Part 3
The forest fluttered with light and life as he ran, His small feet carrying him as quickly and efficiently as he could; The twigs and leaves which littered the ground crunching under his boots. Behind him the shouts and cries of the other druids filled the air as metal met metal in a heated battle of which one side was destined to win. Gasping the boy felt his druid mark burn on his skin, He was scared- His people, His friends were being killed and murdered as they bid him time to run and hide. Hide.
Suddenly from nowhere a branch grew from the ground, His feet tangling tightly around it as he fell forwards. Gasping the dark haired boy pulled away from his cloak, His hands fumbling on the ground in fear as he spun on his heel and spotted two more guards; each clad in the colours of Camelot. Slowly they approached him, their swords drawn and gazes narrowed. It was a shame they had to lose their lives.
Closing his eyes tightly the little boy willed the two spears he had seen discarded to rise into the air, With a hush of words of the old religion his eyes snapped open as the spears moved forwards and crashed into the two guards, Their body's falling forwards with a cry of pain as they landed onto the cool ground before him. With a growl he looked upwards and towards the final figure which stood before him.
Merlin. His hair scruffy as his face was painted into one of fear and loathing. It was him who had led Camelot's guard to their peaceful camp. It was him who had summoned the branch from the ground and allowed the guards to catch up to him. Clenching his small fists tightly the little boy whose destiny was too large for him to comprehend simply smirked darkly as he stared at the much older man.
'I wont forgive this Emrys… And I will never forget'
Mordred gasped as he sat bolt upright, His hand flying to his head as he ran his fingers through his tightly wound locks. A small sweat had built on his face from the nightmare, Or rather memory. Climbing upwards the young knight pushed away from the tree he had been leaning against; The forest around him filled with life as the birds slowly chirped away from their nests. Tilting his head to one side the knight listened out towards the camp, the soft snoring of the other knights confirming to himself that they were all still safe and sound. Placing one foot in front of the other slowly Mordred turned as he wandered back into the main camp, His eyes narrowed as he tried to dispel the dream from his mind. He had done things, Dark things- And he regretted them more than anything now. But sadly sometimes a man could never be forgiven in the eyes of others.
"MORDRED!" Sir Gwaine exclaimed as he wandered forwards, His hand embracing the younger knight as he glanced around the small campsite. His exclamation had awoken the others as they groaned and rolled over in their designated spots. "You did not wake me for the watch-"
"It was fine" Mordred murmured as he forced a smile onto his face, "After all you had drunk a little too much mead last night Sir Gwaine-"
"You'll get used to that fact soon enough Mordred" Percival added as he sat upwards and grappled with his own head. Gwaine laughed as he clasped the younger man before him on the shoulder. Rounding on the spot Gwaine released his hold on Mordred as he wandered over to the empty corner, His eyes narrowing as he glanced around the site in confusion. In the centre the campfire's ashes slowly smouldered away as the smoke slipped upwards and through the tree's canopy. All the designated sleeping area's were filled except 2, Mordred and Merlin's.
"Where's Merlin?" Gwaine asked causing all the knights to turn in confusion also. Freezing Mordred remembered back to what the warlock had asked before he left, Swallowing a dry lump he stepped forwards.
"I saw him leave last night" Mordred stated, Percival frowned as he stood upwards slowly. "I tried to stop him but he didn't want to be seen-"
"On his own?" Sir Leon asked as he wandered into the camp, His arms crossed over his chest as he allowed one of his hands to fall onto the hilt of his sword. Leon never let his guard down, And it was for the best considering the woods were infested with both Morgana's men and rogue sorcerers. Mordred nodded slowly as he pulled his mind inwards from the reverie, Slowly the knight glanced around at each of the men, Making a note of their worried faces for a 'lowly' servant. "Arthur won't be happy about that"
"I'm not happy about that-" Gwaine contributed as he turned back to Mordred, "Morgana's out there-"
"I know" Mordred added to his defence, The eyes of the men around him staring into his soul and causing a guilty sensation to spread over him. "He asked me to let him go- It seemed important"
"Maybe we should look for him- He can't be that hard to track considering how naturally clumsy he is?" Percival stated as shrugged his large shoulders, Gwaine nodded in agreement as he wandered over to his sword and picked it upwards and slid it into his sheath. Leon however seemed to hesitate,
"But we need to complete the patrol; The King and Queen need to know about what we have found on the borders" Leon reasoned, Mordred smiled towards the blonde knight as he wandered into the centre of the camp. Although many of the men may object to the suggestion he was right and the voice of reason among them all.
"And what have we found exactly?" Gwaine questioned as he leaned inwards, "Nothing- It's the same as always- I think I'd rather make sure my friend is safe than report to the king that the surrounding lands appear untouched"
"Well perhaps half the men could return while we continue onwards?" Percival suggested as he glanced across to Mordred who remained silent among them all. Noticing the man's attention was on him the raven haired boy nodded frantically in agreement as he also stepped forwards.
"They could return to the king and give him the report while we go track Merlin" Mordred muttered, As he noticed the way Gwaine was already preparing to leave; Not caring about whatever conclusion was to be drawn, "Although im sure he would be fine anyway"
"Yeah" Leon echoed before turning to some of the men Mordred still hadn't acquainted himself with, "Sir Allister, I trust you to lead the men back to Camelot safely? Myself, Mordred, Gwaine and Percival will ride onwards"
Nodding wordlessly Sir Allister wandered over towards the other knights, Hand signalling and barking orders for them to pack up and move away. Gwaine however nodded his head towards Leon in respect before turning and beginning off into the woods, His legs dragging through the thick bramble as they began to head off in the direction the warlock had slipped off in that night.
Mordred sighed as the group slowed to a stop, The birds around them had been stirred and scared off leaving the forest silent and eerie. The sky had begun to darken once again, The moon rising on the horizon slowly as they carried on their endless walk forwards; The shadows casted by the tree's splayed across the ground, tricking the minds of men into believing they were being followed by twisted creatures. Sir Gwaine however hadn't slowed once, His hand resting on his sword as his eyes remained transfixed on the ground not glancing anywhere other than his surroundings.
"Were nearing something" Gwaine announced as he bounded forwards, Percival and Leon followed with Mordred trailing behind. It was the remnants of an old camp, The fire in the centre burnt out completely with only the remaining ash which settled around it evidence to show it had been used. Midnight black crows roosted around a certain tree stump, Squawking at each-other in angst as they clawed away for dominance, The presence of the knights quickly scared them off. Immediately the knights fanned outwards, Dropping to their knee's as they picked up at the dirt and filed it through their hands. Percival and Gwaine wandering over slowly towards the stump.
"Do you think this is him?" Sir Leon asked as he wandered about the camp, His eyes locked on the ground.
"His tracks suggest it" Percival added as he pointed towards the disrupted leaves which covered the floor, "Although I don't believe this camp is his making-"
"He could have returned to Camelot by now" Mordred suggested as he also kicked away at the fire which had been made, "He didn't seem worried when he left-"
Gwaine knelt down beside a trunk; The only one out of them all who had remained focused. It seemed that Merlin meant more to him than being just a servant or a friend, Instead the raven haired man appeared to be the knights only close friend, One who had stuck with him through it all. Mordred smiled in recognition of Gwaine's natural nobility which took dominance over his flaws. However the grown druid boy was knocked from his thoughts once more as he watched Gwaine's eyes widen as his mouth falling ajar. With skin as pale as a ghost the man looked upwards towards the others, "Here!"
Quickly the knights recollected as they all leant over the crouched man before them, Their eyes narrowing on the trunk of which the crows had been fighting over moments before. Mordred felt his own eyes widen however unlike the others a frown didn't appear across his features no matter how hard he tried. "That's-" He muttered,
"Blood" Gwaine finished as he played with the red substance between his fingers, His face looking upwards with determination and worry. "Whoever was here was injured-"
"You think it was Merlin?" Leon questioned as Gwaine stood upwards and continued to stare at the blood in his hand. Even Sir Leon appeared slightly distraught at the discovery of the blood. Mordred sighed as he took to staring at the ground, His eyes catching a nearby tree as he did. Frowning the younger man turned as he slowly wandered towards it,
"It could be-" Gwaine contemplated as he glanced at Leon, His eyes as hard as steel as he stared at the true noble.
"Just as much as it couldn't be-" Percival reasoned as he stepped closer to the two knights. Mordred turned his head back to see what was happening before he shook it slowly and returned to the tree. Reaching his hand outwards the man rubbed away at the bark slowly, His hands following the small pulse of magic his own could barely pick up. Staring intently he traced his finger over the symbol which had been engraved into the wood. There was no doubting it was either a rune from the old religion.
"If it is then I suggest we keep moving-" Gwaine commanded as he went to storm forwards however as he did Leon stopped him, His arm wrapping around the knight as he sighed.
"Whatever attacked this person could still be out here-" Leon muttered as he glanced around at the shadows, "Its getting dark now and we have been travelling for the full day. We should at-least return to one of the previous clearings and make camp-"
"The longer we wait the more danger Merlin could be in" Gwaine growled as he crossed his arms, Percival placed a sturdy hand on the knights shoulder however as he shaked it ever so slightly.
"It might not be Merlin Gwaine-" Percival tried to reason, "We are as worried about him as you are-". Mordred smile sympathetically before a sudden wave of magic over threw him his eyes burning gold instinctively as he stared at the rune closely, Suddenly the world around him changed as his eyes flew through the surrounding environment as if he was running off in a direction. Tree's and brambles fluttered past before a tall tower came into view, Its outside surrounded by men clad in black; Their hands clutching swords as they stared upwards, the horses panicking as they stumped their hoofs against the ground in protest. The tower itself stood tall and abandoned, The roof sending shadows across the ground as two figures stared each-other off on its surface; Their hands extended outwards as they shouted and magic pulsed from their beings.
"Merlin" Mordred gasped as his eyes fluttered open again; His magic recognising the other man's instantly. With his heart rate high, he panted to himself as he slowly turned around. The other knights were staring in confusion as Mordred spun on the spot slowly, His mouth opening to spill what he had as his eyes watered slightly, However as he remembered the men's true morals he quickly shut it. They wouldn't want to hear about his magic.
"What?" Gwaine asked as he wandered forwards, However as he did a loud crack echoed through the air causing the leaves in the tree's to shake and the birds to fly away in fear. Falling to the ground the men gasped as the air was forced outwards from them. Stumbling to their feet they began staring up towards the canopy. Mordred hesitated however as he laid on the cool ground, His eyes transfixed on the shimmering moonlight through the canopy; The strength of the magic he had felt written before in legends. Realising he was the only one still down the druid jumped to his feet as the knights stared with wide eyes, Moving to each-other slowly. Unsheathing their swords; with the ring of metal, they held it outwards covering each-other's flanks. Feeling the backs of the other men press against him Mordred narrowed his eyes as they all slowly rotated.
"WHAT WAS THAT!" Leon shouted as they turned again, their swords still drawn and raised high into the surrounding darkness and twisted shadows,
"I don't know but it was close-" Percival answered as they spun once more, the sounds echo slowly dying out as the area they stood in remained as silent as death itself.
"Sorcery" Gwaine suggested as Leon nodded in agreement,
"If so that was the strongest magic I've ever felt" Percival slipped in as he glanced across to the men who he had his back pressed against.
"We should split upwards and scout ahead-" Leon ordered, As nothing attacked the knights all mutually agreed it was safe once more turning back around to face each-other. However none of them dared sheathe their swords. "Meet back here in a few minutes?"
"Yes" Mordred agreed as his eyes slipped back to the tree and its exposed bark, "If were splitting up…I'll go that way-" He pointed towards the tree as it stood out from the others around it. Turning his head Gwaine nodded slowly before clasping Mordred on the shoulder again, Smiling at the knight's fondness Mordred did the same back. Smiling Percival did the same with Leon before they all split off. Hesitating Mordred stared at the tree once more before he began to walk off, His sword held high as the other knights disappeared in the opposite directions.
Alone the raven haired man relaxed slightly as he began to jog ahead, His eyes retracing the steps he had taken through the vision moments ago. Slowly he approached the tree line; the sounds of clashes of magic growing louder and louder as he approached. His boot's being snagged as he passed through the bramble with more frantic steps. But then as he finally reached the end. Silence.
Mordred knelt to the ground by the treeline slowly; His knee pressing down into the damp mud. The sounds of battle which had once rung the end being cut off as a cry of pain rang through the air, recognising the voice Mordred crawled closer as he watched a flurry of men enter the tower with large grins.
"Merlin?" Mordred asked as he focused on the tower; His magic reaching outwards. As he did however the same men from earlier returned with the same sickening smiles. The archway burst to life as the men clad in back emerged in two long lines; Holding onto the body of a familiar servant between them as they wandered forwards. Gasping Mordred began to stand upwards, "MERLIN!" He tried again, Only as he did he stopped dropping back down as he cowered at the sight of a familiar woman. Morgana. Bringing his magic away from the warlock the boy crouched lower as he stared with worry and anticipation. Morgana would easily pick up on his magic if he tried to use it again.
Slowly Merlin was tossed over the back of a dark horse, His skin as pale as snow as hair fluttered across his face highlighting his sunken eyes. Watching with a mouth agape he watched the warlocks neckerchief fall to the ground by the horse; Its ends fluttering in the small breeze. "Strap him to the back tightly- I don't want my prize slipping away"
Mordred turned his head to the side as Morgana wandered away from the men, Her hands slipping on two gloves as she wandered back to her own horse. A shiver ran down the druid's spine as the Lady Morgana mounted her horse, Her dark eyes casting over the men around her as they nodded in respect. Gripping the reins tightly she spurred her horse forwards slowly,
Wide eyed Mordred turned back to where Merlin was just in time to see them finish attaching him to the horse, the rider mounting soon after. The boy stumbled forwards through the bushes again. Slowly Merlin shifted from his position on his horse causing Mordred's eyes to narrow, Gradually Merlin turned his head towards him, their eyes meeting as the warlock took a shuddered breath. Their eyes remained locked constantly, even as Merlin's began slipping closed once more. Suddenly the horses were spurred into action, The hoofs stirring dirt and mud into the air as the convoy disappeared into the horizon.
As they left Mordred fell backwards as he clambered away from the site, His hands pulling at the ground as he jumped upwards and headed back in a run towards the camp they had found. Morgana had captured Merlin, And more importantly Merlin had used magic before Morgana. Shaking his head the druid tried to dispel the warlocks cold betrayal filled eyes from his head as he stumbled forwards. Slowly the campsite was beginning to appear on the horizon, the fire freshly lit with the knights sat tightly around it. Gwaine had obviously persuaded them to stay the night here.
"MORDRED!" Gwaine exclaimed as he ran forwards, "Did you find anything-", Mordred frowned as he wandered into the camp, Gwaine and the others must have heard him as he ran forwards.
"It was probably nothing like the rest of us!" Percival tried to reassure as he approached them both. Still the knights clasped Mordred tightly as they greeted each-other after such short time had passed.
"No" Mordred muttered as he pulled away from Percival, "No I found him-"
"Merlin?" Gwaine exclaimed, a proud smile slipping onto his face as he clasped the younger man tightly once more, "This is brilliant what direction is he in?"
"In Morgana's direction" Mordred stated as he stared darkly into the fire, Merlin's eyes filling his mind once again. "Morgana captured him-"
"That sound" Leon stated as he also joined them from the fire, "That was Morgana?"
"Yes-" Mordred echoed as he turned to stare at Gwaine; The knights face one of anger and horror. "And it was Merlin feeling the brunt of Morgana's Magic-"
"no…" The dark haired knight murmured as he began to march forwards, Percival stopping him. "IM GOING AFTER HER!" Gwaine shouted as he pushed away Percival's arms and unsheathed his sword. Slowly the man began to march off towards the tower, His sword glinting as the light from the fire bounced over its surface.
"GWAINE NO!" Mordred shouted as his arms wrapped tightly around the man, Even if Percival didn't- "Don't its too dangerous-"
"Hes my friend-" Gwaine pleaded as Percival also unsheathed his sword and nodded; His eyes staring off into the fire while Leon did the same.
"As he is mine-" Mordred commented however the same passion portrayed by Gwaine was lost in his own words. It wasn't as true, Merlin had been off with Mordred since he had saved the king that day. Although could he really blame the man? "But this bloodshed will bring no good- Wont it Leon?"
Sir Leon stared at Morded blankly, "You left him-"
Gwaine froze as he turned to Mordred wide eyed, "You saw him and you left him?"
"I had to- to tell you!"
"NO! You did it because you were a coward and you don't care to see if Merlin is hurt-"
"No I-"
"You want him dead!"
"No i-"
"Mordred!" Gwaine exclaimed. Mordred blinked slowly as he realised his eyes were watering, Bringing a hand to his head the younger knight looked around at his surroundings as he realised he was standing just outside the camp still. Confused the younger man stumbled forwards as he forced on a small smile for Gwaine. Embracing the man Gwaine patted the younger knight on the back with a smile. "Did you find anything?"
Mordred paused as he knew what was coming next, His teeth biting away at his lips.
"It was probably nothing like the rest of us!" Percival smirked sadly as he wandered forwards, embracing the younger knight also. Mordred remained silent as he stared at the fire, The words of his answer on the tip of his tongue. Leon wandered forwards as he joined the others, Noticing Mordred's silence and worried face.
"Mordred? Did you find anything?" Leon asked inquisitively,
"Was it Merlin!" Gwaine exclaimed a little too eagerly as he raised his eyebrow, Percival and Leon's own face lighting up. Mordred sighed as he sniffed and wiped away at his face, Looking away from the fire as he met the others eyes. The light from the fire dancing across the surface of their iris's like there was images running through them. There was hope. Opening his mouth Mordred coughed,
"No"
The lights fell from the men's faces as they all dipped their head and stared down towards the floor, "Im sorry- There was no sign of the sorcerer… or Merlin"