Quelling My Bloodlust
Chapter Twenty-Nine
While Henry and Leroy prepared to go on their journey with Merlin to find whoever it was he thought could help them save Killian, or to take down Arthur, the Sorcerer continued speaking with the others, all except for Emma, who had yet to emerge from the Captain's quarters as she grieved. Seeing their daughter's own pain and listening to Emma crying through the door, broke both the Charmings' hearts, especially Mary Margaret's, as she desperately wanted to enter the room to comfort her in any way they could. However, David understood Emma enough to know she wouldn't accept their comfort until she was ready for it. So, they returned to the ship's deck and remained above with everyone else instead.
Regina stood behind her son down in the quarters they had chosen to sleep in along with Robin and his son, Roland, and John, while he packed a few things such as food and supplies into a bag, as she said to him sternly, "I want you to be careful out there and listen…"
Henry interrupted, "…and listen to everything Merlin tells me to do. I know. David said the exact same thing a few minutes ago. I know that it's not exactly the best idea to separate, but I need to do something to help Killian. I can't just sit here. If I do, then I'll just break down like Mom's doing right now. You weren't here to see what I did. What we did. Me, Archie, and Leroy. Roland too."
"I'm so sorry, Henry," his mother answered him with remorse. "We never should have fallen for Arthur's deception. I knew something wasn't right about Lancelot when he just suddenly showed up out of the blue like that. But I didn't trust my instincts. Just as I've failed to do this entire time since we've left Storybrooke. Robin almost died because of me too."
"Just be grateful Killian was there when he was," the teenager replied when he finished and finally turned around to face her. "I know you are. Which is why I also know you understand why I have to do this. Don't worry about me, Mom. I'll be fine. Merlin and Leroy will keep me safe. I trust them."
The Queen smiled and pulled her son into a hug, then she responded, "So do I. We'll see you when you get back."
When the two of them walked back up on deck again to join with the others, Merlin was talking about what he believed might be Arthur's coming plans, for Camelot and for Hook as he was saying, "I believe Arthur wishes to restore this kingdom to his own will, by waging war on all of the kingdoms around Camelot until they all either fall… or their leaders surrender to Arthur and agree to form an alliance with him and his knights, with him as their true King and general to their armies. Starting with DunBroch. At least I've seen Arthur confronting a young woman with flame red hair, whom from my vision I understand is the island's rightful ruler."
"It's just like Agamemnon seeking to conquer Troy," Henry stated, as everyone turned to look at him strangely, making it clear they didn't understand what he was talking about, all except for Merlin who just smiled.
"Who's Aga… Agamemnon?" August asked the thirteen year old.
Henry sighed and then answered, "From Greek mythology. Agamemnon was a ruthless King who sought to conquer every known land all around his own by doing exactly what Arthur's trying to do. Only Troy stood in this king's way, so he and his men built a wooden horse large enough for his army to hide themselves in, then offered the horse to the people of Troy as tough it was a gift from their Gods. In the end, Troy fell and Agamemnon won. Or at least he would have had he survived the fight that took place that night."
Mary Margaret also smiled at her grandson as she replied, "I remember this story now."
"It is indeed very much like what Arthur means to do should he succeed," Merlin responded, impressed by the boy's knowledge. "Only Arthur doesn't have their Gods to fight alongside him, but the Dark One and the Wicked Witch from Oz. And with their power…"
"With their kind of power, none of the other kingdoms stand a chance," David answered darkly. "We have to figure out some way to stop them. But with that kind of power, we don't really stand much of a chance against them either. Even if we do have the Savior and the former Evil Queen on our side. And you of course."
Regina replied, "I can take care of my sister. I'm not worried about her. But Hook…"
Mary Margaret spoke up for their friend as he responded, "It isn't Hook until we save him from the darkness and the King's cruelty. Right now, he's only the Dark One because Killian was taken control of against his will. However, I also believe he's still inside of the monster somewhere. He'll find a way to break free long enough to help us in some way, I don't doubt it."
"I believe Mary Margaret's right," Merlin answered stoically. "But perhaps it's time we should be going."
"Is there a way to remove the darkness from him without killing him?" Archie then asked him despondently, finally bringing up the question no one wanted to ask out of worry of what the Sorcerer's answer would be. "You don't seem to be very optimistic that we will succeed in saving him."
Merlin looked over at the doctor sternly and then replied, "There is one way. Only to do so will be very difficult, if not impossible. Your friend will have to want to truly be free of the darkness and I fear that now that he has become completely engulfed by the darkness, getting him to want to rid himself of the power will be daunting."
Dr. Hopper shook his head while he responded, "Killian never wanted to become the Dark One in the first place and if we can somehow reach him through the darkness, he'll beg us to free him of it. That won't be a problem."
"Maybe not," the Sorcerer continued. "But like you have said, we're currently dealing with the Dark One. I hope there will be something my friend we're going to find can help us fix that. We can talk more about this when we return."
"Thank you, Merlin," David answered in sincerity. "I'm glad we were able to get you out of that tree."
Merlin laughed, then replied, "No more than I."
The Prince chuckled as well and responded, "I imagine so. Good luck and take care of one another. We'll be here when you get back."
