Daylight is Mine to Protect

Merlin

I yelp again and hop a step back as Merlin sits, stiff as a board, and begins coughing from the inhalation of cobwebs. I stand to the side of him, paralyzed by indecision. Merlin had definitely not told me this could happen.

He finally stops coughing and looks at me. "Are you Amber?" he asks me in a voice nothing like the intimidating presence it had been. No, it's a little old and a little squeaky. 

"Y-yes sir," I squeak. I can't believe this is happening. How is this happening?

"Hmm. You sound a lot older than you look. Then again, I suppose Morgana had a bit to do with that." He squints at me. "How old are you again?"

"Well... most humans would consider me around the age of sixteen but in Morgana's realm, time ages differently, so I guess I'm really around thirty-two," I stammer. 

"Yes, well, that would explain it, wouldn't it?" He looks around. "So, where is the Trollhunter? I thought he might be here with you."

"Oh, well, he's in the cave, but I think he's going for the staff. I was going for the staff too-- to protect him just like you told me to-- but then these blue lights came out of nowhere and...."

"Well, it's nothing I hadn't anticipated. I suppose we'll just have to wait for him to arrive."

As Merlin gets off the bench, I try to interject. "Angor Rot is trying to get the staff too! What if the Trollhunter needs help, and I'm not there?"

"I'm sure he has his merry band of friends with him. All of them against one of Morgana's should work out in their favor." He pulls himself off the seat with so many creaks and cracks, I step back a bit. I watch him warily as he goes through a series of stretches to make himself limber again. I stop watching him, however, as I hear sounds from the tunnel of the staff. 

I go into panic mode. I search around for the nearest place to hide-- the platform Merlin was on-- and skid behind it. Just in time as Jim and friends enter the room.

Everyone stops what they are doing as they see a stretching Merlin. 

"Holy Merlin," Toby squeaks. 

"Oh," he remarks to Jim, at the head of the group, with one final back crack. "You must be the Trollhunter. He steps forward and peers at him. "My how young you humans look. What are you, ten?"

The Trollhunter has no words. He can't speak at all. Claire rescues him from his indecision. "He's sixteen, sir."

"Ah. Well, I suppose I was only off by--" he does some math out loud "--fourteen years? My, your protector is much older than you are. I thought it was only a difference of two years."

"My protector?" Jim finally manages to get words out of his mouth. 

"Yes." Merlin seems to notice I have disappeared. "Oh, really now, she was just here. Come on out, there's no point keeping your identity a secret anymore!"

I refuse to come out. I stay where I am. 

Merlin huffs. He looks at the group. "She can be quite stubborn at times." He turns back to the room. "Really, you're making me look mad. Come out. This is all part of the plan."

I still refuse. 

Merlin frowns. "Fine, I suppose we can do this the hard way." He turns to Jim. "Where might my staff be?" I can instantly tell, with a feeling of dread, that Jim doesn't have it. In fact, as I look at the group, I notice Draal is missing. My heart pounds with guilt. "My staff of Avalon?" Merlin continues, seemingly unaware of the clear situation. "About yay high? Has a green emerald on the top? It is rather dashing."