Merlin ran up the stairs into the newly christened 'ominous castle'. Loneliness was a strange thing, he could feel the hands of it clutching his throat, strangling the breath away. This was his home! Normally full of chatter. Normally as busy as could be. How was this possible? Suddenly empty of any existence but his flickering own. Had he passed out? Lost his memory? Was this an attack using magic? He swung around the corner and burst into the prince's quarters.
"Arthur!" Merlin cried out. He turned on his feet and lifted his arms fearfully to his head.
"Sire!" He called, twisting again.
Giving up on those four walls he bolted towards the council room. His hands shook as he pushed at the doors forcefully. The room was clean and the chairs were positioned perfectly. Nothing seemed amiss, except for the fact that it was missing of one bustling council.
He slowly paced toward the table and slid his fingers along the cool wood. He wasn't sure what he was looking for, maybe some evidence as to what had happened, some indent in the grains to prove there had been a frantic struggle.
He cast an incantation that caused a small blue orb to float just above his hand. Seconds past, and then minutes until all time was lost to him and Merlin wasn't at all sure how long he stalked along the room. Finally he gave a frustrated sigh after a disappointing search and let the orb wither and collapse into itself. "Where are you?" He muttered.
If he could find anyone, anyone at all it would solve some of his questions at least. A flare of inspiration hit Merlin. The great dragon! He would know something! Merlin headed towards the door but stopped. Arthur stood in the doorway, looking drawn and tired and not at all surprised to see his lost manservant.
"Merlin", he said, "Merlin, forgive me."
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