A Herald of a New Age
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 day was like any other. Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table were on patrol, and Merlin had accompanied them. But they had no way of knowing something was about to happen. They'd just stopped for a brief rest when Elyan sighed as he shook his empty water skin.
"Gwaine, when I said you could have some of my water, I didn't mean the entire thing!" he said, annoyed.
Gwaine looked sheepish and apologetic. "Sorry."
"Here, Elyan, I've got a spare. You can have it," said Merlin, handing him the water skin.
"Thanks, Merlin," said Elyan, as he drank the water, then he gave Merlin and shook his head.
Merlin noticed the look Elyan was giving him and said, "What is it?"
"It's just kind of strange seeing you out here without your sister, is all," said Elyan.
It was well-known to everyone that unless the twins had duties that called them elsewhere, they were usually together. They were rarely ever apart, especially during moments like this. But with Mira-Liana's baby so close to being born, she was staying within the castle walls on bed rest as per Arthur's request. For once, she'd done what he'd asked her to.
"Mir's here," said Merlin, smiling. "You just can't see her."
"She's acting through your magical link, isn't she?" asked Elyan.
Merlin nodded. "You know how my sister gets when it comes to me and Arthur," he said, referring to his sister's protectiveness for her husband and brother.
"And rightly so," said Lancelot, as he sat beside them. "You three always wind up in trouble."
"Hey! We don't always get into trouble," said Merlin, mock-pouting as everyone laughed.
"Shh!" hissed Arthur.
Everyone fell quiet when Arthur pointed to something in the trees. It was a clothesline with many colored cloths tied to it. Further investigation showed them that they had found a strange kind of camp with dozens of the same clotheslines and cloths. There was evidence people had once been there, but not for a number of years and there was a chill in the air.
"What is this place?" asked Percival.
"It's a shrine," said Merlin, looking anxious. "In the time of the Old Religion, they built shrines like this to appease restless spirits. We shouldn't be here."
"I think you're right," said Arthur, who'd gone very pale.
Suddenly, a crow came out and startled them as it quickly flew off. That worried them more as crows were never a good sign.
Leon, however, didn't take the situation quite as seriously. "There's your spirit, Merlin."
Merlin glared at him.
"This is serious, Leon!" he said, sternly. "Gaius and Mordred told me about places like this and they're cursed!"
"Merlin's right. We need to leave," said Arthur, firmly. "There's nothing here for us. Move out!"
Everyone followed Arthur out of the camp. Everyone, that is, save for Elyan, who saw a well and decided to use its water to refill his and Merlin's water skins. After doing this, he glanced back at the water, only to recoil in horror when he saw the image of a soaked young boy with pale skin and dark hair in the water.
Feeling considerably frightened, Elyan unsheathed his sword and glanced around, but saw no one but him. Quickly, he left the camp and caught up with the others just as the wind picked up.
XXX
When they returned to Camelot, Arthur immediately went to his chambers where he found Mira-Liana in bed reading to Amora and Merrick.
"I'm home," he said, as he came in.
"Daddy!" said Amora.
Amora and Merrick scurried over to him as he scooped them up into his arms and kissed their heads.
"Hello, children. Were you two good for your mother?" he asked.
"Yes," said Merrick, smiling.
"Glad to hear it." Arthur smiled back as he put them down onto the bed. "I love you both very much."
Mira-Liana smiled as they shared a tender kiss.
"Everything all right?" asked Arthur.
"Yes, everything's fine," she assured him, as she put the book onto the table beside her. "Gaius examined me earlier. He says we're both healthy, and Igraine will come any day now."
"Excellent," said Arthur.
"Is she going to come now?" asked Amora.
Amora and Merrick had been anxious for the new baby ever since their parents had announced the news. Unlike most siblings, they were looking forward to having a little sister.
"She'll come when she's ready, sweetie," said Mira-Liana, gently.
"Will it be soon?" asked Merrick, looking hopeful.
"Very soon," assured Arthur.
This made them look very happy.
Mira-Liana squeezed Arthur's hand and looked very concerned. "Enough about us. How're you? Merlin said you were quiet on the ride home after you left the shrine."
"It's nothing. I've just got a lot on my mind," said Arthur, sighing. "The shrine just has some memories I don't like to remember, that's all."
Mira-Liana nodded, knowing all too well what it was like to return to a place that had painful reminders.
"You look worn out. You need one of my massages," said Mira-Liana, firmly. "Take your shirt off and lie down."
Arthur was about to protest, but one of Mira-Liana's stern looks silenced him, so he complied with her request. Plus, he had been feeling extremely sore and stiff lately and one of his wife's special massages would do the trick.
He took off his shirt and lied down on the bed after she moved and then she began working. He let out many satisfied groans and Mira-Liana's talented fingers worked their magic, ridding his body of the stiffness and pain. He was feeling more relaxed and far better than he had in a while. Was there nothing she couldn't do?
"Ana, you're an angel," he said, slightly muffled by his pillow.
She chuckled as she kept massaging him. "Well, that's one I haven't heard before."
"I'll say it more often," he promised. He groaned again. "I should give you a massage after this."
"If you'd be so kind," she said, chuckling.
They ended up having a lovely morning together and read stories to their children, but Mira-Liana's fear that something was wrong with her husband didn't go away.
XXX
That night, there was a quiet family dinner with Merlin, Mira-Liana and Gaius. Gaius found the story of the shrine very intriguing.
"I'm surprised that such a shrine exists so close to Camelot," said Gaius. "Considering the changes Camelot's undergone this year, it's strange."
"And it was cursed," said Merlin, shuddering a little.
"I could feel it, even through the mirror," said Mira-Liana.
Gaius looked concerned. "You're right to be wary, you two. Mordred's told me about those kind of places. The Druids build shrines to bring rest to tormented souls. Souls that were so badly wronged that they could not find peace, even in the Other World."
"Why hang all the ribbons and flags?" asked Merlin.
Gaius sighed. "The ancient rituals heal the grounds, so that the souls of the victims can find rest, but the magic that binds the earth is delicate and is easily undone. The ribbons and flags act as warning."
Merlin and Mira-Liana sighed, feeling a great deal of worry and pain knowing this.
"Wish I'd known that earlier," said Merlin. He never would've allowed Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table to enter otherwise.
"Did anyone touch anything?" asked Gaius.
"I don't believe so, no," said Merlin. "Why?"
"Anyone who disturbs the shrine risks releasing the spirit," explained Gaius. "I hope none who were there ever returns to that place."
"Believe me, no one will," said Mira-Liana, firmly. She had no intention of allowing anyone to return to that place for any reason. "Though, what concerns me is how Arthur was reacting to that place. He said it held some bad memories for him. Something's wrong, I can feel it."
Merlin gave his sister's hand a comforting squeeze in an effort to make her feel better.
XXX
Mira-Liana was unaware of the fact that she was right about something being wrong.
That same night, Elyan did not sleep well. He found himself being quite cold and seeing the boy from the well numerous time to the point where he was so frightened that he was a cowering mess when Gwaine found him after he let out a small cry.
Elyan denied anything was wrong, but Gwaine made a mental note to inform Their Majesties if the problem persisted and advised Elyan to put a circle of salt around his bed if he was truly frightened about something. Needless to say, Elyan followed Gwaine's advice, especially after the boy yet again.
XXX
The following morning, something was definitely wrong and it became clearer to everyone during Arthur's training with the Knights, in which Elyan seemed to be very aggressive when he and Arthur were having a practice duel. It only ceased when Arthur called it off and Elyan obeyed.
More signs of trouble arose when the practice was finally over and the Knights were putting their weapons and other gear away.
"So, Elyan, what was up with you this morning? Something the matter?" asked Gwaine.
"Not, everything's fine," said Elyan, faking a smile. "Just, uh, had a bit of a bad night, that's all."
"Well, if your sleeping problem persists, you should tell Gaius or Mordred. They'll make you a sleeping draught," said Lancelot, looking concerned. "And remember you can talk to us."
Elyan nodded. "Yes, I know. Thanks."
He'd just put his helmet away when suddenly, he saw the boy again in the doorway. Elyan froze as his fear threatened to overwhelm him.
Why was no one else reacting? Did they not see the boy there? Was he going mad? But no one could answer his questions as the boy walked over to him, reaching for him.
Elyan started backing up as he felt the sting of tears in his eyes.
"No," he said. "No, no! Leave me alone!"
"Elyan, what's wrong?" asked Leon.
"LEAVE ME BE!" cried Elyan, as he backed up into Gwaine.
Gwaine then knocked him out and the worried Knights took him to his chambers before alerting Gaius and the others of the problem. As Elyan was a beloved member of the family, everyone was gathered there.
Elyan was conscious at this point, but he showed little response, other than tightly clenching Gwen's hand as she helped tend to him.
"Gaius, what's wrong with him?" asked Gwen, worried. She'd never seen her brother like this before. "Why doesn't he speak or move?"
"I don't know," said Gaius. "It's very strange."
"He's been acting strange ever since we came back from the shrine," said Merlin, silently hoping he was wrong about his theory.
"Here's another question," said Mordred, frowning. "Why is there a circle of salt around his bed?"
Indeed, there was a circle of salt around the bed, though it was slightly disturbed at this point.
Gwaine looked a little sheepish. "That's probably my fault. Last night, I found him scared to death. He claimed nothing was wrong, but I didn't believe him. I hoped it was just a nightmare, but I told him to put a circle of salt around his bed just in case. Rumor has it, it keeps dark stuff away."
"Dark stuff such as?" asked Mira-Liana, warily.
"Evil spirits," he admitted.
This made everyone look considerably more concerned.
"Spirits?" repeated Merlin.
Gwaine nodded.
"But that's a pile of nonsense," said Mordred. "Salt doesn't keep spirits away."
"Nevertheless, Elyan obviously believes it to be true," said Gwen.
"Gwaine, why on earth didn't you inform us of this earlier?" demanded Mira-Liana.
"I was hoping he was just having a nightmare and I was going to tell you if things got worse," said Gwaine, apologetically. "You think a spirit's done this to him?"
"It'd certainly explain his behavior," said Gaius. "Did he disturb anything at the shrine?"
"Maybe," admitted Merlin. "He was the last one to leave. He said he'd lagged behind because he was…oh, I'm such an idiot! He refilled two of the water skins at the well at the shrine!"
Mordred looked very grim. "Then he's disturbed one of the spirits of the shrine. And heaven help him, because if he's possessed by one of the spirits, then whomever the spirit seeks revenge on is in danger."
Mira-Liana clutched her swollen stomach in worry. "If it's out for revenge, I think it might be after Arthur. He hasn't been himself since the shrine either."
I knew something was wrong. Why didn't I act on my instincts? What's Arthur going to say when we tell him about all this?
Merlin wrapped an arm around his sister's shoulder. "Don't worry, we'll protect him and Elyan until we can sort this out. We'll have someone stay with them both at all times."
It was a small plan, but it was just going to have to do until they had a better plan.
XXX
Leaving Elyan alone in his room proved to be a bad thing, as he soon found himself facing the boy again. He recoiled in terror.
"Leave me alone!" he begged.
The boy looked at him with pleading eyes. "Please, don't be angry with me."
Elyan's face softened as he realized just how young the boy was. He didn't look older than nine or ten at the most, and there was a hint of fear in the boy's eyes.
"I'm sorry," he said, softly. Perhaps he'd misjudged him earlier. After all, the poor soul was just a boy and he hadn't done any harm.
Elyan got out of his bed and approached the boy. He reached to touch him, but the boy flinched in fear.
"It's okay. Don't be scared," said Elyan, soothingly. "I'm not going to hurt you. It's all right."
Being an uncle, Elyan knew his way around children. When he reached out again, this time the boy did not flinch. Elyan placed his hand on the boy's shoulder, frowning at how cold and wet the poor boy was.
"You poor thing. You're freezing and soaked to the bone," he said.
He held the boy close and rubbed his back in an effort to warm him. The boy returned Elyan's embrace and closed his eyes, as if in peace.
"It's all right, you're safe here," said Elyan.
After a few moments, Elyan let go and then knelt down to the boy's level and placed his hands on the boy's shoulders.
"What do you want from me?" asked Elyan.
"I want you to bring me peace," said the boy. "You must right the wrong that was done to me."
"How?" asked Elyan, confused. How was he to bring a spirit peace? "What should I do?"
"It's easy," said the boy, calmly. "You must kill the King."
Elyan's eyes widen in horror. "Kill King Arthur?" he repeated. "No! I can't!" Arthur was his King, his friend and part of his family. He could never bring himself to harm him.
"You can and you will," murmured the boy.
And with that, Elyan became possessed.
XXX
Arthur was alone in his chambers after putting Amora and Merrick to bed. He was just finishing up the last of some paperwork when Elyan came in.
"Elyan, you startled me," said Arthur.
Merlin and Mira-Liana were delayed in telling Arthur of the spirit problem, so he had no way of knowing that something was terribly wrong.
"Is everything all right?" asked Arthur.
But Elyan made no response. He just glared at Arthur and then drew his sword.
"Elyan, what on earth do you thinking you're doing!" cried Arthur, as he quickly defended himself from Elyan's blows.
Arthur managed to meet Elyan's blows with his own blade, but Elyan was still persistent and there appeared to be no stopping him.
"Guards!" he yelled.
Just as the guards arrived, Elyan fled, leaving Arthur lucky to be alive.
"I want him found and thrown in the dungeon by the Knights of the Round Table, immediately!" ordered Arthur. He didn't want to believe Elyan was a traitor and silently hoped that something was magically wrong that would be fixable. "Alert the Council of Magic, and send my wife and Merlin to me at once!"
"Yes, sire," said the guards.
Merlin and Mira-Liana arrived shortly afterward.
"Arthur, what's happened?" asked Merlin.
"Thank heavens you're both all right. Elyan attacked me," said Arthur, as he hugged them. "Please tell me you know what on earth's wrong with him."
"We think he's possessed," said Mira-Liana.
Arthur pulled back and frowned. "Possessed?" he repeated. "By what, exactly?"
"We think he disturbed the shrine and released a spirit. That spirit may be possessing Elyan," said Merlin.
A flicker of fear and a tiny hint of guilt crossed Arthur's face. "Then we've got a serious problem on our hands. We need to keep this as quiet as possible."
"Agreed," said Mira-Liana, nodding. The consequences of Camelot knowing one of its most trusted Knights was possessed by a spirit could be very bad indeed.
"I'll have Frik come with me as we search for him. I want you two to try and find some way to stop this," said Arthur. "I know you don't like being told what to do, but I insist you listen to me now."
"We will," assured Merlin.
Mira-Liana nodded in agreement. She didn't like the idea of staying put while her husband was in danger, but she had to consider Igraine, who was due to be born soon.
Before Arthur left, however, she cornered him in the deserted hall. She needed to speak with him, now.
"Arthur, love, wait. I can't let you leave like this. I know something's wrong. You don't have to keep this bottled up. You can talk to me," she said.
"Ana—" said Arthur, but he was cut off.
"Please," she interrupted. "Whenever something's bothering me and Merlin, you insist we talk and then you make it a little better. Let me return the favor. Something's bothering you and you're worrying me. What's wrong?"
She placed her hand on his cheek as he covered her hand with his own.
Arthur sighed. "You're right. You have a right to know, it's just…I fear you'll hate me afterward," he confessed.
"That's impossible," she assured him. Why on earth should she hate him? He was a good, kind and caring man. He was a loving husband, a devoted father and a wonderful King. There was no reason at all for her to hate him. "If it'll help, I swear I won't tell anyone what you have to say until you're ready to, not even Merlin."
If that was what got him to talk, then she'd certainly keep her promise.
Arthur sighed again and told her of what had been bothering him ever since they'd first encountered the shrine. The information made her heart break for him and she ended up holding him tight as he cried into her shoulder and assuring him all would be well and that she still loved him.
"Everything's going to be okay," she whispered, as she stroked his hair.
"I hope to heaven that you're right about that, my love," said Arthur, sounding choked as he held her. "I love you so much." He was grateful for her endless compassion and understanding. If he lost her love, he didn't know what he would do.
"I love you too," said Mira-Liana, silently wishing she could take his pain away. "Always have and always will."
They would get through this. They would.
XXX
By morning, Elyan had been caught and locked in the dungeon. He was to stay there until they could find some way to rid him of the possessing spirit. There was no doubt in anyone's mind that Elyan was possessed as he was not acting like himself and had said to the ones who caught him, "I had to do it."
Gaheris, unfortunately, tried to take advantage of Elyan's "treason." Somehow, he managed to corner the King and Queen and Merlin in the Council Chambers.
"Arthur, sire, Sir Elyan tried to kill you!" said Gaheris. "You know that he must be tried and punished in accordance with our laws."
"You mean you want me to execute him," said Arthur. Since Uther's death, the death penalty had only been for the most evilest of criminal and the most extreme circumstances.
"Well, so be it," said Gaheris. "You can't afford to show favoritism."
"Gaheris, Elyan was not acting of his own volition," said Mira-Liana.
Gaheris frowned in confusion. "I beg your pardon, Your Majesty?"
Mira-Liana beckoned for Merlin to explain.
"Sir Elyan disturbed a shrine the day before yesterday and released a spirit," said Merlin. "He's being possessed."
Gaheris scoffed. "With all due respect, that's a load of rot! How do you know your Advisor's not just trying to protect his friend?"
"Merlin is no traitor," said Arthur, firmly. "There is other evidence to consider as well. Elyan would never attack me. He has no reason to."
"I fail to see that there's any real evidence and there is plenty of reason for him to commit treason," said Gaheris, insistently. "Your father killed his!"
Mira-Liana glared at him. "We know Elyan. His heart is true and he's not one to betray his friends and family. He's never once sought revenge."
"But this is all sheer nonsense, surely!" protested Gaheris. "Arthur, you can't believe a word of this!"
Arthur rose up, looking quite furious. "I do believe it, and if you dare insult my family again, you will be punished, Uncle. Now, unless you have something useful to report, I suggest you leave now."
Gaheris looked apologetic as he bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty. Forgive me, Your Majesty."
And with that, he left the room.
The minute he was gone, a meeting with the Knights of the Round Table and the Council of Magic was called and they met to discuss what to do regarding Elyan.
"Everyone, the situation is very serious. Elyan's being possessed by a spirit that wants me dead," said Arthur. "My uncle is refusing to believe this and keeps pushing for Elyan's execution."
"But Elyan's innocent!" protested Gwen.
"We know that, Gwen," said Mira-Liana, gently. "Elyan's not going to be executed."
"Gaheris should be the one who's punished," said Viktor, one of the members of the Council of Magic.
"Regardless, that's not the point of this meeting," said Merlin. "We need to figure out some way to get the spirit out of Elyan. Once we do, maybe then we can find some way to help it cross over."
"It would require very powerful magic," said Alator. "The spirit is angry and its anger gives it enormous strength."
"Then Merlin and I must master it if we're to save Elyan," said Mira-Liana. "We've been practicing and we believe we might be able to channel sufficient power through the mirror."
"And exactly how are we going to do this?" asked Gwaine. "Bust Elyan out of the cell and then knock him out so you can perform the require spell?"
"Actually, that might just work," said Gaius, as an idea came to him.
And with that, they made a series of plans that they hoped would work and when nightfall came, they set their plans in motion.
XXX
That night, Merlin and Gwen snuck down to the cells. Gwen had insisted on accompanying Merlin at least to the way out of the castle as Elyan was her brother and she wanted to help him.
From where they stood on the stairs, they had a pretty good view of the guards.
Merlin's blue eyes flashed gold as he magically made a barrel roll out from the entrance of the cells and into the courtyard. The guards followed the barrel, as if in an attempt to stop it and were quickly locked out of the cells via a spell from Merlin.
They then made their way to Elyan's cell and he looked surprised to see them.
"Merlin, Gwen!" he said, surprised. "What're you doing here?"
"We don't have time to explain," said Gwen. "You have to trust us. Come, quickly!"
Elyan didn't hesitate to obey as he followed them out of the castle. Before they left, Elyan shared a parting with his sister. He hugged her tight.
"I love you, Gwen," he said.
"I love you too, Elyan," said Gwen. "Stay safe. Thomas Balinor and Dawn Lily still need their uncle."
Elyan nodded and then he and Merlin left the castle just as the warning bells went off. They managed to escape into the woods where they were safe for the moment.
Once they stopped to catch their breaths, Elyan patted Merlin on the shoulder. "You know Merlin, you're a lot braver than you look."
Merlin chuckled. "Are you calling me a coward?" he teased.
Elyan laughed. "Just saying there's not many people who'd break someone out of the cells."
"You're family. What else could I do?" asked Merlin. "Besides, no one in their right mind believes you acted of your own volition."
Elyan smiled and then Merlin held out one of the two water skins he'd brought. Elyan's contained a powerful sedative that would knock him out.
"Here, have a drink. I'm sure you're thirsty," said Merlin.
"Thank you," said Elyan, as he took it.
Then Merlin noticed that Elyan wasn't drinking and kept looking over his shoulder.
"Something the matter?" asked Merlin. Then he felt his sister.
Merlin, something's wrong, said Mira-Liana. Can't you feel the presence of someone else with you?
Don't worry, I'll be fine, Mir, said Merlin.
"I'm sorry, Merlin," said Elyan.
He flung out his hand and then Merlin was thrown into a tree, causing him to be knocked out and allowing Elyan to escape into the night.
XXX
The following morning, Merlin was found by guards and then he was tended to by Mira-Liana, who'd been very worried when her brother didn't return home on time and had already given him a sound scolding for not being more careful.
"You're lucky you only escaped with a bit of bruising and no concussion," she said, sternly.
"I'm sorry. But how was I to know what was going to happen?" asked Merlin.
"You still should've been more careful. Elyan was supposed to be knocked out, not you." Her face softened when she saw Merlin's apologetic look and she sighed. "I'm sorry. I was just so worried and scared for you and you're the only brother I have."
Merlin squeezed her hand. "I'm sorry I worried you. But honestly, I'm fine."
She nodded. "Just watch yourself a little more when I can't be there, all right?"
Merlin nodded. "So, how's Arthur?"
"Physically, he's fine. Emotionally, however, not quite so. He's worried and there is a heavier guard around us all now, just in case of another attack," said Mira-Liana. "Gaius and Mordred want to see you. They want to investigate the shrine and need you to lead them to it if you can."
Merlin's eyes widened. Return to the shrine? "I thought we agreed no one was to return there."
"I know," said Mira-Liana, as she bit her lip. "And normally, I would completely forbid any return to that place, but they've convinced me that it may be the only way to find out more about this and find a way to help Elyan and Arthur's situation."
Merlin frowned when he saw the look in her eyes.
"You know why the spirit's after Arthur, don't you?" It wasn't a question.
Mira-Liana nodded. "Arthur told me last night."
"Why didn't you say anything?"
"He would only tell me the truth after I swore not to reveal it to anyone until he was ready, not even you. I didn't want to keep secrets from you, Merlin, but I was worried if he didn't tell someone, it was going to consume him," said Mira-Liana.
Merlin just nodded. He was not angry with her. She'd only done what she thought was right. Nor would he ask her to divulge what she knew out of respect for his family members. "Well, maybe we can find out for ourselves at the shrine. I'll be careful there, I promise."
They shared a hug and then Merlin went to speak with Gaius and Mordred.
XXX
The return to the shrine did not provide them with good news. It appeared the area had once been a Druid camp that had been attacked a long time ago. Most likely it had been one of Uther's many raids upon those with magic.
To make matters worse, no sooner had they returned, Arthur was attacked by Elyan and this time the attack left him quite shaken. Elyan had been soaked to the bone with water and the voice that spoke through him was not his own, but rather that of the drowned boy's.
Fortunately, the attack was stopped and Elyan escaped, but now they had another problem. The spirit craved peace, and according to Druid lore, only the atonement of the perpetrator could bring about such a thing. They had to find a way to stop the spirit or Elyan would be lost to them forever.
Arthur appeared to be blaming himself for his father's crimes, and though no one knew it, he had a plan to help the spirit find the peace it so desperately craved.
That night, Mira-Liana summoned Merlin to her chambers.
"Mir, are you all right? What's wrong?" asked Merlin. He'd sensed his sister's distress from the other side of the castle.
"It's Arthur. He left before I could stop him," said Mira-Liana. "He said he had some unfinished business to take care of. He's going to go to the shrine to deal with the spirit himself, I just know it."
"Oh, that's not good. I'll go after him," said Merlin. Who knew what danger Arthur would get himself into?
"I should go with you," said Mira-Liana. She tried to get up, but Merlin gently pushed her back down.
"Mir, you know you can't. You need to rest. Igraine's due any day now and it's too much of a risk." His face softened as he squeezed her hand. "I'll go after him. You can watch us from the mirror if you want. If I need you, I'll let you know and you can act through it." They wouldn't be able to access the full measure of their skills this way, but it'd have to do.
Mira-Liana held out her arms and then Merlin gently hugged her. He heard her sniffle and knew she was crying a little. She was just as worried as Merlin was, if not more.
"Just promise me you'll both come home safely," she said, slightly muffled by his jacket.
"I promise," said Merlin, as he kissed her head.
XXX
After getting Morgana and Gwen to stay with Mira-Liana, Merlin went off in search of Arthur. He hadn't gone far when he lost track of Arthur and then Arthur found him and he didn't look very pleased.
"Merlin, what on earth are you doing creeping around in woods?" he demanded.
"Following you. What on earth are you doing creeping around in the woods?" asked Merlin.
"I asked you first."
Merlin sighed. "Look, why don't we just admit it? You're headed to the shrine and like it or not, I'm coming with you. Mira-Liana is worried sick about you and I'm not about to leave my best friend and brother-in-law to face this alone. You know you'd do the same for us if the situation was reversed. Family sticks together, remember?"
Arthur looked very touched, but at the same time, fearful. "Thank you, Merlin. Knowing how stubborn you are, I won't try and stop you from coming, but believe me when I say you'll find no reason to want to even be near me anymore after this is over, much less consider me your friend or part of your family."
"I find that hard to believe," said Merlin. He had no reason to ever stop considering Arthur his friend and part of his family. "And just what exactly are you going to do?"
"Something I should've done a long time ago," said Arthur.
And that was all he'd say on the subject, so they traveled in silence for a while until they came upon the shrine. Upon which, Arthur drew his blade and then set it aside.
"Sure that's wise?" asked Merlin, in concern. "What if you need it?"
"A sword's not going to be much use against a spirit and anyhow, I've got you if I need help," said Arthur.
"True enough," said Merlin. Excalibur still rested in its stone far from here, so for the moment, Merlin's magic was their best defense against the spirit.
Arthur turned away and then called out, "I'm here! This is what you want, isn't it?"
"Arthur, what're you doing?" asked Merlin, his heart skipped a beat.
Arthur faced him. There was a mixture of pain, guilt and shame in his expression such as Merlin had never seen before now.
"Everything that Gaius and Mordred said about this place is right, except for one thing," said Arthur, sounding pained. "My father ordered the raid on the Druid camp, but he wasn't the one to lead it. I was."
Merlin's breath caught in his throat. Suddenly, Arthur's behavior of late made perfect sense. No wonder the shrine and the disturbed spirit had caused Arthur's distress. No wonder he had only confided in Mira-Liana and had wanted no one else to know. No wonder he believed he feared his family's reactions to the truth. No wonder he was being swallowed by guilt. It was not Uther who needed to atone for this crime. It was Arthur.
"This changes nothing between us," said Merlin, firmly. Arthur clearly regretted what had happened so long ago, so how could Merlin be angry with him now? He had no doubt that the same could be said for Mira-Liana and the others. Arthur was not like Uther. He needed to be able to forgive himself if he was to ever truly move on.
Arthur said nothing as he turned to face Elyan, who appeared out of nowhere, dripping wet and speaking with a voice that was not his own.
"My blood is on your hands," he said. "I cannot rest because of what you did."
"I know," said Arthur, softly.
Tears came to Arthur's eyes and for the first time since Uther's death, he began to weep as he knelt down, throwing himself at the spirit's mercy.
"I am responsible for what happened to you and for all the violence that happened here," said Arthur, sobbing slightly as he spoke. "When I lead the attack on your camp, I was but fifteen years old. I was young and experienced. My father asked me to do it. He said I didn't have to, but I chose to do it anyway because I was so desperately eager to please my father, and prove myself to him and to my men."
Elyan said nothing as he slowly approached the King.
"I told my men to spare the women and children, but because of my youth and inexperience, not all of them listened to me and they ignored the order. There was so much happening. I wanted to stop it. But I froze. I didn't know what to do," said Arthur, as tears streamed down his cheeks. "For years, I've lived with this guilt. I can never forget it. I can still hear the screams. I cannot right this wrong. No matter how much I wish it were so, there is nothing I can do to change the horrors that happened that day."
It was difficult to be able tell for certain, considering he was dripping wet, but Elyan appeared to be crying as well at this point.
"But I can promise that now that I'm King, I will do everything in my power to prevent what happened on that day from ever occurring again," said Arthur. "If you can look into Elyan's memories, you can see the changes that have happened in Camelot since my coronation. You can see Mordred, one of your own kind, is being accepted and loved by me and my family. The Druid people are treated with the respect they deserve and that'll happen for as long as I can possibly ensure it, I give you my word."
Elyan again said nothing, but drew his blade.
"I am truly sorry for what happened to you," said Arthur. "I can't forgive myself."
Suddenly, Elyan dropped his blade and made Arthur rise up by grabbing his shoulders. Their eyes briefly met and then Elyan embraced him. Arthur returned the embrace and for a moment, they both wept together. Merlin could not restrain his tears either, upon this incredible sight.
"I forgive you," he whispered. "Feel guilty no more, King Arthur Pendragon, for you have brought me peace and you have atoned in full."
"Thank you," whispered Arthur.
Elyan pulled away and then his head and eyes rolled back as a white mist left his body. He then fell limp into Arthur's arms, slightly dazed and confused.
"Arthur, Merlin?" he said. "What happened? The last thing I remember is—"
"Don't, Elyan," interrupted Arthur, as Elyan's eyes widened in horror as he recalled what had occurred in recent days. "Just don't. You are not to blame. We'll remember the lesson of recent days, but we will not dwell on it."
Both Merlin and Elyan agreed and then three men slowly walked back to Camelot. The mood was considerably lightened. Elyan was going to be fine, he had come to accept he was not to blame for the spirit's actions and was moving past it. Arthur had finally forgiven himself and finally the past was over.
They were not too far from the city gates, when suddenly Frik appeared quite out of breath and looking frantic.
"Thank goodness, you are all safe," said Frik, as he tried to catch his breath.
"Take it easy old friend," said Merlin. "Catch your breath. What is it?"
"It's Mira-Liana, Master Merlin," said Frik, after a moment. "She sent me to find you and to deliver a message."
"Is she all right?" asked Arthur, worried.
"Gaius, Hunith and a midwife are with her as we speak. She's in the midst of having her child," said Frik.
"Oh, good heavens!"
Swiftly as they could, they all ran inside the castle, hoping they were not too late.
XXX
Several hours later, after a lot of anxious pacing done by Arthur and Merlin as they waited for news, it happened. Just as the sun began to rise, a joyful outcry arose for the midwife announced that Queen Mira-Liana had just given birth to the newest member of the Royal Family—Princess Igraine Hunith Pendragon.
Arthur sat beside his wife as soon as he was allowed into the room. He was unable to restrain his happy tears or the smile on his face.
Mira-Liana was very tired, but she was also immensely happy as she held their newborn daughter in her arms.
Igraine was wonderful. She had a small tuft of golden brown hair, lighter than her mother's but darker than her father's, and her eyes were deep blue with flecks of gold in them. The little baby Princess was making little cooing noises as her parents doted upon her.
"Oh, Ana, she's so beautiful," said Arthur, as he held his new daughter's hand.
"Yes, she is. And I think she was born at just the right time," said Mira-Liana, smiling. "I think Igraine's a sign of hope for the future."
Arthur nodded in agreement. After last night's events, could anyone think anything but?
"I can't decide who she looks more like," said Arthur.
"I think she takes after her grandmothers," said Mira-Liana.
"I think you're right," said Arthur, after a brief moment's consideration.
Igraine did seem to take more after Hunith and Igraine, but there were hints of her parents in her features as well.
"Here, why don't you hold her for a moment?" said Mira-Liana, as she carefully placed the baby in his arms. She knew it would make him happy.
Arthur smiled as he cradled baby Igraine in his arms. He'd never thought he'd be a father again, especially so soon after Amora and Merrick's births. It was truly a special little miracle.
"Are you going to be a daddy's girl or a mama's girl?" he murmured, in curiosity to Igraine.
"Maybe she'll be a mixture of both," said Mira-Liana. Though who could say for certain what was going to happen in the future when little Igraine grew up? They would just have to wait and see what happened.
There was a knock on the door and their older children's faces peered through a crack in the door.
"Amora, Merrick, come and see your little sister," said Arthur.
The little Prince and Princess quickly scurried over and climbed into the bed where they sat beside their parents as they gazed upon their new little family member.
"She's cute, but she's so little!" said Amora.
"That's because she's a baby," said Mira-Liana, chuckling. "It'll be a while before she gets bigger."
"Can we play with her and help take care of her?" asked Merrick.
"You'll have to be gentle while playing with her because she's so young, but yes, you can. And you can help take care of her," said Arthur, as he gently placed her back in Mira-Liana's arms.
He had a distinct feeling that Igraine was going to be spoiled rotten if her siblings had their way.
Amora and Merrick beamed and then the rest of their family came into the room to pay tribute to the baby and bestow gifts of many kinds upon her as they all began doting upon the baby.
They were right about several things. They would pull through whatever came their way because they were a family and family always stuck together. Just as importantly, Igraine was going to grow up loved and protected by a wonderful family and she was a sign of hope for their future.