sidhe_faerieTitle: The Future Is Now (Chapter 20)
Rating: PG
Pairing/s: Arthur/Gwen, Merlin/Morgana
Character/s: Professor Monmouth
Summary: The mysterious tablet is examined and something else is found
Warnings: none
Word Count: 892
Prompt: 324. entangle, courage, attic
Author's Notes:
Chapter 20
Morgana walked through the dusty passageway into the antiquities building and opened the door at its end. She rubbed her nose when the smell of dusty old books hit her. “It smells like the attic in my father's house. I expect to see a large spider any minute now.”
“No large spiders here. Just small ones.” Professor Monmouth chuckled. “This is the reference vault. Some of the books here are older than myself. The vault is this way.” He led her to a metal gate and took out his keys. “I am one of the few with a key to this part of the library.”
Morgana followed him into the gated section and looked around. There were cupboards lining the walls and a large table in the middle with a computer terminal sitting on it.
The professor opened a cupboard and pulled open one of the narrow drawers inside. “This is the tablet. We haven't been able to translate it. We tried every language spoken pr written during that period and nothing matches. We have even tried ciphers. Nothing worked. “
“I've never seen anything like it.” Morgana frowned. “May i take a photo?”
“Yes of course.” The professor nodded.
Morgana took a photo with her mobile and sent it to Merlin.
At the office, Merlin looked up from his paperwork when he heard the text come through. He picked up his phone and looked at the photo then called Morgana.
Morgana jumped when her phone rang in her hand. She answered it. “Merlin?”
The professor’s eyes went wide when he heard her say the name.
“Are you still there with the professor?”
“Yes.” Morgana looked at Professor Monmouth. “Do you want to speak to him?”
“Put me on speaker.”
“Okay.” Morgana put the call on speaker and looked at the professor. “What’s up, Merlin?”
“The tablet. Where was it found?”
“Wales. Near the coast. Excuse me but do you know what language is inscribed on it?” The professor asked. “If you are really Merlin of the legend then I would assume that you do.”
“I know it. It’s Dragon tongue. Was there anything else found with it?”
“There was a jeweled box. No one can open it. It has been sealed but we haven't found a way to break the seal.” The professor told him.
“Morgana, send me a photo.”
The professor opened another cupboard and took out a cardboard box. He put it on the table and opened it. “Ms. Drake, if you don't mind.”
Morgana snapped a photo and sent it to Merlin. “Got it?”
There was a pause on the line then Merlin answered. “Yeah. Morgana hold your hand over it and use the unlocking spell that I taught you.”
Morgana put the phone down and did what Merlin told her. The lid of the box opened to reveal a piece of cloth inside. There was what looked like blood on it.
“It a bloody piece of cloth.” Morgana told Merlin. “I don't understand. What is it?”
“Arthur’s proof. That's the blood of King Arthur. Use the opposite spell to reseal it. We can leave it with the professor. You will keep it safe for us, right Professor Monmouth? And keep it secret?”
Morgana put her hand over the box and said the spell to reseal it.
“Yes. I promise. I will tell no one about this.” Professor Monmouth nodded. “The last thing I expected when I woke up this morning was to become entangled in the Excalibur Prophecy.”
“We may need your help again. Can we count on you?” Merlin asked.
“Yes. You can rely on my help, Merlin.” The professor smiled. “I will email a copy of all the records that we have on that particular dig to Ms. Drake. Everything that was recovered there was brought here.”
“Thank you. Arthur will appreciate your help in his quest for the sword.” Merlin said over the line.
“There is one thing.” The professor hesitated. “If Excalibur still exists, I ask only to see it. Please be careful when it is found. Legend says it can only be handled by King Arthur, Merlin, and a descendant of the blacksmith that forged it. If anyone else handles the sword, the legend says, they will be struck down.”
“I know. We will take great care. Thank you again, Professor Monmouth.” Merlin disconnected the call.
The professor put the cardboard box containing the jeweled box back in the cupboard and pushed the drawer with the tablet closed. “This quest will take a great deal of courage. The sword was hidden well for a reason.”
Morgana nodded. “Merlin thinks it’s in an underground chamber somewhere in Wales. It's full of traps and hazards. Kinda like an ‘Indiana Jones’ movie.” She chuckled. “I think he's just being dramatic.”
The professor chuckled. “I wouldn't be surprised if he's correct about that.”
At the office, Merlin sent the photo to the printer. He walked over and waited for it to print.
“I can't believe you're actually working Merlin.” Arthur said as he walked into the office. “What's that?”
“Morgana found something. It may be the location of the sword. I won't know until I translate it.” Merlin took the photo out of the printer and looked at it.
“Then you better get to it.” Arthur patted Merlin on the shoulder and went to his office.