Queen of Camelot ~~~ON HIATUS~~~

Chapter Twenty One (VIII)

There was no arguing with the guy. Why Artura even tried was not something she could answer herself. She was just an obedient little dog. Artura hated that about herself. She was more of a coward than her father. If you hide behind a coward for protection, what does that make you?

--

Artura stood next to her father looking down at her people. Cerdan stands in the middle of the square ready to be burned at the stake. He was getting killed all because he gathered supplies at the wrong place. 'They should have known better to come here," Artura thought, trying to ease her guilt. Uther stepped forwards raising his hand silencing the crowd that had gathered. Artura had to be there, but coming because they found it interesting disgusted her.

"People of Camelot, the man before you is guilty of using enchantments and magic. Under our law, the sentence for this crime is death. We're still searching for his accomplice. Anyone found harbouring the boy is guilty of conspiracy, and will be executed as a traitor. Let this serve as a warning to your people." Uther announced to the crowd.

Cerdan's head was raised high, he showed no fear. 'An honorable man,' Artura thought as he spoke loud and clear.

"You have let your fear of magic turn to hate. I pity you."

Artura lowered her head, not wishing to witness the death. Cerdan's scream is drowned out by the excited vicious roar of the crowd. Artura clenches her fist tightly fighting off a wave of nausea. 'This is wrong,' she thought for a second, but quickly dismissed it. How could she think such treacherous thoughts. Her heart really was far too soft.

--

Dinner was the normal quiet buzz, but Merlin couldn't help as his leg bounced up and down nervously. Gaius eyes his leg causing Merlin to tense and stop the action, sending a forced smile. "Do you know much about the Druids?" Merlin asked, dragging Gaius away from the nervous tick.

Gaius took a bit of the soup, molding over the question slowly. "Very little. They're very secretive people. Especially now they're being hunted by Uther." Gaius placed down his spoon locking his eyes with Merlin, his tone turning ordering and fatherly. "Merlin, please tell me you haven't got yourself mixed up in this."

Merlin nearly choked on the piece of roll he had plopped in his mouth. "Me?" He coughed out grabbing his cup and taking a sip before attempting to lie. "No. Mixed up in what?" Or play innocent.

Gaius shook his head cleaning his face and piling his finished dishes on top of each other. "For someone with such a big secret, you are a terrible liar."

"Well, I haven't done anything." Merlin pushed.

Gaius gave him a pointed look. "Merlin..."

Merlin shrugged, he didn't regret his actions not even for a second. Yet, he also knew how dangerous his actions were and that Gaius would likely be disappointed in him for listening to his head. "I heard the boy calling out. He was nowhere to be seen, but I could hear him... like he was inside my mind."

Gaius nodded, this was not news to him. "Yes, I've heard of this ability. The Druids look for children with such gifts to serve as apprentices. While they're searching for this boy, you must be especially careful otherwise it'll be your head on the chopping block."

Merlin winced at the thought, losing his appetite. He needed Gaius to have confidence in him, or at least some should. He piled up his dishes balancing his own in one hand taking Gaius's off the table. "I'm always careful. You know me."

Shrugging was the wrong decision as the top bowl from Gaius rolled off the stack. Instincts kicked in as his magic naturally helped him catch the bowl before it broke on the floor. Merlin sent Gaius a sheepish smile, knowing he ruined his argument. Gaius took some of the dishes away shaking his head worriedly. "Yes, Merlin, unfortunately I do."