The Aftermath 2 (Merlin) ON HOLD

Chapter Nine: Searching

"It's been ten days Gaius, when is he coming home?" Arthur asked. Merlin had left for Ealdor over a week ago ever since he attacked Gwaine, it had shocked the Knights at first and Arthur hadn't reacted in the best way but nobody blamed the servant - he had been upset, all his friends wanted was to have him back home.

The King had just dismissed the rest of the court leaving Gaius, Gwen, Leon, Gwaine, Elyan, Percival and Lancelot sat at the round table with him.

"I'm not sure sire, neither him or Hunith have returned any of my letters since he left." The physician returned.

Concern spread on the blonde's face, "Do you think something happened to him?"

"No sire I'm sure everything is fine." The old man reassured.

"But surely he would have responded, either by letter or magic if everything was okay." Leon added.

"Leon's right we should make sure that he's okay." Percival now spoke leaning forward and resting his elbows on the table.

"I agree." Gwaine sat up straight.

All the knights looked towards their King for an answer.

Rubbing his hand against his chin in thought, Arthur shared a glance at Gwen, who smiled to her husband as if to say that she would support whatever decision he made.

"Pack your bags, we ride to Ealdor at first light tomorrow."

~~~

"I always forget how long this trip really is." Gwaine moaned as he, the King and Knights rode.

They had traveled all of yesterday, camped over night and it was now approaching midday.

"Quit your complaining, Ealdor is just over this hill." Leon commented.

As the six red cloaked men reached the top of the hill ready to be greeted with the sight of Merlin's quaint village home, they were all left in shock as they saw the ruins of stone houses, and the grey smoke still rising from some huts.

The knights all shared looks of concern and fear at one another. No words needed to be spoken as they all kicked their heels and sped down the hill towards the village.

Approaching the village none of the knights waited for their horses to stop before jumping off and looking around the town in worry. Burnt bodies laid in piles, despite that it was midday the clouds were grey, villagers were carrying other bodies to wooden carts whilst some women ran from one ruin building to another replacing their blood stained cloths and towels for cleaner ones.

Leon grabbed the arm of a passing villager,
"What happened here?" His voice was aggressive but his expression was laced in concern.

"Another village attacked us." The man informed in haste.

The other knights had watched the interaction between the two, Arthur stepped forward with his usual confused face.
"Why would they do that?"

"An illness spread amongst our people, the other villages didn't want it to spread to their homes so they tried to get rid of us. They set fire to the village, the flames spread through the night."

"When was this?" Lancelot queried,

"11 days ago." The villager provided "I'm sorry but I must go now." The man rushed away past the knights.

The Camelotian knights were left in a haze as they looked to one another, all knowing what the other was thinking: Where was Merlin?

"Lance you've been here before where's Merlin's house?" Percival questioned.