The Kindness of Strangers
In a land of myth and a time of magic,
The destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of two young people,
Their names,
Merlin and Mira-Liana
The night was dark and cold as Alator of the Catha, warrior and priest, member of the Council of Magic of Camelot and friend of the Pendragons, fled for his life from his relentless pursuers.
Some years ago, he had learned the identities and location of the long foretold magical practitioners of prophecy, Emrys and Emrysa, at the request of Agravain when he had mistakenly believed Agravain's beliefs about the Pendragons to be right. However, instead of telling Agravain of the information he so desperately sought, Alator had turned on him and joined the side of Agravain's foes.
While Alator's choice had gained him powerful allies, it had also gained him a strong foe. During his attempt to make a pilgrimage to the graves of his friends and kin, Agravain had found him and now he was about to be captured for information and revenge.
As Alator ran, Agravain spotted him and used a spell to trip the man before Agravain's henchman captured him and held him before Agravain.
Agravain shook his head in disappointment. "I was hoping for more of a challenge. Your time with the Pendragons has made you soft, Alator. There was a time when your name inspired fear in even the most courageous. Your kidnapping of Mordred and Gaius spread much fear throughout the lands once."
Alator glared at Agravain. "What I did then and at your request all that time ago is nothing to be proud of," he hissed. He would always regret the mistakes he'd made in his past, no matter how much good he accomplished with his new friends and family.
Agravain cackled. "What was it you used to say? 'The victim talks…eventually.'"
"Enough games, Agravain!" growled Alator. "What is it you want from me?"
"I would've thought that would be obvious, old friend," said Agravain. "I want you to tell me who Emrys and Emrysa are and where they are."
Alator glared again. "I would rather die a thousand painful deaths than tell you anything."
Agravain smirked evilly. "I was rather hoping you'd say that."
XXX
The day was bright and sunny as Arthur, Merlin, Gwen and Mira-Liana rode their horses out into a clearing in the woods. They'd agreed with all the adventures and excitement of late, the four of them could use a bit of peace and quiet. As it had been quite a long time since they'd spent time together, they'd decided to spend the afternoon together and have a picnic and some fun.
"This looks like a perfect spot," said Arthur, as he got off his horse. "Sometimes I think I forget how beautiful Camelot is." He smiled at Mira-Liana as he helped her of her horse. "But I could never forget how beautiful my queen is."
Mira-Liana chuckled as she kissed him. "You're sweet."
Merlin and Gwen smiled at the sight before they started setting up the picnic blanket and food.
"It's been a while since I saw Arthur so happy," said Merlin, as they laid down the blanket.
"Coming out here was a good decision," agreed Gwen. "Heaven knows we could all use the relaxation."
"Indeed," said Merlin. After certain events of late, it was a wonder they hadn't all gone mad. He gave Gwen a tender kiss before setting up the food and drink they'd packed. "What better way could there be to relax than this? It's a beautiful day, a perfect place to rest, great refreshments and the best company."
"Couldn't have put it better myself," said Mira-Liana, smiling as she sat down.
"Makes you wish we could have more moments like this, doesn't it?" asked Arthur, wistfully. "No battles, no trouble. Just peace and quiet, nice weather and pleasant company."
"It just makes us grateful for the moments we do have," said Merlin. "And perhaps once Agravain's no longer a threat and the prophecies are fulfilled, we can have as many as these moments as we like."
"Hear, hear," said Arthur. He held up his goblet of wine. "To the glory and golden age that will be Albion."
"To the glory and golden age that will be Albion," they said in unison as they clinked their goblets together.
Several hours later, after an enjoyable time together, they packed up their things and were about to head back when Arthur noticed strange markings on a tree. He went to examine in and a frown crossed his face as he did so.
"Arthur, what's wrong?" asked Merlin.
"Merlin, does this look like magic to you?" asked Arthur.
Merlin frowned as he examined the damaged tree. "Definitely. Something bad happened here. I can feel it." His frown deepened when he saw a small trinket resting at the roots of the tree.
"Do you recognize it?" asked Arthur.
"No. But someone back in Camelot probably will," said Merlin, as he pocketed it. "We should hurry back."
Arthur agreed and then they were off.
Upon their return to the castle, they found many poor unfortunate people either wounded or frightened in the courtyard, being attended to by knights, the Council of Magic and the physicians.
"What's happened here?" demanded Mira-Liana.
"These people are refugees, Your Majesty," said Leon. "They sought sanctuary at the western garrison."
Arthur frowned in confusion as they got off their horses. "Ashton's been at peace with Camelot since before my father's time."
"They're not from, Ashton, sire. They fell over the border from Odin's lands," said Lancelot.
That news didn't bode well at all.
An emergency meeting with the Knights of the Round Table was called and then Percival announced the news.
"Two days ago, the city of Elbur was attacked and only a handful of people managed to escape," he said.
"Who was responsible?" asked Merlin.
"At first, we assumed it was the Saxons. They've been active in that area before," said Lancelot. "But the refugees tell another story. They say magic was involved and they saw a man being pursued by someone matching Agravain's description with a small band of henchmen."
"Any idea as to who it was Agravain was pursuing?" asked Mira-Liana, concerned.
The knights shook their head.
"They couldn't see much, I'm afraid," said Lancelot. "But whoever it was, he or she is no doubt in grave danger from Agravain."
Arthur shared grim looks with his wife and brother-in-law before giving out orders. "Double the patrol on the border and alert the Council of Magic. See if they cannot find some way to identify who it is Agravain's pursuing and their location."
The knights bowed and obeyed.
XXX
Later that day, Merlin and Mira-Liana showed Gaius and Mordred the trinket they'd found in hopes of identifying its origin and its owner.
"This is quite a fine piece of workmanship," said Gaius, as he examined it. "See how the pattern repeats in each circle? It was made in Elbur."
"Is there anything else you can tell us, a name or a date, perhaps?" asked Merlin.
"I'm afraid not," said Gaius.
"But no one would part willingly from such a fine work of art such as this one," said Mordred, as he took it from Gaius. "Do you think it's possible a refugee dropped it?"
They shrugged. They didn't know anymore about it than Gaius and Mordred did. Which meant only one thing, they would have to go and find answers elsewhere.
"Well, thank you for your help. We'll see you later," said Mira-Liana, as she rose up from her seat.
"You're not going back there, are you?" asked Gaius.
"What choice do we have?" asked Merlin. "Something happened back there. Something only strong magic could do. We could feel it."
"We need answers. Agravain's up to no good and the sooner we get a clue as to who he's after, the sooner we can stop him," said Mira-Liana. "Besides, what if Agravain's within Camelot's borders? We have to protect our loved ones and our people. It's our duty."
"All the more reason for you to at least take someone with you or at least inform Arthur," said Mordred.
Merlin and Mira-Liana smiled a little at this. They appreciated the concern, but they could take care of themselves. Besides, if Agravain was out there, it would be better if they went by themselves and not risk lives in the process.
"We appreciate the concern, but we'll be fine, really. We'll stick together and summon Thunderstorm and the dragons if we absolutely need to," said Merlin. "We'll be back before Arthur even notices we're missing."
"Merlin, Mira-Liana—!" said Gaius.
But they were out the door and on their way before he could stop them.
XXX
When they returned to the location of the trinket, they investigated the area further and found little that boded well and only concerned them further.
The marks on the tree were indeed formed by magic, and by the looks of things, someone was pursuing somebody. Further investigation found a torn piece of cloth that looked oddly familiar. Not too far from all that, they found a lost horse along with a forsaken cart.
The cart was covered with a large red cloth and inside it were dishes, old remains of food, a torn map and torn papers written in a language neither of them spoke.
"Merlin, take a look at this," said Mira-Liana, frowning as she examined the engravings upon the cart. "It's the same language as the writing on the papers."
Merlin frowned as well. "This looks familiar. Where have we seen it before?"
"I can't remember. Gaius or Frik might know it," said Mira-Liana. "We should go."
Merlin agreed with her and they journeyed back to Camelot to speak with their friends and family about what they had discovered. They found Arthur waiting anxiously for them in the courtyard. Naturally, Arthur was anything but pleased when he found out what they'd done, as he hadn't been informed they were going out in the first place.
"I cannot believe you went back there alone and without telling me!" ranted Arthur, in Gaius's chambers. He'd been in something of a foul mood ever since he'd found out about Merlin and Mira-Liana's little adventure. "What were you thinking? It could've been a trap!"
"Arthur, calm down," said Mira-Liana, as she placed a hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry we went off without telling you. Next time we go off, we'll tell you. But you need to stop yelling. Nothing happened. We're both fine. Now, please, sit down and try to relax."
Arthur sighed and looked quite exasperated, but did as he was told. His concern was only to be expected considering what had happened the last few times Mira-Liana and Merlin had left his sights with little warning.
"Did either of you decipher the writing yet?" asked Merlin.
Frik, Gaius and Mordred shook their heads.
"We've put it all together, but we can't quite make it out," said Mordred.
"I've learned much in my time, but reading and writing Catha is not one of them," said Frik. "I tried once, but it made my head ache something terrible, Master Merlin."
Merlin and Mira-Liana paled at this information.
"Did you say Catha?" asked Mira-Liana.
"Yes. Why?" asked Gaius.
"Alator's from Catha," said Merlin. "Is his signature in the bottom right-hand corner?"
"Yes, it is," said Gaius, surprised.
"Well, that explains why Agravain attacked Elbur. Alator was going there to pay his respect to his fallen kinsmen. Agravain must've found him there and decided to take a chance," said Mira-Liana. "Alator's one of the few that not only knows we're Emrys and Emrysa, but where we are."
"And if Agravain's captured Alator…" Arthur's voice wandered off as a worried look crossed his face.
"Alator wouldn't tell Agravain our secret," insisted Merlin. "He's been our loyal friend for years."
"He may not tell Agravain willingly, but everyone has their weakness, Merlin," said Mordred. "There's no telling what Agravain's willing to do to find out what he wants. Alator's a strong man, but Agravain's willing to cross lines he wouldn't. Agravain will use every resource and power, both physical and magical, at his disposal to break Alator's spirit and gain the information he desires."
"We can't let that happen," said Arthur. "We need to find Alator and get to him as soon as possible before Agravain gets what he wants."
"Then let's not waste time. Merlin, inform the Council of Magic of what's happened and see if they can locate Alator or Agravain with a scrying spell. I'll have Thunderstorm and the dragons see what they can find out," said Mira-Liana.
"Frik, use whatever contacts and tricks you have to gain further information about Agravain's resources and possibly his location. Mordred, Gaius, be prepared for a patient. I'll double the patrols and see if they can't find anything," said Arthur.
Everyone agreed and then obeyed the king and queen's orders. They all knew what was at stake if they didn't. If Agravain found out the identities and whereabouts of Emrys and Emrysa, then they were most certainly all in very, very grave danger.
XXX
The following morning, Mordred was out gathering herbs when someone grabbed his arm, startling him. He turned to see an old woman dressed in dark blue and wearing a hood, holding his arm tightly.
"Be still!" she whispered.
Mordred didn't move, but spotted the mark on her wrist, which was the form of several squares bound together.
"The Great Battle is nearing," said the woman. "You must listen to me, Mordred."
"How do you know my name?" demanded Mordred.
"Don't be frightened. I'm not your enemy," she assured him. "But Arthur's foes are closer than you think. If your value your king and queen, and the lives of your friends and family, then you must deliver a message to Emrys and Emrysa for me."
Mordred wanted to ask how exactly she knew of Emrys and Emrysa, but decided it best to ask such questions later. "I'm listening," he said. "What is it you have to say?"
"Tell them that they must meet me at the Temple of Eru at nightfall. They must come alone or not at all," she said.
"Why should I trust you?" he asked.
"Because without me, they cannot hope to save Alator from Agravain," she said, before disappearing.
Mordred was left quite startled by this occurrence and quickly ran back to the castle to inform the others of what had just happened.
"And she actually called us by name?" said Merlin, after Mordred had finished his story.
"Yes. She asked for you specifically," said Mordred. "Don't ask me how she knew, because I haven't the slightest idea how. She wasn't a druid, that's for certain."
"So, what was she?" asked Mira-Liana, concerned.
"If this mark is what I think it is, then it's the mark of the Bendrui," said Gaius. He'd been examining the paper that Mordred had drawn the woman's mark on.
"What's a Bendrui?" asked Arthur, confused.
"Before the Great Purge, there were girls who were chosen at birth for the priesthood. They'd be taken away from their families and brought up as initiates of the Old Religion."
"Weren't they all wiped out, though?" asked Mordred.
Gaius shook his head. "Many tried, but few succeeded. Ordinary magical gifts were not enough. Only those with exceptional magical power could ever hope to be one of the Nine. But you mustn't underestimate this woman's ability. All Bendrui are practiced in potent magic."
"It makes sense," said Mira-Liana, after a moment's thought. "She did say that Arthur's foes were closer than we thought."
"You don't still suspect Mordaunt, do you?" asked Mordred.
"Of course not," said Merlin. They had long since decided not to worry over possible futures as nothing was written in stone. If Mordaunt was an enemy, they'd deal with him when the time came. If not, then they had a friend and ally against Agravain. "She could've meant anything. But I think it'd be bad not to take her warning seriously."
"You're failing to consider that she's drawing you in," said Gaius, warningly. "This could be a trap. She knew your real names."
"Many beings and people of magic know our names. It doesn't necessarily mean they're all evil." Mira-Liana pointed out. "Besides, if she's right, then we're Alator's only hope."
"You can seriously be considering going off alone!" said Arthur, appalled. "Need I remind of what happened the last two times we've tangled with Agravain and you were alone? Merlin, you were poisoned and almost died last time. And before that, you were both captured and trapped in that forsaken tower."
"We know, Arthur," said Mira-Liana. "But you're forgetting that we survived both those things and we don't have much of a choice in this. Whoever this woman is, she may be our only lead to finding Alator before it's too late." She gently touched his face. "I know you worry about me, but I think I've finally found a way to help worry a little less. I've been working on this for some time now and I've finally finished." She took a small pendant in the shape of a golden dragon with two tiny rubies for eyes out of her pocket. "As long as you wear this, it'll let you know if I'm alright or not."
Arthur looked slightly relieved, but not much.
"Did it never occur to you two that Alator may have already unwilling told this woman your secret and now Agravain's using her to lure the two of you into a trap?" asked Mordred. "I don't think you should go to her."
"If she can help us protect Arthur and stop Agravain, is there any choice?" demanded Merlin.
Gaius sighed. "Don't you understand? If something happened to the two of you, we would all be lost. You mean more than you will ever know to me, to your family, to the entire kingdom. I beg of you, don't go."
Merlin and Mira-Liana exchanged a silent conversation before sighing.
"Gaius, we love you. You've been like a father to us for so long and you've taught us so much. But you always taught us to do what's right," said Mira-Liana, gently.
"We believe that going to meet this woman is the right thing to do. If we ignored her and didn't help Alator, we could never forgive ourselves. You know we'd never do anything to hurt you. But Alator is our friend. He risked his life for us when he turned against Agravain and he's been loyal to us for years. We can't turn our backs on him now," said Merlin.
"You're going to go no matter what we say, aren't you?" said Arthur. It wasn't a question.
They both nodded.
"Alright," said Gaius. "But you must send word and if you are not back within a week, we'll come looking for you."
"Understood," said Mira-Liana.
"And promise me you'll come home safely," said Arthur.
"We promise," said Merlin, soothingly. "Now, if you'll excuse us, we've got preparations to make before tonight."
And with that, they left Gaius's chambers, not quite knowing what awaited them beyond the castle walls.
XXX
That night, Merlin and Mira-Liana snuck out of the castle and journeyed down to the Temple of Eru to meet their mysterious acquaintance. They found her waiting for them and when she saw them, she immediately smiled and knelt down before them.
"Great ones," she said, in awe.
"Please, that not necessary," said Merlin.
Accustomed to being treated like that they may have been, but they were still a little uncomfortable with it.
The woman nodded as she rose up. "It is an honor to meet you both at last."
"Indeed," said Mira-Liana, uncertainly. "Forgive me, but who are you and how do you know about us?"
"My name is Finna. I was told of you by my friend and former teacher, Alator. He felt that I should know, in case something befell him. He sends you both greetings and also a warning."
While they were relieved to hear this and now fully trusted Finna, they were concerned when she mentioned the warning from their old friend.
"A warning? About what?" asked Merlin.
"He does not want you to come after him as he fears it's too dangerous. He also says the Great Battle of Camlahn nears and the fate of Camelot rests in the balance. Only the two of you, Great Emrys and Emrysa, can ensure the triumphant of the Once and Future King," said Finna, gravely.
Merlin and Mira-Liana didn't like the sound of that.
"And just how're we to do that?" asked Mira-Liana.
"I only know this one other warning: beware the one you call friend, for a broken heart can turn even the greatest of allies into the bitterest of foes," said Finna.
Isn't that the same warning Queen Mab gave Mordred? asked Mira-Liana, as she shared a concerned look with her brother.
Yes. Which can only mean that something dangerous is coming, said Merlin. Aloud he asked Finna, "Who're you talking about?"
Finna shrugged. "I regret to say I do not know," she confessed. "Neither does Alator. He was warned by a voice in a dream. It could be anyone, I'm afraid. But I must implore you to be cautious."
"We will," promised Mira-Liana. But which friend could it possibly mean and why would a broken heart turn someone close to us against us? It didn't make much sense, but prophecies rarely did.
"Come. We must go if we're to save Alator," said Finna.
Merlin and Mira-Liana nodded in agreement.
The three of them then journeyed on long through the night until they finally stopped to catch a little sleep before resuming their mission.
XXX
Meanwhile at Agravain's latest hideout, Alator sat on the floor in front of him.
Alator was in a great deal of pain from the physical and magical torture he'd endured at the hands Agravain and his henchmen as he steadfastly refused to give up the information Agravain sought. However, he paid it little heed as he was more worried about Emrys and Emrysa. From a message he'd received via Finna's pet bird, he knew they were coming for him despite his warnings that it was too dangerous. He could only pray that either he would be dead soon or something would stop them from coming. If they came with Finna and were caught, he would not forgive himself.
"Why are you putting up such a fight, Alator?" asked Agravain. He was greatly frustrated by Alator's lack of cooperation. "Your sufferings would be over if you would just tell me what it is I wish to know."
"I'll see you burn in perdition first," snarled Alator. He would never give up his friends, no matter what the cost to him may be. "You're wasting your time, Agravain. I am a Catha Priest."
"And you think that'll protect you?" sneered Agravain.
"No matter what you do, you cannot break me. I have been trained from birth to withstand any kind of pain that I may endure," said Alator. He was a stronger man than some.
"So it would seem," said Agravain. An evil smirk crossed his face. "However, you may still yet be useful to me."
"You may as well kill me now," snarled Alator. "I do not fear death. In fact, I shall pass through to the other world happy knowing that what you seek, you shall never gain from me. You will never find Emrys and Emrysa, Agravain. They are your destiny and your doom. This has been foretold for centuries and you cannot escape your fate."
"We shall see," said Agravain, coldly.
Just then, Agravain's hired torturer came into the room. "Master."
"What is it now?" asked Agravain, impatiently. He was not in the mood for bad news.
"We found this in the prisoner's cell," he said.
Alator mentally berated himself. Finna had sent him a message just before he'd been brought before Agravain. He thought he'd kept it hidden, but apparently he'd dropped it by mistake.
Agravain took the folded up note and read the following message. "'Master Alator, I have found Emrys and Emrysa. We are coming for you no matter what you say. Stay strong, for we will be there soon. Our sacred mission continues. Your faithful servant and friend, Finna.'" Agravain looked greatly pleased by this. "Well, well, well, isn't this an unexpected but most pleasant turn of events. You poor fool. It seems your efforts have been wasted, Alator. Your little friend is bringing my enemies straight to my doorstep."
"It will do you no good. You'll only fail to defeat them as you have so many times before," said Alator. Inside, however, he was worried and feared the worst. Oh, my friends. Why did you not listen to me?
Agravain just slapped him hard. "I no longer care what you think," he hissed. He turned to his men. "Take Alator to his cell. He may yet still be of use to us. Find this 'Finna' and bring her to me, alive."
"Yes, master."
Alator could only pray all would be well as he was dragged back to his cell and flung inside. Oh, my friends, be careful and watch what you do!
XXX
The following day, Merlin, Mira-Liana and Finna continued onward in their mission to rescue Alator. They knew not what awaited them, but cared not as their only concerns were for their friend.
They had just stopped to refill their flasks with water from a stream, only to freeze in their tracks when they felt blades at their backsides.
"I don't suppose you have a spare coin or two, do you, Merlin?" said a familiar voice.
"Percival," said Merlin, relieved as they saw it was just a patrol of knights from the round table. "Don't do that! You scared the life out of us."
"I doubt that," said Percival, grinning as he sheathed his sword.
"What're you two doing out here?" asked Elyan. "And who's your friend?"
"This is Finna," said Mira-Liana, as the older woman bowed. "She's a former student of Alator."
"Alator?" repeated Leon, concerned. "I haven't seen him in days. Is he alright?"
"Far from it, I'm afraid, Sir Knight," said Finna, gravely. "He's been captured by that monster, Agravain. We're on our way to rescue him before Agravain gains the knowledge he seeks."
"What is it he seeks to know?" asked Gwaine, puzzled.
"What else?" said Mordaunt, grimly. "The identities and location of the ones he knows are his destiny and doom."
"Ah."
All the knights nodded in agreement.
"And Arthur just let you go off by yourselves on such a dangerous mission?" said Lancelot, in disbelief.
"We made him," said Merlin. "He doesn't like it, but we didn't give him much of a choice. We've handled worse stuff than this on our own before.
"Are you sure that's wise?" asked Gwaine, concerned. "These are dangerous times and the last two times that madman's been faced, you two almost didn't return. Perhaps we should accompany you."
"We appreciated it, but the answer is no," said Mira-Liana, firmly. "You'll do no such thing. The fewer people who are involved in this mission, the better. We need to handle this quietly and with discretion. Agravain will most likely be expecting an army. Why would he assume only three are coming?"
"She has a point," said Mordaunt. "Besides, they are the most powerful practitioners we know of and the most likely to be able to take down Agravain. And need we be reminded that their father's blood runs strong in them and they can summon help if they need it?"
None of the knights protested at this, though Finna looked confused as she didn't know of Merlin and Mira-Liana's parentage.
"Well, if you insist on going, at least take some of the horses," said Elyan. "You'll get to where you're going faster if you do."
Seeing that their friends would not be dissuaded, they agreed. Merlin and Finna got on one horse while Mira-Liana got on the other.
"Be careful, old friends," said Lancelot. "Don't let us lose you."
"You won't," promised Merlin, as he gave Lancelot a reassuring smile. "Come on, girls. Let's go."
And with that, the three of them rode off and continued onward, unaware that Agravain and his men were searching for them and becoming closer with every passing moment.
It was long however, before they were attacked by Agravain's forces. They got off their horses and fought valiantly, but then Mira-Liana took an arrow to the side for her brother.
"Mir!" cried Merlin, as she fell to the ground.
Furious, Merlin let out a powerful yell that sent their attackers away and knocked them all out cold before turning his attention to his sister. She lay in Finna's lap as Merlin examined her.
"It…it's not bad," said Mira-Liana, weakly.
But Merlin could tell she was lying through their link. She was in a lot of pain but was trying to conceal it so she wouldn't worry her brother.
"You're going to be okay, Mir," said Merlin, softly. "Hold onto me as tight as you want. I'll get the arrow out and then I'll fix you up, okay?"
She nodded and then while holding Finna's hand, she used her other one to grasp Merlin's arm so tightly, he thought it would break. But he didn't complain.
"On the count of three," said Merlin, as he gripped the arrow. "Three!" He didn't even bother counting; he just yanked it out as she bit hard down on her lip to keep a cry of pain from escaping her. Finna comforted the poor girl by stroking her black locks and murmuring soothing words.
Merlin then took out the herbs that Mira-Liana had packed in her satchel and applied them to her wound before muttering a spell that healed her of her wound and pain. "Better?"
"Much," said Mira-Liana. She hugged her brother tightly before doing the same with Finna. "Thank you."
Finna smiled. "It was my pleasure, milady." She then looked serious. "We mustn't linger. They won't be alone and Agravain mustn't find you."
Merlin and Mira-Liana nodded in agreement before getting back on their horses and riding onward.
XXX
It was nightfall by the time they arrived at Alator's prison.
He was trapped within an abandoned tower that looked quite gloomy. After making sure no one was around, they carefully made their way through the tower. They went down many halls and up many flights of stairs. Finna knew the way through the tower because before Arthur took the throne, she had spent many years on the run and knew the best places to hide from enemies.
Eventually, they came upon a cell door, which was sealed shut. But fortunately, Agravain hadn't thought to ward it from magic, and it was broken down by a spell of the twins' doing. They were appalled at what they saw inside.
Alator lay on the floor, barely breathing. He was terribly injured, covered in many cuts, bruises and scars. Proof of the pain he'd suffered at Agravain's hands and what he was willing to endure for the sake of his friends.
"Alator," said Mira-Liana, looking horrified at his terrible state.
"My queen, Merlin…" said Alator, hoarsely.
"Master Alator, what has that wretched man done to you?" murmured Finna, tearfully.
"Hush, Finna," said Merlin, gently.
He nodded at Mira-Liana, who began tending to Alator with healing spells and herbs, which took away most of Alator's injuries along with most of the pain, but he still needed help. "We need to get him back to Camelot, immediately. Is your part done, Merlin?"
"Yes," said Merlin. His eyes, which had been flashing gold with magic for the last few moments resumed their usual blue color. "As soon as they arrive, they'll think they've won."
"How?" asked Finna. She'd been watching Mira-Liana and Alator and had not seen what Merlin was doing.
"Simulacrums," he explained. He gestured to his newly finished creations. Supposedly what lay on the floor were Alator and Finna's bodies, but were in fact just dust and wood bound together with powerful magic. "Mir and I have practicing such spells for an emergency. Now's as good a time as any. By the time they find out the truth, we'll be long gone from here."
Finna looked impressed while Alator just shook his head and looked grim. "I am grateful for this, my friends. But you shouldn't have come. I told Agravain nothing, but he knows you're coming. I'm not as strong as I was before and I can barely walk. I'll only slow you down. You should leave me behind."
"The devil we'll leave you here," said Mira-Liana, firmly. "You're our friend and we're not abandoning you to Agravain. You're coming with us and that's final."
Alator could see arguing would be useless, so he just nodded. "Alright. But how do you propose we escape?"
"As soon as we get to the roof, we can call an old friend who'll take us to Camelot. We'll be safe with him. Few would dare cross him," said Merlin.
Suddenly, they could hear the sounds of raised voices and approaching footsteps. Agravain and his men were getting closer and they'd be caught if they didn't leave then and there.
"Come, we must go. Now!" said Mira-Liana.
While she used spells to slow their enemies down, Merlin and Finna helped Alator walk to their next destination.
Once they reached the roof, Merlin and Mira-Liana joined hands and cried out of Kilgarrah, who swiftly arrived and not a moment too soon.
Finna and Alator looked astonished beyond belief and in awe of the great creature before them. But they had no time for admiration. Agravain and his men were still in pursuit and they had to leave. Quickly, they climbed onto Kilgarrah's back and the dragon took off with them far from Agravain's reach.
Eventually, the dragon landed just a few miles away from Camelot's gates and the four climbed off him.
"Thank you, old friend," said Mira-Liana. "We're sorry to have had to ask you for a lift again. We know you're not a horse—"
"That is because I am not," interrupted Kilgarrah. "But I am your friend and your kin, and I will always come when you have need of me and do what must be done to help you."
"Thank you," said Merlin, smiling. "Will you heal Alator?"
"Please don't," said Alator, before the dragon could reply. "I am not deserving of your help, dragon."
"That is not for you to decide, young one," said Kilgarrah, sternly. Without waiting for further protest, Kilgarrah breathed on Alator, healing him of his wounds. "Now, Alator, why is it you think you are undeserving of my help?"
"I think we'd all like to know that," said Mira-Liana, as she, Merlin and Finna all turned to Alator with perplexed looks on their faces.
Alator sighed. "My friends, there are things in my past I have not spoken of that I regret deeply. Especially what I did to Gaius and Mordred all that time ago. I cannot forgive myself."
Kilgarrah pressed his face forward and came quite close to Alator. "Alator of Catha, let me ask you something and reply truthfully."
Alator nodded, wondering what on earth the dragon would ask him.
"Do you regret the mistakes of your past?"
"Yes," said Alator, confused. Hadn't he just said that?
"Didn't you choose to go against Agravain despite knowing the risks it would bring?"
"Yes."
"Have you not served Merlin and Mira-Liana and Camelot with the utmost loyalty ever since?"
"Yes."
"Have you only done what you thought was to be the right thing in your life and then sought to make amends when you were mistaken?"
"Yes."
"Didn't you choose to keep Merlin and Mira-Liana's secret, despite knowing it might bring you your death?"
"Yes."
"Would you ever turn against them and do you truly believe in what has been foretold of them?"
"I would never willingly turn against them and I believe in them with all my heart and soul," said Alator, firmly.
"Then how can you say that you have not paid the price for your mistakes or that you are not deserving of forgiveness or friendship or love?" said Kilgarrah, wisely. "Alator, you are a good man and your pains have been great, but you are stronger than you realize. You must cease to dwell on the past, for it will do you little good. We cannot change the past. We can only learn from our mistakes and work towards a better future. Do you understand?"
Alator nodded and for the first time in a long time, he felt free of his burdens. "I understand, Wise One. Thank you."
Kilgarrah nodded. "Take care, little ones. And remember that should you ever have need of me or my kin, we shall be there."
They all nodded and then Kilgarrah took off into the skies.
XXX
When they returned to Camelot, they were warmly welcomed, for their friends and family had been greatly worried about them. Alator seemed a happier man and Finna was given a place to stay in the castle as Alator's assistant.
Merlin and Mira-Liana tried not to worry about the warning they'd received regarding the friend with the broken heart who would turn against them, but it was hopeless. They did not want to believe that one of their own friends would betray them, but they couldn't ward off the feelings of dread they felt.
Could it really be possible that one of their own would commit the ultimate evil?
Could it?
They could only hope and pray that it was not so.
But while that future was uncertain, they knew for sure that whatever happened, they would fight to protect Camelot and their loved ones until their last breath. As long as they stood together, united in friendship and love, nothing could stop them.
Nothing.