A play of Dusk and Dawn
!This story is rated "K+" from chapter 1-8, after chapter 9 the rating goes to "M"!
Hi there ^^ this is actually my first fanfic I have ever written. Of course I read a lot of other fics but never came up with anything myself. Then I stumbled over some royal Merlin stories, which ignited my spark. Well this is the product of what will be a multi-chapter story. Hope you will enjoy my tale of Dusk and Dawn.
This story is set in an AU, where the Five Kingdoms are two nations. One is the Alliance of Dawn, ruled by the King Uther Pendragon, his son Arthur (crown prince) and Morgana (his daughter). Opposing to his great power stands the Forge of Dusk, governed by Queen Morgause and her younger brother Merlin (prince). Since magic got banished from the lands of the Alliance and is now punishable by death alone, Uther strives too conquer the Forge which is infested by magic and its corrupting influence.
What is in store for Merlin and Morgana will be a secret but since I am a Mergana-shipper you will certainly get some action too.
Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin
"Sire, your Queen insists on a conference concerning urgent matters.", one of Merlin's menservants informed him, with an apologetic look on his face because he disturbed his masters study. Merlin, who was hovering over some books of elder magic, sighed as he ran his hands through his black unkempt hair. Since he could not do more harm to his hairstyle than he had already done, the sorcerer looked at his servant with a rather exhausted expression but still bearing a childish grin.
"I will tend to her immediately."
His blue eyes were fixed on the closed door which where shut the instant he gave his reply to the servant.
Probably he was new in the service of our house and a bit shy. Well, everything needs its time.
Torches burning bright and casting unreal shadows, moving with a sense of life, on the walls of the main hallway as Merlin made his way from his room to the council-chambers to meet his Queen or well … his sister. Ever since she took over as their father King Balinor died five years ago, Morgause was kind of overprotective towards him. Their mother died shortly after Merlin was born from dire exhaustion and blood loss. Even magic could not help her. So his ten year older sister took over the job of replacing their mother. Merlin was really grateful to have Morgause by his side and so tried not to trouble her so much after she was crowned Queen of Namhilrok and was henceforth ruler of the Lands of the Forge. He reached the broad double-winged door and opened it with his mind. Morgause turned on the sudden squeak. Her face brightened as she saw the tall figure of her beloved brother.
"You wanted to see me, my lady?"
Merlin did his best at executing a graceful looking bow, what actually could be compared to the elegance of a drunk trying to pick up something from the ground. Also he used formal speech because there where still some prestigious nobles gathered in the good illuminated room.
"Yes. I did."
She turned again towards the nobility and asked them for some privacy. As they walked outside the door, each of them gave Merlin a respectful nod and a "sire" when they passed by him. This time Morgause moved the heavy doors with magic and the room was filled with silence and … tension. Merlin was not oblivious to the fact that ruling a country came with great responsibility and often was a heavy burden on his sister's mind. None the less Morgause broke the silence first.
"My scouts have brought me very troublesome news, Merlin. Uther is ready for war and is gathering soldiers for an invasion."
Merlin was shocked. He thought that the rumour of the Forge possessing very powerful magic was enough to discourage their enemies. But obviously blind hatred was even overpowering the fear of being defenceless against an onslaught of his or Morgause's sorcery.
The only thing that gave him confidence now, was the trust in his sister's ability to find a solution to everything.
"So," Merlin asked, "what are we going to do?"
Morgause's smile darkened instantly and her features betrayed nothing but professionalism and seriousness.
"You know of the fact that Uther was hunting down the dragons to the brink of extinction, right?"
He gave her an affirmative nod, which was received by his sister with a lovely smile.
"Well, one dragon he could not kill. Kilgharrah, the great dragon. Since he did not know what to do he settled with the only possibility left. He used magical enhanced chains to bind the dragon to everlasting rock inside a cave beneath Camelot. You can imagine that Kilgharrah was not amused by fact that all his kin died and he was the only one left alive. So he vowed, was he ever set free from his bindings, he would bring total annihilation upon Camelot and its lands."
Still trying to connect her story to the matter at hand, Merlin figured he had to ask what relation this dragon has to this whole situation.
"And you intend to do what exactly with this knowledge?"
The warlock raised his eyebrows and was no watching his sister more intensely.
"We have to free him and save our kingdom. Since you are the last dragonlord alive, only you can bend him to your will and command him."
It was a matter of fact that through the death of his father, Merlin inherited his ability to talk and command dragons. Since a male offspring was the only one capable of receiving the blessing of this special gift, Morgause was left with no choice but sending her dear brother into the arms of their enemy. She desperately tried to find another way but she had no success in finding one. Even her highly valued council could not provide her with an alternative. So she had to send Merlin.
Oh Merlin, I would sacrifice this kingdom just to know that you are safe, but Uther would not stop. Not until every magical being was eradicated from this world. So I have no other choice as to give you a mission, more hazardous than my heart could bear.
Realisation was now all over Merlin's face. His sister wanted him to invade Camelot and free the mighty dragon from his prison and save their nation from Uther's wrath. Morgause noticed the sudden change of Merlin's expression as he truly comprehended the meaning behind her words. She was not able to speak the order directly because she was sure that she would choke upon every word, never being able to finish the sentence.
"So you want me to simply wander into Camelot, break chains even an ancient dragon could not break and bring havoc to its citizen. That is just… I do not have words which can possible describe what I feel right now."
Morgause was not surprised by her brother's sarcastic outburst. It was his stile to cope with apparently impossible tasks like that.
First the throws a tantrum of unbelievable magnitude and than …
His queen was silently smiling to herself as Merlin continued.
"Well it is not the first time I need to do something risky, but such a mission coming from you is so awkwardly out of character that I was actually stunned at first, but I know that you always have the best interest for our nation and people in mind. So," the warlock makes an exaggerated dramatic sigh, "who am I to deny your request."
Morgause could not help her self but to embrace her tall and skinny brother with all her heart, which made Merlin blush slightly. He grabbed his queen by her shoulders and brought some distance between them, so he could inquire one last thing.
"How am I going to accomplish this task?"
"We have an agent amidst the ranks of Camelot. He will help and provide you with shelter until your task is finished."
"Who is this agent and why is he not killing the king?"
Merlin's blue eyes fixed on hers.
"His name is Gaius. He is Camelot's court physician and although he is on our side, he would never harm Uther because those two binds a deep and long history."
"So how can we trust him when his loyalties are divided?"
"You have to trust me on this matter, please, dear brother."
The grip form Morgause around his arms tightened of fear because there was still the possibility that he would not trust her word. But all her discomfort vanished as Merlin gifted her with one of his unique warming smiles.
"I will go. I will save our nation, our people and our home. I will free the dragon from his imprisonment and stop this nonsensical war before it even begins."
Merlin paused for a short period to think of something more heroic than he already said but could not come up with anything. Mentally defeated by himself he said what was just zipping through his head.
"Whish me luck. I will ride at dusk."
"You have my blessings and take good care of yourself."
A teardrop was running down her cheek as she saw Merlin turn and going away.
