Goblin's Gold (Merlin 2)

Chapter 5

Arthur the Ass

Peering out from the corner of one of the building’s walls, Kiara watched as Gaius walked straight into the tavern, as though he’d been going there every evening for the whole of his life. For most men, it wasn’t a particularly unusual occurrence for them to visit the tavern frequently, but both Kiara and Merlin knew how much Gaius preferred staying in his own chambers whenever he had a free moment.

With a light sigh, Kiara knew that she had no choice but to follow him inside. The tavern wasn’t exactly her favourite place to go when alone, because groups of drunken men can become dangerous rather too quickly for her liking. Thankfully, Kiara managed to slip through the door unnoticed and she hovered by the exit, just within distance to hear and see what Gaius was doing.

“Clumsy oaf,” Gaius muttered as he banged into Sir Leon, and Kiara cringed from the doorway. He’d only just arrived and he was already close to getting himself hurt or injured. If he didn’t apologise, she’d already have to step in to save his backside.

“Gaius…” the knight replied, luckily his patience was still mostly intact. “I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that.” He continued, his voice strangely calm.

“Why? Are you deaf as well as stupid?” Gaius continued and Kiara’s mouth dropped open in horror, albeit also rather amused. She couldn’t have ever imagined Gaius saying anything like that if the goblin was not possessing him, and if he hadn’t put himself in such a dangerous position she would have laughed outright.

“I’m a knight of Camelot, and you will show me some respect.” Leon replied, and from her place against the wall Kiara could easily hear the irritation in his voice. If Gaius didn’t back down, she knew she’s have to go in and save his skin.

“You’re a fool and I’ll show you none,” Gaius replied, and Kiara stepped away from the door, and slowly made her way over to where the two of them were standing. She knew that Leon was close to losing his temper, and with both a sword and alcohol that combination wouldn’t be fun.

“You will learn some manners or I will teach you some,” Leon replied, his voice deathly calm – obviously disguising his real anger. Gaius sipped at the drink he was holding, and remained silent but Kiara’s mouth dropped open and groaned in horror as he spat all over the knight’s face.

“You may be old but I cannot let this pass!” Leon cried, pulling out his sword. “Arm yourself!” he insisted, and one of the men sitting at the table offered his sword handle to the goblin controlling Gaius. Kiara quickly darted in-between the two of them, narrowly avoiding the point of Leon’s sword.

“Kiara?” Leon faltered in surprise, lowering his sword.

“I apologise greatly on Gaius’ behalf,” she quickly replied, “He’s not himself at all today. I fear he’s coming down with an illness.” Leon glanced between the two of them, anger still clear on his face, and although his sword was lowered his knuckles were white with the tight grip he had on the handle.

“I’m just an old, foolish man, who’s had far too much to drink. Please accept my apologies,” Gaius replied, and Kiara turned to look at him with an eyebrow raised in disbelief. If he was going to step down here, she knew he must be planning something worse. “A flagon of ale for my friends!” he called back to the bar. Kiara watched as Leon sheathed his sword, and breathed a sigh of relief

“Then I accept your apology,” Leon answered, his eyes still focused on Gaius as he started to walk away. Kiara turned to watch him wander to refill his drink, wanting to be able to speak to him before she tried to find Gwen, hoping that Merlin had managed to escape to her as they had planned.