Gwaine (Merlin 3)

Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Leaving

“Is there nothing you can do for them?” the king asked, as Gaius and Kiara examined the bodies of the two thugs who had used a magic crystal to appear as though they were Sir Ethan and Sir Oswald.

“I’m sorry, it’s too late for that.” Gaius replied, as Arthur followed his father in and stood in his rather dishevelled armour.

“The prisoner is responsible for their deaths, I want him executed immediately.” The king told his son, and Kiara let out a quiet noise of distress in the back of her throat.

“You might want to wait before you pass judgement.” Gaius replied, and he glanced at his female apprentice. Kiara removed each one of the men’s helmets, as he pulled off the magical crystals from around their dead necks, and continued to speak. “I fear that Sir Ethan and Sir Oswald are not all that they seem.”

Gaius held up the two crystals and Kiara examined them with interest. They were powerful magical symbols, for she could feel the magic radiating off them even though they were no longer being used. Uther and Arthur watched with matching frowns, before they glanced at the faces of the two men.

“Sorcery.”  The king muttered disgustingly, as Arthur knelt down beside Kiara to examine the bodies more closely.

“Then once again I owe Gwaine my life.” The prince glanced upwards at his father, and Kiara watched him with a small smile. Despite how she detested the way in which the prince bossed around just about everyone, she was beginning to see the side of him that Merlin had been ensuring her did exist.

~0~

“Let me?” Kiara questioned, as Gwaine absentmindedly rubbed his hand over his left arm. It was clear that when he’d been thrown off his horse, he’d landed awkwardly. The two of them, with Merlin as well, were anxiously waiting for Arthur to return from speaking with the king. He smiled down at her, and rolled up his sleeve so she could see the damage. There were already dark bruises appearing, but the bones in his shoulder blade and arm seemed intact.

“It’s too dangerous here. Anyone could see!” Merlin hissed, glancing up and down the deserted corridor.

“Shh.” Kiara demanded, laying her hand gently against Gwaine’s damaged skin. With a murmur of just three words, her eyes flashed gold and his arm returned back to normal.

“Thank you.” He replied, flexing his arm a few times before pulling his sleeve down again.

Merlin rolled his eyes. “Fine. Don’t listen to me.”

The two of them laughed quietly, but stop abruptly as they heard footsteps approaching. Arthur appeared round the end of the corridor, and his facial expression told all three of them that it was not quite the good news they were hoping for. 

“The king is prepared to overlook the fact that you fought in the melee.” Arthur told Gwaine.

“Ah! That’s fantastic.” Merlin burst out with a grin.

“Thank you, Arthur.” Gwaine replied respectfully.

“But, he’s a stubborn man.” Arthur almost sighed, looking away for a second before returning his gaze.

“Tell me about it.” Kiara mumbled, only just loud enough for Merlin to hear.

“He will not rescind his judgement, you must leave Camelot.” Arthur continued, and Gwaine made a face.

“You have to speak to him Arthur, make him change his mind.” Merlin started to speak at once.

“Merlin,” Gwaine stopped him.