Merlin: In Modern Times

Chapter 1.4: Guarded

PIC: Merlin's necklace

So are you enjoying this story? Well, I hope so. In fact I'm sorry for it being so slow on updates. My best excuse is me taking off to LA & San Diego, CALIFORNIA ^^ for four weeks and going to school there. So even though this was a long time coming, I had a wonderful summer - what about you? :D

- MysteryOfWordsDK

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"So you believe this symbol is more than just an ordinary Celtic knot?" Merlin asked, trying to understand. He was fascinated by the things Gaius knew.

"Merlin, there are two paths of Celtic belief. The one I have been studying belongs to the Christian Celts. That's the official way to see the ancient England. It is the most documented path. The other one is less eligible in the official records. It's mostly passed down as old myths and stories, such as the ones about the great sorcerer Merlin. That path belongs to the Wiccan Celts. They were the ones to believe in actual magic and in some cases, they are believed to have used sacrifices to satisfy the balance of nature. I believe your necklace has some relevance to that."

"Relevance how, Mr Gaius?" Merlin asked, getting more confused than enlightened now.

"This knot is called the Triquetra. It has three circles, whereas each has its own meaning. In Christian belief they stand for the Holy Grail, which is the Cup of Wisdom, then the Tree of Life to symbolize well, life in itself, and finally the Holy Sword that symbolizes power and respect of its bearer. I suppose it it makes sense that The cup, or trail if you will, was one of the most sought after and adored artifact in crusade times. To the Wiccans, however, the Cup wasn't just a grail, it was a magical instrument, a very powerful one, whilst the tree and the sword also have different meanings. But I am afraid no one knows exactly what. The tree I suppose, will be a symbol of unity, but the sword was lost at the time of the Celts, so of course we only know about it from the myths. But I can tell you the reason I believe this knot is Wiccan is because of these circles around it. They are moons and symbolize the Wiccan belief. Only very few people today would know what a symbol such as this means let alone own it." Mr Gaius eyed Merlin. "And you are sure you don't know how your mother came across this?"

"I only know it was something she inherited," Merlin answered. "My mother used to love the old stories and that's the reason she named me Thomas Merlin."

"Interesting," the old Gaius said.

"You know..." Merlin continued. "I don't know a lot about my mother, she always used to care so much for me and loved to tell me stories about destiny and such. I miss her a lot."

Old Gaius didn't have to try to understand the pain Merlin felt. He fumbled quietly with an old ring on his finger before looking up at his young friend. "My wife... she was the best thing that ever happened to me. When she passed, my world was good as broken. But Merlin, losing someone isn't the end. It is simply a new chapter - like in a book. We don't always see the point in the things that happen, but we must have some faith in destiny if we want to stay sane. We have to believe we can survive."

Merlin made a face and nodded, trying to pull off a smile. "Yeah, right," he said, but it didn't sound like he meant it.

...

Arthur was on guard; aware that he could be attacked any moment and from any direction that his eyes did not look. Just a fraction of a second without concentration could cost him everything... So when a blade was thrown at him, he tore back and made his own move against his opponent. She was fast, like a poisonous serpent, and a much worthy swords(wo)man to fight.