Out on the weekend! Just like I promised.

More Hunith in this chapter, including a bit of Hunith!Whump, as requested by TeganL74

Not as long as most want, but the next chapter should be jam-packed! So you'll have to wait for that one

On with the chapter!

Chapter Nine – An Encounter In The Woods

Merlin pulled his hood up over his head before he opened the door and stepped into the village for the first time that week. His mother was already outside, standing by his horse, stroking her nose. There was a sad smile on her face as she looked to see Merlin approaching. Immediately, Hunith abandoned the horse in order to wrap her arms around her son.

'You are so brave for doing this,' she breathed.

'Do you think this is a good idea?' he whispered.

'Of course,' Hunith placed a hand on his cheek. 'Years ago, I told you that Arthur needed you but, right now, you need him more. You have to go back to Camelot.'

'I'm scared.'

'I know, Merlin,' Hunith glanced behind her as Gaius and Tristan approached. 'We all know. But, in the end, that will just make you stronger. I have every faith in you.'

Gaius came forward, gently gripping Merlin's shoulder. 'Are you ready?'

'I think so.'

'I still don't think this is a good idea,' Tristan muttered. Gaius glared at him.

'That isn't relevant right now,' the Physician snapped. 'Merlin needs closure, and the only way to get it is by returning to Camelot and finding out what really happened!'

'We know what happened!'

'No, we don't.' The three turned to look at the Warlock. 'I've spent a lot of time thinking about this, and, that's the thing... They told me that Arthur ordered the attack, and I believed them. I told you guys and you believed what I had told you, but we never had any proof. Maybe that's why Arthur didn't seem to care; he didn't even know. I need to know the truth.'

Tristan stared at him for a moment, before nodding. 'I still don't think this is a good idea, but... someone has to look after you.'

Merlin gave a short laugh, before giving his mother a final kiss on the cheek and heaving himself up onto his horse. His chest pained him slightly as he moved, but he ignored it as he settled himself into the saddle. Behind him, his companions also mounted their horses.

Hunith gripped his hand tightly, before releasing him. Merlin gave her one final, sad smile before turning around and riding off into the forest.

XxX

Hunith watched her son disappearing into the tree line, followed by his two companions. She let out a low sigh, before turning back to her little house and closing the door behind her. She turned into the room, intending to head towards the fire.

Instantly, a tight arm gripped her chest, clamping a piece of cloth over her mouth. Before she even had time to scream, she felt the darkness creeping upon her, and she found herself falling into the abyss.

XxX

Merlin grunted with discomfort as they stopped for lunch on the edge of a small glade. Before they sat down however, Gaius checked Merlin's wounds once again to ensure that the ride had done him no more damage. The young Warlock grumbled as the Physician prodded his fading bruises. Once he was satisfied, Merlin pulled his shirt over his head, and made his way over to wear Tristan was preparing them three light meals.

'Are you still angry with me?'

Tristan glanced up at him, raising an eyebrow. 'I'm not mad, Merlin. But you've already made it perfectly clear that you aren't going to fight back against Arthur and his men, no matter what they do to you. What if they attack us as soon as we enter the city?'

'I don't think you have to worry about that.'

At the sound of her voice, they all spun around, to find her standing there with a smug grin on her face.

'Hello Emrys.'

Merlin rose to his feet, his eyes widening as she began to make her way across the clearing towards them.

Emrys... She'd called him Emrys. She knew...

'Morgana.'

XxX

Arthur drew his horse to a halt, tossing a water skin to Gwaine as he did so.

'We need to re-fill, before you start moaning.'

The hot headed Knight just glared at him as he swung down from his saddle, and made his way over to the stream nearby. Arthur couldn't help but smirk slightly; trust Gwaine to lighten the previously solemn mood.

Bang!

The horses reared in panic, the Knights all clinging to their manes just so that they could stay on the animals.

'What the hell was that?'

Gwaine hurried back, grabbing his horse's reins and leaping back up into the saddle.

'We have to hurry!'

And as Arthur turned his horse further into the forest, he knew, in his heart, that that scream had belonged to Merlin.

XxX

Merlin took a deep breath as he clambered to his feet, his chest aching from the blast Morgana had just aimed at him.

'You can't beat me, Morgana. You know who I am now.'

'So you really are Emrys? That was just a lucky guess,' she smirked at him but her eyes were cold.

He raised his hand, aiming it directly at her heart.

'Uh, I wouldn't do that if I were you.'

Merlin gave a harsh laugh, ignoring the horrified looks Tristan and Gaius were giving him. 'Give me one reason why I shouldn't, Morgana. After everything you've done to hurt the people I care about, I should take care of you whilst I have the chance.'

'So serious, Merlin,' she smiled, taking another step forward. 'If only you could have shown bravery when whoever it was attacked you like a coward. As I recall, there's only one man alive that you would suffer this for.'

'This has nothing to do with Arthur,' Merlin snapped. 'This is between me and you.'

'So it was Arthur that attacked you. After everything you've been through together,' she was sneering now taking another step forward. His hand rose higher, and his eyes glittered with a faint gold hue. 'How does it feel to be betrayed by your best friend?'

Merlin snapped.

'Astrice!'

Morgana cried out as she was thrown backwards, but she managed to steady herself, breathing slightly harder. Merlin drew his arm back to blast her again, when Morgana's eyes flashed gold and the air around her filled with dust and dirt.

The three companions threw their hands up to shield their faces.

The debris around the witch settled, and Merlin let out a horrified gasp.

'Mother!'

Hunith was struggling in Morgana's arms, desperately trying to draw back from the dagger pressed to her throat. Morgana smirked. 'You cannot kill me now, Merlin. Not without killing your own mother!'

Merlin's arm dropped, and his mother's eyes widened. 'No, Merlin...' Morgana tightened her grip, making Hunith gasp for air.

'Forp fleoge!'

Merlin was flung backwards, colliding heavily with a tree. He grunted as he heard Gaius cry his name, and opened his eyes just in time to see Morgana direct a spell at his friends, causing them to freeze where they stood.

'Enough of this,' she snarled. 'You cannot beat me, Merlin. And now, for all the pain and suffering you have caused me, I will end you. Once and for all.'

She drew her free arm back, and, as the words of the Old Religion began to form on her lips, Merlin found himself staring into his mothers eyes.

His silent apology was there for all to see, and he closed his eyes, waiting for the blow that would end his life.

Please review! Almost to 200 hundred! Whose going to be the 200th reviewer?

See you soon!
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