This chapter is a bit longer. Hope you enjoy! :-)
Chapter 9: Fallen Stones
Merlin stopped for a moment to catch his breath. The rain outside reached its peak, hitting the windows with a great force. Another lightening came, reflecting the warlock's silhouette on the wall. He had to move on.
He blamed himself for what happened. The picture of Daragh in the tree still remained in his mind. He didn't recognize him when he should have, and all he could do now was to fix it. The fact the king had knights for protection was not calming at all. Daragh was a sorcerer. And for an equal fight, his opponent must be no one but a sorcerer as well.
After a few deep breaths, he started to run again, heading to the place he expected Daragh to be. His destiny prepared a different plan for him though. Entering another corridor, Merlin was without warning struck down by a huge gust of air. All the windows opened with a loud slam. The warlock quickly stood up, hearing a strange noise around the corner. The torches were blown down and Merlin found himself in a complete dark. He was in a big disadvantage, but unsure if anyone could see him, he decided not to use magic now. He couldn't risk revealing his magic.
The wind didn't come from outside, but from the opposite direction, from somewhere in the castle. And he knew the force must have been caused by magic.
Holding his hands in front of him, Merlin slowly took a few steps forward. Something deep inside his head was telling him to stop and run to safety. He felt vulnerable like never before. His breath was accelerating, and the feeling of someone else's presence was even stronger now. He felt like he was being watched. If it was ever possible to see in such heavy dark.
Another two steps in the dark and then a small light made his vision clearer. Merlin gasped in surprise when he recognized the source of the light. A flame was radiating from a hand of a sorcerer. Daragh was standing just a few inches from Merlin, holding his burning hand ahead.
"Shhh," he whispered, his voice cold as ice.
Merlin instinctively made a step back, his eyes following every Daragh's move. He was panting in expectation what was about to come.
"Let Arthur be. He is not your enemy," Merlin spoke strongly.
"Where are his chambers?" Daragh ignored the warlock's request.
Merlin didn't make a sound, trying to anticipate the next move. He wondered whether was Daragh so foolish to expect Merlin to betray Arthur just because he owed Daragh his life.
"Or I'll take back what I gave you," Daragh threatened.
"I will not let you harm anyone. One day you will know Arthur is a better king than his father. You must give him time to prove his qualities," Merlin pleaded.
"He was given the chance many times and he failed. You know what? You still haven't told me where I can find him now," Daragh said tauntingly.
"And I never will."
Merlin blinked again just to see Daragh raising his hand. With a few words of a spell a ball of magic made his way to Merlin, illuminating the whole corridor with a white light. The young warlock crushed with the ground, gasping as all the air was sucked out of his lungs. His chest hurt. This was the situation Merlin wanted never to find himself.
He stood up quickly, eyes shifting between Daragh and the torch he managed to fire. Daragh was making his way to Merlin, but the warlock was ready now.
Daragh's lips moved with another spell. This time, however, Merlin was on the lead, watching his opponent's face filling with surprise as the force collided with the shield Merlin managed to conjure. He breathed out, still a bit exhausted from the arrow wound.
For a while the rain outside was the only sound they could hear. "My dear, it appears you are standing on the wrong side of river," Daragh smiled. "Morgana won't believe what I've seen here. Come with me. You can live again and use your magic without fear. Use it for a greater good."
Merlin didn't make a move.
"Your choice."
"And so it should remain," Merlin said with pride in his voice.
Merlin expected another blow, but instead of it, Daragh kneeled on the ground, placing his hand on the floor.
"Ic þe bebiede þæt þu abifest nu!"
"No!" Merlin shouted. He managed to put arm over his head but he couldn't stop the earthquake which immediately shook the castle. The wall on the right side cracked with a loud tearing sound and Merlin felt pieces of plaster falling on his shoulders. Without hesitation, he placed his hands on the cold floor, whispering words of spell he believed could avert Daragh's magic.
It cost him more energy than he expected, but it was worth it. Exhausted, he slowly moved himself into a standing position, ready to face Daragh again.
"A powerful one, then?" Daragh couldn't hide the surprise. "Still not better than me."
Once again, Daragh kneeled, placing both hands on the ground. The tremor that followed after was much stronger. Merlin wanted to stop it, but he couldn't manage; his legs were shaking, and he was trying to do his best to find balance. Then something heavy hit his head. He saw Daragh walking away, and after that he collapsed on the ground. Another piece of stone collided with his forehead making him loose consciousness.
...
"Merlin! Merlin! You stupid idiot! Wake up!"
Merlin heard a familiar voice. Someone was shaking him, holding his shoulders tightly. He wished he would stop.
"Merlin! Come on! I order you to wake up," Arthur urged. "You always have to get into trouble, don't you?"
Wincing, the warlock opened his eyes. His head hurt like hell. "Stop yelling, you clot-pole," he whispered with a painful smile.
"Merlin!" Arthur said even louder, not able to hide excitement. "With me again?"
"Shh." The boy sat up, holding his head with both hands.
"Don't be such a girl," Arthur reacted. "Are you all right? Anything hurt?"
"I'm fine," Merlin closed his eyes for a moment.
"Great," Arthur looked around, "I just... ehm, I thought I'd lost you. I just couldn't-"
"Could you please stop talking for a moment?" Merlin said hoarsely. He felt like his head was full of shards. He was sure Arthur's yelling would wake him up even if he was already dead.
"We are evacuating the castle. The tremors are getting stronger, we need to go. Come on, my friend." Arthur helped Merlin on his feet, supporting him on the way.
"Gaius-"
"Gaius is outside. There are some wounded."
"And Daragh?" Merlin asked.
"I don't know. I sent Guinevere out of the castle. She is safe now."
"How did you manage?" Merlin asked, knowing how difficult it must have been to convince Gwen to leave.
"With great skills." Arthur smiled at the memory.
"What are we going to do?" Merlin asked again.
"I wish I would know. The castle is collapsing." As soon as Arthur finished his sentence, another strong quiver shook them. Arthur quickly guided his servant to a nearest niche in the wall. There was some crackling around them. The king shouted in surprise as the roof in the corridor collapsed with a grating sound, blocking their way out. Dust filled the air and Merlin started to cough. It didn't help his headache.
"Come on, we have to hurry," Arthur ordered, aiming Merlin the opposite direction to find another way.
"You must stop him," Merlin winced between the coughs.
"Yeah. I just need some magic, you know. I can't fight against sorcery with my sword, no matter how brave it would appear. It would be a suicide. Be careful here," Arthur warned his servant, still supporting him as they went over stones and debris.
"The ceiling of the main hall is down. The citadel's bell is cracked," Arthur said, trying to hide any emotion. "All I can do now is to get my people to safety. The castle is minor."
"It's your home."
"No, Merlin. My home is with Guinevere," Arthur responded.
Merlin didn't expect such answer. It was surprising from Arthur to talk like that, thought he couldn't complain. He was proud of him.
Another tremor came just as they went down the stairs out. The court yard was full of people. There were screams, people were running. It was chaotic and quite dark. The moon was shining on them and there were torches burned, but still, Merlin couldn't see Gaius in the crowd. The knights were guiding the main gate. It was closed.
"He's still in here, isn't he," Merlin talked to Arthur.
"Probably. Let's go to Gaius."
"I'm OK," the boy argued.
"Obviously, you're not."
Merlin sucked the wet air in his lungs. It was quite cold, but the storm was gone now. He couldn't enjoy the open air, though. He needed to go back and stop the earth quake, even though he knew it would cost him more magic than he could possibly imagine. He had to at least try.
"The castle is secured, my lord." Agravaine made his way to the king, informing him about their current situation. "We counted the people, with you and your servant, it should be all. It's empty now."
"Thank you, uncle." Arthur put off his gloves and searched the yard. "We should open the gate and let them go to the Lower Town. It won't be safe here as the castle falls. Considering the increasing number of the tremors, I assume we have about an hour till the frame collapses."
"You really want to leave, my lord?" Agravaine couldn't hide his surprise.
Arthur nodded with determination. "What do you suggest?"
His uncle couldn't find words.
"Let's do it. They need instruction, organize them."
Agravaine nodded, disappearing in the crowd.
Merlin couldn't believe they were forced to abandon the castle. "Is there really nothing we can do?" he asked, already reading the answer in Arthur's eyes. He lost hope.
"The quake comes from the castle, not the ground. The castle is the earthquake itself," Arthur explained.
The crowd suddenly parted with Daragh standing in the middle of the court yard. The knights quickly took out their swords, Leon pointed a crossbow at him.
After a slight hesitation, Arthur made a few steps to the unarmed enemy. Merlin used his hand to stop him, but the king shook him off. The warlock decided to follow him, prepared to defend the king with his own body.
"You are surrounded and outnumbered. I suggest you to give up," Arthur spoke strongly.
"I agree. Surrounded by the most incapable knights ever. That's a threat worth your legacy."
"I am warning you, if you try something, you are a dead man."
"Considering the new findings I have to convey to my queen, my highest priority is to get out alive," Daragh reacted.
"You are a sorcerer. If you give up, you will be executed for practising magic and for treason," Arthur explained.
Daragh smiled. "Seems I am a dead man anyway," he cleared his throat, "I have information for you. Valuable information to trade for my safe departure."
Arthur frowned pensively. Merlin's stomach turned upside down as he realised what was Daragh going to say. He aimed to reveal Merlin's magic to the king in return for his life. And then, inform Morgana. Things couldn't develop worse.
The young warlock found Gaius's calm face in the crowd. As soon as their eyes found each other, Gaius understood, opening his mouth in shock. Merlin shook his head a bit, trying to show him there's nothing he can do. Watching his mentor's compassionate face, it almost felt like he was giving the last good bye to him. Anything could happen next.
"What information," the king asked.
Merlin felt the blood racing in his veins. His breath stuck in his throat. He stood there helplessly on Arthur's side and his secret was about to came out in a few heartbeats. The nervousness was rising inside him, embracing him like a heavy cold blanket. He looked down on his sweaty hands. They were trembling.
"There is a traitor in your midst, Arthur Pendragon. Seriously, how can you even sleep at night when those you put your trust in are secretly planning your death?" Daragh spoke with his strongest voice, standing like a warrior.
"Tell me their names," Arthur ordered.
"First things first. Swear you will let me go. And a horse, please," Daragh smiled.
"Stop the earthquake then."
Daragh waited for a moment without saying a word. Slowly, he lowered himself on his knees. The shaking stopped almost immediately, leaving the crowd in a disturbing silence.
"I will let you leave if you tell me the names of those who are plotting against the kingdom. Let all those people be my witnesses."
"Deal," Daragh nodded.
Merlin's heart was beating wildly, almost like it was trying to escape his chest. He thought about using magic, but there was no way how to do it without being caught red handed. Once again he found Gaius, searching safety in his eyes. Gaius however didn't notice Merlin's desperate look. His eyes were focused on Daragh. Like the eyes of all the people around.
Merlin was scared. Scared like never before. All the enchanted arrows couldn't put him in more desperation than the situation he was experiencing now. He wanted this to be over no matter the consequences.
"There is one man in your court who constantly works for my queen, giving her secrets about the castle, the court and about you. He is her best ally now," Daragh smiled, enjoying the tension in the king's eyes.
"And there is also something about your serving boy," Daragh added.
Merlin was sure his heart stopped for a moment. The crowd turned to him, and Merlin felt their eyes burning through his body. He wished he was invisible.
"What are you talking about? Are you telling me Merlin is the traitor?" Arthur almost laughed at the thought.
"No. I'm sure he won't do you any harm," he shook his head.
"Then tell me who will."
Daragh smiled. "The one you consider to be your friend."
Arthur stepped on place in anticipation.
"His name is-"
His voice was broken off. An arrow stopped him from finishing the name, burrowing in his chest. The people screamed, running furiously over the place, seeking safety and calling names to find each other. The main gate was closed though which evolved panic, changing the courtyard into chaos with dozens people trapped in. Arthur covered himself, his eyes shifting around, trying to find the one who fired. There was someone with a crossbow on the battlements but as soon as Arthur caught his shadow, he disappeared in the dark.
Merlin ran to Daragh. The physician was already at his side, checking his pulse.
"He's dead, shot in the heart," he stated, closing Daragh's empty eyes.
The king turned to the castle with Merlin automatically following him, but all at once, Arthur stopped. "Stay with Gaius, Merlin. You are not able to run over the debris. The castle is not stable. It's still dangerous."
Merlin just opened his mouth to protest but Arthur cut him off.
"No. You are not all right. I know you can't see it but your head looks more like a peeled beet-root."
"Beet-root?" Merlin widened his eyes in astonishment.
"I'll take care of him, sire," Gaius assured the king.
Arthur nodded.
"Knights, with me. Search the castle!" he shouted, already heading in. Whoever fired the arrow was probably the traitor Daragh didn't managed to name. And Arthur knew, the chance they had now was not going to repeat again.
To be continued...
