Ok then I'm slightly disappointed with the lacklustre response to the last chapter. I know we are getting into part one but still. Anyway, let's move onto part two. Also if you haven't seen it yet, go read my one-shot Merlin's guilt. It repurposes a scene from Star Wars Rebels which I think works perfectly with what I think of Merlin might have felt with poisoning Morgana. But let's get back to the story. Oh also badass Morgana in this chapter. Also one thing that needs to be mentioned is that while the main points of the episodes will remain the same. The way they are accomplished is going to be vastly different.

Merlin was in Arthur's chambers helping the Prince into his armour and readying him for the journey ahead. Officially Arthur decided that it would be best that only he and Merlin are suitable enough for the mission. Or at least until Morgana came bursting to the room wearing the same outfit she had when the four of them were in Ealdor. Arthur immediately looked exasperated when he saw her.

"Morgana you should be in your chambers resting."

"Rest is the last thing on my mind Arthur. Gwen stayed behind not just because she was my friend. But because she was injured trying to help me escape. I owe it to her to rescue her." Merlin was silently packing the supplies for the trip. But at the same time he needed to keep an eye out in case any arguments were to arise.

"Father is barely willing to allow me to carry out this mission. If he notices you have gone as well we'll be dragged back in chains."

"And since when has that ever stopped the both of us." Arthur sighed.

"Look Morgana, I understand your concerns. Believe me I don't want Gwen to be out there any longer than you do. But if we aren't careful we mightn't be able to leave at all." Morgana was torn. On the one hand she wanted Arthur to succeed but at the same time she felt that as a friend it would be wrong to stay behind. Then she noticed Merlin in the background.

"Merlin, you understand what's at stake here?" Merlin who had now finished tying up a bag noticed the two looking at him. Morgana with a pleading look on her face while Arthur was impassive, though the warlock knew the prince was baiting him.

"Merlin you agree with me that bringing Morgana is a bad idea." Merlin looked between the two of them and sighed.

"I think she should come with us Arthur."

"WHAT!" The prince shouted.

"Well think about it we're attacking what could be a heavily guarded fortress alone and I can barely swing a sword. If we bring Morgana she can help us out."

"Are you mad? This mission is risky enough, with just the two of us. Do you know the consequences if a single hair is harmed on her?"

"Yes well don't forget that your father will have my head if a single hair is harmed on you."

"Oh come on Merlin I'm more than capable of taking care of myself."

"Says the man who can't change his clothes or clean his own room."

"I'll have you know that-OW!" Arthur yelled as a frustrated Morgana slapped the pair over the back of the head.

"Now children we have a friend to rescue. We are going to sneak out of this castle undetected and we are going to Hengist's and free her. During which I don't want to hear a single argument or insult from either of you." Morgana was glaring at the two, which made them wince slightly.

"Yes mum." They both replied but Morgana shrugged it off. She went over to the table where the supplies up and picked up a sword and a couple of bags. Arthur then turned to Merlin.

"Grab some supplies from Gaius. We need to be prepared for any condition Gwen maybe in when we rescue her. After that meet us in the square."

"Right." Merlin said and walked out the door. Once he left Arthur then focused on Morgana.

"I'm not comfortable with you coming with us. But I know you care deeply for Gwen. So I'll keep quiet about your involvement if father asks."

"Thank you Arthur." Morgana turned and headed out towards Gaius's chambers. Arthur was then left alone wandering what did he get himself into.

After helping Merlin gathering the medicine and Gaius wishing the pair luck. The two headed out into the courtyard and met up with Arthur behind a wagon.

"Morgana and I will fetch the horses. You distract the guards."

"Wait why we need to distract the guards."

"Do you want to be in the stocks for putting Morgana in danger?"

"No. But how do I do that."

"I don't know, do I have to think of everything?" Arthur complained. Then he and Morgana went to the stables. Though not before Morgana sent a sympathetic look to Merlin. When Arthur was out of sight. Merlin focused on the guards and held out his hand.

"Binne tófléon". His eyes glowed and a barrel came rolling towards the guards, which caught their attention. Suddenly he heard footsteps and saw Morgana standing behind him with two horses.

"You need to be a bit more careful, with that. Not all of us have Arthur's cluelessness."

"Well it's moments like these that I'm thankful for. Where is the turnip head anyway"? Merlin asked.

"He's still saddling up. But he wanted me to check up on you, just in case you had any trouble."

"Well he doesn't have to worry about it. Though since you're here, you can give me a hand with the guards. Just stay Alíese at that barrel and it should come up." Morgana nodded and repeated the spell. When her eyes glowed the barrel then righted itself. The guards now concerned with what's going on approached it with their pikes out. Merlin then incanted the final spell.

"Swertha". Suddenly several barrels appeared out of nowhere rolling towards the guards. Because how fast they were going and how many there were they bowled them over. The two sorcerers winced at the sight before them and stood out from their hiding spot Suddenly Arthur appeared with the final horse.

"What did you do? I said distract, them not knocked them out." Merlin pretended to be exasperated.

"There's just no pleasing you sometimes." He walked towards where Morgana had left the horses. Arthur then looked at her with a look asking for an explanation. Morgana just simply shrugged her shoulders and went off after Merlin. Leaving a bewildered Arthur. Soon the three of them were on their way out of the citadel and heading off towards Hengist's hideout

Merlin was exhausted. Because the three had been riding since last night they had very little rest. Though Arthur was feeling, fine. He and Morgana were starting to feel the effects of sleep deprivation. Though to the Lady's credit, she was doing a much better job of hiding than him. His eyes began to close and the next second later he came off the horse and landed in a bush. Hearing the crash, the pair turned around and noticed the scene. Arthur was frustrated and Morgana had a small smile. Though she was trying not to laugh.

"What are you doing, Merlin?" He asked.

"I must've fallen asleep. Ugh, I'm exhausted…I can barely keep my eyes open." Just as Merlin drifted off. He felt something splash on him and noticed that Arthur had thrown some water from his canteen at him. Merlin glared at him in response.

"Thank You. I feel so much better." Just as Arthur was about to respond, Morgana decided to cut in.

"Gwen's life is at stake. We cannot afford to waste a second." Arthur then nodded and took off. Before she can get off and help him. Merlin got back up and remounted his horse and the pair followed after the prince.

Over in Hengist's castle, Gwen was sitting in one of the cells trying to figure out if what she saw was true. That when she was at a banquet she had saw Lancelot. Soon she had that question answered when she heard a noise and turned towards a grate near the ceiling. Lancelot was confined to the adjoining cell. It turned out that after he left Camelot he was wandering around and acting as sword for hire until he met up with Hengist and his group.

"I don't believe that of you. You were so full of hope." Gwen replied bringing her hand up to the grate. Lancelot then moved his hand and threaded his fingers through the holes to meet hers.

"I have thought of you often. Have you thought of me at all?"

"I thought I would never see you again." They stared softly at each other and enjoying the small respite that it bought. Though the moment was broken when the sound of an unlocking door was heard from their cells. They pulled back their hands from the grate.

"Gwen I should warn you. Even if the king pays the ransom, you might not be able to go back." Lancelot warned.

"Why?"

"A few nights ago a woman approached Hengist with an offer to pay his weight in gold if he can capture Morgana."

"But who on earth would want Morgana?"

"I don't know and her face was hidden in a cloak. All I know is that she said was to bring Morgana back here and in a few days her with her lady."

"We need to get out of here."

"No matter what it takes, I will find a way to get you out of here. I will." At the sound of footsteps, Lancelot moved away from the grate. Leaving Gwen alone for a little while before the door unlocked and revealed Hengist.

"I've not yet received word from Uther that he intends to pay your ransom. I was informed that the King was extremely fond of his ward. Are you not surprised he is content to leave you here to die?" He commented. Gwen was glaring at him to keep up her act as Morgana.

"How can I know the King's mind when I am locked in your stinking cell?"

"Even if I do hear from Uther by dawn tomorrow, you'll be collected. A very important lady has heard so much about you. So why don't you get some rest. Because this stinking cell will probably the last comfortable place you'll be in for a while." Hengist began cackling as he walked out and he had slammed the door behind him, mercifully leaving Gwen alone.

At the same time this was going on Arthur, Morgana and Merlin had stopped under a tree to take a rest. Whilst Arthur and Morgana had been keen to keep moving despite Merlin's protests to stop, they eventually did when it became clear Morgana was about to fall asleep as well. A while later Merlin was woken up when Arthur had dumped the rest of his water on him.

"What's happening? How long was I asleep for?" Merlin splutted trying to bat away the water, he then looked at Arthur.

"Long enough."

"Did you get some rest?" he asked.

"Couldn't sleep, especially when she was trying to keep pushing forward." He said pointing at a sleeping Morgana. Merlin sat up and looked at Arthur with vague amusement.

"I've never seen you like this. About anyone."

"What are you talking about?"

"Gwen. You really care about her don't you?"

"What I care about is not wasting any more time talking. Wake Morgana up and let's get moving." Arthur order as he walked his horse away. Merlin shuffled up and moved towards the sleeping lady. He softly shook her and she slowly opened her eyes.

"Oh Merlin, how long was I asleep?" She yawned.

"Only for a little while. Allow me to give you a hand." He offered as they began packing up their bags and loading the horses. Just as Morgana was loading hers, she noticed Merlin had a small smile on his face.

"Alright Merlin, what's going on?" She asked.

"Have you noticed that Arthur's acting a little bit off at the moment?"

"Well I suppose he was acting more focused than usual. Why?" It only took a moment until Morgana responded.

"You don't mean..."

"Exactly."

"But how long has he."

"I don't know." Before they could continue their conversation, Arthur returned.

"Oh god I thought I was about to see you two kissing."

"We weren't doing anything of the sort Arthur. Though if you insist..." Morgana smirked and was moving her face close to Merlin. But Arthur then cut in.

"No and we're wasting time." He then shot a warning look at Merlin.

"What was that about?"

"That can wait till later. But we need to get moving." Merlin then helped Morgana onto her horse and he mounted his. The trio then continued riding until they reached three tunnels which appear to go under the White Mountains.

"The ransom was supposed to be delivered to the Veil of Denaria. If they're holding Gwen anywhere, it has to be there. Which means, it'd save a day's riding if we cut through the tunnels of… Andor". Arthur said the name slowly. Which instantly alert the other two that something was wrong. Merlin turned to Arthur with a face that anticipated impeding fear.

"Oh, no. I know that face. I'm not going to like this, am I? What's in the tunnels?" Arthur was quiet, as he didn't want to answer. Then he realised that Morgana also knew what was in those tunnels.

"Morgana could you please fill Merlin in on the situation?" Morgana narrowed his eyes at Arthur as he continued to survey the map. Then turned to Merlin

"The tunnels….. Are infested with Wilddeoren." She finished the last part quickly. Which certainly didn't help Merlin's anxiety at all.

"What are Wilddeoren?"

"They're like giant…" Morgana had her arms out to show the size. But upon seeing Merlin's face she moved them in.

"Giant baby Rats."

"Baby Rats? They don't sound so bad." Merlin said disbelievingly.

"They feast on human flesh." She added quickly.

"Maybe we should go over the mountains".

"Normally I'd agree with you... But Arthur's right the sooner we get to Gwen the sooner we can be back home."

"And how do you propose that we go through a tunnel infested with Giant baby Rats." Merlin retorted. Morgana just went quiet, because she honestly didn't know. Luckily Arthur walked right in between them and slammed the map into Merlin. Apparently he had been listening to the conversation. He then went to a bush and began to survey the small berries growing on them.

"Oh what are you doing?" Merlin asked Arthur.

"Wilddeoren are completely blind, they hunt by sense of smell. Gaia berries will put them off the scent. So, if we smear ourselves with them, perhaps we can pass through the tunnels undetected." He then began smearing the berries onto his face. Merlin and Morgana did the same. A second later the witch and warlock threw their heads back in disgust, having realised exactly how the Wildderen will lose them.

"Oh! Oh, these stink! Oh, they're really bad." Merlin complained. Morgana looked absolutely pissed at Arthur.

"There is no way am I walking a step further smelling like a Stable." She seethed at Arthur.

"Perhaps you two would prefer to be eaten alive?" Arthur retorted smugly. Merlin and Morgana turned to each other then back at Arthur.

"Pass us some more, will you?" Merlin asked. Arthur then picked up two handfuls of Gaia Berries and smashed them into both of their faces before walking off. Merlin and Morgana were both annoyed with him but said nothing.

After traversing through the tunnels and narrowly avoided being eaten by it's in habitants, the trio stopped at a nearby stream to clean off the berries.

"Gaia berries worked. Huh". Arthur commented. Morgana and Merlin then stopped what they were doing and looked at Arthur.

"You didn't know if they worked?" Merlin asked. Morgana was just glaring at him with a look suggesting that she'll throw Arthur to the Wilddeoren.

"Not for sure." The three of them stood up.

"Now you tell me?! Oh! Oh, what's that Wilddeoren eating? It's all right. It's just Merlin. You trying to get us killed?" Merlin ranted. Arthur was chuckling slightly but his faced dropped when he saw Morgana's angry scowl.

"You put our lives in danger on the small hope that we wouldn't be eaten on your shortcut!?" Morgana shouted. Arthur looked down in shame.

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have risked your lives like that." Morgana rolled her eyes and Merlin sighed.

"Well they do say love makes you do strange things."

"What are you talking about?" Arthur said suspiciously.

"Why can't you just admit your feelings for Gwen?" Morgana smiled but Arthur scoffed at the both of them and walked away.

"It's so obvious. A blind man could see it. Is it really that hard to admit you like her? Just say it". Morgana pressed on.

"I CAN'T! How can I admit that I think about her all the time. Or that...I care about her more than anyone. How can I admit that...I don't know what I'll do if any harm comes to her?"

"Why can't you?" Merlin asked.

"Because nothing can ever happen between us! To admit my feelings knowing that...hurts too much. That's why I have been hard on the both of you. Because I don't want you both to experience this, ever."

"Who's to say it can't?" Morgana asked softly.

"My father has only let us rescue Gwen because he has something to gain from it. In any other situation would you believe he let would me to rescue a servant? Let alone marry one?"

"You want to marry Gwen?" They both said in astonishment.

"No!" Arthur threw his hands up in frustration. "No…I don't know it's all talk, and that's all it can ever be."

"When your king. You can change that." Merlin said firmly.

"I can't expect Guinevere to wait for me". Morgana then walked up to Arthur.

"If she feels as you do, she'll wait for you."

"We don't even if she's still alive." Arthur mumbled.

"No she is. We will find her."

Come on. We've got a long trek ahead". Arthur said and turned down stream. Before turning back toward the pair. "Oh, and...if you dare tell anyone about this, I promise I will make your lives a living hell". He warned them, though Merlin smiled and Morgana smirked respectively in response.

"More than you already do?" Merlin retorted following after Arthur with Morgana giggling behind him.

"We can talk about your feelings while we walk." Merlin suggested.

"Shut up Merlin". Arthur called and the trio were on their way again.

The rest of the trip was quiet but they had covered a lot of ground. It was already night time when the trio arrived at Hengist's castle and Arthur decided to free climb the walls. After some time and a lot of complaining by Merlin, they entered the castle through a window. Quietly sneaking their way through the corridors, they found a room with three guards playing dice. Arthur then turned to Merlin.

"You distract them. We'll knock them out."

"How do I distract them?" He asked. Merlin ended up regretting it when Arthur grabbed his collar and shoved him into the room. The bandits now alerted to the warlock drew their swords.

"What are you doing here?" One of them asked suspiciously.

"Nothing. Actually, it's a funny story. I was out walking and I took a wrong turn and here I am. Do you know the way to the Veil of Danaria?" He asked quickly.

"Who are you?" The bandit asked again.

"Me? Er, I'm no one". Merlin stammered. Then he smiled when he noticed Arthur and Morgana rise up behind them.

"It's them you need to worry about." He pointed behind them and when the bandits turned around, Arthur and Morgana punched them out. They then dragged the three bandits away and stole their clothes and armour. They then proceeded to the banquet hall where they noticed a large gathering. In the middle was Gwen and to the trio's surprise Lancelot tied together in a large wooden cage with a hungry Wilddeoren . Morgana almost charged at the sight of her friends being threatened but Merlin held her back shaking his head. Morgana shot him a glare and Merlin then pointed to a chandler. Arthur then drawn his sword and charged into the cage. Merlin and Morgana sneaked off to the side. Once inside the cage, Arthur cut Gwen and Lancelot free and handed him an extra sword. Hengist jumped out of his seat and went to find a weapon. Arthur and Lancelot then began attacking the Wilddeoren but despite landing multiple attacks on it the beast wasn't slowing down.

"What are doing here Lancelot?"

"I've came to say Gwen." He replied. "What about you?"

"Likewise". Arthur replied as they kept slashing. Suddenly they heard a commotion and in an instant Morgana joined them in the cage.

"Morgana?" Gwen asked astonished that her mistress maid it here to rescue her.

"I've come to get you out of here." She replied before slashing the beast's snout. Now attempting to make their escape the four of them moved along the edge of the cage.

"Get behind us." Arthur ordered the two women. Hengist tried to make a shot for the group. But unfortunately Merlin noticed and looked up at the Chandelier.

"Ic bebíede fealle". He whispered and the chain holding it up broke. However Hengist escaped and it only killed an unlucky bandit. Enraged Hengist noticed it and drew his sword. Arthur noticed the Bandit leader moving towards them and called out for Merlin.

"Don't sit the cowering let's go." He ordered. Merlin stood up from his hiding spot and jumped into the cage with them. Hengist and another bandit entered through a door and began fighting the WIlddeoren. They then went down the ramp into the tunnels. Arthur and Gwen went first followed by Lancelot, Merlin and Morgana.

"Take Guinevere and go." He told them.

"No!" Gwen called as she went back for the three of them. Arthur soon followed.

"Guinevere, we have to go!" He grabbed her arm and headed off down the tunnel with her. Merlin then turned to the fight and noticed Hengist still fighting. He was about to mutter the spell to close the grate when Morgana beat him to it.

"Learh fearnancai!" She said and the rope holding the grate broke closing it on them. Hengist heard the grate crash and he turned to the trio.

"OPEN THE GATE!" He shouted. Morgana then walked closer into the light.

"Hello Hengist. I believe you were looking for me." She addressed him with a cruel smile on her face. Hengist looked shocked and then he turned around when he saw the Wilddeoren looking at him. With a squeal the beast attacked him and the remaining three turned their faces in disgust.

"I see you now have someone to teach your old tricks Merlin". Lancelot smiled Morgana then looked at the two of them.

"It's probably best you don't tell anyone about that." He said, then he addressed Morgana.

"I'll tell you later". He promised and the three ran off.

After an awkward moment with a suck grate and Arthur, Merlin and Morgana noticing how close Lancelot and Gwen were the three fled and soon made camp.

"I'm surprised you would undertake a rescue mission with just the three of you."

Arthur was quiet as he was a bit hurt at what he saw earlier.

"Not entirely. Father saw an opportunity to get rid of Hengist and I was able to use it to the best of my abilities." He grumbled. Lancelot nodded.

"And you milady." He addressed Morgana. "I'm surprised that you would come out here yourself."

"Well Gwen's my friend and I owe her my life. Besides, someone needs to make sure that Arthur and Merlin make it home in one piece." The group minus Arthur chuckled. It went quiet for a while before Gwen spoke.

"I should get some rest." She said and walked away.

"I'll come with you." Morgana then followed her maid.

"We should all get some rest." Arthur mumbled before throwing a stick down and walking away.

"I'll stand guard for a while." Lancelot volunteered and walked downhill. Leaving Merlin alone.

"I'll just … sit here, then". He said to no one in particular.

A little while later Merlin went up the hill to talk to Lancelot. When he heard someone walk up beside him and saw Morgana. The two remain quiet. After a short chat about the reason behind Arthur's rescue, they then turned to another topic. Specifically the one where Lancelot now knows that two friends of his have magic. Merlin told Morgana about how Lancelot knew about his and bought Lancelot up to speed about Morgana's

"By the way milady. You have my solemn vow that I will treat the existence of your magic with the upmost secrecy."

"Thank You Lancelot." She said.

"Merlin. Take good care of them and hopefully you and Morgana can be free one day." Lancelot nodded before walking off. Morgana then turned to him.

"I want to say thank you Merlin. For your help."

"It was no trouble at all."

"Lancelot's response is one we need if magic is to ever come back." She said.

"Well there a plenty of people out there. You maybe surprised."

"I know but there are those who still follow Uther's views as well."

"You can't please everyone Morgana. But don't worry, there will come a day when people can be themselves." He said and turned towards his sleeping friends.

"Or who they want to be with." He added. Morgana then hugged him and gave a quick peck on the cheek before leaving Merlin standing up dumbfounded at what just happened.

Back at Hengist's castle, the banquet hall was deserted as everyone had fled. Hengist had somehow survived and was bleeding heavily. He was limping down the hall in the hopes he could get to his bed and get something for his wounds when he heard a voice.

"Well Hengist. I've given you one simple job and the promise to be set for a life time". He turned and noticed Morgause.

"Milady... I swear I had the Lady Morgana with me. If you would just give me another chance I'll…"

"Save it Hengist." Morgause interrupted harshly.

"I only give second chances to those people I can still see a use for. You are not one of them."

"Wait…Please." He begged. But Morgause had heard enough.

"Ástríce!" She shouted and a blast of energy hit Hengist in the chest. The bandit leader flew into a wall and landed dead. Satisfied Morgause left the castle and met up with Branwen.

"Is it done Milady?" she asked.

"Yes now let's destroy this place. The last thing we need is Uther finding out about our plans ahead of time. Do you remember the spell?

"Yes Milady."

"Let us begin." Morgause and Branwen linked arms.

"Þurh minum gewealde ond þinum mægen... geclippaþ we þone lieg þe ealla awestaþ". When the spell was finished a massive fireball appeared in the sky and then hurtled down at the fortress. It exploded on impact and left the fortress in flames. The two priestess then turned from the carnage and went back to their own castle for the next stage of their plans.

Well that's the end of the chapter. Remember to review, favourite and subscribe.

Bye

Well that's the end of the chapter