Previously on With No Regrets:
"Merlin," Arthur called out, shifting the man so that he faced him. "Merlin, where is Morgana?"
The prince of Camelot quickly found out that was the wrong question to ask, as Merlin's breathing grew stronger and faster. "Ar…thur," He wheezed out. His eyes seemed to droop as they glazed over with new wave of tears.
"Gone," he finally mustered out, after catching his breath.
"She's taken by him."
Cold. Damp.
The first sound that she heard was a steady dripping of water. As if it were counting time.
Morgana's eyelids fluttered open and she slowly lifted her head. Where was she?
It was dark, but even in the minimal light, it was easy to identify that she must be in some sort of a cave. Something smelled rotten, like the odor of a carcass half eaten by detritivores. Her face scrunched involuntarily and she tried to turn away from the stench.
She sat propped up against the musty walls, only her thin dress protecting her from the cold. She unconsciously wrapped her arms around herself, an attempt to keep herself warm – and stopped midway when she heard the sound of metal scratching against a stone surface.
She pulled her hands into her vision, finally identifying the source of the sound. That is if the cold manacles enclosed around her wrists and feet meant anything.
Something was dripping from her forehead, and she moved her hand to cover it. Her head wound had reopened, she realized. Morgana closed her eyes, allowing her head to fall onto the hard surface behind her.
How did she get here? She blinked as she tried to remember.
A chilled breeze swept past her in the narrow alley, and she found herself unable to move. Her limbs seemed to freeze on her, and she felt a strong, evil presence.
She was kidnapped!
Morgana's eyes widened at the realization, and she tried to straighten up. Perhaps she should gauge her surroundings, and plan an escape. "Abricap benda," she whispered as her eyes flashed gold. The shackles around her limbs seemed to flash gold, but instead of opening, they tightened around her. She gasped, more so in surprise than pain.
"Abricap benda," she tried again, slightly louder than before. Her eyes started to tear up, even as she tried to control her worry. She only knew few spells; after all, she didn't have a magical mentor like Merlin did. Her time with Morgause was limited mostly by her healing from a certain poison.
Another memory quickly flashed across her mind.
"Merlin," she choked out, just before she felt a hand close across her mouth, the bony fingers poking into her flesh. Merlin turned around just in time, watching as the black sorcerer swept in.
Merlin knew she was missing! It was an inkling of hope before it was quickly dashed down by another memory: one where she lay in his arms, suffocating and dying because she trusted him.
And she would be damned if she were to even think that a betrayer like him would even remotely think of coming to her rescue. He probably thought it was good riddance. Would Arthur and Gwen know she was missing? Would they care to come?
Her breathing quickened. She needed to get out, even if no one else would come to the rescue. She needed to save herself.
Yet this dark, confined and musty environment was so oddly reminiscent of her time fighting the poison. It was making her head spin, and whatever little sanity she had managed to muster the past couple of months was quickly slipping away. "Abricap benda," She choked out, her voice breaking in her desperate attempt. Someone, please help me! She screamed silently in her head.
"Looks like our lady of honor is awake," a voice announced. Morgana quickly turned to face the black sorcerer, standing to her side with a torch to illuminate the surroundings, yet not his hooded face.
He placed the torch in a holder off the back wall. Morgana craned her neck, observing her pursuer behind her to keep herself distracted from the panic attack threatening to take over. "Where are we?" Morgana asked, her voice wavering due to her previous panic.
"Tunnels below the castle," the sorcerer replied. "I had some business with a certain lizard here, so I figured I would bring you as well." He walked over to her, crouching in front of her so that his eyes met hers.
"Please don't mind the stench. Injured wilddeoren are prefect game for small pests." His eyes looked into hers meaningfully.
"There are wildderoren under the castle?" Morgana asked, surprised.
The sorcerer looked annoyed. "How do you suppose the Great Dragon lived under the castle?" At Morgana confused look, he continued. "I guess you didn't know there was a dragon chained under this citadel by Uther."
She shook her head. "If I knew there was such a powerful magical creature held prisoner, I would have freed it."
The sorcerer laughed. "You would have freed it? That's funny."
"Kilgharrah doesn't like you," he answered her questioning gaze succinctly. "But don't worry. I took care of the dragon. I also took care of Morgause for you. I didn't want any hindrances in my plans." He got up, moving out of the light before coming back with a clean cloth and a small vial.
"First things first, let's take care of that," he pointed towards her bleeding head wound. He tsked mockingly. "I must apologize, my teleportation magic can be rough on injuries." He moved towards her, even as she moved back, dragging her chains with her.
He paused momentarily before reaching out, his cold hands removing the previous bandage. He poured some liquid onto the clean cloth, before gently dabbing at her forehead. She hissed softly, but let him continue his ministrations.
"What are you doing?" She questioned, not quite sure why he would care if she was injured or not.
"What, have you never seen Gaius clean a wound?" He mocked. She rolled her eyes, leaning back again against the rough wall.
"Okay, I know what you're doing. I want to know why?"
The sorcerer stared at her for a minute before inexplicably chuckling. "You and Merlin are more alike than either of you would care to admit." He stifled his laughter, coughing into his fist in a poorly disguised attempt. He cupped his hands around her wound and closed his eyes as whispered. "Ge Hailige."
Morgana gasped softly as she felt his magic rush through her. It was corrupted, black and murky and she recoiled back, disgusted. Yet, why was there a familiar feeling – as if she knew this magic?
His cold hands moved towards her chin, as he tilted her face towards the light. "Not bad," he congratulated himself. "I can still do some healing magic."
"You asked why?" The sorcerer asked, returning to their conversation. Morgana nodded curtly. "Because I intend to keep my tools in top shape. I can't use a damaged weapon against Emrys and expect to emerge as the victor."
"Besides, after last night's botched attempt, I wanted to speak with you." The black sorcerer got up, turning away from her to face the empty tunnel wall.
"Emrys gave you the blade, you know he has magic, you know all of his weaknesses. Yet, I don't see you making anymore attempts at his life?"
Morgana narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "How do you know all of this?"
"If I didn't know any better, I would have thought that you have feelings developed towards your own murderer," the cloaked man taunted.
She didn't respond, turning away so that the other man couldn't see her blushing in the darkness. "You can't expect me to make multiple assassination attempts in less than half a day! Besides, Merlin is innocent. He didn't know any other way to save the kingdom. He regrets his actions…"
The sorcerer twirled around rapidly, his cloak swishing behind him. "You believe his petty words? The empty promises of an enemy to you and your kin?"
"Why, I should trust your words?" she challenged, yanking against the chains to close the gap between them. "Why should I believe anything you have to say?"
The sorcerer didn't back down, gazing into her intense green eyes. "You believed Morgause's words and were more than willing to turn your back against your family!" He grabbed at her cheeks with his right hand, pulling her closer. Despite the close proximity, Morgana still couldn't make out any of his facial features. "You believed a sister you met recently over the brother you grew up with."
He pushed her back, and she collided roughly against the wall. "You are just a fickle minded, immensely gullible witch." He taunted, relishing at the insulted glare he received in return. "See, you have the wrong impression. I'm not trying to convince you, stupid girl. I know I have you dancing in my palm of my hand."
"Look around you," he coaxed, splaying his arms to showcase his surroundings. "You are at my mercy. You are in no position to make demands."
"I ask for 'the death of Emrys'. If you are unwilling to do it, let me know," he smiled sweetly, even as his golden eyes threatened her.
"Of course, that would mean I have little use for you." He spread his arms out again, showing her his skinny frame wrapped in the same pitch black fabric as the cloak. "As you can see, I am a traveler." His eyes narrowed menacingly and Morgana felt herself cower back. "I don't keep unnecessary baggage around."
[Merlin Merlin Merlin]
Gwen gazed sadly at Merlin, even as she bandaged his head. The warlock had only stopped shivering moments before, but distraught still remained plastered across his face even as he stared at the door. "Did they come back?" He asked Gwen for the umpteenth time.
Gwen shook her head in denial. "They will be soon. Merlin, you said you fell unconscious. You need to rest until we can Gaius to check up on you."
"I'm fine," Merlin dismissed, lifting himself from the chair he was seated in. Nausea rolled over, and he tried to steady himself before Gwen anchored him. "Arthur can't go after him alone. He needs protection."
"And he has protection," Gwen reassured the worried servant. "In the form of four very brave men who traveled across lands just see their friends and family safe."
Merlin paused, somewhat convinced. And then he quickly shook his head. "It's not enough." He walked slowly, carefully making his way to the door even as he leaned on Gwen for support. Gwen allowed him to walk forward, before halting him halfway to his destination.
"He's a dangerous man, Gwen." The blue eyes looked into the honey colored ones, hoping to convey the importance of his presence next to Arthur's.
Gwen shook her head slowly. "You need to understand that you can take help when you need it, Merlin. You can't fight everything on your own."
"I don't fight everything on my own," Merlin replied, pulling back from her so that he can make it the rest of the way. "I take your help. And Gaius's."
"Merlin," She called, unamused at his snail-paced venture towards the main entrance. "Do you know what the difference between you and Arthur is?"
"He's a pompous rich brat, and I'm a lowly impolite servant?" Merlin looked up thoughtfully. "Oh, apparently, I talk a lot," He added as an afterthought.
Gwen shook her head, as she steered him back towards his chair. "True, but that's not what I mean." She sat him down. "He's not afraid to ask for help. He leans on all of us – you, Gaius, me, Morgana," Merlin visibly flinched, but Gwen ignored it and continued. "He has many secrets too, but he's not afraid to confide them with us."
Merlin looked away somewhat ashamed. "I do share my secrets with others, Gwen."
"Oh, I didn't mean you kept secrets," Gwen quickly corrected herself. "I was just talking about some of the good qualities Arthur had. Not that he only has some good qualities – but that wasn't the point –" She rambled before stopping herself. She took a deep breath in, composing herself before continuing. "It just seems like you're hiding something from us."
"Somethings are better left unsaid," He said softly. "It's best for everyone."
She crouched in front of him, laying her hand gently on his lap. "But is it good for you?" Merlin open his mouth, as if to answer, before the door suddenly opened.
Arthur and his rag-tag team returned, a despondent look on all their faces. Gwen looked up at her love, a silent question. "She's nowhere," Arthur replied, sadly. Merlin's face fell at that and he looked away.
"What should we do?" Lancelot asked. "Should we report to the King?"
Elyan nodded in the back. "It doesn't make sense for just the five us to search through kingdom. And if he has magic, he might have taken her further away."
"No," Arthur shook his head. "We can't tell Father. We had just found her." The five men slowly took their seats wherever they could.
Merlin closed his eyes sadly. He had just found Morgana, and she had just promised to trust Camelot, to help the innocent magic users – something he himself was guilty of never fulfilling. He opened his eyes, gazing around the room before settling on Arthur.
The Prince of Camelot sat at the head of the table, crouched over his knees. His blonde bangs hung over, casting a shadow over his eyes. He looked composed, a slight sadness etched into his features, but nothing too desperate. At least that's what Merlin thought until Arthur lifted his head to gaze back at the servant.
And the prince's eyes spoke volumes: a great sorrow of losing someone he grew up with, a sincere apology aimed towards his servant for failing to protect who he presumed to be his love, but, worst of all, a hopeless emptiness reflected in his glassy gaze. It was obvious that Arthur blamed himself for putting Merlin and Morgana in this position, and even more obvious that he associated Morgana's kidnap with his inability to protect those closest to him.
Arthur's eyes told Merlin he was breaking apart. And his self-proclaimed guardian, the secret warlock couldn't allow that.
But even more than just the bond with Arthur, Morgana did hold a special place in Merlin's heart. She was strong, confident, and powerful with a burning desire to protect everyone. The dragon was right: they were polar opposites – but lately it seemed to be more that she was light to his darkness.
And her final scream before being abducted by that vengeful sorcerer still resonated within his mind. Morgana held by the sorcerer as she called his name before she disappeared. Morgana held by Merlin as she choked on the poison, her eyes beseeching to be saved.
She will never be helpless like that again. She will never be abandoned.
And if the stupid dragon is right and Morgana will be his greatest adversary, then damn it, he would much rather die in her hands than abandon her on false pretenses.
Merlin stood up again, this time with much more confidence. All occupants of Gwen's home looked up at their friend (although Gwen's glare was more disapproving). The servant paused, examining the room. "I can't leave her," Merlin realized even as he announced it. His cast his eyes down, almost guiltily. "I abandoned her once before, too much of a coward to fight back." The warlock screened the room, enunciating the next sentence with as much conviction as he could. "But I can't now – not when she went through so much, when she promised to trust me – us – once again." Arthur stood up, the fire within rekindled by Merlin's speech.
"You're right, Merlin," The Prince acknowledged. He nodded, reassuring his friend.
Lancelot stood up as well, looking between the two men. "But where do we start? We searched much of Lower Town."
"I'm going back to where I lost her." Lancelot wanted to object, and point out that they had passed through the back alleys multiple times, but Merlin continued. "I saw him take her there. I might find a clue or remember something there."
Lancelot looked towards Merlin, a silent communication between just the two of them. And the servant's intention was crystal clear: he would use his magic to find where Morgana was taken.
[Merlin Merlin Merlin]
"So, what is it, Witch?" He snarled, as he placed his arms back to his sides so that the cloak enveloped him once again. "Will you or will you not kill Merlin Emrys?" Morgana studied the sorcerer in front of her. His magic coiled off him, almost as if it wanted to escape. It was dark and murky, congesting the tunnel air. The man himself stood with such confidence; his stature, albeit slender, was sturdy. If she could see his face, she had no doubts that he was grinning like a madman. And she had no doubts on the validity of his threat.
She breathed in, calming herself to calculate her next move. She could stall time, maybe in hopes of her friends reaching her. "I don't understand," She started hesitantly. "Why do you need me to do your dirty work?"
"I told you far too many times before. I am providing you an opportunity to get your revenge," the sorcerer answered, exasperated.
"So you can do this yourself?" Morgana's face scrunched in confusion.
"If you're wondering about my capabilities, I am sure that my ability to teleport, to silence Morgause and the Great Dragon, and to covertly keep track of your every movement should answer that question." The Black Sorcerer counted off.
The King's ward pulled herself together. "Yet, you seem adamant in having me kill Merlin." She pulled herself closer to him. "Almost as if you can't kill him. What's holding you back."
"This isn't going anywhere," he stated nonchalantly. "I'll take your answer to be 'no, I'm not going to kill him'." He rose his hand threateningly. "No more chances, sweetheart. Tell me where the dagger is, and I'll make your death painless."
Morgana smiled sweetly. "You need the dagger? Then you need me alive."
The sorcerer narrowed his eyes, and the fire from the torch reflected off his angry eyes. "You are testing my patience, witch," he warned.
She rose her eyebrows, amused that she finally had something over her pursuer. "What will you do? Kill me?"
"There are things far worse than death," he scoffed. His eyes darkened, almost as if he had that experience.
"Fine," She conceded. "I'll tell you where the dagger is. But I have a couple of demands in return."
"I thought we agreed that you are at my mercy."
"Only if you never want to see your precious blade again." Morgana bargained.
"What do you want?"
"Answers," she responded simply, tugging at her chains experimentally before addressing the man in front of her again. "Why do you call Merlin, Emrys?"
The sorcerer hesitated, glaring piercingly at the King's ward. "Because he's not just any sorcerer with magic. He's a warlock born with magic."
"He had this his whole life," Morgana asked, awed. She knew that fear, where she didn't know if those she trusted would protect her if they found out about her magic. It was only the past couple of years, but those feelings of fear, depression, and betrayal – they were suffocating, encompassing, distressing.
And Merlin had this his whole life.
The sorcerer nodded. "And that's not just it. He's Emrys." The sorcerer turned away, refusing to let the witch gauge his emotions. "He's immortal."
Morgana didn't respond, and simply stared back shocked.
"That's why I need that dagger," the madman finally admitted. "Nothing can kill him, but the dagger to his heart." He lifted his right hand, staring at it with a disgusted passion. "Not a simple scratch nor impalement though his hand." He laughed suddenly, turning around to face Morgana again before throwing his head back so that his hood almost fell off and his pointed nose peaked out. "I would love to stab him, push the blade into his chest so that his warm red blood pours out from the wound." He wiggled his fingers as if he could feel the liquid already. "His heart would beat its last, the muscle rubbing against the blade, and pushing it deeper in. His eyes would widen in fear and his blood would choke him."
"You want answers, stupid witch? What questions do you have?" He challenged. "Why do I want to kill Emrys? Where did I get that blade from? Where am I from? WHO AM I?" He bellowed.
"I will give you your answers. Emrys, the druid king, the supposed savior of magic-kind, was the sole reason for the death of everyone I loved." He cast his face down, and even Morgana could feel that sorrow that resonated off him - the pain that cast the man into insanity. "If it were painless, perhaps my hatred would be less. But his foolish desire to protect the one man who would see all magic destroyed, killing millions of innocent people. He deserves death."
"I waited, and begged for years. So many years, that I lost track. I'm not going to lie – I was distracted several times, I thought I may have found my happiness again, a new family. But the moment I thought it was mine, it would be ripped from my arms." He lifted his vacant arms to make his point. "His mistakes – his wrong decisions haunted me."
"He deserves death, Morgana," the sorcerer repeated, but this time it seemed more like he was begging. Morgana's eyes softened, understanding his loss. "So, I went back to the Lake of Avalon and even then, Lady of the Lake refused to help me – despite her death being caused by him. I ended up conspiring with the Sidhe, bargaining Emrys's life for my loved ones, and stole that blade without the Lady's approval." He stated, almost proudly.
"I would rather be damned than miss my one opportunity to save my family," He whispered, forlornly. His mood shifted quickly and the sorrow was replaced by anger. "I think that covers all of your questions, doesn't it?"
"No, wait, there's one more," He prowled towards her. "Who am I?"
"I am the Death God. And I'm here to pass sentence." He pounced at her, his vice-like hand clasping around her neck. Morgana choked, clawing at his surprisingly strong arm.
"Die, Witch," He gritted out even as his hand tightened.
Morgana felt herself grow dizzy, her hands still clutching his cloaked arm sleeve. Her eyes rolled to the back, and she felt herself slowly slip into unconsciousness.
A piercing pain rippled through her, and she felt her arms fall to the sides, as the Black Sorcerer lifted her. He stared up at her, thoroughly enjoying the slow and painful death he decided to condemn her to. She was vaguely aware of her surroundings – the torch light dimming in the corner of her eye, the rough tunnel walls poking through her thin garment, and multiple shadows falling on the opposite walls.
There were multiple shadows on the opposite wall.
Perhaps her dizziness and blurry vision was the reason why she saw so many shadows.
"STOP!" A voice screamed, and she felt herself collapse to the ground, coughing roughly. She took in deep breaths as her throat burned. And then she lifted her head.
Arthur stood protectively in front of her, Holding his sword out towards the sorcerer opposite to him. Four other men surrounded the sorcerer, also wielding swords.
And Merlin rushed towards Morgana, holding her as his worried eyes scanned her to make sure she was fine.
"Emrys," an amalgam of voices suddenly echoed through the tunnel, aimed at the secret servant. "Come to die!" The sorcerer leaped towards the warlock, his hand outstretched, before Arthur obstructed his path.
The prince swung his sword, even as his four friends closed in. And the sorcerer fought, throwing small fire balls at his opponents. Merlin helped Morgana up, leading her towards the opening as he kept a watchful eye on his friends.
Yet, the sorcerer seemed like he didn't want to hurt any of them besides Merlin. His spells were aimed at clearing a wide path to hit Emrys more so than play offense. He pushed back all five warriors with a strong gush of wind. And just for a brief moment, he succeeded in his goal – he saw his chance to attack his target. The logical part of his mind reminded him he needed the dagger. The insane part just wanted Merlin dead. So, without thinking he released the most dangerous spell he could.
And the warlock barely had time to react, simply staring as the fireball rushed at him.
"Merlin!" Arthur yelled, and then came in the middle. For a brief second, time froze. The fire would hit the prince at the center of his chest.
And Merlin didn't think.
"Scildan!" The Warlock roared, thrusting his hand forward. A golden shield formed around Arthur, blasting the Black Sorcerer onto the tunnel wall and dissipating the fire simultaneously. Merlin moved to stand in front of his friends, holding his hand out defensively.
"Don't you dare lay a finger on my friends!" Merlin bellowed towards the cloaked man struggling to his feet. The golden eyes studied the fury plastered on the warlock's face.
And then he laughed, throwing his head back as the noise resounded audibly through the tunnels. "I never intended to hurt anyone but you. Yet, you still do a brilliant job of hurting yourself!" He chuckled mockingly. "Let's see how the Pendragons decide to sentence you – beheading or burning!"
He pulled his cloak together and in a single twirl, he transported out of the tunnels. The force of his wind blew the flame of the torch out, leaving the bravest of Camelot in the dark.
Leaving Merlin in the dark.
A/N: I tried to get the black sorcerer to attack Morgana, then Merlin saves her, and Arthur goes for the last blow typa-thing. But these characters never listen to me.
Also in my story, the dragon was never released. He's still stuck in the bottom of the castle.
Sorry for the delay in updating. Incredibly busy schedule and I am out of country right now. I don't know if I can publish the next chapter anytime soon – I'm hoping to get the next chapter up well before November, but no promises.
Meanwhile, you can stay preoccupied by leaving reviews :P
Also, thank you to the 102 followers! And all the recent reviews! I'm gonna catch up on responding to all you sometime. Thank you for your continuous support.
