Merlin's Son: A Tale old as Time • Merthur

12- When It's Time To Die Part 2

      "It worked, Gaius!" Merlin said as soon as he and Arthur made it back. Gaius hummed, wondering just how blind Arthur was from the truth. How much longer was Merlin going to continue to lie to him? Gaius looked in concern as Merlin had a hand full of books. "There's got to be something in these books." Merlin spoke mainly to himself as he shut the door to his room.

Gaius, without another word, picked up his bag and took a walk around the castle. He was going to make his way into the village as he bumped into Arthur in his knighting uniform. Gaius smiled, inwardly frowning, Arthur looked very happy. He wondered why.

"Ah, Gaius. I was just going to talk to you!" Gaius raised his eyebrows. "Is everything okay, Sire?" Gaius questioned curiously as Arthur lead him to his chambers so they could talk privately. 

"How long do you think it would take for the court to agree on having magic back into the Kingdom?" Gaius tried to hide his shock, not very well, mind you. He didn't know what to think. He was pleased but at the same time... It was a dangerous time for Arthur to make this rule. With Morgana getting stronger by the minute, who knew when she would attack Camelot?

After a few moments, Gaius finally spoke. It seemed like an eternity to Arthur. "Are you sure this is wise Sire? These are dangerous times. I would think the court would take a while to agree." Gaius said honestly and Arthur bit his lip, sighing.

"I had a feeling that would be the case. Thank you Gaius. I know I can trust you with this. Oh, how did you know Dragoon?" Gaius had his eyebrows still raised at the question. Had Arthur caught on...?

"Just from rumours around the village, Sire. That's all. Why do you ask?" Gaius hoped Arthur would give some kind of indication why he was asking all of these questions.

"Oh, you know. He seems ever so familiar." Arthur said, patting Gaius on the shoulder and giving him a wink. "I trust you can keep this conversation between us?" He said as he lead Gaius towards the door. "We have a magical bond I wouldn't want to break." Arthur finished with a grin and closed the door. He couldn't hold it in as he laughed, imagining Gaius running straight to Merlin. 

Gaius didn't run straight to Merlin. He picked up a few rare herbs. When he was in the market, an older, much older women bumped into him and Gaius frowned as he looked at her. Who...? "I'm so sorry" She spoke sincerely and handed him a letter. "For everything," she said and Gaius looked down at the letter before looking back up. He blinked, she had just disappeared. What was that? More importantly, who was that?

Gaius made his way back to his place, holding the letter, making sure he didn't drop it as he entered, just as Merlin walked out of his room. He looked shattered more than anything. "Gaius, none of these books are helping." He said, collapsing on the chair next to Gaius.

"I recommend this one and this herb here. Now go. Your destiny awaits you." Gaius said and Merlin grinned, thankful. "Thank you, Gaius!"

Gaius sighed as his boy left. He opened the letter.
Dear the person reading this,
I come with grave news. Agravine has been sighted with a known traitor of Camelot. I saw it with my own eyes along with many of the lower villages. I wanted to write to you now, before it was too late. Whether you choose to believe me, or not. As long as you know.
For what it's worth, I'm sorry.
Yours.

Gaius' eyes widened. He needed to tell Arthur. But he should wait until after Merlin tries to heal Uther. He couldn't afford to tell Arthur that his own Uncle had betrayed him. To who, would be anyone's guess. But, Gaius had his suspicions.

Merlin's Point of View (At night)

"Are you sure this will work?" He heard Arthur ask but Merlin was too busy trying to concentrate, he merely looked at Arthur. A look that only lasted a few seconds but it had calmed Arthur down slightly. Merlin whispered the enchantment, holding the herbs in his hand. He closed his eyes and when he opened them, Merlin's eyes flashed gold - and they were the most beautiful eyes Arthur had ever seen.