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The Horn Of War.

On the loneliness of a cell, the witch named Hilda was staring into space, still bewildered by the events that had led her there. Emrys collapsing…King Arthur madly demanding an explanation…

She did not understand. A few hours after Emrys had collapsed King Arthur appeared by her cell. He entered and knelt besides her. She did not meet his gaze.

"You're lucky" the King said, voice dangerously low. "Merlin's doing better. But you will tell me what you did to hurt him right now, sorceress"

"I don't know why Emrys reacted the way he did, My Lord." Hilda said coldly, still not meeting his gaze. "I have never hurt him purposely"

He felt King Arthur shift stonily.

"Look at me" the King demanded. When she didn't his voice got harder "I said. Look at me."

She did. His gaze was hard as cold glass but there was compassion in those sky- blue depths. Compassion that Hilda's bitter soul could hope to achieve. "It has something to do with the druid girl, doesn't it?"

"I wouldn't know." Hilda said sincerely. The memory of that druid girl filled her with such indescribable loathing that her hands trembled…she had killed her son…

"What happened with the druid girl?" Arthur asked, his tone harsher than before. "what did you do to her?"

"I didn't kill her, if that's what you mean." Hilda said, her tone equally harsh "I just cursed her. And she damn well deserved it…she was a-"

King Arthur put a hand up "Enough." he said. He climbed to his feet and eyed her thoughtfully, as if he didn't know what to do next. "You are going to face trial again tomorrow. And Merlin will be there. He will decide what to do with you."

And now she was sitting there, angrily munching over the King's words. It was then when a cloaked figure stopped by her cell and drew back its hood…

Hilda let out a hiss in recognition. "What are you doing here?"

The visitor smiled. "Tut, tut, Hilda. Is that a way to treat your friends? I'm going to help you escape. Death awaits you at the trial tomorrow but you can come with me. On my side, you will be able to seek vengeance for the King's unjust decision."

The witch's green eyes turned avidly towards the figure as he spoke and then she said, "What will you have me do?"

...

"Are you sure, you're alright, Emrys?"

Merlin looked at Iseldir gratefully, and nodded. Even the druids were worrying over him now. He didn't look that bad, did he?

"I'm fine" he managed for the third time that day.

"No you're not" Iseldir said softly. He had been watching the young man carefully and was certain that he wasn't feeling very well. Emrys's eyes were cloudy with repressed thoughts and he was obviously struggling with himself.

"I can sense your distress, Emrys" he said. Merlin shot him a careful glance. "You are not alright. Perhaps you should talk to the King about it?"

Merlin let out a melancholic smile, but it was short and small, not a smile at all. He sighed. "I can't do that, Iseldir. It's…complicated."

Iseldir raised his eyebrows but said nothing. They sat in silence for a while. The wind gently blew the two man's capes, making them look like dark colored flags from the distance.

"I am not going to force you into anything, My Lord." Iseldir said respectfully.

Merlin winced. "Stop calling me that. I've already told you; no matter how much power I have I'm still Merlin. No Lord, no Sire, no anything…or to you, Emrys for the matter."

Iseldir grinned widely. The humbleness and meekness of this young man was really outstanding. But it could be dangerous too. Emrys's refusal to open his heart might be even more costly than the young warlock realized.

"I'll leave you alone with your thoughts, then. Emrys" he stood up, placed his hand on Merlin's shoulder gently and turned to leave "You know whatever is troubling you can be confided with me. I am capable of understanding about loss and power, Emrys. We are kin, after all"

For a moment, it looked like Merlin wanted to say something. But he decided against it, doors shut behind his blue eyes and he shook his head. "There's nothing to worry about, Iseldir. I can manage"

Iseldir bowed slightly and walked out. He stood for a moment. Merlin had coughed weakly and now he was looking down with a thoughtful, yet tortured face.

Iseldir glanced at him, questions filling his mind. Just what had Emrys been doing the two days he was missing?

...

"You, Hilda of Essata, are facing trial for the crime of cursing a member of the druids without any cause. Is that true?"

Hilda eyed the scene in front of her. King Arthur was staring down at her, standing stoically on his throne. Emrys was glaring at her with a similar position. The knights were surrounding her, swords drown. And Iseldir, that annoying old fool, was advancing towards her.

"Hilda cursed a member of my clan, My Lord." he said, speaking directly to Arthur "She was an innocent nineteen year old girl. I don't doubt she was killed by the means of the enchantment. At least, now she rests in peace."

Hilda watched Emrys's eyes soften at his words. How odd.

"How do you respond to these accusations, Hilda?"

"That girl killed my son." Hilda glowered, spitting practically on the King's face. He flinched but it was Emrys who let out a warning growl. "She was a filthy, she was a hideous little wench that deserved what came down at her! I am grateful that she is dead-"

CRASH!

Hilda saw stars for a moment. When she could focus her eyes again she understood that she had been smashed towards the floor and Emrys…Emrys!... was glaring at her with pure hatred, eyes glowing golden darkly.

"Merlin!"

Hilda thanked the spirits for King Arthur, who had pinned Emrys's arms to his back and was trying to keep him in line ( why didn't Emrys use magic to get out of King Arthur's grasp?) . But the King didn't seem to wonder about that, tightening his hold when Emrys screamed like a wounded animal, begging him to let go, to let him finish…

"Stop Merlin!" King Arthur said, putting his arms across Emrys's thin chest. "you are not a murderer!"

That seemed to snap Emrys out of it. With a jolt he blinked at Arthur before looking at Hilda again. And his face was one of extreme…pity? Guilt? Desperation?

Hilda knew this was her opportunity. Now or never.

She chanted to the skies and saw as Emrys's face darkened in understanding. He asked King Arthur to let go and he did…

Emrys ran towards her, one had stretched out…

"NO!"

But she was already gone.

Merlin stood there, completely baffled. The smoke that had risen up when the sorceress had disappeared was still hanging on the air.

And then he heard the screams.

"Quickly! Secure the doors, she can't be far!" that was Leon.

Strong arms took hold of him and shook him. Arthur's livid face appeared on his vision.

"You idiot! What were you thinking, Merlin! Were you going to kill that witch? What happened to you?"

Merlin didn't respond. He looked down as he mumbled. "Tell Leon to stop. She is far away. That spell must have taken her to another village, at least"

Arthur blinked at him before he shouted at Leon "She's gone, Leon. There is no use" he turned to Merlin again " Now, you and I Merlin, are going to have a long talk on killing people and on whatever it is that is bothering you."

He took Merlin by the arm and guided him down to his chambers when a handful of his guards came screaming out for him. Arthur stopped and looked as Merlin's guilty face immediately changed into one of protective awareness.

"My Lord!" one of the guards said, panting "We are being attacked by King Pelinor! He's entering the lower town!"

Arthur sighed. He really didn't had time for this. "Tell the knights to get ready"

"My Lord" the guard continued. Merlin, by his side, straightened mightily, eyes shooting dangerous glares when he heard the screams echo down the castle "There is a whole army waiting outside, in the prairies of Asedor. The King wants war."