Part Three
This section moves us through another few years until our heroes reach nineteen
Chapter 1: Gwaine
As Gwaine started to loose consciousness during Sir Leon's wedding, his first thought was of the teasing he was going to receive for exaggerating what he'd got up to with that girl from the tavern. He had fully intended to go back the following week and make the lie a reality, but then that sorcerer just had to cast that ridiculous enchantment and caused embarrassment to all sorts of people at Court for many different reasons. From that day onwards, Gwaine promised that he would never again tease anyone for what they may or may not have got up to with the opposite sex.
The next thing he was aware of was the touch of familiar soft lips on his, accompanied by a highly unusual taste. He opened his eye blinking and licking his lips.
"What in the world have you been eating, Morgana?" There was the sound of a couple of muffled laughs and he sat up abruptly to find himself in his own bedchambers in the company of Gaius and his four friends.
"It works!" Merlin exclaimed and Gwaine looked at his friend in surprise.
"What works?"
"The potion. That and the kiss," his friend replied.
"Yes, but that was probably the easiest test, as you said he nearly woke up before without using the potion," Gaius commented. "Let's try this on one of the youngest children next and then we'll know for certain if it's going to work for everyone."
"So, why are you all awake if you've only just attempted this?" Gwaine queried.
"Well, I was in a shield and Merlin got caught up in it too," Arthur explained. "The girls fell asleep but... there was an easier way to wake them up." Despite the teasing Gwaine was expecting, he could only see embarrassment and confusion on everyone's faces.
"It looks like none of us were exactly open about our feelings or our relationships," Morgana explained briskly. "We're all friends here so perhaps it's best that we forget everything that has been said and done over the last few days and just move on. Yes?"
"Absolutely," Merlin agreed fervently and, seeing the others all quickly nod, Gwaine decided to join in, quite happy to avoid the teasing, even if it did mean he might not find out exactly what had been going on whilst he'd been asleep.
"Right, well, we need to be getting on with this cure," Gaius continued briskly. "Merlin?"
"Why do you need him?" Arthur asked, "You've got Alice to help you now, haven't you?"
"Yes but I need him to... be a runner for me and perhaps check some of the books in the different languages, now that I've not got Alator or Nimueh to help me with that sort of thing."
Gwaine was just wondering why Gaius had paused quite so obviously during the first part of that sentence when he caught up with the second. "What? Where's Alator?"
"He and Nimueh fought Alvarr with magic in front of Uther and the whole court," Gaius explained. "As a result, they quickly decided it would be best for them to leave."
"Leave?" As much as he liked to complain about his mentor, the man was the closest thing to family Gwaine had ever known and the sudden realisation that he was no longer in Camelot hurt more than he would have expected.
Morgana sat down on the bed next to him and put a friendly hand on his shoulder. "I know, I feel the same way. It seems so strange without Nimueh around now."
"Come on now, you ladies need to leave too. You know what Uther said," Gaius reminded them, casting an especially stern glare at the overly familiar pose of the couple now on the bed. Morgana raised her eyes to the ceiling.
"Do you need my help too?" Gwen asked the physician.
"No, that's fine, my dear. You go along with Morgana and do as much as you can to help Alice with her other work. Until everyone's is awake she will be of great use to me and will have less time to look after the two of you."
The girls left with Merlin and Gaius, leaving just Arthur remaining in the room with him. The prince raised an eyebrow at him, smiling slyly.
"So, Gwaine, you fell asleep then? I thought you said..."
"I thought Morgana said..." Gwaine interrupted.
"Right, and you really thought you were going to get out of it that easily?" Arthur crowed.
~o~0~o~
Regent Gromer's party arrived in the spring of Gwaine's nineteenth year. They had planned to travel here the previous autumn but harsh storms and an early winter had required a postponement. Gwaine had to admit that he was not especially sorry for the delay.
Despite being illegitimate, Gwaine still had noble blood on both sides of his family. King Lot had developed quite a reputation in his younger days and often 'visited' various ladies of Court when their men were away, with none daring to criticise him for it. If Gwaine had been born at any other time, he would have probably stayed with his mother and her husband and the whole business hushed up, but the old religion still had a powerful influence in the West, and so Gwaine's birth, at the exact moment of the famous earthquake eighteen and a half years ago had set tongues wagging and scribes digging out old scrolls to check on a certain ancient prophecy. 'Born of the Dragon' they had started to whisper and it was quickly decided that it was best the boy was hidden, in case such rumours reached Uther's ears too.
Gwaine was now standing on the wide steps leading to Camelot's main entrance with the King and a number of the most important people of Court, near the front and centre and next to Arthur as he was to play such a key part of this new alliance.
He was now officially a knight, as were all the young men he grew up with – save Merlin. To be honest, his skinny friend was as brave and noble in spirit as any knight, and his sword skills were no worse than many but, not only did the young man prefer his work as a physician and scientist, but he also appeared to enjoy it more. Whatever made him happy, of course, but Gwaine had to admit he thought it mad that anyone would want to spend their days reading books, brewing potions and dealing with sick people.
The party of guests were making their way across the cobbles of Camelot's courtyard, most on horses, with one passenger carriage following along behind and the supply wagons taking a different route. Gwaine assumed the young lady Ragnelle would be in the carriage but it wasn't long before he realised that the figure on the white horse was indeed female and considering the lack of any other ladies her age in the party, must be his betrothed. Gwaine felt his heart sink as she came closer with a rather severe limp, and he tried hard to keep his expression as neutral as possible. He supposed it had been too much to hope that she would have been beautiful, but even calling this lady plain might have been stretching the truth a bit. The poor girl had obviously suffered from some illness in her youth but, despite his reputation for teasing, Gwaine was not a cruel man and was determined not to jump to any conclusions about his lady before he had got to know her properly.
Luckily he wasn't the only one versed in good manners because his friends' reactions seemed perfectly courteous too. Arthur, of course, was always difficult to read if you didn't know him, and Gwen so polite to everyone that it was equally hard to work out her opinion on the matter. Morgana's smile was also bright and welcoming and Gwaine had to admit that he was especially impressed by her diplomacy, whilst Merlin even gave him an encouraging grin that he struggled to interpret. He was pleased at least that the lady was being greeted by his friends and the other important guests so politely which could only bode well for these most vital peace talks.
Ragnelle's voice when she was introduced to him was soft and musical and, as he kissed her hand in greeting, her smile lit up her face so brightly that he was momentarily confused as to why he'd considered her unattractive at all.
Of course, there wasn't time for extended greetings as the party were ushered inside the palace in order to be shown to their guest quarters to rest, with the promise of a welcome banquet later that evening. Gwaine stayed behind briefly with his four friends – using the public environment as an excuse to interact with the girls for a change.
"I'm not sure what to say," Arthur started the conversation with a small shrug.
"Well, I think she looks lovely," Morgana enthused. Gwen and Arthur shot her a confused look and Gwaine frowned. It was unlike Morgana not to share her true feelings with her friends.
"Well, her looks shouldn't matter, I know," Gwaine said, "She seems very charming though and I'm looking forward to getting to know her better."
"Good for you, Gwaine," Gwen commented.
"I don't understand," said Merlin who exchanged a glance with an equally confused looking Morgana.
There was a strange awkward silence, as each felt uncomfortable about discussing their thoughts about the lady Ragnelle's appearance without being disrespectful and so, their little party split up – promising to talk more at the evening banquet.
Gwaine started to leave with Arthur and Merlin, but had to admit that he wasn't surprised to be stopped by a servant in the corridor requesting his presence in the visiting lord's chambers.
"Thank you for answering my request so promptly, Sir Gwaine," the middle aged man said as he entered with a strange emphasise on the title. His gaze was now on the servant that had answered the door to the young man, waiting impatiently for him to leave. "Or should I say, Your Majesty?" he finished with a deep bow once they were alone.
Gwaine burst out laughing and then shook his head at the baffled expression on the man's face.
"Forgive me, Lord Joure, I admit that I haven't yet got used to the idea. I suppose, despite everything, I still don't entirely believe the rumours of your father's campaign."
"It is all quite true, I assure you. Our druid elders have confirmed your claim and have used magic to disprove Morgause's." Gwaine raised his eyebrows in surprised. "Magic is not banned in the West and is perhaps used even more readily than it ever was in the East. Druids and magic is at the heart of your claim to the throne. I do hope you've not picked up Uther's opinion on the art since you have been here?"
"No, not at all. I suppose it's just that I'm used to not talking about it."
"I understand."
"So, what's next?"
"We socialise tonight and tomorrow start discussions with King Uther regarding an alliance between Camelot and the West. If he helps us to put you on the throne, we will agree to help him defeat the North."
~o~0~o~
Gwaine left that meeting with his head in a spin. Part of him wanted to laugh it all off or even refuse the offer and tell the West to find someone else to rule them, but he was beginning to realise just how carefully Alator had been schooling and preparing him for this over the years. He was Dragon Born and a vital part of the Prophecy. Whatever his own personal feelings on the matter, he was more than aware that he very little choice. Fate was putting her pieces on the board and the result was therefore inevitable.
He couldn't help feeling guilty though. He'd known some of this for years but hadn't as much as hinted anything to his friends. He had felt a strange sensation earlier when that silence had fallen over the group – not the comfortable one they had often shared as children but an awkward feeling that they did not quite know each other as well as they thought. There was no question that this news was not going to help his relations with them.
That evening only seemed to confirm his fears. Uther was at the top table, with Joure next to him. Gwaine was sitting with Ragnelle next to the visiting lord, with Arthur and Morgana seated on the king's other side. Merlin was seated next to Gwaine and seemed especially distracted, casting curious and confused looked between him and Ragnelle and spending so much time leaning over to talk to his betrothed that it was verging on impolite - and that was a word Gwaine would never normally associate with this particular friend. Gwen was sitting next to Morgana and seemed to be talking to Arthur much of the time whilst the prince's betrothed also seemed to be ignoring them and focusing on this side of the room instead.
Confused. That was the word of the night. Everyone seemed confused. Every comment seemed to be a surprised question, every look accompanied by a small frown. It described his own feelings too; he was confused by his friends' seemingly contradictory opinions on Ragnelle, whilst he fought with his own mixed feelings of disappointment over her looks and simultaneous delight at her refreshing sense of humour. It was fortunate indeed that all conversation about negotiations, betrothals and wars were on hold until the following day because Gwaine was quite convinced he wouldn't have the strength to cope with those extra emotions too.
As he was not invited to the meeting the following day, but Arthur was, Gwaine went looking for Merlin but his friend could not be found in any of his usual haunts. He finally found him in the Hall of Recorders sitting at a desk and staring into space with a blank expression on his face. Confused. When he called his name, the boy turned towards him slowly his face even paler than usual.
"What day were you born?" Merlin asked abruptly and Gwaine's heart dropped as he realised where this was leading.
"The same day as you I imagine," he replied carefully.
Merlin shook his head. "It can't be true. It's not possible."
"I think you know that it is."
Merlin turned an accusing glare towards Gwaine. "You knew? Why didn't you say anything?"
"I assumed you knew too. At least I was fairly certain that you've been keeping secrets."
"Secrets?" Merlin's laugh had a slightly manic quality to it before he whispered quietly, "It makes no sense."
There was a long pause. "I'll be leaving soon, you know?" Gwaine continued eventually.
Merlin sighed. "I imagine so. Off to claim your Kingdom."
"They've got it all under control, Merlin. The Druids, I mean."
"How nice for them," he replied sarcastically. "So good of them to keep me informed."
Gwaine frowned. "I agree that someone should have said something to you."
"It can't be me. It just can't. I mean … how can it be me?"
"I admit that I don't know that. Alator discussed the West with me from time to time but he'd never answer any questions I had about the rest of the prophecy."
"I've read it, of course but … not this version." Merlin nodded down to the ancient scroll in front of him and Gwaine leant forward with a frown.
"I'm surprised that anyone can read that version. What language is it in, anyway?"
"Ogham," he replied, still distracted by the scroll.
"Bless you," Gwaine replied promptly, causing his friend's lips to twitch slightly in amusement.
"I'll be at the announcement tomorrow, of course," Merlin continued after another short pause, "But I probably won't be around to see you off."
"Oh, alright." Gwaine had to admit that he was disappointed at the news but, perhaps it was best. Saying goodbye to all his friends was going to be hard enough as it was. "Why?"
Merlin's voice when he replied was uncharacteristically steely.
"There's something I have to do."
~o~0~o~
The negotiations had been successful and now the Great Hall in Camelot was packed with all the local lords and ladies keen to hear the news of the outcome of the talks. Gwaine stood nervously near the front, hoping that everything would go smoothly but somehow doubting it, all the same.
"We have had a series of very successful meetings with Lord Joure on behalf of his father Lord Gromer," Uther began. "Camelot has agreed to supply him with a certain number of her knights in order to help win the Western throne for their heir. In return, the West promises to ally itself with Camelot and supply men and arms in order to bring the North under our control. If successful our five old kingdoms will be one and ruled from Camelot with the assistance of five worthy Lords who will help manage each of the old territories."
Gwaine struggled not to laugh at the look on Uther's face. The old fool thought he had got the better of the deal but had failed to understand just how thoroughly he'd been played. He thought that he would be King of all Albion but that was not to be his fate. Nor would the 'five worthy lords' be of his choosing as he currently believed. The Prophecy would see to that.
Joure stepped forward then with a nervous smile and Gwaine noticed a subtle shifting of his men, positioning themselves in case of trouble; two of the tallest, burliest of which were now suddenly by his shoulders and, as he caught Merlin's eye, his friend raised his eyes to the ceiling. He looked a little better today even if he still did have a haunted look on his face. Gwaine was still struggling to come to terms with the fact that the young man had apparently only worked all of this out yesterday. How was it possible for him to have grown up without knowledge of his heritage?
"I would like to thank King Uther for his hospitality and for helping these negotiations to take place here in his beautiful castle," Joure began. "This new treaty heralds the start of a great age of peace and prosperity for the whole of Albion." He took a deep breath. "Ever since my father discovered that Morgause was not Lot's daughter, he has used all the resources available to discover if there is someone who does share his blood. We have now discovered that the old King did indeed sire a few illegitimate children, the eldest of which now has a genuine claim to the Western throne."
Despite this being common gossip, Joure had to pause for a moment to allow the whispers to fade.
"On discovering his identity, my father was keen to assist the young man's claim further by ensuring a marriage between him and the oldest and most powerful Western families," he continued. There were a few more whispers; quieter ones this time. "So, it is my pleasure to inform you of the betrothal of my daughter Ragnelle to Gwaine, eldest son of King Lot and true heir to the Western throne."
Many in the Hall started to clap before the last few words of Joure's announcement had fully sunk in. Gwaine had to admit to being amused by the suddenly stutter in the applause, as everyone belatedly caught up with the final part of his speech. Then there was a moment of stunned silence before the voices started up. Some whispers, some shouts, some gasps.
"What?" The loudest shout was from Uther, and Arthur was instantly on his feet while, over on the other side of the room, the girls were also looking shocked; Gwen's hands over her mouth and Morgana glaring daggers at him. He sighed, doubting he'd have enough time to properly talk and apologise to his friends in the time remaining to him here. "But this knight has been here since he was a boy, ever since..." Uther paused, not quite trusting his memory.
"He came here with Morgana," Arthur continued. "He's from the East, not the West."
"I was born in the West," Gwaine admitted. "I was smuggled out when people realised that my heritage might cause problems in the future and spent my earliest years growing up in the East."
"Why didn't you say something?" Morgana had moved forwards, angrily throwing off the few people that attempted to stop her.
"I was told not to. I was told it wasn't safe." Out of the corner of his eye, Gwaine saw Merlin fold his arms and pout, perhaps having had the 'not safe' excuse thrown at him too.
"It cannot be true and I shall not allow this," Uther declared and then suddenly, with everyone's eye on him, the king turned deathly pale. "No!" He stumbled and only stayed upright thanks to Arthur's strong grip. "It can't be true."
"Father, what is it? What ever is wrong?"
Uther shook off his son and strode over to Gwaine. Next to him, his body guards took a step forward and two staffs crossed in front of him, protecting him from the king.
"How old are you, boy? Answer me!" Uther ordered.
"I will turn nineteen in a few weeks. On the Day of the Dragons."
"But that's when I was..." Arthur began.
"No! No! Impossible." The king was almost screaming and most in the Hall backed away from him fearfully. He was raving now, turning wild eyes on everyone. His gaze suddenly fell on Morgana who was being calmed by Gwen and Merlin and he cried out again, pointing a shaking finger at the trio. "And them … those three … five of them. Kill them, kill them all. They should all be dead. I want those children dead!"
"Sire!" Gaius came forward as everyone in the Hall gasped in shock at his outrageous command. "I think it would be best if you came with me."
"No, no! Don't you see, Gaius? Don't you understand?" Uther spluttered.
Leon, Percival and Lancelot had now moved forwards and helped the old man to escort the King out of the Hall and towards his bedchambers. Geoffrey whispered something to a shocked Arthur who nodded reluctantly and raised his voice to cut over the din.
"Please everyone, there's no need to be alarmed. King Uther is just fatigued after the negotiations. Let us all stay calm and set a good example to our honoured guests from the West." Even Arthur seemed surprised at how quickly his words were heeded. He took a deep breath and then seemed to find some extra resolve. "Gwaine, Joure, a word please."
As he moved towards the prince, their other three friends also approaching and Arthur offered no complaint. The trio kept their distance but Gwaine had no doubt that they could hear every word from where they were standing.
"How long have you known?" Arthur asked him.
"I've always been aware of who my father was," he admitted, "but it's only recently I realised exactly what the West had planned for me." He saw his friend glare and hated the lies he'd had to tell. "I'm truly sorry, Arthur but you have to understand why I had to keep it all a secret. I am your friend but I am also of the West. I could not say anything which might affect this vital campaign."
Arthur just shook his head and turned to Joure. "So, what now?" he asked.
"Nothing has changed. We will leave first thing tomorrow morning with the men and arms you promised us. If we win and Gwaine becomes King you will have your alliance and our army for your war against the North."
"What did my Father mean? Why was he so shocked? I cannot go ahead with this deal if he does not approve."
"The deal has been struck, Prince Arthur. To back away from it now could be considered an act of war."
"You cannot win the West without us," the prince reminded him.
"And you cannot unite Albion with us as your enemy. I am sorry that your father is unwell, Arthur but, honestly, this has nothing to do with us or with the treaty we have signed."
"How can you say that?"
"Quite easily. All that happened here today was you learnt that a friend of yours is heir to a kingdom. Nothing else is new, nothing else has changed. You knew that Gwaine was to marry my daughter and you understood the nature of the campaign that your men are being committed to. Surely the identity of our new king does not change any of that?"
"He's right, Arthur," Gwen said stepping forward, "What Uther said made no sense. You must go ahead with the treaty."
"Morgana? Merlin?"
"It's a shock, it's true," Merlin replied, "But Gwen's right. Uther's outburst doesn't really change a thing."
"You need to do what's right for Camelot," Morgana said, although she seemed to be very obviously not looking at Gwaine. "Whilst your father is ill, you are Regent. You need to take control."
"Father's not that ill," Arthur insisted. "Gaius will sort him out in no time." The others all exchanged sceptical glances but knew better than to comment further. After another short pause, the prince sighed loudly. "Fine. The deal stands. The men and arms we agreed will be waiting to leave with your retinue at break of dawn tomorrow. I suggest you leave quickly in order to avoid upsetting my father further and you will, of course, not speak of his … illness outside of this room."
"Of course. You have my word on that, Prince Arthur."
He nodded briefly and turned back to the Hall to instruct those few still remaining to return to their homes. The had obviously stayed hoping for more news or gossip but once it was obvious that the Prince was leaving they too quickly departed.
"I need to see my Father," Arthur said then. "Perhaps Merlin and Gwen should come and see if Gaius requires any assistance?"
"Seeing that we also seemed to upset Uther that's probably not ideal," Merlin argued. I'll return to Gaius' chambers so he'll know where to find me if he needs my help."
"We'll retire to our bedchambers now too," Morgana announced. "As Merlin said, you all know where to find us if you need us."
They started to leave, but Gwaine knew he couldn't leave things on this awkward note. "Arthur … all of you …" They turned to look at him; Merlin and Gwen still shocked, Morgana and Arthur still hurt. "I'm sorry about all of this but I'm leaving tomorrow too, of course and..." He shrugged. "Well, for what it's worth, I'm going to miss you all."
Gwen came forward instantly to hug him and Gwaine held her close, suddenly feeling unusually emotional. Merlin had also moved forwards and offered his hand to shake.
"How are you?" he asked the tall young man quietly.
"No idea. Ask me in a couple of years," Merlin mumbled before moving away to reveal a now empty Hall. Gwaine felt sad that neither Arthur nor Morgana had felt able to say a proper goodbye but had to admit that he wasn't especially surprised.
~o~0~o~
It was still dark when a servant woke him the following morning and Gwaine groaned as he remembered all that had happened the previous evening and what was going to happen today. He collected the bag he had packed the previous night and set off to the barracks where those Camelot knights assigned to his party were starting to gather. Just as he was beginning to feel thoroughly depressed about everything that was happening, he recognised a familiar face.
"Lancelot. You're coming with us?" he asked with a grin.
"Yes, and Percival. Arthur tried to talk us out of it but we insisted."
"What about Gwen?"
"She understands. She's worried, of course but I think she's also pleased that she has someone she trusts to look out for you."
"I have an awful lot of people looking out for me now, though," he replied, nodding towards his two big shadows.
Lancelot grinned. "Have a word with this lord of yours. Tell him you're appointing two of your own bodyguards from now on."
"Seriously?"
"Of course. You're to be his King, so I think you can probably issue it as an order it if you want."
"That will definitely take some getting used to," Gwaine admitted.
The group started to make their way out of the barracks, taking Arthur's instructions literally and using the lower entrance to leave Camelot. Gwaine's bodyguards were not so subtly pushed out of the way to be replaced by Lancelot, Percival and some short, blond Westerner that the pair had just befriended. However, there at the gate they encountered a sleepy looking Arthur leaning rather casually against a wall and wearing the same clothes as last night.
"Sire, you do us a great honour," Joure remarked bowing.
"How's Uther?" Gwaine asked.
"Sleeping now," the prince answered. "Gaius has giving him a sedative."
"I do apologise if I sounded unfeeling last night," Joure continued, "it was just that..."
"No, I understand and you were quite right to comment. This deal is indeed the best one for Camelot and for all of Albion."
"Arthur, I'm..." Gwaine started.
"No. No more apologies," the prince interrupted. "Be on your way with my blessing. With these knights added to your own army, I admit that I would not want to be the enemy right now."
They bowed and turned to leave."
"Gwaine...?"
"Yes, Arthur."
"Do you know …?" Arthur frowned. "Is Merlin alright?"
"Why do you ask?"
"He seemed in a strange mood yesterday and… well, before all of this even."
"I admit I haven't seen much of him," Gwaine answered cautiously. "Why don't you talk to him?"
"After reassuring myself father was alright, I tried to find him but he wasn't in his room, or with Gaius." He shrugged. "I expect I'll catch up with him later." Then Arthur turned around without any further acknowledgement and strode back towards the castle.
"Well then, Sire. Are you ready?" Joure asked him.
"Not really but I don't suppose that makes any difference, does it?"
~o~0~o~
A/N: So, I'm back to round this story off at long last. Sorry for the delay
I'm really pleased with the planning and writing I've done on Part 3 so far and I'm publishing now because I'm 99% certain that I can give you once a week updates at least.
A reminder that, in this this fic, each chapter will overlap with previous ones slightly and tell some of the story again with a different pov so, if you're wondering what the other people are really up to here, stick around to find out.
As usual with this story, keep an eye on my PP for diary updates, publishing dates and story names/info.
I'm back doing LOADS of writing now. More than I have for a long time and have already made a start to the Mergana fic "All Our Secrets" that was overwhelming winner of my recent poll. I should be able to start getting that one out fairly soon too.
Jaq
13/2/13