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Challenges of the Heart	By : CrazyEyesChick Category: M through R > Merlin (BBC) > Merlin (BBC) Views: 8727 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: i do not make money or any profit from this. merlin and its charcaters are property of bbc. this is for fun only.

Chapter List
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CHAPTER 14:True colors

‘GUINEVERE’ Arthur yelled at the top of his lungs from the courtyard.

The lovely Queen’s head turned towards the entrance as she finally heard the fast steps of the horses rushing in a hurry.. From what Sir Harold had told her, they hadn’t found any signs of Merlin; only of Gwaine. Harold had refused to tell her the state of Gwaine. Was he alright? She had been worried, waiting for news of her husband. She ran as fast as lightning to greet her men with a few servants, trying to follow the hasty Queen.

What she saw next froze her in place. Her eyes teared up in her big widened brown eyes; her slender hands went straight on her quivering lips in shock. The scene before her was what she dreaded one day would become of her husband.
‘Oh my God! Arthur!’ Lifting her blue satin dress, she went down the multiple steps and squeezed her King with all her might.

Arthur was taken aback. Suddenly, he became too aware of the eyes riveted on his desperate party. He didn’t know what to do with his hands; but comforted by Gwen’s warm embrace he could only return the hug. Her warmth soothed his saddened soul. Merlin was gone to god knows where; and Gwaine… w-was dead, or looked dead. The new King was not a big fan of magic, but if it could help them bring back Gwaine or get some answers, he would gladly accept the cost. He kept Gwen closer for a while longer so he could regain his senses. He whispered softly into her ears.

‘I’m sorry. I’m... s-sooo….so sorry. I couldn’t find Merlin…...’ He said his eyes shut tight. Opening them slowly, he took out the red neckerchief that Merlin carried around from his pocket to depose it into her trembling fingers.’ ..only t-this remained’ He looked in shame towards the floor, angry at himself for being so powerless. He grabbed her small shoulders between his hands.

‘I promise I will find him..No matter what…. I’d lay down my life for him Guinevere...Surely he knows that..’

Her smile radiated kindness and understanding which seemed to calm the anxious King.

‘ I have no doubt about it Arthur. It’s Merlin, after all. He’s stronger than you think. He’ll be back home in no time to put you in your place’ They both shared a quiet laugh, until they realised that there were important matters to take care of.

‘Your Majesty..Gwaine’ the quiet voice in the back of the knights asked, holding his dead companion.

‘OH MY!? Is that Sir Gwaine’s bo-b-body.., what.. happened…?Noo..’ Gwen tried to reach the body cradled in Percival’s strong arms; but only to be held back by her brother.

‘Gwen...Stay away...This is no place for a Queen...’ She was stronger than he believed; he exhaled in desperation; knowing his younger sister to be thick headed. She removed her captive arm from his grasp swiftly, her eyes burning with fire, insulted.

‘How dare you say that, Elyan. Gwaine was important to me too, is...he...is he dead? God..Merlin never leaves without his scarf….I’m scared, who would want to harm Merlin...Elyan’ She couldn’t contain her emotions anymore, it was too much. Tears rolled down her gracious cheeks, eyes red and puffy.

Seeing the sad state of his King and Queen, Leon advanced forward to take charge.

‘I believe the Queen should be escorted to her royal chambers, while Gwaine’s body is taken to the physician’s room’ Servants obeyed as soon as the orders left the senior knight’s mouth.

Percival refused to let go of his deceased mate; but followed Gaius and the servants to the north tower where Gaius could maybe help Gwaine’s soul stay alive for a while longer. Perhaps, his friend could be saved. He really had no qualms on magic, not like Arthur. He was from outside Camelot, in a village that accepted magic. If someone could help Gwaine, it would be Gaius.
Secretly, he knew it was not a side effect of a spell sent by the enemy that had kept Gwaine’s soul inside his deteriorating figure; it had been a powerful sorcerer alright. Merlin had been the one to cast the spell; he was sure of it. People always presumed that since he was taller, bigger and larger than most, that he looked like a ruffian; with no culture and no brains. Being quiet had its advantages though; he was a good listener and observer. He had figured out in their multiple battles that they had the devil’s luck. No one was this lucky; ever. The only factor that made sense was Merlin. Somehow, he always hid behind trees, never carrying any weapon or armor, yet he always came out unscattered, like them. No way huge tree branches would fall strategically on enemy soldiers so frequently. Once they would find their favorite servant; Gwaine would be in safe hands.

As Percival left to Gaius’s chambers, the sobbing Queen was taken by her sympathising brother to her quarters. Arthur was left with Leon and Sir Harold who approached them with confidence.

Arthur was wary of Sir Harold. After all, he had looked guilty since they talked about Merlin’s disappearance. He was conscious that love did not run deep between his manservant and Harold. Merlin had once told him that his knight kept glaring in his direction; swearing he had done nothing to deserve such behavior. Of course, the young King had not believed him; knowing Merlin to be the worst manservant in the history of manservant. He had probably dropped or broken something or insulted the man by mistake; but now, his gut told him something was fishy about the man. He’d keep his eye on him.

‘Is something the matter, my Lord’ bowed respectfully, almost too polite, the traitor.

Leon looked puzzled, knowing too well that his King was thinking hard about something, but what? Arthur schooled his expression in time to answer in a kingly fashion.

‘Nothing is wrong. Thank you for reporting this matter to my wife, it is much appreciated. You’re dismissed’ He turned his large muscled back to the still bowing knight, unaware that clenched teeth drew blood on the traitor’s lips in anger.

‘ But my Lord, I wish to assist you in finding your manservant...’ he asked, trying to keep his calm. Morgana would not be happy if he were to be discovered. He had to stay close to the action; reporting back to his Lady. He smiled at the thought of Arthur’s stupid servant on his knees begging for his worthless life. He would have to pay him a visit, if his Lady would permit it. Harold was sure the boy would be a pretty martyr; how he would enjoy his screams. That’s what you get from sucking up to royalty. Dirt should stay where it belonged: on the floor.

‘Enough Sir Harold, know your place! The King is exhausted from his journey; it has been a long day for all of us. Go rest, the King will let you know once he requires your service’ Leon’s voice left no room for argument, which left the other knight even more frustrated. TRAITOR! Harold thought to himself. He could not believe this noble man siding with this weak King. He would tell his Lady of what happened here tonight, he would not be missed.

‘Please excuse my behavior, I only meant to help. I will retreat to my own chambers for the night. I wish his majesties a good night sleep’

He retreated slowly, straightening up his posture, hiding his displeasure. But Arthur was not fooled, he could distinguish the traits of lying. Long stares, shifting eyes and tense jaw were signs of deception. As a prince, his father had taught him to look for these signs, in case something were to happen.

Once they were alone, they headed towards the hallways of Camelot. There was still light outside, peering through the lengthy windows made of marble. The white color of the hallways stood out from its red and golden color; which represented the heritage of the Pendragon line. Leon’s and Arthur’s cape flew softly in the air as they walked side by side. The silence was broken by Leon who couldn’t hold his tongue any longer.
‘Ok Arthur, what was that? inquired the blonde bearded knight.

Arthur wore his serious look; the one he carried in battle with him. This alerted Leon that something was definitely wrong with his Sire.

‘ I can’t put my finger on it, but… I swear I saw him smile out there. It’s like he was gloating.’ He said, uncertain of what he saw.

‘Perhaps it was a trick of the light. We just found Gwaine’s body with no sign of your manservant. It’s normal to-’ His sentence was cut short by Arthur’s insisting voice. He gritted his teeth in annoyance.

‘I’m not delusional Leon. I know what I saw. He tempered with the evidence, I’m sure. He knows something. His dislike of Merlin is not exactly a secret.’

Arthur’s blue radiant eyes shined with determination. He was adamant about his belief of Harold’s treachery, but he had no proof.

Leon sighed ‘ If you say so my Lord, I will have him followed. In the meantime, you should go to your grieving wife, until we get news from Gaius. I will send for you as soon as possible.’

‘ Thank you Leon… As a friend of the family, I appreciate your support. I-I know I can be difficult, but thanks’ He smiled weakly, patting the back of his teacher.

‘You are most welcomed Sire.’ Smiled in return Leon.

As they went their separate ways, Leon added quietly, barely audible unless you focused specifically on his low voice.

‘He will come back to you Arthur. He cares about you greatly. You will find your way back to each other in no time…. learning poetry’ That last comment made him blush to his pale ears. Did everyone know about his newfound feelings for his very male servant? Was he that obvious? He’d have to be careful. He walked back to his chambers, avoiding the looks from the judging nobles in silence.

In the dark recess of his mind, a part believed in Sir Leon’s reasoning. He was highly emotional right now. Gwaine’s death was a blow to all of them; and his loyal friend’s disappearance had thrown all his self restraint out of the window. He could not afford to show weakness; but he was unable to forget the cheerful face of his soulmate. He could not help but believe it was his fault.

‘Perhaps if I had not sent him away in anger, he would still be here; but with Gwaine’ He clenched his fist at the memory in his head. A small tiny part of him was glad that Gwaine was gone. He knew this was wrong on so many level, but he envied the extraverted man and his freestyle way of living. Most of all, he came to envy his relationship with his first ever friend.
From afar, he saw they understood each other like he never would. Merlin felt out of his reach; born from two different side of the spectrum. One a royal, the other a peasant. Yet, nothing felt more right than sharing his life with Merlin. He was afraid that without his goofy smiles, horrible jokes and his strong loyalty; he would simply fall and fail to be the King he was meant to be.

Finally reaching his chambers, he opened the door to find it empty. His legs were shaking, his head was throbbing and his heart was beating faster and faster. For the very first time in his life Arthur felt fear. It was so taxing. His energy was sapped by all this emotion and the stress of running his kingdom. He had a duty to his people; but it was unfair to leave Merlin to die somewhere. Merlin had saved his life and was never afraid to put his life on the line for him. This time, he would return the favor. Nothing would stop him…..well, maybe except his body who was shutting down slowly by the minute. Only briefly did he find the time to remove part of his heavy armor and that’s when he collapsed on his large, lavender scented royal silk sheets; his mind left to the darkness.
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- 15
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Challenges of the Heart