The Gates of Avalon
In
a land of Myth and a time of magic,
The destiny of a great kingdom
rests on the shoulders of two young people,
Their names,
Merlin
and Mira-Liana
It was a fine day as Arthur was on a hunting trip with Mira-Liana and Merlin. Merlin carried most of Arthur's weapons and his caught prey, and Mira-Liana had brought healing herbs and medical supplies in case of an accident.
At the moment, she and Arthur were standing silently in some bushes as he prepared to shoot a deer with his crossbow, but Merlin came bursting in and ruined the shot.
"What is it?" he asked the deer scampered.
"You really are a total buffoon, aren't you Merlin?" he snapped.
"Arthur, calm down," said Mira-Liana. "He was just asking and he didn't know what you almost caught."
"Be that as it may, hunting deer requires speed, stealth and an agile mind," said Arthur, smacking Merlin's head.
Merlin was about to apologize when screaming interrupted them.
"What was that?" asked Merlin.
"Quiet," Arthur ordered
They found an old man and a young girl being attacked by bandits.
"Mercy, please!" cried the old man.
The young girl just screamed and didn't do much.
With his crossbow and sword, Arthur killed the first two bandits before being surrounded by two more. Merlin and Mira-Liana quickly used a spell to make a huge branch from a tree fall and stop the third. The fourth was quickly killed and the fifth ran off after seeing his friends' deaths.
"And let that be a lesson to you!" said Merlin.
Arthur stared at him.
"We were covering your back," said Mira-Liana.
Arthur just shook his head at them and turned his attention to the people they'd rescued.
"Are you alright?" he asked. "Did they hurt you?"
The girl lifted her golden hood to reveal a very youthful face. "No," she said. "Thanks to you. I'm Sophia, this is my father."
"Arthur Pendragon at your service," he said, kissing her hand.
Mira-Liana felt a bit of jealousy and pain. She loved Arthur, but he could never love a servant and they could never marry, no matter what the Dragon had said. But it still hurt to see his affections elsewhere.
XXX
Arthur, Merlin and Mira-Liana brought the old man and his daughter to Uther.
"My name is Aulfric, heir to Tia Moor, and this is my daughter, Sophia," said the old man.
"You're a long way from home," said Uther. "What brings you to Camelot?"
"Our home was sacked by raiders. We barely made it with what few possessions we could carry," said Aulfric.
"These are dangerous times," said Uther. "What will you do?"
"We travel west to Kylieon, to where we have family and to hope for a new life," he said.
"You must stay here for a while. Break your journey. A noble family like yours is always welcome in Camelot," said Uther.
Merlin felt a wave of pain from Mira-Liana as they both saw the smile on Arthur's face when he looked at Sophia.
XXX
Arthur seemed taken with her as well.
"Make sure you put her in a decent room," said Arthur. "The one next door to mine is fine. Excellent, in fact."
Merlin looked at him, a teasing glance in his eyes.
"Shut up, Merlin," said Arthur.
"He didn't say anything," said Mira-Liana, defensively.
"He didn't have to," said Arthur. "I want to make it clear that intentions towards Sophia are completely honorable." He paused for a moment and then said, "Put her in the room on the other side of the castle, it's more comfortable."
"Of course," said Merlin. Deciding he needed to see how far Arthur's affections went, he said, "She, uh, is very beautiful."
"And your intentions are honorable, which they usually are," said Mira-Liana.
"They are, thank you," said Arthur.
"Then what's the problem with her staying next door?" said Merlin.
"There isn't one," said Arthur, after a moment. "Put her in the room next to mine. You've both convinced me."
"As you wish," said Mira-Liana.
XXX
Later that afternoon, Merlin and Mira-Liana had taken Sophia to her room when Morgana pulled them both aside. She looked pale and sick, as though she hadn't been sleeping well.
"Who was that?" asked Morgana.
"That's Sophia Tia Moor. Arthur, Mira, and I risked our lives for her and her father in the forest. Well, Arthur did most of the risking…" said Merlin.
"She can't stay here," Morgana snapped.
"But Uther said she and her father welcome in Camelot," said Mira-Liana, confused. "Morgana, is everything okay?"
"Yes, thank you," said Morgana.
She disappeared before Merlin and Mira-Liana could ask her what was wrong.
What's the matter with her? asked Merlin.
I don't know, said Mira-Liana. She's never acted this way when it comes to guests—even with Valiant and Edwin. I'll see if I can talk to her later.
XXX
Morgana was petrified after her nightmare. She'd seen Arthur drowning and Sophia was watching him die. She had to tell someone and that someone was Gaius.
She burst into Gaius's chambers. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to disturb you, uh…"
"Nonsense," said Gaius, gently. "My favorite patient is always welcome. I'm sorry about the mess. Most of it's Merlin and Mira's. If I'd known you were coming, I would've tidied up."
"No, it's just that…your bench is on fire," said Morgana.
"Ah, my bench is on fire," said Gaius, calmly. He then realized what he'd just said. "My bench is on fire?!"
They quickly extinguished the fire and Gaius shook his head. "You're always getting me into trouble. So, what brings you to this dark corner?"
"I had another dream," said Morgana.
"I see," said Gaius.
"I saw Arthur lying under water drowning and there was a woman standing over him, watching him die. And she's here in Camelot."
"The mind plays tricks. It borrows from everyday life and plays out into fantasy," said Gaius.
"But I had this dream before she came to Camelot."
"You must be mistaken. I know what I saw. It was so real. There's more. When I started having this dream, I had another I wanted so desperately to be real."
"What dream?" asked Gaius.
"It's set in the future. Arthur is the King, everyone is so happy and his Queen is Mira-Liana."
"Mira-Liana?" Gaius repeated.
"Yes, and Merlin is Arthur's right-hand man and married to Gwen, Lancelot is Arthur's most trusted Knight, I have my own love. And both Merlin and Mira-Liana both use magic and are extremely powerful. They protect us and there's peace and Albion is united. But that dream will never happen if this one comes true. Sophia's going to kill Arthur."
"These are just dreams, Morgana, nothing more." said Gaius. "Are you taking the sleeping draft I made up for you?"
"It doesn't help," said Morgana.
"Here, try this," said Gaius, handing her a bottle. "It will induce a deeper sleep. You've nothing to fear. And Morgana, don't tell Uther about this. No need to worry him."
Morgana nodded and left the chambers.
XXX
Later that night, deep within the forest, Aulfric met up with the bandit leader who'd attacked them.
The bandit instantly drew his sword.
"You can dispense with the un-pleasantries," said Aulfric, in a bored tone. He held out a pouch. "Your payment."
"I want more. My friends are dead because of you," he snarled.
"Yes, I'm sorry, such a dreadful waste of life," said Aulfric. He smiled. "But if it's any consolation, you'll see them again soon." He raised his staff and with a powerful spell, killed the bandit leader.
XXX
When morning followed, Merlin and Mira-Liana were making Arthur's bed while listening to the Prince's plans for the day.
"I'm taking Sophia out for a ride today," he said. "You know, show her around."
"Where do we come into this?" asked Merlin.
"Well, I'm supposed to be on patrol this morning with my father and the guards this morning. So, I'll need you two to cover for me."
"What, lie to the King?" said Mira-Liana.
"No way," said Merlin. "No."
"Are you crazy? They'll see right through us," said Mira-Liana. "The King will have either one or both of us in the stocks quicker than you can say 'rotten tomatoes.'"
"Ana, Merlin," said Arthur. "I need you to do this for me."
"We are terrible liars. We start sweating, our vision blows, our brains stop working…" said Merlin.
"No change there then," said Arthur. "Look, Merlin, Ana, I promised Sophia I'd take her out and if I don't turn up, it'll burn my chances."
"You like her, then?" said Mira-Liana, not meeting his gaze and trying to keep the hurt out of her voice.
"Yeah, what's not to like?" said Arthur. "I want to spend more with her, but I need to get my father off my back. I can't order you to lie to the King, but I'll be your friend for life if you do."
"Go on then, you don't want to keep her waiting," said Mira-Liana.
Arthur smiled. "Thanks you two, I won't forget this."
XXX
What's just happened with Arthur and Sophia, it was only to be expected, Mira-Liana thought as she and Merlin walked to the hall. I never told him how I felt and even if I had, why should he care about me? I'm just a servant. Sophia's a noblewoman. How could I possibly compete against her?
Don't say things like that, said Merlin. He was glad she finally admitted her feelings, but he hated seeing her upset. Sophia's got nothing on you. You're worth a hundred of her. Arthur's just too much of a prat to see it.
She smiled a little. Thanks, Merlin.
They came to the hall door.
Listen, why don't I just go take the cover for Arthur? You go visit Morgana and Gwen. I'll do this.
Are you sure?
Yeah. You go.
Alright, but if you end up in the stocks; I'll be there with you like last time.
Okay, now get.
Merlin watched his sister go down the halls to Morgana's chambers. He felt like killing Arthur for hurting her like this. But there was little he could do except offer Mira-Liana comfort. He then braced himself for Uther's wrath. He went inside and felt a bit of fear.
"Where's my son?" Uther demanded.
"I'm not sure where he is. I think there's been a mistake, but it's not his fault…Arthur's, mean."
"Stop gibbering, and tell me where he is," said Uther, impatiently.
"And it's definitely not my fault," said Merlin.
"Where—is—Arthur?" asked Uther, through clenched teeth.
"He's not here."
"I can see that."
"He asked me to check with the guard whether he was riding this morning, and I may have…forgotten."
"You 'forgot'?" Uther seethed.
"I'm sorry, my lord, I'm sure he'd have come…if I'd told him…" Merlin rambled.
Uther glared at him. "If this were a time of war, I'd have you flogged."
"And since it's not, can you let it go just this once?" Merlin asked, hopefully.
But Uther despised him, so he wasn't surprised when he ended up in the stocks.
XXX
Mira-Liana went to Morgana's chambers, hoping her two friends might be able to cheer her up a little.
"Morgana, I—what's the matter?"
Morgana looked scared as Gwen offered her bits of comfort.
"What's wrong?" asked Mira-Liana.
Gwen turned to Morgana. "I'll be back in just a moment, my lady. Excuse me." She pulled Mira-Liana aside to another room.
"Gwen, what is going on?" asked Mira-Liana.
Gwen sighed. "Morgana says she saw Sophia killing Arthur in her dream last night."
"What?" said Mira-Liana, horrified.
She didn't want Arthur to die, even if he didn't love her.
"Morgana's had dreams before, but nothing like this. She doesn't want to tell Uther because it might be considered witchcraft. She's scared. Is there anything you can do? Some sort of enchantment you can use?"
"I don't know," said Mira-Liana. "I've never done something like that before. But I promise I'll talk to Gaius. He might know what to do."
"Okay," said Gwen. "By the way, Merlin's in the stocks. You might want to be with him."
"Thank you, I'll go now," said Mira-Liana.
XXX
Merlin was indeed in the stocks and Mira-Liana was by his side for the remaining moments before she took him to Gaius's chambers for a wash.
"Have you been playing with your food again?" he asked.
"The King put him in the stocks," said Mira-Liana.
"What'd you do this time?"
"Nothing. Honestly, it wasn't my fault," said Merlin. "Arthur wanted to get out of going on patrol with Uther and the guards, so I covered for him and took the blame."
"And Arthur was prepared to let you do this?"
"It was his idea," said Mira-Liana.
"Well, what made him neglect his duties? It must've been something terrible important," said Gaius.
"Sophia," said Merlin.
"The girl from the forest?"
"Yes," said Mira-Liana, looking upset. "He wanted to take her out for the day. He is besotted."
"But they've only just met!" said Gaius.
"Must've been love at first sight," said Merlin, with a hint of bitterness in his voice.
Gaius didn't question them further after seeing the look in Mira-Liana's eyes and hearing the bitterness in Merlin's voice. Instead, he investigated Aulfric's room and examined the markings on the staff. Aulfric found him and had him leave. But in Aulfric's flash of anger, his gray eyes turned red.
XXX
Sophia entered her father's chambers.
She'd gone on an outing with Arthur, but they'd been interrupted when his Knights mistook them for bandits and almost killed them with a crossbow.
"You'd not as gone as long as I expected," Aulfric said.
"We were interrupted."
"What happened?"
"I was nearly killed. For a moment I felt what it would be like to die a mortal death." Rage filled her voice as she spoke. "He saved me. Someone so weak, so feeble saved me. I can't bear this life a moment longer."
"You won't have to," said Aulfric. "Once his heart is yours, the gates of Avalon will be once more open to us and we can regain our true form."
"I need a little more time," said Sophia.
"You must hurry. The physician can see us for what we truly are."
"And he is not alone," said Sophia. "The Lady Morgana. She fears her powers, but that will not keep her quiet for long."
Morgana had confronted Sophia about her plans earlier that day, but Sophia had denied she was going to do anything other than maybe stealing Arthur's heart and had called Morgana jealous.
"Tomorrow we have to finish the enchantment; otherwise the chance to rid ourselves of these mortal shells will be lost forever."
XXX
Morgana was in Arthur's chambers, talking about Sophia.
"You seem very fond of Sophia," said Morgana.
"Is that such a bad thing?" asked Arthur.
"No, it's just…I've never seen you fall under a woman's spell so quickly. Last time you fell in love was pretty quick, wasn't it?"
"What do you mean, 'last time'?"
"Mira-Liana, Merlin's sister," said Morgana. "I was under the impression you loved her, but hadn't told her how you felt. Don't you still care for her?"
Arthur's heart fluttered at the name, but didn't show anything. "What does that matter? If you're jealous, Morgana—"
"Don't flatter yourself," Morgana snapped. "If there's anyone who's really bothered by this, it's Mira-Liana. She was crying about this half an hour ago. Do you even care about how you hurt her?"
"You are jealous," said Arthur. "It wouldn't be the first time."
"Look, I am just trying to protect you."
"Protect me from what?"
Morgana sighed. "Sophia isn't what she seems."
"Why? What makes you say that?"
"I just have a feeling. It's difficult to describe. I had a dream, a nightmare."
Arthur laughed. "You really are very sweet, Morgana."
"Why are you laughing?" she demanded.
"You, your feelings, bad dreams," he said. "You're jealous and you're using Mira-Liana's name instead of your own. You can't stand any woman near me—Sophia or Mira-Liana. You don't have to make this stuff up. You can tell me the truth."
"You're intolerable," said Morgana. "But I just hope I'm wrong about Sophia."
Under the enchantment, Arthur loved Sophia, but his heart wouldn't quite give up on Mira-Liana, his Ana. Not quite yet.
XXX
The next morning, Merlin and Mira-Liana were once again in Arthur's chambers, working, when Arthur came in fully dressed.
"You're dressed," said Merlin.
"Nothing slips by you, does it, Merlin?" said Arthur.
"Arthur, you're supposed to wearing this armor. Your father's bestowing a Knighthood on one of your men this morning," said Mira-Liana.
"I'm giving it a miss," said Arthur.
"Won't the King mind?" asked Merlin.
"Not if you two cover for me again," said Arthur. "Oh, thanks for yesterday. I heard you ended up in the stocks. Bad luck."
"They were throwing potatoes at him. It's only supposed to be rotten fruit," said Mira-Liana.
"Oh, I don't think they are any set rules, but if it's any consolation, I think it was worth it."
Merlin hid his anger well as he said, "It went well?"
"Great," said Arthur. "She's incredible."
"Well, don't worry then. We'll cover for you," said Mira-Liana. "I'll take the blame this time."
And don't argue with me, Merlin, I really don't care at moment, she added, when Merlin opened his mouth to protest.
"Thanks, just make sure you don't end up in the stocks again," said Arthur.
"We won't. No worries," said Merlin. "I think we're starting to a hang of this whole deception log."
XXX
True to her word, Mira-Liana took the blame and persuaded Uther to put her in the stocks instead of her brother just this one time. Merlin, like the brother he was, stood beside her as she had done with him before. Eventually, the punishment ended and the two headed back to Gaius's chambers.
"Not again, you two, surely," said Gaius.
"You would think the appeal of pelting the same people with vegetables would wear off after a while, but oh no," said Merlin.
Mira-Liana used a spell to clean herself up, ignoring the look on Gaius's face.
"I heard Arthur wasn't at the Knighting ceremony," said Gaius.
"Yes, he wanted to make what's left of his time with Sophia," said Mira-Liana.
"And you two helped him?"
"We're his servants, we had to," said Merlin. "I would've gone in the stocks, but arguing with Mir when she's made up her mind is pointless."
Gaius sighed. "You shouldn't have done that, you two. I fear Sophia is not all that she seems."
"What do you mean?" asked Merlin.
"What do you know about Seers?"
"Not that much," said Mira-Liana. "They're supposed to have visions and see the future, what does that have to with…Sophia…" her voice wandered off. "Yesterday, Gwen said Morgana had a dream that Sophia killed Arthur. Is she a Seer?"
"Possibly," said Gaius. "The Seer's gift is supposed to an innate ability. Those who do are born that way. Most of them aren't even aware what they see is the future and what they see comes to them in their dreams."
"Go on," said Merlin.
"The night before Sophia and Aulfric arrived in Camelot, Morgana had a dream. Sophia was in," said Gaius.
"Before she arrived in Camelot?" said Mira-Liana.
"I've been watching Morgana since she was very young. And though I've tried to persuade myself otherwise, I realize most of the things she said she dreamt, came to pass. I kept it secret from Uther, of course. The gift of prophecy is too close to the work of magic."
"And you think Morgana is a Seer?" said Merlin.
"I don't think it, I fear it."
"And Morgana dreamt that Sophia killed Arthur," said Mira-Liana, horrified. "But what if she's mistaken? What if the girl she saw looked like Sophia?"
"That's what I'd hoped, but earlier, Aulfric caught me examining his staff and in a flash of anger, his eyes changed color."
"Who are they?" asked Merlin.
"It's not who they are that worries me, it's what they want with Arthur," said Gaius.
Mira-Liana's heart clenched as she gripped her necklace from Arthur.
XXX
Late that night, the two secretly followed Aulfric deep within the forests until he came to the lake. The wind blew fiercely around them as they hid themselves behind a tree and listened to Aulfric.
"I seek an audience with the Sidhe Elders," he said, before chanting a spell and suddenly dozens of quick-moving blue lights appeared and a magnificent world appeared.
Merlin and Mira-Liana grabbed each other's hands and focused their magic. Time instantly slowed down to a normal pace and they could hear and see everything. The lights were creatures that resembled fairies and looked quite beautiful.
"I come before you to plead! For the chance to win passage back to Avalon and a life of immortality!" said Aulfric.
One of the Sidhe Elders floated in front of Aulfric's face. "Your punishment for killing another Sidhe is a mortal body and a mortal life. You will never be able to return to Avalon!"
"The crime was mine, not my daughter's," Aulfric begged.
"The gates of Avalon remain closed to your daughter," the Elder hissed. "Unless the soul of a mortal prince be offered up to them."
"Thank you," said Aulfric. "An immortal life for my daughter is all that I desire. So, I promise you the soul of the greatest prince of all, Arthur Pendragon!"
Merlin was horrified. He then felt his hand being squeezed and a wave of fear and worry from his sister as she whispered, "Arthur."
We won't let anything happen to him, Mir, I promise, Merlin assured her.
The Sidhe then disappeared and time went back to its normal pace as Merlin and Mira-Liana fled back to Gaius's chambers, hoping they weren't caught.
XXX
They ran back to Gaius and Gwen and told them all they'd seen and heard at the lake.
"Avalon," said Gaius. "What you saw at the lake, it's Avalon, it must be."
"What's Avalon?" asked Merlin.
"The land of eternal youth," said Gaius. "Mortals are only supposed to glimpse at it the moment before death."
"Well, we've seen it and we're still here," said Mira-Liana.
"You saw it?" said Gwen.
"What does it look like?" asked Gaius, longingly.
"Does it matter?" said Merlin.
"They're going to sacrifice Arthur!" said Mira-Liana. "We don't even know who they are yet."
"We do now," said Gaius.
Gwen pulled out Gaius's book. "Gaius recognized the writing on Aulfric's staff."
"It's an ancient script," said Gaius. "It means to hold life and death in one's hands. And the writing on his staff and what you saw at the lake, I'm afraid I'm now certain. We're dealing a Sidhe, they're masters of enchantment."
"Do you think Arthur's been enchanted?" asked Gwen.
"He'd better be enchanted or I swear I'm going to kill him myself," said Merlin.
"I'm afraid Morgana's dream is coming true," said Gaius, choosing not to mention Morgana's second dream, lest they were unable to stop Sophia or get Mira-Liana's hopes up.
XXX
Meanwhile, Arthur was in an audience with Uther.
"I requested this audience, Father, to discuss a matter of great importance. It cannot have escaped your attention that Lady Sophia and I have grown very close."
"Not too close, I hope," said Uther.
"We're in love, which is why I come before you today to ask your permission to marry Lady Sophia."
Uther burst out laughing, "I assume you're joking. You only met two days ago."
"We're in love." Arthur said determined. "I'm going to marry her."
Mira-Liana's heart clenched and she fought back tears. Under an enchantment or not, prophesied wife of Arthur or not, no matter what was going to or might happen, to hear Arthur seek marriage to another girl hurt worse than any wound. Merlin squeezed her hand for comfort and her grip only tightened when she stifled a few sobs.
"I thought you came to ask permission," said Uther.
"For courtesy, nothing more," said Arthur. He took Sophia's hand and began to leave.
"Guards, door," Uther said, calmly. He stood to face his son. "You forget whose court you're standing in."
"You can't stop me," said Arthur, stubbornly.
It was then that Uther's eyes fell on Arthur's maidservant's—Mira-Liana, was it?—and saw a few tears fall down the girl's cheeks. And, quite out of character for him, he felt a swell of pity for the girl, but not much. She was clearly in love with his son and although he didn't approve of her station, he thought she would be a better wife than Sophia. Her actions when she saved Arthur's life a few times and took a punishment for her brother proved she might be a good Queen.
"Arrest Sophia and Aulfric," he said. "And inform the executioner his services will be required tomorrow morning."
"You can't do this," Arthur told him.
"I can and I will, unless you show me some respect," Uther replied.
Arthur bowed his head. "Release them," he ordered the guards.
XXX
Mira-Liana and Merlin exchanged glances before going to Arthur's chambers. He was dressed in his armor and was packing.
"Get out," he snapped.
"We thought the King was a bit harsh," said Merlin.
"I don't need sympathy, and especially not from you two," said Arthur.
"But even I have to admit he had a point," said Mira-Liana.
"I ordered you two to get out, now leave me," he ordered.
"We know what you're doing," said Merlin.
"We know you think you're in love with Sophia…" said Mira-Liana.
"Who are you to tell me what I'm thinking? You're probably just jealous of her," he shouted.
"We're your friends," said Merlin.
"No, you two, you're my servants," he snapped.
"Arthur, just listen to us. She's cast a spell on you and you're enchanted," said Mira-Liana.
"I told you people would try to keep us apart," said Sophia, and Aulfric appeared behind her.
"I know, I won't let that happen," Arthur answered.
"Don't listen to her, she's controlling you," said Merlin.
"We can elope together, get away from this place, these people," said Sophia.
"We saw you," said Mira-Liana, anger in her voice. "We followed him. They're planning to sacrifice you."
Aulfric chuckled. "Do you let your servants talk to your guests like this?"
"We know what you're going to do because we followed you to lake and we heard everything!" said Merlin. He turned to Arthur. "Sophia plans to sacrifice you so she can buy a life of immortality. If you go with her, you'll die. You have to believe us!"
"Don't listen to them, Arthur. Let's go, let's leave tonight. His sister's jealous and he's only helping her out," said Sophia.
"It doesn't make any sense," said Arthur, shaking his head. "We're in love."
"They're magical beings!" said Mira-Liana. "Arthur, listen to us! Look at the writing on the staff!"
Merlin tried to grab it and, but Aulfric snatched before he could grab it, his eyes turned red as he did so.
"Look at his eyes," said Merlin. "Look at him. Do you believe us now? Arthur, do you see?"
Arthur turned to them, his eyes glowing red under the enchantment. "I see everything," he said.
Mira-Liana and Merlin stepped back horror. Merlin tried to grab Aulfric's staff again, but then Aulfric blasted him with the staff and sent him flying against the wall.
"MERLIN!" Mira-Liana yelled.
She tried to help Merlin, but she too, was hit with the staff and lay beside her brother, unconscious.
XXX
Gaius was in his chambers when Morgana burst in crying.
"Arthur's gone with Sophia. It's going to happen, I know it. I know you don't believe me, but…"
"Slow down," said Gaius. "I do believe you."
"I have to tell Uther," she said.
"You can't."
"But I don't, Arthur will die."
"If Uther finds out you have the Seer's power, he'll charge you with witchcraft," said Gaius.
"I have no choice. He's family. I couldn't live with myself knowing I let him die!" said Morgana.
"We've know each other a long time. You do trust me, don't you?" said Gaius.
"Yes."
"Then trust me now. Stay here, say nothing."
"But…"
"I'll take care of it," said Gaius.
"Where're you going?" she asked.
"To find someone who can help," he said.
He found Merlin and Mira-Liana against the wall, unconscious. Slightly afraid, he shook them awake.
"Merlin, Mira, what happened to you?" he asked, as he helped them up.
"Aulfric hit us with the staff," said Mira-Liana. "What's that buzzing?"
"I hear it too. We have to find Arthur," said Merlin, decisively.
"You can barely stand up!"
"We have to go," said Mira-Liana.
"You can't, not in this state. You owe it to your powers, that the two of you survived at all!"
"He'll die if we don't," said Merlin, stubbornly.
"Has that buzzing stopped?" asked Gaius.
"Yes," said Mira-Liana, as Merlin nodded.
"Liars." Gaius sighed. "Be careful. The Sidhe are a vicious people."
"We know what we're doing, Gaius," said Merlin, grabbing Mira-Liana's hand and almost going out the window.
"You two," said Gaius, not looking convinced. "This way."
"Just testing," said Mira-Liana.
XXX
Thankfully, their heads cleared after a few moments and they ran to the lake. Arthur was counting on them to save him.
Sophia stood in the middle of the water, her hand above the lake's surface. Arthur was drowning as Aulfric yelled out enchantments.
"Sophia's staff," said Mira-Liana. "Grab it."
Merlin summoned it to them and they placed it in their clenched hands and focused their power.
"Svelt corpier," they yelled, pointing it at Aulfric.
The staff's power destroyed him. Sophia soon met the same fate as her father and then they dropped the staff.
"Arthur!" Mira-Liana yelled.
"Arthur, where are you?" Merlin yelled.
Together they dove into the icy-cold lake, searching for Arthur. Eventually, they found him and dragged him to shore with difficulty as the soaked chain-mail made him very heavy.
"Merlin, are you alright?" asked Mira-Liana, out of breath.
"I'm freezing, but I'm fine," said Merlin.
"And so is Arthur," she said, stroking the Prince's face. "We did it."
"We did," said Merlin, smiling.
XXX
Several hours later, Arthur was on his bed, under watch by Gaius, Merlin and Mira-Liana. He began to stir.
"Where am I?" he mumbled. "What happened?"
"Can you remember anything?" asked Merlin.
"Uh…oh, my head…there was a girl," he mumbled, clutching his head. "Sophia…she…I asked my father something about her, I asked him…" he suddenly sat up in horror. "What was I thinking?"
Gaius, Merlin and Mira-Liana exchanged glances.
"Well, we did wonder," said Mira-Liana. "Especially, when you eloped with her last night."
"I did what?!" said Arthur, horrified.
"Merlin and Mira-Liana had to bring you back to Camelot," said Gaius.
"I don't recall any of this!"
"Must've been some blow," said Gaius.
"What blow?" Arthur demanded, seething.
"Well, when we caught up with you, we couldn't persuade you to return, you were beyond reason," said Merlin. "So, we—or should I say, Mir—had to make you."
Arthur glared daggers at Mira-Liana. "You managed to knock me out?"
"Yep," said Mira-Liana, smiling and feeling more cheerful than she had in three days. "With a lump of wood," she added.
"She only did it to bring you back safely, Sire," said Gaius.
"No one can know about this," Arthur ordered. "Any of it. Is that understood?"
They nodded and then Arthur fell back onto the pillows.
XXX
When Uther questioned Arthur's failure to show up for patrol later, Arthur claimed he'd gone on a hunt to clear his head after Sophia and that Merlin was supposed to inform the King, but had forgotten. But Merlin ended up not being put in the stocks again as he and Mira-Liana had caught a nasty chill from being in the lake.
They were given time off to recover, for which Gwen was especially thankful for, as she wasn't letting Merlin out of her sight after learning of what happened at the lake.
Arthur even paid them a visit.
Mira-Liana was mending some clothes when he came in.
"Oh, Arthur, what brings you here?" she asked.
"I just wanted to see how the two of you were doing," he said.
"Merlin's still coughing and resting in his room with Gwen."
"And you?"
"I'm slightly better. But Gaius wants me to rest a bit more and I've still got a headache. I'm still getting a little work done, though," she beckoned to the pile of clothes she was mending.
"Never stop working, do you, Ana?" he said.
"Not really," she said.
"Well, I hope you feel better soon," said Arthur. "Oh, before I forget…" He placed a small bowl of sweet, red apples on the table. "I'm sorry for what happened with Sophia and thank you for helping me out as you and Merlin did. I don't know what came over me, but I know that's no excuse."
"It's alright," said Mira-Liana. "Thank you for the apples."
Arthur smiled at her before leaving. Did Mira-Liana ever hold a grudge? He couldn't believe how badly he'd treated her and her brother over the past few days. He admired the way they had taken the blame for his actions. He knew he would never find more loyal servants than Merlin and Mira-Liana. He hoped one day he would be able to tell Mira-Liana how he felt and find out if she felt the same way.
