This is an AU ending of the Season 3 episode finale. (The Coming of Arthur Part I and II). So spoilers for those, and possible other episodes from any time before it, I'm not sure yet.
Instead of spilling the blood from the cup and saving Camelot, Merlin was unable to do so, Morgause and Morgana having hidthe cup. Forced to flee, Arthur, Merlin, Elyan, Gwaine, Lancelot, Percival, Leon, Gwen and Gaius are suddenly lost, alone and unable to do a thing to help the people of Camelot as Morgana begins her evil reign. But are the Knights of the Round Table and their companions actually alone, or is there allies where they least expect it?
I don't own Merlin, or any of the characters you recognise. Please read and review and let me know what you think of it.
"Sire, we can't get to the dungeons!" Leon shouted over the clanging of swords and sounds of metal cutting flesh open, but no impact of bodies on the floor. The immortal soldiers were quickly overpowering them.
"We have to try, or die fighting! I refuse to leave my father, my people and my kingdom in the hands of these people." Arthur shouted back. "FOR CAMELOT!" He screamed, and threw himself into battle with renewed energy.
All the knights reacted the same, letting out their battle cries and fighting with renewed vigour.
"Merlin!" Lancelot shouted, as the knight fell down, clutching his shoulder as blood spread through his shirt and chain mail.
Merlin spun around and sliced the soldier open, causing him to burst out of existence.
Merlin spun back to the cup and attempted to lunge for it, but was thrown backwards by Morgause.
"I have a feeling I won't be seeing you again." She told the boy, lifting a hand to attack him. Before she could cast the spell, she fell unconscious, hit over the head by Lancelot.
"Come on!" Merlin shouted, getting up and clutching at his ribs as they protested at the movement. Reaching for the cup, his fingers grasped the handles to pick it up, only to have his fingers pass right through the cup. "What?" Merlin gasped, waving his hand through the picture of the cup. "It's an illusion. I don't know where the cup is!" Merlin shouted to Lancelot, who stared at the cup, the unconscious Morgause and then at Merlin.
"We have to go get Arthur out of here, regroup, re-plan and come back when we have a chance. Keep that sword. Let's go." Lancelot dragged Merlin out and down the way they came.
"Merlin! Lancelot! You were meant to take the bells out." Arthur shouted when he saw the pair re-join them in the corridor to the dungeons.
"We got a little stuck." Lancelot explained, swinging at Arthur as he ducked, allowing Lancelot to stab an attacker behind the Prince. The man stumbled with the force of the attack a little but recovered quickly, just as Gwaine pushed him down some steps that were nearby.
"We need to leave!" Merlin shouted to Arthur, as the Prince fought.
"We can't leave my father behind!" Arthur shouted back.
"We have no choice! If you die all hope for Camelot is gone!" Merlin growled, yanking his arm and dragging the Prince away from the dungeons and out of the castle. The Knights followed.
"Merlin! We can't leave our people trapped down there." Arthur protested, as they ran away from the immortal soldiers.
"We have to Arthur, you die and Camelot is forever Morgana's. Now let's go!" Merlin led the way, dragging a reluctant Arthur who knew Merlin was right but didn't want to leave his Knights or Father behind.
"I think we lost them." Gwaine gasped, bent over his knees, trying to catch his breath.
"We need to get Gaius and Gwen and find somewhere safe to recover and plan." Merlin spoke, having stopped running but still walking towards the castle.
"We will be back for you, I promise father." Arthur muttered, glancing behind him at the castle that was still smoking from the attack and consequent fires.
TBC
That was just the Prologue, stay tuned for the next chapter. Please review!
