Queen of Camelot ~~~ON HIATUS~~~

Chapter Ten (III)

Artura hovered over the map of the citadel. She had searched every inch and corner of the place, and had yet to find anyone that showed any sign of being a sorcerer.

"We searched everywhere, the entire city." Artura explained looking over to her father.

His face hardened. Artura never did like her father, but really couldn't stand him when magic was involved. He certain fly got tunnel vision I'm able to see anything, but the evil it possessed. "Nothing?"

Artura looked over the map again. "I don't know where else to look."

Uther shared her frustration sighing. "I want you to impose a curfew. No one is to be allowed onto the streets after the great bell."

She was confused. 'How did this stop the disease from spreading?' "Father?" She asked searching for his reasoning. Her father though often blinded never did anything for no reason.

He however ignored her pouting towards a section of the lower poor part of town. "And cordon off the lower town."

"Why?" She wanted to understand her fathers view point for nothing made sense at the moment.

Uther pointed harshly at the area explaining calmly, "Because that's where most of the victims are. Let's isolate it, stop this disease from spreading."

Ruling a kingdom was hard. They had to think of the people in both situations. Artura often found she was the one to point out the ones in the worst condition for her father seemed to miss them at times. "What about the people who live there?"

Uther sighed, Artura forgot how much pressure her old man must always be in and yet she never felt bad for him. How could she feel bad for a monster. Sympathetic maybe but never would she allow herself to feel bad. "Don't you think I haven't considered it? What else can I do? I have to protect the rest of the city." Uther's argument was fair. He did for once think of the people in the part they were to section off. He rubbed his hand on his face.

His tiredness became very apparent to Artura. He was obviously stressed, concerned, blinded, and overworked. These things often lead to both getting angry and yelling at each other. Something surprising neither enjoyed.

So Artura became the better but not bigger man. She gave her father a respectful bow before leaving her father to his cruel mind.
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Gaius stared at the newest victim of the disease. He decided it was time to test Merlin's wisdom and observation skills. "What's different about this victim?"

There laid a woman of higher class. She had died that morning and the guards were quick to bring her up just had he done the others. Gaius took interest in her and had her laid out for Merlin and him to inspect.

Merlin looked over at her think about the other victims they had seen. "Er... she's a woman."

Gaius sent him a slight glaring shaking his head disappointed. "Sometimes I do wonder whether you're a magical talents were given to the right person. Anything else?" Gaius pried wanting Merlin to use the little of the brain he had.

Merlin scanned her again searching for something else. Her clothes were a lot nicer than anyone else. In fact he had seen her in the castle once. She was spending some time with Morgana. "Erm... she's a courtier." Merlin guessed looking over to Gaius for what he hoped would be his approval.

Gaius's eyes sparkled. "Ah." Merlin and found the answer. He was so proud of his apprentice at the moment.

Merlin was quick to dismiss any reason for Gaius to be proud as he tilted his head confused. "How does that help us?"