Hello! This is a continuation of my story "Chilled Magic"! I recommend reading that first, but this story could still make some kinds of sense without it. But if you like this one, I think you would like the first one :)

I don't own Merlin or BBC, or any of that shah-bang. If I did...Well, I wouldn't have stuck to legend at all ;)

No swearing, SLASH, or inappropriate things in this fanfiction - as is my policy.

Arthur

We approach Camlann at a trot, horses filing in a line, myself leading. Merlin travels two rows behind me, silent as the day we left Camelot three days ago. Guinevere pulls her horse to walk beside mine, and I spare her a glance.

"Arthur," she says tentatively. "Talk to me."

"There isn't anything to talk about," I dismiss.

"Why did you come? Merlin told you what will happen!"

I look to her steadily. "You know my reasons, Guinevere. I must stop Morgana, and I will not send my men into battle without their king."

"Under these circumstances I hardly think they would mind!"

"It is my duty as king to be as brave as a knight, and do anything for my people - including go into battles where I could very well die. I have done this before; war is not an uncommon thing for me."

"But this is different, Arthur. Merlin said it is destiny!"

"Don't you think I understand that?" I snap, a little too harshly. At Gwen's surprised reaction I press on more calmly. "I'm sorry. It's just...You know, this isn't easy. I don't know if I can change things or...Well, you know..."

"Then why did you come? Why did you have to come?" Gwen asks, voice breaking.

"It will be alright," I reassure my wife. "I will be fine. I always am, aren't I?"

Mordred

I gaze out from my lookout post, scanning for Arthur and his army. Morgana expects him to be here today, due to the estimated time for the villager to have delivered the message. She does not doubt that he will come, and neither do I. Interesting how Arthur would have those with magic killed but when the same amount of innocent people are killed in a village he will not stand for it.

My attention is caught when I see movement up on the hill. Sure enough, Arthur is leading an army on horseback towards a clear expanse of land close to where the battle will take place. My eyes narrow as they land on Emrys, riding beside the old physician of Camelot.

"Morgana," I call, turning towards the tent where I know she will be. "They're here."

She comes out of the entrance and quickly strides over to stand beside me, looking out to see the oncoming army.

"I see the little pig survived after all," Morgana growls, glaring daggers at Merlin. Seemingly feeling the gaze, Emrys glances over in our direction, meeting our eyes. "Let's see if my little spell works, shall we?"

"Spell?" I ask, confused.

"Just watch."

Merlin

I meet Morgana's murderous glare with one of my own. There was a time when we were very good friends...But those days are long over now. She chose her path, and I chose mine. Look where they got us, walking into a war against one another. At least I still have one trick up my sleeve - If she tries to use Aithusa against us, I can order the dragon to stop. She may have befriended the creature, but I can control it.

Morgana's eyes flash gold, and a wave of burning, excruciating pain ripples up my left arm and throughout my body. With a cry of pain I fall from my horse, hitting the hard ground but hardly feeling it over the fire in my veins. I'm breathing so fast that it seems as if there is no air at all.

"Merlin!" Voices around me shout as figures come into my view.

"Hold him down!" Gaius commands hurriedly, hands around me instantly pinning my thrashing body to the rocky ground. "Merlin, my boy, what is it?"

"Gaius, look at his arm!" Gwen gasps from above me.

In my state of pain, I look down at my own arm. The place where Morgana had me branded is now exposed, my sleeve having been completely burned through; a steaming circle, making the design on my flesh even more visible. The mark on my forearm is glowing red and white with heat.

"What's happening to him?" Arthur asks, anxious face coming into view.

"M-Morgana...Spell..." I choke out, scrunching my eyes shut.

"I'm sorry, Merlin; I have no way to stop this," Gaius whispers, holding my hand.

"Morgana!" Arthur bellows to the valley to our right. "Stop this; Merlin has suffered enough at your hand!"

To my surprise and relief, the pain ceases as suddenly as it began, and I'm left breathless and trembling on the ground. Slowly opening my eyes, I look up into Gaius' face as the men holding me down release their grips. "Why did she stop?" I ask hoarsely.

"I suppose she thinks she proved her point..." Gaius trails off.

"And that would be?"

"She still has power over you."