Merlin had been at Morgana's a week now and yet he was still not used to being there, waiting to wake up and find out it was all a dream. It was strange to have running water, light and plenty of food (most of which he was force fed by his uncle). The morning after he had been taken to the house, he had told Morgana, Gaius and Arthur about how he had ended up on the streets, how no one would give him even a passing glance unless it was to glare at him, how people used to beat him because of the magic he bore. Immediately after that, Morgana decided that he was to live with her and Gaius, and once Gwen had returned she had seen to it that a room be made up for Merlin. Merlin stuttered a gracious thanks before telling her that there was no need to do this, that living rough wasn't as bad as it sounded, but Morgana wouldn't hear any of it, instead telling Merlin if he didn't accept the room willingly she and Gaius would lock him in there. Merlin had smiled at the mention of his uncle, who had now become a sort of father figure/ mentor, even in the short space of those few days. Merlin hadn't realized how much he had needed someone like that until now; it made all the difference in the world to him. And his new found friendship with Arthur made him almost dizzy with joy. It was strange how company felt. It wasn't as isolated as his old life; he felt he had people to turn to. It was nice to feel loved.
Merlin turned out of Morgana's house, making sure his jumper covered any marks that might give him away as having magic, before walking down to the nearby village. Gaius needed some more ingredients for Morgana's potion to stop her prophet dreams, but was too busy running his pharmacy to collect them himself, so Merlin had volunteered to collect them. After all, Morgana and Gaius had let him live with them, it was the least he could do.
As he drew close to the market, the aroma of exotic spices and herbs reached his nose, mingled with the sounds of haggling shop keepers and children playing in the street. He smiled at the joyful squeals that pierced the early morning air, before pulling the list of ingredients Gaius had requested out of his scruffy jacket pocket. He took a deep breath, before entering the chaotic atmosphere before him.
Cenred scowled at the teenager mingling with the locals, charming them with his polite yet cheerful mannerisms. It was hard for him to believe that the clumsy oaf before him was the great weapon that the Druids prophesied would end the war on magic. Although he possessed no magic himself, therefore Uther's laws held no threat to him, it was time he had squashed that pitiful insect and claimed Camelot for his own, and if using the boy would achieve this, and then so be it. Besides, he smirked to himself, the Lady Morgause requested the boy, and what Morgause desired, she got.
There was the update as promised! Sorry to leave you on a cliff hanger... again :) Now here is where I require your opinion. I plan on having Cenred try and grab Merlin next chapter, but should he succeed or should he be foiled and make the others wary. If it is the latter, who will stop him? Thanks, and don't forget to review with your answers :D