Breakfast Talk

Aurelius cleared his throat. "The bucket would be in my room, Fia tended to me when I returned with a  bit of a scrape."

"Oh, I see..." Merlin said, a bit befuddled. "You should have had me take a look, sire."

"Now, Merlin, no need to get jealous, I simply did not want to wake you." Aurelius took a bit of eggs and wiggled his eyebrows at Merlin.

The servant left silently out the door and I caught a half-smile from Aurelius.

"So, brother, how was your trip?" Uther asked.

Aurelius grew solemn. "We thought them to be a rebel force of Saxons, not tied to any particular kingdom's intention, but I am afraid we may be wrong. We fought our best, but most of our men were taken down. A few of the enemy's men got away, and I fear we may only have a couple weeks until they return with even greater forces. We need to train brutally until we get word of their arrival."

Uther's eyes grew downcast, "Trouble must always find us. Well,"Uther stood up and pushed his chair back against the table, "I will be with the troops and help them train, you should rest for now, brother."

Aurelius stood, "Oh, you are quite the humorous one this morning. I will not sit idly by just because I have a little scrape. How about you and me have a go at it? Just like old times, huh?" He punched his brother in his arm.

"Careful what you wish for, brother. You're not as young as you use to be!" Uther chortled.

Merlin looked at me as Uther and Aurelius left, who continually to jested at one another. "Well, sister, how about I teach you a bit more about magic before I send you out on some errands?"

"Errands?" I asked.

"You can't sneak out all night and then think you can go without chores. Besides, I need more herbs and I'm a very busy guy." Merlin said, giving me an all-knowing smile. "Our people are not great liars, especially when told to family, I should have you know."

I felt myself sink in my chair.