Chapter 21

Gwaine looked up at Merlin, in confusion, "What-"

"Shut up!" Merlin demanded grabbing the mirror desperately. Gwaine glanced over his shoulder and gasped when he saw the image. "Is that-"

"Yes it's Morgana, now shut up!"

"Morgana," Mordred's voice came out of the mirror. Gwaine was staring, shocked. Merlin's eyes were wide as he took in every word of the conversation, "We have begun our march to Camelot. By sunset we will have reached the city."

"Today?" Morgana's voice was filled with shock and excitement as she heard the news.

"Yes," Answered Mordred, "I am sorry for the sudden notice but it was just decided. You know what you have to do?"

"I do." Answered Morgana, sitting up straighter.

"Good. By the end of the day Camelot will be destroyed, and you will have your revenge." Mordred told her in a voice that sent shivers down Merlin's spine.

"Thank you Mordred." Morgana said.

"You know I want the same as you Morgana. It is an honor to work with you. Now go, your part in this is just as important as mine."

Morgana set down the mirror at the same time Merlin dropped his, causing the glass to shatter.

"We need to tell Arthur. She means to kill him. Gwaine, find the King. Make sure Morgana doesn't get to him before me. I have to go tell Arthur." He said this very quickly as he dashed across his room, threw the amulet over his head, and ran out the door, leaving Gwaine behind, who was only just beginning to understand what was happening.

Merlin ran through the streets past large crowds of people, leaving the staring in his wake. His mind was only on telling Arthur in time and protecting Camelot. He sprinted faster than he had ever before, desperate to reach Uther before Morgana. He ran until he reached Arthur's door and, praying he was in there, flung open the door.

Arthur turned around in shock to see his servant breathing heavily, a crazed expression on his face.

"Morgana is going to kill Uther!" Merlin nearly yelled it.

"What?"

"I went to Morgana's room to check on Gwen when I heard through the door, she was talking to someone-she called him Mordred-he told her a magical army was on the way and to kill Uther! Now!" He said this in one breath, clutching his side. Arthur's eyes widened.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes!" This time he did yell. Without another thought Arthur ran past Merlin and out the door. Merlin chased after him. They ran though the castle, recieving more than a few stares as they flew by. But neither noticed. Both were intent on their mission: get to Uther.

As the approached the throne room the stopped suddenly. Merlin took in what he saw. Gwaine and the other gaurds were laying on the floor outside, unconcious...or maybe...

"Will! My father!" Arthur yelled as he pulled open the doors.

The sight inside was almost worse. Uther stood staring at Morgana in absolute shock, unarmed, unable to defend himself. Morgana's hand was out and her eyes flashed a brilliant gold. A bright light escaped from her hand.

Merlin didn't even think. It was like before, when he saved Arthur from the woman impersonating Lady Helen. Time slowed as he and Arther ran toward the two. A second later, although it felt like much longer than that, Merlin hit Morgana and they both fell to the floor, just as Arthur knocked down Uther, her spell going off in another direction, blowing a pillar apart. In rage her eyes flashed once more and Merlin flew backward, hitting the wall. Pain swelled in his body but he pushed it aside as he jumped up. Arthur drew his sword and pointed it to Morgana.

"I knew it!" Arthur growled, "You're nothing more than a traitor, Morgana."

She laughed. "That's right." She said, and, with a quick mumble and a flash of gold Arthur's sword flew out of his hand. "Nice try, Arthur. But you must have realized that a piece of metal and a little luck could stop me."

Merlin tried to get up. He let his magic flow within him. His secret didn't matter anymore, he had come full circle.

"!" Came a yell from the doors. Every head turned to see Gwaine standing in the doorway, just as he threw his sword. Before anyone could even react to it it spun across the room straight toward Morgana's heart.

And then she was gone.

Merlin stared straight at the place were Morgana once stood as the sword continued its flight and landed, sliding across the floor.

"Gwaine!" Arthur ripped his eyes off the spot where Morgana had disappeared and went to Gwaine, grabbing his arm, "Thank you."

"She got away." Gwaine growled, pulling his arm from Arthur and going to Merlin to help him up.

"And she'll be back with an army. Gwaine, go prepare the Knights for a seige. Father, we have to prepare. She plans to attack with an army of sorcerers." Uther's face showed nothing. No emotion. It was only staring at the spot that Morgana once was, "Father-"

"She betrayed me. I trusted her..."

"Father..."

"Prepare the castle for battle. This ends here." And without another word Uther stormed out of the throne room, a thousand emotions on his face. Merlin and Arthur exchanged glances.

This was his chance. He could tell Arthur now.

"Arthur-"

"Spread the word. Find Lancelot and start the evacuation from the lower town. Everyone is to be moved into the castle. I have to go prepare for the attack." Arthur commanded him, leaving the throne room in a rush. Merlin stared after him, crushed. He had missed his chance to tell him. He had promised himself he would but...

There was work to do. And without another thought he left to find Lancelot.

MERLIN

This was the end. How could they fight off an army of sorcerers? Whether there was twenty or two hundred Camelot didn't stand a chance. Its only chance was gone, destroyed by Camelot itself, as if asking for this fate. But Arthur wasn't about to just give up. He would fight to the end to protect Camelot, no matter what it took.

"Arthur, the Knights are preparing for the attack. And evacuation into the city has begun, led by Lancelot. And weapons are being distributed, and the city closed down for seige." Gwaine told Arthur, as he approached him. Arthur nodded and Gwaine began to walk away.

"Wait, Gwaine."

"Yes?" Arthur walked up to him, so no one would hear his question.

"Do we even stand a chance? We have no way of protecting ourselves against a magical army, no matter what size."

"I don't know Arthur, but if we dwell on if we even stand a chance I can tell you for sure that we don't." Gwaine answered, before walking away.

Arthur stared after him, shocked at the truth in his answer.

"Arthur!" Arthur spun around to see Gwen rushing toward him.

"Gwen." He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her furiously. When they broke apart, Gwen was blushing, "Sorry," he said, "But this may be the last time I get to do that Gwen."

"Don't be so sure, Arthur. We do have a chance of winning, I know it. So stop worrying and do what you have to to protect Camelot. We will survive." Gwen said, forcefully. Arthur was amazed at her confidence. "Now go. You have a city to protect." And without another word she smiled and hurried away.

A new strength flooded through him. Maybe they stood a chance. Maybe they could survive this battle.

Or maybe this battle would be his last.

MERLIN

Merlin was frantic. After telling Lancelot to evacuate the lower town he ran up to Gaius's room. He needed his book, and he needed guidance. Although he couldn't tell Arthur, he knew it was time to tell Gaius.

Gaius jumped as Merlin bursted through the door, slamming it behind him.

"Will! Wha-" Gaius started, but before he could finish Merlin pulled the amulet from around his neck.

Gaius's face turned from one of surprise to one of complete confusion. He dropped the bandages in his arms and stared at his ward, standing right in front of him.

"Merlin?" He exclaimed, "You're-I thought you left!"

Merlin shrugged, "I guess I couldn't. And where would we be if I had? Who do you think told Arthur about the upcoming attack?"

Gaius shook his head before crossing the room to quickly embrase Merlin, "Well I'm glad you're here now."

Merlin smiled and, with a flash of his eyes sent the pile of bandages into Gaius's bag.

"Gaius, I need help." He said, "Morgana has an army of sorcerers. And Camelot has one."

And that's that :D This will be my last chapter posted in 2011. So I'll see you all in 2012!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!