Lancelot blocked his opponent's overhand strike and moved towards his right, dragging the wooden sword across the man's belly. Turning around he dodged the next man's thrust, grabbed his opponents sword and, and twisting around threw him into the dirt. He panted slightly while offering the recruit a hand, flashing a quick smile at Gwen.
Unable to focus, the Prat was torn between watching Lancelot train the knight potentials, and watching Lancelot flirt with Gwen during sword play. Merlin rolled his eyes.
"Glad we kept that one on the team, right Sire?"
"Mmm?" Arthur replied. "Oh indeed Merlin. After my masterfully forged document I might add."
"Morgana forged it Arthur, the first one…"
"Was your mistake and Monmouth made you look like an idiot."
"Clotpole." Merlin muttered.
The Prince faced him, clearly amused. "Merlin, out you go! To the practice field. Here, it's called a sword." He gave Merlin a mocking smile.
Merlin stepped out onto the grass, with Lancelot giving him a small smile. He heard Gwen chide Arthur quietly behind him.
"Well this is going to be great." Merlin said.
"Sorry Merlin. Duty calls." Lancelot smirked.
He parried maybe one blow, and landed on his back. He groaned at Arthur's laugh and the mocking of some of the younger knights. Lancelot offered him his hand.
"One day Merlin. He'll know what you do for him." The Knight reassured him.
A deep voice, unrecognizable to Merlin came from over his shoulder before he could respond. "This is how we spend our time now? Abusing servants instead of training knights?"
"Sir Kay?" Arthur responded, looking at the short haired knight. "It's good to see you."
"That one." Kay said, pointing at Lancelot. "Seems more than capable of continuing to render today's training. We have much to talk about my Prince."
"Of course Sir Kay." Arthur replied, clearly embarrassed that his childish play had been observed by one of his mentors. "To my chambers. Merlin, attend."
They walked back to the palace and Merlin kept the required distance away,but more out of fear then respect. Here was a man who had been with Uther for many years. The one the King referred to as on par with a Witch Finder. He only hoped Arthur and Leon were clear about Kay's loyalties. Merlin already had suspicions about the man. He clearly called Arthur 'prince' only for protocol's sake. The knight was fully in command and no one had moved to question his treatment of Arthur.
He wore simple traveling clothes but had a cape of Camelot red. His black hair was trimmed shorter then deemed fashionable and his aquiline nose spoke of Roman ancestry. He was clean shaven and well built for a man of his age.
"Arthur it's been four years. I wish we could have met on more suitable terms."
"You are aware of our current situation?"
"The guards briefed me on Lot's arrival. They still know how to treat a ranking knight. I despise that man; he has been nothing but trouble."
"And my father is thinking of calling banners in his name."
"Uther grown vicious again has he? It only seems right. Twenty years is a long time but I always knew he had it in him."
"And you approve Sir Kay?"
"Anything that makes Camelot stronger Arthur. We have grown weak since the Purge. Guarding our western borders, even without the threat from Essetir is tiring enough. I have to contend with witches, druids and all sorts of monster springing from the woods. I even fought a few Sidhe slaves near the Lake of Avalon."
"Really? My father must be right. Sorcery is all too rampant."
They had reached the courtyard and Merlin detected the odd tone of the conversation. Arthur's part was clearly forced. They entered the fortress.
"I will be glad to see your father again. With this new Purge and perhaps a coming war he will need me by his side."
"And I need you by mine. Truly, Kay."
"Yes, of course." The knight said with a smile. They didn't speak again until Arthur's chamber door was shut fully behind them.
"Well," The prince began by pouring wine. "If Caradoc was expecting something juicy he got an earful of lies."
"Caradoc?" Kay snorted. "He wouldn't spy on me. I respect the man, save his blind devotion to your father. He doesn't concern himself with local prattle regardless. I'm more concerned with the town gossip and the spies the lesser lords employ."
Merlin sighed. It had all been an act, the talk of the purge and fighting witchcraft. His stomach tightened again however, when he remembered what Uther had said about Kay.
"I suggest Arthur that we…" He stopped and motioned towards Merlin.
"Merlin, stop gawking and come over here." Arthur began. "Kay this is my servant Merlin. I trust him."
Merlin walked over to the knight. "Hi...I'm Merlin." He said stretching out his hand awkwardly before withdrawing it.
Kay stared into his eyes as if appraising him and Merlin felt the sudden urge to look down but held his gaze. This is it. I'm going to be found out. Merlin tried to calm himself. He could subdue both Kay and Arthur and make a run towards the north. But he would be abandoning Morgana and surely Kay would have time to see the King's ward. I'll have to take her with me. I'll have to tell her about my magic. Merlin began to sweat as the knight observed him.
There was no smile in Kay's face now, only a small grim line. "Merlin..." He began.
Kay suddenly stepped forward, a large smile on his face, and slapped his shoulder. "I trust you look after Arthur well."
Merlin smiled awkwardly and was quickly relieved. If Kay knew anything he would have told the prince. Or he might wait to tell Uther. Merlin felt chilled again "Well I guess..."
"I see you're confused." Kay began. "You didn't back down from my gaze which told me one of two things, either you are arrogant and out of place for a servant, or since you weren't reprimanded, Arthur trusts you."
"Which is what I said Kay."
"Words are not enough for me Arthur. I need to know what truly makes a man. On to other matters, this feast and all it entails does not bode well for our plans." Arthur and Merlin looked at him in distress. "Leon used an unbreakable code, only he and I have the ciphers. You received my message?"
Arthur moved to his desk and cheekily held up the page of apparently random letters and numbers that they had poured over two days prior. "I couldn't remember the cipher."
Kay shook his head and walked around the room to pour himself a glass of wine. Any other would have asked Merlin to serve it, save Leon.
"Truly Arthur you puzzle me. There is more than being a king then training knights. Your father has loyal friends, and so will you, but there will always be a time when a king must rely on his own intellect and judgment. You cannot simply be a warrior. If you are you will turn out like Lot, a warlord but nothing more."
Kay didn't wait for a response and began to pace around the room. "I have been fighting against your father in secret for years. I do not believe children should be put to death, nor those who practice healing magic." The Prince gave a slight disapproving cough. "Arthur, let me finish. During the purge the lines were clear. They were the enemy, and every bit as vicious as us. Now we go after remnants and fight an asymmetrical conflict. Uther has conquered the Old Religion. He should let the survivors be.
I dislike this notion of a new purge and I despise these crucifixions. I still have nightmares of the crosses that lined the roads from Camelot to Dorset's border fortress. In these past years I have let many who have magic pass from my fiefdoms. I cannot be party to any more slaughter. I am a knight Arthur and I will kill until my last breath but I will not hunt down the defenseless. In the six months after we crushed Nimueh's army at Glastonbury I hunted down the survivors and slaughtered them with Ector and Caradoc. I will never do that again."
Merlin was slightly stunned by Kay's revelation and conviction. He had thought that the first one of Uther's knights would have given his undying support to the king, but he had been wrong. Kay followed an ideal and when Uther ceased to be that, he no longer followed the man blindly.
"It is hard Kay." Arthur began as he sat his chair. "It is hard to see magic as a force for good. I never want to see innocents harmed, certainly not children, but I have seen the evil magic can do as well."
"You can say the same about government, the same about religion Arthur." Kay tapped his sword. "This blade can defend the young, the helpless the innocent. But it can also murder, rape, massacre. There are two sides to every power Arthur."
"Everything I have been taught Kay, since I was a child…"
"Your father's hate, though justified has blinded him to the mercy that every king must have."
"You don't understand Kay. Only a few months ago a sorceress convinced me that Uther had me conceived by an enchantment. I almost killed my own father."
Kay paled, but quickly recovered. Arthur did not notice, but Merlin was all too sure of what he saw. He knows. As does Gaius. How many people truly know? How far did Uther dabble with sorcery? He had never asked Nimueh before he killed her. Now he wished he had drained the High Priestess of information.
"Two sides of the sword Arthur. You should have not believed her, but what son wouldn't? Can you condemn the fate of a people based on the action of few?"
"No." Arthur spoke blandly. "And yet how can I convince my father? His brutality seems to be growing. This is not the man who raised me."
"Nor the man who led me when he was young. Your father always had a taste for blood, a trait he shared with Gorlois, but…your mother tempered him. I fear the long years without her have done a harm that cannot be undone fully."
"I cannot defy him openly Kay. I will not betray him to his face either, but I cannot lose my honor. I will not succumb to his blind hate and I will not see my people suffer."
Merlin hid his smile. Arthur seemed so small, so alone especially when next to a man of Kay's personality. Yet the dollop head was showing courage that Merlin longed to see surface and remain. Then he could start believing in Kilgharrah's prattling about destiny again.
"We will discuss details in the coming days Arthur, but I fear the potential prosecution of a war will throw our initial plans I made with Leon awry. Luckily with a conflict to wage Uther will be distracted and Ector and Caradoc have always had one track minds. Dangerous, but singularly focused."
Kay turned and faced Merlin. "Tell me Merlin. What is your opinion on magic? What do you think we should do?"
Merlin's heart beat faster. He had wanted to hear these words, but always from Arthur not one of Uther's knights. It was a start. At least the prat would hear his opinion and not interrupt or dismiss it for once. He had to tread carefully though. He couldn't afford to be overly sympathetic. Arthur would only call him a girl.
Uther paced in his secret torture chambers. Just above the cave that he never visited, the entrance obscured and opened only with the key and amulet in his possession. The door had been warded years ago by Vivienne and no magic could penetrate it save what he held in his hand, artifacts kept concealed in the deepest corner of the vaults. He opened the door taking his torch with him to survey the figure in chains. The animal he hadn't seen in fourteen years when the 10 year old Morgana and seven year old Arthur had found themselves here, cowering against the wall. He had chided himself for not locking the door earlier that week, than had smirked thinking that even in over twenty years that animal hadn't been able to get out of his chains even with an unlocked door and only two frightened children before him and freedom.
The man was huddled in the center of the room, his arms suspended by the wrists with chains that reached up to the ceiling. His hands were black and had ceased to live decades ago. He was hardly recognizable his hair grown long and white, his beard unkempt and reaching to his stomach. Decades of silence spent alone in darkness had driven him mad, incapable of speech and probably of thought. Uther had long ago lost all pleasure taunting the broken man. When someone began to lose their mind it was no longer fun to watch them suffer. You had broken them utterly and nothing else could be done. Now would be a simple goodbye, a time to start settling all his accounts. He no longer would leave things unfinished. Vengeance was to be swift and terrible not drawn out where it soon lost its entire flavor. Uther paced around the captive before coming in front of his face. Kneeling he placed his torch on the ground and looked into the dark blue eyes by yanking the prisoner's chin towards him.
"You know old friend." He said softly, almost like a lover. "There are few spells that I never regret casting. The one placed on you by Nimueh to prevent you from dying from hunger, thirst or disease is still my favorite."
The man looked up at him, a lost expression on his face, like a man who had drunk himself into a stupor.
"Caradoc, clean him up. Make him presentable and give him his old armor and robes."
The old knight nodded. "He was feared in his time Uther, so much that none believed you would defeat him. How many even joined us? Two dozen perhaps? He still is whispered about in other kingdoms, still the old kings cringe and their sons and the younger kings are filled with shame at what he made their father's do. His final death will once again show all of Albion who the strongest among them is."
Uther stood up quickly with a smile and made his way to the door. "I would be lying to say that on occasion he has not haunted my dreams in the past. Where I found mighty warriors such as you to defy him, I shall never know, but am eternally grateful."
Turning back he spoke to the prisoner. "Don't worry; you are going to meet another old friend before your death. Goodbye Vortigern."
Morgana paced her chambers trying to control herself. The gall of Lot! A king only in name and a barbarian foremost. Lot had presented himself in the hallway maybe half an hour before. It started innocently enough with him kissing her hand, but soon his charm turned twisted as he began to compare her to the mother she never knew, talked about how he had stolen kisses from Vivienne when they were younger. All the time Lot and been walking her slowly back into a pillar and began stroking her arm, gazing at her lips and quite obviously at her breasts. She knew she was beautiful and Gwen never ceased to impress her mistress by honing her appearance but now corned by the wild warlord she wished she was dressed as a nun.
"It would be a great honor if I could escort you to the feast My Lady." His left hand began to tangle with her hair as he brushed her left side with his other calloused hand. She was vaguely away that the only man who had been this close to her had been a fourteen year old Arthur.
Before she had time to react a servant bumped around the corner spilling water over her and Lot.
"You idiot boy!" Lot yelled when he backhanded Merlin.
"Don't touch him!" Morgana said defensively but too forcibly.
"No it's quite alright my Lady, sorry my Lord." Merlin said eyes lowered as he began to scurry away.
"Sorry? That's what a damn idiot like you has to say? You're sorry?" He grabbed Merlin by the red scarf around his neck.
"Enough!" Morgana said. "He has a place in this house and will not be spoken to like that."
Lot turned on her quickly, his eyes getting dark. "That's enough, My Lord." He said and roughly grabbed her right arm.
"I am Uther Pendragon's ward!" She said, for once grateful for this protection. "Who are you to take liberties with my person?" She backhanded him and Lot grabbed his cheek with a slight smile.
His arm was released and the predator Lot was gone, charm had replaced his features. "I am truly sorry My Lady, I let that accident bring out the worst in me. Now let us put the past behind us mmm? Will you do me the honor of letting me escort you to the feast."
"I feel sick my Lord and I must change. I regret I will be missing your feast. Please forgive me." She said, motioning to her wet dress. Lot surprisingly had the decency to not spare one last look at her wet breasts and waist before bending to kiss her hand.
"Another time then, My Lady" He kissed her knuckles.
"My Lord." She bowed, swallowing her pride, and rushed back to her chambers.
She continued to pace. Poor Merlin. I'll need to make it up to him. He has been struck twice in the past two months on my account. He also had the courage to bury Reah, and all she had done was insult him in her rage. She couldn't understand his sympathies to Arthur but he had proven yet again today that he would be there for her, even in the face of a king.
Morgana couldn't believe that Lot, a total barbarian claimed to call himself a king. What Uther saw in him was beyond her. She had only heard rumors and Arthur as yet did not answer any of her questions as to Lot's exact perhaps here besides asylum. Damn the Pendragon. Probably has something to do with magic.
Her thoughts were interrupted by Gwen's voice as she opened the chamber's door to a knock. "Sir Kay? My it's been some time. Y…Yes she's here do come in."
Morgana turned to face a smiling Kay. She hadn't seen him since she was sixteen.
"My Lady Morgana." Kay began with a bow. "I had hoped to see you several years ago. I was surprised when you didn't come with Arthur to visit up north. You have grown into a beautiful woman."
Morgana quickly blushed, embarrassed. She had a crush on Kay when she was young and foolish and had longed for someone like that to say that to her. Someone who wasn't a smitten knight and a teenaged Arthur didn't count. But he was more like an uncle to her now and Arthur's mentor, but his admission still had an effect.
"You're very kind Sir." She replied.
"It is indeed the truth Morgana." He came forward and put his hands on her shoulders. "You're father would be very proud of you." Kay said somberly.
Morgana pulled back a little, her features clouding over. "I still miss him. I wish things could have been different." She didn't want their conversation to turn into this but Kay had been one of the few people who had talked openly about Gorlois to her.
"We all miss him. He was a great friend. He was my Duke. But Uther has taken care of you all these years, and..." He cut off when he saw her expression darken.
"Morgana, what is it?" Kay was not a passive individual. His voice was commanding, the one a commander gives his soldiers.
She didn't answer but turned around, starting to shake with anger. Why did everyone always assume Uther loved and cared for her?
"Morgana, you will tell me." Kay was forceful but kind in his tone.
Morgana turned around, almost seething. "He doesn't care for me. Precious Uther dotes on his son, ignores my opinions, and when I alone of his court question his morality or a decision he makes he has the gall to strike me! His own ward!"
"Morgana..." Kay said skeptically, but his own face twisted in anger.
"No let me finish! He treats me like an animal. He has put me in chains before, tries to force me into a role. He murders children thinks that those who..." She huffed and broke herself off, slightly scared at her own outburst. She needed to get her emotions under control. She couldn't risk her magic revealing itself. She had no idea what Kay's own attitudes towards magic were. Not that it mattered. He was a Knight. They were all Uther's.
"He hit you? Put you in chains?" Kay's voice rose a bit and Morgana jumped slightly. She had seen him angry once and it was worse than Uther.
"Yes Kay."
Kay moved forward and gently wrapped Morgana in a hug. "We all knew he had a temper, but to strike you, throw you in the dungeons...Morgana you truly have been defying him haven't you?"
"Is that such a crime? To do what is right in the face of a tyrant?" She tried to pull away.
"No. It's not." Kay held her face and looked into her eyes. His mouth went into a small line and then was replaced with a sad smile. "There is much I want to talk to you about. Much more Morgana. Know this that I am here to help you as much as Arthur."
She smiled briefly until he mentioned the Prince. "Morgana, what's between you and Arthur."
"Please Kay, I don't want to talk about Pendragons now."
Kay released her from his embrace. "Of course Morgana, I'm sorry to have brought this up. I am sorry for what happened to you. I will speak to Uther."
"Kay, don't. You will only make him angry." Morgana began. The last thing she needed was a feud with her caught in the middle. Besides it hurt her pride. "I can fight my own battles."
Kay turned around, his expression hardened. "I will speak to Uther."
Morgana resigned herself. She wouldn't get angry, not at the man she now considered an uncle. She needed friends now who could understand. Kay might not understand magic but he understood her. He had known her since she was born. She had more memories of Kay than her own father. She was slightly furious however. Men always thought they had to stand up to her. She could stand up for herself. Gorlois had taught her that. She could still remember her father's wild green eyes. So like my own eyes.
"I will see you at the feast Morgana."
"Of course. It was good to see you again Kay." She spoke again when the knight reached the door that Gwen started to open.
"Kay? Could you do me a small favor?"
"Of course my Lady."
"Merlin how can you trip over a cape?"
"So sorry it's just difficult putting it on with your mess here."
"You were supposed to clean my chambers."
"Hard with all this work going on for this unexpected feast."
"Expected feast! Lot arrived four days ago!"
"And you hand it off to me."
"What? Merlin what the hell are you doing with my belt."
"Putting it on Sire."
"Like that? What are you doing Merlin?"
"If you learned to dress yourself."
"Merlin!"
A quick knock on the door and Sir Leon entered looking bemused at the sight of Arthur and Merlin tied up in a mess of cape and belt and various articles of clothing.
"Yes Sir Leon?" Arthur said formally and disapprovingly.
The Knights smile vanished immediately. "Sorry Sire I just wanted to let you know that the extra security has been briefed and I'll be taking command of the detachment if you need me to fully go over the plan..."
Arthur scrunched up his face. "Leon what are you talking about. It's nice and all..." He almost slipped while trying to put on a boot. "But Lot is not stupid enough to pull something in the heart of the fortress. He came here with fifteen people, only five of them soldiers. Four of them women. Merlin get off of me!"
"Sire..."
Leon looked slightly confused. "No your father mentioned something about a prisoner."
"Leon we have three thieves in our dungeon and one druid." He sighed. "Speaking of which we may need to mention him to Kay before the crosses come out."
"Hopefully after the feast, but this Sire is about a prisoner he is going to present after dinner."
"He's going to crucify a druid during the feast? Indoors?" Merlin asked incredulously. "Arthur you have to do something."
"Do what Merlin?" Arthur threw up his hands. "I wish I could save everyone persecuted for magic that did us no harm, but I can hardly do that in front of two kings. Especially if it's going to be my father's choice of entertainment for Lot and his entourage."
"Think about someone other than yourself Arthur! Morgana will lose it." Merlin ran his fingers through his hair.
Arthur turned away from Leon to face him. "I'll ignore that first part Merlin. Let's blame it on your nerves. And the Lady Morgana, Merlin, will be fine. I'll talk to my father, he'll see reason to at least postpone an execution till morning. Or Kay can talk to him."
"Arthur let me interject." Leon said. "First off the King would never execute someone in he middle of a feast. The whole idea is absurd. Also your father mentioned it was an old enemy."
"Not the druid then." Merlin said cheekily.
"Of course not you idiot. But no one else is in the dungeons and I'm sure there is no dragon below the keep, though that would make for an interesting feast, or fillet actually but..." Arthur suddenly paled, and clutched for his bed post as Merlin and Leon rushed over to him."
"Water...I need some water...no wine Merlin, lots of it." Arthur gulped down two whole glasses, ignoring the disapproving glances from his companions and breathed heavily.
"Arthur?" Merlin asked. "What is it, what's wrong?"
"Is this about the prisoner?" Leon replied.
Arthur didn't nod; he motioned for his wine cup to be refilled yet again and then slowly took small sips. He stared off looking at nothing. In a few minutes he began to talk in a slow voice. "Well that was unexpected. Merlin, not a word to anyone. I had forgotten about this, maybe suppressed it but it's one of my most vivid younger memories. I was seven. Me and Morgana, we had heard the rumors of the dragon and Morgana convinced me to go down and try to find it."
Merlin frowned. If the two had met Kilgharrah they clearly would remember it and the dragon may have decided to mention it to him. Again however, the dragon was a complete cipher.
Arthur continued. "We didn't find any dragon. We found an open door that looked like it had been carved into the wall and concealed well. Inside...inside was some man, chained to the roof. He..." Arthur stopped. "He started laughing at us. I dropped the torch, it sputtered out. It was utterly black in there. Me and Morgana...I think we stayed there, holding each other until my father managed to find us. He was relieved but terribly angry at the same time."
Merlin sighed. It must have been a terrible experience for Arthur to admit to a weakness. Perhaps he was feeling guilty still for dropping the torch and drowning himself and Morgana in darkness. Clotpole. You were only seven what were you supposed to do?
"I was fourteen." Sir Leon began. "I remember that day. We had just sent outriders to look for the both of you when Uther and Sir Caradoc departed to search the lower keep. Being Caradoc's squire at the time I followed but he left me at the steps and forbade me to go any further."
"You may think I'm crazy, but there is someone down there." Arthur said slowly standing up and feeling himself again.
"Well of course, you were obviously very scared." Merlin joked.
"I was seven Merlin." Arthur scoffed. "Who could it be however? Some sorcerer? And to summon extra guards? How many Leon?"
"Thirty knights, including Caradoc. Caradoc is one of his most loyal, he never pulls duty anymore." The Knight replied.
"Enter." Arthur said as a knock came on his chamber door. A slightly happy Kay entered.
"Drinking before the feast Arthur?" Kay smiled. "I seem to remember what happened the last time I saw you drink before eating."
Arthur ignored him and continued sipping. "Is there a prisoner below the castle in a secret dungeon?"
Merlin saw Kay's mouth twitch. "A prisoner below the castle? The dragon has been a rumor, a tale propagated by your father. Arthur what makes you think..."
"Please Kay, if you know something. When I was younger me and Morgana..."
"I know, I know." Kay put his hands on Arthur's shoulders. "You came to me later telling me that story."
"It's not a story Kay!" Arthur said, slightly exasperated.
Kay's face straightened and he turned around, pacing for a few moments. "There was a prisoner down there Arthur, but I can speak no more on the matter. I gave my word to your father."
"My father has summoned extra knights for security. I'm convinced he's bringing the prisoner up tonight. If this is going to be a public execution of a sorcerer…"
Kay turned sharply, confusion on his face. "That is not possible Arthur." He looked around for a few moments. "Only sorcery..." He stopped suddenly. "I must talk to your father." He raised his hand as Arthur began to protest. "Arthur, this involves an oath I cannot break. For the worse perhaps, I fear all will be known tonight. Do not worry. This will not be a public execution of a sorcerer. I'll see you at the feast."
As Kay walked out abruptly Arthur shook his head and poured some more wine. "What has King Lot stirred up in my father that the past suddenly becomes the subject of all discussions?"
"Your father has been acting strange in the past two months." Leon brought his voice to a whisper. "Ever since the day those Druids were sentenced."
Arthur shook his head. "He's just getting out of a slump. He's being more aggressive."
Merlin gave him a lopsided smile. "Nah I've never seen him like this."
"Merlin you've been acquainted with him for two years."
"Arthur, Merlin's right. Your feelings for him may blind you but I've known your father for a while as well, and something is definitely different. He's eager for war; he's proclaimed a second Purge!"
"Please I have enough on my plate then worrying about my father's every move." He said harshly. "He is still King. I may not stand for all he does, but we cannot constantly doubt his every play. He's getting older and wants a better legacy. If I did more for him maybe he wouldn't feel the need to be so overbearing with his subjects."
"Do not put all of this on yourself Arthur." Leon said with a bow. "I'm off to gather the guard. I'll see you in a few minutes."
After Leon was gone Merlin began to pace around the room. "There is something I've been meaning to ask you. About those druids, Arthur..."
"What about them?"
"Did they ever find out what happened, who poisoned them?"
Arthur turned to face his manservant. "No Merlin, they didn't. It is not your problem, it is not my problem. Investigation over."
"And?"
"Enough!" Arthur slammed his hand on his desk. "Get out Merlin."
Merlin left and Arthur fell into his chair resting his head in his hands. He had told Morgana because the guilt had been too great at the moment, and he could never learn how to lie to her. He also knew Morgana was not one to betray anything told in confidence, regardless of her feelings. But Merlin, he truly valued his friendship, though he wouldn't admit it and if Gaius said that Merlin shouldn't need to know, then he wouldn't tell him. Not yet.
The feast was a lavish occasion, and Merlin had to admit he was proud of what he and his fellow servants had put together, especially Gwen. He was dressed in more formal attire on Uther's demands for all servants, but thank God Arthur had told him not to wear that damned hat. Gwen sauntered over, a jug of wine in her hands dressed in a simple but beautiful red dress that accentuated her curves. Merlin's eyes wandered on every female during a feasting event, Lady or servant, which Arthur had mentioned for him to stop several times. I wonder what Morgana's wearing.
"Ah lovely clothes Merlin." Gwen said with a smile. "Fond memories?"
"Of when I drank the poison you mean?" Merlin asked sarcastically.
Gwen's smile dropped. "No, no Merlin I mean last year when Lord Agravaine came for Arthur's birthday."
Merlin's smile perked up. "Oh that? I spilled wine all over him so he'd stop annoying Morgana. It was your idea Gwen."
"We might have to do something like that with King Lot again." Gwen suggested with a smile, but Merlin's face dropped.
"I already did Gwen. He was...I don't want to talk about it." Merlin began
She patted his arm. "It's okay. Morgana told me what you did for her. She's going to make it up to you."
"She doesn't have to." Merlin started. "I'm just a servant."
"Merlin." Gwen scolded. "You're not just a servant."
Merlin smiled a shyly as the people began to file in. Arthur was on Uther's right and Lot on the left. Merlin noticed Arthur wasn't escorting Morgana and felt himself smile a bit. He would just have to avoid the King tonight. He didn't want to start another incident, especially if Morgana stood up for him again. Uther would hear none of it.
"Duty calls." He smirked to Gwen as Arthur motioned him over.
"I shouldn't have shouted at you earlier Merlin, though I was entirely in my right." Arthur said as Merlin poured him more wine. Uther gave his son a quizzical look out of the corner of his eyes. Arthur was already starting to slur his words. Luckily Uther turned to talk to Lot when the Prince started again.
"I just don't like to talk...about what you tried to talk about."
"It's fine Arthur." Merlin began to smirk thinking of changing the subject. "Though I am more interested in talking about something else. Why aren't you escorting the Lady Morgana?"
Arthur raised an eyebrow turning to look back at him. "Morgana? The way she feels about me? She practically shouted at me today demanding to know what was spoken in closed council and that was the first time she's spoken to me in two weeks besides a basic greeting."
"So instead you are stuck escorting me." Merlin smirked trying to inject a little humor and stop Arthur from brooding.
"You wish Merlin!" Arthur scoffed before turning back to face the entrance, when the subject of their discussion walked in.
The next thing Merlin heard was Leon slapping the young Bors as he proceeded to stare at Morgana. She was wearing a blue dress imiliar to the one he had first seen her in, but with a very tightly laced corset and a jeweled diadem on her head. She looked every part the princess. On her arm was Sir Kay, dressed in elegant Camelot Red with perhaps a tad too much plate armor on for a feast.
"You would have thought she would have opted for red given how everybody here is supporting their Camelot loyalty." Merlin remarked quietly, feeling his throat grow dry as their eyes met from across the room briefly.
Arthur was befuddled and ignored him. "Sir. Kay. Morgana?"
"Jealous? You should have asked her Arthur."
"He's old enough to be her father."
"It's rather odd Arthur. I don't understand it." Nor did Merlin understand the feeling he had when he looked at Sir Kay. It couldn't be jealousy could it?
"You wouldn't understand a thing about women Merlin. Is something going on between the two of them?"
"Well I hope not."
"And why is that Merlin?"
"Well because…you said it Arthur. Father, as old."
"Your diction astounds me Merlin. I mean is she physically attracted to him?, or is it intellectual? Is that a word? He's about the same age as my father."
Gwen stepped behind Arthur and Merlin, her voice slightly condescending. "You two are idiots. He clearly wants to make her feel wanted, something which you both have been failing to do." She seemed taken aback by own brazen statement, reddened and stepped away from the Prince.
"Gwen. Guinevere." But she had already moved away to serve the Kings.
"Maybe she has a point Sire." Merlin said as he grabbed the Prince's arm and faced him away from Gwen's retreating backside and towards the front of the room.
"Really Merlin? You making Morgana feel wanted?" Arthur lowered his voice. "We have talked about this."
"No Sire I simply meant…" He's getting drunk he means nothing by it.
"Yes I know. Guinevere could be right. I have been slightly heartless."
Slightly? As have I. Merlin thought. It had been weeks since he talked to her about her magic. In fact it had been weeks since he talked much to her at all, only delivering her sleeping drought and then scurrying off claiming he had work to do. The only true conversation they had was after they had buried Reah. It had been an awkward disaster and Merlin had been thinking more about Kilgharrah's warnings at the time.
Morgana and Kay approached the head table, bowed and curtsied before the two kings. "My Lords." Kay stated.
King Lot tried to hide a grimace that Merlin caught and then smiled and hummed with a nod towards the couple.
Uther was more vocal but restrained any displeasure he might have had, his eyes flashing between Kay and his Ward. "Lady Morgana. And Sir Kay, a pleasure to join us as always. We must continue our earlier conversation later."
"My Lord." Kay bowed with a hint of a smile. Morgana appeared graceful throughout all of this, yet Merlin noticed her avoiding Lot's leers and not reacting to Uther's indifferent tone. She turned to her left.
"Prince Arthur." Morgana said coldly.
"My Lady."
Merlin sighed as she moved to sit. Usually she would acknowledge his presence with a glance and a slight smile, the same one she had just given Gwen from across the room.
"Nice Merlin." Arthur muttered hearing Merlin's reaction. "Keep that shit to yourself."
Merlin started for a moment. His master rarely used language. He shook his head and looked back at Gwen but she was busy refilling goblets. No one else had seemed to hear the comment. Arthur had already drunk too much.
Kay took his place at Arthur's right, Morgana following. Raising his eyebrow at Kay, Arthur tried rather indiscreetly to motion towards Morgana with his head. To Merlin's relief she was more focused on her food.
A small slap alerted Merlin and he realized that Kay had roughly grabbed Arthur's shoulder. He listened, as only a servant could, skilled at eavesdropping on sensitive conversations.
Kay hissed into Arthur's ear. "I am ashamed. You have embarrassed me Arthur that you would think I have any ill will towards Morgana..."
"It's not that Kay, I meant to say good job..." The Prince added with a drunk smile.
Arthur winced as Kay tightened his grip, all the time with a smile on his face like nothing was happening. Merlin had to turn his head to catch Kay's whisper. "Already you've had too much. Some true future king. Have you no respect for her honor that you would make childish jests at me thinking she is a mere conquest? I am supporting her, defending her as you should have done. Yet I hear you sat back on your ass and did nothing."
Arthur finished his goblet and snarled at Kay, wine flying from his mouth. "You go too far Kay..."
"Enough." The Knight growled in a tone that would only be used on insubordinate soldiers. Merlin saw Arthur pale. "No more wine. And shut your fucking tongue."
Merlin needed to find Gaius, find something to sober up Arthur. He mentally cursed himself as he moved to pour Morgana a glass of red. He should have watched Arthur. The prat was such a light weight. Luckily Morgana was unaware of the severity of the exchange and Arthur had refrained from continuing the argument with his mentor. Both Arthur and Kay had a practiced way of arguing that appeared completely normal. Smiles and all, even with the prince drunk. Merlin was unnerved by Kay's dominance over Arthur. This was a man who did appear to have the Prince's best interests at heart but was capable of defying and subduing the him with a simple command.
"More wine Merlin." Morgana said with an innocent smile, slapping Merlin out of his contemplation.
"My Lady you just finished your glass." Merlin said, immediately regretting it.
Morgana smiled slyly, inclining her head towards Kay and Arthur. The two were in some conversation Merlin couldn't hear. "Merlin, I can hold more than his highness the Pendragon Prince, can I not?"
Merlin bent down and began to pour, his eyes trying, and failing, to not linger on her cleavage. "Of course my Lady I just want to make sure..."
"That I enjoy myself?" Morgana said with her innocent face again.
Merlin groaned inwardly. He couldn't deal with a drunk Arthur, let alone a drunk Morgana. He flicked his left hand behind his back in a series of finger gestures, and to his relief, Gwen responded.
"Whatever my Lady desires." Merlin replied, his ears turning red when he realized how sensually he had toned his words. Thankfully Gwen had come to behind her mistress and relieved him and he took her place. Could it be worse? Maybe. He realized then that he was serving the Kings.
"Boy?" Lot asked, eyebrows raised. "You're the same one that tripped into me today are you not?"
"Yes my Lord." Merlin averted his eyes. "I cannot apologize enough my King."
"No indeed." Uther interjected. "Is your manservant always that clumsy Arthur?"
Arthur slurred his words and Merlin rolled his eyes. Kay was oblivious, caught talking to Morgana. "Of course father. He is an idiot."
Uther and Lot laughed at that and Merlin grew red. "But a loyal idiot he is." Uther began. "Please forgive his clumsiness Lot, he has been a most faithful servant to my son. And a trusted ally against magic."
When I lied to protect you Uther. Merlin though, thinking back to the episode with Anatiss. Thankfully Morgana hadn't heard the king's comment.
"We all have our talents." Lot began. "If Uther considers you faithful, I shall also. Allies, after all."
Merlin would have felt relived, if not for the chill Lot's smirk gave him.
A feminine voice, not Gwen's nor Morgana's caused him, and the whole table, to include the inebriated prince, look away from their plates or conversation and forwards. A woman had presented herself to the table dressed in deep red, but had a yellow and green cape, the colors of Lot's kingdom, around her shoulders.
"My Lords I must pardon for my delay in joining you." She said. Her dark eyes stared at the two regents. Her blonde hair was done in a braid falling between her shoulders. Merlin recognized her from their first awkward meeting with King Lot.
"I must admit," Lot began. "I am surprised you are not covered in dirt and sweat. War is ever your province."
The woman glared back at the King and Uther chuckled.
"I only do it in jest. Lord knows I would be dead without you." Lot rose and so did Camelot's King. "You are never late, My Lady Morgause."
"I am glad to welcome you to this feast my Lady." Uther said with a smile, taking her hand and kissing it. "King Lot has told me that you are one of his military advisors. Do not take my words for insult, but this is an interesting position for a woman."
Of course Uther would bring this up. Merlin mused. He only hope Morgana had the grace to remain silent. He glanced at her direction, noticing the odd look on her face.
The entire table had the attention of Morgause. Merlin noticed Morgana especially. She looked confused, and kept gazing at Morgause, her mouth parted slightly.
"I cannot say that I was raised a proper Lady my Lord." Morgause said with a graceful bow. Merlin shook his head. Too well mannered for a simple warrior. "The Welsh raised me but I hope I have retained the grace of my parents."
"As graceful as a Lady should be. And what house are you from?" Uther said, with more emphasis then Merlin thought was necessary, obviously the first part was directed at his ward. He was sure Morgana would have flinched, if not for the intake of wine she had consumed. "Please, dine."
Morgause gave a graceful nod. "I'm from a minor Mercian house my Lord, you would not have heard of it." She proceeded to walk around the main table towards her place at Lot's left. "Prince Arthur, an honor to meet your acquaintance." She said as she passed by the crown prince.
Merlin caught Kay's subtle elbow as the Prince got to his feet. He seemed slightly more sober, but slurred slightly. "The honor is mine, my Lady." He kissed her hand and stared back at her intensely until both blushed. Merlin knew he was going to get blamed for Arthur's intoxication. As long as Kilgharrah says it's not my destiny to watch Arthur's eating and drinking habits.
Morgause curtsied at the prince and with a quick greeting towards Morgana and Kay continued around until she was seated at Lot's left hand. A few minutes passed more food was served and conversation became more idle. Merlin moved to fill Morgause's goblet at her command. Her hand caught his wrist and dragged his ear towards her mouth. Merlin reddened, thankfully that the exchange happened to go unnoticed by all. Except for Gaius who had raised one of his bushy eyebrows towards his ward.
"I've been watching all night of course. Before I entered this room." Morgause began, too sensually for Merlin's liking. "What is your name?"
"Merlin my Lady."
"Merlin. Of course. Prince Arthur's servant." She said his name as if tasting it on her tongue. "Interesting. You value your master's life?"
Merlin stiffened and said nothing as Morgause held him fast as he tried to pull away. Merlin scanned the room looking for threats. "Then trust nothing Lot says. He is a danger." She released his arm and licked her lips, pushing her chest out slightly. Merlin ignored her move and stared directly into her eyes. She pouted slightly and acted innocent.
"Why would you tell me this? To cause a divide between me and Arthur?"
"Arthur? On a first name basis are we?" Morgause chuckled. "Come now Merlin. I didn't expect you to believe me the first time. Go on. More food and wine. Servant."
Merlin grumbled as he went for another jug, ignoring Gaius's pointed looks, trying not to think about Morgause, trying even harder not to think about Morgana, pale skin flushed with wine, breasts almost spilling from her corset. He had images of Kay's hands moving over her flesh and got jealous. Shit. He thought. I've been drinking too much of this wine.
"Merlin." Gwen came by his side. "What was that?"
"I have no idea." Merlin said, drinking from the jug.
Gwen turned her lips down in a grimace. "Seriously Merlin that's disgusting."
"But Arthur will be drinking it, and King Lot."
"And everybody else you're serving."
"I'm a physicians apprentice I know about…"
Gwen grabbed a spare jug and shook her head. "Honestly Merlin, what's gotten in to you tonight? Go, hang out with the knights I'll do your job."
Merlin sobered. What had gotten into him? Arthur's attitude before, simply looking at Morgana, all the wine and then this woman Morgause. She was too familiar for his tastes. Merlin took Gwen's advice and moved away towards the knights and lesser lords.
The feast continued, the courses finishing and the dancing beginning. Merlin as usual found himself serving more wine and the remaining food, while wishing he was one of the knights dancing with the ladies. And by ladies he thought only of Morgana. The alcohol had dulled none of her poise as she moved gracefully amongst the floor, even dancing with Uther. Lot had consumed too much and remained in his chair, calling for more wine. Merlin had left Gwen alone to serve him.
Merlin drank from his jug while watching Arthur dance with Morgause. The prat was definitely happy, but getting more and more drunk. Kay had tried to stop it but eventually gave up, focusing his attention on Morgana. Merlin looked in her direction, wanting to get anything, even a brief glimpse of eye contact. Maybe it was the alcohol, or the injustice of it all, but his blood began to boil when he realized he wanted to be there for her, to dance and take care and listen to her. But he was only a servant. In another time he would be respected, have a high position at court, even be worthy of her, but not now.
When Arthur's King I'll have such a place. Just like Nimueh had. If Arthur accepted magic that was. Even then, what was to say that Morgana wouldn't still see him as just a servant turned warlock?
Despair rushed over him as he took a long swig. He may not be on the same level socially, but Morgana had helped his mother in Ealdor, and he considered her a friend. He owed it to her to talk about her magic, to make her feel normal and not like a monster. But he had evaded her, and now surrounded by knights, was hardly the time to make his move. Uther would surely have the chambers of the castle double guarded tonight. He couldn't even sneak into her chambers to talk to her, not that she would even admit him.
He took another drink and spilled half of it from his mouth as a hand came down on his shoulder.
"Drinking the king's own? Shall it be the dungeons Merlin?"
His heart started before he realized it was Leon speaking. "Merlin, calm down I don't care." Leon said with a laugh, moving up beside him. "But make sure you're sober enough to carry Arthur back."
The Prince had left the dance floor and was forming an odd relationship with Lot as they began to consume cup after cup. Merlin groaned in unison with Sir Leon.
"He'll be insufferable tomorrow at training." Leon grimaced. "Get Gaius to give him that hangover potion."
"Sure." Merlin said while taking another swig. He offered it to Leon. "I may be more of a lightweight than the prat." He said with a large smile.
Leon looked at him sternly but had a faint hint of a smile. "I would drink, but Uther did not relieve me and my men, though Sir Kay assured me our duties would be no more than normal. Caradoc of course was relieved."
"No prisoner then? I thought as much it's getting late."
"No prisoner." Leon replied.
Merlin drank again deeply. No prisoner. Kay had talked to Uther. What manner of man was he to change the King's decision? Uther's decision? Soon Lancelot had joined Merlin with some strange longed haired soldier calling himself Gwaine. They had moved away from Leon and had begun to drink some sort of liquor. The night continued until drunk, and falling into the walls, Merlin dragged and half carried Arthur into the prince's chambers and collapsed on Arthur's bed. Dollop head was moving around the room slurring and trying to get undressed. Arthur eventually collapsed on the floor in a pile of blankets.
Morgana sat while Gwen combed out her hair. No longer in her dress but her nightgown she felt the cool chill of the evening air, the coming of Samhain, and a warmth as well, from the alcohol but also the company during the feast. She had not been this happy in a while. While she no longer felt anything romantic for Sir Kay he had made her feel like a true lady, like the Duchess of Cornwall that she truly was and not just the King's Ward. Kay respected her for her opinions and strength. But she would be lying to herself if that was the only thing that had made the night special. As much as she had loathed it at first, she had to dance with her protector. Uther was gentle, kind, and muttered his ill composed, but perhaps sincere apologies for striking her. She had not responded and had not forgiven him, but in her heart she wanted his love.
Uther was not her father but she would be mad to not desire his love and acceptance despite the tyrant that he was. She only wished she could convince these Pendragon males. Uther may be hard, but Arthur was impossible. She could charm Uther with obedience if she wanted. She hated what Uther had done, but understood why he could do it. When...if she was Queen, no one would defy her. But Arthur, he cowered before his father. She remembered times, when Arthur had first come into his manhood, when he began his insolent crusade to protect her.
Morgana never thought that she needed protection from anyone, let alone a man. Gorlois had taught her to fend for herself, but the teenage Arthur had been cute in trying to protect her, trying to defend her honor while proving his worth to Kay and Leon. That boy was gone, devoured by a man now consumed by pleasing his father's desires. She had danced with the drunken Prince, stepping on his toes while innocently saying sorry. It was immature, but she hated Arthur almost, maybe more, than Uther. Instead of protecting her he had stood by and followed the father's lead. Uther was set in his ways, she didn't like it but understood. Arthur could be his own man but followed his father instead. Luckily the boy had been so obsessed with this Lady Morgause that he sought her ought soon and left her to dance with more honorable men.
Morgause. The name struck something within her, a sense Morgana could not explain. She felt she knew the woman, but could not place her. Gwen had finished with her hair and began to light candles when there was a knock at the door. Sir Kay entered.
"My Lady I wanted to make sure you were safe for the night. I must apologize for Arthur's behavior. Ignore anything he might have said he had far too much to drink. Him and his servant Merlin."
"No need my Lord." She said bitterly. "I've known for a while how much I truly mean to both of them."
Kay raised an eyebrow. "You value Arthur and his servant?"
Morgana hoped she wasn't blushing, but was too buzzed to truly care. "He is my friend. Or I thought he was." She looked straight at Kay with his confused expression. "Are you honestly going to tell me I can't consider a servant as friend Kay? I do not care what is proper!" She wanted to say that she could confide in Merlin, but didn't want to answer the question that Kay would ask. Why confide in Merlin if you can confide in Gwen?
Kay raised his hand. "Morgana I understand. I wanted to hear it for myself. Merlin is an odd character. Fiercely loyal."
"You feel it then as well?" Morgana asked. "Merlin is different."
Kay simply laughed. "My Lady if you mean by different that he is a loyal servant, then yes. I suspect he could be a friend to all who get to know him. If you are comfortable my Lady I must leave and attend the Prince." He bowed slightly. "It was an honor escorting you Morgana. You have made Gorlois very proud. Goodnight My Lady."
"Sir, you don't have to leave, if you want to stay..." Morgana blamed the alcohol on her words. She thought she detected a shine of lust in the knights' eyes, and shuddered with anticipation or fear. He was a man after all.
"Goodnight My Lady." Kay responded, closing the door behind him.
Morgana fell onto her bed, feeling hot and still slightly drunk. "Gwen, blow out the candles and open the windows."
"Yes my Lady." She replied.
Gwen tucked her in before she left. Morgana gave her a slight kiss on her cheek. She felt Gwen was the only person who cared about her, the only true friend she had in the world. Gwen never left, never betrayed or ignored her. Every one treated her as untouchable or some sort of trophy. Even Kay didn't want to approach her, probably out of fear of Uther. God she had practically asked the knight to sleep with her. Not that she had wanted to go too far. And Merlin, the one person who knew her secret had declined to speak to her about it recently. She fell asleep hoping that her magic wouldn't surface again, thinking of the monster that she was becoming.