The Witch's Quickening
The court gathered in the council chamber, Evaine and Anna sharing a look as Uther stood.
"You know the whereabouts of the Crystal?" he asks Gaius.
"I believe so, sire," Gaius answers. A few days ago, some thieves had managed to break into the heavily guarded castle of Camelot and make away with a valuable, magical crystal. Both Evaine and Anna were tired of hearing the warning bells and were hoping for some good news.
"I see. How did you come by this information?" Uther asks.
"In my capacity as physician I have dealings with many people. They hear things, sire, and they see things. Last night I was confronted by one such man who told me that the crystal had been stolen by a band of renegades led by a man called Alvarr," Gaius answers.
"Who exactly was this informant?" Uther asks, and Gaius pauses.
"I think it would only be fair to protect their identity, sire. If news of the betrayal were to reach the renegades, it could indeed endanger their life," he explains.
"Very well," Uther says.
"Where is this Alvarr hiding?" Arthur asks, moving behind his chair to stand beside his father.
"He was last seen in the Valley of Chemray, sire," Gaius tells them.
"Summon the guards, Arthur. I want this matter investigated without delay," Uther says.
"Yes, Father," Arthur agrees, moving quickly to the doors as the council dispersed. Evaine watches as Morgana hurries off, and follows after her.
"Arthur, you're not seriously thinking of going on this mission, are you?" Morgana asks, and Evaine hides behind a wall.
"No, I'm not thinking of going on this mission. I am going on this mission," he says.
"But you're chasing nothing but a rumour," Morgana points out.
"True, but for now it's the only lead we have to go on," he says.
"You're wasting your time. I assure you," Morgana tells him. Evaine moves from her hiding place, acting surprised to see them both.
"Arthur, there you are! Merlin is looking for you. He said something about a broken sword?" she says, reminding herself to apologise to her friend later, watching as Arthur rolls his eyes and hurries off. "Are you alright, Morgana?"
"Yes. Perfectly fine," Morgana answers, smiling at her before leaving.
XXXXXX
Arthur returns the next day, Alvarr in chains as he kneels before Uther and the court.
"So, you admit to stealing the Crystal of Neahtid?" Uther asks.
"I do," he asnwers.
"You admit to plotting against your King?"
"I do."
"And you acted alone? You were not aided or abetted by any citizen of Camelot?" Uther asks, a pause before Alvarr answers.
"I acted alone."
"Then I find you guilty of treason. You are an enemy of Camelot, Alvarr. You are sentenced to death," Uther states, sitting down on his throne.
"Then I die with honour. To be an enemy of Camelot is no crime," Alvarr says.
"Take him away," Uther instructs.
"You, Uther, you are the criminal," Alvarr said, being dragged away by the guards. The court begins to leave as Uther stands, turning his back on the court. Evaine watches as Morgana glares at Uther, the doors shutting before Morgana leaves.
The warning bells once more woke Evaine up. Alvarr had escaped. And Morgana did not seem unhappy about it. Almost pleased with herself.