He left in a swirl of red cloak.
The night was dead silent, not even the insects buzzing. The two stood on the wall, staring down into the courtyard at the line of people continued to lengthen as word was spread. Everyone was allowed one sack of grain, to last the week. In the distance, torches and lamps winked in the darkness as those in the outlying villages made the trek to Camelot for their much needed stores.
"Do you think we can end it?" Merlin asked softly, unwilling to break the heavy silence that had descended on the city.
"That depends if those chosen can pass my tests." Someone said behind them, voice old and weary.
They spun, the sound of hissing metal following as Arthur drew his sword. No one was behind them. "That is no way to greet someone, Prince Arthur, no matter how troubling the situation may be." They both looked to the right, taking in the sight of an old man, bent slightly as he used his staff as sort of a walking stick. His white cloak stood out brightly among the shadows, but under the hood, his face was concealed.
"Who are you?" The blonde demanded, sword shifting to keep the old man at bay.
"You already know who I am, prince. Now put that away before someone gets hurt." Arthur glared for a second before lowering it and sheathing it back on his belt.
"Anhora." Merlin said softly, staring at the old Guardian of the Unicorns.
He nodded. "Correct. You know why I am here as well." He stated simply.
"You are here to choose whom you will test." The older man nodded again. "You've chosen us?"
Anhora shook his head. "I can only test one." He turned to Arthur. "You my prince have been chosen for this task. Three tests must be passed and you shall not know what they will be. Should you fail, you know what will happen." He was gone as if he hadn't been there, leaving the two staring at the space he had occupied.
"Arthur?" Merlin asked softly, looking at the blonde.
"I think it would be best if we did not inform my father of this. Who knows what would happen, should he try to interfere." Merlin nodded in understanding. Uther was a man who was used to getting his way, no matter what.
The next evening found the two standing guard inside the grain storage. They were a last barrier between desperate thieves and the grain that was worth more than gold at the moment. As Arthur stood near the main door, Merlin walked around the walls edge, following the curve of the stone.
Each time he passed Arthur, he would nod at the prince, confirming that all was well. He could have used magic to do this, but some things were better done by hand than by magic. Still, he did have a spell placed around outside to warn him if someone was knocked out or killed. It would give them time to prepare at least.
He was on his tenth circuit of the large room, just nearing Arthur again when a noise caught their ears. Turning, they both stalked through the room on silent feet, edging closer to the noise. Edging around the wall the surrounded the grain storage, they saw a man standing at the gape in the wall, bag in hand as he tried to fill it as quietly as possible.
Drawing his sword as quietly as possible, Arthur stepped forward, pointing it at the man's back. "What do you think you're doing?" He demanded, pressing the point forward until it rested on the nape of his neck.
The man jerked, dropping the bag of grain and spilling it on the ground. Glancing at it, he willed the grain back into it a drew the bag through the air to his waiting hands, eyeing the thief who stood shock still at sword point. "Arthur." He said quietly.
Keeping his sword up, but pulling back, he let the man turn to look at them. "What excuse do you have for stealing the king's grain?" He demanded, eyes cold and blazing in anger. He hated thieves, but when they stole something that was so needed elsewhere, it went beyond just plain stealing.
"Please, sire, I wasn't trying…please, I have a family to feed and one sack of grain won't be enough to last for a few days, let alone a week. I don't want to see them starve because I was unable to feed them." The man's eyes were glassy, the desperation in his voice unfeigned.
The stiff set of Arthur's shoulders seemed to relax some at the man's words. He gave a soft sigh. "You will take this grain and leave. Tell no one. If you ever try this again, you will not fare so well, and you're children will be even more hungry because their father is in the dungeons."
The man nodded frantically. "Thank you, oh thank you sire. You're kindness will not go unlooked." He bowed multiple times, accepting the bag of grain that floated over to him. Merlin stared after him, his words ringing through his head, sounding strange.
"Very good. This small act of kindness has shown you are willing to help those in need, no matter the circumstances. You have two more tests still prince and will not be as easily accomplished." Anhora was gone before they could even turn, leaving them staring again at the spot he had left and feeling like they were being played with.