Chapter 7: Magic Books, Scones and Stewards
Disclaimer: Merlin and its characters do not belong to me
Later that night, safely ensconced in Gaius' chambers, Merlin found himself reflecting on just how much his life had now changed. He was no longer in Ealdor, and had not one, but two jobs; jobs he would have to learn quickly.
"It seems you're a hero." Gaius greeted as he entered, carrying a small item wrapped in fine cloth.
"Hard to believe, isn't it?" Merlin retorted.
"No." Gaius scoffed gently. "I knew it from the moment I met you. You saved my life, remember."
Merlin's smile faded into a confused frown.
"But, that was magic," he leaned forwards, curiously.
Gaius nodded slowly.
"And now it seems you've finally found a use for it."
"What do you mean?" Merlin asked, deciding that both Gaius and the dragon loved giving him more questions, without answering the ones he had before.
"I saw how you saved Arthur's life."
"Uh, no," Merlin started panicking. If Gaius saw, then surely the King and others saw too.
"Perhaps that's it's purpose." Gaius continued as if Merlin hadn't said anything.
Merlin sighed.
"My destiny."
"Indeed." Gaius spoke solemnly, before beginning to unwrap his parcel. "This book was given to me, when I was your age."
Excited, Merlin jumped up from his seat on a wooden crate.
"But, I've a feeling, it will be of more use to you, than it ever was to me." Gaius handed over the final layers of cloth.
Glancing up at the old man for a moment, Merlin carefully removed the cloth, revealing an old, leather-bound book. The spine had gold lettering, faded too much to properly read anymore. The front cover was inlaid with a simple gold design, and a pair of golden clasps held the book shut. Eager to see inside, he lost no time in opening the clasps, to find a mix of loose parchments and beautifully embellished pages.
"But this is a book of magic," he murmured, gaze landing on an extremely detailed sketch of a herb.
"Which is why you must keep it safe, hidden." Gaius replied firmly.
"I will study every word!" Merlin vowed, causing Gaius to nod in approval, only for them to be interrupted by a hurried knocking on the door.
"Merlin? Prince Arthur wants you right away." the messenger called through the wood.
"Your destiny's calling. Go find out what he wants." Gaius said, hiding a smile.
Merlin rolled his eyes, before carefully putting his new magic book down, hiding it under the cloth, and setting off.
The messenger, a guard named Thomas, lead the new manservant through the various halls and corridors to the Prince's chambers. As they walked, Thomas pointed out noticeable wall-hangings, statues, etc. to help the castle's newest servant find his way. Upon arriving at the correct door, Thomas paused to knock, before being called to enter.
"Merlin, your new manservant, My Lord." Thomas announced as he opened the door.
"Finally!" the Prince exclaimed, looking up from a parchment on his desk. "Do you not know your duties?" he continued, waving the guard off.
"Um, no, should I?" Merlin snarked.
Arthur blinked.
"I'd have thought the Steward would have told you? Never-mind, you can see him tomorrow. I need you to sharpen my sword and polish my armour for tomorrow morning." he motioned to where a basket containing said items was sat innocently by the wall. "And, you need to get me ready for bed." The Prince continued before Merlin could take the basket.
Merlin started.
"Get you ready for bed?" he asked slowly.
"Yes, Merlin, have you seen some of these fastenings?" came the response.
Merlin shrugged. How hard could it be? Turning to the bed, Merlin grinned. Might as well go all-out. It was the work of a moment, turning down the bed-sheets. A quick check under the numerous pillows yielded a pair of loose cotton slacks, but no shirt. Thinking he'd missed it, or maybe the shirt was misplaced, Merlin started by checking under the bed.
"What are you doing?" Arthur demanded, watching his clueless servant.
"Sorry, Sire, I can't seem to find the shirt." Merlin frowned.
Arthur huffed.
"That's because there isn't one. Honestly, Merlin, it's far too hot this time of year."
"Right." Merlin nodded, following the Prince to the screen, and helping undo the hard-to-reach fastenings.
Prince in bed, Merlin took his leave, basket full of metal in hand. Only to be waylaid by Arthur's former manservant, who introduced himself as Morris, and handed over a scroll he'd created, containing the Prince's schedule for tomorrow – apparently Merlin would need to check with the Steward each week for the information. Thanking him, Merlin took his leave, managing to find his way back to Gaius' fairly easily.
Gaius, however, was out, so Merlin simply took the basket up to his room, and set his magic to sharpening and polishing while he read over Morris' notes.
The next morning found Merlin waking with the dawn. After checking over the Prince's sword and armour, he re-stacked the basket, planning to fetch it back to the Prince before breakfast. With that all sorted, he set off in search of the Steward.
The Steward, it seemed, was expecting him. Along with a very helpful map of the Castle detailing the servant's corridors, and a pile of parchments to go through – his contract, pay information, that sort of thing. By the time they'd gone through everything, Merlin had to rush back to Gaius', collect the basket, drop it off in a handy alcove outside the Prince's rooms, then rush down to the kitchens.
A kind kitchen maid explained the process of collecting breakfast for the various castle nobility. Nodding to himself, Merlin lost no time gathering a plate and filling it with a cheese scone, some grapes, and a few slices of ham, before heading back up to the Prince's chambers.
Upon arriving, Merlin stopped and stared at the closed door, before shrugging, and using his foot to nudge it open, having both hands occupied. The sight he was met with, however, almost, almost, causing him to drop everything. When he'd left the night before, the room was tidy. Now, it looked like a hurricane had swept through, clothes and boots on the floor, chair pulled out from the table, papers all over the desk – the only things matching his expectations were the closed curtains and the sleeping Prince!
Deciding not to question it, Merlin put the plate on the table, before considering the sleeping Prince. How to wake him up? He grinned.
"Good Morning!" he called cheerfully, opening the curtains sot he sunshine hit Arthur face-first.
"Wha-" Arthur groaned, rolling over, and promptly falling asleep again.
Merlin frowned. Plan B?
"Oh, this scone's really tasty, I can see why nobles have so many feasts, now."
He'd barely raised the scone, before it was snatched away by the Prince.
"You can't just eat my food!" Arthur cried indignantly, scone held protectively against his chest.
Merlin grinned brightly at him.
"I wasn't. Got you out of bed, though."
Arthur glared.