A Ghost From the Past

Only One Way

Nathan sat on the floor in the living room. His back rested up against the wall behind him. It was dark, but the sun would soon rise.

"I loved her." he mumbled.

Arthur stood in front of him. "I know. That was why I came to warn you." he said.

Nathan smiled. "I have missed you."

Arthur nodded. "I have missed you too." he said warmly.

Nathan looked at him. He wore the same clothes he had died in. Just without the armor. You could see his strong build through the red shirt. God, Nathan had missed those blue eyes, the golden hair and that smile. He had missed everything about the man in front of him.

"She didn't believe me. She thinks I'm mad."

"She is not worthy of your love." Arthur said.

"Why didn't you come back until now?" Nathan asked.

"But I have needed you before!"

"But your mind wasn't ready." Arthur told him.

"I'm so sorry that I failed you. It was my fault that you died." Nathan said.

Arthur shook his head. "It was my destiny to die in that time and place. I'm just glad that you were there with me."

Nathan yawned. "I promise you Merlin. One day I will return." Arthur said and smiled a sad smile.

"But you are here now." Nathan said confused.

"I am only a shadow."

Nathan looked down at his hands.

"Sleep, Merlin." Arthur said.

"I am not tired." Nathan said.

"Then why are you yawning?" Arthur asked with a humored smile.

Nathan chuckled. "I'm afraid that you disappear if I close my eyes." he confessed.

Arthur kneeled down in front of him.

"Remember Merlin. It's just you and me now." he said and looked Nathan in the eyes. Nathan smiled and closed his eyes. He fell asleep almost immediately. The first light of the sun crept through the window. It lit up Nathans face while he sat alone in the big house.

Charlotte woke up at noon. She had slept most of the day. At first she couldn't remember why she felt so sad and broken inside until she opened her eyes and saw the beautiful guestroom. Then she remembered where she was and why she was here. William Payne had lent her a room and told her she could stay as long as she wished. She really liked him. He was a good man.

She sat up and looked around. She hadn't really seen the room when she came in early in the morning because she was so tired and sad. The room was decorated in beautiful honey gold colors there made the room look warm and homely. One of the maids had lent her a silk night dress. It felt a little tight around her stomach, but all her clothes would do that soon. A tear ran down her cheek when she felt the hard bulge. There really was a little person growing inside of her.

She sighed and looked down beside her. Normally Nathan would lay there besid her when she woke up. Even though he had been cold and silent he had always been the same in his sleep, peaceful and handsome. He was the man that she loved. Charlotte jumped when someone knocked on the door. She pulled the blanket up before she answered: "Yes!"

The door opened and the maid, Sara, came in. She held some fabric in her arms.

"Mr. Payne wants to know if you would join him for dinner." she said.