Chapter 10
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"Merlin, Emma" Arthur called us quietly. My brother and I glanced at each other before slowly advancing to him.
"What is it?" I asked once next to him.
"I don't know. We will surround it." He replied. "I want you to go in there and flush it out."
"You want us to go in there?" Merlin asked him. "You just said you don't know what it is. It could be dangerous."
"Yeah, what he said." I said pointing to Merlin.
"Let's hope so. Now go." Arthur pushed us to the clearing.
Merlin and I sneaked through the woods. Merlin picked up a large stick. I gasped and gripped Merlin's arm as soon as we came face to face with a Unicorn. You read well, a unicorn, a really beautiful white unicorn. Merlin and I stood there in awe. I mean it's not an everyday thing to come across a unicorn.
"Merlin, it's a unicorn!" I beamed.
"I can see that, Nellie." Merlin snorted.
I couldn't help it but before I could stop I was already walking to the unicorn, overexcited and ready to stroke the gorgeous creature. When I reached her, I heard the noise of leaves cracking under the hunters' feet.
"You can't stay here!" I told her urgently. "Go, go." I tried to shoo her away. Merlin was doing the same.
"They're gonna kill you. Please, go!" He said to her. "Arthur! No!" I heard Merlin shouted before the unicorn collapsed on the ground. Merlin and I knelt down next to it. "I'm sorry. Sorry." Merlin whispered softly stroking its head.
"Ha-ha! A unicorn!" Arthur beamed when he reached us.
"Why did you do that for?" I asked angrily. "It didn't do anything to you."
"Don't be so dramatic, Emma." He had the audacity to roll his eyes at me. There was a man in a white cloak standing behind Arthur.
"What are you looking at?" Arthur asked me before turning around. But when he did, the man was gone.
I glowered at Arthur's back while he strode proudly through the main hall. Merlin has to carry the horn that was carelessly taken from the unicorn and placed on a pillow.
"Father!" Arthur beamed. "A unicorn's horn to grace the walls of Camelot." Merlin stepped up with the horn.
"Magnificent." Uther smirked. "It's the first one I've seen." The King took the horn in his hands. "Gaius, look at this." He said showing the horn to our uncle.
"It is very impressive, my lord." Gaius said grimly.
"What is it, Gaius? Speak your mind." Uther asked him sensing my uncle's discomfort.
"Unicorns are rare and mystical creatures. There is a legend that says that bad fortune will come to anyone who slays one." Gaius explained. Arthur and Uther chuckled at that.
"Nonsense. We will be the envy of every kingdom." Uther replied.
"I'm pleased you like it." Arthur nodded. I scowled at him.
I huffed as I walked through the square with Gaius and Merlin. "I don't understand how Arthur can have taken any pleasure from killing the unicorn." Merlin muttered.
"Arthur is a hunter." Gaius shrugged. "It's in his blood whereas you are both something entirely different."
"It is a monstrous thing to slay a unicorn. Only one who has nothing to lose, and everything to gain, would commit such a crime. You have slain something pure and defenceless and you will have but a cursed life." I said quoting Firenze from Harry Potter. Of course, I didn't mention the whole blood part because it didn't fit here, obviously. Merlin and Gaius stared at me with raised eyebrows. "I read it somewhere." I shrugged.
"Nellie, dear, sometimes it seemed you know more than you should." Gaius commented.
"It was the most beautiful creature we have ever seen. I wish you'd be there." Merlin said to Gaius.
"It's a rare privilege. Alas, there are a few unicorns still alive." Gaius answered.
"You try telling that to Arthur." Merlin countered.
"I can imagine it would be difficult." Gaius stated.
Merlin was off only God knows where and I was in Arthur's chambers, staring out the window. I was still crossed about the death of the Unicorn. For once I get to see one, Arthur has to kill it. It's also true that it wasn't like I was going to see one in my previous life. Just like Arthur and Merlin were only legends to me, a unicorn was just a part of fairytales. Something I would never get to see once but yes, I did and then Arthur killed it.
"Emma? Have you listened to a word I've said?" Arthur asked me.
"Would you believe me if I say yes?" I replied turning around.
"You've got a face like a wounded bear ever since we got back from that hunting trip. Don't tell me you're still upset about the unicorn." Arthur stood up and walked to his bed.
"I just…I think you shouldn't have killed it." I answered.
"Oh, really? And why is that?" Arthur asked sitting on his bed.
"Because it was innocent. Because it wasn't a threat to you or to your men. Because it was the most beautiful creature I've ever seen." I finished in a whisper. "What purpose did you serve by killing it?"
"We were hunting. That's what you do. Would you have me bring it home as a pet?" Arthur asked.
"Yes!" I snapped. "Would you have if I asked you?" I questioned.
"Don't be ridiculous, Emma." Arthur scoffed. "Look at this?"
"What now?" I said walking to him.
"Do you know what that is?" He said pointing at a few small black balls on the floor.
"No but I have a feeling you're going to tell me." I replied dryly.
"Rat droppings." He stated. I turned my nose up. "My chambers are infested. You need to spend less time worrying about unicorns and more time worrying about rats."
"But unicorns are much cuter than rats." I mock-whined. Merlin burst into Arthur's chambers at this moment. He was out of breath.
"Arthur, the king wants to see you." He informed the Prince.
"Find that rat!" Arthur ordered me before heading out. Merlin started to follow him out of the room.
"Hold on, mister!" I said grabbing his shoulder quickly. "You are helping me to find that rat." He huffed.
Over night the crops had died, all the wheat just wilted. The whole kingdom was in chaos. "Any ideas what caused the crops to die?" Merlin asked Gaius as we watched him perform some tests.
"I'm here to complete all the tests. No disease I've heard of could spread through the entire Kingdom in a single night." Gaius answered.
"If it's not for a disease, what could kill all the plants, then?" I questioned Gaius crossing my arms over my chest.
"It is not killing all the plants. The trees and hedges around the crop fields are unharmed. Unfortunately, you can't eat trees and hedges." Gaius explained.
"It's only killing the plants we can eat?" Merlin frowned.
"It appears so." Gaius replied.
"Then it's the work of magic." I retorted. "It must be."
"We can't assume that, Nellie. Perhaps there is something in the soil and the water that can explain it. I can't tell the king it's caused by sorcery until I'm completely certain." Gaius told us.
"Merlin, Nellie!" Gwen called us while she was about to collect water. "Is it true what they're saying about the crops? They're all dead?"
"I'm afraid so." I replied.
"We may have to start tightening our belts." Merlin added.
"I'm sure Arthur will think of something." Gwen reassured us.
"I know he will." I nodded.
"And if he doesn't, I will." Merlin said before we resumed our walk to the castle.
"Merlin, Nellie!" We heard Gwen called. When we went back to the well, Gwen pump the water only for sand to come out. That can't be good.
Merlin and I brought a bucket of sand back to our chambers. This way Merlin could figure out a way to turn sand back into water.
"Try this one." I suggested pointing to one of the spell in the book.
"Greot gecymen, lecan." He tried but he didn't work. "Gecymen ge drye waeter." Gaius entered our chambers at this moment. "I was…I was just, er…" Merlin stammered.
"I was hoping you might be trying to turn it back into water." Gaius said sitting on Merlin's bed. "I know I've cautioned against magic, Merlin, but if ever there was a time to use your talents, it's now."
"Well, I wish I knew how. I've tried everything. If it's magic, it's more powerful magic than I possess." Merlin replied.
When night came, Merlin and I decided to go and find the cloaked man we saw in the woods earlier that day.
"Merlin, Emma, you do realise there's a curfew?" Arthur called walking to us.
"Yeah…" Merlin started. "We were in your chambers, hunting for the rat."
"Did you find it?" Arthur asked.
"Nope, we didn't." I shook my head.
"So you have been outwitted by a rat?" Arthur said dryly.
"You might not know this but rats are intelligent creatures." I said clasping my hands behind my back.
"More intelligent than you, it would seem. Go home. It'd be embarrassing to have to lock up my own servants for breaking the curfew." Arthur told us. "What was that?"
"What?" Merlin asked Arthur before the latter ran to the castle. Merlin and I ran after him. We ran down the stairs and we ended up in the burial vaults. Arthur made gestures with his hands to us. Merlin nodded and Arthur left, both of us following him.
"That means you go the other way and cut him off." Arthur hissed and glared at us. I held up my hands up in surrender.
"Okay!" Merlin and I went in the opposite direction. We wandered for a while. Seeing no one, Arthur joined us a moment later. We shook our heads telling him we didn't see anyone. Then we caught a glimpse of the man's silhouette. Arthur gestured us to go the other way again. We ended back at the stairway.
"Where is he" Arthur asked us.
"We didn't see anyone." Merlin replied.
"He was right here!" Arthur exclaimed. "Don't tell me you let him get past you."
"Arthur, no one passed us." I assured him.
"Are you blind?" He shouted.
"Are you deaf?" I shouted back.
"Are you looking for me?" The white cloaked man said. "I am Anhora , keeper of the Unicorns." He introduced himself.
"Camelot is under curfew." Arthur informed him. "What's your business here?"
"I came to deliver a message." Anhora answered.
"And who is this message for?" Arthur asked him.
"It is for you, Arthur Pendragon." Anhora replied.
"Is it you who's responsible for killing our crops, turning our water into sand?" Arthur asked angrily.
"You alone are responsible for the misfortune that has befallen Camelot." Anohra countered.
"Me?! You think I'd bring drought and famine upon my own people?" Arthur exclaimed.
"When you killed the unicorn, you unleashed a curse. For this, Camelot will suffer greatly." Anhora explained calmly. Gaius did warn you people.
"If you have put a curse on Camelot, you will lift it, or you will pay with your life." Arthur warned him.
"The curse was not my doing." Anhora told him.
"Undo the curse or face execution." Arthur threatened him some more.
"Only you can do that. You will be tested." Anhora informed him.
"You're under arrest." Arthur reached out to him but Anhora disappeared into thin air.
"Until you have proven yourself, and made amends for killing the unicorn, the curse will be lifted. If you fail any of these tests, Camelot will be damned for all eternity." Anhora said now standing on top of the stairs before disappearing.
"And you believe what this Anhora said about the curse to be true?" Gaius asked us after we told him about the events of the previous night.
"Well, you said that misfortune comes to anyone who slays a unicorn and I did confirm it with my whole whoever slays something as pure as a unicorn will have but a cursed life." I replied. "So, yes, I believe him."
"Not much for breakfast, I'm afraid." Gaius said putting a bowl in front of us. "We're down to our last few scraps of food."
"Where did you get the water to make the tea?" Merlin asked Gaius.
"Fortunately for all of us, you forgot to empty your bath yesterday." Gaius answered. I spat the tea that was already in my mouth and put my cup away.
"You're making tea from my bath water?" Merlin said spitting the tea back in his cup.
"It's not so bad. Perhaps a little…soapy." Gaius joked. Gaius grew more serious. "What does Arthur think about the curse?"
"You know Arthur." I scoffed. "He's blaming Anhora for all of this. He doesn't think it's his fault."
"If you do not wish to drink bath water, you better make sure Arthur sees sense." Gaius reminded us.
"How is it possible that we clean your room everyday," I started picking up clothes on the floor. "And you still manage to create such a mess of your room every single time."
"That's why I have you as my servants, Emma." Arthur replied and I rolled my eyes at this. "That…rat!" Arthur growled, he then walked up to me. "It's eaten through my boot, look at it."
"I guess the rat must be as hungry as the rest of us!" Merlin joked and I snickered.
"You think this is funny?" Arthur glared at us.
"Very much." I said at the same time Merlin replied "Moderately."
"Get it mended." He ordered throwing the shoe at us. "Find that rat."
"Have you given some thought to what Anhora said last night?" Merlin asked.
"Ah well, he may have escaped last night, but at least we know now what we're looking for." Arthur answered. "I told my father I'll find this Anhora and put an end to it."
"Did you at least consider the possibility he was telling the truth?" I questioned him.
"You think I'm responsible for bringing suffering upon my own people?" Arthur asked startled.
"You did kill the unicorn." I said matter-of-factly.
"Not deliberately." Merlin answered to his question. "When you killed the unicorn, I saw Anhora in the forest."
"I saw him too." I added.
"Why didn't you say anything?" He questioned in disbelief.
"It was just for a second, and then he disappeared. I didn't even…well I thought I was seeing things. But he was definitely there." Merlin replied.
"What he said."
"That doesn't actually prove anything."
"You don't think that him being in the woods after you killed the unicorn means that he was telling the truth?" I asked giving him a look. "You're thicker than I thought."
He glared at me. "Because he was skulking about in the forest? Makes me trust him even less."
"Why would Anhora appear in Camelot, and then lie to you?" Merlin asked him.
"We had him cornered. He was trying to talk his way out of it by blaming me." Arthur suggested.
"The guy can disappear into thin air. He didn't have to talk his way out of anything." I countered.
"My father has warned me about sorcerers like him. They will not rest until our kingdom is destroyed." Arthur looked at us pointedly.
"If he really wanted to destroy Camelot, he could have just killed you. You're the only heir to the throne." I reminded. "We believe he's telling the truth."
"Then you're fools," Arthur stared down at me. "You cannot trust a single word a sorcerer says. You'd do well to remember that. Now, I think I've figured out what Anhora's next move is going to be, and when he makes it, we're going to be waiting."
Waiting is the most boring thing I've ever done in my entire life. Especially when you're thirsty and starving like I was. Merlin was smacking his lips which was getting on my nerves. You know what else was getting on my nerves, the fact that he was sleeping. Arthur seemed to share my thoughts as he scowled at the sleeping form of Merlin and processed to wake him up by hitting him with a broom.
"Don't you worry about keeping watch, Merlin. You just make yourself comfortable." Arthur sarcastically said.
"And for the love of God, stop smacking your lips." I added annoyed. "It's getting on my nerves."
"I'm thirsty." Merlin answered.
"Just like the rest of us." I countered. Merlin got up and walked to stand next to me.
"Psst!" The noise was coming from Arthur. "Someone's coming." He gestured us to rejoin him.
We looked into the grain store to see someone walking by with a torch. Arthur drew his sword and walked inside, Merlin and I on his heels.
"You go over there and come in." He mouthed to us. We did as he asked us. "Show yourself, before I run you through!" I heard him said while Merlin picked up some tools that we could use as weapons. "Who are you?"
"My name is…my name is…" the intruder stammered.
"Speak up!" Arthur ordered him.
"My name is Evan, my Lord." He said loudly. Merlin and I came out of hiding and stood by Arthur's side.
"I see you think you can help yourself to our grain reserves." Arthur remarked. The man was holding a sack of grain and a shovel. "My father has ordered that looters be executed."
"Please, my Lord. I…I do not steal for myself. I have three children they have not eaten for two days. They are hungry." Evan explained.
"It's the same for everyone."
"I…I know that it is wrong to steal. I couldn't bear to see them starve."
"And could you bear for your children to see you be executed?" Evan shook his head closed to tears. "Then you should go home. If you're caught stealing again, I will not spare you."
"Yes, my Lord. Thank you." Evan put the sack of grain and the shovel down and left.
"Wait!" Arthur called. He picked up the sack of grain and tossed it to Evan. "Use it sparingly. It might be the last food you and your family get for some time."
"You have shown yourself to be merciful and kind, my Lord. This should bring its own reward." Evan said before leaving. That was weird.
"Never knew water could taste so good." Arthur said slamming his cup on the table. The water was back and we were celebrating in Arthur's chambers.
"My throat was so dry; I thought I wouldn't be able to talk." Merlin commented.
"I know the feeling." I said to Merlin enjoying my cup of water.
"Well, at least some good would've come from the drought, then." Arthur commented.
"You would have missed my voice." I countered, he rolled his eyes.
"More?" Merlin offered him. Arthur gestured towards his cup and filled it in.
"The sand's disappeared. The water returned to the well. It doesn't make sense." Arthur thought. Merlin and I exchanged a knowing look before glancing back at Arthur. "I suppose you have some explanation for this, then? Let's hear it."
"Anhora said you would be tested. And last night, in the grain store, you let that villager go. And he said it would bring its own reward." Merlin explained.
"He was merely grateful, and so he should have been."
"And if that was your first test. You passed it, so the water returned to the well." I continued. "This is your reward. I know you don't have to listen to me."
"Glad we agree on something."
"Prat!" I muttered.
"If you're tested again, you have a chance to end your people's suffering." Merlin reasoned with him.
"And we know you want that more than anything." I added.
"Perhaps we should seek Anhora out." Merlin finished.
"I cannot negotiate with sorcerers. My father wouldn't hear of it." Arthur informed us.
"That's why you shouldn't tell him." I shrugged. Arthur stared at us for a moment, thinking maybe about the idea. Anyway, he suddenly changed the subject.
"I must go check on the guards. See, if you can find me some food." Arthur getting out of room. Merlin and I shook our heads.
"Find some foods." Merlin muttered.
"Yeah, that's easy to say." I scoffed. There's a small squeak, I saw the rat climbed out of Arthur's boot. "Merlin, the rat!" I said pointing to the rat. Merlin casted a spell on it to stop it. "Tell me what are we going to do with it?" I asked Merlin. Merlin just stared at me for a while with a knowing smile. I scrunched my brows confused at his expression. "No, no, no!" I said when I finally understood what he was thinking about. "No!"
"He did say find him some food." Merlin reminded me.
"I heard but rat!"
"Lost my appetite." Arthur said after Merlin has poured some stew into his bowl that night.
"You need to eat something, Arthur." I told him gently. He was depressed and maybe feeling guilty. His people was dying of starvation and he knew it was his fault.
"I can't. Not while my people are starving." He replied. "Do you really believe I'm responsible for the curse?"
"I'm afraid so." Merlin answered.
"I wish you weren't." I sighed.
"We're going to the forest, first thing in the morning." He announced. "Maybe we can pick up Anhora's trail. Whatever it takes." Merlin and I smiled at his words.
"Okay, but you have to eat." Merlin said pushing his bowl in front of him. "You won't be able to help anyone if you're too weak to pass the test."
Arthur started to eat and frowned. "What kind of meat is this? It has a very strange texture."
"It's pork." I said scratching the back of my head.
"This isn't pork. It's far too stringy. What is it? It's erm…" Arthur put his spoon down. He finally realised what he was eating. "It's rat, isn't it?"
"Try not to think about it." Merlin said while I nodded. Arthur rinsed his mouth with water.
"Look at me." Arthur said with a dangerous glint in his eyes. I don't like where this is going. "I'm being rude. Here I am, stuffing my face with this delicious stew when you're hungry, too." Arthur got up and patted his chair. "Come on. Take a seat." He pushed Merlin into his seat. "Eat." Merlin closed his eyes before eating. I scrunched up my nose.
"It's actually pretty tasty." Merlin said with a hand in front of his mouth.
"Well, I'm glad you like it. Because…" Arthur went to fetch the pot. "There's plenty more. Emma," he put the pot before me, "help yourself."
"You know what, I'm not that hungry." I replied putting my hand on my mouth.
"I insist." He pushed the pot closer to me.
"And I'm telling you, I'm not hungry." I pushed the pot to him. There was a knock on the door.
"Enter." Morgana stepped into the room. "Morgana?"
"I hate to ask, but I was wondering if you had anything to eat…" Arthur turned around and paused, Merlin smiled and I, well, I felt sorry for hat Arthur was about to do. I could have stopped him but it was her or me.
The happiness of having the water back was short lived. We went to find Anhora in the woods and ended up being separated from Arthur. When we finally reached his side, he was on the ground. He told us what happened, how Evan has lied to him and insulted his honour. How they fought and how he struck the man. When we got back to Camelot, every last grain has rotted. There were no more food for the people of Camelot. I was disappointed that Arthur let himself blinded by his pride and honour. I was disappointed that he failed the test and yet I couldn't be entirely mad at him, because at least, even if he failed, he tried.
"I know Arthur's stubborn" Merlin started.
"And pig-headed." I added.
"And annoying." Merlin continued. "But he cares about his people. More than he cares about himself. He will not forgive himself for making his people suffer."
"You must make sure he doesn't do anything rash." Gaius told us.
"The mood he's in, we don't know what he's going to do." I shook my head.
"Ready?" Gaius asked us.
"Sure they're not poisonous?" Merlin questioned him.
"Quite certain." Gaius assured him. I picked up the giant insect that was laying in my plate. "They say they taste like chicken. Unless we're to starve. We must hope they're right." I bit into the insect, it made crunchy sound. The taste was awful, all I wanted to do was to spit it out but when you're starving, you don't really have a choice.
"It taste nothing like chicken." Merlin stated.
"Whoever told you that was a liar." I agreed.
I joined Arthur was standing on the battlements, observing the court yard. People were piling up in hopes of having something to eat.
"Are you alright, my lord?" I asked him leaning on the balcony next to him.
"They don't know yet there is worse to come." He replied instead.
"What do you mean?" I asked him.
"My father is going to stop distributing the food to the people." Arthur answered. "They are to be left to starve. I had a chance to lift the curse. And I failed them."
"I know I'm just a servant and that my words have probably no meaning to you but you need to hear the truth." I took a breath. "Merlin and I told you that you were going to be tested. And you failed only because of your pride." I paused and looked at him, he was scowling at me and at the same time not really. "Instead of blaming yourself and brooding, you should think of something that can help your people."
"Anhora!" Merlin called in the woods. "Show yourself! Anhora!" We were only met by the silence.
"It was worth a try." I said disappointed. Merlin exhaled and together we started to walk back to Camelot.
"You wanted to talk with me." Anhora appeared in the woods.
"We've come to seek your help." I started and took a step closer to him. "The people are starving. They will soon be dead."
"You must believe me when I say it gives me no pleasure to see your people suffering." Anhora assured us.
"If it pains you, put an end to it." Merlin said.
"It is not in my power to lift the curse." Anhora informed us.
"Give him another chance. Just one." I pleaded him. "He knows it is his responsibility. He will prove himself worthy and the curse will be lifted. All I'm asking for is one chance."
"You have faith in Arthur." Anhora stated.
"We trust him with our lives." Merlin answered for both of us. Anhora remained silent for a moment.
"Arthur must go to the labyrinth of Gedref. There he will face a final test." Anhora told us. "If he fails, there is no hope. The curse will destroy Camelot." And he disappeared.
"Wait! What kind of test will he face?" Merlin yelled to the wind. There was no answer, at least none that I could hear.
Arthur was getting ready for the test. "Let us come with you." Merlin asked him following him through his chamber. "You don't know what form of test will take. We might be able to help."
"You're not coming. I brought this curse on Camelot." Arthur replied. "I'm gonna be the one to lift it, or die trying."
"Really?" I exclaimed crossing my arms. "You dying is not gonna do any good to your people."
"I'll die knowing I did everything I can." Arthur replied.
"We're coming with you." Merlin said firmly.
Arthur whipped around. "Merlin, Emma, you are to stay here, and help the people as best you can. Is that understood?" He didn't wait for us to answer and stormed out of the room.
"Let's go." I said to Merlin who followed me smirking.
Merlin and I rode together following Arthur closely. We rushed after him in the labyrinth. Merlin and I were holding hands. We tried to follow Arthur in the labyrinth but we lost him. We stopped short in our race when we came across Anhora. "You said Arthur would face a test. And here you are, preparing a trap for him." Merlin told him.
"The trap isn't for Arthur. It is for you." Anhora informed us before casting a spell. Vines shot out of the hedges and grabbed us, restrained us and took us away.
I don't know how but Merlin and I were now sitting around a table near the sea. I know it's crazy to have a sea in the middle of labyrinth. Two goblets were placed on the table, one in front of Merlin and the other on the other end of the table.
"Emma?" Arthur called. "Merlin?"
"Sorry." Merlin said sheepishly.
"Let them go. I'll take your test, but not till they're released." Arthur asked Anhora.
"That is not possible. They are part of the test." Anhora told him patiently. "Please sit. If you refuse the test, you will have failed and Camelot will be destroyed."
"I thought I told you to stay at home." Arthur said sitting down.
"What makes you think we were going to listen to you?" I scoffed.
Arthur rolled his eyes at my answer. "Let's get on with it." Anhora nodded.
"There are two goblets before you. One of the goblets contains a deadly poison, the other goblet, a harmless liquid." Anhora explained. "All the liquid from both goblets must be drunk, but each of you may only drink from a single goblet."
"What kind of ridiculous test is that?" Always the smart mouth, Arthur, always the smart mouth. "What does that prove?"
"What it proves is for you to decide. If you pass the test, the curse will be lifted." Anhora replied. We were silent for a few seconds.
"Let's think about this." Merlin was the first to talk. "What if I drink from my goblet first?"
"If it's poisoned, you'll die." Arthur stated.
"And if it's not, then you'll have to drink from yours, and you'll die. There must be a way around it." Merlin reasoned.
"It is perfectly simple. One of us has to die. We have to find a way to determine which goblet has the poison. And then I'll drink it." Arthur argued.
"I will be the one to drink it." Merlin said back. I was watching them fighting over who will be the one to die but none of them has to die. They're both important for Camelot, for Albion. No the one who has to die, it's me. The girl who has lived twice, it's not like I didn't die before. But this stays between you and me.
"This is my doing. I'm drinking it." Arthur insisted.
"You are the future King so you must live, Arthur. And you are my brother, so I won't let you die." I finally intervened. "I'll be the one to drink."
"This is no time to be a hero, Emma." Arthur replied.
"I'm not being a hero. I'm being reasonable." I argued back. "I'm making the most logical choice."
"Logical!?" Arthur scoffed.
"What if I drink from Merlin's goblet first, and if that's not poisoned, I will then drink yours?" I suggested.
"He said each of us is only allowed to drink from a single goblet." Arthur reminded me. "I had no idea you were so keen to die for me."
"You and I both, Arthur." I sighed.
Arthur snorted. "I'm glad you are here." He admitted to both Merlin and I.
"I've got it." Merlin revealed. "Right, we pour all the liquid into one goblet and then we can be sure it's poisoned. Then all the liquid can be drunk, and it will be from a single goblet."
"You never cease to surprise me. You're a lot smarter than you look." I snorted at Arthur's remark.
"Is that actually a compliment?" Merlin asked him.
"Look out!" Arthur cried suddenly pointing behind Merlin. The oldest trick in the universe, I turned to Arthur just in time to see him pour Merlin's goblet in his.
"No! I'll drink it!"
"As if I'd let you." Arthur countered.
"You can't die. This isn't your destiny." I told him my voice thick with unshed tears.
"You're wrong again."
"Arthur, listen to me!" I begged him.
"You know me, Emma. I never listen to you." Arthur dawned his goblet;
"Arthur, no!" Merlin shouted. "What I've you done?" I leapt up and ran to his side as soon as he fell from his chair. I put his head on my lap.
"Arthur, please don't die!" I said with a sob. "Wake up! Please wake up!"
"Arthur! Come on! Arthur, come on. Come on. Come on!" Merlin tried to shake him awake. No…come on." I turned to Anhora angrily.
"What have you done? You killed him." I spat. "If you want to take a life take mine instead not his."
"This was Arthur's test, not yours." Anhora replied.
"You've killed him! I was meant to protect him!" Merlin retorted.
"He is not dead. He's merely consumed a sleeping draught. He will come round shortly." Anhora answered.
"What?" I frowned and then I did what I should have done when Arthur became unconscious. I checked for a pulse and there it was Arthur was alive, he was just sleeping. I sighed relieved and brought my forehead to his. "Dollophead!" I whispered.
"A unicorn is pure of heart. If you kill one, you must make amends by proving that you also are pure of heart. Arthur was willing to sacrifice his life to save yours. He has proven what is truly in his heart. The curse will be lifted." Anhora explained to us.
As soon as Arthur has awoken, we all rode back to Camelot. And we were welcomed by a really good surprise.
"Merlin, Nellie, Arthur, there's good news! The crops are growing once again! They are bringing in the harvest!" Gaius announced beaming to us.
"You did it!" I bumped my shoulder with Arthur's arm rather than his shoulder, simply because I am way shorter than him.
"Is this your doing?" Uther asked smiling walking to us. "Is the sorcerer dead?"
"He won't be troubling us anymore." Arthur replied instead.
"Good, make sure the grains reserve are restocked." Uther patted Arthur's shoulder before walking off.
"I'll see to it." Arthur answered to his father. "There's something we must do first."
Arthur has retrieved the unicorn's horn. So, he could bury it in the woods. "I should have never ended your life. I'm sorry." Arthur said respectfully. Merlin turned around and picked the stones that will be placed over the grave.
"Arthur! Merlin!" I called in a whisper. I pointed behind them. A unicorn was standing alive. I put my arms in the crook of Arthur's and Merlin's. "It's beautiful, isn't it?"
"Yes, it is." Arthur answered looking down at me.
When he who kills a unicorn proves himself to be pure of heart, the unicorn will live again.