Here's the next installment, hope you all enjoy! Thank you for keeping up with the story, more to come!
Daylight shone through the open window. Merlin felt his eyes slowly crack open as the sunshine filtered through into his bedroom.
Bedroom? The last thing Merlin remembered was being jostled and carried by Gwaine and Arthur in an effort to reach the city gates. He remembered pain and fear as the dagger stuck out of his back.
Merlin tried to sit up and winced with regret before slowly descending again.
He took deep, heavy breaths, already feeling exhausted by his menial efforts.
He clearly recalled the events of the night before until he fell unconscious, but he felt safe and comfortable in his own room and home. Merlin could not bring himself to think about who stabbed him yet, but he knew that he needed to tend to other responsibilities.
Terrowin ate away at his mind.
He failed to appear yesterday morning for the witch hunter's investigation, and he was frightened to think of the consequences it brought upon him and Camelot. He needed to meet with his temporary employer, no matter his pain or injury.
Merlin clenched his fists and attempted to sit up again. He battled through the pain and managed to stabilize himself in a sitting position. Gaius entered his room a few moments later.
"Merlin?" he looked shocked, "You're awake!"
He spoke in a hoarse voice, "Apparently so."
"You should be back in bed, Merlin," Gaius urged, "you need to rest."
"But, I cannot," he said with a strained tone, "I-I must meet with Terrowin-"
"In this condition?! Nonsense!"
He walked by Merlin's bedside, easing him back down to a lying position. He pressed a cool cloth against Merlin's forehead and began to mash a few herbs into a healing paste.
"Gaius, I must," he sighed weakly, "who knows what reign of terror he'll bring down up this city's people."
"Merlin, you can hardly walk! You cannot appear before Terrowin in your state, it is madness. Rest, heal, and then you can return to your duties."
"It may be too late by then. I'm sure Terrowin already suspects me!"
"Merlin, you appearing at his doorstep barely able to stand is even more suspicious, you must see that."
"Then I must use other alternatives."
"What do you have in mind?"
"I believe you know what I am suggesting."
"Merlin," Gaius tutted, "magic so close to Terrowin's presence is practically suicide. You mustn't!"
"Gaius, I have to face him. He will come looking for me regardless."
Gaius finished his paste and helped Merlin sit upright. He was still deathly pale, but felt strength returning to him little by little.
"Besides," Gaius scoffed, "Terrowin will be expecting you, you know that his armor can sense your magical abilities."
"Then what am I to do? I'm vulnerable against him without my magic."
"You have Arthur."
Arthur crossed his mind, igniting his worry for him and Gwaine, "Where are Arthur and Gwaine? Are they alright? Does Terrowin suspect them in any of his conjured schemes?"
"No," Gaius shook his head softly, "Gwaine and Arthur brought you to my doorstep, bleeding and near death. Gwaine and I managed to remove the knife and dress your wound. Those poor boys were so exhausted they fell asleep halfway through dinner and a bath. I allowed them their rest, but Arthur departed before I awoke. Gwaine, however, is still here. He's assisting me in cleaning the home after Terrowin's search. He'd like to see you."
Merlin brightened, "Yes, please."
Gaius dipped his head and exited. A few moments later, Gwaine entered. The light-hearted knight had a large smile spread across his lips when he saw the young sorcerer awake.
"By God, Merlin, you're awake!" he shouted joyously, barely containing his excitement, "I surely feared the heavens would claim you in the night, but you're strong! You couldn't leave us without just one more sarcastic comment, eh?"
Merlin cracked a smile, happy to be in the presence of his friend, "It's good to see you, Gwaine, I should be alright in a few days. And as a token of my gratitude, I shall purchase you the best cup of mead in all of the tavern," he chuckled.
"That is very good news indeed," Gwaine rubbed his hands together, "and I looked forward to our tavern excursion. Perhaps we get in a row with the drunkards? What fun!"
Merlin smiled at the knight's inclination for rowdy adventures, but his expression grew serious, "I do sincerely thank you and Arthur for rescuing me from my death in those woods, Gwaine. I would not have survived without you."
Gwaine blushed and ducked his head, "My pleasure, Merlin, you are my good friend. Though, I hope to never find you in that condition ever again."
"Me neither," Merlin sighed.
"Merlin," Gwaine's tone softened and he sat at the edge of the bed, "if you could, please explain to me what happened. Did you catch a glimpse of your attacker?"
He was silent for a few long moments, but exhaled deeply with a response, "No, I did not see who attacked me. I was struck from behind and the assailant fled before I could turn."
Gwaine nodded once, not wanting to push Merlin further on the matter, "Arthur has appeased Sir Terrowin regarding your absence. You may heal and rest without trouble."
Merlin smiled gratefully, "And Arthur is alright?"
"Shaken up, I will admit," Gwaine responded, "he has not confided in me yet, but his worry for your wellbeing is palpable. It will relieve him to know that you are awake. I shall notify him so he may come and speak to you himself."
Merlin waved a hand, "He's already done plenty, I must not bother him amidst his responsibilities. I'm sure he'll be crawling in here sooner or later to chew my ear off with retorts anyway."
Gwaine cracked a smile, "I don't doubt it. He's practically bursting at the seams to deliver a sarcastic quip."
Merlin laughed lightly, tiredly. Gwaine noticed his eyes slowly closing as he'd exerted enough energy in his conversations with Gaius and himself. Merlin's eyes fluttered closed and his breathing deepened. Gwaine silently exited the room and let the young sorcerer rest.
0o0o0o0o0ooo0o0o
"And it is with deepest regret that I inform you the servant Merlin was involved in a horrible accident. He is incapacitated and will no longer be able to assist you in your investigation," Arthur delivered the news, "A new servant will be sent to you immediately so you may continue your search."
Terrowin stood like a stone statue before him in the Royal Court. Uther sat at his throne, looking on with disinterest. Arthur had changed from his borrowed servant clothes to his royal garments. The crimson cape of Camelot hung at his shoulders and he was clad in his shining armor. His expression was unrevealing as Terrowin's obsidian armor gleamed against the daylight.
The witch hunter's lip twitched, "What regretting news indeed," his tone was like a crisp dagger, "and my deepest condolences to the Royal Court for losing such a loyal, humble servant. I-"
Arthur's brows furrowed, "Condolences? I think you have mistaken my words, Sir Terrowin. Merlin is not dead. He is grievously injured, but the wound has not claimed his life."
Yet, Arthur thought grimly to himself.
Terrowin's eyes hardened, "How very fortunate of the young servant," his teeth shone like an alligator in his fake smile, "he is recovering?"
"Yes," Arthur nodded, "Gaius is taking very good care of him. His abilities are unmatched all throughout Camelot. Merlin is in capable hands."
"What a pleasing discovery," his fists clenched behind his back, "I do wish him well. Perhaps I shall go visit him later in the afternoon to wish him a rapid recovery."
Arthur's expression turned terse, "That won't be necessary," he did not trust Terrowin, not for a second, "I am sure Gaius would not appreciate any interruptions so he may focus his full concentration on treating Merlin's wound."
Uther sighed impatiently, "Must we go on about the servant boy? Gaius will ensure his recovery in full. Sir Terrowin, a new servant will be provided for you immediately."
Terrowin bowed, "Many thanks, My Lord."
"Arthur," Uther looked to his son, "ready the knights for your patrol. You are to search the Eastern Plains once more in the hopes that his fugitive may be apprehended once more."
"Of course," he bowed respectfully.
"I apologize for my interruption," Terrowin purred like a panther, "but may I join Arthur and his knights for their patrol? It would be very beneficial to my search if I were to accompany them and examine the area myself."
"I do not believe that would be a good-"
"Absolutely," Uther nodded, cutting off Arthur, "if you deem it so beneficial to your search, then I should gladly acquiesce."
"Father-"
"My decision is final," Uther raised a hand, "Arthur, ready a horse for Sir Terrowin."
Arthur nodded curtly and stormed out of the Royal Court. A large smile grew across Terrowin's lips as he bowed low and followed the Prince out the door.
Arthur felt his anger rising. First, Terrowin's audacity to interfere on his knight patrol and to blatantly turn his father against his word. Uther was so blinded by eliminating magic in Camelot that he failed to see the evil lurking within the witchhunter. Now, Arthur would need to keep a watchful eye on Terrowin during their patrol, as his distrust for the man only grew with his extended stay.
His worry for Merlin also ate away at him. He departed Gaius' at dawn, and had not inquired about Merlin's condition since they first brought him to the healer's home. Arthur partly was afraid he'd receive and answer he would not want to hear…
He did notice Terrowin's strange reaction to the news that Merlin was alive. The Prince had the odd sensation that Terrowin had alterior motives than what he had declared, and it was up to Arthur to find out.
He heard the doors to the Royal Court close behind him as Terrowin exited after him. Arthur kept his back turned as he felt the hunter's eyes bore into him.
The Prince spotted Sir Leon and Sir Elyan up ahead. They greeted him formally, looking cautiously at the witch hunter slowly retreating a few steps away.
"Ready the knight patrol," Arthur spoke in a low voice, "and prepare another horse. Sir Terrowin is to accompany us."
Sir Leon's eyes widened, "But, sire-"
"It is the will of the king," Arthur replied.
Leon nodded. Elyan spoke up, "Arthur, do you have any news regarding Merlin's condition."
He sighed and shook his head, "Gwaine will inform us. He is to join us for the patrol, but do not breath a word about Merlin on the journey. Not with Terrowin along. I fear he has targeted Merlin."
Elyan nodded fervently, "Of course, sire, I shall keep a watchful eye on the witch hunter. He will not harm Merlin in any way, I will ensure it."
"As will I," Leon agreed proudly.
Arthur felt some relief run through him knowing he could count on his knights for assistance, "The patrol departs within the hour. Prepare yourselves, I fear within my heart that this patrol will bring upon a dire incident. Stay cautious. Terrowin is a viper that will strike at any moment. Pray that we are not the victims."
His knights nodded, registering the seriousness in Arthur's tone as the Prince stalked off towards Gaius'. Little did he know that Terrowin's direction was to the healer's infirmary as well.
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