We meet a few old friends. Things are changing.

"I'm late. So, stay in the house. Don't show anyone your arm. Be safe, "Merlin yelled as he bolted out of their shabby little house. Gwen cleared the breakfast dishes. She wrapped her shawl tightly around her. A brisk wind howled through the night. It brought a drab gray lifeless morning. The day felt bleak without sunlight.

A free day for me. Hopefully, milady is well. I felt guilty over her worry. Igraine sent a maid yesterday to check on Gwen. Merlin told an outrageous lie. Bernadette fell for it. Then, again, her eyes follow Merlin during her visit. Goodness, I hope that I don't swoon over the King in such a silly manner. No, Arthur, not today. Keep busy. My thoughts won't drift to Arthur.

Camelot's knights performed drills under Lancelot, Leon, and Arthur's direction. Arthur treated Morgana with cold disdain over the last two days. Alone, Morgana stood watching; Arthur exclude her from the leaders. Angry festered in her beautiful body. Her resentment over Arthur boiled in her blood. Her father, Gorlois, wanted a son. Morgana had forsaken dolls, ribbons, and other silly matters to become a knight. Her swordsmanship was admirable. She had the ability to kill and plan attacks with her fellow knights. Arthur punished her without remorse. One little mistake. She made the mistake of touching his little trollop.

"Morgana," Lancelot began softly," would you care to spar with me?"

Morgana smiled. "Are you ready to lose?"

"You same that every time. I always win."

Lancelot and Morgana moved to the center of the courtyard. Strands of dark hair hung around Morgana's face. Her sword gleamed. Lancelot arched an eyebrow. "Same stance as always, milady?" His muscular arm swung his sharp sword in the cold air. Lancelot crouched as Morgana move forward with her attack. Leon assessed Morgana's moves with a critical eye. Arthur stood with his arms folded. Lancelot jumped as Morgana attempted to deliver a blow to his legs. Morgana backed away quickly.

Morgana's chest heaved as Lancelot swung his sword. Their swords clanged. "Morgana, wait," Lancelot called. He spotted a small strip of ice. "I won't fall for a trick, Lancelot." Morgana lunged towards him. Her boots skidded as she lost her balance. Morgana hurled towards Lancelot. The ground was hard against Lancelot's back. He moaned softly. Morgana removed Lancelot's helmet. Remorse filled her eyes.

"Lancelot," Morgan whispered softly. Lancelot shook his head to regain his awareness. "Morgana, if you wanted me on my back, all you had to do was ask." Morgana gritted her teeth. She wriggled away from Lancelot. She stalked towards the castle. Her green eyes threw one last look at Lancelot. He laid laughing with Leon on the ground. "Morgana," Arthur called. "A word, please."

Morgana shuffled towards Arthur. His blue eyes were cold. "Good battle. Next time check your surroundings, before you plan your attack." Morgana nodded. "Morgana, I'm not angry over what happened to Guinevere. Your lie was troublesome. Don't ever lie to me again."

Morgana stood in shock. Arthur spends so much of his time, plotting, planning, teasing Gwen, and he doesn't care that I burnt her arm? A pity for Gwen formed in Morgana's hard heart. Gwen was just another prawn in a game controlled by men. Too bad, Gwen never learned to guard herself, from everyone. "Arthur, I won't lie to you gain. I am sorry."

"Just remember, I'm king. I want honesty."

"I won't forget again." Morgana walked toward the castle. Her servant trailed behind her.

"Leon, old man, my back is killing me," Lancelot muttered. Lancelot rolled on his side. Leon leaned over Lancelot; he slipped a strong arm under his body as he placed Lancelot on his feet. "So, my friend, off to see Aredian. I fear that his touch will not be kind. His fingers look sharp." Lancelot laughed. "Ouch, no jokes, Leon."

Arthur watched Lancelot and Leon departed the training field. Quickly, he dismissed the lower knights. Arthur eyes moved towards town. I wonder if Gwen's awake. His feet moved towards the path that led towards Gwen's house. Camelot's lower town was empty. Children were in school. Outdoor markets closed. Arthur noticed several buildings were worn. Homes were missing shingles. Many didn't have window coverings. Arthur stood in front of Gwen's home for a few moments. Her house was tiny. Bright yellow drapes hung in the windows. Her porch wasn't missing any wooden slacks. Her roof was intact. A dark smoke left her chimney.

Arthur rapped on her solid wood door. "I'm not well. Please return another day." Arthur heard Gwen move away from the door. Annoyed, he knocked again. "Please return later today. Merlin will speak with you."

Speak with Merlin! I rather talk with the palace dogs. "Guinevere, open the door for your sovereign."

Gwen eyes flicked around in panic. "Just a moment, sire." Gwen grabbed her sewing. She shoved it into her wardrobe. Merlin was smart to rewrapped her arm. Gwen opened the door with a beaming smile. "Sire, are you lost?"

Arthur pushed into Gwen's living room. Gwen shook her head in shock. Arthur sat at her table. Gwen peered outside. She noticed that everyone was at the castle.

Arthur looked around Gwen's house. It was very tiny. However, it was cozy and clean. Gwen's clean pots hung from the ceiling. A white table cloth covered the ratty table. An old gray rug hid her rough floor. A bright fire burned in the corner. He noticed a sheet separating the back of the house. Merlin's room. Arthur's blue eyes noticed a bed with a purple covering.

Gwen fidgeted as Arthur sat staring at her house. "Is your mother fine, milord?"

Arthur smiled. "She's fine, Gwen. Do you have any water?"

"You walked to my house for water?"

"No, I want to see you. Can I please a have glass water?" Gwen rolled her eyes.

Alright, Arthur can have one cup of water. Then, he has got to go. Gwen placed a smooth wooden tumbler in front of Arthur. He drank quickly. "Thank you, Gwen."

Arthur noticed Gwen was rather jumpy. Maybe, she nervous. She has nowhere to hide. Merlin is with Aredian. My mother isn't around to call her away. Actually, no one was around.

"How's your arm?"

"Getting better, sire. Arthur noticed a budge on her left arm. Arthur nodded slowly. "I will return on Monday."

"Gwen, you're house is quaint."

"Thank you, sire. I'm very fortunate. Other are not so lucky."

"I noticed that the town needs repairs. Why doesn't anyone fix their homes and businesses?"

Gwen gave Arthur a hard look. She crossed her arms. "Maybe, our taxes are too high, sire."

Arthur shrugged. "Maybe, money is wasted."

Gwen felt her anger growing. "Do you know anything about your people, sire? Sovereign of Camelot."

"Yes, I know Camelot, "Arthur spat towards Gwen.

"Well, so you agree with the high rate of taxes applied to the servants?"

"Everyone pays the same tax."

Gwen shook her head. "No, Sire, servants given 70 percent of their wages to Camelot. Nobles pay twenty percent."

Arthur sat in disbelief. He wanted to argue with Gwen. He deep in his heart that she spoke the truth. An awful truth. "Why?"

"Your father felt servants should pay for the wars."

Arthur brushed his hands across his handsome face. "I have much to do in Camelot."

"Yes, sire. Maybe, you should leave. Get started on your council meetings."

Arthur leaned back in his chair. His eyes roamed over Gwen. Her deep chocolate eyes were wide with fear. Her curls hung down her back. So, she doesn't tie back her hair at home. A few faint freckles dusted her face. Her modest dress hugged her ample breasts. Her fingers moved slightly. She was tiny. I must tower over Gwen.

"Sire." Gwen knew that look in Arthur's sapphire eyes. His blonde hair was tousled. His high cheek bones flushed with color. A smiled curved on his pink lips. Gwen looked at her door.

Arthur has to leave. He can't be here. Not with the trunk in Merlin's room. My healed arm.

"Sire, I'm tired. I think I should take a small nap."

Arthur nodded his head. "Naps are good." Arthur dropped his black leather gloves. He placed his sword on the table. Gwen took a step back.

"Sire, you really shouldn't be here. It's not right."

"Gwen, you live with Merlin."

"That's different."

Arthur ran a finger down Gwen's jaw. His touch felt hot. "How is it different, Gwen?"

Gwen focused on his chainmail. Don't raise your eyes. Focus, Gwen. Fine hair on Gwen's neck stiffen. "Merlin is a friend. I've known him my entire life."

Arthur traced circles on Gwen's cheek. "So, we aren't friends."

"No, sire."

"What are we?"

"I'm your mother's maid."

"No, sweet Gwen, what are you to me?"

"Nothing."

Her response bothered Arthur. She was more than nothing to him. Arthur's sensual mouth opened slightly.

"We could be lovers."

"No."

"Why, not?"

"It would hurt your mother."

"She doesn't need to know."

"I don't have any feelings toward you, sire. I respect you as my King."

Arthur arched an eyebrow. Her denials were irritating. Okay, let's play, Gwen. Arthur 's arms circled Gwen's waist. Gently, he placed Gwen on the table. He stood in front of her. His hands rested on the table.

Gwen scooted back. She knew was trapped in her own home. Arthur was too close.

"How about a test of your attraction, Gwen? Do you know what attraction is?"

Gwen nodded with wide eyes.

"I'm not sure that you do. Attraction keeps you awake at night. Attraction draws you to a person. It makes your body hot. Your heart races. You think of ways to see the object of your desire."

"Never felt that before, sire.'

Arthur smiled. "So, a kiss won't affect you?"

"No," Gwen denied.

Arthur's mouth closed on Gwen's as she attempted deny her feelings. His lips pressed hard as his tongue caressed hers. Arthur's large hand cradled Gwen's head. Gwen's heart jumped. Her eyes closed. Arthur pressed a small kiss against her mouth as he withdrew.

" Don't utter a single word. I'm not in the mood for a lie or denial. Gwen, your heart is racing. Your cheeks are flushed. Eyes tightly closed. That's attraction. Passion. Between us, you want me, just like I want you. I'm tired of waiting. I waited until you turned 18 to pursue you. Nothing. I waited five years for a kiss. Still, nothing."

"Arth-"

" I'm going to leave you, alone. I won't speak to you. Don't speak to me. Don't come near the council room. Don't wait on the steps for Merlin. Until, you are ready, to acknowledge what lies between us, I don't want to see. When you are ready to be my lover, you know where to find me," Arthur spat between ragged breaths.

Arthur grabbed his helmet, gloves, and sword. He gave Gwen on last look as he stormed from her home. The tiny frame of her house rattled as the door banged shut. Gwen sat on her table. Her chest heaved. She placed her fingers to her lips. They felt swollen and hot. I just need to resist. Summer is almost here.

Arthur pulled on his gloves. Guilt needled him. He was too harsh on Gwen. No, I wasn't. Five years. I've longed her for five years. I waited for five years. Arthur dropped his sword. Arthur's right hand reached for his sword. Puzzlement filled his mind. Didn't Gwen burn her right arm? Why was the bandage on her left arm. That's strange. Maybe, I'm confused. Need to clear my mind.

Merlin wrapped cloth around Lancelot's chest. As Leon giggled, "I can't believe she broke your ribs." Lancelot flinched as Merlin pulled the cloth tighter. "She fell on me," Lancelot spat at Leon. His voice full of disgust. Merlin said nothing . He listened to the exchange. Get rid of the knights. Send them to their chambers. Merlin was only happy away from Arthur's knights.

"Merlin, how is Gwen?, "León asked.

"She's well, milord. She should return to the Queen on Monday."

Merlin helped Lancelot into his tunic. "Now, Lancelot, you aren't to engage in combat or other endeavors. Aredian will release you from his care."

Lancelot snorted. Merlin gave him a stern look. Merlin noticed Lancelot had chocolate eyes like Gwen.

"Merlin, would you like a kiss?"

"No", Merlin shouted. "Just your eyes. They remind me of Gwen's. Except yours aren't soft, funny or sweet."

Leon leaned back in his chair. Lancelot gave a faint smile. "Merlin, brown eyes are not uncommon. Besides, if Gwen's eyes are sweet, soft, and funny. Why haven't you married her?"

Merlin's jaw dropped. " Well, Arthur would hang me. I would marry Gwen. She's the best girl in the world. She's knows everything about me. I kissed her when we were 14. Nothing. I rather kiss you. She's like my sister."

Lancelot laughed and clutched his ribs in pain. "You're' not my type. Nice cheekbones, though. Maybe, Leon could help you out." Leon growled at Lancelot.

"Merlin, keep her away from Arthur. "

"I try. Tell Arthur to find a new girl."

Lancelot sighed. "I gave him some advice. I told him to ignore Gwen. Hopefully, his indifference will end Gwen's crush."

Merlin waved his hands. "Crush? I fear it's more than a crush. A crush doesn't last five years. Gwen toyed with him for five years. Arthur flirted, cajoled, and complimented Gwen for five years. This isn't a crush. It's dangerous."

"Arthur has not forced Gwen to his bed. He won't hurt her. Honestly, I think Arthur has feelings for her. He's been with lots of women," Leon reasoned.

"She's been with no one."

Lancelot winced. "Arthur does have an unfair advantage over Gwen."

"Gwen is different. She refused him. It needs to end one way or another. Before, it rages out of control"

Lancelot and Leon sat in silently agreement with Merlin. Arthur and Gwen was not a good pairing in their minds.

Geoffrey legs shook under his robe. He hated the Council room. Nothing good ever happened in the Council room. Arthur stared at him with indifference. A ray of late sunlight gleamed on Arthur's golden hair. Arthur reminded Geoffrey of a mountain lion. He saw one once. He never wanted to see another. A golden beast sat on a green cliff, watching horses, people, and carriages ride by on a dirt road. Many traveled that country road. The lion pounced on a carriage ahead of Geoffrey's. He lost his stomach that day. The lion waited for its prey. Just like Arthur waits to strike. Unlike, Uther would torment you and move on. He's son was smarter and reflective. Arthur chose his moments to pounce.

"Geoffrey, send Camelot's draftsmen to town. Make a list of all necessary repairs and upgrades need on the buildings. Then, create a tax for the Nobles. They will pay to refurbish the town," Arthur stated.

"Sire."

"Yes."

"The nobles might revolt."

"I'm not done. Servants will have 30% of their wages taxed. Nobles will have their tax increased to 40%."

"Sire, they will revolt."

"If they complain, inform the Nobles that every knight will accompany me to face Alined. The servants will outnumber them. I'm the results would be brutal."

"Yes, sire," Geoffrey muttered weakly.

"Geoffrey?"

" Are there anymore unjust laws for servants?"

Geoffrey thought for a moment. "I can think of two, sire."

"What are they?

"Servants have to wait for physician's services, even if they are deathly ill."

"Repeal it. The other?"

Geoffrey shifted on his feet. Arthur benefited from this particular law. Geoffrey blushed. His eyes lowered.

"Geoffrey, I'm waiting."

"Sire, a servant woman is not allowed to refuse a nobleman's advances."

Arthur smiled. So, even, Geoffrey thinks that I'm a fool for chasing Gwen. Yes, he's right. I wasted far too much time on Guinevere.

"Repeal the law. Servant must give their consent for romantic relationships."

Geoffrey's eyes grew wide. "As you wish, sire. Would you like an exception for the king."

"No, I want willing participants in my bed, Geoffrey."

Geoffrey paled. He felt a deep sympathy for Gwen. Arthur sat on his perch waiting to pounce on her.

Gwen laughed as her pots flew around the kitchen. Merlin could make them fly, stop, and dance with a few magical words. Gwen noticed Merlin's blue eyes burnt bright amber during his spells.

"Merlin, what is this called."

" A movement spell. I can move objects. Can't wait for spring. We can go into the woods. I can practice all night."

Merlin flicked his hand. Gwen's pots hopped into their spots. Gwen sipped a hot cup of tea.

"Arthur came here today, Merlin. He said he's frustrated. He's going to leave me alone."

Merlin sat down. He placed his hand over Gwen's. Merlin twisted his lips . "Gwen. Do you want him to leave you alone?" Gwen's shoulders moved. Her fingers twitched.

"I don't know, Merlin. Part of me, wants him to stay away. Another part, craves to be near him. Just giving in could end this."

Merlin shrugged. "You're right, Gwen. Sometimes, I've lost interest in girls. Especially, after, they give in."

"Bernadette?"

"I might be the village idiot. I'm still a man. She moved on to Leon's squire. She said I wasn't very thoughtful. Spent too much time with you. Blah, Blah, Blah."

"See, you moved on."

"Gwen, if you want to give yourself to Arthur, do it.

Gwen pressed her hands into her eyes. Her small fingers wiped away tears. "I don't want to be my mother, Merlin."

"What?"

"My mother was a noble's mistress. She didn't have a choice. Sometimes, I would come home. The door was locked. My legs would carry me to Queen's Igraine's chamber. I spent hours crying in her arms. Her kind words soothed me. Or I would run to Leon's apartment. He would play games with me. My mother would cry for hours. My father blamed her. Sometimes, I thought father hated my mother. At times, we were happy as a family. We're always happy when the knights were away. Then, one day, the door wasn't locked ,any longer. Father was caring and loving towards my mother. Life was good."

"So, the noble lost interested in your mother."

"I suppose so."

"So, if it makes you life easier. Become Arthur's lover. Get rid of this before you marry."

"Merlin, you make no sense!," Gwen yelled. Her brown eyes wide in surprise.

"Well, we might return to Camelot, one day. Arthur will have you, now. Arthur's desire would be met. You might return with a husband. Do you really want to commit adultery with Arthur? What if Arthur is married. Do you want your children to come home to a lock door?"

Gwen shook her head. "Maybe, we won't return to Camelot."

"We aren't that Lucky, Gwen."

"Just rest on it, Gwen."

Merlin smiled. "I'm off to read and study."

"Yes, something that you never did in childhood."

Lancelot struggled to find a comfortable spot on his chaise. His ribs ached. His head hurt. He was angry at Morgana. Her smug red mouth smiled at his look of pain. She actually claimed victory during supper with Arthur and Igraine. Her bewitching green eyes laughed at him during dinner. When, he was better, Morgana would feel his revenge.

His chamber door opened. Morgana entered his apartment holding a wooden box. Lancelot scowled in her direction. Lancelot turned his handsome face away.

"Now, Lancelot," Morgana laughed. "Poor sport?"

"You fell on me."

Morgana walked towards his table. "How about a game? You like those." Lancelot shrugged . He swallowed a gasp of pain.

"Afraid, I'll beat you, again?"

"You jumped on me."Lancelot yelled. He limped towards the table.

Avalon

Kilgharrah's brown eyes popped open. He felt a deep new magical presence in his mind. He could hear words from a boy.. A powerful sorcerer discovered his magic over the last few days. Kilgharrah could sense Merlin's uncertainty over his future. Kilgharrah stared at Avalon's blue sky. He batted away a few annoying butterflies. His scaly feet crushed blue roses as he walked to a cliff. Century old trees lined flowing rivers. The air was filled with the smell of blossoms. Enchantresses collected nectar and ambrosia. Kilgharrah stretched his broad wings.

He rubbed his left eye with his foot. "I will meet you in the spring, Merlin. My slumber isn't over. I will need my strength. So, will you. Practice, well, little warlock."

Balinor waited quietly. People drank in the noisy inn. The innkeeper watched Balinor closely. He didn't like strangers. Balinor watched the inhabitants of the dark inn. None were a threat to him. Balinor felt his presence behind him. "You're late," Balinor replied."

Will raised his eyebrows. "It's not every day, that I receive a summons from Balinor. I had to freshen up."

Balinor's eyes raked over Will's laughing face. He had faint lines around his smiling brown eyes. His brown hair held no gray. His body was muscular like a stone wall.

"My friend, I need a favor."

"Balinor needs a favor. That's unexpected."

"I need you to retrieve my son from Camelot. Bring the girl with you. He won't leave her."

Will shook his head. "No, my days living in Camelot are over. I served Uther Pendragon's madness for years. Until, I realized that he was insane."

Balinor gave Will a pleading glance. "Merlin's powers are no longer bound. He's a danger to himself. His magic is untutored. Hunith and Gaius must be dead."

"Uther will use the boy."

"Uther Pendragon died two years pass."

"Dead or not, I cannot regain what was lost to me. Camelot stole her from me."

"Matilda's death was hurtful. She was my sister. I loved her. Honor her memory. Find my son. He needs to prepare for the coming days. Odin will strike back at Camelot with the two remaining kings. The war will bring years of death and destruction. "

"You want to help the Pendragons," Will asked.

"Merlin's destiny is tied to Arthur Pendragon's. It cannot be changed. Merlin needs to be ready."

"For Matilda, I will leave in the spring."

Balinor nodded.