"That's great when are you leaving?" Merlin was excited at the thought of seeing his mentor again.
"Well I need to speak to Arthur first; I should catch him before he goes into the Committee, if he's alright with it I thought we'd go today. Just give me a few minutes I'll phone him now"
Lance phoned Arthur and after a quick chat Lance and Merlin were on their way to Cornwall. Four hours later they arrived. It was two o'clock as they pulled up outside Gaius's cottage. Merlin flew out of the car and as he went to knock on the door it opened. There stood Gaius, he looked slightly strange to Merlin dressed in modern cloths. Merlin flew into his arms.
"Oh Merlin my boy, it's so good to see you" he returned the hug tears in his eyes.
"Not so much a boy Gaius, I'm over 1.500 years old you know!"
"Come on in the two of you, we have a lot of catching up to do" Lance butted in.
"It might be better if we just had a quick drink and those sandwiches you promised us, and headed back. We can talk on the way. Only it's a four hour drive back."
"You're right of course; I have them in the kitchen, go and eat while I make a pot of tea. I'm already packed" The older man showed them into the kitchen where on an old pine table was a huge pile of sandwiches. At Lance's look the old man grinned.
"Well I figured you two would eat a lot, I've already eaten go ahead."
The two tucked in as Gaius made a pot of tea and put it down in front of them.
"Mind you use the tea strainer, none of those tea bag things here" with that he disappeared into the other room. When he came back he had an old battered suitcase with him that had clearly seen better days.
"There are also a few of boxes in the hall; will you have room for it all? Only I don't know what I'll need. I've packed a couple of books on magic I've found over the years, my herbal medical books and herbal medical kit." He looked slightly embarrassed.
"I suppose I could get a neighbour to post them on."
"Don't worry Gaius we bought the big car, we'll get everything in don't worry." Lance reassured him.
After they had finished eating Lance and Merlin loaded up the car, by the time they had the last box in Gaius appeared with more bags. Raising his eye brow as only Gaius could he quickly said:
"Well, when I saw how much room there was I thought of a few more things that might be useful"
Merlin laughed "It's a good job you don't have all your old books or we would need a lorry!"
Gaius locked up his cottage and they set off back to London. Lance texted Arthur before they left saying they hoped to be between six and seven depending on the traffic. All the way back they chatted, catching up on all that had happened. Gaius had started to remember the Camelot days a couple of years before, and when he heard of Arthur and Gwaine's plans he realised he would soon be needed. So he had started to collect together what he would need once he was contacted. Merlin's mentor was amazed as the others had been, of Merlin's long life and the stories he told of the dragons and his trips back to Camelot.
Gaius told the two men that he had been married in this life, to his Alice who had died eight years previously. He had had a career as a teacher and herbal doctor, retiring from teaching when Alice died. He had kept up with his herbal medicine and had developed an interest in history of the time of Camelot even before his memories had started to return. Time past quickly and they soon arrived at Arthur's and Percy helped them unload the car. Arthur was pleased to see Gaius and they went into the kitchen so he could say hello to Gwen. Afterwards Merlin showed him to his room before they both went down to meet the rest of the reincarnated group.
Merlin asked Gaius if he thought Hunith would have been reincarnated as well. But Gaius thought not. "After all Merlin you were already here so Hunith would not have needed to give birth to you."
This made sense but Merlin was disappointed he would have loved to have seen her again. He went quiet for awhile and let the conversation go over his head, before excusing himself and going off to bed. The others broke up shortly afterwards and went their separate ways.
In the morning Gaius was up early and spoke to Arthur before he set off to a meeting. They left Merlin in bed. When Merlin finally got up he spent his morning with Gaius trying to find out more about the uses for the Dragon tears. Then after lunch the warlock showed Gaius Leonardo de Vinci's book. Like the others Gaius was amazed. The healer was also pleased to see the spell book once more. He couldn't believe that Merlin had kept it for so long.
Arthur can back early evening and told Merlin about the meeting the day before. It had gone well. Public opinion was strong for what Arthur's group were trying to achieve and the changes were going ahead at quite a pace. Once the MPs realised it wasn't going to cost the tax payer anything, and that in fact with the large numbers of jobs being created the unemployment figure were going down, they were less antagonistic about the project.
The O2 train link had been cancelled, and the money was going to be reinvested in the other rail links to open up many stations closed years before in the Beaching Cuts. This would keep even more cars of the roads as it was planned to try to increase the amount of container traffic. The new atomic power station plans were on hold until the benefits of the plans had been assessed. Once Leon had explained that, with the extra electricity generated and with developments presently in progress, a cheep affordable and economical fully electric car was soon to be finalised that would completely replace both the present petrol and Diesel cars on the road, it was felt that the countries omissions could be halved in three years. Research was also looking at the small to medium size commercial vehicles.
Merlin went out most days with Arthur or Gwaine, but one day decided instead to have a look around London. He wanted to see the museums. So one day he set of after breakfast, and headed to The Natural History Museum and spent the morning there looking at all the wonders. He wondered if dragon bones had ever been found and catalogued as dinosaurs. He knew that wasn't likely as all magical creatures dissolved back into the earth, leaving no trace, when they died. It saddened him to see how many creatures had become extinct due to mankind's actions.
He then moved on to the British Museum. The found it fascinating and spent the rest of the day looking at the exhibits. Noticing the time he realised that he should be heading back to Arthur's. Leaving the building he went to look for the nearest tube station. As he made his way there he was spotted by Mordred who was coming out of an office opposite. Mordred quickly moved behind Merlin and followed his old adversary.
Merlin suddenly felt uneasy, but put it down to being in such a crowd. He used his magic to feel around but found no sign of anything so carried on, telling himself not to be stupid. Mordred managed to keep out of Merlin's vision. He had no magic in this life, so there was nothing for Merlin to pick up. As Merlin reached the top of one of the long stairways, within the tube system, Mordred moved forwards and pushed Merlin hard in the centre of his back. Merlin taken by surprise started to fall. He managed to force out some magic to cushion his fall but still caught his shoulder hard against the wall as he fell. Most of the onlookers ignored him but one young man in his late teens stopped and helped Merlin to his feet, checking he was ok.
"That was quite a tumble mate, you ok?" Merlin assured him he was and quickly looked around to see who could have pushed him. He saw nothing as Mordred was long gone.
"Where you headed?" the young lad asked Merlin still concerned.
"Knightsbridge station, I'm staying with a friend nearby. But I'm ok really." Merlin protested.
"Look I'm going that way myself, and I'd be happier if we travelled together for awhile. It's no bother." The young man seemed unconvinced that Merlin was alright.
"Thanks, my name is Merlin." Merlin held out his hand wincing as he did so. His shoulder was going to have a good bruise by the morning.
"Hi Merlin, I'm John." John had seen Merlin wince. "You sure you're ok?"
"Yes don't worry, bit of a bruise that's all."
The two carried on down the stairs and got on the next tube together. When they arrived at Knightsbridge station the two men disembarked and made their way to the exit.
"Thanks again John." Merlin said to his companion.
"Look I'm not shady or anything, I'd be happier if I saw you back to your place. That was some fall you had." John insisted.
Merlin reluctantly agreed. He didn't want to seem rude and he was a bit shaky. The two men set of and soon reach Arthur's.
"Grand friends you have Merlin. Well look after yourself, and go careful of those stairs." John turned as if to go. As he did so Arthur opened the door just in time to hear what John said.
"Merlin what have you been up to now?"
Merlin winced he wouldn't get away without Arthur knowing. In order to try to save himself getting a telling off he quickly turned to John.
"John meet Arthur, the friend I'm staying with."
John turned back and said. "Hi Arthur."
"Hello John, now do come in, and tell me what this idiot has been up to now" Arthur held out his hand to John.
John somewhat reluctantly allowed himself to be led into the house. He looked around, it was far grander than anything he had seen outside of house tours he had been on with his mum. Looking at Arthur once more he suddenly realised whose house he was in.
"Oh, you're that Arthur, I think it's amazing what you are doing." he spluttered.
"Yes, he's that Arthur, now Arthur don't get bigheaded just because John knows who you are. Merlin was still hoping to divert the blond man from asking what he had been up to.
Arthur ignored Merlin. Turning to John once more he said in his most charming voice: "Now John, what had Merlin been up to this time?"
John looked from Merlin to Arthur before replying: "We were on the underground and Merlin tripped in the stairs, and took a bad tumble. He's hurt his shoulder and I didn't want him to come back alone."
Arthur glared at Merlin "Two things, Merlin. One why were you on the underground? and two why can't you manage to go anywhere without falling over?"
"I didn't fall I was pushed" Merlin said outraged.
Arthur ignored him and turning to John said: "Do take a seat the least I can do is get you a drink, would you like to join us, we are eating shortly."
After a bit of persuasion John agreed to stay, he thought what Arthur was doing was an amazing thing, and was thrilled to met him in person. Arthur grabbed Merlin by the shoulder as he was trying to escape.
"Ouch" Merlin went a shade paler as Arthur grabbed his bad shoulder.
"You IDIOT take off your disgusting t shirt and let me look at your shoulder." he demanded
"What now! In here!" Merlin looked at his friend in disgust.
"Yes now, and in here unless you want me to remove it for you." Arthur threatened.
Merlin gave up and raised his arms to remove his top before hissing, his shoulder really hurt. Arthur stepped forward and gently helped his friend. Merlin had a large bruise beginning to form covering the whole of his shoulder.
"Ouch is right you fool!" Arthur went and opened the door and asked Percy to fetch Gaius.
"Now, what did you mean you were pushed?"
"What I said, just before I fell I felt two hands in the centre of my back, and I was pushed, and no I don't know who did it."
"What on earth made you go on the tube, and where was your body guard?" Arthurs tone made Merlin stop what he was about to say.
"I went to the museums, and why do I need a body guard?" Merlin asked.
"Too stop you being pushed down stairs? You really are an idiot aren't you? You are regularly seen with me and we have all received threats, what makes you think you are any different."
With that Gaius arrived, he took one look at Merlin's shoulder and took him off to get it treated. Before Arthur turned back to his guest he asked Percy to tell Gwen they would have an extra for their meal. Turning once more to John he apologised for ignoring him and asked him once more what had happened. After John had explained Arthur spoke once more:
"As I said thank you, that idiot is my best friend, and his safely means everything to me. What you did was unusual. I don't expect anyone else even stopped, yet you not only stopped but came back with him." Arthur was impressed.
"I would have done it for anyone." John said.
"I realise that, you weren't to know who he was. Thank you." Arthur was sincere he knew that what John had done was unusual.
The pair went on to have a long chat. Arthur found out that John was working to get funds together so he could follow his dream studying computer technology. He was the son of a single mother who had four children, and his father had died three years before in an accident. John didn't even realise how much information Arthur had collected in such a short time. Arthur then announced that he wanted to do something practical to thank John for helping Merlin.
"I have a good friend and close colleague in the computer field, Gwaine Lot, he is looking for young people to go into training schemes in his company. I will put your name forward for a place. Incidentally I don't expect him to disagree; Merlin is like a brother to him."
John looked stunned at his good luck.
"Also I would like to help your family, and we can see what can be arranged. Now don't even think about protesting, as you probably realise I am disgustingly wealthy and Merlin's safety is worth all my fortune, just don't tell Merlin I said that. I will deny it." Arthur smiled.
Merlin came back with Gaius in tow: "He's only bad bruised, thank goodness, but he will be in a lot of pain and the shoulder will be stiff for a few weeks, but he will live, provided of course you don't kill him Arthur." Gaius grinned. "And this I take it is John, thank you young man."
After their meal Gwaine arrived, Arthur had already phoned him about John.
"Well young man I hear you helped my good friend Merlin, thank you. Arthur also tells me you want to get trained up in computer technology; well I'm your man. Can you come to my office in the morning and we can see what we can do for you. We're offering various schemes at the moment and I'm sure one will be just right for you. Hard work, but rewarding if you put your mind to it."
"Are you sure? You don't even know me." John was amazed at his good fortune.
"Well I will after tomorrow, don't you worry." Gwaine's smiled and tossed his head back before looking at Merlin. "Now Merl's, what's this about you going off without a body guard, you idiot. Do I need to keep you in my sight all the time?"
"Honestly you two, anyone would think I haven't been looking after myself all these years without your help." Then realising that John would probably freak out if he knew just how old he was he shut up. They chatted for some more and then Gwaine offered to take John home.
"I'll be in contact with you soon John." Arthur promised as he went out the door.
The next morning at eight o'clock Gwaine arrived to pick up Arthur and before they left they both checked up on Merlin. He was sat in the kitchen with Gwen.
"How are you this morning?" Gwaine asked concerned about his friend.
"ok" said a sleepy voice. Mornings still weren't Merlin's best time.
"OK is that all you have to say? Now before we go I expect your promise you won't go out without at least one bodyguard." Arthur insisted.
"Well you're not getting it. You can't order me about! you aren't a King anymore. What's more you can't even claim to be my older brothers since I'm so much older than you. If I want to go out alone I will, I can look after myself all I have is a little bruise. Just leave me alone the pair of you!" with that Merlin pushed past them and up the stairs.
"Well that could have gone better." Gwaine grinned "He never was any good at taking orders Princess."
"You think you could have done any better?" Arthur was clearly upset.
"I couldn't have done any worse, I'll go and talk to him."
"No you won't, go to work the pair of you and leave him to calm down. I'll talk to him later, now shoo out of my kitchen." Gwen opened the door and ushered them out.
A bit later Merlin went back to the kitchen, and Gwen calmed him down. "You know they worry about you, Arthur never was very tactful, but you should listen you know. You're not used to big cities and modern ways. Stay in today please for me."
Merlin couldn't bring himself to worry Gwen. "Ok, but Arthur needs to understand I'm not his manservant anymore."
In the car Arthur asked Gwaine: "Do you have some very small tracking devices, among you computerised stuff that we could put in his clothes in case he disappears off."
"Now, that's down right sneaking of you. I do, but if Merlin or his magic finds them it's nothing to do with me." Gwaine thought the plan was doomed to failure. "He might not like technology but he isn't stupid."
"The idiot won't even carry a mobile. He says he won't encourage the rape of the world's resources." Arthur protested.
The two men discussed ways to try to keep their friend safe, and decided when they could, to make sure he went with one of them every day. Gwaine dropped Arthur off at his office before going to the meeting with John. Sure to his word Gwaine found just the training place for John. John had spent all day with Gwaine's staff and they were pleased to see he showed a natural ability in programme design.
After making some enquiries Arthur spoke to John's mother, who was keen to move out of London so it was arranged she and her family would move to the outskirts of Exeter. John's new job was nearby so that worked at well for them all. The family was to live in a four bed roomed house, rent free that Arthur purchased for them. He also helped the family with the cost of the move. John's three siblings were also interested in computers, and Gwaine would keep an eye on them in the future to see if they could also be given training in his company.
By the time Arthur got home Merlin had calmed down and Arthur explained he was only concerned for his friend. During the day Arthur had arranged to view CITV footage from the underground to see if he could find out what had happened the day before. Unfortunately Merlin's back had been obscured at the vital moment. But Arthur had seen Mordred in the crowd and noticed the look of hatred he gave Merlin.
"We can't get him charged, there's no proof it was him but at least we know who to watch out for. Do you think he has magic this time round?" Arthur asked.
"No I don't think so. I felt uneasy before I was pushed, and felt out with my magic and I couldn't sense another magic user in the vicinity." Merlin felt sad that although Morgana seemed to be in a better place in this life Mordred obviously wasn't.
Arthur asked Merlin if he would mind going to work with him tomorrow and Merlin agreed. Later that evening while Merlin and Gaius were talking Arthur slipped to see Gwen. He gave her a handful of small items. He told her they were tracing devises and asked her, if when Merlin was out tomorrow, if she would hide them in Merlin's trouser seams. She wasn't happy about going behind her friends back, but in the end reluctantly agreed. The next morning when Merlin got to Arthur's office he was surprised at the amount of interest in Arthurs campaign was arousing. The group now dubbed Save the Earth Campaign, or S.T.E.C. by the press, had grown quickly it had seemed to catch the mood of the public. Now it had many more influential groups and wealthy donors on board. Arthur had been asked by Brussels to meet with officials of the E.U.