'I don't see the point of hunting.'

'Half the time it's for fun, half the time it's because we have nothing better to do.'

'And today?'

'Fun.'

'I see.'

'Merlin, quiet!' Merlin and Thalia's conversation was interrupted by Arthur who pointed off to the side and sent two knights around.

'What is it?'

Arthur was squinting through the trees. 'I don't know. We'll surround it. I want you to go in there and flush it out.'

'You want me to go in there? You just said you don't know what it is. It could be dangerous.'

Arthur put a hand on Merlin's shoulder. 'Let's hope so. Now go.'

When Merlin skulked off Thalia took his place beside Arthur. 'It's not in his nature to hunt, Arthur, give him a break.'

'Maybe you should go see if he's alright.'

'Fine.' Thalia stood up and followed Merlin to find him petting a white unicorn. 'Whoa.'

Merlin turned to her and smiled but then his eyes widened as Thalia also rubbed a hand along its neck. He whispered to the creature urgently.

'Go. Go! Please, go. Shh. They're gonna kill you. Please, go!'

Then Arthur appeared.

'Arthur, no!' Merlin and Thalia had shouted too late.

'Idiot,' Thalia murmured and leant beside the now collapsed beast.

Merlin started to cry softly as they held the unicorn's head. 'I'm sorry. Sorry.'

Arthur slid down the bank. 'Ha-ha! A unicorn!' He gleefully surveyed his kill.

'What have you done?' Merlin watched him.

'Don't be such a girl, Merlin.'

'Oi!' shouted Thalia and Arthur involuntarily took a tiny step backwards.

Suddenly Merlin provided a distraction as he stood up slightly and looked as if he was peering at something. His face held shock and surprise, causing Arthur to notice.

'What are you looking at?'

Thalia moved her jaw; worried. She was fairly sure of what happens when a unicorn is killed.

Merlin looked to her, worry in his eyes.

'Tell me later.'

He nodded.

'Father! A unicorn's horn to grace the walls of Camelot.' Arthur swaggered happily into the council chambers, Merlin following with the horn on a velvet pillow and a sour uncomfortable look on his face.

'Magnificent. It's the first one I've seen.' Uther took the twisted white horn, wonder and awe taking over his previously tired features. 'Gaius, look at this.'

'…It is very impressive, My Lord.' He sounded uneasy.

Uther rolled his eyes, hearing the tone. 'What is it, Gaius? Speak your mind.'

'Unicorns are rare and mystical creatures. There is a legend that says that bad fortune will come to anyone who slays one.' Gaius spoke plainly like always and had

the definitive air that he knew he was going to be ignored by the cheerful king.

'Nonsense. We will be the envy of every kingdom.'

Thalia squirmed uncomfortably, not that anyone but Merlin noticed.

'I'm pleased you like it.' Arthur did indeed look pleased with himself.


Thalia was about to eat her breakfast when there was an urgent knock on the door.

'My Lady!'

'Yes?'

'The King requests your presence as a matter of urgency.'

'Of course. Make sure my food stays there.'


Arthur and Thalia stood in a field which was healthy the day before. And now its once lively wheat colour was a deadened brown.

Uther looked over the sloped field. 'Every single ear has died. We've received reports that it's the same throughout the entire kingdom.'

'Thalia and I rode through this valley only yesterday. The crop looked healthy enough then.' Arthur sounded equally as dumbfounded.

'It happened overnight. Farmers are at a lost to explain it.' Uther turned his head. 'Thalia?'

'It may seem Gaius was right. Perhaps this is the curse of a unicorn. Although, it could be normal magic. Even a sudden change in temperature last night might have done this.'

'Or a disease of some kind?' Arthur peered at the ground.

'That too.'

Uther stood up once more. 'Perhaps. I've asked the court physician to conduct some tests. We must ration what little food we have left.'

Thalia ran a hand through her braided hair. She had a strong suspicion it was because of Arthur and the unicorn they were facing this. Though how she could convince him this was true and then get him out of guilt once she had was still a mystery.


And they thought the food situation was bad enough.

'Sand. And you say the well is full of it?' Uther wore the same grave expression as his son, Gaius and Thalia.

'I sent men down to the underground reservoir. There is no trace of water to be found.'

'First the crops, and now this.'

'It's the same throughout the kingdom. There's precious little water anywhere.'

'Gaius. Thalia. Can you offer any explanation for this?'

They both snapped out of their thoughts when Uther spoke their names.

'I cannot think of a scientific explanation. I can only conclude it's the result of sorcery.'

Thalia nodded.

'I believe you're right. It is the work of magic. The kingdom is under attack.'


Arthur and Thalia were instructing guards for the curfew that evening, both exhausted but ignoring their fatigue as usual.

'Patrol the market and the lower town. No one is to leave their homes. Dismissed.'

Thalia paused as she heard movements. She tapped Arthur's shoulder as he shuffled past. 'Am I really tired or can you hear footsteps as well?'

They looked around. There in the middle of the square was Merlin, walking briskly across.

'Merlin. You do realise there's a curfew?'

'Yeah, I was in your chambers, hunting for the rat.'

Thalia stifled a yawn and looked at Merlin.

Arthur relaxed. 'Did you find it?'

'No.'

'So you have been outwitted by a rat?'

'They do say rats are very intelligent.'

'More intelligent than you, it would seem.'

Thalia was laughing now.

'Go home. It'd be embarrassing to have to lock up my own servant for breaking the curfew.' Arthur frowned and Thalia turned to follow his gaze. 'What was that?'

'What?'

Then they saw a light cloak disappearing.

'Oh.'

The three of them ran after the man down the Upper Corridor, down some stairs, and down the Wrought Iron Stairway to the Burial Vaults.

'Where did he go?'

'No idea.'

Arthur spent a long moment signalling to Merlin but pulled an impatient face when he realised Merlin didn't know what the hand movements meant. He spoke through impatient gritted teeth and repeated his signals. 'That means you go the other way and cut him off!'

'Okay.'

They separated, Thalia walking with Merlin and looked around. They met at the stairs again.

'Where is he?'

'We didn't see anyone.'

'He was right here! Are you sure you didn't go past him?'

'Arthur, no one passed us.' Thalia shook her head.

'Well then what the-'

'Are you looking for me?' Their three heads turned to see an old man holding a staff, dressed in all white and a hood over his head. 'I am Anhora, Keeper of the Unicorns.' His voice displayed his age.

Thalia bit her cheek. "Ah," she thought.

Arthur straightened. 'Camelot is under curfew. What's your business here?'

'I have come to deliver a message.'

'And who is this message for?'

'It is for you, Arthur Pendragon.'

'Is it you who's responsible for killing our crops, turning our water into sand?'

'You alone are responsible for the misfortune that has befallen Camelot.'

'Me?! You think I'd bring drought and famine upon my own people?'

Thalia stepped in. 'Not that you knew at the time, but you did kill the unicorn and what Gaius said about them is true.'

'When you killed the unicorn, you unleashed a curse. For this, Camelot will suffer greatly.' Anhora added to her statement.

'If you have put a curse on Camelot, you will lift it, or you will pay with your life.' Arthur gripped his sword tighter.

Thalia sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose.

'The curse was not my doing.'

'Undo the curse or face execution.'

Thalia began rubbing her temple.

'Only you can do that. You will be tested.'

'You're under arrest.'

Arthur reached for Anhora, only to stumble as Anhora reappeared on the stairs.

'Until you have proven yourself, and made amends for killing the unicorn, the curse will not be lifted. If you fail any of these tests, Camelot will be damned for all eternity.'

Thalia knew Arthur hadn't listened. She knew it was up to her and Merlin to talk him round now.


'That... rat! It's eaten through my boot, look at it!'

Thalia sighed, turning a page in her blue book. She was trying to read about the unicorn curse. Unfortunately Arthur's mood was opposing the peace she needed to concentrate.

'I guess the rat must be as hungry as the rest of us!' Merlin was groaning.

'You think this is funny?'

'Moderately.'

'Get it mended.' Arthur threw the boot at Merlin and paced to his collection to get another pair. 'Find that rat.'

Merlin glanced at Arthur. 'Have you given any more thought to what Anhora said last night?'

'Ah, well, he may have escaped last night, but at least we now know who we're looking for. I told my father I'll find this Anhora and put an end to it.'

Merlin and Thalia exchanged a look, Thalia rolling her eyes as Merlin tried again. 'What if he was telling the truth about the curse?'

'You think I'm responsible for bringing suffering upon my own people?'

'No, not deliberately. When you killed the unicorn, I saw Anhora in the forest.'

Arthur looked up from his feet, pausing his ply to get his boots on to stare at Merlin in disbelief. 'Why didn't you say anything?'

'It was just for a second, and then he disappeared. I didn't even...well, I-I thought I was seeing things. But he was definitely there.'

'…That doesn't actually prove anything.'

'Doesn't it make you think he might be telling the truth?'

Arthur rolled his eyes. 'Because he was skulking about in the forest? That makes me trust him even less.'

'May I remind you,' interrupted Thalia, 'it was you who was skulking round in that forest looking for game?'

'You and Merlin were also both there!' Arthur began to sound like an arguing child.

'Yes, but we were the ones that told you not to shoot the unicorn, rather than the one who fired the crossbow.'

Merlin sensed the argument about to break out. 'Why would Anhora appear in Camelot, and then lie to you?'

Arthur considered this momentarily. 'We had him cornered. He was trying to talk his way out of it by blaming me.'

'Arthur, he can disappear into thin air. He didn't have to talk his way out of anything.'

Arthur stood up and glared at Merlin. Both were on the opposite side of the table. 'My father has warned me about sorcerers like him. They will not rest until our kingdom is destroyed.'

'Sure.' Thalia turned a page.

'Well, I believe he's telling the truth.'

'Then you're a fool. You cannot trust a single word a sorcerer says. You'd do well to remember that.'

'That's my kind you're talking about. And me.'

Arthur glanced sheepishly at Thalia who still had her head down as he read with a slight frown on her face. Anyway, I think I've figured out what Anhora's next move is going to be, and when he makes it, we're going to be waiting.'

'Oh, joy.' Thalia rolled her eyes as she stood up and walked with Arthur out of his chambers.


'Don't you worry about keeping watch, Merlin. You just make yourself comfortable.'

Back in her preferred clothes of pants and a smart shirt, Thalia smiled as she overheard Arthur's usual impatience and his irritated manner, a common display since the crops died.

'Stop smacking your lips. It's annoying.'

'I'm thirsty.'

'We're all thirsty, Merlin.'

Even above her footsteps Thalia heard Merlin sigh.

'Pst! Someone's coming.'

Thalia drew her sword and quickened her pace, entering the room and moving in front of Merlin.

"You go over there and come in," Arthur mouthed and signalled to Thalia who nodded and tugged on Merlin's sleeve, motioning for him to follow her.

The crept around the back and heard Arthur address the intruder.

'Show yourself, before I run you through.'

Merlin and Thalia crouched down and stuck their heads round the corner. An average heighted, timid man holding a spade in one hand and a sack of grain in the other emerged from the shadows.

Arthur lowered his sword. 'Who are you?'

Thalia frowned, suspicious.

'My name is... My name is...'

'Speak up!'

'My name is Evan, My Lord.'

Thalia stepped out from the shadows and Merlin took that as a sign he could as well.

'I see you think you can help yourself to our grain reserves. My father has order that looters be executed.'

'Please, My Lord. I- I do not steal for myself. I have three children they have not eaten for two days. They are hungry.'

'It's the same for everyone.'

'I- I know that it is wrong to steal. I couldn't bear to see them starve.'

'And could you bear for your children to see you be executed?'

Evan shook his head and Thalia noticed tears in his eyes before he lowered his head, looking to the floor.

'… … Then you should go home. If you're caught stealing again, I will not spare you.'

Evan looked up. 'Yes, My Lord. Thank you.'

Evan put the sack down and walked past them.

Arthur hesitated. 'Wait.' He bent down and tossed the sack of grain back to Evan. 'Use it sparingly. It might be the last food you and your family get for some time.'

Evan smiled ad his demeanour changed. 'You have shown yourself to be merciful and kind, My Lord. This will bring its own reward.'

Thalia frowned. '… Anhora…?'

Arthur frowned but stayed where he was, not sure whether he should move forward or back. How had Thalia seen that? How could anyone?


'Merlin!'

The warlock turned to see his friend walking slowly and carefully down the corridor balancing two enormous trays piled with metal cups and five large silver jugs each.

'Thalia, what have you got there… no!'

'Oh yes!'

Merlin's face lit up. 'NO!'

'Oh yes! Come on!'

Merlin outstretched his hands and Thalia gratefully passed him one of the trays.

'It really was Anhora last night; the water's back.'

'Excellent!'

They continued walking to Arthur's chambers but Thalia stopped when they passed two guards.

'This is really, really excellent, e- Thalia?' Merlin turned. 'Oh.'

'This water isn't just for Arthur, you know, Merlin.'

'Of course. Sorry.'

The guards happily took a cup each and thanked them before they kept walking.

They reached Arthur's door.

Thalia sighed. 'Ah.'

'What? Ah.'

Neither of them had any spare hands.

'Hang on, you pass yours to me, I'll balance it and then you can open it-'

'Or… we could just do this.' Thalia lightly kicked the door three times.

'What?' a croaky voice came from within.

'Arthur, get the door.'

'Get it yourself.'

'Oh, just open the damn door would you!?' Thalia snapped.

It opened a couple of seconds later and Arthur stuck his head out, rubbing his eyes and yawning. 'Thalia. What do you want… is that what I think it is?'

'Yep.'

Arthur's yawn faded. 'Brilliant!'

He held the door open as Merlin and Thalia set the tray down.


'Never knew water could taste so good.' Arthur had just finished his third tankard.

'My throat was so dry, I thought I wouldn't be able to talk.' Merlin poured himself another cup.

'Well, at least some good would've come from the drought, then.'

Thalia giggled.

'More?'

As Merlin poured more Arthur frowned. 'The sand's disappeared. The water returned to the well. It doesn't make any sense.'

Merlin coughed pointedly.

Arthur let his eyes glaze over briefly and with an air of disinterest said; 'I suppose you have some explanation for this, Merlin? Let's hear it.'

'Anhora said you would be tested. And last night, in the grain store, you let that villager go. And he said it would bring its own reward.'

'He was merely grateful, and so he should have been.'

'Maybe that was your first test. You passed it, so the curse has begun to lift. Perhaps this is your reward. I know you don't have to listen to me-'

'Glad we agree on something.'

'-If you're tested again, you have a chance to end your people's suffering. I know you want that more than anything. Perhaps we should seek Anhora out.'

'I cannot negotiate with sorcerers. My father wouldn't hear of it.'

'I'll just pretend I don't exist for the sake of your argument, shall I?' Thalia poured more water.

'Then it's probably best you don't tell him.' Merlin added.

Arthur glanced at them both. 'I must go check on the guard. See if you can find me some food.' He walked out.

'So close,' Thalia sighed at their failed attempt.

Merlin meanwhile shook his head. 'Find some food. Yeah right. How the hell am I supposed to do that?'

And then they heard squeaking.

Both their heads turned evilly toward Arthur's moving boot.

Merlin grinned. 'Swealt déor.'


Morgana had joined Arthur and Thalia outside, watching starving people on the side of the paths.

'Who are they?'

'They've come from the outlying villages in search of food. There's not enough rations to feed the people who are already here,' said Arthur bitterly.

'You shouldn't blame yourself.' Morgana watched him. 'I'm sure you're doing everything you can.'

Thalia bit her tongue slightly.

'It is not enough.' Arthur walked away.

Morgana looked at Thalia with a questioning frown.

'He's fine, just pressured.'

Gwen approached them with a large basket with cloth over the top.

'Did you manage to find any food?' Morgana murmured to her.

Gwen pulled the cloth back to reveal bread, ten apples, ham, cheese, chicken and even some pears.

'Where did you get that?!'

'I was able to smuggle the bread out of the palace kitchens.'

'And everything else?'

'Thalia hadn't eaten her breakfast or lunch the day the plague began and she kept it in case of this happening.'

Both Gwen and Morgana smiled up at the taller Thalia who shrugged slightly. 'The cheese I smuggled out of the kitchen though.'

They all laughed a little.

'Share it out amongst the children and old people. Make it go as far as you can.'

Gwen nodded and started handing it out. Thalia turned to go back into the castle.

'Where are you going, is there anything I can do to help?'

'Oh, I doubt it, Morgana, sorry. I'm going to go to the kitchens again and have another look.'

Knock. Knock. Merlin, who had just set the pot down in Arthur's chambers frowned. Everyone knew Arthur was in the council chambers. He crossed to the door and opened it to see Thalia.

'What are you doing here?'

'You think I'd pass up the opportunity to watch Arthur eating rat?'

Merlin laughed and they gasped as they heard Arthur coming.


Arthur pushed the bowl across the table. 'Lost my appetite.'

'You have to eat something.' Merlin stood back from the table after pouring the stew into Arthur's bowl. Thalia was perched on the other end of the table.

'I can't. Not while my people are starving. Do you really believe I'm responsible for the curse?'

'I'm afraid so.'

'As am I.'

'…We're going to the forest, first thing in the morning. Maybe we can pick up Anhora's trail. Whatever it takes.'

'Okay, but you have to eat. You won't be able to help anyone if you're too weak to pass the test.'

Arthur gave up and took a mouthful. Then his face screwed up in confusion. 'What kind of meat is this? It has a very strange texture.'

'It's pork.' Merlin had his innocent face on again.

'This isn't pork! It's far too stringy. What is it? It's, erm...' Then he noticed Thalia holding her side as she silently laughed. He put down his spoon. 'It's rat, isn't it?'

Merlin nodded. 'Try not to think about it.'

But Arthur had other ideas. After gulping down a lot of water he looked at Merlin maliciously. 'Look at me. I'm being rude. Here I am, stuffing my face with this delicious stew when you're hungry, too. Come on.' He stood up and patted the chair. 'Take a seat.'

Merlin stood in front of the chair and Arthur shoved him down into it. 'Eat.'

Merlin took a bite and Arthur smirked. 'Mmm.' He pushed Merlin's hand toward his mouth when the servant paused

'It's actually pretty tasty.' Merlin's face, however, said otherwise.

'Mm. Well, I'm glad you like it. Because...' Arthur fetched the pot of rat stew, '...there's plenty more.'

A knock saved Merlin momentarily.

'Enter. Morgana?'

'I hate to ask, but I was wondering if you had anything to eat...'

Arthur opened his mouth to reply when he stopped, an idea no doubt forming in his head. Thalia and Merlin smiled.

Thalia and Arthur were crouched slightly, looking at the forest and their surroundings carefully while Merlin trailed uncertainly behind them.

'I'm not entirely sure what I'm looking for.'

'You're looking for… footprints or broken branches. Anything that would indicate someone passed that...' Arthur trailed off as he and Thalia saw Anhora walking away.

'Merlin! Merlin! He's here!'

'Arthur?!' But they had already run off and he missed where to.

They ran through the forest but stopped dead, arms flying out to their sides from the momentum and helping to steady them. The man from the grain store, Ivan was sitting in under a make-do tent, surrounded by bags of grain, carrots, apples and tomatoes.

'You? You're a thief.'

'Wasn't that obvious when you caught me stealing your grain?'

'Fortunately I have more important things to deal with.' Arthur began to walk past.

Thalia glanced at him. So he didn't believe this was Anhora's doing. Again.

'You didn't really believe that story about my children, did you?'

Arthur paced back. 'What kind of man lies about starving children to save his own skin?'

'Your people starve because you let thieves steal their grain. That is why they doubt you.'

'You don't speak for my people.'

'Hey, your father would never have allowed himself to be fooled like that.'

'Arthur…' Thalia said lowly and quietly.

'You hold your tongue, or I will make time to teach you some manners.'

'Your father would have had me executed, but you didn't have the stomach for it, did you, Arthur? And that's why he doubts you'll make a good king.'

'You know nothing of what my father thinks.' Arthur's face held poised venom now.

Thalia squired as she began to dread the outcome of this charming conversation.

'I think he wishes he had another son, one who was worthy of taking his place. You shame him.'

'Pick up your sword.'
Thalia nearly let out an agitated groan but held it in. She wasn't sure if she helped Arthur the test would count.

Evan picked up his sword and stood up. 'The King must fear the day when you will take the throne.'

Arthur swiped and they fought, Thalia unsheathing her own sword in case and leaning on it.

'He fears you do not have enough strength to defeat his enemies. The King must wonder if you are even his son.' Evan was near teasing Arthur now and Thalia could see why.

They fought until Arthur won, striking an easily fatal blow to the man. Or would have had he not disappeared. Anhora appeared behind him and Arthur's bright eyes stayed in their glare.

'This is your doing?'

'It was a test to see what is truly in your heart.'

'Uh oh.' Thalia knew Arthur's patience was being tested to the limits and only a few words away from snapping completely.

'Your tricks prove nothing!'

'Why did you kill this man?'

Thalia closed her eyes and prayed Arthur would say the right thing. But she opened them wide in dismay moments later.

'He insulted my honour!'

'You could have chosen to ignore his taunts. What harm would they do you?'

Arthur ignored Anhora's comment and stepped toward him. 'You will lift the curse, Sorcerer.'

Thalia knew that Arthur had already accepted the curse was his doing, but perhaps in his anger he had forgotten.

'It is not in my power.'

'Then you will die.'

Arthur lunged at Anhora with a sword but he disappeared and Arthur stumbled. Thalia sheathed her sword and moved toward them a few steps.

'Killing me will not help you.'

Arthur tried again, only to get the same result and fell. Thalia shot forward and caught him, holding him up.

'You have shown that you would kill a man to defend your pride. You have failed the test. For this, Camelot will pay dearly.'

Arthur looked at Anhora in dread, still standing only by Thalia's help. 'My people have done nothing!'

'Your people's suffering is not my doing. It is yours.'

Anhora disappeared and Arthur let his weight drop. Thalia lowered him carefully to the ground as Arthur looked down in despair.

'I'm sorry, Thalia.' Despite the water being back his voice was cracked, heavy and hoarse.

'Shhh.' She rested her chin on his still hung head as she held him tighter.

'I'm such an idiot.'

She spoke gently. 'You are, yes.'

'What did I do?'

'You shouldn't have attacked Evan for the sake of your pride; you should've done it for the sake of justice. You went all big-headed on me.'

'I'm so sorry.' Arthur began to shake slightly and Thalia adjusted her hold and put her lips back to his head.

'Shh…'

Merlin finally found them and with one look at Thalia's face knew Arthur had failed his test.


Thalia gently stuck her head into the armoury to find Arthur picking out a new sword.

'You're not gonna like this.'

'What?'

Thalia walked away, leading him. With a sense of utmost dread Arthur realised they were going to the food store. When they entered he saw his father letting grain fall through his fingers.

'What is it? What's happened?'

'All our remaining supplies have rotted. Every last grain.' Uther walked out as Arthur looked at Merlin in shock then lost his balance slightly. In panic he reached to Thalia who caught his wrist, allowing him to steady himself.


Arthur was brooding in thought by his father's chair when he heard his faster paced than usual footsteps. With a glance to Thalia that this could only mean bad news he turned to address his father as he stormed in.

'There are some supplies left in the palace stores. We are distributing them to the people, but… there is not enough to live on. … They will not survive for long.'

'Then you must stop distributing food to the people.'

'They will starve.'

'We must conserve the food we have for our army.'

'We cannot let our people go without food.'

Uther's voice became firm. 'We must defend the kingdom at all cost.'

Arthur raised his voice. 'What's the point of defending a kingdom when the people...'

'Well, what would you have me do?!' Uther shouted over Arthur's unfinished sentence and walked to the top of the table.

'... starve to death?!' Arthur looked out the window, thinking for a second. 'Ask the neighbouring kingdoms for help.'

'Ha.'

'They may be able to spare some food.'

'Out of the question. As soon as they realise how we weak we are, our enemies will strike against us.'

'You don't know that for certain!'

'Besides I would rather starve than beg my enemies for help! What of our kingdom's reputation? Have you no pride?'

Arthur had learnt his lesson. 'I cannot think of my pride when our people go hungry. They're all I can think of.'

'Give the order to stop distributing food to the people. Is that understood?'

Thalia knew Arthur wouldn't.

'You'll have to give that order yourself.' Arthur walked out.

'Very well. But if you'd caught the sorcerer,' Uther shouted after him, 'I would not have to. That's your responsibility! One day you will understand what it takes to be King! Thalia, news?'

'None, but I'm looking as fast as I can.'

'Thank you. I won't keep you from it.'

'Thank you, sire.' Thalia ran after Arthur.


'This is a mess.' Thalia looked at the queue for food winding out of sight in the square below.

'I'm sorry.'

'Saying that isn't going to help, Arthur.'

Merlin, Arthur and Thalia stood in silence for a while.

Arthur leant on the stone wall in front of him. 'They do not know yet know there is worse to come.'

Merlin took one look at Thalia's grave face and became startled. 'What do you mean?'

'My father is going to stop distributing food to the people. They are to be left to starve. I had a chance to lift the curse. And I failed them.'

'You weren't to know you were being tested.' Merlin was trying his best to comfort the depressed prince.

'My people are starving. Camelot is on the verge of collapse. And it is all my doing.'


Evening brought with it the gloomiest feel yet as Thalia could hear the cries of children and she knew an uneaten lunch couldn't help. Then she saw someone hurrying out of the castle.

'Merlin! Where are you going?'

'To speak to Anhora. He has to give Arthur another chance!'

She nodded. 'Good luck.'


The next morning Thalia was helping Arthur shove things into his bags. Merlin was helping him into his armour.

'Let me come with you. You don't know what form of test will take. I might be able to help.'

'You're not coming. I brought this curse upon Camelot. I'm gonna be the one to lift it, or die trying.'

'Alright, how does you dying help anyone?'

Arthur fought to find his reply. 'I'll… die knowing I did everything I can.'

'I'm coming with you.'

'Merlin, you are to stay here, and help the people as best you can. Is that understood?'

'How come Thalia is going with you, then?!'

Arthur looked at the warrior who had paused in stuffing a water bottle into a bag and looked up at the mention of her name.

'… Because I know there's no point in arguing with her.'


They galloped out of Camelot and over terrain, Thalia hiding her face every now and then to let her eyes flash with a storm as she used magic to make sure they were going in the right direction.

After a while they saw the maze in front of them and looked at each other before riding toward it once more. They tied up their horses and stood in. Arthur ran straight in and turned right. Thalia on the other hand unsheathed her longer sword and let it drag on the ground, leaving a mark as she caught up with him. Neither of them spoke as they walked side by side, Arthur's nerves set on edge by the sound of Thalia's dragging sword while she herself remained calm.

'Look, if we get lost can't you just use magic?' snapped Arthur, the scraping sound finally too much.

'…Fine.'

They kept running until suddenly, after walking round yet another corner, saw an exit. Without a word they walked out carefully to see a wide beach that stretched further than they could see. There was no sand, only rocks. A table was set up a way along with two goblets, Merlin at one end and a log waiting to be sat on at another.

Thalia knew at once what it was and walked to stand beside Anhora.

Arthur meanwhile stood there stupidly. 'Merlin?'

'I'm sorry.'

'Let him go. I'll take your test, but not till he's released.'

Thalia smiled at Arthur's words.

Anhora blinked at him. 'That is not possible. Merlin is part of the test. Please, sit. If you refuse the test, you will have failed and Camelot will be destroyed.'

Arthur sat down, annoyed. 'I thought I told you to stay at home.'

Merlin looked sheepish.

Arthur rolled his eyes. 'Let's get on with it.'

'There are two goblets before you. One of the goblets contains a deadly poison, the other goblet, a harmless liquid. All the liquid from both goblets must be drunk, but each of you may only drink from a single goblet.'

Arrogance took over Arthur for a moment. 'What kind of ridiculous test is that? What does that prove?'

'What it proves is for you to decide. If you pass the test, the curse will be lifted.'

In case Arthur had a retort for Anhora's sentence Merlin got him focused on the goblets. 'Let's think about this. What if I drink from my goblet first?'

Arthur reluctantly turned his attention to the problem, though not before glancing at Thalia. Was that amusement on her face? 'If it's poisoned, you'll die.' If only he could read Thalia's mind.

'And if it's not, then you'll have to drink from yours, and you'll die. There must be a way around it.' Merlin shook his head.

'How long do you think it will take them?' Thalia murmured to Anhora, who chuckled slightly.

Arthur still had his grave face on. 'It is perfectly simple. One of us has to die. We have to find a way to determine which goblet has the poison. And then I'll drink it.'

'I will be the one to drink it.'

'This is my doing. I'm drinking it.'

Thalia laughed as quietly as she could. 'Here they go again.'

'It is more important that you live. You're the future king. I'm just a servant.'

'This is no time to be a hero, Merlin. It really doesn't suit you.'

Thalia continued to laugh silently.

Merlin sighed. 'What if I drink from mine first, and if that's not poisoned, I will then drink yours?'

Arthur glanced at Anhora. 'He said each of us is only allowed to drink from a single goblet.' Then he looked at Merlin, a ghost of a smile on his face. 'I had no idea you were so keen to die for me.'

'Trust me, I can hardly believe it myself.'

Arthur laughed and let his warm smile show on his face properly. 'I'm glad you are here, Merlin.'

Thalia, who had got herself under control, smiled.

As Arthur sighed Merlin looked like he'd had a breakthrough. 'I've got it. Right, we pour all the liquid into one goblet and then we can be sure it is poisoned. Then all the liquid can be drunk, and it will be from a single goblet.'

Arthur looked at him in disbelief. 'You never cease to surprise me. You're a lot smarter than you look.'

'Is that actually a compliment?'

'I'd take it and run,' called Thalia and Merlin laughed.

Arthur looked at Merlin, then pointed behind him urgently. 'Look out!'

When Merlin looked away, Arthur quickly picked up both goblets and poured one into the other. Then Merlin turned back, face in a frown then in panic when he saw what Arthur had done.

'No! I will drink it!'

'As if I'd let you.'

'You can't die. This isn't your destiny.'

Thalia found everything funny again.

'It seems you're wrong again.'

'Listen to me!'

'You know me, Merlin. I never listen to you.' Arthur raised the goblet in a toast to Merlin, looked to Thalia (who was hiding her amusement) for a long moment, eyes soft and downed the contents.

'Arthur! No! What have you done?'

Arthur fell off the log to the ground and Merlin sprang forward. 'Arthur! No!' Merlin started to shake him. 'Arthur. Arthur. Come on! Arthur, come on. Come on. Come on! Arthur… No... Come on.' He turned to Anhora. 'Please. Please! Just... let me take his place!'

'This was Arthur's test, not yours.'

'You've killed him! I was meant to protect him!'

And Thalia lost it. The laughter she had been holding in burst forth and she doubled over and stumbled slightly, laughing.

Merlin watched in horror. She had found Arthur's death funny? He thought she loved him! Or perhaps she did so much his death had already sent her mad.

Anhora's eyes sparkled as he did his best to ignore the laughing high priestess beside him. 'He is not dead. He's merely consumed a sleeping draught. He will come round shortly.'

'… What?'

The vacant look on Merlin's face only sent Thalia into hysterics.

'A unicorn is pure of heart. If you kill one, you must make amends by proving that you also are pure of heart. Arthur was willing to sacrifice his life to save yours. He has proven what is truly in his heart. The curse will be lifted.'

When Merlin's face lifted Thalia walked forward and sat beside him and Arthur, crossing her legs.

'Of course it wasn't poison, how thick are you two?'

'I thought you'd gone mad when you started laughing.'

'Of course not. You think I'd go mad over Arthur?'

'Honestly? Yes.'

'Merlin, it's not in my nature to go mad with grief.'

'I see. So would you mind helping me get him back to his horse?'

'He won't be out for long, I'm not carrying the damn fool.'

And Thalia was right. A couple of minutes later Arthur's eyes opened as he grunted, his usual annoyed when woken noise. He saw sky and then Thalia's face, framed with her hair. She was peering at him.

He rolled his eyes. 'Ah, it's my angel. I must be heaven, then.'

'Of course you're not, get up.'

'What?' Arthur frowned. 'Did you save me with magic or something?'

Thalia took one look at Arthur's confused face and let her arms collapse and she fell backward, landing on his stomach as she laughed.

'Urgh! What?'

Merlin, chuckling at how much Thalia found this funny, began to explain.


When they rode back into Camelot they were greeted with people celebrating and carrying plates heaped with food. Thalia smiled at Arthur as they dismounted their horses.

'Merlin, Thalia, Arthur, there is good news! The crops are growing once again! They are bringing in the harvest!' Gaius was walking with arms full of food.

'You did it.' Merlin smiled, looking at Arthur and their surroundings.

Uther walked out to meet them. 'Is this your doing? Is the sorcerer dead?'

Arthur glanced at Thalia. 'He won't be troubling us anymore.'

'Good. Make sure the grain reserves are re-stocked.' Uther gave Arthur two heavy pats on his arm.

'I'll see to it.' Arthur looked around. 'There's something we must do first.'


They were in the forest where Arthur had killed the unicorn by a small bed of rocks with red fabric lining it. Arthur held the unicorn's horn and solemnly placed it on the fabric.

'I should never have ended your life. I'm sorry.'

As they put rocks over the top Thalia and Merlin turned their heads toward a faint noise and stood up with grins.

'Arthur...'

Thalia tapped his shoulder.

Arthur followed their gazes and grins to see the same unicorn he had killed, watching them gracefully.

'When he who kills a unicorn proves himself to be pure of heart, the unicorn will live again,' Thalia said softly.

Arthur didn't move his wondered gaze from the unicorn but turned his head slightly in her direction. 'Something from your books?'

'Mm.' Thalia put an arm over Arthur's shoulders, proud. To Merlin's extreme surprise, Arthur rested his head on her shoulder and put his arm over her other as they watched the unicorn.

Like she had done when Arthur failed his test, Thalia kissed the top of his head and rested hers on his, only this time Arthur struggled to work out why.

Thalia knew Merlin was hovering around awkwardly and held her hand out. Merlin stepped round and took it and they stood together watching the unicorn graze for a bit.

'You did well, Merlin. Does Arthur know it was you who got Anhora to give him another test?'

'It was?' Arthur lifted his head and peered in front of Thalia at Merlin.

'Yeah.'

'… Thanks, Merlin.'

Merlin chuckled modestly. 'No problem.'

Arthur smiled at him before contentedly resting his head back on Thalia's shoulder.