« In a land of myth and a time of magic … » I would own Merlin's rights and be able to use english like my maternal language. Sadly neither of those things are true. I hope you'll enjoy though. Snapepotter.
The Coming of Arthur
« On Samhain's eve during the time of the Old Religion, the high priestresses would perform a blood sacrifice and release them », told Gaius, looking at Agravaine with his eyebrow raised when he asked who would do such a thing. « Morgana », he announced.
« You see her hand in this ?», asked Arthur, pacing.
« We know she was traveling to the Isle of the Blessed, stated the old man.
« How do we defeat these creatures ? »
« I don't know sire. No mortals have ever survived their touch. »
Merlin did not know how she would be able to survive the night. Terror petrified her even when she was lightning up candles in Arthur's bedroom. A shiver ran along her spine and she droped one of the candles which rolled under the bed. She froze for a moment, and looked at Arthur who was fixing her curiously.
« I thought I'd seen something », she whispered.
« What was it ? A spider », he mocked, returning to whatever he was doing before approaching her. « Just pick it up. Do you want me to call one of the maids to do it for you ? ».
Merlin glared at him. How could he ? But Arthur just went on and retrieved the damn thing, using his sword on the curtain to make sure nothing was hidding behind it.
« You see Merlin, I could never be like you, seem so spineless, even if I was a bloody woman », he said and Merlin snapped, frustrated that he did not see her worth and how much she went through for him.
« Oh you see, I am different. I could never let myself seem so heartless. », she replied.
« What ?! »
« Thoughtless » she exclaimed, barely containing her anger, « humourless,... »
« Never ! » laughed Arthur and Merlin would have slapped him if the cries had not been heard.
« You're not scared », she said, sobbering up.
He faced her then and they shared a glance. He was serious now.
« Oh I am scared Merlin, trust me. Maybe more than you »
Outside, the city guards were lightning fires while the knights took turns patrolling around the edges of the city. Percival and Elyan gained the townspeople's respect by bringing three little children to safety at their own peril, if Merlin was to believe the maids bringing Gaius sheets. In the morning, more and more people from the vicinity, came to Camelot, seeking refuge and even if she was loathe to admit it, Agravaine was right when he told Arthur they couldn't live like this forever.
« Somewhere, among your books Gaius, you must have something », Arthur said. « All I am asking for is a way to fight them ».
« I fear the Dorocha cannot be defeated by swords and arrows sire. If I am right and the veil between the worlds have been torn, then there's only one path open to us. Travel to the Isle of the Blessed. And repair it. », Gaius replied, his voice conveying something Merlin couldn't even begin to imagine.
« And how do I do that », the prat had the guts to ask !
« I am not sure. But for the tear to be created, it has required a blood sacrifice. To seal it would require... another ».
Merlin sighed and looked up to see Arthur's determined face. Silence fell upon the room and then :
- « We'll ride before nightfall ».