Warriors of Camelot

Chapter 20: An Unexpected Reunion

Under the cover of darkness, Merlin tore up the steps. In no time at all, he was back in the castle's main complex. Even though the castle was deserted (apart from the guards, of course) this didn't prevent the fear of being discovered that lay heavily in his stomach. This wasn't the first time that Merlin had embarked on a secret mission, but that still didn't make this one any easier. 

The journey seemed to drag by, but at last, Gaius' chambers zoomed into view- and at the same instance, Merlin slowed to a standstill. Only now, did the prospective of what he was about to do suddenly dawn on him. Raven Of Old may have approved of him getting help, but he had never lived in Camelot during a time when magic was outlawed on pain of death. If this mission was discovered the wrong person, then...

Merlin shook his head in a desperate attempt to clear it. He had made a promise and nothing was going to stop him from keep it. He took a deep breath and reached out a hand towards the door, but he couldn't bring himself to grasp it just yet. Suddenly, he was beginning to doubt if he was taking the right course of action. Merlin knew how fussy Gaius could become when he heard that Merlin was embarking on another one of his missions. On some occasions, he had approved of Merlin's course of action, though not always. Would this be one of those occasions?

There was only one way to find out. Merlin took a deep breath and gently pushed the door open.

 Gaius' chamber was lit by the warm glow of the single candle which Gaius had left burning brightly on the workbench. By its light, Merlin could clearly make out the shape of Gaius, who was slumped over his desk and breathing heavily. When Merlin had left the chamber an hour or so earlier, Gaius had been working intensely on preparing yet another sleeping draught for Morgana, but it was obvious to Merlin the effects of working late into the night had clearly taken their toll on the old physician. In a way, though, he wasn't surprised. Gaius never gave up on a patient easily, but Morgana's nightmares were one ailment that he just never seemed to be able to offer an effective solution to. In fact, Gaius was beginning to suspect that Morgana's nightmares were more than just bad dreams, but how long would it be before she'd discovered that- and how would she react? He couldn't say. Merlin was the only other person who knew about Gaius' fears concerning Morgana's nightmares, but he'd solemnly promised to never share them with anyone and the last thing he wanted to do was upset his mentor. After all, the old physician had done so much for him in the past, so the least that Merlin could do was show how much he appreciated Gaius' kindness by keeping his promise. Now, he could only hope that Gaius would be prepared to help him out once again- even if it did mean going against Uther's orders...

Anyway, it was time to get back to the task at hand. Not knowing he should do in order to get his mentor's attention, Merlin coughed loudly. Much to his amazement (and relief!) Gaius woke up with a start. 

"Yes?" he spluttered. "What is it?"

It took Gaius a moment or so before he noticed his visitor. "Merlin!"

Gaius gazed around the room in amazement, as though he'd never seen it before. Eventually, his eyes narrowed and he stared at Merlin in confusion. "How long have I been asleep for?"

Merlin had no reply to offer, except for a quick shake of the head.

 Moments later, he saw his old mentor frown. Evidentially, Gaius had noticed the worried expression that was written all over his young charge's face.  "Merlin, whatever's  the matter?" he asked, looking genuinely concerned. 

Merlin took a deep breath. It was no or never. Without giving himself time to let doubts cloud his mind once again, he blurted out: "I need your help!"

"Whatever with?"