Doing it Over

I Don't Know What to do

    “As I said earlier, we have not caught the sorcerer responsible for Arthur’s sudden… change. So, until we find him or determine that this man is not trying to kill Arthur, there will be several precautions that must be put into place to ensure his safety,” Uther said the knights and Gwen.

    “I am planning for him to stay with someone in the room, Gaius, or Gaius’ ward at all times in order to keep him safe. How is he?” Uther asked as he saw Gaius enter the room.

    “He’s fine, fell asleep almost instantly,” Gaius informed him and the king nodded.

    “Alright, tomorrow morning I will go and get him and bring him to the training ground at noon so all of you can keep and eye on him while Gaius and I attend a council meeting.” They all nodded and Gwen stepped forward slightly, her head bowed.

    “What would you like me to do sire?” she asked him and he thought for a moment.

    “Arthur’s going to need clothes, there will be some from he was a boy but I’m not sure how much or the condition they will be in.”

    “I’ll go find them now my lord and repair any damage,” Gwen said, bowing her head again and walking out of the room.

    “The rest of you can go too,” the king said, dismissing them. The knights all left but Gaius stayed.

    “I don’t know what to do with him Gaius,” Uther admitted quietly, not looking at the physician.

    “You look after him sire, keep him safe and treat him as a five year old.” When Uther didn’t say anything Gaius continued.

    “Perhaps this is a chance sire,” Gaius suggested quietly.

    “A chance for what?” Uther asked.

    “A chance to change things. Forgive me if I’m speaking out of turn my lord but, when Arthur was a boy you sometimes acted as more of a king than…” Gaius trailed off as Uther turned to look at him.

    “Than…?” Uther asked.

    “More of a king than a father,” Gaius said gently.

    “How dare you –” Uther started but Gaius decided to take his chances and speak.

    “I apologize for saying this sire but you can’t deny that you sometimes put your duties to Camelot and Arthur’s training before Arthur’s immediate happiness,” Gaius said. Uther looked shocked; it seemed he was wondering if Arthur’s childhood had really been that bad.

    “I’m not saying e wasn’t happy sire,” Gaius explained, “or that you weren’t there when he needed you. Just that there were times that were significant to him but perhaps did not seem important to you.”

    “Like what?” Uther asked.

    “Like putting him to bed at night, chasing the monsters away when he has a nightmare, or just spending the day with him. Having you help him with his training and tell him he’s doing a good job rather than just what’s wrong. They’re small things sire and though they may seem insignificant, they make all the difference to a young child.”

    “Why didn’t you say anything about this before?” Uther asked.

    “There was a lot happening at that time sire. I said nothing for the first few years of Arthur’s life as you were still dealing with the loss of Ygraine. Then, by the time I felt it was right to approach the topic, it was too late. You and Arthur had gotten into this routine,” Gaius told him.

    “I see,” Uther said, “Well, thank you Gaius, you may go.” Gaius bowed his head and took his leave, allowing the king time to think.