The Aftermath (Merlin)

Chapter Twenty-Five: It wasn't a Dream

The light shone in from the small window in the servant's room, Arthur awoke quickly growing aware that he wasn't in his own chambers. It was a new day and Merlin hadn't arrived last night. The King began to worry: what if Merlin had started using that potion again? What if he fell asleep somewhere and was still in his nightmare? What if his magic had grown out of control and he'd hurt himself or others? Arthur was in a state of panic as he quickly stood and made his way into Gaius' chambers. He knew he may regret the decision he was about to make, especially when Merlin finds out, but what other choice did he have? Merlin wasn't getting any better and the pair hadn't found any information on how to stop the nightmares. If anyone could help it was the old man, besides the blonde didn't know how much longer he could watch his friend suffer such horrific night terrors.

Arthur cleared his throat grabbing the attention of the Physician who stopped preparing his breakfast and turned to his King.

"Good morning sire, I wasn't aware you stayed the night. I would have made you some breakfast if I had known, I'm afraid there's only enough for Merlin and myself." The old man quickly apologised.

"It's fine Gaius, actually there is something I need to talk to you about." The King returned solemnly.

"Sire?"

"It's about Merlin..."

~~~

It was a few hours past sunrise when Percival was on his morning patrol, it was quiet, the castle was yet to be fully awake. The giant liked this time of peace, it allowed him time to remember those he lost, those he missed and those he still had. Percival had lost much in his life: Lancelot, Elyan, Gwaine, his parents, his sister, anybody he cared about really. And although Leon and Arthur had both lost much in their time neither of them would talk about it. It was like an unwritten code of being a Knight; not to show feelings.

That's when Percival and Merlin had grown close, in the midst of mourning they found comfort in being able to talk freely to one another. Merlin had the courage, bravery and loyalty of a Knight but was not bound by the trivial standards that the Knights held themselves too - that's what made him so easy to talk to. Over time the pair became very much like brothers, they had of course always been friends but it was different now, a bond had been formed, a bond of admiration, brotherhood, loyalty and friendship that could never be broken. Percy (the nickname Merlin had given the giant in their many late night talks) would be forever grateful for everything the boy had done for him, his friends and for Camelot.

As the giant rounded the corner of the stables in the courtyard he could hear whimpers, it sounded like someone was crying. Deciding to investigate the Knight drew his sword and approached the old guard tower.

"Hello? Is anyone in here?" The whimpering continued.

"I am a knight of Camelot, I'm coming in" Percival slowly took long strides into the small grey brick hallway, seeing a small figure sprawled out on the floor, tears rolling down his face and his body jolting every so often, the Knight threw his sword to the ground "Merlin?!" He shouted in panic.

Percy knelt down at the Ravens side, putting his hand on the Warlock's head but quickly retracting it from the heat radiating from his skin "You're burning up" the giant said out loud but more to himself "Merls can you hear me?" The boy continued to whimper, whilst he kept moving his head from side to side, his skin was laced in sweat that made his neck shine in moisture. "Hold on Merls, I'm going to take you to Gaius, just hold on" The giant picked Merlin up. The boy's head tucked into the Knights neck as he carried him quickly to the Physician's chamber.

~~~

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner Gaius but Merlin made me promise not to, and I didn't want to let him down." Arthur explained apologetically.