A Manservant's Loyalty (Merlin BBC OneShots)

Childhood

Age # 1.0

This particular winter night was slightly different from others that have past. The wind blew stronger, the snow fell harder, the temperatures dropped lower.

Not that anyone who was attending the feast in the great hall would notice, laughter was the melody of the night, loud voices competing to be heard over others.

The king had a relaxed smile as he talked to his son about the squires that were set to prove their skill and worth in the upcoming events. Arthur though he would much rather be laughing with his knights, listened to his fathers lecturing on how the prince should do his job.

Merlin smiled as he poured wine in Sir Leon's goblet, laughing lightly as Gwaine wrapped a arm around the back of his neck, holding him there as he slurred a confession about him being a good friend loudly in his ear.

"I have a job to do Gwaine" Merlin said trying to get out of the drunken's grip. Thanking Percival who helped out, allowing Merlin to walk back up to the prince who looked board.

"Another drink sire?" Merlin asked giving Arthur an excuse to turn away from his father, nodding pulling a face, making the warlock chuckle.

"i almost want to trade places with you" Arthur muttered in Merlin's ear, who shot him a grin as Arthur made merlin accidentally spill wine on him to delay the servant.

"A Royal prat mucking out stables now that's a sight I would pay to see" merlin replied grinning as he cleaned the small spill. Arthur chuckled elbowing the boy softly.

A shadow walked slowly through the lower town, long silver hair knotted and mattered as the torn dress dragged on the ground behind leaving a trail in the snow. The caped figure couched over and limping slightly, made its way up the castle steps

Eyes flashing gold as the guards came towards her, a simple enchantment that didn't hurt the victims in anyway, plus they would be easily awoken.  The same enchantment was placed on the guards that stood outside the hall where the feast was held, the muffled sounds of laughter and voices came through the large wooden doors.

With another flash of gold the doors opened allowing a gust of wind to pass through. Gasps and startled yelps were heard before silence.

"Please my liege, I mean no harm, all I ask is for some assistance" the cloaked figure pleaded, revealing an old woman.

"How dare you interrupt this feast!" Uther bellowed, anger quickly overtaking his emotions. "Guards! Take this dirty hag to the dungeons!" Uther spat out the order.

Arthur made an attempt to interfere, questioning his fathers harsh words. Surely putting an old lady in the dungeons just for asking assistance is over the top.  All Arthur got was a stern warning to 'hold his tongue' and a viscous glare.

The enchantress frowned, as the old lady seem to dissolve, skin glowing gold and with a flash stood before the hall was a beautiful young lady.

Rage flooded Uther's bloodstream at the bold show of sorcery which was evil. He yelled for his guards ordering the witch get burnt at first light.

Merlin was instantly concerned, his eyes studying the beautiful lady in front of him. His body moved closer to Arthur's almost out of instinct, making sure that the prince was in arms length if anything were to happen.

The guards and a few knights who walked towards the enchantress were flung back, their body's held in the air by an invisible force.

"Uther pendragon, you have killed many of my kind, without a second thought. Though you have done these horrific deeds my intention is not to bring harm on you or your kingdom." The enchantress spoke with a voice that could be mistaken for angles, there was no anger in her voice, just determination.