The King Of Magic

Chapter Two: Greetings

     "How do I know that what your telling me is true?" Gaius asks. We were all seated around one of his work tables. I had just finished explaining what had happened in Dragolia to Gaius, who is now questioning me like I'm some imposter.

    "Why would I fabricate such a story? If you are so inclined not to believe me then I can show you my royal seal." I replied in turn, grabbing my seal from around my neck and holding it out for him to examine. He takes the seal and reaches to grab his glasses from one of the tables to examine the ring that is hanging from a leather cord. The ring itself was in Dragolias colors of blue and silver with the Ambrosias family crest etched in at the fore of a phoenix and a dragon facing each other. On the inside of the ring was a small stamp to confirm its genuine.   

  "Well, I suppose I should say thank you. My sister was right to send you hear, even though Camelot has magic banned. But, while I agree with Hunith, I think it would be best you bring your case to King Uther, just don't mention you have magic. For now though feel free to rest in the spare chamber in the back." Gaius states calmly, arching a brow when he notices our shocked faces. "I take it Hunith didn't tell you I'm your uncle? Figures, she was always a very secretive person, even with your father. Drives me and him both mad." He chuckles out.

"So, family huh? I guess that makes sense since you were the first person she thought of to send me to. As for telling Uther, well, I will have to think that one through. For now, let us rest as it has been a long journey." I said and started to make my way to the indicated chambers with Lancelot in tow before Gaius could reply. We both fell asleep after taking off our armor and boots. 

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  In the morning we both freshened ourselves up as we forgot to the night previous, getting ready for the day ahead. We walked out of the chamber to see Gaius setting the table for breakfast. It wasn't much, but it would due. We both sat down and dug in. 

"To keep up pretense till you make up your mind, you can help me distribute drafts for my regular patents." Gaius stated and I nodded my consent watching as he placed a bucket of water precariously on the table, it wobbled and promptly fell over. Instinctively my eyes flashed gold and the bucket froze, then reversed itself to sit steadily on the table. I looked back to Gaius to see him scrutinizing me with that arched brow that makes feel as if I am but a small child.

"Did you incant a spell in your mind?" He asks. I look at him with an amused look before replying.

 "No, I was born with my magic. That was just basic instinct for me. I do not need spells, though they do make things easier." I explained finishing the meal and stood to go wash my bowl. I noticed the look of surprise from the corner of my eye. I chuckled slightly, thinking of the many times that I helped the servants with some of there chores, doing them by hand as they would instead of using my magic. Many of the nobles always inquired as to why I would place myself in such a low station, when I am the crowned prince. I would always say the same thing to anyone that would ask. 'A king without his people isn't a king at all'. but for Gaius I will explain a bit more.

"I can see why you would be surprised that I would do my own dishes, I am a prince after all. I just think that it is wrong for me to think myself better than everyone else simply because I have a title. A king without his people isn't a king at all for without your people your title is meaningless. I spent a lot of my time helping my people in any way I can, learning how they go about there daily lives so when I become king I will know what would be best for them. I put myself in there shoes so to speak." I explained with a small smirk.

"I must say, that is very wise." He said gently then picked up two vials and promptly handed them over to me. "This is hollyhock and feverfew for Lady Percival, and this is for Sir Olwin. He is blind as a weevil so warn him not to take it all at once." He finished pointing each out and giving me directions to each room. I nodded and proceeded with the directions after telling Lancelot to meet me in the lower town to look the city over a bit later.

I found Lady Percivals chambers fairly quickly, but I had to stop and ask for directions to get to Sir Olwins chambers. He had downed the entire vial before the warning not to drink all of it at once left my mouth. From there I proceeded to make my way to the lower town to meet up with Lancelot. I took my time in getting there due to myself looking around and feeling homesick for the bustling of my own people. I was so lost in thought of my own kingdom that I barely noticed when I came upon the training grounds, and my head shot up at the sound of jeering voices and shouted taunts. I looked over to see the blond haired knight I saw before on the balcony with King Uther when that man was executed. He was throwing knives at a shield a servant was holding, the servant running back and forth.

"Faster! Run faster! This is supposed to be moving  target practice. At the rate your going a child could keep up with you." The blond haired knight jeered. The servant put on a burst of speed that only ended with him tripping, with how tired he obviously is, and the shield flew from his grip and rolled right to me. I put my foot on the shield just as the servant came to pick it up. The poor man looked up at me fearfully. Most likely due to the fact that I am wearing cloths that, though plain, are clearly made for nobility. I wore black slacks and a blue tunic with a red neckerchief around my neck to hide my royal seal. I gave the servant boy a small smile and turned to the blond knight.

"Come on, that's enough. You have had your fun my friend." I stated in a firm but kind voice. The blond knight looked upon me with one of shock. I take it the prat has never had some one tell him what to do.

"Do I know you?" He questioned and made his way to me. I chuckled as I clearly saw where he was going with this. I always win at a game of wits.

"I thought it would be obvious that you don't, though your hair color would explain a bit as to why you would be so dense." I replied with a smirk. He looked taken aback at that but quickly recovered.

"Do you know how to walk on your knees?" He asked with masked irritation and my smirk widened as this was my intended affect.

"Sorry Sir Knight, I do not roll that way. Though it makes sense that you would with how fair you are." I outright grinned as I watched his face redden as he understood what I implied.

"I could take you apart with one blow." He nearly shouted in his anger, and I merely chuckled at his expense.

"And I could take you apart with less than that." I replied, the prince in me rearing it head at the challenge presented. The man across from me looked me up and down and comprehension flashed in his eyes before they hardened.

"Like you could." He snorted. "You look as scrawny a female. I doubt you could even throw a punch." His posture and eyes held challenge and my eyes hardened at the taunt. People always underestimated me because of my slim frame, and it irritated me to high heaven. I, however, kept my smile in place and slowly took a step toward him, looking him straight in the eye. I could tell this unnerved him a bit. I looked him up and down as he did to me, sizing him up. He was clad in full armor with a red cloak with the Pendragon crest (a gold dragon) in the middle of it.

"If appearances are everything to you, Sir Knight, then you still have a lot to learn. No matter if your opponent is big, small, or even a female, underestimating them will give them way to your weakness. Which would be your downfall." I said in a stern voice and turned to leave, but stopped suddenly, and I turned around again to state, " My name is Merlin, by the way.", then proceeded to walk in the direction of Lancelot, leaving a gapping knight behind me.

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There ya have it! Finally got chapter two done!!!! Now on to the next!!!!! Please feel free to comment what you think.