The Crest of Ambrosius

Chapter 7

AN: Hey Guys! So sorry it's taken me this long to update. Things got a bit busy with school, then the holidays, then I had writer's block, etc, etc. But, I am feeling a lot better about where I'm going with the story now, so maybe the block won't come back.

On another note, I just realized that I am about to hit my 2 year anniversary on this story, so thank you all for sticking with me! I know it's hard to follow a story that's so sporadically updated and I truly appreciate those of you who keep coming back. I won't set any deadlines on when I plan to get chapters out, since that's never worked in the past, and things are going to get even busier with school, as I'm graduating a semester early!

But enough about me. Part of the reason this took so long is I did some rewriting of the past chapters, so you may want to go reread. I didn't change anything too substantially, I just fixed a few errors and changed the names of my OCs. I'm including a quick description guide for easy reference. (Original name listed, then new name and description).

Cai - Garrick, He has unruly sandy brown hair pulled back into a low knot and wise hazel eyes that almost glow with a hidden determination.

Dristan - Thomas, Older, with short black hair that was starting to go gray. He has a beard to match and soft gray eyes that sparkle with mischief.

Alain - Elias, A bit younger, with unruly reddish-brown hair and green eyes. He carries himself with an air of cockiness that rivals Arthur's.

Dynadin - Fynn, Much younger than the others. He has dark, curly hair and piercing blue eyes.

They all wear, to varying degrees, white tunics, brown pants, and worn boots, with only light chainmail, a sword at their hip, and travelling cloaks.

This chapter is a bit longer, so hopefully it'll make it up to you guys somewhat. Happy reading!

"Gaius!"

At the sound of his name, the old physician turned from the bubbling remedy he was working on to greet his ward, who stumbled through the door and slammed it shut with a huge grin on his face. The grin quickly dropped into a sheepish smile when the sudden noise was met with his mentor's famous eyebrow.

"Sorry, Gaius. But I have to tell you something!" The grin was back in full force. Merlin crossed to the table where Gaius was working and plopped down on the bench, rattling the various vials and bottles scattered on the worktop. "You'll never believe it!"

"I'm sure it's quite exciting, what with all the racket you made on your way in here." Gaius chided, settling a bottle before it could tip over completely. After a moment, the eyebrow dropped and he gave Merlin a soft smile. "I am glad you found something to be happy about today. I know it's never easy for you remembering what happened in Dreócræft." At the mention of the fallen kingdom, a somber note had entered the conversation, but before it could ruin the mood completely, Gaius prompted, "Well, what exactly is it that's so exciting?"

Merlin perked back up. "Well, this morning, as I'm sure you've heard, Arthur was called to a meeting with knights from another kingdom. Gaius, they were my knights." The physician drew back in surprise. "Garrick and Thomas and Elias and Fynn. They're all here, and they've heard from Aurelius. He's still alive, Gaius. They're planning to retake Dreócræft and came to ask for Arthur's help and he's going to say yes! Oh, and he told the round table about my magic and making it legal again and they don't all hate me for it! It's so much better that I could have hoped for!"

Shocked at the numerous revelations, Gaius could only stare open mouthed at the young sorcerer. Uncomfortable with the growing silence, Merlin ventured, "Gaius?"