I have decided to rewrite this story. I will no longer answer reviews in the author's notes. My apologies. Thank you to everyone who reads, reviews, follows, or favorites this story - and thank you to those who have supported this story despite my lack of commitment.

The Sentinel in the Shadows

Prologue: The Queen

An insidious chill crept through Camelot. It spiraled down the castle stairs, wending over the cobble, and into the town. It was rare to see a face without a contortion from fear, without sunken eyes, and without a resolute grimace.

"We're almost there."

Leon was the one who spoke, his tired voice muffled by the cold. His jaw was set. His neck bulged with indigo veins. His nose was bleeding into his mouth. His hair had darkened to a thick, grey, smog. Dark fire licked at his crimson cloak.

Merlin had almost failed to recognize him.

It became colder the further into the castle they trekked. A wispy, white mist clung to the walls, fed by Merlin's short breaths.

An ominous figure lurked by the doorway, tall and broad. Its body was draped in a heavy, black cloak. It turned its featureless face towards the two approaching men.

Merlin swallowed. "Hello, Percival."

A rasping noise emerged from its lipless mouth. "Welcome back, Merlin." It turned to Leon, and seemed to blink. "You are worse."

He scowled. "I'm fine," he replied, voice hoarse.

It shook its head slowly. "The Queen will see you now, Court Sorcerer."

Merlin eased his way through the great, oaken doors. The temperature plunged as he stepped inside, sending unrelenting shivers through his body despite his woolen clothing. He bowed. "My lady."

There was a short, weary laugh. "None of that now, Merlin. We're friends, aren't we?"

A regal woman lay within the large bed, her mocha skin pinched and sallow. Wrinkles surrounded her brown eyes. Gunmetal locks curled about her head.

Slowly, with a trepidation that made him sick, Merlin approached the woman. "Of course, Gwen."

She looked up at him, her gaze heavy with decades of wisdom. For a moment, she scrutinized him. She sighed: "You have found nothing."

He blinked back tears. "Morgana was too thorough."

"There is no way to undo the curse?" Resignation colored her tone, an utter certainty of the answer.

He could not bear to reply. His chin wobbled. It was enough of an answer for her.

"I fear not for myself, but my people. They remain here, despite the warnings we have given." She closed her eyes. "You have seen Percival. You have seen Leon. They are the first." She gripped his wrist, knuckles white and hand shaking. "Merlin, tomorrow I die.

"Tomorrow we all die."