A/N: Voila! Here is another chapter for your enjoyment! I felt bad about the cliff-hanger last week because you had to wait until now for the next bit so I decided to use another one this week :) I am so evil XD Please review because I like knowing what you think so far about the story and how it's progressing or about what you think of the characters. If you have any ideas I am happy for them too! Thanks to those who reviewed last time but enough about this – on with the chapter!
Dear Disclaimer,
Please stop reminding me that I don't own the amazing BBC show Merlin, you just make me sad and annoyed,
Lots of love,
EVERY MERLIN FANFICTION AUTHOR
Previously
His daughter fell to the ground, Excalibur plunged through her chest.
Everything seemed to stop that second; the world went into slow motion when he opened his eyes. Nothing else mattered from that moment on as he went white with shock, blood draining from his face as she fell like a doll onto the hard stone floor. A few seconds seemed like a lifetime when his eyes locked with hers as she slipped to the ground, they were full of fear and shock that seemed to plea for help. He looked up to see her attacker and saw Arthur standing behind, eyes wide in realisation.
"What have you done?" Merlin whispered hoarsely, locking his eyes with Arthur's "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?" he shouted at him
"Merlin, I-I..." Arthur tried but no more words came out but it didn't matter anyway because Merlin was too busy trying to help the fallen girl whose lifeblood was slowly seeping away through the wound in her chest. Arthur was in such a daze that he was not taking much in and so barely noticed when Gwaine and Leon rushed to her aid also. Merlin was shaking and his face was drained of colour, genuine fear and care shown on his face – but why would someone feel that way about someone who had just tried to kill them?
"We..." Merlin tried but had to take another deep breath before he could carry on "We need to remove the sword so I can see the damage."
"Just tell us what you need us to do." Gwaine said sombrely
"I... um... I need," he gulped "I need you to help me turn her on her side and then hold her still, it's going to be painful..."
Silently the knights did as they were told and helped turn Alexa on her side; weak gasps of pain escaped her lips as she winced with the movement. Two sets of strong hands held her firmly but nothing could have prepared anyone in the room for what was about to happen. Merlin grasped the end of the sword with shaking hands and took a deep breath before quickly and steadily attempting to pull it out. Screams of immense pain filled the air around them and she jerked violently against her restraints in an attempt to alleviate the horrific pain that she was going through. She screamed and shouted for the half a minute that it took to remove the weapon but that was enough to traumatise everyone present and by the end Merlin looked like he was physically going to be sick. As soon as it was out the screams subsided and she fell limply into the arms of the knights – she just looked like a ragdoll.
Merlin wasted no time and quickly began to examine her delicately but even the slightest touch caused visible signs of extreme pain on the poor girl. He had to look away in the end when he looked at his hands and they were covered in blood – her blood, his daughter's blood. This wasn't meant to happen, none of it was and now she was dying on the floor of an unfamiliar castle far from home where everyone believed that she was a traitor. He wanted to scream, to shout and get rid of the anger building up inside him but that wouldn't be helping Alexa and she needed all the help that she could get.
He took one more steady breath before motioning to Gwaine and Leon to put her down and quickly positioned his hands over the injury. "Hælbære séo bealubenn" he spoke in the old tongue, his eyes flashed gold momentarily but nothing seemed to have happened. "Hælbære séo bealubenn" he tried again pulling all of the magic that he could and forcing it to what he wanted – still nothing. He was beginning to panic now – "Ic i ágíeme feorhsweng" he shouted "Hælu blóddolh!"Each time he felt the magic leave him but nothing was happening – there was no hope for a wound this lethal without magic. He lowered his hands to his sides in failure.
"Merlin?" Gwaine asked quietly
"I can't do it. Nothing is working. She-"he lowered his head "She's going to die."
Sharp intakes of breath were heard coming from the two knights but Merlin wasn't really listening. He just looked down at her pale, ghost like complexion and thought about how he had failed her – as her physician, her friend and her father.
"Isn't there anything that you can do?" Asked Leon, speaking for the first time since all of this happened
"The best thing right now is to get her back to Camelot but she won't make it in the state she's in – I need some bandages and some of the herbs in my bag. We need to stop the bleeding or she won't make the journey."
Leon jumped to his feet and ran outside to the horses to get Merlin's bag whilst Gwaine ripped his cape into makeshift bandages and handed them to his friend – total seriousness on the usually fun loving knight's face. Leon returned in great speed and handed him the bag where Merlin took out some yarrow to help with stemming the bleed but there was too much lost already. He felt her pulse and found it weaker than before and immediately sped up his efforts. He attempted to sterilise it with some water and an antiseptic potion that he kept with him always before tightly wrapping the bandages around her weak body.
"Right, we need to leave now if she has any chance" he said, his throat hoarse with emotion. He attempted to stand but failed and then remembered the spell that she had used and groaned. Leon came to his aid and helped him to his feet whilst Gwaine slowly lifted the girl from the floor and carried her out into the forest, making sure to give Arthur a look of pure hatred and resentment.
After all that had gone on, Arthur had watched like a shadow or a ghost just watching as his friends worked to save Alexa in front of him. He couldn't speak because of the guilt as he watched her lifeless body fall to the ground because of his actions, his mistake. But something didn't make sense – why did he care so much for a traitor like her? The look in his eyes when they had first met was filled with so much anguish, shock and pain that it made him surprised. That was the look only a parent has when something happens to their... child. Oh no. Oh God no. He thought but then it hit him – it was so obvious now. Why didn't he notice it before? The way they talked and spoke to each other from the first moment that they met, the way that Merlin looked at her affectionately like he did to Kay and Ade, her smile – an exact replica or Merlin's cheeky grin, their hair was the same raven black but what really made the connection was Alexa's eyes. He'd never thought about it before but now it was so clear – they had the same eyes. Deep, mysterious blue eyes full of magic and wonder that were so unique and different that he had only ever seen one person's like that before – Merlin. But what had he done? He had just run through Merlin's own daughter right in front of him and now she was condemned to death because of his actions. He regretted everything and Merlin was never going to forgive him. He tried to imagine what it would be like for him if any of his children were hurt like that in front of him but it was impossible to imagine. He could hear them saddling up the horses outside and soon after he heard three horses gallop into the distance leaving him alone with his thoughts. He saw Excalibur lying on the floor and went over to pick up his sword. Dried blood coated the blade, a sick feeling rose from the pit of his stomach, it served as a reminder to the worst mistake he had ever made. He sheathed it back into its scabbard and turned to leave the empty room.
Little did anyone know that it wasn't empty. Everyone seemed to have forgotten about Morgana who was still sat in her throne in the balcony, watching as the events unfolded below. At first she was shocked like everyone else because she had not expected her brother to suddenly arrive and stab the young witch but that soon turned to anger – she had not been able to complete the task of killing her worst enemy and she was about to intervene herself when she stopped. Merlin, it made her mentally spit to say his name, looked distraught when she was struck down – why? She was a second away from killing him, why show any concern for your future killer at all? But this had unforeseen repercussions – all of which would be beneficial. If Merlin cared about the girl and she died then he would be angry at her murderer; Arthur Pendragon. How could he continue to protect a Kingdom ruled by the man who killed someone he obviously cared about? If she didn't know any better she could have easily been his daughter with the reaction that he had. No-one else would be so worried even after what she was about to do – but he couldn't be, could he?
#~MERLIN~#
Forty-five minutes later the three men arrived back in Camelot and wasted no time in getting Alexa to his physician's quarters. Most of the effects of the spell had worn off now so Merlin was able to walk unaided again and quickly ran ahead to get ready before they brought Alexa but before he was able to reach his quarters he promptly collided with Gwen in the corridor.
"Merlin!" She exclaimed with a warm smile that slowly faded when she saw the sombre look on his face "What's wrong?" she asked
"No time" he said already back running down the corridor. Surprised at his abrupt behaviour she followed him back to his chambers where he was using his arm to sweep everything off the main table – books, potions and all.
"Merlin, what are you doing?" she questioned puzzled
"No time to explain. I need fresh water and blankets – can you get them?"
"Of course but wh-"
"Now!" he practically shouted, looking up she saw the hurt and worry in his eyes and did what she was told and hurried out of the room.
A few seconds later Leon and Gwaine arrived carrying her carefully and placed her gently on the bench. The bandages he was used earlier had only helped a little with the wound already bleeding through them. He removed them carefully but even that was enough to make her moan in agony and it was not a surprise to anyone. The sword had run her right through, so much so that there was a small hole right through her body and although it had missed any vital organs a wound like that could easily be fatal. He poured a foul smelling liquid all over the injury much to the distress of the patient who began to convulse violently, so much so that it took all three of them to hold her down. A badly timed arrival of Gwen meant that she appeared whilst Alexa was convulsing in agony and she soon felt faint and had to sit down for a moment.
Once Alexa had calmed slightly Merlin was able to lift her head and force her to drink a thick brown liquid that looked absolutely vile but would help her with the pain. He continued by sterilised a needle in the flame of a candle nearby and began to set about work stitching the wound by hand whilst Gwaine paced behind him. Now he knew why Gaius hated it when he used to do that whilst he was trying to work. Once the wound was closed, cleansed and bandaged back up again the tense atmosphere began to dissipate now that the most important and dangerous stage was over. It was all down to Alexa now although the odds of her survival were extremely low. Leon and Gwaine left to leave Merlin and Gwen alone after her subtle motions for them both to leave once he had finished operating. Merlin hung his head in his hands after making Alexa more comfortable by moving her to her own bed. Gwen walked over and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder and reassured him that everything would be alright although he knew that it was not true.
"What happened, Merlin?" she asked softly. He shook his head
"It's all my fault." He replied quietly "I should have seen him and stopped it."
"Seen who coming?" He lifted his head from his hands and met her eyes with a look of pure anger and betrayal
"Arthur." He spat
#~MERLIN~#
Gwaine burst through the doors to the throne room with determination written across his face. He unsheathed his sword and walked over to the lone King before throwing his gauntlet on the floor.
"Pick. It. Up." He said through gritted teeth
"Gwaine? What-"Arthur tried
"I said – Pick it up. If you choose not to defend yourself that's fine by me." He said viciously, meaning every single word.
"What are you doing?" He boomed in response
"What am I doing?" Gwaine laughed "Do you know what you've done? What you've done to that innocent girl?"
"If this is about Alexa-" he began
"Of course this is about Alexa!" he shouted "You really don't understand what you've done do you? You didn't really hear it when she screamed in agony when Merlin had to pull the sword out. You didn't feel the pain that she went through when that sword ripped through her chest – if you don't defend yourself, you soon will!" he threatened
"Are you threatening me, Sir Gwaine?"
"Yes."
"I am the King!" he shouted
"Oh I know full well who you are. And I know full well who that dying girl is out there. You know she's his daughter right?"
"How did you know?" he asked quietly, taken aback by what he had said
"Oh please – it was almost as obvious as Merlin's magic was, but even you didn't see that did you? If you had, maybe you wouldn't have attempted to kill your best friend all those years ago! You are just a coward Arthur Pendragon. She was no threat to you and yet you have basically killed her."
"No threat? No threat? She was about to kill him!"
"And you believed that she would? Really? You've known her for what – almost a year and you thought her capable of murder? You on the other hand are perfectly capable! You just have! And if cold blooded murder of a defenceless child wasn't enough – you did it from behind. SHE HAD NO IDEA THAT YOU WERE COMING!" He shouted in pure anger
"You are just a cold hearted monster like Uther and if Merlin ever forgave you for what you did – don't worry, I won't, and that's a promise."
#~MERLIN~#
Merlin had stayed by her bedside for hours not eating or sleeping just watching and waiting for something to show that she was recovering. The bleeding seemed to have finally stopped but people had died from far less severe injuries in the past and she had lost a lot of blood so far and the chances were slim at best. The rest of the Kingdom infected with the illusive disease seemed to be in a kind of limbo state like it had been before but for some strange reason Prince Kay had recovered making him the first survivor. He had no idea why he had and why no one else was getting infected but he just prayed it stayed like that for as long as Alexa needed to recover because she was going to recover – she had to. In the early hours of the morning Gwen had come down to check on them both because it seemed like she wasn't able to get much sleep either. After a while she was able to persuade Merlin to get some rest whilst she watched over the sleeping child but Merlin had a better idea and instead headed to a clearing in the outskirts of the town. With a loud roar into the night sky soon two shapes were visible in the horizon and began to approach at speed before gently touching down in front of the young dragonlord.
"Why is it you have called us here at this hour Merlin?" the older dragon sighed
"You know why! She's dying and I cannot help her!" he shouted with tears pricked in his eyes
"You speak of the witch Angauna," said Kilgharrah and Aithusa cocked his head sharply at the mention of his 'friend'.
"Why can't I help her?" he asked sadly
"Excalibur is a sword forged with a dragon's breath with the abilities beyond your comprehension. A wound caused by such a blade is irreversible and cannot be cured by the conventional means of magic."
"What can I do to help then? Can you save her?"
"I would not save that witch under any circumstances, young warlock"
"I command you to!"
"Nothing that even a dragonlord like yourself could command me to do such a thing."
"But you must obey my words! I command you to help save her!"
"No, Merlin. I shall not." He replied leaving Merlin dumbfounded
"How can you just leave her dying? She is my daughter!"
"I know full well who Angauna is."
"What? You knew that she was my daughter and didn't tell me? You told me to kill her!"
"Yes, I did. And for good reason – she is not just a threat to you Merlin!"
"But her destiny was to kill me! Not anyone else!"
"No one except the druid elders and I know of the true prophecy of that little witch, even she only knows about her part in your death – everyone was very careful about that."
"Well then... what's the rest of this prophecy?"
"If I tell you Merlin, you must NEVER tell that girl – is that understood. If she survives that is."
"Ok, I won't tell her." He agreed
"There is only one prophecy about the whole of Albion and its rise. You will only understand part of it mind, and it can be changed – but Angauna herself cannot be. What the prophecy states she will be, she will become it – do not fool yourself Merlin. Let her die.
After the rule of a tyrant comes the son,
He who will reunite the bonds once broken,
Guided by Emrys, the most powerful warlock of all,
Rises the Once and Future King,
The betrayal of Le Fay will create,
A yet stronger kingdom,
Although she shall persevere and continue,
To strike at the heart, the King and Emrys,
The daughter of which shall become Angauna,
The fall of the warlock,
Strikes once to be stopped,
And to visit the other land,
Creates a pathway which he shall choose,
But the choice is his alone,
After resurrect strike twice to create,
A break not suspected,
Strike thrice with allies,
And begin the end,
Unknown power matched only,
By blood and brother,
She will be the finish,
The death of magic.
You must stop this Merlin, at all costs"
#~MERLIN~#
He arrived back just as dawn was breaking in Camelot and found Gwen patiently sat by Alexa's bedside holding her hand as she slept. He gently tapped her on the shoulder and gave her a small smile whilst offering her a drink of water and an extra cushion for the chair she was sat on. She smiled back in response as he sat opposite her on the other side and carefully pushed back a stray strand of raven black hair off Alexa's face and placed her other hand in his. After a couple of minutes a small moan escaped her lips and after a few more she had almost regained consciousness.
"Water" she managed to say but it was barely a whisper. Gwen silently got up and handed Merlin a glass to give her before leaving the room knowing that he'd want some time alone with her.
"Wh..am...I?" she asked through the pain
"You're back in Camelot now" he answered
"Wha.. ha..pnd?"
"You got hurt. Stabbed by a sword." He said truthfully waiting for her to ask who did it but was surprised by her next question
"How's... K..." he mentally smiled at that, she always looked out for other's before herself
"He's fine now, I don't know why though..."
"Mor..ana said sh..d.. save h..m if I ..id it. Wh..t...'bout ..ryone else?"
"They're ill but no one else is dying. You should try not to speak or exert yourself"
"No... you ne..d to ... f..nd.. the ..v..sle.." she said, forcing herself to speak but her face was beginning to drain of colour
"Alexa something's wrong you need to stop exerting yourself and rest, I think the wound has reopened."
"No..." she mumbled but her voice was getting weaker "F..nd...the.. ve...sle...she...put...a...c..rse on..it"
"Fine, fine! But you really need to relax and let me see to your wound, you've started losing blood again!" Spots of red could be seen on the bandages now
"Pr..m..se...me..." she whispered
"Yes, yes fine but I need to operate again now! Gwen? Gwen! Are you there?" he shouted but before anyone arrived her eyes rolled back into her head and it lolled to the side.
"No, no, no, NO, NO!" he shouted, frantically trying to find a pulse but couldn't. By the time Gwen managed to come back, Alexandra had died in the arms of her father.
#~MERLIN~#
The end? I think not!
