Stonework

[gilli-ann.livejournal.com]

Author: gilli_ann
Title: Stonework
Rating: G
Character/s: Merlin, Arthur
Summary: The person Arthur searches for may be closer than he thinks
Word Count: 250
Prompt: Bingo, prompt: 'Road Trip'
Author's Notes: Canon AU. Legends say that Merlin built Stonehenge, and that Druids were involved. So here goes.



Stonework


"We're going on a road trip," Arthur declared.

Merlin looked up, bewildered. "A what?"

"We're riding out to study the old roads to the north. I want to understand why they have endured for centuries."

"Oh." Merlin failed to hide a yawn.

"Do you think the roads were built using magic?" Arthur asked.

"Probably not. Why would sorcerers build roads?"

"Why would sorcerers do anything? And yet, while you were home visiting your mum, I had reports that someone used strong magic to erect a huge stone circle on the eastern plain. Apparently some major Druid ceremony took place, with their secretive leader in charge. The Druids fled before my patrol arrived, but those massive stones remain."

"Oh, well..."

"It's disconcerting that someone so powerful is on the loose. I've sent several knights to investigate."

"I see."

"We must apprehend that sorcerer."

"You'll ask him to build new roads?"

Arthur groaned, shaking his head at Merlin's attempted humour. "That would be more useful than dotting perfectly good land with useless standing stones. But no. He'll hang, according to the laws. Although we might use his bones as road fundaments, I suppose."

Merlin cracked a bleak smile at this, and yawned again.

"Am I boring you, MERlin?"

"It's been a demanding week, Arthur. Much to do in very little time."

"If Ealdor saps your energy this much, I may not ever give you leave to go back. But fresh air will do you good. Off to the old roads we go!"