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Merlin Season 6

Episode 4: The Worth of a Noble Servant

With a loud Thud! Merlin sat down at the dinner table across from Gaius. His head hit the hardwood and there it remained until Gaius pushed it off the table with a bowl full of large chunks of potatoes and carrots. Small waves of steam rose into the air and the smell of the savory broth drifted into Merlin's nose, renewing his strength.

"Hard day?" Gaius asked.

"Hard week," Merlin mumbled with a mouth full of soup already.

Gaius took a bite of his soup and then said, "I thought Gareth was supposed to help you with your duties to the king. You'd think it would be easier."

"You'd think," Merlin grumbled trying to keep a large potato in his mouth. "Arthur more than doubled my chores, and with Gareth at my side, all the time, I can't do any magic."

"Terrible," Gaius shook his head dramatically. "You having to learn how to do chores like a normal person, what evil scheme is Arthur up to?"

Merlin's eyes narrowed as he gazed at Gaius over his almost empty bowl of soup, "Are you on his side?"

"I'm simply implying that with all that's been happening, now more than ever, you need to be cautious and if having Gareth at your side keeps you from accidently exposing your secret, than a few sore muscles isn't so bad."

"A few sore muscles?" Merlin whined. "Just today, Arthur had us clean out all the stables, shine all the armor and wash the new recruits clothing, which was difficult enough. Try adding Gareth's constant whining and complaining about how these chores aren't fit for someone with his exceptional talents and why servant work is beneath him."

"Listening to someone whine all day, that must get on ones nerves."

Merlin huffed at Gaius's sarcastic tone, knowing full well that he was making light of Merlin's own whining. Merlin finished his meal as Gaius tried to suppress a grin.

Early the next morning, Merlin practically barged into Arthur's room after being summoned to fill Arthur's bathtub.

"I'm the third bird you are killing with that stone, aren't I?" Merlin accused.

Arthur pulled off his shirt and then faced Merlin, "It's a bit early for you to speak nonsense, and I don't have a clue what you are rambling about this morning, Merlin."

"You said that assigning Gareth as my assistant, or helper, would kill three birds with one stone. Punishing Gareth for his crimes," Merlin began to count with his fingers, "teaching him humility and the third bird is that as long as he is with me, I can't use magic."

Arthur frowned, "Oh, don't think of it like that."

"Then, what is going on?"

"No," Arthur shook his head, "that is what's happening. I just don't think it would make you happy to think of it that way." Arthur threw Merlin and impish grin.

"What is your objection to me using magic to do a few measly chores, as long as the chores get done, and no one notices?"

"The fact that you have to ask shows that you don't get it."

Merlin's nostrils flared but he said nothing more as he put a cauldron of water over the fire. A few minutes later Gwen entered the room and it wasn't long before she sensed the tension between her husband and his servant. She made her way over to Merlin who was glaring at the cauldron of water. As he continued to fume the water started to boil until it began spilling over the sides.

Gwen pulled up a stool by the fire and sat down. "Did you have another fight about, you know what?"

Merlin didn't answer, the bubbles in the boiling water grew to the size of large toads and then popped almost spraying Gwen.

"Merlin," Gwen said firmly, "the water!"

This snapped Merlin out of his daze and the water went back down to a simmer. "Sorry," he said.

"It's all right."

Still looking apologetic, Merlin asked, "Did you say something before?"

"I asked if you two were fighting over, you know what, again."

Merlin nodded, "Arthur doesn't want me to use magic unless I absolutely have to and then when I do use magic in a necessary situation, he criticizes me. I've hid my magic for years, without anyone finding out, and he treats me like I'm an idiot, and that I don't know what I'm doing."

"He doesn't think you're an idiot."

"But you agree that he treats me like one?" Merlin asked.

Gwen only smiled kindly.

"Thought so," Merlin said sitting up straight.

"I told you before, he's worried about you. He has a lot on his mind. Camelot and its people are falling to fear and he's doing all he can to keep them together, add worrying about his best friend being caught using magic and how do you think he should behave?"

Merlin lowered his head, "So you agree that I shouldn't use magic, unless it's absolutely necessary, too?"

"I didn't say that," Gwen answered.

"So I should be able to use my magic as I see fit?"

"I didn't say that either."

Merlin looked confused.

"I only want you to understand my husband's point of view."

"Well, he doesn't understand mine," Merlin defended. "If I don't use magic, it builds up inside me until it becomes like a dam ready to burst. I just want him to trust me."

"Trust takes time and patience." Gwen placed her hand over Merlin's and then left.

Hours later, outside the castle walls, Arthur stood before the new recruits of potential knights. Merlin stood just off to the side with Gareth, who looked plain miserable having to appear before the new recruits in servant's clothing, standing beside him. Merlin heard Gareth grumble to Merlin, "This is humiliating! Well, not for you," he inclined his head to Merlin, "this is your place. But for someone like me, you can't imagine what this feels like."

Merlin rolled his eyes.

"Your training," Arthur began, "these next few days will be different than anything you have done before."

The new recruits whispered among each other at this announcement, but they stopped when Arthur cleared his throat. "We are going to have a race."

The surprise look on all the men's faces showed this was not what they had expected.

"This race is intended to teach you how to survive if ever there comes a time where you find yourself on the retreat from the enemy. We will split into ten groups, each group will be given a map that will show them the path they will be taking. You must navigate your way through thick forest, rough terrain and survive only on what you find on your course. You may take only one container of water and nothing else. The first group leaves at twilight and the rest will follow in intervals. Each group will have two knights that will judge how well your group works together. You will be timed and rewarded if your group manages come back unharmed and how fast you make it back to Camelot."

Arthur almost turned to leave but then said, "And just so you are aware, I will being leading an eleventh group of knights. Our intent is to capture any stranglers. In order to complete your task all members of your group must return safely. That is all. Sir Leon will tell you which group you're in."

Leon stepped forward and started calling out names dividing the new recruits into ten groups.

Gareth stepped forward, "Sire," he said addressing Arthur. "Can I also participate? I know these lands very well and I can be of great service to my team."

"That may be," Arthur responded thoughtfully, "but you are not a new recruit, remember? You are a servant until you have served your time."

"But servant duties aren't for someone like me, the position is for," again Gareth nodded his head to Merlin.

Merlin looked flabbergasted, but said nothing. It took all his will power not to curse Gareth.

"A loyal servant is more valuable to have at my side, than a skillful knight," Arthur said sternly. "You will learn to respect this position or face never becoming a knight. Do I make myself clear?"

With slumped shoulders, Gareth nodded.

With that, Arthur left, followed by Merlin. Once they reached the citadel Merlin said, "I don't think this is a good idea, you leaving Camelot. Mordred has been quiet for some time and that makes me nervous."

Arthur rolled his eyes, "Oh don't be…"

"Such a coward," Merlin interrupted, "is that what you were going to call me again?"

"No," Arthur shook his head, "I was going to say over protective."

Merlin picked up his pace so he could stand in front of Arthur. "My destiny is to protect you, to watch out for you. Why do you need to gallivant through the forest just to train future knights. This exercise can be done while you remain here."

"You're being over dramatic."

"Over dramatic!" Merlin exclaimed in a hushed tone. "Arthur, I watched you die."

Arthur took in a deep breath and then placed his hands on both of Merlin's shoulders. "What do you wish me to do, hide until Mordred is dead? There will always be those that will take evils place. Besides," Arthur slapped Merlin's back, "you're coming along, when have I ever left my trusty manservant behind?"

Merlin narrowed his eyes, "Are you giving me permission then to use magic as I see fit?"

Arthur, who had already started walking away, turned back around giving Merlin a severe look. "Absolutely not!" he told him. "This is a simple routine exercise, there will be no magic on this journey. If so much as a twig snaps on its own, you will be in charge of cleaning all the bedpans in the entire castle."

"What if…"

"No."

"Okay, but how about…"

"No."

"So, no magic."

"No."

Merlin smiled triumphantly, "So, I can use magic?"

"I meant, yes."

"That I can use magic?"

Taking another deep breath, Arthur scowled, "You know what I am trying to say, Merlin."

"I don't think anyone would know what you are trying to say." Merlin did his best to keep a truly confused look plastered on his face.

Arthur stepped closer and hissed, "Then let me make it clear. Under no circumstance during this exercise are you allowed to use magic for any reason or I will put you in the stocks…and you'll clean all the bedpans! Is that understood?"

"What if your life depends on it?"

Arthur began to rub his temples, "That's not going to happen."

"But what if it did?"

"It's not."

"But, given past experiences, it could."

"No magic!" Arthur emphasized with his arms.

"But..."

Arthur held up a warning finger and pursed his lips.

With a sigh, Merlin said, "Fine. But if you find yourself dangling over a cliff or surrounded by fire I'll be sure to say, I told you so, before I allow you to fall or be burnt to death."

"Oh, Merlin," Arthur groaned rubbing his eyes, "what am I to do with you?"

Back at home Gaius was straightening out his cabinet of vials when Merlin entered.

"I swear I was able to do more magic when Arthur didn't know my secret than I am now," Merlin complained as he began to gather a few things he would need and putting them in a worn brown bag.

Gaius seemed to find this whole situation only amusing as he continued to work with a smile now on his face.

"He absolutely forbid me to use magic while we are out there. Well, what he doesn't seem to remember is that I have been hiding magic from him for years and I can do it again." Merlin declared confidently as he stuffed a shirt rather forcefully into his bag.

Without turning around Gaius spoke, "I don't think using magic behind the kings back, just for the sake of your pride, is a good way to maintain the trust he has given back to you."

"I know," Merlin sat down. "It's just that, I have imagined what it would be like with Arthur knowing my secret for years. I thought, once he got used to it, he would see my abilities as of value to him and not a nuisance."

Gaius closed the cabinet and turned to face Merlin who was staring at the ground. "Be grateful he sees you as of value and not just your magic."

Merlin stood up and flung his pack over his shoulder, "I guess you're right. I just figured it would be easier with him knowing but it's not."

Gaius watched Merlin head out the door, he shook his head and then continued on to another cabinet.

Arthur laid a lingering kiss on his wife's lips before slowly pulling away. "I won't be gone long, I'll be back before you eat your evening meal tomorrow."

"You better," Gwen said wrapping her arms around Arthur's chest. "I feel as if you've been gone far too often lately."

"I know, but there is a lot of work to be done if we are to put this kingdom back together."

There was a soft rap at the door. Still holding onto Gwen, Arthur answered, "Enter."

Gareth stepped into the room carrying an arrangement of flowers and sour expression. "I was told to place these flowers..." Gareth, who had his head down when he came in, looked up and blushed when he saw the king and queen embracing. "Forgive me...I didn't realize...I mean...you said enter. Why didn't you tell me to come back in a few moments?" he asked sounding completely disgusted.

Arthur chuckled at Gareth's youth. Gareth awkwardly looked everywhere else but at them. He stepped toward the door as if to leave and then looked down at the flowers in his arms. He again took a step toward the table but seemed to not want to fully enter the room so he stepped toward the door again.

Finally, Arthur spoke, "Gareth, put the flowers on the table and then you may leave."

Nodding, Gareth did as Arthur said and then ran out the door.

"I swear, it's as if he's competing with Merlin for being the worst servant in Camelot."

Gwen laughed.

A half hour later Arthur and Merlin, along with a few selected knights, mounted their horses and rode out of the citadel in a single file.

Gareth watched them go with a frown. He was startled when a delicate hand was placed on his shoulder.

"You'll have your day," Gwen told him with a smile before returning back inside.

Gareth watched her leave and then looked back to watch the rest of the knights disappear.

Arthur led the group of knights into the forest as he looked for a good spot to make camp. Merlin was, as usually, right behind him. "So, how are you and Gareth getting along?" Arthur asked.

"You mean, how am I getting along with my watch dog?" Merlin retorted. "Fine, if you don't mind the constant complaining or his high and mighty attitude that says he thinks he's too good for servant work."

With a shrug, Arthur said, "You'll get used to that. I did." Then he gave Merlin an obnoxious smile. "Besides, I find that he's as honorable as his brother, Gwaine, and he's almost as talented with the sword and even more skilled with the bow and arrow. He also shows great respect for the crown and doesn't constantly show disrespect for the king by making jokes when he thinks I'm not listening."

"And that's why I liked Gwaine more," Merlin said with a smile. "It has not been easy keeping you humble by myself."

"Ha, ha," Arthur scowled looking at Merlin through the corner of his eye.

They continued onward traveling up a steep hill.

A few moments later, Arthur held up his hand for his men to stop. "We'll set up camp here. By nightfall the first group we'll have to pass through the valley which we'll lead them straight into our ambush or they can trek up the hillside. It will take them most of the night but it will make it harder for them to be attacked by surprise."

The knights spread out along the hillside hiding amid the tall dark trees. Merlin followed Arthur farther down the hillside. They tied their horses to a tree and traveled the rest of the way down on foot. Hours passed as the knights remained silently hidden on each side of the valley ready to swoop in on all sides if the first group of new recruits decided to take the faster/easier route, but also more dangerous. Even though a few knights traveled with the new recruits they were not allowed to interfere with whatever decision they made.

From their spot on the hillside, Arthur and Merlin could make out the first group as they stood just before the narrow path into the valley. There was only a slight hesitation before they turned away from the path that led into the valley and began to trek up the hillside. On the hillside there were a few attempts to pick them off but they stuck close as a group and were vigilant in watching for attackers from all angles.

Another hour passed before the next group came along. This group hesitated longer as they argued what course they should take. They ended up taking the narrow path into the valley, they stuck close together and watched for signs of danger but it made little difference. Once they passed the first groups of knights Arthur had hidden, he gave the signal for his knights to attack. Knights emerged on all sides and the group was completely surrounded in seconds. A battle ensued but the new recruits were no match for Arthur and his knights and they were all soon disarmed and sent back the way they came failing their mission.

This continued late into the night as each group was tested to see if they would choose the wiser path over the easiest.

A bright crescent moon twinkled in the black sky over Camelot. Gwen had just sent her servants away and blew out the last candle near her bed then crawled in. Tomorrow her husband would return, she thought as she scooted closer to his side of the bed. She let out a soft sigh and then closed her eyes allowing his smell to fill her nose. The warm bed and soft sheets started working their magic as she began to doze off to sleep.

Unknown to her was the danger that was in her room. On the table sat the arrangement of flowers that Gareth and brought in just that morning. The soil in the pot began to move as if something was wiggling beneath its surface. A green vine peeked its way out of the dirt and began to grow, slithering like a snake on the table. It weaved to and fro across the floor heading for the queen. It wrapped around one of the bedposts at the end of the bed and made its way underneath the silky sheets. Without disturbing the queen it slowly wrapped its way around her neck and squeezed.

Gwen's eyes flew open but it was too late to scream for help as her throat was constricted stopping any air from escaping or letting air in. She flayed underneath the sheets and grabbed at the vine around her throat trying to pry it off with her fingers. Thorns from the vine stabbed into her throat and fingers piercing her skin. She continued to struggle but she was helpless.

Gareth made his way down the hall that led to Gaius's. "He brings Merlin, that scrawny twig," he mumbled to no one but himself, "on this adventure, instead of someone who can actually be of use. I can handle a sword, Merlin can handle the dishes. I can use a bow and arrow, Merlin can use a broom. I may have been responsible for some "minor" chaos in Camelot, but a servant to a servant that is beyond degrading. He doesn't recognize what talent he left behind. I'll show him one day, I'll..."

Gareth stopped his little rant when he felt something slithering underneath his shirt. He reached in and pulled it out. When he opened his hand to see what it was he only saw a small vine. The vine continued to flip around like it was alive. He frowned looking off to the side and then his eyes widened.

Without hesitation he took off toward Arthur's chambers. As he approached two guards stood just outside. "The queen's in danger!" he announced.

Both of the guards smiled and one said, "What are you talking about boy? We have been here all night. The queen has not made a peep."

"I am telling you she is in danger." Gareth practically screamed trying to shove his way passed them.

The other guard thrust him back with a strong push. "You will not disturb the queen unless you can give us a reason."

"No time," Gareth growled and with one swift movement he pulled out one of the guard's swords and then swiveled around the guard sending an elbow to the back of his head. He fell unconscious to the cold stone floor.

The other guard drew his sword but Gareth whacked the guard's hand with the flat part of the sword. As the guard shook his hand in pain, Gareth used this moment to disarm him and then grabbed the sword once it fell to the floor.

"The king will see you beheaded for this," the guard threatened.

"We'll see," Gareth said. He then kicked open the chamber doors.

Gareth rushed in to find Gwen sitting up in her bed with a vine tightly woven around her throat. Her face had turned a shade of blue. He ran to her and, with his swords, hacked at the vine. Then he proceeded to pull the vine off from around her neck with the help of the guard who had followed him into the chamber. It was a struggle but once accomplished the queen took in a long needed breath of air. She began to cough as she tried to regain her breath.

"Are you alright, Your Highness?" Gareth asked standing beside her.

With a few more coughs Gwen managed to say, "I will be thanks to you." Then she looked up at Gareth with suspicion in her eyes. "How did you know that I was in danger?"

Gareth pulled out the small vine he had put in his pocket. "This little guy. When I was picking up your flowers someone mentioned that the gardener was ill and another young man had gathered them today. Also the gardener normal puts your flowers in a vase and not a pot. Which after tonight, I think it wise to kill the plants before you bring them into your room. When I found this piece moving in my shirt I got a bad feeling and came running."

Gwen nodded, "You're instinct serve you well, or rather, they have served me well." She came to her feet and looked at the pot of flowers that were now turning brown. "I may be safe, but I get the feeling that these enchanted flowers were meant for Arthur." She turned to the guard, "Send someone out immediately to warn him."

The guard bowed and left the room.

A few minutes later Gwen and Gareth watched three knights ride out of Camelot in the middle of the night. Gwen pulled her hands to her chest and whispered to herself, "Merlin, please watch out for my husband."

Gareth frowned at that but said nothing.

After the last group of new recruits headed up the hillside, Arthur gathered his knights. "There will be little rest tonight," he told them. "I want to get ahead of the few groups that didn't fall for our ambush so we travel by night and see if we can surpass them."

Not a single complaint was heard from the knights, though it was apparent that Merlin wished to object.

Once back on their horses Arthur told Merlin, "Try to stay on your horse this time or I won't be able to let you stay up late with the big boys."

Merlin rolled his eyes, "I fell asleep one time on my horse and you've never let it go."

"One time can get you killed as a knight."

"I'm not a knight."

"Thank goodness for that."

Arthur, Merlin and the knights continued onward making their way by moonlight that shone through gaps in the forest trees. It was nearly morning before Arthur commanded them to stop. "We'll rest here for a few hours. We are well enough ahead of them now."

Arthur looked over at Merlin who was swaying a little in the saddle. Merlin's eyes were closed and his body slowly began to slide to the right. Shaking his head, Arthur placed a hand on Merlin's shoulder and steady him again. "Merlin, you can sleep now."

A lazy smile appeared on Merlin's face as he slid to the ground. He stumbled a little as he gathered his bed roll from off the horse and laid it on the ground. He stretched out and then fell fast asleep.

"Sometimes," Arthur spoke as he watched Merlin, "I wonder how you, of all people, saved Camelot."

Taking his own bedroll, Arthur made himself comfortable on the ground. He had not closed his eyes very long when he heard a rustling in the woods. He grabbed Excalibur but the rustling stopped and all went quiet. He continued to hold on to his sword.

As fast as lightning striking across the sky, a vine wrapped around Arthur's ankle and pulled him into the forest where he disappeared.

Arthur was dragged through the forest to an unknown destination at a blurring speed. He tried to use Excalibur to cut at the vine that held his ankle captive in a vise grip but another vine came out of nowhere and flicked Arthur's hand knocking the sword from his hands. The sword flew through the air and hit a large boulder.

Merlin shot straight up hearing the clang of metal hitting rock. He looked beside him to see Arthur's bedding a few yards away with a trail left behind. "Someone took the king!" Merlin shouted before getting on his horse and riding in the direction the tracks led.

All the knights jumped off the ground, quickly waking up from their slumber. They too jumped on their horses and took off in the direction that Merlin was already heading. Minutes later, Merlin found Excalibur lying in a pile of leaves. Merlin jumped off his horse, grabbed it and then began to follow the tracks again.

Merlin and the knights followed the tracks for some time but stopped when the tracks strangely disappeared. One of the knights dismounted and took a closer look at. Merlin too got off his horse.

"How could the tracks just vanish like that?"

"Magic," Merlin confirmed.

The rest of the knights dismounted and began looking for any sign, a snapped branch, disturbed rocks, anything that would tell them what direction their king was taken. While the knights were busy looking around Merlin used magic in order to see the path ahead. He first looked deeper into the forest and then his eyes turned upward. A little ways away from the group he saw a branch high in the air that had a few small branches bent back.

"There," Merlin said.

All the knights looked to where Merlin was pointing.

"I don't see anything," one of them spoke.

"Trust me," Merlin said climbing back on his horse. "He was taken that way."

No one objected. They all mounted their horse once again and followed Merlin. Unknown to them was how Merlin continued to look ahead for other signs.

Merlin was so focused on finding Arthur that he failed to notice the knights behind him being attacked. Vines came down appearing out of nowhere, swiftly and silently taken the knights right off their horses before they could even yell.

One by one they were pulled up starting from the back to the front of the group until all that was left was Merlin. Merlin didn't notice anything until one of the rider-less horses came up beside him. Merlin looked from the empty saddle and then behind him to see ten horses and no knights. He pulled his horse's reins and turned around. He looked upward but the trees were motionless besides the slight cool breeze that shook their leaves.

Knowing it was more important to get to Arthur then search for ten missing knights, Merlin kicked his horse into a fast gallop and continued using magic to find his way to wherever Arthur was taken.

Arthur's eyes slowly opened to find that his world had literally turned upside down. His head pounded painfully with every beat of his heart, due to all the blood that was rushing to it. He wiggled, trying to free himself from the vines that pined his arms to his side and held him upside down suspended in the air. Once he realized there was no getting free, he stopped and surveyed his surroundings. He was in an abandon ruin of an old castle that was now over run by plants.

He winced at the painful pounding in his head. He must have been knocked out when he was dragged through the forest. He had no idea how long he had been hanging upside down.

The sound of footsteps in the distance were drawing closer. Arthur tried and failed again to loosen the grip of the vines, he only succeeded in tiring himself out. His vision began to blur from being upside down for so long but he could make out the form of a small women, maybe a young girl, wearing a plain brown dress and an itchy looking shawl over her head.

"Who are you?" Arthur croaked.

The girl said nothing as she came closer.

"Where am I?" Arthur continued to question. "Why did you bring me here?"

There was a moment of silences and then she said simply, in a quiet, high voice, "To kill you."

"Why?"

"Because I'm tired of being frightened."

"Milady," Arthur tried to sound calm, "I mean you no harm. I understand that your kind have suffered greatly because of what you can do. But I am trying to..."

"YOU KNOW NOTHING OF MY SUFFERING!"

The vines tightened around Arthur making it more difficult to breath. He groaned as he tried to take in small steady breaths.

"Who are you?" he asked again.

There was a snap to Arthur's left and another blurry figure appeared. This one was slightly larger and male.

"Tray," the young girl called out sounding relieved.

"We were druids," the young man named Tray answered as he embraced the girl. He was wearing a brown cloak that covered him from head to toe.

"Were?"

"Yes, the druid faith teaches tolerance and peace. But after watching every single member of our camp being slaughtered, it's hard to hold onto those beliefs."

"Look, I'm sorry about what you went through but killing me..."

"Killing you is the first step to bringing justice to all the people of the Old Religion who have suffered under the Pendragon's rule. You have no idea what it's been like for me and my sister growing up. We were gifted with the ability to control plants but we were treated like we were cursed. My family has moved around from place to place as long as I can remember. Always running, always in fear. We finally found a nice village that hid our kind. They allowed us to camp in the forest behind their village. Illia and I were able to practice our gift with the plants in peace. In fact, many of the villagers sought out our gift to help their crops grow. But after the Saxon war the villagers began to doubt us and then they began to fear us. They told us to leave but fearing that their neighboring villages, who harbored a deep seed of hatred for our kind, would discover what they've done, they encircled our camp one night and slaughtered all my family. Illia and I were the only ones to escape. We were warned and protected by the plants we had taken care of. They hid us so no one could find us."

Illia reached over and took her brother's hand, squeezing it tight.

"We wanted revenge and realized that it was your father that first instilled fear of magic in the kingdom. And we know you are no different. Ever since you returned to Camelot, alive, the persecution of my kind has increased. I knew you had to die. I first sent a special arrangement of flowers to you in Camelot but you were not in your chamber last night."

Arthur's eyes widened with horror, "Gwen. I swear if you hurt her."

"Relax," Tray said. "She was saved by one of your servants. But she's not who we are after, so I left her alone, once I realized you were gone. I sent a message to Illia, who was waiting here for me to return, using our talents to see if she could find you and she did."

Tray suddenly turned to his sister, "When you took him did anyone follow?"

"No," she answered. "I was careful not to leave any tracks that led here."

"Are you sure?" Tray continued to question with a small quiver in his voice. Arthur could tell he was afraid of something. "Because if he finds us, we're dead."

Illia shook her head, strands of loose brown hair fell out from underneath her shawl. "Emrys was asleep when I took him, even if he did wake up there's no way he could follow once I lifted the king into the trees."

"Emrys?" Arthur frowned, "Merlin." So it was Merlin they were afraid of. "How do you know Merlin?"

"All druids know of him," Tray answered. "The prophecy of Emrys, a wizard more powerful than any other in history is widely known among us."

"So you have good reason to be afraid of him," Arthur couldn't help sounding a little amused. It was still very strange to think that anyone could be afraid of Merlin.

"Yes, but he won't get here in time to save you and we will be long gone by the time your mangled body is found."

Tray slowly closed his fist and vines started to tighten around Arthur.

"This will not..."Arthur groaned, "solve anything. I can...help you."

Merlin slowed his horse to a stop when he saw the ruins of an old castle. This was where Arthur was taken. He dismounted and quietly moved in closer. As he peaked around a corner he saw a young girl biting her lip nervously and a young man with a determined look holding up one hand that was in a tight fist. He crept closer until he could see what they were looking at. His face paled at the sight of Arthur hanging upside down as the life was being squeezed out of him. Shock instantly turned to rage as Merlin stood straight up coming into view.

The girl barely had a chance to squeak, "Emrys," before Merlin threw both of them back. Merlin's eyes' blazed with gold fire.

As soon as the two were thrust back, Arthur was released and he toppled to the ground. Merlin began making his way toward him when Tray sat up reaching a hand out to Arthur. A vine wrapped around Arthur's neck.

"I'll snap his neck," Tray said, "if you get any closer."

Merlin stopped.

Arthur, partly in a daze, watched the torrent of rage that covered Merlin's face. It was then that Arthur could see why they feared his manservant. Merlin no longer looked like a scrawny, pathetic young man but one that was full of power. The gold never left Merlin's eyes as he turned to the druids. Arthur's hands grabbed hold of the vines around his neck but he knew it was pointless to try and remove them.

Merlin faced Tray but called back to Arthur, "Are you okay?

"That depends, I'm still breathing," he managed to croak out.

"Who are you?" Merlin growled in a low dangerous voice.

Illia began to cry but Tray remained firm. "We are druids, Emrys. We know you protect the king, but surely you can see that in order for our kind," he gestured to Merlin, "to live without fear, the Pendragon bloodline must die."

"Druids are a peaceful people," Merlin countered.

"Not anymore." Tray again tightened the vines around Arthur.

Merlin's nostrils flared with anger, "Let him go, or I will kill you."

Illia gasped and began to whimper louder. "Tray, you cannot go up against Emrys."

Tray looked to his sister and then to Merlin and then back at Arthur. He appeared torn between fear and anger. "Why do you protect him? Why do you choose him over your own kind? He is just like his father."

"You're wrong."

Arthur watched Merlin without once looking away as he spoke.

"Believe me," Merlin continued his tone turning more compassionate. "I know what it's like to have to hide who you are and what you can do. To be looked upon as nothing but an idiotic servant and yet know you are capable of so much more. To always wonder whether you were gifted or cursed. But I promise you, Arthur is not his father. I knew Uther Pendragon. I have been in his presence many times and have seen his hatred of our kind, hatred I have never seen in King Arthur's eyes. Let him go and in time he will prove to you that he is a just and noble king."

Tray's eyes continued to shift between Arthur and Merlin. His arm that he held out began to shake. Raw emotional pain brought tears to his light brown eyes. He still did not release Arthur.

Merlin took a step forward. "This is your last chance," he warned. "You do not want to see what I am truly capable of when I'm angry."

Arthur turned his attention to the siblings to see that both had visibly paled at Merlin's words.

No one moved for some time and then Illia reached out and touched her brother's forearm. "Tray, let's just go. I've lost everyone I care about besides you. Please."

Taking in a deep breath, Tray finally lowered his arm and at last the vines around Arthur's neck fell to the floor.

Merlin covered the rest of the distance to Arthur and helped support him in a sitting position. Once he assessed that Arthur was indeed all right, he looked up to see that both druids were already gone. He sighed and then turned back to find that Arthur was giving him a very strange look, a look that one would give a bizarre, unknown creature.

"What?" Merlin asked feeling his face to make sure he didn't sprout something grotesques.

"Nothing," Arthur said. "I have just never seen that side of you before. You can be quite scary when you're pushed and that surprised me. That's all."

Merlin cocked his head back unsure of how to take that so he changed the subject. "Uh, we'd better make sure the rest of the knights are okay."

Once Merlin helped Arthur to his feet they were on their way. Merlin helped Arthur onto his horse and led the way back from where he came.

"Just so it's said…" Merlin started.

"Don't you dare," Arthur warned.

"I told you so," Merlin's spat out quickly.

Arthur raised his brows, "And I told you, I'd put you in the stocks and have you clean out bed pans."

On the way they found the knights had been left scattered along the path. Merlin was quick to revive them either with a little water or a bit of magic when no one was looking. Soon they headed back to the castle.

Gwen paced the citadel at the bottom of the stairs, every once in a while she would lift her head and then drop it becoming more, more anxious as she did. Gareth sat on the stairs trying to look calm and unconcerned but Gwen did not miss the way he flicked his teeth with his thumbnail here and there.

The sound of the clattering hooves of horses brought them both to attention. Arthur and Merlin, along with the rest of the knights came to a halt once they entered the citadel. Arthur's horse hadn't even stopped all the way before he jumped off and ran to Gwen sweeping her up into a tight embrace.

"I don't think I can take anymore of you leaving me," she whispered into his neck.

With a slight chuckle, Arthur responded, "I'm all right, thanks to Merlin."

"And I'm all right thanks to Gareth."

They released each other. Once Gwen was back on her feet she walked over to Merlin, who was watching from the sidelines with a small smile on his face. He froze as Gwen wrapped her arms around his neck and whispered, "Thank you, for always watching out for my husband."

Merlin nodded and then sniffed as he turned away to hide his blush.

As Arthur approached Gareth, Gareth gave a slight bow. The king held out his hand to him. Gareth stared at the hand for a moment before he accepted it. Arthur covered their hands with his other hand and said, "Thank you, for saving my wife."

With a cocky shrug Gareth responded, "Well, I suppose it did come in handy leaving someone as skilled as I am at home to defend the queen. You are a wise king."

Arthur smiled and shook his head, "That's not why you were left in Camelot."

"Maybe you didn't consciously but intuitively you realized you needed your strongest, most skilled and bravest warrior to guard what you love most." Gareth kept nodding like he was waiting for Arthur to confirm it.

"If it makes you feel better to think that, then have it your way."

Making his way back to Gwen, Arthur led them all inside.

"It seems like things are going according to Mordred's plan," Gaius was saying to Merlin after he had explained to him all that had happened over dinner.

"It would seem," Merlin admitted.

"But still," Gaius continued. "Can Mordred really gather enough people of the Old Religion to have an effective army? There aren't that many left. And since the law was passed even those that have magic wouldn't have the skills to use it without training."

"I don't know about that. The two druids I faced knew exactly what they could do and how they could do it. The only thing that stopped them was the fear of dying at my hands. They fear Emrys."

Merlin stood up and stretch. "I'm going to bed. Didn't get much sleep last night."

Gaius excused Merlin and he headed to his room.

A few minutes later Merlin was about to crawl into bed when there was a knock as his door. Thinking it was only Gaius he said, "Enter."

The door swung open to reveal Arthur behind it. Merlin jumped out of his bed as Arthur stepped into the room. With one quick scan of Merlin's room Arthur said, "I see you still haven't found the use of your closest yet."

"Uh," Merlin mumbled as he kicked a few things under his bed. "Is there something wrong?"

"I thought we should talk about what happened today."

Frowning Merlin said, "You could have summoned me."

"I know, I just figured you'd probably already be ready for bed."

"All right..."

To Merlin's surprise, Arthur grabbed the one chair in his room and sat down, so Merlin sat down on his bed.

"Something you said really disturbed me today," Arthur started.

"Was it when I threatened to kill the druid boy," Merlin frantically spoke, "because I didn't really want to I was just trying to protect you."

"Not that," Arthur looked up at Merlin with deep concern showing in the wrinkles between his brow and around his eyes. "You said to the druid that you know what it's like to be treated like nothing but an idiotic servant."

"Oh," Merlin was now even more confused and uncomfortable for what he had admitted in front of Arthur.

"I know I haven't always treated you the best, but despite what I say, or do, I want you to know that I have never thought of you as idiotic." Arthur cleared his throat and continued with Merlin listening intently. "I've had many manservant before you, and yes, all of them were more suited and qualified than you, but I never took any of them with me on a dangerous quest like I have you countless of times.

"From the very first time we meant, I knew there was something about you, something different. You possessed courage I did not believe could exist in anyone besides a knight. You faced me fearlessly that day and challenged me again and again these last years, always willing to risk your life for what you believed is right." Arthur paused and looked down at his hands which he had curled up in to fists. "There were times I was even jealous of your courage. I loved my father, but I feared my father. I feared disappointing him and that caused me to back down many times when I should have stood up to him."

For a moment Arthur seemed to be lost in the past and then with small grunt he continued. "And long before I knew of your magic or your destiny I listened to your council. Grudgingly, yes, but I still listened to you, a servant who I was taught to believe was far beneath me. Can't you see Merlin? Despite your terrible manners towards me, I kept you by my side because I relied on you. My father may have given the position as my manservant but it was I who chose to keep you."

Merlin's eyes stung but he kept back any tears and swallowed the hard lump in his throat. He slowly lowered his head, nodding that he understood.

Arthur said nothing more as he left the room.

With a smile, Merlin drifted off to sleep, only to awake a few hours later from a nightmare. He bolted off his pillow like something had stung his back. His shirt and hair were covered in sweat. He slowly brought his shaking hands in front of him. What he saw was only a dream, only a dream.

He had been in a grassy meadow near Camelot. Dark figures hovered all around him but lying at his feet, covered in blood, was Arthur. He lay lifeless. Merlin fell to his knees and brought his blood dripping hands to his face. It was Arthur's blood and he knew it.

Check out my first published novel, A GRIM AWAKENING: THE FOREST OF HOLLOW. It is now up for sale. If you are interested, search it up on Barnes and Noble, or Amazon. Also, there is a book trailer on Youtube!

Here is a synopsis -

Awaken to a grim world once hidden before your eyes.

There must be something wrong with 13-year-old, Ian Grim. Why else would Mitchel Trent, who everyone believes to be the nicest guy in school, bully him? Why did everyone at school give him nasty looks and whisper about him in spiteful gossip? Even teachers didn't like him. They always made him sit in the far corner of their classrooms where it was easy to ignore him. Even more hurtful, was the fact that Ian's own father blatantly ignored him. If it wasn't for his loving mother; his fun, yet psycho, younger brother; and his own sparkling sarcastic personality; Ian might think his life was a bit difficult. That is, until his mother goes missing one night.

In a twist of cruel irony, his father finally pays Ian's some attention only to threaten his life and force him on the run. Desperate for answers, Ian is compelled to accept help from Mitchel, the "nice" bully from school. That's when Ian learns that his mother was taken by the Reaper

If Ian wishes to save his mother, he must first survive his father. And in order to do that, he will need to learn of the spirit world, discover his own power, and embrace his role in an ongoing shadow war, before the Reaper tears his world apart.