The Prophet's Song (A Merlin Fanfiction)

Chapter 5

Sorry for Slow Updates.  Everything from here on out still needs to get revised at some point, but at least its something.  

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When Merlin finally woke from a restless sleep the following morning, the sun had already crept over his windowsill, shinning late morning sunbeams onto his face.  He let out a long sigh and pulled the covers back over his face, trying to stretch a few more moments in bed.       

Instantly, his mind fell on thoughts of the night before.  What had happened seemed so bizarre, it almost felt like a dream.  In fact, Merlin would have probably forgotten what had happened entirely, had it not been for the dull headache throbbing in his skull, and the pit he felt in his stomach.  He didn't know how to explain it, he just felt... wrong.  

He was just about to doze off again when he remembered something else important. 

Arthur!   

Merin felt his stomach drop as he tumbled out of bed.  He had completely forgotten about the hunting trip with Arthur.  

After fumbling with his clothes for far longer than he could afford, he burst out of his room.  Panting, his scarf askew, he tumbled down the stairs and straight into Gaius, who grabbed his shoulders to stop him.  

"Merlin!"   

Merlin opened his mouth to protest, forgeting for a moment that it wouldn't work.  Instead, he gave Gaius what he hoped was a look that said "Move out of the way, I'm late!"

"Slow down, Merlin!" Gaius scolded as he blocked him from stepping any further. 

Frustrated, Merlin pointed at the window, indicating the alarming amount of light that was already pouring through it.  He hadn't gotten up at first light like he normaly would. He hadn't fixed Arthurs breakfast, or laid out his clothes, or drawn his morning bath.  Heck, with his luck, Arthur was probably still asleep.  

"Yes, I know Merlin. But for goodness sakes, you can't very well very leave for work in this state.  You've been throug quite the ordeal last night. Besides, how are we going to explain this to Arthur," Gaius exclaimed, gesturing to the girld behind him.  

It was only then that merlin noticed the Selkie girl once again.  She was standing awkwardly next to their small wooden table, an empty cup of milk and a plate of breadcrumbs by her side. Although her appearance was still a bit of a mess, it seems a healthy amount of food and a proper nights sleep had done her a world of good.    

"What are you talking about?" She asked.

"Merlin serves the crown Prince, Arthur," Gaius explained. 

Saoirse cocked her head to the side and stared incredulously directly at Merlin, as if she couldn't believe some one like him could ever be Arthurs servant.  

Gaius continued. "He was supposed to get up do take care of his duties nearly two hours ago, but I let him sleep in."  

Merlin gave a huff and crossed his arms

"Oh for goodnes sakes Merlin!" Gaius exclaimed "You're fine.  You needed the rest anyway.  I'm sure Arthur can survivve without you for one day."

Merlin was just think about how wrong Gaius was about his last statement, when a lound knock sounded at the door.  The pair of them were both deciding weather or not to answer, when the door flew open, the person behind it clearly to impatiant to wait.  

"WHERE IS HE!?" Arthur yelled, striding into the room.  

Great, Merlin thought. Here we go again. 

To his surprise, Arthur was actually dressed. Granted, his armour wasn't fited as tight as it was supposed to be, and Merlin was pretty sure he was wearing two different colored socks. But still, it was impresive...for Arthur at least. 

"Merlin, do you have any idea what time it is??"

Yes

"Where have you been?! We were suposed to leave on that hunting trip an hour ago.  Thank god George was free this morning or I probably would have starved to death by the time you got up."

So thats why Arthur was dressed. Merlin was less impressed now.

"Now the whole trips ruined. Well likely loose half the day by the time your sorry arese gets moving, and it'll be a miracle if we catch anything at all."

Clot-pole

"Now - what do you have to say for yourself? Hmmmm?!"

The tense seconds that followed Arthur's question were almost comical.  The prince and the servant sat locked in a stare down. Arthur with his hands on his hips - eybrows knitted together, and Merlin with his arms crossed - rolling his eyes.  

Gaius and Saoirse, who had crept quickly and quietly away from the situation. The selkie stood partialy obscured by Gaiu's wide frame, seeminly confused and overwelmed by the scene in front of her.     

Arthur turned to them both. "What's his problem?" he asked.

Saoirse opened her mouth as if to reply, but Gaius quickly covered it with his own hand. 

Arthur gave them both a puzzled look.

Merlin would have found it funny had there not been a huge risk of Arthur discovering the figure in front of him was actually a creature of magic.  Although Arthurs views on magic had become slightly more progressive over the years, Merlin doubted that Arthur would let a non-human creature of magic live if he found it in the castle, let alone set it free.  

"Um...well, uh...," Gaius stuttered, before composing himself once again. "Merlin's been a little under the weather today."

"Meaning?" Arthur prompted. 

"He's lost his voice"

"We'll that doesn't seem to serious Gaius. Certainly nothing to miss showing up to work over."

"Yes Sire. I just wanted to be sure it wasn't something more serious."

"I understand Gaius," He said, patting Gaius on the back. "But if there's nothing else wrong with him, I'll still be needing him today." before Gaius could protest any more, Arthur turned, walked twards the door, then turned to look back at Merlin. "Merlin, I expect to see you by the Gates with enough horses and weapons for four knites.  Don't be late." And then Artur was gone, closing the door roughly behind him.

Gaius sighed. "He really doesn't give you any days off does he?"

Told you, Merlin thought to himself. 

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