The Aftermath (Merlin)

Chapter Four: Get up

Merlin began walking towards Arthur, who was sat in front of the fire-less fire pit, eating his stew. The raven haired boy sat across from the golden haired man, picking up his own bowl and finally started to eat. Only the clinking of the cutlery broke the silence between the two until Arthur interrupted the silence

"When we went to get Balinor, you knew him didn't you?"

"No not really, I met him then for the first time, same as you" Merlin responded with a slight sorrow in his voice

"I thought he was the last dragon lord?" Arthur questioned unsure of himself

"He was, but the power of the dragon lord is passed down from father to son. Once Balinor died his power passed onto his only son thus making one last final dragon lord."

A look of horror and guilt appeared on the kings face as he faced his servant who now had a single tear falling down his face before wiping it off and looking down at the floor

"He was your father?"

Merlin nodded still not looking back up at his friend

"I told you that he wasn't worth your tears"

again Merlin just nodded in response

"You watched your father die in your arms and then had to pretend like nothing happened?" Arthur's voice broke whilst speaking, realising the pain Merlin must have gone through whilst protecting his secret.

"I'm sorry Merlin" the king spoke after a moment of silence. The young boy looked up in surprise to Arthur's apology.

"It's okay, you didn't know" the boy spoke softly.

Arthur's face hardened

"it appears there is much I don't know about you Merlin"

"You have no idea" the servant gave a weak smile before taking Arthur's bowl from him and picked up his own and then headed towards the lake to clean them.

The king watched as his servant sat by the water in awe: this young gangly boy was a sorcerer, and a powerful one at that, Gaius had said the most powerful sorcerer to walk the earth. It was hard to picture Merlin being some strong warlock but yet at the same time it all made sense. He was loyal to a fault, never let Arthur face his demons alone, he protected him for years and sought no credit even knowing that if he was caught he would surely be punished and most likely sentenced to death. Arthur knew there was much he didn't know about what Merlin had done for him, but as knight of honour he was going to find out, and somehow try to pay him back for his service. It's the least he could do.

Although the king knew Merlin was good and would not harm him, he couldn't deny the fact that magic had played such a big part in the downfall of Camelot over the years. He couldn't just accept magic blindly, he couldn't just go against everything he and his father had built. But nor could he allow innocent people suffer, all for the persecution of the few sorcerers who do monstrous things. It was going to be a long time till a good resolution could be formed but one thing was for sure: Things had to change.

Arthur stood up and approached the crouching Merlin, stopping just a few paces behind him, he placed his hand on the hilt of his sword.

Merlin had heard Arthur walking towards him, but did not turn to see him, instead he continued to wash the plates. As he heard Arthur's feet stop - the warlock drew his eyes away from the bowls and too his reflection in the water where he could also see the kings reflection. Arthur looked stern, very kingly if you'd ask Merlin. His face showed no emotion he was neither happy nor sad he looked as if he was in deep thought. And that's when the young warlock saw his friend's hand reach the hilt of his sword. Merlin lowered his head and sighed, this was it he thought, Arthur was going to strike him through.

"I understand that you're doing what you think is right" the warlock said in despair.

He turned around, whilst still crouching, to face Arthur "But know that you are my friend Arthur and I would do anything for you."

Arthur watched as his servant lowered his head, The king wasn't sure what was going on, he looked closely at his friend and could see that Merlin was looking at his hand which rested his upon his sword.

Oh.

Arthur now realised what the raven hair boy was talking about. Arthur felt the guilt swarm his stomach, he was horrified that this is what Merlin thought of him. That he thought he would kill him  because of his powers, powers he knew he only used to protect him. Arthur drew the sword from its scabbard, Merlin watched as he did so, fear and pain so clearly prominent in his eyes, the boy then scrunched his eyes shut waiting for the moment the sword was lunged into his chest.

It never came.

Clang. The warlock opened his eyes to see Arthur standing above him, tears in his eyes but not yet falling. There was no sword in his hand, Arthur had thrown it onto the floor.

"Get up" The king demanded sternly

Merlin did as he was told and rose to his feet, looking directly into Arthur's eyes unsure about what was happening.

Then suddenly without warning Arthur grabbed ahold of Merlin pulling him into a hug. The warlock tensed but soon realising what was happening relaxed and wrapped his arms round Arthur's back letting out a sigh of relief. They both stood their embracing each other, tears in both their eyes, neither one of them wanting their tear to break away down their face.

"I never want you to fear me Merlin, you are my friend, as long as i am alive no harm will come to you"

Arthur drew back from the hug, still holding Merlin's shoulders and gave him a smile, the raven boy retuned the smile and nodded in which the king did the same.