This was written for the 'Voices Unheard' drabble challenge on the Heart of Camelot website: Choose any MINOR character on the show and write a drabble from their perspective.
A/N My usual thanks to my beta LyricalSinger and to Moon Fox and Narlth for some brainstorming
Italics indicate dialogue from episode 'The Secret Sharer' from Season 4.
Alator
"Alator, this is Merlin," said the witch turning to the Catha priest with a smirk.
Incredulity shot through the sorcerer and he peered more closely at the young man on the ground before him.
"He's just a serving boy, but he's the most troublesome serving boy I've ever known," Morgana added, as though the man she was about to kill was nothing more than a gnat or spider to be ground into the dirt.
"I take it your time with Gaius was fruitful?"
In spite of a dagger hanging in front of him, Merlin was not cowering in fear – certainly not like any serving boy that Alator had ever come across would have been in this situation. The young man was definitely angry though, and gritted his teeth even more at the priest's answer.
"Gaius told me everything."
But 'everything' went well beyond the identity Morgana sought.
The abducted physician had spoken of a prophecy - one that the Catha had long since lost faith in - and had reverently told Alator about the sorcerer who would help to bring about 'Albion'. The elderly man's belief in Emrys had been so heartfelt that his words had started a chord of hope vibrating strongly within the priest.
When the Catha had learned the identity of the man Morgana had captured, he'd been astounded. He'd quickly used his training to confirm the immense power in the warlock, but Merlin was so much younger than Alator had expected, barely more than a boy. Could he really be Emrys?
Alator peered again at the young warlock. The boy was apparently humble enough to remain a servant but brave enough to face Morgana and was able to command the loyalty of the eminent Court Physician. Surely this young man and his destiny held more promise than any trinket – no matter how powerful – from the murderous priestess who waited on Alator's information.
There was no room for doubt. Alator decided that he could never betray Emrys to Morgana.