Doing it Over

One Week Later: Going Away

            “Do you have to go?” Arthur asked from his spot where he sat on his father’s bed, clearly upset.

            “Yes, I have to go,” Uther said, looking at the scrolls on his desk, “But I’ll be back soon enough.”

            “I want to come with you,” Arthur said, unfolding the clothes Merlin had placed on the bed to pack.

            “Arthur, we’ve been over this, you’re too young,” Uther explained for what felt like the millionth time, “There is going to be long discussions that you cannot be a part of, so there is no sense in you coming.”

            “But I’ll be really good, I promise,” Arthur insisted, “Please daddy, please let me come.”

            “Arthur, I’m sorry, but I can’t. You must stay here with Merlin and Gaius,” Uther said, picking up the scrolls he would need and handing them to Merlin to be packed for the journey.

            “Hmph,” Arthur pouted, sitting back and crossing his small arms, his lower lip jutting out in a pout.

            “Now, now, enough of that,” Uther said, sitting on the bed in front of the his son, “It’s only for a couple days and then I’ll be back. Besides, the knights said they would start training with you, remember?”

            “I’d rather go with you,” Arthur said, playing with the hem of his shirt.

            “I know you would, and I wish you could come too. But I’ll tell you what, you stay here and train with the knights and then when I come back you can show me just how good you are, alright?” Uther said, putting his finger under his son’s chin and lifting it so he was looking at him. Arthur nodded reluctantly, knowing he wasn’t going to win.

            “Excuse me sire,” a guard said as he stuck his head in the door, “The knights are prepared and ready to go.”

            “Alright, I’ll be right there,” Uther said standing and the guard nodded before leaving. Uther looked at Merlin who had just finished packing his things and then turned to his sad looking son.

            “Come on,” Uther said, holding out his hand and Arthur looked up, his expression hopeful, “I was hoping you would walk with me outside.” Arthur’s face fell, but he reached up and slid his small hand into his father’s larger one and then jumped off the bed. They walked outside, Merlin following closely behind.

            “All ready to go Sire,” one of the knights said as Uther approached.

            “Very good,” Uther replied, watching as Merlin secured his pack to the horse’s saddle.

“Alright, I will see you in a few days,” Uther said, squeezing his son’s hand gently and then ruffling his blonde hair. Arthur wrapped his arms tightly around his father who patted his son’s back gently, still unsure and slightly uncomfortable of showing affection for his son so publicly. The small boy let go and stepped back, grabbing Merlin’s hand as he watched his father and some of the guard ride off.

            “He’ll be back before you know it,” Merlin told the boy comfortingly. Arthur just nodded, looking down at his feet.

            “Come on,” Merlin said, picking Arthur up, “Let’s go find the knights so you can start training.”