A/N - Hey x It's been a while but I found this chapter really difficult to write. I'm still not happy with it but I figured you've waited long enough. So, as always, please review and let me know if it was ok and what you think is going to happen. This fic will probably only have one or two more chapters because I don't want to drag it on too long and I want to be free to start more fics for the new series! Does anyone know an exact release date? Anyway, hope you enjoy :DD x

10) Jailbreak

It was dawn when they came in viewing distance of the castle. The execution was clearly mandatory to attend because there were no signs of any patrols and only the bare minimum of guards were on duty.

"We've no time to waste," said Leon.

The group all murmured their agreement. The knights huddled together, planning the jailbreak, leaving Merlin and Gwen alone with their thoughts. Gwen was scared. Everything rested upon today; the future of Camelot. If the execution went ahead, Morgause would stay on the throne unchallenged and the kingdom would enter an even darker reign than Uther's. And she just didn't know how she could live without Arthur; her Arthur. Merlin, however, was confident that he would be able to spill the blood if he got to the cup unhindered which Lancelot would be able to help him with. What worried him were Morgana's true loyalties. It could all be a hoax. He didn't know Morgana any more. There was no way he wanted to condemn her if she had indeed changed, but he couldn't risk his friend's lives if it was all a cruel lie.

"Merlin," said Lancelot, breaking his thoughts.

"Yes?" he asked.

"It's time to move in now."

The young warlock nodded absentmindedly before shaking his head. He had to have a clear head or he'd be dead within minutes, the destiny of Camelot with him.

"Arthur," said Morgana, as she twirled a loose strand of her hair around her finger.

"Hmm," he responded.

"We can't just let her win," Morgana replied with a fierce determination.

"Morgana, I know that. But what can we do."

"If I'm going to die, I want to die fighting. I don't want her to think that I'm scared of her."

"I know you're not."

"That's where you're wrong, Arthur, I am scared of her. And you should be, too. You have no idea what's she's capable of. I just don't want her to know that she's beaten us."

"She will not hurt you, sister. I swear to you."

"Thank you, Arthur, but there is no need for vows. I got myself mixed up in Morgause so I shall suffer the repercussions of crossing her – alone."

"Morgana…"

"No, Arthur, I mean it. Stay out of it. It's better for everyone that way."

"Your pride will be the death of you," muttered Arthur, fondly.

"We all die at some point. That is inescapable. I would rather die by Morgause's hand than by some stranger's axe."

"That's very honourable."

"Is it?" replied Morgana as the cell relapsed back into silence.

Merlin's eyes burned gold as another of the immortal guards were stunned, long enough for Lancelot to defeat them with Excalibur; the only sword that could slay the dead. He was hunting for the cup, instead of disabling the warning bell and his friend was only too happy to go along with it. The only way to win the kingdom back was to spill the cup's blood or they would all be cut to ribbons.

"Merlin!" said Lancelot.

"We're nearly there, Lancelot. I can sense it," replied Merlin, becoming more determined with each step.

The throne room loomed ahead and the young wizard nodded towards it, indicating that the cup lay within. Lancelot smiled at him and gave their silent signal before launching himself at the doors. Surprisingly, they were unbarred and knight and sorcerer were soon in the cavernous room, ten of the immortal knights surrounding an altar upon which rested a golden goblet.

Merlin spun around in time to blast a guard backwards into a pillar and looked at Lancelot who was fighting two men at once. There was no time to lose. He approached the altar, the knight protecting him. Whispering a spell in the old tongue, he removed the sword from Lancelot's grip and swung it at the cup.

It went tumbling to the stone, bright red blood splattering the walls as if it were spilled wine. The mercenaries around them exploded in surprise, leaving the castle free of guards, all except the bloodguards Morgause had brought from the Isle of the Blessed.

"Wow!" said Lancelot "Come on, let's go."

Merlin smiled in triumph and hurried after him, to the dungeons to help the others.

Down in the dungeons, Percival and Elyan were looking totally bewildered at the disappearance of their opponents. Gwen was in the shadows, her sword raised even though she wasn't a trained swordswoman.

"Merlin!" exclaimed Gwen in happy relief.

"Have you found them, yet?" asked Lancelot.

"The guards kept coming. I'm pretty sure they're down here – somewhere. There's no other reason for it to be so heavily guarded," replied Elyan.

"We found the cup and managed to destroy it. Leon and Gwaine are still looking for it," explained Lancelot "We need to find the king before Morgause discovers what's happened. And that won't be long now."

"Come on, then. Arthur will be waiting."

Morgana flinched as she heard the dungeon door open and Arthur instinctively moved his arm around Morgana. The door was flung open and a familiar blond-haired woman entered, a smile playing on her lips.

"Hello, Pendragons," she spat, disgustedly.

"What do you want now?" asked Arthur.

"Now, now, you wouldn't want me to be angry now."

"Get out, Morgause," ordered Morgana.

"Excuse me?"

"I said leave us. I don't want to look at you. I don't want to talk to you."

"You dare give commands to me."

"GET OUT!" screamed Morgana, overcome with pulsing anger.

Morgause was in front of her in an instant, grabbing Morgana's chin between her fingers. Her eyes held a deadly glint of danger but there was something different today; she was no less menacing nor aggressive but she lacked the smugness.

"Get off of her," said Arthur, attempting to stand up.

Morgause stopped him with a simple spell as Morgana struggled to free herself.

"Coward!" yelled Morgana.

"You are the coward. You and your pathetic brother," retorted Morgause.

"Well, let us have a fair fight," said Arthur.

"Been there, won that," chuckled Morgause, darkly.

Before she could continue, there was a battle cry and the dungeon was occupied with Merlin and three of Arthur's knights, Gwen trailing behind. All had determined looks on their faces and their swords were raised dangerously. It didn't seem like Morgause would stand a chance but she smirked lightly and turned to face the intruders.

"What a surprise this is," she smirked "Are you prepared to die alongside the Pendragon children?"