Chapter 36: The Only Weapon & Uther's Unexpected Plan
Merlin knew he couldn't sleep knowing that one of his friends was going to fight and possibly die tomorrow and he needed to find some way to stop this creature or at least find out more about wraiths. He left Gaius in his chambers, still thinking where his friend Obi Wan had gone off to. Merlin headed for the library/archives and using some magic, unlocked the door and let himself in.
He started going through some books on one of the tables nearby but was coming up with no luck. Merlin then hurries over towards a nearby shelf, looking for another book. He flips through the shelves accidentally knocking some of the books to the floor.
As he bends down to pick up the books, he doesn't realize he has attracted the attention of Geoffrey. Merlin slowly raises his head up at him as he realises he is caught.
"How did you get in?" Geoffrey asks him straight out as Merlin quickly fumbles for an easy believable answer
"The door was open" he replies as Geoffrey shakes his head
"No" he tells him "I locked it" he adds as Merlin tries to deceive him
"Someone else must have opened it, then" he tries suggesting as Geoffrey tilts his head
"And you thought you'd come in and help yourself?" he asks him as Merlin then explains why he was really here
"I was looking for a book, for Gaius and Obi Wan" he admits. This was true. He knew they were trying to work out how to stop this wraith. Merlin gets to his feet "They believe the Black Knight is a wraith" he reveals as Geoffrey, having already talked to his two friends earlier, only nodded
"Then Anakin is in grave peril" he replies as Merlin holding onto one of the books he had taken from the shelf
"Which is why I'm here" he tells him holding onto the book, he moves back over towards the table "I need to find a weapon that will kill something that's already dead" he tells him. Geoffrey thinks for a moment before he answers the young boy
"I have read of such things in the ancient chronicles" he informs him as Merlin is surprised
"Really?" he asks "What did they say?" he adds just at the moment they heard another voice join them. It was Obi Wan.
"Excuse me, Geoffrey, but could I borrow Merlin. There is something I need to show him" he tells him. Geoffrey nods stepping away as Merlin moves over towards him
"Something to show me?" he asks as Obi Wan nods.
"Let's head back to our quarters. I'll explain to you what I've found" he assures him heading out of the room as Merlin hurries after him.
"Several fables speak of ancient swords" Obi Wan begins to reveal to the young boy as they moved down the empty, quiet hallway. Merlin looks over at him curiously
"That can kill the dead?" he asks as Obi Wan nods.
"The swords the fable speak of, could destroy anything, alive or dead" he explains. Merlin, thinking that they may have found a way to help Anakin, then asks
"Where can we find one of these swords?" he asks "Are there any left since Uther banned magic?" he adds. Obi Wan stops walking and turns towards him.
"There is one. One that was being protected by the druids. After the fight, I went to see them" he told him. Merlin was surprised. He had heard of the druids and how there weren't that many left and he was surprised they would help.
"How did they have one of these swords?" he asks curiously as Obi Wan pauses for a moment then answers him
"Before the ban on magic, dragons were friends of our kind and it wasn't uncommon for the druids to keep our beliefs and fables true and real. These swords have been mentioned in many fables as you just heard from Geoffrey. I explained our plight with the wraith here and while some were hesitant, others wanted to help a future King who could bring back magic" he informs him
Merlin was stunned "They think Anakin could bring back magic?" he asks as Obi Wan nods
"Uther may hate magic but Anakin and Arthur have their own minds and will unite the lands and people once more" he replies. It was then Merlin realises they were walking towards the armoury and not Gaius's chambers.
"Merlin, what I am about to show you, the druids have entrusted me that this sword will only be used by Anakin and no one else" he insists closing the door behind them and moving over towards one of the wooden benches. Merlin was not going to believe what he was about to see.
Morgana's Dream
The Black Knight swung his sword towards Anakin who ducked and successfully used his sword against the knight's smirking through his helmet as he rolls to his right holding his sword out in front of him
The knight continues to hit the shield with his sword but Anakin remains strong and jumps to his feet, his sword coming into contact with his sword. Morgana, Arthur and Uther all watch as the swords clash, Anakin pushes the knight back, the knight backs Anakin into the corner
Until, once more, Anakin strikes a blow to the knight but does nothing and the knight kicks Anakin knocking him to the ground where he stands over him and raises his sword before bringing it down straight towards Anakin.
End of dream
Morgana's eyes snap open. "Anakin!" she cries sitting up on the small sleep bed by the window in her quarters. She attempted to catch her breath as she tried to block out her dream. She didn't want to see him die. She knew it was late but she needed to go speak with him before morning.
Morgana wasn't the only one not sleeping. Anakin was still awake and looking out his window down into the courtyard at the Black Knight just standing there. This would be a dangerous fight but Anakin knew what he had to do. He needed to prove himself to his father especially now that he was the crown prince.
He was still staring out the window and didn't notice Morgana quietly slip into his room moving over towards him until she spoke. "I don't want you to fight tomorrow" she confesses her voice barely a whisper
Anakin, still looking out the window, chuckles slightly "You're worried about me?" he asks her. Morgana, still seeing the images from her dream, looks back at him
"I had another dream where you were fighting and then..." her voice trails off as Anakin turns towards her giving her a warm embrace, he felt her head resting against his chest.
"I know you want to do this for your father, but please Anakin..." she stops looking up at him, her eyes widen, filling with tears
"You know that these dreams aren't just dreams. You confided in me about your dreams" she reminded him. Anakin was silent. This was true, after returning from his false banishment, Anakin confessed to suffering from nightmares in which he discovered were eerie similar to how Arthur and Merlin got rid of Catrina.
"But if these dreams are more than dreams, Morgana, what if I have a chance to change the one you saw?" he asks "I know I can fight him tomorrow and I will win" he assures her as Morgana grips his arms tightly
"Arthur thought the same as you Anakin and he was nearly killed!" she cried "Please Anakin!" she sobs "I'm begging you" she cries.
Anakin looks down at her, his deep blue eyes staring directly at her. "I have to do this" he only tells her "It's my duty" he reminds her.
Morgana shakes her head "No, Anakin, you are a strong willed brave fighter but you cannot fight tomorrow. Arthur and I nearly lost you once" she tells him referring to when he was banished "We can't watch you die" she cries. She feels Anakin slowly and gently start to rub her back.
He then looks down at her, seeing her eyes with tears. "I'm sorry Morgana" he begins to say "I know you're scared because of your dreams" he goes on "Because when I had my dreams, I was confused and worried, but I can change what you saw in these dreams" he promises her.
Morgana looked straight up at him and she saw the determination in his blue eyes and that he was telling her the truth and she really did want to believe him.
"I know you are a strong warrior and you will win this fight" she replies after several minutes before she embraces him once more and Anakin holds her close. He knew in himself this was going to be a tough fight but if it meant proving to his father, he was one of his true sons, then so be.
Still wondering where his old friend Obi Wan had gotten off to and now why Merlin hadn't returned from the library/archives, Gaius quietly worked at his work bench when he heard the door to his chamber open. He slowly raised his head expecting it to be Merlin or Obi Wan however it was definitely not them but Uther. After their last confrontation, he didn't expect to find him visiting him but with each passing hour, he felt his friend was becoming desperate to save his son.
"I'm sorry" Uther speaks up as he steps into the room at the same time Gaius picks up a cloth to wipe his hands and move away from his table hearing his friend go on "You knew that one day this situation would come back to haunt me" he tells him
Gaius lowers his head "Not quite so literally" he replies. This was true because like they told Merlin, they believed Tristan's threat to be nothing but ramblings.
"I never wanted to cheat on Igraine. She was my heart and soul" he tells him. Gaius looks back at him
"You were lonely. You missed your wife while she was visiting her family. You sought comfort. You didn't think you would fall for another woman" he points out as Uther moves over to the side of the room.
"All those years, Palpatine made those threats to me, my sons and the kingdom, I dismissed them, washed them away like they were nothing but empty threats. An old friend gone mad" he confessed as Gaius heard a tremble in his friend's voice "He is going to have my eldest son killed tomorrow and in result, use Anakin's death to corrupt Arthur" he added, struggling to hold back tears. He then straightens up and looks over at his friend. "I cannot let Anakin die" he reveals as Gaius knows what he must do
"Then you must stop the fight" he insists as Uther knew the only way that needed to be done
"No" he quickly replies "I will take his place" he admits. Gaius's eyes widen as he tried to believe what he was hearing. He moves over towards his friend
"Do you know what you're saying?' he asks him trying to make it clearer as Uther slowly nods
"Shmi died protecting him" he reminds him. They heard the story of what had happened from Obi Wan, what the thugs did on the small village. Uther looks down "And so must I" he only says
Gaius tried once more to reason with his friend. "Uther..." however he was cut off
"I have no other choice" he replies as Gaius shakes his head
"There must be another way" he tries to tell him knowing that Obi Wan and Merlin were both somewhere trying to find a way to stop the fight. Uther shook his head
"My death will stop the wraith and Anakin will live" he explains looking straight back at his friend "But it means that you and Obi Wan, will be the only two people left who know the truth about Anakin" he reminds him. He hears the tone in his friend's voice become firmer. "I want you to swear to me and on behalf of Obi Wan, that you will both keep your oath" he insists.
Gaius is silent for a moment before he raises his head back up at his friend. "We will take it to our graves" he promises him. A small smile crosses his face
"You both have always been good friends" he confesses "Despite my temper" he jokingly adds remembering the times he snapped out at them in anger. Gaius manages a little laugh
"I always thought thatwould be the death of you" he jokingly teases seeing Uther chuckle for a moment before there was one more thing he needed him to do.
"I have two other favours to ask" Uther adds. If Uther planned on stepping in for his son, he needed to ensure he couldn't have Anakin be there.
Unaware of what their friend Gaius was about to change their plan to save Anakin, Merlin watched as Obi Wan lifted a brown sheet of cloth onto the table where he then removed the cloth and revealed a beautiful, stunning silver sword with gold markings encrypted onto the blade.
"It's magnificent" Merlin breathes in awe as Obi Wan lifts it up into his hands,
"For many years, the druids have held onto this sword, forged in a dragon's breath. It can kill anything, living or dead" Obi Wan explains. He then looked over at Merlin "A weapon forged in a dragon's breath, has great power" he adds as Merlin listens intently
"And with this sword, Anakin will be able to wield it's power to kill the wraith?" he asks. Obi Wan nods
"You have not seen what I have seen, Merlin" he begins to reply referring to seeing many of his kind murdered by Uther once he implemented his ban on magic, he then goes on "In the wrong hands, this sword could do great evil" he informs him.
Obi Wan places the sword back down on the table turning towards Merlin, placing both hands on his shoulders "Merlin, the druids have placed great trust and faith in me that this sword must be wielded by Anakin and him alone" he warns him, his voice firm and serious.
Merlin nods. "I understand" he replies as Obi Wan shakes his head
"Merlin, I know we haven't known each other for long but Gaius trusts you but I want you to more than understand, you must promise" he tells him. Merlin looks up at Obi Wan. He could see the seriousness in his eyes and sensed this was hard for this man and knowing he had the druids to hold his promise to.
"I promise" Merlin replies. Obi Wan then turns back to the sword lifting it into his arms once more before he passes it onto Merlin.
"Remember, Anakin is the only one who can wield this sword. Do not tell him where you got this sword" he adds. Merlin nods once more
"I promise this sword will only be used by Anakin in tomorrow's fight" he assures seeing Obi Wan give him a small smile
"Gaius is right to trust you Merlin. Anakin and Arthur are very lucky to have you as their servant and friend" he tells him. Merlin smiles at him, looking down at the sword he now held - he had a weapon that would help his friend, unfortunately for him, Anakin wouldn't be fighting the wraith.
Having left Gaius's chambers, Uther found himself alone once more, standing by one of the castle's windows overlooking the training grounds where he looked out at the wraith once more. He couldn't believe he was going to fight him but this was to save his son.
He didn't mean to fall in love with another woman but he did and Shmi was a kind, gentle woman and she protected Anakin. He still could see her face when she told him the news
Flashback
It was still three days from his wife Igraine returning from visiting her family and while he was looking forward to seeing his beloved wife, he also felt guilty because he had developed feelings for another woman and not just any woman, his wife's friend and maid Shmi. She was there when he felt lonely and he sought her comfort.
It turned into more than comfort and Uther was surprised to see Shmi entering his chambers shortly after dinner.
"Shmi, what brings you to my chambers at this hour?" he asks as she steps closer towards him, taking his hands in hers, they felt so warm at the touch and he then saw that she had been crying. "What's wrong?" he asks "Are you alright?" he adds
"I am so sorry Uther. I've betrayed my friend for what we did and now something more has happened" she confesses seeing him look confused hearing her go on "Uther, I'm pregnant with your child" she reveals. Uther's eyes widen. He could not believe his ears - he hadn't had the chance to become a father yet and now it was going to happen.
"Are you sure?" he asks lips trembling as she nods
"Gaius confirmed it for me yesterday and I know it's yours because you're the only man I've been with since and yet, I cannot stay here in Camelot" she informs him stunning him
"What?" he asks "Yes, you can. I don't want to lose you and Igraine will be crushed to see you go" he tells her as Shmi shakes her head
"I must go. I wouldn't be able to look at my friend. How would she feel to know there is an heir to the kingdom and she isn't the mother?" she asks. She places a hand on his cheek "I'm sorry Uther" she whispers attempting to hold back her tears as Uther holds her in a warm embrace still reeling with the news that he was going to be a father but will never see his child.
End of flashback
He thought he would never meet Anakin and yet, not a day goes by where he doesn't regret not having him. He was his son, crown prince of Camelot and as he stared down at the knight. He knew what he must do.
Still not wanting to sleep, Anakin continued to stare out of his window. Morgana had headed back to her chambers. Anakin was not only thinking about the fight but what Morgana had told him - the dreams and then he remembered his own dreams which he had little over a year ago, but he didn't want to back down from the fight - he could change the outcome of the dreams.
He was then startled by a knock at his door. He then hears it open before hearing Gaius's voice
"I've bought you something that might help you to sleep" he suggests however sleep was the last thing on Anakin's mind.
"I'm fine. I don't need it" he tells him moving away from the window and over towards Gaius as Gaius insists once more.
"Here" he only replies "It will relax you, take the edge off your nerves" he promises, unfortunately for Anakin, it would do more than just ease nerves. Anakin curiously looks back at Gaius, before taking hold of the bottle. He was hesitant at first but he felt that Gaius wouldn't stop until he drank the potion.
Gaius then watched as Anakin takes the lid off and starts to drink the potion. After a few minutes, he shakes his head "Eugh!" Anakin scoffs in disgust "I wouldn't drink it for pleasure" he confesses referring to the horrible taste. Gaius takes the bottle from him
"Why don't you sit down for a moment?" he suggests seeing the young prince give him a puzzled, confused look but silently moves over towards his bed with Gaius following close behind him, gently tapping him along.
"Mind you" Anakin begins to speak up taking a seat on the edge of his bed "...if you forget about the taste, the after effect is quite pleasurable" he confesses starting to lay down on his bed as Gaius helped him onto the bed, by lifting his legs up. He watches at how Anakin's eyes appear to look in a blank daze, starting to roll in the back of his head.
Gaius then watches his head slowly hit the pillow, he tilts his head as Anakin's eyes finally close. The potion had taken its affect, Anakin was asleep, hopefully by the time he awoke, it would all be over.
Leaving the prince to rest, Gaius exited the room and once out in the hallway, he locked the door to the prince's chambers ensuring that if Anakin should wake during the fight, there was no way he could get out. There was just one more matter to attend to.
Gaius slowly opened the door to Arthur's chambers finding the room eerie quiet. "Arthur?" he calls out. He moves further into the room finding Arthur not in his bed but by his window.
Arthur slowly turns his head towards him "Gaius, what brings you here so late?" he asks "Checking on my injury?" he adds wincing slightly as he turns towards him. He then spies a potion in his hands. "Gaius, I really don't think I need any more potions. I've slept enough " he confesses. He slowly gets to his feet "Besides, I'm worried for my brother and I don't think any potion will help" he admits
Gaius gives him a small smile "I think this one will" he lies "It's a little something I cooked up for you and Anakin, something to calm the nerves" he goes on. Arthur chuckles
"I didn't think Anakin would need any potion for nerves. He's never shown any nerves to me" he confesses. Gaius then helped the young prince over towards his bed.
"It's very normal to have nerves and I'm sure Anakin would want you well rested" he tells him. Arthur looks at him for a moment before taking the potion into his hands. Gaius then watches as Arthur takes the lid off the bottle before he starts to drink it. Like Anakin, he did not enjoy the taste.
"Ugh, that is not the sweetest potion I've taken Gaius" he admits before he starts to help him settle onto the bed. "I think the potion you gave me this morning tasted better than that" Arthur adds. Gaius takes the bottle from him before he watches Arthur's head lower more towards the pillow, his eyes staring up at the ceiling in a daze.
Minutes later, Gaius watches Arthur's head finally hit the pillow as his eyes slowly close - the potion had taken full effect, he was asleep.
Gaius then heads from the room out into the hallway where he closes the door to his room and locks it with the key. It was done - both of Uther's sons would not be in attendance or fighting in the morning.
Whilst, still in his place by the window, Uther, still with thoughts of Shmi in his mind, thought back to that night where he said goodbye, thinking he would never meet his eldest son.
Flashback
"Take good care of her, will you Obi Wan?" Uther asks his friend. They were in Gaius's chambers as they waited for Shmi. It was decided he would take her away to the country to raise the child. Never to know who their father really is.
"I promise you Uther, I will protect her and the child" he assures him "You are my dear friend and I wouldn't want to deliver terrible news" he adds. Uther nods, placing a hand on his friend's shoulder
"You're a good friend Obi Wan and I know Shmi will be safe with you. Igraine will be upset to lose her friend but Shmi feels she doesn't want to be here feeling guilty for what happened" he reveals. Gaius then spoke up
"It's not your fault sire. This wasn't planned. You needed comfort and Shmi was there when you needed comfort" he reminds him as Uther remained silent just as the door opened revealing Shmi, cloaked over her attire, carrying a small bag.
Uther stepped over towards her, giving a small smile "Are you sure you won't re consider staying in Camelot?" he asks one last time as Shmi places a hand on his cheek
"I'm sorry Uther. I cannot do that to Igraine, she's my friend and I'm afraid someone will find out especially after the child is born" she points out. He then gives her a small kiss before pulling the hood over her face.
"Obi Wan will watch over you then. You'll be safe" he assures her as Obi Wan steps up beside him,
"I'll send word when the baby is born, my friend" he points out. Shmi gives one last smile and hug to Uther before he feels a small tear fall down his cheek as he watches them exit the room - one of two women he loved, gone from his life, possibly forever with a potential heir to the throne.
Gaius spoke up once more "Perhaps it's for the best Uther" he suggests just as Uther moved over towards the window. He watched as Obi Wan and Shmi exited into the courtyard, hooked and cloaked. He saw her turn back to look up at the castle before she hurried with Obi Wan further and further out of the courtyard.
End of flashback
Uther knew what he had to do - Shmi protected Anakin for the first two years of his life and quite possibly when she was killed, she saved him from the attackers and now their son's life was in danger. He was going to fight to save his son and he was willing to die for his son.
As the sun rose the following morning, the townspeople had made their way to the arena and were now patiently waiting for Prince Anakin to arrive. Lady Morgana sat with Gwen and Padme however there was no sign of Prince Arthur or King Uther either. Guards stood at the edges of the arena as the black knight stood in the middle, his hands holding tightly onto his sword. He was ready.
Merlin, meanwhile, with the sword Obi Wan had entrusted with him, was down in the armoury awaiting for Anakin's arrival to begin getting ready. He had placed the sword onto the wooden bench and began to unwrap the blanket in which it was wrapped in.
Merlin stared down at the sword, in wonder. He was actually looking at an ancient majestic sword which the druids had created. He slowly lifted the sword into his hands. He watched the sunlight which was coming through the window, cast a glimmer onto the blade as Merlin rotates the sword so it was in front of him, upright. Merlin smiles.
However it was right at that moment, he heard a voice, he did not expect to hear.
"That is a fine blade" came Uther's voice. Merlin turns to see the King standing there in his chainmail!
Merlin lowers the sword smiling, "It's for Anakin" he proudly tells him. However what Uther said next would stun him.
"He won't be needing it today" he reveals moving over toward the workbench "I will be taking Anakin's place" he informs him. Merlin's eyes widen. This was not suppose to happen
"But, sire..." Merlin tries to say as Uther steps towards the window, cutting him off
"Prepare me for battle" he simply instructs him as Merlin tries to stall him
"Anakin should be the one that fights today" he tries to tell him as Uther shakes his head
"The grievance was with me" he explains "The fight is mine" he adds. Merlin then tries pointing out another factor
"I don't have your armour" he tells him trying to cover the sword with the blanket as Uther notices his son's armour on the table.
"That'll do" Uther only says "It's likely to make little difference" he confesses knowing that he was most likely going to be killed by the wraith as Merlin moves around the table as Uther slowly lifts the blanket Merlin had just used to cover the sword.
"I'll get you, your sword" Merlin quickly tells him trying to stray from him using the sword however Uther shakes his head once more
"This one will be fine" he replies but Merlin remembered Obi Wan's strict instructions that no one but Anakin would use this sword.
"No, sire. You don't understand" he tries to explain "That one was made specifically for Anakin" he tells him. Uther, curious, then asks
"Who made it?" he asks. Merlin, knowing he couldn't tell him that it was the druids for fear he could get Obi Wan into trouble, fumbles for a lie. Luckily he remembered Gwen's father was a blacksmith.
"Um, er..." he stutters "Tom, the blacksmith" he answers him. He begins to place the armour onto Uther as Uther lifts the sword into his hand
"It's worthy of a King" he mutters as Merlin keeps up the insistence
"You would be better off with a sword you trusted" he insists seeing Uther staring at the sword, he now held out in front of him.
"No" Uther begins to say "It has almost perfect balance" he admits before he realizes something "Tom is not the royal black smith" he tells him "I'm surprise Anakin went to him" he adds as Merlin continues to suit up the armour.
Merlin quickly replies "That was me" quickly going on "I felt he needed a better sword" he reveals. It is then Uther becomes impressed with this young boy's behaviour and attitude towards his sons.
"You've shown him the most extraordinary loyalty to my sons" he comments. Merlin, adjusting the straps on the armour, answers him
"That is my job, sire" he only replies as Uther goes on
"Beyond the line of duty" he tells him.
Merlin tilts his head "Well..." Merlin begins to reply turning back to the table to retrieve the sword going on "You could say there is a bond between us" he suggests. Uther nods
"I'm glad" he softly replies. He takes the sword and cloak into his hand, "Look after them" he only adds. Merlin then watches as Uther stops to collect his helmet before he proceeds from the armoury. Merlin lets out a deep breath - how was he going to explain to Obi Wan that he allowed the King to walk out to the arena with the sword that was meant for Anakin.
With his red cloak now over his chainmail and armour, his helmet tucked under one arm and holding onto the sword with his other hand, Uther walked out of the castle and the courtyard towards the arena. A look of determination and strength on his face as the crowd looked on, confused. They expected to see Prince Anakin, so why was the King coming to fight?
Morgana, Padme and Gwen all share confused looks. Morgana felt a little relieved for it meant that her nightmare wasn't going to come true but would she lose the man she come to look to as a second father?
Uther strolled out into the arena, he moved back Obi Wan and Gaius without giving them eye contact. Obi Wan is confused "What is he doing?" he asks his friend "Does he know what he is doing?" he asks however Gaius is silent. He knows that later on he'll hear more from his friend.
Uther moved up standing meters from the knight. "You can have what you came for" he tells him in a clear, firm voice "You nearly killed Arthur, you will not take Anakin" he goes on "You can take me" he concludes. The knight slowly turns his head towards Uther at the moment one of the guards came up to Uther, to take his shield and remove his cape. Uther's eyes never left the figure as he felt the knight staring back at him.
However, unaware what was about to happen, Anakin, still in his back, lying on his stomach, was still asleep. He had no idea that his brother was still asleep in his room and that his father had taken his place.