Arthur rang the bell by the dumbwaiter and shouted, "Bernie; could you bring us down?" He then crawled into the box and beckoned Merlin to join him. Merlin crammed himself into the small compartment and they waited until someone began to pull them down to the basement.
It took about 3 minutes for them to descend to the cellar and by the time they emerged, both were drenched in sweat. As Merlin crawled out he began to observe his surroundings; there were almost 20 servants and cooks in the kitchen. One big man stood out among the rest, he was shouting orders at the others and roasting a pig. "That's Harvey." Arthur said when he saw Merlin staring, "He's the head chef." They watched Harvey yell at a woman for a little bit and then Arthur walked to the cooling rack by the oven and grabbed two loaves of bread.
"Thanks Art." Merlin said, as Arthur handed him one of those loaves.
They were on their way out the door when Harvey started yelling at a server boy. He was thin and didn't have much muscle on him, but he was standing up to his official; ready to fight. "Wait a second Erle." Arthur said and he began to walk over to the chef. When the boy saw Arthur headed his way he smiled. Merlin couldn't understand why, he was about to get yelled at.
"Hey, Harvey!" Arthur shouted. The chef turned towards the young prince with his face burnt red and smoke coming out of his ears. The whole kitchen had stopped, everyone was staring at the courageous young prince and the intimidating chef that towered over him. Harvey wasn't going to back down. He opened his mouth to yell at Arthur, but Arthur beat him to it, "Don't you dare yell at Bernie like that! Do you know what this boy does for you? He carries all your heavy ingredients from the courtyard to the kitchen! He kneads the dough, bakes the bread, cooks the meat, and sets the tables! He does more than you do! He is more valuable than you! There are plenty of chefs in Camelot that would love the position here! So shut your mouth and get back to work!"
Merlin snickered as the chef backed away, startled that the young prince was being so fierce. Bernie gave Merlin a wink and made his way toward him, not taking his eyes off of Arthur and Harvey. "Um..sire, I was just trying to explain to the boy that he was doing something wrong. That's all." Harvey responded, barely having the courage to look Arthur in the eye.
"That's what you were doing was it. It looked like you were threatening to kick him out andnlet him fend for himself. Even though he would be perfectly capable of doing such a thing, unlike you, that is not your place to decide." Arthur chastised.
"Sorry, sire. It won't happen again." Harvey apologized.
"Right it won't happen again. Just like the last time, and the time before that. Now get back to that pig before you ruin the new squire's welcome feast." Arthur reprimanded.
Everyone stood there for a few seconds until Arthur gave Harvey another glare and then the kitchen was back to its regular hustle and bustle. "This happens at least once a week. Everyone loves seeing how Artie can put Harvey in his rightful place. Name's Bernard by the way. Artie calls me Bernie though." Bernie said, offering Merlin a shake.
"You're stronger than you look." Merlin said as he felt Bertie's strong grip, "I'm Erle."
"Thanks, you too." Bernie replied, looking Merlin up and down. They diverted their attention to Arthur who was walking over to them with a nasty smirk on his face.
"I love doing that." he says, "I see you two have become acquainted." he said, adding on.
"That was absolutely awesome." Merlin said. " So what's your guys' history."
Bernie gave Arthur a smug look and said. "That's a story for another day. I got to go back to work. See ya at dinner Artie." Bernie said, trotting back to his station.
The two boys left the kitchen and made their way to the writing room. "He seems like a nice guy." Merlin said. "Does he really do all those things you were yelling at Harvey for?"
"Yeah, he does just about everything in the kitchen." Arthur replied, "He can stand up for himself by the way. I just like yelling at Harvey. Nobody likes him, but his cooking is amazing. That's the only reason my father keeps him here."
They strolled through the halls of the castle and Arthur introduced Merlin to the washrooms, the school rooms, the library, and the main hall. "Let's go to the armory next." Arthur suggested as they left the glistening main hall and ran down the corridor. "Now you really have to follow me." They jogged through the main halls and out into the courtyard. There they saw Bernie struggling with a wheelbarrow full of baking flour and they waved. He nodded his head in acknowledgement and kept on working. They ran around the carts and through people until Arthur almost ran over an old man making his way to the front steps. He stopped and Merlin came to a halt beside him.
"I'm so sorry Gaius." Arthur apologized, kneeling down to pick up the things the man had dropped. Merlin accompanied Arthur and gathered a few herbs that had rolled away, handing them to the man.
"It's alright Arthur. Who's this new friend you have here? I haven't seen you around before." Gaius answered. Merlin looked up into the man's eyes and recognized his face. 'I know this man' Merlin thought to himself.
"Oh, my age is getting to me. Arthur could you go and grab the monkshood on my desk?" Gaius asked.
"Of course I can. Wait here Erle." Arthur replied, running off.
As soon as he was out of earshot Gaius approached Merlin, "You're Aislin's youngest son."
"You're not from this land Gaius. What are you doing here?" Merlin asked, accusing the man that stood before him. "They've missed you."
"You're not allowed to point fingers Merlin. You ran away almost two years ago now. That did a number on your family. With no one to protect them from your father's wrath." Gaius reprimanded.
"Please don't call me Merlin, Gaius. I don't want there to be a ruckus. I'm going by Erle now." Merlin replied.
"Fine, but I'm telling your mother I saw you. She needs to know you're all right." Gaius replied.
"Well I needed to know you were all right Gaius. The last thing I knew you were whisked away during the night. I saw them drag you from your chambers. You knew that. The least you could do was send me a letter." Merlin said, tears starting to stream down his face.
"Send a letter to Lot's son. Do you really think that, that would be successful? I got framed for murder Merlin. That would've got me killed." Gaius answered.
"Well you managed to send some to my mother. You could've found out how to get something to me. I had nightmares, for years Gaius. I just wanted you back, a word from you would've been good. Just a word!" Merlin yelled, trying to hold back more tears.
Arthur had returned, but they did not notice his presence. "How do you remember that Merlin? You were only 2 years old." Gaius asked.
"I have a superb memory Gaius. You know that I do. You taught me how to control my powers. You taught me how to use them for good. You taught me how to be normal. You taught me everything! " Merlin shouted, "And then you just weren't there. I needed my grandfather Gaius. I needed my grandfather and he wasn't there."
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry son, it's just....I couldn't. I needed to escape your father. That seemed like the only way." Gaius said.
"Well, I needed to escape him too. I guess I didn't need your help for everything after all." Merlin retorted, and turned to walk away. He turned and came face to face with Arthur, who was in complete shock.
"All I know is that you two have some explaining to do." Arthur said. Merlin looked at Gaius and sunk his head; his cover did not conceal him for even a fraction as long as he hoped.
YOU ARE READING
Merlin's Prophecy
Tiểu thuyết Lịch sửA story based on the Arthurian Legend. This story is full with its twists and turns, suspense and so much more. Follow Merlin and Arthur as they live out their childhood with plenty of danger and noble deeds around every turn.
