Late into the night, Sir Leon and a few Knights remain around the fire while a few more walk the perimeter of the camp. All around the camp various degrees of snores could be heard mingle with the sounds of the night.
"Do you still have concerns about Merlin and his magic Leon?" Percival asks as he leans into the warmth of the fire.
"He hasn't changed one bit." Gwaine mutters as he takes a bite out of a crisp apple. "But it explains a lot. I'm almost looking forward to seeing what he's capable of while not having to hide his skills."
"I can't be alone in wondering how much of his sorcery aided him to his current position." Leon says with a hint of sadness for even speaking the words. "I've always thought him to be a good man, likeable and deserving of respect for his efforts, but I cannot clear my mind of what others have done with sorcery."
"You do him a disservice with your words." Gwaine says flatly, "You've known him longer than any of us so you should probably be defending him more than any other Knight."
"Are your thoughts based on a fear of magic and those that possess it?" Percival asks with a tilt of his head. "I've heard a few others speak of Merlin with fear, yet they still reluctantly accept that he's always been a likeable fellow who is generous and giving by nature."
"I hold little against magic." Leon quickly defends, "In fact, I am pleased that the King has lifted the ban on the art of healing magic. It is good to see the druids able to help without persecution."
"The dedication of someone who's life they once saved." Gwaine says with an elbow poke to Leon's side. "You saw what Merlin did with the Prince's leg wound. Tell me that won't be handy to have around."
"But that's not all he can do." Leon says in a lower voice. "You saw what he did to the archers who looked to shoot Prince Arthur."
"He is protective of the Prince." Percival says in a neutral tone and a glance to Merlin's sleeping form. "As long as I've known him, he's been particularly devoted to protecting the Prince."
"He's always been subtle about his protectiveness. We had no idea about his talents but we've all noticed the little strokes of luck that he brought with him." Leon says as he follows Percival's gaze. "I can't help but wonder if he'll be a little too bold or maybe expected to be bolder now that he's revealed his talents." Sighing heavily, Sir Leon looks into the fire. "With his cover as a simple clumsy harmless fool gone, he may well draw more attention in a battle than he's prepared to for. Surely I can't be the only one considering this."
"Then perhaps you should speak with the Prince to see that Merlin is well protected from the non-magical threats that will be drawn to him while he uses his special skills." Gwaine says as he tosses his apple core into the fire. "That has to be better than the odd concerned looks you've been giving Merlin since we saw him toss those archers the other day."
"We should get some sleep." Leon says rising to his feet.
Visions of another time line not followed flicker within the Warlock's dream. Flashes of a birthday celebration and a sword fight cause mutters of objection. Uther taking a mortal wound and the grief of a Prince cause a restless tossing and turning. The vision of his older form flickers in his dream performing a healing spell over the wounded King in the presence of the Prince. This gives way to a death blamed upon the one who aimed to heal. The blame is misplaced as the cause is the witch with the aid of Agravaine.
"No." Merlin mutters in his sleep. "You are his doom."
Flashes of another path look out over a field of battle, but the battle never comes as a young king chooses wisdom over a show of force. The dreamer struggles as the witch attempts to once more step up into the role of bringing doom to a Pendragon. It is not her place and it will never be her place as long as he lived.
"I will not allow you to harm him." Merlin hisses out with a deep conviction. Breathing heavily in his sleep the dark haired dreamer now sees the differences in the paths, and he begins to struggle to return to awareness and to the world he knows.
"Merlin," Arthur whispers as he gently shakes the shoulder of his sleeping spouse. "You're dreaming. It's all right."
Blue eyes spring open with fear that the dream had been real, and that all he knew had fallen into the visions that he'd seen. Finding Arthur lying beside him, hope springs into Merlin's expression. Reaching out, the Warlock pulls himself closer to the Prince. "I can't lose you." He whispers.
"Don't be silly, Merlin. I'm not going anywhere." Arthur whispers back as he gently strokes the other man's back. Drawing back a slight bit, the Prince offers a reassuring kiss. "Go back to sleep. I'll keep you safe." Quietly accepting the promise, Merlin relaxes into the protective fold of Arthur's embrace.
The dream is forgotten in the night as sleep takes hold. Little more is thought about the night time disturbance until all within the camp prepare for the last leg of the journey that will take them to the Lady Morgana.
"Do you remember your dream from last night?" Arthur asks as he ties his pack to the back of his horse's saddle.
Pausing his own efforts to pack, Merlin over his own horses rump to catch sight of Arthur's concerned gaze. "Dreams can be odd. This one was definitely one of those."
"Can you tell me about it?" Arthur asks with a slight hint of a challenge. "Since you're not keeping secrets from me anymore?"
Guilt flickers across Merlin's expression, and he nods. "Sometimes I have dreams of what could have been." At Arthur's confused expression he adds, "An alternate existence of what would have happened if someone had made a different decision somewhere along the line at some critical moment."
"And what was this alternative like?" Arthur asks as he rests a hand on his saddle.
Furrowing his brow, Merlin seems to be gathering his thoughts before forming an answer. "We were together still, but as Master and Servant, Your father was killed, ultimately by Morgana's hand, and magic was still banned under your Kingship."
"That sounds like a dark and lonely life." Arthur says as if considering the distasteful alternative that Merlin had just described. "Is there anything that could be learned from seeing such things, or is it just to torment you?"
"I haven't had much of a chance to speak with Gaius on such things," Merlin admits, "But I do know that we're meant to be together in one form or another, and that Morgana is meant to be your father's doom." Pausing only a moment he shakes his head. "It seems to focus around a knife wound near the heart that will always be magically prevented from healing."
"The means of my Father's death is no small point." Arthur says with a little anger towards his spouse. "It might have been something worth mentioning earlier, don't you think?"
"It's too vague to speak with any conviction." Merlin says in defense. "There was no sense of future, or warning. It was just a clearer view of what might have been. It was the same clearer picture that I saw the two of us together though in a different form than we are now."
"Sires, the King has given the word that we are ready to leave." Sir Leon says interrupting the conversation with a slight bow.
"Thank you, Leon." Arthur says, giving Merlin one final glance to make it clear that the discussion was not finished. After checking his saddle one last time, he put his foot in the stirrup and in one smooth move, he settles himself atop his horse.
Following Arthur's actions, Merlin draws himself up into his own saddle and nudges his horse forward. "He'd not likely listen to me, but even with the doubts I may have it still may be wise to keep him out of Morgana's reach." The Warlock says softly to the Prince.
"Honestly, Merlin, you've got to give me more credit." Arthur says with a serious expression, "Even without hearing what you've seen in your dream, I'd say its common sense to keep Morgana away from my father." With that Arthur spurs his horse forward to the head of the caravan and to his waiting father.
Several hours later the fork comes into view and Uther brings the caravan to a halt with a raised hand. "The wagon is to be left here. Give the satchels of gold to Merlin." The King calls out as he takes charge of the approaching meeting. "I want the knights to divide and flank the royal party, keeping back twenty paces."
"It looks as if Morgana is there waiting." Arthur calls out as he rises up in his saddle to peer into the distance. "She appears to have only a handful of guards."
Several guards move two heavy satchels from the wagon and place them onto the back of Merlin's horse. The gold is heavy, but the horse easily bears its weight since its rider is lighter than most. "Ready," Merlin says as he draws his hood up.
"Neither of you are to speak." Uther says, giving both Arthur and Merlin hard stares. "Morgana requested to discuss family matters. I am the head of this family so she will speak to me alone."
Arthur glances to Merlin then back to his father. "As you wish father." He agrees.
The progression to the fork is much like the last march of a condemned soul. Despite the numbers, the only sound that echo's in the open air is that of the horses hooves striking the dry surface of the well-traveled road. The nearer they came to the fork the greater the tension, though it only seemed evident in the stiff shoulders of the Prince's consort.
The knights, as commanded, stop their forward progression at twenty paces. The sounds grow softer as three continue forward. When Uther brings his mount to a halt, Arthur's horse tosses his head as if in protest. "Morgana." Uther says, addressing the darkly clad witch.
"Father," Morgana says, speaking the word as if it were an insult.
Uther shows no reaction to his daughter. Instead, he turns his attention to the object of the meeting, the King lifts his chin. "Are you well Agravaine?" he asks the man being held between two barbaric looking guards.
"I am, Sire," Agravaine says with a bow of his head.
"Very well," Uther says as he dismounts. The creak of leather and the soft swish of fabric behind him is all that is needed to alert the King that the two behind him have also dismounted. "I've brought you the gold you've demanded." He says as he raises a hand and motions his fingers forwards.
Arthur and Merlin each take a satchel and move forward. Stopping at nearly the center point between where Morgana and Uther stands, they drop the satchels and then retreat to stand behind the King.
"Release him." Morgana says as if spitting on the earth before her.
As Agravaine turns as if brushing off the hands holding him captive, the light catches something at his waist. From beneath the hood of his cloak, Merlin frowns and steps forward to whisper into the Kings ear. "If he is a prisoner, then why does he have a knife tucked in his belt?" The Warlock whispers before quickly stepping back.
Uther watches his dead wife's brother walk forward, and his eyes narrow slightly as he too catches the light flickering off a poorly concealed weapon. "Lord Agravaine, take Merlin's horse and move to safety behind my Knights." The King says in a commanding voice. Lifting his left hand, he motions Merlin forward with the horse to meet the freed lord.
"Sire, I would stay by your side." Agravaine says quickly.
"The terms included a family discussion." Morgana says with anger as she watches Merlin guide his horse forward towards her former hostage.
"Lord Agravaine is Ygraine's brother. He is no family to you, Morgana." Uther says in a neutral tone that offered no room for negotiation. Turning to look his brother-in-law in the eye, the King adds, "Go so that we can finish the bargain."
With his lips pressed tightly together, Agravaine accepts the reins to the horse. He hesitates a moment and then reluctantly mounts the horse. After stealing a glance at Morgana he turns the horse around and rides south towards the line of knights.
"Tell me what this discussion is about Morgana." Uther calls out.
"Why did you lift the ban on some of the Magical arts?" Morgana says. Though her words are strong, there is some hint of pain as well. "What hold does Merlin and his spawn have over you?"
"Hold? No more of a hold than you or Arthur ever held. It was magic that proved that there is some good as well as the bad." Uther says with honesty and regret. "The love I hold for my children and grandchild is important to me."
"Would you have done the same for me?" Morgana says.
Silence fills the air for several long moments, during which Uther and Morgana stare intently at each other. "I cannot say I would have done the same for you." The King admits sadly. "You were always challenging me, always defying my commands. Even so, I know in my heart I would not have had you killed."
"How comforting to know that you'd have let me live." Morgana sneers as she takes several steps forward. "How powerful you are Uther Pendragon. You are the master to all of Camelot, you command a powerful army, and in your grip you've gained the loyalty of many equally powerful men including your son and his plaything. And you as my loving father, you would have kept me from gaining a power equal to that. It's a shame really, a shame that I've already gained that power. And you fear me for it."
"There is no fear Morgana," Uther says with a shake of his head. "Just disappointment and regret for loosing you to the evil that Magic can become."
"You gave me no choice." Snarls Morgana as she takes another few steps. "I am what you molded me to be."
"This is an endless argument that serves no purpose. If this is all you wish to discuss, then it's at an end." Uther says with no small measure of impatience.
"Will you ever accept me back?" Morgana asks in such a manner it almost seems sincere.
"I'm sorry Morgana. You are an enemy of Camelot, guilty of treason, and crimes against the crown and the people of Camelot. You have in the past acted with deception so I fear there is little chance of redemption." Uther says sadly. "I would have no choice but to condemn you to death."
"Then you've sealed your fate," Morgana says with venom in her voice. Sunlight reflects against metal and with the speed of a dart, the witch sends a dagger flying towards her father's heart. Leaning forward in anticipation, her mouth drops open in surprise as the blade comes to a halt six inches from Uther's chest. "You've brought a sorcerer!" she screams in outrage.
"It was clearly a wise move considering your action." Uther says recovering from his shock enough to step out of the path of the dagger. Turning, the King plucks the blade from the air. "We're done here." He says as he flips the blade into the dirt at his feet.
"You continue to underestimate my powers!" She snarls to her father. Turning first left then right, she shouts to her own guards, "Attack and leave none alive!" Holding up her hand, she hisses a spell towards her father. "Forbearne! Akwele!" As she utters the words her eyes flash a reddish gold and a large fireball hurls towards the King.
As Morgana casts her spell and calls for the attack, both Uther and Arthur ready for battle. They swiftly retrieve their swords then send their horses fleeing into the line of Knight's flanking them to the right and left. With the fireball in flight, Merlin softly whispers his shielding spell. "Gescildan".
Seconds after Morgana's guards charge forward, Sir Leon orders Camelot's charge, sending the knights galloping towards Morgana's black clad defenders. The sounds of coming battle begin slowly with the excited snort of horses being urged forward. The rhythmic beat of hooves against the earth and the sound of metal sweeping from their protective sheath's build the tempo of the coming clash.
"Father!" Arthur calls out as he turns and catches sight of the deadly ball of flames rocketing towards the elder Pendragon. Running forward with sword in hand, he fails to reach the King before the flames explode.
Uther turns in time to see the ball of flames explode several feet away. With the explosion, fire licks at an invisible dome that protectively arches over the three Pendragons. The flames finding no means to reach their target flare then dissipate into flickers of gold.
Overhead, dark clouds begin to form as winds begin to swirl along the ground. Merlin's dark blue robe swirl around him, and he raises a hand towards Morgana. As his hood flies back in the winds his eyes are glowing gold with power. The winds rise in intensity as the Warlock moves forward until nothing stands between he and Morgana.
Uncertainty flickers across Morgana's expression, "It's been you all this time!" the witch screams out as Merlin reveals himself. "There has always been someone or something thwarting our efforts and that was you!" Anger and frustration take hold, and she laughs as she sends another fireball flying towards Arthur as he moves into the melee.
Rage takes the dark haired young man's expression as the sound of metal meeting metal rings out. Silently, Merlin sets the barrier around his spouse, though this time the screams of Morgana's men fill the air as the fire catches those not targeted when it bursts against Arthur's protection. Returning his attention to the witch, his eyes continue to glow. "Cume thoden" he whispers as the winds seem to take the form of a mighty hand that swats at the arrogant witch.
Scooped up by the wind and sent sailing back, Morgana hits hard against the earth. With the breath knocked out of her lungs, she takes a few moments to recover. Rolling onto her side, and then finally to her belly, she offers a smaller target as she stretches her hand out to Merlin. "Hleap on baec!" the Witch calls out as her eyes glow a reddish gold.
This time it is Merlin that flies back, landing solidly on the ground. Having exhaled as Morgana's spell hit, he was prepared for the hit and ready to retaliate. From his reclined position, he lifts a hand to the sky and calls out, "Waeter, hiersumie me!" The swirling clouds above churn ominously as a cold rain falls over the small expanse of earth which includes the warlock and the witch. Rising to his feet, the Warlock glares at his foe and his hand stretches forth once more. "Eorthe, hiersumie me!" The soil surrounding his opponent begins to rumble and chunks of soil pop upward to mingle with the rain making a thick mud.
Sinking into the mud, Morgana panics as her legs are trapped in the bubbling mud called up by her adversary. When a bubble of the mud splashes into her face, the Witch is momentarily blinded. Screaming, she sends a shockwave of power outwards from where she lays, knocking Merlin and soldiers on both sides to their knees. Wiping at her eyes to clear her vision, fear is evident in her expression.
"fyr, hiersumie me." Merlin shouts as he begins to rise back to his feet. The spell sends a ring of fire to lap at the pool of mud pulling Morgana into the earth. Overhead, lightning flashes, mirroring the mood of the Warlock. "It is over Morgana, surrender before it is too late."
"Never!" Morgana shrieks, still pushing madly at the mud that holds her sightless. "Bedyrene me! Astyre us thanonweard." She screams, bringing forth a black swirl of magic that pulls her from the mud and her doom, transporting her to somewhere far from the field of battle.
As Merlin releases his last words to Morgana, and makes to rise the last distance back to standing, something drives through his back. When the Witch screams her reply, he falls to his knees, shocked and feeling an almost electric radiance of pain. Blinking a few times as he watches Morgana complete her teleportation spell, he vaguely recalls that Arthur had been shot in almost the same place near the crystal cave. Frowning, he notes with some difficulty holding onto reality that his foe had escaped. A second burst of pain drives through his shoulder and he gasps and falls forward. As he hits the ground face first, the gold in his eyes fades to their normal blue filled with pain.
Only a few moments before, Sir Leon looked upwards into the sky as lightening burst outwards from the center. His mount snorts fearfully at the unnatural weather, but Leon holds him in place. High above, powerful and yet beautiful streaks filled the sky as if to announce to all that Camelot will not be denied. Their adversaries were falling, and from the brief glance to the Witch Morgana, it seemed that she was falling as well. "Had I not been here to see it, I would have not believed that Merlin was this powerful!" Leon calls out to Gwaine who was fighting on the ground a few feet before him.
"I will have to remind him that I've always sung his praises!" Gwaine calls back, as he strikes down another foe. Glancing in Merlin's direction the roguish Knight's expression takes on a look of horror. "NO!" He screams as the first bolt slams into Merlin's back. Setting off in a hopeless charge to the source of the bolt, he yells once more, "Agravaine! No!"
Surprised at Gwaine's reaction, Leon turns in time to catch sight of the bolt striking Merlin's back. The Knight it is as if his concerns were coming true. Following Gwaine's path he sees Agravaine holding up a crossbow taking aim for a second shot. "Merlin! Get down!" Concern and panic sweeps over Leon's expression and he urges his mount to turn and charge toward the traitor. "Stop!" He calls out, hoping to distract the Lord from his aim.
Catching sight of his daughter wallowing in the mud that Merlin had conjured, Uther frowns with pity for what his daughter had become. Turning back as yet another of the black clad mercenaries charge forth to challenge him, the King makes short work of the poorly skilled opponent. When he hears someone call out for Merlin, he turns to glance at his son-in-law at the exact instant a second bolt strikes the young man's back.
Following the path that the bolt had travelled, Uther is surprised to find Agravaine reloading a crossbow. As the dark haired Lord raises the crossbow once more the King can only blink in shock as the weapon is pointed towards him. A second later Sir Leon slams into Agravaine, sending the two tumbling to the ground.
Elegantly swinging his blade to strike one foe, before turning as a dancer to strike another, Arthur displays absolute brilliance on the battlefield. Taking two or three at a time, the Crown Prince fights like no other. He falters when the sky suddenly clears and once assuring that none alive surround him, he looks to where Merlin should be. "NO!" he shouts as he sets off at a run, only to fall helplessly beside his love a few moments later.
