Bearing the Path to Destiny

A/N: I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving. I see that at least one person is still guessing just who are those four college students. Their identities won't be confirmed until the epilogue of my story, sorry. I hope you will like this chapter too though. There will be an OC death. Who will it be?

The kind of love which makes us stand against everyone and defend a stranger is the strongest one.

~ M. F. Moonzajer

Chapter 37: Hell Hath No Fury

Leon and Garrett were still staring at Angus, hoping he was just some stress induced hallucination.

"I know," Angus said gesturing his arms out. "I look good for being dead for nearly three years, don't I?"

"Yeah, real ruggish," Garrett growled. "I'm sure the time in hell would've definitely done someone like you good. Someone like you could end up nowhere else."

"I see you've grown to be as bold as your father." Angus took the collar of his robe and tugged on it a bit. "I will also say: I worked up quite a bit of sweat, without doing a lick of work. Even with this cool weather I could still feel traces of that heat."

"So," said Leon. "It was true. That red light during the night near two weeks ago, that was hell opening up and you got spit out."

Now Angus smiled a little savagely. "Me and quite a bit more but I won't honor you with the details. I will say that I am still burning even now but it's more from vengeance than anything else. Vengeance I was denied thanks to that meddling Arthur."

"Vengeance for what?" Garrett growled.

Angus waved his right arm in front of him. "For the loss of my original right arm though I now have it back. It was still mine for over five hundred years, needless to say, I was quite attached to it. Then your scoundrel father detached it from me."

Garrett scoffed. "If it's any consolation, that wasn't my father's intention. He meant to lop off your head but your damn arm got in the way."

"We'd be happy to correct Galahad's mistake though," Leon said raising his sword higher at the Thorn.

He looked at Leon like he was a pesky fly. "This doesn't concern you. Gwthio fel Cleddyf."

Garrett's reflexes kicked and he conjured a shield in front of Leon to absorb it. It looked like the flash of light Angus flung at Leon hit some barely visible wall before it faded away like smoke. Angus was annoyed and angry.

"I think it does," Leon shouted as he charged for his would be attacker.

Angus drew his own blade and met his swipe. "Nuissance," he spat. He then noticed Garrett run up and wielding his own sword at his other side. He held out his free hand at him. "Cymryd Ffurf a Rhyngdoriad."

Garrett had jumped when he was bringing his sword down and a round metal shield suddenly appeared out of nowhere and absorbed the hit from him resulting in a loud metal clang. Garrett's sword vibrated from the impact as Garrett did himself. As his feet where dropping to the ground, Garrett felt surprised that his last spell didn't cause him to feel that cold chill on his spine that you would expect to when fighting one of the Thorns.

Right when Garrett's feet hit the ground, Angus thrust his arm out further and the metal shield he made went and slammed into his chest knocking the young man down. Angus spared a moment to snicker at that so he was very surprised to find himself on the ground with a sharp pain at his left cheek.

"Don't forget me," Leon growled before he thrust his sword down at him.

The tip made another loud clang when the metal shield flew out and intercepted it. Leon made another swipe but the shield met that too. It then flattened itself and flew at him like a disk to try and take his head off but Leon straightened his blade up to stop it. The shield was spinning as it tried to force its way through making some sparks fly as it grinded against Leon's sword. It then started to back off and slam against him as if someone invisible was trying to smash his face in.

"Oh I didn't." Angus wiped the corner of his mouth as he stood up. Angus took a moment to think that it was strange that Leon's punch seemed to be hurting him this much. It was strong yes but it felt like he had used a brass gauntlet to hit him instead of his bare hands. Perhaps he was too out of practice with battle. It was his first one since his resurrection. The sting was starting to branch off to his jaw and he felt that Leon just had to go. His corpse would surely do in sending a message to Arthur. "Dorri I Mewn Dau."

Leon's sword glowed before it snapped and the top part of the blade broke away from the rest. Leon was surprised by this new loss of pressure that he lost his footing and was defenseless when the shield went and smashed up into his face. Angus smiled when he saw that he might've broken Leon's nose as it was now bleeding and Leon also looked knocked out. Angus then opened his free hand and it started to spark as energy formed within it and shape itself like a small spear.

He was going to throw it but then he was thrown himself. Angus found himself in a pile of dead leaves and wet lush. He looked up to see Garrett glaring at him with one hand clutching his chest.

"At least we're finally alone," he said getting back to his feet.

Dane took his spear and whack away at a Viking who tried to bash him into the ground with his mace. Dane's back hit a tree where he ducked before the mace imprinted itself in the tree where his head had just touched. The Viking yanked the mace out and brought it down at Dane again but he rolled out of the way before he could have his leg broken. Dane grabbed a fist full of damp dirt and threw it at the man's face. As he spat the dirt that managed to get into his mouth Dane ran for his spear where he dropped it and plunged it into the man's stomach.

Another Viking came and tossed Todd away as he made his way to Hunith and tried to grab her. Todd went to wrap his arm around the man's neck to pull him off of her but he just socked him on the cheek with his elbow. He then turned around and punched Todd in the face and he fell face flat into the ground. Hunith grabbed a decent size rock and went to try and ram it to the soldier's head but he grabbed her wrist.

"Why don't you put the rock down?" he growled before he took his other hand and tried to grip her jaw.

Hunith spat in the man's face. The Viking wiped his face clean before he went and back slapped her. Then he gripped on her face but she turned her head and tried to bite his hand. He pushed her down and grabbed for a dagger on his belt. He stalked towards her like a lion stalking a wounded gazelle. Hunith lifted herself slightly and supported herself with her arms as she glared up at the Viking approaching her. He kept his eyes locked on her face and his jaw dropped when he saw her gaze lock on to look behind him.

"Get away from her!" Dane shouted as he charged.

The Viking turned to avoid getting stuck by Dane's spear as he tried to thrust him from behind. The two of them faced each other in battle stance before the Viking took out another knife, a bigger and thicker one.

The corner of Todd's lip was bleeding as he wiped it and raised his upper body up. He could see his younger brother facing that Viking who now had two knives. He forced himself to his knees where his eyes caught sight of another Viking body by a tree with a chunk torn out of its side.

He focused his gaze on the spot where that chunk was. "Torrwch Ei"

Hunith saw Dane take a swipe at her attacker but miss and watched as he backed away to avoid having his stomach cut open by that man's thick knife. Movement caught her side vision to where she saw Todd on his knees looking at a nearby tree. She saw his eyes glow slightly and she saw that tree was starting to bend slightly towards their enemies position. She looked to her right hand to see that she still had that rock and she flung it at that man.

It collided with the Viking's right shoulder and made him back off slightly before he grasped it with his other hand that was holding the smaller knife. "Why you," he growled at her.

"Blymen I Lawr." Todd's spell made the tree then fall on its side to land on their opponent.

The Viking heard the sound of the twisting bark and turned just in time to scream for a split second before the tree pinned him down. Dane then ran over and drove his spear down into the man's heart as he struggled against the weight of the tree.

"Miss Hunith?" he asked out as he tried to look her over from where he was.

"I'm okay," she assured him. The only real damage she seemed to have was from the grip that soldier had on her wrist.

Dane turned so he could thank his brother to see a flash of light at the corner of his eye.

"Sioc Tu Allan!"

Todd turned to see an enemy sorcerer send a spell for him. Todd's voice was caught in his throat so that he couldn't even scream. The spell flew right at him and threatened to envelop him. Yet it didn't hit him. A shape came out from the trees and intercepted it. Dane spared a second to be relieved before he threw his spear as hard as he could at his brother's would be killer. The spear lodged itself in the sorcerer's chest where he fell back from the force of it. Todd looked at what it was that took the brunt of the spell to see it was a person and his outline was smoking from the intensity of the spell and then he fell backwards. He lightly stepped forward to look at him and saw that it was Sir Dregan.

"Dregan?! What? Why did you do that?" Todd's voice was high and hurried. Dregan had bits of his skin that were blackened and there was smoke seeping out of them.

Dregan was struggling to breathe, almost like he was choking on the air he was trying to breathe on. All he could do was meet the young man's gaze. Dane pulled his spear from the sorcerer's corpse before he made his way to his brother and Dregan. As he looked the man over, he knew that Dregan wasn't going to make it.

Hunith bent over to him and took Dregan's hand to try and help him be calm as he made his transition into death. "It's okay. You're not alone here," she smoothly whispered to him. Dregan looked to Hunith's face as she did this and tears started pouring out of his eyes.

Garrett put up another shield to try and defend against the blast that Angus sent at him but the force of it was too strong and it shattered around him like glass before the force of Angus power made him fly off a bit and land harshly on his back. His head got roughed up as well and light spots started to blind half of his vision.

Angus stepped up to him with a smile plastered on his evil face as he slightly bent over at him. "Disappointing, I thought that the esteemed son of Sir Galahad would be worth more than this." Garrett tried to rush at him but Angus was ready. "Rwymo Yn Y Ddaear."

Garrett's arms became encased in the mud before it hardened, binding him to the ground. "Rhyddhau Ataliiaeth," he cried desperately.

"Sorry, but you don't have the power to cancel my spells boy."

Garrett growled. "Go to hell Angus!"

"Once was enough for me," he tried to joke but Garrett didn't laugh. "I do see that you and your father do have the same lack of humor." He smile deepened when he saw Garrett struggle harder against the restraints he made on him. "Relax, I won't kill you, at least right now. I'll be saving that event for when your father could be present."

Leon came to and saw Angus hovering over Garrett as he was pinned to the ground. He grasped his sword's hilt only to remember that it was broken. His eyes then fell on the upper part of the blade lying near him.

"He's going to kill you," Garrett said savagely. "He's going to lop off your head!"

Angus shook his head like he was talking down to a small child. "No, I don't think Galahad will. Now what do you say we get you back. Vortigern has been missing you. But…" He then conjured a small ball of energy. "Where's the harm in having a little more fun?"

He was going to torture Garrett. He was swirling the energy from that orb around his fingers to do just that when a pointed blade came out from behind his upper arm. Leon had taken that blade and lodged it into Angus' arm. Angus growled and tried to swing the sword in his other hand at him but Leon ducked to avoid it and went over to Garrett's form.

"That was fun," Leon said as Angus ripped the blade out.

"Oh you so have to die," Angus grit his teeth before he raised his arm to blast Leon. However, he felt something hot running up his arm and spread to his hand. He ripped the sleeve of his robe off and was shocked at what was there. Some kind of veiny strands were spreading from the wound that Leon inflicted and were traveling up his arm like an infection. His arm was also started to blacken. "What the hell did you do to me?!"

Leon was surprised as well. "That's what I want to know." He looked down at Garrett and saw that he looked just as stumped as him. Leon then started stomping on the hardened earth trapping his arms and started to crack it like it was pottery.

Angus saw that it was traveling up to his shoulder as well and he couldn't take any chances. He lopped it off. His arm fell to the ground where it turned completely black as ash and then crumbled to ashy dust. "No," he said looking at where his arm used to be. "Not again." He saw Leon trying to stomp Garrett free. He sent him flying back and landing on his backside. "Damn you Leon!"

Garrett's right arm restraint was heavily cracked and he pulled on it hard and he managed to pull it free though it got a little scratched. "Chwyth Ynni" he shouted as soon as it was free. A blast erupted from his palm and it collided with Angus' chest.

Angus found himself on his knees as the blast hit him and Angus thought that it was hurting much more than it was supposed to. He started to feel that same burning feeling that had been in his arm spread around his chest from the spot where he was hit. "What is this?! This shouldn't be happening!"

Leon got up and he started to stomp on Garrett's other arm restraint while Garrett brought his elbow down on it to break it apart. When it did he grabbed his sword and the two approached Angus as he was writhing in pain. Garrett sword hand twitched with anticipation.

"I think you were right Angus," Garrett said causing him to look up at the two of them. "My father won't be taking your head after all."

Angus eyes shot open for a second before Garrett swung his sword clean through his neck. Angus' head and body then started to turn black and they exploded into ashy dust. This made all the surrounding men look over in shock. Angus, this time a demon risen from hell, was defeated again by a Camelot knight and Albion. With that, Leon and Garrett glared at their enemies that were looking on and they took off. None wanted to take the chance that they would be next at least without more reinforcements.

After that retreat, when the two of them were trying to check on everyone did they find out the truth. Dregan had been killed trying to save Todd's life and he wasn't the only one to have fallen. Garrett and Leon found Bran's body on the ground with an axe stuck in his chest. Two other knights and an Albion soldier named Vayne, they were also lost.

Over in Wirtgernesburg, Vortigern was glancing at some papers with Mab, Lucien and Kenrick when he felt a warm vibration coming from his wrists. He pulled on his sleeves to see the metal cuffs glowing slightly. Then a searing pain started to pulse right at the sides of his head which made the king drop what he was holding to grip his head and squeeze on it.

Mab noticed immediately and went over to him. "Vortigern? Are you alright?"

"It's…my head," he screeched as he tried to squeeze harder to quell the pain. Suddenly, a picture of Angus appeared in his head. He then saw him crumble to dust. Once that was done, the pain in his head went with it. However, there was some lingering pressure but that started to dissipate a bit. "Angus," he growled as he slowly let go of his head.

"Sire?" Lucien asked confused.

"He's been destroyed. That insufferable fool!"

"How do you know?" asked Kenrick.

"I just know!" Kenrick and Lucien backed away from the irate king. "Instead of wasting my time with stupid questions, why don't you two make yourselves useful and see to what the hell happened?"

Mab came over and stuck her neck out and gestured out towards the door. The two of them got her message that she would handle this and they should handle this new bit of mess. They bowed their heads and excused themselves. Vortigern was lightly rubbing his temples to relieve some added pressure that those two had added. Mab stayed behind and handed Vortigern a goblet of mead.

"This should help," she said before he took it.

Vortigern took a sip and sat himself down. "What the hell was that?"

"I did try to warn you that there would be a cost to using the Devil's Chains. Such power always comes with a cost and this is yours."

"So, with these," he said lifting his free hand to show her the silver cuff on it. "I'm forced to feel the demise of every demon I control?"

"Not every one, just the human demons. The lower demons shouldn't affect you, after all, the one you took control and sent after Arthur didn't affect you when it was destroyed." Mab stared at the door where her colleagues had exited through. "Perhaps it would be wise to try and avoid using so many of them. If just one's demise could bring out this kind of effect on you it might be too risky if there were multiple ones."

"I appreciate the concern Mab but no. Your fellow Thorns and all those others were freed from hell by my good will to be more than wall dressing. This power may come at a price but what good is the power if I don't use it. Angus was an arrogant fool and if he could fail me twice then he deserves to be dust."

"Very well Vortigern."

Merlin was behind the Manor and observing and directing Madoc as he was flying laps in the air around it. Merlin was beginning a regiment of training Madoc in being more responsive to his commands. Both Connor and Lionel had come to Merlin to ask him to for a more firm hand to be on him because Madoc had always been too spontaneous in a crisis like when he left during their diversion battle to go to Avalon's lake. His exercises were drawing stares from all the passerbys on the ground and one from the air. Kilgharrah was observing the exercise from behind the mountains somberly. He remembered a few of these kind of sessions with other dragons and dragonlords back in the old days. He thought that Merlin was doing good for a first time.

"Halt!" he commanded.

Madoc stopped in mid-flight and just hovered at the spot.

"Veer right!"

Madoc pushed off with his wings and shot off towards the right, almost like a dodge.

"Veer left!"

Madoc pushed off with his wings again but this time he shot off towards the left.

"Charge ahead!"

Madoc bent his body backwards to make a flip before he kicked his wings back and flew forwards when his body straightened out again to make a great aerial charge.

Merlin gave out a clap. "Good, now five laps."

Aithusa was laying down and was following Madoc's movements. Her head twisted about as she followed along with Madoc's move as he flew his laps. Lionel was sitting on the grass close by with a motar and pestle and was grinding some herbs and a few berries to make a paste. A shadow came upon him and he looked up to see a familiar young woman.

"Hello Morgana. You're looking well."

"Better every day, thank you Lionel." She walked over to start stroking Aithusa at the crook of her neck. "Is Dylan here?"

"Oh, no. He's over at the Academy helping Malcolm with some research. He's been there nearly all day."

"Oh," Morgana said a little disappointed. She was missing his company. He always helped make her feel comfortable. She pushed down her disappointment and took in the scene around her. "What is happening here?"

"Merlin is training with Madoc to help him prepare for future battles; trying to help him develop some battle discipline. As for me, I'm preparing a special healing cream to apply to Aithusa's wings."

"Really?"

He nodded. "Aithusa's trying to build itself up so she could fly again and I'm helping where I can with this cream. It should help release any aches that might still be there so she'll have few problems when she takes off again."

She looked over at Aithusa as she followed her fellow dragon's movement in the air. She then turned to look over at Merlin as he followed Madoc's movement.

"Turn about three times," he yelled.

Madoc started to spin like a top as he flew like three times like Merlin ordered before he upright again and completed his fourth lap. Morgana saw that Merlin didn't look remotely like the goofy servant she remembered. He looked so…fierce and strong, a trait she didn't really think he could possess. He was surely like this during their battle but she was so driven last time in fighting him that she didn't really take it in. Morgana wondered if that was how he looked when he took down Lot's court sorcerer for what he had done to her and Aithusa. Just how many faces did Merlin really have? She was mystified and didn't realize that she was staring.

So she was nearly startled when she felt a gentle tug on her dress. "Hmm, what?"

Lionel was looking up at her in surprise. "I asked if you wouldn't mind holding my pack pouch for me? So that I could freely apply this cream on Aithusa."

She cleared her throat and snapped herself out of her daze. "Of course, anything to help Aithusa."

He handed her his pack as he climbed on a stool and started to dab some of his cream on Aithusa right wing joint. Aithusa let out a small purr like noise as the cream made contact. Morgana could see that Aithusa was loving the care that was being put onto her wings. She looked to her dragon's eyes to see that they stopped looking up at her fellow dragon and were now looking down at her hands. She looked down at the pouch she was holding to see that it was slightly open and glimpsed the four dragon eggs that Lionel was known to have with him. She'd seen him cradle one almost constantly but she'd never seen all four at once before. She sat down in front of Aithusa and opened it fully so they both could have a better look.

Madoc finished his fifth lap and then hovered in the air above and before Merlin.

"Good Madoc. Very good."

However, Madoc wasn't looking at Merlin. He wondered what had the red dragon's attention and looked over to see Morgana sitting with Aithusa. He could make out Lionel massaging one of her wings not too far away. Morgana had one of the eggs out, the green one, and was holding it out in front of her and Aithusa. He could make out her lips moving as she lightly cradled and rubbed the egg like it was a newborn child. She was speaking and Aithusa was responding to what she was saying with blinking eyes and head movements. He wondered just what she was saying but unfortunately he couldn't read lips. Though as he looked at her lips the memory of the kiss from the other day came back. He didn't realize that he was staring and hardly reacted to Madoc touching down and landing right next to him.

Kilgharrah gazed down at the two of them. Madoc seemed to be drawn to Aithusa and seemed to return those feelings. He didn't mind that, he was actually quite supportive. With the three of them and Lionel's eggs the dragon race was firmly at seven though it was still too close for comfort. The future of their noble race might just rest with the two of them. The issue he had was the looks that Merlin and Morgana seemed to be giving one another. The long and mystified gazes between Madoc and Aithusa were being mirrored by Merlin and Morgana when they felt the other wasn't looking and they were another story. He had seen that Merlin demise would be certain if he developed any true trust in Morgana; he hadn't been exaggerating in his warnings to Arthur. Before Merlin's survival seemed assured with he and Morgana at opposite ends with nothing but contempt for each other and yet it seems that it was all for naught as they found themselves here in Albion. Merlin was seeing to Aithusa and Morgana's recovery and was sympathizing with her treatment at Lot's hand. Morgana was having her wrath and hatred pacified with life here in this haven for magic and starting to really re-evaluate her connections with those around her. He had tried to recruit Arthur's assistance but perhaps Arthur had yet to see it as this war was taking up most of his mindset and couldn't really see to keeping Merlin and Morgana distant. Kilgharrah needed to be careful now. Merlin seemed to be more rebellious towards him than ever and if he directly insisted than Merlin would go and do the opposite. Beyond asking for his assistance during Samhain, Merlin hadn't truly spoken with him and whenever he tried to go to him Merlin sent him away. The situation was becoming more complex and moving too beyond his control.

Malcolm and Dylan left the Academy with them holding two books each. These were the only books that held true in depth information on magical means of subjugation. However Vortigern was controlling and commanding the demons that have emerged from hell all at once. The only clue that they had was Arthur's claim of it being a piece of jewelry worn on Vortigern's wrists but it was a good a place to start as any.

"We don't have to head back to the Manor. I'm fine with staying here to do the research."

"Dylan, the librarian has been telling us that you've taken to sleeping in the armchairs. You do know that you have a guest room at the Manor for you."

Dylan shrugged. "I'm fine anywhere. No one has to go through any sort of trouble for me."

"Still can't handle generosity, can you?" he asked a little sadly.

"I can handle it just fine Malcolm," he said sparing no expense to be short with him. He saw that Malcolm was looking at him a bit disappointed after that. Malcolm was among the rare few that Dylan would actually show remorse towards. "Look, I appreciate the offer, I do, I simply don't prefer it, that's all."

"I can respect that; so does Connor." Though maybe Malcolm should try a different approach. "However seeing as how we will be studying at the Manor anyway, you might as well take the bed while its there."

'The little sneak,' he thought as he rolled his eyes.

As Dylan rolled his eyes towards Malcolm, he thought he saw someone at the corner of his sight leering at them. He stopped walking and turned his head to get a better look. It was at the corner of a nearby house but he didn't see anyone. The few people about didn't seem to be paying him or Malcolm any more attention than normal. Dylan saw that Malcolm was leaving him behind so he went off to catch up but kept his gaze on the spot as he went. A few moments after the two of them walked off a safe distance, the spot was then occupied. Sir Rhein, dressed in silk garments instead of his usual uniform for stealth, narrowed his eyes at their shrinking dots.

When night had fallen, a part of the forest over in Essitir had five funeral pyres lighting it. Hunith had helped in bandaging and treating any of them who were hurt as Todd had been busy building the pyres for all the fallen men and she felt that he had seen and touched enough blood for one day. Leon had said some words and commented on the bravery and strength that these fallen men had and he was proud to have had the honor to travel and fight alongside them both from Camelot and Albion. He then went to each individual pyre and lit them with a torch.

Todd and Dane were in front of Dregan's pyre with their heads slightly bowed and silently praying for him to have achieved peace and to thank him for saving Todd's life like he did. Todd was still trying to understand why. From when they met in that cell, Dregan had given him, and his younger brother, a hard time and he spared no expense showing him how much the knight aggravated him so why did he save him? Dane was watching the fire and with a blank look and thought that maybe Dregan did have some qualities of nobility besides just having a noble birth.

Garrett was in front of Bran's pyre, shedding tears as he watched the flames consume his friend's body. Leon was next to him thinking how sad and unfair it was for Bran. All he wanted was to go home and now he wouldn't ever be able to. He would see to it that Garrett and the others will.

End of Chapter 37

A/N: I hope you liked this one. This won't really be expanded on but I wanted Dregan to go out with a semblance of honor. He and Sir Ferris are similar to how they regard magic and sorcerers but I wanted to show how it is if one of them firmly holds on to their pride on the subject and if one of them tries to let it go and moves on. Dregan's honor was gone. I think you could guess that he was under the 'Curse' as well and he sold out Merlin's mother to Vortigern, he caused too much pain. If he made it to Albion, Arthur would've publicly disgraced him after hearing of his actions. He really had nothing left to go to. This was his final attempt to try and salvage what little honor he had left and die with dignity. Though seeing how those he hurt still were trying to comfort him to his death, I think it really touched him and saved his soul.

As for what had happened to Angus, there is quite the explanation. I want to see if any of you can get it. Here's a clue, Dylan's creatures have something in common with demons. Come on, guess. Though, you have to love the poetic justice. Galahad took Angus' arm before and now his protégé took the same arm again before his son took his head. The next chapter will have some more Merlin and Morgana drama as well as Dylan as well though there will be a twist to it that I'm sure will make you all laugh at the situation. Also, Ferris and his circle of friends start to leer at Malcolm from afar as they plot his demise.

Gwthio fel Cleddyf – Thrust like a sword

Cymryd Ffurf a Rhyngdoriad – Form and intercept

Dorri I Mewn Dau – Break in two

Torrwch Ei – Chop it

Blymen I Lawr – Plummet down

Sioc Tu Allan – Shock inside out

Rwymo Yn Y Ddaear – Bound in Earth

Rhyddhau Ataliaeth – Release Restraint

Chwyth Ynni – Energy Blast