The entire court watched solemnly as Arthur handed Uther a tattered piece of red cloth that bore the Pendragon crest. "It was Cenred who did this, you're certain of it?" Uther demanded.
"Yes, my lord," Arthur confirmed. "His messenger has only this minute departed Camelot. Cenred said that the patrol trespassed on his land, and…an example had to be made."
"How many dead?"
"All of them, Sire," Merlin answered. "Every last man." Many of the courtiers bowed their heads in respect.
"The knights?" Uther prompted.
"All lost," Arthur repeated. "Edric, Oldoff, Osric…and Sir Leon."
Once the court had dispersed, Merlin pulled Morgana aside. "Morgause has allied with Cenred in the past. Do you think she might have something to do with this?"
Morgana shook her head. "After we escaped the Castle of Fyrien, she decided that Cenred was useless to us and she returned to her castle in Odin's land. I think Cenred's being aggressive on his own volition now. He has wanted the throne of Camelot for ages."
Arthur's voice came from behind Morgana. "What are you two whispering in dark corners about?"
"It's nothing," Merlin said quickly.
Arthur raised an eyebrow. "I heard something about the throne of Camelot, you call that nothing?"
"Of course the throne isn't nothing, but this conversation has nothing to do with you," Morgana said somewhat curtly.
Arthur narrowed his eyes. "Fine. See you later."
Later that day, Leon returned to Camelot, alive and well. The council gathered again to hear Leon's report. Arthur walked right up to Leon and clasped his arm in a friendly greeting. "We thought you were dead for sure."
"Well I was dead, or as good as, until the druids found me," Leon replied. Suddenly the air filled with tension, and Merlin and Morgana shared a glance.
"Druids?" Uther repeated.
"Yes, my lord," Leon said somewhat uncomfortably. "I owe them my life."
"How did they heal you?" Uther demanded. "You said you were as good as dead."
"I-I don't know."
"Did they use magic?"
"Well, I—"
"Yes or no, it's a simple enough question!"
"I only know that I drank from some kind of cup," Leon admitted.
"Cup?" Uther asked suspiciously.
"It was extraordinary, my lord," Leon continued somewhat uncertainly. "I have known nothing like it. From the moment it touched my lips, I could feel my life return to me."
For nearly a minute, the room was silent. Finally, Uther spoke. "Well. Your trials have left you weary, I'm sure." He turned to Arthur. "We must let him rest." With that, Uther left the room, followed by Arthur and Merlin.
Morgana approached Gaius and spoke quietly to him. "That sounds a lot like how Merlin saved Arthur from the bite of the Questing Beast. Do you think it could have been the Cup of Life?"
"Most likely," Gaius agreed. "But you needn't worry, my lady. The Cup will be quite safe with the druids. They are secretive by nature, they will have it well hidden."
Morgana shrugged. "I'm not worried, merely curious. Frankly, I'm content to let the druids have it. It may have saved Arthur's life, but it still caused a good deal of trouble."
A few hours later, the princes approached Uther in an empty corridor. "You sent for us, Father?" Merlin asked.
Uther looked grim. "Cenred is our sworn enemy, we cannot risk him getting his hands on the Cup of Life. You must retrieve it. Your mission must remain secret; you can speak to no one of this."
Arthur nodded. "We will take only our most trusted men."
Uther shook his head. "We've seen what happened to the last patrol that entered Cenred's land. You must go alone. I'm sorry to place such a burden upon you, but there is no one else I can trust."
"Understood, Father," Arthur replied, feeling somewhat warmed by his father's faith. He and Merlin returned to their chambers, passing Morgana in another corridor.
Morgana stopped to give Arthur an appraising look. "What has you strutting about like a peacock?"
"I do not strut!" Arthur protested.
"He's just happy that Father entrusted us with a secret mission," Merlin interjected, hoping to forestall a childish argument.
"To fetch the Cup of Life?" Morgana guessed.
"Keep your voice down!" Arthur hissed.
Morgana rolled her eyes. "Honestly, Arthur, it's obvious. Good luck on your 'secret' mission." The siblings continued on their separate ways.
Morgana finally stopped in an unused room in the dungeons. She had only been waiting for a few minutes when Morgause joined her. "Greetings, my sister. How have you fared?"
Morgana smiled. "Quite well, thank you. And yourself?"
Morgause scowled. "It's been months since we've had any sort of plan. Please tell me you have some good news, sister, before I destroy my castle in a fit of frustration."
Morgana sighed, deciding it was time to pass along another piece of harmless information. "Arthur and Merlin have been sent to Cenred's kingdom to recover the Cup of Life."
Morgause's eyes widened. "The Cup of Life? Are you sure?" Morgana nodded, and Morgause broke into a smile. "How long I have searched for it."
Morgana caught her breath, hoping she hadn't misjudged the potential dangers of the Cup. "What use is a cup with healing powers? Neither of us is ill or injured."
Morgause whirled around to face Morgana again. "It does far more than that. Trust me, sister, with the Cup in our possession, Camelot would soon be at our mercy." She paused, looking thoughtful. "Cenred has spies everywhere. Perhaps he will be of use to us again. If he can have the princes followed…"
"Then they will lead us all the way to the Cup itself," Morgana concluded, feeling sick to her stomach. Silently, she cursed herself; she should have known better than to mention any magical object to Morgause.
"So…where exactly are you going?" Will demanded as he began packing Merlin's bags.
"Can't tell you that," Merlin said casually. "It's a secret."
"A secret," Will said flatly. "You're telling me this one mission is a bigger secret than, I don't know, the fact that you were born with magic?"
"The nature of my birth is my secret," Merlin replied, unfazed. "And therefore I can reveal it at my discretion. It was my father who ordered that this mission be kept secret."
Will shook his head. "Unbelievable. I spend a decade keeping all your secrets, and this is the thanks I get."
Merlin shrugged. "Fine. It'll be dangerous and we'll be traveling through bandit-infested lands. Happy?"
Will stared at Merlin. "No, not in the slightest! Now you're making me wonder if I'll ever see you again!"
Merlin snorted. "First you complain I'm not showing any faith in you, then you decide not to show faith in me."
Will stopped packing and folded his arms. "If you think it's dangerous, it probably is, even for you. You're not immortal, Merlin."
"No, but I've survived far worse than this mission," Merlin countered. "There's no need to worry, I'm not going to die."
"You'd better not," Will replied, his voice hard. "I didn't spend ten years serving one of the only decent nobles I've ever met just to have you die on me."
Morgana burst into Gaius's chambers without knocking. "Gaius, what do you know about the Cup of Life?" she demanded frantically.
Gaius looked somewhat taken aback by the abrupt interruption of his evening. "Well, its magic is eternal, unbound by time or place…"
"I don't care about that!" Morgana snapped. "How could it be used as a weapon?"
Gaius grimaced. "Many centuries ago, it fell into the possession of a great warlord. One night, he gathered his army before him. He took a drop of blood from each and every man and collected it in the Cup. Such was the vessel's power that the soldiers were made immortal where they stood. The carnage they wrought was beyond all imagining." Morgana subconsciously took a step backwards in horror.
Gaius sighed before continuing. "The king's no fool. He knows that the forces of the Old Religion are rising up against him once more. Heaven forbid that the Cup should fall into Cenred's hands. If he found a sorcerer willing to wield it, Camelot would be all but lost."
Morgana wordlessly shook her head and turned around.
"Is something the matter, my lady?" Gaius called after her. Morgana did not answer him, having already fled the room.
Morgana burst into Merlin's chambers, once again without knocking. "Merlin, you need—" She broke off when she realized that Will was alone in the room, still packing.
"He went to talk to Arthur," Will said helpfully.
"Right," Morgana said somewhat sheepishly.
She exited the room and went down the hall to Arthur's chambers. This time, she remembered to knock and wait for a response. As soon as she received one, she walked in and closed the door. "You need to be careful. You cannot let Cenred get his hands on the Cup. No matter what." Morgana gave Merlin a significant look.
Arthur rolled his eyes. "We knew that already, Morgana, why are you suddenly acting like the fate of Camelot depends on it?"
"Because it does! The Cup is a weapon!"
"It's magical," Arthur scoffed. "Cenred's no sorcerer, what could he do with it?"
"He could find a sorcerer to wield it for him," Merlin answered, eyes widening as he realized what Morgana was implying.
"Like who?" Arthur demanded.
Merlin and Morgana shared another look, but did not answer him.
"Will you stop that!" Arthur snapped, now irritated.
"Stop what?" Merlin and Morgana replied in unison.
"Shutting me out of conversations that clearly involve the fate of Camelot!" Arthur exclaimed. "You know, I used to think all your secret looks and conversations involved your magic, but that's not it, is it? There's something else you both are refusing to tell me!"
"We've been telling you all you need to know," Morgana retorted. She stormed back out of the room.
Arthur turned to glare at Merlin, and Merlin sighed. "It wasn't my decision to keep you in the dark about this."
"In the dark about what?"
Merlin shook his head. "It's not my place to say."
"Of course it isn't," Arthur said bitterly.
The next morning, Merlin and Arthur departed on their mission. Arthur barely looked at Merlin and didn't say a word.
Eventually, Merlin grew fed up with the tense silence and tried to make conversation. "You know, I'm kind of surprised the druids healed Leon. He's a knight of Camelot, they had every reason to think he'd come back with a patrol seeking their heads."
"Who knows how their minds work," Arthur said tersely. "If you're so curious, ask when we get there."
"No, I just think it was a very noble thing for them to do," Merlin replied. He paused, hoping his brother would say something further, but there was no sound from behind him. "Arthur?"
Suddenly, Merlin felt a sharp pain in the side of his neck. He looked to the side and had just enough time to see the shaft of a dart before he lost consciousness.
Merlin opened his eyes and nearly a dozen men swam into view. Arthur stood front and center. For a few moments, Merlin lay still in dazed confusion. Then Arthur bent down and lightly slapped his brother's cheek to jolt him into full wakefulness.
"Morning to you too," Merlin said, rubbing his head. Arthur simply scowled.
Merlin slowly stood up and took in the situation. They were imprisoned in an indoor stone pit whose walls were about twice the height of a man. The pit was packed with men; there was very little elbow room. Light spilled in from a window somewhere up above.
Arthur suddenly spoke in a low growl, causing Merlin to jump. "Touch me again and you die."
Merlin whirled around and saw Arthur shoving a man's hand off his shoulder. "Gwaine?" Merlin exclaimed in disbelief.
"No manners, you royals," Gwaine said good-naturedly. "Merlin, old friend, you look terrible." He clapped a hand on Merlin's shoulder.
"Same to you," Merlin replied.
"What are you doing here?" Arthur interrupted.
Gwaine shrugged. "Oh you know…wrong place, wrong time, wrong drink."
"Nothing's changed there, then," Arthur concluded. "Where exactly are we?"
Gwaine glanced upwards. "In the bowels of an old castle. Belongs to a fellow named Jarl. Lovely bloke. Slave trader."
"Wonderful," Merlin sighed. "This just gets better and better."
"Right, you filthy vermin," a man called, approaching the edge of the pit. He wore jewels and black furs; presumably he was Jarl. "Which one of you is ready to face my champion in the arena?"
Jarl waited for a few moments, but no one moved or made a sound. "No volunteers? I shall have to choose one of you filthy toerags myself, then. Let me see…how about…you?" He pointed a finger in Merlin's direction. Merlin looked over his shoulder, hoping Jarl was pointing at someone behind him, but no such luck. "Death or glory, boy. You should be honored."
"Who is this so-called champion?" Arthur asked loudly. "Can he crush nothing but weaklings like this?"
"You think you can offer a better contest?" Jarl demanded.
"I guarantee it," Arthur said confidently.
"Arthur, no," Merlin cut in.
"Shut up," Arthur snapped. Merlin probably could take on this so-called champion, but he was better at magic than swordplay; it made more sense for Arthur to do this.
"Very well," Jarl agreed. "But if you lose, I'll feed your little friend to the crows, piece by stinking piece. Are you ready, my champion?"
"I am," Gwaine replied. Merlin and Arthur stared at him in disbelief. Gwaine grimaced helplessly.
The three of them were lifted out of the pit and taken to a large room full of jeering men. The crowd parted to leave an empty, circular space in the center of the room. Arthur and Gwaine were shoved into this space. One of the slave traders held Merlin by the arms near the back of the crowd.
"Gentlemen!" Jarl said loudly. "The rules are simple. One man lives and one man dies. If you cannot, or will not finish off your opponent…I'll kill you both." He tossed a pair of swords at Arthur and Gwaine's feet. "Let battle commence!"
The room filled with bloodthirsty cheers. Arthur and Gwaine looked at each other, then picked up the swords. Gwaine hefted his sword and swung at Arthur. Arthur staggered backwards, taken aback by Gwaine's ferocity. He raised his own sword and began blocking Gwaine's blows.
After about a minute, Arthur locked swords with Gwaine and leaned in close. "Take it easy, will you?"
"It's got to look real, hasn't it?" Gwaine hissed. He pulled away and resumed trading blows.
A few moments later, Arthur briefly locked blades again. "Fine. If it's real you want…"
Arthur shoved Gwaine into the crowd. They pushed Gwaine back into the ring. Arthur hefted his sword and finally began fighting to the best of his abilities. He disarmed Gwaine, only for Gwaine to tackle him. They toppled to the ground, both now weaponless. The crowd leaned in as they grappled with each other.
"So…what next?" Gwaine asked quietly.
"Uh…" Arthur tried to look toward Merlin, hoping his brother would find some way to intervene with magic.
A few moments later, some ropes in the rafters caught fire. The crowd looked up at the rapidly spreading flames and began shoving each other to escape. Arthur grabbed one of the swords and raced for the exit, pausing just long enough to grab Merlin's arm and drag his brother along. Gwaine ran with them, carrying the other sword.
In the woods outside the castle, the trio finally stopped to catch their breath. "Well, that's somewhere I'll not be in a hurry to see again," Gwaine commented, panting.
"Best stay out of trouble, then," Arthur replied.
"I could say the same to you."
"You could do, but I wouldn't have any idea what you're talking about," Arthur said flatly.
"Oh, come on," Gwaine wheedled. "You must have done something to end up in a hole like that."
"Actually, we're on a quest," Merlin admitted.
Arthur glared at his brother. "Merlin, what part of the word 'secret' did you not understand?"
"I understand it just fine, as you full well know!" Merlin snapped.
"Yes, and that's just the problem!" Arthur retorted.
"Gentlemen. Gentlemen!" Gwaine cut in. "It seems, whatever it is that you're after, you could use a little help."
About an hour later, Gwaine spoke up as they walked. "So, where exactly are we going?"
"If we told you that, we'd have to kill you," Arthur said casually.
"You're not telling me you took that order seriously?" Merlin demanded incredulously.
"Well, according to Morgana, we can't let anyone get their hands on the Cu—on it or the kingdom will fall," Arthur said irritably.
"According to Morgana, we can't let Cenred get his hands on it," Merlin corrected. "Don't you listen?"
"I'd be happy to listen if you're willing to talk."
"I'd be happy to talk, but I told you, not my decision!"
"Unless you're under some magic compulsion that removes your free will, yes, it is your decision!"
"It's not my secret to tell!"
"Neither was the fact that we're on a quest!"
"Gentlemen," Gwaine tried to cut in.
"I didn't say where we're going, did I?" Merlin continued, ignoring Gwaine.
"My lords!" Gwaine said loudly. Merlin and Arthur both turned to stare at him, surprised at Gwaine's open acknowledgement of their ranks. Gwaine could scarcely believe it himself, but he needed to get their attention. "I haven't the faintest idea what you're blathering about, but this is getting you nowhere!"
Merlin and Arthur stared at Gwaine for a few moments longer, then shot each other heated looks and continued walking in silence.
Gwaine shook his head. "Good thing I was here or you might have killed each other before you finished your quest."
Finally, they arrived at the druids' cave. A bunch of mossy boulders surrounded the entrance. Arthur started to lead the way in, but Merlin clamped a hand on his shoulder. "Maybe it's better if I go alone."
"Why?" Arthur asked acidly. "So you can keep more secrets?"
"No, because I have a much better history with the druids than you do." Merlin paused and glanced at Gwaine. "Don't ask."
"Wasn't going to," Gwaine promised. "I've no plans to set off any more civil wars."
"Fine. Merlin, go alone," Arthur relented sullenly.
Merlin nodded curtly and entered the cave. It was full of candles and hanging cloths. One of the cloths rustled. After a few moments, a young boy poked his head out, looking awestruck. "Emrys?"
Merlin smiled warmly. "Yes. I'm Emrys. Do you know where your leader is?"
"I am here, Emrys," an adult voice replied. Merlin looked up to see that nearly a dozen druids had emerged from hiding. The speaker was a smiling middle-aged man with curly hair. "You seek the Cup of Life, do you not?"
Merlin sighed. "My father does. If I return empty-handed, I fear he will return and take it by force. I would prefer to avoid bloodshed."
"I understand. It is yours." The leader held out the Cup. Merlin put a hand on the Cup to take it, but the leader did not let go. "The Cup is in your care now, Emrys. Guard it well. The future of this land depends on it."
Merlin nodded, and the leader finally released his grip. Merlin put the Cup in his bag and left the cave again.
Arthur and Gwaine were waiting just outside. "So…mission accomplished?" Gwaine asked.
"Yes," Merlin confirmed. "Now we head back to Camelot."
Gwaine snorted. "Hard work, this quest business."
Merlin shook his head. "This is where the really dangerous part begins."
As they approached the border, Arthur stopped short. "Quiet. Listen."
Merlin's eyes widened. "The woods are completely silent."
"Exactly," Arthur agreed, his voice grim.
Gwaine rolled his eyes. "Never satisfied, you city types. It's too noisy, it's too quiet…" He trailed off when a few dozen soldiers poured out of the trees. The trio promptly broke into a run.
After a few minutes, Arthur heard Merlin cry out in pain behind him. The elder prince turned around and ran back just in time to see his brother lying on the ground while a soldier pulled the Cup out of his bag. Arthur yelled in wordless fury and attacked the man.
The man threw the Cup to the side in his haste to draw his sword. He was too slow; Arthur quickly killed him and ran after the Cup. Then he skidded to a halt at the top of a steep slope. A group of soldiers were running away along the bottom of the ravine. One of them had the Cup clutched in his hand.
Arthur swore and returned to Merlin's side. He found an arrow lodged in the back of Merlin's thigh.
A few hours later, night had fallen, and Merlin's condition had not improved. Arthur carefully pushed aside the bandage for another look.
"That doesn't look too great," Gwaine observed.
Arthur grimaced. "The arrow must have been poisoned." He reached out and felt his brother's forehead, finding it very hot to the touch. He took off his jacket and used it to cover Merlin. "He's got a fever. We need to keep him warm." Arthur sighed, worried. "At least, I think we do. I know how to wash and bandage normal injuries, but poison…I'm no physician."
"I don't get it," Gwaine mused. "What could possibly warrant all this fuss?"
"I'm not entirely sure myself, but I've been told that the object we were after can be a terrible weapon," Arthur replied somberly.
"Not so great Cenred's got it, then," Gwaine concluded.
Morgana paced in her chambers, watched by Gwen. "Morgana?" Gwen said worriedly. "Morgana! If you keep that up, you're going to wear a groove into the floor! What's troubling you?"
"Arthur and Merlin should be back by now," Morgana fretted.
"I'm sure they're fine," Gwen soothed.
Morgana shook her head. "You know as well as I do, they've been gone too long."
Gwen lifted her chin. "Arthur is the First Knight of Camelot and the kingdom's greatest warrior. And Merlin…he's quite capable too. They always come home safely. Why should this time be any different?"
Morgana finally stopped pacing and looked her friend in the eye. "Gwen…" she whispered fearfully. "I've made a terrible mistake."
Merlin's condition steadily worsened throughout the night. His fever rose, and he began mumbling in his sleep. "What's that he's saying?" Gwaine asked curiously.
Arthur listened for a few moments. To his horror, he realized that Merlin was muttering in the Old Tongue. "Fevered gibberish," he lied hurriedly.
Gwaine didn't look entirely convinced, but he let the matter drop.
Arthur bent forward to stroke Merlin's hair. "Come on, Merlin. Don't do this to me. Don't you dare up and die of poison, not again!"
"Again?" Gwaine repeated incredulously.
Arthur ignored him. "Do you hear me, Merlin? You're not allowed to die. I'm going to need you at my side when I become king. Keep as many secrets as you like, I don't care, just get better!"
Merlin simply shivered without waking.
The next morning, Leon returned from a scouting patrol to Cenred's border. Once again, Leon was the only survivor, but this time he claimed they had never reached the border. Cenred's men had been well within Camelot's territory.
"We must convene the council of war," Uther announced worriedly.
"They cannot be stopped," Leon said shakily. "The soldiers, Sire, they will not fall!"
"What are you saying?" Uther breathed.
"They will not die," Leon revealed. Morgana stifled a gasp of horror.
Uther's eyes widened. "Gather the knights. Prepare whatever defenses you can."
"But Sire—"
"Do it!" Uther snapped.
Leon bowed and exited, followed by most of the councilors. Uther turned to Gaius. "It's Cenred. It must be. How? The location of the Cup was secret."
"There's only one explanation, Sire," Gaius said grimly. "We have a traitor in our midst."
Morgana flinched. There was no traitor…merely a very foolish ward to the king. How could she have been so stupid?
Merlin stirred. He blinked open his eyes to see the sun high overhead. He tried to remember what he was doing and how he had gotten there. There was some important mission… "The Cup!" Merlin exclaimed. Arthur and Gwaine jerked awake. Merlin looked around. "Where is it, where's the Cup?!"
Arthur grimaced. "Lost to Cenred's men. And don't scare me like that."
"Scare you like what? I'm fine." Merlin tried to stand up. He promptly teetered when he put weight on his bad leg. Arthur and Gwaine both sprang to their feet and steadied him.
"I really don't think you are," Arthur said tiredly. "We were worried you wouldn't last the night."
"Take more than an arrow to fell me," Merlin muttered.
"Be that as it may, you are not fine," Arthur retorted.
"Good enough," Merlin retorted. "We've got to get back to Camelot before it's too late."
That night, Morgana looked out her window at the army camped outside their walls. The army was utterly massive; even without the Cup of Life, they would be a formidable threat. With the Cup…
"Is it true they attack at dawn?" Gwen asked from behind Morgana.
"I'm afraid so," Morgana whispered.
"And no word from Arthur or Merlin?"
Morgana shook her head. "Nothing."
"Then all is lost," Gwen concluded fearfully. "We will be massacred, every last one of us."
Morgana finally turned away from the window. "No. Morgause means to crown me queen. There's no point in ruling over a kingdom where the people have all been slaughtered."
"But Morgause cares nothing for innocent lives, you said so yourself."
"Yes, but she will not kill purely for the sake of bloodlust," Morgana clarified. "Anyone who resists will surely die…but those that welcome the new regime will have a future here."
Gwen grimaced. "No one will welcome this new regime."
Morgana shook her head again. "Fear can make people act against their conscience. It's driven men to do far worse than bow to tyrants. It's driven me to do far worse. All of this started because I was afraid of what Uther might do to me if he discovered the truth." She swallowed hard. "If only this army could be defeated with another bottle of hemlock. I deserve it."
"Morgana!" Gwen reproached. "The time for blame is past. Dying will solve nothing. You need to forgive yourself."
"Do you?" Morgana asked seriously.
"Do I what?"
"Do you forgive me?"
"Yes." Gwen hugged Morgana. "I forgive you. Now do what you've been doing for as long as I've known you and protect your people."
"How?" Morgana demanded helplessly. "I can't even protect my own brothers, they're probably dead because of me!"
Gwen shook her head. "I don't believe that. They wouldn't go down easily. They're out there somewhere, on their way home. And it's your job to make sure they have a home to return to. Maybe you can't save everyone…but you're far from powerless."
"Power…" Morgana whispered. Suddenly, her eyes lit up. "Maybe there is something that can help."
Morgana let herself into Merlin's empty, darkened chambers and went straight for his spellbook. Sure enough, she found the vial of water from the Lake of Avalon stashed with the book. She took out the vial and turned it over in her hand. According to Merlin, the Fisher King had said "when all seems lost, this will show you the way".
Morgana took a deep breath and cast the Spell of Revelation on the vial. A face briefly swirled in the water, then a woman's voice spoke in her mind. My message is for Merlin, and him alone.
"Very well then." Morgana stood up. Her face hardened with determination. A plan had finally formed in her mind.
In the morning, Merlin, Arthur and Gwaine crested a ridge and saw the burning ruins of a village in the distance. "What the hell happened?" Gwaine wondered.
"I don't know," Arthur said worriedly.
"We need to hurry, we're still a day's march from Camelot," Merlin muttered. He limped forward. Arthur quickly reached out to steady him before he could fall down the hill.
A few hours later, the trio found the remains of a Camelot patrol. Looking around, Merlin made a horrifying observation. "There's not a single enemy body."
"You're right," Arthur realized. "This wasn't a fight, this was a slaughter."
"Who could have done such a thing?" Gwaine wondered.
"I don't know, but I have a feeling we're going to find out," Arthur said grimly. He glanced at Merlin, who still determinedly remained on his feet. "Come on."
Late in the afternoon, they crested another ridge and caught sight of Camelot. Smoke wreathed the citadel. The trio quickened their pace, Merlin with some difficulty. On their way to the city, they passed the remains of another patrol.
Night had fallen by the time they made their way through a side gate onto the deserted streets. Arthur led them straight to Gwen's house, where he kicked down the door. He drew his sword and cautiously entered the house, followed by Merlin and Gwaine.
Suddenly, there was a yell. A dark figure emerged from behind a curtain, wielding a sword. Arthur hurriedly lifted his sword to parry, then both men lowered their weapons as they recognized each other.
"I'm sorry," Elyan said shakily. Gwaine closed the door.
"Where is everyone?" Arthur demanded. "What happened?"
"They came out of nowhere," Elyan revealed. "A mighty army, weapons were useless against them. They were men, Sire, but…not men. Nothing could kill them. Nothing."
"The Cup," Merlin whispered. No wonder Morgana had been so frantic.
Arthur fell silent for a moment. "Where's your sister, where's Guinevere?"
"She was in the citadel when they attacked," Elyan replied.
"Then there's still hope," Arthur stated, turning toward the door.
Elyan shook his head. "Sire…the citadel's been taken."
Merlin determinedly accompanied the group into the citadel, despite Arthur's protests. However, the younger prince eventually stumbled to a halt and leaned against a wall, panting.
"Merlin, you can't go on," Arthur said worriedly.
"Have to," Merlin insisted. "Must find the others…"
"Not without treatment," Arthur stated firmly. "Elyan, do you know the way to the dungeons?"
"Yeah, I think so," Elyan replied.
"Go with Gwaine, see if you can find them," Arthur ordered.
Elyan nodded and led Gwaine back the way they came. Arthur slung Merlin's arm over his shoulder and hauled him in a different direction. "Right, you're coming with me."
"No," Merlin protested weakly. "Need to find Father…"
"No, you need to get that leg looked at," Arthur retorted, his tone brooking no argument.
Arthur finally set Merlin down on a bench in Gaius's empty chambers. "Now stay put," the elder brother ordered. He walked over to a table and began looking through some potions. "There's got to be something here that can help you. If only Gaius would label these…"
Arthur froze when he heard a noise in the closet. Picking up his sword, he cautiously stalked toward the closet and threw it open. When he saw who was inside, he lowered his sword again.
"Sire!" Gaius exclaimed.
"Where's Merlin?" Will demanded.
"He's hurt," Arthur replied. "An arrow to the leg, I think it was poisoned. Please, I don't know how to treat him."
"Oh, damn it," Will muttered. He hurried to his friend's side and shifted the bandage for a closer look. "I told you not to die on me!"
"Haven't yet, have I?" Merlin argued.
"I get the impression that's more to Arthur's credit than yours," Will retorted. He stepped aside to make room for Gaius.
Gaius briefly examined the wound, then looked up. "The wound's infected, Sire. I'll have to redress the leg to reduce inflammation."
"No, there's no time for that," Merlin replied. "Just give me something to keep going. What I wouldn't give for my spellbook…"
"I've got that, actually." Will returned to the closet and pulled out a large bag. "Morgana gave me this, said to get it to you if I had the chance. Wouldn't explain why she didn't plan on giving it to you herself…"
"I've got a feeling I know why," Merlin sighed. He accepted a potion from Gaius and downed it in a single gulp.
At that moment, Elyan and Gwaine burst through the door. "The king, my lords, he's alive!" Elyan exclaimed.
Merlin immediately stood up. "Where is he?"
"They're taking him to the throne room as we speak," Gwaine replied.
"Then this may be my last chance," Arthur concluded.
"Our last chance," Merlin corrected. "Like hell I'm letting you face these soldiers alone."
"Fine, if it makes you feel better," Arthur agreed, exasperated. "Gwaine, Elyan, Will, take Gaius and make your way to the woods beyond the castle. I hope we meet again."
"No way," Will objected, narrowing his eyes at Merlin. "I'm not leaving him to find his way into more trouble."
"I can take care of myself!" Merlin protested.
Will raised an eyebrow. "Clearly."
"Oh all right," Merlin relented with a sigh.
The group exited the physician's chambers. Gwaine, Elyan and Gaius headed down the stairs toward the woods while Merlin, Arthur and Will headed toward the throne room. Merlin stumbled slightly, but he stayed on his feet. They had to dodge several patrolling soldiers, and they ended up changing directions and making their way onto the balcony above the crowded throne room.
Morgause stood in front of the throne, smirking. Sir Geoffrey stood off to the side, held at sword point by one of the soldiers. The rest of the attendees appeared to be members of Cenred's army—though they wore different livery and Cenred himself was nowhere in sight.
Merlin spotted a gleaming object in Geoffrey's hands and suddenly realized what was happening. "We should go," he hissed quietly.
"What?" Arthur demanded incredulously. "But Father—Guinevere—Morgana…" He trailed off and gave Merlin a suspicious look. "This has to do with that secret again, doesn't it?"
"I'll tell you everything, Arthur, but this is not how you want to find out, trust me! Gwen and Morgana will be fine, and there's nothing we can do for Father from here."
"Very well," Arthur said somewhat frostily. He led the way back off the balcony and quickly pulled both Merlin and Will behind a pillar in order to hide from yet another patrolling pair of soldiers.
"Maybe you should at least save the conversation for once we're out of the castle?" Will suggested.
"Probably a good idea," Arthur reluctantly conceded.
Uther was hauled into the throne room and forced to his knees in front of Morgause—the filthy witch who had once taken his daughter from him. "Well, Uther," Morgause said. "How the mighty have fallen. I don't think you'll be needing this any more." She lifted the crown off of Uther's head.
"This is unlawful," Uther growled. "You cannot do this. You have no right to the throne!"
Morgause simply smirked and looked to the side. A familiar figure emerged from behind the throne. "No, she does not…but I do."
Uther froze in shock. It couldn't be. Not his beloved Morgana. And yet here she was, taking her place in front of the throne, towering over him with no trace of love or warmth in her gaze. "I am your daughter, after all."
Uther caught his breath and looked away. She couldn't know that…she was never supposed to know that…
"Don't look so surprised, I've known for some time." Morgana sat on the throne, her expression icy.
Morgause jerked her head at the soldier behind Geoffrey. Geoffrey was shoved forward. Reluctantly, he held out an ornate jeweled crown. "By the power vested in me, I crown thee Morgana Pendragon…Queen of Camelot." He placed the crown on Morgana's head. She smiled, secretly wishing a thousand deaths upon her sister.
Arthur, Merlin and Will emerged from a tunnel under the ramparts. Arthur stopped and glared at Merlin, folding his arms. "Well? What the hell have you and Morgana been hiding?"
Merlin sighed. "Do you remember the sleeping sickness, how she was immune to it?"
"Yes," Arthur said warily. "Are you telling me you do know what protected her?"
"Yes, I do. She was the source of the enchantment. But she didn't…" Merlin swallowed. "She just wanted our people—the magical people—to be free. She thought Morgause was only going to kill Father, no one else." Arthur's jaw dropped, but Merlin plowed on. "She didn't know what Morgause was planning until it was too late. She drank poison in an effort to break the spell."
"And you saved her?" Will guessed.
Merlin shook his head. "I made a deal with Morgause—Morgana for Camelot. Morgause called off the attack, and I gave her the empty bottle of poison so she could create a cure. Once Morgana recovered, Morgause spent that whole year trying to corrupt her. Morgana tried to escape and return home, but Morgause was too strong for her. Eventually, Morgana decided to feign allegiance to Morgause while secretly working to foil Morgause's every plan. And Morgana has continued to do so ever since her return."
"But…what does that have to do with the immortal army?" Arthur demanded, still trying to wrap his head around this.
"Everything," Merlin replied. "Morgause knows that Morgana is our sister. The army, the invasion—it's all a plot to put Morgana on the throne."
"Morgana is taking the throne?" Arthur repeated, shocked.
"Uh, guys…" Will interrupted, looking up at the top of the ramparts.
"Under duress, Arthur!" Merlin insisted. "She fully believes and accepts that you are the rightful heir!"
"Look out!" Will yelled, diving in front of them. An arrow landed in his chest, and he collapsed.
"WILL!" Merlin cried. He spotted a soldier on top of the ramparts, readying another arrow. A flash of his eyes blasted the man backwards, away from the edge.
The danger temporarily abated, Merlin knelt at his friend's side, his own injury completely forgotten. "Just hold on…there's got to be something I can do…"
"I always knew…that serving nobility…would get me killed…" Will gasped out painfully.
"No…" Merlin breathed, shaking his head. "This was never part of your job."
Will managed a small smile. "You're a good man, Merlin…worth dying for…" He choked out one final breath and stopped moving, his eyes staring sightlessly at the night sky.
"No!" Merlin begged. "Will…please…Will…"
"Merlin, we've got to go," Arthur said urgently.
"No! I'm not leaving him!"
"There's nothing you can do for him! That soldier is either coming back with reinforcements or gone to report the presence of a sorcerer! We've got to go, now, or he'll have died in vain!" Arthur hauled Merlin to his feet and dragged him away.
To be continued...
A/N: Please don't murder me...