Bearing the Path to Destiny

A/N: A long awaited confrontation between many characters has now come. I hope you all will love it.


He wouldn't want us to live one second with revenge in our hearts. It's like a poison. It can take you over. Before you know it, turn us into something ugly.

~ Aunt May, Spiderman 3


Chapter 11: Seeking Revenge

Odin was on his horse, looking straight on ahead, in silence, with a fierce stare. The image of his son's face filling his thoughts. His son laughing, his son crying...his son's body in a crate sent back from Camelot. These thoughts seemed to run through him in an endless loop and seemed to make his insides burn hotter as he could practically see his son's death at the hands of Arthur Pendragon. He was so driven by these thoughts, he failed to see drops of blood leaking from his palms as his fingernails dug into them in a tightening grip. His eyes were flinty and his breathing went a little sporatic.

Morgana was riding at Odin's side and was having a similar episode. Soon she would be facing Merlin again but this time she would be facing him with the full knowledge of who he was. Emrys. Her destiny, her doom. Images of him flashed before her mind. Merlin, no Emrys, smiling at her. Assuring her that she would be safe. His face bearing down at her as she chocked on poison and he tried to grab at her. The old man with those familiar blue eyes looking down at her. Her eyes glowed gold for a moment and a few tree limbs close by snapped off their limbs.

Odin snapped out of his stupor. "Morgana?"

"Hmm?" she hummed shaking her head. "Forgive me Odin. I lost myself for a moment." Her eyes caught the ruby red drops at the side of his palm. "So has someone else."

He moved his hand across the lasso and felt a stickiness there and looked down and started to clean his hand of his own blood. "I see that I'm not the only one that is eager for revenge."

"No...you're not," she answered with her face blank.

"Might I ask who the unlucky one is?"

"Emrys."

"Emrys? Oh, you mean Merlin? Arthur's former manservant turned dragonlord."

"The one and the same," she snarled. "Though now I know they're one and the same."

Odin actually forgot his own wrath for a second as he started to drown in Morgana's. "What exactly did he do to you?"

"The better question is what he didn't do. He lied to me, betrayed me, played me for a fool and tried to kill me...all at once." The sound of wings drew her eyes up to Aithusa who was hovering above their march. "And that's only the start." she said looking at Aithusa, a dragon whom Merlin would no doubt let serve Camelot like himself even though they would like nothing better than have her head mounted on a wall. "I'll get him." She grit her teeth as his annoying, smiling face that she vaguely remembered flashed across her mind again.

Odin nodded. "I'll get him too," he said as his son's casket came into his mind again as well.

Towards the back of this force with their own seperate force of creatures and disciples, Mordred and Nemain were also looking at Aithusa as they discussed their own plans.

"It seems that Morgana's dragon seems to be in fine fighting shape...minus the obvious," Nemain said eyeing it.

"Morgana has spared no effort in caring for it in terms of food and exercise since she went under Mab's care. Granted she hoped to first torch Lot and his army to the ground first but her hatred for Arthur and Emrys trumps her hatred of him."

Nemain chuckled. "It seems as if Lot was more useful to us then I gave him credit for. Not only has he given us a dragon but also a scorned and hate driven woman with volatile direction. All we had to do was focus it towards our enemy and we have quite the useful weapon. Not to mention, we would rather have a key of heart strengthened with hate, anger and bitterness over a heart lightened with love, trust and friendship like Caleb's had been. Her heart should make us far more powerful compared to the last one we had in mind."

Mordred was silent for a moment but he nodded anyway. "Of course. So, besides achieving Arthur's head and Emrys' soul, what else is our plan for the battle?" he asked changing topics.

"Well, Odin and his men as well as the mystical rejects we've given him would be able to adequately handle the Alliance's forces. Our creatures should also be able to help in subduing Emrys. The obstacle that needs higher attention would be Dylan. No doubt, he will be looking for us...specifically me."

"What are you going to do about him?"

"I can deal with him...but I'll need to consume a fair amount of souls directly beforehand if I'm to handle him without fail. As will a few of our men for safe measure."

"Where are we going to get that? We can't start consuming souls from Odin's men, can we?"

"Of course not. Aside from the Alliance, the general populace doesn't know our little secret. If they did, it could create problems." Yes it could. If the general public knew one of their most guarded secrets then it could make way for open rebellion in the lands that they have their grips at their firmest. Rumors had poured in from the enemy lands but as their the enemy, it could be played off as heresay. After all, the idea of Vortigern and themselves as soul sucking fiends in general looked ludicrous. The image of one of those would be of vicious monsters over strong, proud and beautiful people that they were. Only the most trusted were really brought into this secret and most of them had joined in on the practice themselves such as their personal disciples beside them.

"We already absorbed all the souls of the prisoners that we still had in Annis' former castle. Are you saying that with all of that that Dylan might still be a hazard?"

Nemain nodded but she wasn't finished. "Fortunately, I have an answer."

"Which is?" he asked.

"A scout reported that close by Odin's royal city, there is a small village. It's not on too many maps as it is more of a settlement with around a dozen huts. But, there should be enough souls there for us to use and have no witnesses to spur rumors among our men. It's close enough and would be soon enough to defeat Dylan when the odds are at our greatest favor."

"Don't you think that Olaf will have men and riders there to watch over it?"

"Possibly but it's a high doubt. With our imminent battle at his keep, he is sure to bring in as much as he could into its defense along with Arthur and Connor's men. Besides, it is far enough out of the way to seem like it is in no real danger anyway."


Olaf was rushing through the halls of his reclaimed castle with his daughter beside him. Ever since Lord Travis had fallen from that surprise attack, his people were starting to become afraid. That attack happened so close to the city and with such casualties including a prominent member of the Alliance against Vortigern killed when covered by such a strong member of the Order of the Bear, it had made everyone nearby terrified that any attack closer would have them included in the loses. A fear that intensified when quite a few of Travis' men left with his body back for Eire with three of Albion's prime and renowned sorcerers. Not to mention the report he just received only a few hours ago that made his insides freeze up.

Yet, he was filled with warm relief when a soldier came to him and told him that Arthur's forces were approaching. Hundreds of men to add to his slowly yet growing personal defense. When Olaf stepped out of his doors, he nearly ran back in. For there was a great dragon hovering overhead, staring down right at his castle. Even his guards were startled and readied their spears and swords.

"Olaf," Arthur arrived at his courtyard and dismounted. He noticed his fear and looked up to see that he was staring at Madoc. "It's alright Olaf. This dragon is a friend."

Olaf swallowed a bit but he managed to tear his eyes from it. "Forgive me Arthur. It's just with what I've just been told, I am on edge more so than usual. Especially when a dragon is concerned."

"What do you mean?"

About an hour later found Olaf with some of his remaining council members as well as Vivian were with Arthur and his knights along with Merlin, Malcolm, Galahad and Lionel in his council chambers. They were all sitting at a long table looking at Olaf who was standing a bit aways.

"We've received a report just a few hours before you all arrived," Olaf said pacing. "It would seem that Odin has mustered an even larger force and is heading for my castle and city right now."

"How long?" asked Arthur.

"About a day or so. It's lucky you came when you did. We could definitely use the help."

"How many men does Odin have behind him?" asked Galahad.

"My scouts inform me that he has over a thousand. A thousand men but we have no way of telling the strengths and abilities of these men."

Galahad nodded. He understood what he meant. So did Malcolm. "How many men do you have ready?" he asked the king.

"Close to four hundred. We've tried to muster as much as we could from the time between my kingdom was won back to now but it hasn't been easy. Many of my soldiers had been killed or taken and there have been quite a few desertions in the last two years."

"Well, that should change soon when we push Odin back." Arthur commented. "Olaf, I must ask, why did you seem out of sorts when you saw the red dragon?"

"Yes, that actually brings me to another part of the report. It seems as if a dragon was seen flying above Odin's army as they marched."

Merlin gave a start and stood from his seat. "What? Another dragon? Was it in chains? Was there someone riding on her?" he asked erratically at Olaf which made everyone look at him a bit dumbstruck at his panic.

Olaf was taken back at Merlin's reaction but he shook his head. "I'm sorry. That's all I was told on the subject." He looked back at Arthur. "That's why the dragon in your company took me by surprise. I half thought that the attack was happening ahead of time."

Lionel found his voice. "Well, you and your men shouldn't fear Madoc. He is an ally against Vortigern and his allies."

"Good, your dragon could help us slay theirs." said one of Olaf's men gratefully. However, Merlin and Lionel glared at him.

Suddenly, there was a fit of shouting coming from behind the main doors into the room. It sounded like quite the ruckus was happening. Yet before anything could be said on it, the doors blew open and two of Olaf's men came flying into the room and landed on their backs. It seemed like an attack and the room half expected invaders but instead, Dylan stepped in with a bored and indifferent look on his face.

One of the guards rolled to gaze at the inhabitants in the room. "We tried to stop him but he just went through our men to get here."

"Who are you?!" demanded Olaf. "How dare you treat my men this way and barge into this council!"

"They were in my way...and I'm not one to wait." he said indifferently. "I did say please and I only do that once and if I'm in a good mood. They apparently didn't like me nice though," he said looking over at the two guards who were still pained on the floor.

"You," sputtered one of Olaf's knights and clutching his sword. Even Merlin started opening and closing his hands in repressed rage at this man's attitude.

"Enough!" shouted Malcolm slamming his hands on the table for good measure. When they all calmed down he spoke again and gestured to him. "This is Dylan. He is Lord Connor's friend and he is farthest from an ally to the Thorns. His power will sure to be invaluable to us in the coming battle."

"I think its fair I explain to you now Olaf that I'm not as patient or nice as Connor despite the fact that our powers are near equal. You might want to alert your men of that the next time I make a similar notion."

"Okay Dylan," said Lionel looking quite bored but annoyed. "I think they get it. They shouldn't keep you waiting. Now, I'm sure you charged in here for more than brutalizing difficult guards?"

"Right," he said bringing his hands together. "May I?"

Olaf and his men calmed down fully and found themselves back in their chairs. Arthur and his men didn't leave theirs. They've already been through enough of Dylan's episodes to have more control than most would on him.

"What is it?" asked Merlin as he too sat down.

"I was flying and observing the area. I could make out Odin's force and plotted that they will reach the end of the treeline to your city in just over 18 hours at least. Not only that, but I was able to sense a great deal of magic amongst the army. Some meager, some more powerful but they were regular sorcerers. None of the soul energy driven types like the Thorns and their disciples though I couldn't get too close to see too far. Although...I did feel 1 that was odd."

"What do you mean by odd?" asked Malcolm.

"It was powerful. Very powerful...felt much like my own power if I'm to be honest."

Merlin eyes widened. A power similar to Dylan? A sorcerer with a great darkness...or sorceress. One that he had compared to Dylan before. "Morgana." he mumbled.

Arthur caught his eye when Merlin looked over at him with his revelation. "So...Morgana is riding along with Odin for us. Makes sense, if she is tied to that dragon and if it is part of their march then so would she be. That makes things more difficult."

"Don't worry Arthur," Merlin said clenching his fist below the table. "I'll be able to deal with her. You should focus more on Odin."

"We'll all focus on Odin," said Bedivere.

"Yes," said Lord Kent. "He may have a grudge against you Arthur but he will answer to us for killing Lord Travis."

Dylan cut in again with a rough cough. "I'm not finished. There is one more thing that I noticed."

Olaf raised his eyebrows. "Oh?"

"I came across a small settlement a little out of the ways of their path. It's not close to the area where this will all happen but it's not far enough to be insignificant I say."

"Oh...I believe I know what you are talking about," said the councilmen to Olaf's left. "That settlement has been trying to grow into getting named a village for some time now. I don't think there is much concern. It would be strategically unimportant to any enemy attempting a siege."

"Still...if it is close enough to the area then its a piece in the game to my old friends. Believe me, I know how they think. Nothing like this is worthless to them if it fits into anything at all."

"What kind of use could it be to them then?" asked Leon.

Dylan shrugged. "I don't know. But I feel that there could still be an enemy use there. Besides...if the fighting gets diverted then it could be drawn to there and those people could get caught in the crossfire. That's the only reasonable guess I can come up with now."

"Then we should send in a handful of men...as a precaution," insisted Arthur. "Connor said that we should trust Dylan's judgement and if he feels that there might be something there then we should act on it. We don't want regrets later if we ignored it and it proved costly."

"I'll send a handful of our recruits there to ensure security." said Galahad. "And I think I know the one to make sure that they are all safe."


The men were packing up to move out to meet this force Odin was heading with towards them with no small amount of vigor. Whether it was nervousness of facing an unpredictable force with a dragon or eagerness to avenge the death of Lord Travis, the men were all lively. Except for one that sounded insulted.

"I'm to what?" Garrett asked with no lack of surprise on his face.

Sir Cade was in front of him and with a long rolled up parchment in his hand. He just puffed and closed his eyes to stem the stress before opening them again.

"You are to be heading the protection of a village." He unrolled the parchment to reveal a map.

Garrett looked at the spot where Cade was pointing. "There's no village on this map, just an X."

"It's not really big enough yet to be called a village yet. However, Dylan had reported its existence to Galahad and he felt reason enough to ensure that there was some magical protection stationed there in case the battle gets pulled towards it. He volunteered you to head it."

"How many men?"

Cade rolled up the map. "Not much. I'd say about ten men would be sufficient. Todd and Dane will be with you too."

Garrett started to rub his face furiously. "You've got to be kidding me. My father wants me to not only not be in the battle, but he has me with some others go to look over a few huts that are completely out of the way of the fighting? What does he take me for?"

"Watch it Garrett," Cade said with a glare. "Father or not, he is still mine and your commanding officer."

"This is a joke. I volunteered for the first wave...not to be babysitting a spit of land completely out of the way of the battle."

"No, you volunteered to be a part of this army and you will go where your superior tells you to go." said a new voice.

The two of them looked to the right to see Galahad approaching them already in his full Order of the Bear garb.

"Sir," Cade said standing at attention.

"Cade, go and ready the party that will be heading off with my son." he ordered.

"At once." Cade then went to carry out his duty leaving the father and son alone.

"I know this seems unfair," Galahad started.

"It is unfair," Garrett cut him off. "It's not enough that you exclude me not just from the first wave but the entire battle itself? And to watch some huts that aren't even in danger?!" He couldn't believe that his father would actually do this to him. Dishonor him with a menial and senseless chore then let him partake on the battlefield.

"That's not true. We have reason to suspect a slight danger and that's enough to warrant a form of action. You'll be the only defense that the people there have."

"Why don't you just say what you really are doing father." Garrett said folding his arms. "You're trying to keep me from the battle because you're scared. You don't think I can handle it."

"You're wrong Garrett. I believe you to be very capable of handling yourself."

"Then why?"

"Because I said so!" he said abandoning his calm tone. "You have been attacking me ever since I told you of my disapproval of you volunteering over my head. Go out there on the battlefield like that and you will be getting yourself or others hurt. Already, you are disrespecting not only my command but that of your other superior officers like Sir Cade. Hopefully, this assignment will put those feelings and energy to good and productive use. Don't treat this like I'm punishing you or something. The fact is that I am trusting you with this particular duty since I can't trust you on the battlefield. Besides, don't you think that we need someone with your skill and power there if worse comes to worse in that area?"

"No, I think you're just happy that you have a military excuse to send your little boy to that area." he said stomping off.

Galahad watched his son stomp off with a hard look on his face. "My strength and Clara's attitude...what were we thinking?"


Arthur stepped out of the castle's front doors with his red garments and armor on with Merlin beside him wearing his blue hooded cloak given to him by Connor. The men of Camelot bowing to Arthur as they passed while the men of Albion nodded to Merlin as they passed. The celts and welsh among them nodding themselves at one or both of them, in cases like Bedivere.

Arthur and Merlin was off heading for where Lionel seemed to doing a once over on Madoc. When Madoc caught sight of them, he let out a friendly squeal and even extended a wing out to them. Merlin took his hand and shook the claw on Madoc's wing and Arthur went and did the same. Madoc let out a small moan when Arthur did and gave him a small bow.

"Madoc," he said with a nod. "Lionel, it's time. Our intelligence is telling us that Odin's forces are approaching and will be here within an hour. We're heading out."

"Merlin," Lionel said before Merlin could head for the air and Arthur started to turn away. "Wait. You too Arthur."

"Lionel?" Merlin asked.

"Merlin...I'm not going to be heading on with you."

"What? Why? Are you scared? Of the battle? I heard that you could fight"

"Yes," he said quickly. "I can and, believe me, I want to...but I just can't."

"Why not? What is it?"

"You see...now that we've discovered that this Aithusa is going to be part of this attack on us, I can't. Merlin...and Arthur," he said turning over to look at the Pendragon. "I am the Keeper of the Dragons. I took a vow to safeguard and care for the remaining growing dragons. Aside from Madoc and the eggs I'm carrying on my back, Aithusa would also be under my oath as well. I can't in good conscience seek a fight against another dragon, let alone a rare white one." He then reached over to stroke Madoc's head. "I came to try and find a way to help this dragon, not slay it. I realize you were hoping that if you could that Madoc would be used to cancel out Aithusa's wrath...but I also want to ask that you try to leave him out of this."

Merlin looked to the both of them and nodded. "Okay."

Lionel looked a little taken back. "Really?"

"Yes." Arthur nodded. "We both understand."

"You do?"

"Lionel, I've accepted your vows and personal duty. You have your convictions and I'm the last person who should be having any say over how you choose to fulfill them."

"I...I" Lionel sputtered. He was almost speechless at their response to his declaration.

"You sound genuinely surprised." said Merlin. "Lionel, I understand how you're feeling. I hatched Aithusa. Named her. The last thing I want to do is harm her or even get Madoc or the eggs hurt in the process. It's something I hope I won't have to do ever but if I have to fight her, I will. I hope to Avalon that my voice will reach her, at least long enough to get her away from Morgana's clutches."

"And what if that's not the case?" asked Lionel with a low voice.

Merlin's face hardened. "That is the only case." he said in a hard tone. "She wouldn't be flying with them given the choice, I know it."

Arthur spared Merlin a glance to see the blues of his eyes freeze to ice at that. It almost made him want to shiver. He guessed that the idea of a dragon he hatched personally flying under Morgana's direction was now a more personal matter than he could currently understand. "Lionel...may I at least ask that you and Madoc stay behind and assist with defending the city with the defense line?"

"Of course...again, I'm sorry. Thank you though. For your understanding. Both of you." he added as an afterthought.

The two of them gave Lionel a respectful bow before they took off. Off to the side, was Dylan who had seen and heard the whole thing. He watched Merlin walk off and go for the sky with a raised eyebrow and a calculating look across his face. 'Someone seems touchy.' he commented to himself.


Olaf was at the top tower of his castle and looked over the land before him. He'd never really took the time to see out of his grounds. There his keep was on a green, grassy hill that had a few sprouted dandelions flapping in the wake of a gentle breeze. Ahead of this hill was a grassy plain that was about ten acres with short grass with a few cloverleafs in the mix. Beyond them was a light forest that had ample amounts of staggards and deer that he loved to try and hunt in his youth. The sun was high in the semi clear sky and cast everything in the distance to light. It was ironic that it would look this content when there was such a trying moment about to happen. Olaf had never really looked off onto his land like this. He'd been up here so many times but to overlook his land with business or strategy always on his mind.

Looking over his land, he realized that he didn't want to lose what he was seeing...again. These people had already taken his kingdom from him before and they were capable of doing it again. The brunt of his kingdom's force that remained was setting up a defensive line both outside and inside of the wall to the city below. The sight of that red dragon close by doing very little to settle his nerves. The fact that it was on their side did very little to settle his nerves, nor it seemed the nerves of his men. The main force was gathering at the foot of the hill overlooking the forest beyond where soon, there was a steady sound of thumping that was getting louder. The trees and shrubs ahead started to rumble and, little by little, Lord Odin and his force emerged from them.


Odin was sitting on his horse and gazing back at the gathered force with little fear and much anticipation. His eyes glazed over the scattered red dots mixed in with the blue and green. He knew that one of those was the one person that he knew he had to kill before his time was done. His gaze also went into the sky to see a man hovering above the battlements. No doubt that was Merlin. The archers lined up to be ready but he waved them off. Any attempt to try to rain arrows upon them would most likely be cancelled or redirected back at them by that powerful sorcerer. They needed chaos and confusion to throw him off and lessen his significance on the battlefield. Besides, no doubt the Thorns and Morgana would keep him occupied.

He drew his sword. "ATTACK!" He cried before countless men behind him ran past him with shouts and weapons held high for the enemy.


The ringing of steel and the flashes of spells were sounding and decorating this once tranquil setting. Swords, axes, maces, spears, arrows, knives and other assorted weapons were blurring across and colliding with each other everywhere. All, if not most, became decorated with spots of ruby red. The grass also getting the same color added as bodies started to drop on the ground secreting more red. A few small explosions were also being spread about this once beautiful landscape. Blasts of fire, lightning and power were erupting from the palms of sorcerers and tips of mystical weapons. Some lucky warriors were able to answer with their own, block with an enchanted shield or simply dodge them. The unlucky ones had the spells collide with them and even punch right through their bodies where they would crumble to the ground either dying in slow agonizing pain or dead in a flash.

Arthur managed to block, evade, dodge and answer every attack thrown his way regardless if it was an attack of steel or magic. With Excalibur to fend off the attacks as well as his trusted armor and the mail enchanted to the fullest of Merlin's ability he was a force on the battlefield. He cut down any unlucky enemy soldier who came his way and tried to bring him down. He was sweating from moving, trembling under his clothes and muscles burning under his skin but he was without any doubts or worries.

He found that he had made his way to the treeline about a half hour into the battle. He cut through another enemy soldier before a flash of movement caught his eye. It was something fast and it was heading for him. A glint of light followed and instinctively, he blocked the blow with his own.

"Arthur," the man spat.

Arthur's hold on Excalibur tightened. He looked down and caught sight of a dangling medallion that bore a special crest that he had seen once before on a similar young man that challenged him long ago. "Odin." He then threw Odin back a few steps and stepped back himself to stare the man down. Odin was coated with sweat and flecks of blood as was his sword. Yet, his face had a hard and cold smile smeared on. "We finally meet."

"Yes...finally." He extended his sword at him. "Now, after all these years. I will finally have blood for blood. Your blood...for the murder of my son."

"Your son fell in fair combat. He challenged me and left me no choice but to answer. I'm no murderer Odin. You're the murderer. You hired assassins and tried to kill me and made me lose my father. He died trying to stop your hired hands."

"Well your father isn't here to save you this time. Yet it is my son who could still count on his father to see to avenging him." he shouted before coming at Arthur again.


Merlin was up above the battlefield in the air shooting down any stray gargoyle that flew about. There weren't too many but all of them that he saw seemed to come after him and no one else. It started nearly as soon as Odin called for a charge which surprised him at the bold maneuver. He had expected to try and shield their men from arrows but there was no such action. Yet, before Merlin could try and answer the charge with a spell, gargoyles appeared and tried to flank him. They weren't much of a bother yet as soon as they were all destroyed, the battlefield was in chaos. The two opposing sides were now mixed up and he couldn't give their side the early advantage. He also lost sight of Arthur and moved about to try and find him. Whenever he could, he also assisted the men with a small spell here and there. However, the movements and positions of everyone below was so diverse and spread out that he couldn't do more. He was a bit far from their defensive line looking about the field but still couldn't spot his annoying prat of a friend anywhere.

Without warning, a fireball about the size of his head flew at him and he raised a shield to absorb the impact.

"Hello Merlin, or should I say Emrys?" said a teasing but steely voice.

Merlin eyes went into a hard glare. Before him was Aithusa but it was an Aithusa that was hardly recognizable from the little hatchling he saw break from her egg. Aithusa had grown to be quite large, in fact, looked to be nearly the length of Madoc, yet her body didn't have Madoc's structure. Where Madoc was big and full, Aithusa was long and thin. It was someone had stretched her spine out to make her almost snake like but a bit wider. Her back legs also seemed to be in a warped shape, kind of like a cripple. It was a sight that made him want to cry, yet he was still glaring. Glaring at the one who he felt had no right on to be on her back. She was in a wine red hooded cloak with black linings. She seemed content on the dragon as if it was no different from a horse to her.

"Morgana."


End of Chapter 11

A/N: Well, I think that this was a good 1 year anniversary for my Destiny Series. Arthur and Odin, Merlin and Morgana. Two pairs of foes going at it. The part of the landscape of the battle was inspired by the picture I've chosen as the image of this story. The two dragons over the air of the plain with the castle on the hill in the background over the two clashing armies. I hope you liked it.