Author's notes: I was a little worried I wouldn't get this finished to post on time, but thankfully, I managed to find some inspiration to write. I just hope you all find this chapter up to the standard of the rest of the story.

Thanks again for continuing to leave reviews. I feel a bit like a parrot saying the same thing every two weeks, but believe me, my thoughts aren't parrot-like. I'm truly grateful for all your support. Please read and, hopefully, enjoy.

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Chapter Thirty-eight

Omens

Arthur, Gwen and Drew called at the hospital after dinner and there met up with Anna and Wayne on a similar errand of mercy. The recognised visiting hours were over, but Richard was still on the ward, having just checked on Benedict's progress and he gave Arthur and Anna permission to visit their father. The others would have to wait for them in the family room.

At his door, both found themselves pausing apprehensively, Arthur still a little unsure of Anna's total redemption and Anna, since her visits to her father had been brief and infrequent, was still suffering the shock and upset of seeing Benedict laid so low. With a lopsided grin, Arthur took hold of her hand and the siblings went inside together.

Left behind in the waiting room, Drew and Wayne eyed each other up somewhat calculatingly, two testosterone driven young men, but only one who knew the secrets of the past. However, on face value, both decided they liked what they saw, since they shook each other's hands firmly enough when Gwen made the introductions.

Afterwards, Wayne opened up the conversation by remarking evenly, "Anna certainly seems like her old self. I don't think she's going to give Arthur any problems, leastwise, not in there with Benedict." He folded his arms and directed his next, fairly confrontational question at Gwen which caused Drew to bridle again. "What did you do to her?"

Still, this Gwen, just like her previous version, wasn't in need of anyone's help to fight her battles and she quickly launched upon the story they'd already agreed to give those who were not party to the truth. "Me? I never did anything personally, except be her friend... but Dr Grayson gave her some... medicine which counter-acted the drugs that had been used in the brainwashing. They took sometime to work and it wasn't always pleasant, but with the help of Ygraine and the people who love her, Anna came through it all. She's a very determined person, you know."

"I'm well aware of that, so I'm thinking she might not be as sure of this situation as she's pretending. It's very seldom Anna suggests a shared a byline."

"I thought Anna said you'd offered her a share of the scoop... if there is one," Gwen said thoughtfully. Was it possible Anna was wary of facing Eloise again? She wouldn't blame her if that were so... and, if that were the case, then Wayne would be a supportive and competent partner.

"Well, I did kinda mention it, but I was blown away when she jumped at the offer."

Gwen bit at her lip realising she was skating on thin ice again. "I think Anna's chasing down this Eloise for personal reasons. If you're planning on helping her, then I think it's only fair to warn you that Ms Blessed, or Morgause as she's known on the Web, is a very dangerous adversary..."

"I believe I've already got that message," Wayne interrupted. "The fact that she held Anna against her will and brainwashed her makes Eloise an evil witch, in my opinion. But don't worry, I'm not a fool and I am good at my job of outing criminals. I'm also pretty decent at taking care of myself and my partners. I know you're worried for your friend, but don't be." He gave her a wide grin and a wink. "We'll be just fine... and we'll find this Blessed woman and bring her to book."

Back in Benedict's room, both Anna and Arthur assumed their father was sleeping, so they walked quietly towards the bed and stood in silence looking down on their once powerful parent.

"He looks so frail and so much older," Anna remarked in a whisper. "Arthur, I'm afraid for him."

"It's very early days, Anna. Dr Richard tells me he's made quite a lot of progress already. He's going to get better." Yet there was no enthusiasm in Arthur's voice. Instead he sounded resigned, as if he didn't believe those platitudes either.

"I hope so." Anna's voice broke on a quiet sob. "For our sake... and his own. He won't take kindly to being disabled."

"I know." Arthur wrapped his arm around his sister, who looked uncommonly vulnerable. "We can only wait and see what happens. Perhaps the doctors are right and we shouldn't despair." In fact, a glimmer of hope was locked in the back of Arthur's mind.

Merlin had promised to use his magic to help Benedict, but he had added a word of caution. Healing spells were never one of his strengths, though Arthur now knew that the ancient sorcerer, Dragoon the Great, had managed to heal his father's heart and it was only Morgana's intervention which had killed Uther. Then too, Merlin had been quick to point out that healing a single knife wound to a heart was a hell of a lot easier than repairing a considerably damaged brain. Reversing the injury completely might be beyond magic's powers. Besides, they had to go carefully in this day and age not to enact a miracle cure, which would be subject to the closest scrutiny. The last thing Arthur wished to do was turn a spotlight on Rhys Wilson.

Arthur cleared his throat and tightened his grip on his sister. "One thing I do know is that Dad won't give up. He'll fight to regain whatever health he can."

Tears spilled down Anna's cheeks as she turned her head into Arthur's shoulder. "I know that too... but I just wish I'd been here before he took ill."

"You're here now, Sis, and that's what counts."

The man in the bed became aware of the whispered voices coming from over his head. Somewhere in his confused mind he recognised both. He opened his mouth to call their names and was dismayed when his voice refused to co-operate with his brain as only a long drawn out groan ensued. Yet it was enough to alert his children.

"Daddy!" Anna said, gently, swallowing her tears. She cupped his curled fingers with her own two hands. "I'm so sorry I wasn't here when you fell ill... but I promise to help you get well... and I won't let anyone hurt our family ever again."

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The next morning broke unexpectedly dull with swollen black clouds hanging low over Cyneod Road as if they were sullenly awaiting the accompaniment of thunder before they let loose their deluge on the slate roofs below. It seemed as if the extraordinary sultry weather might be about to end.

Shortly after ten, Arthur heaved a sigh of relief as he stood in the doorway and watched his sister drive off with Wayne. Unlike most elegant young women, when Anna was working she went off with the minimum amount of luggage. In fact, she carried only a specialised rucksack which held her precious cameras and lenses, the tools of her trade, while her few clothes were crammed into a backpack.

"I suppose I should be thankful they've gone, yet I can't help but feel uneasy. I know it was my suggestion in the first place, but what if we've sent them out of the frying pan straight into the fire."

Merlin stepped up to Arthur's shoulder. "Why? They're on their way to Paris to try to find Eloise and we know she's not there."

"Do we?" Arthur gave his friend a searching glance before turning back indoors. "Do we actually know where Morgause is?"

Following quickly, Merlin tried to reassure Arthur, yet even he had no concrete answer. "We left her at Arianrhod in the care of The White Goddess..."

"But is she still there?" Arthur threw the sharp question over his shoulder as he pushed his way into the library which was fast becoming their war-room. "We have no idea, Merlin. We left her unconscious with The Goddess... but she was still alive." He swung round to face Merlin, his brow furrowed. "I know the Goddess helped us, but she wouldn't let you harm Morgause either. Not that I'm saying you would have done. You're not a killer. But she wouldn't have let anyone of us destroy Morgause. Perhaps it's her task to protect anybody who believes in The Old Religion."

"And Morgause was... probably still is a High Priestess. I believe The Goddess's actual words were that she would take charge of Morgause for the moment... which doesn't sound exactly permanent," Merlin granted grudgingly as he stood, leaning his arms along the high back of Benedict's armchair. "I wish I could be more reassuring, Arthur, but I don't know much about The Old Religion, to tell the truth."

"Yet you have magic?"

"Yes! I always have. I was born with it," Merlin said, his knuckles white as he clasped the headrest of the seat. Making that stark declaration again after all these years was still daunting. He half expected Arthur to repudiate him once more, which was a crazy thought. His friend had accepted him just as he was and it was only tiredness and his frayed nerves which undermined his confidence. He coughed to clear his throat and his mind and continued, "But apart from an ancient book of spells which Gaius gave me when I arrived in Camelot, I was never taught. And, as far as The Isle of the Blessed is concerned, I've only been there three times."

"That's twice more than I!" Arthur grunted rather shocked. "When were the other visits? After I died?"

"No! Why in the world would I go back there. The other times were much earlier. When you were bitten by the Questing Beast, I went to see Nimueh there to ask her to save your life."

"Nimueh saved my life?" Arthur sat heavily down in a chair behind him.

"Hardly voluntarily... but she did as I asked." Merlin paused, looking anywhere in the room except at Arthur. "She gave me water from the Cup of Life and told me if you drank it you would be saved... but that someone else would have to die. That old thing about the restoring the balance of nature..."

"Who died?"

"I was willing to sacrifice my own life, but I found out things didn't work that way... just like Uther did. My mother was struck down by a terrible sickness." Merlin came round and slipped boneless into the armchair, leaning his arms on his knees. "I couldn't accept that, so I went back to the Isle and challenged Nimueh to change her target. We fought, she died and I take it the balance was restored because my mother was saved... and Gaius."

"Gaius?" Arthur was totally confused by this addition to the conversation.

"Yes! Gaius had decided to go and offer his own life in return for my mother's or mine."

"I hadn't realised you were so ready to sacrifice yourself for me so early on in our association."

"Actually, I couldn't quite believe it myself. Anyway, it doesn't matter now." Merlin sat back and gave Arthur a lopsided grin. "But those were the only times I went anywhere near that island until we all went to repair the veil when the Dorocha escaped. Believe me, the Isle hadn't fared well in the intervening years. I mean, it was pretty much a ruin when Nimueh lived on it, but at least it had some grass and plants."

"Do you think there could still be an Isle of The Blessed? Maybe that's where The White Goddess has taken Morgause."

"Could be. Though I'm not sure The Goddess can move far from Arianrhod. Arthur, the one person who taught me the little I do know about The Old Religion was Gaius..."

"And he's long gone." Arthur looked up, his eyes alight. "Do you think Richard remembers much of his past life?"

Merlin shook his head and shrugged. "I've no idea. I suppose we could ask him. Only, shouldn't we be concentrating on finding Camelot and getting rid of Sigan?"

Suddenly, Arthur clapped his hands together, looking mightily pleased with himself. "That's it, Merlin! Fiona! We can still do that but we ask Fiona to talk with Richard - they probably want to catch up anyway. In Camelot days, Alice probably knew as much as Gaius, plus she remembers a lot about magic. We could ask them to put their heads together to work out where Morgause has gone and if she's still a threat to Anna."

"I suppose that could work," Merlin said with a grudging grin. Actually, he was well aware Richard wanted to talk to Fiona. He just wasn't sure that the favoured topic of conversation would be The Old Religion and a rogue High Priestess. However, right at the moment they were all making sacrifices. More than anything, he wanted to talk to Freya... and not just talk. He could think of far lovelier pastimes he'd prefer to be doing than chasing down enemies.

"Of course it will!" Arthur was up and off, full of energy. "Come on. Let's go and see how Matthew is doing."

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Amazingly, Matthew had tracked Mark Cornwallis' movements from the given time scale with remarkable ease. The young IT expert had first thought he'd have to hack through years of Cornwallis' bank statements and credit payments, yet none of that had proved necessary. With a stroke of luck, he'd logged into a far more revealing source.

It seemed that the earlier, less sophisticated Cornwallis had been something of a 'rambler' and, assuming that members of the public, namely other walkers, might be interested in his travels throughout the UK he'd created a blog. As a loner, he'd taken to walking some of the country's well known yet remote trails, from the West Highland Way in Scotland to the famous Pennine Way and to the Lake District. However, it transpired his favourites were walks around Exmoor, perhaps because they were slightly easier and more accessible. From his blogs, it seemed he wasn't a very energetic rambler and had chosen to wander fairly aimlessly, staying at local pubs and B&Bs.

Reading his online journal, Matthew assumed he'd lost all interest in his hobby as his last entry had been many years ago when he'd been on a walking holiday in Somerset, staying at a guest house called Edgcott House. In fact, his blog had ended fairly abruptly a little more than halfway through his trip. He'd mentioned he was taking on a new walk towards Dunkery Hill on the morrow, but that had been his last entry and the account of the walk had never been posted. Cornwallis might have become disenchanted with his favourite hobby-horse, though he'd never thought to take his online diary down. Mark's careless omission seemed somewhat out of character, but it was a stroke of good fortune for those hot on his trail.

Without any delay, Arthur, Merlin and the two girls, along with Matthew packed and made ready to leave for Exmoor. They weren't exactly certain of where they were going, but they had a starting point, at least. Checking the maps, they'd discovered that Dunkery Hill was pretty much within the vicinity of where Camelot might have been, according to their calculations. They couldn't repress a growing feeling of excitement.

Although the primary reason was to find the jewelled heart with which to vanquish Sigan, Arthur and Gwen wanted to see again the place they fell in love... or what might be left of it and even Merlin had some fond memories of the place. Yet their anticipation was bitter-sweet. So much happiness yet also great sorrow would be woven into whatever ruins they may fine.

However, before they left, Arthur's plans for Richard and Fiona had run into problems. That very day while he and Merlin had been discussing The Old Religion, Fiona had fainted. Since she'd been full of such spirit and determination from they day she'd offered them shelter on Easdale, one tended to forget she was quite an elderly lady; a courageous friend who'd expended all her energies, both natural and magical, on helping Merlin and the Penderels fight their enemies.

Ygraine had the young men carry Fiona to bed, where her great niece tended her with care, while Ygraine immediately called Richard. The anxious doctor turned up as soon as he could excuse himself from his duties at the hospital and was soon behind closed doors, examining Fiona, the woman with whom he couldn't help but feel a close affinity. Which was fairly preposterous. They were both in their late sixties, highly intelligent yet pragmatic people who were content in their solitary lives. What right had their hearts to feel a gentle stirring? They should leave such romantic notions to the young. But Richard couldn't deny his worry, or his relief when he diagnosed slightly low blood pressure and anaemia caused most probably by extreme exhaustion. Fiona needed complete rest and both Richard and Ygraine were determined she would receive it, as was Arthur.

Fiona's collapse did change Arthur's plans. Richard agreed he would consult Fiona about their lives in Camelot and what they had known about the Old Religion, but only when she was feeling stronger so, for the present, Morgause's whereabouts would remain a mystery. That being the case, his parents, Richard and Fiona would require protection.

He went in search of Drew and found him in the back of the garage, tinkering with the old Triumph TR7 they'd bought as teenagers. The idea had been to do it up and they had got it going after a fashion, but somehow it had never reached their high ideas. Nevertheless, as they'd spent so many happy hours of their youth working on the car, Arthur hadn't felt able to part with their baby. He'd thrown a tarpaulin over it and through the years had almost forgotten it's existence.

Now he found Drew buried under the bonnet and the engine miraculously puttering away if somewhat roughly. "Good God! I'd forgotten all about her... and she still goes!" he said, coming forward, his voice husky with nostalgia. "I never expected that. I'd like to say she's purring like a kitten but I don't think we ever got more than a wheezy growl out of her back in the day."

Drew laughed. "You're right about that. Your father always said we were wasting our time. If I remember correctly, he said if you waited till your twenty-first birthday, he'd buy you a Porsche."

"Yeah, but when you're a teenager three years seem like forever. Besides it wouldn't have been the same. We spent a lot of happy hours working on this old buggy. We were sure it would help us pull birds, but it never did live up to expectations." Arthur threw back his head and laughed.

"True, but you did that pretty well on your own: athletic, good-looking and heir to the Camelot fortune. You didn't need a babe-magnet."

"Neither did you! Especially when you joined up. There's nothing attracts a young lady's attention as much as a young handsome naval officer. You had your fair share of girlfriends." Arthur rubbed his thumb on the paintwork till he'd cleaned off the dust and the grime. He looked up, his eyes narrowing. "Was I really such a cocksure brat?"

"Not to me, or your friends."

"Good! I never asked to be rich... but I suppose I took it all for granted." Arthur studied his dirty thumb before rubbing it on his jeans. "She brings back some happy memories, though," he mused with a sigh for the carefree days long before he'd rediscovered his destiny.

"And ones from this life," Drew replied, mirroring Arthur's thoughts. He raised his head and smiled hesitantly while he wiped his hands on an old rag. "I've got to admit, I feel more comfortable thinking about the present."

Arthur's hand rested on Drew's shoulder in passing as he walked around their classic car. "Your life as Lancelot wasn't the happiest, Drew, and I'm sorry for that." He bent and looked into the interior, saw the leather they'd polished religiously to a warm sheen, the dash board they'd cleaned until the instruments gleamed. All of them now dulled with age and lack of attention. At last he straightened and looked at this friend who'd shared all of his adventures from boyhood to teenage years. "I can't even say that I've done you any favours by calling you home to help me. I'm sorry about Gwen... It never occurred to me that you'd fall for her again, though it should have done, if I'd given it the slightest thought."

"You don't have to apologise. Gwen made her own choice... just as Guinevere did. I never stood a chance in either lives. You two were always meant to be together." Drew shrugged and grinned wryly. "I'll get over it, but I'm thinking of going back home soon... if you don't need me anymore."

Clearing his throat, Arthur went on. "Actually, I do, though if you really want to go, I won't stand in your way."

Drew moved to switch off the engine, before closing the bonnet and throwing the tarp back over the Triumph. Obviously, he was giving himself a moment or two to think. He stepped away from the car. "You want me to come with you to find Camelot, to stay till all this is over?"

"Not to find Camelot, but I really need you for something else. We've managed to fix most of the problems - with your help and I thank you - but I can't help feeling there's more trouble to come. Maybe I'm seeing bogeymen where there's none, or maybe Merlin's feeling are contagious." He came to stand with Drew at the door to the garage and they both stared out at the quiet, now sombre garden, at the lowering grey sky above the tree line which seemed to match Arthur's melancholic mood. "We're off on our search pretty soon and Anna and Wayne have already gone, that leaves my parents and Richard and Fiona alone. I've no idea if they'll be in danger or not, but I can't rid myself of the premonition that they need looking after. None of them are young and Dad and Fiona are ill. Will you look out for them, Drew?" Arthur's gaze came back from the clouds to focus on his friend. "I can think of no other person I'd rather have guarding them."

"Of course, I will. You don't really need to ask." Drew smiled as he spoke. "Your parents are like family to me... especially your mother. And I've gotten pretty close to Fiona in the last few weeks. She's a formidable lady, but she needs taking care of now. I won't abandon any of them. Go find your castle and don't worry. I'll make sure they stay safe."

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Satisfied that he'd left his family and friends in the capable hands of Drew, a military man who was well versed in various types of unarmed combat, Arthur drove his party to Exford in Somerset. The owners of the Edgcott House where Cornwallis had stayed had been unable to offer them rooms, being a well known and busy establishment during the height of the summer season, but they had passed their names on to a couple of smaller B&Bs who could accommodate them. Unfortunately, they'd only been able to acquire three rooms, two doubles in one house and a single in a small cottage across the road.

Arthur and Gwen were comfortable with the arrangements, but Merlin was a little worried that he was pressing Freya into sharing his bed too soon. In the back of the car, while the rest of the group tried not to pay attention, nor smile indulgently, Merlin voiced his fears again.

"Freya, are you sure about this? I won't mind if you take the single room. Matthew and I could share."

"Merlin, it's fine." Freya slipped her hand within his grasp and allowed her fingers to tangle with his. "I'm happy... truly. Let Matthew take the spare room."

"I'll stay in the cottage," Matthew offered brightly, hoping to solve the problem. "I'd actually prefer to be alone. It gives me a chance to do any extra research."

From the passenger seat, Gwen spoke up, wondering if it were perhaps Merlin who had the misgivings. For all his great age, he was still a fairly shy, somehow innocent guy. "When I made the arrangements, they offered me a double and a twin, though they did offer to make-up the twin as a double. I left it as a twin, so you can decide for yourselves which way you want it."

Smiling, Freya answered as she noticed the tinge of pink creeping over Merlin's face. "Thank you, Gwen. I'm sure we'll be perfectly comfortable." She leaned over and kissed his cheek and gave his hand another encouraging squeeze, but Merlin wasn't totally nonplussed as he turned his head and her kiss landed on his lips. For a few seconds they exchanged a lingering caress before Merlin spoke up, his tone rather throaty with the promise of passion.

"Don't worry, Gwen." He smiled, staring into Freya's pretty dark eyes as if pledging a solemn vow. "We'll be very pleased with the room whichever way we find it."

Yet Merlin's final words reminded them of their quest and for a time there was silence as each one perused the task ahead. What would they find... if anything? But more than that, if Camelot and Sigan's tomb was found, would they all win through safely?

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Perhaps this chapter wasn't quite as long as some of the others, but I felt this was quite a good place to draw a line. If you want to find out what happens between Merlin and Freya, tune in in two weeks and find out. :)

If you have time, I'd love to hear your thoughts and opinions.