4/12
MERLIN
The Price of Peace
Camelot was in a fit of activity, Arthur, his knights, Merlin, and Gaius stood at the bottom of the steps, waiting. Today had been long in coming, and had taken even longer to arrange, but if Camelot was to have a true chance of peace then this step had to be taken. Of course, everyone was nervous, this was not a simple gathering of allies, but something far more important.
"The audience chamber is prepared?" Arthur asked for what must have been the eighth time. Beside him Merlin nodded.
"it is" he told him. Arthur nodded.
"Remember" he called out, "Although Odin is not yet allied with us, we will treat him and his party with the utmost respect" he continued. Around him the group nodded, and a moment later several horses rode into the courtyard. The tension in the air was palpable, as the bearded man atop the lead horse surveyed the group in front of him. Slowly he stepped down from his horse and Arthur moved forwards, extending his hand. The bearded man looked at it then at Arthur, he did not shake. Arthur overlooked the breach, and took a deep breath.
"Odin, I am pleased you have joined us" said Arthur, bowing towards the other king. Odin looked at him, contempt on his face.
"We will see how pleased you are at the end of these talks" Odin replied, handing the reigns of his horse to one of the people in his entourage.
"Indeed, please" Arthur replied, gesturing towards the castle. Odin snorted, but walked up the stone steps, Arthur and his knights following, followed by Odin's own small band.
"I fear the king may have set himself an impossible task" mutter Gaius, leaning towards Merlin.
"He has to try though" Merlin replied. Gaius nodded.
"Yes, but I fear these will be tense negotiations, I just hope Arthur is prepared for the possibility that they will fail"
"Pessimism from you?" asked Merlin. Gaius smiled faintly.
"no, not at all, go, the king will more than likely require your aid at some point" Gaius said. Merlin nodded, and ran up the steps, after the departing figures.
The small wooden hut that was now her home issued a loud crash from within. Inside Morgana had slammed her scrying crystal to the floor, where it had smashed. The three sisters watched her, intently, not daring to say anything. On the opposite side of the room, the young Druid boy, Mordred watched with his large, inquisitive eyes.
"So, Arthur seeks an alliance with an old enemy. This cannot be allowed" Morgana snarled. She turned to the sisters. Find a way to stop those talks"
"It will be done" they replied.
"and make sure it is subtle" she added. The sisters bowed and left the hut. Morgana looked over at Mordred.
"Your silence is not encouraging" she said to him.
"The future is bleak Morgana" he replied quietly. "These talks are shrouded in darkness"
"But we will make them fail" Morgana said. Mordred looked at her sharply.
"Even I cannot see the outcome of these talks. But I can see that blood will be spilled" he replied, picking up a part of the broken crystal, he held it to the light, watching intently.
"What do you see?" asked Morgana.
"his mind is filled with doubts already" replied Mordred.
"Who?" asked Morgana. Mordred dropped the crystal and looked at her with a smile.
"We must travel to Camelot" he said abruptly.
"As long as Arthur lives, we cannot go near there" Morgana replied. Mordred narrowed his eyes.
"Then the peace talks will succeed" he told her.
The banquet hall was surprisingly quiet, Arthur sitting in the central seat at the head table, Odin next to him. Odin had already annoyed Arthur more than he would have liked to admit, having his servant boy try the food before he ate.
"I have to admit, your request for peace was… unexpected" Odin said suddenly, his voice carrying in the quiet room. Arthur looked at him as he put down his goblet.
"Oh? And why would it be so surprising?" he asked.
"Your father would just as soon seen me hanged, but you. Snivelling like a cowardly dog" Odin said, his voice thick with contempt.
"I'm sorry, I assumed you would welcome a chance to put our previous… disagreements behind us and start anew" Arthur replied.
"You killed my son, do not forget that" Odin said in a fierce whisper. Arthur blinked and looked at him.
"That was not my wish, he challenged me in honourable combat, it would have been a disservice to him had I not accepted" Arthur replied.
"Honourable" Odin snorted, slamming his goblet down. Behind Arthur Merlin took a step forwards, a gesture not unnoticed.
"Merlin, it's okay" said Arthur. Merlin looked at Odin, then Arthur, then stepped back. Arthur took a breath, and picked up his goblet.
"And you? Odin? What of the assassin you sent?" Arthur asked. "Yet did we commit to war with you? No" he added. Odin grunted.
"A sign of weakness" he said.
"A sign of compassion" Arthur corrected.
"You're a fool, Arthur Pendragon to ever think there can be true peace between us" Odin said. Arthur sat back and picked up some meat from his plate.
"And yet, here you are" he replied, before eating it. Odin sat back as well, but otherwise remained silent.
Gaius looked up as Merlin entered his chambers with a yawn.
"How was the feast?" asked the old physician, picking up a bowl of soup and placing it before Merlin as he sat down. Merlin took a sip of it and shrugged.
"There was a moment when I thought Odin was going to try to run Arthur through" Merlin said. Gaius sat down opposite him
"Grief can be a terrible emotion, epically over the loss of one's child" Gaius said. Merlin nodded.
"I don't get it, I mean he turned up, so you would have thought he was at least interested in peace, yet he spent the entire evening either brooding in silence or insulting Arthur" Merlin said. Gaius nodded and sighed.
"It wasn't always so, once, long ago Odin and Uther were fast friends" said Gaius.
"So what happened?" asked Merlin.
"It was in the last days of the great purge, a battle was being fought, Odin and Uther's armies were fighting against one of the last great dragons. A lot of people died during that battle, including Odin's older son, Malak" said Gaius. "Apparently he died assisting Uther, the Dragon crushed him. Odin saw it all, and accused Uther of cowardice, saying he could have saved his son" Gaius said, his eyes closed, remembering.
"Were you there?" asked Merlin softly. Gaius opened his eyes.
"Yes, I was"
"So, could Uther have saved him?" asked Merlin, taking another sip of the soup.
"No. there was no chance, but Odin refused to see that, he was grief stricken for months, and broke off all diplomatic relations with Camelot" Gaius said.
"And then Arthur kills his other son" Merlin guessed.
"Odin has lost both his sons to the actions of the Pendragons, and that will not be easy to forgive or forget" Gaius told him.
"So, why did he come?" asked Merlin, frowning, "do you think he means to kill Arthur?" he asked suddenly. Gaius shook his head.
"It's not Odin's nature to be obvious in his dealings, but he does bare watching" Gaius told him as he stood. Merlin looked at him then yawned. Gaius smiled and patted Merlin's head.
"come, we must see to your bandages" said Gaius. Merlin pulled his tunic off, and waited while Gaius undid the knots.
"Yes, they seem to be healing quite well" Gaius said, applying a lotion to the whip marks.
"They don't hurt as much as they did" Merlin told him. Gaius smiled and began to apply a fresh set of bandages. Finally he stepped back, watching Merlin yawn again.
"Go, get some sleep, I'm sure tomorrow will bring even more challenges" Gaius told him. Merlin stood and turned towards the door.
"Gaius?" he asked, not looking back.
"Merlin?"
"Do you trust Odin?" he asked.
"I trust in our King, that should be enough for anyone" he replied. Merlin smiled and went into his room, as he closed the door, Gaius let out a long slow breath.
"No.. I do not" he whispered.
It had been pitifully easy to get into the castle, if this was heightened security then Camelot was doomed. The three sisters did concede that the magic had helped though. Taking the guises of servants they made their way through the castle unimpeded, of course some of the guards looked at them, but Odin had brought his own retainers with him, not trusting Arthurs, so no questions were asked. Slowly they moved through the corridors until finally they arrived at their destination. Opening the door, they entered, quietly. Various books were scattered around the place, potion bottles lined the shelves, but none of this mattered. Instead they focused on the old man asleep in his cot. With a wicked smile, one of the sisters opened a vial and let a single drop fall into Gaius's open mouth. He opened his eyes immediately, but almost as quickly his eyes glowed a faint orange, before he fell asleep again.
"It is done" one of the sisters intoned, and quietly, they left the room.
"ahh, I hope you are well rested" Arthur said as Odin walked into the audience chamber. Odin shrugged.
"It was adequate" was all he would commit to.
"Good, I take it your presence here means we can begin the talks?" asked Arthur.
"Before we even begin, I must have your word that Camelot will accede its southern board to me" Odin said. Arthur had been expecting this, as it was the closest area to Odin's kingdom.
"That will put two of our villages under your protection" reminded Arthur.
"Nevertheless, it is my price for starting these talks" Odin replied.
"I see, in which case I will grant your request, but I will make one of my own" Arthur replied.
"I'm listening" said Odin.
"You must give me your word of honour that you are committed to these peace talks" Arthur said. Odin smirked at him, then nodded.
"You have my word" he agreed.
"Good, now down to business" Arthur replied.
Gwen had just finished her task, cleaning Odin's room, when a shadow fell across the door way. She whirled around, half expecting to see a Banshee or something just as bad, instead she saw Gaius standing there.
"Gaius, you gave me a fright" she told him with a smile.
"Sorry, Gwen, I was told someone was ill?" he said.
"Not that I'm aware of, but I thought Odin had his own physician" she said. Gaius raised an eyebrow.
"strange, oh well, sorry to disturb you" he said with a smile before he left. Gwen watched him, puzzled, then shrugged.
"it is done" said the eldest sister as they stood in the small hut. Morgana stood and smiled warmly.
"Excellent" she replied. "So who did you choose?" Morgana added.
"The old physician, Gaius"
"Gaius? That's an… interesting choice" Morgana said.
"Indeed, we're considering Arthur's manservant, but thought the Physician would be a better choice, after all, if something were to happen… then Arthur could hardly not offer the services of his court physician"
"And if nothing happens?" asked Morgana.
"Oh, it will" assured the sister, handing her a lock of hair. Morgana took it, and then looked at the sisters.
"I feel that Odin, shall be quite unwell in the following days" said the eldest sister. Morgana's laugh was cruel and twisted as she handed the lock of hair to Mordred. He examined it then held up a crystal, wrapping the hair around it.
"indeed" Morgana began. "Soon, war will come to Camelot, and I have you to thank for it" said Morgana, looking at Mordred. "Now. We go to Camelot" she added with a smile.
Merlin walked into the audience chamber, surprised to see Arthur sitting alone, he looked pale.
"Are you alright?" asked Merlin.
"Fine" came the reply. Arthur was distracted, no doubt about that.
"Okay, who's attacking what now?" asked Merlin with a smile.
"No one"
"Oh good"
"yes"
"Arthur, your shirts on fire"
"That's good"
"ARTHUR!"
"What? What is it?" the king jumped up, really seeing Merlin for the first time.
"What's up with you this morning?" asked Merlin.
"It's Odin" Arthur replied.
"What about him?" asked Merlin.
"He's ill, very ill actually"
"What how?"
"We don't know, all I heard was he collapsed in his chambers this morning"
"poison?" asked Merlin. Arthur looked up sharply.
"Not possible" he replied.
"Are you sure?" Merlin prompted. Arthur stood and walked around to the back of the chair.
"Positive, only the knights, myself and you have had any interaction with him" said Arthur.
"its still a possibility" Merlin offered.
"Merlin, just shut up" Arthur said, coldly.
"Arthur, listen to me, please" begged Merlin. Arthur whirled to face him, anger on his features.
"You would have me believe one of the members of my own court would make an attempt on Odin's life?" he demanded. Merlin shook his head slowly.
"I don't know. A lot of the knights served under Uther"
"You're suggesting my Father left orders for Odin to be killed?" demanded Arthur, his mouth open in amazement.
"Your father, no disrespect intended, was not always… level headed when he dealt with his enemies" Merlin said.
"Look if you want to be useful, go see if Gaius needs help" Arthur suddenly said.
"But.."
"Merlin, I'll not hear any more of your… conspiracy theories, just go" Arthur ordered. Merlin sighed, bowed and left the audience chamber.
"It appears to be an infection of some kind" said Gaius, leaning over Odin.
"I know that you old fool" snapped Odin's physician, glaring at Gaius. Gaius, for his part looked at the much younger man.
"Can he be treated?" Odin's physician demanded. Gaius looked at Odin, then back at the other man.
"Of course, I'll have some medicine made up and sent here as soon as possible, in the meantime, keep him comfortable, and cool" Gaius said. The Physician looked at him, then nodded. Gaius returned the nod, picked up his bag, and left the room. As soon as he left, the Physician slumped to the floor. Behind the dressing screen, something moved, and a moment later Mordred stepped out, smiling. Behind him was Morgana. She walked over to the form of Odin and smiled.
"Poor Odin, such a terrible waste" she said, without conviction, before looking back at Mordred.
Merlin was sitting at the table when Gaius walked in, he stopped short when he saw Merlin there.
"Shouldn't you be with the king?" he asked. Merlin held up his hands in a 'don't look at me' gesture.
"Arthur didn't want company, he asked me to help you" Merlin said.
"I see, well you can start by getting me some water, Gaia Berry juice and, Lizard claws" Gaius told him. Merlin set about his task, talking as he did so.
"How is he? Odin, that is?"
"Nothing a little home remedy won't cure, he'll be right as rain in a few days" Gaius said, Merlin placed the Gaia Berry Juice and water on the table.
"I don't see any Lizard claws" he said.
"Ahh, yes sorry they're on the other cabinet, I moved them yesterday" Gaius told him.
"Oh, okay" Merlin replied, going to the cabinet.
"so Arthur is worried" Gaius said as Merlin brought him the Lizard Claws. Merlin nodded.
"Yes, I think he believes Odin will say he tried to kill him or something" said Merlin.
"Well, thankfully, this is nothing more than a bad stomach infection" Gaius explained as he handed the mortar and pestle to Merlin. He placed the water, Berry juice and two lizard tails into the mortar.
"if you'd be so kind" he told Merlin. Merlin nodded and began to mulch the ingredients together, the stench from the berry juice was disgusting, prompting Gaius to open the window. Eventually he was done, a red foul smelling paste in the bowl. Gaius took it back and added more water to it and stirring it, poured the contents into a vial.
"I'll take this to Odin, you inform Arthur that he'll be alright" Gaius said.
"Of course" replied Merlin, following the old man out. Gaius paused as Merlin went on his way, then sighed, before he frowned, turned around and went back into the pharmacy. Holding the vial tightly, he went to the cabinet with the poisons on, picking out the hemlock. Uncorking it, he allowed a couple of drops to fall into the vial he was holding, before putting it back on the shelf and replacing the cork. His work done, he left the room.
Arthur looked up as Merlin entered the audience chamber.
"I thought I told you to help Gaius" he said.
"And I did, he's delivering the medicine to Odin now"
"So Odin can be cured?" asked Arthur.
"Gaius said its some kind of stomach infection, bad, but not serious" Merlin told him. The relief on Arthurs face was plain to see as he slumped back in the chair.
"Good, at least if we treat him, Odin might not blame us for this illness" said Arthur. Merlin nodded in agreement, though silently he didn't hold out much hope.
Gaius was concerned, more than concerned actually. He had delivered the medicine to Odin early that morning, and it was now dusk, with no sign of improvement. In fact Odin appeared to have gotten slightly worse. Merlin was sat at the table, eating his soup quietly, as Gaius leafed through the dusty pages of an old book.
"I don't understand" he muttered. Merlin looked over at him.
"What's that? He asked. Gaius looked up at him.
"The remedy is right here, water, Gaia berry juice and Lizard claws. Instead Odin's condition has worsened" said Gaius.
"could it be something else?" asked Merlin, moving over to join him, the soup forgotten for the moment. Gaius looked at him and shrugged.
"If it is, then it's nothing I have encountered" he told him. Suddenly the door burst open, and Odin's physician walked in.
"Excuse me?" asked Gaius, affronted. The Physician, for his part glared at him.
"Did you prepare the medicine?" he demanded. Gaius frowned.
"No, it was me" said Merlin.
"Is there some problem?" asked Gaius.
"Then your vials, where are they kept?" asked the physician.
"Over there on the table. Look, would you mind telling me what this is about?" demanded Gaius.
"Oh, please forgive me. You see, I did a test on the medicine you gave Odin, and imagine my lack of surprise when I found traces of hemlock in the vial!" he roared.
"You dare accuse me of trying to kill him!" demanded Gaius.
"Not at all, but I would watch your equipment, lest more of it has been tampered with, but you'll be pleased to know I did have the antidote, so King Odin will recover. No thanks to you." he replied, before storming out. Gaius was in immediate motion.
"Merlin, bring me my vials!" he called out. Merlin did so, and Gaius picked up one of the glass tubes, holding it over the open flame of his burner.
"nothing. Nothing at all" muttered Gaius, looking at it.
"How did Hemlock end up in the medicine?" asked Merlin. Gaius looked at him.
"I have no idea, none at all. Here check the Berry juice and Lizard Claws, see if they have been tampered with" he said.
"Well how do I do that?" asked Merlin.
"Hold some over the flame, if they have been coated or mixed with Hemlock you'll get a pungent odour" Gaius told him.
"But the berry juice already stinks!" called Out Merlin, but Gaius had already left the room.
"Poison?" demanded Arthur, Odin's physician stood before him, in the audience chamber.
"Hemlock to be precise" he replied.
"How the hell did that happen?" demanded Arthur.
"This is your castle, you tell me" the Physician replied, his eyes narrowed.
"I can't"
"I see. Well when Odin wakes in the morning he will not be pleased. I can guarantee you Arthur that these talks are very much over" he told the king, before he swept from the room, passing Gaius on the way out. Arthur looked up at him, his gaze, chillingly like that of his fathers for that instant, before he began to pace.
"Hemlock?" demanded Arthur. Gaius bowed.
"It would seem so, my liege" said Gaius.
"I don't believe this is happening. We were actually making progress yesterday!" Arthur fumed.
"perhaps there are those who are not as dedicated to peace as you would like to think" said Gaius stepping forwards.
"It was your fathers choice to take my counsel, you may do as you wish however" said Gaius. Arthur looked at him.
"The peace talks are in disarray, how would you proceed?" asked Arthur.
"Well, I would start by finding the source of the corruption" Gaius replied. Arthur sighed.
"And where do I look? Who do I question?" demanded Arthur. Gaius remained silent. Finally Arthur stopped pacing the room and sat down, then he looked up.
"Guards!" he called out. The two guards on duty entered the room, bowing before him.
"I want to speak to everyone who had contact with Odin yesterday!" he ordered.
"Yes my lord" they replied, before leaving the room.
"If I might also take my leave?" Gaius asked, head bowed. Arthur simply nodded, his thoughts elsewhere.
Merlin looked up as the door to his room opened. He was laying on his cot, reading the book Gaius had been looking at earlier.
"Sorry, I hope I'm not intruding" said the arrival.
"Of course not Gwen, you look worried" replied Merlin, gesturing to the new chair in the corner. Gwen went over and sat down, obviously trying to sort her thoughts.
"I am" she admitted at last.
"What's happened?" asked Merlin, sitting up.
"Arthur is questioning everyone who had contact with Odin yesterday" said Gwen. Merlin smiled at her.
"I'm sure you don't have anything to worry about" Merlin assured his friend. Gwen shook her head.
"I'm not, not worried about me that is" she said.
"Then what?" asked Merlin.
"I'm worried for Gaius"
"Gaius? Whatever for?"
"The day before yesterday, I was cleaning Odin's room, when Gaius walked in, said something about a sick person being there, he had his bag and everything" she said.
"I don't understand" said Merlin.
"Neither did I, but Merlin, he turned up expecting someone to be ill. Odin wasn't then, but he is now" she told him in a rush.
"Wait, your saying Gaius knew Odin was going to be ill?" demanded Merlin.
"I don't know, I honestly don't but I can't explain it either. Then there was the business with the medicine"
"No, I made up the medicine. Not Gaius" Merlin told her.
"And he went straight to Odin's room with the Medicine?" asked Arthur looking at Merlin. Merlin blinked and then looked at Odin's physician.
"I assume so, I came here to tell you about the stomach bug" Merlin told him, hating himself at the same time.
"So, he could have easily gone back into his chambers and added the Hemlock while you weren't there?" demanded the physician. Merlin looked at him.
"Gaius would never do that! Arthur you know him, how dedicated he is to peace!" Merlin protested.
"Merlin, I know your feelings for Gaius are strong, but you must answer, and truthfully" said Arthur. Merlin looked at him, and slowly nodded.
"Its… possible" he said at last, "But Gaius would never take a person's life!" yelled Merlin.
"Thank you Merlin that will be all" Arthur said dismissing him.
"Arthur…" Merlin began.
"Merlin, you must understand, the only thing that can explain Odin's illlness have in common is that Gaius was always nearby, I must know if he is the traitor!" yelled Arthur.
"He's no traitor! And you know that!" shot back Merlin.
"No. I didn't think he could be" admitted Arthur.
"So you're giving up on him? Just like that?" demanded Merlin.
"What choice do I have? The proof is there, in front of our eyes! He went to the chambers a day before looking for an Ill man, he completed the initial examination of Odin!, he delivered the medicine! And his chambers is the only place in the castle where one might find Hemlock! How can I deny that evidence!" yelled Arthur. Merlin's gaze fell to the floor.
"Please Arthur, I'm begging you, don't do this" he whispered.
"I'm sorry Merlin. I have no choice. Guards!" he called out. The guards snapped to attention.
"Arrest Gaius for the attempted murder of Odin" he ordered. The guards bowed and left the chamber. Merlin looked up at Arthur, his eyes narrowed.
"I hate you" he whispered, before running out of the room.
Gaius looked up as the guards entered the room.
"What is the meaning of this?" he demanded, standing.
"Orders of the king, you're under arrest for attempting to kill Odin" the guard replied.
"That's preposterous" said Gaius.
"Nevertheless, we have our orders sir, if you'll come with us" the guard replied. Gaius stood, and standing between the two guards, walked out.
Gwen heard Merlin sobbing before she found him, he was sitting in the corner of the banquet hall, curled into a ball. Gently she knelt next to him.
"Oh Merlin" she said, her voice filled with compassion.
"I hate him.." Merlin said.
"I'm sure Gaius is innocent in all this" she said.
"No.. Arthur.. I hate Arthur.." Merlin said between sobs.
"Merlin, you don't mean that" Gwen said. Merlin shot her a dark look.
"Don't I?" he demanded.
"No, I don't believe you do" she replied.
"Then tell me Gwen why I want to kill him right now" he said quietly. Gwen was taken aback. "Just leave me alone" he told her.
"Merlin…"
"GO AWAY!" he yelled at her. Gwen put her hand to her mouth, and stood.
"If you need to talk, I'll be in my chamber" she told him. Merlin did not reply, he just continued to glare at her.
Morgana watched the exchange on her scrying crystal from her hiding place in the castle crypts, a smile on her face.
"This is far more than I could have hoped. Odin will demand Gaius's head for this attack" she said.
"And if Arthur refuses?" asked the eldest sister.
"Then Odin will declare war for this affront, and on the other hand, if dear Arthur does concede, well, that will break him just as badly" Morgana told her. "Yes. This is far better than I could have dreamed" she said with a grin. "and broken men cannot defend an assault" she said with glee.
The audience chamber was quiet the following morning. No one's sprits were jovial. The knights stood quietly to the side, Gwen stood behind Arthur, offering moral support. Merlin was not about, but after the previous day's events that was hardly surprising. He hadn't gone to her either, which had hurt her more than she would have liked to admit. The entire room jumped when the doors to the audience chamber slammed open.
"ARTHUR PENDRAGON! I DEMAND RECOMPENCE!" roared Odin, storming into the room.
"I want the traitor executed!" he said. Arthur closed his eyes, and took a deep breath.
"Peace is all I wish for"
"Then execute him, and we will see how committed you are to peace…"
"So be it…" replied Arthur, next to him Gwen's eyes went wide.
"Arthur, no!" she gasped.
"He has committed a grievous crime Gwen, I cannot do nothing" he said. Gwen looked away from him, at Odin, then bowed.
"If I might be excused?" she asked. Arthur looked at her.
"Not you too?" he said. Gwen shook her head.
"No, I just… can't be here right now" she said, leaving the room.
Merlin sat alone in the pharmacy, looking at the books and bottles all over the place, remembering. The day he had arrived, before he'd even spoken to Gaius, the man had fallen from the balcony in the room. The shared laugh over the frog in the witch hunter's mouth. Gaius's sacrifice at the Isle of the Blessed, and others came to mind. Slowly he wiped away the tears that were gently falling. He looked up as the door opened and Gwen walked in.
"I'm sorry about yesterday" he said, wiping his eyes. Gwen shook her head, and a moment later she rushed over and pulled him into a hug, Merlin didn't care now, he let the tears fall, the sobs come faster and faster. He was tired, Gwen could tell. Slowly she led him to his room and sat him on his cot, rocking him gently back and forth.
"I can't do this Gwen, I can't let him rot in prison" said Merlin quietly.
"Shushh, We'll get him out, but you need rest" she said.
"Why.. why aren't you with Arthur?" he asked.
"I think you need a friend more than him right now" she said softly. Merlin looked up at her, and she smiled down at him. Slowly his eyes closed. She held him like that for several minutes, before laying him gently on his cot. She kissed his forehead, and then pulled the chair over, taking his hand, watching him sleep.
Gaius looked up as Arthur approached the cell, Odin's physician next to him. Arthur looked troubled, his eyes were haunted.
"My liege" said Gaius in greeting.
"Gaius" Arthur replied. "How are you holding up?"
"I've been better" replied the old man.
"Gaius, I am so sorry" Arthur blurted out suddenly. Gaius looked confused.
"Whatever for?"
"Odin, has demanded your execution" said Arthur. Gaius nodded and sat down on the bench.
"As I thought he would" he said.
"If there were anyway.." said Arthur. Gaius looked up at him.
"I know my liege, but if this is what Odin demands then it must be done. The Peace talks are too important to be discontinued" Gaius told him.
"But it feels wrong" said Arthur.
"Sire, I am old, if my death can help bring peace with Odin, then I will gladly die" he told him. Beside Arthur, the physician fidgeted, looking uncomfortable. Arthur glanced at him, then reached through the bars to takes Gaius's hand in his.
"You are the wisest person I know old friend. I will miss you" he said, his voice catching. Gaius smiled at him.
"And you, will be a great king my liege, never forget that" Gaius replied. Arthur looked at him, nodded then turned and left, Odin's physician on his heels.
Odin looked up as they entered the audience chamber. He sneered at Arthur.
"Tears for the traitor?" he said. Arthur looked at him, but sat down silently.
"I have known Gaius all my life" said Arthur softly.
"Obviously not very well" Odin replied.
"My lord" said the physician suddenly. Odin looked at him.
"What?" he demanded.
"My lord, I believe we have made a mistake" he said. Odin looked at him, eyes wide, Arthur mimicking the look.
"Have you completely lost your senses?" demanded Odin.
"No my lord, I saw the physician, Gaius. He was more concerned with the peace talks than his own life, not the gloating of a traitor, but the words of an old, wise man" he said. Odin thumped the table.
"Then explain the poison" he demanded.
"I cannot, but I have never lied to you, and I am not lying now. I truly believe the physician is innocent" he said. Odin sighed, looked at Arthur, then back at his Physician.
"I don't believe this" he muttered.
Merlin was dreaming, the forest was overrun with beasts. Some natural, some not. Creatures of the Fae were flittering around him, tearing at his skin and clothes.
"Why are you here!" demanded Merlin.
"The world is imbalance, it must be corrected" a voice, one he did not know answered. It was not from one of the creatures, but at the same time, it issued from all of them"
"How? How can this be?" he called out.
"Find the one who has upset the balance, find them and stop them"
"Who.. who is it? Who do I need to find!" Merlin called out.
Merlin's eyes went wide as the voice came to his mind.
"Hello Emerys "
Merlin bolted up in his bed, breathing deeply. The dream had been so real. And the voice, Mordred. That had been too clear. He went to the window and opened it, looking out, as the door behind him opened.
"How do you feel?" asked Gwen. Merlin did not answer. What did it mean? Out of balance. And why was Mordred in his dreams? Merlin could only hear him call out if… Merlin turned and looked at Gwen.
"We have a problem" he said, before running out.
"I will not listen to this… this nonsense" Odin snarled, slamming his fist on the table. He was saved from a further outburst when Merlin came rushing in.
"Merlin? What on earth are you doing here?" called out Arthur.
"Mordred.. he's here" Merlin said gasping for breath. Arthur shot to his feet.
"You're sure?" he demanded.
"Positive, I was looking out the window, He was in the shadows by the stables" Merlin said.
"Guards!" Arthur called out.
"What is happening here?" demanded Odin.
"I think we're about to find out who tried to kill you" said Merlin. Odin glared at him.
Morgana looked up in alarm as the alert bell began to sound.
"What?" she demanded. She opened the door a crack to see what was happening.
"The druid boy is here, somewhere, search every house, every hiding place you can find!" one of the guards was shouting.
"Damn it" Morgana snarled, she turned to the group consisting of the three sisters and Mordred.
"How could they know we're here?" she demanded.
"You, search the vaults!" Arthurs voice, carried from nearby outside. Before she could react, the door slammed open, Arthur stood there, with Merlin, and a bearded man, who could only have been Odin.
"Morgana" Arthur snarled.
"Arthur, Merlin" she said, glaring at them.
"You've a lot of gall coming here" Arthur said fuming.
"Oh I had my reasons.." she replied with a snarl. As Arthur stepped forwards, she held up her hands, her palms began to glow.
"I wouldn't come any closer Arthur, not if you value your life" she told him. Arthur stopped, but Morgana looked at Odin.
"Only you? I wonder, what would your people do if you were to die here, in Camelot" she said.
"you will not get the chance to find that out witch" snarled Odin.
"Really? It's a shame then" she said, suddenly a bolt of magical energy launched from her fingers, Odin gaped in amazement, but a moment later Arthur was pulling him to the side, the magic dissipated, and she turned to them. She held up her hands again. Just outside the door, Merlin looked in, and up at the ceiling.
"Nissa est vito, kallam" he said, his eyes glowed briefly, and above the group of sorcerers the roof began to crack. One of the sisters screamed as a large piece of stone fell onto her, crushing her instantly. Morgana whirled, and grabbed Mordred's hand.
"This is far from over" she vowed, before she, Mordred and the remaining two sisters vanished in a whirl of magical energy. Slowly Arthur and Odin sat up, looking at the crushed witch, then at each other. A moment later Merlin peered in from outside.
"Are they gone?" he asked sheepishly. Arthur looked at him, then at Odin. Then began to laugh. A moment later, Odin did as well.
"What? What did I say now?" asked Merlin.
"I insulted you, and your court, and yet you still save my life, why?" asked Odin, sitting next to Arthur. It was later in the day, and the two of them were sitting in the audiance chamber, the rest of the knights of Camelot with them.
"Morgana would love nothing better than to see Camelot in ruins, and Your death would only make your kingdom susceptible to her plans as well" Arthur told him. "She would have had a readymade army, ready to march at her command"
"Indeed" Odin replied. Slowly he stood and walked to the window, before he walked back.
"Perhaps there is something to be said for peace after all" he admitted, taking the quill from the ink vial and signing the treaty. Around the room, applause broke out. Arthur stood and held out his hand, this time Odin shook it.
"You have restored the honour of my son" Odin said.
"He never lost his honour" Arthur told him. Odin let a slow smile appear on his face.
"No, I guess he never did" Odin replied, seemingly at peace with himself for the first time in years.
"So it was Morgana all along?" asked Gaius. Merlin nodded at him.
"And Mordred, and some other magic users" Merlin said, just happy to have Gaius home, where he was meant to be, safe and sound.
"It's a very troubling situation" said Gaius quietly.
"How so?" asked Merlin.
"That five magic users could breach Camelot's walls and not be detected" he said.
"Well they're gone for the moment" said Merlin. Gaius nodded.
"Yes, for the moment, but I shudder to think what they will try next" he said softly. Merlin looked at him, but remained silent. Remembering his dream. And suddenly realising that this may have been the start of Camelot's darkest hour.
5/12
MERLIN
The Siege
Part 1
"No sire, it is far worse, ALL the villages were attacked" said the peasant. Arthur stood up and looked around the room.
"Gwaine, Percival. Take some men and secure the villages as best you can. If the village is lost, then save as many people as possible"
"Yes my lord" replied the two knights.
Thomas ducked as the Gryphon made another pass, aware that not far from him, the other knights were also in trouble, Owen was unconscious on the ground, the corpse of a Harpy not far from him, Gwaine seemed to be holding his own, but the odds were decidedly against them.
"Summoned creatures, working together for a common cause. No this is the work of powerful magic" said Gaius looking over at Gwen.
"You fail to realise the truth dear Arthur, Camelot always was and always will be mine" Morgana sneered at Arthur, who was being held roughly, and forced to kneel before her.
"What do I do!" demanded Merlin. The great Dragon tilted its head to look at him.
"Only you can stop her Merlin, but know this, The power she has used to summon these beasts is not without limit. Sooner or later the Witch WILL start to lose control of them, and that will be your own darkest hour"
"What do you mean?" demanded Merlin.
"no.. no… not like this.. please" whispered Gwen, cradling Arthur In her lap.
"I love you" Arthur said weakly.
"And I you" she replied, the tears falling from her eyes. A moment later he went limp in her arms, Gwen screaming in grief. Above her, Morgana was grinning, next to her, the Druid boy, Mordred held the wicked looking dagger.
"The king is dead. LONG LIVE THE QUEEN….!" Shouted Morgana.