Chapter 8
A wind followed Merlin and Mordred as they rode their horses down the muddy path, towards the forest. As they approached, the trees swayed and moved as if in a hypnotic dance, moving one way and then the other. The full moon shone down as they approached the forest itself, and as if by magic a path appeared before them, which they duly followed. As the darkness closed in around them, the only ray of light came from the still bright moon above them.
To Mordred it was reminiscent of the times he had spent in the Druid camps. As he rode along he remembered the faces of old acquaintances and the odd friend made. To the Druids the full moon was an important symbol. He could hear even now one of the old Elders describing the moon as the Goddess's Light. He had thought at the time it was a strange name to call it, but now as the rays of light guided him and Merlin along the path, it actually seemed extremely appropriate to him.
The moon had always intrigued Mordred; he would often lie as a boy and watch it rise and fade away through the night, as he lay under its silvery light, enjoying the power that seemed to emanate from it. So many Druidic ceremonies were based around it, that at times he would get almost blasé about it. But now as he looked up, just for a second, he was that little boy again looking in awe of its majesty and beauty. He just hoped that by the time he and Merlin had finished their quest, he would still be feeling this so thrilled.
As he thought about how much beauty existed in the world at large, the other side never seemed far away. Those that bullied and brutalized communities, people who abused others by using dark magic. It angered him that magic was being used by a few to further their aims in such a negative and terrifying way. How could people with no magic ever learn to trust it, when there were people around prepared to use magic like this, just for their own ends?
Just as he was becoming solemn thinking about it he noticed Merlin was slowing his horse. He was amazed that already they had reached the little path way; were they had left their horses, last time around. But Mordred had noticed how focused his colleague had become from the moment they had left the village. He had never seen Merlin looking so stern, and measured in his movements. He realized though that he was merely doing his best to lead, and setting an example to the younger man.
Merlin had already dismounted and was tying his horse to a tree, by a little brook. He led the spare horse over to it patting its hind as he left it. They had travelled in silence as though scared of warning the spirits which they'd been warned about.
They eventually came together, and Mordred looked at Merlin, taken aback by the intensity of the older man's stare. Mordred was suddenly aware of his breathing in the moon lit air, it seemed loud and intrusive. Merlin's too was loud, as though out of breath. There was a pause while they both took stock of the situation before them.
"We need to get moving." Merlin whispered; touching Mordred's shoulder, as a small breeze blew leaves up into the air around them.
The younger man nodded, sensing his moment was here if he was brave enough to take it. "Yes of course, do you want me to lead?"
"Do you feel able too?" Merlin asked, regarding him.
Even in the darkness Mordred could feel himself under Merlin's intense scrutiny and he suddenly felt almost shy, but now he was here he was determined to do his duty.
"Yes I think so, we need to do this." Mordred said. His nerves were so still apparent but he made an effort to hide the fact.
"Are you ready then?" Merlin asked.
"Yes." Mordred replied, a new determination in his movements.
"Let's go then." Merlin said. They touched hands briefly their eyes never leaving each other's faces.
As Mordred pushed his way through the bushes looking for the path which lead to the stream, he tried to turn his mind to happier times. He was not on a life changing quest, but on an expedition with his friends. He let his eyes get use to the darkness around him, letting his magical senses take over. All of a sudden he began to feel more relaxed, he took bolder steps, checking over his shoulder every now and then, to check Merlin was still keeping up.
For a time it was easy to let his mind feel free from the worry of what lay ahead. With the company of the moon above him, and sensing Merlin's presence behind him, Mordred walked on confidently. His eyes saw everything around him, his magical being coming alive and connecting with the noises and smells that hung in the forest air. They had walked for quite a time, when he had first heard the noise of the water up ahead. He tensed up slightly knowing that from now on they would have to have their wits about them.
Mordred half turned around, he didn't have to look fully at Merlin to know that he was feeling much the same. He could sense the tension coming from both of them, but like Merlin he ignored it and continued on. By the time they arrived at the windy path, they could already see the top of the monastery. Mordred looked about him, the familiar eerie feeling closing in around him. It felt like he was having his breath strangled from him, suddenly his breathing came in shorter gasps. He wondered if Merlin was feeling the same. He felt Merlin tap his shoulder.
"Stop for a moment." Merlin whispered.
Mordred watched as Merlin passed him, using his magical powers to span the landscape for any dangers. Mordred shivered as he stood on the spot feeling suddenly exposed and vulnerable. He tried to tell himself to relax and stay alert, but the ghostly atmosphere by now was surrounding him, giving him no place to go to, he felt as if he had just stepped over his own grave. An owl gave out an eerie cry, and Mordred almost jumped out of his skin.
Merlin jumped back towards him, "What is it?" he asked concerned.
"Sorry nothing it was just an owl calling." Mordred replied, feeling rather stupid.
"I think it is safe to move forward." Merlin said, easing towards where the stream was gurgling away.
They both moved forward gingerly Mordred with his sword at the ready, just in case anything challenged them. As they continued to approach the stream, Mordred was feeling like it was all too easy. But just as his tension was beginning to disperse, he was aware of an intense cold feel in the air. Within seconds a figure came rushing out of a bush behind him. Mordred turned quickly swiping at it with the tip of his sword. But he felt no contact; it was as if there was nothing there, yet he knew something had been there.
"What was it?" Merlin asked, his voice seeming loud to Mordred in the night air.
"I don't know, but I don't think it was human whatever it was." Mordred replied, looking about him.
The atmosphere was now very different. It felt as if wherever he looked there were unseen dangers lurking about. "What should we do?" Mordred asked, straining his neck in an effort to a look all around.
"It seems to have gone whatever it was. Let's continue we have to cross the water." Merlin said.
They carefully approached the water, and had by now reached the edge of it. They paused as if afraid to go any further, both looking at one another for the lead. By the time Mordred was about to walk over it, the air in front of them went cold, and another figure came flying at them.
Merlin and Mordred ducked from it, as Mordred once again attempted to make contact with it. But he felt as if he was hitting only the air. Both had seen the figure yet once again it felt like there was nothing to make contact with.
"Where is Dolein I thought he said he'd be around he help us." Mordred whispered, under his breath. He felt Merlin's hand on his arm, and he could sense his terror as well as feel his own. They didn't know where to look at next, where the next creature would come from. They were not to be disappointed for suddenly a screech sounded over head. Once again the creature that had earlier knocked them both out; came flying at them, black and relentless.
Just as Mordred was beginning to think they would both get laid low again, a counter noise came from behind them. Mordred looked and saw Dolein with his staff held high chanting a spell and pointing it at the creature. In a flash it they watched as the bird came crashing down into some trees, causing branches to fly in all directions.
"Come on quickly. The spirits will be back soon, cross the water while you can." Dolein urged, pointing ahead of him.
Mordred and Merlin didn't argue they both jumped the water, running past Dolein, who still had his staff raised to the heavens.
"You still have a little walk to go on before you get to the monastery. Take care Galvan is there already, he is dangerous. You must both concentrate your power and make sure he is away from the Alter." Dolein said.
"Thank you for your help." Merlin replied, "We would not have made it passed without you."
"Just bring the people back home Emrys, and my mission will have been done."
Mordred nodded, and then ran after Merlin. He wondered how far they would have to go before they reached the monastery. Now he wished he had managed to go further the first time, but there was little time for too much regret. He followed Merlin down the path his senses all on the task ahead of them.
As Mordred looked up in the sky the moon was almost over the monastery that they could now see in the distance. He just hoped that they would arrive on time, for any minute it would be ideal conditions for Galvan and his companions to do the ceremony. He increased his speed running past Merlin determined that he would get there before it was too late.
The sorcerer Galvan looked at his two colleagues and nodded at them to take their place. He closed his eyes a feeling of elation filling his mind. For so long he had dreamt of this moment, ever since he was a young boy. In the next ten minutes he could be the mightiest sorcerer in the Five Kingdoms. The Kings and leaders would bow to his name, begging for mercy. He would grant them nothing, for it would be his time now, to take over. His magic would dominate the landscape; the whole world would bend to his will.
He allowed himself a few minutes to revel in the moment. He thought about all of his contemporises who had sneered at his ambition. They had claimed that he would never climb above his average capability. But now he was about to prove them wrong in the most devastating and dramatic way. When the spell had been performed he Galvan, would be the name on everyone's lips. He opened his eyes a look of sheer determination poured out, causing the young girl in the corner of the room to move back further.
Seeing her he beckoned her to come over to him. He watched the fear in every step that she took, enjoying the effect of control he had.
"Come on girl, we need to get on bring me the potion now!" Galvan watched, as she broke into a half-hearted run over to the table. As she walked over to him he snatched the water from her.
"Go and keep an eye of the others, and don't say a word to them." He commanded. He watched her disappear out and could hear her footsteps running down the hall. "You two, you know what to do."
Satisfied he poured the potion into the sacred vessel, and waiting for his men to begin the spell.
Merlin and Mordred had reached the monastery and could see an opening. Merlin pointed it out to Mordred and they crept over towards it. It was only a very narrow opening barely as wide as either of the two men. Merlin had to breathe in and push his way through it. He waited as Mordred did the same, pulling it from inside to assist his colleague. Once in they could see they were in an empty room. Parts of the windows had broken, and they could feel the breeze still blowing around them, as took a look around.
Seeing the door in the corner Merlin motioned for Mordred to follow him over to it. They crept moving onto their toes, reaching the door they poked their heads through it. A long Hall way came into their view. The size of the Hall surprised Merlin; everything seemed on a much bigger scale, than when they'd been on the outside looking in. For a second he struggled to decide what to do, they needed to find Galvan first, but which way he wondered desperately.
A sudden noise from down the corridor told them. Merlin did not need to look at Mordred to know the ceremony had just begun. They ran down the Hall way following the voices. As Merlin ran he almost tripped over, he felt Mordred's hand on his arm, and nodded a thank you.
It was seconds before they came across the room that Galvan and his men occupied. Merlin held Mordred back while he checked where they all were. Up ahead he could see Galvan with something in his hand, he was yards away from the beautiful Alter that dominated the room. Merlin saw that his two companions were quite near, and he could feel Mordred edging towards them. He pulled his arm and forced him against the wall outside.
"We must think this through first." Merlin whispered, sensing the desperation of Mordred. "You cannot take on two men."
"You forget I have magic." Mordred whispered back. "I can use that on one and deal with the other."
"No we do this together." Merlin argued. "If you go in first as quietly as you can, and get as close to them as you can. There is another opening over there." Merlin pointed, at a hole along the wall. "I will position myself so that we are on either side of them. Then we can both deal with them together."
Mordred paused for a second. "All right, keep in contact with me telepathically so we can move in at the same time. It won't take long for the chant to begin, so we have very little time."
Merlin nodded, and made his way down the corridor until he came to the opening. There was a chair outside it blocking the hole. He gingerly moved it away taking care he didn't create a shadow across the wall. He crept back, taking a deep breath. The sound of the spell was still ongoing but Merlin knew before long the chant would begin, and then there would be no going back.
"Okay Mordred. I am moving in." Merlin whispered. He began to creep in knowing he had the advantage of the men having their backs turned to him. He continued to creep, looking up and checking at Mordred's progress. So far, so good. He eased his way further forward holding his breath, not daring to make a sound.
For a second he thought they would get away with it, but one of the men noticed Mordred's shadow and he stopped. His other colleague had turned beside him wondering why and seeing the young Knight had thrown his head back. Merlin realized the man possessed magic, gathering his own magic he let out his hands and sent a beacon of light which knocked the man off his feet. His head made a sickening noise as it hit the ground.
Mordred was fighting away with the other man, who was beginning to chant, as he attempted to defend himself. Merlin prepared to attack the man keeping a desperate eye on what Galvan was doing. The other sorcerer was looking over to where the commotion was coming from. Merlin was in two minds. Should he leave Mordred to deal with the man and go and confront Galvan or help Mordred and then they could both deal with the sorcerer together.
In the second that it took for him to think a bolt of light came crashing over towards them and Merlin fell down to the ground clutching his head. He could hear the fighting continuing behind him, but the only thing he suddenly saw was the figure of Galvan moving towards him, his hands up and his eyes vengeful and angry.
To Be Continued.
5
