Merlin's Prophecy

Chapter 4: A Family Reunited

"Let's go to my quarters so we can explain." Gaius offered. Arthur nodded his head and the three of them headed toward the apothecary. The courtyard was handling the usual hustle and bustle, not even acknowledging what went on between the two princes and the old man.

When they arrived in Gaius's living space Gaius put away his herbs, Merlin slouched into a wicker chair, and Arthur stood by the door tapping his foot impatiently. Merlin didn't look around to see how his grandfather lived. He was too depressed by his past. "So?" Arthur said after a few minutes, "Explain yourselves."

Merlin didn't look up, but Gaius gave a sigh and looked at Arthur. "I'm Erle's grandfather. I come from Lot's kingdom. Your father knows that and he doesn't judge me." Gaius said.

"My father knows your his grandfather?" Arthur asks, "I don't believe that. If he knew that he is Lot's son he would throw him out on the street."

"No he wouldn't." Merlin murmurs, without looking up. "Your father's rivalry with Lot is much more complicated than you realize." Arthur stares at Merlin for a second in confusion.

"Who are you really?" Arthur inquires. Merlin showed no sign of hearing the statement and Arthur glared at him for a few more mintues.

"I don't think I'm the one that should tell you. I believe it's your father's duty." Merlin replied, finally looking up with a grim look splattered across his face.

"We came here so you would give me answers. Now all your doing is telling me to go to someone else." Arthur fumed, "Where's the explanation you promised me?"

"I'm not even sure what he's implying?" Gaius said, "Truthfully."

Merlin sprung up from the chair and gave Gaius a fierce glare. "You taught me how to look back too far Gaius." he says with a sudden fury, "I know everything now. I know everything that was and everything that will be. I've been burdened with the sight of the future. I've seen the past. I've seen the present. I know what you know. I know what you don't know. And it has caused me great pain."

Everyone was silent. Gaius and Arthur looked at Merlin nervously and exchanged looks among themselves as well. Merlin huffed and stormed out of Gaius's room. "Where are you going Merlin?" Gaius asked.

"The place with the answers to your questions. If you want to know what is going on come with me." Merlin answered.

Arthur got up and followed Merlin, but Gaius stayed behind. "Come with us Gaius." Arthur said; it was more a demand than a request. Gaius did not get up or acknowledge Arthur. He sat at his desk and thought about what Merlin had said.

'Is it really my fault that he's burdened? What does he know? How much does he know? Is he telling us the truth or is he trying to scare us? ' Gaius thought of all these things as the boys made their way back to the main castle. Merlin made his way through the halls with Arthur by his side.

"Is your name really Merlin?" Arthur asked him. "Are you the child from the prophecies?" Merlin did not answer, all he did was continue to walk. When they stopped, Arthur noticed that they were in front of Uther's meeting chambers. "We shouldn't disturb him. He is in the middle of a political crisis." Arthur warned.

Merlin ignored him and opened the doors and walked into a room full of advisors arguing; he didn't even knock. They all stopped and turned to stare when the two boys walked in. "What are you doing here Arthur? You know that you're not supposed to disturb my political affairs." King Uther questioned, adressing them. Then he saw Merlin standing beside his son and he stared with astonishment. "Leave us." he said, motioning for the advisors to leave.

"But sire." one of them began.

"Go now!" he yelled, "All of you." Terrified, they all streamed out of the room and closed the doors behind them. Merlin walked forward and stood at the chair to the right of the king.