Back to Camelot
The next morning it had already stopped raining, and there was not a cloud in the sky, so the first rays of sun began to illuminate the entrance to the cave very early.
- Wake up Merlin - said Arthur, standing up and beginning to gather his things
- Mmm - answered Merlin, covering his eyes with his forearm - it's morning already?
- Yes, so hurry up... The patrol must be close
- Okay... - Merlin answered without much encouragement, standing up to help gather up the small camp they had set up in the cave - are you hungry?
- Yes, but we'll eat while we walk... There is no time to do it here - replied Arthur, who was still gathering things
- Okay - answered Merlin, who approached the food and separated two portions of the last of their bread and apples, so they could eat them later
When everything was in order and there was no trace that they had spent the last two nights there, Arthur and Merlin started their walk to the point where Arthur would meet the patrol. The pick up point was not too far from Camelot's walls, but Arthur had made sure that the patrol's route was quite far from where he thought he would find Merlin, so in order to meet the patrol they had to walk a bit. Which gave them time to talk
- Are you ready to go back? - asked Arthur, eating some of his bread.
- Yes... I think so - answered Merlin
- Everything will be fine Merlin... - Arthur said, trying to calm him down - we just have to act normal, as if nothing had happened...
- Believe me, something did happen
- I know... - replied Arthur exasperated - but the others don't know that... And they won't know for a long time
- But...
- Merlin, you've been deceiving us all for years... Doing magic on our faces and still we haven't suspected anything... - Arthur added - I'm sure you can keep doing it...
- I ..
- As long as you stay calm and act as if nothing had happened - Arthur repeated, tapping him on the shoulder to show his support.
- Okay, I'll try it
- Besides, now if you feel frustrated or overwhelm by something, you can go talk about it with me, ok? - said Arthur - no more secrets...
- Yes... Thank you Arthur - Merlin answered with a big smile
- Come on... The patrol should be about to arrive - said Arthur, biting his apple - do you remember the plan?
- Um...
- Merlin! Pay attention, it's not even a difficult one - Arthur scolded him - I'll stay here to wait for the patrol, while you continue walking along this road to Camelot... And in a few minutes the patrol will bump into you, and that's how we'll arrive all together to the castle
- Ok... - answered Merlin - I'm leaving then...
-We'll see each other in a few minutes... - said Arthur, patting him on the shoulder encouraging him to walk - Go...
Merlin had left about 10 minutes ago when Arthur heard the sound of approaching horses. He quickly untethered his horse from where he had hidden it (in case anyone passed by) and approached the main road, just in time to see the patrol approaching him.
- Sire!
- Gentlemen - Arthur said, mounting his horse and quickly joining the patrol so as not to stop them - how was the patrol?
- All good sire, we did not encounter any problem
- Excellent - replied Arthur - for my part I was also able to do my job without problems...
- I'm glad sire - said the knight in charge of the patrol
- Remember that I need your discretion for this to work, I was with you all the time
- Sure, sire - they all answered.
- Excellent... Now tell me a little more about what happened these days - said Arthur - so I can also play my part
Merlin had been walking for about 15 minutes when he heard the noise of horses behind him, after taking a deep breath and preparing himself for what awaited him in the castle, Merlin slow down his pace
- Merlin! - shouted Arthur, as soon as Merlin was in sight of the entire patrol. As soon as they were in front of Merlin, Arthur gave the order to stop.
- Sire! - Merlin replied, trying to sound as normal as possible.
- Gauis send you for herbs I suppose - said Arthur
- Oh yeah...
- Did you find everything? Are you coming back? - asked Arthur
- Yes, I have everything Sire - answered Merlin
- Excellent, hop on - said Arthur, offering his hand so that Merlin could mount his horse and sit behind him - it rained a lot these days and I need you to wash my clothes and clean my boots... I don't have time to wait for you to come walking
- But...
- Now Merlin! - repeated Arthur, in his best commanding voice.
- Right away sire - Merlin answered, accepting Arthur's hand and sitting behind him. Seizing the moment, Merlin whispered in Arthur's ear - you're enjoying this a little too much...
Arthur, upon hearing Merlin, smiled discreetly and nodded, before directing his attention to the patrol and giving the order to continue on his way.
Arriving at the citadel, Arthur could feel how Merlin was beginning to get restless behind him, so as soon as they dismounted from the horse, he said
- Come on Merlin, take my stuff upstairs first... Gaius will have to wait for his herbs.
- Yes, sire - Merlin said, taking Arthur's bag and following him into the castle.
Merlin and Arthur were climbing the last flight of stairs that led to Arthur's bedroom, when they ran into Sir Leon
- Sire! Merlin! - said Sir Leon when he saw them
- Oh, Sir Leon you're back - said Arthur, trying to sound casual in case someone was listening - everything went fine?
- Yes sire... - León answered - My aunt is already feeling much better - León answered calmly, hoping that Arthur understood the message
- I'm very happy Leon - said Arthur, nodding his head to thank him - we'll see each other in practice tomorrow then, rest today
- Thank you Sire - answered Sir León, leaving the place
- Merlin? Let's go... - Arthur said, taking Merlin by the elbow and leading him to his bedroom.
Once inside, Arthur locked the door, he didn't want anyone interrupting their conversation.
- Merlin... Snap out of it... Keep calm - Arthur said, taking the bag from Merlin's hands
- My... Hunith...
- She must be with Gaius... - replied Arthur
- I didn't expect to have to talk to them so soon...
- Come on Merlin... We'll have to talk to them sooner or later.
- I know...
- And the best thing will be to do it today
- But...
- Merlin, the sooner we know the truth, the better... There are still many unresolved doubts that only increase our anxiety - said Arthur - as soon as we know the truth we can take our time to assimilate everything and it will be easier to pretend that nothing has happened. ..
- Okay... But can we wait until afternoon at least? - asked Merlin anguished
- Okay... - replied Arthur - actually I have an idea that you might like...
- What?
- Come with me... - said Arthur, walking to his antechamber
Opening the door to the antechamber, Arthur walked over to one of the tapestry that hung on the far wall of the room. Behind the tapestry was a door, which Arthur opened with one of the keys he had on his belt.
- Where does that door lead? - asked Merlin confused.
In all these years he had never seen that door. In fact, Arthur's antechamber was rarely used. Normally that was a place where some servants sleep and thus be close to their master. Arthur for his part had never allowed one of his previous servants to sleep there, he didn't want them gossiping in his affairs; with Merlin that did not concern him, but he had his own room with Gaius, so it was not necessary for him to use the antechamber.
- You'll see... - Arthur replied, crossing the door and entering a small corridor, at the end of the corridor there was another locked door, that Arthur opened with the same key.
Behind the door was a large room, not as large as Arthur's, but similar enough. It had a large bed in the center, a table in the corner, a beautiful wooden desk, and a big wardrobe near the window. The room was very beautiful, but it was clear that it had not been used in a very long time, it was full of dust and cobwebs everywhere, the curtains were closed, so only a small beam of light came in from one corner, and it was very cold in it
- What... I've never seen this room before.
- Of course not... It's locked from the main corridor as well, and just like in the antechamber, the door is covered with a tapestry - Arthur explained.
- But why?
- Since it connects with my room, my father closed it for security
- Oh...
- And now it's the perfect place for your new bedroom
- What?
- Think about it, no one knows of its existence... Not even Morgana
- But...
- It clearly needs cleaning... But I'm sure a little magic can fix that, right? Arthur said with a smile.
- Haha, very funny - Merlin said sarcastically.
- You just have to be careful with the noise... Oh, and don't open the curtains... Unless you have some spell that allows you to do it without others noticing?
- I don't know... I would have to look in my book... - answered Merlin - but people will notice that something strange is happening if they see that I don't leave your room at night
- Oh, that's very simple to solve... - replied Arthur - we'll say that you're staying in the antechamber... That you had a disagreement with Gaius, and that I require your services more frequently now, to be able to perform in a better way my royal duties
- Do you think... Uther will accept it? - asked Merlin
- I don't see why not... his own servant has used the antechamber for years
-Oh... It's fine then... I think...
- Unless you want to continue using your room at Gaius's
- No... Not for the moment at least...
- Well, in that case I suggest you look in your spell book for something useful - Arthur said with a smile - I'll go give the patrol report.
- Okay...
- Here - said Arthur, giving the room key to Merlin - always keep it locked... I have a copy, and careful to leave the tapestry well placed... And don't make too much noise
- I will... - said Merlin - Thanks Arthur
- Don't be thankful, it's your castle too, remember? - said Arthur, disheveled Merlin in a friendly way - try to relax and enjoy while you clean this place with magic... I'll be back later
As soon as Arthur closed the door leading to the small hallway, Merlin ran to close it. Then with a single flash of his eyes the dust on the floor in front of the door disappeared.
Merlin left his backpack on the dust-free spot on the floor and sat next to it, leaning his back against the door and closing his eyes. He still felt very overwhelmed with everything that was happening, he needed a few minutes to put his thoughts and emotions in order.
Arthur went to the council room, where his father would surely be.
As Arthur suspected, upon entering the council room he found his father sitting at the table going through some papers.
- Oh, Arthur you're back.
- We returned a few minutes ago father - said Arthur, trying to sound as normal as possible, despite how angry he was with Uther
- Anything to report? - asked Uther
- Not much, we did not meet anyone strange on the way, and the small villages that we pass did not report any problems either
- Excellent news - answered Uther - I await the report of your patrol and the others during the afternoon
- Of course Sire - replied Arthur - oh, and I wanted to inform you that I will begin to make use of my antechamber
Uther said nothing, just looked at Arthur with a raised eyebrow.
- My royal duties take more time every day, and the more I learn from you, the more time I will dedicate to them... So I would like to have Merlin around whenever I need him.
- And what about Gaius? You know he needs the boy's help - said Uther.
- I know, and he will continue to help him gather herbs and care for the sick if there is an outbreak of any disease... But for other tasks he'll have to find someone else to help him - Arthur replied seriously, hoping Uther don't make him change his mind
- Alright. Tell Gaius - Uther replied after analyzing the request for a few seconds - I'm glad you're taking your responsibilities so seriously, Arthur
- Thanks, Father
- I just hope you have chosen well, that boy tends to ruin things
- Don't worry father, I'll take care of Merlin
- I hope so - answered Uther - oh, and don't forget to notify the steward of the changes
- Sure - Arthur replied, before turning around and leaving the room
After speaking with Uther, Arthur had gone to receive the report of the different patrols that had returned this morning, so that he could then make the general report that he would deliver to his father. Later he had spoken with Gaius to tell him of Merlin's decision to sleep in the antechamber, and that later that day they would go to talk with him and Hunith. Gaius had been surprised by Merlin's decision, but he hadn't opposed it, he knew that Merlin was very hurt by what had happened. Finally, Arthur had gone to talk to the steward
- Good morning Henry
- Good morning Sire - the steward greeted courteously - do you need something?
- Yes, I come to inform you that Merlin will begin to make use of my antechamber.
- Oh
- He will take care of the cleaning of the place, so it is not necessary that you entrust it to someone else
- I understand sir
- Also, since he will be in my service all day, I want him to be included in the daily rations of the kitchen
- Sir?
- You heard me... I don't want him passed out from hunger in the training field or while his pouring my wine - Arthur said with an authoritative tone.
- Sure sir
- Excelnete... I want you to report it immediately to the kitchen, lunch time is getting closer
- As you say sire - answered Henry, bowing and leaving in the direction of the kitchen
About an hour had passed since the conversation with Uther, and now Arthur was walking towards his room, thinking about the changes that Merlin would have made to his new room.
Entering his room, Arthur locked it and went to the antechamber. He was about to put the key in the lock of the door to Merlin's room, when he decided that it would be better to knock before entering, so as not to scare Merlin away.
- Merlin? - said Arthur after knocking twice on the door - It's me... I'm going in
- Wait... Ouch! - said Merlin when the door hit him in the back
Merlin was still sitting on the floor, in the same position as an hour ago, and he had received a slam from the door as soon as Arthur had tried to enter.
- Merlin? What are you doing there? - asked Arthur, who after taking a look around added - is everything alright? Why haven't you done anything?
- Ehm... I was... Thinking...
- Thinking? Have you been sitting there all this time thinking?
- Yes... Well no... At first yes, and then I started to look through my spell book...
- Did you find something useful? - asked Arthur
- Yeah...
- And why haven't you done anything yet?
- I was waiting for you... - said Merlin, who, somewhat embarrassed, added - Would you like to see?
Arthur, understanding Merlin's hesitation, replied immideatly
- Of course... So far I've only seen you light a fire and make a bit of wind... I'm wondering if all your stories are true or not - Arthur replied with a smile, hoping to relax Merlin a bit.
- ... You're not afraid?
- No Merlin, we already talked about it... I know you're not an evil sorcerer... - Arthur replied, kneeling down in front of him and giving his shoulder a little squeeze -... It might surprise me a little at first. .. But I'm not afraid
Merlin didn't say anything, but he answered him with a big smile.
- Come on, show me what you can do - Arthur said, standing up and offering Merlin a hand.
- You asked for it - Merlin said as he stood up.
For Arthur everything happened very fast. In just one second, the whole room was filled with magic.
As soon as Merlin stood up, he made sure that the door was securely closed and closed his eyes, he took a deep breath and when he opened them again they shone with a beautiful golden glow. At that moment, a wave of golden light came out from Merlin's hands and covered every corner of the room. Immediately Merlin made a movement of his hands, his eyes shone again as he began to say an incantation in the language of the ancient religion... In the blink of an eye the room changed its appearance, all the dust and cobwebs had disappeared, There was a roaring fire in the fireplace, and the morning sun streamed in through the curtains.
Arthur was amazed looking at the curtains. The curtains had been once a beautiful red, just like his, but time and dust had left them very ugly... Until a few seconds ago, now thanks to Merlin's magic they were bright red again. But that was not the most surprising thing, the curtains were still closed, but the morning sun entered through them, and you could see the courtyard without a problem
- How...? - asked Arthur, turning around to look at Merlin, to his surprise Merlin wasn't in the room - Merlin?
- I'm coming... - answered Merlin from the corridor that connected to the antechamber
A few seconds later, Merlin entered the door, carrying a set of clean bedsheets and blankets in his hands... And floating behind him was a bucket of water.
- What... - Arthur said, but was interrupted by Merlin, who with a single movement of his hands and a subtle sparkle in his eyes, made everything around him begin to move.
A rag and two brushes came out of the bucket of water. The wet rag went to clean the window panes, while the brushes began to polish the floor. For their part, the old sheets began to float and leave the bed, giving way to the new set of sheets that floated to take their place. The closet that was next to the window opened its doors, and different objects began to come out of it, which began to float in front of Merlin, who after a quick review sent everything along with the old sheets to a basket that was in the corner
- I think it will be better to throw that away... It's all moth-eaten... - Merlin said to Arthur. Not receiving an answer, Merlin turned to see the prince - Arthur?
- Wow - was the only thing Arthur managed to say - What was all you did? How do you do that with the curtains?
- Oh, first I made a spell to protect the room, no one can hear or see us from outside... That was that first golden wave you saw - Merlin explained.
- Brilliant...
- The curtain has another spell, it allows light to enter and we can see outside, but from the outside it still looks like it's closed... Because it is - Merlin said with a smile
- And that? - asked Arthur, pointing to the brushes that were still cleaning the floor, and the rag that was now cleaning the surface of the furniture - did you always use magic to make your chores?
- No, of course not... Gaius scolded me every time I did it... Besides, it was too risky... You could enter your room at any time
- Remember to keep the door locked if you want to do something like that again, ok?
- I know... - Merlin said - what do you think?
- It was fine, I think - replied Arthur feigning boredom. Seeing Merlin's disappointed face, he smiled and addedn- don't be ridiculous Merlin... Change that face, it was amazing...
Merlin didn't answer, but his disappointed face was replaced by a big smile.
- By the way, I already spoke with Uther... He authorize the use of the antechamber, and that you reduce your working time with Gaius...
- Oh thanks...
- I also informed the steward, and I told him that you would take care of cleaning of the antechamber so he wouldn't send someone else... - said Arthur - but it will be better to keep up appearances, in case someone comes in... It must look like you sleep there every night
- Okay...
At that moment the rag and brushes returned to the bucket. The cleaning was over
- Well, I must say that it looks quite good... - said Arthur - it's a pity that you can't open the windows... It wouldn't hurt to be able to clean the air a bit...
- Yes... I didn't find any spell about it... But I didn't finish looking... Someone interrupted me - said Merlin
- Ha ha... You'll have to wait to keep looking... It's time for lunch and I'm starving - said Arthur
- And what does it have to do with me?
- You are the one who should go get lunch, remember? - asked Arthur - ... Remember to bring a little extra so you can eat something
- Mm... I think you're enjoying too much to keep giving me orders - said Merlin
- Well, I can't deny it... - said Arthur between laughs
- Ha ha... - answered Merlin, taking the basket with the dirty clothes and commanding the bucket of water to follow him - maybe I will bring food just for me...
A few minutes later Merlin entered the kitchen, where he met Julie, one of the maids who worked there.
- Good morning Merlin - said Julie with a smile
- Good morning Julie, I came for Arthur's lunch
- Sure!
- Oh, and I wanted to ask you... - Merlin began to say, but he didn't finish the sentence, since Julie interrupted him
- Yours too? Will you eat here or do you prefer to take it with you?
- Mine? - Merlin asked confused.
- Your lunch... - answered Julie - I heard that you will no longer stay with Gaius
- Oh... yes... - Merlin replied, amazed at how quickly gossip spread in the castle.
- And the Steward said that from now on we should consider you for meals - Julie explained - The cook wasn't too happy about it
- Haha... I imagine - said Merlin, receiving the tray with food for Arthur - I'll take mine too please... I still have a lot of job to do
- Sure, give me a few minutes.
Merlin returned to the room with the tray of food for both of them. His plate was almost the same as Arthur's, but it wasn't so big and there's no sausage.
- The cook wasn't very happy when she found out that they had to give me some of her food - Merlin said, while he distributed the things on the table - she believed that it was a lie, so I manage to eat her domplings
- Haha... Well, I don't blame her... You're always fighting with her about it
- Not always, besides this wasn't my idea... - answered Merlin, who was pouring two cups of water - you are the one who is forcing me to do this
- Oh, shut up and eat - Arthur ordered, as he passed one of his sausages onto Merlin's plate.
- Mmmm.. now I understand why your belt has new holes so often... These are delicious - Merlin said, enjoying his meal
- Did you call me fat?
- No... I just said that your belt is too small for you...
- Shut up Merlin
After lunch Arthur began working on the day's patrol reports and many other things he had pending. Meanwhile, Merlin dedicated himself to tidying up some things, especially the antechamber.
During the afternoon Arthur had to go to supervise the training of new knights, Merlin obviously had to accompany him, but as they had discussed in the forest, this time Merlin was not a practice target, so he stayed on the side organizing and cleaning the weapons they used
- Are you ready? - asked Arthur, as he ate some of his dinner. Just like lunch, Merlin had brought both of their food to the bedroom - as soon as we finish we'll go talk to Gaius
- I know... I don't think I'm ready for the conversation yet... - Merlin said, moving his food absently with his fork. The truth is that he hadn't eaten almost any of his dinner -...But as you said, uncertainty will only make everything worse...
About twenty minutes later Arthur knocked on Gaius's door. Gaius went to open it, and seeing them, he only bowed his head and stepped aside to let them pass. As soon as they were inside, he locked the door.
- Sire... - Gaius started to say, but was interrupted by Arthur
- Merlin, can you use the same spell that you used this morning? The best thing will be to make sure that nobody hears us... - said Arthur in a low voice
- Yes... - Merlin answered, closing his eyes to perform the same spell from that morning.
- Great... We can start now - said Arthur, approaching the table, and greeting Hunith with his head. He had spoken to her briefly that morning
- Merlin... - Hunith said timidly
When Merlin heard her mother, he looked at her for a few seconds, then lowered his gaze and sat next to Arthur in silence.
- Ehm... Gaius, why don't you tell Merlin the same thing you told me the other day... I didn't say anything to him, I thought it would be better if he heard it from you - Arthur said.
- Of course, Sire... - Gaius said, taking a deep breath - Merlin, first I want you to know that my intention was never to hurt you, neither to you Arthur, I just wanted to honor your mother's last wish and protect Merlin
- We know, Gaius - said Arthur.
- Before explaining everything, you should know that the King loved your mother, very much... But there was a problem, Camelot needed an heir and your mother couldn't conceive... Uther desperately asked Nimuhe for help. She agreed to perform the spell that gave your life, warning Uther that the spell would claim someone's life in return... Despite this, Uther agreed anyway, not knowing who would pay the price.
Gaius made a short pause to see if Merlin was listening, apparently he was paying attention, but he kept his gaze on his hands that were on his lap
- As soon as you were born, yout mother began to feel very weak, nothing I tried was working... - Gaius continued - It was just a matter of time before she died. As soon as Uther knew that this would happen, he began to blame Nimuhe and all the wizards for what would happen... Saying that they had done it on purpose just to harm the kingdom. That same night the Purge began, even before your mother passed away.
Gaius interrupted his story when he heard a weak sob from Merlin. After waiting a couple of seconds to see if Merlin would say anything, Gaius continued
- As you know, labor can last several hours, and during the delivery only the midwife and I are allowed in the room, so the King decided to go hunting to calm his nerves - Gaius said, pausing to remember. better what happened that day - after several hours of labor Arthur was born... The queen was very tired but really happy. A few minutes later the queen asked the midwife to leave the room as she wanted to enjoy her baby in peace, she asked her not to tell anyone about the baby as she wanted to surprise Uther. I also left the room, but I stayed in the antechamber, in case she needed my help for something...
- I told you I was the oldest - Arthur said to Merlin, trying to get a smile out of him, but without success.
- About 20 minutes later the queen began to call me... I rushed into the room, I took Arthur out of her arms and began to check what was wrong with her... - Gaius said - ... The queen had strong contractions, a second baby was coming... It was a big surprise, in none of my previous examinations I had identified two babies, and the queen had not gained enough weight to suspect twins...
Gaius looked back at Merlin, who was still concentrating on his hands. Silent tears rolled down his cheeks.
- It was all very fast, I didn't even have time to call for the midwife... - Gaius said - while the queen was pushing, Arthur had been crying all the time in the small cradle on the side of the bed... But as soon as Merlin was born, he remained silent... As soon as Merlin opened his eyes, they flashed a beautiful gold... The room lit up, some butterflies appeared... And Arthur began to babble very happily... - Gaius recalled with a lot of emotion - the queen looked around and began to laugh... She was so happy
Right now Merlin wasn't the only one crying in the room. Arthur was drying some tears with the sleeve of his shirt, while Hunith did the same with a handkerchief.
- It was then, when she held you two in her arms, that she began to feel very bad... And somehow she knew something was wrong... - Gaius said sadly - she asked me to look for the amulet in her jewelry box. and to ask the blacksmith to split it in two... And not to let anyone into the room, she still wanted to keep the surprise for Uther
- That's why no one knew about Merlin - said Arthur.
- Yes... I didn't want to leave the queen alone, so I sent a maid to take care of the amulet, but no one else entered that room except me - Gaius explained - ...Hours later Uther returned to the castle... By then your mother was already showing signs of being very delicate. As soon as I reported this to Uther, he freaked out and immediately went to the council to start the attack on Nimuhe and the others, he didn't even go to check on you or your mother.
- And you didn't tell him that she had twins... - said Arthur
- No... The queen wanted to surprise him, she wanted to be the one to give him the news... - Gaius explained - I went back to the Queen, and when I told her what Uther was doing, she immediately made the decision to hide Merlin, she don't doubt it for a second... She made me swear not to tell anyone about Merlin's existence, and asked me to find someone who could take care of him... Someone who could love him like a true mother
Merlin sobbed again, but this time it was a very strong one. Arthur, not really knowing what to do, just patted him gently on the back and then ended up in a half hug.
- Hunith was just visiting that day... She was the perfect candidate... kind, affectionate, young and she lived in another kingdom... So I took her in front of the Queen... They talked in private for a few minutes, And that same night I helped them out of Camelot...
At this moment Merlin was crying hugging Arthur tightly. Gauis and Hunith exchanged glances for a few seconds, and then Hunith got up and addressed Merlin
- Oh, honey... - Hunith said, stroking Merlin's back.
When Merlin felt his mother close to him, he released Arthur and turned to hug Hunith with all his strength.
- Thank you mother for taking care of me - Merlin said between sobs
- No honey, I am the grateful one... to have had the opportunity to have such a wonderful son.
After a few minutes, Merlin had calmed down a bit and Hunith separated from him.
- While I was with the queen, she wrote some letters for you two... - said Hunith - Gaius told me that you had found yours, Arthur...
- Yes, thanks to that letter is that we discovered all this... - Arthur responded - what happened to Merlin's?
- I have it... - answered Hunith, taking a letter from her pocket and handing it to Merlin - here honey
Merlin received the letter, but he just stared at it, not opening it.
- Do you want me to read it? - asked Arthur
Merlin nodded and handed the letter to Arthur for him to read aloud. Merlin wasn't sure if he would be able to read the letter out loud.
"Dear Merlin
I know that I have little time left on this earth, and that saddens me very much, but with the time that I have left, I need to tell you something important about you and this amulet.
As soon as I found out that I was pregnant I wanted to give you a special gift, that you could carry with you always and thus take me with you always. That is why I had this pendant made, which represents how much you mean to me, a small seed inside me that grew, and will continue to do so over the years to become a great man.
That was my original idea, but you can't always have everything as you plan, can you?
You will wonder why the amulet is broken in half... Well, I can only say that life gives you surprises, and life gave me a wonderful surprise the day you were born.
A surprise that forced me to break the amulet in half, so that I could give one half to each of my beautiful children, halves that make a whole when united... Two sides of the same coin.
I know that this is probably something difficult for you to assimilate, but believe me that what I had to do, I did always thinking about the future of you two, to keep both of you safe... Especially you, my magical miracle
Uther never knew of your existence, and it is for the best that he never does. I hope that when you read this letter Gaius is still alive and he can help you understand everything better. But I need you to know that I love you very much, and I will continue to do that even when I'm no longer in this world.
My intention was never to disown you as my son, or as a prince of Camelot, but to protect you from your father's irrational reaction.
I met Hunith a few minutes ago, but I am sure that she will be a great mother to you, that she will take care of you and guide you in this world... Until when is the moment when you can return to your home in peace, and be reunited with your brother
I love you so much my son
Ygraine"
After reading, Arthur turned to look at Merlin. Merlin had been sobbing silently the whole time, and his cheeks were covered with tears.
- We were able to meet again as she wanted - Arthur told him, handing the letter to Merlin. Merlin just nodded his head and took the letter, to read it again in silence.
A few minutes later, Merlin carefully placed the letter on the table and said
- Gaius, there is something I don't understand... If all this is true, how am I a DragonLord? Balinor is my father or not? - asked Merlin very confused
- No Merlin, he's not your fathern - Gaius answered, giving a sigh - at least not your biological father.
- What are you talking about? - asked Arthur
Before Gaius could reply, Hunith raised his voice.
- When I took care of Merlin I was single... But shortly after arriving in Ealdor, so did Balinor... - Hunith explained - he escaped from Uther and sought refuge in the village... We became friends very fast, and without realizing it became something more... He lived with us for a few months, until he had to escape from Uther again. At that time he loved you like his own son
- Oh... Then why did you tell me that he was my father? - Merlin asked Gaius very angrily, he still felt guilty for everything that happened with Balinor.
- I was hoping that if you found him, and you told him who you were, he would recognize you... And he would agree to come and help... - Gaius replied - ...I'm sorry Merlin
- What a good plan Gaius, the poor guy agreed to come help and he died trying - Merlin said angrily - But that doesn't explain how his power was transmitted to me...
- I'm not really sure how it happened... But from what you told me, the last thing he told you was how to kill a dragon, so I think he guided his magic to choose you... Or was it simply that magic did not want the DragonLords to die and saw that with your great power you were the right person to continue the tradition
Merlin didn't respond to Gaius's last comment, and Arthur could see that he was still frowning, so he decided that maybe that was enough for today.
- Well, I think that's enough for today... It's getting late, and I have training first thing in the morning - Arthur said, standing up.
- Of course, Sire - Gaius answered, relieved that someone had broken the tense silence.
- Merlin, do you still have things in the room? - asked Arthur - we can take them upstairs
- Yes... A few... - answered Merlin standing up - most of them were in my backpack anyway
- Are you sure it's a good idea that Merlin no longer lives here? - asked Hunith somewhat anguished
- Yes, I need... Some time - Merlin answered, looking Gaius in the eye - and space... I understand that what you did was to protect me and honor the queen's last wishes, but... It still hurts a lot
- it's alright Merlin - Gaius answered sincerely - I'm sorry I lied to you...
- Don't worry Hunith, no one will suspect anything... - Arthur answered - besides, I feel calmer having Merlin around, especially with Morgana and Morgause trying to get him out of the way.
- I can take care of myself Arthur - answered Merlin, who brought from his old room some clothes and Sophia's father's cane - I have magic, remember?
- I know! But no one else is supposed to know that, especially those two... so if they try to attack you again, you should pretend to be a simple helpless servant.
- But...
- I'm serious Merlin, let me deal with them - replied Arthur
- But you're not supposed to know about them! You are supposed to still trust Morgana - answered Merlin
- It's true sire - added Gaius - Merlin is right about that... But Arthur is also right Merlin, you should be careful in front of them
- Ah, great... Now he will scold us both at the same time - Merlin said
- Thank you, Gaius - Arthur said, trying to stop Merlin's tantrum before it was too late - ...We'll be careful... Good night, both of you
- Good evening sir.
- Come on Merlin... - Arthur said walking towards the door - you'd better hide that somehow... What is it?
- Oh, it belonged to Sophia's father... It's used to channel magic
- Hide it...
The walk to Arthur's room was in complete silence, but once there, Arthur asked
- How do you feel?
- I don't know...happy, sad, angry, hurt, scared, confused... - Merlin said giving a sigh and sitting down in front of Arthur's table - I don't know if there is a single word that describes how I feel. ..
- Yeah.. so do I...
Merlin was so overwhelmed with everything that was happening and everything he was feeling that he sometimes forgot that Arthur must be feeling the same way he was.
- Oh, Arthur I'm sorry... I know this is hard for you too, it's just that...
- It's okay Merlin, I understand... - Arthur soothed him - this has definitely been more overwhelming for you... I mean,.. I only found out that I have a brother... But you find out that your life could have been completely different
- I'm not complaining about the life I had... But...
- It's okay Merlin. You don't have to explain it to me... - Arthur said yawning - I think it's been a long day... It's better to go to sleep
- Eh... Yes... - Merlin answered, standing up.
- I hope you don't sleep in tomorrow... - Arthur said laughing - when you try your new bed you'll understand why it's so hard for me to get up...
- Oh, it can't be so different from other beds... Your just lazy - Merlin said, heading towards the antechamber to go to his room.
- If you say so... Good night Merlin
- Good night Arthur.
.
So sorry for that long wait... and so sorry for all the grammar mistakes that I found in the previous chapters (I hope there aren't that much in this one), i'll correct them as soon as possible