The tears of Uther Pendragon
A lot has changed in a year. Almost exactly 365 days since Morgana had been kidnapped, I mean if you're talking about the important stuff then no Camelot was still strong (though still rebuilding the corner parts of the castle from the dragon attack) Father was still stubborn and controlling with a new reason to put curfews on me, a dress code when in his presence and another warning to keep my relationship with Merlin to a minimum.
None of which I actually followed apart from the slight dress code thing just to keep him on my side. Arthur was still an arrogant prat but now that the dragon threat was gone and Merlin was dealing with his grief for his father, he was 100% focused on searching for a missing Morgana by traveling to areas of Camelot lands even I would avoid. They went on weekly missions to the point where the search teams were barely fed and rested before father would send them out on another hunt.
Then there was me. Little old, magical princess, secretly future wife of a sorcerer who is destiny to make Arthur the best king this world has ever known. Yup and that's just what I can think of this Morning, he's also a servant, a kind hearted man, a dragon lord, a legend known as 'Emry's' amongst the druids. Oh and I mention he's my brother's servant?
Merlin had gone with Arthur to one of the more far away lands in which I dare not even think of. I knew my magic would send me to him if he needed me so I let that thought keep my emotions at bay. Hundred's of men have died in this search for Morgana and Father was not listening to reason, I've tried, Gaius has tried, Arthur's tried, he just will not rest, think or do anything until Morgana was found. He'd be an emotional wreck until the day we find her. This was going to end badly one of two ways… we will find Morgana and she's as evil as she is stubborn or we don't find her and this kingdom falls to ruins (again) because father cannot find anything else to fixate on other than the fact that one of his 'children' has gone and not even care for the emotions of the two he has left.
I felt the danger and worry from Merlin but nothing to make me move from my chair but I did stop the sewing the blanket to concentrate on Merlin's emotion's instantly and when he felt shock along with sarcastic happiness I knew it could mean only one thing…Morgana. Oh that's just bloody fantastic. You know It's ironic how the whol kingdom keeps asking me how I remain so calm about my emotions about Morgana being missing and as heartless as it sounds, I didn't want her back. We were finally getting along without her, if Father could just learn to deal with his failure of a child then maybe it would be all good… but then it's too much to ask for a perfect life isn't it?
I was there when Arthur rode into town with Morgana laying in his arms sleeping. Merlin caught sight of me and slowed down enough for me to jump on the front of his horse and I smiled at him sadly.
"Too good to last wasn't it?" Merlin nodded
"I did not want her dead, but if she is back to bring harm upon Camelot we must be vigilant" I laughed
"That's a very wise thing of you to say dear… now want to tell me what happened?" He climbed off his horse and caught me as I came off it too and handed it to the stable staff.
"Same old thing really. Arthur thought I was laying down on the job, when I actually saved myself from 2 men and killed another protecting him. Feeling unappreciated seemed almost expect nowadays and she came running out of the tree's looking lost and confused, good sister Morgause turned out to be. How was your weekend? I'm sorry I could not be here" I smiled softly at him
"Oh no it's fine honestly. I was adding the new patches to that blanket" Merlin rolled his eyes sweetly at me
"You realise that blanket is to be endless by the time we get to having children" Children was a thing we both wanted but something we dare not conceive not with all this danger around and our destiny lurking and I still believe Father would have both our heads if he were to find out.
"That's the point, we add all our adventures, this blanket is more colourful than your scarfs. I have some form of every enemy we've ever fought. A patch dedicated to almost every person in our lives, though you may have to add one for me somewhere on there as I do not know what to pick" Merlin sighed at me as if it was what had expect.
"I shall design one as soon as I can" Merlin stayed with me that afternoon knowing that Morgana being home meant, Arthur would be tending to her every wimp and making sure Gwen knew she was okay before deciding to actually eat. Merlin was pacing and I knew why he was worried. He'd poisoned Morgana and she knew it, if she spoke to father about it… not only would Merlin be in danger of being executed but I would probably too because I knew Merlin well enough to know what he was planning. I sighed loudly
"Merlin it's fine. If worse comes to worst I'll tell father I did it but you tried to cover for me. I'll tell him it was all me, that way Camelot and it's destiny will still survive" Merlin's laugh was unhumoured at that moment.
"You don't think you play any part in Camelot's history Adira? Come on, you're the women who kept your brother sane, you're the women who kept me grounded and sane and not to mention you have some of the strongest magic this world have even known, Apart from mine but that's because my destiny permits it to be so" I laugh
"What is it with Men and the size of their abilities?" Merlin laugh was actually humoured then
"Because ladies such as yourself would never expect anything less" I sighed
"Well at least you know how to make a joke, it's good in these situations" Merlin slumped back into his seat just as Gaius stormed in.
"Gaius did she say anything? About Merlin? About me?" Gaius shook his head
"She's asleep. Does she know of your magic?" we both shook our heads
"No Gaius no one does, you know that" Gaius let out a shaky breath
"Good" Merlin shakes his head
"But she knows I tried to poison her…" Gaius's reply was true but it didn't make the worry any less real
"You had to, she was the source of the curse, it was either her dying or the kingdom falling" I nodded my head at him
"That's all fine and dandy but she doesn't actually have to say that, because no one knows it but us she could just say Merlin poisoned her" Gaius was out of advice
"We can't be sure Merlin" I sighed and fell back into my chair and a rare thing happened… Merlin's words surprised me
"What do you think Uther will do to me?" I grabbed his arm
"We won't know anything till tomorrow and even if Father placed me under lock and key with guards… god knows I've got past those issues enough I'll break out with magic if need be and get you out of Camelot. It's not what I want to do, but I'll sure as hell do it if it comes to it" Merlin knew not to argue with me. He knew not to stop me because I would do it.
The following morning when Gaius came in and told Merlin Arthur wanted to see him in Morgana's chambers I took it upon myself to accompany him. We slowly entered the room and Morgana was speaking to Arthur, telling him how the bandits who had killed the patrol of over 200 hundred men were preoccupied and she took her escape. I didn't believe it, those men killed some of Camelot's best and all because they had riches to fuss over and not her she was about to escape? I believe that as much as I believe Arthur when he tells me he doesn't love Gwen.
Arthur got up to take his leave and Merlin was about to follow him as he was the one who requested him and quite frankly I knew Merlin was sick with worry about Arthur's opinion of him but I saw nothing in Arthur that he knew what had gone on.
"Merlin" Morgana called just as he took to stepping in the doorway. "I want to speak to you" I never realised how enchanting and persuasive her voice was until that moment, another reason she probably always got what she wanted, well apart from our father dead.
"I know what you did" She didn't seem at all concerned with the fact that I was in the room, but maybe she was so emotional she didn't notice.
"You tried to poison me" Oh dear lord, the evil and anger in her voice put my nerves on edge.
"I- I didn't want to" Came his barely there voice and I just wanted to hug him, my poor baby. But then Morgana smiled one of the falsest smiles I've ever seen and said
"It's alright Merlin I understand, you were just trying to protect your friends… I would have done the same" Over my dead body was she ever poisoning Merlin.
"Really?" For once I couldn't tell if Merlin was falling for it or playing along, which was odd for me.
"I was so naïve Merlin, I don't think I ever really understood what I was doing, but believe me I've seen the evils of this world, I've seen first hand what Uther fights against" Yes and that's all fine and dandy because so have I, but it doesn't mean I believe his every word.
"You don't know how much I regret everything that I've done, I hope you can forgive me" Oh please… you should be forgiving him and now all because of some stupid 'fake' kidnapping you're saying he needs to forgive you? Erm hello controlling much. I bet the second we are gone she's smirking evily.
"I am so sorry for everything you've been through, it's good to have you back" Came Merlin's once again shocking revelation. In what Universe was it good to have someone who was probably going to kill us whether she knew she was or not a good thing? Urg. I sound like a heartless bitch, but your trust goes down when someone willingly admits to wanting your Father dead and would do anything to see it come true and then be used to make such a thing possible… it didn't set well in my books because if the spell on Morgana hadn't happened I'm sure her and Morgause would have found some other way to get to father and kill him.
Morgana then seemed to notice me and she gasped and crawled over her bed at me.
"Oh Adira, you mustn't hate Merlin for what he did" Maybe it was the look of shock I was giving him but she seemed to think I was angry at him for poisoning her? Really?I laughed and shook my head
"I don't know what to be more shocked about, the fact that he kept it from me or that he could hide his guilt from me an entire year… maybe I don't know him as well as I think" Merlin looked at me speechless then.
"My lady, you must understand I did not want to burden you" He knew how to play along, thank god a Merlin I could understand.
"No it's because you didn't trust the fact that I would go straight to my father with the news… sometimes Merlin, Ignorance doesn't want to be bliss "I turned to Morgana and kissed her forehead softly and smiled at her
"Don't worry we'll leave you to rest, please know I do not ever want to lose you again" I straight up after she shared a hug with me.
"Merlin" I said a little too controlling.
"Yes my lady?" I turned towards the door
"Follow me" He bowed and with one look out back into the room I winked at Morgana who's facial expressions were exactly what they should. I saw it then…her rage, her magical strength (she had learnt a lot), her survival skills at being whatever she needed whether that be a damsel in distress or a warrior princess, she knew just how to play people… especially the ones she knew.
Later that Morning I knew Merlin was getting on with his chorus and he was happy, maybe Morgana's forgiveness meant he felt safe, at least for the moment. I decided walking would clear my head and the atmosphere was ecstatic, the traders were noiser and perkier than usual, the women around town were happily gossiping about what they could, which always set them in a good mood. Even the knights who I found walking out of the training grounds, it always amazed me how some good news and bright day would bring out the best in human nature.
I caught sight of the knights laughing and playing around like they usually did. Most were in their causal clothes, some had their chainmail on but none of them looked weighed down by it. They all looked more handsome in the sunlight, even though Merlin was the only kind of handsome that did it for me, it helped to appreciate what was out there right? Mary who was holding her now 2 year olds hand as they went on a rare shopping trip walked over
"Anything take your fancy?" and I knew she wasn't talking about the stalls products. I laughed
"They're all handsome Mary, but days like today you can really tell why they represent the best the kingdom has to offer. Beautiful in style and in heart… or so that's what Merlin always tells me" Mary laughed, she'd knew for a long time that the subtext of mine and Merlin's relationship was more than 'just friends' but she kept her thoughts and the knowledge to herself, which I appreciated to a great extent
"Oh Merlin again, how is he? He's not had the best year" I smiled softly at her knowing she referring to his trip back home to find one of his neighbours had died along with the yearly battle wounds you got from running from bandits, magical creatures and dealing with Arthur.
"He's okay considering, smiling like crazy this morning, can you not feel the happiness in this kingdom right now? It's like the sun is putting a light on the things that shine brightest in us" Mary smiled as her son ran towards one of the servants I knew to be one of his babysitters.
"You always did have a way with words Adira, be careful though it's easy to see why more men fall at your feet than they have sense" I smiled brightly at her
"Men rarely has sense Mary, but I shall take the advice in kind thank you" It was at that moment that I felt a familiar sense, Mary had never seen one of my episodes so when I fell forward she screamed and as the images of Morgana's evil to come… things that put me even on edge I could hear people screaming for Gaius to be called and I knew instinctively Merlin was on his way. He ran faster than any man I knew and within the 5 minutes it took for the vision to finish with flashes of Kilgarrah, murder attempts, set ups, manipulations but it was all vague… as if to warn me it was to come but not enough to be helpful but the last thing I saw before I heard Merlin shouting at people to get out of his way was Morgana's evil smirk… a look that if I hadn't known what it meant I might have said it looked good on her.
"Adira, Adira… please" I kept my eyes closed and I knew that Merlin was lifting my aching head onto his lap.
"Did no one thing to support her head?" searching the crowd which was now being controlled by the knights that had looked so carefree. I mumbled and stirred
"Mary? Mary where is Mary I need Mary" Mary who had been watching from the front of the crowd rushed over, the knights having heard my interest in her being at my side. I did not open my eyes as she grabbed my hands
"Mary, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean—" I could hear her sobbing
"No no Adira it's fine honestly. But why did you collapse" Merlin spoke then
"She can tell you later, privately but for now she needs to be seen by Gaius before she is moved and then she needs to rest, drink and eat" He spoke to me then
"Adira when did you last eat?" my hand fell to my face
"Last night…" Merlin's angry grew slightly
"What have I told you about caring for yourself? You're just lucky I do it for you" I rolled my eyes (that were still closed) and laughed when Merlin said
"Don't think I don't see you rolling your eyes at me Adira, that's not polite especially when hidden" Mary laughed at the banter and I smiled softly at him and I wonder just how many knights were looking at him in disgust
"So tell me Merlin now many is it this time?" Merlin laughed
"Just the 3, I'm surprised to be honest. I always get some form of jealous glare from Leon" Who was probably out of ear shot. Merlin answered Mary's silent question.
"Oh the knights get jealous of how easy and comfortable I am around Adira and how she lets me be so comfortable… but like she always says 'gotta keep me on my toes'" Mary nodded
"I did tell you be careful" I laughed as my eyes fluttered open and adjusted to the bright sun which was being blocked by Merlin's big head
"Merlin did I ever tell you how big your head is?" Merlin laughed whole heartedly at that.
"Oh and would you rather I move it so you get blinded by the sun?" I shake head and I realised why people hated us like this, we were flirting, I'd never thought of it that way. Just that Merlin always knew what to say and when to say it.
"No, but I do have a question? Why are you all wet?" Merlin sighed
"you Need to ask?" I sighed
"You know I'm gonna kill him. You scrubbed the whole floor and let me guess he walked over it? You told him he had no idea how to use a bucket of water to which he threw it over your head?" Merlin nodded
"You know you're freakly accurate sometimes" I smiled brightly at him
"One of my many charms I guess" I sensed a change in atmosphere, Gaius was here and he did not look impressed.
By the time I had been given permission to leave Gaius's chambers having to explain why my episode was so long and had search Morgana's room just to be sure and found her gone I was pissed. If I did not know where she was, I could take a good guess as to whom she was with and it had something to do with Father and Camelot and betrayal but to what end I did not know and it pissed me off to think such a thing.
By morning and knowing Merlin had gone to the training session as he sometimes does, to know the knights ways of fighting so if any were to betray Camelot of not seem themselves he could tell who they were by their battling ways. He knew Arthur's ways best of all but that didn't surprise me as Arthur was the one he saw fighting most and feeling dizzy and in need something to do I allowed myself the ability of seeing Merlin at work without him knowing, mostly due to the fact if I walk over I'm going to get looks of sympathy and words of kindness for something I'd rather not think about. It was rare you could catch him unaware of the people around him because he was so conscious of what he did or said in front of certain people and if I was honest the habit had come easily to me too.
I got to Merlin's side just as Arthur turned to his knights
"I don't need a blindfold I'll just fight like Merlin here" Doing a whimpering cry of a scared man. I wonder if I could spill the fact that was Arthur exact reaction to the dogs at age 5 when he was forced to spend a day in their presences.
"I'm Merlin don't hurt me" I shouldn't have laughed at the words but it was rather funny and he caught my eye after sharing that 'I got you now' look with Arthur.
"Adira please, he's embarrassing me" I scoffed taking a seat next to him
"When is he not embarrassing you… give me a moment and I'll prove to you what embarrassing is" I found the right moment to make the weapon hit Arthur in the stomach and make him fall in the mud and I did nothing to hide my laughter. When he stood up he wiped the mud off his face and turned to me, the only one who wasn't afraid to laugh at him.
"Adira That was not funny" I smiled as I walked over to him winked at Merlin with one glance.
"Oh dear brother it's very funny the knights are just far too scared of you to do so… me on the other hand… meh not so much" Arthur crossed his arms
"I'd like to see you do any better" Leon was about to step in and I held my hand up to him
"No no Leon, if he wants to make a fool out of himself, again. Then so be it… any of you knights have any objects to me fighting him one on one?" The knights all bowed or shook their heads in agreement to me fighting him and Merlin was at my side bowing and handing me a sword within seconds of realising just what I was doing,
"My lady, a beautiful sword for a beat—" I took the sword
"Beautiful lady, aww even when predictable it's cute…Now Merlin watch and learn this is how you're meant to fight someone" Merlin nodded and stepped back to join the crowd of knights. Arthur and I shook hands like a traditional battle and then circled each other testing each other's limits and patience.
"Do you really think a girl can beat me? Why are you so focused on proving what I already know?" I smiled too brightly at him
"Because sometimes that ego of your needs a little… nope HUGE deflating and if I have to prove women are just as able as men to do so then so be it" I was bored of all this circling I felt dizzy as it was. I stepped forwards and made my sword clash with his and for a while we fought and I was holding back making Arthur think he was just as good at me. I stepped back a moment close to Merlin
"Dear could you do me the honour of helping me pick a dress for the feast this evening?" Merlin laughs and nods knowing I knew exactly when and what Arthur was going to do next
"Of course…" We fought a little while longer and I stepped near the crowd again to catch Leon
"Hey Leon don't suppose you wanna be a girls friendly date for this evening?" Leon smiled
"You know the answer before you asked I'll find you at Gaius's chambers at the usual time, be aware your father is in a strange mood" I was about to ask but Arthur's roaring charge made me concentrate on him. He was pissed I could keep up and have a convocation.
"How can you—" He says between clashes of swords "fight me" I smile softly at him "With such an effortless pace?" I stepped close to him and smiled our sword caught in air.
"Because it takes a couple years to realise you're training is to improve the knights fighting ability and yes over the years you've gotten better but you fail to realise knowing someone way of fighting is almost as important as knowing how to fight" I smiled at him
"For example…" with one quick move I had Arthur on the floor and my sword pinned to his chest. The crowd cheered especially Merlin who was giving me his famous happy grin. Arthur should now know never to insult Merlin publicly like that again… at least I hope that's the message he got.
"TO LADY MORGANA" The whole hall shouted and I saw Morgana share a hug with father and then father almost fell over. I caught his arm as did Morgana with the other and he excused himself for some air. Merlin who I still didn't think truly believed in Morgana's intentions again did not see the evil smile on Morgana's face… urg seriously how in a room full of people can she be able to get away with it?
I knew I had to follow father and so the next moment I could I caught Merlin's eye and told him to follow me to find father. Of all the things I was expecting to find, what we did find surprised me, he was crying on the floor screaming a name, a name I had not heard him speak for almost 20 years… mother's name. I knew then something was wrong, mothers name was almost as avoided as the word 'Magic' around Father. Merlin and I grabbed his arms and I told one of the knights to get Gaius, who too was inside enjoying the feast. He caught up with us as we were half way there and to my disappointment Arthur and Morgana had followed him. Gaius set to asking us the events and then examining them best he could.
As we entered father's chambers I heard this horrid screech, it only last for one second… but it set the very base of my mind and my hearing on edge. I felt Merlin flinch and Morgana's eyes darken with the sound… magic! it can only be heard by people with magic but did that even mean anything?. Arthur soon demanded answer from Gaius as him, Merlin and I left the room to let Gaius get on with his job. Arthur continued to scream at Gaius and we had to tell him to calm down as Gaius is only trying to be respectful to father imagine and health.
I knew Morgana had probably already left to see Morgause or someone to whom she could get the message to Morgause, I didn't know how I knew she would do this or how the screeching noise I heard in fathers room has anything to do with Morgana or the reason father felt ill, but I knew it did. Maybe my vision was telling me sub-consciously? Maybe I just have the ability to put two and two together to get five. I really don't know.
By midday the following morning my nerves were on no good ends. Arthur had reports that Cenrid is building an army and here's me thinking Morgause and her little band was all I had to worry about. Father had another episode when Arthur was delivering that news and that we should set up patrols, a good idea if Arthur ever had one. Gaius was worried more than usual about father and Merlin was trying to act as if Morgana wasn't smirking eviling at the very idea of Cenrid attacking and the thought of her being so happy for the destruction of this kingdom wasn't getting to him.
But to top it all off, one of the knights who actually treated me with respect was found close to death by Leon. I had been with Gaius when the alarm bells sounded and ran with him and Merlin to find Leon standing over him. Leon picked him up on Gaius's instruction and carried him to Gaius's chambers. The man Cedrick awoke an hour after Gaius had treated him. I refused to leave his side.
"L-Lady Adira" I smiled at him
"Cedrick, thank god you're awake. How are you feeling?" He smiled softly at me. Merlin had left to tend to Arthur and Gaius had his usual herb collecting to do.
"Good I'm waking up to such a beautiful face" I smiled softly at him
"Awww so sweet…Cedrick who—" He cut me off and grabbed my hands
"The lady Morgana, she—she—" He fell unconscious then and that was the final straw. To say I was angry was an understatement.
Deciding to grab a jumper and then head out to find Merlin, tell him what Cedrick said. I couldn't decide what to wear but I heard Morgana shout for Gaius and Merlin, obviously not expecting me to be here by myself. I kept hidden knowing Morgana would not hesitate to kill me if she thought she had to. I saw her grab the poison bottle and I wanted to step out and stop her. I wanted to make her pay but I was frozen to my spot, paralyzed by fear, by anger, by betrayal. I watched as she smirked at Cendrick's shocked eyes showing emotion for the last time and then she left quickly and quietly that if I had not seen it clearly to be her I could fool myself into believe it wasn't her, but I had and nothing was going to stop the nightmares I got from these memories.
Merlin and Gaius stepped in moments after that, Merlin who had probably noticed my emotional state then seemed to know where I was in instinctively. He walked into his chambers and was cradling my crying self as soon as he could. I could have smiled because he knew where I would be and after a long moment Gaius was tending to the body the best way he could and I had finally stopped crying
"I'm sorry Adira, I know he was a friend of yours" I smiled hollow at him
"Oh I didn't know him that well, but he was a kind man and one that never failed to make me feel valued, can't believe Morgana killed him" Merlin almost jumped
"W-what?" I scoffed
"Yup Morgana stabbed him the first time around and then poisoned him the second time and I was here to see the whole thing" Merlin cringed to me tighter then
"Adira you could have been serious hurt or—" I cut him off by flinging my arms around his neck and crying again into his shoulder. I was never one for crying but I'd just seen a women who supposedly loved this kingdom and what it stood for, kill a man who lived his life by those standards.
Merlin spent the day clinging to me like I've never seen him do before, I think he fears Morgana more than he'd ever actually tell anyone and the thought of her being able to kill me sent a fear in him he wanted to assure himself that that was not going to happen and if I was honest I couldn't promise it wouldn't happen as if ever faced with evil I'd rather die at her hand than turn against what I've been born to do and that was protect Camelot with my dying breath.
Evening came and I asked Merlin if he'd take me to see father, just to reassure myself of the fact he will be okay and in turn Camelot. Merlin kept his distance from me as we walked into the room not wanting to be shown as intimate with me especially if Father was aware enough to notice our relationship and I was thankful.
I went to stroke his hair as Merlin stood by the door when I stood on something sticky I bent down to check what it was when someone loudly pushed opened the door right into Merlin who flinched only slightly but hid behind the door, taking the hint I hid under the bed when I caught sight of a weed, I was about to grab it when the person who walked in grabbed the weed obviously having placed it there and as the person walked out of the room I caught sight of Morgana's familiar dress.
I wanted to run after her and slap her but Merlin grabbed my arm as I tried to and he whispered to me.
"Adira we need to figure out what she's doing! For all we know this is just part of what's making your father like this… we need to know more" I nodded and we silently and quickly followed Morgana. We got half way there when I had to stop because I'd twisted my ankle slightly, not enough to stop anything but it made me slow in following her. I told Merlin to go on ahead because my magic was linked to his so I'd always find him. I was just hidden and out of ear reach when Merlin's panic set in and I knew that was a 'I'm in a dangerous situation' panic not a 'I need to protect Camelot' kind of panic. I rushed as quickly as I could and what I saw stopped me dead in my tracks.
Merlin unconscious being dragged and put in chains. I followed them as they were too busy pulling Merlin to notice me limping and following them. When they finally came to a stop and threw Merlin on the ground I found a good hiding place and waited, I don't see what else I could do considering Morgause would see me coming and I knew Morgana was probably around somewhere and I couldn't carry Merlin out of here myself, magically or another wise.
I must have fallen asleep because I stirred and awoke with a deep intake of breath and I knew Merlin was conscious as my sub consciousness had noticed. I turned and looked at the scene in front of me. He looked okay, he looked scared and slightly pissed but he looked unharmed for the most part.
"You intrigue me Merlin, why does a lowely servant continue to risk everything for Arthur and for Camelot?" I was expecting rage for harming her sister, I was expecting physical and emotional abuse and for once I was glad something didn't live up to my expectations. When Merlin's eyes fluttered to the floor and then looked across the forest in panic I knew he'd sensed me because he was staring straight at me and with one long distance glance he knew I wasn't leaving whether he liked it or not.
"You know the answer but you're not tell me… why?" Merlin refused to answer, good on him, words meant communication and communication meant manipulation and pissing her off which was always a good thing in my book
"Come on, time and time again you've put your life on the line…" She crouched down beside my man "There must be a reason" Merlin didn't look her instead he cast his eyes on me.
"I believe in a fair and just land" Morgause seemed to think Arthur was as bad as father and I had to disagree, he was arrogant and stubborn but his heart is as true to Camelot as It was Gwen's to hold.
"And you believe Arthur will give you that?" Merlin nodded
"I know it" Ahh secrets, good keep her interested and keen.
"And then what? You think you'll be recognised Merlin, is that it? All this so one day you can be serving boy to the king" Oh how she needed to know her enemy, he was to be my husband and continue on our family line if Arthur shall fail with that job, but the less Morgause knew the better.
Morgause seemed to be reading Merlin well, but I had a feeling Merlin was playing into her interests just enough to give him time to come up with an idea of escape that didn't involve me attacking them down right and if I was honest I was all for him coming up with another idea.
"No there is something else…There is something you're not telling me" Merlin looked at her then
"I've told you" Morgause didn't so much as flinch
"Well you can take your secret to your grave" She magically made the chain's bind Merlin and stepped closer to him
"You choice to poison one of my own, you may regret that" If only she knew how much. They walked away then leaving Merlin to his side. I wanted to run to him but he shook his head he knew something was wrong, some kind of reason why they'd just leave him alone in open space like this. If this was his wish I would abide, he was in no immediate danger from what I could see. We both tried to do damage to the chains with magic but nothing worked, In fact every magical attempt to break them seemed to only end up with the chain's strangling Merlin a little more.
It was around the time that I heard a creaking sound coming from the distance did I know something was coming, something I was more than happy to remain a shadowed mystery for the rest of my life.
"Merlin let me just help you up and we can walk away" Merlin shook his head
"No Adira, If whatever is out there reacts to you grabbing me then I won't live with myself, just trust I know what I'm doing okay?" I nodded
"At least let me come and sit with you… I hate being here by myself" Merlin nodded reluctantly and with his permission I rushed over to him and came to my knees in front of him. Just as I was happy to at least be at his side we finally saw what was coming.. urg, HUGE BUGS. I hated bugs more than Father and that was saying something. HUGE scorpions.. but wasn't it someone who said the bigger they are the better? That advice did not seem valid with the size of these beasts. Then there were spiders as massive as a table… urg, I ran at the size of one the size of a fist. They were coming from all directions, I grabbed Merlin's face and whispered in his ear, he got the message well enough and started sounding magic out to the world instead of on his chains.
As the bugs grew closer I was clinging to Merlin so hard as he shouted magic at the scorpions that I didn't see the one from behind and hit him in the back… he was poisoned. I stood up and let the seeded anger spread around me through my magic and pushed all the bugs a good few metres back and grabbed Merlin just as he fell forward. I knew Father was probably dying, I knew Camelot was to be under threat from Cenrid's attack any day now… and yet all I could do was cling to Merlin and hope that his help arrived in time to help him. I used my healing magic to aid the wound and get out as much poison as I could.
Night was falling and the beasts still lay at the boards of the horizon, still affected by my magic. Merlin was weak but was slipping in and out of consciousness, telling me over and over to tell Gaius he was sorry, that he loved him and me and that I had to do his job if he did not make it. If he did not make it I would rather die with him than see a world without him. That's when I heard the familiar roar and that seemed to stir something in Merlin and he woke again and caught sight of Kilgarrah in the sky and smiled slightly, help was on the way.
Why hadn't I thought of that? Bugs hate fire… they repel it like I repel them and as Kilgarrah set a line of fire between us and the things so close to killing us. I looked up at him in irony, he'd been the reason Camelot was falling last year and this year he might just be the reason why it will still stand. Kilgarrah grabbed Merlin in his claw and put his head down so I could ride his back… we were safe for now. Being safe I realised just how long the road was to actually being safe again, an army, a sorcerer of the most evil kind, a traitor I would love to kill myself and a weaken Camelot by a falling king and a prince who would not take control… god how does Camelot get through a day? And I feared today may be it's last