My Guardian Angel

Chapter 6

"Arthur!" Gaius exclaimed catching the young prince's attention.

"Yes Gaius?" Arthur answered.

"I thought you we're leaving this morning," Gaius said.

Arthur stopped, "And where would I be leaving to exactly."

"I thought Merlin had talked to you yesterday. He said you had agreed...."

"You mean that Merlin is not with you," Arthur questioned with a stern expression, hoping beyond hope that his assumptions were wrong.

Gaius shook his head making Arthur's face crumble, "He left a note this morning. I don't understand, if you didn't leave than where is he?"

"I'm sorry Gaius, I must go. I promise you, Merlin will be fine," Arthur excused himself, speeding down the corridor.

"Father," Arthur exclaimed rushing into the courtroom where the council was holding a meeting.

"Arthur I hope you have good reason for this inappropriate interruption," Uther said with edge in his voice.

"Of course father," Arthur huffed, briskly making his way over to the king's side. Then continuing in a low voice he whispered, "I have a plan to put an end to the Black Knights."

"You do," Uther asked curiously.

"Yes, but it is a delicate matter," Arthur said.

Uther stared his son down with weary eyes, "Whatever must be done to ensure the safety of the kingdom."

Arthur looked relieved, "Thank you father. Though the journey I am to take must be alone, no questions asked."

At this Uther drew back. "Why," He asked clearly displeased.

Arthur was about to reply with the biting retort of, 'that's a question' before he realized that he was speaking with the king and not his manservant. "Please father, Sire, trust me. For the sake of our people."

"Promise me you will stay safe," Uther said.

"Of course," Arthur said trying to hide his joy at his father's admittance, though he would have gone regardless.

"You must leave at once for your journey, we have no idea as to when the Deorcnes might strike next."

"Yes father," Arthur bowed, exiting the courtroom. Once in the hall Arthur took a deep breath and sighed. He did not think his father would be so willing to let him go without explanation. Of course the threat of Camelot surely had swayed his decision.

Arthur couldn't believe he was going to commit treason, and for his manservant no less. Why couldn't Merlin ever do as he was told? Arthur also chided himself for not realizing that Merlin, being the stubborn idiot he was, would do something like this. The fool was going to get himself killed.

"My lord," Sir Leon stopped the prince. "I wish to accompany you on your journey. It is not wise for you to travel alone."

Arthur was greatly moved by his knight's loyalty and concern but he still feared what Sir Leon might do if he we're to find out the truth of Arthur's quest.

"I'm sorry but I must," Arthur responded.

"You forget that I know where you are going, Sire," Sir Leon remarked.

Arthur was startled, "You do?"

"I've told you before, I know of the legends. There is only one way to defeat the knights and if you really are traveling to the Pegoause Cascades then you'll need any assistance you can get." Arthur was astounded by Sir Leon's bravery and would be compelled to knight him then and there if he weren't already so.