I do not own Merlin.
This story is set post reveal. Well, to be exact it is set about a year after the happenings in 'Night of Destiny' (5.05) This is not a direct sequel, so you can read it separately without any problems.
The next two chapters are going to be action laden. This is the big fight after all! Hope you enjoy it!
As for the spells: The first one was used in 5.13, but I used an old English translator for the rest. They are real old English words, but I really do not know whether they make sense the way I have put them together. If anyone should want to know what the words mean I am happy to let you know!
Morgana revelled in Merlin's scream. He deserved every single drop of grief there was for what he had done to her. There was nothing she liked better than seeing him outwitted and crying out in anguish. But this was where her pleasure ended. She had seen Edgar strike him, yet he was not injured. And Edgar? She stared at him in disbelief. What was happening? What sinister magic was Merlin using? How could he defy a weapon as powerful as the sword the prince was wielding?
Still, Merlin would not win this time. She was determined to have her revenge.
'Aithusa' She called the dragon to her and then she whispered some commanding words into her ear.
oooooooooo
The crowd stood there mouths gaping wide open. Nobody knew for a second how to react to the unexpected display of magic and the eerie cry of pain that had followed it. Hunith searched Merlin's face in confusion and what she found there reflected very much her own feelings. In an instant she could tell from his reaction that the magic could not have been his. He was as surprised as everyone else. But who would believe him? She was just about to cry 'It was not Merlin's magic!' when a huge shadow fell upon the gathering.
All eyes went upwards to witness a white dragon sweeping down ready to breathe fire and death onto them.
'The sorcerer has summoned a dragon!' 'He is going to kill us all' 'He is taking revenge!' 'Run!' 'He is turning on us!'
Cries of terror went through the crowd and people were running in panic in all directions trying to save themselves. But the first burst of fire reached them soon enough and bushes and trees went up in flames causing more havoc and dread. Men and woman were thrown to the ground with the force of the flames and many screamed as their clothes caught fire or they got injured in the scramble to get away. Some stumbled in their hurry and fell to the ground, just to be trodden on by others trying to flee.
Merlin turned round to face the dragon and the fury on his face was indescribable. However, instead of running away he walked towards the fierce creature with determined angry steps, seeking its gaze.
A huge roar left his mouth and it was so loud and frightening that everybody froze in their movement just to turn around to find out where it had come from. Many thought it was the dragon that was trying to terrify them further. When people realized it was Merlin, they stood dumbfounded to watch in disbelief.
'Oh dracon. Nun de ge dei sei'kein kai emois epe'essin. Hepestai. Waes!'
The fierce emotion and stern authority in Merlin's voice raised the hairs on the neck of many. Arthur who had known about Merlin's dragonlord skills for more than a year had never seen him perform the ancient language until this moment. And like so many others he could just stand there and stare at his friend whose words and demeanour radiated a power so raw and commanding that it left him with nothing but awe. And I used to call him a clumsy fool! He thought in disbelief.
When Aithusa heard the commands of her dragonlord she stopped in mid-air flapping her huge bony wings and looked at Merlin. The crowd gasped unsure what to expect. Would Merlin tell it to attack them again? Would he command the dragon to finish them all off?
Aithusa fixed the warlock as if she was considering his command, but like any other dragon she had but no choice than to follow the command of a dragonlord. And she turned round, confused and ashamed, and then disappeared behind the big oak trees at the end of the training field.
oooooooooo
Morgana cried out in horror, too. As soon as Merlin had opened his mouth she understood why the sword had refused to hurt him. A dragonlord could not be cut down by a weapon forged by the creatures he was protecting. It could not turn against him, but on the contrary would seek to shield him from any harm that might befall him. That was why Edgar had been rendered motionless.
Merlin – a dragonlord? How could it be? To her knowledge her father had eliminated them all, one by one, in the times of the Great Purge. Why did Merlin, out of all people, have to possess this revered skill as well? Morgana's lip tightened as she clenched her jaws. Pure hatred surged through her veins. The feeling was so intense she could hardly see clearly. With her face flushed and her heart pounding she walked towards the clearing where Merlin had sent the dragon away.
oooooooooo
As soon as Merlin had laid his eyes on Aithusa he knew that Morgana would not be far afield.
'Face me, Morgana!' He shouted loudly so everyone could hear him.
Whispers of shock went through the people who had stood frozen to witness how Merlin had defeated the dragon. It had listened to him like a scolded dog and instead of causing more damage it had left peacefully. At that moment they realized that Merlin had saved rather than condemned them. When the people heard the witch's name though, murmurs of fear spread through the crowds again. Morgana!
'Hello, Merlin' The witch greeted him with a smirk on her face as she stepped out of the shadows of the forest. Although her voice sounded outwardly calm the wild glow in her eyes gave away her inner rage.
Merlin sought her eyes and stared straight into them. This had been all her doing. The sword had been meant for him and it would have been his death had he not inherited the skills of a dragonlord from his father. Morgana had not been aware of his heritage and had failed miserably in her intentions.
'I see you are playing the hero again.' She laughed condescendingly stalking round him like a wolf ready to pounce on a deer.
'Why did you hide, Morgana. Are you afraid?' Merlin sneered at her. 'I am Emrys and I am the last dragonlord. You should have chosen your weapon more carefully.'
Morgana flinched at hearing the dreaded name that had haunted her dreams for what seemed to be a lifetime. She had woken so many nights bathed in her sweat and trembling at the voice of the Cailleach she had heard in her dream uttering that prophecy again and again. Prophecies do not all come true. Morgana's chin moved forward in defiance.
'Our meeting was interrupted quite rudely last time. We should really continue where we left off. ..' she said and she lifted her arms at the same time mumbling a spell. A red fireball the size of a head had appeared in her hand and as soon as it was visible it shot straight at Merlin. But the warlock had been ready and deflected it with a mere wave of his hand. It exploded in thousand little pieces, scorching the ground where ever they detonated.
Morgana reacted immediately and whispered another spell. Within seconds, where the sparks had fallen, jaggy roots shot out of the ground and started to entwine Merlin's arms and legs tying him tightly to the ground. They responded to his every move tightening more and more as he strained and twisted in the attempt to free himself.
And to make matters worse Merlin suddenly felt the ground beneath him soften turning into a sluggish bog. The roots had wrapped themselves all around his body pulling him into the mushy earth with full force.
The crowds gasped at seeing Merlin in such a desperate situation. Arthur grabbed his sword and moved forward but Merlin stopped him in his tracks.
'Stefnas afeorse!' The warlock had already responded with a counter spell.
It took him only a split second to realize that … nothing had happened. Nothing at all.
Merlin tried again. 'Stefnas afeorse!' He could feel his magic rumble inside him, but still nothing happened. All he felt was the steady pull of the roots dragging him into the brown mud.
Morgana cried out in hysterical laughter as she watched him struggling to escape. 'There is no point. Great Emrys.' She explained with glee and the stress on 'great' was dripping with sarcasm. Years of studying all nuances of dark magic had finally paid off.
'The roots are keeping your magic locked up inside.' She taunted him.
Uneasiness bordering on panic spread through Merlin. If he could not use his magic how would he be able to protect everyone? It was clear that Morgana was fully intent to have her revenge … on all of them. She had caused so much misery to so many innocent lives for such a long time. He could not give up.
'Stefnas afeorse' He commanded with more intensity and felt the brown ropes quiver, but they did not give way.
'Well, this should give you enough time to watch, before it is your turn to die.' The witch smirked in a satisfied tone.
Merlin head shot up to look at her. He was angry, very angry and he clenched his teeth so hard the veins on his neck became visible. Not only because he realized that she would spare no one, but because she knew that watching those die he loved most was worse than death itself. With his magic entrapped inside him he was left paralyzed and defenceless. The guilt, horror and frustration that washed over him hurt more than the physical pain the roots were causing him as they cut through his arms and legs while they were pulling him under with increasing speed. Like this he was condemned to watch as events unfolded around him.
As soon as Morgana had started to attack Merlin. Ariana had taken a run and ripped the sword out of Edgar's stiff hand. Being a druid she had also understood that the weapon had been the source of the magic that they had witnessed. If was clear that it held a lot of power and it would be useful if they wanted to beat the witch.
When the roots shot out of the ground to immobilise Merlin she jumped forward to hack away at them with all her might. Merlin! She knew that without his magic they would all be lost. The brown roots hissed at her as if they were alive and each time she cut one through a little wailing sound emanated from them. But as soon as one died away at her hands a new one shot up to take its place.
'How sweet!' Morgana smirked watching her futile efforts. 'She is trying to save you again.' and with one look she blasted Ariana to the ground sending Edgar's sword flying.
'Ariana!' Merlin's eyes had widened and the blue went vacant with the shock of seeing her body smash on the ground and remaining there, completely still. In desperation he struggled wildly to get at least his hands out of his shackles, but to no avail. The roots just dug deeper into his skin and blood started to stain his tunic and breeches.
'Forbearne' He whispered, hoping that maybe such a simple spell would be effective. A surge downwards was the depressing answer and the roots pulled him into the bog up to his waist.
At this moment Arthur appeared behind Morgana, his sword ready for a fight. He would have attacked her earlier had Merlin not stopped him, but he felt he had waited too long to face her himself and was ready to do whatever it took. If there had been any feelings of brotherly love left for her at this stage they would have completely evaporated at the sight of her cruelty. First Merlin, then Ariana. Not to speak of Guinevere. She is as good as dead because of you! Anger and outrage at the injustice engulfed him as he took a step closer to the sister he had once loved. Guinevere had never done anything harmful to Morgana, and yet she had punished her with a gruesome fate. She had taken her away from him and it filled him with the determination to finish it once and for all.
'You are pure evil.' He said and added in a deadly tone. 'And you will be punished for it.'
With a small mumble Morgana retrieved Edgar's sword and it flew into her hand.
'I see you want to finish our little game.' Morgana grinned maliciously. 'I will do you the honour to die like a knight.' And she lifted her sword ready to attack him.
Their swords, both forged in a dragon's breath, clashed against each other and each time they came into contact red sparks flew in all directions. Morgana had always been an excellent swordswoman and she still commanded the weapon with the utmost skill. Arthur had the benefit of strength and practice, but Morgana moved fast and the blade doused in magic suited her.
Merlin watched as they fought, despairing at the knowledge that this could end only one way. He needed to get rid of the roots. Arthur was in serious danger and he had to protect him. The thought that his friend would die before his very eyes with him unable to do anything to stop it sent frantic waves of nausea through his body.
'Stefnas afeorse!' he commanded yet again, but the roots just hissed and quivered, but did not release him. I must think. There must be a way. He tried to calm himself, but he could already smell the stench of the brown mud as it started to swallow his torso.
Arthur had gained on the witch and he had sensed that she was losing her strength when he struck blow on blow upon her.
'This is for Guinevere.' He pushed out between his teeth as he jumped forward and slashed her upper arm. Morgana's eyes widened in horror, not because it was a serious injury, but because she was well aware of the power the weapon held. And she felt it in an instant, her face twisting with the pain it caused.
'That is enough!' She hissed and with a flick of her hand she threw a spell straight at Arthur's chest. The force of it sent him flying towards a huge rock and Merlin could only watch helplessly as Arthur crashed into it heavily leaving his body in an oddly crooked position. As he fell, his head smacked into the hard surface and a gaping wound was cut on the back of it. Blood started gashing over his neck and covered his shoulders and his chest in seconds. And all Merlin could do was watch in horror, and his insides screamed with frustration and anguish when he witnessed the eyes of his friend darken and his head drop.
Arthur! This cannot happen. No! Merlin's heart pounded so hard against his ribcage he could hardly breathe. His friend, his brother, had been struck down by the witch, yet he had been condemned to idleness. Sweat started pouring down his face and his muscles were near tearing as he tried yet again to rip the roots apart.
'Merlin!' Merlin's head shot round in surprise as he heard Ariana's voice behind him.
A sigh of relief escaped his mouth when he realized that she only been knocked out momentarily and had not been seriously hurt by the fall she had suffered. Run! he shouted at her in his mind when she was rising from the ground with shaky legs. Save yourself!
But Ariana had only one aim – to destroy the bonds that held the warlock. She drew the knife that she always kept in the fold of her dress and hacked frantically at the root that held Merlin's hand. Run! he urged her yet again, but it was already too late.
'Oh my. You are one for trying!' Morgana ridiculed her efforts with another derisive laugh. 'You have crossed my plans for the last time, little princess!' She shouted at Ariana and at that she lifted her hand to clench a fist and she squeezed it tight and tighter. Ariana started to pant violently instantly and she clutched her chest as excruciating pain filled every corner of it.
'No! Leave her!' Merlin shouted and Morgana delighted at the hurt in his voice. The warlock gasped in horror and dread. I must do something. He thought for the hundredth time but failing to find a way. His magic rumbled louder as he fought back against the force that held him with even more determination. But the roots punished him instantly by slicing into his limbs deeper and deeper and the blood that seeped out of his wounds ran down along his arms and chest. He did not even feel the pain of itfor the fear of losing her. She is dying. Do something! He closed his eyes and concentrated just on that last root that Ariana had managed to slice through half way. 'Stefnas afeorse!' He mumbled while he was pulling at it with all his might., combining his strength and magic for full effect.
Snap! The tie ripped and his hand was free.
Ariana's eyes had widened as she was trying frantically to catch the breath she could not get. With one quick move Merlin blasted a gust of wind at the witch in the hope it would break the spell, but he could feel that his magic was still kept in check by the force that was holding him and did not have its usual power. Morgana tumbled in confusion, but it was long enough to interrupt the flow the magic that had been streaming from her hand.
Merlin's head shot round when he noticed that his efforts had had some effect, but as soon as he saw Ariana he realized that he had been too late. Her knees had caved in and she fell to the floor desperate for air to reach her lungs. Her eyes were filled with the terror of knowing that she could breathe no longer and then she collapsed on the ground, pale and lifeless.
'Ariana' Merlin whispered in disbelief and numb with shock. At the same time he felt how two roots, stronger and thicker entwined the hand he had freed with so much effort again. Morgana laughed triumphantly.
Merlin's world just stood still for a second. Arthur had fallen and his crippled body was lying on the ground, still and covered in blood. Ariana was gone. He had seen her die with his own eyes. He had lost them both. And that was too much to bear. It was incomprehensible. Because he should have saved them. He had failed them when they needed him most. A quiet sob loosened in his chest and his heart drowned in the hopelessness of the situation.
'This is turning into a great day.' Morgana's elated shout brought him back to reality.
'And now….Emrys. It is your turn.' Her voice was singing with excitement.
Does anyone else agree that Morgana always got the best spells in Merlin? Quite unfair, considering that Merlin is the greatest warlock of all!
I missed seeing more substantial 'Merlin magic' in season 5 particularly (yes, we did have the earthquake and the lightning in 5.13, but still ... IMO it could have been so much more!)
Anyway, he is having quite a grim time at the moment, we'll see what happens next in chapter 22!