Our Spot • A Sir Gwaine Story

chapter 7

Merlin told me to wait in his room until everything was talked over. How can I sit and wait whilst Gwaine is in trouble? I can help. I know I can help. I am good at sneaking around, Mama used to say that. Why won't Merlin let me help?

I know! Mama always loved it when I used my magic to help people. I remember I helped fix a broken pot once. Maybe I should use my magic to help Gwaine.

Okay. Focus. I am invisible. I am invisible. I am-

"Kyeyar where did you go!" I did it! I try my best not to squeal as Gaius frantically searches round the room. I feel a little bad because I don't want anyone to worry about me. But I need to help Gwaine. This is the only way.

I wait until Gaius goes to the door before slipping out the room. A door opening by itself would be a big giveaway! I run as quietly as possible down the stairs and out on to the courtyard.

Which way? Merlin never told me where in the castle he worked. I don't know where to find him.

"Percival calm down we will find him." A tall curly haired knight ran down the enormous step of the castle. I could see Percival mount a horse across the courtyard and resist the urge to yell after him. A few moments later Merlin comes running out of the same large doors, followed by the Princess - at least that's what Gwaine calls him. I think his real name is Arthur.

"Merlin are you sure he is there?" Arthur asked. By this point I had successfully crossed the courtyard and was standing right next to Merlin.

"I am sure Arthur. I think you forget I used to live in Essetir, I know the kingdom and it's ruler well. If Gwaine was taken, he would have been taken there." Why is everyone always so evasive? Tell me where!

"Ok if you are certain." Arthur turned to face the other knights and started barking orders at them. Merlin is busy sorting out Arthur's saddle. Here is my chance. I spot an open saddle bag tied to the back of Merlin's horse.

That bag looks big enough.

---

This was a bad idea. We have been riding for ages without stopping. I think I might be seasick, all this rocking and bobbing in a bag that was definitely too small to fit me in. I have been huddled up in a ball for so long my legs have started to tingle. Not to mention I am very very tired. I don't like using magic for this long.

Being invisible sucks!

"It's getting dark. I say we stop and make camp for the night and continue in the morning." I think that was Arthur. If I am being quite honest I can barely hear anything over the sound of my heart beat. Is it supposed to be this loud?

I feel Merlin jump off the saddle and begin to unclip the bags around me. When it gets to my bag he grunts, clearly not expecting it to be this heavy.

"Jesus Arthur how much did you pack? This bag weighs a ton!" Hey! Rude!

"What do you mean, Merlin? That bag was full before I got to it. All my stuff is here." Oh no. I peek through the opening and come face to face with Merlin. His face shifts to one of confusion to that of pure horror.

"Kye! What the hell!" Merlin carefully places the bag on the floor allowing me to crawl out. The first thing I do is stretch, enjoying the feeling of my muscles relaxing. The stares from the knights become slightly overwhelming. I hang my head and play with the hem of my shirt.

Merlin sighs and bends down.

"Kye I'm not mad at you. But you shouldn't be here, it is dangerous."

"Merlin, why on earth was there a child in your saddle bag?" Arthur shrieks, gesturing wildly at me. His reaction was enough to lift my spirits, drawing stray giggles from my mouth. Merlin looks at me disapprovingly, but I could have sworn I saw the tiniest smile.

"It's a long story. I don't even know where to begin."

"I do!" Forgetting my nerves, I jump around to face Arthur. "Gwaine helped me after my Mama and Papa left. He looked after me and kept me safe. When he left he promised he would come back, but he didn't. So now I am going to get him back and protect him. Just like he did for me."

Merlin looks down at me with soft eyes. He looks like he is going to cry. Did I make him sad? I didn't mean to. I look to the other men and they look just like Merlin. The very thought of making them sad makes me want to cry. I tuck myself between Merlin's leg hugging him.

"I'm sorry."

I feel a hand rest on the top of my head coaxing me to look up. I resist.

"Kye it's okay. You don't have to apologise I just wish that you would tell me before you do things like this okay." I nod my head gently. At least he isn't sad.

Merlin lifts me up and brings me over to the huddle of Knights. There was a small fire burning in the middle of the clearing. The gentle crack of the flames calmed me enough to face the strangers, although I was far from relaxed.

"Merlin we need to take him back to Camelot he can't-"

"No! I can help get Gwaine back." Arthur's gaze snapped to me and I shrink back. He reminds me of my Papa when he was mad. I don't like that.

"Kye, Arthur is right. It is dangerous out here. Gwaine wouldn't want you to be put in harm's way would he?"

"But I can protect myself just like you."