Lady of the Court

XXVII

Ava looks over the new set of bodies. Every single one has been killed at night with wounds created by an animal. However it's human tracks that lead away from the victims. It must be the cursed girl. Where she keeps disappearing to honestly confuses her. Near the red head is Arthur, Uther, and Gaius. The knights are trying to keep the forming crowd back. She keeps her distance from her brother, trying to focus on the corpse laying before her.

"What do you think?" Uther asks Gaius.

"I have a few theories, but I need to investigate more."

"I need answers now. I will not have another get murdered."

Gaius and Uther start debating on what to do. The four of them hurry towards the castle, away from eavesdropping people.

"Have your men ready by sundown," Uther orders his son. Arthur agrees before rushing to prepare the knights. The king looks at the physician. "Try to figure out what could kill the creature. And I want answers by sunset."

He then leaves the deal with the court. Ava and Gaius just start walking towards his house. Merlin should be doing chores at the castle. So there is less of a chance for the two crossing paths.

"So why have you not been over lately?" The older man asks.

"I have been busy."

"Avoiding Merlin." Ava opens her mouth to respond, but unsure how to respond. "I have noticed that you two have been off and not around each other."

"Nothing gets by you," Ava chuckles. She turns to matter at hand once inside the empty home. "Do you think the creature is the cursed Druid girl?"

"I do."

"Who would do such a thing?"

"Some are just that cruel," Gaius states. "You've dealt with plenty who are up to no good."

"All of which have motive that's clear and there was a way to reverse it. Maybe if we figure out the curse, we can break it."

"She'll still have Halig searching for her."

"But without the curse weighing on her, it might be easier to sneak her out."

"True. But we have to be careful."

"When have we not?" Gaius just stares at her with one of his famous glares. "Fair enough."

Gaius shows her the curse he thinks the girl has and the two hit the books. Ava starts going through a book that is typically kept in a young sorcerer's room. Gaius had gotten it out for her. She looks among the various spells and potions. There has to be something here to help the girl.

The red head keeps flipping through pages, trying to find something. Why can't this book be more organized? It would be a lot easier to find things then. Especially since they're on a time limit. There is a chance of the girl getting hurt tonight during the raid. Or that someone else will get hurt.

The door flies open as Merlin hurries in. He stops once he sees Ava sitting at the table. She closes the book, standing up.

"Hi," Merlin awkwardly waves.

"Hello," Ava responds. She turns to Gaius. "There was nothing here I could find."

She goes to leave. Merlin picks up the book, holding it out towards her.

"You know you can take it with you," he tells her.

"It's probably safer here than in my chambers. Thank you though."

She says goodbye and leaves quickly. She hurries to see her brother preparing his men to attack the creature. Maybe she can either slow them down or scare the creature away. She walks over towards the growing group. Arthur soon spots her and tells something to Leon. The knight nods his head and walks towards her.

"Sorry," He states, gently grabbing her arm. "Prince's orders."

He turns her around and starts taking her towards the castle.

"I can take care of myself," She hisses.

"Trust me," He chuckles. "I know. But your family wants you to be safe."

She pulls away and looks him in the eye.

"I'm not the heir to the throne, Arthur is. And yet he goes on dangerous quests numerous times. I'm not allowed to defend my people."

If only Leon knew how double sided that last sentence was. She does have a point though. It is unfair how she is not allowed to help. The knight places a hand on her shoulder.

"Sometimes, the most help a person can offer is support for others. Yes you can handle yourself, but Arthur will always worry about you when you two are in battle. Sometimes it will distract him."

"So you're saying staying back is helping my brother."

"In fewer words," He smirks. "Come one m'lady, dinner should be brought up soon to your chambers."

She punches in the arm.

"Don't call me that."

He chuckles, walking beside her.

"Maybe one day I won't call you that."