Hope you all enjoyed the cliffhanger there! Enjoy this chapter, more to come!
"You summoned me, My Lord," Gaius bowed in the presence of his king.
Uther nodded as his trusted advisor and healer appeared before him upom his request, "Yes, Gaius, thank you for coming. I was alerted there was an...inconvenience in your home."
"Nothing that Merlin or myself cannot handle, My Lord," Gaius lied. Their house was in ruins due to Uther's guest, but he had to respect his king and his wishes, "Terrowin's presence is ultimately for the good of the kingdom."
Uther smiled, "I couldn't agree more. I'm glad you see that, Gaius, you were present after all in the years of the Great Purge."
"One cannot forget such dire times, My Lord," Gaius nodded.
"Arthur's servant boy-"
"Merlin, My Lord."
Uther raised a brow, "Ah, yes, forgive me. Merlin has been employed under Sir Terrowin, is that correct?"
"Indeed, My Lord."
"Terrowin is a very private man given his practice," the king continued, "has there been anything revealed throughout the course of the investigation?"
"I couldn't say, My Lord. Merlin has been sworn to secrecy under his employment with Sir Terrowin. Should word get out of their findings, the suspects Terrowin is attempting to find would be alerted as well."
"Of course," the king nodded, "I do not want to interrupt this crucial investigation, but I'd like the consolation of knowing that Terrowin's arrival isn't for not."
"Are you doubting calling upon the witch hunter, sire?"
Many would not be able to speak so up frontly to their king, but Gaius had known Uther for many years now, "Arthur has regreted by decision. He believes Terrowin only divides Camelot further."
"Sire, everyone knows about the infamous Terrowin the Terrible. He's the cruelest, most feared witch hunter in the land. You knew his methods when calling upon him, and your decision seemed of sound mind."
"Yes, but was it a good decision?"
"I cannot say for certain, My Lord," Gaius dipped his head, "as it is not my place."
Uther nodded, becoming guarded again, "Of course, Gaius, I thank you for your input. As long as his investigation has run smoothly so far, there is nothing to fear. I bid you a good night."
"Goodnight, sire."
Gaius bowed once more and returned to his home. He had managed to clean somewhat, but the hour had grown late. He was exhausted. Gaius ascended to his bedroom, when he noticed Merlin's room was still empty. The old healer looked out the window to find the moon high in the sky. It was late, Merlin should've returned, right?
He's probably still with the Great Dragon, he thought as he returned to his room, That Merlin is always running about.
The birds chirped, bringing in the new morning. Gaius emerged from his bedroom and descended into the kitchen to make breakfast. He passed Merlin's room again. It was empty.
A bit of worry fluttered in his chest, but he thought that Merlin must've arrived late and woken early to go meet with Terrowin for their search to start anew.
But something felt off in his heart, Gaius knew something wasn't right.
"Gwen!" he saw the humble servant girl passing by on her way to the castle.
"Yes, Gaius?" she smiled in return.
"Have you seen Merlin this morning?" he inquired, "I haven't seen him since last night."
"No, I haven't," she furrowed her brows, "Is something wrong?"
The feeling in Gaius' chest betrayed his fake smile, "Of course not! You mustn't worry, that boy is always getting into all sorts of trouble!"
She relaxed a little, "I'll be sure to notify you right away if I do see him!"
He nodded in thanks and decided to head into the castle as well to meet with the Prince.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o
Merlin was supposed to arrive in the mornings and tend to Arthur, then he was to head out with Terrowin for the rest of the day. But, he wasn't supposed to miss the mornings. What? Was Arthur supposed to dress himself?
He understood Merlin had a difficult night and he was often late, but he never forgot.
So, when Merlin did not appear in Arthur's chambers early that morning, the Prince decided to go looking for him himself. He tried to keep calm given his servant's difficult circumstances from the night before, but sometimes Merlin could be such a...clotpole.
He was half-dressed and freshly out of bed when he ran into Gaius in the castle halls.
"Gaius!" Arthur called out as he collided with the older healer, "My apologies, I didn't see you there."
"Nevermind that," Gaius panted, "Where's Merlin?"
"What?" Arthur furrowed his brows, "I was going to ask you the same question."
Gaius' expression reflected worry, and Arthur felt his gaze harden.
"I haven't seen him," Gaius shook his head, "not since yesterday evening. He left just before sundown to-" he paused quickly, "-to retrieve some ingredients that were lost in Terrowin's search yesterday. I returned late last night and he was still missing. This morning I awoke and his room was empty and his bed unused."
"Where could he have gone?" Arthur asked in all seriousness, "Could he have lost his way?"
"No, no," Gaius shook his head, "He's been down this way many times before. He would not have gotten lost."
"Then, we must send a search party at once!" Arthur announced.
Gaius knew that wasn't a good idea. Should Arthur send out a patrol of knights, Terrowin would surely notice and be suspicious, "No, my Lord," Gaius said calmly, "I don't believe that is necessary. Merlin should return soon, I hope. My worry is his employment with Sir Terrowin."
Arthur understood and his expression became slightly worrisome, "You're correct, Gaius, should Merlin not appear for the investigation today then Terrowin could grow...unreasonable," meaning he'd most likely suspect Merlin of witchcraft and kill him, "I will speak with Terrowin about Merlin. Do what you can to find him, Gaius."
"Of course, Arthur," Gaius dipped his head in gratitude, "thank you."
Gaius continued on, and Arthur headed towards Terrowin's chambers. He made himself slightly more presentable, but he felt worry eating away at him. As much as he didn't want to admit it, he was worried about Merlin.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o
Arthur knocked on Terrowin's bedroom door. After a few moments, the door opened, revealing the witch hunter.
"I thought you were my servant boy," he said gruffly.
"No, Sir Terrowin," Arthur dipped his head, "my apologies that I am intruding at this hour, but I've come to inform you that Merlin will be unable to provide his services today."
The witch hunter's gaze hardened and his tone became sharp, "And why is that?"
"He is on an errand of mine," Arthur continued, "and he will be back by nightfall."
"That is peculiar indeed, Prince Arthur," Terrowin's voice seemed as deadly as poison, "A day after I search your miserable servant's home and he goes missing. As if he was trying to hide something from me….very strange indeed."
"Nothing odd," Arthur countered, "about a servant performing a task for his master. I assure you, Sir Terrowin, that Merlin is completely human. I am in contact with him every day, I'm sure I'd notice any strange behavior, or witchcraft for that matter. As I said before, Merlin will return by nightfall and he will be back to task your investigation come the morning."
"If it is the will of the mighty Prince Arthur," Terrowin eyed him like a predator, "then so be it. Make sure that servant boy is ready by morning. If I have to come looking for him, I'll do so with a vengeance that not even the gods can contain."
Arthur dipped his head as Terrowin slammed the door. The Prince felt chills run down his spine as he left the witch hunter's presence. That obsidian armor alone was terrifying.
That only left one problem: find Merlin.
Though he desperately wanted to look for him, Arthur had to attend his duties and not seem unusual. He attended sword practice with his knights, but he didn't feel completely present. His thoughts kept wandering to Merlin and Gaius' worried expression.
"Sire, are you alright?" Elyan asked in the middle of their practice.
Arthur jolted back to reality to find Gwaine, Elyan, Percival, and Leon all eyeing him suspiciously.
"Yes, you seem preoccuppied, My Lord," Percival added.
"I apologize," Arthur muttered, "for my lack of concentration. My duties must be overwhelming me at the moment."
"Where is Merlin?" Gwaine commented as he looked around for the loveable, goofy dark-haired sorcerer, "I haven't seen him all day!"
"He's assisting the witch hunter, remember?" Leon answered much to Arthur's relief.
"His absence is noticeable," Gwaine smiled, "I miss his presence."
"Me as well," Elyan nodded in agreement, "It was odd, I did not see him in the tavern last night either…"
"Nor with Sir Terrowin this morning when he was selecting his knights for the investigation," Percival's brows furrowed, "Merlin always accompanies him."
"Merlin is fine," Arthur tried to sound nonchalant, "He's running an errand for Gaius, that's all."
Leon's expression darkened, "I saw Terrowin searching Gaius' home yesterday...are they alright?"
"Fine," Arthur responded quickly, though the image of a disheartened Merlin came to mind, "Terrowin did not find anything. Just a routine search."
"Though he spent an awful long time searching their dwelling…" Gwaine commented.
Arthur set down his sword and spoke in a firm tone, "Merlin and Gaius are alright. Let us focus on sword practice and let my servant perform his own duties."
"Of course, My Lord."
"Our sincerest apologies, Prince Arthur."
Arthur continued to practice with his knights, but his thoughts were miles away.
Gwaine noticed Arthur's distance throughout their sword practice. The Prince excused himself rather quickly when their practice ended. Gwaine told the rest of the knights that he'd catch up with them as he jogged after the prince.
"Arthur!" he called out as the Prince headed towards the town square with haste. He turned around and waited for Gwaine to approach. "Arthur, can I speak freely?"
"Of course, Sir Gwaine."
"I have known you long enough to tell that something troubles you. What is it? I am glad to help in any way I can."
Arthur was going to open his mouth to refuse, as he would with the other knights, but Gwaine wasn't like the others. He'd traveled with him and Merlin before, he'd known him, he'd known Merlin. Arthur sighed and spoke in a low, troubled voice, "Merlin is missing. Gaius hasn't seen him in since yesterday before nightfall. He did not return home, and he did not appear in my chambers this morning."
"But what of his investigation with Sir Terrowin?"
"I was forced to tell him that he would return tomorrow morning to work, but I cannot find him. I want to send out a knight patrol, but-"
"-that would only alert Terrowin's suspicions more," Gwaine nodded, understanding, "You and I shall search then. We are two trained knights of Camelot, we will locate Merlin and bring him home safely."
"But what if my father or Terrowin were to understand the reason for our absence?" Arthur countered, "Merlin could be in even more danger."
"And who to say he is not in danger now? What if he needs our help? Merlin is my friend, and dare I say yours too, Arthur. I know you two harbor a close friendship," his eyes were mischevious, "despite your denials."
Arthur raised a brow, a slight smile at his lips, "None of that now, let us find Merlin. He is a decent servant, and I'd hate to lose him."
"Of course," Gwaine gave him an amused look.
"Merlin!"
"Merlin, where are you?!"
"Can you hear us? Merlin!"
Gwaine and Arthur had been searching the nearby forests for hours now to no avail. Darkness was approaching, closing in on their deadline to bring Merlin home and to Terrowin the next morning.
Arthur growled in frustration, throwing his sword in the dirt, "This is pointless! We cannot find him, we've been searching for hours!"
"We must continue," Gwaine panted on account of their endless hours of scavenging through the forest, "We cannot give up on him, Merlin would never give up on us."
"I don't mean to give up on him," Arthur wiped the sweat from his brow, "but I fear of what will be if we do not find him. Gwaine, I've been attempting to convince myself that Merlin will appear at home with no harm to him, but doubt grows in my chest."
"He is strong, he can endure," Gwaine tried to reassure him, "but we must keep searching. These forests are even more dangerous in the night. If Merlin is here, he will not last much longer."
"I agree," Arthur sighed, "let us-"
A whisper sounded in the wind.
Both knights froze. They looked at one another with wide eyes.
"Arthur…." a weak voice called.
"Merlin!" Arthur shouted, turning wildly in circles trying to pinpoint the voice.
"Where are you!?" Gwaine called, "Speak to us, Merlin!"
"Over here…."
They went crashing into the trees, following the sound of Merlin's voice. Arthur felt his muscles surging with adrenaline as he used his sword to chop down branches and roots in his way.
"Merlin!" he shouted, "Merlin!"
They burst into a clearing as the moon began to climb into the sky.
Arthur and Gwaine stopped at the edge, eyes wide at what they saw.
A pale, dirt-scuffed Merlin lay in the center of the clearing. Blood seeped from his body into the dirt. He lay on his stomach, but he looked as if he had tried to move for his body was contorted in odd angles. A cold sweat covered his face and purple rings circled his eyes. Even worse, a small dagger stuck out of his back. The metal gleamed under the moonlight.
"Dear God," Gwaine whispered in shock. He was frozen, but Arthur launched from his place and kneeled at Merlin's side.
The Prince's face was white with shock and his face reflected fear. He dropped his sword in the ground beside him as he placed both hands around Merlin's wound. The dark-haired sorcerer grimaced in pain and Arthur immediately recoiled, not wanting to hurt him more.
"Merlin," Gwaine joined Arthur at his side, "What's happened? Who did this to you?"
Merlin struggled to speak through labored breaths, "Don't….know….didn't….see…"
Arthur was frozen, staring at his friend's bloody body.
"Arthur," Gwaine said urgently, "we need to get him to Gaius, quickly!"
That seemed to snap him out of it. He looked at the half-conscious Merlin and exhaled deeply, nodding at Gwaine's suggestion, "Right, we need to move quickly. We cannot take him through the front gates. Terrowin might see him and that'll only rouse more suspicion. There's a back entrance we can take through the sewage pipes. It's not ideal, but it'll have to do. Come on, grab his arms and let's pull him up-"
Merlin shouted in pain as Arthur and Gwaine tried to hoist him up. They set him back down quickly, wondering what caused this surge.
"What is it?" Gwaine panicked, "What's wrong?!"
"Knife….out….please….," he strained.
"I'm sorry, Merlin," Arthur shook his head regretfully, "It's the only thing stopping you from bleeding out. The knife will have to stay in for now until we can get you to Gaius."
Gwaine had to turn away for a second, he could not look at Merlin's pain-filled expression.
He nodded, biting his lip and willing to fall unconscious. Arthur nodded to Gwaine and they grabbed Merlin's limbs again. They lifted him up, more gently than before, and they could see Merlin was trying in all of his power not to cry out or show pain. Gwaine gripped his legs and Arthur held his arms as they began the slow, bumpy journey to Gaius' through the sewage.
Gwaine knew this was going to be a rough ride, and he felt his heart break every time he laid eyes on Merlin's helpless, injured form.
He noticed Arthur's stony expression as Merlin slowly faded out of consciousness.
All for the better, Gwaine thought, Stay strong, Merlin, please…
He hoped the young man would survive their difficult journey to Camelot.
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