Chapter Twelve, Trouble Stirring

Whilst trouble was brewing outside of Camelot; inside Camelot Merlyn had just finished all of Gaius's rounds and was slowly walking through the lower town with Gwen as they caught up with each other. It felt like they hadn't had a decent moment to really talk when they were interrupted from their talks of Lancelot and Arthur.
"I believe these belong to you." Gwaine said, holding out two white flowers, one to each lady.
"I don't think so." Gwen says, laughing a little in surprise.
"Gwaine." Merlyn said shocked before it turned into a smile. "Gwen, this is Gwaine, the man who helped us. Gwaine, this is my best friend."
"Princess Gwen and Princess Merlyn." Gwaine said bowing to them, causing a blush to appear on both of their cheeks.

"Everyone's staring." Gwen snapped flustered.
"This isn't working is it?" Gwaine asked.
"No, not really." Merlyn said teasingly while Gwen said dryly.
"That's a shame. I've been spurned twice now." He said dramatically, making them giggle.
"I better get my washing home and get back to Lady Morgana. I'll see you later Merlyn. Gwaine." Gwen bid farewell.
"You still have to finish filling me in on you and Lancelot." Merlyn teased. "I better relieve Arthur of George's talks of brass." She laughed.
"Yes, I think that would be the reason." Gwen teased back.
"Oh shut up." Merlyn said, waving her hand at her best friend.
"I was hoping you could show me around, Merlyn? You are after all my only friend." Gwaine asked, seriously this time.
"You're thinking of staying?" She asked happily. "I'd be happy to be your friend. I guess I can leave Arthur to the clutches of George's talks." Merlyn laughed, causing Gwaine and Gwen to laugh. The latter shook her head at her friend.

***

Deep within the forest two unsuspecting Knights didn't know their lives were about to be brutally cut short all because of a revenge plot to kill Prince Arthur Pendragon.
"How much further would you say it is to Camelot?" The sandy haired Knight asked his companion.
"Half a day's ride. The journey is almost over." The darker haired Knight replied. The two Knights had no idea their would-be killers were in the trees on the hill watching and listening as they planned their attack.
"It is for you." The bald thug said with a wicked smirk upon his face as he ran at them.
"Oswald!" The sandy haired Knight shouted in warning. But Sir Oswald was unfortunately too slow to react and fell to the floor dead before he could draw his own sword.

The other Knight however, was not so slow, and leapt to his feet sword in hand at the death of his friend, preparing to face down this foe. Whether he was too cocky or too consumed with grief and revenge which was the reason why he didn't check his surroundings, we will never know. But it was ultimately his undoing as the other thug, Ebor, snuck up behind him and killed him with his own Stalone blade. It seemed this was their plan all along and their plan for revenge was starting to take fruition.
"Dagger!" Ebor shouted when a servant came out of the tent. Spinning around the now-named- thug gripped a throwing dagger and hurled it at the servant as he tried to run. Killing him instantly.
"The crystals!" Dagger demanded of his companion, holding out his hand expectantly.

Ebor threw his sword into the ground and pulled the box containing the crystals out of his jacket pocket. Once the box was opened Dagger took one of the crystals and wiped Sir Oswald's blood on it. As soon as the blood made contact with the crystal a ringing sound could be heard as the crystal glowed the same golden light as before showing the enchantment was now active. Smirking Dagger placed the chain around his neck so the crystal rested on his chest, a moment later Dagger's appearance changed and he was now the spitting image of Sir Oswald who was lying dead at his feet. Even his weather worn clothing had changed to match Sir Oswald's armour.
"You look good, Dagger." Ebor complimented rather gruesomely considering he was now impersonating a dead Knight.

"Sir Oswald." Dagger said firmly.
"Sorry, Sire." Ebor apologised with a bow.
"That's alright. Your turn." Dagger said as he pulled the other crystal out of the box and held it out to him. "Then we can take our rightful place in the Mele." He continued, a malicious gleam in his eyes. Once Ebor had changed into the sandy haired Knight, and the bodies had been disposed of, they stole all of the Knights belongings including the horses and set off for Camelot. Later that day when Camelot's magnificent white Castle gleamed in the distance, they shared a look, their plan falling into place exactly as they knew it would.

As soon as they entered the courtyard they were greeted by the very person they were plotting to kill.
"Sir Oswald!" Arthur called as he came hurrying down the steps, Merlyn just behind him. "Didn't think you'd be brave enough to show up." Arthur jested.
"And miss the chance of putting you on your backside?" 'Sir Oswald' asked as they hugged which only made Arthur laugh.
"You've never managed it before." Arthur said smugly.
"That was then. This is now." 'Sir Oswald' argued rather tensely though Arthur failed to pick up on it.
"Sir Ethan." 'Sir Ethan' introduced when Arthur looked at him confused.

"This is my maidservant, Merlyn." Arthur said, pointing at Merlyn who sent him a look. She just knew he was going to cause her trouble all because she was a few minutes late. "She loves hard work, so anything you need, just give her a call." Arthur said before his eyes widened at how that may be misinterpreted and rushed to correct himself. "Within reason, of course. I will not have her harmed in any way."
"Of course, and believe me, I will." 'Sir Oswald' said with a look Merlyn didn't like the look of and cursed Arthur in her mind. She knew these two Knights were going to cause her trouble and how right she was.
"What was that for?" Merlyn hissed glaring at him. "They're giving me the creeps." She whispered as they walked away.
"For leaving me with George half the day." Arthur teased, but a frown was on his face at her words. "I'm sure they're fine, Merlyn, but if there's trouble you know you can come to me." He said seriously, discreetly squeezing her hand.

Later that night, when Merlyn had finally finished work after being messed about by Sirs Oswald and Ethan all day, she could finally retire to her chambers. She was exhausted, in agony, along with being thirsty and hungry and all she wanted was to have something to eat and drink and have a nice hot bath.
"Why do Knights have to be so pompous and arrogant!" Merlyn complained as she rubbed her arms as she made her way back to her chambers.
"Merlyn, I've got us some pea soup for dinner. Gwaine said he'll be back later." Gaius said with his back to Merlyn as he dished up their soups.

"Are you alright, Merlyn? You look weary to the bone." Gaius asked worriedly.
"I'm just exhausted, Gaius. Sir Oswald is worse than Arthur. I just want something to eat, a drink of water, have a hot bath and then go to bed." Merlyn sighed, as she sank bonelessly down into her seat at the table, gulping down a cup of water and then another.
"Slow down, Merlyn before you make yourself sick." Gaius chided as he watched his Ward eat her soup rather fast.
"I'm starving. Sir Oswald had me at his beck and call all day."
"How is he?" Gaius asked, a frown marrying his forehead at what Merlyn had already revealed.

"Awful. He treats me like dirt. And the way he looks at me, Gaius, it's disgusting and I don't like it." Merlyn snapped, shivering at the reminder of those looks. "Stupid Arthur telling them if they need anything to call all because he had George half the day."
"That doesn't sound like the young man I knew." Gaius said, shocked. "He always struck me as a rather kind and thoughtful soul. And he would never treat a woman the way you just described or allow another to do it." He said frowning.
"Well, it seems Arthur's become kinder with age and he's become repulsive with age." Merlyn said sardonically. They were interrupted from their conversation when the door opened revealing Gwen.

"Hi Gwen, what's the matter?" Merlyn asked.
"Hi Merlyn, I'm fine, don't worry. But I think you better come with me, Gwaine's got a little carried away celebrating finding his first friend." Gwen informed her. Shaking her head bemusely Merlyn wiped her mouth and kissed Gaius' cheek before following Gwen into the Town to 'The Sun and Moon' Tavern. The pair of them talking about their day as they went.
"Merlyn bird!" Gwaine exclaimed as soon as she entered the Tavern with Gwen. "There's my best friend!" Gwaine exclaimed, causing a blush to appear on Merlyn's cheeks and a man to grab Gwaine who was swaying on his feet. 

"'Ere." The owner said, thrusting the bill into Merlyn's hands. She couldn't stop her eyes widening at the content of the bill.
"You drank all this!" Merlyn exclaimed incredulously.
"With some help from my new friends!" Gwaine replied, swaying on his feet as the said 'friends' cheered.
"He says he hasn't got any money. So it looks like you'll have to pay." The odious Tavern owner snarled, as he gripped Merlyn's arms tightly.
"Oi! Let go of Merlyn!" Gwaine shouted angrily. Merlyn, who could feel her magic bubbling under her skin due to her rising anger all day, tried to quickly regain control of the situation.

"I can't afford this, but Prince Arthur will as he said Gwaine could have anything he wants." Merlyn said quickly, which caused the owner to release her revealing the start of bruises on her arms. Which did not impress Gwaine. Not at all.
"You've hurt her!" Gwaine bellowed.
"Gwaine, just leave it." Merlyn said, as she put one of his arms around her shoulders and wrapped her own around his waist. "Thank you Gwen. Goodnight." She said to her friend as they left the Tavern and made their way back to their chambers.
"I'm sorry Merlyn bird." Gwaine apologised, his words slurring together.
"It's okay, Gwaine. Let's just get home." Merlyn said softly, as they finally reached the chambers.

"Merlyn, I have your bath already for you, go and relax. I've put some muscle relaxers in the water." Gaius said, as soon as they entered. "I'll check on the wound." He said firmly, taking Gwaine away from Merlyn.
Later that night, after Merlyn had a nice relaxing hot bath and had changed into her nightgown and Gwaine's bandage had been changed, the pair were sitting on Gwaine's bed talking in whispers so Gaius could get some sleep on the other side of the room.
"You're the best friend I've ever had." Gwaine declared.
"You seem to have quite a few." Merlyn teased making the pair laugh.
"Oh, I'd love to see Arthur's face when he gets that bill." Gwaine laughed.

"What is it with you and nobles?" Merlyn asked curiously.
"Oh, nothing." Gwaine said nonchalantly. "My father was a Knight in Caerleon's army. He died in battle, leaving my mother penniless. And when she went to the King for help, he turned her away." Gwaine explained with some pent-up anger.
"I'm sorry Gwaine." Merlyn apologised resting her hand over his. "You didn't know him?" She asked.
"Thank you Merlyn." Gwaine said, squeezing her hand quickly before they let go. "No. Just some stories I've been told."
"I know how that feels." Merlyn sighed, getting a confused look from Gwaine. "I met my father just briefly before he died."
"Why did he have magic too? I know you couldn't go into everything fully earlier, and I don't expect you to straight away." Gwaine asked.

"Yes. He was a DragonLord, like I am now. In the Great Purge Uther asked him to call the Great Dragon, Kilgharrah, here to make peace with it but he lied. My father fled with the help of Gaius and took refuge in Ealdor with my mother for a while. But Uther sent Knights to kill him, so he fled. When the dragon attacked after I freed him, Arthur and I found him living in a cave. He didn't know who I was but eventually I told him. We were on our way back to Camelot when Cenred's men attacked and my father died protecting me." Merlyn explained softly. She startled when Gwaine wiped away her tears and pulled her in for a hug, she didn't even realise she'd been crying.
"I'm so sorry, Merlyn." Gwaine said softly, smiling sadly at her.

"Arthur's not like that. He's helped me free a few of my kind and he knows the truth about me and the prophecy." Merlyn said softly, her cheeks tinting red a little.
"Ha!" Gwaine scoffed. "Maybe. But none of them are worth dying for." He said before slumping asleep. Merlyn smiled and shook her head before heading to her room, falling asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow.