Merlin: The Loneliest Hour

Chapter 8: Arthur and Merlin disagree

Chapter 8: Arthur and Merlin disagree

Merlin had never been so sore in his entire life; not even after one day of uninterrupted riding, not even after three hours of being Arthur's target during training.  When he sat down at the Round Table, his legs were so tired that they were trembling, his eyes were heavy, his head was hurting and the slightest movement of his right arm felt like he was being stabbed by tiny daggers.  He was so busy with catching his breath that he barely noticed it when Arthur arrived with Gwen at his arm and a stern expression on his face. The prince took a seat opposite Merlin and sat Gwen at his right while Elyan and Percival were lighting up torches.

"All right, Merlin?" said the prince.  Merlin had not seen him this preoccupied since Camelot had been taken by an Immortal Army.

"Never better," muttered Merlin while rubbing his right arm in an attempt to calm the pain.

Arthur was glancing around.  The light of the torches was casting dancing shadows on the stone walls.  Merlin hadn't really paid attention to it the first time but the old ruin had more in common with a graveyard than with a throne room.  The walls were lined up with tables of stone which were really tombs.  Most of them were wide opened and had probably been visited by grave robbers.

One by one, the knights came to sit down at the Round Table.  Gwaine came to sit next to Merlin's right, Lancelot to his left, Elyan sat by his sister and Percival and Leon took the two seats on Arthur's left.

"Where's Gaius?" said the prince.

Merlin shifted on his seat and tried his best not to appear too anxious.  "He said he had something important to do."

Arthur's eyes went wide and he clenched his fists.  "What does he think this is?"

Merlin felt defiant.  "If he says it's important, then it's important."

"Not much we can do about it now," said the prince.

He passed a hand in front of his eyes and Merlin saw Gwen press a hand on Arthur's forearm, but it was Elyan who spoke up first.

"Why are we here, Sire?"

Arthur took a long breath before he spoke.  Oh this can't be good, thought Merlin instantly.

"Agravaine – Lord Agravaine – has found the Four Elemental Stones," said the prince without further delay.  "You've all been watching him so I assume that you're all familiar with the Stones. He hasn't exactly been discreet about this plans, for some reason.  If the blood of a magical creature is spilled at the center of the Stones, then somehow it could mean the end of all magic."

"Not to be rude or anything," Elyan began to say, "But do we care? I mean... It would mean the end of Morgause and Morgana.  No more burning villages. No more monsters attacking Camelot again. Ever."

Merlin did not dare look at the faces around him, apprehending what was to come.

"I care..." said Lancelot, straightening up on his seat.

"So do I," added Gwaine with a quick glance in Merlin's direction.

"If it means that we have to sacrifice one innocent person, then I can tell you right now that we will not be considering this option," Arthur said solemnly.  And then he added in a lower tone, "I will not sacrifice Gaius."

Everyone around the table fell silent.  Merlin could hear water dripping in a nearby pool.  Nobody was speaking. Even Sir Leon looked uncomfortable as he was absent-mindedly stroking his bandaged hand.

"You all know about Gaius?" Merlin couldn't help bursting out.

"It's only the worst kept secret in the kingdom," said Percival cheerfully.