MERLIN'S POV
----------------------------------------
"Wonder what's going on?" I murmured, watching in confusion as guards rushed past shouting at each other. There seems to be a lot of excitement going on today. Anyway, best get to the armory and clean the prats armor. I was just passing an unattended fruit cart when a soft sniffling sound caught my attention. Frowning I paused listening to see if I can hear it again. Sure, enough my patience paid off. Curious I followed the sound to find a young boy with dark brown hair cowering behind the cart. His little body trembled as he clutched desperately to the cart. His sky blue eyes locked on a group of guards dragging a man away. I grimace already guessing who that man is to the boy. Focusing on the boy once more. I placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, drawing his attention.
"Hey are you ok." His gaze immediately snapped to me his terrified eyes blown wide at my presence, but then it changed. His once horrified face became calm and a sense of are lit up his eyes. Letting go of the cart he reached for me. His lips never moving as he spoke in my mind.
"Emrys help me."
"Emrys but my..." I started only for him to leap into my arms. Cutting me off midsentence as he wrapped his little arms around my neck. His face buried into my shoulder. I felt my heart break at his quiet sniffling and terrified trembling. Questions can wait until later. First, I need to get him out of here. So, making sure no one was looking for this way. I quietly scurried inside the castle. I could hear the sounds of the guards barging into people’s homes around us. No doubt looking for this little one.
Chewing my bottom lip, I frantically searched my brain for where to go. I can't go home. They will no doubt look there. I need somewhere the guards won't possibly by pass. Somewhere that... I got it. Racing down the hall, I stopped in front of a large oaken door. Panting slightly from the run I barged my way inside. Ignoring the disapproving protests from Gwen and Morgana. Slamming the door shut I leaned against it. My arms clutching tightly to the whimpering child. Staring hopefully up at the confused princess. I begged her for help.
"I didn't know where else to go. The guards are looking for him." Morgana opened her mouth no doubt to ask a question when suddenly Arthurs insistent voice appeared outside the door.
"Morgana open up." Panicked I silently pleaded Morgana not to give us up. After a moment of contemplation and Arthur's constant banging, she nodded.
"Quickly behind the curtain." She whispered waving me over. Relieved I quickly followed her instructions. Hiding behind the curtain I waited. Listening as she opened the door and let the prince in.
"Sorry Morgana but the king has ordered every room checked." Arthur explained as sounds of the guards clinking armor entered the room. She scoffed at that. I could just see the scowl on her face as she glared him down.
"And what do you expect to find. Don’t you think I would know if a druid were in my chambers." She scoffed sarcasm dripping from her voice.
"I'm just following orders. I don't like this anymore than you." Arthur placated which no doubt earned him an eyeroll.
"Well don't bother I'll save you the time. He's behind my curtain." I felt my heart drop at that. Did she really just sell us out. Mordred whimpered fearfully at that burying deeper into my shoulder. Well, if they want the boy, they are going to have to go through me first. I thought clutching him tightly against me glaring at the curtain as if daring it to move. Thankfully Arthur took her comment as more sarcasm because he quickly left after that. It wasn't long after he left that a worried Morgana and Gwen burst through the curtain. Crowding around us and firing off a million questions at once. Finally, after the kids next whimper i couldn't take it anymore.
"ENOUGH!" They stared at me stunned at my outburst. Obviously, they weren't expecting that.
"Now I know you have questions, and I would love to answer them. Unfortunately, we don't have the time for that. Just because they didn't look this time doesn't mean the guards won't eventually circle back. We need a way to get him out of here and back to his people. Preferably before the guards find him." Morgana nods a thoughtful look on her face as she thinks of a plan. After a moment of silence its Gwen who finally speaks up.
"Well, there are tunnels under the castle leading out of Camelot. They aren't really guarded very well so it would be easy to sneak him out through there." My face lights up at that. It’s perfect. We can sneak him out and... wait a moment. I groan as I remember the lock on the doors leading to the tunnels, and only Arthur and the king have a key. At my groan they both look at me a question on their lips. Sighing I break the news.
"That’s a great idea but how are we supposed to get the key?" Both of their faces fall at that.
"Not to mention the location of the druid camps." Morgana agrees grimacing as our plan falls apart. Its than that we are reminded of Mordred’s presence as he shifts in my arms. Looking up at me with tear filled eyes.
"Am I going to die?" He pitifully whimpers, bottom lip trembling. My heart froze at that. There was no way I was going to let this boy die. Especially after his dad was already captured. I was just about to say there was no way was ever letting him die when a commotion outside catches our attention. Racing to the window we all peek out. Only to gasp in horror and cover Mordred’s eyes. For standing atop a pile of wood, strapped to a pole, was Mordred’s dad.
I felt my heart plummet within me as I watched a guard light the pile a blaze. Sealing the man’s fate. It was at that moment when all was lost that the man’s eyes found their way to us. Upon seeing his son curled against my chest. Surrounded by the princess and her maid in the window he smiled. It was a sad, grief stricken one, but still a smile. His lips never moved, nor did his eyes flash gold, but his voice was loud as it echoed in my head.
"Keep him safe Emrys." With that he vanished beneath the flames. His screams of agony filling the air. Pulling Mordred from the scene, Morgana shut and locked the window as I attempted to comfort the sobbing child. After what just happened, I was a thousand times more certain. There is no way I am giving this child up to the flames.
"Ok this is what we are going to do."
After making sure Mordred was safely tucked away in Morgana's ante chamber. I determinedly made my way over to Arthur's chambers, tray of food in hand. It took us some time to work out the details, but we decided I would be the one to get the keys from Arthur. As for the location of the druid camp I told them I had a friend who might know. Didn't bother mentioning that this friend was in fact a dragon. After some persuasion and promises that my friend wouldn't rat us out, (not that he could), they agreed to let me ask.
Which brings me to the present. Stopping in front of Arthurs door I took a deep breath to calm myself before pushing the door open. Plastering on a fake smile I barged inside. My caterwauling shaking the entire castle as I greeted the annoyed prince.
"Hello Arthur glad to see you so bright eyed and bushy tailed this afternoon." I happily sang. Placing the tray on the table and busying myself cleaning his room. Arthur rolling his eyes plopped himself down in his chair scowling at me.
"Do you ever shut up Merlin?" I grinned at that, a chuckle escaping my lips, eyes twinkling in mirth.
"If I were to do that who would annoy you day and night." I mock gasped pretending to be horrified by that. Sighing and shaking his head he turned away from me focusing on his meal. Seeing my chance, I allowed my eyes to flash gold lifting his keys off of his belt and slowly moving it over to me. I winced at the loud jangling they made upon movement. Even worse when the prince tensed at the sound.
This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
"What was that?" He asked turning to me just as I moved the keys out of his line of sight.
"What was what?" I innocently inquired smiling obliviously at him. He narrowed his eyes a suspicious look on his face before he once more returned to his meal. Breathing a sigh of relief, I slowly moved the keys once more toward me. Making sure to place a silencing spell on them first this time. Once close enough I snatched them from the air before depositing them safely in my pocket.
Making up some bogus excuse to leave I raced from the room. Unaware that the prince had noticed the keys just barely sticking out of my pocket. Happily barging into Morganas room and shutting the door. I pulled out my stolen treasure and held it up for all to see.
"I got it." I sang excitedly. I expected Morgana and Gwen to look just as happy as I felt but watching their faces all I could see was pure terror. I was just about to ask what wrong when a voice behind me sent fear coursing through my veins.
"I knew you were up to something." Spinning around and facing the smirking prince I stare at him my mouth opening and closing like a fish with no sound. Which only served to encourage the prince's already smug expression.
"I had wondered when I saw the keys sticking out of my maidservants pocket why she would betray me like that. Only to find out Morgana was also in on it. I am not sure how you managed to get the keys off my belt without me noticing. Nor do I care. What I do what to know is wh..." He cut off eyes widening as at that moment Mordred decided to make an appearance. Stepping out of the ante chamber. A fist rubbing his sleepy eyes and trailing a blue blanket that Morgana had given him, behind him. He sleepily walked over to Morgana, who scooped him up in an instant, before falling back to sleep in her arms.
"You...." Arthur sputtered eyes trained on the sleeping druid boy. Before he could finish his incoherent sputtering, I was in his face. Pointing a nail into his chest as I glared him down.
"Listen here Arthur you may be the crown prince, and I may be loyal to you without end, but if you so much as breath a word of the kids location to the king it will be the last thing you do. I don't care if he is my king. No one, and I mean no one, is allowed to harm a child as innocent and sweet as Mordred while I am here. Understood." He reeled back at the pure venom in my voice a flash of fear crossing his face momentarily begore it was gone. Straightening and clearing his throat awkwardly he avoided my eyes. Choosing instead to focus his attention on the stunned Princess and her maid.
"Treasonous words aside. I now understand why you took my keys. Your planning on sneaking him out through the tunnels, aren't you?" He asked directing his question more toward Morgana than anyone else. Clutching the child more tightly to her she sent a pleading look toward the prince her bottom lip trembling as she answered.
"Please Arthur he is just a child. He doesn't deserve to die just because he was born a druid. We..."
"I agree." Arthur stated cutting Morgana off before her rant could really get going. We all stared at him stunned. Did he really just say what I think he said.
"Come again?" I sputtered shocked earning a small smile from the prince.
"I said I agree. No child should have to die for something they can't control. He didn't ask to be a druid. That’s just how he was raised. He should not be condemned for something so meaningless as who his family are. In fact, I had my suspicions that Morgana was hiding the kid here. Especially since I saw the curtain move moments after she said he was behind her curtain. That’s why I had the guards leave under the premises that there was no way he was stashed here. I was planning on confronting you about it later when Merlin came and stole my keys. Plus... What? Why are you all looking at me like that? Come on like I wasn't going to notice. Morgs. You have made it perfectly clear how you feel about the executions. Not to mention the time you tried to sneak a prisoner from the dungeons when you were 12. Like I wasn't going to suspect you were involved." He huffed rolling his eyes at our shocked expressions.
"So, you knew he was hiding here and didn't rat him out?" Gwen quietly enquired staring at the prince with a look of growing awe.
"Why would I rat him out. The kid did nothing wrong except be born a druid. Sure, my dad might say it’s what he might do in the future that earns him the axe, but honestly if we keep worrying about what a person might do wrong, we will fail to see the things they actually do right. It doesn't matter what they might do in the future. All that matters is what they are doing now." It was at this moment that I actually believed the dragons words about Arthur's destiny. If this is a hint of the king, he will one day be than maybe there is hope for magic users.
"Now than enough talk. What’s the plan?"
----------------------------------------
After discussing our plans with Arthur and revising it to include the prince. We decided Arthur, and I would sneak Mordred out tonight under cover of darkness. Morgana would distract Uther so that he doesn't become privy to the escape. Seeing as it would be strange for Morgana to be around without her maid Gwen would also stay behind and would slip out and alert us if Uther became suspicious. All was set up and ready to go. Now for the final phase of our plan. Asking the dragon for help locating the druids.
"Kilgharrah." I called stopping in front of the cliff separating the dragon from the kingdom. The flapping of wings could be heard above me as the dragon appeared from the darkness, perching upon a rock and staring down at me.
"What is it you want young one." He tiredly asked. Though by the look in his eye he already knows what i am about to ask.
"Do you know where the druids are located?"
"Yes, I do. I am able to link with their minds much like I can with you. Though my connection is more ancient and powerful than yours so I can communicate with them even from this distance. That being said I have no doubt that one day you will grow powerful enough to also communicate from a distance." He replied for once not being vague. I smiled excitedly at that. This means I can help Mordred get home.
"That being said if you are asking because you want to help Mordred, I will not help you." I frowned at that furious that he won't help a child. So, ignoring the fact that he somehow knows his name I scowled at him.
"And why not?" I demanded eyes flashing angrily.
"Because if that boy lives Arthur will never achieve his destiny." I reeled back at that stunned into silence. How could a sweet young child like Mordred stop a prophecy from being fulfilled? As if sensing my question, the dragon continued a solemn look on his face.
"That boy is destined to kill Arthur. He is Arthurs doom. If he survives you will fail in your mission." He ended obviously expecting that to be the end of it. Yet as he was preparing to fly away, I stopped him. A sad smile on my face as I gazed sadly up at him.
"Maybe he is Arthurs doom. Maybe he is truly meant to die today, but that doesn't mean I can't do everything in my power to change it. Yes, I know none of us can escape destiny, but what if destiny isn't as set in stone as you think. What if Mordred becomes evil because I turn my back on him. What if he kills Arthur because nobody took the time to show him a better? Way. Yeah, I am probably playing with fire here, but as a wise prince once said. It doesn't matter what a person might do in the future. What matters is what they have done and are doing right now. So, although it might end badly, I still plan on helping him. With or without your help." With that said I turned to leave only to stop as he called out to me.
"Wait I will help you. I have already told them to meet you in the forest at nightfall. They will take the boy from there. Just don't make me regret helping him." He sighed flying away as a grin slowly appeared on my face. Maybe the dragon isn't that bad after all.
----------------------------------------
"Are you crazy! You’re going to get yourself killed. What if the king finds out you helped the boy escape? You will be killed." Gaius spat watching me prepare to leave.
"Uncle it will be fine. Arthur is helping me."
"Yes, and I am sure the king will spare your life simply because the prince was in on it. It’s too risky Merlin. I advise washing your hands of this and turning the boy over. Maybe the king will be lenient if you turn the kid in now." He begged. I spun around at that staring horrified at the man I called uncle.
"Of all the... Are you kidding me? You want me to condemn an innocent boy to death just so I won't be punished?" I sputtered horrified at this man in front of me.
"Merlin just thinks. If you are caught, I will be investigated too. It’s not just your life at stake here. Please see sense." Turning away from him in disgust I walked to the door. Stopping before I could walk out, I sent one last angry retort his way before I left.
"Glad to know you only care about yourself. Don't worry if I am caught, I will make sure they know you had nothing to do with it. Good bye uncle."
----------------------------------------
"Try to not give away our position Merlin." Arthur whispered unlocking the tunnel door and leading the way. Readjusting the child in my arms I quietly followed. Choosing not to grace his words with a reply. It’s not long before the end of the tunnel appears depositing us directly into the forest where a druid is quietly waiting a short distance away.
"Thank you for keeping him safe your highness. I will take him from here." The druid softly stated addressing the prince well taking the boy from my arms.
"It was my pleasure. Glad I could help." Arthur curtly replied.
"Well, we should be going now. Let’s go Merlin." Arthur had just turned away and began walking when the druid suddenly reached out snagging my arm before I could leave. Gazing into his eyes I blink as I hear his voice in my mind.
"Emrys beware the time soon draws near where a choice must be made. A choice that will decide Abilons fate. Just remember not everything is as cut in dry as you may think." With that he released me turning and walking away. Leaving me standing there confused.
"Thank you Emrys I will never forget what's you have done this day." Mordred whispered into my mind. A soft smile crept on my face at that. I can worry about the druids words tomorrow. Today another life has been saved.
"HURRY UP MERLIN! YOUR AS SLOW AS A MULE BACK THERE!"