Chapter 12 THE LABYRINTH OF GEDREF

Hello everyone. Here is chapter 12.

imnotsurereally thanks for the review. I am sure Arthur will find out soon about Merlyn's magic.

b92morgan thanks for the review. she will tell I am sure. She is too honest to not tell him. Hope you enjoy this new chapter.

Merlyn trotted on her horse and came to a stand at the courtyard facing Arthur and his hunting party. They were off hunting and she couldn't wait. She was dressed in black trousers and a red silk shirt and brown boots. Her hair was tied on her back and in a single plait. She could see Arthur's stormy blue eyes lightening when he noticed her and it sent a tingle to her spine knowing she instilled such reactions from him. Since their dinner a week before, Arthur always tried to find time for them to be together, either lunch, dinner or just a quick chat in his or her chambers. They had even gone for a picnic a day before and it had been the best day in her life. Well all days including Arthur were her best days... "My Lady." Arthur said with a smile. "My Lord." Merlyn said smiling back at him. "Are you ready for the hunt?" "Ready when you are my Lord." She said. Anyone around them could feel the electric charge around them (I know there was no electricity then but hey why not ;)…) the brief time they looked at each other. Merlyn went on to greet the other knights including Morris who was setting up Arthur's hunting gear.

Merlyn stole glances at Arthur as they were riding liking how his muscles showed in his tunic. Merlyn mentally shook her head at the unladylike thoughts that were filling her head. She couldn't believe how much Arthur affected her.

They came to a stop at their usual place, got down their horses and began searching for game. Merlyn loved this part. She felt a sense of adventure, not knowing what she was going to meet, a bear, hare or a deer. Her instincts were high up and she moved stealthily. It was then she heard some movement behind thick bushes. She turned to her back and saw that Arthur was concentrating on something and decided to investigate alone. Arthur will kill her for this if the thing behind the bushes didn't do it first.

She walked stealthily past a thicket and what she saw made her stand in her tracks. There before her was a unicorn! It stood tall and proud and it looked brilliant white. Its body was that of a horse that reminded her of that of her own only that the unicorn was whiter than snow and its horn stood proudly on its head, glimmering in the sun. The stories and books about unicorns she had read certainly didn't do this magical creature justice! It was truly awesome. Merlyn walked closer to it cautiously not wanting to startle it. "Hello." She said softly smiling when it didn't flinch from her. "You are so beautiful!" said Merlyn stroking its nose. She was surprised it allowed her to touch it and didn't run away.

Arthur frowned when he saw Merlyn disappear in the thickets. Where was she going? They always made sure to stay in each other's line of sight for security purposes. He had been watching her all along to make sure she is safe and just well…stealing glances at her beauty. He decided to investigate in case there was something dangerous. He didn't want to think what his father would do to him if something bad happened to her on his watch not to mention how he would feel. He couldn't even entertain such a thought.

He moved slowly and then he spotted her standing stroking a unicorn?! It was so large white and magnificent! This was priceless. No one had ever once caught a unicorn and certainly no one had ever possessed a unicorn horn! If he killed this unicorn, he would be the first even in the neighboring kingdoms. His father will be so proud. He would be hailed the best hunter in all of Albion. He watched as Merlyn stroked it a look of awe on her face. He slowly aimed his arrow and fired hitting the unicorn.

Merlyn looked up in surprise when she the unicorn suddenly whined raising its hooves before it fell to the ground. She was stunned when she saw an arrow sticking from its side. Looking up she saw Arthur, his bow out staring at them a grin on his face. "What did you do that for?" she cried at Arthur in shock kneeling by the unicorn trying to comfort the creature but it was already dying. "I can't believe you killed it!" shouted Merlyn. "It is a price Merlyn." said Arthur though he felt a pang at the shocked and pained look on her face. "I can't believe you just said that! It didn't do anything to you. You don't even eat horse! I cannot believe you are so heartless. I can't even look at you right now." said Merlyn and she stormed off.

Arthur didn't know what her problem was. Yes the unicorn was a magnificent creature but that is what hunters looked for isn't it? hunters didn't just hunt for meat but for rare creatures too and the unicorn was perfect. She had to understand that! He didn't do anything wrong. He called Morris and the other knights and they sawed off the horn and he stored it safely. He then called the hunt off. what more could he hope to catch that surpassed the horn he had? The journey back was in silence and when they got back, Merlyn took off not even giving him a glance.

Merlyn stormed to her chambers anger filling her. She just couldn't believe Arthur would kill a unicorn just for his pleasure, for his ego without a care. Such a pure creature! Had it been a dragon she would have understood. She was just so mad. Was this really the Arthur she loved, the sweet Arthur who made her melt like a puddle of goo with his gazes and kisses? The Arthur that could be so heartless? "My Lady?" Merlyn turned and she said "Gwen, I didn't see you there." "I am sorry I startled you." "It is ok." "Did something happen?" "We saw a unicorn today." "Oh my, I am sure it was quite a sight. They are said to be magnificent." "They are. They are so mystical and beautiful." she said. "Then what has you so sad after seeing that?" "Maybe I am sad because right about now, 'Prince Arthur' is going to be presenting a unicorn horn to his father on a decorated cushion!" spat Merlyn and Gwen gasped. "No!" "Yes. I can't believe he did that." she said slumping on her bed.

At that time, there was a knock on her door. It was a messenger. She was needed in the council room. She groaned. She didn't even bother to change. She went to the council chambers and of course it was Arthur with the unicorn horn. she didn't even look at him though she could feel his eyes on her.

"Father! A unicorn horn to grace the walls of Camelot." said Arthur excited. That is what hurt her the most. He genuinely didn't see anything wrong with him killing the unicorn. Morris presented the horn on a pillow to Uther. "Magnificent. It's the first one I have ever seen. Gaius look at this." said Uther a large smile on his face. "It is very impressive my Lord." said Gaius not looking pleased and apprehensive. At least someone was on her side on this. "What is it Gaius? Speak your mind." "Unicorns are rare and mystical creatures. There is a legend that says that bad fortune will come to anyone who slays one." "Nonsense. We will be the envy of every kingdom." "I'm pleased if you like it."

Merlyn left the council rooms when it was all over. As she walked away, Arthur called to her. "Merlyn." She kept on walking till he ran and came in front of her blocking her way. "What is it sire?" "Please Merlyn? You cannot tell me you are still angry about the unicorn." "What do you think?" "I am a hunter Merlyn and so are you. That is a hunter's price. I thought you understood that." "No. the fact that you see nothing is wrong about this is the one that is making me angry. Unicorns are pure creatures. They are rare and magical creatures but that is that. You killed it for your pleasure and for that, I am not pleased now excuse me." she said and she stormed off leaving Arthur looking at her.

Merlyn stormed into her chambers and started to see Morgana. "Merlyn, what is going on? Is this about the unicorn?" "I just can't reconcile with the fact that he would kill it Mo. You should have seen it. it was truly magical and I felt so at peace in its presence. It allowed me to touch it." said Merlyn. "That must have been quite an experience." "It was until the unicorn fell to his death with Arthur's arrow on its side." "I understand your anger Merlyn. I didn't see it but from what I read, they are beautiful creatures but you have to understand Arthur. He tries so much to please father. He always thrives to be the best and to be worthy of father's praise but we both know Uther is not an easy man to please. He didn't do this out of malice." "I know. I know as a hunter, he felt obliged to have a trophy and that he wanted to prove to his father but it still hurts."

Tragedy

The next day, Arthur's day was not going well. He first noticed rats in his chambers! Rats along with rat droppings! He then got a call from his father. He got dressed and left Morris to take care of the rat. He was surprised and curious when they headed to the fields with his father. Surprise turned to horror. Every crop was dried out. "Every single ear has died. We have received reports that it's the same throughout the entire kingdom." Arthur was stunned. How could the crops all have died out when they were healthy the night before? "I rode through the valley only yesterday. The crop looked healthy enough then." "It happened overnight." "Is it a disease of some kind?" "Perhaps. I have asked the court physician to conduct some tests. We must ration whatever little food we have left." Arthur nodded filled with dread. No food in the kingdom meant hunger and vulnerability.

Merlyn sighed as she looked at Gaius. "Any idea what caused the crops die Gaius?" "I am here to complete all the tests. No disease I have heard of could spread through the entire kingdom in a single night." said Gaius. "It has to be magic Gaius." "We cannot assume Merlyn." "No. Look at it Gaius. The plants and grass around the crops are not harmed. Only everything we eat. It makes sense Gaius." "It may make sense but I have to make an investigation. I cannot tell the king it is caused by sorcery until I am completely certain."

Merlyn nodded though she knew in her gut that the curse was caused by killing that unicorn. She made her way to her room and met Morgana. "Morgana." "Merlyn I was coming to you. Did you hear about the crops?" "Yes. It is not good. Gaius is looking into it." "I hope he finds something." said Morgana. They both looked out of the windows and they saw the villagers in a long line waiting for food. "Food is going to be rationed." said Merlyn. It didn't look good and if her suspicions were right, they were in trouble.

"The livestock is either dying or has been eaten. Food and water is very scarce and we are distributing rations but they are very meager." Arthur said to his father opening the small shaft in the grain store dumping out a small pile of grain. "This is all the grain we have?" "The people are growing scared. There has been some looting." "We must maintain order at all costs. Panic will make the situation worse. I will issue a decree that looters will be executed. From tonight Camelot is under curfew." said Uther and Arthur nodded and left the store room. He was tired and he felt a headache looming. What was even worse, Merlyn was refusing to speak to him. He didn't realize how much he relied on her even if it is just a smile his way. He missed her and he didn't know how to make it right. He will try to make it right though after this crisis was over.

As if the situation couldn't get any worse, the well was dried up and sand was actually coming out of the well. Gaius now believed it to be sorcery. Merlyn sat in her chambers with the doors locked with a bucket of sand with Gwen looking at her. "Can you change it?" asked Gwen. "I don't think so but it is worth a try." said Merlyn and she opened her magic book. She tried spell after spell but nothing worked. "This is hopeless Gwen." said Merlyn. "At least you tried." "I wish I knew how to make this better." said Merlyn and she sat in deep thought.

Merlyn stayed in her rooms till at night she decided to go and talk to Arthur. As she walked around looking for him not having found him in his chambers, she bumped into him talking to Morris, well actually shouting at Morris for not finding the rat in his rooms that was eating his stuff and leaving dropping. She would have laughed if the situation wasn't so dire. She could see he was under a lot of stress. "Merlyn, don't you know there is a curfew?" he looked surprised to see her but happy all the same. His eyes lit up at the sight of her. "I do. I was looking for you." she said. "You were? What is it? Are you ok?" he asked concern all over his face looking her up and down for signs of anything wrong. Despite him making her mad, he was really caring. "Yes I am. I was, I was just worried about you." she said softly. Arthur looked at her concerned blue eyes touched and warmed in his heart. "I have seen better days." He said raising his hand to caress her cheek. He was about to take her in his arms when a movement caught his eyes.

Arthur turned and saw a cloaked man getting into the castle. Arthur?" said Merlyn. "I saw someone go through that door. Come with me and stay close." he said. Arthur followed the man wondering who he was and where he had come from. How could the guards have missed him in his white cloak? "Let me go the other way then we can corner him." said Merlyn. "No. I cannot risk your safety." Who knows who that man was? "I am safe Arthur. Nothing will get me." "Fine but make sure you are safe. I don't want you hurt." He secretly smiled when she rolled her eyes at him. She didn't like being coddled he knew that. Merlyn leaned in, kissed him briefly and she went the other side. He smiled. Everything between them will be ok. He began looking for the man and then saw him. He broke into a run following the white cloaked man then bumped into Merlyn. "Did you find him?" asked Merlyn. "He turned here just now. You should have seen him." said Arthur. He was so sure the man had turned. Maybe Merlyn had missed him? "I didn't see anyone." Said Merlyn confused.

Arthur and Anhora

Just then there was a voice, "Are you looking for me? I am Anhora, keeper of the unicorns." Arthur looked at the man. He was old with white hair. How could a man that age move so quickly? "Camelot is under curfew. What is your business here?" he asked. There was something about this man that he couldn't figure out. "I have come to deliver a message." "And who is this message for?" "It is for you Arthur Pendragon." "It is you who is responsible for killing our crops and turning our water into sand?" said Arthur in realization. "You alone are responsible for the misfortune that has befallen Camelot." 'What?' "Me? You think I'd bring famine and drought on my people?" How dare that man say that! He cared about his people!

"When you killed the unicorn, you unleashed a curse. For this Camelot will suffer greatly." No. he didn't put a curse. That old man put the curse! "If you have put a curse on Camelot, you will lift it or you will pay with your life." "That curse was not my doing." 'Oh he was losing his patience with this man. Who did he think he was?' "Undo the curse or face execution." "Only you can do that. You will be tested." "You are under arrest." Arthur reached for Anhora but the man disappeared and he stumbled. 'What the…' "Until you have proven yourself and made amends for killing the unicorn, the curse will not be lifted. If you fail any of these tests, Camelot will be damned for all eternity." The man disappeared.

"What are you going to do Arthur?" asked Merlyn scared. "You think I am responsible for bringing suffering upon my own people?" Arthur sounded incredulous that she could even think that. "You wouldn't do it knowingly." Merlyn said. "There is no way he is telling the truth. I will not rest until I get him and he undoes what he did." "Really? Why would he come to Camelot and lie to you like that?" "We had him cornered. He was trying to talk his way out of it by blaming me." Merlyn was surprised by what she was hearing. Was Arthur really that dense? "Arthur, he can disappear into thin air. He didn't need to talk himself out of anything." "My father warned me about sorcerers like him. They will not rest until our kingdom is destroyed. You cannot trust a word a sorcerer says. You'd do well to remember that."

Merlyn actually felt angry about what he had said. How dare he? Every time something went wrong, they blame sorcerers. Is this how he would feel if she told him of her magic? That she was useless and couldn't be trusted? Well, enough was enough. "So that is how it is? You blame a sorcerer for your mistake? You killed the unicorn not him. You are the one who wanted the horn for your own pride. We have never seen or heard of this sorcerer till you murdered his unicorn. Now it is his fault? Tell me if someone killed me now you wouldn't go after them? You killed his unicorn and he is the one who is wrong? Because he is a sorcerer? Because the great Arthur Pendragon can do no wrong? I cant believe you." said Merlyn and she stormed off to her chambers. Arthur sighed running his hands in his hair. One step forward 2 steps back.

Arthur and the thief

Arthur didn't want to think what Merlyn had said was true because that would mean accepting he had caused this. No. Even though Merlyn's words had cut deep, he couldn't accept them. He began his rounds with Morris. They were next to the grain stores when they heard someone's footsteps. "Someone is coming." Arthur said. He withdrew his sword and Morris followed him into the grain store. Arthur then saw a silhouette. H motioned to Morris and mouthed, "Go over there and come in." Morris nodded and did as instructed. "Show yourself before I run you through." Arthur said in a commanding voice. Morris picked up a scythe hook and a man edged around the corner with a shovel in one hand and a sack of grain in another. The man had short brown hair and looked scared at being caught. "Who are you?" "My name is…my name is…" "Speak up!" said Arthur impatiently.

"My name is Evan my Lord." "I see you think you can help yourself to our grain reserves. My father has ordered for looters to be executed." "Please my Lord. I... I do not steal for myself. I have 3 children. They have not eaten for 3 days. They are hungry." "It is the same for everyone." "I...I know it is wrong to steal. I couldn't bear to see them starve." "And could you bear for your children to see you executed?" Evan shakes his head in tears. Arthur felt compassion for this man. He would have done the same had it been his children starving. "Then you should go home. If you are caught stealing again, I will not spare you." "Yes my Lord. Thank you." The man took his shovel and put the sack of grain down. Arthur picked it up and called out, "Wait." The man turned. "Use this sparingly. It might be the last food you and your family get for some time." "You have shown yourself to be merciful and kind my Lord. This will bring its own reward."

The next day, Gwen came rushing in Merlyn's chambers. "Water came back!" said Gwen. "Really? I am so glad! Can you bring me a mug of water?" Gwen eagerly gave her a full mug and she drank. "Water has never tasted so good!" Merlyn said moaning and Gwen laughed and said, "True." "What do you think is causing this my lady?" Gwen asked curiously. Merlyn sighed. "You know Arthur killed the unicorn." Gwen nodded. "Well it is said a curse befalls one who kills a unicorn for no reason at all. Unicorns are pure creatures and killing one is like a sin." Gwen nodded. "And Arthur killed one." "Yes. Arthur doesn't believe it but I think it is the cause. There might be something he did for water to come back last night." Merlyn went to see Gaius and walk around. She saw Morgana and her maid Susa giving out some bread at the lower town to the old and children. Merlyn was grateful for the princess' thoughtfulness.

That night, there was a knock on her chambers. It was Arthur looking tired and rumbled. "Arthur? Are you alright?" Merlyn asked concerned. "I um, I just came to apologize. I am sorry for killing the unicorn. I understand it was just pointless and you were right. I wanted father to be proud of me. I wanted the honor and pride and I didn't really think about what I was doing." said Arthur looking at Merlyn hoping she forgave him. He needed her so much right now. Merlyn sighed. "I understand Arthur. I am glad you acknowledged what you did was wrong." she said. "So, am I forgiven?" She smiled, leaned up standing on her toes and she kissed him softly. but before she could get back on her feet, Arthur's arms came around her and held her close as he continued to kiss her, coaxing her mouth open, their tongues meeting in a passionate duel.

Arthur looked at Merlyn her skin flushed, her lips slightly swollen looking so beautiful. "I don't like you mad at me." he said trailing his hand on her soft skin. "Me too." "I love you Merlyn." Arthur said feeling it right to his bones. He loved her so much and he doubted he would never love anyone like he loved her. "I love you too." "I am going to look for Anhora tomorrow. Maybe he can tell me what to do." Merlyn nodded. "That is a good idea. I am here for you Arthur for anything." "I know."

Arthur and Evan 2

Arthur left with Morris in the morning to go and search for this Anhora. He needed to end this. "I am not sure what I'm looking for." said Morris. "You are looking for footprints or broken branches. Anything that would indicate someone passed that…" At that moment, Arthur caught a blur of white. Anhora! "He is here!" Arthur called to Morris then he took off after Anhora. He ran but instead of seeing Anhora, he sees Evan sitting in a camp full of horded food.

"You? You are the thief." Arthur said. "Wasn't that obvious when you caught me stealing your grain?" "Fortunately I have more important things to deal with." Arthur said passing the man but the man said sarcastically, "You didn't really believe that story about my children, did you?" Arthur turned back and looked at Evan who was walking back to his camp of food. "What kind of man lies about starving children to save his own skin?" asked Arthur irked. "Your people starve because you let other people steal their grain. That is why they doubt you." said Evan tauntingly. "You don't speak for my people." "Hey, your father would never have allowed to be fooled like that."

Arthur felt anger fill him. One thing he hated, being compared to his father. He was his own person. "You hold your tongue or I will make time to teach you manners." "Your father would have had me executed, but you didn't have the stomach for it, did you Arthur? And that's why he doubts you will make a good king." Arthur felt anger boil within him. What was wrong with this Evan? Did he want to die? Because he was making him really mad. How dare he call him unworthy in his face? "You know nothing about how my father thinks." "I think he wishes he had another son, one who is worthy of taking his place. You shame him."

"Pick up your sword." enough was enough. He couldn't stand by and be insulted. "The king must fear the day when you will take over the throne." Arthur angrily attacks the man. "He fears you do not have enough to defeat his enemies. The king must wonder if you are indeed his son." That did it. Arthur struck him fatally but the man disappeared. Arthur looked around. What was going on? Then he spotted Anhora and Arthur faced him angry. "This is your doing?" "It was a test to see what is truly in your heart." "Your trick proves nothing!" "Why did you kill this man?" "He insulted my honor!" "You could have chosen to ignore his insults. What harm would they do to you?" Arthur had had enough with this sorcerer. "You will lift the curse sorcerer." "It is not in my power." "Then you will die." Arthur tries to kill the man but he disappears. "Killing me will not help you." Arthur was beyond mad and tried to kill him again. "You have shown you will kill a man to defend your pride. You have failed the test. For this Camelot will pay dearly." "My people have done nothing!" Anhora disappears. When he returned to Camelot, he found all the grain had rotten.

"I know Arthur cares for his people despite him being an arrogant prince at times. He doesn't deserve this." said Merlyn to Gaius. "No one really does." Merlyn sighed. "I need to go and se him." She said and left Gaius. She found Arthur standing at the balcony looking at the people below. "Arthur?" "Merlyn." They both watch the people being rationed food. "The people don't know there is worse to come." "What do you mean?" "Father is going to stop the rations. I tried to talk him out of it but he refused. They are going to be left to die. I had a chance to end this but I failed." "You did? You mean you actually believe it is a curse?"

Arthur sighed and turned to her. "You were right. You always are right. It was my pride that couldn't let me accept I had caused this curse and I tried to blame it on others instead of Me." said Arthur. Merlyn saw he looked tired. The guilt was wearing him down as he told her about Evan, how he found him stealing and let him go then met him in the forest. "I had a chance to stop this and I failed." "You didn't know you were being tested Arthur. You have a good heart. I am sure this can be fixed. I will help whichever way I can. I love you." said Merlyn and she squeezed his hand. she wished she could hold him close but they were in public.

Merlyn made her way in the forest with her horse. "Anhora! Anhora Please show yourself." She called out desperately in the forest looking around then he appeared. "You wanted to talk to me." "I have come to seek your help. The people are starving. They will soon be dead." she said. "You must believe me when I say it gives me no pleasure in seeing your people suffering." "If it pains you, then please put an end to it." "It is not in my power to lift the curse." "Then give Arthur another chance. He has accepted it is his responsibility and he will prove himself worthy and lift the curse if you give him one more chance." "You have faith in Arthur?" "I trust him with my heart, love and life." She said earnestly. "Arthur must go to the Labyrinth of Gedref. There he will face a final test. If he fails, there is no hope. The curse will destroy Camelot." Anhora then disappeared. "Wait, what kind of test will he face?" "That is for Arthur alone to discover." Merlyn felt joy in the fact that Arthur had another chance. She knew he would pass. He had to. She rode back and rushed to Arthur and told him.

Labyrinth of Gedref

"I have to go immediately." Said Arthur touched she would do this for him. "I am coming with you." "No. I brought this upon Camelot. I am going to have to lift it or die trying." "No Arthur. I found Anhora and asked him to give you this chance. I have to come with you Arthur. I just, I just have to." "Merlyn…" "Please Arthur." "Fine but if I tell you to turn back, promise you will?" "I promise." "Thank you for this Merlyn. I know I hurt you when I killed the unicorn and my attitude hasn't been so good. Your faith in me astounds me." "I believe in you Arthur and I love you. I hate seeing you torn like this." Arthur smiled. He kissed her lightly on the lips. They rode out together after Merlyn told Gwen where she was going but not to tell anyone else. To anyone else, they had gone for a hunt. The journey was spent in silence each in deep thought wondering what the challenge will be. They came to a maze where they began trying to get through. They eventually made it through and they found a table and 2 chairs opposite each other by the sea.

"Wait here for me." said Arthur. "That is not possible." came Anhora's voice. "Merlyn is part of the test. Please sit. If you refuse the test, you will have failed and Camelot will be destroyed." Arthur sighed. 'I should have let you stay back in the castle." he said to Merlyn and Merlyn merely shrugged. He went and pushed the chair for her. Merlyn smiled and sat down and he sat on his seat.

"There are 2 goblets before you. One of the goblet contains a deadly poison. The other goblet a harmless liquid. All the liquid from the goblets must be drunk but each of you may only drink from one goblet." Arthur felt fear strike him. Poison… if Merlyn drank the poison! "What kind of ridiculous test is this? What does that prove?" he lashed out. "What it proves is for you to decide. If you pass the test, the curse will be lifted." Arthur sighed. There was no going back.

"It is perfectly simple. One of us has to die. I cannot let you die so we have to find a way to figure out which goblet has the poison and I will drink it." said Arthur. "I don't want you to die too Arthur. You are the prince and future king. You are irreplaceable." "You are irreplaceable to me too. I am no prince or king without you. Beside this is my doing therefore I drink it." "I won't argue with you over this Arthur." "Nor will I." they looked at each other and laughed at how ridiculous they sounded. "I am glad you are here Merlyn." "Me too." she said then he saw her eyes lighten.

Merlyn smiled, "I got it. Right, we pour all the liquid in one goblet then we can be sure it is all poisoned. All the liquid can be drank from one goblet." Arthur's eyes widened. "Well, you never cease to amaze me." "I guess this proves I am smarter than you huh…" "Don't let your head get big missy." "Bigger than yours?" she said and they laughed. This was a dire situation but the teasing made it all better. Arthur then suddenly said, "Merlyn, look out!" Merlyn turned quickly and saw nothing. She turned back puzzled and found Arthur holding a full goblet. He had mixed it already.

"Looks like I am smarter than you after all." "Arthur no! Please. I can't let you die." "I am sorry Merlyn. I love you but I have to do this." "No. Please listen to me…" Merlyn didn't finish before he drank the poison. "No! Arthur!" she rushed to him as he fell down from the chair. She tries to shake him tears filling her eyes. "Arthur! You can't leave me. Arthur! Come on…" She turned to Anhora. "Please, you can't let him die." "This was Arthur's test." "Please…" "He is not dead. He is merely consumed a sleeping draught. He will come round shortly." "What?" "A unicorn is pure of heart. If you kill one, you must make amends by proving that you also are pure of heart. Arthur was willing to sacrifice his life for you. He has proven what is truly in his heart. The curse will be lifted." She breathed a sigh of relief.

When Arthur awoke, Merlyn hugged the life out of him then hit his chest with her fists. "Never do that to me again Arthur Pendragon." Arthur held Merlyn's hands and then released them holding her cheeks, wiping her tears and said, "I am fine now. I am sorry but I had to do it. I couldn't let you die." Merlyn couldn't speak her emotions still all over the place. Just the moments when she thought he was dead…she didn't want to think about it. It was like the world had stopped moving. It was like her heart had just been broken beyond repair. It was all bleak and despair. Arthur wrapped his arms around her and they stood on the beach together. He kissed her passionately and she returned the kiss with as much passion. They stood there, no words were said but only emotions of how they fet for each other, of how muh they meant to each other. Right there on that spot, there was no doubt in their minds that the other loved them jst as much.

When they eventually rode back to Camelot they found everything was fine. The plants were back to normal and food was once again in abundance. Arthur returned the unicorn horn in the forest and they were awed when they saw the unicorn rise again. It was truly a spectacular sight. It turned out when the killer repented, the unicorn rose again.

There it is. The first part of the story is coming to an end. Arthur will find out about Merlyn's magic soon. Please leave suggestions on how you would like Arthur to find out and if he should be angry or not. Pick any episode in the second season. Thank you all.