The lost Prince

5

(In Camelot)

"King Arthur. You seem worried." King Belepor muttered so none of the knights could hear. "Perhaps it is about the treaty?"

Arthur frowned, shaking his head.

"No, it's my servant. I haven't seen him since yesterday, just before the feast."

"Why is a servant of such value?"

"He's been by my side for years now. Guais said his mother's ill, and if that is so, then he could catch it. He may bring it back to Camelot without knowing it." Arthur sighed.

"You could forbid him from re-entering Camelot." Mused Belepor.

"No, Merlin knows Camelot to well, and how I like things. He'd find a way to get back in."

"Merlin?" Snapped Belepor.

"Yes. Is it a common name in your kingdom?" Arthur questioned.

"No," muttered Belepor. "An escaped criminal's name was Merlin. He was very dangerous and had magic."

"What did he look like, perhaps he was found here in Camelot and put to death. Probably before my servant's time here..."

"Dark hair, pale skin, blue eyes. He was a pain. He tried to take over the kingdom." Belepor turned to Arthur. "Doubt he would have come here."

"My servant looks like what you just described." Arthur stopped walking. "Leon!"

Leon approached slowly. Arthur was glaring, a look of betrayal settling in his eyes.

"I want Merlin found, where ever he is. When you do, put him in the dungeons."

"But Sire, it's Merlin. What could he have possibly done?" 

"He is a sorcerer." 

Leon was shocked, to say the least. Merlin was always so gentle, so self-kept. It wasn't right that Merlin could be like those who had caused so much harm.

"Sire, perhaps you are mista-"

"If there is even the slightest chance that he has magic, I will ensure that he will not see the light of day again."

Leon bowed his head.

"Of course, Sire."

~~~

"The princess thinks that Merlin is a sorcerer?!" Gwaine shouted.

"Quiet Gwaine." Leon snapped. "We have to find Merlin, we have to help him." Leon said flattly.

"You want to go against Arthur."

"Merlin's our friend and he's always been there for us." Leon gruffed.

"Then we better go find him. He said he was going to his mother, but he didn't seem so sure, either."

"He might be near Camelot." Muttered Sir Percival, causing Leon and Gwiane to jump.

"Yeah, with those riders we heard." Chuckled Sir Elyan.

"How did you know what we were talking about?" Gwaine's voice was gravelly, as though he were planning to yell.

"We heard you, Gwaine." Whispered Elyan.

"And Merlin's our friend. He wouldn't do anything to hurt any of us." Mumbled Percival.

"Then there's only one thing I'd like to know. Where were those riders?"

~~~

(Back in the cave)

"And that time that you tipped a bucket of water on your father for calling you small." The group let out bellowing laughter.

"Those were the days." I smiled.

"Remember the time that your mother sent for you and you refused because you were too busy sleeping!"

"Remember how you used to turn us all upside down on camping trips in the mornings when we woke you!"

"And how -"

"Quiet!"  Valian, Edwin and Terric snapped their mouths shut and put their hands on the hilt of their swords. We rose and headed towards the mouth of the cave before creeping into the woods.

"Honestly, why would Merlin hide here? He said he was going to his mothers!" Gwaine exclaimed.

"Because if those riders took Merlin, this is where we will have to go to find him." Muttered Leon.

"Merlin isn't an idiot, he can fight off those riders." Mordred murmured.

"When'd you get here!" Shouted Gwaine.

"Shut up, Gwaine!" Growled Elyan.

"Merlin's our friend. If I can help, I will."

"Fine, But Arthur doesn't know, got it." Mordred nodded and gestured forward.

"Who are they, Sire?" Valian asked.

"And how do they know you?" Inquired Terric.

"It's a long story, one that I don't... where's Edwin?"

We turned in our places, but Edwin was nowhere. 

"Halt!" Gasped Percival.

"Edwin, no!" But it was too late. Edwin had turned to face the Camelot knights and had thrown himself towards them, sword ahead of him. Acting upon pure instinct, I grabbed my cloaked sword and ran in front of the group, clashing my sword against Edwin's.

"Sire!"

"Stop Edwin. I know these men!" Edwin growled but pulled his sword back.

"Merlin, what's going on?" Gwaine asked. His face twisted with anger, with confusion.

"It's a long story."