Chapter 38

Arthur sat alone in his room, his breakfast barely touched as he looked over the defence plan for Camelot, he hadn't lied when he spoke to Morgana the yesterday, they had indeed changed things since she had left them

But if he was honest with himself he hadn't expected Helios's numbers to be so large, and that was of which Morgana had learned, he could have other weapons and men that he did not think Morgana was privy to know.

Arthur wanted to protect his people, but he could only work with the numbers and resources that he had, his knights were well trained but even they could not take on the vast numbers

He exhaled and leant forward, resting his head on his hand as he tried to think of ways to improve

"Sire?"

Arthur jumped slightly as he looked up to see Gaius standing in his doorway

"Gaius" he greeted "Come in"

"You sent for me sire" Gaius came to stand in front of the young king "How may I be of assistance"

Arthur sighed an rubbed his head "I've had terrible head pains and would greatly appreciate one of your tonics"

The old man smiled kindly "I thought you might" he pulled a small glass vial from his robes and handed it to Arthur

"Does your wisdom and foresight know no bounds Gaius" he smiled in return, uncorking the small vial and drinking it all in one

"I am glad to be of assistance sire" he bowed, turning to leave

"Oh Gaius" Arthur called out

"Sire?"

Arthur leant back in his chair, away from the paper in front of him, needing a break from it

"May I get your honest opinion" he asked

"Honest sire" Gaius inquired

Arthur watched the old man, he was fully aware that as king many of his subjects only told him what he wanted to hear, but he knew that is he asked the older man he would speak the truth, no matter how harsh it may be

"Speak freely Gaius, it would be a welcome change"

Gaius kept the kings gaze, raising a single eyebrow as he thought

"I assume this is about the former Lady Morgana"

Arthur tensed slightly at her old title, remembering a time when she was known as such and everything that had happened since those days

Gaius pursed his lips slightly "It is a difficult topic my lord, as you well know"

"Please Gaius"

The older physician could see the struggle in the young king's eyes

"Her past crimes against this kingdom are… severe" he chose his words carefully "But she has also returned by her own free will and has given information willingly, has she asked to be spared?"

Arthur shook his head "Her only request was that I aid the young girl she was accompanied by"

"Kara?" Gaius asked, a flickering in his eyes, something clicking in his mind

"You housed her before she departed, did you not?" the king asked sitting slightly straighter

"I did, as did Gwen" he confirmed

"What do you make of her, are her motives honest?"

Gaius nodded "She, in my opinion is of pure heart" he paused before continuing "She was brought to this Kingdom against her will and she has chosen to take on this burden of others that she did not know, she brought Morgana back to her home"

Arthur dropped his gaze to the table, his fingers tapping once again, his mind running, he had a lot burdened on him as well this past day

"Kara's intentions are clear my lord, as appear are the Lady Morgana's" he came forward and rested a hand upon Arthur's shoulder "If what she says is true, then she has risked a great deal to oppose Helios, we both know he is not a man to trifle with"

Arthur's eyes remained locked on the table

"Sire if I may" Gaius paused, knowing that his next words may sound harsh "When Morgana first realised that she had magic, she tried to hide it, fearing the late King Uther's fury"

Arthur's eyes darted up to him, a slight anger in them, but Gaius continued

"We both know that he had extreme measures about magic and it's users after your dear mother passed, I believe what she once done was out of fear and fear can do dangerous things to people"

"What are you saying Gaius" Arthur's tone was warning

The older man exhaled

"Just something to keep in mind that she found solace and acceptance in other magic users like Morguase and they had great influence on her in her darkest hours" Gaius dropped his hand and began to make his way towards the door "She was young and living in fear"

"What would you do in my place?" Arthur stood, needing guidance,

"I am afraid to say Sire that only you can decide what to do, I can only say my piece" He opened the door "I will prepare some more tonics for you Sire, if you should need them"

And with that Arthur was left alone again, he braced himself on the table, his anger got the better of him and he tossed his goblet across the room, before exhaling and falling into his seat

Part of him knew that what Gaius had said was true, he knew that his father though a great king had his flaws, but he had never considered what it might have been like for Morgana, she had always seemed happy until the end.

But could it really have been what caused her to turn against her family and her kingdom?

He found that he had more questions than answers now, but he was glad for Gaius's honesty

"Guard" he called out

Instantly there was a man standing in the doorway

"Sire?"

"Bring Morgana here"

The guard hesitated for a moment

"Is there a problem Brennis?" Arthur asked after sensing the pause in the younger knight

"No my king" and he too disappeared through the door

Arthur looked back to the paperwork, sighing, this was not going to be an easier day.