Hello, fellow readers!

Yes, I know it's been a while, planning to update on Christmas but it's just been SOOO busy!

Happy 2016 by the way! I still feel like it's 2015, anyone else still feel that way?

So here is Chapter 11, and yes, I finally explain the whole Queen Annis confusion from the cliffhanger in Chapter 10 ( I'm not completely evil, you know! ;-D)

I don't think there's much else to add except - well - enjoy!


Outside the grey walls of her throne room, thunder rumbled in the distance.

Yet the sound vibrated in Morgana's heart, echoed through her mind.

With a slow grace she rose from her seat, staring at her palms as she leisurely took step after step towards the doors.

One of the guards frowned in concern, walking towards his leader. "My Lady?"

With a glint of gold and sharp foreign words, his heart ceased to beat. His lungs refused the air. His legs failed to keep him standing, as he collapsed on the stones, trapped in an endless sleep.

A delighted chuckle filled the room, followed by the smile of disbelief.

"He's gone," she marvelled. "He's actually gone."

At the small scuffle in the corner, her head rose sternly, staring at the second guard avoiding her gaze.

"You will mention this to no one if you want to keep your life," she stated calmly. "Now go and spread the word; Emrys is dead."

The guard nodded furiously, marching out of the room swiftly. Morgana sighed, looking out of the window.

"Maybe now that everyone's magic is back, Mordred can return."


It was the crackle of lightning without the bright flash, that caught Mordred's attention first.

He was confused formerly, his head lazily lifting to peak curiously through the bars. But deep down, he knew what it was.

He could almost sense his magic flowing through his body again, free from its previous restraint. It felt...relaxing, comfortable yet relieving, as if he had forgotten how to breathe and was only now testing the feeling of air filling his lungs.

And with the return of his magic, came the return of his energy.

"Goodbye, Emrys," Mordred murmured, glancing at the rusty chains on his wrists.

It was strange. He thought he would feel maybe slight remorse, he thought Merlin was his friend once upon a time after all. But in his heart, there was nothing. Not a hint of grief.

All that mattered now was getting back to Morgana.

With surprising ease he rose from the ground, chains screeching as they dragged on the stones.

Every guard (and there were many) turned and pointed their swords at their former ally.

"Oy!" One guard spat. "Get back in the corner where you belong!"

Mordred knew this guard, Christopher was his name. He was a good person, but he was unfortunately in his way.

"I'm sorry," and Mordred meant it, before muttering "Unspanne þás mægþ."

The shackles snapped open and clattered to the floor.

All the guards eyes grew wide in shock. As far as they were told, no sorcerer could use their magic for the time being.

Mordred raised his hands to the lock on the bars of the cell.

Christopher raised his sword, "Wait-"

"Tóspringe."

The door exploded, flying towards the guards and knocking them all out.

Mordred tentatively stepped through the smoke, shuffling past the unconscious bodies. Picking up a sword, he studied it briefly, before glancing ahead of him. His blue eyes shining from the small light in the distance.

Alarms went off throughout the castle. Metal clanged against stone, heavy footsteps thudded against the ground, growing louder with each passing second.

And with each passing second, came Mordred's smile.


Arthur was having a bad day.

First it was Merlin dying. Then it was Guinevere getting pregnant. Next was a magic dead lady who used to be Merlin's past love and now there were a thousand arrows aimed at his head!

But before elaborating on that last detail, there were a few disturbances that occurred beforehand.

As the trio trampled through the forest (as their horses galloped away after being startled by the bandits), Merlin suggested a shortcut of sorts to get home.

Arthur shook his head immediately. "Not a chance, I've had enough magic for one day!"

"Freya said you wouldn't be able to control your magic right now, anyway." Gwen added.

"I know, but what's the harm in a transportation spell?" Merlin asked in an innocent tone. "Look, I'll show you a simple levitation charm, maybe then you'll agree with me."

"Merlin-"

But Merlin was determined to prove his point. Yes, Freya said he still had to learn to control his excessive power, but surely that only applied to powerful spells? A levitation charm a child could do in their sleep for goodness sake!

He chucked his neckerchief to the floor, raising his hand.

Gwen closed her eyes, not wanting to witness the damage.

As he muttered the words, his eyes glowed gold.

"See?" He said smugly. "Absolutely no-"

A loud bang echoed throughout the area, birds screeching and flapping away from the ruffled trees. A bright light and smoke issued from the neckerchief as Merlin was thrown through the air, smashing into the tree trunk behind him!

"Ow!" Was his strangled reply, before collapsing face first on the floor.

Gwen winced, Arthur rolling his eyes.

"Well you're still an idiot, that much hasn't changed."

Merlin groaned whilst picking himself up from the ground, frowning slightly at Arthur's passing comment.

He knew Arthur hadn't forgiven him yet. But did the King really think he would be any different?

Judging from Arthur's tone however, it was clear he had thought that.

"Walking it is!" Guinevere announced. The other two nodded, following her lead.

For hours and hours they wandered on, still no sign of Camelot in sight.

They wandered until their feet ached, until their mouths were parched.

Until they came across a rabbit roasting above a campfire.

Arthur immediately drew his sword, raising a finger to his lips as a signal towards Merlin and Gwen.

As a twig snapped behind them, Arthur spun round.

Clashing swords with a disheveled Gwaine.

With relief Gwaine dropped his sword, grinning cheesily. "Sire!"

Arthur smiled in return, gripping Gwaine' shoulder. "Gwaine! What are you doing here?"

"Well, Gaius sent us to give supplies to Gwen before it was too late - oh, do you know..."

"That I'm pregnant?" Gwen announced dryly, an eyebrow raised. "Yes, suffice to say it was a bit of shock! Better late than never."

"Tell that to one of your maids, she's gone mad with guilt. Can't stop blaming herself!"

"You mean Meredith don't you? Oh poor girl!"

"That was her name. Merlin!" Gwaine finally noticed the now healthy servant behind Guinevere, his eyes gleaming with joy as he surrounded Merlin in a life threatening bear hug.

"Gwaine! Can't breathe!"

"Oh, sorry." Merlin gulped in much needed breaths of air. "Just glad you're back."

"Wait, Gwaine, you said 'Gaius sent us'."

"Ah, Percival and Leon are tending to a... Guest."

Arthur frowned sceptically. "A guest?"

"An honourary guest, yes." Gwaine cringed a bit. "I'll show you."

After taking the rabbit off the fire, he led the way to the tiny lake, three figures appearing amongst the trees. Two of them were standing guard, as the third was eating a bowl of stew, a bandage wrapped around their arm.

Leon and Percival jumped to attention as Arthur rounded the corner. "My Lord!"

When the third person turned their head, Arthur's eyes widened to the size of watermelons whilst the stranger rose, brushing dirt from their cloak and carrying themselves... Regally, would be the correct term.

"Arthur Pendragon," Queen Annis declared, green eyes scrutinising. "You're sister is ever the pacifist."

Arthur blinked at the tone of sarcasm. "Uh, I apologise, Your Majesty."

"Well don't be sorry, you have done nothing wrong." Annis said. "Morgana on the other hand, she has gone too far. Almost burned Caerleon to the ground, humiliated my position as Queen, thrown me out of my own kingdom and has forced me to seek refuge elsewhere!" She sighed. "I had heard that Camelot was the only kingdom that has managed to defend their borders against sorcerers and Saxons alike."

"I assure you, Queen Annis, you are most welcome within Camelot's walls." Arthur said. "Your sources however seem to greatly understate Camelot's condition. We still have citizens under protection inside the citadel."

"If I may, Sire," Leon spoke. "Almost half of the citizens homes are already under reconstruction and are leaving the citadel as we speak."

Arthur stood straight, feeling as if the weight of the world were finally off his shoulders. "Thank you, Leon. Wait, didn't I put you in charge of Camelot whilst I was gone?"

"Ah, I have left Sir Brennis in charge in my place."

"Good choice," Arthur murmured. He turned back to Annis. "Thrown out of your own kingdom, did you say?"

A dark shadow passed over the Queen's face, her lips pressed together gravely. "The sorcerers were undefeatable. Their magic prevented Caerleon from defending itself. We never even knew they were approaching until half the knights were slaughtered in front of the castle gates! Morgana herself fought me, mentioning me being one of Camelot's strongest allies. I wouldn't be surprised if every other kingdom in Albion were being put through the same ordeal."

"Morgana is attacking the kingdoms one by one," Percival murmured.

"Camelot is the only safe kingdom left," Gwaine said. "We'll be dealing with a lot of monarchs."

"There are many kingdoms throughout Albion, not to mention Éire! We can't possibly house all of them!"

"Morgana will only want the largest kingdoms, she won't bother with the minorities," Arthur stated. "It will still be a lot of Kings and Queens, but it will be manageable. As for Éire, I doubt Morgana would cross the seas so soon."

A restless pause lingered before Queen Annis sighed.

"So King Arthur, I have told you why I am out all alone in the forest." Her gaze seems to pierce into everyone's souls, trying to seek answers. "Why are you all here?"

Everyone stayed silent, not wanting to mention every detail. They each turned to Merlin, seeing as he had the deciding verdict.

Merlin contemplated for a moment. Yes, his magic was now common knowledge, but only to the small group in front of him right now. Was it worth the risk?

Yet this was no common stranger. This was Queen Annis. She's one of the wisest monarchs in all of Albion, and the greatest ally. It would be an offense to not trust her.

And so eventually Merlin shrugged lightly, giving his permission.

Annis took note of this, eyebrows knitted together in confusion as to why they were listening to a fool.

Arthur breathed in deeply, turning to the Queen. "What do you know of Emrys?"

"Emrys? I have heard rumours of an Emrys, a sorcerer, the one being Morgana fears. You hate sorcerers though, why do you..."

Realisation dawned on her as every eye was glancing at Merlin. She fell silent, before crossing her arms.

"You are more than you appear, it seems."

"Well I'm not your average fool, if that's what you're implying." The ghost of a smirk hovered at the corners of Merlin's mouth.

They explained everything. From Morgana's attack, to Gwen's pregnancy, to Merlin's magic. All the while Annis listened patiently, not passing judgement until she heard what they had to say.

What came at most of a shock to her, was Arthur's almost nonchalance over the matter of his servant's magic. No doubt the young king had probably exhausted his rage when he first found out, but to still keep his manservant at his side? Going as far to save his life? To ask his permission before sharing his secrets?

It was clear their relationship was more than a servant and his king. It was an equal friendship, and it confirmed her suspicions. That Morgana was more like Uther than Arthur ever was.

Her observation in turn led to a conclusion for future reference.

If you want the trust of the King of Camelot, you need the trust of his servant also.

"It seems I have an apology to make," she declared, turning to Merlin. "I have misjudged you, and I shall not make that same mistake again. Although, if you ever come to Caerleon we are looking for a good fool..."

Merlin laughed. "Your Majesty, I'm afraid my fooling days are behind me."

"Fooling day, you mean." Gwen smiled. Annis turned her attention to her.

"How could I forget? You are pregnant! Congratulations, Queen Guinevere!"

Gwen blushed lightly. "Thank you, My Lady. Arthur, I think we should continue on if we're to reach Camelot in time."

"You're right. Merlin, pack everything away. Percival, if you could ready your horses, ours ran off earlier. Gwaine, give the supplies to Guinevere. Queen Annis, you may ride on one of the horses alongside Guinevere, and Leon, we need to discuss the matter of the knights and Camelot."

In just a few minutes they set off once again, closer to Camelot's borders.

An hour later, and they were still deep in the forest.

Arthur was now talking politics with Queen Annis, Merlin staring into space, lost in his thoughts.

"He just needs time."

Merlin jumped at the voice, turning to find Leon smiling kindly at him.

"I've known Arthur since we were both young boys," the head knight continued. "He's the same now as he was then. Too proud to acknowledge the fact that he's still hurting."

Merlin's face fell. "I never wanted to hurt him."

"It was unavoidable either way, it's not your fault." Leon sighed. "Whether after all this time he admits it or not, you're his best friend. Right now however, all he can see is the sorcerer. Give him time, and he'll realise you've only ever been there for him."

A short silence, then a genuine, sincere smile appeared from Merlin. "Thanks."

Leon patted his back in return, continuing onwards.

"There's one thing I still don't get!" Merlin piped up. "You were Uther's right hand man long before you were Arthur's. Of all people, I thought you would be the one to hate me the most for possessing magic. But all this time you haven't even batted an eyelid."

"Well, when I first found out my mind immediately went straight to thinking 'Merlin's a sorcerer; Sorcerers are evil'. But then I realised," and Leon scoffed, shaking his head in amusement.

"It's you."

He laughed, saying the words in a tone that suggested the mere thought was ridiculous. Merlin, evil? Yeah right!

And Merlin had never felt such strong respect for Sir Leon in that moment alone.

The moment didn't last.

"HALT!"

The loud cry ringed in their ears, the sound of a thousand taut strings resounding around them. Peeking above, they were trapped inside the circle of many green cloaked figures, targeting arrows at their skulls.

And so we have reached the testing limit of Arthur's patience.

Raising his head high, he glared at the offending party in aggravation. As he was about to make his sentiments known, one figure approached another, the leader of the group it seemed.

"Seren, must you always take the violent approach?"

"Someone has to, don't they?"

A tired sigh escaped the leader. 'Seren' slumped, dropping the bow. The others followed suit.

The leader then faced Arthur and the knights. They froze, before shoving back their hood. A man with an aged face and light grey eyes that matched his shoulder length wavy hair stared at them in surprise.

"King Arthur!"

The name echoed across from person to person. And they knew that with that name, there was a twin.

Craning necks, all locked eyes onto the lanky raven haired boy situated behind the King.

"Emrys."

Merlin heard the echoes both aloud and in his head from every cloaked figure, but he payed attention to none. His thoughts were focused on one person, the man of grey; Iseldir, the druid Chieftain.

He would have smiled at him, but the look on Iseldir's face was one of dread. The words that came next caused Merlin's heart to stutter in its rhythm.

"You're meant to be dead."

That was when the spear landed at Arthur's feet.

The scene turned chaotic, many intruders attacking the druids with brandished swords and spears gleaming with the evening light.

"Fire!" Seren cried out, arrows shot into the sky and flying towards their targets. Others raised their hands, chanting spells and charms to protect their side.

"Annis, Guinevere, follow Iseldir now!" Arthur ordered, pulling Excalibur from its sheath, whilst the three knights followed suit.

Both women protested at first, but the reminder of Gwen's pregnancy and the fact that Annis had no heir to Caerleon's throne if she were to die, led to them following the druid elder who in turn led them to safety.

Merlin would have gone with them, knowing there was nothing he could do, but out of the corner of his eye did he spot an attacker raising his sword behind Gwaine, about to strike him down.

Without thinking, he raised his arm.

Gwen's eyes widened. "Merlin, NO!"

Merlin cast a nonverbal stunning spell, eyes changing colour.

Before the spell could reach the attacker, it backfired, retreating back to Merlin.

He felt the spell hit him right in the stomach, winding him. He struggled to breathe, skin turning hot and cold, and his vision went an ebony black.

The last thing he felt was falling back into a pair of limbs, the darkness consuming him.