Lost in Albion 3 (Merlin) - Completed

Chapter 12: A Bald King

Chapter 12

Merlin, Gaius, and I follow Arthur to Uther's chambers. I can't help but worry, fearing that the goblin has done something to the King, especially since Arthur looks so worried, and the matter of urgency he ushers us with.

Before we enter, Arthur turns to us, particularly Merlin.

"I should warn you, if you value your lives, do not even think about laughing," he warns. This rattles my brain since I have been working myself up in worry, but it makes me just that more eager to see what the ordeal is.

Arthur opens the door.

"Father?"

"I'm behind the screen," his father answers.

Merlin and I share a curious glance as we saunter up to the screen. As we walk behind it, Uther is sitting, hunched over in a chair with his arms crossed, looking like a mad child. I almost let out a gasp but manage to hold it in and I have to suck my lips and hold my breath not to laugh.

Uther has completely lost all his hair.

Merlin begins to smile, and I know I'm not going to last very long, even with Arthur's warning. Gaius assures the King that he will return when he has a remedy. We escort ourselves out and as soon as we are in the corridor, out of hearing range from both the Prince and King I bust out in laughter.

"Only an enchantment could cause Uther to lose his hair like that. I've no doubt the goblin is to blame. We must catch it before it does any real damage."

"I think Uther's pride is really damaged," I snort, and Merlin also joins in on me sniggering.

"Did you see his face?"

"Merlin, what do you think Uther will do to the person responsible for releasing the goblin?" Gaius questions and we both quickly sober up.

"I will not be dragged down with you," I declare.

"We need to catch it. How do we do that?"

"We need to set a trap," Gaius replies. "And for that we need gold, and plenty of it."

"Well, we know just where to get that" I chirp, a small smirk playing at my lips.

"He's going to murder us if he catches us," Merlin groans.

"And what? He's not going to when the goblin causes more issues?" I retort. "Besides, he won't even notice it's gone."

Xx

Night has risen and I'm getting ready to sneak into Arthur's chambers with Merlin who has being trying to go about the rest of the day while keeping an eye out for the goblin. I've seen evidence of its presence but not the creature itself.

I have given Castor a sort of warning without going into too much detail and he said he would keep an eye out as well as locking his door. I wanted to warn Leon as well, but I'm not too sure how just randomly warning somebody to lock their doors and watch out for anything suspicious would go down without any explanation so I just told him to keep his door locked since I had seen someone go through Castor's chambers and I feared they would go through his next.

He believed me, especially when I brought up the missing necklace fiasco.

Merlin comes knocking at my door once everybody else in the castle is well and truly asleep. I pull on my boots since they make less noise and are easier to run in if needed. I have even put on pants with the expectation of running.

"Let's go steal the Prince's gold," I murmur, shutting the door behind me. I couldn't lock my own door from the outside, but I don't have much that the goblin could go through anyways, so I don't worry too much.