I'm grateful to all of those readers who took time out to review my story, those who placed me on alerts and also the many who continue to read my little fic. I want to also reiterate that I don't own Merlin or any of its characters although I dream about it sometimes...LOL!
There came a point when Kilgharrah assumed that Merlin intentionally summoned him to observe his brooding. Barely a breeze blew past them on the cloudless night. The moonlight shining through the clearing provided a needed distraction from the eerie darkness surrounding them. His serpent eyes observed Camelot's distant torch lights burning brightly. Centuries from now it will all be gone history; everything transformed into myth and legend. In the interim Kilgharrah felt his mind needed to dwell in the present.
Merlin, you must proceed with this course of action. To do otherwise brings about dire consequences for Albion.
"I'm fully aware of this but I'm also not heartless to Gwen's plight. Regardless of her words, she's still a mother losing a son."
Then reveal to both of them what lies beneath that innocent exterior. It seems Morgana always finds a way to tug at sensitive hearts.
Was this a snide comment aimed at him specifically? Merlin shot him an incredulous glance then focused ahead. "You only view things one way."
What else should you expect? I lost my family eons ago due to the interference of humankind? Hmmm…
Merlin blinked, silenced by Kilgharrah's candor, silently listening to his low rumble. Certainly Uther's imprisonment further solidified his low opinion of humans. He concluded all who pursued Camelot's promise of a glorious future were flawed characters brought together by providence.
"Then why does any of this matter to you?"
I do this in memory of your father and also for you. Merlin you are an important part of Albion's future.
It touched Merlin's heart to actually hear him say those words. Maybe he didn't despise all humans after all.
"Kilgharrah… will Guinevere ever conceive an heir for Camelot?"
I see…this troubles your mind greatly. Truthfully I'm unable to provide you with a clear-cut response. At times I see the King and Queen with children and other times I see none.
"How can this be?"
Sometimes parts of the future aren't as clear as we like them to be. Merlin I suggest that you leave it up providence to decide these matters. One thing is true; their love for each other and Camelot will never wane.
Strolling along the main hallway, Gwen tightly entwined her fingers with Arthur's for reassurance. Mentally she didn't consider herself quite prepared for the evening's gaiety. Arthur understood Albert's predicament never strayed far from her thoughts. How could it? Decisions were made without Gwen's knowledge; before Albert existed he was already sacrificed, certainly a cruel reality for anyone to wholly accept all at once.
He lifted her hand to his lips, kissing it. "It will be alright."
"As long as you're with me, I know it will be," she smiled meekly.
"I'm always here for you Guinevere," he replied squeezing her hand.
His blue eyes drifted over her. This evening she dressed impeccably in a slender red velvet floor-length gown trimmed with detailed gold embroidery on its sleeves. Her adorable curls accommodated a bejeweled, gold circlet headpiece. Arthur felt his desire rising. He speculated on how many of the knights eyes would also feast on her loveliness and a pang of jealousy entered his thoughts. He immediately blew out a quick breath. They can merely stare; he reminded himself, her love and body are mine alone as I am hers.
Gwen lovingly gazed back at him. The jewels within his gold crown sparkled along with his attractive smile. He looked very striking in a linen red and gold surcoat which carried a Pendragon symbol emblazoned at its center; black trousers and boots completed the outfit.
"Remember those hidden places where we would steal many sweet kisses."
She licked her lips then pulled at a part of her bottom lip whilst recalling some of them. "I remember them well – so wrong in others' eyes yet perfectly right for both of us."
"Then and there I knew what my heart desired and what I would do to make it our reality."
He promptly claimed her moisten lips then backed her into a darkened corner. The heat from their passionate kiss, his hands roaming freely across her body, the affect of his growing arousal pressed firmly upon her abdomen and the increasing moisture between her legs made it hard for her to think clearly. It took a great deal of strength to draw away from him and it surprised him when she did so.
"Guinevere…"
"Arthur…we're going to be late," she managed to say through harsh breathing.
"It's great to be king," he smiled wickedly pulling her closer.
She smirked then grasped his left hand pulling him along. "My Lord, our guests await."
Since Gwen's departure from Camelot, the knight's circle had grown exponentially with many more squires in training. Everyone trained under the tutelage of King Arthur and prominent members: Leon, Gwaine, Elyan and Percival. Within the Great Hall around thirty of these knights huddled together in small groupings awaiting the King's arrival while an ensemble of musicians provided entertainment from the minstrel's gallery.
"Greetings my good men!" Arthur's booming voice interrupted their intimate musings. All became quiet focusing their full attention on the attractive couple. Many eyes fell on the dark beauty standing alongside the King; wondering, admiring. "As you are all aware, there hasn't been a time that I've called so many knights together but this is indeed a special occasion…long awaited I might add. This evening we are celebrating someone very dear to my heart and special to many of us in Camelot. A gorgeous, fascinating woman that was once lost to us has returned and I shall never again be apart from her side. Men I reintroduce Lady Guinevere Degrance, my future wife and Queen of Camelot."
A resounded cheer echoed throughout the room. As she took Arthur's hand, Gwen's eyes shifted around the room. The knights were similarly dressed in red tunics bearing Camelot's coat of arms paired with dark trousers and black boots. She became a little embarrassed and blushed at some of the reactions she received. Arthur's arm went around her waist as he placed a soft kiss on her cheek.
"Speak my love…," he whispered.
She cleared her throat; her pulse racing then she said, "Indeed I'm very grateful for this opportunity to meet the men in whom King Arthur has entrusted the welfare of Camelot and its people. Although I recognize a few familiar faces, there are so many of you that I'm sure I'll become acquainted with in time. This evening shouldn't only be about my return but also about the men who keep Camelot secure for all of us."
After she finished speaking, the men applauded. She turned to face Arthur who nodded and smiled at her. When the applause quieted down, one of the knights with blazing red hair stepped forward.
"Lady Guinevere, let me be the first to introduce myself," he remarked with a gracious smile. "Sir Tristan of Elagard at your service my lady..." He politely bowed, took her right into his and kissed it gently. "Congratulations to the King and future Queen. I wish you both many years of immense happiness."
Guinevere placed her left hand upon her chest. "Thank you for your kind words Sir Tristan."
Before long the others followed his lead with Arthur keeping a keen eye on them. Gwen took it in stride, relishing the exchange as one of her first true experiences. It appeared that she was successful in creating a good impression.
When the men had returned to their former positions, Arthur whispered in her ear. "I believe you should speak to Elyan, Gwaine, Percival and Leon privately."
Gwen regarded them – they were trying their best not to stare at her too intently. She witnessed the sadness in their eyes. It seemed that the past weighed heavily on their minds. She nodded her head and quickly went over to them.
Merlin spent a good part of the evening away from the Castle and when he finally arrived at Gaius' he didn't seem intent or dressed to attend the festivities.
"You must be aware that Arthur will be very upset if you fail to appear at this evening's celebratory dinner."
"He may be but what I'm preparing to do is most important. I'm certain Gwen is occupying Arthur's thoughts at the moment."
"Speaking of Gwen, shouldn't you make her aware about what you're planning to do?"
"It's best that we don't tell her now. I don't think her heart can bear or her eyes witness the process of losing her son."
"Merlin as his mother for the short years of his life, Gwen has that right."
Merlin considered his words briefly. "I'll think on it."
"Must it be so soon," Gaius implored.
"If I fail to do this now who knows what might happen. I allowed Morgana to live not realizing what lied inside her heart and how Morgause would come to influence it much to Camelot's detriment. I dare not repeat that mistake ever again."
She could feel her heart beating fast as they all strolled over to a private corner of the room. The men were the first to speak offering her congratulatory words then heartfelt apologies afterwards.
"Please forgive us for rushing into judgment against you." Leon was first to speak.
Gwaine was next. "We all see you as our little sister and…"
Percival continued, "We should have cared enough to listen and fight for your honor."
"Gentlemen, I don't fault you for taking Arthur's side against me. A king needs men that are loyal and faithful to whatever he commands even if it appears to go against their principles. These are the type of men that he trusts in battle..."
Elyan interrupted, "A brother needs to be on the side of his only sister. You're my only remaining family. I should have protected you and not allow you to go off alone without me."
Gwen clasped his hands and stared into his sorrowful dark brown eyes. "My dear, sweet brother…I wouldn't have permitted you to go along with me. Now I realize that the journey was mine alone to take. In my time away, I've met many wonderful people who became my friends and took care of me along the way."
"Gwen, I've missed you so much…not knowing where you were made my staying here in Camelot very difficult," he added with tears in his eyes.
"Elyan I wanted you to remain in Camelot because I recall a time when your life was very unstable and every day I feared for you. Being one of Camelot's great knights allowed you to reclaim your purpose in life. Each day I witnessed the joy in your eyes to live for and believe in something." She embraced him. "I've missed you too. I've missed all of my friends," she said turning and extending her hands to the others.
Around that same time, Gaius entered the room dressed formally in a burgundy robe. Arthur immediately went over to greet him.
"Good evening King Arthur."
"Good Evening Gaius. May I ask where Merlin is at this moment? He promised that he'd be here."
"Merlin sends his apologies. Presently he's dealing with an urgent matter."
"I won't ask…at this moment I prefer not to know. This night is for her."
Gwen glanced over at Arthur as he stood a few feet from them speaking with Gaius. She smiled at him as he gazed lovingly at her; a hidden message lay behind his stare. Gwen took in a sharp breath and felt herself blushing; instinctively her hand went to her cheek. Arthur seemed amused by her reaction as he continued on with his conversation. Soon servants carrying ewers, basins and napkins entered the Great Hall and started attended to the guests. Another group of servants quickly followed with the different courses.
"I believe it's time for us to return to celebrating," Gwen remarked and the others agreed.
All around the flambeaux torches and the candles on the table burned brightly adding to an atmosphere filled with good music and light banter. In a break from tradition, King Arthur and his future Queen sat side by side at the head of a large linen covered trestle table engaging each other and the others adjacent to them in conversation. Arthur and Gwen did their best to ignore Merlin's notable absence but he knew in some way it affected her.
Arthur quieted his jealousy as his men sat wide eyed impressed by Gwen's elegance and the ease in which she spoke with them. Those who never knew her heard many tales of the lost Queen of Camelot and the huge void it created within their King's heart. Many bore witness to Arthur's sometimes depressed state of mind and now they were witnessing the pure look of joy on Arthur's face whenever he turned to look at her. The fact that she was the daughter of a blacksmith and understood the trade very well made some envy Arthur's good fortune.
The joyous evening continued and all feasted on bread, cheese, venison, pork, turnips, peas while consuming quantities of wine, ale and mead. Certainly a great start to the celebrations to come. Inevitably Gwen grew weary and after bidding good evening, Arthur escorted her outside.
"It has been a fantastic evening Arthur. The knights acceptance of me and that speech you gave touched me greatly," she commented as they strolled along, arm in arm, her body leaning against his.
"I spoke the truth…my world is nothing without you."
Before reaching his chambers, he turned to face her, cupping her chin. He had that look of love in his gorgeous blues and it had a wonderful effect on her.
"Let me say again how absolutely gorgeous you are this evening." He didn't give her any opportunity to respond when his lips captured hers in a lingering kiss. When their lips released he didn't allow her to go on.
"Arthur my sleeping attire is in my room along with everything else." She added, "Eleanor is waiting for me."
"Haven't we agreed that you'll stay in my room from now on?"
"We've agreed… but I'm certain you want to return to the celebration."
"Not particularly…" He opened the door and allowed her to enter. "What's the use in celebrating when you won't be there? They'll get on fine without me."
"The knights impressed me greatly," she remarked.
"They clean up very well…don't they," he said amusingly. He removed his crown. "Ither…Ither!"
Arthur went off in search of Ither and leaving an introspective Gwen alone glancing out the window at the evening sky. Fairly soon she felt fingers massaging her neck. He edged in closer, encircling his arms around her, breathing in her lavender scent.
"Guinevere you've been very brave this evening and I want to thank you for that," he hesitated briefly then said, "…Merlin was missed."
"Didn't you ask him to come?"
"I did."
"Then I'm sure he has important matters to take care of." Her eyes shifted downwards.
"Huh my love…within you there still lays a great sadness."
His observation made her feel so vulnerable yet she appreciated him even more. Arthur had completely transformed from the spoilt brat she first encountered. Of course he'd credit her with the transformation but she knew it was always inside of him.
"You know me too well."
"It's my duty to take care of the woman I love and be mindful of her needs."
"It's mine as well." She turned around sliding her arms around his neck. Her eyes latched unto his. She could easily get lost in his gaze. "I love you so much."
"I love you too," he replied caressing her cheek. "Tomorrow is going to be a huge day for you."
"For both of us," she corrected.
"Maybe we should delay…"
"No more delays…our lives has endured a series of delays. I'm prepared to face our people and allow them to see me as their Queen even if part of my heart is suffering." She rested her head on his shoulder as he embraced her tightly.
If he was to release the hellegast from Albert's body, Merlin believed it needed to be done far away from prying eyes. He found a suitable site deep in the forest; close to the spot where Arthur and Gwen shared their bittersweet picnic so long ago. It appeared that Albert knew what was about to come because he started to cry uncontrollable. Merlin set him on the ground and warily watched him stumbled around seemingly trying to escape his fate. This may be one of his hardest tasks to complete. His mortal eyes saw a frightened little boy but understood that deep within him lay a demon ready to annihilate Camelot's dream of a brighter future.
Eorthe, lythe, fyr, waeter , hiersumie me. Swefe nu.
Instantly Albert closed his eyes and his entire body went limp. Merlin caught him before he fell to the ground. He cradled him in his arms thereafter laid him on a blanket. He let out a deep sigh wiping away a small amount of sweat from his brow. His eyes flashed golden and his arms went above Albert's sleeping form.
Berbay odothay arisan yeldo! CUME MEC! CUME MEC!
Slowly a beastly darkness started rising from Albert's body. Its translucent body held no real form still his red eyes glowed like the molten fires of a volcano. The beast was lashing out in many different voices that seem to bombard Merlin from different directions. The once gentle breeze transformed into hurricane force winds attempting to blow him over but Merlin's feet held steady to the ground. He quickly closed his eyes preventing the debris from blinding him. Suddenly he opened them again and yelled,
GESTILLAN PODEN!
The violent winds ceased and the air around him returned to normal.
"Hellegast I have the power here! You are in my domain. Your mistress cannot help you!"
If I die…If we die…If all of us die…He'll die…He'll die…He'll die…
"For the sake of Camelot You must be destroyed!"
His death is on your hands…His blood is on your hands…His murder is on your hands…
The dream started out pleasant enough. She found herself in a meadow filled with various types of wild flowers. She gathered some in a bouquet and others she made into a wreath which she placed on top her head. It was an especially warm day but a brisk wind blew in the lake downstream which made the day bearable. There were butterflies, dragonflies and small birds that flew around her. She felt so happy and at peace.
Momma!
She whirled around abruptly unsure of what she heard or where it was coming from.
Momma! Momma!
Immediately she knew it to be Albert's voice.
Save me Momma! Save me! Save me!
"Albert where are you?" She yelled frantically. "I don't know where you are."
MOMMA!
The word came out like a hideous scream of many tortured souls. Gwen threw away her bouquet and started frenziedly running through the high grass. The wreath flew out of her hair. She wasn't sure where she was going. Now all she heard were the sounds of her heavy breathing and bare feet stumping along the ground. She tumbled to the ground.
"Albert! Albert! Albert!"
Then suddenly a vision of Merlin came into view. An anxious Arthur shook her awake.
"Gwen! Gwen! Wake Up! You're having a nightmare! Gwen!"
Her eyes fluttered open and she quietly said, "It's done."
Merlin stared intently at the beast, his eyes flashed golden and then he held out his right hand.
ADO PAS SAWOL! ALYS PA PEOSTER PE INNE ONWUNAP! GESPURN PEOS HELLEGAST!
Immediately an unearthly fire began consuming the hellegast whose many voices screamed violently in agony until it was no more.
Merlin rushed over to Albert. Before long his body would disappear as well and he found it imperative to allow Gwen to see him for one last time.
At present there was no chance of Gwen returning to sleep. She preferred to snuggle against Arthur's chest as he stroked along her back while they sat on the interior ledge of his bedroom window. From its height the window overlooked the Camelot community that lay beyond the castle now fairly quiet except for the sounds of the horses' hooves clanging against the ground from the night patrols. On a cloudless night the moon and many stars were very visible.
The dream still haunted Gwen's thoughts and she told Arthur as much as she remembered.
"I believe the dream to be a sign of something awful."
"My love, how can you be sure of this?"
"I don't know…I really don't know. It appeared to be so real…What if…" She tightly pursed her lips.
"Shhh…shhh." He kissed the top of her head. "The answers will come soon enough. Let's not dwell on this…" Suddenly he heard a loud knock at his door. "Who could it be at such late an hour?" Then the knocking came again. He needed to answer knowing it must be important since he'd inform the guards not to let anyone pass unless it was an emergency. Grudgingly he allowed Gwen to follow behind him.
"Merlin…," a stunned Arthur said. Both their eyes travelled to the almost still form he cradled in his arms.
"Albert!" Gwen cried out, taking him into her arms and holding him close. He felt so cold; his body almost lifeless. "Merlin what's going on? What's wrong with him?"
"Soon he'll be gone from us and I believe it only fair for you to see him before…" Merlin couldn't finish his thought as he watched her tears flow.
Arthur stood quietly unsure of how to console his love. His eyes fell on the child. Indeed Morgana captured many of her features in was the cruelest manifestation by the heartless witch. Abruptly Arthur turned aside to shield his fury.
"How long…how long does he have?" she asked tearfully.
"Not long…"
"He appears so peaceful…When he was a babe I wanted the best for him. I wanted to watch him grow into an exceptional man. Now that dream will never come true. I must let him go… "
Looking down at him, she kissed his forehead then started humming softly. Arthur's palms began massaging her shoulders. All the lost possibilities played through her mind. She sobbed aloud as a wisp of smoke floated up in the air; Albert's still form gradually disappeared.
"Farewell my little Albert…Farewell…"
