Author's note: Yes, I am not dead. Sorry for the long wait. I was watching Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood for last six days. And I have to admit it was ten times better than Game of Thrones and Five times better than Merlin. You guys should definitely see it. That anime is awesome. I have almost stopped reading Merlin fanfic. Now I am reading FMA fanfics. But I am not abandoning this fic. It will continue. Let's get on with the story.

PS : I have changed the chapter title at the last moment as I decided to make the chapter shorter for the sake of a quicker update.

Chapter 28

A Promise Fulfilled

The queen of Elmet was going outside of the city of Arcaenia. It was midnight. Many of the Royal Guards spotted her but nobody said anything. It had been going on for the last three days. The king would mysteriously disappear from his chamber. The queen would go out of the city to find her husband but would not return. Next day they would return in the morning unharmed.

No one knew where their king or queen went. None of the guards were able to find them. They tried many times but they failed to uncover the mystery. In the end, they gave up their attempts to find the royals and as they returned always unharmed no one questioned their mysterious behaviours.

Many of the citizens of Elmet believed that only the queen-mother knew where her son and daughter-in-law went every night. But she always kept her mouth shut. So, the king and queen's night time snooping had become the talk of the entire city since last month while no one knowing where they were actually going.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Merlin was out of bed again tonight. The same thing was happening for last three days. Freya was becoming worried about her husband. Usually, Merlin worked hard all day. Teaching, ruling, holding council meetings, training, studying, playing with Reymer etcetera, etcetera. Although Freya was with him almost all the time, ( Either studying with him or helping in royal matters ) they barely had any time alone together. So the bed time was the only time they were truly alone. Both of them talked about many things while they were in bed. They went to sleep either after chatting for a long time or...

Freya smirked thinking about the other activity. Whatever the case was Merlin had never left Freya alone in bed in their two years time together. The last three days were the only exception. So, Freya knew for a fact that something was ' extremely ' wrong about Merlin.

In these last two years, a lot of things had changed in Elmet. Two years ago, only fifteen thousand people lived in Arcaenia but now the number had risen to twenty five thousand. Previously the population was only consisted of the Druids and the Catha. Now many magical people from the southern Albion, Mercia and North Umbria lived here.

Still, majority of the city districts were deserted. Uriel once had told Freya that the city could house one hundred thousand people. So, naturally, even with twenty five thousand people wandering around the city, many parts of the city were completely empty.

Elmet's people had named those districts as the ' Dead City '. Merlin and Freya both hoped that one day the large city would get back to her former glory.

And to ensure that both of the Royals were working hard these last two years. Merlin had begun to build up an army for the kingdom. Alator had become the king's military advisor and the order of the Catha priests and ( not ) surprisingly the queen-mother trained the general people who wanted to join the army. The army started with six hundred soldiers but now the number had reached seven thousand.

Most of the Catha people were very eager to join the army and nearly five thousand young men and women from the Catha joined the army.

Although the Druid people were not very enthusiastic about joining the military, there were still couple hundred young men who joined. The rest of the army was consisted of the people who were neither Druid nor Catha. ( The magical people from south, Mercia and North Umbria )

There was also another two thousand people who were in the military for healing purposes. The bulk of this group was made of Druid healers. Merlin commanded the main army while Freya was the commander of the healing division as well as acting as the second-in-command of the main army.

It was not as large as Camelot's army or Amata's but the sorcerers among the soldiers made the Elmetian army quite formidable. Besides, the king and queen were both deemed as an one man army as their magical prowess was legendary. Four thousand Mercian soldiers once tried to enter the Perilous woods from east under the command of Mercian war chancellor.

They were trying to breach the dense woods by igniting the whole forest. Merlin himself went to meet them with five hundred handpicked soldiers at his back. The skirmish didn't last for long. Merlin and his soldiers attacked from behind them under the cover of the dense forest and took them by surprise Within an hour almost fifteen hundred Mercians lost their sword arms and the war chancellor forced to retreat. After that, no kingdom had tried to invade Elmet since.

Merlin took ' The test of the unbroken ' to become a Catha priest himself. He had to endure inhuman torture to strengthen his mind and body. He passed the test at first chance a legendary feat that even Alator had failed to achieve. Many were surprised.

But Uriel told Freya that Arthur's knights had let a nathair bite Merlin. And after enduring that kind of pain, nothing was painful enough for him. Freya shuddered to think just what kind of unimaginable pain Arthur had put Merlin through. And that was one of the reasons that she would always pity Camelot's king for being so naive, foolish and blind.

When Elmet recovered from the curse, it was not only the capital city that reappeared on Albion. There were four great fortresses built during Reman Ignotus the first's reign.

Those fortresses names were Saul's fortress, Sen's fortress, Raul's fortress and Regan's fortress. Named after the four siblings of the first king of Elmet, these fortresses also appeared at the four corners of Elmet. Merlin sent soldiers to man them so that the border of the kingdom remained safe and the capital could get alerted of any incoming attack from any neighboring kingdoms.

While Merlin used his time to build up the army, Freya took responsibility of the country's economy. A silver mine was discovered near the outer wall two months after Merlin's coronation. Freya ordered to build a mint to make silver coins as the official currency of Elmet.

She read many books from the grand library to get ideas about commerce and currency. And after holding a meeting with the economic chancellors of the northern kingdoms, the silver coins of Elmet became an accepted currency in the northern realm.

Then, Mercia closed the border with Camelot allying with Amata and North Umbria and thus affectively cutting off the connection between north and south. Many of the northern kingdoms like Rheged, Bernicia, Gododdin and Strath-Clyde depended heavily on the trade routes between their kingdoms and the south. As a result, an economic crisis arose in the north.

Freya took this opportunity and after a discussion with Merlin, she opened the northern border for the northern merchants. Elmet soon became the gateway to the north and soon coins began to flow through Elmet making it a hub for the northern merchants.

Due to the use of magic, crops production in Elmet was outrageously high. So the granary stock was always on the rise. Meanwhile, due to the harsh climates of north, other kingdoms always faced food crisis every year. Elmet opened it's granary doors for them and the treasury of Elmet began to fill up with gold and silver coin of Northern realm.

Merlin and Freya never used that gold and silver for themselves. And Elmet literally needed nothing that they couldn't produce by themselves. So, within this two years, Elmet had become the richest kingdom of north.

After opening up the border at north, Merlin began travelling to the other kingdoms of North and invited many of the northern kings to Elmet for a conference.

All seven kings of north ( except Sauron, Bayerd and Eldred, of course ) gathered in Elmet and signed a treaty of alliance to counter the alliance of Sauron so that none of the kingdoms of north had to meet the same fate as Deira.

Merlin didn't only stop there. In order to gather more information about the enemy, he established his own ' Order of the Whisperers '. A group of Catha priests who worked as the personal spy of Merlin in different kingdoms except the allied ones. Freya hadn't supported the idea saying that it was too risky for the spies.

In answer, Merlin had said that he knew the risks but he was taking it for the security of the kingdom.

A couple of months later, Merlin's decision was proven right. Intrigues began to come to the capital about the other kings' plan as Elmet's spies infiltrated among the ranks of the enimies. The most alarming news came from Amata. Maes Henseg, the spy who was posted in Amata ( and one of Merlin's closest friends ) sent news that Sauron was building a massive army. The gold required to do it came from the newly imposed taxes on the Amatan people and the Lannister Gold mine of Camelot.

At first, Freya and Merlin had thought bitterly that Arthur was behind this. But soon, Sicilia Feraza, the spy posted in Camelot brought news that the Lannisters had started a civil war against Arthur. Hearing this another spy, Roy Aerion ( Another of Merlin's closest friends ) was sent to Casterly Rock to know what was truly happening there.

What was found out was truly troubling. Amata was supporting the civil war with arms and soldiers. It seemed Sauron had been planning to place the Lannisters on Camelot's throne. In the end, ( To Merlin's and Freya's relief ) Arthur won the war and the Lannisters were no more.

But Freya knew the threat was yet not over. Sauron was becoming bolder with each passing days and Merlin told Freya of his fear that if they didn't stop him now, the Amatan would soon become a menace for Albion. So, Freya and her husband had been preparing themselves to journey south to meet with Arthur to inform him about the Amatan conspiracy. Merlin hadn't wanted to go at first and Freya understood his reasons. But she had said that they had been doing this for kingdom. Merlin had agreed in the end.

Then all on a sudden, a shocking news came to Arcaenia. Sicilia had told Merlin about the rumours of the vanishing Druids near the northern plains. So, Merlin had sent Roy to investigate the matter.

And one week ago, Roy had come back to Arcaenia with a shocking news. The Druids that were disappearing were actually Groshem and his clan. They were hiding near Camelot's Northern Plains. But a huge army of Amata had already been amassed there. All the Camelot scouts were killed and there were hardly any people who lived in the northern plains Besides, magic had been used to hide the army. So, Arthur knew nothing about them except some rumours They were the one who had captured the Druids and had sent them to Amata.

Merlin would have alerted Arthur about the army but Groshem's capture had diverted his attentions towards Amata.

Four days ago, Maes had sent news that the Druids had reached Amata and Sauron was planning to interrogate them and then, execute them in five days. Also, Sauron now had the cup of life. Freya could picture the pandemonium clearly that had broken out in the throne courtyard when the letter bearing pigeon had landed on Merlin's hand and Merlin read out the letter from Maes.

People were scared beyond imagining. Some were whispering, some were yelling, some were screaming, some were shaking their heads in disbelief. Merlin had soon taken control of that situation and adjourned the general court. Later that day, a meeting of the round table had been called and it had been decided on that meeting that Merlin, Freya and the order of the Catha would go to Amatan capital to rescue Groshem and his clan in five days.

Merlin had made it very clear that Groshem and his clan was the first priority not the cup of life. Some had said that the cup of life at the hand of Sauron could be a very dangerous weapon. So, he should have given the cup top priority.

Freya still felt proud for her husband when he had said, " I have defeated two immortal armies. I can do it again. But lost lives can't be regained. "

Alator had asked, " Why aren't we going today? "

" Because I want to rescue them together. Also I want to send a clear message to Sauron that we won't tolerate his cruelty and warmongering anymore. There is no better way than to thwart his execution. " That was Merlin's answer.

" What if they executed Groshem and his clan early? " Another councilor had asked.

" I have said Maes through the arch of communication to return to Elmet immediately and warn me if something like that happens. "

No one had said anything after Merlin's last words and agreed with his plan.

Freya took a deep breath while thinking about these recent events. She was almost near the place where Merlin was. He had put an enchantment around the area so that no one could find him.

Even the high priestess' wouldn't have been able to breach the enchantment. But Freya was not any ordinary woman. She was connected to Merlin with not only vows but also with the magic of blood. She had Merlin's blood in her veins. So, she was the one whose power was almost as great as the great Emrys himself.

With a few chosen words, she found the enchanted area and breached through the enchantment.

There he was. Her husband. Sitting near the great lake of Arcaenia looking upward at the sky dazzling with millions of stars.

She went and sat beside him. Merlin didn't say anything or look at him. But Freya knew that Merlin sensed her presence. She knew her husband too well. The last two nights were the same. She would find Merlin sitting near the lake gazing at the sky. She would sit beside him, they would talk very little and eventually they would fall asleep.

This night was the same. She sat beside Merlin and leaned her head on his shoulder. Merlin looked down and pressed a soft kiss Freya's forehead and looked at the still water of the lake just like his wife.

" Reymer's asleep? " Merlin asked.

Freya looked at Merlin and gave an affirmative nod with a smile.

Merlin might have talked very little last three days. But his behaviour towards his son hadn't changed. He always tried to spend every moment with Reymer after his work in the evening. That time always belonged to father and son. Sometimes, Merlin would be a horse and Rey would be a knight. Sometimes, Merlin would be a dragon ( not in reality ) and Rey would be the knight in shining armour saving the damsels in distress ( Freya and her mother-in-law ).

Freya smiled thinking about that. Their days might be tiresome and full of distressing news but their night was joyful and full of happiness. Many years ago, when she had been cursed, she had thought that her creator had hated her.

But now she knew that was not the case. Because now she had the best family any woman could ever hope for. She was with her beloved who had given her a son who brightened her evening. She now had a mother who was not like her real one. ( Her real mother had abandoned her when she had been cursed ) Hunith loved her like a daughter. She had a father who had taken her in and taught her the control of magic and sowed the thirst for knowledge inside her.

She was grateful to the creator for this family and she was determined to keep this family together no matter the cost.

That's why she had been afraid of Merlin's odd behavior. She had tried to ask her husband what's bothering him but Merlin refused to talk about it last two nights. It infuriated Freya a little. She didn't know what was the reason for Merlin to behave like this.

' I am going to know the reason tonight no matter what. ' She thought with conviction and looked at her husband.

He was no longer sitting rather he was lying on the grass looking at her with a ghost of smile playing on his lips.

" What? " Freya asked.

" You look beautiful. " Merlin replied.

" I am always beautiful. Now will you tell me why are you snooping in midnight for last three nights? People are becoming wary of your odd nighttime behaviour. " Freya went straight to the point.

Merlin was taken aback hearing the sternness in Freya's voice. After a few seconds, his mind registered what his wife was asking and he looked away from her. " Nothing's wrong with me. I just can't sleep. "

Now Freya's feeling really annoyed. Merlin was behaving like a petulant child. " I know there's definitely something wrong with you. You need to tell me about it. Is it about Groshem? " Freya asked trying to guess what was bothering Merlin.

Merlin looked at Freya.

" I am a little worried about it, yes. But that's not bothering me. "

" Then what's bothering you? " Freya asked while frowning. She was surprised at her husband's answer.

" I can't tell you now. "

" Why not? I am your wife. You can tell me anything. You know that. "

" I know, Freya. But that's for your own good. " Merlin said determinately.

" What is it, Merlin? You have to tell me. Don't hide it. " Freya shook Merlin by his shoulder. But Merlin didn't seem to budge.

" Please, Freya. Don't push me. " Freya was going to say something but then, she looked at Merlin's eyes and saw tears threatening to fall from her husband's eyes.

" Why, Merlin? " Freya asked slowly. She was alarmed to see the tears and knew something was terribly wrong. Merlin was a strong man. He was not someone who would cry on a simple matter.

Merlin took a deep breath and looked Freya in the eyes. " I will tell you, Freya. Just not today. I promise. You will know when the time's right and you'll understand it someday. Just not today. Please. "

Freya was going to protest but there was something in Merlin's voice that stopped her. She just gave a nod without saying anything. Her inside was burning like hell. She couldn't stand to see her beloved in so much pain and the worst part was she didn't even know what was bothering him. So, she couldn't even comfort him. What was she supposed to do?

She was brought out of her reverie by Merlin's voice.

" Stay with me? " His eyes were pleading.

Freya lied down on the grass beside Merlin without saying anything. She looked up at the sky just like Merlin.

" The world is beautiful, isn't it? " Merlin asked.

Freya was suddenly at a loss what to say. Merlin had never asked her something like that. After a long pause, she gave the answer. " Yes, it is. "

After that, none of them said anything. Soon, Freya fell into deep slumber in Merlin's familiar and loving embrace.

' Creator, help him. ' That was Freya's prayer before succumbing to the darkness of sleep.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

The rescue went as smoothly as anyone could ever hope for. Merlin, Roy, Gilli, eight other Catha priests and Aithusa ( who had been healed almost one and a half year ago in the lake of Arcaenia ) appeared out of thin air in the middle of the execution courtyard of the royal palace.

Groshem and all his clan members were at the courtyard then. Sauron was giving a typical speech about how disgusting and revolting magic was. But he stopped when he saw the strangers and the white dragon standing on the courtyard. Without wasting any more time, Merlin turned himself into the black dragon and began to spout fire along with Aithusa.

The courtyard soon became filled with fire and smoke. People and soldiers alike fled. Even Sauron fled from the high balcony and went inside the palace. Merlin and his group freed all the condemned under the cover of confusion and encircled them.

Using combined teleportation magic, they all went back to Elmet.

Maes had sent a message before the rescue that the cup of life had been taken to the deepest vault of Amata and the vault had always been guarded by one hundred elite soldiers. So, naturally it would be impossible to get back the cup without storming the castle.

Besides, only a high priestess or a high priest of the Catha ( and also Merlin and Freya ) would be able to harness the cup's power. It was not a matter of serious concern in present. It was the Druids who were Merlin's subject of concern. Because he had made a promise to himself.

So, Merlin and the priests returned with Groshem and his clan. His promise which he had made almost two years ago was now complete. He had saved all the Druids.

But he didn't feel very much relieved. He needed to discuss a very important matter with Uriel. And he needed to do it first. Otherwise, he was fearing that he might turn insane soon. He was unable to sleep a peaceful sleep. For whenever he closed his eyes, ' he ' always invaded his dream. ' His ' dark voice lingered even when he woke up. Every night he was hearing the same thing, seeing the same thing. Every night, he was hearing him.

' You and I are not so different. '

Was Merlin going mad? He didn't know. But he needed to figure it out soon.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Well, Did you like it? Sorry if this chapter seems rushed. Next chapter is going to be a turning point for the story.

Today's question: Who is your favourite character in FMA: Brotherhood? Mine is Alphonse Elric. My brother's is Major General Olivier Armstrong. Both of them are so epic. Okaay. Enough with my fanboying. Please leave a review and let me know how I am doing. Have a good day and happy reading.

Adios.

- Assassin of Syria