Three days later Arthur asked to see the bodyguards to give them his decision. He had decided to take their comments on board. All the men had a pension to come, and he checked their arrangements for the future. Most of them were going to work for Kay's brother who ran a large security firm. They would help with training and other light security work in the new branch he was opening.
The only two who had declined this offer were Percy and Gwaine. After a long discussion with them Arthur offered them flexible part time hours. They would help Merlin to keep fit and be with him in the pool when needed as well as joining the new bodyguard when Merlin went out with the dogs. They would also walk the dogs when if Merlin was unwell and help with bits around the place. The gardener had recently moved away so they would also help outside. This suited them as both wanted to work less hours and spend more time with their wives. Gwen, Mithian and Freya were going to share the housekeeper's job.
Arthur contacted Kay's brother to get help to find the new bodyguards. It was he who, years before, had helped with recruiting the present set. Arthur would interview after Christmas. His time he was planning on only having one on duty at a time instead of two. If he felt there was a raised threat Kay's brother would provide the extra cover from his firm. The arrangements pleased everyone.
Christmas came and went and soon it was time for the interviews. Arthur was looking for five men. He was interviewing ten people and they were all in their mid twenties. After the interviews had taken place it didn't take long for Arthur to pick out the people he wanted. Merlin had briefly met all of the candidates and was happy with Arthur's choice.
The five men were: Colin, Brad, John, Tom and Richard. They were all to start in February, and the old team would leave two weeks later once everyone was settled in. Despite their young age they were all experienced and were all ex military. Their training was far greater than before, and they were also first aid trained. The cost was higher as well, but Arthur was happy with that. The other change was the title; it seemed they were now referred to as Protection officers. All the men were happy with the set up, and once in place they would discuss changes if and when required. Richard was to be the senior member of staff.
As soon as they started Arthur and Merlin noticed the difference. The new men were much sharper and less like friends. But both the men hoped that once they settled in they would develop friendships. One of the first changes they made was that both Merlin and Arthur now worn a device that could not only call for help if needed, but also had a communication device built in. Now there was only one officer on duty at a time Richard said it was essential. The CITV was also updated and alarms put on all the doors and windows, together with a sensor system around the periphery of the grounds. All computerised and details sent to whoever was on duty via a smart phone.
By the end of the first month Arthur felt he had got very lax over the years. He was reassured that Merlin would be safe, Arthur made sure the men all knew that Merlin was their main focus and not him. As the older guys left Arthur and Merlin held a party for them and they all promised to keep in touch.
Merlin soon got used to the new people, although at first they had made him jump on several occasions. It took him three weeks to get them to stop calling him Mr Pendragon, but even then they all called him Mr Merlin and Arthur was Mr Arthur. After about a month Gwaine noticed that Merlin was slowly going down in mood. He mentioned it to Arthur and they kept a close eye on him.
One day Merlin and Gwaine walked into the lounge having just spent sometime in the pool. Arthur and Colin were already there talking. Gwaine noticed Merlin tense up. He watched the other man for a bit and he was certain there was a problem between Merlin and Colin. Gwaine decided to keep an eye on the situation. Sure enough several times when Colin was on duty Merlin seemed to be more moody. But there was nothing Gwaine could put his finger on.
About a week later Merlin was sat in the lounge with Colin in his normal place just outside the door. Arthur and Gwaine walked in with a tray of coffee and cakes. Colin said something to Arthur as he walked past and Arthur laughed. Merlin looked round at the sound and he glared before walking out of the room toward the bedroom.
"Coffee Merlin" Arthur called after him.
"Don't want it give it to Colin." Merlin kept going without turning round.
Arthur looked at Gwaine then followed Merlin. A few minutes later Gwaine heard Merlin shouting, something that was very rare to hear. Normally if Merlin was upset he refused to speak. Arthur came back and went straight to his office without saying a word.