The Aftermath (Merlin)

Chapter Twenty-Four: Faces of Old Friends

Arthur had been stuck in the meeting all day, he was tired of hearing the boring speeches of the older members of court and how they worried for Camelot's future now that magic had been allowed back. There were rumours of a group of sorcerers who still sought revenge on the Pendragon lineage, for the cruelty acted upon their ancestors. This of course, was all hearsay and there was no actual proof of any threat nor had any credible source been able to legitimise these rumours and so, for now at least, no act shall be taken against them.

As the meeting drew on, the King's mind wandered to his friend, the past few nights had been disturbing, to put it simply. Merlin's nightmares were a terrible thing to behold especially the screams and shouts not to mention when his magic started playing up. That's when things started getting dangerous for both the boy and himself. Arthur was snapped out of his thoughts when a most menacing scream could be heard (much like the one that had been heard one night last week). The king jumped from his seat, his hand immediately reaching for the hilt of his sword. Two knights burst through the door, Sir Leon and Percival quickly made their way to the blonde.

"What is that?!" The King demanded, covering his ears from the sound.

"We don't know sire, the warning bells have been rung and all the knights are searching the castle grounds!" The elder Knight confirmed by shouting over the scream.

"Have them search the lower town as well!" Arthur spoke firmly, to which Leon nodded and went to tell a guard to inform the rest of the Knights.

"It's like the one we heard the other night!" The giant suggested, he too had his hands over his ears.

Before Arthur could respond the windows smashed, sending shards flying across the room. Percival dove in front of the King to protect him. He gained a few cuts as a few shards of glass stood from his unprotected arms, his body had been protected by his armour, but his cheek had a small piece of glass within it which had drawn a fair amount of blood.

"Are you alright?!" The King shouted in concern as he pulled Percival to face him.

"I'm fine, just a few cuts" the giant responded happily.

"After we are done here, you should go see Gaius" Percival nodded gratefully as he went to go help the advisors, whose wounds consisted of little more than a few scratches.

Leon returned, panicked as he saw the mess in the throne room "Arthur?!" The Knight shouted as he neared the blonde.

"I'm fine, I'm fine, Percival took the hit" The King reassured.

Leon's eyes darted across the room to see the younger of the two Knights perfectly fine and helping the elderly advisors, he sighed in relief before turning back to face Arthur. "There's something you should probably come see."

The King and two Knights headed out into the courtyard, it was only past midday but the clouds were black, a whirlwind of gust was consuming Camelot. The three men's hair blowing in all directions as they stepped outside, it was hard to keep your eyes open against the pure strength of wind and all the dust particles it carried. The Knights placed their arms over their forehead in attempt to focus their vision, they could see horses jumping up and down in fear and people running for cover in the castle.

"It looks as though it's coming from the stables!" Leon shouted above the deafening scream and howling wind. Percival's and Arthur's attention snapped to the old barn where a bright light emanated, the glowing golden colour could be seen seeping through the planks of wood which made up the oak walls.

The King gestured to his Knights to close in on the barn but as they did so the screaming stopped, the wind died down, and as if nothing happened: the daylight returned to that of a normal spring day. A whimpering sound could now be heard within the stables as well as grunts of pain and laboured breathing. The three knights continued to make their way forward towards the wooden structure.