A Question of Liberty.pdf

A Question of Liberty

Title:

Title: A Question of Liberty, Part One

Author:

Author: riventhorn

Rating:

Rating: NC-17

Spoilers:

Spoilers: None

Pairings:

Pairings: Arthur/Merlin, Gwen/Lance, Morgana/Leon

Disclaimer:

Disclaimer: No copyright infringement intended, no profit is being made from this

Summary:

kinkme_merlin prompt: Arthur/Merlin colonial America AU. Set

during the Revolutionary War. Merlin is an indentured servant who arrives in America in

1774 and is quickly swept up in the coming Revolution.

kinkme_merlin

Part One

Arthur leaned across the table, bringing his palm down against the smooth wood. ÑIt is a question

of liberty,Ò he said firmly. ÑAs citizens of the crown, we have certain rightsÐrights that are being

trampled, disregarded. We are facing tyranny, gentlemen, and must act.Ò

Lance and Gareth nodded eagerly, but Gawain looked skeptical. ÑYet taxes are necessaryÐthey

provide us with certain benefits. Protection for our colonists and ships, for one.Ò

ÑBut we have a right to participate in the administration of those taxes!Ò Arthur retorted. ÑAnd if

the king provides protection with one hand, he stifles us with the other. Further expansion

westward blockedÐfor over ten years, nowÐand restrictions on whom we may trade with, what

we may produce.Ò

ÑThe subjugation of Boston could happen to any of us!Ò Gareth added. ÑYou must see that

Gawain. These vile lawsÐforcing us to provide quarter for lobster-backs, shutting down the portÐ

what is to stop Parliament from forcing them onto the rest of the colonies?Ò

Gawain shrugged, looking uneasy. ÑBut armed revoltÐÒ

ÑNo one is suggesting that,Ò Arthur said quickly. ÑWe are not advocating independence, simply a

recognition of certain just and necessary reforms. This is 1774, not 1400Ðwe are not serfs, forced to

bow to the will of a despot.Ò

Gawain shook his head and downed the rest of his beer. ÑTis a bad situation and likely to get

worse before it gets better,Ò he commented and stood up, pulling on his hat. ÑGood day to you,

lads.Ò He left the coffeehouse, ducking his broad frame through the door.

Gareth sighed and reluctantly buttoned his jacket. ÑI had best go as wellÐfather expects me down

at the warehouse this afternoon.Ò

ÑAnd Miss Linesse usually promenades down High Street at this hour, tooÐhow convenient,Ò

Lance added with a grin.

Gareth blushed. ÑIf I should happen to run into her, I would count it as merely the happiest of

coincidences,Ò he replied stiffly, and left to the sounds of Arthur and Lance chuckling.

A Question of Liberty

Title:

Author:

Rating:

Spoilers:

Pairings:

Disclaimer:

Summary:

Summary: Written for the kinkme_merlin

Part One

ÑSpeaking of the fairer sex,Ò Arthur said to Lance, Ñwould you care to accompany me out to

Fairhill? I want to see how married life is treating LeonÐand, of course, there is the chance you

might catch a glimpse of Gwen.Ò

Lance started to protest, but Arthur cut him off, ÑNo use denying it, my friend. The way your eyes

follow her betrays you.Ò

ÑI would never do anythingÐless than honorable,Ò Lance said, shifting uncomfortably.

Arthur laughed. ÑGwen is MorganaÔs maid, Lance. Honor hardly comes into it. She might be

perfectly willing but how will you find out if you never speak to her? ÓTis not as though you plan

on asking her to marry you!Ò

Lance looked even more uncomfortable. ÑOf course. Thank you for the offer, but I cannot accept. I

have business in town.Ò

Arthur frowned but let the matter go. He returned home to change into his riding attire and then

set out. Leon and Morgana had been married for two weeks now, and Arthur was anxious to find

out how Leon was coping. In truth, he had been surprised when Morgana agreed to the

match. Leon was a capital fellow, of course, and had inherited a substantial estate, but he seemed a

bit tooÐmundane for MorganaÔs tastes. Arthur suspected she had agreed because it got her away

from UtherÔs watchful guardianship, gave her the freedom to manage her own household. Still, he

hoped she was being affectionate and kind to Leon and not letting her often sarcastic tongue get

the better of her.

As the crowded streets of Philadelphia fell behind him, Arthur felt his breath come more easily.

He found the city so confining at times. As a boy, he had relished in the swirl of people, the

fascinating bustle along the wharves, the fine buildings. But latelyÐwell, his life had settled into a

strict pattern of business and social events, overseen carefully by his father. No room for anything

beyond attending to his responsibilities. And MorganaÔs marriage had raised the question of when

Arthur would get married himself. Uther had made a few thinly veiled hints about the many

eligible young ladies that Arthur met at parties and dances.

Arthur intended to find a wife, of course, but why the damnable rush? He hated feeling as though

he were being pushed into things. So he relished the opportunity to at least escape from the city

for a few hours, even if he could never avoid his responsibilities.

The wheat and barley looked healthy enough, Arthur noted as he rode through the fields before

the manor house. They needed rain, though. It had been a dry, stifling July so farÐhotter than

usual. Today was no differentÐsunny, with hardly a breeze to break the heat. His hair was damp

with sweat under his hat, and even though he wore the lightest coat he possessed, it still felt too

hot.

He urged his horse to a faster trot, eager to reach the house and the prospect of a refreshing glass

of Madeira. When he pulled up at the stable, however, there was no one in sight except a dark

haired boy that Arthur did not recognize. The boy was engaged in untangling a mess of ropes and

halters and appeared oblivious to ArthurÔs arrival. He wore a pair of rather threadbare breeches and

a coat and flophat that had seen better days. He was skinny and pale, frowning in concentration as

he bent over his task. Arthur vaguely recalled Leon mentioning getting a new servant from

Captain Haelig and supposed it must be this boy.

Arthur cleared his throat expectantly. No response. Irritated, Arthur swung down from the horse

and strode up to the boy, nudging him in the leg with his boot. ÑAre you deaf?Ò he demanded.

The boy gaped up at him, startled, and then scrambled to his feet. ÑUm, sorry.Ò He glanced from

Arthur to the horse and back again.

ÑTake care of my horse, you idiot,Ò Arthur snapped, shoving the reins into his hand.

The boy flushed and opened his mouth, then snapped it shut again. ÑYes. Sir ,Ò he finally muttered

in a most disrespectful tone and led ArthurÔs horse into the stable.

Rolling his eyes, Arthur walked towards the house. He knocked on the door and was admitted by

Gwen, who led him into the front parlor and then went to fetch Leon. Leon arrived a few minutes

later.

ÑArthur! What a pleasant surprise! Sit down, please.Ò Leon gestured, and Arthur took a seat by the

window in the hopes of catching a breeze. ÑA glass of wine?Ò

ÑYes, thank you.Ò Arthur surveyed Leon as he poured out two glasses of Madeira. ÑYou seem to be

surviving marriage to Morgana better than I expected.Ò

Leon laughed, handing Arthur his wine and sitting down himself. ÑIt may surprise you Arthur, but

Morgana is really a most charming woman.Ò

ÑSometimes I think she must have cast a spell on you,Ò Arthur replied, smiling.

Leon laughed again. ÑThen I would call her a most charming witch. NoÐour relations have been

most amiable. Although, she does hold some ratherÈinteresting notions that I was not aware of.Ò

ÑAh, so Morgana gave you her speech about granting women greater liberties, did she?Ò Arthur

took a sip of wine. ÑAll that nonsense about married women being allowed to own their own

property, giving women the right to vote.Ò

ÑShe was quite vehement.Ò

ÑYes, she is that. Best to let her have her say,Ò Arthur advised. ÑTalking her out of her

wrongheaded opinions is impossibleÐmy father tried to for years with no results.Ò

Morgana entered the room at that juncture, managing to appear as collected and serene as ever

despite the heat. Arthur gave her a kiss on the cheek. ÑLeon still seems to be in love with you.Ò

ÑAnd why should he not be?Ò Morgana demanded with a smile for Leon, who was holding a chair

out for her with an absolutely besotted look on his face. ÑI only treat you like a spoiled infant

because you behave like one.Ò

ÑIndeed, you are as charming as ever,Ò Arthur noted, sitting back down. ÑFather sends his regards.Ò

ÑWe must have you both to dinner. Perhaps next week.Ò Morgana settled her skirts. ÑI shall invite

Mr. and Mrs. Wodehouse as well. Show her how a true American holds a dinner party. I heard

that she actually served East India tea! If we are to make the king change his mind, we must show

a united front. None of this grumbling about going without certain comforts. I honestly cannot

abide fools like herÐunwilling to make the smallest sacrifices!Ò

ÑSpeaking of fools,Ò Arthur said, Ñyour latest servant appears to have some sort of mental

affliction.Ò

Leon raised an eyebrow. ÑMerlin? What did he do?Ò

ÑCompletely ignored me at first and hardly spoke with the proper sort of respect. Was he the best

you could find?Ò

Leon shrugged. ÑHalf of them had the fever, and the other half looked the worst sort of

criminals. Merlin at least seemed honest. I need someone who wonÔt take it into his head to run

away for the frontier before his six years are up.Ò He frowned. ÑI will speak to him, though. Make

sure he understands his duties.Ò

v.v.v.v.v.v.v.v.

Merlin twisted his hat in his hands, staring down at the ground as Leon lectured him. He bit back

the protests that rose to his lips. Why should he have to be polite when he was the one who had

been insulted first? But complaining would not get him anywhere except into worse trouble. So he

merely said, ÑYes, sir. It will not happen again, sir,Ò and breathed a sigh of relief when Leon left

without any mention of further punishment.

A gentle hand on his arm startled him, and he turned around to find Gwen smiling at him. ÑI did

not take you for a troublemaker, Merlin.Ò

ÑIÔm not!Ò Merlin protested. ÑI justÐI forgot my place. That man who was here this afternoon, I

didnÔt treat him with the proper respect. Not that he deserved my respect,Ò he added, angrily

scuffing his boot against the ground.

ÑAh, so you met Arthur, then.Ò

ÑWas that his name? Arthur?Ò

Gwen nodded. ÑHis father is Uther Pendragon, Mistress MorganaÔs guardian.Ò

ÑHeÔll likely be a frequent visitor, then?Ò

ÑYes, IÔm afraid so,Ò Gwen replied, smiling again at MerlinÔs despairing groan. ÑNow come, cook

has supper ready and the other boys will eat it all if you do not hurry.Ò

Merlin followed her to the kitchen, once more thankful that Gwen was here and had befriended

him. Fairhill was a large estate and boasted a good many servants. Planting, harvesting, and

tending to the crops were MerlinÔs main duties, but of course, there were many other tasks to be

done. He did not mind the work, particularly not when he received regular meals, but beyond

Gwen, the other servants had remained aloofÐpolite yet unwilling to be easy and friendly with

him.

It was his own fault, Merlin knew, and he cursed himself again for being so stupid. How often had

his mother told him to be careful, to guard against anyone finding out? It had just been theÐthe

newness of this place. So far from anything he had known before. Far from the crowded streets of

London, the succession of miserable, cramped rooms, the painful memory of the stone farmhouse,

sequestered in its little valley.

Merlin had felt freeÐas though anything were possible. So two days after he arrived at Fairhill,

when he had been sent off to work in one of the outlying fields, he had relaxed his guard, allowed

himself to forget for a moment. He was supposed to have been chopping up some trees that had

been cut down in preparation for clearing another acre of cropland. It had been warm, insects

humming in the tall grass, and after a few minutes of swinging the axe, Merlin had given in to

temptation. A quick gesture, his magic thrumming through his veins, and the axe kept chopping

while Merlin stretched out in the shade, taking in the new plants, the new smells, the new sounds.

He had barely heard the footsteps in time. The snap of a branch was the only warning. The axe

had dropped to the ground as John, one of the other farmhands, stepped into the clearing. Merlin

had scrambled to his feet.

ÑMerlin,Ò John had begun and then trailed off, staring from the axe, to Merlin, and back again. ÑA

strange thingÐI swore I heard the axe. But how could that be with you idling in the shade?Ò

Merlin had swallowed against a dry throat. ÑYou must have been mistaken,Ò he managed to

say. ÑIÐI will get back to work. Prithee, do not tell anyone that I was idling.Ò

John had grinned and told Merlin not to worry, but his eyes had remained puzzled,

considering. He did not know what John had whispered to the other servants, but after that they

had kept their distance. Either the rumors had not reached Gwen or she had ignored them, and

Merlin was grateful.

He only saw Gwen at odd moments throughout the day, though. After seeing him to the kitchen,

she left again, disappearing into the manor. Supper, the final chores of the day, and then Merlin

was lying in his blankets in the corner that had been allotted to him in one of the outbuildings. He

felt profoundly alone. Worse, with nothing to occupy him, he could not ignore the magic, which

always clung to the edges of his consciousness. To take his mind off it, he imagined that he had

someone back in England to write to. He thought about the letter he would send, describing the

voyage, what the colonies were like. But now that his mother was deadÐthere was no one else.

Curling onto his side, Merlin resisted the desire to use his magic that welled up in him. I

cannot. ÓTis unnaturalÐwrong. He no longer clung to the hope that if he did not use it, the magic

would disappear. For so long he had tried to resist it, but despite his best efforts, it was always

there. And he could never overcome the temptation to use itÐlike the other day in the woods with

the axe.

He possessed a vague memory of his father, kneeling next to him, his hand on MerlinÔs shoulder.

It is a gift, Merlin , his father had said. You must use it wisely.

But his father had died soon after. There was no one to answer MerlinÔs questions, to show him

how to use his magic. Instead there were only the stories, whispered among the other children, of

witches and sorcery and the devil.

Lying there in the dark, alone, all the familiar fear and shame returned. I am not evil . But he did not

understand why he had magic. What had he done that was so wrong? He could not believe his

father or mother had anything to do with it. Hunith, who had been so kind and gentle to

everyone. And Balinor, who, in MerlinÔs few memories, was also kind, if a bit gruff and stern. No,

it must be retribution for some sin he had committed, unknowing.

v.v.v.v.v.v.v.

The morrow found Merlin hoeing weeds, the hot sun glaring down. Straightening for a moment to

work the crick out of his neck, he saw Gwen coming across the field towards him. He waved at her,

and she waved back, holding up her skirts to keep them out of the dirt.

ÑYou look tired,Ò she said when she reached him. ÑAnd you need to put on some more of that salve

I gave youÐyour nose is peeling again.Ò One day in the fields had been enough to leave Merlin

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