Chapter 35
Morgana's body froze as the sharpened blade came closer towards her, Arthur's expression unreadable as he raised the sword, Morgana closed her eyes accepting her face, she only wished that Kara would make it home somehow
"I'm sorry" she whispered in a breath
There was a loud clang which made her flinch, she heard Arthur exhale defeatedly, after a moment she dared to open her eyes, Arthur had his back to her, leaning on the grand table, his sword discarded beside him on the wooden surface.
As she watched him his shoulders slumped a little
"People believe I should have executed you as soon as I laid my eyes on you for what you have done to Camelot" he began, his voice cold
Morgana's hands clammed up as a cold shiver ran down her spine
"Even our laws state that you should be banished, pain of death if you were to ever return" he still faced away from her "Most would see it as you leaving as banishment and you have returned of your own free will"
He turned to face her at last, his eyes conflicted, anger, sorrow, his jaw was tensed, though he was trying to hold back words, there was probably a lot he wanted to say to her, but he was trying to be the King of Camelot and not let his emotions rule him
"So tell me Morgana" he folded his arms across his broad chest "Why should I not order you to the gallows this very night"
Morgana swallowed "I have none Arthur" she admitted, she wasn't about to try and worm her way out of anything, she deserved this after all that she had done
"Very well" Arthur began walking towards the door
Morgana whirled around "Helios is going to attack Camelot" her words were rushed, but she needed Arthur to know encase he followed through with his threat of the gallows "He is coming for you and your kingdom"
Arthur circled back to her "Do you think I will fall for this, after everything you have done to this kingdom" he voice was revealing his true anger "You are sorely mistaken"
Morgana stepped back slightly "Arthur, just listen to what I have to say, after that you can kill me" she lowered her gaze slightly "It's what I deserve"
Arthur paced in front of her for a few moments, obviously battling with himself over whether to listen to Morgana or not. Morgana's pale eyes watched him carefully, she wanted to explain more but the look in his eyes kept her silent
"I assume you have told him of our defences" Arthur continued his pacing not even looking towards the sorceress
Morgana stayed quiet, she had long ago told Helios everything that she had known of Camelot's defences, she had been angry at the time and wanted revenge
"Well unlucky for you Morgana things have changed here in Camelot" he exhaled a long breath, before finally looking up at her, he marched passed her and towards the table he unrolled a scroll before seating himself in the King's throne at the head of the grand table
"Now you will tell me everything you know about Helios and his army" he demanded "His numbers, weapons, horses, everything"
Morgana nodded slowly "I will tell you what I know Arthur, on one condition"
Arthur stood, his chair falling back behind him
"I DO NOT THINK YOU ARE IN THE POSITION TO MAKE DEMANDS" his loud voice echoed throughout the chamber
"The condition is not for me Arthur" her voice shaking slightly at his rage "It is for Kara"
Arthur's heavy breathing slowed slightly as he braced his hands on the table, leaning forward, curiosity flickering across his eyes
"What of her?" he asked slowly
Morgana took a breath, levelling herself "She is the one who found me, convinced me to return to Camelot, she risked her life for me on multiple occasions" her mind flickered back to their journey together, even through all the hardship she wouldn't have changed it,
"What is the condition Morgana?" Arthur asked after the sorceress fell quiet, caught in her own mind
Morgana blinked and looked to Arthur "I would only ask that you help her find her way home"
Arthur was a little shocked by the actual concern that covered Morgana's features, he didn't think he would ever see that look on her face again, it was the same as when they had discovered the druid boy, Mordred and Uther would have killed him, she had the same look in her eyes then as she tried to protect the child from the wrath of a King.
It reminded him of how she used to be before everything had changed and she had abandoned her friends and family, even now as he looked at her in the dress she wore so long ago, he felt a pang of emotion, but it was gone again when he remembered everything else that she had done to get them to this place, right here, right now.
But he also couldn't condemn an innocent woman and Gwen had also vouched for the young blonde
"Very well" Arthur finally agreed "You have my word that I will do everything in my power to return her home"
Morgana felt a weight lift off of her shoulders, Kara was not in any danger for helping Morgana, she just hoped that Kara could make it home, no matter what happened to Morgana now
"Thank you Arthur" she bowed her head slightly in respect "I will tell you everything and accept my fate as you choose it"
She took a step towards the table "May I?" she gestured to the parchment
Arthur paused for a moment before nodding, pushing the paper to the edge of the table. Morgana stepped forward and looked down at the empty paper
"I will get Percival to get a quill and ink" He went to stand, but Morgana shook her head
"No need" she muttered absentmindedly
She concentrated, trying to recall all that she had seen and heard while in Helios's realm, she placed her shackled hand over the parchment
Arthur backed away as markings appeared out of nowhere, covering the paper,
"This is all I remember" Morgana opened her eyes, looking down at the parchment "Helios never really discussed his army with me"
Arthur stood back, watching, hand twitching to go for his sword, but he resisted
Morgana met his gaze, she stepped back, giving him space to inspect what was now written
"You will return to your cell, I will have some food brought to you" Arthur snatched up the paper and walked out of the grand hall, the guards entering to take Morgana.
