A Forgotten Destiny (Merlin)

Chapter Six: Where's Merlin?

It was the next morning and the Knights of Camelot were out on the training field in the warm summers sun. Whilst most of the King's Knights practiced as they would any other day, the Knights of round table were slow, groggy and wincing at any sudden movement or sound.

"Remind me again why we had to come to practice" Gwaine moaned whilst sitting on the grass leaning onto his sword for support.

"We have a duty to serve and protect Camelot" Leon said firmly, but secretly wished he could just go back to bed and sleep this terrible hangover off.

Arthur and Elyan were attempting to spar, emphasis on attempt.

"Where's Merlin?" Percival queried, looking around the field.

"He didn't show up to work this morning, the lazy dollophead." The King shouted out of breath over the clanging of his and Elyan's swords.

"Well you did chase him round the castle, use him as a human dummy, send him to the stocks and then almost beat him up in the tavern - on his birthday." Elyan provided.

"Yes, I'm not sure princess is the best at giving birthday presents," Gwaine chuckled as the rest of Knights followed suit.

"Your one to talk, he works shifts to cover your debts." The King said accusatorially towards the drunken Knight, "Which stops now, by the way, he's already my manservant and Gaius apprentice I don't need him running after you as well. Understood?"

shaggy haired knight, nodded in response, he felt awful about Merlin taking on another job just to help him out, and on top of that he took no credit. Gwaine made a promise to himself to return the favour to Merlin.

Finally, Arthur proved victorious against Elyan as the man landed on the floor with a thud. "Not bad" The King complimented. Looking around he spotted a wondering guard,

"Hey you!"

The Camelot guard, quickly jogged over to his King and bowed in respect "Milord?"

"Fetch me my servant would you? He's had enough of a lie in."

"Of course sire." The guard once again bowed and jogged away in the direction of the Physician's chambers.

Arthur turned to help Elyan up off the floor. "Gwaine, Percival you're next" The giant and shaggy haired knight groaned as they got into position.

"On my count... 3.. 2..1.. Fight."

~~~

The Guard wandered down the halls of the castle, nodding to servants as they passed by. When he came up to the Physician's door he knocked gently,

"Merlin?"

The door opened slightly as the guard knocked, clearly it hadn't been shut properly.

"Merlin the King wishes to see you out on the training field."

No response.

Not quite sure what to do, the guard pushes the door open some more,

"Mer..." Taking in the sight before him, the guard stops mid-word. Withdrawing his sword and moving further into the chambers he calls for the boy one more time.

"Merlin are you in here?"

No response.

The guard waits no longer and quickly retreats out of the door, closing it as he leaves and heads straight back to the training field.

~~~

Gwaine falls to the floor and laughter ensues from the King and Knights.

"I thought you would last a bit longer than that!" Leon remarked.