Chapter 6: Mordred and the Outpost

The next week went well. The fighters left and Prince Mathew was told not to return unless invited after almost killing a two fellow princes. Prince Victor and Mithian stayed for the week so he could recover without the stress of traveling. To Uther is was a blessing as it meant he could persuade Rodor to arrange a marriage but it failed. Rodor did not give anything away about Arthur as Mithian my have lead him to believe but said Mithian did not find that kind of connection with Arthur saving both sides from a fight.

Mithian did come and see how he was though. She was happy to hear that he would be alright. She was also very nice to talk to unlike Vivian who I had encountered a few times before she left. She did say there was scent she liked here in Camelot but hadn't had time to pursue it. This meant she was likely to return to Camelot.

"So you told the mad king you thought of his son as a brother," said the Great dragon.

"What else was I gonna say," I said looking up at him. It had become customary for me to come down once a week when the bangle had to come off. As my presence was similar to the dragon his own would hide mine. After talking with Gaius it was determined to be the safest choice after Leon came in one night to get some medicine. He would teach me things I need to know as a Pure Alpha that was different.

One was a mark would appear at the time of bounding on my mate. This would be my family crest one that I didn't know of at this moment. With Arthur my likely mate he to would go threw changes as a fellow Alpha. My mother would have but with the rites not completed so she did not.

"That his son is your mate," he said

"And then I get banished," I said standing. My scales had finally completed in this last month of being in Camelot and being able to see them in their true from was nice. They were beautiful and shown even in the dull light of the torches. You could see them until crest up towards my belly and framed my breasts both above, following my collarbones, and bellow. The dragon even said when I could take my Alpha state I would have them following my cheek bone and at the corner of my eyes but smaller scales. They also would have an almost glow like shine to them then.

"You two have been written about since the dawn of the dragonborn," he said "At the deaths of the last ten pure I feared Uther had stopped destiny."

"Though you knew my father had a mate,"

"I may have know but with the failed bond I feared you were not conceived," he said "You and the Once and Future King will free those of magic and the dragonborn will flourish again. You must watch were you tread though hatchling. Where you and Arthur are the light of the future there is those who work against you,"

"I will," I said putting back on the bangle before leaving. It burned slightly as it hid my scales and shrunk my ears. It had gotten worse as I grew older and it had to hide more. Looking at the dragon as I left I could see his sadness for me as I had to hide.

It use to be the Pure Alpha was praised above others. We were advisers to kings and teachers of the young. Even those born of a Pure Alpha that had been born as plain Alpha's were respected and often taught our history in the roosts. Since the Purge everything had changed that.

Children and mates of the ten pure were killed. Even the youngest who was an Alpha and only four. If you were found to be within two generations of a pure you went into hiding. Dragons who were our kin were hunted and killed. The only hope for them was that Uther never found any eggs.

Thankfully I found another entrance to the cave just out of the city walls. All I had to say was I was gathering herbs, which I had done, for Gaius. The guards seemed fine with it as Arthur had granted permission for my weekly overnight journey. Granted he thought it was to get pent up magical energy out but that was alright.

I dropped my basket with the herds to Gaius before I bathed. I started to eat my breakfast, sausage and egg since Arthur had gotten rations for Gaius and I to be delivered from the kitchens every few days. He said there was no need for a future knight to eat so poor and that as Gaius was a council member he should have had good food years ago.

As I did eat though the bells tolled. I grabbed my daggers and ran off to the prince. I found him just outside his room giving orders to guard Morgana and to search. He looked at me as they all dispersed.

"We need to get your chambers moved," he said as we started off.

"I like Gaius's," I said

"Yes but as my guard you should be close. You are on the whole other side of the castle," he said "Anyway there was a druid man who was caught in the city,"

"Was he preforming magic?" I asked

"No but my father sees them as a threat either way as they embrace the practice," he said pointing out this wasn't his choice.

"Why are we searching if they have the man?"

"There was a young boy with him," he said and I knew what that even if he was a child Uther would have him killed. Arthur was surprised at the fact I had used magic since the cradle but came to realize that was the reason his father had killed children born from magical parents.

"Are you…," I couldn't finish my question but stopped as did.

"No," he said looking at me before whispering "If we can find him first we have a better chance to get him out."

With that we gathered Gwaine, Lancelot, and Percival. Leon and Elyan were both out on patrol but would be back tomorrow to help. We started our search but weren't having luck until a little voice called.

"Emrys," called the voice over and over in my head. I followed it as it grew loader outside of Morgana's chambers. There in a small duct I found a little black haired boy with green eyes. I also noticed he had a wound on his side.

"I don't know who Emrys is but I came to help," I said looking around I could hear guards coming. The boy came to me and we ducked into Morgana's.

"What are you doing!?" Morgana yelled

"The guards are looking for him I need to hide him," I said and she looked at the injured boy. "Please they are coming this way,"

"Behind that curtain the outer shutters are closed." she said and we ran and hide and sat on the windowsill. Just as we pilled the curtain the guards came in. "What the hell do you think you are doing!"

"Sorry Morgana we are searching for a missing druid boy," I heard Arthur say.

"Well I am the only one in here and have been all morning," she said.

"Fine if you see anything get call for me or my guard," he said giving her the inclination that he knew I was here. He then left and I came out. They boy had passed out during the event whether from blood loss or pain I was unsure. Morgana helped me get him to the bed so I could start looking at him.

"Arthur is in on this?" she asked

"Yes he had me and the others looking separately for the boy," I said as I started dressing the wound. The boy was young likely just a few months passed seven as his the few scales he had showed no color. "That should stop it from bleeding. I am sorry for dragging you in on this,"

"Its alright," she said

"Thank you Emrys," the boy said. I then remembered that druids had the gift to speak in each others threw there minds.

"Not sure why your calling me Emrys but the name is Merlin," I said mentally "What is your name?"

"Mordred,"

"Well Mordred you need to get some rest,"

"What about my father?"

"I am not sure what we can do for him but I am sure he would be happy if we could get you out," I said "I will see what we can do though but no promise ok?"

"Thank you,"

"Can he stay here?" I asked Morgana

"Oh course," she said "I had no plans today and Gwen will be willing to help,"

"He said his name was Mordred," I said getting up. Thankfully she had some water handy I was able to get the blood off my hands.

"He spoke to you?"

"No druids can speak in their minds," I said "I have to go to Arthur now if he wakes don't let him move to much. He doesn't need stitches but he shouldn't strain his side,"

"Alright if something happens I will have Gwen find you," she said and I left. I found Arthur talking with his father and waited with the rest of the guard.

"We have searched the citadel and the boy was no where to be found," Arthur said. "I believe he was able to make it out of the city before things had been secured,"

"Well the execution of his the druid would draw him out if he is still here in the city," Uther said "Call the executioner and have it set up,"

"Father was the man seen doing any magic?" Arthur asked.

"That is not the matter," Uther said "He is part of a radical group that practices magic. Whether he has magic or not means nothing,"

"The druids have always been peaceful father," Arthur said almost pleading "Even when we attack them they have never done us true harm. Never has one in a camp used any spell against a raiding party."

"They would see Camelot corrupted with magic at first chance!" Uther yelled. "We strike first before they have a chance. Execution is scheduled for noon tomorrow,"

Then he walked of and Arthur dismissed all present. I followed silently behind as we went to his chambers. When got to his chambers I shut the door as he threw a goblet that sat on the table across the room.

"Why can my father not see reason," he said "He says magic is evil and corrupts but how can something that can be beautiful corrupt."

"All power can corrupt weather it be magic or by money or strength," I said "It is the heart of those who wield the power that deiced if it is used for evil or good,"

"How is it I got you?" he asked as he came over.

"Destiny," I said with a laugh knowing of how the dragon spoke.

"Maybe so," he said before he sat. "So was the boy found?"

"Yes he is in Morgana's chambers," I said going back to my guard mode. "He has a minor wound to his side but we should be able to move him tomorrow night. His name is Mordred and the man is his father,"

"He told you this?"

"Yes though he did not speak," I said coming to the table. "Druids learn to speak with their mind. With the boys age I would expect he can not yet reach non magical minds so he called to me,"

"To you?"

"Yes he sensed me some how," I said "though he called me by a different name I am not sure its meaning,"

"I wish we could get him out before the execution." Arthur said crossing his fingers in to his classic thinking pose. "Sadly I think it will be to hard to get his father out,"

"Is there a way we could talk with the father?"

"Can Mordred call him?"

"If the father is not magical then likely no,"

"Alright I will send you down under the guise that you are seeing where the boy went," he then dismissed me well he would go to the others. I walked down the stairs to be met by the guards.

"What are you doing down here?" they asked

"The prince wishes me to speak with the druid prisoner to see if the child my have hidden in the city," I said they looked at one another before allowing me to pass. The man was in a special cell with cold iron bars and shakes. Cold iron used a naturally occurring mineral in the iron smelting processes called avalonor to make them suppress any kind of magic.

"I have come to discuss your son," I said

"Does he live?" the man asked

"Yes," I said softly. "I am sorry but I don't think this is much I can do to help you,"

"That I fine my Lady," he said "I knew the risks of coming in the city Mordred did not. Tell him to be strong and don't lose faith in the Once and Future King. I also wish him not to see what is going to happen,"

"I will do my best tomorrow," I said "after we plan to get him back to the camp,"

"Thank you Emrys," he said.

"I don't understand why you call me that,"

"It is the name my people have for you," he said "you are the protector of the Once and Future king. Without you magic can never return to the land and Albion can not become the great kingdom it is meant to be. In time you know your significance,"

"I am sorry it has to be this way,"

"You have nothing to be sorry for," he said "please just keep my boy safe. You should go before the guards wonder,"

With that I nodded and left. The guards asked how it went and said the man told me the boy ran after taking a hit. It was likely he was already with the druids or lying dead in the woods. I then went to Morgana room and talked with the boy. He was sad but understood that we couldn't do anything.

~Next Day~

Everything was set to go. The plan was to sneak Mordred out with a load of supplies headed to the northern outpost. Mordred was going to be placed within well everyone was busy with the execution. Then shortly after Leon, Arthur, Gwaine, Percival, and myself where headed out with the supplies.

Wyatt had signed off on the trip with a smile giving me that he may know what was going on. The path to the supplies was surprisingly clear which if he had a hint I am sure Wyatt played a part in. Gwen helped me get Mordred down and we were about to place him him the barrel when he started crying.

"What wrong?" I asked

"He is gone," was all he said as he looked up with tear filled eyes. I hugged him to calm him.

"I am sorry Mordred," I said "but remember he wanted you to survive. He said he knew the risks in coming in the city,"

Mordred nodded before I lowered him in to the barrel. From there I waited and got the two drafts connected to the cart. We were only going with them and another horse so we could move without notice.

"Everything set?" asked Arthur as he came in. He and the others were wearing normal attire. I as well was wearing a dark blue jerkin instead of my red uniform. I as well had packed my cloak.

"Just waiting on you sire," I said "I was unsure the other stead you wanted to bring,"

"Mine," Percival said coming in with his mare Willow. She was larger and if needed could be switched to pull. "She is all set to go,"

"Then lets head out," Arthur said. Arthur sat with me on the bench well Leon and Gwaine kept watch from the back of the cart. We left the city with no issues and once out of view Leon pulled Mordred out.

It would be a few hours until we made it to the druid camp. Until then we kept watch but also relaxed a little. Percival told me about his time with the druids after his village was attacked. Gwaine talked about all the tavern he had been run out of in various kingdoms. We were all laughing about it when I pulled the horse to a stop.

"What is it?" Arthur asked.

"They are here," I said dismounting "You can come out,"

Slowly a group of 3 men and a women came from the tree line. Each wore the classic green cloak that the druids wore. One stepped further out before bowing.

"Thank you for bring young Mordred back," he said "When we heard that his father was being executed we worried for the boy,"

"I am sorry that we could not save him as well," Arthur said helping Mordred down who ran to the women. "We did bring some extra supplies with us for you,"

"Thank you Arthur Pendragon," he said. The other two men came to the cart and Leon and Gwaine handed them the extra supplies. Mordred had said what the where looking for was grain and blankets. So along with that Gwen had gotten some shoes and close of various sizes and we managed to get some fresh fruit. I even got some medical supplies and medication for them.

"You did not have to do such things," said one of the men "We do however appreciate this. Your kindness shows your are not your father,"

"You deserve to live in peace," Arthur said "You have brought no harm to Camelot and I don't see why my father pursues you. We must continue though as we have supplies for a northern border post,"

"You are one closer to achieving your destiny Lady Emrys," said the first man that had spoken "If you ever need our help do not be afraid to seek us,"

"I will," I replied as I got back on the wagon. "Take care Mordred and you all stay safe,"

~Few Days Later~

It took another few days to reach the outpost. It was quite large and was well manned. We were only bring grain and fruit to start stock piling supplies in the coming winter. Herein the mountains on the border with Mercia it could get rough.

"Welcome brother," said as man who looked surprisingly like a younger Leon. He grasp Leon's arm and pulled him in. It was obvious that they were related but by smell and sight I could see he was a Beta. His light blue scales not shining like that of Leon's Alpha scales. "Now I have meet everyone here but who is this?"

"This is Merlin," Leon said introducing me. "She is Arthur's new guard. Merlin this is my brother Holden. He has been posted here three months,"

"Nice to meet you," then out of know where a blur came and attacked Leon flatting him to the ground. Everyone laughed but I stood on edge until I saw a kid my age had tackled Leon. He had black hair but the same shade of blue scales as Holden.

"That would be Jameson," Holden said "He is the youngest of us,"

"I get to go back now right," James said

"Yes you lasted a season," Leon said with a laugh. "Father already has your room being prepped as we left,"

"Good cause it is so boring here,"

"Hey," Holden said "Why I am boring?"

"Cause you never let me explore,"

"We are on the border of a kingdom that though ally now can change quickly," Holden said "You are learning to be a knight Jameson,"

"Cause dad wanted me to," he said. "Hi I am Jameson and I am the book worm of the family,"

"Glad to meet you all," I said "So why is that Sir Wyatt won't let you be a scholar?"

"Oh he will," he said "He just wanted me to see this first. It more made up my mind not to be a knight,"

"Jameson help get these supplies into the post," Leon called and he was off. There was a total off two hundred people here. Out of that one hundred and fifty were knights and soldiers and the other fifty were wives and family that lived here with them. There was a small village of permanent residents.

They were not use to seeing a women with weapons. More then once I caught glances at how familiar I was with the knights and the prince. I had learned to ignore them over the last month and a half of being in Camelot. They had heard word of me of course but it different in seeing it in person.

Jameson lead us to a suit of rooms that we would stay in. The center room held a table and off to the sides were three sleeping chambers, two with larger beds and one room with two single beds. Off in another room was a wash room.

"This is the largest we got and we don't have any place in the main area for women to stay," he said "I can have a coat brought up though,"

"Its fine," Arthur said. "Tell Holden I will do my inspection tomorrow. For now I think a hot meal and then sleep."

"Sir Cullen's wife is cooking a large stew I will have some brought up," he said before running off. I started off towards the couch to set my things but was stopped.

"You can have a room Merlin," Leon said

"The larger beds are for officers which is you and Arthur," I said "I am use to more uncomfortable sleeping arrangements. I didn't have a proper bed at home,"

"No arguing," Arthur said with a smile. Everyone here at this point knew what I was to Arthur. There was no point hiding it from them. So when Arthur followed me into the room and plopped on the bed they did not question. They knew Arthur was an honorable man and wouldn't do anything.

"So you expect to share," I said with a laugh as I took off my boots.

"Yes," he said "You are my intended mate when you come of heat. Normally we would be living with one another keeping each others scent strong on the other,"

"Lancelot doesn't," I said

"That is because his job but he does stay with Gwen at least once a week," he said "He is saving for a home even for them."

"I see," I said joining him on the bed. His scent enveloped me as I curled into his arms. Thinking about it it likely would have been hard to sleep alone in such a large bed. Well traveling we all slept pretty close together as was common with our kind. Back home I had a smaller bed so I didn't miss the comfort as much but I would feel it in this bed for sure.

I wasn't sure when but I had fallen asleep. We were of course woken by a knock for our meal. Each one of the men had a smile and Gwaine tried to comment but earned a slap to the back of the head.

"We weren't doing anything," I said as I got my stew.

"Of course not," Gwaine said with a smile. "Nether of you have matured. Could ruin your bond later."

"You will see how hard it is when you find your own mate," Arthur said.

"Pretty sure I am destined to be alone," he said. "Mates like you two aren't common now,"

"I am sure you have caught a scent," I said

"Yes but not with any connection," he said

"What about you guys?" I asked Leon and Percival.

"None," Percival said

"I caught a whiff during the tournament but was a bit busy to follow," Leon said. I smiled remembering Mithian saying something similar. It could be the caught each other but they were never alone or in to close of proximity to notice who's.

We talked until all the stew was gone. After that we were all tired and headed off to get some sleep. Arthur did sleep above the covers though to respect some boundary.

~Later~

The day after we arrived was a little busy. Arthur had to inspect not only the men but the state of the outpost. We were able to train with the men a little before resting for the journey back.

Jameson was packed and ready to go back with us. His gelding all saddled and ready waiting with the cart. Turned out he was a few months older then me and just finished his scaling. I think that was his way to show interest but Leon informed him I was spoken for and he backed off. Still not a mature Beta he wouldn't have realized Arthur scenting, as I learned it was called, the previous nights.

When we stopped the first night head back I had asked about it. It was sure to draw attention of those in court that he was scenting me. Leon said most would mind there own business or assume he was just testing the waters. It wasn't to uncommon to scent one and then later mate another. Until we were bounded their daughters still had a chance. His father was likely to ignore it entirely as he would likely assume I was just to scratch the itch of comfort that Arthur missed out on.

The trip so far was going fine as we were about a half days ride when we stopped to make camp. Something didn't feel right though and I was on alert. The others notice my attentiveness and were a little more alert but not as much as me. Everything though would soon go to hell.

"Jameson why don't you grab the pot from the cart," Leon said as he gathered wood. As Jameson went over the chaos started. Men came from all directions but we were ready for them for the most part. We handled them swiftly, even Jameson was holding them off best he could. One man crept up behind Arthur but I easily disarmed him.

Arthur nodded his thanks and I went to help Jameson who now had two men he was trying to handle. I jumped in and help with his two men and things started to die down. Looking at them as the others finished theirs it was obvious they were Rouge as the proudly showed their black scales. The question was were they just bandits or hired help. I didn't get to pose the question as I heard a snap and my eyes were drawn up to an archer firing at Jameson who was walking to Leon.

"Down!" I yelled but he wasn't going to react quick enough. As I got him down I felt the bolt enter my right side. I still manged to get up and throw one of my knives that I had placed in my boot. The blade sunk into his head.

"Merlin!" Leon yelled as I leaned against the cart. This drew Arthur's attention who had finished the last man off. All of the men came running over.

"Are you hit?" Arthur asked before his eyes saw the blood on my side. He swore and ordered Gwaine to get the med kit and Percival to get a fire started as light was fading fast at this point.

"I am so sorry," Jameson said "I didn't hear the man,"

"Don't worry," I said "Didn't look like anyone else did. I got lucky and heard the snap."

"We need to get the bolt out," Arthur said reaching for his knife to help get the bolt.

"No," I said grabbing his hand "We don't know the damage it caused and it could be stopping a major bleed. I would say get me to Gaius but with it so dark already that might not be good,"

"Then what do you suggest," Gwaine said as he handed the bandages to Arthur. "We can't let you bleed out,"

"Pressure dressing for now," I said as I motioned that he was going to have to undo the bottom of my jerkin at least. "Two of you take the lose horses and ride to Camelot tonight. You should make it by sun rise and we would leave then. This gives Gaius time to prepare. As for me keep me warm and if I start going down hill keep me awake."

"Jameson and Leon you head out," Arthur said and the acted quickly. "Percival start getting these bodies together and Gwaine get her bed roll. I wanted it near the fire."

Everyone did there assigned jobs quickly. After getting my bedroll down Gwaine helped Percival well Arthur brought me over. He then went and got his own and laid it next to my own. I decided to get some sleep now but they had the rule to wake me every hour and half.

I lasted pretty well threw out then night but the bleeding never fully stopped. At two I had to stay wake as it was getting worse. Arthur I don't think slept at all well I was asleep and well awake he made sure to change the bandage and that I drank. As soon as there was some light camp was packed up and when clear enough we were on the road.

Arthur stayed in the back with me well the other were in the front. As fast as they wanted to go we had to go easy. There was no need to jar me or the bolt unless we had to. Arthur held my hand the whole way which made me want to laugh at how attentive he was.

"We can see the gates," Gwaine said.

"Time to go into prince mode," I said but he kissed my hand. "Arthur you know your father can't know our feeling. I know you care and will be with me when ever you can."

"I know," he said with sadness on his face. I felt bad that we had to hid this. Finding ones mate should be cause for celebration. He should be able to show his feelings but it would not be allowed. We were forced to hide in a time that we should be showing the joy of our connection.

We entered the gates of the citadel and almost immediately there was a flurry of activity. Arthur was whisked away by his father to give report. Elyan and Lancelot had a litter waiting after Gaius took a look I was moved to our shared chambers. Gaius swiftly put me to sleep as soon as I landed so he could get the bolt out of my side.

*Pov Arthur*

What I wanted to do was wash blood off my hands and go with Merlin but I had to report. Not only on the incident but on the post. Then I was told to wash up and have dinner with him and Morgana. Night had fallen by the time I was able to get down to Gaius's chambers. She was asleep in the main room on a coat by the fire place.

"How is she?" I asked

"She will be alright," Gaius said looking up from his mixing of some kind. "It was smart not to pull the bolt out or move her last night. It was on a bleed but was able to mange it here. She should be up and moving within a few days but no practice for a week and only lightly until healed."

"Couldn't she… you know," I said implying her magic which stunned Gaius. Apparently she hadn't told her Uncle I knew. "I found out the night she made guard. Her eyes were still changed when we hit the floor,"

"I see," he said coming over were I sat next to her. "You care for her sire. More then that of a friend?"

"That obvious," I said with a slight chuckle.

"You scented on her over the last few days and not just when you guarded her when injured," he said

"Yes I care very much but we are both aware my father would not hear of it," I said as I grabbed her hand. "In time he will have to though as I believe her to be my true mate,"

"Are you sure?" he asked shocked.

"Do you remember that hidden river water fall you showed me as a child," to which he nodded. "Being around her makes me feel as I am there free of the responsibility of duty on one of the hottest summer days. The castle is so unbearable during those days so it is freeing. She also smells of rain on a hot day and fresh strawberries. I don't think it could be anything else,"

"The way you say it sire I don't think so either," he said with a smile "Just know she has more secrets and even some she doesn't understand fully or know,"

"I figured that," I said "but they are hers to keep until she is ready. I assume they are to protect her."

"Yes sire," he said and for awhile after everything was silent. I stroked her black hair and admired the silver streak which gave her an exotic look. Her skin was pale compared to her normal tan skin but her scales still shown well. They were a mystery on their own.

Her pearly white scales shiny more like an Alpha's then that of Beta with Alpha decent. The scale amount and placement, neck and back, said Beta but the color I had never seen. If it wasn't for knowing that she was 14 then I would say she was a maturing Alpha.

"Sire," Gaius called breaking me from my thoughts. "I think it is time you go to your chambers,"

"Yes," I said clearing my throat. "If you need anything Gaius don't hesitate. And after she is able to I am looking to move her closer to my wing. It only makes since as she I a personal guard. Even Leon has a room close to my own,"

"Yes sire," he said. I kissed her forehead before leaving. I knew tomorrow during the day I might not have a chance to see her until late. Morris was still waiting and before sending him off I instructed him to make sure a breakfast approved by Gaius made it to Merlin in the morning. Then it was to lie in the emptiness of the large bed wishing she was next to me once more.

So I realize I might have mentioned Merlin having tanner skin earlier but not explained. I know normal Merlin is very pale but with her scales it would look off and not show as well.

So some cute Merlin and Arthur stuff here. Not the most exciting chapter but if couldn't see leaving it with just Mordred. As for why the Mordred bit is short compared to what it could be is that I never cared for that episode but I understand the importance of having Mordred in the story. I hope you are all liking my stories and I have some more in the works. I have so many ideas that I can't put all in one story so.