Chapter 11
Uther Pendragon stood on his balcony looking out across his kingdom. He was waiting for Arthur to return home, but the prince had been slipping out the castle and going to goodness knows where. It was not unusual for the young prince to go on long trips, although Uther still had no idea as to where his son vanished to, however in the past he had always told his father before he left.
The king was also angry at his son. He had received word a few days ago he had stopped one of his patrols from beating one of those little magic brats. When would Arthur learn that magic would never have a place in this kingdom, and that to improve the land, a few of the imperfections needed to be eradicated first. He growled at the thought, before he began to pace.
Suddenly there came a timid knock on the door, and a thin but immaculately dressed servant entered, whom Uther scowled at. "What is it Geoffly?" he bellowed at the small man before him.
The man bowed whilst muttering under his breath,"George, sire." As he straightened upright he said, "My Liege, King Cenred and the Lady Morgause request your presence with urgent news." George walked back the mandatory three paces before heading for the door. Uther strolled to his throne and sat down just as the door flung open, revealing Cenred dressed in a hideously embellished gold cloak and Morgause trailing behind him in a sultry red dress and rouged lips.
"It's nice to see you again Uther," Cenred drawled. "Thank you so much for having us in your lovely home," he added, elongating the vowels in an annoying manner.
"Of course," Uther answered curtly.
I see you haven't changed a bit." Morgause added with a peal of amused laughter, that somehow managed to sound threatening to the King.
"I see you haven't either," replied Uther cooly, glaring at Morgause as though she was some sort of maggot that had slithered into the room. Uther despised Morgause with a passion, he hated seeing someone with magic with power, especially over a snivelling toe rag like Cenred.
"I heard you have had some problems concerning your son and a young sorcerer recently," she said cautiously, watching Uther's face as his carefully composed mask slip to reveal a cold fury, before he composed himself once more.
"I don't know where you heard that but I suppose I will always have problems with magic users," Uther replied, glaring at Morgause as he finished his sentence, who tittered as though Uther had just told a joke rather than insulting her.
"Well I suppose that is true. But Uther, what if I told you I know exactly where your son is? What if I told you he is at the house of his magic wielding sister along with the warlock Merlin whom he saved from the guards? What if I told you he is becoming friends with them... and with magic?"
Uther's calm finally snapped. "That's absurd! Arthur knows the dangers of magic users, knows not to trust them (Morgause snorted at that comment but did not interrupt) and besides Morgana shouldn't be classed as his sister. She stopped being his sister the moment she began using magic. You. Are. Lying," he raved, his eyes wilder than a stallion.
He gestured as though to hurt Morgause, who simply tittered again and raised her hand at the oncoming threat. Suddenly her eyes flashed a piercing gold and Uther found that he couldn't move. Another flash and the tiles on the floor seemed to melt and form a pool of hold, that reflected not it's surroundings but a different scene entirely...
Arthur had taken it upon himself to teach Merlin how to defend himself ever since Cenred had attacked him, and Merlin, though after some complaining, finally agreed. The second Arthur picked up a mace however, Merlin burst into peals of laughter. "Really? I'm a warlock and you're going to try and kill me with a mace?"
"Don't underestimate it Merlin. Using this I could take you down in one blow!"Arthur scorned.
"Without lifting a finger, I could take you down with less," Merlin replied, before his eyes glinted gold and the floor beneath Arthur feet trembled, causing him to fall. Morgana sniggered at the sight of her brother, who was now red faced and bashful. Merlin grinned his sunny smile, before hitting the floor as Arthur tackled him. Soon Gwen and Morgana joined in, the four of them giggling and laughing, leaving a bemused Gaius to watch over them with fatherly affection.
Uther stared at the scene before him with horror. All his hard work could be torn down by that... thing!
"So Uther," Cenred said, breaking the silence. "I will help you get rid of the boy and return your son, if you will loan me the things I need to achieve this. Do we have ourselves a deal?"
Uther turned to look back at the swirling image of the smiling warlock for a moment longer, before giving his answer.
"Yes, Cenred, I accept your offer."
(Me appearing sheepishly from my bedroom) Hi guys remember me? I am SOOOOO sorry for the late update and there are no excuses, but I am posting two updates instead of one in the hope I will still get some reviewers. Also, this was supposed to be updated last night straight after Merlin, but I hadn't quite finished the rest of my second update. Enjoy :) and please review :)