Summary: They failed the former quest... Will the Round Table be able to recover the mistake in the epic battle following the events that left Morgana Queen of Camelot, Arthur and his allies in hiding, and Uther suffering in prison?

Details/Disclaimer: Merlin, and anything from the series, including characters and items, belongs to the BBC.

This is the 'threequel' (my word! xD) to It's So Good to Not Have to Hide, and the sequel to The Rise of a Queen. The latter MUST be read beforehand.

Part Three (the final part) of The Rise and Fall of a Queen.

Enjoy!

Tazz~


The Fall of a Queen

Chapter Eight: Thoughts of an Angry Warlock

Word Count: 973

The army of sorcerers looked around in amazement; their enemies had disappeared, leaving tatters of clothes, still floating to the ground.

And it finally sank in: Emrys had succeeded, had saved them all.

The message was passed on, and suddenly the sound of celebration and victory tore through the empty stillness that had followed the disappearance of the enemy. Families were crying together, friends embracing, and even strangers were celebrating with each other.

Wounds were healed, weary soldiers and sorcerers removed their armour and rested, and everyone found each other. Those who had not lost were overjoyed to realise so, and those who had were at loath to grieve, happy that it had ended.

It was only when they had entered the castle walls that they realised there was an unnatural silence. If Uther had been King and the situation of an enemy army had faced him, the commoner residents of Camelot would have been moved to the castle for their safety – but they all knew Morgana was a ruthless Queen who regarded any person devoid of magic expendable, and held no care for their lives, so that didn't make sense.

And people were starting to worry about those in the castle – the immortal army were gone, so where were those who brought about its downfall?

Aodhán gathered a group of uninjured warriors and set off to find out.


"Merlin," Arthur began. "I'll handle Morgana – you take on Mordred; you said he was powerful."

Merlin nodded in agreement and offered Arthur his sword back, but he declined.

"You need it more."

"Arthur, I don't think this sword will help as much as any other in my hands." Had the situation not been as serious, Arthur would have laughed in agreement. "Besides," Merlin added. "I have my magic."

"But you said it was an unbeatable sword."

"Which was forged for you, Arthur." Merlin forced his fingers to wrap around the shining hilt – and even Arthur could feel it sing to him. Merlin took a weapon from the floor. Arthur vaguely remembered it landing there – along with many others – when they had defeated the soldiers. Muttering a word, it was suddenly bathed with blue fire, much like Kilgharrah's.

"Two can play at that game, Emrys." It was hard to see Mordred as a child when he saw the smile – it was so malicious. The Druid picked up a sword and muttered his own words. The sword was engulfed with black fire, reflecting his intentions.

Revenge. Death. An end to all Merlin loved.

Both his anger and magic flared at this boy – who wanted to hurt both himself and Arthur, although the latter had done nothing he hadn't been told to.

Mordred noticed his concerned glance to where Arthur and Morgana stood.

"Yes, we don't want them in our way now, do we?" he purred. "Not really a problem."

"What do you-" Merlin began, but cut off, startled. He looked around in surprised confusion.

"Think you'll be able to make your way back?" Mordred smirked.

"I'll always be able to find Arthur." Merlin glared.

"Even if you're both dead?"


"Where did they go?" Arthur looked at the recently vacated spaces left by Merlin and Mordred, and back to Morgana who was smirking again.

"Probably didn't want to disturb us. Either way, Merlin will die – and so will you." She followed her declaration with an attack and Arthur immediately fought back. While he was defending and slowly moved onto the offensive, he saw her eyes flashing and realised she was using magic, but none of it got through the protective wards placed by Merlin.

"Why aren't you dead yet?" Morgana demanded. Arthur almost flinched at the sheer cold and hatred in her voice – where was his sister? When he asked her aloud, she laughed darkly.

"You were never my brother – the only sibling I've had was Morgause, and now she's gone." Pain flickered over her face and Arthur pressed his advantage.

"Because you both turned to evil."

"We were doing what's right," she hissed, swinging her sword in retaliation.

"By killing our father?"

"He was not my father!"

"And then taking the throne as well."

"It was my right – and my duty to the sufferers of his tyranny."

"That doesn't excuse you from killing innocent people."

"Like Uther did?"

"No, you are much worse."

"And how is that? I have a reason."

"What, to prove your power to the Knights?" She flinched, and so he continued, gaining the upper hand in both their physical and verbal fight. "My father truly thought he was protecting the kingdom; it was his duty as King."

"To kill half the people in the kingdom? None of which had done wrong?"

"I'm not going to pretend I agreed with him, Morgana – he was wrong – but he still tried to protect his people, in the way you haven't."

"I am protecting my people."

"If you choose to help only those with magic, then you shall never be called Queen of Camelot, nor shall you deserve to be!"

With one last manoeuvre, he had on the floor at his mercy. Her sword skidded away on the floor, and came to a rest halfway across the room.

"It's over, Morgana."

"It's never over."


"Do you think he's dead yet?" Mordred tried to taunt, but the effect was ruined by his gasping.

"Do you think Morgana has a hope of defeating him?"

"Of course; she has magic," he scoffed.

"Yes, but it's uncontrolled, instinctive."

"So it will attack when Arthur Pendragon tries to hurt her."

"I don't think it will. Besides, did you really think I'd set foot in an invaded castle without leaving protective spells on Arthur?"

"Regardless, she will defeat him, no problem. Much the same as I will defeat you."

"No problem?" Merlin raised an eyebrow; the over-confident boy had another thing coming.


Had to rewatch The Nightmare Begins (season two, episode three) for this - not that I'm complaining xD – as I'd forgotten why Mordred was mad at Merlin... Kind of a sucky reason to be honest – it's not like Merlin knew he was leading them to the Druids, if it was even his fault xD

Five Reviews = Update (I was surprised how quickly they came last time xD)

EDIT: So, Mordred is stupid too... I'm starting to see a pattern here xD