Hidden down the corridor, Gedren remained still, thankful Arthur went the other way to go to bed. So Merlin was still about; he'd have to do something about that. He knew for sure the young boy was a sorcerer, it was just a question of capturing him.
Thinking furiously, Gedren shifted through his repertoire, searching for something that would allow him to get past Gaius and get Merlin out without being found.
Then it came to him.
He crept out from his hiding place and silently opened the door, whispering words he'd heard a long time ago. Physically, nothing happened, but he was assured safe passage, as Gaius would sleep until the sun came up.
He strode right to Merlin's door and opened it. The bed was empty, but from the sound of the boy's breathing, he was sleeping on the floor.
Gedren slipped inside and left the door slightly ajar. Merlin lay on the left side of the bed, curled up on an old thick blanket.
So Merlin was the wolf he'd seen at supper. Gedren watched him sleep for a few moments, then muttered the spell he'd chosen for him.
"Kaew dnagniri apsid dnimr uoyesruc . . .espari."
Smirking, he turned and left. Now all he had to do was wait.
Gaius woke up as the sun peaked through the winter thick cloud cover. He'd not felt so tired on waking up in a long time.
He got out of bed and went about getting breakfast ready. When it came time to get Merlin up, he opened the door, only to find the room empty.
It was more than likely Merlin was with Arthur. Putting the strange instance of Merlin being early out of his mind, Gaius went about his daily routine.
Meanwhile, Merlin was waking up to find himself anywhere but his room.