Alright, I feel like a horrible person... I read this story ages ago and promised to finish it BUT I got sick and never really got around to it. I'm posting the first few chapters now (Which are actually the chapters the lovely author blueangel1415 wrote) and then I'll begin posting more here in the next several days. I do not own Merlin or the original works of blueangel1415 who dicontinued this story and then graciously allowed me to continue.

All druid children knew the take of Emrys. It was a tale that was written in the very roots of the earth itself; the tale of a sorceress and her king.

Igraine Pendragon was wary as she crossed the foggy lake to the Isle of the Blessed. The bargeman did not speak and she was glad for it, she was far too immersed within her mind to be polite with idle chatter.

When she got to the shore she was greeted by the high priestess who also happened to be her old friend, Viviane. The high priestess held her one year old daughter in her arms while her older daughter, Morgause, played nearby.

"Igraine, I did not expect you today. Is Uther with you?" Viviane asked as she gently bounced the little dark haired girl on her hip. Igraine smiled at the rosy cheeked child and gently stroked the fine black hair on her head, tears welling in her eyes. Viviane touched her shoulder and pulled her from her stupor. Viviane looked from Igraine to the daughter in her arms. "Morgause," she called to the eleven year old nearby, "Come take Morgana back to the house."

"Yes mother," the blonde girl carefully balanced Morgana on her hip and flashed a smile at Igraine, "Hello Aunt Igraine."

"Hello Morgause dear," Igraine replied as she forced a smile for the girl. Morgause smiled once more before turning and leaving with Morgana gurgling in her ear the entire time.

"Come Igraine," Viviane said once her children were out of earshot, "We'll walk in the gardens." Igraine nodded and was lead arm in arm into the lush gardens of the isle. It still amazed her that such an oasis could exist on this island. Viviane lead Igraine to a bench that was in the very back of the gardens so that the two would have privacy. The pair sat and Igraine took a moment to compose herself before turning to face her friend.

"Viviane…" she began only to be stopped by Vivian's raised hand.

"I know what this is about Igraine and the answer is still no." Igraine inhaled and stood.

"It has been years Viviane, years, and I have yet to conceive a child." Igraine looked at her friend pleadingly, hoping for her understanding, but Viviane continued to sit calmly on the bench.

"You are still young. It is possible you could conceive." Vivian said slowly. Igraine's composure finally snapped and she grabbed her friend by the shoulders, shaking her lightly.

"I have not conceived when I should have years ago. I am barren Viviane and we both know it. Please, I am begging you to help me." Igraine collapsed before Viviane and began to cry into the folds of Viviane's gown. "It would break Uther's heart."

"Uther thinks too much with his heart." Viviane replied. Igraine got up and wiped the tears from her eyes. She met Viviane's eyes and took a deep breath before continuing.

"Our enemies are closing in- waiting for the day to strike Uther and Camelot. Once Uther is gone, without an heir, there will be no Camelot. I beg of you- help me." She pleaded once more. Viviane stood and shook her head slowly.

"The price is too high." The dark haired witch sighed and looked away from the distraught queen. "If that is all you have come for then I suggest you leave Igraine." Viviane took one last look at the grieving woman before leaving her in peace.

It took several moments for Igraine to compose herself and leave the gardens. She was about to board the barge when a small hand clutched at her wrist. Igraine started and turned to come face to face with a girl no more than fourteen. The girl pulled her bottom lip between her teeth and shifted nervously.

"I- I heard… In the garden… I heard you talking to h- high p- priestess Viviane." The girl took a shuddering breath and released Igraine's wrist. "I think I can help you your majesty." Igraine's blue eyes widened and she bent down and placed her hands on the girl's shoulders.

"You can perform the spell?" the girl nodded, "What is your name?"

"Nimueh, your majesty." The girl replied. Igraine smiled at the girl and nodded. Nimueh placed her hand low on Igraine's stomach and whispered the incantation beneath her breath. Igraine watched as her eyes flashed gold and then felt a warm sensation deep within her stomach. She gasped. "Go to your husband tonight and you shall conceive." Nimueh said as she withdrew her hand.

"Thank you."

"No thanks are needed your majesty. I believe it was something I was meant to do."

Uther had been overjoyed when he found out that she was with child. Day and night she was followed by guards under Uther's orders and she was required to have regular checkups despite Gaius and Alice's assurances that both the baby and Igraine were fine. Uther wasn't taking any chances.

To get his mind off of the impending birth Igraine had suggested a feast. Uther had heartily agreed and invited everyone, including his childhood friend Balinor and his new bride Hunith. Igraine had kissed the dark haired woman's cheeks affectionately and welcomed her to Camelot warmly. The young woman had blushed prettily and nodded her thanks.

Next in line to be greeted was Viviane and, Igraine noticed, Nimueh. Igraine clutched Viviane tightly and responded to Viviane's harsh whisper of "what have you done," by clutching her tighter. Uther was oblivious to the turmoil that was in these women's hearts.

Igraine gave a final push and she finally heard the cries of a child, her child. Tears streamed down her face as Alice placed the baby boy in her arms. She smiled as she gazed into the blue eyes of her baby.

"Arthur," she whispered, feeling herself become weaker by the moment, "My precious Arthur." Igraine's breath became short and weak and she vaguely heard Uther enter the room before her son was taken out of her arms. She was too weak to protest.

Hours later Igraine awoke to find Uther at her bedside clutching a blanket wrapped bundle in his arms. She made a soft noise of contempt and Uther looked up at her.

"Is Arthur alright?" she asked. Uther nodded and handed her the small bundle that was their son. Igraine's smile fell however when she noticed her husband's frown. "What is it?" she asked.

"How could you?" Uther clutched at her, careful of the bundle she held.

"I had to, for the good of Camelot. Would you rather of had that brother of yours rule when you are gone?"

"I would have taken anything else than to lose you." Igraine touched his cheek and wiped away the tear that had escaped his eyes when a thought occurred to her.

"Uther… who took my place?"

"The young priestess in training, Nimueh." Igraine gasped and clutched her son tighter as she cried for the young girl. She had not meant for this to happen.

Alright so this is chapter one which as stated above is the work of blueangel1415 and I am only borrowing it to continue it.