Merlin's Son: A Tale old as Time • Merthur

6 - Arthur's Destiny Part 1

     Merlin handed Leo over to Hunith. It had been a year since Leo was born and to part with him now... It was a heartbreaking moment for Merlin but it was the safest option, for this point in time. Overall Leo was a very happy baby. But being inside a castle all day is no way for his son to grow up.
"Merlin, my son. I will look after Leo with my life. But you must come and see him often. You do not want the Father Son bond to break," She spoke softly, gently. Merlin nodded, with tears in his eyes.
"I have to go back, it is dangerous in Camelot now, I'm worried for Arthur." He spoke and Hunith nodded in understanding.
"Of course. Protect your Prince," She said with a knowing smile. Merlin smiled, kissing his Mother on the forehead before kissing Leo's. "I'm sorry, Leo Balinor. I will be back before you know it. It's just not safe for you right now. I love you," He said, tears falling down his face.

"Merlin, I'm missing your usual insults. What's wrong?" Arthur asked as they rode through the forest. Merlin looked at Arthur, blinking out of his thoughts.

"Why exactly are we going after this cup? Surely it's safest to leave it in the hands of the druids?" Merlin questioned, successfully changing the subject. Arthur sighed deeply. He knew Merlin was right but his Father seemed extremely worried about this Cup of Life. So, he had to do what Uther needed him to do and nothing more.

"I'm doing the King's orders, nothing more." Arthur said simply and Merlin was about to reply when he recognised a voice.

"Am I interrupting something, lovebirds?" Merlin grinned brightly at the sound of Gwaine, slowing down a little so Gwaine could catch up to them.

"Gwaine!" Merlin greeted his old friend cheerfully.

"What are you doing here, Gwaine?" Arthur asked, grinning as well. Arthur noticed that Merlin did not deny that they were lovebirds... But he couldn't think about that. Not now, anyway.

"Let's be real, you two couldn't last five minutes without me. I happened to be around the area when I got Merlin's latest letter. I'm sorry Leo had to go by the way," Gwaine spoke sincerely and Merlin bit his lip to stop the tears as he nodded as thanks to Gwaine.

"So that was the baby's name!" Arthur exclaimed which made Gwaine and Merlin both laugh as they got to the cave Sir Leon said the druids were hiding out. They tied their horses and walked in with caution, Arthur and Gwaine with swords in their hands. The cave seemed deserted. But Arthur was not easily fooled. He put his hand up to silence both Merlin and Gwaine when he saw movement from a towel hanging. He used his sword to move the towel out of the way and grabbed the shoulders of the nearest someone he saw. Who happened to be a young child. He let go of the child, but the child had frozen. Stayed put.

"Where is the cup?" Arthur asked. The child shook his head, indicating that he did not know. Arthur raised his eyebrows. It was clear he wasn't going to tell him.

"I am not my Father." He stated loud enough for anyone to hear and Merlin smiled, slightly proud. He could tell Arthur had changed a lot. He wasn't sure what finally clicked in Arthur but he was glad.

"We know that, Arthur Pendragon." A much older druid finally spoke and the three sighed with relief as the druids came out of hiding. "But how can we know the cup will be safe in your hands?"

"You don't. But would you rather it be in the hands of Camelot, or Cendred's men?"

The druid thought for a moment before slowly handing the cup to Arthur, who took it great fully. He nodded to the druid. "Thank you. I won't forget this." Arthur spoke, walking out of the cave.

As Merlin was leaving, he felt the druid speaking to him. The cup is in your hands now, Emrys. Guard it with your life.
Little did either of them know, Arthur heard their conversation just as he left the cave. Why did he call Merlin Emrys? What did that mean? And why did I hear that? What exactly is going on?