Dragon Twins
A/N: I'm trying to update often but I won't make any promises b/c reality can, and often does, get in the way of my passion for writing. I'm trying to catch my chapters up to the episodes I've watched so far, after which I will update after I watch each episode. I'm most looking forward to getting to chapter 6, "A Remedy to Cure All Ills" because I have big plans for that chapter (insert evil laughter here).
There are some major alterations from the storyline in this chapter that some of you might not agree with or understand, so I will try to explain my reasoning at the end, read if you like but you don't have to. It just might help you to understand a few of my decisions.
Those that give longer reviews, ask questions, or give suggestions will be recognized and answered here. To those that only say good job or something similar, I still thank you for reviewing at all, also, a big thank you to everyone who has faved and followed my story.
GoldenKeeper2567: I'm glad you love it hun. I don't want to give anything away but there will be jealousy in a later chapter, but not Lancelot…I like him and Gwen's interaction far too much lol…just wait and see because when it happens…Arthur won't be the only one showing signs of jealousy.
Chapter 4 – The Poisoned Chalice
Marlena and King Uther had been growing ever closer as time wore on. She often served as his personal maidservant, bringing him breakfast, which he sometimes shared with her, and helping him to dress for the day. He often spoke to her of magic, and of decisions he had to make…listening to her opinion and often following her advice. She was beginning to view him as a father figure, something she'd never had before, and she could tell he was quite fond of her as well. She and Merlin had been in Camelot for a few months by now, but whereas she and the king were growing closer quickly…Arthur and Merlin were still fighting like a couple of children. It was mostly amusing, though occasionally annoying.
On a particularly important day for Camelot Marlena and Merlin were woken by Gaius long before the sun had even thought about coming up for the day and both were understandably grumpy about it. Merlin was needed to get the Prince out of bed and ready to accept their visitors later in the morning while Marlena had been summoned by the King. She hesitantly stepped through his door when he called her in and blinked at him a few times as he stood in the center of his room in nothing but his breeches, staring at a number of shirts laid out on his bed with a deep scowl on his face as if the shirts had committed some great offense.
"Majesty? Is everything all right? Did your shirts commit a crime?"
"What? No…I just…I'm trying to figure out which shirt would be best for receiving King Bayard. I want to appear regal but not too ostentatious…"
"That's a big word Majesty…"
Her tone was light and teasing and managed to bring a smile to the older male's face for a moment. She smiled back and moved to the bed, looking over the choices he'd laid out before settling on a soft red shirt which she helped him into.
"This one should do nicely. It's soft, and not an overly bright shade of red so it will show your house's main color while not being glaringly obvious about it. Pair this with a your black breeches and a black surcoat and I think you'll look perfect."
"Thank you little one. I haven't had a woman around to help me make these decisions in a long while."
"I'm sure Morgana could have helped you…she seems to enjoy dressing me up enough at least."
"She enjoys women's fashions, but she isn't interested in male fashion…save perhaps the knights."
"She just likes to look at them Majesty…she has no serious interest in any of them."
"That is…oddly reassuring. Come, help me finish dressing and then fetch my breakfast for me…and make sure to tell the cook I'd like a larger than normal breakfast."
"Yes Majesty."
Once she had the King dressed for the day she headed down to the kitchens, leaving him alone to look over the treaty once more. When she got there she ran into Merlin who looked more than a bit frazzled.
"Merlin? Everything ok?"
"Hmm? Oh, yes…Arthur's just being his usual self is all. It took me this long just to get him out of bed…I had to literally drag him out of it Lena."
Marlena laughed, shaking her head at the comical relationship her brother was developing with the Prince. She mentioned to the cook that the King wanted a larger breakfast and was rewarded with a massive tray of food.
"He must be a bundle of nerves over this treaty dear."
"I'm not sure our King gets nervous."
She took the tray up to Uther's room and thanked the guards when they opened the door for her, allowing her to simply walk straight in and careful lower the tray onto the King's table. Uther looked at the tray with his lips quirked up into a little laughing smirk.
"I think the cook means to feed a small army Majesty."
"So it would seem…or perhaps she merely guessed my true purpose for requesting extra food."
"She seems to think you might be nervous Majesty…about the treaty and all."
"Perhaps a bit, but that is not the reason…and I'm sure she knows it. That woman is far too observant sometimes. I was hoping you might join me for breakfast so we can further discuss your views on magic."
"I would be honored Majesty."
"Do you know that you are the only person in all of Camelot that calls me that little one?"
"Would you like me to stop?"
"Not at all…I rather like it actually."
The two ate slowly, savoring the various sausages, cheeses, and fruits that had been provided to them. Marlena noticed that the chef had made sure to include some strawberries which she kept eyeing until the King rolled his eyes and pushed the little dish of them over to her.
"You can have them…I do not enjoy them so I am fairly certain the cook intended them for you."
"Thank you Majesty…these are my favorites."
Uther gave her a softer look and then asked her questions about magic as they ate. Eventually she had to leave to get herself ready for the welcoming. Keeping in mind Uther's request that she wear something red, she chose to wear a simple white under-dress with the sleeves tied around her arms and a deep red over-dress with flowery embroidery at the edges. She finished the look by adding a simple golden belt around her waist and pulling her hair back into a braided bun with a red tie to keep it in place.
Marlena and Merlin hurried to the Throne Room, standing slightly behind Arthur who was on one side of Uther and Morgana and Gwen were on the other side. King Bayard and his men, and their servants, entered in a sea of blue and gold. Marlena normally liked blue but she had grown used to seeing a lot of red in Camelot so the sudden swarm of blue was a bit shocking to witness. Merlin's soft snort went unnoticed by everyone else, but Marlena heard it and gave him a quick smile as Uther introduced his son and ward to the visiting king.
"Camelot welcomes you, Lord Bayard of Mercia. The treaty we sign today marks an end to war and a beginning to a new friendship between our people."
"That is my hope as well, King Uther of Camelot."
"Allow me to introduce you to my son, Prince Arthur, and my ward, Lady Morgana."
"I have heard many good things about them both. I have also heard that there is a servant being allowed to masquerade as a noble lady…is there any truth to this rumor?"
"Her name is Marlena, from Ealdor originally. She is not masquerading as a noble lady, however, I allow my ward to dress her up in fancier clothes during feasts as it makes them both happy."
Bayard looked Marlena over as Uther beckoned her forward, his eyes assessing her and making her feel uncomfortable until the man beamed a smile at her.
"I can see why. She is a very pretty girl my friend. Your family has excellent taste."
Uther's expression was none too pleased but he said nothing as Bayard and his men left to get settled into their guest chambers. The Mercian servants were joined by Camelot servants in bringing all of the party's belongings inside and distributing them to their rightful places. It was utterly exhausting and Merlin got stuck carrying a rather heavy bag while Marlena was only given piles of linens and such. He was griping about it in a joking manner when they ran into Gaius, almost literally.
"Why do I always get landed with the donkey work?"
"You're a servant, Merlin. It's what you do."
"My arms will be a foot longer by the time I get this lot inside."
"I offered to help…"
"It's character building. As the old proverb says, hard work breeds...a harder soul."
"There is no way that's a proverb. You just made that up."
"No. I didn't."
"You totally did Gaius. I'm the one that reads a lot remember? I know a lot of old proverbs and that is most certainly not one of them."
"It is so…"
One of the Mercian serving girls seemed to trip over a stone and fell in front of them; Merlin immediately dropped the bag and moved to help her. Marlena studied the woman for a few long moments. The woman had magic, her aura was quite strong which meant she had a lot of magic…and it was a rather dark blood-red; almost black in color which meant she practiced dark magic on a regular basis. She resolved to keep an eye on this woman, just in case she might be a threat to the King.
"Sorry."
"It's alright."
"Excuse me."
"Let me give you a hand with that."
"Hi. I'm Merlin."
"Cara. You're Arthur's servant. That must be such an honor."
"Oh, yeah. It is. Well, you know, someone's got to keep the place running."
"Oh honestly…Don't believe that Cara…he's a bit full of himself at the moment."
"You're Marlena right? The King seems to be rather fond of you."
"I suppose he is. I've been trying to get him to see that not all magic is evil…it's a slow process but I think I made a bit of a breakthrough this morning."
"Oh? What kind of breakthrough? If you can tell me of course…"
"He finally told me why he hates magic so much…and I have to admit I can understand his reasons…he was horribly betrayed by a sorceress he trusted…she ruined everything."
"I'm sure she had her own reasons for doing whatever it was she did."
"Perhaps…"
"Thank you, Merlin."
"Hmm?"
Merlin looks down at the pillow he picked up for her, realizing he's still holding it and quickly handing it back to her. Marlena snickers softly as his ears turn red and he gives her a quick, playful glare. Cara watches them curiously for a moment before taking her leave, Merlin watching her go with an odd look on his face.
"Oh, right. Yeah. Er, no problem."
"It was nice meeting you."
"Shouldn't you be busy running the place?"
Merlin gives Gaius a sheepish look as the old man laughs at his awkwardness. Marlena shakes her ehad and takes the pile of linens she's carrying to King Bayard's chambers. She pauses at the door as she notices Cara switching a pair of goblets in a box and wonders what the woman is up to. Deciding to go with a cautious approach she knocks on the door and waits until Cara opens it.
"Why are you here…Marlena?"
"I was told to bring these to King Bayard's chamber. Apparently he's particular about his bedding.
"Oh, yes of course. Just place them on the bed and his personal servant will handle it."
"You're not his personal servant?"
"Oh, heavens no. I was merely delivering something the same as you are."
"Well then, I suppose I'll see you at the feast tonight."
"Of course…I wouldn't miss it. Will you be wearing that dress?"
"Oh…um…no…Lady Morgana had a special gown made that she insists on making me wear…and the King is backing her up so I can't exactly refuse…and it is really quite a pretty gown…"
Cara's lips twitched as Marlena rambled on, clearly fighting the urge to smile at her nervousness. She decides to take pity on the younger woman and try to ease her nerves a bit.
"I'm sure you will look wonderful. You really are very pretty, King Bayard was right about that."
"Thank you."
Back in Arthur's chambers Merlin is laying out the clothes Arthur is supposed to wear that night and, as he lifts one of the shirts, he reels back with a hand over his face and gags a little bit. Arthur snorts at his behavior and banters back at him when Merlin starts griping.
"When's the last time these were cleaned?"
"Last year some time…before the feast of Beltane."
"Did it end in a food fight?"
"Don't all feasts?"
"I wouldn't know. The airs and graces of the court are a mystery to me."
"Not tonight they won't be."
"I'm gonna be at the banquet?"
"Not quite. You'll be there to make sure my cup doesn't run dry. If I have to sit through Bayard's boring speeches, I don't see why you should get out of it. Besides, Marlena is going as well, though my father has decided she will be sitting with him. Be sure to polish the buttons. Do you want to see what you'll be wearing tonight?"
"Won't this do?"
"No. Tonight you'll be wearing the official ceremonial robes of the servants of Camelot."
When Arthur holds up the outfit for him to see Merlin's face falls. The thing is not only hideous, it's also the most outrageous shade of red he's ever had the misfortune of laying eyes on. The horrid thing even has a large hat with gigantic feathers on it.
"You can't be serious. Marlena's gonna tease me for weeks over this."
"She's not the only one Merlin."
Later that night, before the feasting gets started, Bayard signs the treaty in the Hall of Ceremonies. Gwen is standing by Merlin and chuckling at his feathered hat, which only makes him pout at her and causes her to laugh more. Gwen is wearing a light yellow under-dress with a darker yellow over-dress and it looks quite lovely with her dark hair and skintone. Morgana is hovering behind Uther, with Arthur by her side, and she is wearing yet another semi-dark gown. The gown itself is a deep plum color with light blue sheer sleeves that attach to the front of the gown with a golden pin. The gown is accented with gold embroidery and she wears gold jewelry as well, with a small jewel crowning her forehead and into her hair which is pulled back just a little into a waterfall of black waves.
Nice hat.
Thanks.
Merlin catches Cara's eye and takes off the hat, his ears turning red with embarrassment. Gwen notices his gaze and leans in to speak softly to him so no one can overhear them.
"She's pretty isn't she? For a handmaiden, I mean."
"She's pretty for a princess, let alone a handmaiden."
"Mmm…so is your sister. Marlena looks absolutely breathtaking tonight I think."
They both look over as Uther finishes signing the treaty and grasps arms with Bayard as a sign of their new alliance. The crowd applauds and Uther makes a motion for someone to come to him. Marlena walks out of the shadows and over to her King, giving him a low curtsy and a soft smile.
"Majesty."
"Marlena. You look magnificent little one. Morgana outdid herself with this gown. I wasn't sure when she told me the color originally but, I have to admit it does suit you."
"Thank you Majesty."
The gown was quite an intricate one, and the fabric was rather rare as most noble women tended to not like how the color made them look. It had a red corset bodice with gold embroidery that matched the top of the attached sleeves. The rest of the sleeves were a light orange sheer fabric that matched the orange silk of the flowing skirt. Gwen had pulled Marlena's hair into a crown braid with a small bun at the base of her neck, a red ribbon was twisted through the braid and tied into a small bow above the bun. Morgana was wearing a very smug look on her smirking lips while Arthur was busy trying to pick his jaw up off the floor. Bayard looked Marlena over before speaking to her, his voice was deep but not as soothing to her ears as Uther's was.
"Yes, Uther is quite right dear girl. You look rather stunning in that gown."
"Thank you King Bayard."
Bayard seemed to deflate a little as she only referred to him by his title and yet held such high regard for Uther. Uther didn't even bother to hide the satisfied little smirk on his face as he led Marlena over to sit next to Arthur at the high table. Arthur was even kind enough to pull her chair out for her before Bayard began his speech.
"People of Camelot, for a great many years we have been mortal enemies and the blood of our men stains the ground from the walls of Camelot to the gates of Mercia. And though we remember those who have died, we must not allow any more to join them."
A serving girl brings in an ornate box, placing it on the table in front of Bayard. Marlena sits up a bit straighter and pays more attention at this point as she recognizes the box.
"As a symbol of our goodwill, and of our newfound friendship, I present these ceremonial goblets to you, Uther, and to your son, Arthur, in the hope that our friendship may last."
Marlena can see the simmering anger in Morgana's eyes as Bayard deliberately ignores her presence. Out of the corner of her eye she sees Cara lead Merlin out of the hall and wishes she could follow to find out what was happening.
"The wounds we received in battle...Tonight we toast a new beginning for our peoples. We look towards a future free from the toils of war."
Out in the corridor Cara speaks to Merlin, seeming nervous and frightened. Merlin feels bad for her but when she mentions the goblets her pushes her for more information.
"It wasn't until I saw him give the goblet to Arthur that I realised..."
"Whoa, slow down. Start from the beginning."
"Two days ago, I was bringing Bayard his evening meal. We're supposed to knock. He didn't expect me to walk in..."
"So, what are you trying to say?"
"If he knows I said anything, he will kill me."
"I would not let that happen to you, I promise. Please tell me what you saw."
"Bayard is no friend of Camelot. He craves the kingdom for himself."
"Cara...Tell me. What has Bayard done with the goblet?"
"He believes that if he kills Arthur, Uther's spirit will be broken and Camelot will fall."
"What has he done with the goblet?"
"I saw him putting something in it."
"What?"
"I shouldn't! He'll kill me!"
"Please, tell me! Was it poison?"
When Cara nods Merlin races back into the hall, missing the twisted little smirk on the woman's lips as she follows him, eager to see what will happen next.
"And may the differences from our past remain there. To your health, Uther."
"Arthur."
"The Lady Morgana."
Marlena smirks a bit as Morgana smiles and nods at Bayard's acknowledgement of her, knowing that she's mentally plotting numerous ways she could, but wouldn't dare, embarrass the man.
"The people of Camelot."
Poor Arthur keeps trying to take a drink but someone keeps speaking and making him stop, which is rather amusing to Marlena. Uther speaks up to toast the fallen before everyone finally goes to drink…only to be stopped by Merlin running in and screaming at them to stop while taking Arthur's chalice from him. When he starts talking about poison Marlena groans softly and the pieces start to fall together in her mind.
"And to fallen warriors on both sides."
"Stop!"
"It's poisoned! Don't drink it!"
"What?"
"Merlin, what are you doing?"
"Bayard laced Arthur's goblet with poison."
Bayard is nothing if not angry at the accusation, and Marlena knows he has every right to be as he had nothing to do with whatever this plot is. Her mind spins as she connects the pieces and she doesn't like the picture that's forming.
"This is an outrage!"
Bayard and his men draw their swords, so do the knights of Camelot. More Camelot guards rush in as Uther speaks and Bayard's men back down, though they do not sheath their swords. Morgana had stood up when the men grabbed their swords and had one of the steak knives in her hand.
"Order your men to put down their swords."
"You are outnumbered."
"I will not allow this insult to go unchallenged!"
"On what grounds do you base this accusation?"
Arthur steps around the table, heading towards Merlin and trying to diffuse the tense situation, and keep Merlin from losing his head at the same time, but Merlin doesn't make it easy for him at all. Arthur takes the chalice back, but Merlin grabs it again shortly thereafter and manages to play a bit of keep away with it.
"I'll handle this. Merlin, you idiot. Have we been at the sloe gin again?"
"Unless you want to be strung up, you will tell me why you think why you think it's poisoned. Now!"
"He was seen lacing it."
"By whom?"
"I can't say. I made a promise."
Bayard was livid with outrage, and Uther wasn't much better. Arthur and Morgana both looked at a loss for what to do while Marlena was analyzing the situation and trying to figure out how to best handle it.
"I won't listen to this anymore."
"Pass me the goblet."
"If you're telling the truth..."
"I am."
"Then you have nothing to fear, do you?"
Bayard sheathes his sword and reaches for the goblet, but Uther pulls it back from his reaching hand with a calculating look. Bayard snorts at Uther's words but what the King does next, earns him several angry looks from people in the room…he holds the chalice out to Merlin.
"No. If this does prove to be poisoned, I want the pleasure of killing you myself."
"He'll drink it."
Arthur yells at his father while Morgana and Gwen both look horrified. Gaius tries to reason with Uther but the man will not budge. The king refuses to even look at Marlena, almost as if he's afraid to see the expression on her face. Morgana and Arthur do look at her and they both wince at the look of rage they see in her eyes, neither of them had ever actually seen her truly angry before and they both share a look that says they'd rather not ever have that look directed at them.
"But if it is poisoned, he'll die!"
"Then we'll know he was telling the truth."
"And what if he lives?"
"Then you have my apologies, and you can do with him as you will."
"Uther, please! He's just a boy! He doesn't know what he's saying!"
"Then you should've schooled him better."
"Merlin, apologize. This is a mistake. I'll drink it."
"No, no, no, no, no. It's, it's alright."
"Majesty please…don't do this…please…Merlin stop!"
Merlin toasts to Bayard and Arthur, and then drinks before Marlena can stop him as Cara watches with a smile on her face. Gwen takes a few steps toward Merlin in her anxiety while Marlena watches Cara's face, the anger simmering in her eyes threatening to boil over.
"It's fine."
"He's all yours."
Gwen, Arthur, Morgana, Gaius and Marlena all sigh in relief until Merlin chokes and falls to the floor unconscious. When Uther has Bayard arrested Marlena interferes, though she knows she shouldn't, because war is not something she wants to see happen.
"It's poisoned. Guards seize him!"
"Majesty stop! It wasn't Bayard who poisoned the cup. It was one of his servants…without his knowledge."
Marlena points to Cara and is pleasantly surprised when several Camelot guards seize her before she can slip away and drag her before the two kings. Gaius is leaning over Merlin as Arthur picks him up and carries him off to the Physician's chambers, Gwen grabbing the goblet and following them quickly.
"Merlin. Can you hear me? We have to get him back to my chambers. Bring the goblet. I need to identify the poison."
Uther turns to Marlena, his face blank but his eyes nearly screaming an apology at her. She ignores this for the moment and focuses on Cara, her eyes nearly blazing with barely contained rage at the woman who poisoned her brother.
"Marlena? Explain…please?"
"Of course Majesty. When the servants of Camelot were helping those of Mercia to unpack all of their things I was sent to King Bayard's chamber with his special linens. When I got there I noticed the door was ajar and I peeked in, though I know I shouldn't have so I apologize My Lord. I saw her standing over that chest, switching one cup out for another. I knocked on the door and she never realized I had seen her. You tried to poison the Prince…and you may have just killed my brother…my twin. I sincerely hope that you burn in the deepest pit of hell for what you've done."
Everyone who knew her looked at Marlena in shock as she had never wished harm on so much as a fly. It unnerved Uther a bit to see her so angry, but he knew fear for her brother also played a role in her anger. He turned to the woman as she used magic to throw off his guards and pulled off her head wrap, allowing long dark hair to spill down her back. Uther's eyes widened and then narrowed as he finally recognized her, fury rolling off of him in waves.
"You! You venomous harpy of a witch! How dare you show your face in Camelot after what you did to my family?!"
"What I did? I gave you the son you so desperately wished for. I warned you there would be consequences to using that type of magic…I warned you of the balance...that life could not be given unless one was taken. You chose not to heed my warnings."
"You never told us the true price!"
"I told Ygraine. She knew what would happen…but she wanted so badly to give you a son…an heir…"
"You lie…guards…imprison her. I wills sentence her on the morning."
"That will not be happening, King Uther. I will end your plague against magic right here, and right now."
Marlena realized that this was the sorceress Uther had told her about that morning, Nimueh. As the older woman called a fireball into her hands and hurled it at Uther Marlena reacted on pure instinct. Her eyes flashed golden as her hand shot forward and a golden shield shimmered into view between the King and the fireball. Nimueh looked over at Marlena in surprise, and Uther turned to look at her with shock written all over his face.
"You…you have magic? How did I not see this? No…you will not ruin my plan…I will not allow it."
Nimueh threw another fireball, this time aiming it at Marlena who was still staring at Uther, her eyes pleading with him to understand. She didn't notice the fire until it was too close to dodge, but Morgana threw one of the knight's shields between Marlena and the fire, making it bounce off and hit the wall instead. Nimueh screeched in rage and used a pendant around her neck to vanish, just the old woman at the beheading had done. After she was gone Marlena sank to the ground, her legs unable to hold her up any longer. Morgana noticed her hands were shaking and she was starting to cry so she quickly gathered her up and ushered her out of the hall and down to Gaius' chambers. Uther was still in too much shock to react and Bayard was actually surprised that a magic user had not only become close to the king, but had actually protected him from harm.
"Uther? That girl must truly care for you."
"What? Why do you say that? She has magic…"
"You and I both know not all magic users are bad…besides…she just saved your life…at the risk of her own."
Uther's frown turned from angry and betrayed…to more pensive and thoughtful. Down in the Physician's chambers Gaius was trying to figure out the poison to hopeful save Merlin's life. Arthur and Gwen were doing all they could to help. While wondering why Marlena hadn't followed them.
"Lay him on the bed quickly; he's struggling to breathe. Gwen, fetch me some water and a towel."
"Is he gonna be alright?"
"He's burning up."
"You can cure him, can't you Gaius?"
"I won't know until I can identify the poison. Pass me the goblet."
"Ah. There's something stuck on the inside."
"What is it?"
"It looks like a flower petal of some kind."
"His brow's on fire."
"Keep him cool; it'll help control his fever."
Gaius pulled out a book and looked up the flower, the news was not particularly good and Arthur frowned at the picture of a nasty-looking beast on the opposite page from the flower.
"Ah. The petal comes from the Mortaeus flower. It says here that someone poisoned by the Mortaeus can only be saved by a potion made from the leaf of the very same flower. It can only be found in the caves deep beneath the Forest of Balor. The flower grows on the roots of the Mortaeus tree."
"That's not particularly friendly looking."
"A Cockatrice. It guards the forest. Its venom is potent. A single drop would mean certain death. Few who have crossed the Mountains of Isgaard in search of the Mortaeus flower have made it back alive."
"Sounds like fun."
"Arthur, it's too dangerous."
"If I don't get the antidote, what happens to Merlin?"
"The Mortaeus induces a slow and painful death . He may hold out for four, maybe five days, but not for much longer. Eventually he will die."
Morgana came in with an extremely pale Marlena clinging to her, crying and shaking like a leaf in a wind storm. Arthur immediately rushed to her side and pulled Marlena into his arms, looking at Morgana for an explanation.
"What the hell happened to her Morgana? Why is she like this?"
"I imagine she's terrified of what Uther is going to do to her…Arthur…she just saved your father's life…"
"Why would that…?"
"She used magic Arthur. The woman Merlin was talking to wasn't actually a servant of Bayard…she was a sorceress…a powerful one. Aparently she's the reason Uther hates magic so much."
"Nimueh…you speak of Nimueh. She was here?"
"Yes…Marlena had seen her switching the goblets in Bayard's chamber and called her out, proving Bayard's innocence in the process. The woman argued with Uther and then threw a fireball at him…but Marlena caused some sort of golden shield to flare up in front of him…protecting him from the fire. Oh gods…the look on his face…I won't let him hurt her Arthur. I'll sneak her out of Camelot if I have to, to protect her."
"I'm not going to let him hurt her either Morgana. We'll both talk to him…make him see that she's as good and light as anyone can possibly be."
"What if that's not enough?"
"We'll get her out of here then."
Morgana smiles softly at Arthur and the two head to Uther's chambers, Arthur explaining the situation with Merlin's antidote on the way. Gaius pulls Marlena into his arms and lets her get all of her emotions out until she is able to calm herself. She curls up on the cot next to Merlin, hugging him close to reassure herself that he's still there, while Gaius watches on with concern and fear on his face, worried for the safety of both of his wards. Arthur and Morgana burst into the throne room where Uther is sitting there, staring out of the window with an unreadable look on his face that makes them both nervous.
"Father?"
Arthur, Morgana. What do the two of you want?"
"Two things father…one…I would like to go to the forest of Balor to find the Mortaeus flower…to save Merlin's life."
"Absolutely not. What's the point of having people to taste for you if you're going to get yourself killed anyway?"
"I won't fail, no matter what you think."
"Arthur, you are my only son and heir. I can't risk losing you for the sake of some serving boy."
"Oh, because his life's worthless?"
"No, because it's worth less than yours."
"I can save him. Let me take some men."
"No."
"We'll find the antidote and bring it back."
"No."
"Why not?!"
"Because one day I will be dead and Camelot will need a king. I'm not going to let you jeopardize the future of this kingdom over some fool's errand."
"It's not a fool's errand. Gaius says that if we can get the antidote..."
"Oh, Gaius says? That's exactly what makes it so."
"Please, Father. He saved my life. I can't stand by and watch him die."
"Then don't look. This boy won't be the last to die on your behalf. You're going to be King. It's something you'll have to get used to."
"I can't accept that. "
"You're not going."
"You can't stop me."
"Damn it, Arthur, that's an end to it! You're not leaving this castle tonight."
"If you won't do it for Merlin's sake, or for mine, then do it for Marlena. That poor girl is down there crying and shaking…both in fear of you and in fear for her brother. She's practically falling apart and you can fix it!"
Uther sighs softly and turns to Morgana, who until now had remained silent to give Arthur his chance. As Uther meets her gaze she squares her shoulders and lifts her chin, defiance written in every line of her body.
"And you, Morgana? Do you believe I should allow this?"
"I do. Those two have been nothing but loyal to this family, and this kingdom, from day one. Marlena is one of the sweetest people I have ever met. You know this…you know her. Can you truly think her evil just because she was born with magic?"
"Born with it? What makes you say that?"
"Gaius…he said that she was born with it…she didn't purposely go out and learn it. Magic chose her, not the other way around. Uther, please? She's not evil."
"I know Morgana. Relax. I have no intention of harming Marlena. She is as dear to me as if she were my own child…I have grown very fond of her. She has become invaluable to me, and I do trust her. She saved my life, knowing what might happen to her."
"So…what will you do?"
"For now, nothing. You will take your best knight and go after this flower Arthur…be very careful my son. Please? I cannot lose you."
"I will not fail Father."
Arthur and Morgana left the Throne Room and went to Arthur's chambers where he started gearing up in his armor, Morgana helping him to place and fasten it all. He sent a servant to Sir Leon, telling him to gather their best men in the courtyard with horses at the ready. Morgana spoke in a soft tone, surprisingly mellow for a change in her worry.
"Say what you like about the food, but you can't beat our feast for entertainment."
"Morgana, I'm sorry, I should have made sure you were alright."
"Disappointed actually. I was looking forward to clumping a couple around the head with a ladle."
"I'm sure the guards could have handled Bayard and his men."
"Yeah, but why let the boys have all the fun?"
"Morgana, you shouldn't get involved. It's dangerous."
"Spare me the lecture, I've already had it from Uther many times."
"If it's any consolation, you aren't the only one."
"Not that I usually listen to him. Sometimes you've got to do what you think is right, and damn the consequences."
"If I don't make it back, who will be the next king of Camelot? There's more than just my life at stake."
"And what kind of king would Camelot want? One that would risk his life to save that of a lowly servant? Or one that merely follows orders? Arthur…if Merlin dies…it will destroy Marlena. He's her twin…they are literally two halves of the same whole."
"I know. Thank you Morgana. Tell Marlena I'm going to save her brother."
"You can tell me yourself…Sire."
Marlena stood in the doorway, hands on her hips and Morgana's chainmail on her torso with a pair of soft black leather breeches encasing her legs. The outfit is finished off with a pair of black boots and her daggers strapped to her thighs. Morgana nearly starts laughing as she realizes Marlena's plan.
"Marlena…Are you alright?"
"Oh, I will be. I'm coming with you."
"What? Oh no you're not…it's far too dangerous."
"If Nimueh comes after you again…how are you going to stop her?"
Arthur went silent and just gave her a mulish stare that made her laugh softly. Morgana was trying, and failing, to hide a smirk which soon turned into a laugh as Arthur's expression became a childish pout before he gave up and let her have her way. She knew there was a reason she liked Marlena so much.
"That's what I thought. Come on then…let's go save my idiot brother from his own stupidity…again."
They met Sir Leon and four other knights in the courtyard, making their group a total of seven people. Sir Leon seemed to be the only one not shocked to see Marlena joining them. He merely shared a knowing look with Arthur who rolled his eyes. When Leon went to get another horse Arthur stopped him and pulled Marlena up onto his horse behind him.
"There's no time Leon. Merlin is dying and we need tog et to the forest of Balor to find the Mortaeus flower before it's too late."
"Then what are we waiting for?"
They sped off out of the castle as Uther watched from a window above them. He noticed Marlena was with his son and breathed a small sigh of relief, knowing she would keep him safe from Nimueh. Down in the Physician's chamber Gwen informed the old man that Merlin's fever was increasing. Merlin was chanting in a strange language and Gwen asked what it was."
"None. The fever's taken hold. None of those words are his own. His pulse is weaker."
Gaius goes to take Merlin's pulse again and sees a large circular rash on his arm, his face crumples in worry as he rushes back to his book.
"What is it?"
"That can't be right. The rash is not supposed to appear until the final stage."
"What does that mean?"
"It says here that once a rash appears, death will follow within two days."
"You said he had four days."
"Something's increased the flower's potency. It warns that the effect of the Mortaeus will be more rapid if an enchantment is used during the flower's preparation."
"An enchantment? That sorceress did this on purpose…she really wanted Arthur dead didn't she?"
Arthur and the others had to walk the horses as they got deeper into the forest and the terrain became more perilous for the animals. He kept an arm around Marlena, holding her close and making sure she didn't fall while Leon was smirking at him behind his back with the other knights. They came upon a woman sitting on a fallen tree, crying and seeming to be in trouble. Marlena eyed the woman, dressed in a tattered red dress, with heavy suspicion. A single glance at Leon told him she shared her suspicion as he pulled Arthur back before he could approach her. The Cockatrice comes out and attacks Arthur, but he and the knights manage to kill it without anyone getting bit, thanks to Marlena making the thing trip every five seconds. Arthur turns to the frightened woman and tries to reassure her.
"It's alright. I'm not going to hurt you. Who did that to you?"
"My master. I ran away from him, but then I got lost. Please don't leave me."
"I won't. I'm not going to."
"You can take me away from here?"
"Not yet. There's something I have to do first."
"Why have you come to the caves?"
"I'm looking for something. It can only be found here."
"What is it? I know this place; I could help you."
"You just finished telling us you were lost…yet now you say you know this place?"
Arthur ignored Leon, as usual, and kept talking to the woman until Marlena stepped between them, a glowing golden shield erupting around her and Arthur like a bubble.
"It's a type of flower that only grows inside the cave. It's very rare."
"The Mortaeus flower? I know where they are. I'll show you."
"Not a chance…Nimueh. Did you think I would not recognize you? You already killed Queen Ygraine all those years ago, then you tried to kill my King today…now you want to come after my Prince? I think not."
"Prince Arthur was never my target you silly little girl. He cannot die by my hand because it was my hand that brought him into this world. I was after your brother because he helped destroy my creation."
"Tha Afanc…you created that horrible thing?"
"I did…I wanted Uther to suffer."
"It was the innocent people who suffered…not the King you horrible woman. You are the reason he hates those of us with magic. The entire purge is your fault! The reason we can't be free is you! I'm the one that planned the entire attack on the Afanc, not Merlin."
"You have such potential in you girl. You could be very powerful with the right teacher. You should come with me…let me teach you."
"Never. I would never follow someone who has allowed themselves to lose sight of the true purpose of magic…to help others who cannot help themselves…to protect the innocent."
Nimueh moves to attack but everything she tries just bounces off of the golden shield so she leaves in frustration, vanishing in a whirlwind and leaving them to fend for themselves. Marlena drops the shield and sways dangerously before Arthur grabs onto her. He looks over at Leon and gently hands Marlena to him.
"Take care of her while I go find that flower."
"Sire?"
"Do as I say, Sir Leon."
"Yes Sire."
Arthur heads into the cave with a single torch to guide him, but just as he finds the flowers Nimueh returns. He feels the ground giving away beneath his feet and jumps, fingers catching on the ledge underneath the flowers.
"I expected so much more."
"Who are you?!"
"The last face you'll ever see."
"It seems we have a visitor."
A giant cave spider crawls towards Arthur but he edges away from it and draws his sword, killing the spider while dangling from the ledge.
"Very good. But he won't be the last. I'll let his friends finish you off, Arthur Pendragon. It's not your destiny to die at my hand."
Nimueh leaves, grabbing the torch as she does and leaving Arthur dangling from the ledge in the dark.
"Who are you?!"
Back in Gaius' chambers Merlin is muttering and chanting so Gaius sends Gwen to fetch some more water so she won't see anything. Merlin manages to conjur a little ball of light in his hand and Gaius wonders just what he's up to.
"Arthur. It's too dark. Too dark. Fromum feohgiftum on fæder bearme. Fromum feohgiftum."
"Merlin. What are you doing?"
Back in the cave Arthur sees the ball of light and at first thinks it's Nimueh coming to finish him, but he soon realizes it's trying to help him.
"Come on, then! What are you waiting for?! Finish me off!"
The light floats above Arthur and he pulls himself onto the ledge. The light moves higher, but Arthur spots the Mortaeus flower on the wall and starts climbing towards it. He hears a voice in the back of his mind that sounds an awful lot like Merlin and he wonders if the other male's nagging has finally managed to make his own conscience sound like him. He hears the screeching of spiders and glances down to see a lot of them crawling up the cave wall towards him.
"Leave them, Arthur. Go. Save yourself. Follow the light."
Arthur climbs to the flower and grabs it and puts it in a pouch on his belt, but the spiders keep coming. Arthur races to the top and climbs out into the moonlight, wondering just how long he was down in that cave for.
"Faster. Go faster. Follow the light! Move. Climb."
The light vanishes as Arthur reaches safety, and the light in Merlin's hand fades away just as Gwen comes back with the water. Arthur calls out to Leon and, when the knight answers, he follows the man's voice to where the others are waiting. Marlena looks exhausted and pale, making Arthur worry for her but Leon manages to ease his fears.
"She'll be fine Sire. She said it's merely exhaustion. She's never held a shield that large for such a long period of time before…it drained her energy. She will likely need rest and water…probably food."
"I'll see to it that she is well cared for when we return to the castle."
Arthur climbed onto his horse and Leon handed Marlena up to him, ever so gently as if he was handling a piece of glass. Arthur held her in front of him, her head resting on his shoulder as they rode full speed back to Camelot. The guards spot him riding back and rush to inform Uther.
"Inform the King! Arthur has returned to Camelot!"
Uther came out to the steps to meet them, immediately noticing how pale and fragile Marlena looked as Arthur carried her inside.
"What happened Arthur?"
"Nimueh happened…at least, that's what Marlena called her. She was waiting for us at the cave…she tried to convince Marlena to go with her…to let her teach her…she refused…quite loudly I might add. The woman attacked us but Marlena had put a big…golden bubble thing around us."
"A Magical shield…she used a smaller one to protect me before."
"Well this one surrounded both me and her…completely. The woman got frustrated and left but Marlena kind of…collapsed. Leon took care of her while I went after the flower. I found it but the woman tried to destroy the rock I stood on before leaving me hanging against the cave wall in utter darkness…but then…this orb of blue light showed up and showed me the way out. I grabbed the flower on the way and the light vanished once I was out. Sir Leon informs me that it was definitely not Marlena's doing as she was unconscious…exhaustion apparently."
"Then there is yet another magic user out there that I owe a debt of gratitude to."
"I'm sure Marlena can tell us once she's awake…after you assure her that she and this other magic user will be perfectly safe of course."
"Of course…I'm thinking of bringing back the old position of Court Sorceress…and naming Marlena to the position."
"What would that mean for her?"
"For one…she would be able to practice her magic freely…and she would have the same status as a highborn noble…the same status us Morgana actually."
"I think that will be perfect Father…now…let's go save Merlin."
They entered Gaius' chambers and Arthur laid Marlena in her bed to rest before handing Gaius the flower.
"Here. I got the flower."
"His breathing's much worse. We have to hurry."
Gwen sits down next to Merlin's sickbed as Gaius begins crushing the flower leaf, Arthur and Uther hovering nearby. When Gaius stops for a moment Uther sends him a questioning look.
"Why have you stopped?"
"The poison was created using magic. We may need magic to make an antidote."
"Then do it, I know you still have some ability Gaius. Save the boy…whatever means necessary."
"Yes, My Lord. Sythan arrest wearth feasceaft funden. Denum æfter dome. Dreamleas gebad he gewinnes longsum."
The potion sizzles and foams for a moment before Gaius pours some water into the cup. He goes to Merlin's side and has Gwen hold his nose shut before tipping the potion into his mouth and forcing him to swallow it.
"Swallow, Merlin. Swallow it."
"He's stopped breathing. What's happening? Gaius?"
"His heart has stopped."
"He's dead?"
"He can't be. He can't be. It was his destiny."
Arthur starts berating himself for not being fast enough while Gwen rushes to Gaius and cries in his arms. Uther just watches, waiting. He knows enough about magic to know that sometimes it takes a little time to work.
"It's my fault. If I'd have got here sooner. If I'd have been quicker."
"No, no. It was me. I should've looked after him better. It's my fault."
Sure enough…Merlin manages to wake and looks at Gaius and Gwen for a moment before his natural sass kicks in, causing a round of relieved laughter all around. Even Uther manages to crack a smile at the boy's sassy remarks.
"That's disgusting. You should be ashamed of yourself. You're old enough to be her grandfather."
"Merlin. You're alive."
No. I'm the ghost come back to haunt you.
Gwen grabs Merlin's face and kisses him, leaving the poor guy looking rather dazed, much to the amusement of the others in the room.
"Sorry, I'm just...I thought you were dead."
"It's fine. It's more than fine. ...erm...what happened? The last thing I remember is drinking the wine."
Everyone snorts softly and they hear a soft laughter from the other doorway, looking up to see Marlena leaning heavily on the door frame. Arthur rushes to her side as she tilts forward, keeping her from falling to the ground.
"You need to be in bed Marlena…you're still exhausted."
"I need to see my brother…please Arthur? I need to feel him…to know that he's really ok…"
Arthur lifted her up and carried her over to set her next to Merlin, who immediately wrapped his arms around her and cradled her to his chest which made Gwen coo at how adorable they looked. No one noticed when Uther slipped out of the room. He went to King Bayard and informed him of what had happened, and that both twins were recovering nicely. Bayard seemed relieved which helped to ease Uther's lingering worry that the man had still been involved.
"And the sorceress? Nimueh? What happened to her?"
"I've no idea…but I'm sure we haven't seen the last of her."
"Well, rest assured that our treaty stands Uther. My company will depart for Mercia in the morning, but should you need assistance you need only send a message and Mercia will come to Camelot's aid."
"Thank you Bayard. Camalot will soon have a Court Sorceress once again."
"Will you lift the ban on magic as well?"
"Perhaps…but I will not allow dark magic in my kingdom again…"
"That, my friend, is perfectly understandable."
The next morning Arthur, Morgana and Uther watch from the battlements as Bayard and his men ride away from Camelot, heading back to their own country. Morgana turns to Arthur with a wry grin.
"Okay. Let the bragging begin. How'd you manage it?"
"I'm not sure. All I do know is I had help. Someone knew I was in trouble and sent a light to guide the way."
"Who?"
"I don't know, though I suspect Marlena does, but whoever it was…I'm only here because of them."
"I'm glad you're back."
Morgana turned and left, heading back down to Gaius' chambers to check on Marlena and Merlin. She'd been spending more time there during the night and morning than anywhere else. Uther turned to Arthur once she'd left and the two had a heartfelt father-son talk that was long overdue.
"Arthur? The woman you met in the forest, what did she tell you?"
"Not much. She was too busy trying to get me killed. It was strange, though."
"In what way?"
"I was at her mercy. She could have finished me off, but she chose not to. She said it wasn't my destiny to die at her hand."
"You must've been scared."
"Had its moments."
"Nimueh was once my most trusted ally…my Court Sorceress. Your mother and I trusted her completely. Your mother was barren but Nimueh told us she could give us a child…she did not tell us the price we would have to pay for that would be your mother's life. She murdered your mother Arthur."
"That's why you hated all magic after that?"
"Yes. I had forgotten, in my grief and anger, that magic could also be a force for good. That it could also be a light to drive out the darkness. Marlena has helped me to remember that."
"I'm glad…when will you tell her of your decision regarding her magic?"
"As soon as Gaius declares her fully recovered, I'll not have her up and about until then."
Arthur smiles and leaves his father's side, heading down to Gaius' chambers where he finds Morgana and Marlena teasing Merlin about the kiss Gwen gave him, and the poor guy's ears burning a bright red even though he was laughing just as loudly as the girls. He was wrapped in a blanket with a cup of hot herbal tea in front of him, as was Marlena though her tea had different herbs in it.
"Still alive, then?"
"Oh. Yeah, just about. I understand I have you to thank for that."
"Yeah, well, it was nothing. A half decent servant is hard to come by. I was only dropping by to make sure you're alright. I expect you to be back to work tomorrow."
"Oh yeah, yeah of course, er, bright and early."
"Arthur. Thank you."
"You too. Get some rest, both of you."
Arthur left the room, Morgana following him after giving both Merlin and Marlena a kiss on the cheek. Gaius turned to Merlin, checking him over again before doing the same to Marlena.
"Arthur may give you a hard time, but at heart he's a man of honor. There aren't many who'd have risked what he did for a servant."
"It all would've been for nothing if you didn't know how to make the antidote."
"Eat your dinner."
"I still don't understand why she went to all the trouble of framing Bayard. She could've just kept quiet and killed Arthur."
"But destroying Arthur and Camelot wasn't all she was after. She knew you would be forced to drink that wine. It was you she wanted to kill. Seems someone else knows you're destined for great things, Merlin."
"He's right Merlin…she told me you were her real target. She was watching us fight the Afanc…she created it. She saw you use magic to kill it and she decided to kill you so you couldn't protect Arthur anymore. She didn't realize I also had magic until I stopped her attack against the King."
"Speaking of…what's going to happen now that he knows about your magic?"
"I don't know Merlin…but I think…I think it's going to be alright. I think everything is going to be just fine now."
"I hope so…for all our sakes."
Merlin kissed his sister's forehead before Gaius shooed the two of them back into bed with orders to rest and recover. They entwined their fingers before drifting off to sleep, neither of them noticing the soft golden glow around their hands as they slept but Gaius did…and it made him smile happily to himself.
A/N: End of Chapter 4. I can totally see season 1 Morgana having fun playing dress-up with a servant, possibly Gwen in the show but for my story it's Marlena because Uther is backing her up lol. I do hope you're all enjoying how I'm making subtle changes to the storyline and making things more interesting (I hope I am anyway). I know some people might think I'm changing Uther too much but honestly…I think if he had someone like Marlena in the show he would have been very different than the man we saw. He's a very maligned character but I don't think he was evil…he lost his wife because of magic and in his grief and anger he lashed out at everyone with magic. I think if he had someone to show him the good part of magic again he'd have changed. Just my opinion. I also don't understand why Nimueh didn't just attack in the great hall…she could have…she was powerful enough…but she didn't. She could have killed Uther in that scene and no one could have stopped her since Merlin was kind of…well…dying at that point. Yet she just ran away. I decided that idea would work perfectly for my Magic!Reveal for Marlena. Hopefully ya'll enjoyed that. Next chapter is going to be a great deal of fun, as will the one after that.
Images for Marlena's welcoming gown, feast gown, and feast hair can be found on my Pinterest board for this story. The link is on my profile page.
