Arthur and his Knights accompanied by the residents of the Keep journey in the direction of Camelot at first light. Looking around the caravan, Gwen lamented at the presences of Bedievere's grandchildren. Galahad merely winked and proclaimed that he was an able fighter as were his brother and sister. Isolde tossed evil glances at Arthur whenever he caught her eye. Arthur pondered the cause of Isolde's obvious disdain of him. Laurent smirked and he actually walked like a human. It was a novel experience for him. He didn't plan to ever do it again. He thought he would just appear in the early morning mists of Camelot's siege. He decided to journey with the others when Gwen returned to the Keep with stars in her eyes for Arthur. Laurent grimaced when she hung on to his words like a fish on a hook. That love was worrisome for Arthur and Guinevere.
Laurent sighed; he knew Arthur had not been forthcoming about his other marriage proposal with Gwen. He knew that Camelot would bring such pain to Gwen that he stayed by her side. He actually had grown to admire and respect Arthur. He just kept saying it over and over again until he didn't laugh at the thought of liking Arthur. He understood why Arthur didn't disclosed any information about the Princess. He would have done the same in his youth., he would have done anything to keep Flora in his life. In the end, he failed his Beloved just like Arthur. In hindsight, Laurent knew with every fiber of his soul that Gwen would not understand Arthur's lack of truthfulness. Just like Flora when she gazed at him with distraught eyes at his refusal to assist her village. He paid dearly for his actions. He hoped to spare Arthur's heart.
Arthur kept Gwen close to his side; Merlin walked behind Gwen . Arthur worried about Gwen and Merlin; they weren't ready to fight a war. Every so often, Arthur looked over his shoulder to make sure that Gwen was keeping pace with everyone. He grabbed her hand, and guiding her over steep hills or rocky grassy paths. Isolde kept a closer eye over Gwen when night fell. Arthur lounged on his side of the camp. He wasn't allowed to cast his eyes at Gwen.
Everyone noticed Arthur standing alone from the group; his eyes focused on a starless evening. His face impassive as he searched the stars for a secret message or guiding star.
Twigs cracked as Gwen approached Arthur in attempt to bring him solace.
"Arthur," Gwen questioned softly.
Arthur looked over his shoulder. His nerves on edge; he could sense that she was going to offer inspiring words of unshakable faith. He didn't believe in himself or her unwavering faith.
"Guinevere, I don't need you words right now. They can't help me. Please leave me alone."
Gwen's lips trembled at his response. Her heart cracked at Arthur's indifference. "Sorry."
Merlin shook his head as he watched Gwen scurry away in the shadows. Her hand brushed away a tear as she hurried back to the camp. Merlin slipped away before Arthur could detect his presence.
Hurriedly looking over his shoulder, Merlin raced to a clearing surround by trees. He used to his mind to summon Kilgharrah. Merlin covered his face with his arm to protect his face from flying gravel as his friend thumped to dewy grass.
"Yes, young Warlock?"
Merlin waved his hands. "Morgana has taken Camelot from Arthur. Soon, we plan a siege to reclaim Camelot. However, Arthur doesn't have faith in his ability to rule Camelot.
"I don't a have spell for Faith. It is something that he must believe in…"
"You're supposed to help me."
"When have I not helped? This is something beyond my powers."
"I'll think of something."
"You mean you'll lie."
"It's not lying when I help Arthur. You sound Like Laurent."
Kilgharrah chuckled. "Laurent graces you with his company. He's a wise soul-powerful. A good ally for you."
"Good night."
"Good night, and good lying." Merlin waved at the ancient dragon as he stomped away.
Merlin waited for Arthur to approach him as he leaned against a tree. Gwen stood next to Isolde. She watched Arthur with loving sad eyes.
"I want to show you something, Arthur. It's about your forefathers. All of you come with me."
"Do you mean my forefathers that never lost Camelot?'
"Yeah, them. Come on!"
Merlin led a party to a sword gleaming in a block of stone. Merlin spun a convincing tale about Bruta, and how he ruled Camelot with fairness and honesty. His true descendant and rightful ruler of Camelot would be able to pull his sword from a grey block stone.
Gwen looked at an ornate handle of a sword gleaming in early morning sunlight-Bruta's sword. She recognized her father's craftsmanship. She gave Merlin that sword years ago when Arthur had to face another evil Uncle. Father called it the finest sword that he ever crafted. Why did Arthur think Uncle Agravaine was good? The whole family is mad. How did my father's sword get into a pillar of stone?
"Pull it, Arthur," Merlin urged quietly. "Have faith in yourself.
Arthur shut his eyes, and he thought of everything that he could be. Everything that he could do for his people. Griping the sword, Arthur yanked it from the stone. It shone in blazing sunlight above his golden head; Arthur appeared mythical like an ancient earth god reclaiming his lands.
"Long Live the King," Leon yelled.
Gwen eyed Arthur's new sword. Where did those strange markings come from?
Laurent drew Gwen into her embrace; his finger tipping her chin up so that their eyes met. "Little lamb, don't let your inquisitive mind wander into places that you truly don't want answers from."
"My father crafted that sword, Laurent," Gwen whispered urgently. "What's happening?"
"Deep in your heart, you know the answer to your question. When the time is right, your heart will give a reflective answer to your mind."
Gwen smiled and wrapped her arms around Laurent. "You always there when I need you."
"Always."
Arthur turned to look for Gwen; his jaw set when he found her whispering with Laurent. His hands cradling her face. His eyes popped when Gwen threw her arms around Laurent.
"Just friends," Isolde informed. "Be glad of it, Pendragon."
Arthur 's nerves broke with Isolde. "Why don't you like me."
Isolde's eyes widened. She placed her hands on her shoulders. "I like you enough. Just not for Gwen."
"Why not for Gwen?"
Isolde paused for a moment as she searched for sensible polite correct words. "You love her… passionately. Everyone can see the depths of your love for Gwen. She's changed. She's not a little girl any longer. That girl banished from Camelot is gone… woman-child. You want to sweep everything into a tidy box. Put it away… pretend that none of this happened. It's not fair to you or to Gwen… This must be dealt with, Arthur Pendragon."
Arthur slowly exhaled. "You've know her a few months. I've known her entire life. I know what's good for her. What would make her happy."
"You did. Do you now?'
Isolde walked away before Arthur could say another word.
Gwen raised her head; she saw Merlin lurking away from the camp. Checking to make sure that everyone was sleep. Gwen rolled to her feet to follow Merlin. She head into the woods firm until a hand clamped tightly around her forearm.
"Go to bed," Laurent ordered.
"I'm an adult."
"Bed! Now!"
Gwen pouted and stomped back to her sleeping bag. "Not a child..."
"Acting like a nosy one."
Arthur watched Laurent placing kisses on Isolde, the children, and Gwen. Arthur arched an eyebrow. He didn't appreciate the kiss on Gwen's cheek. Laurent turned on his heel. He walked calmly to Arthur.
"It's a kiss of protection. Do you honestly think we allowed them to fight without precautions? Tristan would lose his mind, and not be able to fight. They are children…. Bouncing ..sweet.. cunning... deceptive... noisy little weeds of people that bother my belongings. I really want them gone. You need to take those kids to Camelot , if you win. That the least that you can do to repay us. However, they are children. Gwen is Gwen… doesn't listen . Loves you. Don't tell her. Isolde would have my head."
Arthur caught Gwen's arm as she attempted to sneak past him. She turned her head to avoid his sapphire gaze. "I'm sorry for snapping at you. Sometimes, I just need to be alone. I'm rude and boorish." Gwen blew air from her mouth. "When you love someone, you love everything about them, Arthur."
Arthur kissed her cheek. "Please stay close to me today."
"If I can."
Arthur made eye contact with Percy and Gawain; they rushed around the side of the citadel. Arthur waited until men clothed in black crashed loudly to a grassy plain. Bedivere and his men shot arrows at Helios' men protecting the citadel's gates.
Morgana smiled when she heard the bells tolling signaling the attack.
"Welcome home, Baby Brother."
Arthur's sword clanged as he approached Helios' army. Laurent faded into a shadowy darkness of destiny. He could not interfere in the battle of men. His heart ached from the despair and death haunting Camelot.
Arthur check over his shoulder for Gwen and Merlin. His eyes widened when he noticed Merlin running in the wrong direction.
"Merlin," he screamed. Arthur pushed Gwen behind him as he raced up the steps with Tristan.
"This way… she's in the council room."
Merlin's feet carried him to Agravaine. His mind led him to Arthur's uncle. Agravaine smiled softly at Merlin.
"So, Arthur is back."
Merlin stared at him coldly. "This is his kingdom. You've done everything to destroy Arthur. You helped murder his father. You destroyed Lancelot. You ruined Gwen. It's your fault that Gauis was tortured. Was Morgana's bed so good to you," Merlin questioned darkly.
"You don't understand."
Merlin shook his softly. "I understand perfectly. You need to die."
Agravaine huffed. "At your hands."
He tossed a dagger at Merlin's chest. Agravaine shuddered when the knife stopped in midair.
"You have magic."
"I do." Merlin's chest puffed in pride. It healed his soul to admit his abilities.
"All this time, you've been here. You've have magic under Arthur's nose. He's closet friend." Agravaine thought for a moment, an image of Gauis popped in his mind. "You're Emrys."
"My Druid name."
"Well, well, Merlin."
"I don't have time for this." Merlin waved his hand, and sent a jeweled dagger into Agravine's black heart. He listened for Agravine's death gurgle before he walked away.
Arthur glared at Merlin. "Where did you go?'
"I saw your Uncle. He fell to his death."
Arthur nodded. He felt nothing in his heart for his family member. He couldn't bear to think of as his mother's brother.
Gwen noticed Merlin was a bit fidgety. She gripped her sword tighter. Arthur checked his small party of Isolde, Tristan, Merlin, and Gwen. He nodded ,and they stormed the council. Arthur frowned in disgust at Morgana as she lounged in his throne..
"Morgana, why", Arthur asked. "What happened to you?'
"Uther and you happened to me," Morgana spat nastily.
"Oh, no… helping with people of magic. You desire power."
"As do you, Baby Brother. I'm going to enjoy killing you."
"Uther loved you.
"I could say the same for you. Love… your love is just like his… you love Gwen, but you casted her away without hesitation. Just like me."
"You threw all of us way just like me and Uther and , you… Morgana."
Morgana raised her hands to toss a fireball at Arthur.
Merlin swallow a giggle when nothing came.
Morgana wobbled with shock. She dashed from the room when her magic failed her. "Follow her, "Arthur ordered. His eyes opened in dismay when Merlin and Gwen rushed out. It didn't mean you two.
"Don't worry about Gwen, Arthur, "Helios replied knowingly. "I plan to make her acquaintance after I kill you. I'll plunder her like I did you kingdom. Then, I will have taken everything from you.
A white rage overtook Arthur. His sword melded with his hand. He deliver swift blows to slaughter Helios. Tristan and Isolde watched in amazement as Arthur swiftly cut down his enemy. Arthur wiped his brow. "We need to help Gwen and Merlin. Morgana will go to her room." Arthur ignored the smell of death and blood rising in his Council room.
Merlin and Gwen chased Morgana to her chamber. Gwen rushed into Morgana's haunted chamber. Old memoirs tormented her mind as she remembered Morgana-her friend. She bit her bottom lips. She took unsure steps as she sought out Morgana. Her eyes peering around a misty chamber looking for Morgana. Gwen gasped when a sword was placed at her chest; the tip pressing painfully into her bosom. A dark fear lingered in Morgana's eyes.
"Why," Gwen asked softly. "When did you start hating me?'
"They would choose a servant over a witch… you chose Arthur over me… Everything that I held dear of you melted away. I don't want do this."
Morgan lifted her sword to deliver a fatal blow to Gwen. She jumped in surprised when Gwen blocked her attack with her sword. "Things have changed."
Morgan swung again. Gwen braced herself to meet Morgana's attempts. Merlins tumbled in horrified as Morgana and Gwen exchanged in a sword battle. He used his magic to tossed Morgana way from Gwen.
Gwen blinked in shock from Morgana blew away from her. Merlin raced to stand near Gwen. "What just happened?" Merlin's hands gently checked Gwen for injuries. "She didn't touch me. "
"Just checking."
"What happened," Gwen repeated.
"I don't know," Merlin lied.
Gwen scrunched her eyebrows together. "Really?"
Arthur raced into Morgana's chamber. A sense of relief filled him when he found Gwen and Merlin calmly chatting, but safe. He tugged Gwen's hand until she hugged him tightly. Gwen snuggled her head into his shoulder.
"Next time, wait for me."
Merlin grinned. "We had it. My girl is back… my girl Gwen."
Arthur grimaced at Merlin. "Who?"
"She was my friend first."
Arthur curled his lips at Merlin. "I still have a pit of hot oil."
Arthur and his knights liberated Camelot and her surrounding lands. Isolde and Gwen prepared an infirmary for numerous wounded residents of Camelot Bedivere's' wife organized meals for everyone under Gwen's direction. Gwen was a bit shocked when people began asking her questions about caring for Camelot's ill. Noble women and servants followed Gwen's orders without hesitation. Isolde was impressed by her leadership skills, and ability to care for the people of Camelot. Isolde realized that being queen would come natural to Gwen.
Arthur and Gwen did not spend much time together over the next weeks. They share a few meals. Everyone were focused on rebuilding Camelot, caring for the injured and finding Morgana.
Gwen slipped away from everyone. She wanted a few moments in her house. It was too much for her. Everyone acted like she never left under the pain of death. Some residents actually called her "milady". They acted like her marriage to Arthur actually occurred. It was too much. All of them smiling at her. Just a few months ago, they jeered and leered at her. Their eyes casted evil looks as she walked away in shame. Now, they praised her ability to care for them. Gwen dashed to her house for solace.
"Milady?"
Gwen flinched at her new title. Clearing her face, Gwen staring into familiar eyes of an old friend. Mary gave her a cart to flee Camelot that fateful day. She would never forget her kindness.
She smiled at Mary.
"I'm so happy that you're back," Mary gushed happily
"Thank you."
"I didn't believe anything about you and Sir Lancelot- that witch tormented his soul. King Arthur restored his honor when he proclaimed your innocence," Mary sated firmly. "You're not that type of girl. I knew in my bones.
"Thank you for your kindness to me." Gwen didn't know what to say about Mary's other words.
"I'm so glad that the King didn't marry that Princess?"
"What princess?"
Mary realized that she placed a her foot in her mouth. "Nothing."
Gwen placed her hands on Mary's shoulders. "You're a dear old friend. Tell me."
Mary sighed deeply. "The king was going to marry a princess. Then, he changed his mind suddenly."
"Oh, that princess, "Gwen lied. "He told me."
Hugging Gwen tightly. "He needs you. She was just like him except beautiful with dark hair and eyes. They would killed each other after a year… too much in common." Mary hurried into the castle. She realized that she said too much.
Gwen twisted her lips as she made her way to Arthur's chamber.