Chapter 35: Arthur's Toughest Fight & Anakin's Bold Decision
Anakin had looked throughout the castle and in the training grounds for his brother, hoping to talk him out of fighting the Black Knight. He still could see how the knight simply stabbed Owain killing him instantly, it was not a fate he wanted to see happen to his brother and hoped he would listen to him.
He took a deep breath before he knocked on Arthur's door. There was no response. Anakin tilts his head "Arthur" he calls out through the door, still no response "Arthur, it's me Anakin!" he calls out once more before he saw the door open and Arthur standing there.
"Have you come to try and stop me from fighting?" he asks him straight out "Did father tell you to come and talk me out of it?" he adds moving back into his room as Anakin followed him moving over towards the wooden table. He trailed one finger along the table's edge.
"Why do you want to fight him, Arthur?" Anakin asks straight out going on to explain himself "You saw what happened Owain. I can't watch you die brother" he confesses "You have to withdraw from the fight" he insists as Arthur looks over at him
"Why!?" he snaps "Why, you're not the only one who needs to prove himself!" he snaps startling Anakin. He had never had his brother snap back at him so abruptly. "Sometimes I feel like father doesn't even think much of me" he tells him as Anakin shakes his head
"At least you were never banished from the kingdom under pretences that you were a bastard child!" he snaps back at him. It was then he saw Arthur's eyes widen and realize why Anakin felt the need to fight this stranger. It had been a year and Anakin still felt like he was nothing to father because of what happened in father's short marriage to Catrina.
Arthur moves over towards his brother, "What happened during father's marriage meant nothing but the illusion of an enchantment" he tells him "You've always been my brother and you always will be" he insists
"I promise you, I will defeat this knight and make him pay for what he did to Owain" he tells him. Anakin turned and look down at his younger brother. He could see there was strength and determination in his eyes. Anakin wanted to believe his brother could do it but after what he saw happened to Owain, this was an opponent that would be tough to beat.
"I have faith in you brother. You are a strong fighter and trained well, but this opponent is nothing like we've faced before. I can't watch you die" he confesses
Arthur shook his head "You won't. After this match, this stranger won't kill again" he insists although there was a slight hint of doubt in his voice, he couldn't let his brother know that even he felt a little afraid of what was to come.
Meanwhile, having returned from the crypts underneath the castle, Merlin, Gaius and Obi Wan returned to their quarters where along the way, Gaius and Obi Wan were explaining to Merlin who they believed the stranger really was. The brother of their Queen and Uther's late wife Igraine.
"Tristan Dubois was the brother of Igraine, Uther's wife" Gaius reveals
"Anakin and Arthur's mother?" Merlin asks them as Obi Wan looks across at Gaius before Obi Wan speaks up
"Igraine died during Arthur's birth and he blamed Uther and came to the gates of Camelot and challenged him" he explains as Gaius moves over to pick up a thick, leather brown book off one of the side tables bringing it over to his work bench as Merlin then asks
"To single combat?" Obi Wan and Gaius both nod as Obi Wan answers him
"Uther won, but in his dying breath, Tristan cursed Camelot to one day suffer his return" he informs him as Gaius opens up the book and Merlin moves over towards them. Gaius looks over at his friend before he adds
"We both thought it was the ramblings of a dying man" he confesses. Merlin looks over at both of them
"Men don't just rise up from the dead though" he tells him "No matter how angry they are" he points out as Gaius turns another page in the book, till he stops at a picture of a tall frightening skeleton holding a sword and shield standing in front of an open grave.
"It's our guess we're dealing with a wraith" Gaius concludes. Merlin looks up at Obi Wan and Gaius curiously
"A wraith?" he asks them as Obi Wan answers him
"The spirit of a dead man conjured from the grave" he explains as Merlin looks back down at the picture
"So, this is the work of a sorcerer?" he asks them. Obi Wan exchanged a glance with Gaius. For they both were fearing this was the work of Palpatine once again. Obi Wan answers him once more
Powerful magic can harness the grief and rage of a tormented soul and make it live again" he informs him as Merlin was now wondering how they could stop this wraith
"How do we stop it?" he asks, placing his hands on the table in front of him, still looking at the picture as Gaius shakes his head
"We can't" he sadly replies "Because it's not alive, no mortal weapon can kill it" he tells him but Merlin was refusing to give up
"Surely there must be something!" he insists as Gaius speaks again
"Nothing can stop it until it has achieved what it came for" he points out as Merlin didn't want to, but had to know
"And what's that?" he asks. Obi Wan and Gaius both answer him
"Revenge" they said together as Merlin then adds
"On Camelot?" seeing them both sadly nod however it was then that Merlin also remembered who was fighting the wraith next. "But Arthur's fighting him next" he reminds him "If this wraith is really the spirit of Tristan Dubois. Would he really kill one of his own nephews because of what happened to their mother?" he asks.
Gaius looked up at Obi Wan. They didn't know how to answer because they knew the truth of both Anakin and Arthur's births. If it was Anakin fighting, it would mean nothing to Tristan but Arthur is Igraine's son. Surely he wouldn't kill his own nephew, but if Palpatine was behind this, it could create a chain of events that would cause Camelot's demise -
Flashback
"I am here with a warning!" Palpatine declared "Unless Uther Pendragon allows magic back into this kingdom, he will die at the hands of his own sons!" he exclaims with a sinister chuckle
End of flashback
Obi Wan and Gaius knew that both brothers had a strong bond and if Uther could not stop this fight, Arthur would die and Anakin would be crushed. He could leave Camelot this time for good and fall into Palpatine's hands.
Feeling that perhaps she could talk some sense into Arthur, Morgana found him still in his chambers staring out the window. He seemed lost, like in a daydream. She slowly moved further into the room. "Arthur?" she asks however he doesn't turn around towards her. She places an hand on his arm. He flinches at her touch,
She then softly spoke up "I don't want you to fight tomorrow" she reveals as Arthur gives her a small smirk
"Worried for me, Morgana?" he asks almost teasing her. "Did Anakin tell you to try and talk me out of the fight?" he adds as Morgana shakes her head
"No. I'm asking you as a sister. Please don't fight tomorrow. I don' want to watch you die" she admits. Arthur then places an arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer towards him.
"Morgana, I promise you" he begins to reply "I am not going to die. I saw what happened with Owain, but I know I have been trained stronger and by my father. I can defeat him" he reveals as Morgana looks directly at him, shaking her head
"But what if something goes wrong, I can't explain it but this stranger is not like any other. I can't explain it" she confesses. Arthur looks over at her,
"I have to do this, not just for me, but for my family. Father won't let Anakin fight so I will fight in his name and to prove myself. It's my duty" he tells her.
It was then Morgana realized he wouldn't back down and he was determined to fight this stranger. She instead took a seat on the small seat by the window in front of him. She placed one hand in his
"I understand" she softly replied. She didn't quite understand but knew this was something to do with honour and in her dream, it was Anakin who was going to fight and perhaps Arthur would surprise everyone and win this fight tomorrow.
Arthur looked over at her "Thanks for believing in me" he replies, giving her a small smile as Morgana gives him a light smile back, although behind that smile there was fear, afraid that this battle would change everything.
Fearing for the life of his younger son but also that his eldest son still didn't understand why he wanted him to fight, Uther moved through the empty halls of the castle towards Anakin's quarters. He had just missed Ambassador Amidala leaving his room having been comforting him. He slowly opened the door to his son's room.
"Anakin?" he asks as he enters the room. He found his son sitting beside one of windows, staring down into the courtyard. He slowly looks over at his father, surprised to see him here.
"If you want me to talk to Arthur about withdrawing from the fight, I already tried" he tells him straight out "Unless you want to tell me why you stopped me from fighting this stranger, there is nothing else you can say" he informs him getting to his feet and moving towards his father "This was my first chance as crown prince of Camelot to prove myself and you stopped me!" he snaps, attempting to control his temper
"Because you wouldn't me take up the gauntlet, Arthur did and now he is risking his life so that he can prove himself worthy to you and Camelot!" he snaps. Uther felt a little hurt at hearing his eldest son lashing out like this but he should have expected it.
"Anakin, I only stopped you from fighting the knight because you are next in line to the throne and I was protecting you from this knight who you know nothing about" he explains. Although, deep down, if Uther suspected this knight was the spirit of his wife's brother, he definitely didn't want Anakin fighting him.
Anakin looks over at him "Why don't you just tell me the truth?" he asks "You don't want me fighting because I'm not worthy of fighting for Camelot and for yourself" he scoffs "I know it's been a year since your marriage but what happened at that time, hurt me deeply father and I need to show you I am worthy" he insists
Uther steps closer towards his son, placing a hand on his shoulder, looking down at him "And you will" he promises him "One day you will be King of Camelot and before then, there will be other times you will be able to prove yourself" he insists.
Anakin looks up at his father, his bright blue eyes staring straight back at him "But I am ready now father!" he cries "Don't let Arthur fight tomorrow. I can't watch him die!" he insists "Please, Arthur can't fight in the fight, he won't win!" he tells him. He didn't like saying these words about his brother but he needed him out of the fight - he felt like this was his fight.
Uther slowly shook his head "Anakin, you and Arthur are my sons, but because you are the eldest, you still need to be alive to take the throne one day" he explains as Anakin pushes himself away from his father,
"And what about Arthur?" he asks "You are going to let him die?" he adds "Arthur's life is on the line. You need to stop this fight!" he pleads once more. Uther looks back at his son, with a sombre look on his face
"I cannot. The Knight's Code is very specific with these matters. I cannot break the code for anyone, not even my sons" he reveals. Anakin took a deep breath, attempting to hold back his anger once more.
"If Arthur dies in the fight tomorrow, his death will be on your conscience forever" he informs him "And I will never forgive you" he glares. Uther was taken aback by the words. He started to reply
"Anakin, I implore you to re think those words..." he begins to say as Anakin shakes his head turning away from his father
"I have nothing more to say to you" he replies "Just hope I don't lose my brother tomorrow" he concludes moving back over towards the window. He doesn't see the hurt look cross Uther's face before he silently exits the room.
The Black Knight's sword comes down against Arthur's shield he held in front of him, protecting him. The fight had still gone ahead because there was the Knight's code to consider and Anakin sat in the stands able to do nothing but watch his brother fight. Padme sat with Morgana and Gwen on the opposite side of Uther whilst Merlin stood at the sidelines with Gaius and Obi Wan.
They all watched as the knight continues to strike Arthur's sword, pushing him further and further towards the back of the stand right before Arthur, a tight grip on his sword, raises his sword and clashes with the knight's.
Padme, Gwen and Morgana all look on, looks of despair on their faces as they hoped Arthur would win. Morgana takes hold of one of Gwen's hands, feeling the poor girl's upset. It hadn't been long that she found out she had feelings for the prince and here she was watching him fight hoping he wouldn't die.
Arthur and the Knight's swords clash once more as Arthur steps towards him and the crowd cheers in delight for the prince as Merlin smirks cheerfully, perhaps his friend may actually win this battle.
The knight takes a swipe with his sword towards Arthur's legs causing him to jump back, tightly holding onto his sword. Merlin looks over at Gaius and Obi Wan. "Maybe you were wrong" he tells them. Obi Wan exchanges a glance with Gaius who only shrugs
"We hope so" he only replies watching Arthur bring his sword back towards the Knight only to find his sword clash into his blocking him from delivering a strike to him. Morgana lets out a small gasp as Uther and Anakin can only watch on with stern faces seeing the swords come into contact, metal hitting as the crowds look on in curiosity as they see the knight's sword aim for Arthur.
Arthur steps aside and swipes his sword at the knight and the crowd cheers seeing him encircle the knight whilst Anakin can only watch on - he wanted desperately for his brother to win and hated not being in the fight.
The metal clashes once more as Arthur steps back bringing his shield back in front of him just at the moment the knight's sword strikes the shield. It is then that Arthur sees an opportunity to strike and without a second's delay, steps forwards and stabs the knight right through the stomach.
Morgana and Merlin each share a small smirk, pleased at what they had seen watching Arthur pull back his sword, but once again, the knight was unfazed by the attack surprising and confusing everyone. Merlin tilts his head confused as Gaius and Obi Wan silently look on. Their fears were being confirmed as to just what exactly what they were dealing with.
Padme, Gwen and Morgana all share confused looks. "The sword went in" she tells them "I'm sure of it" she adds as Morgana nods
"I saw it too" Morgana agrees as Padme also nods
"Arthur definitely struck him" she assured them but this knight was still standing and instead steps closer towards Arthur and with a swipe of his sword, delivers a blow to Arthur's side forcing him onto his knees then knocking off Arthur's helmet. Arthur's deep intense blue eyes stared straight up at the knight who loomed over him ready to strike him down.
Morgana, Padme, Gwen and Uther all look on helplessly wondering if Arthur would surprise them but couldn't move due to the injury he just sustained. Gwen then turns her head away into Morgana's shoulder. Padme then places one arm around her.
However, it was right at that moment Anakin who decides to step in and jumps to his feet.
"Stop!" he cries tossing his metal glove into the arena causing the knight and Arthur to look over in his direction ""It's me you really want!" he calls out to the knight "Not my brother, so fight ME, Anakin Pendragon!" he calls out to him. Morgana, Padme, Uther and Merlin look over at Anakin in shock and horror but Anakin remains strong. His gaze doesn't shy away from his opponent.
Arthur watches the knight step away from him and towards the stands. He raises his sword slamming it into the ground in front of him.
"So be it" he only says in his deep voice as Anakin nods
"Single combat" he tells him "Noon, tomorrow" he concludes. They all then watch as the knight raises his sword from the guard, over his shoulder proceeding from the arena past a bewildered stunned Gaius and Merlin. Obi Wan was no longer there. Amidst the new challenge, he snuck away. Anakin remained standing as Uther could only look up at his son in utterly distraught.
An hour after the fight and Anakin's new challenge, Arthur was resting up in his chambers after being seen to be Gaius and Uther had ordered Anakin to the council chambers to discuss his behaviour down in the arena. Anakin stood at the back by the throne watching as the double wooden doors opened and saw his father entering the room
"How could you be so stupid!?" he asks him moving towards him "I'll revoke the challenge" he insists however Anakin, arms folded across his chest, shakes his head
"No" he replies "The knight's code must be upheld" he reminds him "That is what you told me" he adds before he continues "Arthur nearly died today father, doesn't that mean anything to you?" he asks "You just sat there as the knight nearly killed my brother!" he snaps
Uther tries to reason with his son "This is different" he insists however Anakin shakes his head, looking straight back at him
"How is it different!?" he snaps "How is it different from when Arthur took up the gauntlet?" he asks as Uther then points out
"You are crown prince" he states as Anakin looks over at him, bewildered
"And what about Arthur, my brother, your youngest son. He may not be crown prince yet but he is still a prince and you nearly let him die today!" he snaps. He then looks over at his father "There cannot be one rule for me and one for Arthur and all the rest" he points out
Uther, however was refusing to back down "I forbid you to fight" he only replies as Anakin simply shakes his head
"You want me to prove that I'm worthy of the throne" Anakin begins to say "I cannot do that by being a coward" he adds however Uther believed if this knight was who he believed he was, he would show Anakin no mercy
"No, Anakin, this will be your death" he cries, almost choking on those last words however Anakin was still under the impression he was nothing to his father
"I'm sorry, you have so little faith in me, father" he replies in a cold voice before he then exits the chamber leaving his father standing there
"Anakin!" Uther tries calling out to him but Anakin doesn't turn back having left the chamber completely leaving Uther standing there distraught once more. He was trying to keep one of his biggest secrets hidden. He believed that his wife's brother had his suspicions about him having an affair.
Whilst, upstairs recovering in his chambers, Arthur was resting on his bed. Gwen was keeping his company. She placed a cool damp cloth on his forehead. She saw him look up at her smiling
"You're a much better nurse than Merlin is" he grins "I can't tell you how many times he's messed up even bring up the tray table of food" he tells her. Gwen giggles slightly
"You both appreciate all he does for you. He's always by your side fighting alongside you" she points out hearing Arthur laugh
Arthur then places a hand on top of hers "You have a good heart Gwen and kind. It's one of the things I love about you" he reveals. He slowly pulls himself upright in his bed, wincing slightly as he feels the pain in his side. Gwen encourages him to not move
"Arthur, you need to rest. You fought strongly today but you had us all worried" she admits as Arthur gives her a small smirk
"You were worried for me?" he asks in a playful, teasing voice slipping a hand in hers.
Gwen swallowed the lump in her throat, "Arthur, you nearly were killed today. He was ready to strike you down" she recounts as Arthur pulls himself up once more, leaning in towards her, placing his other hand on her cheek
"Guinevere, I'm sorry for putting you through that but I am still alive thanks to my brother, who probably isn't in father's good books right now" he admits "Now, he will fight this knight and I don't think I can fight this knight again but I can't watch my brother die" he confesses.
Gwen then wraps her arms around him in a gentle, warm embrace "Perhaps Merlin will think of something to help Anakin" she suggests as Arthur laughs once more
"Let's not give him too big an ego" he replies making her laugh before they shared a tender romantic kiss together.
Meanwhile, Merlin and Gaius were now back inside their chambers. Merlin, still trying to figure out a way of how he could save his friend whilst Gaius wondered where Obi Wan had gone off to, hoping it was a way of killing this wraith. Merlin hated to believe it but they were right. He paced up and down in front of Gaius once more.
"You were both right" he confesses as Gaius sighs, not liking when he admitted to be being right
"I wish we weren't" he only replies. This was true because he really didn't wish this wraith was here believing him to be who he suspected him of being.
Merlin then goes on "If Anakin fights that thing, he'll die" he points out "You saw what happened with Arthur" he adds as Gaius speaks once more
"He and Arthur are two of Camelot's strongest warriors" he reminds him "If Arthur couldn't defeat it, I don't know if Anakin can" he confesses as Merlin then points out
"You said yourself, no mortal weapon can kill it, which means we have to find a way to defeat the wraith ourselves" he insists as Gaius looks at him confused
"How do you propose to do that?" he asks as Merlin answers him
"If no mortal sword will kill it..." he rushes up to his room before hurrying back down minutes later with his magic book in his hands "Then I will, with mortal magic" he reveals placing the book down on the table opening it up. Gaius moves over to him. It was a great risk and he didn't want to see Merlin caught out
"Merlin, it's too dangerous" he insists as Merlin shakes his head looking up at him
"We don't have a choice" he only replies before he goes back to searching through the book hoping to find a possible spell that will destroy their wraith before he would have a chance to fight again.
As nightfall began to set over Camelot, outside down in the training grounds, the black knight stood in the middle of the grounds, almost like as if they were a statue. One hand holding onto his staff. To any one walking by, they were a menacing presence to be feared or some would have mistaken it for a statue.
However inside the mood was different, Uther was alone in the council chamber, in thought about how he could stop the fight wondering how he could defeat this knight in another way. He was then startled when the wooden doors opened to reveal his friend Gaius entering the room
"Good evening, sire" Gaius spoke, his voice clear and calm. Uther looks over at him
"Gaius" he only replies as Gaius decides to reveal to him what he, Obi Wan and Merlin discovered in the tombs
"There is a matter of great urgency which I must discuss with you" he explains as Uther, wanting to be alone, hurries the conversation
"Then spit it out" he only says as Gaius gets straight to the point
"Tristan's tomb is empty" he reveals seeing his friend's face drop in horror as he goes on "I believe he's been conjured from the dead" he adds as Uther is concerned even more
"How is this possible?" he asks as Gaius answers him
"I believed he's a wraith" he confirms as Uther tilts his head
"A spirit?" he mutters. This was something he did not want to believe or have confirmed - it was the spirit of his wife's brother that killed one of his knight's, injured his youngest son and was going to fight his eldest son. Gaius then goes on
"He has come to take vengeance on behalf of his sister's Igraine" he points out as Uther knew exactly what he meant.
"Tristan never had any confirmation that I had an affair behind his sister's back" he snaps
Gaius was quiet for a moment before he spoke again "Never the less, it was you he accused of cheating on his sister" he states "You cannot allow Anakin to fight" he insists "No weapon forged by man can kill a wraith" he points out "It will stop at nothing until it has accomplished what it came from" he warns him "Arthur nearly suffered the same fate as Owain. Anakin cannot win. He will die" he regrettably revealed not wishing he was saying these words
Uther shook his head "He will not listen to me!" he snaps back at his friend as Gaius then decides to bring up another suggestion, although he knew it wouldn't go down well
"Then you need to tell Anakin the truth" he insists however Uther looks over at him, his eyes glaring at him with fire
"No!" he exclaims "After what happened with Catrina, I don't want him to know that was all true and not the result of an enchantment" he explains "I am the King and you will not tell me what I can and cannot do!" he snaps however Gaius wasn't giving up
"That is your choice sire" he begins to reply adding "You tell him or let him go to his death" he replies. Uther only shook his head believing he will find another way
"No one but you, Obi Wan and I will ever know the secret of Anakin's parentage" he reminds him in a firm strict voice however Gaius then reminded him of what happened a year ago
"The secret came out once and what's to say it won't again" he suggests as Uther toughens his look at his friend.
"Never!" he snaps "You and Obi Wan made an oath and I warn you not to break it" he cautions him. Gaius remains silent. He did not want to say any more and instead nods
"Very well, sire" he simply replies as Uther turns his gaze
"Leave me" he mutters and with that, Gaius exited the chamber once more leaving his friend alone in thought once more to think about what he was going to do.
Merlin, meanwhile, was going to put his suggestion into action and quietly snuck down to the grounds, careful to avoid being seen by the black knight. He snuck down the pathway leading into the training grounds. His eyes staring straight at the knight.
Merlin swallowed the lump in his throat rubbing his hands together. He stretches out his hand as he begins to recite the spell he had found in his magic book.
He watches a trail of fire begin to make its way towards the knight encircling the Knight - he hoped it would be burned away in the flames. Merlin watched as the flames grew around the knight but the knight remained still! He wasn't disappearing in the fires. Merlin grew confused
He then watches as the flames died down to the ground and he heard the Black Knight give a loud deep roar. Merlin's eyes widen as he stares at the knight before the knight then turns his helmet in his direction right at him! Not wanting to stick around to see if he'll come after him, Merlin bolts straight back towards the castle just as the knight turns back in the direction of the castle. Looks like this wraith could withstand mortal weapons and magic!
Merlin raced through the castle straight towards Anakin's chambers. He knew he had to try and stop Anakin from fighting in the knight himself. He found his friend in his chambers, practicing his fighting skills with his sword. He didn't even knock as he burst into the chambers. Anakin sighs as he sees his friend running into his room
"Merlin" he sighs "You know that conversation we had about knocking" he tells him however Merlin didn't have time and got straight to the point
"You have to pull out" he blurts out as Anakin, starting to spin his sword in front of him only replies
"And why is that?" he asks in a tone of disinterest as Merlin snaps back
"Because he'll kill you!" he cries as Anakin becomes frustrated with hearing the same words ever since this knight came to Camelot
"Why does everybody think that?" he asks as Merlin is quick to answer him
"Because they're right!" he tells him "You saw what happened with Arthur and he is just as strong and a bold fighter as you" he points out. He takes a deep breath "Just pull out" he insists "You're the crown prince. No one wants to see you die over some stupid challenge" he says "Especially Arthur, he looks up to him and he doesn't want to see you die" he pleads.
Anakin shakes his head, "I am not a coward" he only replies as Merlin nods in agreement
"I know that, I stood there and watched you overcome every fear you've faced" he reminds him. This was true. He had only been in their services for a few years now but he saw Anakin protect, defend and fight for his family. However, Anakin already had his mind made up
"That's what is required of me" he tells him as Merlin refuses to back down
"But you're more than that" he cries "You're not merely a warrior. You're the prince, a future king. You've proven your courage" he assures him "You must prove your wisdom, for Arthur's sake, please withdraw from the fight" he pleads once more as Anakin shakes his head
"I'm not backing down" he repeats attempting to hold his frustration and anger in just as Merlin wasn't backing down with his pleas
"Please Anakin, listen to me. This is no ordinary knight" he tells him as Anakin swings his sword once more hearing Merlin go on "Look at him. He doesn't eat, he doesn't sleep" he continues moving over towards the window looking down into the training ground at the Black Knight who remained in his place where he just left him.
"Doesn't that tell you something?" Merlin asks his friend as Anakin refuses to listen to his friend's pleas.
"No one is unbeatable" he replies as Merlin goes on
"If you fight him, you will die" he tells him as Anakin felt his anger rising
"I'm not listening to this" he tells him as Merlin tries once more to reason with his friend
"I'm trying to warn you, Anakin" he tells him just at the moment, Anakin finally snaps at his friend
"And I'm trying to warn you, Merlin!" he exclaims angrily holding his sword out towards his friend, his eyes glaring at him telling him this conversation was over. Merlin only stares back at his friend - he thought his friend would listen to him but he had too much pride and stubbornness and without another word, Merlin exited the chamber leaving Anakin alone once more.
Merlin, upset that his friend wouldn't listen to him, decided to head back up his room but not before he felt someone grab his arm and pull him into a side corridor. It was Morgana, in her nightdress and white, fur shawl over her shoulders. She appeared distress and Merlin knew it was because of Anakin's challenge to the knight earlier.
"Merlin, we need to stop Anakin from fighting tomorrow" she tells him "I'm scared for him. Arthur nearly died so I fear Anakin won't be able to win and he'll be killed" she tells him as Merlin places both his hands on her arms
"I know Morgana and I just tried to talk him out of the fight but he won't listen to me. He won't hear anything I have to say" he replies as Morgana nervously bites her top lip
"Please Merlin" she breathes staring at him directly with her bright, concerned blue eyes "Find a way to stop Anakin from fighting this knight. I know Anakin is a strong fighter but he won't win against this knight" she admits. She decided to keep the part out about her vision coming true that Anakin did take up a challenge.
Merlin looked down at her friend and saw she was desperately concerned for their friend, within the last year, it hasn't been easy, with having a troll for queen and saw Anakin banished under some false pretences, Merlin knew Morgana cared deeply for the two princes she regarded as brothers.
"I don't want to see him die and I will find a way to stop this knight" he promises her before he then feels Morgana grasp his hands, clasping them tight
"I don't want to watch him die and Arthur won't be able to handle losing his brother" she points out "Find a way" she adds voice almost a whisper and then, before Merlin could say another word, Morgana leans in and softly kisses him on the cheek taking him by surprise.
Morgana then begins to move past him just as he touches her arm, causing her to turn around "You can trust me Morgana, I promise I will find a way to protect Anakin" he assures her. She gives a small smile before she moves down the hallway leaving Merlin standing there. He now had the determination even more and a promise to Morgana, Anakin wasn't going to die.
Darkness had truly crept over the city, with the moonlight shinning through the city, Uther was still inside the council chambers insisting to be alone. He moved over towards the table to retrieve his drink that had been brought him a short time ago for him. He picked it up and starts to drink moving towards his seat when he suddenly felt a cold breeze blow into the room blowing out the candle beside him.
His eyes widen as he then looks behind him seeing someone he never wanted to see again. His old friend turned enemy, Palpatine. He had not seen him since the night where he took Morgana in as his ward and Palpatine made his shocking declaration.
"I should have known" he only mutters. Palpatine had sworn to destroy the city and himself. He should have expected Palpatine to be behind this knight's arrival. Palpatine smirks back at his friend
"It is more than I had hoped for you, Uther" he spoke in a cold, sinister voice "Soon Anakin will be slain. You will have sent him to his death" he sneers "And no one will ever discover your deep secret" he tells him.
Uther's eyes widen as he hears him speak - how did he know about his secret? He never told Palpatine about Shmi. He entrusted only Obi Wan and Gaius
"How..." he stutters "How do you know?" he asks voice trembling as Palpatine smirks in delight
"You didn't think that two fat, ugly trolls were smart enough to think of coming to Camelot, making you fall in love and steal your riches all by themselves now did you?" he asks him. Uther closed his eyes. He was talking about Catrina - he was behind their plot
"Haven't you tired of revenge?" Uther asks him as Palpatine glares back at him
"Haven't you?" he only asks going on "You're nothing but a hypocrite, Uther Pendragon" he scoffs "You claim to be the perfect king, the loving husband and devoted father, but you carry a dark secret you want to keep buried" he scoffs. Uther shakes his head
"I loved Igraine. She was my heart, my soul" he cries as Palpatine cackles
"You were weak Uther. While she was away, you sought comfort in the arms of a simple minded servant!" he snaps. Uther stares back at him coldly.
"Don't you ever speak about her that way" he warns him as Palpatine sneers once more
"How would everyone react if they knew that their perfect king has lied to them all these years and then when the secret was revealed, you once again blamed magic for what happened" he informs him "Are you afraid Anakin will never forgive you, leave Camelot and I'll turn him into my servant before I have him kill you?" he asks
"Anakin is my son and I will not let you take him" he tells him.
"After tomorrow, I won't have to, but Arthur, perhaps he'll be the one" he taunts "Crushed at seeing his brother killed, he'll turn his back on you and leave Camelot only to return as my servant" he reveals. Uther, holding back tears only looks up at his friend.
Palpatine then goes on "I have watched so many people I love die at your hands, Uther Pendragon" he scoffs "Now it is your turn" he promises and with that, he was gone and leaving Uther alone in the chamber again. He desperately needed to stop Anakin from fighting but now the future had changed drastically because Palpatine knew his secret and would stop at nothing to ensure his death.