Merthur - Love in the Time of War

Chapter 6 - A Happy Ending for us Both

Arthur's POV

I meet up with the rest of my men in the courtyard. I'm panting heavily due to having run around the entirety of the citadel three times over. I glance around at the sullen faces of my men and know that we have failed though I ask anyways, just to be sure.

"Anyone find the intruder?" I ask the crowd.

They shake their heads in a silent no.

I sigh. "Did anyone get a good look at the intruders face? Or any information on them for that matter."

A few Knights walk forward. The man in the lead starts to speak, "We ran into him when we went to search the lower dungeons."

I turn to face them with new hope in my eyes. "Go on."

"He's a sorcerer and quite a young one. Perhaps nineteen or twenty years old. He's around your height I believe, and had short black hair with blue eyes."

"He had very prominent cheekbones as well," another man pitched in.

I nod. Well that helps a little. At least there's a place to start. "Good work. I'll relay the news to my father immediately. Meanwhile I want the rest of you to get some rest. Training is still on for tomorrow."

The men all nod and scurry back to their chambers. I let out a breath and start to make my way to the council chambers to deliver the information.

-----

My father bursts through the council chamber doors angrily. His face is set in a scowl. He looks at me sternly before speaking, "You lost the intruder?" I can tell he's struggling to keep his voice calm.

"I'm sorry father. He slipped through our fingers," I reply.

He smashes his fist down on the table in frustration. "You allowed him to escape? I taught you better then this Arthur."

"He had magic so I don't doubt that he was one of Balinor's."

He sighs, his rage seeming to quite down. "What else? Did you find his motives?"

"Unfortunately no."

"Has any documents gone missing? Maps, battle arrangements, anything?"

"Nothing is out of place. I checked myself."

My father starts to pace back and forth in a line. He rubs his forehead as if trying to rid himself of a migraine. "Anyway to track this sorcerer?"

"I have a description of what he may look like but it's a very broad range."

"Send the Knights out on a search."

I nod. "Yes father."

I turn and head out the door to relay the order. Just before I shut the door I can see my father slump down on his throne in exhaustion. I glance down sadly, feeling guilty that I disappointed him.

-----

Merlin's POV

I sprint through the forest, dodging branches and tree roots with slight difficulty as I make my way to my steed. I arrive panting. I hold onto a nearby tree for support as I catch my breath. I look behind me. No one seemed to have followed. I grin proudly.

I glance up at the sky to see the sun starting to rise along the horizon. I have to get back quick. I mount my horse as swiftly as possible, double checking to make sure I have everything before riding back home.

-----

I manage to make it back to the town just as most of the townspeople begin waking to start their day. I ride my horse to the stables and hand it to the stable boy before running into the palace. I race to my room, shove my satchel under my bed, and throw on a change of clothes just as Gwaine walks in.