Chapter One The List
There was a permanent feeling of dread that enveloped the whole of Camelot, in the early days of the Purge. As more and more soldiers were drafted in to help with the arrest of those suspected of using magic, a tension existed in the air that was apparent. People spoke in murmurs to one another, people who were once close neighbours suddenly became total strangers, as suspicion lingered around the communities surrounding Camelot.
Gaius noticed it most in his rounds. Where people would once speak to him, all of a sudden a feeling of secrecy existed, which became a barrier that was hard to tear down. He worried constantly about Alice, she was his world he'd had to wait so long for his chance of love. The idea that she may get caught up in Uther's insane war with magic, was a feeling that nagged away inside him, and refused to let go.
He had recently heard that the King had compiled a list of suspected magic users. He knew that somehow he needed to get hold of it, and check Alice's name was not on it. The King was passed the stage were he could be reasoned with, Gaius knew that battle would never be won. Ever since the fateful night when Ygraine had died after giving birth to Arthur, Uther stormed around leaving whimpering people in his wake.
Even Gaius himself had more than once been a victim of the King's rancid tongue. It was as if Ygraine's death had knocked Uther over the edge of an abyss. Neither Gaius or any of the King's old friends could reach him anymore. It seemed that only news of another arrest could give the man any blessed relief. Gaius truly felt for the man, despite what he was doing. He could see how much pain the King was in, and he wished he could do more to help him.
But now he had more pressing things, Alice was his major consideration. He knew already if her name was on the list she would have to leave Camelot. The thought made him well up inside.
His old friend Geoffrey had told Gaius that the King was due for a meeting in the throne room, to assess the operation so far. He had also told him that he had been working on the list that morning. Gaius knew this would be his best of setting his mind at rest. Checking that no one was around he slipped out of his chambers, and made for the library.
He knew at this time Geoffrey always slipped out for a break, not wanting to drop his friend in trouble Gaius decided doing it now was probably his only option. Seeing that the library was open Gaius sneaked in and made straight for the desk, where he knew the list would be.
His fingers shook as he opened the draw, the list was under some papers, Gaius saw the royal seal. Listening for any noise, he quickly picked it up. Inside him the butterflies were fluttering away, as he read down the list of people. His eyes glistened with tears as he read the names. Many of them he already knew, and he realized he would not be able to help most of them.
He had almost got to the end of the list when he read her name. He blinked back the tears, his worst fears suddenly confirmed. His love, the woman who made him so happy, was now a marked woman. As he thought of her Gaius could not reconcile why any one would want to kill her. She had saved so many people's lives, given hope to others with her unique skills. She was a person who would help anyone King or commoner. Her only ambition in life was to help people who needed it.
As he stood there and looked at the evidence in his hands, he now knew what he must do. He had to help her escape, to Uther that would be treason. To Gaius in that moment the only thing that made any sense, or seemed right in this time of madness, was to do what he thought was the right thing. He would do it even it cost the one thing he had ever wanted, a woman he could love.
As he left the library, his face set, he began to work out how he could get Alice out before Uther had the chance to act.