Hello everyone. I haven't given up on this story I promise! It's just been hard to be able to write as much as I used to. A quick head's up, I edited the ending of the last chapter. I completely forgot that Cenered died, and Lot is the new King. So if you want to go back and reread the last part, it might help in case anyone is confused.
Chapter 10. Prepare for Battle
"Bring the horses," Arthur ordered. "We ride for Camelot Now!" The knights sprang into action. Red capes blurred Arthur's vision. "Aithusa, does anyone else know?" the dragon nodded her head. "I saw a small patrol that was riding fast on their way to the castle's direction on my way to find you. I'm sure they are aware of the situation."
"Good. Fly ahead Aithusa, send word that I am returning as quickly as possible. Tell the guards at the front gate to gather the council members. Can you do that?" Aithusa bowed her head. "As you wish Sire." With those parting words, Aithusa spread her wings, taking to the air. "Merlin, I need you to ride with me. The pony is not fast enough to keep up with the horses."
"We can't just leave him here!" Merlin protested.
Arthur sighed, being reminded that Merlin was still stubborn now as he was before. "Don't worry Merlin, he will find its way back. Any royal horse is trained to make its way back home."
Not liking it, Merlin nodded. Leon brought Arthur's horse over. Swinging Merlin into the saddle first, Arthur climbed behind him, making sure he was secure. Kicking his horse, Arthur raced back to Camelot. Once the white towers were insight, Arthur rode past through the gates, coming up to the courtyard. Aithusa stood by the castle's steps. "Sire, the council is waiting for you at the round table as you requested." a knight told them as they came up to the steps. "Good, tell them I'll be with them shortly." The knight bowed, before running off to follow his orders. Gwaine took Merlin from the horse, allowing Arthur to dismount. "Aithusa, will you wait here until we're done?" Arthur asked the small dragon.
"Of course my liege" she said with respect.
"Gwaine, Leon, and Percival, with me." The knights followed faithfully behind, as Arthur grasped Merlin's small hand. Knowing he would want to be with them in midst of all this confusion.
Pushing open the wooden doors, Arthur came to the grand hall. Gwenevere stood at her place by Arthur's left side. Merlin let go of his father's hand, as he ran towards his mother. Coming to their seats, Arthur gestured for them to sit. The knights from the patrol were also present, ready to tell the dreaded news.
"My lord," the leader of the patrol stepped forward. "As you are aware, king Lot's army approaches us from Essetir. However, they outnumber us 3 to 1.
Whispers began to fill the room, their voices filled with worry. Arthur lifted up his hand, commanding silence. "We must ask for help. Leon, I want you to hand pick our fastest riders. They will deliver copies of a letter I will personally write to our ally's explaining the situation. Hopefully they will answer. In the meantime, evacuate the women and children into the caves below the city. We must protect the citizen's as best we can. I also want a hospital to be set up in the main hall for the wounded. Gwenevere, will you be able to oversee those preparations?"
"Of course Arthur." Gwen answered pleased that he didn't have her sitting by doing nothing.
"Sire, what about the outer lying villages?" Leon asked, raising a voice for them.
"Lot has his eyes on the citadel, I do not think he will waste time on the settlements. Though we will warn the ones the army may pass by. We cannot house all of them. Does that answer satisfy you Sir Leon?"
"It does my liege."
"Very well. This council is dismissed."
Chairs scraped against the floors. "Gwenevere, Gwaine, please stay. Merlin, go with uncle Percival, just for a little bit." Merlin looked at his father uncertainly. "Come on Merlin, let's visit Aithusa, I'm sure she'd love to see you." Gwenevere released her son from her lap. Allowing the gentle giant to lead him out. Arthur waited until the three of them were alone, his eyes following his son fondly. "I have a proposition to make. I don't want Merlin here when the battle starts. He is the heir to the throne, and needs to be protected. We need to take him out of Camelot."
Gwenevere's heart broke at the thought of being separated from her own son. Though she knew he was right.
"Gwaine." Arthur said in a serious tone. "I want you to take Merlin to El Paran."
"What?! Arthur, that's the place where Merlin died! If he's been remembering, surly he'll remember being there before!"
"I know Gwaine, I know, but El Paran is the best possible place for protection. It's hidden from anyone who does not know their location. Gwaine, I'm not just asking as a King. I'm also asking as a father."
Gwaine ran a hand over his face as memories of being there last time rose to the surface.
"Arthur is right Gwaine." Gwen spoke up, hoping to bring the knight at ease with his thoughts. "I don't like the situation any more than you do, but Merlin needs to be kept out of harm's way. If he say's El Paran is be best place, then I believe him."
Gwaine didn't want to know what Gwen was feeling through all of this. He had no doubt she was strong, and this certainly proved it. Giving a deep, heavy sight, Gwaine looked at Arthur. "Alright, I'll take him."
The three came out of the room, making their way to the court yard where Aithusa, Merlin and Percival were. Percival was holding Merlin so he could stroke Aithusa's head.
"Sire," Aithusa said noticing them.
Percival placed Merlin down, "Gwenevere, will you take Merlin inside?" Arthur asked her quietly. Gwen nodded in agreement. Reaching out to her son, Merlin went to her. Picking him up, Gwen carried him into the castle. "Sire, evacuations have already begun underway."
"Excellent, I need you to help with preparations in the castle."
"Yes my Lord," Percival left to carry out his orders.
Arthur turned to the dragon. "Aithusa, I have a task I need to request of you."
"Anything Sire"
"Sir Gwaine will be taking Merlin to the elvish city El Paran during the battle. Do you know it?"
"Yes I do. I have been there before."
"Good, I need you to make sure they get to the city safely. I'm sure Lot's men wouldn't want to take on a dragon." Arthur smiled, glad to have her as an ally. "Then I'll need you back here for the battle."
"Merlin was my dragonlord, even though he doesn't possess magic anymore, I would still protect him."
"Thank you Aithusa."
The dragon bowed her white head in respect.
Arthur turned to Gwaine, "Get ready, I'll talk to Merlin. I want you to leave as soon as possible."
"I don't want to go!" Merlin cried out to his parents, not wanting to be apart from them.
"Merlin," Gwen said in a reassuring tone, she sat next to him on the edge of the bed, Arthur on the other side of Merlin. "I know this is hard for you, but you must understand. Your father and I love you with all our hearts, and we need to keep you safe."
"But there are other kids my age, younger even! they're in danger too. Why are they not being evac- evacu-"
"Evacuated?" Gwen asked finishing the word for him.
"Yeah, that!"
Gwen sighed, unsure of how to explain the endangerment of war, especially for royals.
Arthur wrapped an arm around his son. "One day, when you're older, you'll understand. I just need you to trust me Merlin, can you do that?" Fat tears ran down Merlin's cheeks, as he nodded. Arthur pulled Merlin onto his lap, holding him tightly. "I promise, we will see each other again."
Merlin grasped onto that promise, but at the same time, was afraid to believe it. Arthur held Merlin tightly, ignoring that his shirt was getting wet from the tears. Arthur needed to do everything in his power to protect Merlin. It was his turn now. If it meant sending him away, then that is what he'd do.
Not much longer. Merlin, Gwen, and Arthur were back in the courtyard, where Aithusa was still waiting. Gwaine stood next to his horse, already packed and ready to leave. Leon and Percival were next to him, saying their goodbyes. Arthur held Merlin's bag, which contained a few changes of clothes, and his favorite book. The one Gaius had given him. Giving the bag to Gwaine, Arthur knelt down to Merlin once again.
Merlin's eyes were red from crying. "Remember Merlin, this isn't forever. Uncle Gwaine will be with you the entire time. You will never be alone."
Merlin couldn't find any words. He just nodded solemnly instead. Gwenevere bend down and enveloped Merlin with her loving embrace. Arthur wrapped his arms around them both. Merlin wanted to stay in this moment forever. Feeling safe in their arms, instead of going off to a place he didn't know.
Eventually, Arthur was the first to pull back. Indicating it was time to leave. Gwen quickly wiped the tears away from her eyes. Needing to be strong for her son. After saying goodbye to Uncle Leon and Percival, Arthur easily lifted him into the saddle. "Take care of him."
They both knew it didn't need to be said.
"With my life," Gwaine reassured him.
Arthur gave a content nod. With that, Gwaine swung himself onto his horse behind Merlin. Placing both of his arms on either side so he wouldn't fall off.
After one last look, Gwaine kicked his horse into a trot. Hooves echoing loudly off the cobblestones. Aithusa launched herself into the air. Quickly gaining altitude, keeping a watchful eye below her.