The Mark of Nimueh

In a land of Myth and a time of magic,
The destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of two young people,
Their names,
Merlin and Mira-Liana

It was a beautiful day in Camelot, but Merlin and Mira-Liana hardly noticed as a plague had come upon most of Camelot's citizens. The two had dropped everything to help Gaius when they found out, and would deal with Arthur's anger later.

"Aren't you scared that you might catch it?" asked Merlin, as Gaius knelt by a body.

"I'm Court Physician, this is part of my job," said Gaius.

But the sight of the body when it was turned over; made the three pale and Mira-Liana nearly got sick. It had pale skin, the eyes were white and pale blue veins bulged.

"Oh, heavens," Mira-Liana, whispered.

"What've you got there?" asked Gwen as she walked over to them.

"Uh, nothing," said Merlin. Unwilling to let her see the corpses, he said, "Has someone been giving you flowers?"

"Sadly no," said Gwen. "Would you two like some?"

"Sure," said Merlin.

Gwen handed Merlin and Mira-Liana some of the forget-me-nots. Mira-Liana placed hers in her silky black hair and Merlin placed his in his scarf.

"Oh, Gwen, would you like to join me for a walk later this evening?" Merlin asked.

Gwen nodded. "I'll swing by your chambers later. But if things get too busy for you, we can go another night, alright?"

"Alright," said Merlin, smiling.

"Merlin, Mira, hurry up!" said Gaius.

They took the body to Gaius's chambers, but unfortunately, the old physician had never seen anything like it and couldn't determine much from the body.

I don't always say this, but I told you so, said Mira-Liana.

Told me about me about what? asked Merlin.

You like Gwen and she likes you.

I do not!

You do too. A blind pig could see it.

Merlin didn't have time to whip up a retort as Arthur pounded on the door.

"Merlin! Mira-Liana!" he said.

Mira-Liana opened the door. "Arthur, we're on our way. I am so sorry we're late," she said.

"Don't worry, I'm getting used to it," said Arthur. His eyes fell on the forget-me-not and a hint of anger was in his voice as he said, "Has someone been giving flowers?"

"What? Oh, this. No, Gwen gave Merlin and I some," she said.

Arthur's mood didn't improve. "Just tell Gaius that my father wants to see him now." He then stormed off.

"Well, I'd never thought I'd see the day when Arthur was jealous," said Gaius.

"I don't see why. He's got nothing to be jealous of," said Mira-Liana.

I'm just a servant and he'd never want anything more to do with me if he knew I was a witch.

Don't talk like that. You are not just a servant and he likes you a lot. If he really cares about you, then the magic won't matter, said Merlin.

One would like to think so. And for the millionth time, I don't like him like that and he doesn't like me like that! Aloud she said, "Gaius, the king—"

"I heard," said Gaius.

"Why didn't he just tell you himself?" asked Merlin.

"Because that's the way it is. You're servants."

"Well, if he knew—" said Merlin.

"Two dead servants," said Gaius, flatly. "Now get this covered up."

"Why? We're not your servants," Mira-Liana teased.

"No, you're my dogsbody, now get this covered up."

XXX

Trouble came quickly as King Uther and some of his men surrounded another body.

"Gaius, what is happening?"

"I don't know, Sire. That's the second case I've seen today," said Gaius.

"Why didn't you report it to me?" Uther demanded.

"I was attempting to find out the cause."

"And what did you conclude?" asked Uther.

"I don't know. A long scientific study might turn up something. But the process is long."

"But why did you keep this from me?"

"Sire, I've never seen anything like this. The victims are dying within twenty-four hours and it's spreading fast."

"So, what do you think is the cause?"

"I think the only likely cause is sorcery," said Gaius.

Uther paled and Merlin and Mira-Liana suddenly felt uneasy.

They hadn't done anything, but when magic was involved, it would make Uther more alert and paranoid. Their secret could be discovered, even by sheer accident if they weren't careful.

Uther began giving Arthur orders. "Find who did this, search every room, double the guards, patrol the town more, arrest anyone suspected of sorcery and lend the physician your servants."

"Merlin and Mira-Liana? Why?" asked Arthur.

"We need Gaius to find a cure, he needs all the help he can get," said Uther. "And if Gaius is right, believe me, the city will be wiped out. This is the kind of magic I've warned you about for years, Arthur. We must find this sorcerer and quickly.

Arthur sighed. "Very well, Father," he said.

XXX

True his word, Arthur searched everywhere in the castle.

Merlin and Mira-Liana were working harder than ever, but only because they knew lives were at stake. Merlin's walk with Gwen had been postponed, but she fully understood why. Merlin and Mira-Liana idn't complain about what they had to do and just worked on finding the cause and a cure for the plague. Within a few days, Gaius made it clear that whoever had started the plague was using magic in its darkest form.

"What I don't understand is why anyone would use magic like that," said Merlin.

"It's just how some people are, Merlin," said Mira-Liana. "Not everyone's like us. Magic is like a sword. It can corrupt you, it can be used for good things. It's how you use it that makes the difference."

"She took the words right out of my mouth," said Gaius, smiling. "Well done, Mira."

Arthur and his guards burst into the room.

"Gaius, I'm sorry, but I've been ordered to search every room in the castle."

"What for?" asked Gaius.

"The sorcerer," said Arthur.

"Why would he be in here?" asked Gaius.

"Look, I'm just doing my job," said Arthur.

"Well, we've nothing to hide, go on then, search," said Gaius.

Arthur and his men searched for a while, but found nothing but Gaius's medical research. Then Arthur saw the door to Merlin and Mira-Liana's room.

"What's that room up there?" asked Arthur.

"Oh, that's mine and Mir's," said Merlin.

"What do you expect to find in there?" asked Gaius.

"Material evidence or anything suggesting the use of enchantments," said Arthur, as he disappeared into the room.

Merlin…said Mira-Liana.

What?

Tell me we didn't leave that spell book out.

Merlin paled. Oh, no!

"Merlin, Mira-Liana, come here," said Arthur.

They did as they were told, silently hoping Arthur hadn't found the book. But to their relief, he was looking inside an empty cupboard as their room was a mess.

"I've found a place where you can actually put things, it's called a cupboard. You know you're so much better at cleaning my chambers than your own."

"We get paid to clean yours," said Merlin.

While Arthur was distracted, Mira-Liana quickly used magic to hide the book. Arthur then left their room, having found nothing of use to him.

"How long before you can find a cure?" he asked, Gaius.

"Depends on how many interruptions I get," said Gaius.

"I'm sorry," said Arthur. "We'll go now.

The minute they were gone, Gaius shut the door and turned to face the two.

"We must hide that book," said Gaius.

"Already done," said Mira-Liana. "It's underneath some floorboards with a charm to keep out anyone we don't want to find it."

"Good," said Gaius.

"We should use the book," said Merlin.

"I don't believe this. You want to practice magic when the whole kingdoms looking for a sorcerer? Have you gone mad?" said Gaius.

"He's got a point. Maybe we could find a cure," said Mira-Liana.

But even as she spoke, she knew they didn't dare use magic. It seemed so easy, especially when there were lives at stake, but the right path was not always the easiest one.

"How are we supposed to become a great witch and warlock if we don't practice?" said Merlin.

"Patience is a virtue," said Gaius. "Your time will come."

His tone didn't invite argument and no more was said on the subject.

XXX

A few days later, there was another victim on Gaius's table.

"What's different about this one?"

"She's a woman?" asked Merlin, confused.

Gaius gave him a withering look.

"She's a courtier. Which means, that she'd never speak to a commoner or touch them, and that only leaves the one thing that connects them: water," said Mira-Liana. "Am I right?"

"Yes," said Gaius, smiling.

"You think the disease is spread through water?" said Merlin.

"Merlin, you're a progeny," said Gaius, as he handed him a bucket.

The two quickly left Gaius's chambers and went to collect some water. They had only just filled the bucket when they saw Gwen running past them, crying.

"Gwen?" said Merlin. "Gwen!"

"Gwen, what's wrong?" asked Mira-Liana.

They ran, and followed her to Gaius's chambers.

"Gaius, my father please he's all I have," she said, hysterically.

"Gwen, I have no cure," he said.

"Please, there must be something," said Gwen. "I'm begging you."

"I wish there was something, anything, but so far, the remedy's far from what I can achieve," said Gaius. "I'm sorry, Gwen."

Gwen left in tears.

"Is there nothing we can do?" asked Mira-Liana, turning to Gaius.

"Hopefully, we can find some way to make a cure after we examine the water," said Gaius.

"But that'll be too late for Gwen's father," Merlin protested.

"I fear you may be right," said Gaius.

I'll help Gaius for a while. You try and relax for a few moments, said Mira-Liana.

For once, Merlin took his sister's advice and went to their room. But what he was doing, was something else entirely. He didn't want Gwen's father to die and he hated seeing Gwen so upset, so he made a plan.

Merlin found a spell in the book and that night, he snuck out, careful not to disturb Mira-Liana or Gaius. He then crept into Gwen's house, placing the poultice he had created under Gwen's father's pillow and then muttering a spell.

He watched a few moments as Gwen and her father rejoiced at his recovery and felt his heart swell at the sight before running back. He felt a twinge of pride. His magic had done some good.

XXX

The next morning, Merlin and Mira-Liana were met by Gwen, who looked extremely happy.

"Merlin, Mira, look at my father. It's a miracle," said Gwen.

"He's cured?" said Mira-Liana, surprised. "Gwen, that's fantastic."

"That's brilliant," said Merlin.

"You don't seem that surprised, Merlin," said Gwen.

"Oh, but I am," said Merlin.

Merlin, what did you do? Mira-Liana asked, suddenly noticing how calm he'd been to the news.

"It's strange, I've told no one else, but you seem to know," said Gwen.

"I'm psychic," he said, ignoring Mira-Liana.

"What am I thinking then?"

"You're thinking, I'm not psychic," said Merlin, smiling.

Gwen laughed. "You're strange. Oh, I don't mean that in a nasty way. I just mean, you're funny." She smiled again. "Well, I'd better get back to work. I'll see you later, you two."

Gwen went off and then Mira-Liana dragged Merlin to an empty room.

"Merlin, what did you do?" she demanded, when the door was shut.

"I was just trying to help," said Merlin. "She was so upset, I had to do something."

Mira-Liana sighed. "I understand, I really do," she said. "If it'd been you back there, I would've done the same. But I just hope nothing else goes wrong and Gaius can find a cure for this plague."

XXX

But the recovery of Gwen's father didn't go unnoticed and she was arrested for the use of sorcery. Furious and shocked, Merlin and Mira-Liana stormed into Arthur's chambers.

"Arthur, what is going on? Why has Gwen been arrested?" Mira-Liana asked.

"She used sorcery, I had to arrest her," said Arthur.

"She didn't use magic," said Merlin. "She's innocent."

"Then how do you explain her father's recovery and the poultice we found? Look, I don't like this, but I can't just turn a blind eye when people are dying."

He seemed upset and Mira-Liana didn't find the heart to scold either of them any further.

XXX

Despite Gwen's protests of innocence, Uther sentenced her to death. Merlin felt horrible about his actions and Mira-Liana encouraged to see Gwen while she and Gaius worked on a cure.

Merlin did as she advised and went to the cells.

Gwen's cell was dark and damp. She didn't deserve it. She'd done nothing wrong. She was innocent. And it's all my fault she's here, Merlin thought. He used a spell to keep the guards from overhearing them and then knelt by the cell door.

"Gwen," he said.

Gwen looked and her eyes lit up. "Merlin," she said.

"Are you okay?" he asked. "Oh, I'm sorry, that's a stupid question, I just…"

"It's alright, Merlin," she interrupted, earning laughter from both of them at the switch of personality.

He sighed as he slipped his hand through the bar and touched her face. "Gwen, I am so, sorry. This is all my fault," he said.

"Your fault?" said Gwen, confused. "How is it your fault?"

Merlin looked at her and then she gasped.

"You cured him?" she whispered. "You and Mira-Liana are a sorcerer and sorceress?"

"A witch and a warlock, but close enough," he said. "And don't worry, you can talk as loud as you like. No one can hear us until I lift the enchantment."

"I don't believe it," said Gwen. "But why—?"

"We never chose magic, it chose us," said Merlin, sighing. "It's complicated. But we would never use magic to harm anyone, I swear."

"I know," said Gwen.

"I cured your father because I hated seeing you so upset. I was only trying to help. And now you're going to pay the price for what I've done."

"Merlin, all you've done is save my dad—something I can never repay you for," said Gwen. "You've done nothing wrong. Magic brought you and Mira to Camelot and magic saved my father. You don't use it for evil. You're both good people. Merlin, are you crying?"

"Just a bit," said Merlin, wiping his eyes with his free hand.

"Please, don't cry for me. Do anything but that, please. Just-just do one thing for me."

"Anything," said Merlin.

"Remember me."

Merlin felt his heart skip a beat as he squeezed her hand. "You're not going to die. Mira-Liana and I won't let that happen, I promise," he whispered.

He then left the dungeons, lifted the enchantment and went back to Gaius's chambers.

XXX

"How is she?" asked Mira-Liana, when Merlin returned.

"She'll be better once we get her out of there," said Merlin.

"Does she know about—?"

"Yes."

"And?" said Mira-Liana. "How'd she take it?"

"She's fine with it. Mir, what're we going to do?"

"I don't know. Gaius is in a meeting with Uther. I think he's discussing Gwen's death sentence."

Merlin sighed. "That's it. I'm going to tell Uther I did it," he said.

"Merlin, no," said Mira-Liana, shutting the door. "If you tell Uther you cured Gwen's father, he'll have you executed."

"I have to do something! Gwen's going to die and it'll be my fault."

"Do you think I haven't thought of just barging into Uther's room and telling him the same thing ever since this all began? Look, I want Gwen to be saved just as much as you do, but taking the blame for the plague isn't going to do any good. It'll get us both killed and the real cause won't be discovered and more will die," said Mira-Liana.

Merlin sighed again. "You're right. I'm sorry."

"Don't be sorry, just try and think." Her expression softened and she squeezed his shoulder. "I know what she means to you. We will save her, I promise."

"And that we shall," said Gaius, coming into the room. "Come along, both of you. We're going to the water supply and once there, we should be able to find the source of the plague."

Mira-Liana squeezed Merlin's hand.

The three of them journeyed deep within the underground cavern with the water supply. Mira-Liana had just taken a sample, when a huge creature leapt out of the water. Mira-Liana let out a scream before it dove back into the water.

"What in heaven's name was that?" she said.

"An Avanck," said Gaius. "A beast made of clay and only conjured up by the most powerful sorcerer."

"How do we defeat it?" asked Merlin.

Gaius glanced at his books.

"Oh, you've got to joking. That could take days. Gwen could be dead by then," said Merlin.

"Have you got a better idea?" said Gaius.

"I think we do," said Mira-Liana. "Merlin, come on!"

XXX

Merlin and Mira-Liana ran to the Dragon's cave. The Dragon was their last hope.

"Hello?" called Merlin.

"Ah, the great witch and warlock return, just as I knew you would," said the Dragon, smugly.

"You can be smug later, lives are stake," said Mira-Liana. "We need to know how to defeat an Avanck."

"Yes, I suppose you do."

"Can you tell us how?" asked Merlin.

"Trust the elements that are at your command," said the Dragon.

"The elements?" said Mira-Liana. "But that makes no sense. What do we have to do?"

"The two of you cannot do this alone. Merlin, you are but one side of a coin, Arthur is the other, and Mira-Liana is the edge that holds it together."

"Why does everyone think Arthur cares about me like that? He doesn't and I don't feel the same way!" said Mira-Liana.

"For heaven's sake, what is it we have to do? You're not making any sense!" said Merlin.

But the Dragon flew off, ignoring their protests.

XXX

Merlin and Mira-Liana tore through Gaius's books, trying to find something on the elements when the elderly physician burst in.

"What're you two doing?" he asked.

"Looking for a book," said Merlin.

"Clearly," said Gaius. "But which one?"

"A book on the elements," said Mira-Liana.

"The elements?" said Gaius. "Any particular reason?"

"It might help us defeat the Avanck," said Merlin. "Any ideas?"

"Well an Avanck is a creature of Earth and water: two of the base elements."

"Would the other two, wind and fire, destroy it?" asked Mira-Liana.

"Possibly," said Gaius.

Mira-Liana and Merlin exchanged looks before starting to run off.

"Wait, where did you find this out?" asked Gaius.

"Uh, our power," Merlin lied.

"Oh? And what else do your powers tell you?" asked Gaius.

"That Merlin and Arthur are each part of a coin and I'm the edge that holds it together," said Mira-Liana.

Morgana then burst into the room. "Merlin, Mira-Liana, they've moved Gwen's execution to tonight. We have to prove her innocence."

"We need Arthur," said Merlin.

"Arthur?" said Morgana.

"There's an Avanck in the water supply. That's what's causing all of this," said Mira-Liana. "If we destroy it, the disease will stop and we could prove Gwen's innocence."

"I see. We have to tell Uther," said Morgana.

"Avancks are creatures of magic. Telling Uther may make Gwen's death more likely," said Gaius.

"Which is why we need Arthur," said Merlin.

"But he won't disobey the King," said Gaius.

"Leave that to us," said Morgana and Mira-Liana.

XXX

Morgana and Mira-Liana ran to Arthur's room.

"Are you two alright?" he asked, when they came in. His face fell. "Sorry, that's a stupid question. Sorry about the mess, my servants haven't been in today."

"Your poor servants," said Morgana. "I overheard him and Mira talking earlier. They almost gave up their lives to save Gwen's."

"Is that true?" asked Arthur, looking at Mira-Liana. He'd overheard the same conversation, but he wanted to see if Mira-Liana would confirm it.

"Yes, it's true. But what Merlin and I almost did doesn't matter. We know what's causing the plague. There's an Anvack in the water supply and we need you to come with us," said Mira-Liana.

"Are you serious?" said Arthur.

"Merlin, Gaius and I all saw it," said Mira-Liana. "Arthur, please. Have I ever given you a reason not to trust me?"

Arthur sighed. He remembered all too well the last time he had doubted Mira-Liana's word and had ended up sacking both her and Merlin. "Alright, I trust you. Grab Merlin and let's go," he said.

XXX

The four of them ran to the water supply.

Arthur drew his sword and they were all carrying torches.

"You better be right about this, you two," said Arthur, turning to face the witch and warlock. No sooner had he finished saying that, a large growling sound startled them.

"Ana, Morgana, you should stay here," said Arthur.

"We're coming with you," said Morgana.

"Scared we might show you up?" said Mira-Liana.

"I'm doing this for your protection. Father and Gaius will have my head if anything happens to you."

"Then it's a good thing that Gaius knows the risks and Uther doesn't know Morgana's here," said Merlin.

"You could get hurt!" said Arthur.

"So could you," Mira-Liana retorted. "You're not going to win this argument, Arthur. So you might as well deal with it."

"What? Girls are supposed to stubborn," said Merlin, when Arthur shot him a look.

"Got that right," said Morgana.

Mira-Liana and Merlin went ahead and took the lead.

They heard the noise again and froze but it was just a shadow. They entered the main water chamber and headed in different directions until Merlin and Mira-Liana heard Arthur yell out.

"Are you alright?" asked Merlin.

"Did you see it?" asked Mira-Liana.

Arthur nodded.

"What did it look like?" Morgana asked.

"It's too quick," said Arthur.

Suddenly, the Avanck appeared again. Arthur lunged at it, but missed. It disappeared again but they could tell it was hiding in corner behind a pillar.

It came towards them Arthur struck first with his sword, and then Merlin and Mira-Liana struck with fire but the beast was unaffected. It backed Arthur into a corner. He had stopped using his sword and now only used fire but the beast wasn't harmed. It rose up on its hind legs.

"Arthur, point the torch!" Merlin yelled.

Ready? he asked as he took Mira-Liana's hand.

I was born ready.

"Stirfuly Ach Nun Vor Cai Nun!" they chanted.

Suddenly the fire and wind engulfed the Avanck and destroyed it forever.

"Is everyone alright?" asked Arthur, when the Avanck was destroyed.

Merlin and Morgana both said, "Fine."

"I'm a bit shaken, but I'm alright," said Mira-Liana.

Arthur squeezed her shoulder comfortingly. "I'm glad. You were really brave back there, you know."

Mira-Liana smiled, but didn't reply.

XXX

They ran back to Uther and with the new evidence, got Gwen released from prison. A cure was given out to the remaining live victims and the disease ceased to continue.

At the prison, Gwen happily embraced her father. With joyful tears in her eyes, she vigorously thanked them.

"Don't thank us, it was more Merlin and Mira-Liana," said Morgana. "They're the real heroes here."

"I don't know what to say," said Gwen.

"Don't say anything," said Merlin.

"We're just happy you're safe," said Mira-Liana.

"Thank you," said Gwen, embracing them.

"I'm very grateful to you all," said Tom. "Now, come along, Gwen."

Smiles were all around as Gwen and her father left the prison cell, then Morgana stopped Merlin and Mira-Liana from leaving.

"Merlin, Mira, I just want you to know that your secret's safe with me," she said.

"Our secret?" said Merlin.

"I know what you two did. I saw it with my own eyes."

"You did?" said Mira-Liana.

"I can see why you won't tell anyone," said Morgana.

"Well, obviously," said Merlin.

"But I won't tell."

"Thank you," said Mira-Liana.

"And you don't mind me talking to you about it?"

"No," said Merlin. "You've no idea it how hard it is to keep this secret."

"Well, the both of you can continue to deny, but I think it's obvious you and Gwen are in love and Mira-Liana loves Arthur," said Morgana, stunning them.

I should've known, said Mira-Liana. Aloud she said, "I don't love Arthur and he doesn't love me."

"And Gwen and I just friends," said Merlin.

Morgana just smiled. "It's alright with me. Arthur's all yours, Mira."

The two sighed in exasperation as they left the cell.

XXX

Later that night, Mira-Liana, Merlin and Gaius were having a dinner of fish. While Merlin worried that the fish had come from the water supply, Gaius pointed out that they should consider themselves lucky not to upset the sorcerer who'd caused the plague.

"Well no one else seems to appreciate our gifts," said Merlin.

"Except for Gwen," said Mira-Liana.

Gaius narrowed his eyes. He hadn't been thrilled when he found out that Gwen knew of their secret, but had agreed that Gwen was trustworthy. He stood up and sighed in exasperation.

"One day, you two, one day," he said.

"One day, what?" asked Merlin.

"One day, people won't believe what idiots you were," said Gaius.

Mira-Liana laughed. "Thanks," she said.

XXX

Deep within her sanctuary, Nimueh was fuming with anger as she gazed at the three in her Scrying Pool.

"Merlin, Mira-Liana, you will pay for this," she snarled.