Chapter 1: The Dragon's Call.
8 Years Later:
"Merlynn. Merlynn. Merlynn."
The voice came from nowhere and woke Merlynn with a start. She had been hearing this disembodied voice for the last few nights now. And she was getting so concerned that it was all in her head, that she was seriously considering going to Gaius, the court physician, and seeing if she had some sort of malady of the brain.
Rolling over and looking out of the window, Merlynn would see that it was still very early, the sun had barely started to rise. Sighing, she rolled over and closed her eyes, trying fruitlessly to get back to sleep.
After a lot of tossing and turning, Merlynn sighed. She pulled the covers off her, grabbed her robe and slid out of bed. Hissing as her feet touched the cold floor.
Stepping over to the window, Merlynn looked out over the town. There was a low lying mist and the air was crisp and fresh. It was still very early, so only the knight's and a few of the townsfolk were up and about.
She smiled to herself, and not for the first time remembered how lucky she was that Uther took her in.
Walking over to her wardrobe, she dressed in a rather plain and simple green dress, and a matching cloak. She knew that Uther would be upset if he saw her looking like a serving girl, but Merlynn loved it. This outfit enabled her to walk amongst the people unseen.
Grabbing a small brown satchel, that was hanging on her dressing screen, she silently left the room.
Gliding silently down the empty corridors, she snuck quietly out of the castle and towards the forest on the outskirts of town. Merlynn spent the next few hours picking herbs for Gaius.
By the time she was done, the sun was well and truly up, and the town was bustling. Walking back to the castle Merlynn stopped by the market and browsed the stalls, and after purchasing some new scents, Merlynn headed back to the castle.
When she walked into the courtyard, Merlynn was surprised to see a large crowd gathered there. As she squeezed through she very quickly realised why. the executioner's block was set up, and a young man was being dragged onto the platform.
A movement from the main balcony caught Merlynn's attention and, when she looked up, she saw Uther standing there.
"Let this serve as a lesson to all. This man, Thomas James Collins, is adjudged guilty of conspiring to use enchantments and magic. And, pursuant to the laws of Camelot, I, Uther Pendragon, have decreed that such practices are banned on penalty of death. I pride myself as a fair and just king, but for the crime of sorcery, there is but one sentence I can pass."
Uther looked at Collins with a look of absolute disgust and contempt on his face. Raising his arm, Merlynn swallowed heavily, bile rising in her throat. This was the one part about living in Camelot that she hated. Uther glared at the man and dropped his arm, and the axe fell.
The crowd groaned, as his head was severed from his body, and Merlynn looked away. Uther looked at the crowd, with a slight smile on his face.
"When I came to this land, this kingdom was mired in chaos, but with the people's help magic was driven from the realm. So I declare a festival to celebrate twenty years since the Great Dragon was captured and Camelot freed from the evil of sorcery. Let the celebrations begin."
"Typical," thought Merlynn, "only Uther can turn someone's death into a celebration."
As the crowd started to disperse a loud wail sounded, making everyone stop and stare.
Standing in the middle of the crowd was a haggard, old woman. Dressed in simple brown robes, she was peculiar looking, and there was great sorrow in her eyes.
"There is only one evil in this land, and it is not magic! It is you!" Wailed the old woman, as she jabbed an accusatory finger at Uther. "With your hatred and your ignorance! You took my son!" Merlynn gasped, placing her hands over her mouth. "And I promise you, before these celebrations are over, you will share my tears. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a son for a son."
Uther looked furious at these words. "Seize her!" He yelled out to the guards.
The old lady didn't seem concerned by the approaching guards. She grabbed her necklace and hissed some words in a strange language. As she did a whirlwind appeared and she disappeared.
The crowd was shooed away, and Merlynn took a moment to regain her composure.
For her, the hardest part about living in Camelot was having to keep her magic secret. She was so good at keeping this a secret that only one other person knew that Merlynn had magic, and that was Gaius, the court physician.
Gaius was her mother's half brother, and she had confided in him about Merlynn's magic. So not long after Merlynn had arrived in Camelot, Gaius approached her and told her all about what her mother had told him, and swore that he would keep her secret, no matter the cost
During the last eight years, Gaius had been teaching Merlynn all about her magic and how to control it, all under the guise of Merlynn wanting to learn about herbs and healing. So, as a thank you for everything, Merlynn would often go and gather herbs for Gaius.
Walking into the castle, Merlynn practically jogged towards Gaius's room, only pausing to acknowledge the guards as she passed. When she arrived Merlynn noticed that the door was ajar, so she knocked and entered.
"Gaius?" Called out Merlynn, not seeing her mentor anywhere. "Gaius, are you there?" Merlynn scoured the room and found him searching the upper bookshelves.
"Ah, Gaius. There you are..." Called it Merlynn, startling him. And as she did, Gaius overbalanced and crashed through the railing, plummeting towards the ground.
Merlynn panicked, and as she did her iris's flashed gold. Time slowed right down, and it gave Merlynn time to think. Looking around the room, she scoured the place looking for something soft for him to land on. When her eyes landed on Gaius's bed, she knew what she had to do. With her eyes flashing gold again, the bed moved from its place near the fire and moved directly underneath Gaius. And then, with another flash of Gold, time sped up again and Gaius crashed onto his bed.
"Merlynn! What are you doing, you silly girl? You could have been seen." He chastised.
"Sorry Gaius, but I had to save you, and I was almost positive that no one was watching." Mumbled Merlynn, looking at her feet.
"You need to be more careful, child," Gaius said in a much softer tone, "I don't want any harm to come to you."
"And I you, Gaius. And I you." Sniffed Merlynn.
Gaius smiled and walked over to Merlynn, embracing her. "Thank you Merlynn. That was very brave what you did."
"Well, it was my fault." And they both laughed. "Besides I actually came here for a reason." Said Merlynn, as she pulled the brown satchel off her shoulder. "For you." She smiled, handing him the bag.
Gaius took it off her, looked inside and smiled. "Ah, thank you, my child. I was running low on these."
"No problem, Gaius." Smiled Merlynn, looking around. "I have better be going, or Gwen is going to worry where I have got to."
"Indeed she is. Now, off you go." After quickly hugging Gaius again, Merlynn ran off towards her room.
When she got there, Gwen, her Ladies Maid, was already waiting with her breakfast, and a fresh dress. "Milady, I was so worried when I couldn't find you. Are you okay?"
Merlynn smiled and sat Guinevere down next to her. "Gwen, calm down. I just couldn't sleep so I decided to go and pick some herbs for Gaius."
"Of course, I should have realised."
"It's no problem. Now, let me eat something and I will get dressed for the day ahead." Gwen curtsied and went to prepare Merlynn's outfits for the day.
After Merlynn had eaten and was dressed in a more appropriate outfit for her station, she went to find Morgana.
Morgana was sitting at the window in her room, looking out over the courtyard, where the execution had just taken place.
"How could he do that? That poor woman, she must be devastated." She said.
"I have no idea, Morgana. I really don't." Muttered Merlynn, hugging her friend.
"And now he wants to throw a feast to celebrate. Why does he do this?" She whimpered.
"Because he is the King, and he can."
"But why magic users?"
"Maybe it is because he doesn't understand them. And when you don't understand something then you fear it." Explained Merlynn, gently.
"Well, I am not partaking in these stupid celebrations tonight." Snapped Morgana, as she walked away from the window and sat on the bed. "Will you join me tonight."
"Of course, I will. I want to partake in these celebrations as much as you do, so why don't we have dinner here in your room?" Asked Merlynn.
Morgana just beamed in delight, at the offer. "Perfect. I will inform Elena of the plan."
"And let me go and inform Guinevere. She gets upset with me if I don't tell her." Merlynn ran off to inform Guinevere about her and Morgana's plans.
The two ladies spent the evening discussing the knights of Camelot and how good looking they were versus how skilled they were.
They were finishing up for the night when Uther barged into the room, looking very annoyed.
"Morgan, Merlynn."
"Yes?" They asked innocently, knowing what this lecture was going to be all about.
"What is this? Why are the two of you not at the feast?" He demanded.
Morgana glared at Uther. "Because we just don't think that chopping someone's head off is cause for celebration. That poor mother."
Uther looked furious at this. "It was simple justice for what he had done..."
"To whom." Interrupted Merlynn. "He practised magic, he didn't hurt anyone." Argued Merlynn, as she defended her own kin.
"You were not around twenty years ago. You have no idea what it was like."
Merlynn stood up, furious. "How long are you going to keep punishing people for what happened then?"
"Until they realise that there is no room for magic in my kingdom!" Uther yelled. Merlynn was seething at these words. And they just served to remind her how dangerous that it was for her in Camelot.
Uther took a moment to calm himself. And when he was finally calm enough he spoke again. "You will both be there with me when I greet Lady Helen."
"I told you, we want no part of this." Hissed Morgana.
"I am your father Morgana, and you are my Ward, Merlynn. If the two of you show me no respect, you can at least respect our finest singer." Turning around, his cape swishing behind him, Uther stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
Merlynn and Morgana looked at each other. Merlynn looked visibly upset by what had just transpired. "Lynn are you okay?" Asked Morgana, worried about the woman she deemed her sister.
"I am fine, but I feel very tired. I think that I am going to retire to my room." Mumbled Merlynn, rising from her chair. "Good night Morgana, and thank you for this evening. It was lovely."
"You're welcome. I will see you tomorrow."
"I'll be here." The two hugged and Merlynn returned to her chambers and got herself ready for bed.
As she closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep, all she could think about what Uther said about magic. And how if he ever found out her secret then she would end up exactly like Thomas James Collins.
Lady Helen was sat in her tent, humming to herself while brushing her hair. A fox screeching startled her slightly, but it was the sound of footsteps snapping twigs that had her worried.
"Hello?" She called out. "Gregory?"
A tall well-armoured man poked his head through the flap of the tent. "Lady Helen."
Lady Helen looked relieved to see Gregory. "Is all well?" She asked, still concerned about the noises that she had heard outside.
"Yes, Ma'am." Reassured Gregory. "With any luck, we should reach Camelot by late tomorrow."
"That's good." Smiled Lady Helen.
"I'll be just outside if you need me." Nodded Gregory. And he retreated from the tent and resumed his patrol outside, as Lady Helen began humming again.
Suddenly there was a noise from near the tent. Drawing his sword Gregory slowly approached the location where the sound was heard. "Who's out there? Reveal yourself."
While that was happening Lady Helen was washing up. And as she was drying her face there was the sound of whinnying horses and more snapping twigs, and a woman humming. And when she looked up she saw a shadowy figure walking outside her tent.
Standing up, fear coloured her face again. But before she could call out for her trusty knight, a haggard, long-haired, old woman appeared at the entrance.
Mary Collins pulled an effigy out of her pocket and started chanting. "Akwele seo magdp." She chanted, stabbing the effigy with a dagger. As she did Lady Helen clutched her chest like she had been stabbed. "Akwele seo magdp. Akwele seo magdp." She chanted two more times. each time stabbing the effigy. Until, at last, Lady Helen collapsed onto the bed, dead.
Sitting in front of the vanity, Mary Collins lifted up a pendant from around her neck. Holding it in both of her hands, she chanted one more time. "Ghefrolinz grimpoxin kouata." And as she did her appearance shifted from that of an old woman to Lady Helen.
Reaching up, she felt her face, and admired the now smoothness of her face. But when she looked into the mirror it betrayed her true identity.
"Merlynn. Merlynn." The strange disembodied voice woke called out, waking Merlynn up again.
Sitting up she tried to listen for the voice, but it had stopped. And, for a moment, she wondered if it was a dream.
Then, at the same moment, there was a gentle knock on the door. "Milady? Are you up?"
"Come in Gwen," Merlynn called back.
Gwen pushed the door open and walked in carrying a tray of food. "Your breakfast. And Gaius has asked if you could deliver some medicines for him today. One of the townsfolk is having a rather difficult birth, so he has had to go and attend."
"Of course I will. And afterwards, I think that we should go through my wardrobe. It has been a while since we did, and there are several big events coming up in the next few months. I need to know if I need to procure any more dresses."
"Of course Milady. I had been thinking the same thing for a while now."
Merlyn nodded in agreement and got up, wrapping herself in one of the robes, she walked gracefully to the table and sat down. As she did a smile appeared across her face. "Oh, by the way Gwen. When are you going to start calling me Merlynn?"
Gwen turned around with a look of horror on her face. "Milady, I... I... I could never. that would be improper." She stammered.
"Well maybe in public, but in private it wouldn't. I deem you a friend, I am sure that you see me the same way." Stated Merlyn, as she stabbed a slice of pear with her fork.
"I do Milady."
"Well, then it is settled. You will call me Merlynn, and I am not taking no for an answer." Smiled Merlynn
"Of course, Mi... Merlynn." Gwen said, much to Merlynn's amusement.
"Finally," laughed Merlynn, "it has only taken me four years to get you to call me by my name." The two of them laughed, as Merlynn finished her food.
Getting dressed into a pink and purple dress, with long flowing sleeves, and simple gold jewellery, Merlynn headed to Gaius's chambers. When she got there she saw two vials and a note. The note explained who the vials were for, and any instructions that came with them.
Grabbing the vials off the table, she slipped them into a hidden pocket of her dress and headed out on her rounds.
The first vial was for Lady Percival. Knocking on the door Lady Percival was surprised to see Merlynn standing there, holding out her medicine. But once it was explained she relaxed somewhat.
Next stop was to Sir Olwin, he was a very old, and now retired knight. He was also very blind. Knocking on the door Merlynn looked at Sir Olwin with kindness.
"Good morning, Sir Olwin. It's Lady Merlynn, I have your medicine from Gaius. May I come in?" Sir Olwin nodded and stepped to one side.
When Merlynn walked in she was shocked to see that the place was a mess, with his lack of eyesight he was struggling to maintain his home.
After spending a little bit of time talking to Sir Olwin, Merlynn determined that he would need a maid or a nurse of some kind. Making a mental note to speak to Uther about it at the first available opportunity, she said her goodbyes and left.
On her way back to the castle, Merlynn passed by the training grounds. Where Prince Arthur was joking around with some of his younger knights.
Merlynn and Arthur had a very strange love-hate relationship. They argued a lot, but there was also begrudging mutual respect between the two.
Merlynn disliked Arthur, she disliked his prattishness, his arrogance, and his complete disregard for the people below him.
At the same time, Merlynn could see glimpses of the King that he would one day become. He had these moments where he would show great honour and humility. But those were few and far between.
Right now though, he was being his usual obnoxious self.
As Merlynn was walking through the courtyard, she saw Arthur whispering to his knights, and then yell something to his manservant, Morris.
"Where's the target?" He asked.
"There, Sir?" Stammered Morris, looking a little scared.
Arthur just scoffed. "It's into the sun?"
Morris blanched. "But, it's not that bright." He reasoned.
"A bit like you, then?" Patronised Arthur.
Morris put down the bits of armour that he was holding, and walked back over to the target and picked it up. "I'll put the target on the other end, shall I, Sir?"
As Morris started walking over to the other side of the training ground, Merlynn paused to watch what was going on.
As she did, she observed the knights and Arthur laughing to each other. "Teach him a lesson." One of the knights, Merlynn did not know which, said.
"This'll teach him." Snickered Arthur, and he grabbed one of the daggers at his waist.
"Yeah." Laughed the second knight.
"Haha. Teach him a lesson." The first one replied.
Suddenly Arthur threw the knife, right as Morris was moving the target. It landed slap bang in the middle of the target, making him jump. And making Merlynn furious.
"Hey! Hang on!" Cried out, Morris.
"Don't stop!" Ordered Arthur.
Morris moved a little further along. "Here?" He asked, hopefully.
Arthur just sneered. "I told you to keep moving!" Grabbing another dagger he threw it and it landed just underneath the previous one. "Come on! Run!"
Morris started running from side to side, as Arthur threw more and more daggers. "Come on," he urged, "we want some moving target practice."
Merlin was seething, and when Morris tripped up Merlynn decided to intervene.
Quickly walking over to Morris, Merlynn knelt down next to him. "Morris, are you okay? He didn't hurt you, did he?"
"No Milady." He said, shaking his head.
Standing up, Merlynn stormed towards Arthur, fire blazing in her eyes. "Arthur Pendragon!" She yelled, making him and the knights all turn to face her. "What in the world are you doing? You could have seriously hurt Morris."
Arthur swaggered over to Merlynn, all cocky and arrogant. "Aww Merlynn, come on. We were only having some fun."
"You call that fun?" Yelled Merlynn. "What if you had missed, did you think of that? Morris is not a training dummy he is a person. You are such a prat sometimes, Arthur!" As Merlynn was yelling the smile disappeared off Arthur's face, and the knights had stopped laughing.
"Merlynn, you can't talk to me like that." Argued Arthur.
But Merlynn ignored him and continued on her rant. "All of you should be ashamed of yourselves. You are in a position of power and privilege, and you abuse that position by bullying those beneath you." She chastised.
Arthur looked a little ashamed. "I'm sorry, I may have taken a practical joke too far."
"Understatement." Scoffed Merlynn. "Arthur you are going to be king, one day. And what type of King do you think that your people want? One that respects them and listens to their concerns. Or one that bullies and belittles them?"
As soon as she had finished her rant, Merlynn turned and stormed off towards the castle. Leaving Arthur and his knights gawping at her retreating figure.
Storming into her chambers Merlynn slammed the door behind her, making Gwen jump with surprise. "Stupid prince's." She muttered, kicking her shoes off and throwing her wardrobe doors open. "Just because you are titled does not mean you are entitled."
"Are you okay Mi... Merlynn?" Asked Gwen cautiously.
Taking a deep steadying breath Merlynn sighed. "I am fine Gwen, sorry if I startled you."
"That's okay." Gwen paused and smiled. "I saw you tell Arthur off. It was the best thing that I have ever seen."
Merlynn smiled. "Thank you, Gwen. Somebody needed to take that man down a peg or two." The two of them giggled. "Now, I believe that we were going to go through my wardrobe and decide on a few outfits for the next few feasts."
"Indeed Milady." Curtsied Gwen, as she started pulling outfits out of the wardrobe.
It was well past dark when Lady Helen arrived in Camelot.
Both she and her escort thundered in. After being helped off her horse, she walked towards the castle, with only a puddle on the ground betraying her true appearance.
Lady Helen glided into the throne room, her purple dress billowing behind her. In front of her sat Uther, surrounded by several courtiers, and his daughter and ward.
"Lady Helen." Cried Uther, rising from his throne. "Thank you for coming to sing at our celebrations."
"The pleasures all mine." She smiled, knowing that by the end the only one who will feel any pleasure was her.
"How was your journey?" Asked Uther.
"Oh, the time it took, sire." She sighed.
Uther picked up her hands and placed a gentle kiss on them. "Well, it's always worth the wait."
"It will be." The false Lady Helen smiled, knowingly.
The next morning Merlynn was awoken again by the same disembodied voice, this time its calls seemed more urgent. This time she was determined to find out where this voice was coming from.
Getting up and dressed, Merlynn watched Gwen flit around the room getting everything tidied away. "Gwen?"
"Yes, Merlynn?"
"I feel like going to visit the market today, would you care to accompany me?"
"That would be lovely."
"Wonderful. Besides, after yesterday's clear-out, I need some new dresses." Smiled Merlynn.
And just an hour later, after Merlynn had finished breakfast and Gwen had cleaned away the dishes, the two ladies donned their cloaks and headed for the market.
As they approached the market the two ladies could see a large, excitable crowd of children at the stocks. "Seems like someone for caught doing something naughty." Merlynn laughed.
The smile was soon wiped from her face though. For when the children ran off to reload with more rotten fruits and veg, the identity of the person in the stocks was soon known.
"Morris?!" The two of them gasped in surprised. "What happened? Why are you in there?"
"Oh, milady. I didn't see you there, this is nothing. I promise." Morris mumbled.
"Morris, who put you here?" Merlynn asked gently.
"I can't say, he will be angry if I tell you."
"Arthur." Growled Merlynn. Standing up she scoured the area for any sign of the prattish prince. Noticing him walking through the town, laughing and joking with his knights, she stormed up to him.
"Are you really that prattish?" She yelled, making everyone in the square stop.
Arthur shut his eyes and groaned internally. "Merlynn, what a surprise. Why am I a "prat" this time?"
"You put Morris in the stocks!" She yelled. Arthur looked over to where Morris was with a look of anger on his face.
"I told him not to tell you?" He hissed.
"He didn't, I figured it out." She practically snarled. "So I am only going to ask you this once. Why did you put him in the stocks?"
"Because he didn't do what I asked him to. He didn't move the target." Arthur said as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"The target that you were throwing daggers at? You really are an idiot. Arthur, I can promise you that if you carry on like this you will lose, what little respect that you have, from your people and your peers." She snapped.
Arthur, for the most part, actually looked ashamed of himself. "Merlynn... I... I..."
"Don't Arthur." She turned around and started walking towards Gwen, but not before getting one last word in. "One day, Arthur, you are going to be judged by your actions. You might want to make sure that those judgements go in your favour."
And with that Merlynn stormed off towards the market, closely followed by Gwen, who was trying very hard not to laugh at the incredulous look on Arthur's face.
After commissioning a couple of new dresses, and being yelled at by Uther for making a fool of Arthur, in front of the villagers, she decided to help Gaius out for the rest of the day.
After picking some more hollyhock and feverfew, Merlynn then went off and delivered a tonic to Lady Helen.
Knocking on her door, there was no answer, so Merlynn let herself in, planning on leaving the tonic on her vanity.
When Merlynn walked in she was surprised to see what was inside. The room looked like a mix of Gaius's chamber and a druid hut.
There were herbs hanging up, and effigy's on the vanity. And when Merlynn went to check out some of the books, she saw that they were written in a language that she could barely understand.
Picking up one of the books she felt a familiar feeling flow through her. "Magic." She whispered.
A slamming of a door followed by footsteps made her jump. Quickly putting everything back the way she found it Merlynn grabbed the bottle and waited.
The door opened and Lady Helen walked in, looking both scared and confused by the intrusion in her room. "Lady Merlynn? What are you doing in here?"
Handing her the bottle of yellow liquid, Merlynn feigned innocence. "Gaius asked if I could drop this off for you as I was heading this way. As you weren't here I was going to leave it on your vanity."
Lady Helen looked at Merlynn puzzled. "Thank you, milady."
"You're welcome." Merlynn started to leave, and when she reached the door she turned back. "I am looking forward to hearing you sing tomorrow."
"And I am looking forward to singing for you all." She replied.
After a small bow of respect, Merlynn departed and returned to her chambers.
Merlynn was awoken again by the same disembodied voice that had been haunting her dreams for a week now. But this time it didn't stop when she woke up.
Sliding out of bed she slipped on a simple back cloak and a pair of soft-soled shoes, and quietly exited the room.
Sneaking along the corridors, Merlynn dodged guards and servants as the followed the voice.
"Merlynn." The voice whispered as she entered the area of the castle where the great dragon was being held.
"Merlynn." Came the voice, louder this time. As she silently snuck down the staircase she froze when she saw the guards guarding the entrance.
Looking around for a way to distract them, Merlynn noticed that they were playing a dice game.
Merlynn waited for them to roll the dice, and the moment thay they did she used her magic to make the dice roll away. And keep rolling away.
Quickly dashing inside, she grabbed one of the torches and lit it. Walking down through the tunnels the voice kept growing louder and louder. Drawing her deeper and deeper into the caves.
Eventually, the tunnels brought her out into a giant cavern. "Hello?" Called out Merlynn. "Are you there? Dragon?"
A huge shadow appeared and passed over Merlynn. Then a giant landed opposite her, on a large, rocky outcrop.
"We finally meet, young witch. Look at how small you are for such a great destiny." Chortled the dragon in his loud booming voice.
Merlynn was confused. "Destiny? What do you mean? What destiny?" She asked.
"Your gift, Merylnn, was given to you for a reason." Explained the dragon.
"So there is a reason for my magic." She mused out loud.
"Arthur is the once and future king, destined to unite the lands of Albion." Merlynn snorted when the dragon said this. "And you," he said a little louder, "are destined to help him. As his queen."
Merlynn stood there for a moment, unsure of what to say. When she suddenly burst out laughing. "Bahaha... Arthur and I... hahaha... married... hahaha... Oh, that is good, that is very good." She laughed, almost doubled over.
The dragon looked annoyed at this. "You may laugh, young witch, but you cannot escape destiny."
Merlynn eventually stopped laughing and stood up, wiping a tear from her eye. "I am not marrying Arthur. The man is an idiot, and definitely not husband material." She said, seriously.
"Then, perhaps, it is your destiny to change that."
"I don't even love him. And unlike Arthur, I am able to marry for love. So when I get married I want to love the man that I get married to."
The dragon laughed. "Oh, Emrys. You may not love him yet, but your heart cannot truly hate what makes it whole."
"Well, I can assure you that my heart does not... hang on. Did you call me Emrys?" Asked Merlynn, puzzled by the name.
"Indeed I did. For Emrys is your name." Assured the dragon.
"I think that you have been down here far too long. Because my name is Merlynn. You should know, you were the one who called me down here."
"Emrys is the name given to you by the Druids. You may not know it yet, but you are incredibly important to the magical community."
"But, I don't get how I have this great destiny that everyone, but me, knows about."
"One day, Merlynn. You will understand everything. For now, though, you need to help to protect Arthur against those that would wish him harm." The dragon ended the conversation there. He spread his giant wings and started to fly away.
"Wait!" Cried Merlynn. "I do not even know your name."
The dragons laugh filled the cavern as he answered. "It is Kilgharrah. My name is Kilgharrah."
The dragon disappeared, and Merlynn was left standing there. Still confused over the conversation that she had just had.
Once back in her chambers, Merlynn collapsed onto the bed and soon fell into a fitful sleep. And dreamed of Dragons, destinies and princes.
Merlynn awoke late, the next morning, to Morgana barging into her room.
"So, I have been thinking about how you can get Arthur back... What are you still doing in bed?" She demanded.
"Good morning to you too, Morgana." Merlynn groaned sleepily.
"Morning. It is after lunch."
"Is it?" She asked sitting up.
Morgana sat on the edge of her bed and looked at her. "Are you okay?"
"I am fine Morgana. I promise. I just had a bad nights sleep." Reassured Merlynn.
Morgana looked pleased and stood back up again. "Good. Because we want you looking your best for tonight. And we can't do that if your sick, can we." At that moment, Gwen walked into the room, carrying a tray of food. "Ah, Gwen, just the person that I wanted to see. I need your help getting Merlynn ready for tonight."
Gwen set the tray down and curtsied. "Your highness." She said to Morgana and then turned to Merlynn. "Good afternoon milady. I tried to wake you earlier, but I was unable to, so I left you to sleep. I hope that you don't mind."
"Perfectly fine. The only thing that I have planned for today is the feast." Reassured Merlynn, waving her hand.
Morgana smiled at the two of them and wished that she had a relationship like that with Elena. "Merlynn you need to eat up," she ordered, "and Gwen, can you have a bath drawn for Lady Merlynn? I have an idea for how we are going to get Arthur back."
Merlynn sat at her table, and both her and Gwen looked at Morgana, puzzled. "What are you up to?"
Morgana smiled conspiratorially. "We are going to give him a night he will really remember."
There was a knock at Lady Helen's door, and when she opened it, Bronwen was standing there with a bowl full of fruit.
"Lady Helen, compliments of the King." She curtsied.
Lady Helen smiled and moved to one side. "Come in."
Bronwen walked in and placed the bowl of fruit on the vanity and started tidying up.
"So sweet," murmured Lady Helen, as she took a bite of an apple. "How will I ever repay him?"
"When he hears you sing. Well, that will be more than enough, won't it?" Chirped Bronwen. "I'm really looking forward to the performance."
"So am I." Muttered Lady Helen, softly.
Bronwen prattled on as she carried on tidying up. "I love singing, you know. I sing all of the time. My beloved says that I have the voice of a fallen angel."
Bronwen yanked the cloth off the mirror and gasped. The reflection in the mirror betrayed Lady Helen's true appearance as Mary Collins.
Bronwen quickly curtsied and made for the door, but Lady Helen grabbed her wrist.
Bronwen looked at Lady Helen, with terror in her eyes. As she tried to pull her wrist free.
Lady Helen just looked at her with an emotionless look and started humming.
The colour drained from Bronwen's face. And she started to suffocate.
After a minute or two, the false Lady Helen let go of Bronwen's arm and she fell to the floor, dead. And the false Lady Helen looked at her true reflection with a look of sadness in her eye.
Merlynn had never looked more beautiful in her life.
After a long bath, Morgana's maid, Elena, and Gwen had then put her hair into an intricate up-do. Then they helped her into, what was quite possibly, the most risque dress Merlynn had ever worn.
The dress was a halter dress, made of royal blue satin, which made her eyes pop, and her alabaster skin look creamy and flawless. The dress went around her neck with a silver collar, and the matching train was attached by silver cuffs on her arms. The dress left her shoulders, and a good amount of her back, completely bare.
The only embellishments that Merlynn wore, was a silver belt around her waist, a pair of silver and sapphire earrings and a silver and sapphire headband.
Morgana wore a similar style red dress, with matching ruby accessories, but even she had to admit she would never look as good as Merlynn did right now.
Gwen and Elena had already gone ahead to the feast, as they were there to work, so Morgana and Merlynn walked down together.
When they reached the entrance to the banquet hall Morgana stopped. "Okay. I'll go in first, you count to ten and follow. And remember, you need to look your most sultry."
Merlynn nodded, and with a quick wink, Morgana walked through the doors.
Counting to ten, Merlynn took a deep breath, stood up straighter, put on her best 'I know you want me, but you can't have me look', and walked through the doors.
Merlynn felt every pair of eyes on her, Morgana looked pleased with herself, Gwen gave an encouraging smile, and Gaius looked surprised. But it was Arthur's reaction that was the best. His jaw had practically hit the floor, and he was almost drooling. And his knights weren't much better.
"God have mercy." He whispered to himself. Which Merlynn and Morgana heard, and it made them smile.
Arthur excused himself from his knight's company and walked over to Merlynn. "My Lady." He said, with a small bow as he kissed her hand. "You... You... You look... Wow." He said, not really knowing what else to say.
"Like what you see, Arthur?" She smiled, blushing slightly.
At the sight of her blushing, Arthur swallowed heavily. "You look stunning, Merlynn. Your maid outdid herself today."
"Well, the whole idea was Morgana's. She is the one that you should be thanking."
Arthur looked over at Morgana, who was staring at the two of them. When she had realised that she had been caught looking, Morgana quickly turned around and pretend to be engrossed in conversation with a couple of ladies in waiting.
"Yeah, I think that I will have to do that," Arthur replied absentmindedly.
Before either of them could say anything else, the horn was blown, signalling the start of the feast.
Arthur and Merlynn moved to take their seats. Arthur on his fathers right. And Merlynn next to Morgana, who was sat on her father's left.
Uther stood at his throne and began his speech. "We have enjoyed twenty years of peace and prosperity. It has brought the kingdom and myself many pleasures, but none can compare to introducing, Lady Helen of Mora.". Uther applauded loudly and sat down, and everyone else followed.
The music started and Lady Helen stepped forward and started singing.
Her voice was as beautiful as Merlynn remembered. But unlike last time there was something different about it. And then she realised.
The music was making her magic tingle.
Merlynn looked around the room, as everybody started drifting off to sleep in their chairs. Servants and guards were falling to the floor and cobwebs started appearing everywhere.
Merlynn covered her ears, hoping that it would be enough to keep herself awake.
The candles had all gone out, and every surface was covered in thick cobwebs. And still Lady Helen kept on singing.
Merlynn watched in horror as Lady Helen approached the too table, and as she started to hit the crescendo of her song, she pulled a dagger out of her sleeve.
As she raised her arm Merlynn realised what was happening. This was not Lady Helen, but the old lady from the square in disguise, and she was about to kill Arthur.
Looking around the room, frantically, Merlynn tried to find a way to stop the imposter. When she caught sight of the huge chandelier hanging directly above her.
With a flash of magic, Merlynn severed the chain and the chandelier came crashing to the floor. Crushing the imposter.
Uncovering her ears, Merlynn looked cautiously around the room.
Everyone was starting to wake up. And when Uther woke up he was shocked to see Mary Collins crushed under the chandelier, instead of Lady Helen.
But before anyone could even ask what had just happened, Mary Collins pushed her body up off the floor and threw the dagger, with all of her might, straight at Arthur.
Arthur was still coming around from the sleeping spell, so his reaction was slowed, and Merlynn could see that.
With her eyes flashing gold, she slowed time as much as she dared, and Merlynn sprinted across the room and threw herself at Arthur. Shoving him off his chair.
The two of them went crashing to the floor, seconds before the dagger embedded itself into Arthur's chair, right where his heart was, all the way to the hilt. And as the dagger hit the chair, Mary Collins died.
Arthur was lying on the floor, with Merlynn on top of him. "Are you okay?" She asked as worry flooded her face.
Arthur just nodded. But all he could think about right now was how beautiful Merlynn looked up close. 'Did she always look this beautiful' he wondered. But all too soon Merlynn rolled off him.
Arthur stood up and stared at his chair, and then at Merlynn, completely stunned by what just happened. As was everyone else.
It was Uther who broke the silence in the room first. "You saved my boy's life. A debt must be repaid." He said as he checked his ward over for any injuries.
Merylnn just shook her head. "My Lord. I thank you, but you have already given me so much. I can't accept anything else." Merlynn said, blushing at all of the extra attention that she was getting.
Uther wasn't taking no for an answer though. "There is no need to be modest. You must be rewarded." He thought for a moment and smiled. "I know, I will grant you a favour. To be used whenever you wish, and for whatever you wish."
Everyone in the room applauded, and Merlynn looked touched by the King's kind gesture. "Thank you, Sire. I will not abuse it." Merlynn curtsied and walked back to Morgana.
Once the guards had removed the body and chandelier, and the servants had removed the cobwebs and relit the candelabra's, the fest began again. But the mood was far less jovial than before.
Merlynn was feeling tired from all of the magic that she had used, and sore from crashing into Arthur. So after least than an hour, she excused herself.
Gaius came up a little while later with a potion to help her sleep and an ointment for the inevitable bruises that she was going to get. As well as something wrapped up in a cloth.
"It seems like you're a hero." He chuckled.
Merlynn shook her head, all embarrassed. "I am no hero." She mumbled.
"Nonsense. You saved my life a few days ago, remember."
Merlynn looked at him, not quite knowing what he was getting at. "But that was magic."
Gaius smiled encouragingly. "Yes. and it seems like we have finally found a use for it." Merlynn looked at him, still a little puzzled. "I saw how you saved Arthur." He explained and realisation dawned on Merlynn.
"Oh no." She gasped in horror.
"Maybe that is the purpose that we have been looking for."
"My destiny." Groaned Merlynn, cursing the dragon internally.
"Indeed." Nodded Gaius. He then sat down next to Merlynn and handed her the cloth-covered item.
When Merlynn pulled the cloth back she could see that it was a book and not just any book, but a book of magic. Merlynn flicked through it and became very excited.
"This was mine when I was your age." Explained Gaius. "I feel that it will be of much more use to you than it ever was to me."
Merlynn beamed a huge smile at him. "But. This is a book on magic."
"Which is why you must keep it hidden," Gaius warned.
"I will study every word," Merlynn said excitedly.
Suddenly there was a knock at the door and Merylnn scrambled to shut the book up in her bedside table before she called the person in. "Come in." She called out. And when the door opened she was surprised to see Arthur standing there.
Gaius bid Merlynn and Arthur a good night and left. And Arthur walked in. "I am sorry to disturb you, but I wanted to see whether or not you are okay after what happened at the feast."
"I am fine, thank you, Arthur. Gaius just wanted to give me something for the bruises that I will get, and something to help me sleep after all of the excitement."
"Good, good." He muttered, looking at Merlynn. For the first time in his life, Arthur really didn't know what to stay. But he did know what to stay in this situation. "I wanted to say thank you. You saved my life and I never thanked you. And I also wanted to say that you were right. I want to be a king for my people, who does right by his people. So, starting today I am going to try to be nicer to Morris."
"Good. Because he is really a nice servant, and they are hard to come by."
"True."
Merlynn and Arthur looked at each other, and eventually, Merlynn cleared her throat. "Well if you will excuse me. Saving your life has rather worn me out."
"I will bid you goodnight then milady." Arthur said sweetly, as he picked up her hand and kissed it.
As soon as he was gone Merlynn collapsed onto her bed. "Kilgarahha's wrong." She thought. "I am not in love with Arthur Pendragon."
And picking up her potion to help her sleep. Merlynn drank it and soon fell into a deep and seamless sleep.
A/NI hope that you all like this. I am going to bring Will in, in the next chapter instead of having the quartet go to ealdor.