So it's snowing here! Lovely way to get into the Christmas spirit...as long as I don't have to drive in it. ;) Anyone else having a snow day out there? Hope you enjoy this chapter...it's definitely one of the turning points in the story.
Merlin plodded up the stairs, dragging Rowan's belongings with him.
"You…really don't have to do this," Rowan said apologetically as he placed his satchel in the corner of the room. "I'll sleep on the floor…I'm used to it."
Merlin suddenly felt guilty for feeling irritated only seconds ago. "Nah, that's okay. You can have my bed."
"No, I insist." Rowan threw his hands up in appeasement. Lowering his voice, he stepped closer. "I won't tell Gaius."
Merlin nodded. "Well, if it's alright with you. Here, take these extra blankets."
As Rowan laid his sheets out on the floor, Merlin noticed him casting furtive glances his way. Clearing his throat, Merlin asked, "So, you want to be a physician?"
Rowan began shaking the blankets out a little harder than he needed to. "Um, yes."
"What village are you from?"
"I'm from…well, you've probably never heard of it…"
"I'm from Ealdor," Merlin said. "It's a small village where nothing ever really happens...except this one time—"
"I'm sorry, I can't go on pretending another second," Rowan interrupted. He discreetly shut the door.
"Pretending?"
"Yes. I'm not an aspiring physician, and I didn't come here to see Gaius. I came here to see you."
"Wha—why?" Merlin stuttered.
Rowan's piercing blue eyes shone with a strange intensity as he slowly approached Merlin. "Do you know of the Druids, Emrys?"
Merlin was immediately put on his guard. "Yes, I've heard of them. Who's Emrys?"
"I see. You don't trust me. Nor should you. But you see, among my people, that is what you are called." Merlin watched as Rowan pulled the collar of his tunic down to the right, revealing none other than a black, spiraling tattoo on his chest.
"You're…a Druid," Merlin murmured.
"Yes," Rowan replied. "I need to earn your trust, Emrys. I've been sent from my people for a purpose."
"The Druids sent you here…but why? Is it Arthur? Is he in danger?"
"No! That is, not to my knowledge. No, Emrys. My purpose here is to protect you. This might sound strange to you, but when I have dreams, normally they come true."
"You have the gift of prophecy?"
"Yes. A few weeks ago I began having these dreams…and you were there. And in each one, you were in danger. The situation was always unclear, but every night the visions grew stronger. I began to tell my people of the dreams, and they grew concerned once they discovered it was you I was seeing."
"How did you know it was me?" Merlin asked skeptically.
"The names 'Merlin' and 'Emrys', were thrown about several times in my visions, and besides, you look exactly like him. You must believe me. Your life will soon be in grave danger."
"Well, there's nothing new there," Merlin said lightheartedly.
"Emrys, it's no laughing matter. If you had seen what I saw each night in my dreams, you would understand the concern my people have for you."
"I'm sorry. What have you seen in these…visions?"
"I cannot tell you."
"Why?"
"I'm under strict orders from the Druids to reveal nothing but the fact that you are in danger."
"Wouldn't it be better if I knew what was going to happen so I could avoid—" Merlin paused midsentence, already realizing that he knew the answer to the question. Every time Morgana had a vision, it would come true in some form, no matter how hard she fought it. Suddenly, Merlin felt afraid. If the Druids, a people in constant hiding and on the run for their lives, had sent Rowan to him, the situation must be grave indeed.
"I'm sorry, Emrys, truly. I wish I could help you. But if you knew the details you would make every attempt to stop what's eventually going to happen. And you know as much as I do how disastrous that can turn out."
Merlin nodded, knowing what Rowan spoke was true. "So…what is your role in all of this? If this terrible thing is about to happen to me, what can you do?"
"I know what I must do, and the signs I must look out for. But Emrys, you must trust that I have your best interests at heart. I'm here to protect you."
"So…that's it? I just have to wait for whatever's about to happen to me?"
"I'm afraid so. I'm sorry that I can't tell you more. But you can't let anyone know who I am…even Gaius."
"Your secret's safe with me."
"I'm sorry I sprang this on you so suddenly, but I couldn't keep up my charade much longer. You do understand?"
"Believe me, I understand," Merlin said.
While Rowan slept effortlessly through the night, Merlin tossed and turned. His uneasiness continued to grow as he pondered the Druid's words. He was in danger, and not just any kind of danger. Usually, he was the one helping everyone. To have someone looking after him was a new experience. As Merlin watched the sun rise, he realized he hadn't slept a wink. Suddenly, he bolted upright. He just realized something else.
He had completely forgotten about his lesson with Morgana.