Merlin
Episode 4.09: Lancelot du Lac Rewrite
Merlin du Lac
Chapter 1: Risen from the Dead
Arthur always hated sitting in council meetings. Most of the time, the reason was quite simple: they were boring. But this time, the young King found the council downright annoying and immensely frustrating. And with Lord Agravaine and Lord Hawthorne constantly disagreeing with him, Arthur found the meetings even more troublesome than when he had as a Prince listening to nonstop gibberish from the sidelines.
"There are several druid camps that are currently aiding us, providing us the much needed magical protection. Not to mention, Seibara here, who has been with us for the past couple of months. Repealing the ban on magic is an apt course of action that is required in a time of dire need such as now." Arthur said, struggling to remain calm.
Gwen glanced at him, almost warningly. Arthur returned the glance with an exasperated shrug.
It had been about a month since Arthur had been crowned King, and already the young King faced many problems, both within the Kingdom and from other Kingdoms. The magical threats, on the other hand…
After the assassination attempt that resulted in the Uther's death, Seibara and Gaius both insisted that Arthur meet with the druid camps nearby for magical protection. Astonishingly enough, every camp he did visit was more than happy to aid Camelot's King. There were now a hundred druids right outside of Camelot's gates, working as a magical filter, while hundreds of Camelot's finest knights and guards were put on extra duty. Arthur himself was constantly guarded by a knight, Seibara (not that she can help much…) and/or Gaius. Yet, what surprised Arthur the most was the mere fact that what hundreds of men were collectively struggling to achieve, Merlin single-handedly had done for the past years. It displayed to Arthur just how powerful Emrys was.
The druids were still not allowed within the kingdom, despite the support they provided. Because the council, it seems, was staunch on refusing magic into the Kingdom. Normally, Arthur wouldn't have to go through this process, but because he was still mourning the loss of his father and because he was still 'young', the council decided to interfere as soon as Arthur declared magic would be welcomed in Camelot once more.
Really, Arthur didn't blame the entire council. Most of the nobles were willing to listen to reason, and most saw the benefits of having magic on their side (plus, they also knew the deficits of threatening sorcerers like Uther had). It almost seemed as if they wanted magic back just as much as Arthur did. It was just Lord Aggravating and Lord Thorn-in-the-ass that provided much of the trouble.
"Magic had been banned since your birth, Sire." Lord Hawthorne said as soon as Arthur finished his speech. "Your father had specific and rightful reasons. Magic corrupts even the best souls, leading only to downfall and destruction. Uther Pendragon knew this – "
"My father knew a lot of things, Lord Hawthorne. However, that does not mean that the laws he created were fair and just. Undeniably, they were biased. I wish to right his wrongs," Arthur interrupted. Some of the nobles nodded, agreeing cautiously with Arthur. The rest remained silent, listening carefully.
"Sire, magic killed both of your parents. In fact, from what I hear, the sorceress in this very hall had murdered our King. It is hardly fitting for you to accept such a foul art after that…" Agravaine's voice trailed off at the end.
Seibara glared at the Royal from where she sat, next Gwen. They were the only two ladies allowed in the court – one because she would be the future Queen and the other because she represented the magical community. And for Arthur's part, he sincerely hoped that none of the nobles decide to tick off either lady – they could be quite vicious if they wanted.
Arthur looked at his uncle, and for a second Agravaine swore he saw anger and hurt flash across the King's eyes before being instantly replaced by an impassive mask. "I don't understand, uncle. I'm sure your wife and child had magic and I know how my father had condemned a mere five year old child," Arthur said, and for just a moment, he enjoyed the pained expression that crossed his Uncle's face. It was cruel, mentioning his daughter like that and Arthur knew that. "I would've thought that you would like to spare other innocent children from a similar fate." Agravaine sat down immediately, regarding the King with curiosity.
"Besides, my father wasn't murdered by Seibara," Arthur continued calmly. "Gaius had found a silver charm that reversed Seibara's healing spell. Morgana played a role in that, with the help of a traitor amidst us." Arthur stared directly at his uncle, and watched with glee as Agravaine turned pale.
"And what is to say you aren't under the sorceress's spell? What is to say you are not enchanted?" Hawthorne asked.
"You dare doubt me?" Arthur asked in a commanding tone. Hawthorne seemed to shrivel where he stood as he shook his head.
"No sire, I am merely concerned. This sorceress could have powerful magic for all we know – oomf!" Hawthorne suddenly double over, grunting in pain as he clutched his midsection.
Seibara stood on the other side, her palm outstretched. "That," she said with a haughty smirk. "Is the most powerful magic I have and the most it can do is leave you with an ugly bruise." To match your ugly face, she finished in her head.
Arthur groaned inwardly as the entire hall erupted into protests. "The council meeting is adjourned for the day," Arthur shouted over the chaos. It took several minutes for the nobles to leave, and Arthur seriously doubted any had a better opinion of magic users.
The council room now only consisted of the Round Table Knights, Arthur, Gaius, Gwen and, of course, the temperamental sorceress.
Lancelot glared at Seibara. "What's the point of that? How is Arthur supposed to do anything, if you're going to constantly push him back every time he tries?"
Seibara's arms flailed around. "Why am I stuck in this mess?" When all she received were glares, she attempted to defend herself. "Lord Thorn-in-the-ass is just being stupid. Besides, he totally had that coming." Gaius's eyebrow shot up while Gwaine attempted not to laugh. Arthur still sat at the head of the table, his head buried in his arms, and Gwen moved to stand at his side.
But still no one said a word. Seibara sighed exasperated. "Fine! Kick magic out of your kingdom for heaven's sake. I don't know how Merlin dealt with all of this, but I'm not staying here another minute." She turned around, ready to stomp out of the Council room.
"I thought you said that you would stay here until Merlin returns," Lancelot started and everyone turned to face him. "And that if Merlin never returns, we'd have to bear you forever?"
Seibara smirked. "So what does the noble knight suggest? You want to bear me forever?"
"Yes," Lancelot replied instantly. Gwaine wolf-whistled, while the rest of the members looked shocked at Lancelot. Even Seibara felt a warm flush rise up her cheeks.
Lancelot turned crimson red. "No – that's not what I meant…" he stammered, helplessly looking around the room.
"Sure," Gwaine drawled, forcing the sorceress and the knight to turn a deeper shade of red. Arthur shook his head amused.
"That's enough. Seibara, you do need to control your temper. It's going to be harder to bring magic back if you hit every noble you see with magic." Arthur said. Seibara nodded reluctantly. "Now," Arthur smiled mischievously. "If you two love birds and accompanying orchestra would excuse me, I've got other work to attend to."
Arthur stood up and left the chambers to a stuttering knight and his harassing friends. Gwen followed close behind, giggling to herself.
"Did you know about them?" Arthur asked softly as he continued towards his chambers.
Gwen smiled. "I don't think they know about themselves either," She looked thoughtfully at her future husband. "They do tend to meet with each other quite often. Just to help each other out, apparently."
Arthur laughed. Slowly the couple fell silent. "Arthur, I think you need to take a break," Gwen said quietly.
Arthur side-glanced at her. "What makes you say that?"
"Ever since you've been crowned King, you haven't stepped outside this citadel. I think you and the Knights should go out hunting." Arthur stopped, turning around.
"A hunting trip now? With all this chaos in the council chambers?" Arthur asked. When Gwen didn't respond, Arthur sighed. "I have to keep myself busy, Gwen." His eyes darted around, almost nervously. "If I don't, I remember Merlin and my Father…"
Gwen leaned forwards, placing a warm hand on Arthur's cheek. "I know," she whispered. "That's why you need to relax. This isn't healthy, Arthur."
Arthur nodded slowly. He leaned in, snatching a kiss from her. "Hunting trip. Tomorrow. I'll tell the knights to get ready," he told her as a wide grin encompassed his face. She laughed in return and the couple made their way back to the King's chambers.
The fire cackled at the center, the only source of warmth for the small hovel hidden in the middle of the woods. Morgana Pendragon sat in the armchair next to the hearth, her head bobbing as she dozed off.
A figure appeared behind her. The caped man walked over to the sleeping witch and placed his hand on her back. Morgana bolted awake as she drew out the dagger with lightning speed and placed it against the intruder's neck.
"My lady," Agravaine greeted her, cautiously eyeing the blade before him. Morgana sheathed the blade as she turned towards her uncle.
"You better have a good reason for scaring me like that," Morgana hissed warningly. Under the flickering light and with her piercing emerald eyes, she looked not too different from snake, hiding behind the shadows and waiting for the right moment to strike.
"I'm afraid I do." Agravaine pulled up a chair, settling comfortably before his Queen. "I fear Arthur may suspect my role behind Uther's death…" Agravaine's voice trailed off just as Morgana narrowed her eyes.
"He still comes for my advice, of course," Agravaine covered instantly, recognizing the murderous tint in the witch's eyes. "And he trusts me. Unfortunately, Gaius had found the charm we used, so Arthur does believe there is a traitor in Camelot."
Morgana held up her hand, effectively silencing the rambling noble. "Does Arthur believe you have a role in Uther's death?" She asked, dismissively.
Agravaine shook his head reluctantly. "I don't know, my lady."
"You should hope he doesn't, Agravaine." Morgana said, her voice carrying the threat to the already terrified noble. "After all, if your true nature is revealed, I really don't know what use I'll have for you."
"I assure you, he hasn't," Agravaine stated instantly.
Morgana smirked. "What other news do you have for me?" She stood up, making her way to one of the shelves.
Agravaine shrugged but did not get up from the chair. "Arthur is still courting your maidservant, and all of the council had come to accept her as the future Queen. In fact, she sits next to Arthur these days at the council meetings and offers advice. The sorceress also started to become an integral part of these meetings…"
Agravaine watched the witch before he paused. "Arthur… This morning, Morgana, Arthur suggested bringing Magic back into the Kingdom. To the entire council." Morgana froze. "Apparently he had already met with several druid clans, and they are all helping him – or so he claims." Agravaine stood up, slowly making his way towards the witch. "Morgana, he's trying to repeal the ban on Magic."
Morgana turned around rapidly just as her eyes flashed bright gold, knocking the shelves behind her down. "That hypocrite! What does he aim to do? Lure magic users in the name of peace and execute them all mercilessly?"
Agravaine stepped back, startled by the display of power. It was several minutes later that Agravaine found his voice. "He seemed genuine…"
"Don't be taken in by his fine words." Morgana sneered. She turned around, picking up a golden coin from the dusty floor. "The throne is rightfully mine, Agravaine. And only I can bring the Old Religion back. I am destined to do so."
"And how do you intend to do that? The security around the castle has increased tenfold, if not more. Even I found it hard to sneak past the guards…"
Morgana smiled wickedly, as her fingers danced on the golden surface of the coin. "I know exactly how to destroy Camelot and Arthur, once and for all."
Morgana walked towards the edge of a lake. Her black robes flowed behind her, as the gentle breeze pushed her messy black curls to the side. Yet, the wind had no effect on the black waters: they were still as death itself. She didn't stop, even as she reached the edge, walking straight into the waters.
Morgana stood at the mouth of a cave. She gazed curiously at the coin in her hands before making her way into the cave's dark depths. There was a soft rustle behind her, and Morgana turned around instantly.
Sure enough, behind her stood a hunch-backed old hag. The terms repulsive would be an understatement in describing the creature before her. Morgana recognized her instantly: she was the Dochraid, a creature of earth and one of the few that still knew much of the Old Religion's secrets. Morgana grimaced as the hag grabbed her hand. The Dochraid sniffed the hand as she tilted her head, revealing two netted eyes, pus flowing from where the eye holes should be.
"I come in peace," Morgana stated, as calmly as she could.
"Ah, Morgana Pendragon. You are destined to bring back the old ways," the Dochraid said as she let her go. Her voice was whispery, but still carried an ancient sound – as if the earth itself were speaking. "I hope to live to see that day."
Morgana forced a smile. "You are one of the few people who remember the time of the Old Religion. I need your help," she said as she leaned forward, placing a golden coin in the ancient woman's wrinkled hands. "It was a gift from my sister," she explained.
The Dochraid tilted her head again, an odd toothless grin now encompassing her face. "Ah. Ah, most interesting present."
"The price of a soul." Morgana said softly.
"But you do not know how to release it." The old hag fingered the coin. "I should like to keep it." Morgana reached out, gently coaxing the surprisingly strong hands to release her coin. The Dochraid smiled.
"The gift is indeed a powerful one, but there's only one way to wield that power. You must travel to the last of the five gateways that separate our world from the world of the dead."
Morgana's thoughts returned to the present tense as she still heard the raspy instructions. She carefully pulled out her sister's gift. The coin gleamed in the sunlight and the lake itself seemed to call the coin.
Find the pool of Nemhain, whose waters are as black as night and as still as death itself. Cast the coin into its depts. and your wish will be granted.
Morgana took a deep breath in. Release the soul my sister captured. Release the soul that will be my slave, and the downfall of Camelot, she thought to herself as she let the coin fall into the murky water.
The coin reacted with the water instantly, sending thick bubbles to the surface, as the disc hit the base of the lake. A couple of meters away, ripples begin to form, sending small waves towards the shore. Morgana waited patiently as she watched a pale figure rise up from the depths.
Her eyes widened in shock as the dark-haired man walked up to her, his blue eyes devoid of emotion. She watched as the familiar form of the lanky manservant stood before her, ready to do her bidding.
Merlin had risen from the dead.
A/N: Sorry! I didn't realize that I didn't add line breakers before and the story needed some editing too :).
Didn't think I'd bring Merlin back from the Spirit World so soon, did you? Well actually, I hinted at it in the epilogue and prologue, so I know it's expected.
Yes, I'm trying really hard to make some sort of a chemistry between Seibara and Lancelot. The thing is, though, the story is so heavily Arthur and Merlin based that the rest of the characters play a side role (what's absolutely necessary). It doesn't give me enough time to develop a love story between the two characters…
So, I always invite someone from the show to ask my reviews at the beginning of a new 'episode'. This chapter is the same. Last time, I almost got executed by Uther Pendragon for allegedly practicing sorcery (thank god I escaped and Uther died). After that lesson, I decided to play somewhat safe. Please welcome… MORGANA PENDRAGON!
Me: Hello Morgana. I was wondering if you could spread word about my story and get more people to review… *stops when I notice that she isn't paying attention* Morgana?
Morgana: Hush. Can't you see, I'm trying to find another way to destroy Camelot?
Me: You know, those never work…
Morgana: *turns around and looks angrily* How would you know? I'm the seer.
Me: *muttering to myself* yeah, and I'm the one writing your story. *turns back to her* Could you ask my audience to review my story?
Morgana: Am I in this story?
Me: Yes, actually If you want to read it yourself… *offering a pile of papers*
*After a couple of hours, where, surprisingly, Morgana does read the entire story*
Me: Do you like it?
Morgana: I died in this story.
Me: Um….
Morgana: You killed me in your story! *eyes flash golden as the furniture surrounding us magically takes flight. Lots of noise and chaos as Morgana stands at the center screeching her head off*
Me: *to myself* That's it! I'm never asking another Pendragon in my life! *turning to you* Also, if possible, could you review my story… You never know, this might be the last chapter I ever write…
Oh, also, I'm not planning on killing Morgana. Yet. Might change my mind after this incident…