Hi everyone!
Can you believe I'm updating this? I'm a little surprised at myself, not gonna lie. But the reviews I've been getting for this story made me want to post something, so I've literally just sat at my computer all day and slowly beaten down my writers block.
That said, I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Disclaimer: I still don't own Merlin, you guys.
The Path To Albion
Chapter Three
"Look like the innocent flower,
But be the serpent under't."
- Lady Macbeth, Macbeth, Act 1, Scene 5, William Shakespeare.
Once again positioned over his scrying bowl, Ruadan scowled at the picture of a celebratory Camelot. The king and queen had just been crowned and everyone was rejoicing as they stood together on a balcony at the castle, ready to address the people of Camelot. It made Ruadan's blood boil.
The image of Emrys and Léoma next to the Once and Future King and Queen only served to further his anger. Retrieving the crystal that housed the spirit of Cornelius Sigan would be all more the more difficult now that the warlock and High Priestess were in Camelot.
Regardless, he was determined to get it.
Ruadan focused on Emrys. The warlock was leaning in to speak to his betrothed, a look on utter love and devotion on his face. It gave Ruadan pause. Emrys was clearly besotted by Morgana.
"Perhaps this could be used against him," Ruadan murmured thoughtfully.
If Ruadan could threaten Léoma, then Emrys would have to give him the crystal. There was no way he'd risk his beloved's life.
It would be risky, of course. Both Emrys and Léoma were exceptionally powerful. But with enough planning, Ruadan was certain he'd be able to pull it off.
"Soon, Emrys. Soon that crystal will be mine," he promised the picture in the scrying bowl. With that, he let the image fade.
The celebratory feast was winding down. People were still celebrating, but a lot had left the hall, citing weariness. Merlin, Morgana, Arthur, Gwen, Elaine and the knights were all still present, but Gaius and Hunith had both retired for the evening. Aithusa has also disappeared to go hunting now that the celebrations were drawing to a close.
The traitor, Agravaine, had also retired for the evening, but not before Elaine had discreetly placed a powerful tracking charm on him. If the man attempted to leave Camelot or go anywhere in the castle that he was not supposed to, they would know about it. However, Agravaine seemed to just be doing as he said and had returned to his chambers. Content with the knowledge that Agravaine wasn't up to anything nefarious, Merlin, Arthur and their friends went back to celebrating.
Despite all the rejoicing and merry-making, Queen Guinevere was concerned. She was seated at the head table in the hall and was nervously scanning the crowd, hoping to find a familiar face. She hadn't seen Sefa since before the coronation and it wasn't like her maidservant to disappear without saying anything.
However, just as she was about to voice her worries, the focus of her thoughts appeared beside her.
"I am sorry for not being here, my Lady," Sefa apologised. "I had some sudden family issues that needed dealing with."
"Sefa!" Gwen said in relief. "You had me worried. I'm glad you're alright. Is your family well?"
The handmaiden's smiled looked pained and forced, but she answered, "Yes, my Lady."
Gwen smiled, "I am glad to hear that. Let me know if there is anything I can do to help."
"It is fine, thank you, Your Majesty."
Gwen sent her an exasperated look. "How many times must I tell you to just call me Gwen?"
Sefa bowed her head. "At least once more, Your Majesty."
Gwen huffed but didn't press the issue. "I'll break you of that habit soon enough, Sefa. But here, I wanted to introduce you to Morgana. You have yet to meet. I used to be Morgana's maidservant and she is one of my dearest friends. I've wanted you two to meet for a while."
As she turned her head to look down the table to find Morgana, Gwen saw Sefa stiffen out of the corner of her eye. The poor dear. Sefa must have been shyer than Gwen thought if she was nervous about meeting Morgana. Hopefully Sefa would come out of her shell a bit more. Gwen was determined to have Sefa as a close friend and confidant. She wanted their relationship to be like the one she had with Morgana when she was still a servant. They were more than just mistress and maid – they were friends.
"Morgana," Gwen called down the table and Morgana turned her head in Gwen's direction. "This is Sefa, who I was telling you ab-"
"-You!" Morgana interrupted, looking at Sefa in shock.
Gwen frowned in confusion. Morgana's face was a mixture of surprise and slowly dawning anger. Morgana's outburst had drawn the attention of everyone at the table and they all stopped to look between Morgana and Sefa.
Guinevere turned to face her handmaiden, clearly confused.
"Sefa, what is going on?"
Sefa bowed her head. "Forgive me, Your Majesty."
Gwen then wondered if it was more than just shyness that had Sefa so scared of meeting Morgana and all her thoughts of introducing the two came to a shuddering halt.
Sefa drew breath to speak but Gwen held her hand up, stalling her.
"Not here," the Queen said. "There are far too many people here for you to speak comfortably. We will adjourn to my private study."
Gracefully, Gwen rose and bid farewell to the courtiers that were still in the hall. With that, she said, "Come, Sefa," and swept from the room, vaguely aware of her maid and friends who were hurrying to follow her.
Merlin wasn't entirely sure how their celebrations could take such a drastic turn.
One minute they were celebrating in the hall and the next, he, Arthur, Gwen, Morgana, Elaine and the knights were gathered in Guinevere's private study. Arthur had given the courtiers in the hall a lacklustre excuse when they'd left, something about weariness and thank you for all their well-wishes, but Merlin had little time to dwell on it as they now had a frightened Sefa seated in front of them. He, Arthur, Gwen, Morgana, Merlin and Elaine were seated as well, but the knights had preferred to stand. They must have looked imposing to Sefa, because the girl looked positively terrified.
However, before they'd done anything, Elaine had cast a spell around them all. At their questioning glances, she explained, "It's a privacy spell. No one can hear what we say and no one can scry to see what is going on within this room."
"Sefa," Gwen said kindy, trying to get her handmaiden to relax, "What is going on?"
The handmaiden opened and closed her mouth a few times, but no words came out. This was where Morgana jumped in.
"She's the druid girl I saw in my vision!" His betrothed said, sounding angry. "Her father is the one inciting the rebellion against us and plans to use Cornelius Sigan." Morgana then drew a breath to calm herself and continued. "However, I also saw that she said 'This wasn't what I wanted'. It was the last thing I saw in my vision before I woke up."
"Is this true, Sefa?" Arthur asked, speaking up for the first time. "Do you not agree with your Father's plan?"
Sefa looked like she was about to speak but then shut her mouth. Tears built up in her eyes and she looked like she was in pain.
No, Merlin corrected himself as he studied her. Not in pain – conflicted. She's conflicted.
Merlin stood and took a few steps forward, gaining the attention of everyone in the room. Sefa's eyes widened in alarm at seeing him approach her so he put his hands out in a placating gesture. He approached where she sat and knelt down so he was on eye level with her. "Your loyalty to your Father and to your clan does you merit," he said. "But if you do not agree with your Father's methods, you should tell us. We can help you."
Sefa shot a glance to Elaine. "No one can see in here? My Father is talented in scrying."
Merlin sent her a comforting smile as Elaine nodded. "Elaine is the Court Sorceress in my kingdom. She's exceptionally powerful. If she says that no one can see in here, then you can believe her."
Sefa still looked conflicted and remained silent.
"Please, Sefa," Merlin beseeched her. "Let us help you."
Tears streamed down Sefa's face. "Forgive me, Lord Emrys. I didn't want to do it."
"It's alright," he said. "Just tell us what you can."
Sefa sniffed and wiped her eyes. "My Father, Ruadan, believes you and the Once and Future King have failed in your destiny," her eyes flickered to Arthur before focusing on Merlin once more. "The ban on magic has not been lifted."
"But Guinevere and I have only just been crowned," Arthur protested. "Repealing the ban takes time."
"I have tried telling my Father that," Sefa said. "But he refuses to listen. "He says that those with magic have been persecuted for too long."
Now that she started talking, the words seemed to flow out of Sefa. The things she'd kept bottled up inside finally being released in a wave of words. "I've tried convincing him to stop, Your Majesties," she said, looking at Arthur and Gwen, "because you are kind. You are such kind rulers and you intend to lift the ban, but my Father thinks that I am just scared because I'm your handmaiden, My Lady, and it could be discovered that I'm a druid. My Father refuses to listen to me when I tell him what you're really like. He says to remember why I'm your servant in the first place – to get information – and to not be deceived by your lies. But I know, I know, you're not lying about lifting the ban!"
Sefa was getting gradually more upset the longer she spoke. It was clear to those in the room that she didn't agree with her Father's views.
"And that's why I wasn't here after I helped you get ready for the coronation, Lady Guinevere," Sefa continued. "I went back out into the woods to try and find other druids villages. I thought that if my Father and my clan heard from those who still believe in the prophecies and follow the Light, they would see sense. But I couldn't find them! I walked around and around, but I didn't know where to go! We lost contact with the clans that follow the Path of Light long ago and I didn't know where to look! I – I just don't know what to do!" With that, new tears streamed down Sefa face and she buried her face in her hands, her shoulders were shaking with quiet sobs.
Merlin exchanged glances with the others. They all wore the same expression he did: worry, and pity for the druid girl who had to deal with this problem on her own for too long. The anger had faded from Morgana's expression after she'd heard Sefa speak, replaced with an expression of resolve. Merlin knew she'd do whatever she could to help her.
Merlin turned to the weeping druid girl. "Sefa," he began.
"Forgive me, Lord Emrys," she said, lifting her head out of her hands. "I didn't want to be a spy."
"It is alright, Sefa," Merlin said gently. "We believe you."
The druid girl wiped her eyes. "Really?"
Merlin smiled at her, "Really."
Sefa turned to look at Gwen; fresh tears fell from her eyes. "Forgive me, My Lady! I didn't want to spy on you! I just – I just wanted to be your friend!"
Gwen rose from her chair and approached Sefa. Like Merlin, she crouched down in front of the druid girl. Merlin moved back to his seat to give them space and there was a silence as the two women regarded one another. It was ultimately broken by Guinevere pulling Sefa into a tight hug. Her handmaiden was frozen in shock before she slowly began to return the embrace.
"Oh, Sefa," Guinevere murmured. "You are my friend. Don't ever doubt that."
Sefa's response was a simple, "Thank you." It was muffled by her face being buried in Gwen's shoulder, but all those present in the room could hear it and they smiled at the touching scene.
Gwen pulled away and sent Sefa a comforting grin. "We'll help you, I promise."
Sefa's answering smile was weak, but it was a smile all the same.
"You've shouldered this burden for too long, Sefa," Arthur spoke up. "And we will definitely help you, but the question is how we proceed from here."
"We need to know more before we can continue," Elaine said.
"The Dark druids intend to release the spirit of Cornelius Sigan, but what does that involve?" Morgana asked Sefa.
The druid girl bowed her head. "I'm sorry. My Father hasn't revealed what he plans to do with the crystal that houses Sigan's soul."
"That crystal is dangerous," Merlin put in. "When he last tried to take over Camelot, he could move his soul from person to person before I finally trapped it back in that crystal. It was a very close thing too. He tried to possess me, and nearly did, until I overpowered him. We can't let the crystal fall into enemy hands. If the soul is released, the results could be catastrophic."
The was a silence after Merlin stopped speaking as they all took in what the warlock said.
"Sire," Elaine spoke up, sounding aggravated.
"Here we go," Gwaine said with a grin, looking at Merlin in sympathy.
Merlin cringed and turned to Elaine. He forgot he hadn't told her that particular story.
"When did you think it would be prudent to mention that you nearly got possessed by one of the most powerful Dark sorcerers in history?!" Dracona's Court Sorceress demanded.
"Uh, well…"
"By all the dragons and hatchlings, Merlin! You are the heir to the Draconian throne! You need to be more careful! Triple Goddess above, do you even have a spec of self-preservation in your body?!"
"No," Arthur, Morgana and Gwen deadpanned in unison.
Elaine looked exasperated and a far cry from the cool, calm and collected woman that she normally was. Merlin had forgotten was it was like to be reprimanded by her; Elaine was a force to behold in any moment, but an irritated, exasperated Elaine was one that Merlin never wished to see. Not even Merlin's status as the Draconian prince would stop Elaine from scolding him, however they didn't have time for it now.
"You complete and utter-" She began.
"-Idiot," Merlin finished for her.
"I'll say," Arthur muttered.
Merlin scowled at him and then turned to give Elaine a sheepish smile. "I did mention that I defeated him, I just didn't go into details about how I did it." His expression turned serious. "However, you can discipline me about my lapse in storytelling and self-preservation instincts later, Elaine. We have other things to worry about."
Elaine took a deep breath, schooling her features back to their normal calm expression. "Yes, sire."
While all this had gone on, Sefa's expression had morphed from a guilt-ridden one to utter surprise at seeing the great Emrys being scolded, of all things. Her eyes were still red and puffy from crying, but Merlin was pleased to see a small smile pulling at her mouth.
Collecting his thoughts, he said, "We need to find out what Ruadan plans to do with the crystal."
"How do you propose we do that?" Sir Leon asked. It was the first time the knight had spoken since they'd arrived in Guinevere's study.
"We could send out a scouting party?" Elyan offered.
"Knights are too noticeable," Sefa said. "My people have spent decades on the lookout for knights of Camelot. Once they see you, they will flee."
"We could dress as peasants," Percival suggested. "I know that most of us were common-born. We're used to that and we can easily pass as peasants once again."
"But peasants with swords?" Morgana put in. "What commoner has a fine sword?"
"Didn't stop me," Gwaine said, and the commoner-born knights in the room nodded in agreement.
"I think we all had swords before we became knights," Lancelot added.
"We could leave them behind, or hide them," Leon said. "To look the part."
Arthur shook his head. "No, these druids could be dangerous. I don't want you defenceless. Even if you have them hidden, it'll be a hindrance to get them out."
An idea came to Merlin as the discussion went on around him, but he didn't want to voice it. Merlin saw Sefa meet his eyes across the room and he wasn't surprised when he heard her mental voice contact him a moment later.
I know what you would ask of me, Lord Emrys, Sefa spoke up in his mind. And I will do it.
No, Merlin responded. It isn't fair. You have done enough. We can find another way.
There is no other way. I will do it. Sefa's mental voice sounded unsure, but her expression was set; determined.
Merlin shook his head. I won't ask this of you.
"You will not ask it of me, Lord Emrys," Sefa spoke aloud, gaining the attention of the whole room. "But I will do it all the same."
"Sefa, what are you talking about?" Gwen asked.
"She wants to spy on her Father to find out what he plans to do with the crystal," Merlin answered.
"You can't!" Gwen exclaimed, sounding concerned. "That's far too dangerous. You have done enough by just telling us what you have."
"I will do it," Sefa repeated.
"You don't have to," Morgana said. "We can find another way."
"Lord Emrys said the same thing, Lady Léoma," Sefa said with an anxious smile. "But we are pressed for time and don't have many options."
No one missed how Sefa had used the word 'we'.
"I won't pretend that I'm not nervous," the handmaiden continued. "I know I am just putting more pressure on myself and if Father finds out, it would all be for naught. But I don't want my Father to go through with his plan. The idea of Cornelius Sigan frightens me and I don't want anyone to get hurt because of my Father and my clan's actions."
"I don't like the idea of you putting yourself at risk like that," Guinevere said, still looking concerned.
Sefa looked over at the Queen. "Please, My Lady. Please … Gwen. Let me do this."
There was a pause as Guinevere clearly battled her instinct to protect her friend as much as possible. "Very well," she said at last. "But be careful."
"She'll need protection," Elaine said.
"I have an idea," Lancelot spoke up, and everyone turned to him expectantly. "The spell you used on me when I went to spy on Morgause. I was able to notify you when I was in danger."
"The fultum," Merlin said in realisation.
"If I recall correctly, Lancelot, when you uttered the fultum you'd been horribly tort-" Gwaine began.
"-Not helping, Gwaine," Merlin cut the knight off, before giving him a pointed look towards Lancelot and to Sefa; the druid girl looked a shade paler after guessing how Gwaine's sentence was going to end.
"Right. Sorry, mates," Gwaine said, looking apologetic.
"Uh, sorry, the what?" Leon asked, apparently confused. Elyan, Percival and Sefa looked just as lost.
"It's a spell used to alert your allies that you're in danger," Elaine explained. "It doesn't matter if the person who the spell is cast on has magic or not. If they are in danger, they simply say the word 'fultum' and it will alert the person who cast the spell on them that they need assistance. It also acts as a beacon, so their allies will be able to teleport directly to them."
"We've seen this spell in action," Gwen told Sefa. "It allowed us to go straight to Lancelot's rescue. If we place it on you, if ever you need us, you need only call."
Sefa hesitated, but ultimately nodded. "Very well."
"Again," Merlin said. "You don't need to do this."
Sefa's uncertain expression morphed into a determined one. "I will do it," she repeated once more.
"I also think Sefa's idea of meeting with the other druids has merit," Morgana said. "If they can convince Ruadan to stand down, then we can avoid this whole situation turning violent."
"I agree," Arthur said, before asking his sister, "You think this will turn violent?"
"You don't?"
"What makes you say that?" Gwen asked.
"We've got Dark druids planning to unleash one of the powerful sorcerers in history and a traitor in this castle that is responsible for the death of my Father. There is no way this is ending without some kind of major confrontation," Morgana answered.
"I feel the same way," Merlin said. "As much as it pains me to say it, I'm sure there is going to be violence in our future."
"Speaking of traitors," Elaine spoke up, raising her voice to gain the attention of the whole room; all conversation stopped in an instant. "Agravaine is currently sneaking out of the castle."
Lord Agravaine de Bois was a mixture of emotions as he rode away from Camelot's castle.
He was feeling pleased, almost smug, because Uther Pendragon was dead and no one was aware of his involvement with the King's death. However, he was also annoyed because although he was happy that Uther was gone, his brat of a son, Arthur, and his stupid, commoner wife were still alive.
This fact also gave Agravaine a sense of unease, because his accomplice clearly stated that all the Pendragons were supposed to die and now Arthur was sitting on the throne of Camelot! Arthur would no doubt be suspicious after such an attack, as well; he would be a lot harder to kill.
Not to mention that Prince Merlin, Lady Morgana and their countrymen were now present in the castle. Even the Queen of Dracona was there! Agravaine didn't even see them arrive! One minute they were just there. It made Agravaine's blood boil. It would be especially be difficult to do away with Arthur and his Queen now that the party from Dracona had come to Camelot.
Agravaine had heard the stories, of course. How Merlin Ambrosius was apparently the all-powerful Emrys, protector of Arthur, the so-called Once and Future King. Agravaine didn't put much stock in those stories. While he didn't deny that Prince Merlin must have been powerful, he knew that everyone had a weakness. Once Agravaine found Merlin's and ended the Prince's life, then Arthur would lose his staunchest protector and it would be only a matter of time before the Pendragon met his end.
However, this didn't change the fact that his partner was going to be severely displeased that Arthur Pendragon and his wife were still breathing. Agravaine held in a sigh as he rode to their chosen meeting place. This was going to take some serious talking in order to retain his partner's support.
Thinking fiercely about how he was going to explain himself, Agravaine rode on in silence.
Where are you going, little snake? Aithusa thought to herself as she followed Agravaine.
The white dragon flew silently through the air; her target hadn't the slightest cue he was being followed.
Aithusa had been eating a delicious buck when she heard her dragonlord's call. Merlin hadn't called to her in the Dragon Tongue, but had reached out with his telepathic abilities. He mentioned wanting to remain quiet and not alert the traitor that they were aware of his movements, which was why he called out to her mentally instead of using the loud roar of the Dragon Tongue.
Merlin had requested that Aithusa follow Agravaine through the air while he and the others follow on foot. It hadn't been hard to locate the little worm whose late night ride drew Aithusa away from her food. She'd been following Agravaine for some time and he still had no idea of her presence. That was one thing Aithusa loved about hunting: her prey never thought to look up.
Aithusa could also smell the familiar scents of Merlin, Morgana, Arthur, Elaine and a few of the knights closing in on the man. She wondered briefly at the lack of presence of Guinevere and a few other knights, but it made sense to keep some of their party back at the castle.
She couldn't see or hear their group. No doubt Merlin, Morgana or Elaine had covered them in a powerful silence and invisibility spell. But she could smell them and knew exactly where they were. Sense of smell aside, Aithusa could always tell where her dragonlord was; it was a side effect of their bond. She could always tell where Merlin was, just the same as when she could always tell the location of King Balinor when they were back in their homeland.
Merlin's group was steadily gaining on Agravaine and the man still had no idea of his pursuers. Aithusa was amazed at how long his treachery remained undetected if this was how he went about sneaking around.
She thought of how distraught Arthur seemed when he learnt the truth about his uncle. Perhaps it wasn't so amazing that he hadn't been discovered for so long. One always wants to think the best of one's family, after all.
She saw Agravaine slow down; it seemed like he was reaching his destination. Aithusa could also tell that Merlin and the others had slowed down as well, so as to not alert Agravaine to their presence. Regardless of silence and invisibility spells, it wouldn't do to get too close to their target.
It seems the hunt will be ending soon, Aithusa observed.
The wind shifted and with it came a new scent. It was unfamiliar. Aithusa instinctively knew that this newcomer was the one Agravaine was going to see.
She mentally contacted Merlin to let him know of the new scent.
Thank you, Thusy, Merlin replied; his voice sounded serious and Aithusa could just picture the expression on his face: determined and grave with a slight frown as he concentrated on his task.
Considering that Aithusa was the one who suggested following Agravaine to find his accomplice in the first place, she was interested in seeing how this played out.
Who have you lead us to, little snake? She thought.
"King Odin is not pleased, Agravaine de Bois."
Although Agravaine knew it was going to take some serious sweet talking to keep his alliance with Odin, hearing the King's representative address him without his title put a scowl on his face. He made his frown disappeared immediately, though; he knew the man in front of him was not one to cross.
Agravaine was standing in the agreed meeting place – a clearing in the Darking Woods – when his accomplice made his presence known. He had been holding onto the reins of his horse and jumped slightly when the other man had spoken; Agravaine hadn't seen him arrive and hoped the other didn't notice his little start, but he knew he did. The man never missed anything.
For the man standing before him was called Tyror. He was said to be the twin brother of the famous assassin, Myror. He had dark skin, shaggy black hair and equally dark, cold eyes. He was just as infamous as his brother, but instead killed his targets with magic.
He was an agent of Odin's, but not one of the performers who infiltrated Camelot with the Gleeman. Instead, he was left on standby to report the results of the Gleeman's mission to Odin. Agravaine wasn't entirely sure how he reported to Odin in such a short amount of time, but considering that the man was famous for his magical skills, Agravaine figured sorcery was involved somehow.
Tyror was also responsible for the necklace Agravaine placed on Uther. The necklace was an impressive feat in itself. Not only did it drain the life force of Uther, but if for some reason healing magic had been used on the king, it would reverse the effects tenfold.
Agravaine took a deep breath. As nerve-wracking as interactions with Tyror were, he couldn't afford to lose the support of Odin.
"Uther Pendragon is dead, King Odin should be pleased," Agravaine said.
"The deal was for all the Pendragons to perish," Tyror responded.
Tyror's voice had a tone of disapproval and Agravaine had to clamp down on the urge to wince. The assassin was known for completing his missions regardless of the risk to himself or his allies; he had little patience for those who failed theirs.
"That was what the King wanted," Tyror went on. "Arthur Pendragon was to experience the same pain King Odin went through when Arthur murdered his son. This was to be accomplished by killing Uther, as well as Arthur's commoner wife. When Arthur had experienced this pain, then he was to die. That was the plan, that was out mission, and yet Arthur and Guinevere Pendragon still live. You have failed, Agravaine de Bois, and death Uther or not, King Odin and I are displeased."
"I haven't failed completely," Agravaine protested. "I put the necklace on Uther! I did my part!"
"You should have completed the mission where the Gleeman failed," Tyror snarled. "Yet you did nothing."
"I could not have foreseen the arrival of Prince Merlin, the Lady Morgana and their pet dragon."
"Ah, yes," Tyror said. "The warlock Prince and the High Priestess. What is your impression of them?"
"I have spoken very little to them since they arrived. I don't even know how they came to be in Camelot-"
"-They clearly arrived by magic," Tyror interrupted him, sounding irritated. "It is idiotic to think otherwise. However, I asked for your impression of them, not how they travelled to Camelot."
Agravaine felt sweat building at his brow; he tried to rein in his nerves, but Tyror made him anxious. Part of him wished he was dealing with Odin himself instead of the King's deadly representative.
"They seem unwaveringly loyal to Arthur and each other," Agravaine said. "The Lady Morgana is … exceptionally beautiful."
"I care not for how attractive you find the Priestess. Get on with it."
"If we can find a way to get rid of them, then it should be easy to kill Arthur."
"I fear you grossly underestimate the power of the Prince and the Priestess."
"Everyone has a weakness; we just need to find theirs."
"You say 'we', yet I am reluctant to include you in my plans," Tyror said. "You have already failed once."
"I will not be denied a chance to rid myself of Arthur and his wife, Tyror!" Agravaine exclaimed. "The Pendragons took my siblings away from me, so I will have my revenge on the Pendragons."
The assassin merely nodded. "Do not fail the mission again."
Merlin didn't know what to expect when they followed Agravaine, but he knew that finding a man in the employ of Odin was not it. He had figured that Agravaine would be going to meet Ruadan, yet Sefa hadn't mentioned King Odin at all, and this man looked nothing like the one Morgana had described in her vision.
He, Morgana, Arthur, Elaine, Gwaine and Leon were spread out amongst the trees as they watched the pair talk. They were split into two groups, with Merlin, Morgana and Arthur on one side of the clearing, and Elaine, Gwaine and Leon hidden on the other.
Gwen and the other knights had stayed back in Camelot. The castle really couldn't be left without its King or Queen, so Guinevere had stayed behind. There was also no reason for their entire group to follow Agravaine and a larger party of people would have run a higher risk of discovery, silence and invisibility spells or no.
Guinevere had also mentioned that she didn't want to leave Sefa alone just yet, so she, Elyan, Lancelot and Percival had remained in the citadel.
"I could not have foreseen the arrival of Prince Merlin, the Lady Morgana and their pet dragon," Agravaine said to his unknown associate, and Merlin's attention doubled when he heard himself, Morgana and Aithusa get mentioned.
Merlin – and undoubtedly Aithusa – also felt insulted at his dragon protector being referred to as a mere 'pet'. Aithusa was one of the Dracawine! She was his friend and staunchest ally! They had been paired with since birth in a bond that Agravaine couldn't possibly understand.
Stupid little snake! Aithusa spoke up in his mind.
Merlin agreed, but didn't reply. He was too busy trying to hear what was said next.
"Ah, yes," the other man said. "The warlock Prince and the High Priestess. What is your impression of them?"
Merlin frowned. He didn't like the interest the unknown man was showing him and Morgana.
"I have spoken very little to them since they arrived," Agravaine replied. "I don't even know how they came to be in Camelot-"
"-They clearly arrived by magic," the other interrupted him, sounding annoyed. "It is idiotic to think otherwise. However, I asked for your impression of them, not how they travelled to Camelot."
"They seem unwaveringly loyal to Arthur and each other," Agravaine went on. "The Lady Morgana is … exceptionally beautiful."
Merlin glared at the man, struck by a sudden and irrational desire to send Agravaine flying with a wave of magic. While he agreed that his betrothed was exceptionally beautiful, the thought of Agravaine looking at Morgana in such a way made Merlin's teeth grind and his magic hum angrily under his skin.
He looked at Morgana and saw that she looked similarly displeased at Agravaine's assessment of her beauty. Like him, she looked like she was fighting the desire to let loose a surge of magic at the unsuspecting Agravaine.
Urgh! Morgana's disgusted voice sounded in Merlin's head. I did not need to hear that!
Neither did I! Merlin replied. I've got half a mind to send him fly-
Further thought of blasting traitors who really needed to keep their eyes to themselves was halted by Arthur, who tapped both Merlin and Morgana on the shoulder. They turned to him and Arthur rolled his eyes at them. He gestured with his hand, swiping it below his chin and the meaning was unmistakable: cut it out! Arthur then nodded towards Agravaine and his associate, bringing Merlin and Morgana back on task.
Feeling sufficiently foolish for being called out for not paying attention, Merlin focused back on the pair in the clearing.
"If we can find a way to get rid of them, then it should be easy to kill Arthur," Agravaine was saying.
Merlin scowled. There was no way he was going to let them do anything to Morgana, Arthur, or anyone he cared about.
"I fear you grossly underestimate the power of the Prince and the Priestess."
Who is this man? Merlin wondered. Irrational jealousy towards Agravaine aside, the unknown man made Merlin nervous.
"Everyone has a weakness; we just need to find theirs."
Merlin's frown deepened.
"You say 'we', yet I am reluctant to include you in my plans," the anonymous man said. "You have already failed once."
"I will not be denied a chance to rid myself of Arthur and his wife, Tyror!" Agravaine exclaimed and Merlin finally knew the other man's name. "The Pendragons took my siblings away from me, so I will have my revenge on the Pendragons."
Tyror nodded. "Do not fail the mission again."
"I won't," Agravaine promised. "Now we just need to work out how to get rid of them all."
Tyror's grin was savage. It was the first time Merlin had seen him express anything other than disapproval or irritation. His smile was vicious and sent a shiver down Merlin's back. "Oh, there are plenty of ways to bring down your enemies. Even powerful ones like the fabled Emrys," he said.
Agravaine, who up until that moment had seemed nervous throughout their entire conversation, broke out in an eager expression. "I'm listening."
"Tell me, Agravaine de Bois, what do you know of the Cup of Life?"
Author's Note:
Tell me, are there any Shakespeare fans out there? I love him and have been recently teaching Macbeth in my previous Professional Experience Placement for uni. The quote I used was one that I focused on while I was teaching and it kept popping into my head as I was writing this chapter. I think it fits, because both Sefa and Agravaine have to hide who they really are in order to reach their goals.
But I'm going to stop before I start rambling about Shakespeare.
So a new threat appears! And it's not Ruadan! :O
And a new OC appears. Originally I was just going to use Myror until I realised that I'd set this fic after the events of 'The Once and Future Queen'. Ahh, the issues that come up with story planning. But I liked the idea of Myror having an equally badass, deadly twin, so I ran with that.
I do apologise if this story seems all over the place or oddly paced. I do realise that a lot of this chapter was simply talking. However, I need to set a lot of things up before I can really get going in this fic. Everything will all be connected and make sense ... eventually ... I hope.
I tried balancing all the seriousness and talking in this chapter with little bits of humour, and hopefully I succeeded. I just didn't want to bore you guys as I continued to set up the story.
Anyway, I hope you all enjoyed this chapter. Let me know what you thought in the reviews, and thank you to all of you who have reviewed, followed, or favourited this story or my account. You guys are the best.
Much love,
Leisey.