As it turns out- writing everything I want in one final chapter cannot be done- So this isn't the last chapter- this is in fact the penultimate chapter! Chapter 30 is the end of the line.
Inform me of error if you please. I have already wrote chapter 30- I just need to tweak it- Prepare for the 'M' rating next time round.
Merlin hopped down the too many steps at the castle entrance. It was some stroke of luck that he hadn't yet fallen down them. Fallen up them- definitely- twice. He winced, that had been a bad day, he had taken some skin off his shin and knee, and because he groaned, he was called a wuss by his master- well it hurt! - the wound that is- not the name calling.
"There is the occasionally competent fool!" Oh speak of the devil, Arthur rounded on him as he passed the stables.
He had been trying his best to look inconspicuous. "Can I help in some way?- You seem to have lost your way to the booze."It had dawdled in his mind that Arthur would scarcely retire so early, and alone on such a special night, he quickly zoned in on some strange markings on his lordship's jaw and collar. "What on earth have you done to yourself?" He declared reaching for the lopsided man, who refused his helpful gesture.
"No no…tis' but a mark of my prize."
"Prize?" Merlin began wryly, inspecting there wasn't any bruising or swelling on the cranium.
Arthur grinned promisingly. "The mark of my lady."
"I'm proud you are more open about your romantic feelings for Gwen." He said in all honestly, watching Arthur's sweaty face illuminate with colour. He finally touched the markings and they rubbed off. "What is this- blood?" Alarm reaching his tone.
"So melodramatic…ink and paint, see?" Arthur showed him his hands, covered in an oily residue, Merlin raised his brows fondly.
"What were you trying to do…paint your lady's face?" He slyly licked the chemical that had speckled his fingers, he rolled it around on his tongue. "Vegetable paste…were you going to lick it off?" Arthur always eager to pick banters with his manservant, grappled him.
"I may be having trouble to behave accordingly, but Gwen is not that sort of woman. You should be so lucky, the kingdom's-possibly the world's- greatest game has begun…and you are just standing there like a clotpole!" His fist clenched tightly at Merlin's brilliantly white shirt, his manservant's eyes were nearly crossed just analyzing his former master.
"Really?" He mused. "A game so good you couldn't wait for me to return from my duty with your father?"
Arthur sobered, realising his error. "Oh yes…err sorry, so it was a success…straight off to sleep was he?" Trying to cosy round him in an attempt to make him less of a bad guy. Merlin simply nodded.
"You mentioned a game." He commented, wetting his lips in anticipation. "The world's best…would this be; hide and seek?"
Arthur's face was a picture of serenity and enthusiasm. "You're not as naïve as you look." He announced before pulling him aside confidentially. "Gwen has come by this way, I caught her…gave her a good mark, she fought me off leaving me with this. Gwen really wants to keep her wine and cake rations- it's penance for if they get caught." He gestured to the marks again. Merlin understood.
"You're not supposed to grab a lady."
"I know, but that's what everybody else was doing…it sort of rubbed off on me." He did an exasperated puff to show his effort. "The men were quick and the women were few."
This statement made Merlin finger his collar, let's hope not all the women were taken. "What sort of hide and seek game involves harassing women?"
Arthur harked. "Given the chance…every game we devise involves interacting with women."
"I suppose." Shrugging his shoulders. "How did Morgana take it?" It bled through his lips impulsively, his nails dug into his palms as Arthur suddenly appeared concerned.
"Shoot."
Merlin ears perked up, he straightened in a regal manner as if to jump to the rescue…again. "What?"
"I'm supposed to be keeping an eye on her, when the real bustle kicked off- the girls were running all over the place in hysterics. Gwen I tracked to the cellar of the tavern-"
"-And Morgana?" He pushed desperately. He was sure he heard a hundred whispers echoing what he had just said.
"She must have taken off with the others into the wood."
Merlin sighed harshly in a long suffering manner. "And you let her?" He felt like grappling the prince and strangling him. "Which way?"
"I don't know…I only saw her before the game began, she was touching up her face paint, the men were…restless, coating their hands with oil in order to mark their territory. We were supposed to use tearings of clothing- but we thought it would be a little dangerous…we can't have men running around tying up women, we're not Vikings."
He wanted to avoid that scenario if he could help it, the most important job of all was to find Morgana- make sure she was safe- and alone. Very hard to do if everybody is seeking a young beautiful woman during a frenzied drunken game of hide, seek- and do something that would make your mother blush.
"I bet she's trying her best not to get caught." Merlin reassured…himself.
"Well she better try her hardest, my father will kill me-"
Merlin looked out towards the trees. "Calm down…he's not going to find out, and Morgana has her chastity belt remember?" It left his mouth like a fart- he should have held it in. He shared a sheepish grin with his companion. "…Or so I've heard."
"Merlin." Just the very mention of his name in an unforgivable fashion made him stiff. "How'd you know about that little detail?"
He huffed reluctantly. "Gossip."
"You're such a girl." Arthur thumped him in the back affectionately, so initially Merlin felt he had regained his master's trust, though his secret as his many others weighed on him like a castle brick in the pit of his stomach. He was worried the very thing he was harbouring was going to burn a hole in his pocket and reveal itself. "When you were tucking the King away did you notice anything on his person?"
The ex-warlock shook his head automatically. "No…why? I didn't have to undress him; I just covered him." His pocket felt heavy as his heart.
"Good."
Arthur gave him more reason to feel insecure when he scrutinised him for any paint markings before trudging off- he assumed to locate the maidservant that had got away. Merlin didn't waste any time- he took off in another direction, he was sure he was rushing past hundreds of hiding places with various young women giggling because they had not yet been found.
Morgana had slipped down into valley beyond the trees that bordered Camelot. Her back pressed against firm cold rock as she caught her breath, as she listened to the many thunderous heartbeats of young women stopping before- or running past her hiding place. She grinned excitedly to herself, these games they play were risqué and held so much danger, but she couldn't deny; where would the world be without them? – Plus if she got caught; No alcohol or cakes for her. A whisper, she jumped around her enclosure, hoping to see another woman stumble into her area, but none made themselves known. Voices filled the space between the valley, echoing in some ancient language she could only dream of knowing- and that was the last thing she heard until a mysterious drowsiness overcame her. She collapsed between the rocks and weeds, as the trees and shadows spoke over her.
He reached the dining area which was littered like a battlefield, apart from the various discarded ribbons and empty pots of paint. Something churned the mud on the verge and he turned- pot in hand. Gaius.
"Thank heavens you're here. I thought you had joined the randy mob." Gaius hobbled over in his overcut robes, taking the tops off flowers.
"Well you're not far from the truth." He returned the useless bowl to the floor, brushing his hands clean on his breeches. "Morgana is missing."
"Haven't you noticed the whole population of Camelot is missing?- Apart from him." Gaius pointed ludicrously to a drunk lying unconscious in the stinging nettles.
"I have to find her…she could hurt herself."
Gaius grimaced at the situation. "Everyone could hurt themselves during this madness. Oh to be young, fruitful and have no conscience. Help me with this drunk." Gaius manoeuvred over to harmless incapacitated gentleman. Merlin hung back like a lost soul, more interested in the sky overhead and the dooming canopy of trees. He felt a painful throb in his jaw which then tore through his skull with terrific speed and a hot white burn, he thought it would render him completely speechless- the pain was hard to talk through- let alone groan. Gaius had reached him. "My boy?"
Dying. He clutched at his temples, wincing and eyes watering through the agony. An image rattled before him; a rock formation, a body being dragged through weeds, he could taste their fragrance, his vision drew back- Morgana could be seen sleeping in a very lonely place. Gaius invaded his sight and the pain diminished, he had survived it- Thank God. "Ouch…that hurt like murder."
"Are you alright?- I assumed a serious migraine or a vision had overcome you."
His face slackened when the discomfort and fear had left him. "Right, I think it could have been both, I feel-" Someone had burst his protective bubble, he straightened. It was a sensation like a tail uncoiling, except it wasn't- it was his cock. "Peculiar." He tried to shift his leg which had gone to sleep. "I feel good actually."
Gaius detected his ward was about to topple over and seized a fistful of shirt. It was the third time Merlin had been manhandled all night. "Drunk?"
"No. Vision- Morgana." He said while batting away none existent spots. "Sleeping- waiting." He added dreamily, setting his foot down into the grass to steady himself, or more so to get moving and find her.
Gaius had an iron like grip. "No you mustn't!- We don't know what just happened…you're either having a volatile reaction to the formula…or those witches are dragging you somewhere you don't want to be."
"Now who says I don't?"
Gaius hadn't counted on that- so honestly. "Eh?"
"Can't deny it…well neither can she, but…she's begging for it." He clarified.
His mentor suffered a bout of whiplash."Merlin!" Gaius said, scandalised. More worry pressed down upon the old man when he noticed his ward nodding his head convulsively as if relaying his statement in his head over and over. "Enough, go to your chambers!" Gaius tried.
"Why should I?" Turning on his guardian. "You brought this on, you stripped away the protection- now I must deal with the consequences….which was inevitable."
"Snap out of it, you have to wait a few more hours…it'll all be gone- you'll be back to normal, anyway…I thought you didn't want to be playing into those witch's hands!"
A mirthful rasp expelled from the young man as he stared at his target's location. "I'll play into anybody's hand around about now." Gaius shoved into his side. He had not yet committed any sin- and he was being lashed! Merlin pulled a soppy grin. "I will bring Morgana back safely!" And he was away with the fairies.
Gaius began a rant about- Responsibility, honour and chastity belts- but it fell on deaf ears, Merlin was ferreting through the woods at his own peril. He found clues, as you would if you knew what you were looking for- someone was making it easy. He leapt over the umpteenth tree trunk and skidded to a halt in a clearing- now he was foolishly sniffing air. Nature, Hair, Soap, Lavender- Nature, death- yikes- animal carcass! Wait…Perfume. He passed a maidservant hiding in a ditch and proceeded down the path that had been laid out for him. A snapped twig wasn't anything to be excited about since a load of anguish women had stormed the place. A ribbon caught in a bush, he snared it and automatically brought it to his lips and mouth. Not hers. He returned it to the bush. A giggle nearby roused his interest- and he ended up stumbling upon a couple engaging in something that didn't concern him. He was coming into an area riddled with the scent of women and alcohol- which meant men had slaked their thirst here- then had a drink hehe. Another couple retreated back to Camelot- having accomplished what they couldn't when at the party. He hid his face when more people materialised- obviously they had done 'the dirties' and were rejoining the bonfire. Couples' hands clasped tightly- he had to admit it was a charming sight to behold.
There were men sharking about the woods, he watched out for them- they currently had no female company, their motives were obvious- they were looking for something extra special- either boys or noble women. Their skin was extra soft and scented, their sheltered lives made them more desirable. Theories on whether noble women were louder or quieter would be tested, would their fear or shock silence them, or would their lack of experience force cries out of them. Such a cruel and crude thing to discuss, but he had heard their talks in the streets and in taverns.
He stood still for a moment hoping they would pass by without acknowledgement, unfortunately they weren't drunk enough, and their assertive eyes fell on him with an objective. It took a good few wasted seconds for him to start running, and at that point they were nearly on top of him. One man lurched from out of nowhere, bowling him sideways. There was an all mighty crack of wood… or bone- and the weight that crushed down on top of him had him groan in discomfort. He tried rearing up, but found himself being held back down into the mud. The worst sound in the world was the rustle of clothes and the clunk of buckles. 'Holy hell he was going to be buggered!' "Get off me you inarticulate dogs!"
A roar of laughter reached his ears, and he sickened at the sound of a familiar voice- the man he had quarrelled with earlier. "An educated boy, you must learn not to talk so much…" Shit, were they going to maintain this force throughout?- His neck was stuck at a dodgy angle- he was rasping away leaves and seeds. A few fingers invaded his waist band, ferociously tugging. He wished he wasn't mortal- his kicking was futile and useless.
"Is this what happens when you can't get a single woman to look in your direction- perhaps it's the stench?" He managed, a callous meaty hand grabbed his hair and yanked his head back- his adam's apple bobbed fearful in his throat.
From his position he could tell the man was looking down at him distastefully- but not enough for the man to be incapable of arousal. "Let's see if this piggy squeals." The night air reached his derrière. Panic. His clenched fist managed to jar backwards, the crack of cartilage was satisfying, the man now attending to his nose had staggered back giving him room to roll away and kick up effectively at a man exposing himself. "Aaah you little shit!"
While they weren't composed he throttled them each in the jaw, giving him a chance to flee, pulling up and tying his breeches in the process. The horror of what could have happened buzzed through his system- it encouraged him to run faster and faster, even when his legs protested. He looked around at his would-be-pursuers to find a clear path. "Hell…" He panted not even stopping. He hoped the others were safely on their way back to Camelot- someone won't be so lucky. He could take pride in defending himself without the use of his gifts, but how will he seek justice later without humiliating himself?
"I say my dear?"" He skidded to a halt, his heart lodged in his throat- where had that woman come from? An old hag perched on a bolder in the middle of the road leered at him through her headscarf.
"Me?"
There wasn't anyone else there, but it was a politer thing to say than- 'what is it, old hag?' She loomed closer, her stick digging deeply into the earth as she analysed him. He screwed his face up as it became obvious she wanted to be escorted.
"Young boy, I have a use for you." Her arm slovenly looped around his, in order to pull him along. Well okay then- I suppose I'm going to be ravaged by an old woman now. "You are a bit of a way out, but I'm glad I ran into you."
"Erm okay? Where are we going?" He tried, looking back at the path they were suddenly going off.
She laughed ominously, well what he considered to be ominously. "All will be revealed." Her stick waved in a ludicrous fashion. "I need something moved."
Upon approaching a door high bush, he was curious to whether this was the item that needed moving- it was certainly out of place in these woods. He looked from to and throw, it extended 50 yards each side, it reminded him of the outskirts of the Labyrinth of Gedref, but smaller. "Is this where you live?"
He received a whack in the shin for his efforts. "No that is a bush you idiot!"
When he had recovered, he dwindled back to see if there was an opening. "Is this the problem; you can't figure a way through?" He began coyly, expecting another beating.
She relented. "That is the question." She bowed gallantly. "For what you seek is within, but is this too a big obstacle for you to really want it?" This wasn't a riddle- and if it was; a very bad one that was piss-easy to work out.
"Thank you?" He said, but was one of the things she wanted was to get through the obstacle herself? "Was there anything else?"
"I am satisfied…" Her stick hovered in front of her, Merlin followed it with his eyes- she was going to prod him. The stick tapped against his pocket- he felt the hairs prickle on the back of his neck as they both heard a clunk and a jingle. "Very satisfied."
He blinked innocently. "Erm…that isn't money, and I can't part with it."
"Of course." She smiled with a set of rotten teeth, showing a little more menace. "You can either scale it, or burn it- the choice is yours."
He shared a quizzical look with her before turning his attention to the problem. His hand detected thorns within the foliage, so it would be a painful climb- and he didn't have any flame to burn through it- did this woman assume he had magic?- Wait…Oh God. He swivelled around to challenge the woman- and of course- she was no longer there. "Thanks for your help!" He scolded, shaking his head bitterly for the task ahead.
If the hag was indeed a witch; he could be being lead to his death, or being lured to the lady Morgana for immoral purposes- though he wouldn't mind the latter. It hadn't slipped his mind- the witches needed little effort in coaxing him- he was going to find her anyway. A gap formed in the bush, receding outwards into an arch- welcoming him.
Reminder- this is not the end, this is the beginning of something epic.
