Merlin's Prophecy

Chapter 2: Meeting Arthur

When the knights get back to court they find King Uther's son, Arthur, waiting for them. "Father." he says, "Welcome home. I was just wondering when I will be able to travel with you on your journeys." The knights were not surprised of Arthur's abrupt welcoming, he always got straight to the point. Merlin on the other hand found it captivating. The boy the he saw standing on the steps to the castle of Camelot seemed to be a kind and noble soul. It was was from there that Merlin knew they would soon be the best of friends.

"I told you, you will be able to accompany me when you are 10 years of age." the King told his heir.

"But Father." Arthur groaned. "I'm old enough, and I'm strong. You know that." The King looked at his son and sighed. Arthur reminded him so much of his wife; delicate facial features, brilliantly clear blue eyes. He was the perfect son. 

"No means no Arthur." Uther said, trying really hard not to cave into his son's charm. The prince groaned once more and watched his father escort the horses to their stables. That's when he noticed a boy, dressed in rags standing by Sir Lionheart.

"Who's this Berty?" Arthur asked, calling his cousin by the most aggravating nickname he could think of. Even though Elbert was almost 15 years older than Arthur, at the age of 23, they were very close.

"This is my new squire Artimus."Elbert replied, using a nickname that was just as annoying. Sir Lionheart emphasized the word squire because the two of them had bet on who would get a squire  or become one first. 

"My name's Erle. Pleased to meet you Arthur." Merlin said, shaking hands with the young prince. Arthur noticed Merlin's strong grip and looked at his tight muscles, visible due to the lack of clothing on the boy's upper body. Merlin had an average body build for a boy at the age of 12 even though he was only 9 years old. Arthur was able to tell that Merlin was on the run by the way his rags were torn and the amount of dirt that covered his body.

"Nice to make your acquaintance Erle. I'm just wondering. How long have you been a fugitive?" Arthur inquired. An apprehensive look spread itself across Merlin's face, as if he didn't want anyone to know about his past.

"Come on Arthur. Let the chap settle down and wash up before you ask him personal questions." Elbert butted in. "You don't have to answer the question Erle." The knight looked down at Merlin and saw the apprehension get slaughtered by defiance.

"No, it's okay sir. I might as well tell my story now so we don't have to deal with it later." Merlin said, "I've been on the run for a little over a year." This surprised Arthur. If a boy his age had been on the run by himself, he was a survivor. He would make a very good knight.

"That's a long time. Were you alone or did you travel with someone?" Arthur asked, getting interested in this boy's mysterious past. This seemed to be taking it too far for Elbert.

"My god Arthur. Would you leave the poor boy alone? He's just arrived here and already you're sticking your nose where it doesn't belong. Come on Erle. Let me show you to your room." Elbert yelled. Exploding from  the inside out. Reluctantly, Merlin followed Elbert into the castle.

"I'll tell you all about it later." He whispered into Arthur's ear as he passed him. Arthur's face lit up like a light bulb and he nodded.

As Merlin followed Sir Lionheart through the castle corridors he was fascinated by everything that went on around him. The maids carrying the laundry, royal guards standing outside very important doorways, even Gerard the mumbling librarian was an interesting sight. everyone was fascinated by him as well; surprised that there was a nearly nude boy roaming the halls of Camelot. Sir Lionheart stopped outside a pair of wooden doors. On the doors were designs full of colour: red, orange, blue, green, gold, and so much more. "This is amazing. It's so beautiful." Merlin said, staring up at the doors in awe.