The Sorcerer's Secret (a Merlin story)

17

     While Leon was training Merlin snuck into Leon's room. He eased the door closed behind him only to see that the room was empty, clean, crisp. It didn't look like Leon spent any time in here at all. The bed was made with crisp corners and fluffy pillows. The curtains were drawn closed, bringing no light in and the chest, simple detailing and a key. There was one in every room, to keep valuables, Merlin pulled at it. Locked.

"Sim Sala Bim." Merlin muttered and the box clicked open, proud of himself merlin smirked, his eyes searching the room, not wanting to get caught. Merlin pulled open the box, taking a step closer to it to better see. Leon didn't have many belongings, he was given a new wardrobe of Camelot reds and armor, the only things he had were what he was wearing when Merlin helped him escape Rau. Inside the box held a piece of parchment, Merlin carefully picked it up and flipped it over, but it was blank. Merlin took a gentle finger, rubbing on the parchment, looking for signs of words, letters, a hidden massage perhaps.

"Revelio." Merlin declared in hushed tones and the parchment glowed. Merlin's eyes went wide as he inspected the sheet.

Be ready.

Soon Camelot will be ours.

Be ready.

Take the kings ward if you must but do not go soft on us.

This is the end.

Be ready for the fall of Camelot.'

Merlin read it and read it again before he heard the thud of boots in the hallway.

"Reverto." The parchment's glowing words dimmed until they disappeared. Merlin shoved the parchment back into the box, a gem rolled and glowed, moving around the base of the box. Merlin didn't have time to examine it, he slammed the lid shut. "Bim Sala Sim." Merlin said relocking the box. Merlin rushed to the door but Leon and Celeste's voice halted Merlin, his fingers on the door latch.

"Even after years, you are still quiet the swordsman." Celeste applauded as Leon pulled open the door. Merlin ran to the wardrobe storing himself inside. He sucked in a deep breath as he waited for Leon to make a move, to say something scandalous, to reveal his true intentions but he remained quiet as Celeste moved around his room, finally finding herself at the edge of his bed. Merlin peered out at them through the small hole in the wardrobes lock. With one eye squinted closed, the other bulging out to better see them. Leon joined Celeste, she brushed his long golden hair out of his face, sweat slicking it back. She rubbed at his chin, some kicked up dirt, drying to his skin. Merlin wanted to light Leon on fire, wanted to show Arthur what he found, wanted Celeste to see the truth. Merlin pushed away a cloak falling on his head as he watched them stare lovingly at one another. As if Leon could do no wrong.

"Al la," Merlin began but clamped his mouth shut when the door flew open.

"Merlin?" Leon questioned looking down at him. Merlin tipped back, his feet shooting out of the wardrobe. "What on earth are you doing here? In my wardrobe?" Leon questioned, his tone dark and accusatory. Merlin gave himself a moment to think as he pulled himself upright. Brushing the lint off of his clothes from the wardrobe and taking in a brave breath. Celeste had risen from the bed and was looking at him with a lack of trust.

"I was locked in there." Merlin said. "I must have fallen asleep. Thank you. Thank you for saving me." Merlin exclaimed.

"You were locked in my wardrobe?" Leon questioned and Celeste's face puckered.

"I was in here to clean," Merlin reiterated. "I was putting away clothes when-"

"You feel into the wardrobe?"