Authors Note: First of all thank you to all those who reviewed - This chapter is for you! Sorry it took a week but RL can suck and interfere with writing!
Merlin had known that Morgana would strike soon. She may be insane but she was a little predictable when it came to her thirst for revenge. The only real problem with her insanity was, sadly it made it hard to predict what action she would take in order to gain her revenge. It was a small thing but when it came to magic it made a huge difference.
The strike back occurred against not Arthur himself. It was smart as he was too well protected, Morgana did know a Sorcerer protected Arthur but she was reluctant to believe that it was a servant. It was one of the rare times that Merlin thanked Uther Pendragon. There had been more than one occasion that Merlin had cursed the old Kings name. However Merlin couldn't deny how useful it was to be dismissed as nothing but a simple fool.
The knights returned but no Gwen and then Merlin saw the intention of Morgana - strike at the nearest and dearest. It was Arthur's biggest weakness. He'd suffered so many tragedies and betrayals that he'd pulled the closest people even closer. Upon hearing the news, and Gaius informing the gathered Knights that dark magic was at work. Arthur surprised the gathered Knights.
"Merlin can you heal them?"
The Knights collectively sucked in a breath but Gawaine looked proud. "Yes Sire."
"Then do so, we need them whole so we can track down my bitch of a sister."
Merlin nodded and traded a look with Gaius. It was one of the clearest signs that Arthur's attitude towards magic was definitely changing. The one knight who looked uneasy was cowed by Gawaine of all people, "Don't be stupid man. Magic is a weapon just like we use - For good, or bad like those we fight."
The Knight had the grace to look sheepish and Elyan smiled, "I know we're all surprised that Gawaine can have a serious thought."
Percival positively vaulted off the bed, the moment that the chanting stopped. "Morgana."
Arthur sighed, "We know she is next on our list."
The knights set off on the trail, Mordred was added to the list thanks to Merlin. The surprise on Arthur's face at Merlins apparent turn about the young knight all but assured his place. Merlin didn't have the heart to tell him it because he felt that the more Sorcerers the better. He felt that with Morgana having kidnapped Gwen - Arthur should deal with one shock at a time.
The forest was annoying but another benefit of having revealed his magic was that when he suggested things - contrary to common belief. People mocked him a lot less, even so he didn't mention his meeting with the Queen of the Fairies. Merlin would dearly love to tell Morgana that she had competition for title of 'most twisted magic person' with the tiny royal. However Merlin was of the opinion that Mab would likely win despite her small stature.
Merlin did sigh, he was weighing up the anger of Arthur against calling for Killgarrah. After all his old friend would be able to flame a path right to the dark tower. Merlin and Mordred both had sneers at the feeling of the Dark Tower. The arid wasteland before them would be perilous for the knights that much was clear. The telling thing was that this was trying for Mordred as well. Merlin had been trying to avoid big flashy shows of magic for two reasons - One the Knights were not yet accustomed to magic an two he didn't want Morgana aware. Then he chuckled silently remembering that Morgana had locked herself in the Dark Tower. It was a great Fortress to hold but it was thought to block magic - Well he was about to test that theory. When he stumbled and nearly found himself impaled on an old warriors sword - his decision was made.
He gave a look to his King and Arthur understood what he was asking as he gave a nod. Merlin stood stock still and raised his hands - chanting as they rose. Most of the Knights including Mordred raised an eyebrow, but only Mordred understood the sheer impressive level of magic occurring. He quirked an eyebrow, it took quite a feat to command the Earth to move to his bidding. They both knew that the Earth would be easier than Morgana.
Another advantage to having Mordred with them was that he had someone else whose opinion was listened to and stopped Arthur from believing that he enjoyed being a harbinger of doom. The stone room was clever of Morganna he'd give the little witch that much. He didn't much care about much apart from finding Gwen. The stone room would have been positively perilous had his magic not been known. Instead he could summon a shield that would allow the knights to move across the room as one. It was a good thing too as he felt that Elyan would have stormed ahead.
They continued to move up through the Tower and Merlin's sense of dread grew. He never liked when the path was this easy it usually meant that something far nastier was coming up. The knights froze when they found the Queen. She was so small against the wall with an enchanted sword between them. She called out, "Don't Morgana has enchanted it to protect me."
Elyan was ready to jump in, guilt and the desire to protect but was stopped by a hand on his shoulder. He was surprised to see that it was Mordred, "Let me deal with this!"
Arthur froze, "Mordred it is enchanted."
Mordred smiled and he looked almost fey in his beauty and his smile held all the mischief of the imps, "I know Sire that is why it should be me ... I can fight on a level playing field." Arthur sighed, still if Merlin could be a good sorcerer than there must be more. Still he had to question the sanity of two such powerful sorcerers being at the very heart of Camelot.
Merlin chuckled breaking the shock, "I'm glad I won't have to do all the heavy lifting. I'll go and deal with Morgana."
Mordred nodded and gave him a gentle reminder, "Yes well, go quickly Emrys."
Gwen startled upon hearing that honorific used. That was a name that her only friend had used more than once since they'd come to the tower. Morgana knew that the one called Emrys was to be her bane and probably her ending. Her heart was in her mouth; she only hoped that her friend prevailed. Trouble was that the friend was not Merlin.
In the tower Arthur would have definitely gotten a kick out of the conversation. Merlin had slammed the door open and already knew that Gwen had been poisoned with Mandrake roots so would be unstable until they could purge her system of the root.
Morgana sneered, "You, you've spurned my plans one too many plans."
Sure enough Aithusa came out of the murky shadows. Merlin did not react with the expected fear - he laughed. After all it was stupid. Why would he fear a Dragon?
She cocked her head to the side, her once beautiful features now showing the clear glint of insanity. "I know you're simple Merlin but a Dragon can harm you."
Merlin managed to stop laughing, "You're absolutely right ... most people would fear a Dragon but I'll take your baby dragon and raise you."
The invocation rang true and clear throughout the lands. He figured that given his old friends dislike of the insane sorcerer; it was only fair that he be allowed to add his thoughts.
She looked in shock, "But you're kind were killed."
Merlin smirked, "Yes your father tried so very hard to wipe us all out nearly managed but Balinor my father survived."
Morgana was shocked but so very arrogant. She decided that if he was a Dragonlord well her own magic would serve her well.
The spell she sent was positively vicious and Merlin batted it away with a swipe of his hand. He cocked an eyebrow in cool amusement. "You know Nimueh was the one to use that spell against me."
Morgana hissed wondering who exactly Merlin was, "Who are you?"
Merlin smiled but it held none of the famed warmth. It was cold and dark, "Camelot knows me as Merlin but the druids prefer Emrys."
Morgana actually paled - it was impressive as she was already so pale. She didn't stick around to find out what would happen she called on some heavy duty magic to get her out of dodge. It was going to be fun when they finally caught up with each other.
That was then for now he had to ask the Dragon politely to take him and Gwen back to Camelot quicker than the rest. Oh, while convincing that the Great Dragon that some of them could still remember was no longer an actual threat and despite what recent history suggested - didn't want to crisp Camelot to the ground.
You know what? There were times that Merlin wished he was the simple servant he pretended to be. His life would be so much easier and nicer if it was. Too bad that they knew the truth.
