Chapter 6 [Physician's Chambers, Camelot]
[A/N: And now back to Camelot. Merlin, it seems, has some surprises in store.]
Merlin stumbled through the door. Exhaustion weighed on his shoulders, arms and back. His hands and knees ached. Arthur's lack of satisfaction rang in his ears. Floors, however, sparkled. Newly made beds awaited guests….
…if only the chamber pot hadn't slid into his path (again)….
Gaius would yell at me. I just did not have the energy to clean that up by hand. Merlin stretched his hands and arms high overhead. Tension eased (somewhat) from his muscles. His back loosened a little. Wish he was here. He could put some of that lavender and liniment on my back. He shut the door. He surveyed the chamber's resident mess. His eyes rolled. Gaius is not here. He raised his hand. "Sgioblaich suas!" Canary flashed in his eyes.
Magic's energy flowed about the chamber. Books floated off floors and tables back toward the bookcases. They slid into place with little resistance. Papers straightened themselves into orderly piles. Sparkling flow scoured away dirt and dried on spills at Gaius' workbench. Glass cups and apparatus sparkled in Sol's late afternoon beams. Broom swept Dust into the corner.
He settled into a chair. His hand grabbed an apple from the basket on the table. "At least nobody can see me in here." His teeth bit into the fruit. Crunch echoed for effect.
You do not really think that? Do you Young Warlock?
He jumped to his feet. His eyes darted this way and that. Gaius' and Hunith's paranoia kicked into overdrive. He couldn't see anyone around himself. His mind tied itself into knots. "Who's there?" He peered into his bedroom and around the area. He was alone.
How easily you do forget. I am but under your feet, Merlin.
Realization slowly dawned on Merlin. "Kilgarrah?" He scratched his head. "I was trying to make sure that nobody could see me. I did close the door."
So, you did. I am not lecturing you on the use of your magic, Merlin. It is but a part of yourself. You should learn to use it as a tool rather than becoming too dependent on it. It is like my tail. I can move it. Unlike the shackle around my foot, it does not control my actions. Besides, your tasks build the Young Pendragon's confidence in you. Be patient.
"Be patient?" Merlin glared at the ceiling. "Arthur complains about everything! He is never satisfied!" He threw his hands up in the air. Irritation ground his teeth and grated on his tone. "How is he supposed to be the Once and Future King if he cannot even get into his own armor or act Princely?"
Once again, I would say that it may be your role to teach him. You and he are but two sides of a coin. I have told you that before. I will more than likely remind you of that again. Weariness sagged on the Great Dragon's mind. You have growing to do as well, Merlin. Be patient with Arthur and yourself. Remember you cannot run from your destiny. However, heed these words well. Not everything is readily apparent. You cannot see me right now. That does not mean that I am not aware of you. I am speaking to you in your mind. Others would have been able to do so. Priestesses of the old religion would have done so with ease. One could be watching you right now. You must become more aware of your surroundings.
A knocking came from the door.
We shall speak again. With that, Kilgarrah went silent.
Too soon I'm sure… A terse sigh escaped from Merlin's mouth. He shuffled toward the door. He eased it open to find Gwen and Morgana standing there. "Gwen! Lady Morgana." He bowed to the latter and stepped off to the side. "Come in."
"Thank you, Merlin. Please relax. It is all right." Morgana strode into the Physician's Chambers. She looked all about the area. "You managed to clean in here as well. I told the King and Prince Arthur that you are learning quickly." Her eyes alighted on the bookcases and gleaming tables.
"I am not surprised." Gwen's eyes met Merlin's. Pink touched her cheeks. "Thank you, Merlin, for doing as much as you did. I did the other floors around the guest chambers. Milady, we make a great team."
"Of course." Morgana looked to them both. Warmth and Approval prompted a smile across her face. "I agree." She eased the door closed. "That is why I am trusting you both with this. The King actually made this suggestion this morning. So, aye, he and Prince Arthur both know about what I am about to tell you." She sucked in a deep breath. "You both understand that we are about to host two competing kingdoms?"
"Prince Arthur wanted everything to be the best it can be. He seemed really on edge," Merlin assessed.
"That is for good reason. Nemeth and Cawdor each have their history with Camelot." Morgana frowned. "My father never had a problem with King Rodor or his father back in Tintagel. King Ruthbert, on the other hand, shares King Uther's views on matters with Nemeth. Pity. King Rodor and Queen Taene are fair minded rulers. They care about their people. Princess Mithian and I have a lot in common. Her brother, Prince Kay, shares many of Prince Arthur's qualities. Cawdor, on the other hand, we should take care with. King Meleagant is a blood thirsty tyrant. He craves dominion and power. Given your relatively short time in our service, it was felt that you might be best served remaining away from the main service." Her mouth curled about its edges.
Merlin's shoulders sagged. Great. Now Arthur's embarrassed to have me around the guests? Restraint bit back an exasperated response. Disappointment weighed further down on his shoulders. "The King will send me away, I am sure."
Gwen put her hand on Merlin's arm. "Let Lady Morgana finish what she has to say, Merlin." She shook her head. "Besides you saved Prince Arthur's life. You are more capable than you know."
"Yeah?" Merlin relaxed. A small sort of smile tugged at his mouth.
Morgana nodded. "I was saying as much to the King, Merlin. He wants to help you. In fact, Nemeth has an excellent servant. Her name is Britomart. She has very high standards. She also has a relationship with Princess Mithian much as you do with Prince Arthur. Gwen and she will serve at the high table. Most of the time, the two sides will remain apart from one another. You two will work with Britomart and serve Nemeth's needs in their apartments. Prince Arthur and the King put George with Cawdor's servants. You'll assist Gwen and work with King Rodor's contingent."
"Britomart can seem intimidating, Merlin. She can be very nice," Gwen chimed in. "She cares about her work and her own people. She answers questions. Just do what you always do. Maybe though…watch out for the chamber pots?" A grimace punctuated her statement.
"You are learning the basics. You're learning about Prince Arthur's preferences. You care about your tasks for Gaius and us. This is a chance to learn from someone else." Morgana motioned toward Gwen. "Gwen is a fine role model in that regard. Besides, Queen Taene and Princess Mithian are very kind and patient as well."
"Merlin, I heard Gaius was away. Father and I have some extra stew. Would you like it?" Gwen curtseyed to Morgana. "Apologies. I did not mean to interrupt you, Milady."
"Nay. That is all right. You did not. I had finished what I was going to say. You both should speak. I am sure your father and Merlin will get along very well." Morgana raised an eyebrow at them. "I looked in on the chambers. I am satisfied. Gwen, you can have the rest of the evening. I shall expect you in the morning. Merlin, remember, Prince Arthur is not sacking you."
"I know. Thank you." Merlin bowed to Morgana. "I will do my best for this King and Queen."
"Thank you, Milady." Gwen curtseyed again.
"Good night. Enjoy your meal." Morgana walked out and back down the passage. Her mind already turned back toward the coming visits. Will it be enough to keep everyone separated? Why did Gaius leave now? What happens if there is an emergency? She walked down the stairs and down the main floor's passage toward the citadel's central area.
Merlin looked around the chamber once again. Nerves suddenly unsettled him. He cleared his throat. "Everything looks good. Sorry."
"Nay. That is all right." Gwen bit her lip. She understood Rumors' circulation throughout the citadel. Walls had eyes. Castellans listened in on each other's conversations. Her heart raced at being with Merlin alone. "It would be nice to talk. I have mentioned you to my father. He would like to meet you just as a friend of course. I would like you to have a good meal."
"Sure. Thanks, Gwen. Friends are nice." He walked her out into the passage and shut the door behind them. "After you." He put his hand out down the passage.
"Why thank you!" She led him down the stairs and out into the plaza. Then they headed for the arch.
Just dinner….