Merlin Oneshots

Father

Footsteps thudded down the street, dodging people and carts and animals. The people shouted at the small boy as he weaved through them, cursing him or telling him to be careful. But the boy didn't slow, rushing as fast as he could to the castle gates.

Just as his destination was in view, two spears blocked his path.

"Halt!" The guards commanded, forcing him to a stop. "The castle is restricted to commoners without an audience."

"Please...! I have to get in! I have to see the King! It's really important!" The boy pleaded, trying to go around the guards, but was blocked off again.

"And why should the King have an audience with a whelp? His schedule is busy enough."

"But my dad...! He's hurt and in trouble and said not to trust anyone but the King and the Knights of the Round! Please! I need to see him!"

The guards shared a look before studying the boy. He had bright blue eyes, large eyes, dark hair, and shabby clothes. Not the son of a noble or anyone important... Probably a commoner from one of the outlining villages.

"We'll send someone to inform the King, but you'll have to wait here-"

"Wait..." The second guard murmured, staring closer at the boy. He had been new at the time, but he could remember the King's manservant that had gone missing nearly six years ago. The manservant that had the same blue eyes and ears as this boy... "Come with me."

"What?" The first guard's eyes widened, "He needs to go through the proper routes before being able to see the King!"

The guard ignored his partner, grabbing the cuff of the boy's shirt and dragging him with him. The young boy stumbled along, trying to keep up with the long strides of the guard. He was able to glance briefly around the courtyard before he was brought inside, through the many halls and then waiting outside two large wooden doors.

"Get the King, Queen, and Knights of the Round," The guard told to a nearby servant. "Tell them it's urgent."

The boy wasn't sure how long they stood there, his mind jumping back to his injured father left in the woods. Would he still be alive by the time they got back? Would the King even help him? No, his father said to put all his trust in this King, that he was different than the others. He had to trust his father's faith in the King of Camelot.

The doors opened before the boy knew it, staring with wide eyes as he was pushed inside. The room was large and bright, windows lining the walls, nothing like the throne room he was used to. People in fancy clothes stood along the edges of the room, watching him with calculated looks as he slowly made his way across to stand in front of the two thrones. Four knights stood lined up next to the King, who was also dressed in chainmail and armor. The Queen, who was sitting in her chair, rose with her husband when he drew closer to them.

The Royal pair had weird expressions on their faces as they looked at him, almost pained as they held their breaths.

"What's your name?" The King asked, descending the steps, "Why are you here?"

"My name's Gabriel," His hands clasped to his sides as he bowed deeply, "But please, Your Majesty! You have to help my father! He's hurt in the woods and made me come alone because he was too weak! He said you're the only ones I can trust to help! Please, he might die! You have to save him!"

The Queen, who was next to her husband, stepped closer to him and knelt down, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Who's your father, sweetie?"

He glanced at her, standing up straight as he reached into his back pocket, pulling out his dad's old red neckerchief. The whole room gasped at the sight of it. "He said this would prove I'm telling the truth, that his name is Merlin."