Valiant (Merlin)

Chapter 8

Gaius walked into the throne room nervously, where Uther sat. Uther's face was stiff and emotionless, but his eyes were filled with rage. Gaius bowed down. Uther beckoned the guards to leave and they did, doors shutting behind him. Uther then stood up and simply asked, "Did you know?"

"I did not know about Merlin's magic, sire, if that is what you are asking." He hoped he sounded convincing, but clearly, he didn't persuade Uther.

"I don't believe you, Gaius. You brought him into Camelot, under your wing, protected him. I gave him a job in the castle! There was magic right under my nose, and I had no idea!"

"If I may remind you, sire, Merlin only used his magic to save Arthur. Merlin tried to prove to you of Valiant's shield, but you were the one to dismiss it. If it weren't for Merlin, Valiant would have killed Arthur," Gaius said confidently. Uther couldn't deny that, surely.

"Arthur would have been fine on his own," Uther replied.

"Arthur had lost his sword and broken his leg! You know that he wouldn't have been able to defend himself!" Gaius knew he was the only one who could convince Uther. He was the only one Uther would listen to. Before Uther had a chance to come up with a response to that, a knocking came from the door. "Come in!" Uther called.

"Sire," The knight, Leon said, bowing, his voice sounding slightly out of breath. 

"Any news on Merlin?" Uther asked.

"Not yet, sire. We lost his trail in the forest. However, we have guards scanning the forest as we speak."

Uther nodded. "Make sure he is found," he said. Taking a look at Gaius, he began to say, "Bring him back he alive and unharmed. He must be interrogated and pay for his crimes accordingly."

Whilst Merlin was still going to be in a lot of trouble, Gaius still felt better about Uther giving him a chance to speak about the reasons why he had done it. Gaius gave a small smile at Uther, before following Leon out of the throne room.