For the Path of Light never did run smooth...
Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin.
The Path Of Light
Chapter Nine
Merlin's statement was met by a short silence.
"Aithusa?" Morgana asked at last, breaking the quiet.
Merlin nodded, "Yes. We're going to go in with Aithusa, get Lancelot and get out."
"That's not much of a plan, Merlin," his mother said, worry etched on her features.
"We don't have time to think of a plan," Merlin said.
"I agree that this is time sensitive, mate," Gwaine spoke up, "But rushing in there isn't a plan. We don't know what we're going into."
"I'm not letting you just risk yourself like that!" Balinor said. "Not when I only just got you back."
"Lancelot has invoked the fultum!" Merlin protested. "We can't just leave him!"
"But rushing in there isn't the way to go about it, Merlin," Arthur said.
"I have a plan," Merlin replied. "I just need you to help me."
"What is it?" Gwen asked.
Merlin faltered. "… I haven't really thought of one yet."
Everyone groaned. "Merlin," Arthur said, clearly exasperated.
Merlin let out an annoyed noise, "Half of my plans to keep you alive, Arthur, were sudden think-on-the-spot jobs."
"That doesn't mean anything!" Arthur said. "Like you said, you don't know whether you can handle Morgause."
A fierce expression appeared on Merlin's face. "And like I said, that was before my friends life was on the line. I have spent so long protecting you all in Camelot. I know what I'm capable of. I can get Lancelot back. Let me go and get him."
Merlin stared at them all, determination burning in his eyes. A moment passed as he and Balinor locked eyes. To the others around them, a wordless conversation seemed to be happening between the two, but Balinor hadn't bothered to instigate a telepathic conversation with him; they knew each other well enough to communicate with their expressions. And Balinor could tell from his son's expression that he would not be swayed from his chosen course of action.
"Very well," the King relented. "You may go. But you go in, you get him and you leave. Understood?"
"Understood, Father."
"I will talk to Kilgharrah while you're gone and will get him to stop his planned attack on Camelot," Balinor continued. "I will also send the dracawine with you."
"They're not needed," Merlin replied. "A small group is better. Just us and Aithusa."
Balinor looked unconvinced, "I would rather the dracawine go with you."
"I was just going to teleport us. I can't teleport us and the dracawine. I may be Emrys but I'm not that powerful."
"Then they will support you from the air," Balinor said. "If something goes wrong, they'll be there to help."
Merlin nodded. "Okay." His determined expression morphed into a smile. "Now, where is Aithusa?"
Lancelot didn't know what he expected would occur when he activated the fultum spell. But the silence that followed was disconcerting.
Nothing had happened.
There was nothing but silence until it was broken by laughter from Morgause. "Oh, brave Sir Lancelot," she mocked. "Was something supposed to happen?" The High Priestess seemed tense though. Perhaps the fultum was a spell she didn't recognise?
"Was that your pathetic attempt at trying to use magic?" She asked scornfully.
So she doesn't know about that spell, Lancelot thought, hope blooming in his chest.
"But really," Morgause continued. "What spy doesn't change their name? You didn't even think up a fake name. It's very uninspired of you. It's a miracle you lasted this long without being found out."
Lancelot just kept glaring at her, but he resolved to keep her attention on him. If he kept Morgause talking then maybe she would forget about her notion of 'entertainment' and torturing Margaret. "I was good enough to fool you," he taunted.
Her eyes flashed in anger. Yes. That's it. Infuriate her, he thought. Keep her attention here.
"A mere lapse on my part," Morgause said. "It will not happen again. But you have much fight left in you, Sir Knight. I will enjoy breaking you."
No, he thought. I have to keep her talking. Morgause was prideful. Perhaps a jibe at her appearance would anger her further. "I am not afraid of an ugly hag like you."
Morgause's face looked thunderous and Lancelot had a small moment of victory. The feeling of achievement at insulting her faded quickly though. It was replaced by pain as the witch backhanded him across the face. Lancelot felt his lip split and he tasted blood in his mouth. "You would be wise not to anger me," she snarled.
"Something tells me it doesn't take much to anger you," Lancelot replied, spitting the blood out of his mouth. "I'm terribly sorry if I wounded your pride, you boar-headed, foul smelling witch." He channelled his inner-Gwaine. Lancelot was good friends with Gwaine. The usually-drunkard knight had been the one to show Lancelot the ropes when he had first arrived in Dracona. Merlin had been a bonding point for them both, as they both had a strong loyalty to the prince. Lancelot considered Gwaine to be one of his closest friends and comrades, but he knew how annoying the knight could be. He drew on that knowledge as well as Merlin's talent for creative insults as he faced the sorceress.
"Honestly, you are a bit of a prat," he continued. "I mean, you don't look too bright. I'm surprised you became a High Priestess. They must let anyone be one."
"Be silent!" Morgause seethed before raising her hand towards him and uttering, "hearm."
The pain was instantaneous. It felt like a thousand needles were being shoved into Lancelot's body. It felt like he was being engulfed in fire. It felt like every single one of his bones breaking simultaneously. It was the most painful thing he had ever experienced.
I will not scream, he told himself through the pain. He gritted his teeth, refusing to make a sound. I will not give her that satisfaction. I will keep her attention on me and protect Margaret. I will not scream. That was as much as he could think to himself. The pain was too intense to be able to think comprehensively after that.
"Oh, you're being courageous, are you?" Morgause asked. "Not making a sound, eh? I can change that." She grinned sinisterly at him. "Hearm endedæg."
The pain increased tenfold and despite his intentions, Lancelot screamed.
"O drakon, Aithusa, e mala soi ftengometh tesd'hup anankes! Erkheo!" Balinor called to the skies.
Their party had left the Dragon Caves and were now back outside. The Whisper Falls cascaded behind them as they stood in the open space beside the Falls and waited for Aithusa to arrive. Arthur, Gwen and Morgana stared at Balinor in awe. They had never heard the call of a dragonlord before and were quite impressed with the feat.
"That were quite remarkable," Arthur said at last to the King and Morgana and Gwen chimed in in agreement.
Balinor smiled at them, "Why thank you."
Further conversation was halted by a loud, joyous roar emanating from the sky. They all looked up to see a white blur speeding towards them.
"Aithusa!" Merlin cried jubilantly.
The blur landed, buffeting them in a strong wind. Before them stood Aithusa: a large, white dragon in her prime of her youth. They all studied her as she bowed to Balinor and Hunith, a mark of respect to her dragonlord and the Queen of Dragons. Aithusa wasn't nearly as large as Kilgharrah, but she was still larger than a horse. Her scales shone, her talons were razor sharp, her large wings tucked up against her body. Her large, sharp teeth were pulled in what could only be described as a dragon's smile as her crystal blue eyes zeroed in on one particular member of their group.
Merlin didn't even hesitate. He barrelled towards her. "Aithusa!" He shouted as he collided with her, avoiding her spikes and wrapping her arms around her neck in a hug. Her scales were warm to the touch, as always. "Aithusa," he repeated, pulling back and leaning his head against her snout. "I've missed you."
"And I've missed you," she replied in her familiar, clear voice. Oh, it felt good to hear her voice again. Unable to control himself, Merlin hugged her once more. He laughed in utter delight at being reunited with his friend once more. Aithusa's tinkling laughter joined in with his. "It's good to see you after so long, Merlin."
"It's good to see you too, Thusy," he said, and Aithusa chuckled at the familiar nickname. It was the name Merlin had given her since childhood. Since Aithusa had been hatched at the time of Merlin's birth they had grown up together and the young Merlin had trouble pronouncing Aithusa's name. Instead, he had called her 'Thusy' and the name had stuck.
Merlin was itching to climb on her back and go flying, but there were more important things to do first. "Come," he said, leading her over to the others. He excitedly dragged each of his Camelotian friends over to introduce them to her.
"This is Arthur Pendragon," he said, pulling an awed Arthur forward.
"The Once and Future King," Aithusa said, "my greetings to you."
Arthur swallowed, composing himself. "I'm not really sure if I'm worthy of that title," he said.
"But you are, young Prince," Aithusa replied. "The very fact that you are standing here in Dracona is proof of that. Your Father would never willingly enter Dracona's borders. You are willing to change; you are able to admit past mistakes. You are a fair and just ruler, Arthur Pendragon, and worthy of the title that Destiny has given you."
Merlin pulled Gwen forward and she squeaked out a nervous, "I'm Guinevere – Gwen."
The dragon turned her huge head in Gwen's direction. "And you too are worthy of the title that Fate has awarded you, Lady Guinevere. Do not let the bindings of status make you not believe in yourself or your worth. Arthur and Merlin will need your help in order to bring about Albion. Look deep within yourself. Are you worthy of the crown of the Once and Future Queen?"
Like Arthur, Gwen looked awed and slightly frightened of being addressed by the large dragon. This was way out of her comfort zone. But a determined expression appeared on her face and she clenched her jaw stubbornly, looking defiant. "I am more than a maidservant," she declared. "I am worthy."
Aithusa inclined her head, pleased with Gwen's response. Her toothy dragon smile increased further when she saw Arthur entwine his hand with Gwen's. Finally, Aithusa turned to Morgana. She studied how close Merlin and Morgana were standing to one another. "So Emrys and Léoma have found each other at last."
Merlin blushed, but Morgana took a step forward and reached out a tentative hand. "May I?"
Aithusa nodded and Morgana gingerly touched her hand to the dragon's scales. A small, delighted laugh escaped Morgana's lips. "You're amazing," she murmured.
Aithusa let out a little snort of amusement which resulted in a small flame and smoke to come out of her nose. Everyone took an immediate step backwards, looking alarmed. "Sorry," Aithusa said sheepishly. Merlin smiled, it seemed she hadn't grown out of letting out flames when she snorted or sneezed.
His expression turned serious, "As happy as I am to see you … we need your help, Thusy."
"What is wrong?"
"Lancelot had invoked the fultum," Elaine said.
Aithusa hissed, "Then we must rescue him at once!"
"You can tell your Merlin's dragon," Balinor grumbled. "You're just as impatient as each other."
Aithusa turned to Merlin, "I take it we're going in, getting Lancelot and leaving?"
"Yes. Definitely Merlin's dragon," Gwaine commented while Merlin nodded in response to her question.
The white dragon let out a fierce roar and everyone flinched at the suddenly loud noise. "We will get him back," Aithusa promised.
Merlin turned to his Camelotian friends, "You should stay here."
They reacted just how he expected them to: "What?!" They shouted in unison, before speaking over the top of one another.
"You're not going alone, Merlin!" Said Arthur.
"We're coming with you!" Came Gwen.
"Don't even say that we're not!" Said Morgana.
Merlin looked at Morgana and Arthur. "She wants you," he said. "She specifically asked to meet you. It's dangerous."
Morgana's only response was to step forward and kiss him. As always, Merlin lost himself in the kiss, not even worrying about just who he was kissing her in front of. When she pulled away from him, she said, "We're coming."
"Okay," Merlin agreed dreamily. He then shook his head, coming back to himself. "Wait – no! You can't distract me like that!"
"We're coming Merlin," Morgana said. "We discussed this earlier." And Merlin immediately thought back to the conversation he'd had with her in the Dragon Caves: That's the risks we take in wartime, my Love. Just let us help you. Let us help Dracona.
He sighed, "Fine." He turned to the others. They all wore surprised expressions at seeing the kiss between Merlin and Morgana, but their expressions morphed in serious, determined looks when Merlin continued speaking. "Mother, Father, you stay here and send the Dracawine after us. Elaine, Gwaine, we could use you for back up. You coming?"
"Of course," the knight and sorceress replied.
"Elaine, where was Lancelot when he said the fultum?"
"The throne room, sire."
Merlin nodded. "We can't afford to waste any more time," he said. "Is everyone ready?"
"Yes!" His friends all chorused, looking determined.
"We'll be back soon," he promised his parents.
"Good luck, all of you," the King and Queen replied.
Merlin then sent a mental message to Aithusa: Thusy, please lend me your strength for this.
Of course, Merlin, she replied and Merlin instantly felt a surge in his magical power. He focused his thoughts on the throne room of the Draconian castle. The castle he hadn't set foot in in years. The castle they were now going to storm to get their friend back.
"Bedyrne ús! Astýre ús þanonweard!" He shouted and he, Arthur, Morgana, Gwen, Gwaine, Elaine and Aithusa disappeared in a fierce gust of wind.
Morgana didn't know what to expect when they came out of Merlin's teleportation spell.
They were standing in a vast throne room. Its walls stretched high above their heads and the hall was illuminated by torches placed on the walls and huge chandeliers that hung from the ceiling. Two empty thrones stood side by side on a raised dais. Tapestries hung from the walls, depicting an emblem of a black tree. Morgana could only assume that it was the personal emblem of the now-deceased Lord Blackwood. Apparently Morgause hadn't decided to change the decorations yet.
Morgause, Morgana thought, her eyes zeroing in on the High Priestess as the winds from Merlin's spell died down. Her sister was towering over the bruised and bloodied form of Sir Lancelot. A woman Morgana didn't recognise was crouched beside the knight, trying desperately to shield him from harm. The woman looked just as beaten as Lancelot and her clothes were torn. Whoever she was, Morgause had not been kind to her. Both the woman and Lancelot were still alive, but they had
The High Priestess turned to them in surprise. She clearly hadn't been expecting to be interrupted. "So that's what that spell does," she began.
Merlin didn't even give her the chance to say anything else. "Astrice!" He shouted, gesturing at her. Morgause went flying backwards, colliding with the steps of the dais with a loud bang.
Merlin must have been communicating telepathically with Elaine because the Court Sorceress said "Yes sire" and walked immediately over the unknown woman and Sir Lancelot. "Bedyrne ús! Astýre ús þanonweard!" Her sister chanted and she, Lancelot and the wounded woman disappeared.
Now all that were left we her, Merlin, Arthur, Gwen, Gwaine and Aithusa. Morgause was on her feet in an instant, shooting a spell at them that Merlin blocked easily with the 'scildan' shield spell.
Aithusa growled at Morgause and Morgana wondered how the Priestess could be smiling when she was being confronted by Emrys, four people with swords and a dragon.
"Hello sister," Morgause said.
"We are not sisters," Morgana spat.
"But we are, Morgana," Morgause said earnestly. "We share the same blood. We are family. And now you have come to be a day early." She turned to Arthur. "You have both come to me."
Merlin took a step forward, placing himself before them all. Aithusa went with him, positioning herself so that Merlin stood protected in the circle of her tail. Her tail wasn't touching him; it simply lay on the floor around Merlin. Morgana knew it would instantly pull Merlin out of harm's way, or block an attack should the need arise.
"You do not talk to them," Merlin said, cold authority in his voice.
Morgause sneered at him, "But I have so much to say." She turned to Arthur, "Arthur Pendragon … wouldn't you like to meet your mother?"
The glare that was on Arthur's faced morphed into shock and confusion, "What?"
Instead of replying, Morgause just let out a long, complicated sounding spell. Morgana saw Merlin tense, his stance ready to attack, but then a figure appeared in front of them. She had long blonde hair and a set of familiar blue eyes. Eyes that were the same as Arthur's. Everyone instantly knew who was standing in front of them.
Ygraine Pendragon.
"Hello Arthur," she said.
Morgana turned to study the look on her half-brother's face. Arthur looked completely shell-shocked. Tears were building in his eyes and he lowered his sword. There was also awe in his expression as he took in the form of the mother he never knew.
"Mother," he gasped out.
The moment was ruined by Morgause, "Don't you want to know the truth about your birth?" She demanded. "About how that hypocrite father of yours was so desperate for an heir that he resorted to magic? That how balance must always be kept in the world of the Old Religion, so he traded your mother's life for yours?!"
"Wh-what?" Arthur was staring at the spirit of his mother in horror. "No…"
"It's true!" Morgause snarled. "Uther is nothing but a tyrant. He's a hypocrite and a liar. He is the one responsible for the death of your mother and yet he blamed magic. Our kind was wiped out because you father refused to accept the consequences of his own actions."
Arthur shook his head. "No, no that's not true." He looked at his mother, "Tell me it's not true!"
Ygraine took a step forward. She reached out for her son, gently cupping his face with her hand. Seeing that he didn't pull away, Ygraine pulled him in for a hug. Arthur clung to her desperately. The Queen of Camelot pulled back and looked her son in the eyes. "You were born of magic, Arthur, and my life was given in return for yours."
"No!" Arthur pulled away from her. "That can't be right!" Tears were streaming down his face. "That's not … that can't be … that – that-"
He was interrupted by Gwen coming to stand protectively in front of him. She had her sword aimed at the spirit of the previous Queen.
"Guinevere!" Arthur said in protest.
"Gwen!" Morgana called out at the same time.
Gwen ignored them. She just stared unwaveringly at the spirit of Ygraine that was in front of her; her mouth was set in a thin, determined line. "I don't know whether you are the real Ygraine Pendragon," she said. "But I love your son and I can tell that seeing you is hurting him. I don't know whether you speak the truth or you're just spreading lies, but you are hurting Arthur. So if you're really his mother, please leave, or I will force you to."
Morgause laughed, "Look at this! The prince being protected by a mere peasant! And love? You love him do you, Guinevere? And I suppose he loves you back? The Prince of Camelot and Morgana's maidservant?!" Morgause laughed even harder. "That is just too amusing for words!"
"I am the Once and Future Queen," Gwen said resolutely, "and that is a title I didn't steal from somebody else!" Striking forward, Gwen swung her sword through the body of Yrgaine. The spirit burst into smoke and disappeared. There was a fire in Gwen's eyes that Morgana had never seen before. Morgana watched as her maid turned to face Morgause and lifted her sword as if she was going to charge at the Priestess. But Morgause uttered a single spell and waved a hand lazily in Gwen direction that sent the maid flying. The spell was so strong that it sent Gwen colliding with a wall, despite her standing near the middle of the room. There was a sharp cracking sound as Gwen collided with it and she slumped down on the ground, unmoving.
"Gwen!" Morgana and all her friends cried. Morgana ran to help her, but Arthur got there first.
"Guinevere!" He shouted desperately, cradling her limp form.
Aithusa roared and swung her tail at the Priestess. It hit Morgause and sent her careening into the wall behind her, much like Gwen, but the force behind this hit was so powerful that it broke some of the stone. Morgause slid down the wall and collapsed on the ground with a groan.
"Good hit," Gwaine commented darkly to Aithusa as he, Merlin, Aithusa, and Morgana all concerned Morgause.
The Priestess struggled to life her head. Morgause looked up and locked eyes with Morgana. She looked bruised and battered and blood was trickling out of her mouth. Morgause looked between her and Merlin. "He didn't want you to meet with me," she said. "I saw it. He didn't want you to go tomorrow. I saw your embrace. You love each other. But I will show you the truth, Sister. I will show you what will happen if you let that emotion cloud your judgement."
Morgause then raised a shaking hand in Morgana's direction and began chanting in the Old Tongue. Merlin tensed, obviously recognising the words. His voice sounded in Morgana's head: I need to get you out of here. I'm sorry. I love you.
"Bedyrne them!" He shouted, gesturing with both hands at Morgana, Gwaine, Gwen and Arthur.
"MERLIN, NO!" Morgana screamed, recognising the start of the teleportation spell and realising what he was about to do.
"Astýre them þanonweard!" Merlin finished and Morgana was suddenly caught up in a strong wind. Her screams of protest died as her vision turned black and Merlin's spell whisked her away, safe from harm.
Merlin felt relieved as his friends disappeared out of the throne room. He knew they would have already arrived safely at the Dragon Caves by now. They were safe. They were out of Morgause's reach. Now it was just him and Aithusa left to face her. But Merlin was filled with an insane fury; Gwen had been hurt, Arthur traumatised and Morgana … that spell …
"What was that? What were you doing to her?!" He growled, stalking forwards, one hand raised threateningly.
It had been a spell he hadn't heard before. He had recognised the words 'nightmare' and 'darkness' in it and had sent Morgana and the others away before it could be finished. But Merlin needed to know what the spell was. He needed to know what Morgause had just tried to do.
"I already told you," Morgause said, pushing herself up off the ground and standing. She leant heavily against the wall she had just been thrown against. "I showed Morgana the truth. I showed her what will happen if she stays with you. What will happen if she goes back to Camelot. Every night her dreams with show her the nightmare of Uther's rule. She will see what will happen when her magic is discovered. Uther will kill her. Every night her dreams will show her the consequences of staying with you and following the Light. She would have had no choice but to come with me and Choose the Path of Darkness. At least, that's what would have happened if you hadn't interrupted me!" Morgause stood up fully and sent a pulse of magic in Merlin's direction.
"Scildan!" Merlin cried, and the shield appeared in front of him.
Aithusa roared and slashed at the priestess with her right paw. Morgause ducked in the nick of time and Aithusa' s claws scratched nothing but the wall Morgause had just been leaning on.
"You interrupted the spell!" Morgause shouted at him. "You have put Morgana at risk! An incomplete spell has its consequences! Who knows what it will do to her?!" She fired spell after spell at him, apparently enraged that Merlin had hurt Morgana by sending her out of the way of Morgause's enchantment.
It struck Merlin that they were both furious at the other person for hurting Morgana. Anger clouded Merlin's judgement. He knew he and Aithusa should leave, but he just kept hurling spells at the Priestess. If Morgause cared for Morgana that much she shouldn't have cast that spell on her. Then he was furious at himself for not thinking of the consequences of teleporting Morgana away and letting an incomplete spell be cast on her in the first place.
And it wasn't just about Morgana. Merlin was furious that Morgause had hurt Gwen. His mind replayed the sight of Guinevere crashing into the wall and the sickening crunching sound that came with it. Gwen had been his first friend when he'd come to Camelot. Merlin wanted to hurt Morgause ten times worse than what she had done to Gwen.
Then there was Arthur. Merlin had never seen him so shocked and lost. He had spent his whole life being told that magic was evil and killed his mother. Now it had been revealed that his father had used magic in order for Arthur to be born; that it was essentially Uther's actions that brought about the death of Ygraine. Even if what Morgause said was true, Merlin was angry at her for putting Arthur through the turmoil he was now going through.
Guards started trying to force their way into the throne room, but Aithusa kept them at bay with her breath of fire. Merlin stopped using spells and started throwing wordless, instinctual magic at Morgause. He soon had the upper hand, but he could feel himself tiring. After the journey to Dracona and the numerous teleportation spells he had used over the last few days, Merlin was more worn out than he realised.
He needed to get back to the others. He needed to make sure all his friends were okay. He needed to find the spy that had infiltrated their forces. He needed to take the spell off of Morgana.
He needed to get out of there.
He mentally relayed a series of instructions to Aithusa. With effort, he extended his telepathic senses. He located the dracawine who were circling above the castle like his father promised they would. Upon sensing his telepathy, the dracawine asked if he needed assistance and Merlin could hear them from outside as they roared in defiance at the Usurper-Witch and her men. Merlin ordered them to leave and fly back to the Dragon Caves. It was time for them to make their retreat.
I understand, Aithusa replied to his directions.
"Hleap on bæc!" He shouted and Morgause once again went soaring backwards. Merlin immediately turned and jumped onto Aithusa's head, settling down in the spot where he always sat when they went flying together."Aithusa! Now!"
The dragon let out a stream of flames from her mouth towards the sorceress and simultaneously gave Merlin a boost of strength in his magic. Merlin had enough time to see Morgause conjure a small shield around herself before he was shouting, "Bedyrne ús! Astýre ús þanonweard!" The spell took hold and he and Aithusa teleported away from the crumbling, burning throne room, landing safely back in the Dragon Caves seconds later.
"YOU!" An instantly recognisable voice cried in accusation.
Merlin got his bearings and saw an irate Morgana storming towards him and Aithusa. The only other people who were in the cave Merlin and Aithusa had arrived in were his parents and Gwaine. Merlin hoped the absence of Arthur and Gwen meant that they were seeing a healer.
Morgana walked over to him. She looked like she wanted to smack him across the face. "You can't just send us away like that, Merlin Ambrosius!"
"Morgana," Merlin breathed out in relief and jumped down off Aithusa's head. She seemed fine.
She stopped in front of him. Her expression was angry and she raised her hand as if she was going to slap him. But she didn't and instead lowered her arm and put her hands on her hips. "You have a lot of nerve-"
"-Morgana! You're okay!" Merlin said delightedly and reached out to pull her close to him.
But as soon as he put one hand on her everything went wrong.
Morgana stiffened at his touch. "Get away from me!" She screamed, shoving him backwards.
Merlin stumbled a few steps backwards. His heart sank. That had surprised him and by taking one look at Morgana's suddenly terrified face, he knew she wasn't as okay as he had thought she was.
He could see his parents and Gwaine behind Morgana. They looked shocked and moved to come towards them, but he motioned for them to stay where they were. Morgana didn't need to be crowded right now; she needed space.
"Morgana," he said softly, holding his hands up in a placating gesture. "It's me. It's Merlin."
She had her head in her hands and was whimpering. Merlin caught the words 'magic', 'fire' and 'Uther' and instantly knew what was going on. Morgause had tried to enchant Morgana so that she would have nightmares whenever she went to sleep. But Merlin interceding and teleporting Morgana away had altered the spell so that she was experiencing nightmares while awake.
Merlin had done this to her. I am an idiot! He thought, furious at himself.
"What's wrong? What's going on?" Hunith asked, concerned. Despite Merlin telling them to stay put, his parents and Gwaine approached him and the frightened Morgana.
"It's that spell, isn't it?" Gwaine said, looking solemn. "The one she was trying to put on Morgana before you sent us away."
"Some spells can have consequences if they're not complete, son," Balinor said gravely.
"I can see that, Father!" Merlin snapped, before reigning in his anger. It wasn't his father that Merlin was angry at. He was angry at himself. He should have known. He should have known about the risks of incomplete enchantments. Looking back now, he was certain that Elaine had mentioned it at least once in his magical education before he had to flee Dracona. But he had forgotten. In all the years he had spent away from his kingdom, the knowledge had slipped his mind. All he had seen was Morgause casting a spell on the one he loved and his protective instincts had kicked in. He had gotten Morgana out of the way of Morgause's spell without realising the cost of what his own actions would be.
"I didn't remember," he murmured, feeling incredibly guilty. He had done this to Morgana. "I didn't remember about incomplete spells. I just wanted to get her to safety. To get them all to safety."
Balinor put a comforting hand on Merlin's shoulder. "It will be alright, son. We will fix this."
Merlin nodded and then took a tentative step towards Morgana. "Morgana," he said. "Morgana, look at me. You're fine."
Morgana lifted her head out of her hands. Merlin drew in a surprised breath as he saw Morgana's eyes. They were flashing between their normal green colour and a sinister looking black. "Stay away!" She cried. "Uther knows! He's burning me a pyre! I'm a monster!"
Merlin's mind flashed back to the day in the forest after Morgana had accidentally given Arthur donkey ears. I can't control it! I'm so scared! She had said. I'm – I'm a monster!
So he told her the same thing he had told her then. "You're not a monster, Morgana. You're just someone who's a little scared right now." He took another small step towards her. "It's going to be okay, trust me."
Morgana's eyes returned to their normal green colour, "Merlin," she whimpered. "Merlin, make it stop." Then they changed back to black and she shuddered in fright.
The situation became painfully clear. Morgana was having moments of clarity in between the nightmare visions she was seeing. When he eyes were green, she was normal. But when they were black, she was lost to the spell Morgause put on her.
Merlin moved so he was standing in front of her. She tried to push him away, but he grabbed a hold of her arms. "Morgana, look at me," he said. "It's not real. It isn't real. Trust me."
Her eyes flashed between green and black and Morgana kept switching between being lost to the visions and moments of clarity. "He's going to kill me," she said hysterically, "He's my father and he's going to kill me because I have magic! – Merlin, help me. Make it stop – I'm hurting everyone. I can't control it – Merlin, what is happening to me?! – The Path of Darkness. I will follow the Path Darkness – No! I follow the Light! – I will kill anyone who opposes me! I am Cwalu! – NO! NO I WON'T! I AM LÉOMA! MAKE IT STOP! MAKE IT STOP!"
As she became more and more horrified, Morgana's magic responded to her distress. Her eyes now shone a constant gold, but judging by the look on Morgana's face, she could still see the visions.
The magic built up around her. Morgana's expression was stricken, "I … can't … control … it."
Merlin was unable to tell if she meant the magic or the visions that were plaguing her mind. He was inclined to think she meant both. However, the magic building up around her was the more pressing issue. It would soon explode out from her with incredible force, he could tell.
He turned to his parents and Gwaine. He raised a hand and went to construct a shield around them.
Save your strength, son, his father's voice spoke in his mind. I will protect your mother and Gwaine. Focus on Morgana. Merlin heard this father utter a spell. Balinor's eyes turned gold and a shield appeared around the King, Queen and Gwaine.
Merlin faced Morgana once more. She was shaking in his arms and her eyes still shone gold, but her voice seemed normal when she spoke. Her voice was quiet and meek, but it had lost its hysterical edge. "Merlin, I'm sorry."
He considered making a shield around them, but when the magic exploded, it would focus on him and Morgana. Merlin was fine with getting injured, but he wasn't sure if the magic would hit Morgana and didn't want to risk her getting hurt any further. Still, an explosion in the Dragon Caves could do serious damage to the caverns. He couldn't risk a cave in. Not with so many people stationed inside the Caves.
Aithusa, he thought to his dragon. I need your help. I need a shield spell powerful enough to contain and absorb this. Do you know one?
If you create a shield around you and Morgana, you're the one who's going to get hurt the most. Aithusa said. Are you sure about this?
I can't risk doing damage to the Dragon Caves. Morgana's magic will explode outwards, so if the shield absorbs the magic it shouldn't rebound and hit her. As for me, I don't care about getting hurt, so long as Morgana and everyone here are safe.
Aithusa seemed uneasy. I don't like this Merlin.
We don't have time to do anything else. Please, Aithusa, I need a stronger spell!
Aithusa made a grunt of displeasure and then breathed on Merlin, gifting him with the knowledge of a complex shield spell.
"Scildan stíþmægen forswelgan!" Merlin chanted, and a sphere of bright blue magic formed around them, sealing them away from the outside. Now no damage would be made to the Dragon Caves.
"Merlin," Morgana groaned as the magic continued to build around her. She seemed to be trying to hold it in, but she didn't have another practice with control. It was going to blow any second. "Merlin, I can still see the visions … And the magic … I'm scared."
He took her head in his hands, "Hey," he said softly. "It's alright. I'm here. Look at me. Focus on me. They're not real, Morgana. The visions aren't real. It's fine. Everything's going to be okay."
Tears were streaming down Morgana's face and Merlin gently wiped them away with his thumbs. "I need…" She said, struggling to speak as the magic built to uncomfortable levels. "I … need to say … it … back … to you."
"Say what?"
She looked him in the eyes. The force of the magic was shaking the air about them, blowing her hair haphazardly around. Morgana looked terrified but utterly determined to say what she wanted to say.
"I love you too."
Morgana leant in and sealed the declaration with a kiss. Then the pair were torn from each other as Morgana lost the small amount of control she had and the magic exploded around them.
Author's Note:
So hey everyone! I hope you all don't want to kill me after this chapter.
I found some time to write while I was away and I pumped this chapter out for you. I'm sorry if there's any mistakes in it. I haven't really gone over it. I only really just got back home after my trip (the Marianas Trench concert was amazing, by the way) and I wanted to upload this as soon as possible for you guys.
Just some more definitions for the Old English words I used for the spells I made up:
Hearm
Meaning: damage, harm, injury, evil affliction, grief, pain, insult, calumny (Pretty sure this just means 'harm' in Old English. I'm real creative when it comes to torture spells)
Hearm endedæg
Meaning: hearm+ last day, day of one's death, the day when the end comes (I take this as the torture spell tortures you so much that you're on the brink of death. You've been torture to your last day.)
Scildan stíþmægen forswelgan
Meaning: Shield spell from the Merlin wiki + powerful force, a strong force + to swallow up, devour, consume absorb (So it's full meaning is a powerful shield to absorb the magic)
I don't know if you guys really care about the meaning of the spells I've made up. I try to use spells from the show as much as possible. I just thought I'd explain the spells I'd made up and my thought process for combining the Old English words for those who might have been interested. I also have no idea how to pronounce them. I bet my pronunciation is way off, but oh well.
As always, a big thank you to everyone who has read, reviewed, favourited or followed this story. You guys are the best and make me want to keep writing all the more.
I should have the next chapter up in a couple of days. But I hoped you enjoyed this one and please review!
xx
P.S: Sorry about the whole 'The Path of Light never did run smooth' joke. But I've been saying that to myself ever since I started writing this fic and was just waiting for the right chapter to use it on. I probably found it way more amusing than you guys did.