Finding Our Path

Chapter 2

The distinct smell of death is something I'm unlikely to forget anytime soon. It was unlike anything else. This was no longer Uther to me. This and his ash grey skin and whitened nails told me so.

I couldn't stop staring at him. Nobody said a word. We all just stared, etching this horrifying image into our minds forever.

Until Arthur walked out.

I was snapped out of my trance immediately and followed after him, calling his name- but he didn't reply. I followed him all the way to his room and walked in straight away. I watched him but kept my distance, deciding to remain silent and carry on with my chores.

"Merlin my goodness, you don't have to act like a cat on a hot tinned roof. I'm fine. I'm better than fine actually. I'm finally going to be King. Why wouldn't I be happy?" He rambled on and on. I would have responded but he didn't want an answer, he just wanted to be angry, which I was fine with.

After a while he stopped and sat down on his bed, pulling his hair in frustration. "I'm sorry Arthur. I wish I could be of more help to you. Honestly I will do anything. I know what it's like.. to lose a family. You don't have to hide what you're feeling, it doesn't make you any weaker." I said slowly. He glared at me.

"Merlin. You don't have to be such a girl. Goodness me, you really are useless." He says and I simply stare back.

"Merlin?" He raises an eyebrow before sighing.

"Fine. If you want to be of help go and locate the knights of the round table and take them all to the council meeting room. Make sure Gaius attends too. We need to organise my Father's funeral as well as my transition into becoming King." I continue to stare.

"What are you doing you idiot? Go." He yells and I take my leave.

It didn't take long to find them. They were all gathered around Uther as I suspected. The knights ordered a few unfortunate servants to tend to Uther's body and organise the preparation of an open casket for him. After that we all silently made our way to the council room. I joined Gaius at the back of our group and we shared a glance, he seemed to be nervous, steeling himself for something. He must have heard Arthur's shouting. One of the knights knocks on the door and is allowed in by Arthur. We all stopped at a halt as we see Arthur has taken the head chair on the table. He looked at all of us as if to challenge us.

We all knew that's not where he should sit. He's still the Prince and we all quickly glanced at each other- knowing that this was the ultimate sign of disrespect. The King only just died and here he was, taking his chair as if he was simply an obstacle now removed. Nobody said anything though. We all just made our way to our usual seats. Nobody took Arthur's old chair and I stood just a little behind the wooden table. None of us daring to say a word, not even Gwaine cracked a joke. It was all silent and Arthur simply looked at us all, seemingly content. I felt sick.

After a long, uncomfortable silence, Arthur finally speaks up. "Merlin did you manage to spread your energy like some kind of contagious disease? What is wrong with you all?" He looks at us all appalled.

"Sire." Gaius says. "We are waiting for your order. It would be incredible rude to involve ourselves in such a personal matter without yourself leading us." Arthur glances over to Gaius.

"Fine. You can all speak freely about my Father's dead body." He says sarcastically and our already unresponsive bodies become frozen in place. Not even a glance was spared to each other. I take a moment to recollect myself before speaking up.

"Arthur. You told me that you wanted everyone here to organise your coronation and your Father's.." I trail off, my confidence draining as he yet again looks at me like I'm stupid.

"My Father's funeral. Stop acting like it's some kind of taboo. It's not and your pathetic means of talking to me is starting to get on my nerves. Let alone talking to me that way and calling me by my name. How rude and disrespectful will you be today Merlin? You speak of wanting to help me yet you can't even utter out a simple sentence." He degrades. Everyone stares at him, utterly appalled and I look away to hide my embarrassment before turning back with a cold look.

"My apologies, Sire. What do you intend for this meeting?" I ask, having to try hard to control my annoyance.

"I'm done speaking to you today Merlin. Take out the Ordinance and hand it over to me. Spend the rest of this meeting waiting in silence for your next command." He says and I obey, but not without taking what I know was an exceedingly long time to complete my task. He glared at me but decided against saying anything else. His gaze returns to the table and the scroll. Unwinding it.

"There are two things we need to organise. My Father's funeral and my coronation as King. We will all start with his funeral." Everyone nods in agreement.

"Sire. In your absence we requested the King to be placed in an open casket. This can easily be changed. However, if it remains that way, ideally the funeral should take place soon so that tbe people can pay their respects to the King before he enters the decomposement stage." Sir Elyan suggests and Arthur nods approvingly.

"Very good. I shall arrange with the servants to organise the funeral to take place in three days time. Anyone and everyone may attend but they must be checked upon entry to the Kingdom and Castle. All weaponry is to be confiscated with the exception of ceremonial swords. The rest I will leave up to you all and the servants." Everyone agrees and either nods or says a quick affirmation of understanding.

"Now onto the arrangement of my coronation. I must consult the ordinance for any laws surrounding this event.." He says, skimming the document. His eyes travel further down the scroll before stopping at a particular point, rereading it. His face flushes a deep red before turning over to Gaius, nearly growling, "Are you reading this too?" Gaius looks confused but pulls his spectacles across his eyes to take a closer look at the scroll. His face became one of shock. I've never seen this before, and clearly, neither have the other knights as they all glance at each other before returning to stare at the scroll.

"After the preceding King has died, if the only suitable heir is under the age of twenty-five Summers then they must post-pone their rule for two more Summers, instead deferring that duty to be shared amongst members of the elected council." He reads incredulously. We all stare aghast.

"I'm not going to be King." Arthur says slowly. "I'm not.. going to be King." He says again, livid. He looks at all of us, as if trying to find an answer but he gets nothing but confusion and worry in return. "Why." Gaius looks at him.

"The King always wanted the best for you. Perhaps this is a good thing." He tries to appeal.

"In what world would this be a good thing? I- nevermind. Sirs Gwaine, Lancelot, Elyan, Percival, Leon. Gaius. You will all be a part of the council. The rest of you. Go back to your duties." He says emptily. I must have involuntarily made a movement because he also adds, "Merlin, may I reiterate that I asked you to remain here?"

"Yes Sire. I apologise." I say emotionlessly. He ignored me and looked back at the council.

"That helps make the organisation of the coronation easier. There simply won't be one. Thank you Father." He says sarcastically. "I don't know exactly why he believes you are all going to make a better ruler than I could. The stamp looks fresh.. it's almost like he knew.." He stops himself before finishing, "Well the greatest of luck to you all. I'm clearly no longer needed so I will take my lead in order to. Do nothing. Wonderful. Goodbye." He says before walking out the door.

I don't follow him.

Author's Note: I hope everyone enjoyed that chapter. I had to look up the names of Arthur's knights as well as those I knew briefly mentioned in other fan fiction.  I haven't came across some of these characters yet so I may come back and change who says what when I know more about their character.

Until next time.