Chapter Text
Blessings granted by the Gods should never be denied by a King.
In the early days of Albion, the gods and goddesses watched over their beloved people, protecting them and granting blessings of skills, strengths, and powers that would aid them to survive and prosper. Embracing the gifts granted by the gods, the people not only survived but advanced well beyond the expectations of their deities. Through ceremonies and rites, the people honored and thanked the gods for their protection and the gifts they granted. For centuries, the gods were pleased and the people happy.
With time comes forgetfulness and ceremonies conducted as labors of love and devotion soon become tradition, and then as it often happens, traditions are discarded, lost and eventually forgotten. Sad though it may be, the Gods accept this change as a natural process and hold no anger towards their beloved people. It is not to say that anger does not exist in the realm of the gods, but it is not something that often spills over into the mortal realms. For well over twenty years, the Gods watched and waited patiently to see how the acts against their gifts played out. When they came to a decision, the gods were not pleased.
A strange blood red dawn is the only sign that the gods anger has come to Camelot. Today, the King will not deny the Gods.
~*~*~
Holding court is draining even on the best of days. Disputes can be ridiculously petty, and requests are often unrealistic. Even so, King Uther listens quietly to each and every word brought to him before passing judgment or taking action. Those who stand in attendance of the King during this duty are forced to pay attention in the event that they are called upon to offer information or advice. For things not related to magic, Uther is a wise and compassionate King who truly cares for his people.
The people had been on edge for most of the day as a result of the strange blood red sky at dawn, but their complaints and disputes were much the same as any other day up until the last petitioner. Her entrance alone marked her as different.
A woman concealed in the folds of a flowing cloak and hood steps forward with a remarkable grace as the guards at the throne room’s entrance bid her to enter. She pauses with her forward motion a few feet from the throne. From beneath the folds of the cloak, a delicate hand appears and lifts upwards to push back the hood of her cloak. As her face and head are revealed, a collective gasp is drawn from all in witness. Her eyes shine like a delicate spring leaf, her face a creamy white like the foam upon the sea, and her hair, a rich earthy tone. She is a beautiful woman with features of perfection and awe to any who might look upon her.
Uther, however, seems immune, and narrows his eyes with suspicion.
“King Uther, I bid you to demonstrate your wisdom this day.” The woman says in a voice as delicate and beautiful as the loving touch of a warm spring breeze. “This spring brings forth the Blessing of the Wolf, long lost over the past twenty years. Already the marks of the Alpha have gone out calling to the Tournament of leadership.”
“How dare you!” Uther growls as he slams his fist atop the arm of his throne. “Guards! Arrest her!”
The corners of the woman’s mouth rises in amusement as everyone, save herself and Uther, freezes. “You are ever defiant Uther, so much like a spoiled child testing the limits of his world.” She says softly. “You are ruled by anger so much so that it taints decisions that should come as natural as breathing.” Tilting her head slightly the curling of her lips fades into a frown. “We are very disappointed in you Uther.”
“Is this sorcery?” Uther says with a hint of confusion as he stands to view his frozen court. Turning to look upon the woman, he frowns. “Who are you? What have you done?”
Laughter dances in the air. “You have, through your actions, destroyed much of what the gods have blessed and granted to the people of this world. Hatred breeds fear, and fear responds with hatred. It is an ugly cycle that can only bring destruction.”
“How dare you speak to me as such! I am the King!” Uther snarls as he narrows his eyes at the woman. “I’ll see you executed for the crime of sorcery!”
The woman purses her lips as she considers Uther’s outburst. In that moment her hair and cloak lift as if possessed by a gentle breeze. “The disappointment continues.” She says as if coming to a decision. “At the very least, show some intelligence we granted you. You should be trembling in the presence of a Goddess, especially when that Goddess has championed to give you a final chance to right that which has offended us.” Moving forward the woman lifts a finger and gently taps Uther’s forehead as he takes a step back. “Know the truth Uther. We do not wish to meddle in the world of mortals but you’ve gone too far. Too much has been forgotten and lost. My whispers now echo upon the breeze that will touch all of Camelot by nightfall. A blessing I granted and cherish for the procreative energy returns to the hearts and mind of your people. Embrace and encourage this blessing as if your life depended upon its fulfillment Uther.” She whispers.
Opening and closing his mouth, at first intending to argue, Uther’s brow furrows as he finds himself accepting the words spoken. For a brief moment, fear flickers in his eyes.
“From this night forward, under the stars at the dawn of the newly born spring, the blessings of the wolf shall return to the people of Camelot. First in unity, charged with leadership and protection, the alpha’s now marked shall emerge and gather around you. You know yourself to be an Alpha, and now you shall know others.“ The woman says as her voice booms through the halls and her figure becomes semi-transparent. “Let those blessed as Alphas compete and find their place in the hierarchy. Actions and skill now matter as it was always meant to be. They are leaders among the people and it is your duty to see it so.”
Floating upwards, the woman continues, “As the Alpha’s gather, so too do the Omega’s. Driven by the blessed need for union and procreation, they will by scent and sense find their partner in the natural order. It is their purpose to bring peace and order in the chaos that often comes with the mantle of aggression and leadership worn by the Alpha.” An expression of affection crosses over the woman’s divine face. It lasts only a moment before she gives Uther a hard stare. “The Gods cherish the Omega’s so they are to be protected and nurtured.”
In the blink of an eye, the face of the woman reappears a few inches in front of Uther. “Be warned Uther Pendragon, should you bring any harm to them or prevent them from finding their natural match, you will find the Gods will act swiftly to remove you and all you’ve tainted in this world.”
Fading from sight, the Goddess leaves a chill in the air. Given no other option, the King now bows to the will of the Gods.
The court comes to a strange close with none seeming to be able to recall who the last to plead their case before the King announces the upcoming Tournament to celebrate the ancient Blessing of the Wolf.
~*~*~
It takes only a few days for Camelot to become fully involved in the preparations for the Tournament. No one seems to question the blessing or the suddenness for preparing a celebration.
Glancing up from his breakfast, Gaius opens his mouth as if to say something. Before a sound is made, he’s looks back down intently at his food.
“What?” Merlin asks, “You look like you want to say something.” He offers the Physician a broad grin. “If you need me to do something, you can go ahead and tell me. I won’t complain.” His grin fades a little bit, “Well, that’s not true, I might complain, but you’ve never had any trouble ignoring it before.”
“I’ve been thinking that it’s been a long while since you’ve seen your mother, Merlin,” Gaius says without looking up from his bowl of porridge. “With the upcoming tournament, I’m sure that the Prince wouldn’t have an issue giving you the time off.”
Furrowing his brow, Merlin pauses the downward scoop of his spoon into his porridge. “You can’t be serious. Arthur is participating and just like all tournaments, he’ll work me from dawn until late into the night tending to his armor and weapons. Even with the extra work, it doesn’t even take into consideration the time needed to take care of his personal needs. He won’t be giving me an hour off let alone time to visit my mum.”
Furrowing his brow and peering up from his breakfast bowl, the Court Physician eyes his ward carefully. “This tournament is slightly primitive in comparison to the ones you’ve witnessed in Camelot thus far, so you’ll not have the same duties.” Gaius says firmly, “Take advantage and go off to see your mother, I’m sure she’d be thrilled.”
“Well,” Merlin says after swallowing a mouthful of porridge. “I suppose it couldn’t hurt to ask. Worst he could say is no.”
The older man looks almost visibly relieved with the warlock’s decision. “Good,” he says as he returns his attention to his meal. “Now finish up so you can get to your work before you’re late.”
After offering Gaius an affectionate grin, Merlin quickly shoves in several bites of his morning meal. “I’ll be back later to help if I can. It shouldn’t take too long to get Arthur’s breakfast and tidy up his chambers.” And with that, the energetic young man is out the door.
A short time later, laden down with the Prince’s breakfast tray, Merlin enters the darkened chambers of the Crown Prince of Camelot. Shaking his head at the near cave-like qualities of the rooms, the warlock makes his way to the table in the main room where he carefully places the tray.
Quietly approaching the prince’s bed, Merlin cranes his neck as a strange almost growling sound fills the air. Nearly tripping over his feet, he comes to a halt. “Arthur?” he whispers as his heart begins to pound deep within his chest. The odd sound ceases with the manservant’s whisper and after a few moments of silence, a more familiar broken snore filters out from the curtained bed.
Patting his chest as if to calm his heart Merlin takes a few more steps to reach the bed. Carefully pulling aside the curtains and tucking them against the posts of the bed, the warlock glances towards the sleeping figure. A smirk appears on the manservant’s lips before turning to head to the curtains covering the window.
“Rise and shine!” Merlin calls out with no small amount of humor in his tone as he pushes aside the curtains to let the bright morning sun into the room. Opening his mouth to call out a second time, the sound of growling sends him turning in fear. “What….” He sputters out as he catches the sour expression of the Prince staring at the now open window. “Arthur, are you growling?” he asks gobsmacked.
“Shut up Merlin!” Arthur snarls out harshly as he turns away from the window as he pushes himself into a sitting position on the edge of the bed opposite the window.
Snorting softly, Merlin moves to the wardrobe and begins pulling out the Prince’s clothing. “Someone’s woken up grumpy today,” he says as he tosses the clothing over the dressing screen. “Your breakfast is at the table, unless you’d like to dress first.”
Grunting rudely, Arthur heads towards the table. “Food first.” The Prince says flatly as he reaches for a sweet roll as he drops heavily into his chair. “And I warn you. I’m not in the mood to deal with your nonsense.”
Pausing and turning to look at the Prince with a raised brow, Merlin frowns. “Are you not feeling well or is this some sort of Alpha thing that’s coming out? Should I go and fetch Gaius?” He asks as he crosses the room to stand by the table. Reaching out for the water jug on the tray, he pours a mug for the Prince.
“It’s a response to an incompetent servant, but there is a chance that it’s my Alpha senses and characteristics becoming more sensitive.” Arthur mutters as he reaches for the mug of water. “And Gaius is not to be disturbed. He’s working on a project for my father.”
“Oh?” Merlin says curiously as he moves the tray and begins to arrange the various plates of food before the Prince. “He didn’t mention anything to me.”
“He wouldn’t,” Arthur says as he reaches for a sausage. “He’s sworn to silence on the matter. Even I’m not privy to the full details.”
“Surely he could have told me. I’ve helped him so much on these sort of projects in the past.” Merlin says with a deepening frown. “I am his assistant after all.”
“You’re an idiot.” Arthur mutters ill-temperedly between bites of sausage. “What part of he’s sworn to silence did you not understand?”
“Fine, fine, forget I said anything at all.” Merlin says as he ignores the Prince’s less than stellar demeanor, “Speaking of Gaius,” he says as he refills Arthur’s mug of water, “He suggested that I ask you for time off to go visit my mother during the upcoming Tournament.”
“Did he now?” Arthur says with narrowed eyes. “And I suppose he failed to mention that all citizens of the realm must make themselves available for the Tourney.”
A look of shock sweeps over the Warlock’s expression, “Whatever would you require of we peasants during a tournament. Surely you’re not going to use us as targets, are you?” He asks before he pauses to search Arthur’s face for some hint as to what the Prince means.
Taking the last sausage from his breakfast plate, Arthur leans back in his chair to enjoy the last link of meat. “I’ll have you know that everyone is more than thrilled to participate if they’re lucky enough to take part in this Tournament. It’s been a long while since this has been held, so surely you wouldn’t want to miss the opportunity to watch.”
“Oh how could I forget about the fun of watching muscular types bash each other’s heads into the dirt? A little blood, sweat, perhaps a little spit, and other interesting excrements added to massive amounts of violence. You’ll have to forgive me if I’m unable to hold back my excitement.” Merlin mutters with a roll of his eyes and a shrug of his shoulders. “Perhaps he suggested that I go visit my mother because he knows how much I’ll probably enjoy the upcoming events.”
“Perhaps,” Arthur agreed as he turns his attention to the thick slices of ham layered on the meat plate. “But you serve me now and that makes you subject to the same rules that apply to all citizens of Camelot. As such, you’ll stay in Camelot for the Tournament. I’m sure to have plenty of errands to keep you busy.”
~*~*~
In hindsight it probably wasn’t a good idea to point out that the Prince had control issues. It was also very likely unwise to point out that the Prince behaving rather heartless in depriving his loyal manservant an opportunity to visit Ealdor just so the royal prat would have someone to do laundry during the Tourney.
Overall, two hours in the stocks isn’t the worst that Merlin has had to face. It did, however; smell much worse than an afternoon mucking the stalls for the Prince’s horses. “Is there a rule about what can be thrown at someone in the stocks?” Merlin asks as he enters the Court Physician’s chambers. “Because someone threw a rotten egg, and I’m almost positive that eggs in any form are against the rules.”
“Good heavens.” Gaius says as he waves his hand in front of his nose. “That has to be more than a single rotten egg. You positively reek.”
Snorting softly the younger man offers a condemning glare as he passes the older man. “It’s partially your fault that I ended up in the stocks, Gaius so I have absolutely no sympathy for your offended sense of smell.” Merlin complains as he moves to get the bucket of water from beside the fireplace. “Arthur never would have sent me to the stocks had I not asked for time off to go visit mum.”
Both of Gaius’s eyebrows rose notably at what Merlin had said. “Prince Arthur put you in the stocks for asking for time off?” He asked incredulously.
Putting the bucket on the table used for their meals, Merlin frowns. “Not exactly.” He says while doing his very best to avoid looking directly into his mentor’s eyes. “I suspect that some mention of his being heartlessness and having control issues had more to do with my ending up in the stocks than the request to go.” Pausing to pluck a few more bits of rotten fruit from his hair, the Warlock adds, “The main cause I think was the grouchy mood that Arthur woke up with.”
“There’s more than one person in poor humor of late. It’ll only get worse as the kingdoms Alpha’s emerge within the population.” Gaius says as he brings a pitcher of water and a bowl to the table. “Here, let me help you rinse your hair.”
“Every single Tournament I’ve seen in Camelot has always put Arthur and the Knights into a good mood.” Merlin says as he leans his head over the bowl. “Everyone usually gets excited at the prospect of spilling blood or causing bruises with one deadly implement of death or another. But for this Tourney, there’s either indifference or grumpiness. It’s all very odd.”
“Odd doesn’t come close to describing this Tournament.” Gaius says as he pours a steady stream of water over his ward’s head, carefully dislodging the debris in Merlin’s hair. “At least it happens infrequently. Even I’ve only seen it held once before when I was about your age.”
“It was that long ago? If it happens so infrequently, then why does everyone seem to know something about it?” Merlin asks in surprise. “What exactly is this Tournament all about? I know the basics like everyone else, but I’ve nothing to relate it to.” Merlin continues as he sweeps his fingers through his wet hair, helping to dislodge the bits of spoiled produce and slimy egg. “Arthur says that all citizens of Camelot are required to be available. What does that mean? He never really explained.”
Frowning intently, the older man carefully inspects his ward’s dark locks. “Your hair looks clean enough,” Gaius says as he puts the pitcher down onto the table. “Once you’ve cleaned your face, neck and hands, you can dunk your head into the bucket for a final rinse.”
Nodding at the Court Physician’s instructions, Merlin looks up into his mentor’s face. “Does the project Uther has you working on have anything to do with the Tournament?”
Furrowing his brow and narrowing his eyes, Gaius grabs Merlin’s upper arm. “What do you know of the King’s tasking?” He asks forcefully. “Where did you hear of it?”
“Nothing! I know nothing at all, other than what Arthur’s told me.” Merlin says defensively. “He said you were not to be disturbed and that you were under the Kings orders not to say anything. And I’m not asking what it’s about, just if it has something to do with the Tournament.”
Sighing heavily, the older man makes his way around the table to drop down onto the stool opposite the younger man. Crossing his arms atop the table, Gaius looks at the table top as it suddenly had become the most interesting thing in the world. “The Tournament dates back hundreds of years to a time when the old religion held a higher place in the lives of the people.” Lifting a finger, he flicks at a piece of food that had fallen from his young wards shoulder. “Uther calls it a curse and for the last twenty years it’s been outlawed.” He says continuing his answer. “Supposedly it was intended as a blessing from the gods. As it is, for every one person that might think it a curse, there is another who still thinks of it as a blessing.”
Settling down on his own stool to listen, Merlin asks, “So it has a basis in Magic and the old ways? If this is so, then what’s happened to change Uther’s mind on the matter. Why all of a sudden is he allowing such a Tournament to be held? He hates magic and anything related to it.”
“He says that he has no real choice.” Gaius says, glancing up into Merlin’s face. “While the memory is foggy for most who had been present last week when the King held court, Uther seems convinced the gods themselves forced his hand to accept the blessing and all that it entails.” He says as he returns his gaze to the table top. “I have to admit, I can see a number of good things coming from this Tournament, but I’m still cautious about who might be exposed in the presence of a King long known to take a heavy hand when dealing with anything related to magic.”
Merlin tilts his head slightly in confusion. “Do you think he’s setting a trap?”
“I’m not really sure,” Gaius says, looking up with a concerned stare. “If it is, then he’s taking extraordinary measures to be sure that anyone who reveals themselves to be an Omega is both protected and well cared for.” Sighing softly the shadow of a smile appears upon the Court Physician’s face. “I’ve no doubt that Prince Arthur will establish himself as the primary Alpha, but it is yet unseen who might suitably match his strong personality. It should get interesting my boy.”
“I suppose it depends on what you call interesting,” Merlin says, taking a moment to dunk a cloth into the bucket. As he wipes his face he adds, “So if Uther is being honest with sponsoring this Tournament, how is all this supposed to go? Do the Alpha’s all bash each other about to earn the hand of some fair Omega maiden?”
“It’s a little more complicated than that.” Gaius says. He presses his lips together tightly as he seems to consider his next words carefully. When he does speak he watches his wards face for comprehension. “This blessing affects both the social order and the physical state of the Alphas and Omegas. In this, the blessing draws a similarity to wolves but it is more adapted to the needs of humanity while at the same time adding superior physical attributes. It also aligns magic with the non-magical so that each enhances the other to the point of greatness. ”
“I haven’t noticed any physical differences in the people of Camelot.” Merlin says with a slight frown of consideration. “And as your assistant, I think I’ve seen a good bit more of a person’s physical sided than the average might see.”
“The notable differences are in the genitals, Merlin.” Gaius says with a slight lift of his brow. “And I should hope you’ve not done any investigations in that regard.”
“Oh, um, no.” The younger man says as his checks flush a bright pink.
“The castes which experienced the greatest change were the male Alpha’s and the male Omega's. Like wolves, both males and female Alpha's gained a strong sense of leadership and dominance that sets them apart from all others in the kingdom. The Alpha’s have a superior intelligence and a physical appearance that sets them well above others." Gaius explains growing red faced as he continues to explain. “Physically, the Alpha males developed a knot, much like a wolf. Like the wolf, this knot ties the Alpha to their mate during copulation.” Pausing a moment, the Court Physician eyes Merlin with an odd expression, almost as if he is considering something beyond his spoken words. "For the male Omega's they acquired a physical capability to carry a child much like a woman.”
“How would that even be possible?” Merlin asks with an expression of deep consideration. “Males have no internal structures that would accommodate a pregnancy.”
“Without going into too much detail, the Omega male’s anal canal contains a secondary passageway just beyond the sphincter. This secondary passage is sealed by a muscular flap that acts much like the epiglottis which prevents food from entering the lungs when swallowing.” Gaius says with surprising details and enthusiasm for the scientific details of a magical blessing. “As the Omega male begins their cycle, their digestive system effectively shuts down and once the lower bowls are clear this flap opens allowing penetration into this secondary passage. This secondary passage leads to the internal reproductive organs that are similar in nature to a woman’s internal structure.” Clearly considering the matter from a professional standpoint, the Court Physician frowns slightly. “While I have no first-hand information on the matter, the theory is that penetration outside the Omega males cycle takes place in the anal canal with the sperm being deposited uselessly in the rectum.”
Merlin stares at Gaius with large round eyes and a shocked expression. “Gaius, you’ve given me entirely too much information on something that I’d be much happier not even knowing. “
“You did seem interested enough to make a statement regarding the impossibility of a male pregnancy.” Gaius says defensively lifting a brow as he peers at Merlin critically. “I was only providing facts to correct your assumption.”
Quickly clearing his throat as if swallowing any further thought on the matter of male on male reproduction, Merlin continues along his original concern. “To be honest, considering the end purpose, this blessing doesn’t have a whole lot to build a Tournament around. While the Alpha’s could perhaps establish some sort of placement, I can’t believe that the King would permit the winners to pick a partner and have at it. I know there are a number of magical things related to an exhibition of virility, and the Gods do seem to encourage that sort of thing, but it’s just unthinkable to allow something as personal and intimate as a reward for winning a Tournament.” He sputters out uncomfortably.
“You’re right. Uther would not allow physical liberties as a reward for winning. While it does ultimately end in a union, it is much more than that for all parties involved.” The Court Physician says with a frown. Leaning forward slightly, he glances up to peer firmly into Merlin's eyes. "The King himself is an Alpha, as is his son. It's a trait in the Royal line that has existed since the first day of the blessing. Like it or not, it is a part of who he is and he cannot deny this blessing without disregarding who and what he is. It is his responsibility to see that the hierarchy of the Alpha’s is sorted out to adequately fulfill the needs of the kingdom. And, in turn, as the most dominate Alpha, he is also charged with seeing to the protection of the Omega’s until they can be adequately bonded to an Alpha." Taking a deep breath and releasing it slowly, the Court Physician peers at his ward carefully. “It’s a delicate matter. An Alpha who isn’t controlled, and an Omega that isn’t bonded to an Alpha are both a danger to themselves and to their community. “
“It sounds ridiculously complicated.” Merlin comments with a huff of breath. “But I suppose it’ll make more sense once I see some of the events.”
Gaius nods his head. “I’m sure it will.” He says firmly. “I myself look forward to the events and the outcome. This is the one event that can and does raise a peasant to the level of a noble should their actions prove their worth in the games. Uther has already said that he’d keep to the tradition as he agrees that as leaders among men, all Alphas belong in the noble class.”
“So this is why all citizens of Camelot must be available for this Tournament.” Merlin says with an expression filled with shock. “Never in my life would I have guessed that Uther would support making a peasant a noble. He’s always been so keen on the superiority of the noble class."
“It’s rare, but it has historically happened.” Gaius says quickly. “The matter will be settled in a few days, and by then we should start identifying the Omegas.”
Merlin rolls his eyes. “Among wolves, the Omega’s are the lowest of the low, the ones kicked about as an outlet for those above it in the hierarchy.” Merlin says narrowing his eyes with distaste at the thought of what this might mean for a person. “Even with an Omega male gaining the capacity to bear children, I certainly can’t see anyone being pleased to be categorized as an Omega.”
“Had the Gods wove the Omega caste in the same manner of wolves, I’d agree with you,” Gaius says with a slight smile. “But in humans it’s a rare thing for an Omega to be born, and rarer still for a male Omega. The number of Alphas normally is double the number of available Omegas . That will make the competition between the Alphas even more fierce.”
“Clearly, I’m not understanding something,” Merlin says as he plants and elbow atop the table. Resting his chin in his upturned hand he eyes the Court Physician expectantly. “Exactly what did this blessing do for the Omega’s?”
“Omega’s have a knack for calming and focusing the extremes of strength and temper that sometime manifest themselves in an Alpha. They are the rare person who can turn it around the more negative aspects of an Alpha in such a manner that soothes and often times bring great pleasure to an Alpha.” Gaius says looking away towards the end of his explanation as if leaving something unspoken.
Shrugging his shoulders and rising up from his stool, Merlin turns towards his room while pulling off his soiled shirt. “Well, it all sounds a bit dodgy to me, but I suppose it might be rather fun to watch especially since I won’t have to clean and tend to Arthur’s armor and weapons.” He says as he disappears behind his door only to return a moment later with a clean tunic in hand. “So,” he says as he pulls on his tunic, “I assume we’ll end up patching up the damage the Alpha’s do to themselves in the upcoming barbaric tests of leadership.”
“I’ll be doing that and seeing to the needs of the Omega’s.” Gaius says with a soft chuckle. “There will be much to do, but I promise, in the end it’s all rather exciting to watch.”
“I’ll take your word for it, Gaius. It’s done nothing for me so far other than to give me an uneasy feeling in the pit of my belly.” Merlin says with a frown and a tilt of his head. "As it is, I sincerely doubt that I'll ever understand the oddities that keep showing up in the workings of the Kingdom.”
“You’re not alone in your confusion,” Gaius says as he rises to his feet. “But if memory serves me, the confusion will soon give way to something positive. Myself, I believe that Uther taking this step towards tolerating something remotely related to magic perhaps it will eventually bring an end to the dark times that have us hiding in fear.”
“Well,” Merlin says with a shrug of his shoulders. “This wouldn’t be the first odd thing in Camelot that came from Magic. I highly doubt it’ll be the last and I refuse to get my hopes up about Uther showing any good will towards the magically endowed.”
“There’s a good chance that you’re right, my boy, but I’m going to hold out that it’s a start.” Gaius says with a nod. “Now off with you, I’m sure the Prince will be looking for his lunch.”
“Oh joy of joys!” Merlin complains as he heads for the door. “After a morning of being pelted with rotten food it’ll be a miracle if I don’t get sick in Arthur’s lunch.”
~*~*~