Recovering
The next morning Arthur and the different patrols rode to the woods searching for bandits
The search through all the areas Arthur have pointed on the map the night before lasted two days, in which the patrols encountered four other small groups of bandits
Gradually at dusk of the second day all the patrols returned to the citadel, so that they could report to Arthur
As soon as Arthur had the report from all the patrols he went to talk to Uther.
- Father - Arthur said as he entered the council room
- Arthur! You're back! - said Uther - how was the patrol?
- The patrols covered an area of 10 miles around the city - Arthur began to explain - we met four groups of bandits... All small, no more than 3 or 4 people in each group
- How close to the were they?
- Not as much as the ones that attacked us a few days ago, but close enough - said Arthur - a few bandits died during battle, and the others are in the dungeon
- Excellent
- All the groups were close to the main roads... And they weren't particularly good with swords - said Arthur - because of that and what the prisoners said, we believe that they simply dedicated themselves to attacking travelers
- I see...
- The patrols that stay here in the city did not encounter any additional problems
- Yeah, I heard that... - said Uther - I want you to check the routes of the patrols and the frequency with which they leave, I don't want a situation like this one again
- Yes father - answered Arthur making a small courtesy with his head before leaving the room. Arthur wanted to go see Merlin, but first he had to go and take off his armor.
Entering Gaius's chamber, Arthur found Gaius at his workbench, brewing some potions, while Merlin was nowhere to be seen.
- Sire! you're back
- Hello Gaius - answered Arthur - how has everything gone? Where is Merlin?
- Don't worry sire, Merlin is in his old room - Gaius answered - it's the only way to make sure he rests
- How is he?
- Fine sire - Gaius said, standing up and walking into the small room.
The small room was lit by a few candles, and on the bed was Merlin, who was sitting reading a book.
Hearing someone open the door, Merlin looked up, and to his surprise, Arthur was on the threshold.
- Arthur! - Merlin said very happily - you're back! And you're fine
- Yes Merlin, I told you that I could take care of myself - answered Arthur, who gave a quick inspection of Merlin's condition before asking - how are you feeling?
- Boring... Gaius doesn't even let me get up to eat
- You shouldn't be reading either - Gaius said
- And what? Look the celling all day? - Merlin asked frustrated.
- Calm down Merlin - said Arthur - Gaius, how is he? How much longer must he be in bed?
- He's better sire, as you can see he no longer slurred his words - Gaius replied - but he still has a headache, which means that the pressure inside his skull is still high... So he shouldn't be reading
- I see - Arthur said, approaching Merlin to take the book from his hands
- Hey!
- He'll need at least another day in bed...
- No! - protested Merlin as soon as he listened to Gaius
- And after that he needs to take it easy for a few more days... - said Gaius - no heavy lifting, no bending down, nothing strenuous or tiring...
- But Gaius!
- The cut in his head is healing nicely, but I don't want it to get infected, so he'll have to keep using the bandage for a couple more days - Gaius said, ignoring Merlin's protests.
- And the arm? - asked Arthur, also ignoring Merlin.
- It's being healing as well, but it will require a few weeks to heal completely, so the sling will stay for a while
- Oh, come on Gaius! It can't be that long - Merlin protested again
- Merlin, you're right handed, if you want to continue using your arm you need it to heal properly - Gaius said with a serious tone - your upper arm was pierced from side to side by that arrow, your muscles need time and rest to heal
- But...
- Merlin! Cut it out! - said Arthur exasperated - I'm pretty sure that that arm hurts a lot... So stop whining, and do as he says
- Mhmmph - Merlin grumbled. The truth is that his arm did hurt a lot, but he didn't want to admit it... he was too bored without being able to do anything but stare at the ceiling.
- Can I take it to my room? Or is it preferable that he stay here? - Arthur asked Gaius.
- You can take him if you want, but straight to bed, and at a slow pace - Gaius replied - Gwen went to get his dinner... You can wait for her if you want
- For your mental health, Gaius, I think I'd better take him, you already had to put up with his whining for two days - Arthur replied, bending down to take Merlin's boots - put on your boots Merlin, where's your jacket?
- In the closet sire - answered Gaius
Arthur went to the closet for the jacket. As soon as Merlin finished putting on his boots, Arthur came over and helped him into the jacket and his scarf, which had been stored next to the jacket.
- This is weird... You helping me to get dress... - Merlin said as Arthur tied his scarf
- Don't get used to it... - Arthur said as he helped Merlin to his feet and positioned himself to Merlin's left, so that he could put his left arm around his shoulders - let's go...
- I can walk by myself - said Merlin, trying to break free of Arthur
At that momet Gwen entered the room, a plate of food in her hands.
- Oh, Arthur you're back - said Gwen - Where you are taking Merlin?
- To my chambers, he can continue resting there - replied Arthur - could you take the food over there?
- Sure
- Arthur, let go of me! - Merlin said
- I won't risk it... There are many stairs from here to my chambers... - Arthur said, placing Merlin's left arm around his shoulders again - so stop whining and start walking
- Gwen, could you wait a moment? - Gaius asked - I'll give you some medicines for Merlin
Even though Merlin didn't want to accept it, he was grateful that Arthur was helping him walk. After only a few minutes of walking and a couple of stairs in between, Merlin began to feel tired and a little dizzy, and with each stair they had to climb, he leaned more on Arthur.
Arthur could feel how Merlin was gradually leaning his weight on him with each step, to the point that when they finally reached his bedroom, Arthur was almost dragging him
Gwen, who had caught up with them, stepped forward so she could open the bedroom door and put the food on the table, then she returned with them so she could help Arthur lay Merlin down on the small bed in the antechamber.
- And you said you could walk by yourself - Arthur told him when he lay him on the bed - maybe one extra day of rest is not enough
- Don't tell Gaius...
- I won't tell him anything if you behave and really do what Gaius says - said Arthur - now eat what Gwen brought you
- Here, Merlin - Gwen said, bringing the plate of food to him, placing it on the bed in front of Merlin.
- Thank you - Merlin replied.
- Do you want me to bring you something to eat? - Gwen asked Arthur - you just arrived, you must be hungry
- That would be great, thanks - Arthur replied, remembering how hungry he was, after all, he had two days of intense patrolling in the forest.
- I'll be right back - Gwen said, standing up.
- How was the patrol? - asked Merlin, as he began to eat
- We ran into four other groups of bandits - said Arthur - although none were as close as the one that attacked us.
- Do you think they are just isolated groups, or part of something bigger?
- I don't know... Apparently not, or at least that can be concluded from what the prisoners said
- Were they captured?
- A few of them died in battle... - replied Arthur - ... Each group was no more than three or four bandits, so we believe that they were simply trying to attack those who were passing by... they weren't even that good with the sword
- Oh...
- Yeah, so tomorrow I'll check the patrol routes
- What? But we did do that the other day!
- I know, but it needs adjustments... Clearly something is wrong with it if so many bandits are roaming near the city
- Will you let me help? - Merlin asked.
- The other day you didn't want to help me...
- Yeah! But I do want now! please! I'm bored to death... Anything is better than staring at the ceiling all day
- Fine, but tomorrow... - replied Arthur - for now just finish your meal
At that moment someone knocked on the door in Arthur's room.
- Don't move from that bed, and don't make any sound - Arthur said to Merlin. He made his way to his room, making sure to close the door to the antechamber, so no one could see Merlin.
- Come in!
- Here is dinner, sire - said Gwen, who was accompanied by another servant.
- Thank you, please leave it on the table - Arthur said kindly
- Sire, I will be replacing Merlin these days while he recovers - said the other servant - My name is Rick
- Great Rick, thanks - said Arthur - for now I just need a hot bath, and then I'll go to bed, so I won't need your services tonight
- Very well sire, I'll prepare the bath then - Rick replied, with a bow before leaving the room in search of water.
- Here - Gwen said as Rick left the room, handing two small glass bottles to Arthur - Gaius said that he should take both medicines after eating.
- What are they for?
- One is for the pain and the other is for the inflammation - said Gwen - And he also added a couple of drops of sleeping draft to Merlin's food... he has done it every night
- I'm not surprised that it's the only way to keep Merlin in bed... Thank you... - replied Arthur receiving the bottles -... Gwen... As you understand, if my father finds out that Merlin is in my antechamber resting ... It will be very bad for everyone
- Yes I know...
- Could you take care of bringing him his meals without the other servants finding out?
- Of course, don't worry... - Gwen answered with a smile - ... Everyone will believe that Merlin is still with Gaius
- Including Morgana... - Arthur said with a serious tone.
- Morgana? You're sure? But she and Merlin have always gotten along... She wouldn't give Merlin away to Uther...
- Please, Gwen... Don't tell Morgana.
- Okay... If you're sure... - answered Gwen - and what about Rick?
- Don't worry... I'll see that he doesn't suspect that Merlin is here.
- Ok
- Thank you
- I should go... - Gwen said. After all, it wouldn't look good for her to spend so much time in the prince's room.
As soon as Gwen left the room, Arthur took the medicines and returned to the antechamber.
- What's going on? - asked Merlin, as he finished his dinner.
- Nothing... But Uther can't know you're here... So Gwen will take care of bringing your food, and I'll take care of distracting my temporary manservant, Rick
- Oh... You already replace me?
- Of course! You're the worst servant in the kingdom - said Arthur with a smirk - I should have done it a long time ago
- Ha ha
- Don't worry, till I'm king, you'll have to keep being a servant
- Yeah, what I've always wanted - Merlin replied sarcastically
- I know... I whish I could change that
- It's not your fault
- Neither does yours...
At that moment outside the room began to hear some noise, apparently someone was approaching
- I have to go, Rick brings water for a bath - said Arthur approaching the door - try to sleep, tomorrow we'll talk more calmly
- OK...
- Oh, before I go... take this... - Arthur told him, handing him the two small bottles - They are for the pain an inflammation
The next morning Arthur woke up early, before Rick appeared in the room. He was finishing dressing when the servant came in with breakfast.
- Good morning sire - Rick said respectfully, putting the tray of food on the table - I see you're already up
- That's right... - Arthur said, coming out from behind the screen dress
- What do you need from me today sire? - Rick said, looking at the mess and the clothes thrown around him.
- For the moment I need you to tidy up the room a bit, take the dirty clothes to wash and then sharpen my armour - said Arthur, pointing to the armor that he had left in a corner the night before.
- Of course sire - Rick answered, beginning to pick up the clothes that were everywhere
- Today I have a lot of paperwork to do, so I'll stay here today... - said Arthur - ... So later I'll just need you to bring me lunch and dinner... You're free for the rest of the day
- No problem sire
It didn't take long for Rick to get the room tidy and put all the dirty clothes in a hamper. After taking the dirty clothes to the laundry, Rick came back so he could take the armor to the armory to clean it and prepare it for the next time the prince had to wear it. Shortly after that someone knocked on the door.
- Come in!
- Good morning sire - said Gwen, who brought a basket with dirty clothes under her arm. Gwen closed the door before continuing - I have Merlin's breakfast - Gwen said, taking the plate out of the basket.
- Thanks, leave it on the table
- Is he still sleeping?
- Yes... I'll let him sleep a while longer.
- Good, he needs to rest
- I know ...
It was close to 10 am when Arthur decided to go wake up Merlin. Upon entering the room Arthur left the food that Gwen had brought on the table, and went to open the curtains to let the sun in... It was his time to take revenge on Merlin
- Wake up! - Arthur said
- Mmm... - Merlin murmured without opening his eyes.
Merlin was lying on his left side, so as not to put pressure on the wound on his head or on his arm. His hair was all messy and it was in stark contrast to the bandage still wrapped around his head.
- Come on Merlin, it's time to get up - Arthur said - Gwen brought your breakfast
- Ok... - answered Merlin, who finally opened his eyes and began to sit up on the bed. The sudden movement in his right arm made him grunt in pain - Hmmpff
- Wait... Easy... - said Arthur, helping him to sit down. Then he took the sling that had been left on the table the night before when Merlin had taken it off to sleep, and helped him put it on - better?
- Yeah, a bit, thanks - Merlin answered gently massaging his injured arm - what time is it?
- Around ten...
- Oh... - Merlin answered surprised, he normally never slept so late.
- Yeah, while you were lazing around I was working on the new patrol routes - Arthur said, showing him some maps and other papers he had brought with him.
- What? But you said that I could help you! - answered Merlin disappointed, he didn't want to have to spend another boring day with nothing to do
- Oh, don't worry... There is still a lot of work to do
This is how for the next two hours the twins were reviewing different routes and itineraries to be able to change them without a fixed pattern that the bandits could learn
- I think we're doing very well - said Arthur, looking at the map of the city and the forests that surrounded it, and the different routes they had devised - but I think we'll need a few more routes
- Yes... We need a few more to be able to alternate them... - answered Merlin, looking at the map that it was spread out on the bed on his legs.
- But we'll have to do it later - said Arthur, looking out the window at the position of the sun - Rick must be about to arrive with lunch, and Gwen must come after him... So we'll continue later
- Lunch so early? - Merlin asked confused
- Just because you woke up a couple of hours ago doesn't mean that all the rest of us could laze around all morning... - Arthur replied as he collected the map and other papers to leave them on the table - I'll be right back
As Arthur suspected, less than two minutes had passed since Arthur had left the antechamber when Rick arrived with lunch.
- Here is your lunch sire - Rick said, leaving the tray on the table - would you like a glass of water or wine?
- Water is fine, thanks - answered Arthur - that will be all Rick, thanks... you're dismissed
- Yes sire - Rick said with a small bow before leaving the room
Just 5 minutes later Gwen knocked on the door, bringing Merlin's food.
Arthur took both plates and went to the antechamber so he could eat with Merlin.
The brothers enjoyed lunch talking about something more entertaining than patrol routes. Since there was still a lot Merlin had to tell Arthur, every free moment Merlin had told him about one of his adventures. Today Merlin was telling him about the time the questing beast attacked Arthur.
- ...And there was nothing I could do, so I went to talk to Kilgharrah...
- I still can't believe you talked to him for so long... - said Arthur - ... And that the guards never saw you go down there
- I told you, the guards really need to improve their job... - said Merlin - ...as I was saying... that's when he told me that I should go to the island of the blessed and bring water from the Cup of Life
- ... The Cup of Life?
- Yes, apparently with that water I could bring you back... But
- Of course there was a but...
- In order to maintain the balance, a price had to be paid... - Merlin explained - ... When I arrived at the Island, Nimueh was waiting
- Nimueh? The same one I found in the woods?
- Yes... The same one who conjured the Afanc, and the same one who cast the spell to give us life...
- Oh, that Nimueh - Arthur said sarcastically.
- She had the cup and she said that she would give me water in order to save you, but that a life had to be taken in exchange... So I offered her mine...
- What?!?! Why did you do that? ...That harpy! Always with their exchanges of one life for another! - said Arthur angrily, thinking how his mother had lost her life for the same reason.
- Well, I had no choice... It was the only way to save you... And what is the life of a servant compared to that of a prince...
- You do realize that you are also a prince, right?
- I know, but I didn't knew then... - said Merlin - ... And the truth is that I really believed that Camelot needed you more than me
- Don't do that anymore, you hear me? Camelot needs both of us - said Arthur, who after a few seconds added - ... Taking into account that you're still alive, I assume that she didn't take your life in exchange...
- No, she instead try to take my mother's life... - Merlin explained - ... The day after I gave you the water, I woke up very surprised to still be alive, but I found my mother very sick at the door of Gaius's room...
- She didn't die either... What happened then?
- I didn't want to let my mother die, so I tried to go back to the island and force Nimueh to take my life...
- Wait! ... That time... You were saying goodbye...
- Yeah... - said Merlin, looking at his plate to avoid Arthur's gaze - when I was about to go there I realized that Gaius had beaten me to it... He was trying to take my place
- What?!?!
- When I got to the island, Nimueh had attacked Gaius... Gaius was hardly breathing...
- And what happened?! - Arthur asked. He knew that Gaius and Merlin had come out of that experience alive, but he wanted to know how.
- Seeing Gaius made me very angry... And I started to attack Nimueh... Obviously she attacked me back with a big ball of fire - Merlin said, touching his chest where that huge ball of fire had hit him a few years ago
- What?!?!... This story gets crazier and crazier... - Arthur said, eating his last bite.
- Eventually I ended up invoking an electrical storm and a lightning attacked her..." Merlin said, also finishing his lunch.
- She's dead?
- Yeah... - Merlin said - ... And the balance in the universe was maintained...
- You conjured up a storm?
- Yeah.. well, I was angry...
- Okay .. I think I'll keep that in mind - said Arthur with a smile, it would be a very bad idea to have Merlin as an enemy - ... Thanks for saving me
Merlin responded with a huge smile. He had never done things thinking of some reward or that people would see him as a hero, but he had to admit that it felt very good to know that Arthur appreciated everything he had done for him.
- What happened to the cup? - Arthur asked.
- I don't know... I was worried about Gaius... I didn't even think about looking for it - said Merlin - I suppose it was left somewhere on the island... Do you think we should go looking for it?
- I don't know... I don't think so... - replied Arthur - nobody knows it's there... And normally nobody goes there, everyone is afraid of that island...
- Oh... - Merlin said, followed by a big yawn.
- Are you tired? Do you want to take a nap? - Arthur suggested
- No... I'm not tired... - Merlin said, but another yawn ruined his credibility.
- Really? - said Arthur incredulously. If Merlin's body was asking him to sleep, it was surely because he needed it - ...You should take a little nap...After that we'll continue working on the patrols
- But I've been awake for only three hours!
- And apparently your body thinks it was enough... You're still recovering, it's normal that you need to sleep
- I have slept more in these last days than I usually slept in two weeks
- That is... Sad... - Arthur said worriedly - ... Try to sleep, I'll wake you up in a couple of hours
- Alra...aight - Merlin said with a big yawn.
Arthur took advantage of the fact that Merlin would be sleeping for a couple of hours to be able to do some things that he had pending. After making sure to lock the antechamber and his room, he headed for the village.
His first stop was with a man who was in the business of selling belts. He had never bought one for him, because his were made by the royal saddler, but everyone knew that this man did very good work.
- Good afternoon - Arthur said as he entered the saddlery
- Sire! Everything is alright? You needs something? - said the man, somewhat alarmed to see the prince in his shop
- Actually yes... I need a new belt
- For you?
- No... For a friend... - replied Arthur - could you show me some models?
- Of course sire! - replied the excited man, running quickly in search of his best works
Arthur looked closely at the four models the man was showing him. They were really good quality.
- I like this one - said Arthur, pointing to a dark brown one with a granite-colored buckle
- Excellent choice sire!
- Do you have a baldric for a dagger to go with the belt?
- Oh, of course! - replied the man running in search of a baldric suitable for that belt
- Excellent... I'll take them - Arthur said, pulling out a few gold coins to pay the man - could you send them to the palace?
- Of course sire!
- Thanks
The next stop was the bladesmith. Again, his weapons were normally made in the royal forge, but Arthur had bought daggers and knives a couple of times in that shop as a gift for one of his closest knights.
He was about to get to the store when he bumped into Gwen.
- Guinevere
- Sire! - Gwen answered surprised, she didn't expect to meet the prince here in town - how is Merlin?
- Taking a nap...
- Oh...
- So I have time to make some errands
- Errands? - asked Gwen confused, looking at the brown satchel that Arthur has in his hands.
- Yeah... - replied Arthur, trying to divert the subject - ... How are the clothes I ask for?
- Oh, fine... I've already finished some things... - Gwen replied - Do you want to see them?
- No, don't worry... I'm sure they'll be great... - replied Arthur - could you take what you have finish to the castle?
- Sure, I'll take it later.
- Great... Oh, and I also need Merlin's measurements - Arthur replied with a smile - ... I have to go...
- Oh, sure... You have errands...
- Sire! Good to see you again - said the owner of the store when he saw him come in - how can I help you? Looking for a new gift?
- Good afternoon - replied Arthur - Yes, I need a dagger
- Of course... We have several new models - said the salesman, showing him several daggers of different sizes and with different handles.
- I like this one... - said Arthur, pointing to a dagger with a not very long blade, but long enough to defend against an attack. The hilt was made of wood with gray metal edges, the same color as the belt buckle - can you engrave the hilt?
- Maybe... What do you have in mind sire?
Arthur entered the last store he had planned to enter today, the shoe store.
- Sire! - said the owner scared to see him come in - Is something wrong?
Arthur was not surprised by the attitude of the seller, since he had never gone in to buy there... And generally when the people of the city saw him go into his business they believed it was due to some problem
- No, everything is fine... - replied Arthur - I need to buy some boots
- For you, sire?
- No, they are a gift
- Oh... And do you know the size?
- Better, I have a sample - said Arthur, taking from the bag, one of Merlin's boots, which he had taken as soon as Merlin had fallen asleep.
- Oh... - replied the seller somewhat confused, receiving the boot that Arthur gave him
- I want two different pairs...
- Sure, sir, I'll show you the models I have for this size - answered the seller, going to the back in search of some models to show the prince.
After choosing two different models and asking the vendor to send them to the castle, Arthur returned to the castle, hopefully before Merlin woke up.
On the main staircase he met Gaius, who was leaving the castle on his afternoon rounds.
- Gaius - greeting Arthur
- Sire... - answered Gaius, making a small courtesy - how is Merlin doing?
- Okay, he's taking a nap.
- I hope he'll be where you left him - Gaius said.
- Yeah, me too... - replied Arthur - but I only left an hour ago... I hope he's still sleeping
- Gwen will bring his medicines later - Gaius said - I'll go see him early tomorrow, to see if he can get out of bed
- Great, but I think it wouldn't hurt him to sleep in tomorrow
- In that case I'll go after my morning rounds.
- Thank you, Gaius - replied Arthur, before continuing on his way.
Upon entering his room Arthur made as little noise as possible so as not to wake Merlin, there were still several minutes left before the two hours that he had told him were over. However, only a few minutes had passed when he heard noise coming from the antechamber.
- Hey - Merlin said when he saw him enter
- You woke up... What was that noise? - Arthur asked looking around.
- I was thirsty... I dropped my cup when I reached to take it - Merlin explained.
- Did you wake up a long time ago? - asked Arthur, going over to pick up the cup to pour some water into it and pass it to Merlin.
- No... Just nowį - said Merlin, receiving the cup that Arthur gave him - thanks
- Did you rest a bit?
- Yeah...
- Great, do you want to continue with the patrols?
- OK
Thus, a couple more hours passed until it was time for dinner, so Arthur left Merlin in the antechamber and went to wait for Rick in his room.
Rick arrived a few minutes later accompanied by another servant, who brought some packages for Arthur.
- Oh, thank you - said Arthur to the second servant - leave everything on the bed
- Yes sire
Rick, for his part, left the tray with food on the table and filled the glass with water.
- Do you need anything else, sire? - Rick asked.
- No thanks, after dinner I have to continue reviewing some papers - replied Arthur - you can go
- Good night sire - Rick answered before going to the door
When he opened the door, he found Gwen, who was bringing a basket with clothes and other things, and who was about to knock on the door.
- Hello Rick - Gwen greeted, then addressed the prince who was inside the room - I brought the things you asked me sire
- Oh, sure... Come in - Arthur said, trying to sound casual so that Rick wouldn't suspect a thing.
Gwen entered the room and closed the door behind her, to remove Merlin's plate of food from among the things that she had brought
- Thank you Gwen - Arthur said, when Gwen put the food on the table.
- I also brought the clothes... And the measurements... - Gwen said, handing him a piece of paper with the measurements, and searching among the things she brought for Merlin's new clothes.
- Great... Let's show Merlin - Arthur said, taking both plates of food and heading to the antechamber.
- Gwen! - Merlin greeted cheerfully when he saw her enter the room
- How do you feel today?
- Better...
- I'm glad - answered Gwen - look what I brought
Gwen put on the bed in front of Merlin the clothes that she had managed to make so far. Three shirts, a pair of trousers, a thin jacket and two new scarves
Merlin looked at the clothes in amazement, Gwen had managed to do a lot in a very short time, and everything was beautiful. The shirts were of three different colors: red, blue and dark green. The pants were dark brown, the same as the jacket. While the handkerchiefs were one red, and the other grey.
- Wow... Gwen, you're the best! - Merlin said excitedly. Merlin tried to get up to be able to hug Gwen, but when she saw what he was trying to do, she approached and gave him a hug without him being able to get up.
- Merlin is right, those garments are of very good quality.- Arthur replied, taking one of the shirts to feel the fabric - Thank you
Gwen had told him that she would look for the best fabric possible without drawing too much attention, and yeah, she had done it. The fabric was nice to the touch and felt quite warm, but it didn't look particularly ostentatious like the fabric of his own clothing.
- It was nothing - Gwen answered with a smile - I still have a lot to finish
- There's no rush - Arthur told her
- I'm glad you liked what I brought, but I have to go attend to Morgana...
- Oh, sure... - replied Arthur
- Rest Merlin, I hope you can wear your new clothes soon - Gwen said before leaving.
- Yeah... Me too - said Merlin - hopefully Gaius will let me out of bed tomorrow
- He said that he would come by to check on you after his morning rounds - Arthur said taking the clothes to leave them on a chair, tomorrow there would be time to put them in the closet
- Oh great
- I hope you can get up tomorrow, because we must go present the routes to Uther and the council.
- What?
- Well, I'll introduce them, but it would be ideal if you were there with me
- Are you going to tell him that I help?
- Perhaps I can mention that some ideas were yours... - said Arthur - it depends on whether he is in a good mood or not...
- Oh...
- But we will worry about that tomorrow - said Arthur - now it will be better to eat our dinner before the sausages get cold
After dinner, Merlin took the medicines that Gaius sent him with Gwen, and a short time later he began to yawn. Arthur suspected that Gaius had once again drugged Merlin's dinner.
Once Merlin was already sleeping, Arthur went to check the different packages that were on his bed.
There was the belt, the two pairs of boots, and a few socks that he had bought on his way back to the castle. The only thing missing was the dagger, but he wasn't surprised since he had asked the vendor to make an engraving on the hilt, and he knew that would take a while. Arthur took everything (including the boot he had borrowed) and carried it into the antechamber quietly, trying not to wake Merlin. He didn't want Rick running into everything he had bought tomorrow
Before going to bed, Arthur took the paper with Merlin's measurements that Gwen had given him, and began to write a letter. Tomorrow he would ask Rick to deliver it first thing in the morning.