Lost in Albion 3 (Merlin) - Completed

Chapter 13: An Ass Prince

Merlin is placed in front of the entire court, facing the King. I'm pulled off to the side by Gaius who whispers in my ear a warning that keeps me from speaking out.

"Is it true? You were responsible for the affliction that I and other members of the court have suffered?" Uther questions.

"What? No."

"Gaius."

"I found this in your room," the goblin says, holding out an unforgettable book. "It's a book of spells and enchantments."

"He's lying. That's not Gaius," he argues.

"What are you talking about?" Arthur questions.

"He's been possessed by a goblin."

"It's true," I say, stepping forward. Gaius' hand yanks me back by my dress.

"The boy and girl are reduced to making the most desperate and ridiculous accusations," he smirks.

"You seriously expect me to believe that Gaius is a goblin?" Uther asks incredulously.

"It's, it's controlling him Gaius is still there..." he looks over at the goblin, frowning. "Somewhere."

"Do you have any proof of these accusations?"

"No!"

"I fear that magic has corrupted you. It pains me more than I can tell you," Gaius speaks up again.

This whole situation is frustrating, but I don't know how to get out of it. Uther won't believe us, not over Gaius. The goblin is threatening to throw me under the bus as well if I don't remain quiet and I don't particularly want to join Merlin. I would rather get him out than throw myself in.

"I really doubt that," Merlin snarls.

"My Lord, I have been harbouring a sorcerer. For that, I offer the most sincere apology."

"You were not to know, Gaius," Uther says. "He's fooled us all."

I roll my eyes, remembering the times where Merlin literally told them he was a sorcerer, yet nobody believed him. Yet at least twice he's been accused and proven innocent.

"It's no me that's fooling you," Merlin protests.

"Silence!" the King exclaims, his gaze pointing at Merlin. "You've been found guilty of using magic and enchantments. In accordance with our laws, you will pay with your life. Take him away!"

I watch helplessly as Merlin is taken away by guards. As he passes me, his head nods towards Gaius, silently telling me to keep an eye on him. Merlin can escape Camelot's dungeon on his own so my efforts would be best elsewhere.

This is all happening because of a stupid book. I should burn it.

Xx

I wait for Arthur to leave the council in his chambers, sitting on his desktop. There are papers lying about and my mind takes an interest in them, so I keep my head away, not wanting to pry on business not my own.

The door opens eventually, a tired and mopey Arthur walking through. His shoulders drop as he sees me, closing the door softly behind him. I don't move, waiting for him to come to me which he does. His hands rest on the desk, either side of my leg and he hunches over with his head between his shoulders.

"I'm sorry," he says. "He was my friend too."

"I'm not worried," I say. Arthur's head lifts up in confusion. "Merlin is innocent. Gaius is being controlled by a goblin. I am going to prove that."