The Call of Camelot

Chapter 11 - On the Banks of the Brook

"Merlin, if you tell me to remain calm and concentrate one more time, I will run you through with Mordred's dagger!"

So my magic lessons weren't turning out to be as easy as Merlin had first predicted.

It had been over a week since the horrific burnings just beyond Camelots gates, the image of those bodies turning to ash before my eyes would be a picture forever etched into my memory.

Arthur had been pleased with me finally agreeing to all his plans, he'd even been, dare I say it, pleasant, towards me.

My lessons with Merlin began the very next morning.

I was spurred on by the horrific injustice I'd witnessed outside the town gates, driven by a determination to do whatever I could, so no one else would have to suffer as those poor people had.

I'd started my tutorage feeling positive, even excited, at the prospect of using magic again and inspired by the thought that I could do something to help prevent Camelot suffering another great loss!

But no matter how hard I'd tried, and to the frustration of everyone involved, that first time I'd used magic, had so far been the only time!

"But you do need to remain calm and concentrate, I can feel how tense you are Cara and unless you relax nothing is going to happen" Merlin replied, his tone betraying his growing irritation

"Mordred, pass me your dagger!" I snapped to my guard who was seated nearby, watching the exchange with great amusement

"I refuse to be involved" he chuckled, throwing his hands up in mock surrender

I rolled my eyes at his refusal, took a deep breath and focused on trying "magical attempt number 201"

On the morning of my first lesson Merlin had me plant a tiny seedling in one of the flower beds of the central courtyard, with the intention of using magic to make the seedling grow and burst into bloom within a matter of seconds. According to Merlin, this spell was supposed to be one of the easiest!

Well, apparently not! Because nothing had happened and the seedling still remained, just a seedling!

"I think it's mocking me" I huffed, attempt number 201 becoming a predictable failure

"Plants cannot mock you Cara" Merlin sighed, putting his finger to his temple "try again, clear your mind, imagine the plant growing and bursting into bloom, imagine the c--"

"The colours, the scent, yes Merlin I know!" I interrupted, any attempt to hide my frustration now flying out the window, along with my patience "And I promise you I am, but nothing is happening!"

I was all too aware that I was beginning to sound like a spoilt child, but can you really blame me?

Less than two weeks ago, I had set off on what was supposed to be the most wonderful summer of my life, living a dream I'd had since I was a child!

But instead of being deep in a trench, covered in mud and dust, digging for pottery and other artefacts, I was here, stuck in Camelot and trying to come to terms with the fact my whole life had been one big lie!  And on top of all of that, I was failing to make some stupid little weed burst into life!  So yeah, I think I can be forgiven for having a tantrum or two!

"Bugger it!" I yelled, getting to my feet and repeatedly pummeling the plant with my foot

Ok, I know that was immature, but it felt good!

"CARA!" Merlin yelled, rising from the ground to meet me, his cheeks flushing red in anger

"What!" I spat, my hands rolling into fists as days of repressed frustration started to bubble to the surface