The Crest of Ambrosius

Chapter 3

A/N: I updated the last chapter, so you may want to reread before reading this chapter.

As Gwaine caught up to Merlin and the foreign knights, he noticed how tense his friend seemed to be. Merlin had his shoulders hunched and his head down, seemingly playing the part of an obedient servant, however Gwaine knew better. Merlin was never one for formalities unless it was absolutely necessary. Something must be bothering him.

Perhaps it's because Dreócræft is a kingdom of magic, Gwaine thought. But that couldn't be it. Merlin had been on many patrols that had, inevitably, come across some sorcerer with the oh-so-original idea to "destroy Arthur and return magic to Camelot" and he hadn't even blinked, let alone cower like Arthur liked to claim. So it couldn't be the magic. Something else must be bothering his friend. He'd have to ask him later, when he could corner him alone, but for now, he'd have to try to get Merlin to relax, maybe even smile.

"Merlin, have I ever told you about the time I challenged Percy to a drinking contest?"

When Merlin's head raised ever so slightly in a show of curiosity, Gwaine took it as a sign to launch into his tale. By the time the group reached the guest chambers, the visiting knights were laughing along with Gwaine, and even Merlin managed a small smile. Seeing that his antics had seemed to slightly cheer his friend, Gwaine decided that his job was done, for now at least, and planned his getaway.

"Merlin, my friend, I do believe it is time for a drink. Come join me in the tavern when you finish up here." And with that he slapped Merlin on the shoulder and turned to make his way to the tavern.

Shaking his head at the drunkard's antics, Merlin turned back to the knights and led them through the doorway into the guest chambers. "Here we are. Is there anything I can get you sirs?"

"Merlin..." Garrick tried to make eye contact with the younger man, but Merlin had his gaze set firmly on the floor. "Merlin, we know it's you."

When Merlin finally looked up, he found the group of knights staring at him. Despite their varying appearances, they all had one thing in common: a look of shock and of joy. He felt tears prick the corner of his eyes as he moved forward into the embrace of the sandy-haired knight.

"Garrick." He stepped back to look at the older man, then shifted his gaze to the other three men. "I feared I would never see you all again. I thought for sure that you all had perished in the ambush. Mother and I barely made it out alive. If it weren't for Evrain..." Merlin trailed off.

"We know." Fynn stepped forward to clasp arms with Merlin. "He died an honorable death protecting his Prince and Queen."

At this, Merlin shook his head. "I am no Prince, Sir Fynn. At least not here I'm not. In Camelot I am just a servant."

"But sire, how can you bear to serve such a pompous King when you yourself are royalty?" Elias stepped forward for his turn to greet the lost Prince. "Surely this work is below you."

"Elias," Thomas scolded before Merlin could respond. "Do you really think this was a position of choice? Not only must he hide from his traitorous uncle, but also be careful lest he be murdered for something he was born with. Life in Camelot does not bode well for a Prince of Dreócræft."

At the mention of his uncle, a chill ran down Merlin's spine. "Tell me, what all has happened in the seven years that I have been gone. You told Arthur that Aurelius is alive. Is that true?" Merlin felt the faintest trickle of hope.

Thomas smiled. "Yes, sire. It is true. Your brother is alive and well, and he sent us to find you."

Merlin couldn't help the joyful laugh that bubbled from his throat. His brother was alive. After years of refusing to get his hopes up. His brother was alive.

"I can't believe it. It's more than I could have hoped for. All these years, believing everyone I ever cared for to have died...It's almost like a dream."

Garrick stepped forward. "Sire, as joyous as we are to have found you, we must inquire as to what has happened since you escaped. There has been no sign of you or the Queen for 7 years and we merely happened across you by chance here."

"Of course. There is much to tell you." Merlin sighed before continuing. "But please refrain from the formalities. I never cared much for it 7 years ago and I still do not. And not to mention that it would sound suspicious to anyone that may pass by and hear."

The knights smiled at their Prince's continued disdain for propriety.

"Now, I am afraid that, as much as I want to stay and tell you everything, I really must go. Arthur will be calling for me any moment now for some ridiculous task. So for now, just stay here and rest. Another servant will be up soon with some food and drink. I'll come back as soon as I am able."

Fynn nodded at his Prince's request, for despite the fact that Merlin was their Prince, nothing he asked of them was ever really an order or command. "Of course, si--I mean, Merlin. We will await your return here."

Merlin smiled at the younger knight's near-mistake, then turned to go and find his prat-of-a-King.

As the Prince-turned-servant disappeared through the guest chamber doors, the group of knights could hear the faint bellow of "Merlin!" echo throughout the corridor.