To Kill the King

In a land of Myth and a time of magic,
The destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of two young people,
Their names,
Merlin and Mira-Liana

It was yet another beautiful day in Camelot as Gwen worked on her duties. She was quite surprised when her loving father, Tom, gave her a surprise of a beautiful gown and a spare flower button for it. When she asked how'd he been able to afford it, but he just assured her that things were going to better now that they were on the upside.

But things took a turn for the worse when the man who'd been paying Tom to melt down lead for him turned out to be Tauran, a sorcerer who was the leader of a pack of renegade sorcerers who sought to overthrow Uther. He turned the melted lead into gold and gave some to Tom. Within a few moments that same night, Tauran fled when the guards came and Tom was arrested.

Normally Merlin and Mira-Liana could sleep peacefully at night, but this time, they couldn't. They were both woken up as they felt a surge of powerful magic somewhere in Camelot. They didn't know what it was or where in Camelot it was, but they knew it was there.

"Did you feel that?" asked Merlin.

"Yeah," said Mira-Liana, nodding. "Something's wrong. We need to speak with Gaius."

They went downstairs to speak with the physician, who had not yet gone to bed.

"Can't sleep?" he asked, not looking up from his book.

"Something woke us," said Merlin. "A feeling or something."

"A feeling?" said Gaius.

"Something's wrong," said Mira-Liana. "There's powerful magic somewhere in Camelot and it's not us."

Gaius looked disturbed by this news and then Gwen came bursting in.

"Merlin, Mira, my father's been arrested," she cried, before any of them could ask what was going on.

"Arrested?" said Merlin, shocked.

"What for?" asked Mira-Liana.

"They say he was making weapons for a sorcerer and they're going to charge him with treason," she said.

XXX

Later, Merlin and Mira-Liana were hiding in the shadows as Tom and Gwen spoke. They had no right to be there, but they thought they could help if they knew the details. And Gwen looked as if she was going to need a great deal of support.

"I didn't know Tauran was a sorcerer. I meant no harm I swear," Tom told his daughter.

"Why didn't you tell me what was going on?" asked Gwen.

"I knew you wouldn't like it, Gwen. You're too cautious. I didn't want an opportunity like this to pass us by," said Tom.

"You call this an opportunity?"

"I know I've been a fool. I just wanted to make a better life for us. For you. I wanted to make you happy."

"But I am happy," Gwen objected. "I don't need anything else. I have everything I want."

"And now I've thrown it all away."

"It's alright. We'll get you out of here, I promise."

Merlin and Mira-Liana moved back up the steps towards Gaius so Gwen had no idea they'd been listening.

"What did he say?" Merlin asked, as he and his sister had missed the beginning of the conversation.

"He said Tauran came to him at the forge and offered him a fortune for his help, not to make weapons, but for some experiment," said Gwen.

"What experiment?" asked Mira-Liana.

"Tauran wouldn't say. My father said he used some kind of stone. Some kind of magic that could turn lead into gold."

XXX

Gwen wasn't in a fit state to be left on her own, so Merlin had her take his bed and stay with him that night.

"I don't understand it," said Merlin. "What would a sorcerer like Tauran want with Tom?"

"From what Gwen said, it sounds like Alchemy," said Mira-Liana. "But that's impossible, isn't it, Gaius?"

"Well, the transformation of one thing to another has defeated all have tried, but if you use magic…" said Gaius.

"So, it is possible, then?" said Merlin.

"Just possible," Gaius confirmed. "And Tom's forge is the best in the kingdom. It's no wonder Tauran went to him for help."

"Wait, if Tauran did turn lead into gold, then maybe that's what woke us," said Mira-Liana.

"It is possible," said Gaius.

They suddenly had a horrible feeling as the image of a glowing orange stone in someone's hands hit them. They could tell the hands belonged to someone young and unaccustomed to hard work so they were probably a noblewoman's hands, but who's?

XXX

The two took turns taking Mira-Liana's bed as Gwen slept in Merlin's.

"Merlin, Mira-Liana," said Morgana.

"Morgana," said Mira-Liana, as they rose up.

"How is she?" Morgana asked, glancing over at Gwen.

"She's doing alright," said Merlin.

They exited the bedroom and stood downstairs.

"Morgana, have you spoken to Uther at all?" asked Mira-Liana. "This is madness. It was just a mistake."

"We all know that. I've tried talking. But Uther…all he sees are enemies," said Morgana, turning to leave.

"Morgana," said Merlin, causing her to turn around. "Is there any hope at all?"

"I wish there was, but there isn't. There's no hope at all," said Morgana.

XXX

Later that day, Merlin was with Gwen and Mira-Liana stood with Arthur as two people who had helped Tauran—an innkeeper and a barman, who'd given him shelter and food—were taken to the executioner's block and the executioner followed.

"I can't believe this. What harm did they do to deserve death?" asked Mira-Liana.

"My father says they helped Tauran and for that, they have to die," said Arthur.

"And giving someone a bed and food for the night is assisting a crime?" said Mira-Liana.

"I don't like this anymore than you do, Ana, but there's nothing I can do. It isn't our place to question my father's actions. I know not all magic is bad, but my father won't see that."

"I know," she said.

She knew that all too well.

She and Arthur had kept their relationship hidden from Uther ever since they'd confessed their love for each other. Mira-Liana wasn't entirely convinced Uther didn't know about it after the way he'd spoken to her before he'd fought the wraith, but didn't care at the moment. But deep down, she knew if Uther did know of their relationship and that Uther knew she was a witch, he wouldn't hesitate to kill her.

Arthur squeezed her hand. "I hope Tom will be alright."

"So do I," she murmured. "So do I."

XXX

Later that night, a storm raged and Tom decided to press his luck and escape from the prison. He used the key Morgana had given him and fled. The alarms sounded throughout the kingdom, signaling that he'd escaped. Despite his best efforts, he was killed on sight and his body was wheeled out.

Gwen let out a devastated cry when she saw her father before running off and falling to her knees, crying. She felt someone take her into their arms and knew it was Merlin when she saw the red scarf.

"He's gone, Merlin," she sobbed.

"Shh, shh, I know," he whispered. "It's going to be alright. Just let it out. I'm here for you."

Gwen continued crying as he held her and rubbed her back and whispered soothing words of comfort in her ear. Gwen felt broken inside like never before and was grateful Merlin was there for her.

XXX

Morgana, furious that Uther had killed Tom, despite her warnings, stormed into the hall.

"You have blood on your hands, Uther Pendragon, blood that will never wash off!" she snarled.

"May I remind you that you are speaking to your King?" said Uther.

"May I remind you that a King is wise and just?" she snapped. "You are neither. You rule with a sword!"

"You know nothing of what it means to be King," said Uther. "The fate of Camelot rests in my hands. It's my responsibility to protect the people of this land from its enemies.

"Then this kingdom is doomed," said Morgana. "And one by one, you'll make enemies of us all!"

"You speak treason, Morgana," he said, warningly.

"Only a madman sees the truth as treason," she snarled.

"Take care, child, or I'll have you restrained."

"You just try."

True to Uther's words, Morgana was imprisoned and shackled in the dudgeon cell, where she would remain until she had learned her lesson

XXX

Later, Mira-Liana went to visit Gwen.

Gwen was sitting on her bed in her house with Merlin's arms wrapped tightly around her for comfort.

Mira-Liana sat by them on the edge of the bed. "How are you?" she asked, softly.

"Not good," said Gwen, grasping Merlin's arms tighter. "I just don't understand why he tried to escape. His trial was this morning."

Before Mira-Liana could reply, there was a knock on the door and Arthur came in. Merlin, Mira-Liana and Gwen all stood up.

"Sire," said Gwen.

"Guinevere, I want you to know that your job is safe," he said. "And that your home is yours for life. I guarantee you that. I know that, under the circumstances, it's not much, but if there's anything you want, anything you need, all you have to do is ask. I'm sorry."

Mira-Liana and he had had a talk earlier of Gwen's fate now that Tom was gone and Arthur had decided to do whatever he could for her. So much had been taken from her and now she needed all she could get.

"Thank you," said Gwen.

Arthur nodded and left.

Gwen went back to sitting in Merlin's arms, taking comfort in being with the man she loved.

XXX

Later that night, Gwen went back to collect the laundry she'd hung up when she suddenly felt someone grab her, preventing her from screaming as her mouth was covered.

"I want the stone," Tauran hissed. "Where is it?"

"I don't know what you're talking about," Gwen said, terrified.

"Now you listen to me," he said. "In two days' time, I'll be in the Darkling Woods at dawn. Find the stone and bring it to me or you'll die. Do I make myself clear?"

Gwen nodded.

Suddenly, Tauran let out a cry as a spell hit him.

Merlin stood in front of him, his blue eyes were two narrow slits of blue fire. "Let—her—go," he said, through clenched teeth. "Release her!"

Tauran just glared at him. "My quarrel is not with you, sorcerer!" he hissed, as he released Gwen and disappeared.

Merlin ran to Gwen's side. "Gwen, Gwen are you alright?" he asked.

"Now that you're here," she said, wrapping her arms around him. "Merlin, I'm so scared. He wants some sort of stone, but I have no idea what he's talking about. If I don't show up in the Darkling Woods in two days with it, he says he'll kill me."

"I would never let that happen. No one is going to hurt you," he said, firmly. "I swear upon my life, that I will do everything in my power to keep you safe, Gwen."

"Okay," said Gwen.

"Come on, I'll take you to my room and you can stay with me for a while. I want you somewhere safe until this is over."

Gwen nodded and tightly grasped Merlin's hand as she walked with him. She silently wished all those who used magic were like Merlin and Mira-Liana and made her feel as safe as they did.

Merlin took her to Gaius's chambers, where Mira-Liana and Gaius were working.

"Merlin, we think we know what Tauran used. It's a maidstone and—what's happened?" asked Mira-Liana, noticing the look on Gwen's face.

"Tauran attacked her," said Merlin, before Gwen could speak. "He says he wants the stone brought to him in two days or he'll kill her."

"We will not let that happen," said Mira-Liana, fiercely. "We'll do everything in power to keep you safe, Gwen."

"I know," said Gwen. "But I am scared to death."

"You don't have to be," said Merlin. "Gaius, do you have any sleeping potions?"

"Yes, yes, of course," said Gaius. He handed Gwen a small bottle. "Take this and you should be able to sleep peacefully."

"If it doesn't work, I'll use a spell," said Merlin.

"Okay," said Gwen. "Merlin, please, stay with me tonight."

"Of course," said Merlin, without hesitation.

Gwen went up to his and Mira-Liana's room before drinking Gaius's potion and curling up on the bed. Merlin wrapped his arms around her and she cuddled up into his chest. In Merlin's arms, in the arms of the man she loved, everything was safe and alright.

XXX

Later, Arthur got Morgana released after promising Uther she wouldn't challenge him again. Morgana was grateful, but she was still furious. When she told Gwen the cause for the marks on her wrists, Gwen was distressed and ended up telling her of Tauran's threat and that Merlin had rescued her. Morgana then decided to meet Tauran herself, but told Gwen she'd send the guards.

When the time came for Gwen to meet Tauran, Mira-Liana awoke with a feeling that something bad was going to happen. Merlin also stirred, feeling the same thing.

You felt that too, didn't you? Something's really wrong. I'm going to investigate. You stay here, she told Merlin.

What? No, I'm coming with you.

You can't. Gwen needs you. If both of us go, it'll only distress her further. My magic is stronger with you, but I am still a powerful witch. I'll be fine.

Alright, but if you're not back by midday, I'm going after you and bringing Arthur.

Okay. Now, go back to sleep.

Merlin nodded and went back to sleep with Gwen.

Mira-Liana glanced out of the window and saw Morgana crossing the courtyard. Mira-Liana dressed followed her from a distance. She followed Morgana into the Darkling Woods. Mira-Liana hid behind a tree as she watched Morgana standing in a clearing surrounded by several armed men. Then the one Mira-Liana assumed to be Tauran, spoke.

"Where's your maid?" he demanded.

"I've come in her place," Morgana replied, fearlessly.

"Kill her," Tauran ordered.

"No wait," said Morgana. "I brought the stone."

"What else have you brought my lady? The Knights of Camelot?"

"No, really, I promise you."

"Then give me the stone."

Morgana handed the stone over to Tauran. After pocketing it, Tauran addressed Morgana again.

"You were foolish to come here. I had no quarrel with your maid or her little rescuer. But you, my Lady Morgana, you are Uther's ward."

Mira-Liana's heart skipped a beat as Tauran drew his sword, but Morgana just said, "If you kill me, you'll regret it."

"Why is that?" Tauran asked, unconvinced.

"Because I want Uther dead too," she said.

Mira-Liana's legs almost gave away in shock.

"You? An enemy of the king and I'm supposed to believe that?"

"Why else would I be here?"

"I can only guess at your motives, my lady. You could be a spy for all I know."

"And this?" Morgana said, as she pulled her sleeves up to show bruises on her wrists. "Is it usual for Uther to chain his friends to a dudgeon wall?" There was anger in her voice and it radiated from her eyes.

The men sheathed their swords and stepped back.

"The stone," Morgana continued. "You took it to the forge. Why?"

"With it, a man can alter the very essence of things. It can turn a lump of lead into gold."

"Gold?" Morgana scoffed. "A good man died in your quest for riches, Tauran. His daughter is now an orphan."

"I'm sorry. Truly I am. But we did not want the gold to line our pockets. The gold was just a means to rid this kingdom of Uther Pendragon."

"What are you saying?"

"Bribery is rife in Camelot. Corruption to the very heart of the kingdom. Such abundance of gold will buy us into the King's chambers. Even to the king himself."

"The guards may be fools, Tauran, but the King is not," said Morgana.

"So you have a better plan?" said Tauran.

"To get to Uther, you need someone close to him."

"And you know of such a person?"

"I do. Me."

Mira-Liana could not believe what she was hearing. She knew that Morgan was angry at Tom's death but she'd never once dreamt that Morgana would go this far.

She fled back to her and Merlin's room, unable to decide what she should do.

XXX

Merlin woke up when Mira-Liana came into their room. She looked pale and ill as she sat on her bed.

Are you alright, Mir? What happened?

I'm not alright. I don't know if I should tell you what's wrong. What I saw and heard…it's already tearing me apart. It might be better if you didn't know.

That's exactly why I should know. You're my sister and whatever bothers you, bothers me. Whatever it is, you can tell me. What's wrong?

Mira-Liana sighed. I followed Morgana to the Darkling Woods. She gave Tauran the stone and said she'd help him in his plans.

His plans? What's he's up to?

Merlin…Morgana's involved in a murder plot. They plan to kill Uther. I don't know when or how, but they do plan to kill him.

What! But why would she do that?

Morgana's so angry over Tom's death, she's letting it get the better of her. But even I didn't think she'd go that far.

Nor I.

I don't know what to do, Merlin. I'm torn. We both know we can use our magic freely once Uther's dead, but how can I betray Arthur? How do we know he's ready to be the King yet?

We don't know. Which is why we're going back to sleep and think with clearer minds later.

Alright, I will.

Mira-Liana got back into bed and used a small spell to make her sleep for a few more hours.

XXX

Later that day, Gwen was working, while Mira-Liana, Merlin and Gaius had breakfast.

The two had hardly touched their food as they were too distressed over what they knew.

"Pass the salt, please," said Gaius.

Mira-Liana didn't move and Merlin passed Gaius a pomegranate instead of the salt.

"Are you two quite alright?" he asked.

"Yes," said Mira-Liana. "We've just got a lot on our minds, that's all."

"Anything you'd like to talk about?" Gaius asked.

"I can't imagine you'd be interested," said Merlin.

"So long as you're sure."

"We should be getting to work," said Mira-Liana. "Come on, Merlin."

"Coming," said Merlin.

We need to pay a visit to a certain winged creature, she said.

XXX

Merlin lit a torch and descended into the dragon's lair with Mira-Liana.

The dragon slept and they cleared their throats to wake him.

"Well, young witch and warlock. What is it you come to ask of me?"

"We need your help," said Merlin.

"Of course you do. But this time, will you heed my words?"

"Tauran and Morgana plan to kill the King. We feel torn. We don't know what to do," said Mira-Liana.

"Do? Do nothing?"

"What do you mean? If we do nothing, Uther will die," said Merlin.

"Don't you two want Uther dead? It is Uther that persecutes you and your kind. It is Uther that murders the innocent."

"That doesn't make it right to kill him," said Mira-Liana. "He's still Arthur's father."

"Only if Uther dies can magic return to the land. Only when Uther dies will the two of you be free. Uther's reign is at an end. Let Arthur's reign begin."

"Wait!" said Merlin, as the dragon began to fly off.

"Where does it say our destiny includes murder?" said Mira-Liana.

"Free this and from tyranny, you two. Free this land of Uther Pendragon!" was the only reply they got.

XXX

The two were no closer to making up their minds as they sat deep in thought in Gaius's chambers.

"Do you think Uther is a good king?" Merlin asked, Gaius.

"Sorry?" said Gaius, turning around in surprise.

"Uther," said Mira-Liana. "Do you think he's good for the kingdom?"

"Yes, yes, I do. Although, with the present circumstances, I can see you two find that hard to believe."

"Hard? No. Impossible? Definitely," said Merlin.

"Merlin…"

"Everyone hates him," Mira-Liana interrupted.

"It's not his job to be liked. It's his job to protect the kingdom. And sometimes his methodS are right and sometimes he goes to far."

"You mean executing anybody who even passed a sorcerer on the street?" said Merlin.

"Yes, but Uther has brought peace and prosperity to this kingdom."

"But at what cost? Women and children, fathers and sons, when will it end?" said Mira-Liana.

"It will end when Arthur is King," said Gaius, calmly.

"Then why not let that time be now? Why not let Arthur be King now?" said Merlin.

"Arthur's not ready. He does not have the experience and lacks judgment."

Merlin and Mira-Liana sighed. They knew Gaius was right. As much as they both wanted it, Arthur's time as King of Camelot could not come to pass now.

"Is there anything you two want to tell me?" said Gaius.

"We can't," said Mira-Liana. "We just can't. Trust us, Gaius. This is something we have to work out for ourselves."

"I do trust you," he said. "I trust you both with my life. Whatever it is, I know you'll make the right decision."

XXX

Mira-Liana watched Uther ride out with Morgana from her window when Gwen entered the room.

"Mira, Merlin," said Gwen.

"Hello," said Mira-Liana. "Are you alright?"

Gwen smiled. "I was about to ask you two the same thing."

"We're fine. You?" said Merlin.

Gwen smiled weakly. "Morgana and you two have been amazing these last few days. I can't thank you enough for helping me."

"You're my friend and Merlin's lover, how could we refuse?" said Mira-Liana. "If anyone's been amazing, it's you for being so brave."

"It's better than sitting in an empty house waiting for my father to walk through the door," said Gwen, her voice cracking.

Merlin instantly held her for a few moments.

"The thing I find hard to bear is that people will always think he was guilty because he tried to escape," she said.

"Not everyone thinks that. We know he was innocent," said Merlin.

"I know. I think he tried to run because he knew whatever he said or did, he'd be killed. Uther had already made up his mind. That's the kind of man he is."

Searching for guidance, Mira-Liana said, "We wouldn't blame you if you wanted him dead."

"If Uther died, I'd feel nothing. He means nothing to me. And it's been said that the less we feel, the less we are as a person."

"But if you had the choice. If you had the power of life or death over Uther Pendragon what would you do?" asked Merlin. "Would you kill him?"

"No," said Gwen. "What would that solve? That would make me a murderer and make me as bad as him."

"You're right," said Mira-Liana.

"And I know you could never be like that. Which is part of the reason I love you so much," said Merlin, kissing her as Mira-Liana grabbed the things they needed.

They had to stop Tauran and Morgana.

XXX

Merlin and Mira-Liana ran through the forest and spotted a group of horses at the edge. They snuck up on two rebels, focused their magic and blue light shot from the staff and then both men were knocked out. They saw Uther and Morgana in the distance by Morgana's father's grave. They headed towards them but ended up face to face with Tauran. They shouted the same incantation but Tauran brought up the stone to reflect the blow. Everything went black.

When they awoke, they saw that Tauran was dead and Morgana and Uther were holding each other close, the rift between them was now mended. Mira-Liana dared to look into Uther's mind for the briefest of moments and saw the regret he had for killing Gwen's father and how much he wanted Morgana's forgiveness.

Feeling they had no more to do there, they left and went back to Gaius's chambers.

"Ah, Merlin, Mira-Liana, I hearTauran tried to assassinate Uther," Gaius said, as they came through the door.

"That's what we heard," said Merlin.

"And that Morgana saved him."

They nodded.

"But there were three of them. Morgana must've fought very hard. I supposed you two had nothing to do with it?"

"Oh, just background stuff," said Mira-Liana.

"What she said," said Merlin.

"No need to be so modest, you two."

"Sorry," said Mira-Liana.

"It's not a criticism, it's a compliment," he smiled.

"Thanks, Gaius," said Merlin. "I'd better be going now; I promised Gwen I'd take her riding. Thanks again for talking to Arthur, Mir."

"No problem. I hope you have fun," said Mira-Liana.

XXX

Mira-Liana knocked on Arthur's door and entered when he heard her voice.

"Goodness, you look terrible, Ana," he said.

"Nice to see you too, Arthur," she said, as he pulled her into his lap and kissed her.

"Seriously though, are you alright?" he asked.

"Yeah. Honestly, it's nothing. I've just had a long day and I'm a little sore."

"Well then, perhaps I can fix that with one of those massages you like to give me," he said, smiling.

Mira-Liana raised an eyebrow. "Do you know how to perform a massage?"

"I think so," he said. "I've had you do it often enough. Go sit down and let me try."

Mira-Liana sat on the edge of Arthur's bed as he performed a massage on her aching muscles.

"How am I doing?" he asked.

"Not bad," she said. The soreness was starting to go away. "With a little more practice, you might almost be as good as me."

"Watch your tongue," he said, with mock offense as he laughed.

Mira-Liana laughed as well before turning around and kissing him before he held her in his arms for a few long moments. Everything was alright for the moment and she never wanted it to end.