Hiding

Chapter 10

Merlin was the first to speak. "What did you tell them?"

Gaius sighed. "That the chains were magically sealed, but they were destroyed by the other spell on Merlin, the potion. I blamed Merlin's extreme sickness on either a side effect of the potion or another spell on the chains, meant to keep him weak and unable to escape. I told them about the potion, and the alternate effects. Of course, I told them it was your friendship, simply a platonic form of love, that messed up the effects of the spell."

Arthur let out a breath. Everything seemed perfectly believable, and didn't place anyone but Kethra under suspicion. But when he looked at Merlin, his eyes were still golden. Arthur assumed that his were the same.

"What of our eyes? Gwen nor Leon seemed surprised when they looked at us earlier. You must have told them something?"

"A side-effect of the potion, of course. And that it may very well be. I can't be certain. However, you are... well, let's say bonded for simplicity's sake. You are bonded to Emrys, magic itself. I do not think that things will ever work the way they are supposed to when it comes to Merlin, and will have some odd side effects. You'll just have to be extra careful. Even I can only explain so much."

Merlin and Arthur nodded. Merlin had finally moved to sit up in the cot for the first time since he'd been placed there. Arthur hurried to help him up, knowing Merlin was still not completely sorted. He may be magic itself, but he had been on death's doorstep mere hours ago. He let Merlin lean on his shoulder as he sat on the cot. Leon took that moment to return with a full pail of water in his hands.

"How are you, Merlin?" Leon asked as he handed the bucket over and moved to sit in the chair Arthur had just vacated. "You look loads better than when we found you." He winced, realizing that that might not have been the best thing to say. "Er, sorry, I didn't mean to—"

"It's fine, Leon. Really. I'm just glad you found me when you did." Merlin tried to smile reassuringly at him. Leon simply nodded. There was a few second's silence. 

"I don't want to ruin the moment, but Leon, I need to ask—how your report to my father go?"

Leon's face went grim as he glanced at Merlin. "The king isn't happy that we found Merlin and not the sorcerer. I told him that you had taken Merlin here and that you would report to him in the morning. I expect he'll be wanting to talk to you once you've eaten. If you want, I could request he joins you here, because Gaius doesn't seem to want you two leaving?"

Yes, it would be wise to avoid going around the castle with his manservant literally attached to his arm. It would be another thing his father wouldn't like, but perhaps seeing Merlin in Gaius's chambers would remind Uther that Merlin was, in fact, under Gaius's care at the moment. Gaius would also be present, and thus would be able to immediately vouch for their story. He nodded his assent. Leon started out the door to find Uther, but paused on the threshold.

"Arthur—just, be careful what you say. He's not exactly favoring Merlin right now, and none of us want to see him on the gallows—for any reason." He looked at Arthur only a second more before turning around and immediately dodging a tray-laden Guinevere followed by a tense Morgana. He nodded at the two women before continuing on his way. Gwen frowned only for a second before placing the tray on the least crowded table she could find.

Morgana went and sat on the side of Merlin's cot that Arthur wasn't occupying and started fussing over him and making sure he was alright. After what seemed like ages, Morgana finally relented in her pestering, but only because Arthur was giving her that look, which meant that Merlin truly was fine. They assumed that Gwen had told Morgana everything, and even if she hadn't, they were in no mood to relay the story so soon after it happened.