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It was another peaceful evening in Camelot, stars were bright, streets were bustling with the evening crowd, and if you looked upon the city from a distance, the lights resembled a group of fireflies swarming about.
In the castle, there was a big dinner happening. Pigs, chickens and fish that were the size of your arm were roasted, their fat dripping into the fire and spreading the delicious smell through the kitchen and the rest of the castle. Vegetables were cooked and potatoes baked. Rows of apple pies were ready to take a trip to the ovens.
At the end of the table in the great hall, the king, queen and court sorcerer sat, together with their guest of the week: Lord Carwyn. Lord Carwyn wasn’t a very special man, he was of average length, around forty years of age, and had a hairline that suggested that he would have about 8 hairs in total by the time he was seventy.
While Gwen and Arthur talked with Lord Carwyn, Merlin studied Lord Carwyn’s guards. Solemn fellows, they were. They weren’t exactly big talkers, the two had barely exchanged more than five words with each other through the past two days. At least Carwyn was entertained.
Then again, it was hard to, in the presence of Gwen. The minute she had entered the room, all eyes had turned to her. The ladies of the court were immediately busy fawning over her gorgeous new dress. Pendragon red, of course, to match Arthur, with a wide neckline that was heavily embroidered with gold. It was stiffened and encircled her shoulders. The front of the bodice was laced up front, a belt made of golden rings accentuated her waist. Her sleeves flared open around her forearms, and were nearly as long as the skirt itself.
Arthur himself had a hard time tearing his eyes away from her when she entered. He had offered her his arm and while they walked, whispered “you look beautiful.” to her. She had smiled and said: “Thank you.”
When dinner was done the moment came where this weekend had led to. Tables were cleared and a clergyman entered with a scroll, a feather and some ink. The scroll detailed the new trade routes that would be built in Lord Carwyn’s land. When Arthur reached to grab the feather however, a sword was blocking his path. Lord Carwyn’s sword.
The sound of multiple swords sliding out of their leather sheath immediately filled the room. Before much else could happen, Lord Carwyn and his guards’ swords were pulled from their hands by an invisible force. Merlin made sure they laid near Arthur’s feet, so he could grab one. Leon and Elyan ran over to Carwyn, both took an arm and forced his knees to the ground. Gwaine and Percival backed the guards into a corner, keeping their swords pointed at their throats.
Arthur just sighed and calmly picked up two swords, also giving one to Gwen. “Thanks Merlin.” he said, “now what’s all this about?”
Carwyn was barely focused on what Arthur had said, he was still struggling and trying to get out of Leon and Elyan’s grip. At some point, he gave up and spat on the ground. “You know what this is about!”
Arthur looked back at Merlin, who only shrugged his shoulders. “I clearly don’t.” He said dryly.
“Twenty years ago, a large group of bandits entered our castle, the treasury was almost empty by the time they left! They killed half our guards! And Uther-” Merlin had to congratulate him on the disdain when he spoke Uther’s name, it was a lot of disdain. “Uther refused to send help! Now,” he growled. “Now I shall have my revenge! Your crown will be mine! Camelot will be mine!”
“I’m very sorry that happened to you, Lord Carwyn.” Arthur said, “but I’m not my father.” He gestured for Leon and Elyan to let Carwyn go and kicked the last sword that still laid on the ground back to him. “Take your sword, I’m not fighting an unarmed man. Let’s settle this like men.”
Carwyn nodded. He reached for the sword, but it was for nought. A boot stood on it, Merlin’s boot. Official court sorcerer, Merlin. His eyes were blazing with gold. His last thought would be “oh shit.”
“I have some advice for you.” Merlin told him, he was speaking quite softly, but still, his voice echoed through the great hall. “Don’t threaten Camelot in my presence, because though Arthur might be quite the honourable man, I’m no Arthur.”
There was a greeting roaring sound, the pressure in the room pressed on everyone’s eardrums, and as fast as it had came, Carwyn was sucked out of the room and pulled through the nearest window.
Merlin stood up, satisfied, Arthur however, had covered his head with his hand and could only imagine the amount of paperwork he would now have to do.