Diviner Captive

The Symbols

…

Gwrthfyr was tapping his foot as he slouched and starred at the open window waiting for a reply. Any reply. He was starting to lose his patience. It had been a full day and a half since he sent out his message and still no notice from anyone. You would think his tip of Camelot's vulnerability would be tempting.

He might just have to go with plan B and attack a neighboring kingdom sooner than was planned. Before he could do that though he'd have to get control of the dragon. The king pulled a stack of his notes closer to himself. His research had been fruitful but not completely successful.

There were three different sets of symbols that might allow him to accomplish this feat of control but he wasn't sure witch set would actually work. He didn't like doing this but he might just have to take a gamble on one and risk it. A 1/3 chance it'll work.

Pulling a velvet rope beside his desk, it was attached to a bell that was in Altoris's chambers so that he could summon him whenever he wanted. It took only a minute for his informant to appear in his doorway.

Altoris saw no point in knocking when his lord called him like this. "You rang?"

"We are going to be paying a little visit to our deviner captive. I have some business I need to speak to him about." Gwrthyr informed as he stood and collected the notes that would be needed. Handing them to the other man as he passed him on the way to the door.

Altoris was confused but just followed without asking any questions. Being careful not to drop the parchment as he speed walked to keep up with the king's quick footsteps.

…

Merlin was passing yet again. He'd been awake for a couple hours now and no one had appeared except for the servant who had slipped in and set up his meals while he was in a different room.

Reaching up to itch at the collar every couple of minutes. Since he had woken up this morning he couldn't stop. He thought the thing must have been giving him a rash after continues wear.

With a sigh of frustration he made his way to the bathroom. He grabbed a cloth and dipped it in a basin of water that had been left for him. Running the wet cloth between the metal and his skin. Hoping it would sooth the irritation and stop the incessant inching for at least a little while.

Looking up at his reflection in the mirror he observed his appearance. His skin tone had already started to lighten from the lack of sunlight he noted even though he was naturally pale. If he wasn't exposed to the outdoors frequently he turned almost ghostly white.

The collar looked weird around his throat instead of his neckerchief. Fingering the metal he could feel the symbols that were carved into it but in the mirror he could finally see what they looked like.

He vaguely knew what they meant. Old religion symbols were very basic in themselves but it was when they were placed with others it became complicated. From what he could tell the collar worked off the symbols alone.

Suddenly his mind started to race into action. 'The symbols.' The warlock realized in excitement.

Running to the other room he grabbed a piece of parchment, feather pen, and ink. Dashing back to the bathroom with the items, placing them on the vanity.

While looking at his reflection he copied the magic symbols for reference.

If he could figure out what the original passage meant then maybe he could change it to work in his favor. Thus allowing his magic to break through enough to escape in the dead of night to freedom.

Once he finished he went over to the library to skim the books. Hoping they'd left him a tome on old religion symbols. He knew Gaius had mentioned it was standard to have a dictionary of their meanings if you practiced magic and had the money to burn on it.

A green book caught his eye near the top. It looked like the version of the book that his mentor had on hand. Reaching up on his toes he pulled with a finger at the top of the spine so it'd fall into his hand.

Flipping it open he made a sound of pleasure in the back of the throat when he realized he'd been right.

Merlin dropped his book in surprise when the door was opened suddenly in the other room. The sound of footsteps and talking could be heard. He knew it wasn't the servant because the boy was completely silent when entering and leaving. He still hadn't managed to spot the boy since he woke him the other day.

Why did someone actually have to show up when he was actually in the middle of something important? Kicking the book under a table, tucking the piece of paper into his shirt so that it would be out of sight. He grabbed a random book off the shelf to make it look like he'd just been reading and sat in one of the chairs in front of the fire.

The warlock tried to look natural instead of guilty when the king entered but he didn't think he'd succeeded at all.

"How's my deviner captive today?" The Dyfred king greeted.

Merlin wanted to scowl at the nickname it seemed he'd been given. The king thought he was being so clever.

Deviner had many meanings; celestial being of godly power, Supreme Being with supernatural powers, and a super human. Basically references his magical powers as a gift from god that surpassed all others. It was weird how the king decided to call him that when he didn't even know he was the legendary Emrys, the most powerful sorcerer to ever live.

"As a good as a prisoner could be." Merlin responded.

"It's time we got down to business. We will be performing an attack in the near future and I just need to add some symbols to your collar." Gwrthfyr said, not seeing the point in telling the boy any more information than that. "Lean your head over.

'Great more symbols to decipher.' Merlin thought to himself sarcastically but didn't complain out loud as he let his head fall to the side. He knew it was better to seem cooperative if he wished to have the privacy to carry out his plan.

Gwrthfyr instructed Altoris what symbol to chisel into the neck shackle. Merlin jerked the first couple times he felt the pressure hit his neck with force even though it didn't hurt. It was like saying owe every time anything hit you.

"That symbols wrong." The king complained. Pointing to the middle symbol of the three.

"Let me see." Altoris grabbed the sheet of paper to observe the chicken scratch that the king had doodled. "It's not wrong." He tried to stop himself from raising his voice.

"That line needs to be longer." Gwrthfyr nit picked.

Altoris sighed before placing the chisel and hitting it once more. "There happy?" He said to the king before turning his head away. "Don't see why it would matter." He mumbled to himself.

"Every little thing matters in magic. The pronunciation of a spell could change the out come completely; one ingredient off in a potion could turn a cure into a poison." Gwrthfyr chastised his informant.

Merlin was really dreading his powers being used to attack innocent people. He had to calm down though because he knew panicking wasn't going to help his situation. Shifting through his thoughts for something calming he couldn't help but smile to himself thinking about it.

The king noticed the expression on the boys face. "What are you so happy about?"

"I can at least be happy that Camelot is safe from attack because of the contract you signed." Merlin spoke with feigned confidence in the matter. As long as Arthur was safe he could be happy. He didn't care that the prince was mad at him and may never forgive him. All he cared about was his safety.

"Since Uther signed peace treaties with the other kingdoms he is obligated to send help which would break the terms set in the contract leaving me free from its power. There is always a loop hole." Gwrthfyr smirked in victory.

Merlin paled in dread. He needed to figure out those symbol meanings and fast before it was too late.

...

Gwaine had heard while he was at the tavern last night.

He'd noticed that a lot of people had been whispering to each other. It was making its way around the tavern patrons until it finally reached him. While he was taking a sip of beer a serving wench whispered the gossip in his ear causing him to spit out his mouthful.

"What?" Gwaine's immediate reaction was that he had to warn Arthur. The problem was that he'd already had quite a lot to drink already. When he stood up his stance was shaky. His walk had him swaying from side to side. He almost walked into the door frame on the way out.

No one came running out after him even though he hadn't paid because he'd set up a tab at the Rising sun. After the first couple times he'd stumbled out drunk out of his mind on his next visit they'd withheld booze till he did.

Somehow he'd managed to maneuver his way from the lower town back up towards the castle. Half way across the courtyard he tripped on a cobblestone, falling down he didn't see the point of getting back up.

Luckily the guards on shift came across him not to long after. They were all acquainted with his antics by now. When they weren't able to wake the knight they just carried him up to his chambers without question.

…

Arthur had been tossing and turning all night because he couldn't turn his mind off.

Deciding to just climb out of bed and do something useful since it seemed sleep was futile yet again. It was still pitch dark so he had to light a candle. Pulling out some of his unfinished paper work that he'd been putting off.

The candlewick had burned down low by the time he finished. The sun had already risen. The work had distracted his mind but now that it was done he had nothing to stop it from wondering back.

-His thoughts were interrupted by a knock at the door. "Enter!" He commanded, thinking it was just George delivering his breakfast but it was actually his father's servant. "Ivan, what do I oh the pleasure?"

"The king has summoned you to come to his chambers at the first available moment." Ivan passed on the message.

"Tell him I just have to get dressed and I'll be right there." Arthur responded. There was only one reason his father summoned him to his chambers, that was to chastise him for anything he'd done wrong away from prying eyes. Ivan was the only servant who could be trusted to not pass on everything he heard.

Pushing back his chair, he made his way over to his dresser to try and put together a presentable outfit himself.

…

Gwaine woke with a start.

Confused for a second why he felt like he needed to do something. Then what he'd heard the night before came back to him. He had to warn Arthur.

He couldn't believe he'd fallen asleep.

Throwing off the covers he jumped out of bed. Pulling on his boots that the guards from last night had been nice enough to remove. It was the only way he could think of that he got safely back into the castle and his bed.

Quickly he opened the door to his chambers and ran down the hall to warn Arthur. He passed many people on the way but he just dodged around them or pushed them out of the way if they didn't move in time and there were more than one blocking his passage.

He was just about to pass a man and a woman when he heard his name called by a familiar voice. Sliding to a stop he turned to see the culprits of the rumor.

The ex-handmaiden and knight shared a confused look when the man just glared at them at their greeting of god morning.

"I can't believe you would do that to Arthur, I'm really disappointed in you Gwen." Gwaine chastised.

"I told you it'd get back to him somehow." Gwen whispered so only Lancelot could hear. "What tale have you been told?" She addressed the other knight warily to hear what was being spread around.

"How you've been cheating on Arthur for months with Lancelot. Now your pregnant with his child, but you're going to let Arthur believe it's his until the boy's named crown prince, and…"

"Stop!" Gwen couldn't stand to hear another word. She knew where the tale was heading and it was nowhere good. "I knew this would happen. Not even a day has passed and I'm already pregnant. This rumor is turning into a monster." She sighed in dread.

"Well are you?" Gwaine inquired curiously.

"No! Of course not, I would ever have a child out of wed lock." Gwen declared indignantly.

"You mean you aren't leaving Arthur for Lancelot here?" Gwaine asked pointing to the man.

Gwen shared a sheepish look with Lancelot who was blushing. "That part is kinda true. It isn't what it seems though." Rushing the last part to get her point across.

"Then tell me what's really going on then." Gwaine waved his arms in the air in confusion.

"The rumor started when someone over heard me talking to Lancelot about breaking up with Arthur and has become more broken it seems each time it passed from one mouth to another." Gwen winced thinking about all the different versions that must be already floating out among the people, more versions being created by the minute. "I've realized that Arthur and I haven't been acting like a couple for months and I couldn't let this farce go on any longer. So yesterday I rushed to tell him before this rumor reached his ears from you before I could tell him."

"Why from me? It could reach him eventually from anyone." Gwaine didn't like how she making him at fault for her wrong.

"It's traveling through the servants, so nobility never hear any of it because they basically consider them invisible even if they are standing right in front of them. The only way the prince would hear is if someone of a lower standing or some one who associates with them would tell him."

The warning bell began to ring. Disturbing them before their conversation could get anymore ugly.

"What do you think that's about?" Gwen asked.

"I don't know but I intend to find out." Gwaine said before speed walking to the stairs.

Lancelot and Gwen shrugged before following.

…

Arthur had just been leaving his chambers when he could hear the ringing echoing through the stone halls. Ducking back inside to grab his sword. He dashed down the stairs to find out what was going on. When he reached the lower floors captains could be heard yelling.

The guards and knights were being instructed to assemble at the castle walls and all the citizens were being told to stay indoors. A sorcerer was attacking. Following the crowd, Apparently none of the people seemed to have listened to the safety measure because when he reached outside the courtyard was filled to the brim with more than just Guards and knights.

Arthur pushed through the crowds as he tried to make his way closer for a better view. A man could be spotted situated on top of the Gatehouse. He was an old man with a long white beard wearing a long robe in dark purple carrying a staff, "People of Camelot, surrender to my power!" Pointing staff at a near by tower. The head of the staff started to glow as he mumbled what sounded like gibberish.

Before the spell could be completed though the courtyard was darkened by a large shadow and a large claw came out of nowhere, spiriting the old man way.

People started yelling in fright of the beasts return from the dead. The knights prepared to fight the dragon but it did not turn back to attack like it had done years ago.

"That was anti-climatic.' Arthur thought to himself. He stumbled when he heard a voice speaking in his head. Luckily everyone was to busy looking at the dragon to notice their prince's folly.

"There is only more of this to come. I may not be so forth coming to help next time if you do not do as I insisted."

Arthur nodded to himself in acceptance.

Shooting a look at the balcony he could see his father and he didn't look to be in a good mood judging by how he stomped back inside. He knew what he needed to do. Spinning on his heel he turned around to re-enter the castle.

"Where are you going?"

He heard the dragon ask in the back of his mind. 'There's no point in rescuing Merlin if he isn't welcome back by all. Especially my father.' Arthur thought in the dragon's direction not knowing if he was heard or not.

He'd already decided that he needed to rescue Merlin. He didn't know how exactly to accomplish this but he'd figure it out. Camelot would last long without it's protector, he wouldn't last long without his friend.

…

Kilgharrah's small smile was the only indication that he'd heard the prince's thought but no one was able to see it.

He knew this wasn't the last time his presence was going to be needed until the warlock returned to his rightful place so he knew he'd have to stay close by. Knowing of a cave near by he turned in that direction. On the way he swung by the lake of Avalon and dropped the sorcerer in the cold water hoping this experience would deter him from further attacks.

...

The guards opened the door for the prince as soon as he was spotted. Knowing how much the king wanted to speak to his son about resent events. Arthur stomped passed them and moved towards where he could see his father at his desk.

The king looked up at the sound of the door opening. "Finally, I've been waiting all morning for you." He exclaimed as he threw his documents down in frustration that he had been looking over. "You have been slacking in your duties. I gave you a day off, to morn your servant, but I have been informed that you took yesterday off too." Uther berated.

Arthur stopped in his tracks surprised. "That's still what you want to talk to me about?" He asked incredulous.

"Yes." The king answered monosyllable.

"Weren't you just watching the same thing I was?" Arthur pointed out the balcony. "You can't just ignore this situation. All the magical community has been informed that we are now practically defenseless against their attacks. That sorcerer attacked us…" He was cut off.

"Yes, and a dragon came to our rescue!" Uther growled. Leaning forward and resting his weight on his hands to create an imposing figure.

"Kilgharrah did and we might not be so lucky next time. What if the next sorcerer sneaks pass his notice and murders one of us in our sleep." Arthur admitted

"You're calling that thing by name now! You've been associating with it. That boy was a worse influence on you than I thought." Uther stated.

"With Merlin gone we're defenseless. We need our own magical protector. I'm suggesting that we rescue Merlin since he was doing so well a job before." Arthur tried to subtlety reason with his father and pointed him in the right direction.

"I have not spent the last 20 years getting rid of magic to just welcome it back with open arms!" Uther snapped.

King and prince glared across the table separating them, father and son locked in disagreement of opinion once again. Ever since Arthur had been old enough to talk he'd been butting heads with his father. He used to give in because he desired his approval but no more. He wasn't a little boy anymore and he needed to have his own opinions.

"This attack today isn't going to be the last. We need Merlin's protection from magical attacks. A sword is no use against a lightning bolt. Think on that." Arthur left without being dismissed.

…

Merlin had been working for hours trying to change the symbols.

The book he found had been very informative. It had been awkward though to try and chisel the new symbols over the old with just a pin for a riding cloak. It was the best he could do though with such limited materials available in his room. He tried to keep his hand steady, as he looked at his reflection in the mirror and move in the opposite direction he was observing.

To test if he was successful he tried to do one of the littlest spells he knew. He'd blown out on of the candles and placed it in front of him. Putting all of his concentration into it he said the spell that used to so easily light a wick before. The heat behind his eyes sparked and then fluttered out into nothing. Blocked by an invisible wall in his mind.

The warlock huffed and looked at his notes again. He looked at his mirror image and tried to decipher the old religion symbols that were backwards in the reflection. It was harder than he thought to use the mirror to see if he was doing it right.

He threw the book over his shoulder he got so frustrated at his repeated failure. Deciding to take a nap. Storming from the library to his bedroom. Flopping on top of the covers in exhaustion.

Merlin had been successful in avoiding thinking about his ex-master in his waking mind but his subconscious was a completely different matter. He had no control over what he dreamed of. This night he dreamed he was doing the chores Arthur usually set for him.

He counted it as a good dream instead of the nightmare he used to call it when his chores carried from his waking mind to his dreams. Merlin never thought he'd miss the chores so much but it was probably only because Arthur was the one to command him to do them.

No one was round to see the gold spark to life behind the warlock's eyelids.

…TBC