A/N: Hello! I'm back! Thank you everyone who has followed this story so far and left nice reviews. I know I've taken quite a break on this story, but I was going through stuff with college and stuff. Bleh. However, I do hope to get back to writing regularly (yet no promises). I did say that I'm not abandoning this story and I'm telling the truth. I still have so many ideas and things that I want to happen. I swear I haven't even scratched the surface with this story yet. While this chapter may not seem like much, it actually has a scene that I've been waiting to write and I'm so happy I've finally gotten to it! (Of course there are so many more lol).
It feels good to be writing again, so I hope you guys enjoy and as always, please leave me your thoughts on it!
Music That Inspired Me:
Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows Lily's Theme Extended
Pirates of the Caribbean 4 - Soundtrack 05 - Mermaids
Siouxsie Sioux & Brian Reitzell - Love Crime (Hannibal soundtrack)
Short Hair - Mulan Soundtrack
The Devil & The Daughter - King Arthur Soundtrack
Ain't No Sunshine - Bill Withers (Title inspired by this song.)
Disclaimer - I do not own Merlin or the characters, all rights are reserved to their rightful owners.
Also I apologize for the trouble I had with uploading this. was giving me such a hard time and thank you to the two of you that told me the coding was fucked up lol. Appreciate it :3
Chapter Five: Ain't No Sunshine When He's Gone
The ride back to Camelot was long and tiring. Arthur sat in a daze the entire ride after getting little to no sleep the night before. His mind had kept him awake with scenarios and thoughts about Merlin and the neckerchief did little to ease his racing mind.
When they did finally reach Camelot, worn and tired, Guinevere greeted them on the white steps leading up into the castle. Her face looked hopeful as her eyes glanced around, clearly searching for Merlin, however when she met Arthur's eyes, he shook his head, turning away from her.
As the Knights passed her on the steps, they all refused to meet her eyes. Her brow creased and she bowed her head upon realizing Merlin has not returned.
When Arthur entered the castle, the halls bustling with servants and guards alike, it had never felt so empty than in that moment. The young king continued on his way, intending to head for his chambers, but instead he found himself standing in front of Gaius's chambers. Arthur stared at the wooden door for a long moment, eyes flicking to the sign that was next to it that read: Court Physician. He straightened his shoulders and swallowed thickly. He glanced down at the red neckerchief he untied from his armor now held grasped in the palm of his hand before pushing open the wooden door.
Gaius stood at his wooden table, mixing together liquids and crushing herbs when he snapped his head up at the door swinging open to see a disheveled, tired, and weary Arthur standing in the door frame. Gaius was about to greet him with a smile when the young king extended his arm toward him and opened his hand, revealing a familiar red neckerchief hanging loosely in his palm. Gaius stared at it before his eyes flickered up to Arthur's, which held a somber expression in them.
It was in that moment that Gaius understood, Merlin had not returned.
"We will find him." Was all Gaius could say, surprised that his voice had come out so calm. Arthur looked ready to collapse in a mess of guilt and doubt. Gaius found himself stalking toward Arthur and tightly wrapping his arms around him. Despite being a grand and powerful king, he sometimes forgot that Arthur was still so young at heart.
Later that evening after Arthur was removed from his armor, fed a proper and full meal, he sat at his desk with papers he needed to sign and other important documents that he couldn't bring himself to think about. His mind was still fully wrapped around the moment he found the neckerchief just floating in the lake, forgotten. His eyes snapped to the very neckerchief taunting him on the side of his desk in a heap of red fabric.
Arthur reached for it, picking it up and stretching it out. The fabric was old and definitely worn. No doubt, Merlin had worn the dirty, old thing nearly everyday and only swapped it out with a similar faded blue one on rare occasions. The fabric was of very low quality, but that was to be expected. Probably made from a dish towel. Arthur would never be caught dead wearing something made of such poor quality, yet there was certain charm about it that he liked.
However, it was disheartening to look at it. A reminder of his failure. Failure to protect Merlin.
A sigh escaped between his lips as he studied the red fabric. The edges were frayed from being worn so much, yet the part that caught Arthur's eye was a rip in the fabric where it seemed almost as if someone had cut it off, but it was hard to tell. Merlin could've ripped it on a tree while running away, being the clumsy arse he is. Only, that theory didn't sit well with Arthur because the way the edges of the rip looked clean and only fraying slightly due from him handling it. A sharpened sword could've easily cut through it. A familiar sick feeling overwhelmed him and he set the neckerchief down in front of him.
Before he could allow himself to dwell on thoughts about Merlin's dead body rotting somewhere, the door to his room swung open and Gwen stepped in. A smile graced her lips as they met eyes.
"About time for bed, don't you think?" She said, shutting the door.
"Just reviewing some important documents." Arthur half-lied as he pushed the neckerchief aside.
"I'm sure they can wait till morning. You need some proper sleep."
Arthur wanted to protest, yet his muscles did it for him, aching as he straightened his back and he sighed. "You're right."
"Of course I am. Now come to bed. You deserve some sleep."
Arthur nodded, standing from his chair and stepping behind the privacy screen where he changed for bed and soon got settled in said bed. Gwen blew out the candles lit around the room before settling in next to him. She blew out a content sigh and Arthur closed his eyes.
He was tired, he knew. He could feel it in his muscles and bones, which ached for rest, yet his mind was wired with thoughts.
A quietness nestled around the room that made Arthur feel restless and he turned on his side, his back facing Gwen. He shuffled a bit more, trying to get comfortable in his too soft bed. When he finally felt comfortable enough and felt as though he could actually shut out his thoughts and sleep, Gwen spoke.
"Do you want to talk about it, Arthur?"
Arthur hesitated, before replying with a question, "Talk about what, Guinevere?"
A small sigh escaped her and she knew that he knew what she was talking about. He received silence and Arthur was willing to let it go there, but found it was becoming insufferable, so he quietly said, "There's nothing to say."
Gwen was quiet for a long moment.
"You know I'm here for you, Arthur. If you need to talk, please know that I will always listen. I know how much Merlin means to you, to all of us."
The words struck a chord within Arthur and he closed his eyes, feeling his heart being tugged by invisible strings. Arthur didn't know how to respond, so he simply said, "Thank you, Gwen."
It was a miracle that Arthur somehow fell into a dreamless sleep.
However, an ear-splitting scream awoke him with a jolt. Arthur shot up in bed, slick with sweat. With his own scream on the edge of his tongue, he held it back as the unnerving scream that woke him, echoed through his mind.
His chest heaved as he felt himself trembling. At first he thought the scream came from himself because it felt all too real and as though it was right in the room, yet Guinevere lay undisturbed next to him. His hands shook as he swallowed uneasily, the sound never leaving his ears.
He brought one of his trembling hands to his face and gently ran his fingers through his hair. An uneasy feeling nestled itself deep in his stomach making him feel sick. Having only heard screams like that come from men who've been tortured, it didn't comfort Arthur to realize that the voice sounded all too familiar.
"Merlin…" He whispered.
He clenched his trembling hands. If that scream was what Gaius had told him and Merlin was trying to communicate with him then it meant someone or something was hurting him. Arthur felt frustrated and maybe even a bit scared if he was being honest with himself. Arthur got out of bed, ensuring that he wouldn't wake Gwen, and threw on some clothes. His hand hovered over Merlin's neckerchief where he left it on his desk. He stared at it in the moonlight pouring into the room through the window. Arthur glanced behind him at Gwen sleeping peacefully. She stirred a little turning on her side.
Arthur thought of Merlin.
There was no second thought to Gwen or anyone really as Arthur grabbed the neckerchief and left the room. He proceeded to sneak out of his own castle while avoiding the guards on duty. The last thing he needed were more of his knights concerned about the well-being of their king. Despite his current state, he still had an image to uphold.
He managed to saddle up his horse and it wasn't long before he was galloping out of Camelot's walls and into the wooded area surrounding it.
He headed toward the Lake of Avalon. He knew the ride was long, but it didn't matter. He came out of that lake. He found Merlin's neckerchief in the water. It had to be linked somehow and something inside him was pulling him towards the lake almost like it was calling to him. His horse galloped fast, the trees blurring together. The pounding of the horses hooves beat within Arthur's chest and his grip tightened on the reins.
The time it took to reach the lake felt shorter than it did before and Arthur couldn't tell if that was because he was alone and moving much faster than he did when his knights were with him or if it was something else drawing him in, but he reached the clearing where he last was with his knights and slowed his horse. It was difficult to see through the darkness, but with the little moonlight flitting through the treetops above, he was able to make out the opening.
Arthur hopped off his horse and walked through the opening in the bushes, leading his horse behind him. His breath hitched as he gazed upon the lake once again. Somehow it felt like he was connected with it. He dropped the reins to let his horse roam and get a drink of water and stepped toward the lake. He stopped at the edge of the water just before it was able to touch his boots.
He looked down at the water as it moved, lapping against the shore. He pulled Merlin's neckerchief out and gripped it tightly. A soft breeze tangled his hair and he closed his eyes, trying to listen for Merlin's voice again like before. He stood for a long moment, intently trying to listen, yet nothing came except for the sounds of the water.
A defeated sigh escaped him and he bowed his head.
"I don't know what to do, Merlin." He whispered to himself, "You're the one with the magic…not me."
He pulled his head up and peered up at the sky, staring at the full moon above him for a long moment. He absentmindedly stroked the neckerchief with his thumb before sighing again. "I need help." He murmured into the wind. "This isn't something I can do on my own."
As soon as he said the words, Arthur noticed a change in the soft breeze around him and even the woods surrounding the area. He glanced around, suddenly alert. There was a sound in the wind that had Arthur looking up toward the sky.
The ground shook violently as a golden scaled dragon landed a mere few feet from Arthur, who had lost his footing and fell onto his back. Arthur gawked up at the dragon, which seemed to tower over him, seeming taller than the walls of Camelot itself. Its wings had caused a gust of wind so strong the Lake of Avalon's waters were disturbed, lapping up and splashing him.
Arthur only barely registered the cold waters touch as his eyes were locked on the enormous dragon. His heart raced in his chest as the dragon seemed to notice him. Why he hadn't already started running, Arthur had no clue. He was frozen and Arthur never froze during a battle, yet the mere sight of it had Arthur locked in place, sitting upright on his elbows, mouth open in shock or maybe fear.
When his body finally decided to respond, Arthur scrambled to get to his feet, backing away from the beast before him and reaching for his sword and gripping the hilt. As he unsheathed his sword, pointing it in defense, the dragon tsked at him as if amused by his bravery.
"Put that away young king. You have no need for it here."
Arthur gawked again, his feet planting him in place, ready to defend himself if need be.
"You….Y-you talk?" Arthur somehow managed to stammer out, baffled.
The dragon still seemed amused by him and cocked its head slightly. "As do you."
Arthur blinked as the dragon settled into a sort of sitting/lying position, crossing its massive claws in front of itself and relaxing its wings.
There was a soft silence between them and Arthur could tell the dragon was waiting for something. He barely glanced at his unsheathed sword glinting in the moonlight and then back up at the dragon.
Every part of Arthur was screaming at him not to do it, but a small part inside him convinced him to slowly sheathed his sword. The dragon bowed its head slightly at him as if approving. "It's nice to finally meet you, Arthur Pendragon, King of Camelot. I am Kilgharrah, the last Great Dragon."
"You know me?" Arthur wondered aloud and somehow that cause the dragon to chuckle; a deep rumble that seemed to shake the trees around them.
"Why Arthur, you are the once and future king, every being knows you." The dragon declared, "It's good to see you alive and well."
Arthur swallowed nervously. "What do you mean alive and well?" He frowned slightly.
"The last I saw you, young king, you were being dragged into the water here." Kilgharrah said, gazing out toward the water, "It seems Merlin was successful."
Arthur snapped to attention, "Merlin? You knew Merlin?"
"As did you." Kilgharrah had a glint in his eye that told Arthur he knew less than he thought about Merlin. Arthur's shoulders slumped a bit.
"I sense the young warlock is in danger."
"How do you know?" Arthur felt sweat on his brow, "Tell me."
"You would not be here, otherwise, Arthur Pendragon." The dragon stared at him with a steady gaze, his golden scales glinting with the moon's light making it appear as if they were shining.
"I found this here." Arthur lifted his hand, revealing the neckerchief he held onto, "I fear the worst." He admitted, somehow saying the words made the fear in his heart seem real.
"Merlin is a strong soul, but an even stronger sorcerer, this you now know."
Arthur nodded mutely.
"He can take care of himself, but without magic, he is vulnerable."
Arthur gave the dragon a puzzled look. "What do you mean without magic?"
"To some, young king, Merlin is an obstacle in the way to achieving dark and corrupted goals."
Arthur immediately thought of one person and dread filled him. "Morgana."
Kilgharrah bowed his head again, "Morgana is...corrupted by her magic. She lets anger and revenge fuel her and is blind to anything that doesn't help her achieve her goal. Evil had consumed her. She wants you dead, Arthur, just as much as she wants Merlin dead. With you two out of her way, she has rights to claim Camelot for herself. "
Arthur's stomach dropped, feeling himself go pale. "You believe she's taken Merlin, but you don't think she's…."
"She has not killed Merlin, this I know. I still feel the young warlock as do many, but I fear he is in more danger than you can possibly imagine." Kilgharrah spoke somberly, "In Morgana's hands I'm afraid Merlin's death isn't soon, but certain."
Arthur looked down at the neckerchief. Hearing his worst fear confirmed, he clenched his teeth.
"Without Merlin by your side, Arthur. Camelot will never achieve the kingdom you desire to see and the land of Albion will never be united as it is destined to be."
"What do I do?" Arthur asked, trying not to let the panic enter his voice. King's don't panic, "I've heard Merlin. I wake up with his voice in my head and I have no idea why. He's being hurt and I don't know how to save him."
"After you went in and came out of the lake, you and Merlin became connected in more ways than you ever had been before. You were healed of the magic in the lake thus entangling and connecting you to Merlin's own magic within him."
For some unknown reason, this information made Arthur's heart skip a beat.
"Merlin has always been there for you, young king. He has saved you and risked his life for you more times than you can possibly imagine. Now it is your turn to save him and risk everything."
With those words, a certain determination filled Arthur and he straightened his back, squaring his shoulders. "Of course. I'll do anything."
A sort of grin graced the dragon's face, "You're a great king, Arthur, but by saying 'anything' are you really willing to even go to the lengths to use magic?"
Arthur hesitated for a moment. He had mentioned to Gaius a few days earlier if there was any way magic could aid in their search for Merlin, but the old physician seemed hesitant about it. Arthur stared at the dragon and nodded, "I said anything and I meant it."
"Very well, Arthur Pendragon. Then I shall give you a spell that will show you the general location of Merlin. Sadly, not the exact location, but you must have a personal belonging of the one you wish to locate."
Arthur eagerly held up the neckerchief. "I have this. He always wore it around his neck."
Kilgharrah nodded. "It seems luck is on your side once again, Arthur."
Kilgharrah fell silent for a moment and closed his eyes. Arthur held his breath as he blinked up at the dragon. Out of nowhere, Arthur had thoughts of a spell locked in his mind.
"What did you do?" He questioned, nervously.
"Through our minds, I gave you the spell. Use it if you wish to find Merlin."
Arthur nodded slowly, almost amazed. "Thank you."
The dragon seemed to smile at him and Arthur bowed his head. He started to turn away, but Kilgharrah stopped him.
"However, I have to say, Arthur…"
Arthur turned slightly in questioning.
"Can magic really be banned after you do this?"
The question really troubled Arthur and he had no answer for it even as he watched the great dragon spread his wings and take off with a gust of wind that nearly knocked him down again. Arthur stood at the edge of the lake for a long while, watching Kilgharrah sore through the sky until he could see him no more. The whole encounter was bizarre and left Arthur feeling a bit shaken. He'd never even knew dragon's talked. However, he pushed the feeling aside and pulled himself back up onto his horse.
As he galloped away from The Lake of Avalon and back towards Camelot, Kilgharrah's question lingered in the back of his mind. He tried not to think about it even as the sun began to rise. Instead of struggling with an answer for it, he told himself he'd cross that bridge when he eventually got to it, but for now all that was important was Merlin and the location spell.
Arthur needed to reach Gaius immediately. He kicked his horse to go faster as the sun cast rays of orange light through the trees.
For just a small moment as he rode, Arthur closed his eyes and whispered into the air, "Merlin…"
He only hoped that somehow Merlin would hear him, just as he heard him.
A/N:Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoyed it! Please leave me your thoughts on it! I promise things will start moving along soon. Thank you for also being patient with me and my long periods of not uploading.