Rated M for graphic and lemon scenes. Arthur x OC and Merlin x OC.
We don't own BBC's Merlin, only our OCs and the ways the plot of the series is effected by their presence.
In a land of myth, and a time of magic. The destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young boy; his name: Merlin...
A crowd gathered at the base of a modest, grey marble castle set upon a lightly wooded grassland; it was approached by a short, paved road that trailed into the lower town where the over-sized population made their pittance of a living. Upon a high balcony overlooking the busy square stood King Uther and his court, gazing down at a haunting, wooded platform on which the executioner's block sat. A man was forced to kneel before the block and he stared frightfully at the king.
A stained-glass window opened toward the top of the eastern tower of the castle. The princess of Camelot peered out from her perch and watched as the square continued to blossom with life. Kadian recognized each villager that gazed up at the king, all except one: a young man with short, shaggy black hair. He carried a sack on his back and dark circles lingered beneath his navy eyes. His blue tunic was well worn from age and travel and around his neck he sported a ruffled, ruby red scarf that he was privilege to have. A small smile stretched her soft, pink lips as he gazed quizzically at the King.
"Let this serve as a lesson to all: this man, Thomas James Collins, is abet guilty of conspiring to use enchantments and magic," King Uther bellowed over the rattling of the drums. Beneath a pasty, white scar, his fierce, blue eyes scanned the gathered as he continued, "As pursuer to the laws of Camelot, I, Uther Pendragon have decreed that such practices are banned on penalty of death. I pride myself as a fair, just king, but for the crime of sorcery there is but one sentence I can pass."
The King nodded to the executioner who was garbed in black with a mask concealing his morbid face. He positioned himself to Thomas Collins' side and two of Uther's soldiers held the man tightly by the his scrawny arms; Thomas trembled and his heart beat madly as sweat trickled down the sides of his burning-red cheeks.
Every gaze in the square shifted to the executioner who lifted a large, deathly axe into the air. The sharpened blade glistened ironically in the yellow sunlight. Then with a squeal echoing on the crisp wind, it plunged to the chopping block. Kadian winced; scarlet blood oozed slowly down Thomas Collins' shoulders and pooled on the wood. Again the axe rose, its sharp blade smeared with thick blood. The young princess winced again as the blade plummeted to hack off the rest of the man's head; it lolled on the platform before it and its body went limp.
"When I came to this land, this kingdom was mired in chaos, but with the people's help, magic was driven from the realm." The King's voice was indifferent and seemed lost in the past until it returned to the present wit his next, bold and proud words, "So, I declare a festival, to celebrate twenty years since the Great Dragon was captured and Camelot freed from the evil of sorcery." As he turned to retire into the council chamber, he added gaily, "Let the celebrations begin."
Kadian wiped her forehead; the image of beheading replayed in her mind. She could not understand why sorcery and magic was such a wrong, evil ability. Her father would never understand what magic was really meant to be used for; he was not gifted like some, like her.
At the hoarse cries of an old woman, Kadian gaze drifted over to the dispersing civilians. The King spun on his heels and scanned his eyes over his startled people. The people stepped away from a wrinkled, old hag as her cries grew louder and louder. Her grey hair was a rat's nest upon her temple and she wore brown, tattered rags for clothing. Her grief-stricken eyes, weary as they were, stared at the King fiercely. "There is only one evil in this land and it is not magic!" she sobbed and her shrivelled, pink-grey lips quivered over her words. "It is you with your hatred..." She paused and collected a shrill breath, "and ignorance."
She choked on her breath as she pointed to the mangled body of Thomas Collins. "You killed my son!" she sobbed; her eyes were glassy with her welling tears. The old woman took a deep, raucous breath and stepped toward the castle with fiery, vengeful eyes. "And I promise you: before these celebrations are over, you will share my tears." She paused; her eyes met the King's, burning through them until they reached his shrivelled heart that beat without a rhythm. She grinned, glinting her yellow, rotted teeth, and she spoke with her voice uncanny and vicious. "An eye for an eye. A tooth for a tooth..." She tilted her head and she grinned as the King's face flushed red when her words rolled over her old lips. "A son for a son!"
Kadian, astounded by the Mary Collins' words, leaned further out her window. Uther was angry; they all saw it in his raging eyes and red face. His voice was a low, outraged scowl. "Seize her!" Uther ordered and he pointed a gloved finger at Mary Collins.
Mary grabbed the glowing, amber pendant around her neck and hissed the forbidden words in what sounded like a wave of voices incanting an archaic language. As she looked sincerely at the King one last time, dust rose and twisted into a tornado around her weary form; she vanished before Uther's men could seize her.
Kadian turned and shut the window shakily; her sapphire blue eyes lingered over the square, watching as the peasants dispersed to their daily routines. Her heart raced in her chest as she recalled the witch's last words: A son for a son. The closest person to the princess was her elder brother, Arthur, and it pained her to visualize his merciless death by the hands of a revenge-thirsty, old witch.
She left her chamber silently and travelled through the vacant corridors until she stopped at a sealed door on the top of a spiralling staircase. Her hand rasped against the aged wood three times before it swung opened. A pale face curtained by curly, raven locks watched her from inside the chamber with relaxed, soft-green eyes.
"Kadian, I thought you would come," Morgana said softly and let Kadian into her chamber. The door shut soundlessly. Kadian smiled and took a seat in a chair by the desk on which a closed journal and a quill pen sat idle.
"Do you think that witch will keep true to her word and go after Arthur?" Kadian asked grimly and watched Morgana danced across the chamber; she shut and latched the window she had watched the execution from.
"I don't think she was lying," Morgana answered knowingly and combed her fingers through her silky hair. With a soft sigh, she looked up and down Kadian and said, "What are you wearing?"
Kadian stood and ran her hands down her clothes. She wore a cotton gown with an aged, faded blue corset; it looked to be something a maidservant would wear when tending to her mistress. "What's wrong with this?" she asked annoyed; she spun in a circle and let the frilled skirt rise into the air.
"What would the King say if he saw you dressing as a maid?" Morgana scowled and walked over to her cupboard, rummaging through her luxurious gowns for one to lend to Kadian.
Kadian laughed. "Like my father would care. He treats me like a maid, why not dress like one?" she retorted.
Morgana smiled and pulled a dress from the cupboard. She crossed the chamber to Kadian. "That doesn't matter. A princess should not parade around dressed as a maid. Show some self-respect," she said and held the gown up to Kadian's neck to see if it was long enough and would fit her thin, curvy figure. Without giving Kadian a chance to reply, she pushed her hastily behind to the screen and draped the dress over the top. "Now, get changed."
Sighing in defeat, Kadian lifted the dress she wore over her head and tossed it to the floor. She reached for the other gown, stepped into it, and pulled it up and over her breasts. Her fingers slid down the fine silk and ironed out the ruffles she had made. Kadian stepped from behind the screen and Morgana gaped at the transformation the princess underwent in such a short time. The brocade gown was seductive enough, cutting low across her chest, with thin, translucent sleeves. The teal fabric was woven with curlicues and brought out the deep colour of Kadian's eyes. Kadian's white-blonde hair fell to her middle back, pin-straight, and moved, as her head did like wisps of liquid gold. "I have self-respect," she spat and adjusted the top of the gown, "I... I never had a mother to teach me how to dress. That's why I need you, Morgana. I'd be lost without you."
Morgana stepped forward and embraced Kadian tightly. "I know," she replied sympathetically with her eyes swimming with her deep emotions, "but you should do these things for yourself. I'm not a maid."
Smiling graciously, Kadian bid Morgana farewell and departed from the chamber. She travelled down the staircase, crossed the wide, impressively decorated corridors, and emerged in the lowest level of the castle. There were two guards stationed at the beginning of a faintly-lit hall; there eyes did not meet the princess as she passed and continued to stand there in silence like they were sleeping with their eyes open. A door creaked open and revealed a second set of stairs leading downward into the earth, cloaked in throbbing, dark shadows. Kadian glanced over her shoulder and grabbed a blazing torch from the wall.
Then, she scaled down the steps into the dark abyss.
The orange flames licked up the wood and reached for the stonewalls. Its brilliant, amber glow illuminated a wide, rocky cavern when Kadian reached the end of the dark path. The torchlight only reached so far before darkness consumed it. From above, a faint ray a daylight seeped through the stone ceiling. "It's me, Kadian," she called and her soft voice rang throughout the cavern.
The sound of powerful wings flapping echoed off the cavern walls as a large figure descended to the pile of fallen rocks that sat across from the ledge on which Kadian stood. Kadian set her blue eyes on the Great Dragon, the last of his kind. His scales were the colour of raw gold and his large, jewelled gaze rested upon Kadian with the embers of the torchlight swimming in his irises. Two, white horns extended from his forehead and a row of sharp, white spikes lined his spine. The Great Dragon's membrane wings folded against his rigid sides and he lay on the rocks, crossing his front legs.
"Greetings, Princess Kadian," the dragon said, in a low voice that rumbled from his throat like thunder, "it is a pleasure to be in your midst again."
"The pleasure is all mine," Kadian replied softly with a smile. "You are a friend, not a prisoner to me."
The Great Dragon chuckled, a puff a grey smoke flaring from his nostrils, but the chuckled died away into the void in the cavern. "I sense that you are troubled," he stated wisely. "Tell me, what is haunting your delicate mind?"
Kadian sighed deeply and collected her raging thoughts. "A man was beheaded for using magic and his mother declared that she would avenge her son's demise by taking my brother's life. I-I'm scared for Arthur, Great Dragon," she explained with her eyes filling with sorrow as she imagined her brother being slaughtered. Her fear of the chopping block prevented her from saving her brother on her own; Uther would not hesitate to give the order, his hate for her was unrelenting.
The Great Dragon took a long moment to think and closed his golden eyes, letting his breaths grow deep. Then, he rose to his mighty, scaled paws. "I believe that it is unwise to linger over these troublesome thoughts, dear witch. In time, great emotions will open two doors in which a choice will be made, for better, or for worse." He paused and met her alluring gaze. He exhaled and a tiny spark of fire rolled off his barbed tongue. "There is a creature of the same religion as our own in Camelot. It would be wise to befriend him because it is not your destiny to save Arthur, but his," he said intelligently, pressing his rough snout softly against her forehead. "You must take your leave, Kadian, the deep caverns are not places for you to wander, even in you dizziest days."
"Thank you," Kadian smiled and beamed as the Great Dragon spread his huge wings and leaped into the air with one powerful thrust. She watched him rise into the air with the clanging of the chain around his leg ringing through the cavern. Once the golden dragon was out of sight, Kadian returned to the upper levels of the castle.
-x-
Prince Arthur sat at the chair to the right of the throne where a long table was placed horizontally in the front of the hall. He glanced up at the sound of Kadian soft footsteps against the marble floor as she entered. A smile was forced onto his face and she sat two seats away from him. His blue eyes, the same as her own, said that he was not afraid or even tainted by the words against his life. Neither of them spoke, there were no words to say. Everyone in the chamber stood as the door swung open and Uther walked it with his red cloak billowing in the air behind him.
The king sat on his throne chair and rested his red cloak over its arms. Kadian managed to put a smile on her face as did Arthur; it was uneasy sitting together, the three of them as a family. The guest retook their seats along the two long tables, which were perpendicular to the table of the royal family. Once everyone was settled, the servants brought in a variety of fruits and vegetables and set them on the tables, each specializing in their own shade of vibrant colour. The servants bowed to the royal family before hurrying from the chamber and to the kitchens to finish preparing the rest of the feast.
Kadian waited for her father to take a morsel before reaching for an apple. She bit into it, grinning as the juices poured into her pallet, and listened as the king and prince talked about Camelot's affairs. A swordsmen's tournament was approaching at the beginning of the next week, but Kadian thought that the threat on Arthur's life was more important. "Father..." Kadian began softly, placing the apple down on her napkin, "have the soldier's found that woman who threatened to kill my brother?"
Uther turned his attention from his son to his daughter. "Why have you interrupted?" he growled with his voice booming. The commotion from their guests ceased as all their gazes shifted up to the royal family.
"I'm sorry, sire, but I am concerned for my only brother's life," Kadian replied brazenly; her eyes locked gazes with the King and then, as she gritted her teeth, they trailed across Arthur's face until they rested on the tabletop. "Pardon me if I am wrong, but there are more important things to be concerned with than a mediocre tournament."
"I'd like to see that witch try," Arthur stated arrogantly, looking at his sister. He moved his blonde hair from his eyes. "If she ever did, I'd cut out her throat before she could even mutter an enchantment. You don't need to worry about me. I am the prince. I can take care of myself."
Kadian's eyes rolled; she hated how her brother thought his was invincible, the greatest warrior in all the land on whom no one could land a single blow and that led him to be reckless and arrogant like Uther; but he was the lesser of two evils and looked at her as a princess, his sister. "I doubt that she'd be that ludicrous," she mumbled and averted his gaze.
The King's eyes narrowed as Arthur gritted his teeth. "Enough," the King said sternly, "Kadian, you are dismissed. You will go to your chambers."
The princess stood to her feet angrily; her rage was boiling her blood. Did he just order her around like a servant? With the urge to retort, she stormed from the chamber with her fingers curled into shaking fists. Her face burned red as she stomped up the steps to her chamber. She slammed the door shut behind her and collapsed onto her bed, her face cascading into her soft pillow. The way her father always treated her made her so angry that she felt her self-control slip to where she nearly used her forbidden magic; but she felt sad for herself for having to put up with this every day of her life. Things would be different if Kadian's mother was still alive. Maybe she would not have to hide her abilities from the public. Maybe she would be treated like an equal to her brother, or even Morgana. Her mother was dead and every day, that knowledge pained her.
Kadian moved her head to rest her right cheek was on the pillow and her enraged eyes viewed the twilight sky through her window. Slowly, the glass window pushed out and lay flat against the marble walls of the castle. A faint, cool wind soared into the chamber, pushing her hair from her face. Sighing, Kadian sat up and undressed herself and found a nightgown laying on the back of a chair. She slipped the nightgown over her head and casually walked over to the open window. Her blue eyes stared up at the slowly darkening sky as the browns and reds faded into midnight blues on which yellow orbs of light flickered like tiny flames. The words of the Great Dragon rang in her ears and she knew that he was right; she needed to find the other creature of magic that roamed Camelot, whomever he may be.
-x-
When the sun was gone and the moon was perched in its dark sky, a soft, mistrusted voice rang through the barren corridors of the palace. They reached Kadian's chamber and woke the princess enough so she heard them clearly.
"You know, the more brutal you are the more enemies you will create," Morgana breathed from where she stood, basking in the flickering torchlight that turned her pale-green eyes to brown.
-x-
In the wood, a mile or so away from Camelot, a woman hummed a beautiful song as she prepared to retire for the evening. A handful of Uther's men were stationed around her tent. The King awaited the woman's arrival; she was to sing during the final celebratory feast. Her eyes were on the hanging torch in front of her, her coffee irises reflecting the licking flames, as her delicate hands mingled with her dark locks, creating a braid that would trail down her back. A moan rose into the still night air, startling the singer and she called out, "Gregory?"
Eerie footsteps travelled at the edge of her tent and her heart began to race. Were they under attack? She watched as a dim shadow danced across the yellow tent. The tent flaps were pulled apart and a soldier, Gregory, poked his head inside. "Lady Helen?" he asked gently.
"Is all well?" the singer wondered. She met Gregory's gaze with scared, worried eyes.
"Yes ma'am," Gregory nodded assuringly with a kind smile. "With luck, we should reach Camelot in the morning."
"That's good," Lady Helen said and smiled in relief.
"I will be outside if you need me," Gregory stated. Lady Helen nodded and he stepped from the tent. She looked about her to reassure herself that there was no fear. She sighed softly and returned to grooming herself.
Outside, an spooky, hair-raising hiss rustled through the trees. Gregory gazed about the shadows and faint glow of the wood; he unsheathed his sword. He stepped forward, calling out into the darkness, "Who's there?"
There was no reply. A chill breeze howled through the wide, dark trees, rustling the leaves and shaking the long, curled tree limbs across the eye of the moon.
Lady Helen gazed at her reflection in the mirror in her right hand while the other combed through her dark bangs. As she groomed herself, she hummed the song that she would be performing for the King and his family. The horses squealed outside and the singer jumped, setting her dark eyes on the shadows cast on the tent. Only one shadow, hunched and malformed, danced across the yellow fabric; the others stayed stationary. Lady Helen rose to her feet as the shadow approached the tent entrance; she knew that it was not Gregory.
The tent flaps were pulled back. The shadow came to life as an old hag with knotted white hair and a wrinkled, scrunched up face that looked like frozen, melted wax. A row of yellow teeth glistened with the smile on the witch's face; she stepped closer to the singer who instinctively stepped back. The witch's lips formed the words of dark enchantments and she raised a hand; her wrinkled fingers grasped a straw doll. As the words left her throat, the witch stabbed the doll in the chest with a sharp, black pin. Lady Helen's breath escaped her lungs and her hands shot to her bosom. The hag drove the pin through the doll again, her maniacal smile growing.
Lady Helen collapsed onto the small bed - unmistakably dead.
Smiling in delight, the witch dropped the doll and took a seat before the bench where Lady Helen had been grooming herself. She grasped her amber pendant firmly and more forbidden enchantments rolled over her wrinkled lips like hisses. Her white hair thickened and changed to dark brown. The wrinkles on her scrunched face smoothed to fine, pale skin and her weary eyes formed those of Lady Helen. Her new hands skimmed the her new face. Grinning, she held up the mirror that Lady Helen had placed gently onto the desk. The reflection was not of Lady Helen's face, but that of the shrivelled old witch that sought retribution.
-x-
Kadian woke the next morning when the golden, shimmering dawn-light poured into her chamber. A yawn escaped her soft lips as she rose to her waking feet and disappeared behind the screen. She dressed in an alluring, ice blue gown that was covered with suns and moons; it was fit for a princess and one that she knew Morgana would approve of. After brushing her white-blonde hair, Kadian left her chamber and descended down the courtyard to take a stroll in the fresh, morning air.
The sun was blindingly bright and Kadian squinted as she stepped onto the luscious grass that was damp with the cold, morning dew. In the centre of the courtyard, she saw her brother and a handful of the men that Kadian could barely call Arthur's friends.
"Where is the target?" one of Arthur's friends said obnoxiously.
"There," Arthur replied and motioned his head toward the large piece of wood that was carved into a circle and painted to form fields to score. "It's in the sun."
Standing nearest the to target was Arthur's scrawny servant whose tunic was too big for him and hung awkwardly on his narrow shoulders. His voice, shaky as it was, cracked as he said, "Sir, it isn't that bright."
Arthur laughed with a cocky grin curving his lips, "A bit like you, then." His blonde hair was thrown astray by the wind as it howled through the courtyard.
"Al right. I'll bring it 'round to the other side then, shall I, sire?" The servant replied civilly and placed the items he held on the ground. He lifted up the target and went to carry it to where it would not be hidden by the blinding sun. As the servant carried the target across the lively courtyard, Arthur turned to his friends and told them to watch; they snickered gleefully. The prince retrieved a dagger from his belt and, after positioning the hilt comfortably in his hand, he tossed it at the round target and his servant. The point of the dagger hit and stuck to the white ring around the red dot in the middle.
Startled by the pressure of the dagger, the servant lowered the target and looked at Arthur in a daze. "Hey, hang on!" the servant called with his soft voice cracking into different, horrible-sounding octaves.
Kadian sighed and frowned at her brother's cruelty toward his servant. The only reason he treated the boy like a pile of rubbish was because it was to make him feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Her eyes rolled as she slowly proceeded around the courtyard, watching her brother as he laughed and threw several more daggers at the servant as the target was moved to be out-of-the-sun.
The target slipped from the servant's hand and it went spinning across the grass, running away from the rapid projectiles.
That was when she saw him: the strange man from the execution the previous day; the one she did not recognize among the crowd. Kadian stopped and watched as he stepped on the target and gazed down at the small servant who was scrambling after it.
Kadian thought that the way his deep, dark blue eyes shone in the sunlight was magical in their own way. She felt heat rush to her cheeks as his eyes swept across her face, lingering there for a moment before they shifted down to the scrawny servant and then, onto Arthur. "Hey, come on. That's enough," he said sternly, meeting the prince's bold, blue eyes.
"What?" Arthur asked like he had misheard the man.
"You've had your fun, my friend," the man replied and lifted his foot off the target to allow the servant to pick it up.
Arthur approached him quickly with an eyebrow raised and a voice tinted with annoyance. "Do I know you?"
Kadian cautiously approached the two, staying clearly out of Arthur's view as she fought the urge to laugh.
"I'm Merlin," the man said and extended his hand toward Arthur.
"So, I don't know you."
"No."
"Yet, you called me 'friend'?"
"That was my mistake."
"Yes, I think so."
"Yeah. I would never have a friend who could be such an ass," Merlin retorted with a grin and he turned to walk away. Kadian put her hand to her pink lips to mask her laughing. It took a lot of guts to speak to Arthur in such a manor. Then, she realized, that Merlin probably had no clue who he was speaking to, and that thought made her giggle more.
Arthur chuckled slightly and replied, "Nor I, one who could be so stupid." He paused, hearing his friends snicker behind him. "Tell me, Merlin, do you know how to walk on your knees?"
Merlin spun around to face Arthur once more. "No," he stated through his grin, unfathomed by the harsh tone in Arthur's voice.
"Would you like me to help you?" Arthur asked snootily and tilted his head to the side.
"That wouldn't be a good idea if I were you," Merlin murmured. He caught Kadian's eye for a second before he returned his attention to Arthur.
"Why? What are you going to do to me?" Arthur laughed and stepped directly in front of Merlin with his grin stretching further across his chin. They were only inches apart, each in striking distance of the other.
Merlin took a small step back to widen the distance between them. "You have no idea," he laughed; he shook his head slowly as a warning.
"Come on. Come on," Arthur taunted cockily and stepped back with his arms outstretched giving Merlin an opening to strike. "Come on." It was like Arthur knew that Merlin was going to throw a punch. The prince caught Merlin's arm and twisted it behind his back, into a single lock.
Kadian gasped softly at how quickly her brother reacted. Part of her wished that Merlin had actually hit him and forced him strut around the city with a big, nasty, black and blue eye.
"I'm gonna have you in jail for that," Arthur hissed, forcing Merlin's arm toward his opposite shoulder causing the rest of Merlin's body to curve to alleviate the stinging pain.
Merlin chuckled and gritted his teeth to endure the pain as he replied, "Who do you think you are? The King?"
"No. I'm his son, Arthur," Arthur retorted and added more pressure onto Merlin's arm, nearly pulling his shoulder from its socket. Merlin's knees buckled and her collapsed to the wet grass. The prince released Merlin's arm and let the guards take him down to the dungeons. He turned and lay his eyes on his younger, twin sister standing a couple feet behind him. Her head was shaking and he locked gazes with her disappointed scowl.
Kadian went up to her brother; his friends departed knowing that it was not in their interest to be around when the siblings fought. "How could you be such an ass?" she hissed and dealt him the death glare. Arthur would only tolerate her insulting him like that; she was his sister, he had grown up with it all his life. "He was just trying to help the boy, Arthur."
"He assaulted me," Arthur pointed out, holding his head high in his false pride.
She smacked him upside the head and pointed a thin finger at him when he reached back to rub his head. "Does it look like I care? I wish that he had, maybe it would've gotten through your thick skull that you aren't the only person who matters in this kingdom. Don't give me that pathetic look! Father may support you, Arthur, but I don't and never will. You are next to rule Camelot, so start acting like a king instead of some spoiled prat," she growled fiercely. With that, she turned and returned into the palace, infuriated by her brother's selfish actions.
-x-
At first, she thought of going to the dungeons to release Merlin herself, but within ten minutes, she found herself rasping her hand against the door to the court physician's chamber. The door creaked open and a man with wavy, white hair, weary grey eyes and a wrinkled face welcomed her. "Good day, My Lady," Gaius greeted with a kind, warming smile, letting her pass him and enter his chamber. "What can I do for you?"
"A man, Merlin, was taken to the dungeons by my brother's accord. Is he your assistant? I swore I saw him a bit earlier giving Sir Olwin his daily medicine," Kadian replied, taking a seat on one of the many stools that were around the chamber. She glanced about the chamber, curious to know what lay in each of the thousands of phials that lined the shelves, inside the cupboards, and inscribed on the pages of the various books that lay open on the different benches.
Gaius put a hand on his head, cursing that Merlin had already done something to get into trouble. "Yes, he helps me a times. He's been here no more than a day and he's already got himself in prison. I swear, that boy has more problems than a pregnant nun. What interest have you in him?" He raised a white eyebrow.
"Anyone who stands up to my brother catches my attention, Gaius. It is a noble thing to do," Kadian answered softly and watched as he went around the room, collecting small phials of many different substances. "I'm going to set him free, but..." She paused and took a deep breath. "My father will make sure I hear it later if I do."
"Throw him in the stocks, maybe that'll be enough to get through to the boy," Gaius laughed, speaking unintentionally as he mixed a few substances together in a wooden bowl. He poured the substance into a phial and held it over a small flame, letting it boil until it changed colour
Kadian thought for a moment, resting her soft fingers on her chin as she stared up at the cobwebbed ceiling. "That's an excellent idea," she stated and jumped to her feet. "Thank you, Gaius. I'll see to it." Smiling at the physician, Kadian headed for the council chamber where her father normally was at this time of day.
-x-
The door was ajar and she walked in, curtsying and dipping her head slightly as the King saw her. "Father, a man was put in the dungeons at Arthur's request..." she began delicately as she felt his stare beating against her, but his hand waved to silence her.
"I am aware, Kadian. I cannot believe that anyone would be so naive to assault my son," Uther stated grimly from where he sat at the head of the table; his voice sounded like Merlin had mortally wounded Arthur. "Why has it brought to me?"
"Merlin didn't assault anybody, My Lord. Arthur taunted him into throwing a blow; he asked for it. Father, please. Don't let him rot in the dungeons for ages," Kadian said pleadingly as she stepped closer to her father with a sad expression and her eyes glistening.
Uther rose to his feet, momentarily weakened by her sad expression, and towered over his daughter. "If you think you know best, what should this Merlin be sentenced to? A hanging?" he asked gravely, gazing down at his daughter with disgruntled eyes.
"No, not a hanging, sire. The stocks would be a better fit, I think. He would receive what he wished Arthur," Kadian replied without flinching as his hawk-like eyes stared at her as if she was a piece of prey, a worthless thing he could take up in his sharp talons.
Uther pondered the thought. Not only did Merlin attempt to humiliate his son, but also doing so would have brought embarrassment upon himself, his entire kingdom. As her father contemplated her suggestion, her eyes beamed at his crown, wondering where the rest of it was because it was only a sleek gold ring wrapped around his grey hair, studded with dim diamonds.
"Very well," Uther said dubiously, startling Kadian's attention back to what they were discussing. "Tell the guards that the boy's punishment is to be left in the stocks for four hours. The sentence shall suffice. Now, get out of my sight, you..." He drifted off and did not continue his sentence.
Bowing her head slightly, Kadian rushed out of the chamber, again feeling like a maid in a pretty dress.
-x-
Her feet carried her to the dungeons where she told the guards her father's demands. She led the way down the stairs and called Merlin's name once she reached the bottom. He replied to his name and Kadian stood before the steel bars. "You are lucky that I believe my brother needs to see some sense. I am Kadian. Guards, unlock the door," she said and stepped away from the bars as the guard moved forward to unlock the door.
"Thank you, My Lady," Merlin smiled, bowing his head slightly. The guards grabbed him by the arms and pulled him from the cell.
Kadian felt heat rush to her cheeks by the way he address her so formally like few did since they saw the way Uther spoke and treated her. She turned away, embarrassed. "It was nothing. You will be placed in the stocks, however. Gaius is very disappointed in you, I thought I might add. I wouldn't be surprised if he joined in the merriment. I'll see you 'round... Merlin," she said softly and she walked up the stairs and out of sight.
-x-
Around midday, Kadian was summoned to the throne hall. The wide hall was furnished well along the walls and the tall, stained glass windows were cloaked by Pendragon-red curtains that shifted as the doors the hall were pushed open.
The King stood to her left, garbed in a maroon tunic with his cloak dangling off his shoulders; Arthur stood to Uther's right with his head high and his eyes beaming; and Morgana next to Kadian her soft, docile hands folded behind her back. The singer whom was to perform at the night's feast had finally arrived in Camelot after days of waiting. Kadian could not grasp why her father wanted to hear this woman sing, but she held her tongue and let a kind smile curve her soft-pink lips.
Lady Helen entered the chamber, sauntering as she approached, and wore a metallic purple gown with a gathered skirt and wisps of pale-blue slashing the purple damask; two, weary guards were at her sides. A large, gay smile stretched across Uther's face and he stepped forward to greet her. "Lady Helen, thank you so much for coming to sing at our celebrations," he said warmly with open arms that fell back to his sides when she was before him.
She curtsied as she replied gratefully, "The pleasure is all mine."
"How was your journey?" Uther asked politely.
She sighed and answered as he lifted her hands and kissed them softly, "The time it took, sire."
"Well, it'll be worth the wait," Uther replied assuringly and gently dropped her hands.
"It will be," Lady Helen stated surreptitiously; she was playing with her amber pendant that rested against her bosom.
Kadian watched her suspiciously, eyeing the amber-stone pendant that mingled with the lady's long fingers. There was something about Lady Helen that gave Kadian a weird vibe, an odd presence that lingered around her like a ghoul. It was the way she looked at Uther, too sincere and with the hint vengeance lurking behind her coffee eyes . With her suspicions aside, she, Arthur and Morgana stepped forward in turn to give Lady Helen their own greetings. Arthur was first and Kadian saw Helen's eyes beam like she had found a large diamond lying idly in the road.
Once Arthur stepped back with a fake smile, Kadian stepped forward as Uther introduced her. "This is my daughter, Princess Kadian," he introduced, letting only a small hint of darkness into his voice.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Helen. I cannot wait to hear you sing; I've been looking forward to it ever since my father sent the word that you were coming," Kadian smiled falsely as she noticeably lied through her teeth.
Lady Helen smiled brightly and curtsied, keeping her eyes away from Kadian's stare. "You are most kind," she said shyly.
Kadian stepped back; there was nothing else she wished to say with giving away her rattling suspicions. Morgana was introduced by the King warmly, like she was his true daughter; Kadian fought to hide the heat the burned her cheeks. Morgana spoke with a soft, slow voice where her true feelings were expressed freely. Then, the ward stepped back and joined Kadian in standing in silence as the King accompanied Lady Helen from the chamber.
Once the King and Helen were out of sight, Kadian sighed relieved and spoke softly, "I honestly don't see why we all had to greet her. It isn't like she's the princess of Luthrembel. We would enjoy Azura being here."
Arthur's face flushed pink and he ran a hand through his blonde hair, messing it slightly, as he stared up at the shadowed ceiling. His head shook the colour away and Morgana raised an eyebrow as the prince left the chamber with silent steps. Kadian smiled, "He fancies her... a lot."
Morgana giggled. "I never thought I'd hear those words." She paused and searched through Kadian's eyes until she spoke again, her voice quizzical, "Enough of Arthur. What's with the man that you freed from the dungeons? The one that's in the stocks."
"Morgana!" Kadian scowled, walking out of the chamber with the ward at her heels. "He back-talked my brother. I think Merlin deserves better than to be shut away in the damp dungeons for all eternity. And besides, I don't even know him." She shook the blush form her cheeks, but the colour quickly returned.
Morgana's head shook at Kadian's reply; she was not daft like some. "Well, get to know him then. There aren't many men that will stand up to Arthur. Merlin's one-of-a-kind. You shouldn't let him go to waste."
Kadian narrowed her eyes. "I'll talk to you later," she said sharply and headed for the exit, where she would start for the lower town.
"Don't deny it, Kadian," Morgana called after her.
"Good-bye, Morgana!"
-x-
The sun was beaming brightly from its high perch and blinded Kadian as she stepped into the wild streets that she knew so well. The princess walked in silence, occasionally smiling at a child that ran passed with his/her parents following not too far behind. She thought about doing her rounds, which were to see how the trading and the market was, whether there was a low or a boom. Suddenly, there was a tap on her shoulder and she turned to see her brother and friends behind her, snickering like a band of dames. "Arthur, what do you want?" she hissed and turned away disgusted.
"Can't your only brother say 'hello' to his little sister?" Arthur laughed, pinching her cheek as if she was six.
Kadian swatted his hand away and glared at him. "We're the same age," she growled, "and, haven't I dealt with you enough today? Can't you just take your little mongrels and jump off a cliff?"
"You're very funny, Kadian," Arthur laughed with his friends echoing him. His blue eyes looked passed her and trailed over to where someone walked by. His voice was heavy with laughter as he said, "How's your knee-walking coming along?"
Kadian turned and saw Merlin approaching with his hands tucked away in his pockets and his eyes to the toes of his boots that were mud-stained. He did not acknowledge Arthur's words and continued onward.
"Oh, don't run away!" Arthur called after him and stepped toward the man who wore a brown jacket and an old, red tunic with a ruffled and tattered, blue scarf around his neck. He had just been released from the stocks and was heading to wherever he lived to wash away the remnants of the rotted food that he had been pelted with.
"Why can't you just leave him alone?" Kadian snapped and walked after her brother.
"From you?" Merlin retorted, trying to hold his anger back, as he stopped and faced Arthur. There were tomato seeds riddled in his hair, but no one cared to address it.
Arthur sighed. "Thank god. I thought you were deaf as well as dumb," he joked in fake relief.
"Arthur!" Kadian exclaimed, but he ignored her again and she clenched a fist at her side.
Merlin shook his head and raised his blue gaze to stare at Arthur. "Look, I told you that you're an ass. I didn't realize that you were a royal one."
Kadian laughed slightly; she agreed with him. Arthur exchanged glances with his friends as he was taken aback by Merlin's words like a sword through the chest.
"Oh? What are you going to do? You got your daddy's men to protect you?" Merlin continued, referring to the guards that watched from the positions in the town, and winked at Kadian quickly when Arthur was not looking.
Arthur laughed and stepped closer to Merlin, nearly face to face. Merlin winced at the heat of Arthur's breath against his face; this closeness was uncomfortable. "I can take you apart with one blow," Arthur stated. Kadian's eyes rolled: probably not.
"I can take you apart with less than that," Merlin grinned.
Less than one blow? Kadian thought and tilted her head slightly. He was not stupid enough to use magic, was he?
Arthur looked at Merlin strangely. "You sure?" he asked curiously.
Merlin did not speak and slid his arms out of his brown jacket, tossing it aside to prevent it from getting dirty or torn.
Arthur and his friends laughed as they exchanged glances. Kadian scoffed and walked around her brother and stood to the right of the entire group to be an outside observer of the action. Arthur was handed a mace and he tossed it to Merlin, who flinched and failed to catch it. He bent down and picked the mace up as Arthur was handed a second mace. They looked at each like they were two opposite sides of a war in the silence before battle.
"Come on then," Arthur said and spun the spiked sphere above his head, "I'm warning you. I've been trained to kill since birth."
"Wow," Merlin replied, pretending to be amazed as he fumbled with the mace. He stared at Arthur with a faint grin as he asked, "and how long have you been training to be a prat?"
Arthur laughed again, glancing at his friends and then at Kadian, who rolled her eyes. "You can't address me like that," he said and shook his head in disbelief that Merlin could be so naive.
"Sorry," Merlin chuckled; he paused and bowed slightly as he continued, "how long have you been training to be a prat, my lord."
Arthur swung the mace at Merlin's head. Merlin ducked and stumbled back in surprise while spinning the mace sloppily. He had never wielded a weapon before in his entire life. Arthur stalked forward, spinning the weapon above his head and preparing to strike again. The prince jumped up on a table, slowly approaching Merlin with cautious, yet confident, steps, and continued to taunt his opponent. Sighing, Kadian followed her brother and Merlin. Why did every fight that two men got into always ended up in a brawl?
Merlin's eyes never left Arthur as he continued moving back. Unfortunately, being ever so skilled in mace fighting, Merlin lost his weapon to a woven basket that was hanging up behind him. He swerved to the right to avoid Arthur's next attack. All he could accomplish was moving out of the way to avoid being stricken by the sharp spikes. Merlin fell back against a vegetable stand and rolled backwards, over his shoulder, as he saw Arthur charging in with another blow. The mace squashed an eggplant, which exploded over the wood, and Arthur jumped over the stand to chase after Merlin. Kadian lifted up her skirt and ran after them as they entered a shaded area of the market. Merlin fell back against a pile of grain sacks and gazed up at Arthur as he continued his assault.
Arthur stood before him, wielding the mace at his side, slowly twirling the weapon. Kadian watched as Merlin planned his next moved. She watched curiously as he stared intensely at the hooks behind Arthur's mace. The hooks came together and the chain of the mace wrapped around the steel tightly. She raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
Merlin jumped to his feet and cautiously walked backwards with his blue eyes on Arthur who had unravelled his mace from the hooks hastily. He looked around and glanced at a wooden crate by Arthur's foot. It slid out just as Arthur stepped and his foot pressed down on an exposed nail. "Ow!" Arthur groaned and kicked the crate out of his way.
Merlin dove behind a stand and Arthur's mace smashed against an assortment of eggs. He peered around the corner of the stand at the pile of rope to Arthur's right. His eyes flashed gold and the rope extended outward, causing the prince to trip and fall forward. Kadian laughed with those around her at her brother's clumsiness, even though she knew it was actually Merlin's offensive.
Merlin rose to his feet and grabbed the mace that Arthur had dropped when he had fallen. He spun it at his side as the prince stumbled to his feet, gazing at the mace as it spun around and around. The mace lunged forward and Arthur dodged. "Do you want to give up?" Merlin shouted over the murmurs of the crowd.
"Do you?" Arthur replied as the mace swung forward again; he stepped out of the way.
Kadian saw Merlin's eyes divert to someone in the crowd and she turned to see he was staring at the disgruntled face of Gaius. Taking the distraction to his advantage, Arthur walked quickly around Merlin and grabbed hold of a broom that leaned against the wall. The broom's staff slammed against Merlin's leg. Merlin stumbled forward and turned, only to be jabbed in the stomach and beaten to the ground; the mace escaped from his grasp.
Arthur gazed down at Merlin with triumph written all over his handsome face. He spun the broom in his hand before placing the hay on the ground and sweeping Merlin out onto the street.
Two of Uther's soldiers reached down and pulled Merlin up by the arms. "Wait, let him go," Arthur said suddenly; the soldiers released their grasp on Merlin's arms, letting him fall to his knees. Arthur continued with something strange tainted his voice, "He may be an idiot, but he is a brave one at that." He stood beside Merlin and stared down at him as if he was contemplating the meaning of life.
"There's something about you, Merlin. I just can't put my finger on it." With that, Arthur left the market with the guards and his snickering friends. The villagers who had stopped to watch went back to their mingling. Kadian, however, went up to Merlin and stared blankly at him, examining him from head to toe.
"What?" Merlin asked concerned as she examined him. "Are you going to rub my defeat in my face, now that you're ass of a brother is gone?"
"How did you do that?" Kadian whispered softly, meeting his dark gaze.
His eyes widened, nearly bugging out of their sockets. "I don't know what you're talking about..." he mumbled.
Kadian grabbed his arm and pulled him closer. "I know you used magic," she whispered in his ear. "I saw you do it. You're eyes glowed gold."
"I don't..." Merlin pressed, sweat beaded on his forehead.
"Don't pretend that you don't know," Kadian snapped; she took a deep breath and lowered her voice even more with her heart beating rapidly in her chest. "Besides, my eyes glow silver."
"What?" Merlin gasped and choked on his breath. He took her gently by the arm and brought her through the busy crowd and to the physician's chamber where he threw open the door and gazed around, relieved that Gaius had yet to return.
Merlin spun and stared into Kadian's eyes that were the same, bold blue as her brother's. "What do you mean by 'my eyes glow silver'?" he asked lowly.
"What I mean is..." Kadian went to say, but her heart leapt as the door swung open and clashed heavily with the wall.
"HOW COULD YOU BE SO FOOLISH?" Gaius shouted angrily without realizing Kadian was standing there before Merlin. "Magic must be studied, mastered, and used for good, not idiotic pranks... Oh... Princess, I didn't see you..."
Kadian smiled and turned her eyes onto Gaius. "It's al right, I'm not going to tell anyone. You have my word, both of you," she said assuringly and exchanged looks with both of them. "If I turn Merlin in, I might as well turn myself in as well." Before either of them could reply, one of Gaius' texts rose off the table and soared into Kadian's arms. Merlin watched as her irises turned silver as the book moved from one place to the next and then faded back to their sapphire-blue shade. "If Uther ever found out... I don't know what I'd do."
Merlin was speechless, it was like his heart had stopped dead in its never-ending rhythm. Gaius, on the other hand, shook his head and turned to the work he had left unfinished on his workbench.
Kadian snapped her fingers before Merlin's face and sighed deeply. "You look like you've seen a ghost, Merlin. This isn't something you are not accustomed to. I may be related to Arthur, but I am not dense like he or my father." She was looking at the physician now who had his back to her. Her eyes trailed over to Merlin, meeting his confused stare. "If you could spare the time, Merlin, there's someone I'd like you to meet."
Merlin turned to Gaius who turned only slightly to give him a nod; the physician's eyes were cold and his expression read like he had failed to keep the inevitable from happening. "Just take this to Lady Helen before you go, she needs it for her voice." His voice was mono-toned and did not falter as he reached across his workbench and grasp a small phial. He placed firmly it into Merlin's outstretched palm. "Be back before sun down," was all the physician said before he returned to work, relighting a small flame on the tall candle's wick.
Merlin nodded and Kadian followed him from the chamber, receiving as strange look from Gaius, who seemed to know who she was bring Merlin to see.
-x-
They climbed the marble staircase to the second floor, where many of the guests' chambers were, and Kadian showed Merlin where Lady Helen's chamber was in the shadows of a long corridor. He slowly pushed the door inward; the singer was not in.
Cautiously, they entered the vacant room, glancing about in curiosity. A handful of candles were lit on candelabras around the chamber, flickering amber in unison against the dark shadows. Merlin went over to the single desk and placed the phial down before the large gilt mirror. He skimmed his fingertips across the objects that were scattered on top of the desk and picked up a straw doll. He held it up for Kadian to see. "What do you think this is?" he wondered, eyeing it curiously as the candlelight danced across the pale straw
"Perhaps she's lonely," Kadian mumbled and stepping closer to get a better look. In the centre of the doll's chest was a tiny, puncture wound. "Looks as if it has been punctured through the heart with a pin. What if it's..."
Merlin tossed the doll back on the desk; his heart was racing and he pulled Kadian toward him. The door swung open and the Lady Helen walked in. She stopped dead in her tracks when she saw them standing side-by-side. "What are you doing in here?" she asked hastily, looking from Merlin to Kadian with her coffee eyes wide.
Merlin swiped the phial that Gaius had given him from the desktop and handed it to Lady Helen. "I was told to give this to you; it'll help with your preparations for tonight," he mumbled rapidly, trying his hardest to sound convincing that neither of them had rummaged through her things.
Lady Helen nodded hesitantly and looked passed the two of them, at the mirror. Panic rose into her eyes and her attention whipped back to Merlin and Kadian, who had raised eyebrows by her sudden change in complexion. "Yes, thank you. Now, please, be on your way," she said; she was trembling as she stepped out of the way to the door.
Merlin folded his hand around Kadian's and pulled her out the chamber; the door slammed behind them. Kadian turned, pulling her hand from his, and her cheeks flushed with crimson. Merlin averted her gaze and he too blushed. It took a moment to let the nervous, fluttering butterflies fly away, and when Kadian's heart returned to a normal rhythm, she spoke softly with her embarrassment lingering in her soft voice, "I knew there was a reason why I didn't like her. What if that doll has something to do with magic?"
"Why would a singer have a magical object, especially in Camelot?" Merlin replied; he met her blue eyes and he felt like he was drowning in the way they stared back at him. "It's too much of a risk."
"Maybe someone who wants my brother dead," Kadian muttered lowly and moved her gaze to the floor. "Come on, we shouldn't stay here." She walked beside him and down the steps to the dungeons.
-x-
Two guards were sitting at a square table, placing an intense game of dice. Kadian thought for a moment, hoping to think of a way to slip passed them unseen; the dice flew off the table and down the hall before she could come up with anything. The guards rose to their feet and chased after their dice.
She looked at Merlin and shook her head at his ineptness to restrain from magic. "This way," she whispered and walked down the hall to sealed door that lay in dreary, grey shadows. The door swung open, creaking on its ancient hinges, and collided with the rock with a hollow thud.
Kadian motioned for Merlin to grab the blazing torch on the wall. He did as she requested and led the way down the stone steps and into the dark abyss at the bottom.
The only sounds echoing in the dark tunnel were their footsteps and the crackling embers of the torch. Merlin glanced over her shoulder at Kadian, hoping that she would give him some insight about where this stone corridor led to; however, she kept silent and gazed ahead with a small smile. The stonewalls parted and Merlin stepped onto a wide ledge inside a dark, mysterious cavern where the only glow came from the whipping tongues of the torch.
Kadian stopped directly behind him. "We are here," she said to Merlin and the darkness of the cavern.
"Where is 'here'?" Merlin asked; he gazed out at the hanging rocks and the throne of stone that stood before the ledge. Brilliant, amber light danced across the stones like it was its own, live and dancing being.
"In the caves beneath the castle," Kadian whispered, gazing at the cave and the soft echo of rattling steel.
"Why..." Merlin drifted off as he heard a large whooshing coming from above him. He gazed wondrously at a large figure that moved through the darkness above them, rapidly descending toward the ground where they stood. The Great Dragon landed on the pile of rocks before the ledge, setting his golden eyes on Kadian and Merlin. He seemed pleasured to have visitors and his large lips grinned.
"Welcome, Merlin, Kadian," the dragon greeted, flexing his massive, gold wings before folding them tightly against his sides as he sat upon his throne of stones. Merlin beamed at the last dragon in Albion, a sight which few would ever see. Just the sight of the beast's golden scales glistening in the Titian firelight was enough to make even the darkest of creatures stop and stare in awe.
Kadian knew by the way the dragon gazed at them that he would ask her to leave and she turned to Merlin. "I'll be just upstairs," she said softly and climbed back up the shadowed steps without a torch to guide her way. She was curious to hear what the dragon was going to say to him, but what ever it was, it was not meant for her ears.
So, she stood by the door, keeping watch for any of Uther's men that patrolled the dungeons. No one was around, she could not hear any footsteps echoing through the hall. Kadian recalled what the Great Dragon had said to her, about how great emotions will open two doors and only one could be walked through. What did he mean by that? Then, he had spoke to her about befriending Merlin. Would their friendship grow into something else? Only the dragon would know.
Her head shook those thoughts from her mind and crossed her arms at her chest. The Great Dragon always spoke in riddles, rarely giving a straight, direct answer to anyone's questions. Of course, no person could know his/her own destiny, because there would not be much fun in life to know what was in store.
-x-
After a matter of ten, silent minutes, Merlin emerged from the dark tunnel with the torch in hand and looked at Kadian. His eyes said that he was still amazed that he had spoke to the last dragon in Albion. He placed the torch in its holder and they began to walk back up to the main floor. Luckily for them, the guards were still trying to find their dice. "So," Kadian said abruptly, breaking the silence between them, "what did he say?"
"He said... he said that I was to help Arthur on the way to being the greatest king Albion will ever have," Merlin replied, chuckling as he spoke.
"Good luck with that. My brother can't even dress himself," Kadian grinned as they reached the main floor.
"What did he said to you?" Merlin wondered and stopped in front of her; he knew that this was where they would have to part ways.
Kadian thought about how she was to word what the Great Dragon had said. "He didn't say what my destiny was, but he sort prophesied that powerful feelings will open two doors and a choice will be made, something like that," she explained and eluded his alluring gaze, fighting the urge to blush. "He's always spoke in annoying riddles."
"I can see that," Merlin mumbled agreeing. He looked out the closed window; the sun was nearly set and the sky was cast in wondrous crimson-red and tangerine-orange like the horizon had been set ablaze. Neither of them had realized how fast the time flew by. "Do you think that Lady Helen is that witch from the square?" Merlin's voice was dark and uncanny like he was in deep thought.
Kadian nodded. "I do, but we cannot be certain. All we must do is keep our senses sharp in case she tries anything tonight at the feast," she answered; her eyes fell onto the side of his hard face and she did not fight the heat that raced to her soft cheeks. "'Til then, my friend."
Without saying another word, Kadian turned and departed down the corridor; Merlin was left to watch her saunter away until she was out of sight. Why had the Great Dragon told Merlin about parts of his destiny while all she received was a riddled prophecy? Perhaps, she wondered, knowledge was a gift that could not be returned.
-x-
The sky grew dark and only thin wisps of orange tainted the navy sky. The guests of the king had gathered in the dining hall to listen to the Lady Helen sing before they were to feast on the most delectable of foods of the kingdom. Uther sat at the centre of the royal family's table with Arthur on his right and Kadian and Morgana to his left.
Kadian had freshened up to make herself more presentable around her father and looked just as stunning as Morgana in her ice-blue gown. She saw Merlin standing in the doorway closest to her brother and winked at him inconspicuously as her father stood to address those gathered among them. "We have enjoyed twenty years of peace and prosperity. It has brought the kingdom and myself many pleasures, but few can compare to introducing Lady Helen of Mora," he said proudly, swinging an arm toward the far end of the chamber. He took a seat, setting his red cloak on the arms of the chair, as Lady Helen entered the room in a magnificent golden gown with a thin layer of pale blue damask at her hips billowing in the air behind her.
Her majestic voice rang through the silent room filling their ears with the most unique choices of lyrics. Lady Helen stepped off her stage and slowly moved forward, singing beautifully like she had a voice of an angel.
The lit candles were blown out. The chamber was illuminated with the ominous blue-silver light of the slowly ascending moon.
Kadian's eyes started to feel heavy as all those in the chamber. but it was too late; she had heard too much and was unable to cover her ears quick enough.
Merlin instantly covered his ears as head after head hung down on the guests' necks.
Kadian's eyelids slowly began to seal away the sight of cobwebs appearing over all of the guests and her family. Then, it all went black.
The crashing of the chandelier snapped everyone from his or her forced slumber. Kadian's eyes moved onto Merlin, wondering if he had caused the chandelier to fall. Slowly, her blue eyes shifted over to the fallen chandelier where she saw the withered figure of the old hag lying beneath it. Mary Collins pushed off the ground and set the darkest, nastiest stare upon Arthur that made shivers run up and down her spine. In the witch's hand was a sharp, deathly silver dagger. With a powerful thrust of her arm, the witch threw the dagger toward the dazed prince.
Merlin ran forward and took Arthur by the shoulders, pulling him out of the way of the flying dagger. Splinters of wood shot into the air as the blade pierced the back of the chair where Arthur's heart had been only seconds prior. With one last, upset and defeated breath, the old hag died in agony, unable to fulfil her hair-raising words from the morning of her son's execution.
Uther stood shocked with his eyes wide and his mouth a gaping hole on his face. His grey-riddled, brown hair was on end and his crown seemed to be dull as he turned to Merlin who stood quickly and helped Arthur to his feet. "You saved my boy's life," said the King gratefully and stepped toward Merlin and his son; Arthur stared at Merlin in disbelief. "A debt must be paid."
Merlin smiled weakly and stepped from behind Arthur. "Well... um..." he mumbled, unsure about what to say. "There's no need..."
"Don't be so modest. You will be rewarded," Uther stated pressingly.
"There's no need, Your Highness," Merlin replied without meeting the King's dark stare.
"No, absolutely," Uther pressed further. "It merits something quite special."
"Well," Merlin said with a shrug. What harm could a reward be?
"You shall be reward a position in the royal household: you shall be Prince Arthur manservant," the king rewarded proudly. He walked passed his son and Merlin to inspect the body of the old woman.
Arthur and Merlin exchanged glances; the prince was outraged with his father's reward and Kadian could see the rage burning his cheeks. Kadian, along with everyone in the chamber, stood and applauded Merlin on his noble accomplishment of saving Arthur from certain peril. Merlin turned to Kadian and shot her a please-save-me look; but her head shook as her shoulders rose up and down.
Uther's men removed the old woman's body and the festivities continued like nothing had ever happened. The marvellous food on the tabletops was barely touched and soon the tables were moved against the wall.
A quartet stepped into the room and began to play a merry jingle that filled the chamber with life. Many pairs began to dance to the soft waltzes that the string-players played with fifes and flutes whistling in the gay air. Morgana was asked to dance by one of Arthur's friends and she graciously accepted with a flirtatious smile.
Arthur sat in his seat with his arms crossed at his chest, clearly not amused that Merlin had replaced his recently sacked servant. Though, as he sat, watching eyes could tell that he wished that there was a woman at the feast that he wanted to dance with; only, she was not in Camelot, but in a far off palace.
Kadian watched as the many different coloured skirts spun around in the air as the women danced with their partners. Kadian sighed, if only she could be up there with someone. There was a soft tap on her shoulder and she gazed up to her right. Merlin was standing there with a hand outstretched toward her. "May I have this dance?" he asked kindly with a bright smile and beaming eyes that swam in the illuminating torchlight.
Kadian smiled and took his hand, rising to her feet. Out of the corner of her eyes, she saw Arthur grunt and roll his eyes. That sight brightened her smile even more. "Don't mind him, he's just jealous that he doesn't get to dance with the girl he wants," Kadian stated as she placed her hands on Merlin's shoulders while his gently rested on her hips.
"Heh, I doubt she'd dance with him anyway," Merlin commented with a smile, feeling heat rushing to his cheeks. "Does it feel awkward, dancing with you brother's servant?"
"Merlin, I really don't care if you're my brother's servant or not," Kadian said softly as he spun her around, "just that it's you I'm dancing with and not some idiot."
Merlin smiled; that was the first compliment that he had received since he arrived in Camelot. They danced until the quartet stopped playing; their hearts beating with the heavy hum of the bass. Everything seemed to just melt away when they were there, dancing together in each other's arms. Perhaps there was more to what the Great Dragon said, something far greater than friendship to come.
-x-
The next morning came quickly with the dawn light slowly lightening to a soft blue as the sun rose to it perch. A young woman raced through the halls with her blonde hair billowing in the air behind her. Her long legs carried her down the corridor quicker that one could ever imagine; but she was stopped as a tall, dark-haired man stepped from around the corner, catching her by the shoulders. "What's the rush?" he asked warmly and tucked her soft hair behind her ears.
"I can't find mother's armlet," she sighed as her shoulders sank. She pouted when she spoke again, her voice soft and sweet. "I wanted to wear it when we arrived."
The man reached into his pocket and held a small, gold band before her. "This?" he asked with a bright smile.
She snatched it quickly from his hand. "Where did you find it?" she gasped and clasped with around her right arm. It shined brilliantly against her fair, flawless skin.
"The library," he replied.
She sighed and shrugged her shoulders, running a soft hand through her hair in embarrassment. "I should have known, I was reading a wonderful novel yesterday and must have forgotten that I had taken it off."
The man rolled his eyes and guided the woman toward the council chamber where King William of Luthrembel waited. The king was elderly; his hair had greyed many moons ago and was starting to change into snow-white. There was a scar across his left eye from an old wound that had left him blind for a short period of time. He stepped toward the two with open arms, first embracing the woman. "Be safe, my dear," he said gently and kissed the top of her head.
The king turned to his son, the prince of Luthrembel, who looked like he had in his youth. "Best of luck, my son," he said, shaking firm hands with the prince before embracing his strongly. "Keep the Pendragon-boy away from your sister, you understand?" he whispered in his ear before stepping away to take in the sight of his children once more.
The prince nodded and took his sister by the hand. He led the way through the magnificent palace and to the saddled horses that waited to take them on their long journey to Camelot.
Next time on Forbidden Magic and Desires:
The people of Camelot are in a merry mood as the city prepares for the annual swordsmen tournament, featuring the returning champion, Arthur Pendragon, and the well-known prince of Luthrembel. However, dark magic lurks within the competitors, striking down the noblest of swordsmen at a time of sadness. Will Arthur be able to defend his champion title while his eyes are always on the hourglass shape of a childhood friend?