Arthur Pendragon and the Philosopher's Sword Part 5
MASTERPOST, PART ONE, PART TWO, PART THREE
PART FOUR
Part Five
Over the next couple of days Arthur found himself settling into life in the Emrys household. Merlin insisted on introducing him to every wyvern on the reservation. How Merlin could even tell the differences between them Arthur didn't know. One grey scaly creature looked much like another as far as Arthur was concerned.
“Why is he looking at me as if he wants to eat me?” Arthur asked, after being introduced to Dagonet, one of Merlin's favourites.
“I think he likes you,” Merlin replied.
“Because I look like a good meal?”
“Well...maybe. He's a bit protective.”
“Why did I agree to date a wizard with bodyguards that can kill me?”
“My charming wit?”
“Just make sure we make it back to your house alive, Merlin.”
In between getting tours of every tree and every rock, courtesy of Merlin, Arthur also spent time with Merlin’s parents who treated him as family rather than a guest.
“You're Ygraine's son,” Hunith said. “That makes you family.”
Arthur also decided that, nice as it was to go about the Avalon countryside with Merlin and several wyverns at his side, the last thing he wanted was to fall behind with his studies. He was acutely aware he had a lot to prove to his classmates and although, with Merlin’s help, he was starting to get the hang of the practical aspects of magic, he didn't want to fall behind on the the theory.
Most evenings he spent time reading his books in the living room, trying to absorb as much as he could. Tonight though he was interrupted by a whooshing noise. A breeze ruffled the pages of his book and he stood up, looking for the source.
A whirlwind was forming in the corner of the room, and Arthur started to see a bright green glow. The wind grew stronger, and he felt himself being blown back. He covered his face as the glow intensified. There was an odd sort of popping noise and then the wind abruptly stopped. Arthur uncovered his eyes, and saw Merlin and Balinor standing there with a large tree.
He knew they’d gone to get a Christmas tree. They’d invited Arthur along, but Arthur had declined, realising it was a tradition between father and son that went back to when Merlin was tiny. This though, hadn't been quite what he was expecting.
“What do you think?” Merlin asked, stepping back from the tree to admire it.
“It's very big,” Arthur replied. Indeed the whole thing barely fitted in the room. It was wide enough to block out one of the windows, and so tall the top bent where it met the ceiling.
“Brilliant, isn't it?”
Hunith came out of the kitchen to look. “Oh it's perfect,” she said.
Balinor smiled and came to put his arm around his wife.
“Do you want to help us decorate the tree, Arthur?” Hunith asked.
Merlin turned to him looking very hopeful.
“Of course,” Arthur replied. “I'd be honoured. And it's probably more fun than reading about the uses of rosemary in stimulating magic glow in the wings of bats.”
Of course decorating a magical Christmas tree was different than decorating a mundane one. For a start the ornaments moved. They waved, jumped, or played instruments, each one excitedly animated and pretty difficult to hold onto.
“They’re just excited about being out of the box,” Merlin said, as Arthur grappled with a Father Christmas who was trying to climb up his arm.
Then there were the spells for the ribbons and the tinsel, which wasn't tinsel but some sort of strange shiny stuff that dissipated if you put your hand through it only to reform again. Arthur didn't know the spells for that bit, but Merlin did and shared them. He carefully held onto Arthur as Arthur conjured his first ribbon.
“Bende,” he said. Slowly, a red ribbon formed out of thin air, and tied itself into a bow.
It was as slightly wonky ribbon, but it was in one piece, and Arthur was quite pleased with his effort.
The final touch was the star, which they all created together, touching hands and letting it form above them, before guiding it carefully to the top of the tree. Arthur felt such a strong sense of belonging; he wondered if his mother had experienced this with her own family. He hoped she had.
Putting the tree up had made Arthur acutely aware that Christmas was only a couple of days away and he didn't have anything to give Merlin. traditionally, gifts were given at Christmas. He assumed gifts were a tradition in the magical world as much as they were in the mundane one. Most social things seemed the same: university, boyfriends, Christmas trees, so presumably the gift giving aspects were as well.
Which was why, one evening, when Merlin was helping Hunith with a cooking spell, Arthur sought out Balinor who was in the outbuilding examining the latest batch of wyvern eggs.
“Can I help you, Arthur?” he asked, not looking up from his work.
“I want to get Merlin a gift,” Arthur said. “For Christmas.”
“That's a nice thought.”
“Yes. But I don't have any money.”
Balinor turned to look at Arthur. “Ask Hunith about that.”
“I will,” Arthur said, a little confused. Perhaps Hunith could lend him some money? Even if he had money he hadn’t seen any shops. “Where would I go to buy something?”
“Something will appear,” Balinor replied, shrugging as he turned back to his work.
It felt as though he was intruding on the man and his work, so Arthur retreated back to the house. He had to wait a while before he could speak to Hunith alone, but the lure of wyvern eggs proved strong enough to lure Merlin away from the kitchen long enough for Arthur to speak to Merlin's mother.
“Arthur? Is there anything I can help you with?” Hunith asked as she closed the oven door.
“I want to buy a gift for Merlin, and Balinor said to ask you about that. I don’t have any money.”
“But you do,” Hunith said. “Come with me.”
She led Arthur to a cupboard in the hall and opened it, pulling out a few things haphazardly, as if she was looking for something specific. “When we were in our second year at Camelot Ygraine and I made a bet. She said that one day our sons would share chambers together. Ygraine wasn't a seer so I thought she was just being silly but, here you are.”
Hunith pulled out a small ouch. It seemed she had found what she was looking for. “ Ygraine might not be here to collect her winnings but I'm sure you can put them to good use.”
Arthur took the pouch and looked inside; he could see the shine of metal inside. He tipped the contents of the pouch, several shiny gold coins, onto his hand. “How much is this?”
“It's not a lot if that's what you're worried about. It's yours.”
Arthur put the coins back in the pouch and held it out. “I can't take this.”
“You can,” Hunith replied, pushing it back. “Ygraine was my friend, and my son thinks the world of you. You deserve it.”
Seeing he wasn't going to be able to persuade Hunith to accept the pouch back, Arthur grasped it tightly in his hand. “Thank you,” he said.
“You should go out and buy Merlin his gift before he gets back,” Hunith said.
“From where?”
“Just walk down the road. You'll find somewhere.”
It all sounded rather cryptic to Arthur, but Hunith's face looked encouraging, so he got his coat and went outside. The air was crisp, and there was a light dusting of frost and snow, but Arthur didn't feel particularly cold. Apparently, people with magic didn't suffer the cold as much as others, which probably explained why Arthur had been able to throw snowballs with his bare hands as a child.
As he wandered along the road along the road, he wondered if perhaps there was a shop in Ealdor where he might find an appropriate gift. The village was so small it was unlikely, but not impossible. As he continued further along the road he started to notice an odd mist forming. It skirted around the edge of the lane at first, but soon spread out and became more like a fog.
Arthur decided he should turn back, but before he could the fog seemed to envelop him. Blinking, he tried to see through it, but all he could make out was a dark shape ahead. Hoping it was a house, or somewhere he could take shelter, he walked toward it. The fog cleared enough for Arthur to see it wasn't a house but a very old looking shop.
Above the door was a black sign with faded gold lettering that read 'Taliesin's Cave of Trinkets'. The windows were dirty, but Arthur could make out the gleam of several objects inside. Maybe this was what Hunith and Balinor had meant. Arthur hoped so as he pushed open the heavy wooden door and entered the shop.
The place was more cluttered than anything Arthur had ever seen, even more so than Merlin's bedroom. Strange objects were everywhere, jammed on the shelves and in the corners, taking up all the available space. Most of the shelves seemed to be made out of what looked like crystal, or glass. Crystal charms hung from the celling and Arthur was so overawed he bumped into one, causing it to jangle.
“Ah, young Mr Pendragon,” came a voice as a man in old robes appeared. He had white hair and a beard and looked a little unkempt, as if he hadn't touched a comb in some time. His robes too looked old and tattered, brown and looking like rags.
“How do you know who I am?” Arthur asked, not sure where the man had come from. It seemed as if he had appeared out of thin air.
“I've been wondering when you'd pay me a visit. My name is Taliesin,” he smiled. “And you are here to find a gift for your young man.”
Arthur frowned. “How do you know that?”
Taliesin chuckled. “Magic, of course.” He went over to the counter, also made of glass Arthur noticed. “I have just the thing for you,” he said, reaching under the counter. “Here we are.” He pulled out a green box.
He placed the box on the counter. The box was old and tattered. He beckoned Arthur over and Arthur felt strangely compelled to see what this gift was. He watched as Taliesin lifted the lid off to reveal a silver dragon necklace nestled on velvet cushion.
“It's a charm,” Taliesin said, looking carefully at Arthur. “It has a protection spell on it,” he turned the charm over, “and it has half of a scale from the great dragon himself woven into it.”
Within the metal lay a fragment of brown scale that seemed to have an almost golden sheen. “It's beautiful.”
“And a perfect gift,” Taliesin said, smiling.
“How much is it?”
“As much as you have in that pouch you're carrying,” came the reply. “No more. No less.”
“I'll take it,” Arthur said, tipping the contents of the pouch onto the counter next to the box.
Taliesin put the lid back on the box. “I knew you would. It was nice to meet you, Arthur Pendragon.”
Arthur was about to reply when suddenly there was a strong gust of air and he found himself on the road, the box in his hand. He turned around but the shop had gone, as had the mist. There was no sign it had even been there, the only proof was the box in his hand. Arthur carefully opened it and saw the dragon charm safely nestled inside.
Looking up, he could see Merlin's home in the distance and he walked back toward it.
Keeping the gift a secret from Merlin wasn't easy, but Arthur managed to hide it in his rucksack. He even managed to get some paper to wrap it up in, courtesy of Hunith. Merlin, to his credit, never actually asked Arthur if he'd got him a gift. Although he probably realised when Arthur carefully placed the package under the tree last thing on Christmas Eve before they went to bed.
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Christmas Day came almost too soon for Arthur. He was jolted awake at who knew what hour in the morning by a rather excited Merlin.
“What time is?”
Merlin was already tugging Arthur out of bed. “Time for you to come and see what your gifts are.”
“Please tell me a man in a red suit with a beard didn't actually deliver them.”
“My father doesn’t own a red suit.”
Arthur sighed; he was not awake enough to get into that conversation. “All right then, Merlin, let's go.”
When they got downstairs Hunith and Balinor were already waiting for them.
“Happy Christmas, Merlin, Arthur,” Hunith said, giving them each a kiss on the cheek.
“Happy Christmas,” Arthur replied, feeling warm and happy despite the early hour.
“Come on, Arthur, you need to open your gifts.”
Arthur was surprised to discover an entire pile of gifts waiting for him among the ones for the Emrys family. “Where did these come from?” he asked, amazed. There hadn't been this many when he'd gone to bed.
“This one's from Morgana,” Merlin said, picking up one and reading the label. “There's one from Gwen and one from the knights. One from Gilli, one from Elena and oh, one from Gaius...”
“But I didn't get them anything,” Arthur blurted out. He hadn't even thought about it but then he hadn't expected any gifts from them either.
“I'm sure it'll be fine,” Hunith said, giving Arthur a wink.
He gulped. “Thank you.”
“So, which one are you going to open first?” Merlin asked.
“Don't you have your own gifts to open?”
“Yes, but yours look more interesting.”
“How about we all open our gifts together?” Hunith suggested.
Arthur nodded, feeling relieved. He picked up the gift from Morgana and opened it. It was a blue box, and inside was a selection of crystals.
“Oh, those are seeing crystals,” Merlin said, opening his own, identical, gift from Morgana.
“Seeing crystals?”
“You can use them for scrying,” Merlin explained. “That's good of your sister to buy us each a set.”
“It is,” Arthur said. “But how do they work?”
“I'll show you later,” Merlin said. “We'll be using them in our second year at Camelot anyway.”
Putting the crystals to one side Arthur opened the next gift. There was a jumper from Gwen, and chain mail from the knights. Elena had gifted him with a carved wooden horse that seemed to have a mind of its own. The gift from Gilli was a beautiful wand carved with various runes and finished in black ebony.
Merlin's gifts were similar, and as varied. He, too, had a jumper from Gwen, but the knights had gifted him with a tankard, and a book that made Merlin blush. He wouldn't say what it was about, just mumbled and hid it under his jumper. Gilli had given Merlin a wand made of holly, and Elena had gifted him with a carved wooden unicorn.
As the piles of gifts went opened Arthur's heart pounded as he waited for Merlin to find the one from him. First though, he saw a large rectangular present, which the label told him was for him from Hunith and Balinor. He picked it up, and found it was quite weighty; it felt a lot like a book. Intrigued Arthur pulled off the wrapping and saw it looked a lot like a book, too, with an embossed leather cover.
“Open it,” Hunith said.
Carefully, Arthur turned to what he thought was the first page, only to see a picture of a blonde woman staring back at him. She was smiling shyly and swaying a little. She looked very familiar. “Mother?”
Hunith put a hand on his shoulder. “Merlin told us how you never really knew your mother. We thought you deserved to know about her. This album is full of pictures of her. We took a lot when we were at Camelot. There's a few from her earlier life, ones we kept for her. I know it doesn't bring her back, but perhaps it might help you see her as we knew her.”
“She was beautiful,” Arthur whispered feeling tears in his eyes.
Merlin's arms came around him and he whispered in Arthur's ear. “Yes, she was. That's where you get it from.”
It took awhile for Arthur to feel ready to get back to gift opening. He clutched the album tightly and tried to commit the images he saw to memory, as if they would disappear if he looked away. He saw pictures of his mother looking happy, relaxed. There were pictures of her doing magic, dancing, or simply reading, each one a window into the person he had never known, but to whom he owed his life.
Eventually, though, he realised there was one gift he hadn't opened yet; the one from Merlin.
“I'm not sure it compares to pictures of your mother,” Merlin said, as Arthur picked it up. “But I hope you like it.”
The gift was small, and Arthur wondered if he had picked up the right present when he tore off the wrapping and saw a familiar-looking deep green box. He took off the lid, and what he saw inside was not quite what he had expected. Nestled against a background of blue velvet was a golden dragon charm.
“Merlin, it's...perfect,” Arthur said.
“It's got a protection charm on it,” Merlin replied. “And...”
“Half of a scale of the great dragon himself,” Arthur said, finishing the sentence.
“How did you know?” Merlin frowned. “I thought I hid it...”
“Merlin, open your present from me.”
Still looking puzzled, Merlin did so, his puzzlement turning to surprise and recognition when he saw what was inside the box. “Oh,” he said, lifting it out. “It's the same. Except silver. Do you think...?”
Arthur took his charm out of the box and held it up next to Merlin's. They looked at the back of both, and it was pretty clear that each half of the scale embedded in the charm was a match to the other.
“Taliesin?” Merlin asked.
“Taliesin,” Arthur replied.
Merlin's parents were smiling delightedly, as if this had some significance that neither Arthur nor Merlin were aware of themselves.
“Well, put them on,” Hunith encouraged.
Merlin held out his charm and Arthur took it, carefully placing it around Merlin's neck and fastening the clasp. With his head bent,Merlin was sorely tempting to Arthur, and he didn't resist a brief run of his fingers across the sensitive skin on Merlin's nape.
When he'd fastened the clasp Arthur stood back a bit. The chain was a perfect length and the charm was resting not far from Merlin's heart. He noticed how the chain dipped along Merlin's collarbone. Realising he was staring, Arthur coughed and bowed his neck to allow Merlin to fasten his charm.
When Merlin had finished, with more than a few caresses Arthur noted, Arthur looked down at the golden dragon. It glinted a little in the light, and he could feel an odd warmth emanating from it; a tingling like his magic. It flared for a moment and then seemed to die down.
“Now I think it's time we got something to eat,” Hunith said.
Arthur nodded. He caught Merlin's eye as they got up to go the kitchen. He had some ideas about some rather different private gift-giving they could do later and, from the way Merlin's hands had lingered as he'd fastened up the necklace, he had a feeling he wasn't the only one with ideas.
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The rest of the day passed pleasantly, much more pleasantly than Christmases Arthur had spent at home. There was laughter, conversation, food, and some very odd party games. One involved levitating as many berries as possible whilst drinking a glass of water. Hunith surprisingly won that one.
Later, Merlin's parents excused themselves, saying they had to visit a friend in the village. The fact that Hunith winked at them on her way out made Arthur tjink that perhaps the visit hadn't been that urgent. Arthur was grateful for it. He and Merlin were sitting on the sofa admiring the tree, Arthur lazily stroking Merlin's neck, and playing with the necklaces chain.
“What did your mother mean when she said I didn’t have to worry about getting gifts for everyone?” Arthur asked, observing the pile of gifts they had received.
“When I went to buy your gift from Taliesin's shop I was going to ask about buying gifts for our friends. He said I didn't have to worry that it would be taken care of.”
“Are you telling me the owner of a magical shop that appears out of nowhere, read our minds, and sent gifts to our friends on our behalf?” Arthur asked.
“That's what my mother said when I asked her. It's what he does.”
“Next year we're buying them ourselves,” Arthur said.
“Mmmm,” Merlin agreed.
Arthur pulled him forward for a kiss and, of course, one thing led to another.
“I'm glad you parents aren't here,” Arthur said, as he pulled Merlin's jeans down. “I'd hate to have them to come in when I do this.”
“Do what?” Merlin asked.
Arthur didn't answer, instead moved went down Merlin's body to breathe warmly against his underwear. Before Merlin could say anything, Arthur pulled Merlin's boxers down, unwrapping him like a present, and then breathed gently on Merlin's cock.
“Arthur...”
“Shhh,” Arthur said. “Think of this as your other gift.”
He knew how to touch Merlin, how to stroke him to hardness, but today he knew that wasn't going to be enough. With Merlin hard in his hand, Arthur leaned down and licked Merlin's cock, the foreskin pulling back just enough to reveal the sensitive part. The taste was strange but not completely unpleasant. He was tasting Merlin after-all.
His first experiment over, Arthur licked his way down the hard length. He catalogued the skin with his tongue, as he heard Merlin stifle a groan. The wetness provided a little bit of lubricant for him to run his hand up and down. He began to suck at the head. little by little he took more of Merlin's cock into his mouth. He wasn't completely enveloping it, he didn't think he was ready for that yet, but he kept sucking and licking.
Merlin seemed to be enjoying it if his moans were anything to go by, he'd given up trying to keep quite. Arthur. Arthur kept going, encouraged by Merlin’s responses and the knowledge he was the cause of Merlin’s pleasure. He alternately used his hand and his mouth to stimulate Merlin. Merlin ran a hand through Arthur's hair and down his neck, causing Arthur to shiver. Merlin's hips moved up into Arthur’s touch, and he moved his cock in and out of Arthur's mouth gently.
Arthur touched the sensitive skin around Merlin's groin with one hand, stimulating the spot he knew turned Merlin on. He wanted Merlin to loose control, to let go. At last Merlin gave the tell tale sign he was about to come. Arthur gave a last suck before pulling back to watch Merlin come with a final stroke to his cock.
Leaning down Arthur whispered in Merlin's ear. “Happy Christmas, Merlin.”
“I should give you another present,” Merlin said, lying back on the soft cushions. “And show you what’s in that book the knights gave me.”
Arthur was very glad Merlin's parents weren't going to return for several hours.
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Sadly, the new year crept up all too quickly. Arthur sent his father a couple of letters over the holidays, but received no reply back. Not that he had been expecting one. Morgana sent him a few letters from Morgause's house, and Arthur did write back, although it took some persuading for Archimedes to take the letters, as he'd become quite settled at home doing nothing. Arthur knew the feeling; he felt completely at home with Merlin and his parents. He'd even learnt not to mind the rugs.
Before long, it was time for Arthur and Merlin to return to their studies at Camelot. Hunith took them to the station. Balinor said a brief goodbye before he went back to check on the wyvern eggs which were due to hatch any day. Arthur had to physically drag Merlin away from them.
“Your father will let you know when they hatch,” he said.
At the station Hunith gave Merlin a hug, telling him to take care of himself and Arthur. Merlin was clearly embarrassed as she fussed over him. Arthur was enjoying watching Merlin get flustered, when Hunith came over and enveloped him in a hug.
“You too, Arthur. You take care of yourself. And Merlin,” Hunith said.
“I will,” Arthur promised, as he awkwardly returned the hug. “Thank you for having me in your home.”
Hunith pulled back and smiled. “It was no trouble. You will come back and visit again?”
Arthur glanced at Merlin. “Well, someone has to make sure Merlin gets home safely.”
“Good. Now you better get on the train, boys,” Hunith said, lightly pushing them along. “You've got everything?”
“Yes, Mum,” Merlin replied. “We’ve checked twice.”
“Don't forget to write, and if either of you need anything just let us know.”
Merlin kissed his mother’s cheek. “We will.”
With a wave Hunith saw them onto the train. It was quiet and, as they seemed to be the first passengers, Arthur and Merlin were able to easily get a compartment to themselves. It was nice to have a bit of privacy - just the two of them and Archimedes. As the train set off, they waved to Hunith until she was no longer visible.
“Sorry about Mum fussing so much,” Merlin said as he sat down.
“I liked it,” Arthur admitted. “Your Mum's wonderful.”
“She'll want you to write to her.”
“I think I can do that.”
“You need to because she'll just nag me until you do.”
Leaning back in his seat Arthur smiled.
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They arrived back at Camelot to meet crowds of returning students. It was still winter, and there was plenty of snow about, so none of them lingered too long outside. As was traditional after the Christmas break there was an assembly to welcome everyone back. It was held in the Great Hall, the only place at Camelot able to accommodate all of the students at any one time.
Arthur and Merlin sat next to each other among the other Valerian students. Elena and Gilli were sat further down the bench and offered a couple of friendly waves. Arthur also caught sight of Morgana sat with Sage College. At the back the knights and the other, non-magical, students had assembled. The entire hall was filled with row upon row of benches, full of students.
The Professors were all seated on a platform at the front of the room. Gaius was the only one standing up. When everyone was seated Gaius approached the podium. A hush came over the hall as Gaius looked out onto the assembled gathering.
“Welcome back to Camelot,” he said. “I hope you all had a pleasant Christmas. I also hope none of you neglected your studies.”
There was the odd cough from among the older students.
“Now, I have a few important notices to bring to your attention. Firstly, Professor Muirden is fully recovered and will be back to his usual teaching schedule this semester. I trust you will give him a warm welcome back.”
Professor Muirden briefly stood as polite applause rippled through the hall. The most enthusiastic response came from Thyme College. Arthur's own clapping was half-hearted at best; he dreaded the return of his headaches. Merlin must have noticed, as he placed a comforting hand on Arthur's.
Once the applause had died down, and Professor Muirden had taken his seat once more, Gaius continued.
“In light of the recent events surrounding Professor Muirden's unfortunate incident...”
It felt like everyone trained their eyes on Arthur at once, and he squeezed Merlin's hand.
“I have to inform you that the dungeons are off limits until further notice. Any student found in the vicinity will be severely punished.”
There was no doubting the seriousness of Gaius's words judging from his frown.
“There is also happier news,” Gaius said. “Our Beltane celebration has been extended this year and all students can choose up to two family members to attend if they so wish. I realise it's several months away yet, but this will give you time to sort out any plans with your families.”
Merlin was smiling. Arthur already suspected that Merlin was going to ask his parents to come. That would be nice. He'd like to see Hunith and Balinor again. If Merlin's father could be persuaded to leave his wyverns of course.
“I'd like to wish you all a happy and productive semester,” Gaius said.
There was a polite rippling of applause before the students were all dismissed to go and catch up with friends. Heading back to Valerian College, Arthur and Merlin were joined by Elena and Gilli, both of whom seemed eager to share stories about how their Christmases had gone.
“My father took us riding up to Avalon's mountains,” Elena said. “You wouldn’t believe how beautiful it was.”
“Sounds great,” Arthur said, not wanting to admit he hadn't known Avalon had mountains, although it made perfect sense.
“What about you, Gilli?” Merlin asked.
“It was a quiet Christmas. My uncle came to stay with us. Thank you for the gifts by the way.”
“Oh you’re welcome,” Merlin replied.
“It was so sweet of the two of you to send a present from you both,” Elena said, giving Arthur a friendly punch in the arm. “And I was running low on saddle polish. How did you know?”
Merlin winked. “Magic, of course.”
“It was very generous of you to send two of the knight figures I needed,” Gilli said. “My collection is only missing five now.”
“You're welcome,” Arthur said. “At least we know what to get you next year.”
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After lunch, Arthur and Merlin went back to their chambers for a study session. They had practised together on and off whilst at Merlin's home, and Arthur had found it easier to conjure and move fire around in the more relaxed atmosphere. He wanted to see if he could replicate it in the more formal setting of Camelot.
It was clear, though, that Merlin's mind was on other things. He should have been watching as Arthur tried to grow the flame he'd just conjured, but instead Merlin was looking out of the window. In retaliation Arthur carefully moved the flame along the log until it was close enough to Merlin's hand to force him to back away.
“Arthur! You could have burnt my hand,” Merlin said, pulling back cradling the hand that hadn't been burnt.
“You weren't paying attention,” Arthur said, taking Merlin's hand and lightly kissing it. “See, it's all better.”
Merlin closely examined his hand. “You know, just because you have magic doesn't mean your kisses have healing powers.”
“How do you know? I've been studying that book Gaius recommended on the healing arts of the body.”
“I don't think kissing was mentioned in it,” Merlin said, flexing his hand.
“No, but it would be more fun if it was,” Arthur said. He paused. “What had you so distracted anyway?”
“I was thinking about the dungeons,” Merlin replied, taking a seat by the desk.
Deciding he'd had enough of standing Arthur did the same. “What about the dungeons?”
“Don't you find it strange we're not allowed down there?”
“A professor almost died, Merlin. We were attacked by a cockatrice. It's not really strange.”
Leaning forward Merlin smiled. “But how did the cockatrice get in?”
That was something that Gaius hadn't mentioned. “Someone let it in?”
“They had to have done, but how? And why?”
There were lots of reasons why you’d let a dangerous magical creature into a university. It could cause chaos, death, and destruction, but it hadn't been released into anywhere students had gathered.
“As a distraction?” Arthur suggested. “A deadly distraction.”
“Exactly. The professors and the knights would all be distracted trying to stop it.”
“But it was in the dungeons.”
“The easiest way to let it in would be the tunnels that run under the castle.”
“The ones near the dungeons,” Arthur said. “So, someone let the cockatrice in and then it attacked Professor Muirden. Unless he let it in.”
“They're not easy to control. It might have turned on him before he could get it out into the main part of the castle.”
“Do you think there's still a way for another one to get in?”
Merlin shook his head. “Gaius and the other professors would have made sure of that. And what if what they wanted was in the dungeons? The cockatrice would stop anyone disturbing them while they looked for... whatever it was they were looking for. I don't think we're allowed down there because of security, to protect whatever is down there.”
“Merlin, why do you think what they were looking for is in the dungeons?”
“Because it's off limits now.”
“What would they keep in the dungeons?”
“I don't know. Maybe we should find out.”
Arthur recognised the determined look on Merlin's face. “All right, I'll admit it's a mystery and maybe we should investigate, but if all this goes wrong you're the one telling Gaius.”
Merlin got out of his chair and gave Arthur a hug. “We're a good team,” he whispered.
Pulling Merlin closer, Arthur whispered back. “Now we've sorted that out, do you want to know about more about my magical kisses?”
Merlin grinned. “You should meet my magic tongue.”
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A couple of days after Merlin had mentioned investigating what was going on, Arthur had his first training session back with the knights. He hoped he hadn't forgotten how to hold a sword. It would be rather embarrassing to have to start from scratch just because he'd spent a couple of weeks resting his muscles.
“Hope you didn't indulge too much over Christmas, Arthur,” Gwaine said. “I know how tempting Hunith's cake is.”
“Merlin made sure I got plenty of exercise,” Arthur replied, just to see the look on Gwaine's face.
It had the desired effect as Gwaine looked a little embarrassed. “I'm sure he did. Now, let's see if your footwork's any better.”
Looking around, Arthur saw that only Elyan and Leon were also training. “Where are Lancelot and Percival?” he asked, feeling the familiar sensation of a sword in his hand.
“Doing something for Professor Gaius. He wants a patrol near the dungeons twenty four hours a day.”
“Did he say why?” Arthur asked.
“No,” Gwaine replied, moving forward. “We're just guarding the place.”
Arthur dodged Gwaine's first blow. “Why do dungeons need guarding?”
Their swords clashed. “Probably to do with the legend.”
They sparred, metal hitting metal for a few moments, before Arthur spun around and backed off. His mind wasn't really on their practice any more. “What legend?”
“About a sword in a stone,” Gwaine said, drawing Arthur in again.
Arthur pushed his sword hard against Gwaine's. He was thinking too much, he knew that. “What about it?”
Gwaine didn't answer but took advantage of Arthur's distraction to press home his advantage. There was barely time for Arthur to think before Gwaine came in close and neatly tripped him up.
“You should be concentrating on your footwork,” he said, offering Arthur a hand up.
Arthur took it gratefully. “Sorry, I've been listening to too many of Merlin's stories.”
Gwaine gave him a brief sympathetic look before smiling and getting back into position with his sword raised.
There was no more mention of legends after that. No more talk of the dungeons or a sword in a stone. Arthur managed to regain some of his advantage over Gwaine, and by the time the training session was finished, Arthur had redeemed himself. At least he hadn't forgotten what to do over the Christmas break. One thing hadn't changed: as soon as he felt a sword in his hand, Arthur instinctively knew what to do.
The first thing he did when he got back to their chambers was tell Merlin what Gwaine had said.
“Does it mean anything to you? A sword in a stone?” Arthur asked.
“Yes, but I can't remember,” Merlin said. “There's something....” He rubbed his temples. “I know there's a legend about it.... Maybe tomorrow we could look in the library. There's got to be something in one of the books.”
“All right, but you're distracting Geoffrey.”
“I distracted him last time.”
“Merlin, your magic is better than mine. I really don't want to have to set Geoffrey's beard on fire.”
Merlin laughed. “Could you imagine the look on his face though?”
Arthur could. The idea of Geoffrey running around the library with his beard on fire was one of the funniest things he'd ever imagined. He joined in Merlin's laughter.
*****************************************************************************
The next morning, he and Merlin went down to breakfast. Arthur went to reserve them their usual place with their friends, whilst Merlin went to get their food from the serving table at the back. Not all food was conjured at Camelot but, in Arthur's opinion, Hunith's cooking tasted better.
He sat down opposite Elena and Gilli who were already tucking in. “Morning,” he greeted.
“Morning, Arthur,” Elena said, her mouth full of toast.
Gilli just smiled, and Arthur noticed he was smiling mostly at Elena. He didn’t have time to think about that further before Merlin sat down and pushed Arthur's plate toward him.
“Extra bacon, just how you like it,” he said.
“Thank you, Merlin,” Arthur replied.
“That's so sweet,” Elena said. She said that about them practically every day but hadn't tired of it yet.
“Are you doing anything interesting today?” Gilli asked. He wasn't quite as shy as he used to be. After the Christmas break he'd come a little more assured.
“We're going to the library later,” Merlin said. He leaned forward conspiratorially. “We're investigating.”
“Ooh, what?” Elena asked.
“Why we're not allowed in the dungeons,” Arthur replied.
Merlin shushed him. “We're supposed to be keeping this quiet, Arthur.”
“Merlin, we know why we're not allowed in the dungeons. Gwaine said there's a sword in a stone down there.”
“Not the sword?” Gilli asked, looking worried.
“What sword?” Arthur asked, spearing a piece of bacon.
Gilli frowned. “You don’t know the stories of the King of the Mage Knights?”
“Oh yes!” Elena said. “He was supposed to have a magic sword. They say it was the sword that saved his life and allowed him to escape his enemies.”
“It gives great power to whoever wields it,” Gilli said, solemnly.
“But, the sword was thrown into the lake when he died, wasn't it?” Merlin asked.
“Some legends say it was found in the lake by a young wizard who used it, but the power of the sword corrupted him, and he went mad. The Sorcerer's Council placed it in a stone, and only the king's true heir can pull it out,” Gilli whispered.
“What happens then?” Arthur asked, losing interest in eating.
“The king's heir is supposed to bring about a golden age,” Elena said. “And vanquish the evil that's lurked all over the land.”
“How?” Arthur asked, sceptically. “I've seen a lot of things done with magic, but a golden age?”
“The legends don't tell you details like that,” Merlin said.
“So, they tell you there's a sword in a stone, and someone will pull it out, but not what happens after? What's the point of that?” It was like only getting half the picture on the jigsaw box as far as Arthur was concerned.
Merlin rolled his eyes. “That's why it's a legend.”
“Do you think it really could be the sword in the stone in the dungeons?” Elena asked, sounding a bit too excited for Arthur's liking.
“What better place to store it than among some of the most powerful sorcerers in Avalon?” Merlin answered.
“Why risk stealing it then? If it's so well protected?” Arthur asked. “Professor Muirden nearly died.”
“The sword grants great power,” Gilli said. “It would be worth a risk.”
“Gilli's right. We need to find out who wants to steal it,” Merlin said.
“Professor Muirden? He was down there,” Arthur said.
“There's more to it than that,” Merlin replied. “Any wizard would want the sword, but there's one person who would want it more than anyone.”
Elena paled. “You mean...him?”
“The power of the sword could bring back the dead,” Merlin said, quietly.
The implication slowly soaked in. “You mean the person who killed my mother could be after the sword?” Arthur asked. “That he could use it to come back again?”
“If Professor Muirden's working him for him, yes,” Merlin lowered his voice. “Or he could be trying to bring him back.”
“We’re not going to let that happen,” Arthur said. “My mother died to stop him.”
“Then we'll stop him,” Merlin said, placing his hand on Arthur's and squeezing. “I promise.”
“Me too,” Gilli said, placing his hand on Merlin's.
“And me,” Elena added, as she placed her hand on Gilli's. “What do we do?”
“Keep a close eye on Professor Muirden,” Merlin said.
Their vow made, they turned back to their breakfasts, or they pretended to. None of them felt particularly hungry anymore, and their food went cold as it was forgotten among much more important things.
*****************************************************************************
Of course, they couldn't constantly watch Professor Muirden. They had lectures to attend, studying to do, and they had to eat. Still, they kept a close eye on him during their lectures. If they saw him about the castle complex when they had free time they surreptitiously followed him. Except they were students of Valerian College and once Professor Muirden was in Thyme College's part of the castle they could go no further.
Each college was heavily warded against interlopers. The wards had been placed by Professor Kilgharrah himself, and were among the most powerful in Albion.
There was really very little the four students could do.
There was a more serious problem too. Arthur's headaches during Professor Muirden's lectures weren’t getting any better, ifanything they were slightly worse after the Professor returned from his long absence. If Arthur hadn't had Merlin to help him through he would have had to leave each lecture before it ended.
Arthur examined his timetable for the next day and his heart sank. “Did you notice we’ve got a double lecture with Professor Muirden tomorrow?” he asked.
“No,” Merlin muttered, coming over and resting his chin on Arthur's shoulder as he peered at the timetable. “Must be because Professor Lake is taking the third year students on a field trip to Veore Mountain.”
“I'll never survive it,” Arthur said. “My head's going to explode and you'll have to mourn me.”
Merlin stood up suddenly. “Arthur, that's it!”
“What is? My impending death?”
“No! Your headaches.”
“What about them?”
Merlin began pacing excitedly. “You get them when you're around Professor Muirden!”
“And?”
Merlin sat down on the desk and grabbed Arthur's hands. “You remember what he told us about dark curses?”
“That killing curses can leave behind ill effects,” Arthur said. “If you've been in the vicinity of one you can suffer physical pain when you're near the sorcerer who performed it....” Now the pieces of the puzzle began to fit more neatly. There was only one killing curse Arthur had ever been in the presence of. “You don’t think Professor Muirden is Him?”
“No, but what if he's possessed Professor Muirden? You being close to him could be causing your headaches. That's why none of the remedies work. The headaches are warning you he's dangerous.”
“It makes sense,” Arthur said. “Can dead people posses the living?”
“Oh yes. It's dangerous Dark Magic but it's possible, and it would explain why the Professor couldn't remember anything.”
“Do you think he knows he's possessed?” Arthur asked. He would prefer to think the Professor was some sort of innocent dupe.
“He could be a willing host. That sort of magic is unpredictable.”
“If it is Him.... He might try and kill me,” Arthur said, quietly.
“I won't let that happen,” Merlin said. “I swear I won't.”
Just hearing the conviction in Merlin's words, Arthur was reassured. From the start, Merlin had been there for him. Without Merlin he'd never have managed to do magic. Without Merlin he'd never have defeated the cockatrice. An evil possessed professor had no chance against the two of them together.
*****************************************************************************
For weeks, they kept an eye on Professor Muirden, but nothing happened. Arthur’s headaches were still there, still warning him of some danger. January passed into February, and February into March. Still nothing happened. The dungeons remained undisturbed, and there was no sign of any monsters being let into Camelot.
Soon Arthur had other things to worry about. The spring Practical Examinations were due just before the spring break. He'd been granted special dispensation to have Merlin with him during his.; there was no way Arthur could have managed them on his own. He was getting better with his magic, but he still needed Merlin nearby to really show off his talents.
“Do you think he'll make his move soon?” Arthur asked Merlin, the night before the first of the examinations. He was in bed but he couldn't sleep.
“I think so,” Merlin yawned. “Everyone will be distracted by the exams.”
“Makes sense,” Arthur murmured.
He didn't sleep well, the test the next day and what they had learned about Professor Muirden weighing heavily on Arthur's mind. His dreams were filled with Professor Muirden standing over him, berating him for failing a test. Arthur felt pain and then everything turned to fire. Flames leapt all round, and Arthur couldn't see a way out. In the distance he could hear Merlin shouting.
“Arthur!”
Then he was being woken up. “Merlin?” He blinked in the morning light.
“It's morning, Arthur. Time for the first exam.”
Arthur moaned into his pillow. “Does sleep deprivation affect magic?”
“Not unless you miss a few days. You'll be fine.”
Arthur wasn't convinced, but he got up anyway.
PART SIX
PART FOUR
Part Five
Over the next couple of days Arthur found himself settling into life in the Emrys household. Merlin insisted on introducing him to every wyvern on the reservation. How Merlin could even tell the differences between them Arthur didn't know. One grey scaly creature looked much like another as far as Arthur was concerned.
“Why is he looking at me as if he wants to eat me?” Arthur asked, after being introduced to Dagonet, one of Merlin's favourites.
“I think he likes you,” Merlin replied.
“Because I look like a good meal?”
“Well...maybe. He's a bit protective.”
“Why did I agree to date a wizard with bodyguards that can kill me?”
“My charming wit?”
“Just make sure we make it back to your house alive, Merlin.”
In between getting tours of every tree and every rock, courtesy of Merlin, Arthur also spent time with Merlin’s parents who treated him as family rather than a guest.
“You're Ygraine's son,” Hunith said. “That makes you family.”
Arthur also decided that, nice as it was to go about the Avalon countryside with Merlin and several wyverns at his side, the last thing he wanted was to fall behind with his studies. He was acutely aware he had a lot to prove to his classmates and although, with Merlin’s help, he was starting to get the hang of the practical aspects of magic, he didn't want to fall behind on the the theory.
Most evenings he spent time reading his books in the living room, trying to absorb as much as he could. Tonight though he was interrupted by a whooshing noise. A breeze ruffled the pages of his book and he stood up, looking for the source.
A whirlwind was forming in the corner of the room, and Arthur started to see a bright green glow. The wind grew stronger, and he felt himself being blown back. He covered his face as the glow intensified. There was an odd sort of popping noise and then the wind abruptly stopped. Arthur uncovered his eyes, and saw Merlin and Balinor standing there with a large tree.
He knew they’d gone to get a Christmas tree. They’d invited Arthur along, but Arthur had declined, realising it was a tradition between father and son that went back to when Merlin was tiny. This though, hadn't been quite what he was expecting.
“What do you think?” Merlin asked, stepping back from the tree to admire it.
“It's very big,” Arthur replied. Indeed the whole thing barely fitted in the room. It was wide enough to block out one of the windows, and so tall the top bent where it met the ceiling.
“Brilliant, isn't it?”
Hunith came out of the kitchen to look. “Oh it's perfect,” she said.
Balinor smiled and came to put his arm around his wife.
“Do you want to help us decorate the tree, Arthur?” Hunith asked.
Merlin turned to him looking very hopeful.
“Of course,” Arthur replied. “I'd be honoured. And it's probably more fun than reading about the uses of rosemary in stimulating magic glow in the wings of bats.”
Of course decorating a magical Christmas tree was different than decorating a mundane one. For a start the ornaments moved. They waved, jumped, or played instruments, each one excitedly animated and pretty difficult to hold onto.
“They’re just excited about being out of the box,” Merlin said, as Arthur grappled with a Father Christmas who was trying to climb up his arm.
Then there were the spells for the ribbons and the tinsel, which wasn't tinsel but some sort of strange shiny stuff that dissipated if you put your hand through it only to reform again. Arthur didn't know the spells for that bit, but Merlin did and shared them. He carefully held onto Arthur as Arthur conjured his first ribbon.
“Bende,” he said. Slowly, a red ribbon formed out of thin air, and tied itself into a bow.
It was as slightly wonky ribbon, but it was in one piece, and Arthur was quite pleased with his effort.
The final touch was the star, which they all created together, touching hands and letting it form above them, before guiding it carefully to the top of the tree. Arthur felt such a strong sense of belonging; he wondered if his mother had experienced this with her own family. He hoped she had.
Putting the tree up had made Arthur acutely aware that Christmas was only a couple of days away and he didn't have anything to give Merlin. traditionally, gifts were given at Christmas. He assumed gifts were a tradition in the magical world as much as they were in the mundane one. Most social things seemed the same: university, boyfriends, Christmas trees, so presumably the gift giving aspects were as well.
Which was why, one evening, when Merlin was helping Hunith with a cooking spell, Arthur sought out Balinor who was in the outbuilding examining the latest batch of wyvern eggs.
“Can I help you, Arthur?” he asked, not looking up from his work.
“I want to get Merlin a gift,” Arthur said. “For Christmas.”
“That's a nice thought.”
“Yes. But I don't have any money.”
Balinor turned to look at Arthur. “Ask Hunith about that.”
“I will,” Arthur said, a little confused. Perhaps Hunith could lend him some money? Even if he had money he hadn’t seen any shops. “Where would I go to buy something?”
“Something will appear,” Balinor replied, shrugging as he turned back to his work.
It felt as though he was intruding on the man and his work, so Arthur retreated back to the house. He had to wait a while before he could speak to Hunith alone, but the lure of wyvern eggs proved strong enough to lure Merlin away from the kitchen long enough for Arthur to speak to Merlin's mother.
“Arthur? Is there anything I can help you with?” Hunith asked as she closed the oven door.
“I want to buy a gift for Merlin, and Balinor said to ask you about that. I don’t have any money.”
“But you do,” Hunith said. “Come with me.”
She led Arthur to a cupboard in the hall and opened it, pulling out a few things haphazardly, as if she was looking for something specific. “When we were in our second year at Camelot Ygraine and I made a bet. She said that one day our sons would share chambers together. Ygraine wasn't a seer so I thought she was just being silly but, here you are.”
Hunith pulled out a small ouch. It seemed she had found what she was looking for. “ Ygraine might not be here to collect her winnings but I'm sure you can put them to good use.”
Arthur took the pouch and looked inside; he could see the shine of metal inside. He tipped the contents of the pouch, several shiny gold coins, onto his hand. “How much is this?”
“It's not a lot if that's what you're worried about. It's yours.”
Arthur put the coins back in the pouch and held it out. “I can't take this.”
“You can,” Hunith replied, pushing it back. “Ygraine was my friend, and my son thinks the world of you. You deserve it.”
Seeing he wasn't going to be able to persuade Hunith to accept the pouch back, Arthur grasped it tightly in his hand. “Thank you,” he said.
“You should go out and buy Merlin his gift before he gets back,” Hunith said.
“From where?”
“Just walk down the road. You'll find somewhere.”
It all sounded rather cryptic to Arthur, but Hunith's face looked encouraging, so he got his coat and went outside. The air was crisp, and there was a light dusting of frost and snow, but Arthur didn't feel particularly cold. Apparently, people with magic didn't suffer the cold as much as others, which probably explained why Arthur had been able to throw snowballs with his bare hands as a child.
As he wandered along the road along the road, he wondered if perhaps there was a shop in Ealdor where he might find an appropriate gift. The village was so small it was unlikely, but not impossible. As he continued further along the road he started to notice an odd mist forming. It skirted around the edge of the lane at first, but soon spread out and became more like a fog.
Arthur decided he should turn back, but before he could the fog seemed to envelop him. Blinking, he tried to see through it, but all he could make out was a dark shape ahead. Hoping it was a house, or somewhere he could take shelter, he walked toward it. The fog cleared enough for Arthur to see it wasn't a house but a very old looking shop.
Above the door was a black sign with faded gold lettering that read 'Taliesin's Cave of Trinkets'. The windows were dirty, but Arthur could make out the gleam of several objects inside. Maybe this was what Hunith and Balinor had meant. Arthur hoped so as he pushed open the heavy wooden door and entered the shop.
The place was more cluttered than anything Arthur had ever seen, even more so than Merlin's bedroom. Strange objects were everywhere, jammed on the shelves and in the corners, taking up all the available space. Most of the shelves seemed to be made out of what looked like crystal, or glass. Crystal charms hung from the celling and Arthur was so overawed he bumped into one, causing it to jangle.
“Ah, young Mr Pendragon,” came a voice as a man in old robes appeared. He had white hair and a beard and looked a little unkempt, as if he hadn't touched a comb in some time. His robes too looked old and tattered, brown and looking like rags.
“How do you know who I am?” Arthur asked, not sure where the man had come from. It seemed as if he had appeared out of thin air.
“I've been wondering when you'd pay me a visit. My name is Taliesin,” he smiled. “And you are here to find a gift for your young man.”
Arthur frowned. “How do you know that?”
Taliesin chuckled. “Magic, of course.” He went over to the counter, also made of glass Arthur noticed. “I have just the thing for you,” he said, reaching under the counter. “Here we are.” He pulled out a green box.
He placed the box on the counter. The box was old and tattered. He beckoned Arthur over and Arthur felt strangely compelled to see what this gift was. He watched as Taliesin lifted the lid off to reveal a silver dragon necklace nestled on velvet cushion.
“It's a charm,” Taliesin said, looking carefully at Arthur. “It has a protection spell on it,” he turned the charm over, “and it has half of a scale from the great dragon himself woven into it.”
Within the metal lay a fragment of brown scale that seemed to have an almost golden sheen. “It's beautiful.”
“And a perfect gift,” Taliesin said, smiling.
“How much is it?”
“As much as you have in that pouch you're carrying,” came the reply. “No more. No less.”
“I'll take it,” Arthur said, tipping the contents of the pouch onto the counter next to the box.
Taliesin put the lid back on the box. “I knew you would. It was nice to meet you, Arthur Pendragon.”
Arthur was about to reply when suddenly there was a strong gust of air and he found himself on the road, the box in his hand. He turned around but the shop had gone, as had the mist. There was no sign it had even been there, the only proof was the box in his hand. Arthur carefully opened it and saw the dragon charm safely nestled inside.
Looking up, he could see Merlin's home in the distance and he walked back toward it.
Keeping the gift a secret from Merlin wasn't easy, but Arthur managed to hide it in his rucksack. He even managed to get some paper to wrap it up in, courtesy of Hunith. Merlin, to his credit, never actually asked Arthur if he'd got him a gift. Although he probably realised when Arthur carefully placed the package under the tree last thing on Christmas Eve before they went to bed.
*****************************************************************************
Christmas Day came almost too soon for Arthur. He was jolted awake at who knew what hour in the morning by a rather excited Merlin.
“What time is?”
Merlin was already tugging Arthur out of bed. “Time for you to come and see what your gifts are.”
“Please tell me a man in a red suit with a beard didn't actually deliver them.”
“My father doesn’t own a red suit.”
Arthur sighed; he was not awake enough to get into that conversation. “All right then, Merlin, let's go.”
When they got downstairs Hunith and Balinor were already waiting for them.
“Happy Christmas, Merlin, Arthur,” Hunith said, giving them each a kiss on the cheek.
“Happy Christmas,” Arthur replied, feeling warm and happy despite the early hour.
“Come on, Arthur, you need to open your gifts.”
Arthur was surprised to discover an entire pile of gifts waiting for him among the ones for the Emrys family. “Where did these come from?” he asked, amazed. There hadn't been this many when he'd gone to bed.
“This one's from Morgana,” Merlin said, picking up one and reading the label. “There's one from Gwen and one from the knights. One from Gilli, one from Elena and oh, one from Gaius...”
“But I didn't get them anything,” Arthur blurted out. He hadn't even thought about it but then he hadn't expected any gifts from them either.
“I'm sure it'll be fine,” Hunith said, giving Arthur a wink.
He gulped. “Thank you.”
“So, which one are you going to open first?” Merlin asked.
“Don't you have your own gifts to open?”
“Yes, but yours look more interesting.”
“How about we all open our gifts together?” Hunith suggested.
Arthur nodded, feeling relieved. He picked up the gift from Morgana and opened it. It was a blue box, and inside was a selection of crystals.
“Oh, those are seeing crystals,” Merlin said, opening his own, identical, gift from Morgana.
“Seeing crystals?”
“You can use them for scrying,” Merlin explained. “That's good of your sister to buy us each a set.”
“It is,” Arthur said. “But how do they work?”
“I'll show you later,” Merlin said. “We'll be using them in our second year at Camelot anyway.”
Putting the crystals to one side Arthur opened the next gift. There was a jumper from Gwen, and chain mail from the knights. Elena had gifted him with a carved wooden horse that seemed to have a mind of its own. The gift from Gilli was a beautiful wand carved with various runes and finished in black ebony.
Merlin's gifts were similar, and as varied. He, too, had a jumper from Gwen, but the knights had gifted him with a tankard, and a book that made Merlin blush. He wouldn't say what it was about, just mumbled and hid it under his jumper. Gilli had given Merlin a wand made of holly, and Elena had gifted him with a carved wooden unicorn.
As the piles of gifts went opened Arthur's heart pounded as he waited for Merlin to find the one from him. First though, he saw a large rectangular present, which the label told him was for him from Hunith and Balinor. He picked it up, and found it was quite weighty; it felt a lot like a book. Intrigued Arthur pulled off the wrapping and saw it looked a lot like a book, too, with an embossed leather cover.
“Open it,” Hunith said.
Carefully, Arthur turned to what he thought was the first page, only to see a picture of a blonde woman staring back at him. She was smiling shyly and swaying a little. She looked very familiar. “Mother?”
Hunith put a hand on his shoulder. “Merlin told us how you never really knew your mother. We thought you deserved to know about her. This album is full of pictures of her. We took a lot when we were at Camelot. There's a few from her earlier life, ones we kept for her. I know it doesn't bring her back, but perhaps it might help you see her as we knew her.”
“She was beautiful,” Arthur whispered feeling tears in his eyes.
Merlin's arms came around him and he whispered in Arthur's ear. “Yes, she was. That's where you get it from.”
It took awhile for Arthur to feel ready to get back to gift opening. He clutched the album tightly and tried to commit the images he saw to memory, as if they would disappear if he looked away. He saw pictures of his mother looking happy, relaxed. There were pictures of her doing magic, dancing, or simply reading, each one a window into the person he had never known, but to whom he owed his life.
Eventually, though, he realised there was one gift he hadn't opened yet; the one from Merlin.
“I'm not sure it compares to pictures of your mother,” Merlin said, as Arthur picked it up. “But I hope you like it.”
The gift was small, and Arthur wondered if he had picked up the right present when he tore off the wrapping and saw a familiar-looking deep green box. He took off the lid, and what he saw inside was not quite what he had expected. Nestled against a background of blue velvet was a golden dragon charm.
“Merlin, it's...perfect,” Arthur said.
“It's got a protection charm on it,” Merlin replied. “And...”
“Half of a scale of the great dragon himself,” Arthur said, finishing the sentence.
“How did you know?” Merlin frowned. “I thought I hid it...”
“Merlin, open your present from me.”
Still looking puzzled, Merlin did so, his puzzlement turning to surprise and recognition when he saw what was inside the box. “Oh,” he said, lifting it out. “It's the same. Except silver. Do you think...?”
Arthur took his charm out of the box and held it up next to Merlin's. They looked at the back of both, and it was pretty clear that each half of the scale embedded in the charm was a match to the other.
“Taliesin?” Merlin asked.
“Taliesin,” Arthur replied.
Merlin's parents were smiling delightedly, as if this had some significance that neither Arthur nor Merlin were aware of themselves.
“Well, put them on,” Hunith encouraged.
Merlin held out his charm and Arthur took it, carefully placing it around Merlin's neck and fastening the clasp. With his head bent,Merlin was sorely tempting to Arthur, and he didn't resist a brief run of his fingers across the sensitive skin on Merlin's nape.
When he'd fastened the clasp Arthur stood back a bit. The chain was a perfect length and the charm was resting not far from Merlin's heart. He noticed how the chain dipped along Merlin's collarbone. Realising he was staring, Arthur coughed and bowed his neck to allow Merlin to fasten his charm.
When Merlin had finished, with more than a few caresses Arthur noted, Arthur looked down at the golden dragon. It glinted a little in the light, and he could feel an odd warmth emanating from it; a tingling like his magic. It flared for a moment and then seemed to die down.
“Now I think it's time we got something to eat,” Hunith said.
Arthur nodded. He caught Merlin's eye as they got up to go the kitchen. He had some ideas about some rather different private gift-giving they could do later and, from the way Merlin's hands had lingered as he'd fastened up the necklace, he had a feeling he wasn't the only one with ideas.
*****************************************************************************
The rest of the day passed pleasantly, much more pleasantly than Christmases Arthur had spent at home. There was laughter, conversation, food, and some very odd party games. One involved levitating as many berries as possible whilst drinking a glass of water. Hunith surprisingly won that one.
Later, Merlin's parents excused themselves, saying they had to visit a friend in the village. The fact that Hunith winked at them on her way out made Arthur tjink that perhaps the visit hadn't been that urgent. Arthur was grateful for it. He and Merlin were sitting on the sofa admiring the tree, Arthur lazily stroking Merlin's neck, and playing with the necklaces chain.
“What did your mother mean when she said I didn’t have to worry about getting gifts for everyone?” Arthur asked, observing the pile of gifts they had received.
“When I went to buy your gift from Taliesin's shop I was going to ask about buying gifts for our friends. He said I didn't have to worry that it would be taken care of.”
“Are you telling me the owner of a magical shop that appears out of nowhere, read our minds, and sent gifts to our friends on our behalf?” Arthur asked.
“That's what my mother said when I asked her. It's what he does.”
“Next year we're buying them ourselves,” Arthur said.
“Mmmm,” Merlin agreed.
Arthur pulled him forward for a kiss and, of course, one thing led to another.
“I'm glad you parents aren't here,” Arthur said, as he pulled Merlin's jeans down. “I'd hate to have them to come in when I do this.”
“Do what?” Merlin asked.
Arthur didn't answer, instead moved went down Merlin's body to breathe warmly against his underwear. Before Merlin could say anything, Arthur pulled Merlin's boxers down, unwrapping him like a present, and then breathed gently on Merlin's cock.
“Arthur...”
“Shhh,” Arthur said. “Think of this as your other gift.”
He knew how to touch Merlin, how to stroke him to hardness, but today he knew that wasn't going to be enough. With Merlin hard in his hand, Arthur leaned down and licked Merlin's cock, the foreskin pulling back just enough to reveal the sensitive part. The taste was strange but not completely unpleasant. He was tasting Merlin after-all.
His first experiment over, Arthur licked his way down the hard length. He catalogued the skin with his tongue, as he heard Merlin stifle a groan. The wetness provided a little bit of lubricant for him to run his hand up and down. He began to suck at the head. little by little he took more of Merlin's cock into his mouth. He wasn't completely enveloping it, he didn't think he was ready for that yet, but he kept sucking and licking.
Merlin seemed to be enjoying it if his moans were anything to go by, he'd given up trying to keep quite. Arthur. Arthur kept going, encouraged by Merlin’s responses and the knowledge he was the cause of Merlin’s pleasure. He alternately used his hand and his mouth to stimulate Merlin. Merlin ran a hand through Arthur's hair and down his neck, causing Arthur to shiver. Merlin's hips moved up into Arthur’s touch, and he moved his cock in and out of Arthur's mouth gently.
Arthur touched the sensitive skin around Merlin's groin with one hand, stimulating the spot he knew turned Merlin on. He wanted Merlin to loose control, to let go. At last Merlin gave the tell tale sign he was about to come. Arthur gave a last suck before pulling back to watch Merlin come with a final stroke to his cock.
Leaning down Arthur whispered in Merlin's ear. “Happy Christmas, Merlin.”
“I should give you another present,” Merlin said, lying back on the soft cushions. “And show you what’s in that book the knights gave me.”
Arthur was very glad Merlin's parents weren't going to return for several hours.
******************************************************************************
Sadly, the new year crept up all too quickly. Arthur sent his father a couple of letters over the holidays, but received no reply back. Not that he had been expecting one. Morgana sent him a few letters from Morgause's house, and Arthur did write back, although it took some persuading for Archimedes to take the letters, as he'd become quite settled at home doing nothing. Arthur knew the feeling; he felt completely at home with Merlin and his parents. He'd even learnt not to mind the rugs.
Before long, it was time for Arthur and Merlin to return to their studies at Camelot. Hunith took them to the station. Balinor said a brief goodbye before he went back to check on the wyvern eggs which were due to hatch any day. Arthur had to physically drag Merlin away from them.
“Your father will let you know when they hatch,” he said.
At the station Hunith gave Merlin a hug, telling him to take care of himself and Arthur. Merlin was clearly embarrassed as she fussed over him. Arthur was enjoying watching Merlin get flustered, when Hunith came over and enveloped him in a hug.
“You too, Arthur. You take care of yourself. And Merlin,” Hunith said.
“I will,” Arthur promised, as he awkwardly returned the hug. “Thank you for having me in your home.”
Hunith pulled back and smiled. “It was no trouble. You will come back and visit again?”
Arthur glanced at Merlin. “Well, someone has to make sure Merlin gets home safely.”
“Good. Now you better get on the train, boys,” Hunith said, lightly pushing them along. “You've got everything?”
“Yes, Mum,” Merlin replied. “We’ve checked twice.”
“Don't forget to write, and if either of you need anything just let us know.”
Merlin kissed his mother’s cheek. “We will.”
With a wave Hunith saw them onto the train. It was quiet and, as they seemed to be the first passengers, Arthur and Merlin were able to easily get a compartment to themselves. It was nice to have a bit of privacy - just the two of them and Archimedes. As the train set off, they waved to Hunith until she was no longer visible.
“Sorry about Mum fussing so much,” Merlin said as he sat down.
“I liked it,” Arthur admitted. “Your Mum's wonderful.”
“She'll want you to write to her.”
“I think I can do that.”
“You need to because she'll just nag me until you do.”
Leaning back in his seat Arthur smiled.
*****************************************************************************
They arrived back at Camelot to meet crowds of returning students. It was still winter, and there was plenty of snow about, so none of them lingered too long outside. As was traditional after the Christmas break there was an assembly to welcome everyone back. It was held in the Great Hall, the only place at Camelot able to accommodate all of the students at any one time.
Arthur and Merlin sat next to each other among the other Valerian students. Elena and Gilli were sat further down the bench and offered a couple of friendly waves. Arthur also caught sight of Morgana sat with Sage College. At the back the knights and the other, non-magical, students had assembled. The entire hall was filled with row upon row of benches, full of students.
The Professors were all seated on a platform at the front of the room. Gaius was the only one standing up. When everyone was seated Gaius approached the podium. A hush came over the hall as Gaius looked out onto the assembled gathering.
“Welcome back to Camelot,” he said. “I hope you all had a pleasant Christmas. I also hope none of you neglected your studies.”
There was the odd cough from among the older students.
“Now, I have a few important notices to bring to your attention. Firstly, Professor Muirden is fully recovered and will be back to his usual teaching schedule this semester. I trust you will give him a warm welcome back.”
Professor Muirden briefly stood as polite applause rippled through the hall. The most enthusiastic response came from Thyme College. Arthur's own clapping was half-hearted at best; he dreaded the return of his headaches. Merlin must have noticed, as he placed a comforting hand on Arthur's.
Once the applause had died down, and Professor Muirden had taken his seat once more, Gaius continued.
“In light of the recent events surrounding Professor Muirden's unfortunate incident...”
It felt like everyone trained their eyes on Arthur at once, and he squeezed Merlin's hand.
“I have to inform you that the dungeons are off limits until further notice. Any student found in the vicinity will be severely punished.”
There was no doubting the seriousness of Gaius's words judging from his frown.
“There is also happier news,” Gaius said. “Our Beltane celebration has been extended this year and all students can choose up to two family members to attend if they so wish. I realise it's several months away yet, but this will give you time to sort out any plans with your families.”
Merlin was smiling. Arthur already suspected that Merlin was going to ask his parents to come. That would be nice. He'd like to see Hunith and Balinor again. If Merlin's father could be persuaded to leave his wyverns of course.
“I'd like to wish you all a happy and productive semester,” Gaius said.
There was a polite rippling of applause before the students were all dismissed to go and catch up with friends. Heading back to Valerian College, Arthur and Merlin were joined by Elena and Gilli, both of whom seemed eager to share stories about how their Christmases had gone.
“My father took us riding up to Avalon's mountains,” Elena said. “You wouldn’t believe how beautiful it was.”
“Sounds great,” Arthur said, not wanting to admit he hadn't known Avalon had mountains, although it made perfect sense.
“What about you, Gilli?” Merlin asked.
“It was a quiet Christmas. My uncle came to stay with us. Thank you for the gifts by the way.”
“Oh you’re welcome,” Merlin replied.
“It was so sweet of the two of you to send a present from you both,” Elena said, giving Arthur a friendly punch in the arm. “And I was running low on saddle polish. How did you know?”
Merlin winked. “Magic, of course.”
“It was very generous of you to send two of the knight figures I needed,” Gilli said. “My collection is only missing five now.”
“You're welcome,” Arthur said. “At least we know what to get you next year.”
*****************************************************************************
After lunch, Arthur and Merlin went back to their chambers for a study session. They had practised together on and off whilst at Merlin's home, and Arthur had found it easier to conjure and move fire around in the more relaxed atmosphere. He wanted to see if he could replicate it in the more formal setting of Camelot.
It was clear, though, that Merlin's mind was on other things. He should have been watching as Arthur tried to grow the flame he'd just conjured, but instead Merlin was looking out of the window. In retaliation Arthur carefully moved the flame along the log until it was close enough to Merlin's hand to force him to back away.
“Arthur! You could have burnt my hand,” Merlin said, pulling back cradling the hand that hadn't been burnt.
“You weren't paying attention,” Arthur said, taking Merlin's hand and lightly kissing it. “See, it's all better.”
Merlin closely examined his hand. “You know, just because you have magic doesn't mean your kisses have healing powers.”
“How do you know? I've been studying that book Gaius recommended on the healing arts of the body.”
“I don't think kissing was mentioned in it,” Merlin said, flexing his hand.
“No, but it would be more fun if it was,” Arthur said. He paused. “What had you so distracted anyway?”
“I was thinking about the dungeons,” Merlin replied, taking a seat by the desk.
Deciding he'd had enough of standing Arthur did the same. “What about the dungeons?”
“Don't you find it strange we're not allowed down there?”
“A professor almost died, Merlin. We were attacked by a cockatrice. It's not really strange.”
Leaning forward Merlin smiled. “But how did the cockatrice get in?”
That was something that Gaius hadn't mentioned. “Someone let it in?”
“They had to have done, but how? And why?”
There were lots of reasons why you’d let a dangerous magical creature into a university. It could cause chaos, death, and destruction, but it hadn't been released into anywhere students had gathered.
“As a distraction?” Arthur suggested. “A deadly distraction.”
“Exactly. The professors and the knights would all be distracted trying to stop it.”
“But it was in the dungeons.”
“The easiest way to let it in would be the tunnels that run under the castle.”
“The ones near the dungeons,” Arthur said. “So, someone let the cockatrice in and then it attacked Professor Muirden. Unless he let it in.”
“They're not easy to control. It might have turned on him before he could get it out into the main part of the castle.”
“Do you think there's still a way for another one to get in?”
Merlin shook his head. “Gaius and the other professors would have made sure of that. And what if what they wanted was in the dungeons? The cockatrice would stop anyone disturbing them while they looked for... whatever it was they were looking for. I don't think we're allowed down there because of security, to protect whatever is down there.”
“Merlin, why do you think what they were looking for is in the dungeons?”
“Because it's off limits now.”
“What would they keep in the dungeons?”
“I don't know. Maybe we should find out.”
Arthur recognised the determined look on Merlin's face. “All right, I'll admit it's a mystery and maybe we should investigate, but if all this goes wrong you're the one telling Gaius.”
Merlin got out of his chair and gave Arthur a hug. “We're a good team,” he whispered.
Pulling Merlin closer, Arthur whispered back. “Now we've sorted that out, do you want to know about more about my magical kisses?”
Merlin grinned. “You should meet my magic tongue.”
****************************************************************************
A couple of days after Merlin had mentioned investigating what was going on, Arthur had his first training session back with the knights. He hoped he hadn't forgotten how to hold a sword. It would be rather embarrassing to have to start from scratch just because he'd spent a couple of weeks resting his muscles.
“Hope you didn't indulge too much over Christmas, Arthur,” Gwaine said. “I know how tempting Hunith's cake is.”
“Merlin made sure I got plenty of exercise,” Arthur replied, just to see the look on Gwaine's face.
It had the desired effect as Gwaine looked a little embarrassed. “I'm sure he did. Now, let's see if your footwork's any better.”
Looking around, Arthur saw that only Elyan and Leon were also training. “Where are Lancelot and Percival?” he asked, feeling the familiar sensation of a sword in his hand.
“Doing something for Professor Gaius. He wants a patrol near the dungeons twenty four hours a day.”
“Did he say why?” Arthur asked.
“No,” Gwaine replied, moving forward. “We're just guarding the place.”
Arthur dodged Gwaine's first blow. “Why do dungeons need guarding?”
Their swords clashed. “Probably to do with the legend.”
They sparred, metal hitting metal for a few moments, before Arthur spun around and backed off. His mind wasn't really on their practice any more. “What legend?”
“About a sword in a stone,” Gwaine said, drawing Arthur in again.
Arthur pushed his sword hard against Gwaine's. He was thinking too much, he knew that. “What about it?”
Gwaine didn't answer but took advantage of Arthur's distraction to press home his advantage. There was barely time for Arthur to think before Gwaine came in close and neatly tripped him up.
“You should be concentrating on your footwork,” he said, offering Arthur a hand up.
Arthur took it gratefully. “Sorry, I've been listening to too many of Merlin's stories.”
Gwaine gave him a brief sympathetic look before smiling and getting back into position with his sword raised.
There was no more mention of legends after that. No more talk of the dungeons or a sword in a stone. Arthur managed to regain some of his advantage over Gwaine, and by the time the training session was finished, Arthur had redeemed himself. At least he hadn't forgotten what to do over the Christmas break. One thing hadn't changed: as soon as he felt a sword in his hand, Arthur instinctively knew what to do.
The first thing he did when he got back to their chambers was tell Merlin what Gwaine had said.
“Does it mean anything to you? A sword in a stone?” Arthur asked.
“Yes, but I can't remember,” Merlin said. “There's something....” He rubbed his temples. “I know there's a legend about it.... Maybe tomorrow we could look in the library. There's got to be something in one of the books.”
“All right, but you're distracting Geoffrey.”
“I distracted him last time.”
“Merlin, your magic is better than mine. I really don't want to have to set Geoffrey's beard on fire.”
Merlin laughed. “Could you imagine the look on his face though?”
Arthur could. The idea of Geoffrey running around the library with his beard on fire was one of the funniest things he'd ever imagined. He joined in Merlin's laughter.
*****************************************************************************
The next morning, he and Merlin went down to breakfast. Arthur went to reserve them their usual place with their friends, whilst Merlin went to get their food from the serving table at the back. Not all food was conjured at Camelot but, in Arthur's opinion, Hunith's cooking tasted better.
He sat down opposite Elena and Gilli who were already tucking in. “Morning,” he greeted.
“Morning, Arthur,” Elena said, her mouth full of toast.
Gilli just smiled, and Arthur noticed he was smiling mostly at Elena. He didn’t have time to think about that further before Merlin sat down and pushed Arthur's plate toward him.
“Extra bacon, just how you like it,” he said.
“Thank you, Merlin,” Arthur replied.
“That's so sweet,” Elena said. She said that about them practically every day but hadn't tired of it yet.
“Are you doing anything interesting today?” Gilli asked. He wasn't quite as shy as he used to be. After the Christmas break he'd come a little more assured.
“We're going to the library later,” Merlin said. He leaned forward conspiratorially. “We're investigating.”
“Ooh, what?” Elena asked.
“Why we're not allowed in the dungeons,” Arthur replied.
Merlin shushed him. “We're supposed to be keeping this quiet, Arthur.”
“Merlin, we know why we're not allowed in the dungeons. Gwaine said there's a sword in a stone down there.”
“Not the sword?” Gilli asked, looking worried.
“What sword?” Arthur asked, spearing a piece of bacon.
Gilli frowned. “You don’t know the stories of the King of the Mage Knights?”
“Oh yes!” Elena said. “He was supposed to have a magic sword. They say it was the sword that saved his life and allowed him to escape his enemies.”
“It gives great power to whoever wields it,” Gilli said, solemnly.
“But, the sword was thrown into the lake when he died, wasn't it?” Merlin asked.
“Some legends say it was found in the lake by a young wizard who used it, but the power of the sword corrupted him, and he went mad. The Sorcerer's Council placed it in a stone, and only the king's true heir can pull it out,” Gilli whispered.
“What happens then?” Arthur asked, losing interest in eating.
“The king's heir is supposed to bring about a golden age,” Elena said. “And vanquish the evil that's lurked all over the land.”
“How?” Arthur asked, sceptically. “I've seen a lot of things done with magic, but a golden age?”
“The legends don't tell you details like that,” Merlin said.
“So, they tell you there's a sword in a stone, and someone will pull it out, but not what happens after? What's the point of that?” It was like only getting half the picture on the jigsaw box as far as Arthur was concerned.
Merlin rolled his eyes. “That's why it's a legend.”
“Do you think it really could be the sword in the stone in the dungeons?” Elena asked, sounding a bit too excited for Arthur's liking.
“What better place to store it than among some of the most powerful sorcerers in Avalon?” Merlin answered.
“Why risk stealing it then? If it's so well protected?” Arthur asked. “Professor Muirden nearly died.”
“The sword grants great power,” Gilli said. “It would be worth a risk.”
“Gilli's right. We need to find out who wants to steal it,” Merlin said.
“Professor Muirden? He was down there,” Arthur said.
“There's more to it than that,” Merlin replied. “Any wizard would want the sword, but there's one person who would want it more than anyone.”
Elena paled. “You mean...him?”
“The power of the sword could bring back the dead,” Merlin said, quietly.
The implication slowly soaked in. “You mean the person who killed my mother could be after the sword?” Arthur asked. “That he could use it to come back again?”
“If Professor Muirden's working him for him, yes,” Merlin lowered his voice. “Or he could be trying to bring him back.”
“We’re not going to let that happen,” Arthur said. “My mother died to stop him.”
“Then we'll stop him,” Merlin said, placing his hand on Arthur's and squeezing. “I promise.”
“Me too,” Gilli said, placing his hand on Merlin's.
“And me,” Elena added, as she placed her hand on Gilli's. “What do we do?”
“Keep a close eye on Professor Muirden,” Merlin said.
Their vow made, they turned back to their breakfasts, or they pretended to. None of them felt particularly hungry anymore, and their food went cold as it was forgotten among much more important things.
*****************************************************************************
Of course, they couldn't constantly watch Professor Muirden. They had lectures to attend, studying to do, and they had to eat. Still, they kept a close eye on him during their lectures. If they saw him about the castle complex when they had free time they surreptitiously followed him. Except they were students of Valerian College and once Professor Muirden was in Thyme College's part of the castle they could go no further.
Each college was heavily warded against interlopers. The wards had been placed by Professor Kilgharrah himself, and were among the most powerful in Albion.
There was really very little the four students could do.
There was a more serious problem too. Arthur's headaches during Professor Muirden's lectures weren’t getting any better, ifanything they were slightly worse after the Professor returned from his long absence. If Arthur hadn't had Merlin to help him through he would have had to leave each lecture before it ended.
Arthur examined his timetable for the next day and his heart sank. “Did you notice we’ve got a double lecture with Professor Muirden tomorrow?” he asked.
“No,” Merlin muttered, coming over and resting his chin on Arthur's shoulder as he peered at the timetable. “Must be because Professor Lake is taking the third year students on a field trip to Veore Mountain.”
“I'll never survive it,” Arthur said. “My head's going to explode and you'll have to mourn me.”
Merlin stood up suddenly. “Arthur, that's it!”
“What is? My impending death?”
“No! Your headaches.”
“What about them?”
Merlin began pacing excitedly. “You get them when you're around Professor Muirden!”
“And?”
Merlin sat down on the desk and grabbed Arthur's hands. “You remember what he told us about dark curses?”
“That killing curses can leave behind ill effects,” Arthur said. “If you've been in the vicinity of one you can suffer physical pain when you're near the sorcerer who performed it....” Now the pieces of the puzzle began to fit more neatly. There was only one killing curse Arthur had ever been in the presence of. “You don’t think Professor Muirden is Him?”
“No, but what if he's possessed Professor Muirden? You being close to him could be causing your headaches. That's why none of the remedies work. The headaches are warning you he's dangerous.”
“It makes sense,” Arthur said. “Can dead people posses the living?”
“Oh yes. It's dangerous Dark Magic but it's possible, and it would explain why the Professor couldn't remember anything.”
“Do you think he knows he's possessed?” Arthur asked. He would prefer to think the Professor was some sort of innocent dupe.
“He could be a willing host. That sort of magic is unpredictable.”
“If it is Him.... He might try and kill me,” Arthur said, quietly.
“I won't let that happen,” Merlin said. “I swear I won't.”
Just hearing the conviction in Merlin's words, Arthur was reassured. From the start, Merlin had been there for him. Without Merlin he'd never have managed to do magic. Without Merlin he'd never have defeated the cockatrice. An evil possessed professor had no chance against the two of them together.
*****************************************************************************
For weeks, they kept an eye on Professor Muirden, but nothing happened. Arthur’s headaches were still there, still warning him of some danger. January passed into February, and February into March. Still nothing happened. The dungeons remained undisturbed, and there was no sign of any monsters being let into Camelot.
Soon Arthur had other things to worry about. The spring Practical Examinations were due just before the spring break. He'd been granted special dispensation to have Merlin with him during his.; there was no way Arthur could have managed them on his own. He was getting better with his magic, but he still needed Merlin nearby to really show off his talents.
“Do you think he'll make his move soon?” Arthur asked Merlin, the night before the first of the examinations. He was in bed but he couldn't sleep.
“I think so,” Merlin yawned. “Everyone will be distracted by the exams.”
“Makes sense,” Arthur murmured.
He didn't sleep well, the test the next day and what they had learned about Professor Muirden weighing heavily on Arthur's mind. His dreams were filled with Professor Muirden standing over him, berating him for failing a test. Arthur felt pain and then everything turned to fire. Flames leapt all round, and Arthur couldn't see a way out. In the distance he could hear Merlin shouting.
“Arthur!”
Then he was being woken up. “Merlin?” He blinked in the morning light.
“It's morning, Arthur. Time for the first exam.”
Arthur moaned into his pillow. “Does sleep deprivation affect magic?”
“Not unless you miss a few days. You'll be fine.”
Arthur wasn't convinced, but he got up anyway.
PART SIX