Chapter 11: Tell me where the good son lies?

Ealdor

Gwen and I are glued to the TV screen, shocked and baffled we listen to the news of yesterday's shooting intensely.

He was just a regular guy…and they shot him? Killed him…just like that? I wondered why? Perhaps he was somehow linked to our situation? Could it be?

But it couldn't have been.

I look on as a footage of the CIA agent, Kiki appears before me. Gwen places her hand on my shoulder, "Look at her….she knows him…." She points out.

Biting my lip, I shake my head, "Yes…perhaps he is a member of her team. She is very tough….to see her break like this…I guess, he meant a lot to her…."

Gwen is surprised, "You know her?"

I nod, "That's the agent, I told you about…the one that brought me in for questioning…"

"The one you called a heartless bitch?"

I nod once more, "...the same one that eventually helped me get to you." I look her in the eyes, and smile softly at her. She is a very beautiful woman indeed.

She smiles back at me, "Your eyes-"

"What about my eyes?" I interrupt her suddenly, "I do not handle criticism too well, Gwen."

She hits me lightly on the shoulder, "There are your finest features, silly."

"And my ears?" I ask, trying very hard to batter my eyelashes.

"Are you flirting with me?" she asks, squinting her eyes, if she was trying to threaten me, then that would have been considered an utter fail.

"You started with my eyes. Who is making the move here?" I say defensively.

She starts to hit me…real hard and I struggle to break free.

"Gwen! Stop it! Gwen you AHHHHHH-" I scream in agony, surprised that she would actually go so low as to bite me.

"You are such a drama queen, Merlin." Gwen exclaimed rolling her eyes. "And you taste like soap."

I pounce on her and we begin an innocent play fight. She is tiny and eludes every chance I get but the moment I catch her, I begin to tickle her relentlessly,

Gwen's laugh is infectious – I feel my heart skip a beat, she tried to push me away but I pull her close to me.

Her tiny frame rests in my firm grip, she is no longer struggling to break free. Instead as I look down, our eyes meet and slowly my lips manage to form a gentle smile.

The doors to the living room opened in haste.

Quickly we parted….as I glanced up, I notice him coming in. He was wearing a hooded jacket, not his usual style, for he was a man that adhered to the latest fashion, he took of the hood immediately. .

"Arthur!" Gwen quickly exclaimed the minute she recognized him, arms wide open she ran towards him,

he took her in, twirled her around, his expression – joyous.

"You made it!" he said, sounding very relieved,

I wondered to myself, whether he had spotted us earlier…nevertheless I opted to shrug it off.

he approached me, delight written on his face, "Good to see you, Merlin."

"Were you followed?" I suddenly grasp that however good it was to see him- that he made it all together in one piece…we were nevertheless still in danger

Subconsciously I look alert and glance behind my friend.

He rests his hand on my shoulder, squeezing it lightly as if to reassure me… Arthur had that look, the look he gave me when he firmly believed everything was under control.

My eyes are fixed, his eyes do not flutter, but I see he is convinced…convinced that no matter what would transpire, he would some how fix all of it.

I wished to say more to him, but his gaze turned to Gwen, walking away from me, he took her hand and lead her away from the room.

I heard him ask her, how she had been faring.

She giggled, like a little girl would do, when completely smitten by an innocent crush.

The door closed behind them…

I was left to myself….

Alone…..in the study.

Which on a normal day…I wouldn't have minded too much.

I tilted my head, wondering to myself…why on earth I was feeling a bit "meh"?

surely I had not developed some feelings for the girl?

Could it be?

I shrugged my shoulders, pushing back the thoughts of Gwen….we had other things to worry about.

The door burst open, and I looked up in full blown alert.

But my mind became at ease, upon noticing who had stormed in.

Lance Du Lac.

"Merlin!" My friend seemed genuinely happy to see me, he patted me on the shoulder, "You are safe!….I was worried when they brought you in for questioning."

I smirk, "Ah yes, it is something I wish not to experience again." I say rather absent mindedly.

"Still good to know you are out." Lance signaled me to come closer, his eyes scouting the room, as if weary that even though we were in my home, there was still a possibility that we were being watched, "They are looking for you." He suddenly whispers, "You and Arthur…no one knows about…Gwen."

I spot the raspy tone in his voice when he mentioned her name.

"He told her almost everything." I say indifferently.

"Everything?" he asked sounding very much in doubt.

I look at him, uncertain, how much did Lance know? Did he know about the order and it's ways? Did he know of the Pendragon legacy? Did he know what the hell he was getting into?

I was not too sure, if he knew, so covering my eyes, I tell him plainly, "Not everything….but enough to know that starting from now…her life too, is in much danger."

Lance shook his head, "She would have been safer…if she had just stayed behind…I went through great lengths covering her."

Lance began to pace around me, he did not like when things did not go according to his plans, but he should have known by now, when it came to Arthur…one had to expect the unexpected and anticipate the unanticipated.

"It is simple, Lance….he cares for her." I sigh out loud, "For only love makes us do stupid things." I say this finally before walking towards the exit.

"Merlin?" Lance calls me out, causing me to stop and turn towards him.

"What?"

He was facing the window, staring at the lawn where he noticed, Arthur and Gwen taking a stroll.

"Care….is a lot different." He finally says,

I walk back to him, my eyes fall on Arthur and Gwen, Arthur is twirling her around and

I can hear him laugh, it is an enlightening laugh….one that I haven't heard since the passing of his mother….or even since…Morgana's breakdown….

No- Arthur Pendragon, had forgotten to laugh….always surrounded by advisors and people who reminded him that he was destined to be the family rock…he was destined to continue the Pendragon dynasty….their fortune laid in his hands….ever since I had known him this was all and everything that had been programmed in his mind.

So seeing him laugh today, made my heart feel lighter, I was happy for him indeed…

"She does bring out the best in him…" I say, smiling at them.

Lance turned around, "Yes…..but I can't stop thinking…."

"Thinking about what?"

Lance smiled, "That I met her first Merlin…." He let out a chuckle, taking a deep breath he turned to face the door, "But you know what?"

"What?"

He didn't look back but continued to speak, "We'd do anything for him….even if our own happiness is on the line…" Turning to me, I saw the sadness in his eyes, "anything…"he repeated.

I thought for a bit, I was about to say more…that it was Arthur's destiny, but I held my tongue, "We can stop them from going any further, you know?" I pointed out. After all how many lovers have their friends to thank for- for an ill-fated ending?

But Lance shook his head, "He has never been this way…towards any woman."

I ponder on, "We have more escalating issues."

My older friend squeezes his forehead, I notice the dark circles under his eyes, he too has been tortured with sleepless nights.

Nodding his head, he almost sounds as if suppressing his tears, "There is a way of ending all this…" he spoke fast, and in a very low manner.

"You want to result in more blood shed?" I push on, curious to his reply….he didn't seem like the sort of person.

"Uther was…" Lance leaned closer to me, "Uther was murdered…that is sure…I paid a fortune stopping it from coming out…."

I shake my head vehemently, "Lance, the police…they have a true report."

"That'll be taken care off…we have to make it…" he stops to check his surroundings, "we have to make it disappear…"

I nod in agreement, "Arthur must know none of this!" I quietly warn.

Lance drew away from me instantly, he had a puzzled look to him, "He has to, Merlin!" he stated defiantly.

I shake my head, "It will kill him…a lot…a lot was hidden from them." I quietly tell my friend.

"You sound strange….you act like your soul purpose on this earth is to protect him from whatever harm…all I am saying is that the press cannot know the truth." He sighed, "I bribed some people here and there, made them swear to silence and all…"

Merlin shook his head, "As long as Morgana is not on our side….nothing well can go in our favor…."I quietly whisper.

"What nonsense!" Lance exclaimed, "What are you saying…"

I shake my head, so Arthur did not trust him enough to tell him about the order…the intricate details of the order…and the soul purpose of it.

"Uther was murdered by?" I ask, trying desperately to change the topic.

He shrugged his shoulders, "I wish I knew…"

I nod, "did you pay these gentlemen to stay still?" I ask further.

He smiles, "They can be trusted Merlin….we paid them generously to keep their mouths shut.."

I shrug my shoulders, "Not everyone can….there have been some murders…not relating to the Pendragon issue….but somehow I feel there might be a link."

Lance shook his head, he seemed convinced, "The boy had nothing to do with us…"referring to yesterday's incident at Camelot HQ.

"How sure are you Lance?" I softly ponder, playing with the little stubbles of beard that was becoming evident in me, it was time for a much sought after shave.

"very."

I nod, he turns and goes…and I opt to say more, "Lance?"

I hear him stop, my gaze remains fixed on the outskirts, "many years ago, we managed to breach into certain FBI files….remember? In a bid to hire you?" Lance
had some cases with the FBI, cases that would not please a major corporation such as Pendragon Corp.. A few strings pulled here and there, by of course Arthur's minion – yours truly – myself…..made his employment possible…

I could hear him swallow hard, he was contemplating on playing dumb with me…but he knew me well, and wisely opted to understand what I was talking about,"Yes….a favor only Arthur knew about…"he pointed out.

I shook my head, "I'm afraid Arthur had no idea of it…"

We are welcomed with more silence, I proceed, "He wanted you on board – no matter what cost- he didn't have to know everything…but we did what he asked for….shouldn't be hard to understand, having worked for him for almost 4 years…like you said…anything for him."

He smiled, "So you knew all this time?" Lance asked, biting his lower lip a habit he rarely displayed.

"Of course…I arranged it! I kept Arthur in the loop and when it was all good to go, I told Arthur….just tell him, that before you sign, he would have to swear never to bring this up." I clasp my hands, "Voila! It had been indeed a wonderful choice."

Lance however did not feel as ecstatic as I did, his shoulder's fell and shrugging he blatantly asked, "The files were erased?"

I shook my head, "Not at all, hidden, but only certain people could access them, people we had bribed years ago and people who are loyal to the big P…."

Lance nodded, "But….?"

I circle around him, "We get an alert when some hacker is able to breach into the files…let me advise you that it isn't just your files we have….we have files of plenty. Uncountable!"

"Your point, merlin?' He is growing impatient, perhaps a little betrayed….

"You files were breached…." I state plainly. "the same day of the murder…"

"Location?" he asks.

"Camelot Police station…" I say sounding ueberconfident.

"So the police is on my case?" he calmly asks….

I wave my finger at him, "Not quite so, Lance….thats the thing. The files were deleted."

Lance looked at me in shock…"How?" he suddenly asked.

I scratch my head, "No clue…."

Lance starts to chuckle, "Surely you don't think…I've gone rogue?"

I tilt my head, "have ya?"

He is surprised by my brashness, "You judge, Merlin…the Pendragons have been my family for years…I love each one of them – equally."

I stamp my foot on the ground, "But you cannot!"

My words echo across the hall.

Quietly I repeat myself, "You cannot…there is a split…Arthur's family. Morgana….she has done something."

He turns away, "I will have to speak to Morgana personally….before I can action anything.

Unbelievable- I think to myself. This man, may be powerful and may possess brilliant business acumen…but clearly – he was Pendragon's biggest puppet!

I clasp my hands together, it was now or never, it was time to tell Lance the truth about the order. Perhaps then will he understand the magnitude of what he is actually involved in.

"There is something I will have to show you….." I calmly say leading him out of the room, "Something that will help you understand this family a bit more…"

It was well known in the company, that to every suggestion (except those coming from Arthur or Uther) Lance had something to question.

This time, he did not…silently and almost solemnly, he followed me out of the study.

Camelot HQ

Kiki's CIA team retreated to their usual solace, the Magic room. This time, there was no suspect who had been brought in for questioning.

This time, Kiki stood in front of her team…speechless.

The Lance Du Lac files had all disappeared.

A few days ago there were in their hands, only a selected few had the access, but still…the files were there…

Now all of it seemed to have disappeared off the face of the earth and the one person they could track, can no longer be contacted – Jake Mordred Drew.

Kiki shook her head, the team surrounded her. Each of them waiting patiently for the next decision either Oliver or her would take.

The news she heard this morning was not pleasant.

"We are leaving Camelot." She announced.

The rest of the team stood transfixed.

Clearing her throat, she continued, "The case has been dropped."

"On the son as well?" Another asked.

Kiki nodded, glancing around the magic room, she knew they were not happy about it, "Morgana is alive and is not pressing any charges. We were instructed to drop the case. I cannot go against our HQ."

"And what they did to Mordred justifies it all?" Someone else quipped.

Kiki sighed heavily, "I do as I am told….you should do the same…besides…we do not know who is responsible for…Jake."

She kept her arms folded, "I am sorry guys…the case is off….Merlin is a free man and so is Arthur….we keep the files as usual…and we only open them…should shit hit the ceiling."

No one said anything further, "Ok, Oliver…" she pointed at two others, "You stay behind, the rest…you fly out of Camelot tomorrow morning, drinks at the hotel later tonight, Oliver will let us know…we four will stay behind and pack up…..Thank you…."

She waited patiently for the rest of the team to leave. Three of her best were still in the room. Three of her best.

Oliver lit himself a cigarette, "You got somethin' more to say, boss?"

"Of course I do!" she signaled for him to hand her a cigarette, "No one messes with one of our own and gets away with it."

"You think, Pendragon's had something to do with it?" One of the two team members asked.

She glanced at them, "one way or the other."

Oliver only smirked, "You think Mithian and Elyan will accomplish the task?" he sounded unconvinced.

She looked over at her two team members, although not equipped with years of experience, they were perfect. They could infiltrate the Pendragon fortess easily.

"They will do just well." She stated reassuringly.

"How you gonna get them in?" Oliver challenged.

"Merlin doesn't know them…that should be easy enough. We pull a few strings here and there…Elyan joins their security team and Mithian….she can become much
closer."

Kiki could sense that her plan was not convincing enough, but she had Kilgharrah backing her up…surely he wouldn't let her down.

"How will Mithian succeed?" Oliver challenged further.

Kiki smiled, "One of ours….will bring her in."

The room remained still, and Kiki smiled inwardly to herself, "You didn't think we wouldn't have someone on board that train already?" she laughed out loud, "Oliver! You amaze me sometimes."

Her partner shook his head, "Who…." He knew it wasn't Kilgharrah….who the hell was already on board?

Kiki shrugged her shoulders, "Only for you to find out…I will fill you in with the details later. " she turned to look at the other two members, "You guys need to get on with some study time….there are a lot of individuals involved, you need to know each and everyone inside and out."

"What about our insider?" Mithian asked.

"Soon…when the time is right, you will be briefed accordingly."

She clasped her hands, "Let's get moving shall we?"

They all walked out of the room, one by one. Only Oliver held her back, "You sure you know what you are doing?"

She looked him straight in the eyes, "I do….no one gets away with fooling us, Oliver. Merlin is laughing at us right now…but in the end, I'll fucking laugh last!"

Author's Note: Thank you for reading and reviewing. I am truly grateful, suggestions are more than welcome as usual i can feel my creativity waning :)