Balinor's Son

Moment of Serenity

Merlin made his way through the halls of the Citadel passing servants and nobles alike. He was late for his nightly duties as always. What did Arthur expect at this point? If he showed up on time Arthur would accuse him of being too early. He came to Arthur's door and barged in without knocking. Arthur and Leon were hunched over the table where a map of Camelot was spread out before them. Leon jumped, surprised by Merlin's sudden entrance. Arthur didn't even flinch.

"Merlin, late as usual," Arthur said.

"Maybe you're early, my lord."

"Right." Arthur rolled his eyes. "Do we have to go over knocking again?"

"If you'd like to waste your time." Merlin made his way over to the wardrobe and gathered the dirty laundry. Arthur continued his conversation with Sir Leon.

"According to Geoffrey, Balinor escaped Camelot's dungeons the morning of his execution and fled north. My father's men pursued him. At first they thought they had lost him but after a year of searching they tracked him down to a small village where he was killed."

Merlin casually eavesdropped as he gathered the remains of Arthur's dinner.

"Well evidently the records are wrong, sire," Leon said. "It seems Balinor was not killed."

"Indeed," Arthur replied. "Do the records state the name of the village where he was allegedly killed?"

"It says here... Ealdor."

"Ealdor? Why does that sound familiar?"

The sound of shattering glass filled the chamber as the remnants of Arthur's dinner splattered across the floor.

"Merlin you idiot!"

"Sorry. My bad! Don't worry I got it." Merlin hid his face from Arthur. Balinor fled to Ealdor? Why hadn't his mother mentioned anything about him?

"We should send patrols along this border, to Ealdor, and surrounding villages. They should ask the villagers if they remember anything about what happened 20 years ago."

"I'll head the first patrol, my lord."

"Thank you sir Leon. You are dismissed."

Leon bowed his head in respect and left the room. Arthur strode smuggly over to Merlin who was still on the floor picking up the spilled food.

"Were you born clumsy?"

Without turning his head Merlin replied, "I like to believe it's something I perfected over time."

"Of course you would." Arthur sauntered over and tossed the map onto his desk. "Ealdor... where have I heard that?" Merlin looked up at Arthur, exasperated. "Why are you looking at me like that?" Merlin only stared harder. "Honestly Merlin..." he walked over to his bed and removed his belt. Merlin followed and helped him out of his chainmail. Suddenly Arthur smacked his forehead.

"Finally remembered have you?"

"You grew up in Ealdor," Arthur said. Merlin smiled. Arthur returned the expression. "In that case..." he picked up his chainmail and sword and thrust them into Merlin's arms. Merlin stumbled backwards. "Have that lot polished by tomorrow! We'll accompany Sir Leon to Ealdor."

This made Merlin perk up. "Really?"

"Yes clotpole. It will be good for your mother to see how far your blundering has come along."

"You think it's come far?"

"I do."

---+---

After Arthur turned in for the night, Merlin scampered off to his chambers to polish the chainmail. He was in a surprisingly good mood. He was going to see his mother! He hadn't seen her in at least a year. Hunith occasionally sent a letter but Merlin rarely had time to respond. He felt awful about it.

None of this mattered to him now. He practically skipped as he entered the physicians chambers which was a strange sight as he was still burdened by the heavy armour and sword. Gaius looked up from his desk.

"What's got you in such a good mood?" He asked.

"The hunt for Balinor has us riding for Ealdor tomorrow!" Merlin said happily as he ran up the stairs to his room. Gaius froze. He had promised Hunith he wouldn't tell Merlin anything about his father. However, it seemed like telling Merlin was unavoidable. He rubbed the bridge of his nose. A small part of him had hoped he would never have to tell him about his father. After all, wasn't he enough? He quickly pushed that selfish thought to the back of his mind. He would tell Merlin tomorrow before he left. He smiled to himself listening to Merlin humming as he worked on Arthur's armour. From the sounds emanating from his room, Gaius could tell he was using magic but for once he didn't feel like lecturing him. Gaius had a feeling that this would be Merlin's last instance of serenity for a long time.