DEMIGOD

three

I decided to indulge Paris' request and stay within Camelot. I always find some reason to travel to the castle. While I'm there, I'm always scouting and listening. That way I'll always have leverage against some people. Merlin and I are walking in the courtyard talking.

"Okay here is what I don't understand." Merlin stops to look at me. "How do you know so much?"

"Did you expect me to be another meathead?" I question my eyebrow raise at him a small smile plays at my lips.

"It's not just that, but you seem so young." In my mind, the amusement falls.

"I haven't had an easy life Merlin, like you I have faced many hardships, and I will continue to face these problems." Help me! Please. I hear but not out loud. I look at Merlin to confirm he listened to the pleading. He nods his head thinking

"Did you hear that?" I incline my head and scan the area of traveling workers. People talking among themselves. Merlin touches my arm. "Look." He whispers. I follow his line of sight and spot a small boy in a blue cape. Please, you have to help me. Merlin's face turns into surprise when the boy's mouth doesn't open to speak this. Help me. I stare at two guards that have entered the square. They are searching for me. Why are they after you? Merlin questions telepathically. They're going to kill me. I search around looking for an opening. I turn and walk to the left. I spin back to Merlin and the little boy

This way. Run, run! I urge the little boy. He gets up and sprints towards us. Merlin is by myself within seconds, and the guards start running after us. I grasp the boy's clammy hand in my own as Merlin takes the lead. We barge into a room I'm familiar with but am never in.

"Have you forgotten how to knock, Merlin!" A woman's voice is high with surprise. I turn to look at Morgana and her maid Gwen. The boy warpped tightly against my chest.

"The guards are after him. I didn't know what to do." Merlin objectifies the unannounced entry. Pounding happens on the other side of the door. Morgana looks at a lost of words. The boy falters slightly in my grip. She nods her head and points to a divider.

"In there." I move the boy over to Merlin and stand next to Gwen.

"Morgana, I'm staying up here," I tell her before she answers the door. She nods her head and opens the door. The guards explain the situation to her.

"I haven't seen anyone. It's just me, my maid, and Selene."

"Best keep the door lock until we find him." The man suggests.

"Of course. Thank you." They leave her doorway. I make my way over to the boy. I crouch down to examine the boy collapsed in Merlin's arms. I look up at Merlin in worry.

++

I lay with the boy brushing his hair back listening to the execution of the man the boy came in with. No! I hear his screams cry as the ax makes an impact. His magic powerful enough to shatter a glass mirror.

"It's okay." I try to soothe him but with no luck. I get up to walk out with Merlin. "Listen there's going to to be a bounty on that little boy's head, and my brother will make me take that job. I can try to buy you as much time as possible, but I can't hold my brother back forever. He's a master tracker."

"A little time is all we need."

"I can try and help with the arrangements, but I won't be much help."

"Thank you." We walk out of the castle.

"You can thank me by getting me a pint after this is all over." I pay him on the shoulder.