CHAPTER III – Desperate Discoveries

A/N: Thank you for the reviews and comments, they really keep me motivated. Here is the next installment. I sincerely hope you enjoy it. Please review and let me know what you think.

Once Arthur realized it was a group of knights from Camelot entering their camp he stood down; his sword hanging at his side. But his heart was still pounding. Not because of the rush that always emerged before a fight, but because he knew his fears were about to take form. Something was wrong in Camelot, and he just knew it had something to do with Guinevere, he just knew it.

Sir Edwin emerged first. Before he could take a step into the clearing Arthur began to question him.

"What's happened? Is Guinevere alright?"

The question shocked Edwin into silence. 'How could he know anything happened to his wife, he's been out in the woods this whole time? How could he know?' he thought to himself.

"Well! Speak up man. What's happened?"

"My lord, the Queen…"

He was shocked into silence again by the intensity of Arthur's eyes. He realized for the first time there was a very real chance Arthur could kill him upon hearing the news.

"Edwin, spit it out" said Arthur through clenched teeth.

Sir Edwin pursed his lips for a moment, and then spoke quickly. He only hoped his death would be quick. "She has been kidnapped, my lord."

Arthur began to visibly shake. Then he took a deep breath. Edwin began to relax a bit; it seemed he would take the news better than he thought.

"Who took her? What is her ransom? Has a rescue been mounted?"

"I don't know sire. As soon as it was discovered that she was gone, Sir Leon dispatched us to find you and bring you back. We did not wait for all the details to be discovered."

"We leave at first light."

Arthur walked away from Edwin and the rest of the group in silence, but even in the dark it was plain to see the waves of tension rolling off of Arthur's body.

Without warning, Arthur struck like a cobra. He swung his sword with all of his might at the nearest tree. Then he struck it again and again and again. The mighty tree shook with the force of the blows as Arthur released all of his rage against the innocent tree. Leaves and branches fell from the tree like snow. Merlin took a step back when he also saw a couple of furry woodland creatures fall from the shaking tree, then scurry away.

Once his energy was spent he stopped, leaning heavily against the tree while he caught his breath. He looked up at Merlin and the squad of men who were all standing there watching him. This enraged him again.

"Well, don't just stand there. Set up camp. I said we leave at first light. No lazing around in the morning. And that means you too Merlin!"

Merlin just nodded. He heard the squad of men begin to quickly and quietly set up camp for the night.

Arthur just stood there, one hand leaning against the abused tree, almost for strength or perhaps support. His sword was still in his hand, simply dangling towards the ground.

Merlin walked up behind his friend. He did something no one would ever dare do to the king when he was in this state, with the exception of his wife. Merlin put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. Arthur glanced back to see who was touching him, then his gaze returned to looking into nothingness.

"We will get her back Arthur. We will."

ooOOoOOoo

Guinevere sat across the table from Melwas. She tried to keep her face and manner as neutral as possible. If she were overly friendly it might give away the fact that she was planning an escape, but if she were too cold, she would never get access to the resources she needed.

The one thing that saved her was that since she barely touched her dinner, she was famished for breakfast. Watching her eat seemed to give Melwas pleasure, so it would only help her cause.

"Malina says you want to help with your own sewing?"

"Yes. I find the work relaxing."

"It's hardly fitting for a woman such as yourself to be making her own clothes, but if you derive pleasure from this activity, I see no reason against it."

"Thank you."

"Before you go to this activity, I want you to do something with me. Come with me on a walk, we can go to the library or your garden if you prefer."

She didn't want to spend any time with Melwas, but she heard something she could use to her advantage. This allowed her to be genuinely enthusiastic.

"I will go with you to the library. As for the garden, when I was in Camelot I had access to wonderful open fields where wildflowers grew. It was those primarily that adorned my hair."

"Oh yes, I do remember. I can have the maids pick some for you."

"Some decisions are best left to the wearer. I had the privilege of picking them myself."

"You really like doing everything for yourself."

"No, not really. But I love the open fields, and looking at all the beautiful flowers growing randomly. Surely you have such fields here?"

"Yes, but I prefer to keep you closer to castle. Closer to me."

Guinevere felt her stomach turn. "Well you could come with me, or if you are concerned about my well being, I'm sure the guards will look after me just fine."

"You're right, my guards can protect you. I would love to join you, but I only have time for one activity with you. I must also tend to the matters of my kingdom after being away for so many days."

"I enjoyed our previous talks about the books you've read. Why don't you come with me to the library and then allow the guards to escort me to the fields." Guinevere smiled at him. "Please"

Melwas stared at her blankly, like he was mesmerized. "Yes, that would be fine. Come, let us go the library now" he said enthusiastically.

She nodded and they went to visit the library of Glastonia. She had to admit that their collection was impressive. It was smaller than the library in Camelot, but she knew that Geoffrey of Monmouth would give his left arm to be in possession of some of these materials.

But there was something in particular she was looking for. To keep Melwas unaware she found a section of volumes and began to scan through them, pretending she was interested in the subject of magical beasts. There had been enough of them in Camelot for her to pretend to have a working fascination of the subject.

To her delight, the caretaker of the library was as knowledgeable as Geoffrey. This meant she didn't have to spend all of her time talking to Melwas. They sat going through the subject for an hour until Melwas stated it was time for him to leave. Guinevere continued to feign interest and was able to eventually extricate herself from the caretaker to search the library on her own.

She quickly found a section of texts about the kingdom, and within minutes found what she needed – a map of the kingdom. The castle was in the center of Glastonia's lands which was expected.

She ran her finger over the map, following the perimeter of the city walls until she located the forest of Amareth. The forest was to the east and on the other side of it was Olaf's kingdom. She saw there was a small gate at the city wall that faced east. There weren't any settlements on that side as far as she could tell. If she could just make it out of that gate, she would head true east until she reached Olaf.

Next she looked for a map of the castle so she could find the best path of escape, but she couldn't locate one. And she didn't want to raise suspicions by asking for one. She would have to find another way to get this information. Committing the map to memory as best she could, she left the library. Her three guards were dutifully waiting for her at the front doors.

ooOOoOOoo

Arthur was silent as they rode their horses back to Camelot. He was done ranting and raving. Nothing could be done until they reached Camelot. Everyone knew the king wanted to make the horses run as fast as possible, but they were too far away. A quicker pace would make the trip longer, since the horses would require longer periods of rest to recover.

Arthur turned to Sir Edwin and asked "Tell me again what happened?" his voice faraway, almost hollow.

It was the ninth time he had asked this exact question. Sir Edwin carefully relayed every fact he knew in detail… again. Arthur listened with rapt attention as the story was relayed. Merlin knew he was trying to capture anything that was overlooked, any clue or detail as to who had taken her.

"Thank you" said Arthur absently when Sir Edwin was finished.

Once Arthur mentally ran through every possibility of whom could have done this, his mind turned to why. This is what concerned him the most. If there was a ransom it would be easier, the motives would be clear, you know exactly what you're were dealing with, even if you don't know who. But if there was no ransom, it meant that Camelot did not possess what the kidnapper wanted.

Was she a bargaining chip to be bartered with one of his enemies? Or perhaps she was to be traded for some rare artifact? The only other option was that whoever it was wanted Guinevere herself. Arthur didn't allow his mind to dwell there for very long, because the ideas that his mind imagined made his blood boil.

Whatever the reason she was taken, Arthur only hoped she wasn't too afraid, and that her captors were treating her alright. He hoped she knew he would turn the world inside out to find her.

One thing he knew for certain, to find her he would need to keep his wits about him. He closed his eyes for a moment and allowed his heart to whisper to her. 'Take care my love, I will find you.'

ooOOoOOoo

It wasn't midday yet. Malina was walking toward her, it would seem she was waiting for her not far from the entrance to the library.

"Your highness, I hope your trip to the library was enjoyable."

"Yes, it was."

"Shall I bring lunch to your chambers now?"

"No, not quite yet. Can you get me a basket? I would like to collect some wildflowers."

"Yes my Queen. The guards can escort you to the eastern fields and I will meet you there with a basket. Also the seamstress, Carling will arrive this afternoon so you may participate in the sewing at your leisure."

"Thank you Malina."

Malina bowed and hurried off.

Guinevere followed the guards, pretending to be carefree about her walk through the town. Meanwhile she was paying careful attention to her surroundings - distances, landmarks and obstacles that she could not see from the map.

As far as she could tell, the field with the wildflowers was the same field she would need to traverse in order to escape. And that exit of the castle wall was indeed small, there was only one guard there and she hoped it was so poorly guarded at all times.

Fortune was on her side again that day when she saw exactly what she needed in the field. She had only been there a few minutes when Malina showed up with the basket.

"Thank you Malina. I won't be long. Perhaps you could arrange some wine with my lunch."

She could tell Malina was surprised, but she hid it well.

Guinevere began walking through the field pretending to admire different flowers. She found a patch of white ones she would normally be partial to. And just mere inches away were the Valerian flowers. She picked a bunch of those along with their leaves. On top she placed the purple ones she would use for her hair. A few feet away were some lilacs and she picked up a few of those for good measure.

When it was time to leave she handed her basket to one of the guards to carry. Under normal circumstances she would have wanted to carry it herself, but she felt it necessary to maintain there was nothing out of the ordinary about her little harvest.

Upon entering her chambers, her lunch was there with the wine as requested. She casually took her basket and placed it on the table. Malina had a vase with water waiting for her.

"Shall I?" asked Malina.

"No, I've got it. Thanks."

Guinevere took her flowers and began to arrange them in the vase. She carefully placed the Valerian in middle of the other flowers. The oddly shaped flowers would only be seen if you took the time to sift your hand through the arrangement. She wished that the Valerian at least looked pleasant so she could pass them off as adornments for her hair.

Malina observed that the Queen was done with her arrangement.

"Shall I put some of the flowers in your hair now?"

"No, the style would need to be changed, and I'm more interested in eating than having my hair brushed."

Guinevere sat down and began to pick at her lunch. Malina was doing additional cleaning in the room. She turned to Malina and asked if she wanted to share in any of her lunch. It took some coaxing, but eventually Malina tried one of the dumplings Guinevere favored.

Then Guinevere tried a little of the wine. She took a small sip. "This wine is good, but it is a little sweet for my tastes. Malina would you like to try?"

Malina refused even though Guinevere could see the interest in her eyes. After awhile she was able to get Malina to try a cup for herself. She looked at the pitcher and said it should be shared. At Guinevere's request, Malina took it out to the three guards to share as a thank you. Guinevere said she was just happy she got to pick flowers today.

Not long after lunch the seamstress, Carling arrived with her two apprentices. Guinevere did genuinely find their company and the work pleasant. Together they completed her new dress, made from the same shade of emerald green as the banners of the kingdom. And the third dress was a deep rich gold, which would be completed by tomorrow.

"I am fond of horseback riding. Might you be able to obtain some rougher fabrics in which to create riding pants and a simple top?"

"Of course, your highness. In fact, I have a fabric right here that I picked up from the market on our way to meet you. I had plans for the fabric, but I can pick up more after we leave here. I think it would make an adequate shirt."

Guinevere looked at the fabric, and it was perfect.

"Thank you. I shall start work on this right now."

"Your highness, I see your enthusiasm for this outfit. I can have a simple pair of pants ready for you by morning."

"That would be lovely. It would mean I could have a ride tomorrow. Thank you."

The seamstress left, minus the materials Guinevere needed to continue sewing on her own. Not long after, the guards informed her that King Melwas was requesting her presence at dinner. As she left, she turned to Malina and asked if she would have another pitcher of wine waiting for her. This time a different type of grape, or perhaps a different wine maker.

Guinevere felt her plan was coming together nicely. She took comfort in that fact. Melwas picked up on the subtle change in her mood and thought she was beginning to enjoy her stay. The thought pleased him very much.

Guinevere endured her meal with Melwas. His longing stares and endless questions about the minutia of her day were tiresome. But even that wasn't as bad as when he gave her the minute details of his time away from her and how he thought of her all day. She participated in his fantasy that there were a couple only to bide her time.

When she returned back to her room she followed a similar pattern as lunch. She had Malina pour her a little wine while she sat down to do her sewing. She declared this wine to be too tart for her tastes and told Malina to drink it and share it with the guards. This time she was met with no resistance.

After Malina helped her change for the evening she completed her 'riding shirt' and used the scraps to make herself a small satchel. She decided she would make her escape within the next two days. She took joy in the fact that she would see Arthur again soon.

ooOOoOOoo

Melwas was in his chambers and his manservant had just left him for the night. He heard a much anticipated knock at his door.

Malina entered and bowed. She smiled at her king, but he did not notice.

"Report."

"She is in better spirits today. It would seem that the activities from the day helped greatly in easing her mind."

"Good. Did she cry at all?"

"Not that I saw your highness. All appears to be well with her."

"Very good. You are a faithful servant Malina."

"Thank you Sire."

Melwas lay in his bed, his mind swimming with thoughts of his Guinevere. The moon was high overhead when he rose and donned his robe. He walked down the hall. The three guards on duty bowed as the king quietly opened her door. A ray of moonlight came through a small opening between the closed curtains and shone across her sleeping face.

Melwas stood watching her in awe. She reminded him of a sculpture he had seen once of a mystical ancient goddess. He stood looking at her face for some time, and when the light shifted so he could no longer see her face he turned and left for his own room. One day soon she would sleep next to him and he would gaze upon her all night.

He just needed to be patient. His plan was working perfectly. Another week or so and Arthur Pendragon would be a distant memory for her. Then she would be free to give herself to him, and she would finally sing for him.

ooOOoOOoo

It was late at night when Arthur's party arrived back at Camelot. They should have stopped for the night hours ago, but Arthur wanted to keep going. As a result the two day journey was turned into one. The last four hours trying to get through the woods in near darkness were treacherous, but no one was going to challenge him. The well being of his wife was at stake.

Arthur's one great hope was that Sir Leon had had a breakthrough in the search to find Guinevere. That he would have some new details on top of what little he sent with Sir Edwin. Perhaps she had already been found?

When they arrived at the courtyard, Sir Leon was waiting on the steps to meet him. One look at his old friend's face and he knew the news was not good. They walked back to the council room in silence. Arthur's nostrils flared as he struggled to keep his emotions under control. Arthur, Leon, Merlin, Gaius, Elian and the rest of the knights were there. Arthur heard the report of everything they had done so far – combing the campsite of the kidnappers, sending out the dogs and search parties – all turned up empty.

He was deeply disturbed when Sir Leon showed him the note they found. And it was his worst fear, whoever kidnapped her wanted Guinevere, not a ransom. It sounded like they may have wanted her for themselves. 'She has been claimed… Find yourself another Queen.' It was the word 'claimed' that distressed him the most.

Arthur decided he would go see the camp for himself at first light. Arthur was anxious for something to do, but there was nothing that could be accomplished til morning. The best option for him was to get some rest. He had not slept at all the previous night. He returned to his chambers and Guinevere's absence was almost palpable. His manservant followed him and helped the king get undressed. Arthur crawled into the bed and absentmindedly reached for her.

Although Guinevere had slept alone in their bed when he was away, he had not been in their bed alone since they were married. He groaned as he rolled over – it would be another long night. After an hour he got up and moved a couch in their chambers. He lay down but still couldn't sleep. The words from the note still haunted him. 'She has been claimed.' But claimed for what? No matter their purpose for taking her, they did not intend for her to return.

At first light Arthur's servant arrived with breakfast and to prepare him for the day. Arthur was already dressed. He grabbed some meat and cheese and gobbled it down. The bread he ate as he walked to the stables. Leon arrived only moments after he did. The rest of the knights filed in right after. They were about to ride off when Merlin came running up. Arthur almost smiled, some things would never change. Merlin mounted his own horse and the group headed to the site with Arthur.

Sir Leon walked Arthur through what they found and where they found it. He showed him the direction of each of the six trails. Arthur's jaw clenched, whoever took her meant for her to disappear. The haunting words of the note rose to the forefront of his mind. 'Find yourself another Queen.' On top of that it had been days since the kidnapping. Arthur surveyed the area for himself and knew that they would find nothing. They all headed back to the castle to work on a plan.

As they rode back to the castle Arthur turned to Merlin. Merlin's heart ached for his friend as he saw the level of pain in Arthur's eyes. He only hoped that wherever Gwen was, she was ok.

"I don't suppose there's a way for your sorcery to help us?"

"I'm sorry Arthur. I've been looking but… I wish there was a way."

"I know Merlin, I know."

A/N: Thank you for reading. The next chapter will be up in a couple of days. I'd love to hear from you. Your comments and constructive criticisms are welcome.