A/N: Here's the next chapter. As I said last time, I'll be following the show for as long as I can. It's got great material to work with.
Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin, but I do own the twist to the plot.
Two days passed since last meeting, a rather event filled two days. They'd seen the return of Merlin's and Arthur's former relationship, and everything seemed so much as it had before that Merlin believed Arthur just had a lot on his mind. What Morgana had said to convince Uther to free the prisoners really seemed to have affected Arthur too. Likely he had just needed the time to sort through the matter. That's what Merlin told himself, and he found himself quite willing to believe it.
In general things went well for the warlock. After an initial yelling, Gaius accepted Merlin's choice, he could still hear Gaius' words in his mind, granted he'd heard them the day before.
"YOU WHAT?" Gaius had yelled. Both seeress and warlock had looked nervously over at the door, hoping guards hadn't heard. Upon seeing their concern Gaius had acquiesced by lowering his voice to a harsh whisper, "Merlin do you know how reckless what was?"
"It's alright," Morgana had attempted to calm him down, "Uther won't find out."
"If you're not careful he will."
"We know," this Merlin had spoken, "we've been cautious, discussing magic only in the forest." That tidbit had done much to lessen the physician's anger.
Joining again, Morgana had commented, "I've got control of my power, strange things won't be happening around me anymore."
It had taken them a little more work, but they succeeded in the end. Gaius had even agreed to tutor Morgana in anatomy, as she expressed an interest in learning how to use her power to heal alone. As Merlin knew, healing spells for nonmagical ailments were easier with an understanding of anatomy, in fact, he rather liked the idea of having someone to study with. The lessons would give Morgana an excuse for being in Gaius' chambers, before she left Gaius had even given her several scrolls and books to study when she couldn't come for lessons.
Merlin refused to tell the Dragon any of this, knowing all to well how he would react.
Carrying a cross bow, and an arrow speckled target Merlin trotted down the stairs to where Arthur waited for him. "Where are they going?" He asked, spotting Morgana and Gwen preparing to ride off, even though he already knew.
Taking the crossbow Arthur replied, "Morgana's on a pilgrimage to her father's grave." Ever astute Merlin noted the slight sorrow in his voice; he knew who it was directed at. Likely Arthur wished he and Gwen where riding somewhere.
In general Morgana loved riding, but the purpose of today's ride damped the atmosphere. Normally she visited her father's grave on the day he died, this year, however, she made an impromptu trip. Her father had believed in Uther's hatred of magic strongly, thus she felt she owed it to him to tell him about her magic; even though he died eighteen years ago. In an attempt to hide her true feelings she spoke to Gwen, "You look troubled Gwen."
The maid laughed slightly, "I'm fine."
"You've been very secretive these days. I'm beginning to think there's a man involved." Both held secrets from the other, but only Morgana suspected it. While she couldn't blame her, Morgana didn't think Gwen's secret was life threatening.
Another half-laugh, "When do I ever get to meet any decent men?" The pair fell back into silence. Only the sound of horse hooves and birds filled the air.
The birds fell silent as warriors yelled and road down at them. In a panicked second Morgana thought of using her magic, but decided against it. She had fought before her power came out and survived, she would again. That said, last time she did have a sword and a plan of attack. Not to mention a semi-trained warlock who scarred the bandits off. Although neither she nor Gwen knew what to do, at least they didn't panic.
"My ladies you must follow me," The lead knight instructed the moment it became clear the knights and foot soldiers would lose. Both gasped when he fell over with an arrow sticking out of his back. Before they could urge their mounts into a gallop bandits pulled them down. Struggling Gwen freed herself, while a knight cut down the man holding Morgana. Now truly terrified and still unarmed, Morgana chose the only option available.
"Gwen, head for the pass." The long skirts kept them from running quickly, but they tried. As they headed up the hill more riders moved to intercept them, their way blocked Morgana spoke with all the confidence she could muster, "I warn you, I am Uther Pendragon's ward." A masked bandit dismounted and approached them, "he'll have your head if any harm comes to me."
The bandit pulled down the cloth covering his face, "I have no intention of harming you. You're much more valuable to me alive." In after thought he added, "Lady Morgana."
In the bandit camp they were given a tent, the privacy gave them a chance to plan their escape. This time Morgana silently vowed to use her magic if it became necessary, for Gwen's sake and her own, she would, even if it meant Gwen finding out. At the entrance of the tent Morgana and Gwen watched the bandit leader approach, "He's coming, you know what you must do?" she asked Gwen, looking back to see the maid nod quickly.
The bandit leader spoke first, "I trust you are comfortable."
"I demand to know where you're taking us." Holding an expression of complete disgust wasn't hard since she genuinely felt it.
Unfortunately the leader didn't appear fazed, "You'll find out soon enough. We have a long journey ahead of us, get some rest." He then smirked at her, which only raised her hatred of him.
Following him out she said, "I wish to bathe." That stopped him in his tracks. The leader turned to face her.
"You wish to bathe?" under other circumstances his confusion would have been amusing.
She nodded, looking down briefly, "I am the king's ward and accustomed to certain standards." He still looked baffled, so she explained, keeping the superior tone in place, "you may be content to smell like a pig, but I am not."
Though she loathed it, a lewd expression crossed his face briefly as he said, "The Lady Morgana wishes to bathe." He added the next bit with slightly more amusement, "who wants to help me guard her?" The men laughed gruffly, which only infuriated Morgana more, but she kept it hidden under a look of disgust and half controlled fear.
~()~()~()~()~()~
Back at Camelot Arthur reported Morgana's absence to Uther. "Morgana's party hasn't returned to Camelot and there's no sign of her anywhere." The prince didn't miss his father's fear for Morgana. If his father knew of his suspicion Arthur suspected the King would care regardless, he only hoped Morgana knew that too.
"Send riders to the outlying villages. I want every guard, every sentry looking of her."
"I'll dispatch them immediately." Arthur promptly left the room, Merlin on his heels as always. Briefly he considered asking Merlin to search for her magically, but knew he dare not. He did not want to ruin their friendship or risk Merlin finding out that he knew, that he meant to use the bond to spy on Merlin and Morgana had been forgotten.
~()~()~()~()~()~
By the river's edge Morgana carried out the next part of her plan. Her cloak lay on the ground as the bandit leader and one of his men watched her begin undressing. A glance over told her the bandit's grip on Gwen had loosened slightly, now he only had to let go.
"You may find the water a bit icy."
She sneered at him, "I'm sure I'll manage." Reservedly, she began undoing the flimsy blue top layer, "If you were any kind of gentle man you'd give me some privacy."
"Well, unfortunately for you I am no kind of gentle man." He took a step towards her, "get on with it." He laughed at her in anticipation. Oh, how she deeply wanted to blast him with a fire spell. Four days ago Merlin showed her how one word could to different things; it all depended on the caster's intent. The only problem was Gwen would get caught in it as well. Unlike Merlin, she did not have a high enough level of control to risk it.
Slowly she let the blue cover drop to the ground. As she began pulling up the purple over-dress both bandits' stepped forward. The one holding Gwen led her go, a brief nod to Morgana and she moved into position for the next part. The purple over dress on her arms, she feigned fear and disconcertion, "You could at least turn your backs."
The bandit leader raised his eyebrows, "So you can make a run for it? You think I'm that stupid?"
All her anger showed on her face, "I think you're very stupid," she spat as Gwen reached and pulled his blade free. Simultaneously Morgana slugged him across the face. Gwen promptly tossed her the blade, which she used to kill the other bandit and set the leader on his heels. "Run!" she commanded the moment Gwen stood behind her. The pair of women fled as if the hounds of hell bounded on their tracks. Even though bandit's followed, the distance between them increased. Until Gwen fell and hurt her ankle.
"Oh Gwen," Morgana hurried to her side, "Put you arm around my shoulder."
"No, no Morgana, we'll never out run them. You must go on without me."
By the Old Religion Morgana wished Merlin had begun teaching her healing spells! With them she could heal Gwen and they'd both escape. "I'm not leaving you behind!"
"Morgana go please." Through the trees Morgana saw a masked bandit approaching; all thoughts of magic flew from her head. "You must get help." That did it for Morgana, her friend's pleading tone made the decision for her.
With no better option, Morgana handed her the sword, "Take this."
"GO!" Gwen urged her, and Morgana fled, briefly looking desperately at her friend. Unknown to the fleeing noblewoman Gwen hid behind a tree and waited for the bandit to catch up to her. Sword raised she stood there quietly, taking a swing the moment he came close enough. A direct hit and he died on her blade. More came behind him, but Gwen didn't run or hide, she loyally fought to give her friend time to escape.
In the distance Morgana stopped at the man's dying screams. For a split second she considered running back to help, but Gwen's last words to her urged her to run again. All thoughts of her earlier vow long since vanished.
Not far off Arthur, Merlin and a few knights arrived at the ambush sight. Without hesitation Arthur swung of his horse, "Check to see it anyone's alive." Behind him Merlin followed in suit as a knight held their horses' reigns. Yanking a blade from the ground he inspected it. His voice full of disgust, "Mercian craftsmanship," he threw the blade back down.
"Arthur," Merlin had noticed something he hadn't. The servant walked over to a fallen knight a removed a letter pinned to the knight's back. He read if quickly, "it's a ransom note," he turned his head to face Arthur, "they've taken Morgana hostage."
Arthur tensed at a slight sound. Something sent his nerves on edge, blade in hand he moved up a near bank, "try and sweep up this bank." He ordered hurriedly. Little did any of them know Morgana and Gwen took the same path only a few hours before. The men crept through the forest, following the slight sounds a head of them. Still not making a sound, Arthur took a crossbow from a knight and prepared to jump out at their quarry. A few strides forward and he hid behind a tree, waiting for the chance to strike. The quarry moved closer, until Arthur swung out, crossbow leveled and ready to fire. He stopped the moment he realized who it was.
A teary-eyed and slightly injured Morgana stood before him in only her white under-dress.
That she was safe allowed an unusual, but heart felt, question to slip out, "where's Guinevere?" Eyes full of sorrow, Morgana just shook her head slowly. Internally this drove home the idea that Arthur either miss heard or had dreamed the conversation between Merlin and Morgana. Otherwise, why would have Morgana left her best friend behind? He conveniently ignored the idea that Morgana might not know enough spells to have helped Gwen.
Far off the bandit leader ordered Gwen to wear Morgana's clothing and impersonate her.
"It's such a relief to see you safe." Uther spoke and stood to greet Morgana. Hand on the side of her head, "I couldn't bear the thought of anyone harming you."
Genuinely touched by his concern, "the bandit's still have Gwen." Maid or not, Gwen was her friend and she had to try talking Uther into rescuing her.
"I believe they were Mercian. We've received reports that Hengist has crossed the border." Arthur told him, moving to stand beside them.
Surprised, Uther asked, "Hengist?"
"You must send a rescue party." She pleaded.
To Morgana's ire, Uther belittled her concern, "If Hengist is holding her it would take a small army to rescue your maid."
Disbelief in her eyes Morgana protested, "You can't abandon her!"
"How many men would you have me sacrifice to save a servant?"
"As many as it takes!" Her own inability to do anything and Uther's unwillingness fed the flame of her anger. All the same, she next spoke in a more reasonable tone, "Gwen gave herself up so that I might escape. I owe her my life."
"She did so willingly and she will be honored for it." Uther let her go and returned to his chair.
Now her outrage began to show; she hurried forward, grabbed his arm and turned him to face her, "I don't want her honored, I want her rescued." With his attention back, she held back the emotion and pleaded, "She's more than just my maid, she's my friend." All her grief and anguish shown in her eyes, she hoped against hope he would send the party.
In his kindest voice, "A servant is no value to these bandits. I fear she's dead already." How could he deny her request? Why couldn't he take the chance Gwen still lived? Perhaps she's managed to escape and now hid in the forest, lost and alone. He had to take the chance!
"No," she said in denial and freed herself from his grasp, "we cannot give up hope!" her voice filled with desperation. Looking for an ally she turned to Arthur, "Arthur, I'm begging you," she truly was, "you have to do something."
"My father's right. I'm afraid there's nothing we can do."
"How can you say that?" This time she didn't hold back, "How can you live with yourselves?" Gaius led her away, "all of you!" Outside she shrugged of Gaius' hands and fled to her room.
She couldn't give up like this. Leaning against her door Morgana tried to calm herself but didn't succeed. In the corner a vase burst apart, the fragments scattering everywhere. Why hadn't Merlin taught her healing spells or better control sooner? He'd been afraid of his mentor, that's way. Only, that was a bit unfair on her part. To properly learn magic took time, and she still didn't fully know the old tongue.
No, Merlin did not deserve her wrath, Uther did and so did Arthur. That damned coward of a prince! He lacked a backbone or the will to do things of his own volition! If anyone deserved yelling at, he did.
Whipping around Morgana marched to Arthur's quarters, where she would give him the tongue lashing he deserved. Oh, he would know the full extent of her wrath!
A/N: I know, it's longer than the last chapter. As always please review, they make my muse happy. There's been a few slightly changes since the first time I posted this. I hope it still works.
