Chapter 7

Next morning Mordred was awoken by the sun shining through the shabby curtains. He took a quick look at a still sleeping Merlin, and rubbed his eyes. He wished he'd had as good a sleep as Merlin was having. He sighed as he remembered his disturbing slumber, which included waking up on a number of occasions. From the moment he'd hit his bed he knew he would not be granted a good night's sleep. Mordred had guessed it was caused by tension about what lay ahead. He decided to take an early morning stroll, hoping it would help him ease his mind.

As he quietly closed the door behind him, the fresh air soon began to relax him. He decided to take a walk to the fields. He nodded at a couple of people he passed on the way. By now he sensed the people in the village were fully relaxed around the Knights. Yet that somehow made him more fearful for what lay ahead. There now appeared to be a sense of expectation which came down on him even more, he wondered if Merlin felt the same pressure. As he sat down at the edge of one of the fields, he took a deep breath to steady his nerves.

He realized that this would be the biggest challenge he'd ever faced up to now. In his young life he'd had a number of problems that he had to overcome. As he looked back on his youth when he'd been passed from pillar to post, each experience had left different marks and scars on him. Each time he'd entered a new camp he faced the same problems.

The prospect of trying to make friends to overcome barriers, that appeared to follow him around from camp to camp. He understood now that was just a very ordinary challenge, in no way did it compare with what he faced now. For tonight under the full moon he would be put to the test both himself and his magic, in a way he'd never been tested before. There was one question which loomed large in his mind would he be up to the task?

The question had made him toss and turn through the night as he struggled with the implications of it. But now under the sun which was beginning to warm his cold bones up, he sensed a new touch of optimism beginning to creep into his being. For he suddenly remembered the words of Iseldir one of the many wise Druid Elders he'd come across.

He had remembered arriving in Iseldir's camp one rainy day, the usual tension and sense of unknown occupying his mind. Mordred had remembered asking Iseldir if life was ever easy? Mordred smiled to himself as he was reminded of how Iseldir would always pause before giving an answer, as if he considered everything he said carefully. He had done this with every question he was asked, whether by the most important person, or a scared young boy.

"Well Mordred sometimes it is only when we are tested that we ever know just what we can accomplish. You have to think of life as less of a challenge, and more a set of steps that you take to enable yourself to live life to the full. Some things in life are very easy, but where is the sense of achievement in that? It is only when you have overcome things that you can sit back and understand just what you can do. That's not to say you don't enjoy the easy pleasures of life like the nature all around us. But never think there is something you cannot do, just because you've never done something before."

Mordred relived those wise words as he sat there closing his eyes and allowing the sunshine to spread its warmth around him. He decided that these were the words he would live off with the challenge that lay ahead. He realized his old mentor was right in so many things, not least the idea that life was indeed a set of steps. It just so happened the latest one would be his biggest. When Mordred thought about it like that, he realized that far from it being daunting, it was something that he needed to be ready for. It was the next step along the way for him to prove to himself and others, just what he could achieve. At least he knew he would not be entirely alone, and Merlin would help him. Was he not the most powerful sorcerer of them all?

As Mordred sat there and took those words in, he felt suddenly not so scared. He thought about Elsie the woman he had met but a few days since. He vowed to himself he would not let her down, he and Merlin had to bring her a definite answer one way or another. Her agony had gone on for long enough. He also thought about Nina too, the young girl who had begged him to help her and the others who were trapped in the dark magic in the forest.

He was determined he would bring them home, and return them to their villages and parents. By doing that he hoped that people would see the good that magic could bring into the world. He hated the way people like these only saw the bad in magic. The magic that flowed through his body was full of good intentions, not meant to be used to cause harm and distress. By returning the missing ones to their families he and Merlin could take a decisive step in bringing magic into the spotlight in a positive light. If that happened then maybe one day magic would be allowed to flow again naturally, in the Kingdom. Once again Sorcerer's would be free, and not forced to walk in the shadows.

Mordred was so engrossed in his hopes and dreams, that he didn't hear Merlin's footsteps behind him. Only when he felt his hand on his shoulder and his voice did he realize he was no longer alone.

"I wondered where you were." Merlin explained, as he sat next to him. "Are you all right?"

"I couldn't sleep, too much nervous energy swirling around." Mordred answered, prepared to be totally honest with Merlin now.

"Remember Mordred you are not alone in this. We face this together, for the sake of all those missing people we cannot fail." Merlin said.

"Do you ever feel a strain in being who you are?" Mordred asked, it was a question he'd been interesting in asking his companion from the beginning.

"In being Emrys you mean?" Merlin asked, looking at the younger man.

"All that weight of expectation on your shoulders, it must be difficult." Mordred mused, aloud.

"If I stopped to think about it I wouldn't be able to do anything." Merlin said. "When I first found about who I was, it did nothing but make me feel inadequate. I use to wonder how I would live up to people's expectations about me."

Mordred watched his companion carefully as he went on explaining his feelings. He realized this was the first real conversation they'd had with each other. In the days before it was almost as if each was trying to work out the other, and so there distance between the two men. But now Mordred sensed that Merlin was finding it easier to be more open with him. He realized it was important for him to be the same.

"I have to admit to being a bit nervous." Mordred said, his foot kicking at a loose stone.

"I would be more worried if you were not feeling nervous Mordred." Merlin said, "Nerves are natural but they can always be overcome if we work together."

"Yes." Mordred agreed, "We must face this together. I want to be able to give Elsie some news good or bad. She has waited too long to hear about her daughter's fate." Mordred felt Merlin's hand on his shoulder.

"Come on Mordred let's get some breakfast then we will talk some more."

Mordred eased himself up, taking a last look across the field, watching a falcon searching for some prey. He then followed Merlin to the old farm house where the welcome smell of porridge wafted into his nostrils. He suddenly realized just how hungry he was.

They ate their breakfast in near silence, only when the other Knights joined them was there any words spoken. The Knights all seemed in quite a lively state as they bantered between themselves. Mordred made an effort to join in. Sir Brandon was as ever getting pulled to pieces by the other Knights. Mordred threw a sympathetic look his way, knowing only months before it was Mordred himself, being the centre of everyone's attention. Being a Knight there was always a fall-guy who everyone else would joke about. It helped to keep morale up, and as soon as another new Knight joined the group, so the victim would change. Mordred suspected this was one thing that would never change.

Mordred caught a look at Merlin sitting across from him, suddenly noticing he hadn't spoken at all. He could tell the older man was occupied far away. Mordred guessed he was thinking about how to approach tonight. He realized the sooner the Knights were sent on their way the sooner him and Merlin could come up with a plan.

He whispered across to him, "Should I tell the Knights to help out in the village today?"

"Yes that would be an idea. Although I think they are running out of jobs, I may send some of the Knights home ahead of us. Just keep a few back to stay with us." Merlin mused. "You go and find us somewhere to sit and then we can make a plan of action for tonight. I will find you."

Mordred nodded, pushing his chair back. The sun was bright in the sky now making the grass almost sparkle. There were many more people walking around now, as Mordred made his way down the row of huts. As he reached his door he paused suddenly thinking he'd seen someone waving at him. By the time he'd blinked the person had disappeared. For a moment Mordred wondered if he should investigate further, but seeing Merlin striding purposely towards him, he put it down to his imagination, and how active it was.

He opened the door waiting for Merlin to join him. Within a couple of minutes the two of them were settled at a table, ready to discuss their plan. Mordred had wondered whether to mention the incident before but cautioned against it, feeling rather silly as he still didn't know if it had actually been anyone.

He had found himself suddenly jumpy and nervous as he thought about what lay ahead tonight. He realized the plan they came up with could be crucial insomuch as it had to be a good one. Dolein after all had said they would only get one chance, so they could not afford to get anything wrong. He sat forward determined to be focused and positive. He watched as Merlin wrote something down and waited for him to speak.

"When we were talking before you said something about the moon being a source of power, can you explain more about that?" Merlin asked, leaning forward.

"I can only say what I remember from being in the Druids camps some years ago. Every full moon the Elder would lead the most senior members of the camp for a ceremony. At the centre of the ceremony would be the latest magical apprentice. Us young boys would accompany them, to a sacred place which I remember was an ancient oak tree. A fire would be lit, we would form a circle around the seniors, and be encouraged to chant an old spell we had been taught. This would continue until the moon had come through the trees, and shone directly onto the fire. Then the Elder would shout the Llandric chant, and then we would wait and see."

"Wait for what?" Merlin asked.

"It all depended on how much magic the individual had within him. Sometimes it would be nothing special. But other times you would see amazing sights, the likes of which I had never seen before or since. Some things I wouldn't want to see again. On one occasion it felt as if the earth around us was on fire, everywhere we looked flames where burning. I felt as if it would never stop, I have never been so scared in my life."

"Were you ever the centre of the ceremony?" Merlin asked, curiosity in his voice.

"I have just told you about my experience." Mordred said, a look of discontent on his face. For a moment he felt Merlin almost withdraw from him, he couldn't really blame him either. Mordred had felt at times that he was a monster, with too much power and no way of being able to control or understand it.

"You must have really powerful magic to get that reaction Mordred." Merlin said, a little smile on his face. "We will need that today if we are to be successful."

"I had hoped that I would never have to perform something like that again." Mordred shrugged.

"As long as magic is used for the right reasons Mordred it is all right. All of us sorcerers go through the same doubts and confusion especially when we are young, and our skills are new to us." Merlin said.

"Yes you are right and it is a comfort to know even the great Emrys suffered the same at one time." Mordred admitted, relaxing a little.

"Even now I have my doubts it is not easy serving a King in a Kingdom were magic is outlawed. But I still believe that magic will be returned to the land one day. I still believe we will be free."

"Then that makes me very happy. But it is not helping the people who are caught in the monastery." Mordred cautioned.

"No indeed not. The reason I asked about the moon was having an idea about what Galvin will hope to get from it." Merlin explained.

"It will probably be much the same as what I explained before. He will seek to use the moon as an extra source of power. The monastery is as ancient as the oak tree was with us. I suspect the two people with him will chant the spell as he prepares to greet the moon." Mordred mused.

"How crucial is the spell that the others will chant, I mean can he gain the extra power without the spell being said?" Merlin asked.

"If I remember correctly you cannot have one without the other. But even if we manage to kill his two companions you must remember that the Alter will act as an extra power surge too, maybe even more so. To me we must get Galvin away from that, it will be the most crucial thing. I would suggest maybe a diversion so we can distract his companions and then we can both set to pulling Galvin away from the Alter."

"So if we can reach there before his companions have completed the chant, dispatch them then we stand a decent chance of dealing with Galvin." Merlin said, chewing a finger.

"One problem we don't know is how good his companions are at fighting. It will be the speed of attack that will be vital; we must get in there without them knowing."

"Remember Dolein said he would make sure we managed to get over the water safely." Merlin pointed out. "Whatever happens we must make sure after that we are not seen, until we attack them. Do you think you can deal with the men while I try and distract Galvin?"

"You must be careful Merlin, distracting him on your own might be dangerous. By the sound of it his magic is quite extreme even without the extra power. As long as we stop them before the chant is completed you can wait for me and then we confront Galvin together."

There was a pause between them. Mordred could sense Merlin thinking it over and over in his mind. He waited patiently to see what his companion decided, prepared to stand his ground. Outside the sun was already beginning to dim as the late afternoon continued. Within a few hours he would be on his way to the monastery.

"Why don't you go and get your head down Mordred for a couple of hours." Merlin suggested. "I need you to be at your best tonight."

"What about you?" Mordred asked, deciding it wasn't a bad idea.

"I will get my head down at some stage." Merlin said. "I just want to think this through a bit more."

Mordred nodded suddenly feeling tired. A couple of hours sleep would hopefully help him to relax and keep hold of his nerves. He lay down on the now familiar bed, and within minutes was in a fitful sleep.

Merlin listened to his colleagues even breathing, and relaxed as the younger man found some sleep. Merlin didn't feel able to sleep there was too much going on in his mind. Not least how they were best to deal with Galvin and his companions. He was still in two minds about what they were best doing. Much of what the younger man had said about the moon and its extra power seemed rational enough to Merlin.

But not for the first time Mordred's story of his childhood in the Druid camps startled him. The story he had told about setting fire to the earth had struck a chord with Merlin. He had had his own struggles with his magic when young. He sensed in Mordred the same insecurity that he himself had suffered all those years ago. It hadn't altogether surprised Merlin to find out that Mordred had very strong magic. Something about the young man gave him the impression about that from the start.

But until now he had never seen Mordred perform any magic, and he was worried if the younger man had the same control that he had. Neither of them knew how strong the spell that Dolein had given them actually was. Supposing Mordred was unable to control it, never mind himself, who knows what trouble it could cause. He thought of the people who were relying on them, and all of a sudden it seemed such a burden. He sighed wishing he had followed his own advice and got some sleep, but he knew he wouldn't be able to relax.

It would appear that they had no choice other than to trust the ability of the other, and just hope that they would manage to pull it off, for the sake of the people relying on them. The last embers of light were showing outside, and soon he and Mordred would be on their way to face their biggest challenge. Their journey had finally reached its most crucial point, and Merlin knew they could not fail.

For a second he thought about Gaius back in Camelot and what he would say to him. Gaius had always claimed that Merlin did not have enough confidence in himself. Looking in the light of the day Merlin knew there was a lot of truth in the statement. A life time of secrecy and hiding had left its mark on him. For as long as he could remember he had been unable to truly be himself except when Will had found out that day. He smiled at the memory.

Lancelot too had shared his secret but by then Merlin had learnt to hide himself well. When he had said to Mordred that magic would return to the land, he had really felt it. But now at moments like this his mind was full of doubts. It would not be straight forward no matter what he wanted to think. Telling Arthur the truth would have its own risks. But for now he knew he could not afford to look beyond what he had to do tonight.

As he watched the first signs of dark begin to gather he decided to put all negative thoughts aside. For the sake of the people who were relying on Merlin and Mordred he must be brave and resourceful. He had no choice other than to lead from the front and use his magic in the appropriate way. He would take no prisoners; the people in the villages had suffered for long enough.

Tonight they would prevail and prove to the world that magic could be used for the good of all. Hopefully it would lead to a wider recognition for what magic could bring to the world. The Great Dragon had once told him that magic was the fabric of the world that held everything together, well tonight he would show everyone just how much truth lay in that statement. Then he could live on in the hope that magic would gain a wider acceptance in both Camelot and Albion. Suddenly he felt ready for what lay ahead.

He walked over to Mordred who was sleeping away and softly shook the young man awake.

"We need to get going Mordred, let's make sure we succeed and bring these people home."

To be continued.

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