Boy From The Woods

The Letter

"My Lord?" 

Knock knock knock knock

"My Lord? I have your breakfast ready! May I come in?"

Arthur opened his eyes a crack, suddenly aware of his stiff back resting on the stone floor. He held up his hand to the window, trying to block the sunlight bombarding his face. 

"Sire, are you alright?"

Arthur grunted as he pushed himself off the ground. "I'm coming, Toby!" He threw his blanket over the back of a chair and stumbled into his boots. He put his hand on the door handle. Before he opened it, he glanced back at his bed and watched the still sleeping form of Merlin. He breathed easy on his stomach, enveloped by the warm blanket. Cat purred loudly, tucked in a tight ball on Merlin's back. Merlin's arm dangled off the edge, suspiciously close to where Arthur had just been. Even though he knew next to nothing of the boy's past he had depressing feeling it wasn't a light hearted story. Not many people with a perfect life end up alone and afraid in the woods. The Prince smiled, knowing that last night's conversation must have provided at least some comfort for the boy. He pulled the door open a crack, wanting to be cautious of who knew Merlin had spent the night in his room. Some people might get the wrong idea. 

He opened the door to find Toby standing respectively, holding a large plate of food. Arthur offered to take the food from him. 

"Thank you, Toby!" He slid the tray through the door crack and hurried it over to the long table that lived in his chamber. He rushed back to the door before Toby could see anything. The manservant stood awkwardly, obviously curious about the Prince's odd behavior.

"Ummm... Sire?"

"Yes?" 

"Uhhh... may I speak to you for a moment?"

"Alright..." Arthur stepped forward and closed the door behind him. The pair now both stood in the wide hall. 

"Oh... I thought we might talk as I help you get dressed and prepare for the day."

"I won't be needing your assistance this morning. Is it alright if we talk here?"

Toby looked over his shoulder nervously. "Yes, I suppose that would be alright." He took a breath. "I'm concerned about that boy you picked up in the woods."

"Merlin," Arthur corrected.

"Yes, I'm concerned about Merlin." He glanced quickly at the Prince. "It's a bit frightening, my Lord, to see you so... unconcerned with the magic."

"I'm deeply concerned. We've all got to protect him. Cenred obviously wants him for some reason and-"

"No, I'm sorry, my Lord. That's not what I meant. I was thinking more... you're not upset about the fact that he has magic in the first place. I just think... you of all people should know how dangerous he is."

Arthur nodded respectfully. "I know what you must be thinking. My father has banned magic and you want to be a loyal citizen of Camelot. You're a loyal man. But please... trust me on this. At first when I found out I didn't trust him either. However, after certain events... getting to know him... even though I've only known him for a few days I have great confidence that he means no harm to anyone. He just wants to be somewhere safe and accepted."