Merlin sat in his room, lost in thought. The arrival of Mithian and her maid last night had sent the whole castle into a tizzy, and her account of what had happened to her and her father had been horrifying. However, Merlin wasn't entirely sure that Mithian was actually telling the truth.
It had taken him a while to pick up on it, but Merlin had realized this morning that there was the distinct air of active magic around Mithian and her maid. The only question was, who was using the magic? It probably wasn't Mithian, so that left Hilda, the old maid.
A thought suddenly struck Merlin. He quickly exited his room and went into Gaius's, finding Gaius just about ready to get into bed.
"Gaius, I think Hilda might not be as old as she seems," said Merlin.
Gaius lifted the Eyebrow of Doom. "What do you mean, Merlin?" he asked.
"An ageing spell!" said Merlin. "Gaius, I could sense that there was magic being used by Mithian or her maid. An ageing spell would certainly explain the constant presence of magic, and maybe even why Mithian is scared."
"Merlin, while that is a valid theory, it's late," said Gaius. "And I wish to go to sleep."
"Okay," replied Merlin, turning around and going back up to his room.
"Sire, can we talk?"
Arthur replied, "About what, Merlin?"
Merlin's answer shocked him. "I have reason to believe that Mithian's maid is a magic-user," he said.
"And- you know this how?" asked Arthur.
"I could feel it," replied Merlin. Arthur made an unamused expression, and Merlin continued, "When there's a spell or enchantment being used, I can sense it- it's like a presence in my mind. I felt such a presence surrounding Mithian and her maid, and I know Mithian can't use magic, so that leaves the maid."
"Are you sure?" said Arthur.
"Positive," answered Merlin.
"So what does this change?" asked Arthur.
"Everything," said Merlin. "It could mean that Mithian did not tell the truth yesterday."
"And is there any way to determine the truth?"
"I could use a truth spell," said Merlin. "They're easy enough, and cause no damage. I'd probably have to find a way to get her alone."
"I can get her alone," said Arthur. "You do the rest."