A Twist of Fate
by Cel140
(Chapter 2...based on Merlin 2x04. Enjoy! P.S. I'm gonna skip 2x05 and 2x06, cause...well...there's no Mergana, right? xD anyway, enjoy! Oh, and one more thing, I'd like to thank Maria marshall and Time Lordess for writing their reviews. Unfortunately I couldn't reply to them since they are not registered on fanfiction but I just want you to know that I'm very grateful for your positive feedback! Also thanks to everyone who faved and followed my story :D ok, enough chatting, let's go on to chapter 2 :D )
Part 1
The next day dawned swiftly in Camelot and Merlin found, with all the chores that Arthur had given him, that he didn't have the time to think on what had happened the evening before, much less speak to the King's ward.
"Fetch me my crossbow, Merlin." Arthur said as he buckled his belt, "I am going to go practice. And after that I will need you to polish my armor, muck out the stables, sharpen my sword and..."
But Arthur stopped short when he saw a far-away look in Merlin's eyes.
"...clean my boots."
What was wrong with him?
"Are you even listening?" Arthur asked, snapping his fingers in front of Merlin's face, "Merlin?!"
"Yes, I heard," Merlin blurted subconsciously.
"Then what did I say?" Arthur retorted.
Merlin tightened his lips, and realized he had not been listening at all.
"Something about the dogs needing exercising?" He asked, hoping it had been in Arthur's endless rambling, but it was not.
"Go get my crossbow." Arthur growled, and much to Merlin's relief he received no lectures or things thrown at him and wondered if the prince had gone soft.
When Merlin had gotten his hands on the weapon he had a hard time finding the prince again, for he was no longer in his chambers. After a thorough search of the castle and still no sign of him, Merlin gave up and decided to go outside for a breath of fresh air. It was then that he spotted Arthur at the bottom of the stairs leading up to the castle's entrance, watching Morgana, Gwen, and a company of knights exiting the castle.
"Where are they going?" Merlin asked breathlessly, approaching Arthur.
For a few moments, it seemed as though Arthur's attention was elsewhere, and it was not hard for Merlin to see what-or more like who-had captured it.
"Arthur?" Merlin asked, trying not to smile, but failing terribly. Arthur and Gwen made an adorable pair, despite the fact that Gwen was far too good for Arthur.
Arthur hummed subconsciously, but when he noticed the silly smile on Merlin's face, he realized was almost just as lost in his thoughts as his scatter-brain servant. And of course, he tried to save face quickly.
"Morgana's going on a pilgrimage to her father's grave." He said, relieving Merlin's weight.
"Come on now," He continued, giving the smile that he often did when he was about to say something Merlin wasn't going to like, "You're the target."
The manservant winced at this and as he followed the prince to the training grounds, he took back everything he had thought concerning Arthur going mellow.
Meanwhile, Morgana and her company were already riding on the gravel road through the thick forest on the way to the grave.
Morgana was quiet and thoughtful that morning. She had slept better yesterday than she had in weeks, perhaps even longer.
"My lady?" Came Gwen's gentle voice beside her, waking her from her reverie, "Are you alright?"
She was not exactly sure how to translate the look on Morgana's face.
"I'm fine," Morgana assured her, "Better than I have been in a long while."
Gwen smiled contentedly at this. It gladdened her that Morgana was feeling better, despite the ordeal she had went through just the day before.
"You seem distracted, Gwen." Morgana said, addressing her maid once more.
"Really?" Gwen asked, trying to sound casual, but failing terribly.
"I think there might be a man involved." Morgana continued, a faint smile coming to her face and for a moment she wasn't exactly sure whether she really meant Gwen or herself.
"A man?" Gwen asked, "When do I get to meet any decent men?"
Both maid and mistress laughed a little at this, before each was once again caught up in their own thoughts. Both wondered what the other would think of their choice of man, and for some time they thought on this, till Morgana finally struck up a conversation on the good old times they had had in Camelot. The wonderful reminiscing succeeded on putting a smile on both of the women's faces.
"We've had quite lovely times here," Gwen commented sweetly, her brown eyes sparkling at all these memories, and Morgana agreed wholeheartedly.
As the two continued chatting, their content smiles were quickly wiped off their faces by a sudden yell behind them. Gwen and Morgana swirled round and saw in horror that one of the knights lay motionless on the gravel, an arrow stuck in his back.
"Bandits!" Cried one knight, and no sooner had those words left his lips that a whole swarm of armed men came rushing upon the small Camelot party. But the knights of Camelot were trained well, and they had their swords out before the invaders attacked. Then it was all swords clanging and shouts on both sides.
In the sudden confusion, Morgana quickly realized that if they didn't get out now they probably wouldn't have another chance. She and Gwen quickly dismounted their horses and began running towards the woods on the left side. The trees grew thicker there, and they were less likely to be spotted.
"This way," Morgana said presently, avoiding the thorned plants and bushes in the way, "The bandits won't find..."
But it was then that Morgana stopped short and her heart almost jumped into her throat, for there in front of them and on a horse sat another one of the bandits.
At the sight of him, Gwen and Morgana prepared to run in another direction, but as they turned round, more bandits came in from seemingly nowhere. Morgana looked round earnestly for a way to escape, but in only a few short seconds they had been surrounded completely.
The man on horse, presumably the captain from the way he dressed, dismounted and strode towards Morgana.
"Get away from me!" Morgana began, eyes flashing, "I am Uther Pendragon's ward, and he will have your head if any harm comes to me!"
The captain smiled cruelly.
"No harm will come to you," He said and then, giving her a mock bow, "Lady Morgana."
Stepping closer towards her, he continued.
"At least, not yet."
The captain's men jeered and taking this cue they grabbed Morgana and a petrified Gwen by the arm, leading them away from the safety of Camelot towards an unknown part of the woods.
And so they were herded like cattle through the forest and down a path that neither Guinevere nor Morgana knew very well. It was most likely a path that only these bandits knew, and the destination it led to was certainly worse than Morgana or Gwen could ever expect.
Morgana had tried to grasp the sword dangling on her captor's belt, but it was on the opposite side to her, and she'd sooner get her hand cut off than manage to remove it from its sheath. The march continued endlessly, and just when the two women thought their knees would buckle under them from having walked so far, the party finally came to a halt.
There in front of them, where the trees did not grow so thickly, was the place that the bandits has chosen as an encampment and the maid and mistress were allowed to rest in one of the tents while a discussion went on with the captain and his men.
"We have to think of a plan," Gwen said once she had gotten her breath back.
"Yes," Morgana agreed," And I think I have one."
Speaking in a low voice so as not to be overheard, Morgana related the plan she had thought up on the seemingly endless march, and when she had Gwen agreed to it. It was risky, but what choice did they have?
"Here comes Kendrick," Morgana said, having overheard the captain's name as he spoke to his men, "You know what you must do?"
Gwen answered inaudibly and stood up to her feet just as the captain approached their tent.
"Lady Morgana," He said, "I hope you are comfortable."
"I demand to know where you are taking me!" Morgana ordered, not moved by the menacing glint of the sword on the man's belt.
"All in good time," He hissed, turning away.
But Morgana wasn't going to give up on the plan. It was now or never.
Stepping bravely out of the tent, she spoke up again.
"I wish to bathe." She said just loud enough for the captain to her. Turning round slowly, he faced Morgana with a disbelieving look.
"You wish to bathe?" He scoffed.
"I am the King's ward and am accustomed to certain standards," Morgana countered sharply, "You may be content with stinking like a pig, but I am not."
A smirk formed on Kendrick's face, not fazed in the least by this direct insult.
"The Lady Morgana wishes to bathe!" He announced, much louder than Morgana would have wanted, "Who wants to help me guard her?"
Coarse laughter erupted among the men and Kendrick was pleased he had succeeded in bringing a flush of red to the Lady's pale, proud face.
"Ladies first," He sneered, making a mock bow. Morgana brushed past him, not about to show her embarrassment, and Gwen and another of Kendrick's men followed close behind.
As Morgana walked ahead in the direction of the sound of rushing water, her worried mind re-winded unbidden to the moment the evening before when she was in Merlin's arms. Wrapped up in a strange, yet wonderful feeling of security, Morgana walked on with a renewed courage.
...
"Morgana has been away too long," Uther told Arthur his voice rising with concern. It was almost late afternoon, and there had still been so sign of Morgana or her party.
"I want search parties sent to all the outlining villages, forests, and country side." The King continued, his pace quickening as he and his son walked down one of the many castle corridors.
"It shall be done father." Arthur said, bowing his head. Turning down to the stairs that led to his bedroom, Arthur found that his manservant seemed almost more worried than his father did. He had scrubbed Arthur's hauberk till it sparkled, but he did not stop.
Apparently, Merlin couldn't help his uneasiness and neither could Arthur help making a comment.
"You know if you wear the hauberk out with all that scrubbing you're getting me a new one, right?"
Merlin looked up at Arthur, and the prince expected him to say something that would start a fun argument, but he received no such reply.
"I want to make sure it's clean." He said simply.
Arthur raised his brow. Why was Merlin so quiet and…obedient? Usually he'd be talking non-stop and arguing right about now, but he wasn't.
Arthur felt uneasy about this, but he would not show it. Merlin would be himself soon, that was for sure, and then everything would be fine.
"Well you can stop now, I need to put it on."
Merlin reluctantly dropped the rough cloth he had been using and fitted the hauberk over Arthur's head. Then, getting into the familiar mode of tightening buckles and bearing with Arthur's complaints, he finished helping the prince into his armor in less time than he usually did.
"It pains me to say so Merlin," Arthur remarked, "But you're not such a lazy, half-wit servant after all."
Merlin let out a slight laugh at this twisted compliment.
"Thank you, sire."
In response, Arthur gave Merlin a gentle punch in the shoulder and motioned for him to follow him down to where the horses awaited them. And so, in no time, several search parties were sent out to different places as the King had instructed.
...
After long trek through the woods, Morgana, Kendrick, one of his men, and Gwen had reached the rushing river and Morgana now stood a little ways away from it.
"I should warn you, my lady," Kendrick was saying, "You might find the water a little...icy."
Morgana did not grimace.
"I'm sure I'll manage," She retorted and expecting Kendrick to turn she began taking off the top layer of her dress, but the sickening captain clearly was intent on making her as uncomfortable as possible.
"Make him believe you will actually go through with it." Morgana told herself, and so she proceeded to take off her first layer.
As she did, Gwen slowly inched her way forward to the sword dangling on Kendrick's belt. Morgana swallowed hard, but she quickly moved her eyes off her maid. The captain's eyes had to be on her, for if they moved away for just a second it could cost Gwen's life.
Morgana proceeded to remove the next layer, but the humiliation of undressing in front of the glaring man was too much to bear.
"Can you at least turn away?" Morgana demanded, shivering in her white underclothes.
"So you can get away?" Kendrick sneered, "I'm not that stupid."
A slight smile came to Morgana's face.
"I think you're very stupid."
That was Gwen's cue. Snatching Kendrick's sword out of its sheath, she threw the weapon to her mistress, and that was all it took.
With a single blow, Morgana skillfully wounded Kendrick's man and with another slash of the shining sword she wounded Kendrick's arm.
"Quick Gwen!" Morgana shouted, glad to have stunned Kendrick momentarily but knowing that they would be captured again if they did not act quickly. Gwen needed no prompting, and presently the two were running fast in the direction of the path.
"Men!" Morgana could hear Kendrick shout, and soon his call was met by the sound of his company.
Gwen began running towards the south and Camelot, but Morgana objected to this.
"No, no," She gasped, "This way!"
And so the breathless chase continued till it was interrupted by a cry of pain from Guinevere. Morgana swirled round sharply just in time to see her maid trip on a root sticking up out of the ground.
"We have to go Gwen!" Morgana pressed, her eyes darting up every now and then to see if the bandits were coming, "Lean on me!"
"No, no, I can't!" Gwen gasped, trying to sit up against a tree, "My ankle hurts too much! You have to go!"
"I'm not going to leave you here!" Morgana exclaimed indignantly at the thought of leaving her maid at the mercy of the bandits.
"Please, you have to go get help!"
Morgana's lip quivered, but this was no time to argue.
"Here," She panted, handing Gwen the sword, "Take this!"
Gwen nodded and took the weapon without hesitation.
"Go now." She breathed and then, more forcefully, "Go!"
Morgana swallowed the lump in her throat, and with a swish of her white underclothes she raced down the path deep into the woods. Her mind raced along with her flying feet, and she badly wished she could turn round to help Guinevere.
"No!" She told herself fiercely, "I need to find help, it'll be no use if I turn back."
And so she continued her breathless run, that is, till a terrifying yell of agony pierced through the silence like a knife. Morgana stopped abruptly in her tracks, and for a moment she wondered if her heart was still beating. A look of terror came to her face as she looked back upon the trail.
Was that?…
Morgana eyes brimmed with threatening tears, her brows furrowed, but she had to press on. She had to get help, and pray that no harm had befallen her maid.
...
Arthur, Merlin, and a company of knights who had been assigned to search the forest path for any traces got there in only a brief period of time, but when they arrived the sight they were met with was not a good one.
Lying all over the path were the bodies of fallen Camelot soldiers and knights, and no trace of any bandits. Arthur dismounted his horse quickly and ordered several of his men to find out if any were alive.
"They didn't stand a chance." Merlin thought anxiously, loosening his grip on the horse's reins so that he could dismount.
As he dismounted one of the Camelot knights, who apparently had still some life in him, stretched his arm out, which Merlin grabbed firmly. But this comforting hold was the last thing the knight would ever feel, for before he had a chance to speak his arm fell limp in Merlin's grasp.
Merlin bit his lip as he slowly released the man's arm to gently close his eyes. He had known this knight quite well, Sir Bruin was his name. He had always been kind to him since he first arrived in Camelot; Merlin would never forget that.
"Here!" Came a shout from Arthur, and Merlin jumped up to see. In his hand was a piece of parchment that had been left there by one of the bandits.
"What does it say?" Merlin asked promptly, heart in his throat.
Swallowing hard, Arthur lowered his eyes to look at it once more.
"It's a ransom note. They've taken Morgana hostage."
And of all the things that had troubled Merlin that day this was probably the hardest blow, one of which he had barely any time to recuperate from.
"The tracks lead this way!" One of the Camelot knights called, and the rest followed close behind. The tracks led them deep into the woods that Morgana and Gwen had been bustled through earlier that morning, but the knight was unable to track the footsteps much further.
"They must have covered their trail," He sighed, but a sudden hand motion from Arthur silenced him. Taking his crossbow, Arthur began to inch his way forward while Merlin listened earnestly to try to hear what Arthur had heard. All that they were met with; however, was an intense silence. Minutes seemed hours while the party slowly followed the prince forward, pausing occasionally to listen for any sounds. And as they did, they suddenly heard the crack of a twig underfoot, and Arthur hid behind a tree to wait for an opportune moment to attack.
Breathing softly so as not to be heard, the knights waited as the prince held up two fingers up to say 'hold'.
Then, with a sudden movement, he jumped out from behind the tree and would've released his arrow had he not stopped himself at the last minute. There in front of them, in nothing but a thin white dress, stood the King's pale and wide-eyed ward.
"Morgana!" Arthur exclaimed in relief, and Merlin felt as though he had gotten his breath back.
After a quick scan, Arthur asked the terrible question.
"Where's Guinevere?"
Morgana's face contorted, suppressing the tears as she tried to find words to say, but could not find any. All that she could do was shake her head, much to Arthur's alarm.
"What happened to her?!" Arthur wanted to exclaim, but when he looked at the pitiable Morgana with scratches and pain etched on her face, the words died on his lips. The poor woman had been through enough already, she needed to get back to Camelot. Reaching out his hand for Morgana to take, which she readily did, Arthur led her among the comforting company of knights and soldiers.
Once she had been given water to satisfy her parched throat, Morgana mounted behind Arthur on his horse to ride back to Camelot, but her worried thoughts were far from home.
"It's such a relief to see you safe!"
These words were uttered by Uther as he reached out his arms to embrace his beloved ward, relief very present in his previously agitated voice.
"I couldn't bear the thought of anyone harming you!" He continued, breaking away slowly to place a gloved hand on her cheek.
"The bandits still have Gwen," Morgana interrupted, anxiously holding onto the King's free hand.
Arthur proceeded to tell the King that there had been reports that Hengist crossed the border, but this went right over Morgana's head.
"You must send a rescue party!"
"But if Hengist is holding her it may take a small army to rescue your maid," Uther replied gently, but Morgana was not going to be coaxed so easily. They had to rescue Gwen!
"We can't abandon her!"
"How many would you have me sacrifice for your maid?"
"As many as it takes." Morgana answered indignantly, and finally this really went home for Uther.
"She laid down her life for me so that I could escape." The lady continued, more gently this time.
Uther looked at her pitiable and earnest face, dreading to say what he believed was all too true. Yet he had to say it. There was no use giving Morgana any false hopes.
"A servant is of no use to these bandits," He finally said, "I fear she is dead already."
This news was more than Morgana could take. No, it couldn't be! Stepping back a few paces, she stared at Uther with refusing eyes.
"We cannot give up on her!" She exclaimed. Turning around, her eyes fell upon Arthur.
"Arthur?" She asked uncertainly, her voice wavering, but the prince's face did not flinch.
"My father is right," He said in a tone of voice that made Morgana's eyes sting from its emotionlessness, "I'm afraid there's nothing we can do."
"How can you say that?" Morgana shot back in shrill tones. Glancing round her, she looked at all the faces of the various people in the court.
"How can you live with yourselves?! All of you!"
A shiver went down Merlin's spine at the wavering sound of her voice at their seeming indifference. They had to do something! But all they did was get Gaius to try to calm her down and to bring her out while the court turned to more 'important' affairs.
"How could Uther be so indifferent?!" Morgana exclaimed as Gaius led her to his chambers to tend to her cuts.
"He is not indifferent Morgana," Came Gaius' comforting voice as he motioned for her to sit, "He is only reluctant to send so many men on such a dangerous mission."
"If it was me he wouldn't hesitate a moment," Morgana replied earnestly, "Gwen doesn't deserve to be left at Hengist's mercy! You must speak to Uther! Make him see sense!"
Gaius' face softened as he gently dabbed the cut along Morgana's forehead.
"My lady," He said gently, "I think what you need at the moment is rest. You've been through enough trauma."
"How can I rest when my friend's life is in danger?!"
"I will procure you a potion to calm your nerves," Gaius said softly, trying to keep the distressed lady calm.
A look of revulsion crossed Morgana's face and her stomach churned at the mention of a potion.
"Please Gaius," She said quietly, but firmly," I don't want any potions. I want to see Gwen safe. Speak to the King, I'm begging of you!"
Gaius sighed quietly, and whether it was his conscience screaming at him or Morgana's pleading eyes, he agreed.
"I will try," He assured her, "For your sake, for Gwen's."
Morgana let out a breath of relief.
"Thank you, Gaius."
It was then that the sudden noise of the latch being lifted turned Morgana's attention away from Gaius to the door, and when she looked she saw Merlin standing in the doorway.
"Ah, Merlin," Gaius said, putting down the cloth he had been using, "Will you tend to the Lady Morgana while I'm gone? The herbs are there on the table."
Merlin was slightly surprised at the sudden request, but he obeyed Gaius' request. Nodding slightly, he took the bowl of herbs and made his way towards Morgana. Gaius nodded his thanks and stepped out, closing the door softly behind him.
Merlin took a seat in front of Morgana and set the bowl on the work table. He did not look directly at Morgana, but took out the masher to start grinding the herbs.
"How were you captured?" Merlin asked, grinding the herbs quietly so as to hear her response.
"The bandits attacked us in the woods," Morgana replied, "Gwen and I managed to get away, but she was hurt. I came back, but she couldn't make it."
And at this point Morgana's voice cracked and Merlin's eyes looked up from the bowl to see the troubled lady look away to hide any threatening tears. So many mixed emotions were surfacing, and even if she tried to hold them back, it was too difficult. Merlin racked his brain for a way to comfort her, a way to assure her that everything was going to be alright, but what? He had never felt as incapable as he did now!
An unsteady exhale escaped his lips and, unable to think of any other way to comfort her, Merlin reached out his hand and cupped it gently over hers.
Morgana looked down abruptly at the touch, as the warmth from it sent a tingling sensation throughout her body. It was a strong hand, she noticed, but it was gentle when it touched hers.
Seeing that she did not pull her hand away, Merlin allowed his fingers to interlace with hers.
"Merlin," She said faintly, blushing now that the manservant's eyes met hers, "I wanted to talk to you, about what happened yesterday evening, I..."
Merlin looked attentively into those beautiful shining eyes of hers, which were clouding with discontentment.
"You don't need to explain." He said reassuringly, shaking his head.
"But I have to," Morgana replied, slightly louder than before. Swallowing hard, she tried to encourage herself to say what was on her mind.
"When I discovered my magic, I was a mess. I was lonely, frightened, and lost. I turned to so many different people, but none of them knew what I needed. Except you." Morgana paused nervously, as if waiting for Merlin's response, but he did not speak. His gentle eyes spoke for him.
"You helped me," She continued, "Guided me to the truth that no one else would've told me."
"I only did what was the right thing to do." Merlin finally replied, but Morgana shook her head at his modesty.
"It was dangerous, and yet you did it anyway. You've risked so much for me, and all I have to say is that the King..."
Morgana stopped short, finding words harder to say.
"...would never allow this." Merlin finished in a faraway voice.
Morgana had told these words to herself earlier that morning, but when she heard it from Merlin's lips it was much more painful. Her pain was clear to see, and although Merlin tried his best not to let his eyes betray his own emotions, this was too hard.
After all that Kilgharrah had told Merlin about the fate of Camelot resting on his shoulders, the young warlock had thought he'd carry it alone. He thought that there would be no one who would ever understand the way he really was, much less love him. And now there was someone, who really did care for him and shared his gifts, but they could not be together. It cut him deep, deeper than he himself knew or realized.
"I'm sorry," Morgana said quietly, slipping her hand out of his.
A half hour later found Merlin still sitting in his chair, but Morgana was not there. In his daze, he almost forgot that she had already left, with a swish of her soft green dress.
...
"How could you let her escape?!"
These angry words were voiced by Kendrick, for when Morgana had gotten away, all the bandits could do was bring back her hurt maid.
"She's a servant!" Kendrick continued, almost knocking down one of his men in his rage, "She's worth nothing to us!"
Gwen trembled at these words.
Striding towards her, the enraged captain glared down at her. As he did, he must have thought of a plan, for his furrowed brows softened and his clenched fists relaxed.
"Wait." He said, a smirk coming to his face. Motioning for one of his men to pass him the clothes that Morgana had left behind at the river, the captain threw the bundle into Gwen's arms.
"Put them on." He commanded.
"What are you going to do with me?"
A glint of greed lighted the captain's intense eyes.
"Hengist," He began, "has never met the Lady Morgana. For all he knows, you could be Uther Pendragon's ward."
Gwen stared at Kendrick in surprise at what he was suggesting.
"I will not impersonate my mistress." She replied firmly.
"Then," The captain began mercilessly, brandishing his sword, "You will die where you stand."
...
The day progressed slowly for Morgana and her troubles were now a heavier burden on her shoulders-the loss of the one she had grown to have feelings for weighing heavier than all the rest.
She had retreated to her chambers once she had left Gaius' house and now sat at her table, distractedly feeling the smooth woodwork under the tips of her fingers.
Should she not have kissed Merlin?
That would've saved her the pain. It would've been a 'wiser' choice to anyone else, but Morgana wasn't sure if it was the better choice.
Lost in her quiet thoughts, a sudden knock on her door startled her. Rising quickly, Morgana opened it and was met by Gaius.
"Have you spoken with Uther?" Morgana asked softly, when she had ushered him in. Gaius' usually high browed look dropped and he looked at the lady hesitantly.
"The King would not listen." Gaius said disappointedly, but he could get no further, for when he had said it Morgana's brows furrowed and she stormed out of her room.
Crossing several halls and stairs, she found herself at Arthur's chambers and without knocking threw the door open. Arthur was surprised to say the least, and it was quite clear he had been busy, but Morgana took no notice.
"How can you be so heartless?!" She demanded, striding towards him, "Gwen is the most kind, loyal person and she's been more than a friend to all of us and you would leave her to the mercy of those animals?"
"Morgana." Arthur interrupted gently, but he was ignored.
"Have you no shame? Do you think of anyone but yourself?"
"Morgana..."
"I knew you were many things Arthur, but I didn't know you were a gutless coward!"
"Morgana!" Arthur almost shouted, and this time he successfully silenced the flustered and distressed Morgana, at least, long enough to get a word in edge-wise.
"If you would stop yelling at me, for one second, you would realize that I am packing!"
Morgana eyes glanced down for a moment to see Arthur stuff his coat forcefully into a bag to highlight the 'I'm doing what you want, why are you yelling?' factor.
"You're going after Gwen." She said in relief which turned into regret for having gotten so upset.
"Of course I am," Arthur cut in, "What do you take me for?"
This caused a slight raise of Morgana's brow, to which Arthur responded, "I couldn't oppose my father in public."
Then, as he making his way out, Morgana stopped him by calling his name.
"Bring her home." She said once he had turned to her.
Arthur nodded slightly and turning once more, he headed out of his chambers.
…
The night passed quickly and the dawn found a tireless Arthur and a half-asleep Merlin riding down the trail that led to Hengist's domain.
"Could we stop a moment?" Merlin had asked several times, to which Arthur always responded: "We can't afford a break."
This went on for almost the whole night, till Arthur had memorized the space of time between each of Merlin's requests for a break. Sometimes, he found himself saying 'no' before Merlin even had a chance to ask. How could he even ask to pause at a time when Guinevere's life was at stake?
But now, the manservant had gone quiet.
"Thank God." Arthur muttered under his breath. Perhaps the sobriety of this dangerous mission had finally silenced him, or the realization that Arthur would not give in to his requests. But just as he thought this, he heard a soft thump of something on the ground.
Looking round a moment he found, much to his frustration, an asleep Merlin on the dewy grass. This was great, just great!
"Get up, Merlin!" Arthur called crossly, dismounting. No answer.
Perhaps shouting wouldn't work, but a nice splash of water would do perfectly. A smirk came over Arthur's face and, removing the top of his canteen, he poured a generous amount of the water over Merlin's head.
Merlin gave a yelp of surprise at the sudden intrusion on his prized sleep before coughing profusely to get any water out of his mouth.
"What was that for?" He exclaimed as soon as he had breath and saw who it was to wake him, "I was trying to sleep!"
"I'm afraid we don't have that commodity." Arthur said as he headed back to his horse in long strides.
Merlin groaned.
"I've never seen you like this," He said, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes, "About anyone."
"What are you talking about?" Arthur countered sharply, tightening the buckles of the saddle.
"Gwen," Merlin replied.
Arthur grunted quietly, recognizing what Merlin was getting at and trying to deny it. He avoided looking at Merlin, but he could feel his manservant's eyes watching him carefully. Were his affections for Gwen that obvious?
"What I care about," The prince finally said firmly, "is not wasting any more time talking."
Merlin prudently chose to hold his tongue and comply with Arthur's wishes. It wouldn't be wise to press him, but Merlin could see the look in his eyes, the look a man would have if a new-found love had just changed his life, one that Merlin himself carried without knowing it.
…
"Kendrick. I was beginning to think you'd failed me."
Guinevere's mind had been changed quickly at the touch of Kendrick's steel and although she loathed the very thought of impersonating her mistress, she had little choice. She, Kendrick, and his men had made their way into Hengist's kingdom and now Gwen had been ushered into Hengist's main hall, where she was met by the massive man.
Hengist was only slightly taller than Gwen herself, but his large build and huge shoulders accentuated by a fur cape made him look quite fearsome.
"May I present," Kendrick announced, leading Guinevere forward, "The Lady Morgana."
Gwen stood still as Hengist took several steps towards her. It was definitely intimidating, but she was firm and resolute on not showing any sign of fear.
As he drew nearer, Hengist lifted one large hand and pushed back Guinevere's hood. An exhale of approval escaped his lips, and Gwen was almost sure she felt a shiver run down her spine.
"You are," He said, "as beautiful as they say, Lady Morgana."
"I demand that you release me!" She ordered, afraid but not about to lose her nerve now.
Hengist gave what was meant to be a smile, but came out as a sneering grin.
"Just as soon as Uther pays your ransom. But until then, you will be my guest."
"Do not flatter yourself," Gwen shot back reproachfully, "I am not your guest-I am your prisoner!"
The grin on Hengist's face faded and as it did Gwen realized, much to her horror, that the he was about to take her at her word.
"As you wish," He replied coldly then, to one of his men, "Take her to the cells."
A man stepped forward and, grasping Gwen by the arm, did Hengist's bidding. The frightened maid was marched out of the main
hall and down towards the dark, damp dungeons. Gwen could barely hold back a small cry of discomfort, for the soldier's hand was
gripping her arm tightly, but she only bit her lip. She had to be brave, she had to stay calm.
When she had been locked up in her cell, Gwen felt relief in her now free arm. But now she also felt other pains, more unbearable
than that. Suppose help wouldn't come?
(Yes, I'm going to stop here because this is getting way too long to put into just one chapter. I'll probably divided this into two parts.
Anyway, let me know what you think :D)