Chapter 20

Merlin

'Druid King, what business have you on our lands?' The chieftain asked gruffly. It was obvious he was the leader. He held a huge spear and there was a bear's head, emptied and draped on his head.

'I follow my King.' I told him, stepping aside for Arthur to face the chieftain.

'Pendragon King, speak.' The chieftain allowed, but I caught the glance he gave to Aria as she tried to hide her wings. She squeezed my hand.

Arthur gave a strange look at the title but said nothing. 'Your men have come near to my territories and… the remains of their… meal… are scaring my people.' Arthur struggled to word it without offending the chieftain.

'You find fault in our ways, Pendragon King?' A woman asked, her hair adorned with bones and other charms.

'No…' Arthur admitted slowly. 'Just not used to it.'

I felt the jolt of raw magic when she walked in. She's the shaman. I bowed slightly, Aria copying my movement. She looked at me, bowing back. 'Druid King, I did not think you would come. You are braver than you seem.' She mused.

Aria looked at me sharply. Everyone did. Crap, now they knew I had hid something from them. Aria's wings twitched in worry and the shaman strode up to Aria who stood straight, leaning back though she stood her ground. Her hand was tight around mine. I rubbed my thumb against it soothingly. Why was she so afraid of these people? Was she hiding something from me too? 'What is this creature you have with you?' The shaman demanded of me.

'This is my leannan, my wife, Aria.' I told her firmly. Aria must have a reason to fear her so much.

'You mated with this creature? I didn't think any druid close to nature would be so careless.' She chided me and my eyes widened in surprise. What did she say? 'Does she speak?

'I do.' Aria forced out in a steady tone.

'She has aspects of a beast in her, as we do but more.' The chieftain supplied, looking at the shaman. 'Is there something wrong, my mate?'

'I'm not sure yet.' She said indecisively. She turned to me then but her eyes watched Aria closely. 'Can you tell me of her origins?'

'What are you going to do?' I questioned back, looking at her. Shaman or not, I won't allow her to harm Aria.

'That depends on what she is. It is this tribe who must keep this earth pure. If she is of nature, there is no need to destroy her.' The shaman answered simply.

Percival stood straight, advancing a step with hard eyes. 'That's our sister you threaten.'

The shaman glared at his sharply and waved her hand at him, he clutched at his chest choking. I raised my hand to help but Aria was faster. 'Percy!' She called out the nickname she had given him. She rushed to him, placing a hand on his chest and feeding a cleansing magic into his system. He gulped down air again. The chieftain tried to calm his wife. Aria spun to her and I knew she was scared by the way her feathers lay flat to her wings but she was also protective, keeping all her adoptive brothers behind her. 'He only defends me. I will answer you, shaman.'

'You have magic. That is a sign in your favour… Aria.' The shaman said, grudgingly using her name. She was suspicious though and Aria came to my side. I put my arm around her beneath her wings and offered her what comfort I could. She was still fearful. 'Now we will hear of the rest of you.'

'Those of magic may leave with my mate. I only have business with the Pendragon King and his men.' The chieftain decided. Vervain nodded to him and turned to go. Gwaine looked a bit confused as I looked back at him. The shaman saw this and looked back as well in understanding.

'The Consort may come if he so wishes.' The shaman allowed with a straight, calm face. Vervain pushed him back to Arthur, her hands of his chest.

'No, you stay by your King.' Vervain scolded.

'But you're his Queen first. Even I know that.' Arthur argued. Vervain gave him a cold look and he shut up, keeping his nose out of people's business as he should.

'You remain here. You'll know if I need you. I'll see you later, my consort. She spoke his title with less frostbite on her tongue. Gwaine caught her hands and kissed them before letting them go.

'Alright, Vervain.' He answered, giving her a roguish smile as she turned away from him, shaking her head at his ridiculous display. Elyan punched his shoulder playfully and for a moment, there was a light mood. Then those of us with magic left with the shaman.

Vervain

'Our land has brightened, Nature Queen.' Was the first thing the shaman said upon entering her tent, addressing me as she bowed slightly. 'I thank you.'

'None needed. Let's hurry this.' I answered, returning her gesture. I didn't want this to drag on too long, part of it was being away from Gwaine and another was the possibility of Aria's death. I won't say it but she is my friend.

'Yes.' She agreed, looking to Aria who stiffened. 'Show me your wings.' Aria turned around without hesitation but she fidgeted frequently. It didn't get past the shaman. 'Why do you twist and turn?' she questioned, raising a brow as she scrutinised Aria's black wings.

'I… I do not show my back to strangers. It is instinct.' Aria said nervously. The shaman plucked a feather suddenly. Aria growled audibly. Merlin rushed to take her hand and I stepped forward, touching my hand to her wing to lessen the sting for her. I knew it hurt. Aria's wings were strong but sensitive too. With the anxiety and fear she was dealing with, I took the opportunity to calm her magic with my own, a similar feeling as to a painkiller.

'My apologies.' The shaman replied, dropping the feather to the floor of the tent. 'Tell me, Aria. What are you?'

'I… am a great many things. But if you will listen, shaman, I can tell you the tale of my origin.' She forced out, her strange eyes glowing. The shaman looked pleased though.

'Good, you are willing. I would rather hear the whole story and make my decision than hear you try to convince me. Sit, and tell me your origin, Druid Queen.' She invited. Aria sat down, bringing Merlin to sit with her. She pulled my arm suddenly too so I sat down on her other side without protest. This was going to take a while, I could tell.

Suddenly, a memory came forth in my head. The night before I left Camelot. Daemon was speaking to me. He said he had a bad feeling… right before he told me it was nothing I had to worry about. I knew he was right about that now. I knew he was lying when he said I didn't have to worry… I shook my head as Aria took a deep breath. I must listen and help her where I can.