A/N: Hello there! It has been nearly two years since I have updated this story, but the bug bit me again to start writing. Here is the first episode of season four, I hope you like it!
The Darkest Hour
Part One
A couple of months had passed quickly since the evil plant tried to kill Merlin and my sister and Camelot was filled with excitement and anticipation. If there was one thing that the citizens of the kingdom loved, it was a good party. It was a celebration of Samhain, an annual event revered because it was believed that this day was when the mortal world was closest to the spirit world.
This year's event was unusually poignant because it marked nearly a year having passed since Morgana's attack with the immortal army. The wounds of loss were still healing, not quite scarred over yet. That was the very reason that celebrating the lives of those who had passed on was the closure we needed.
I weaved my way through the hustle and bustle of the castle as people hurried around making preparations for the festivities of the night. I arrived in Arthur's chambers and saw him and Agravaine deep in conversation. When I entered they both looked over to me and I felt like I was intruding.
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt." I said as I turned back for the door.
"No, no, I was just leaving." Agravaine said as he picked up a scroll from Arthur's desk and headed for the door. "Always a pleasure, Samantha." He said with a smile.
"Likewise." I said as he left the room. Agravaine was a newcomer to Camelot. He was Arthur's maternal uncle and has come to support the prince when Uther fell ill. I was quite thankful for his presence, it certainly made Arthur feel better. Much to my pleasure, he was surprisingly nice for one of Arthur's relatives.
"Are you excited for the night?" Arthur asked as he stood from his desk. I placed my hands behind my back and walked towards him with a smile on my face.
"You know me, always excited about a good party." I responded playfully.
"I believe this could not have come at a better time." He said as he hugged me. "We need some happiness."
"You've got that right." I responded thinking briefly over the events of the past. "Your father has been doing better, he's actually eating."
"I sat with him for a while this morning, I believe that he is on the mends." Arthur responded with a smile. I thought about how good it felt to see him smile.
"In that case, I suppose you do have great reason for celebration." I responded.
"I do indeed, may I escort you?" He asked.
"Do you even have to ask?" I said earning a laugh from the prince. I was so very happy to see him in better spirits. I did hate to see him so worried.
It was the day of Samhain, a holiday that was shrouded in magical lore regarding its power and significance. It was a very important day on the Druid calendar, and it was quite surprising that a kingdom so heavily against magic would celebrate it.
The castle was filled with life and excitement as people prepared for the festivities. I was fighting my way through the crowd towards Gaius' chambers when I saw Lancelot walking along carrying several swords.
"My lady." He said as I fell in stride with him.
"Sir Lancelot, where are you off to?" I asked.
"I've gotten the job of sharpening swords, I'm afraid." He said.
"Drew the short straw, did you?" I asked.
"Every time." Lancelot responded as Merlin rounded the corner. "Here comes trouble." Merlin was carrying one of Arthur's white shirts when he slammed into a woman carrying a pitcher of wine, which created a massive red stain on the white fabric.
"You could try some salt." I said as I looked at the stain.
"Arthur is going to kill me." Merlin said with a shake of his head.
"I think you've faced far worse, Merlin." Lancelot said as he clapped Merlin on the shoulder and continued walking.
"
"Arthur is going to kill me." Merlin said with a shake of his head as he stood.
"Let me see." I said as I looked at the massive red stain that was now on the shirt.
"I think you've faced far worse, Merlin." Lancelot said as he clapped Merlin on the shoulder.
"He needs it for tonight." Merlin said as he looked at me.
"I'm sure a man of your talents can think of something." Lancelot said. He incanted something and the stain disappeared, as if by magic. He held the shirt up so that Lancelot could see as he walked down the corridor.
"Crisis averted." Merlin said.
"You're escorting me to the feast tonight, right?" I said as I looked at the warlock.
"Wouldn't miss it for the world." He said with a smile.
"Go on then, get Arthur his shirt." I said as he began fighting his way through the crowd. I loved how happy everything felt, it made my heart feel light.
I was reading over the speech that Arthur was writing for the feast when Merlin walked into the room. Arthur certainly was not gifted in writing, as the speech was pretty dry. Merlin held up a white shirt on a hanger proudly and looked disappointed when he saw that Arthur was dressed.
"You're dressed." Merlin said. Arthur was leaned against the desk while I sat in the chair in front of it.
"Yes, Merlin, I'm not an idiot." Arthur said as he turned to sit down in his chair. In getting dressed he had managed to tuck the back of his shirt into his belt, exposing his back to the world. I had noticed it earlier but had no plans of mentioning it. Merlin chuckled, and I gave him a look Don't tell him, I mouthed. Merlin nodded with a smile on his face.
"Are you sure about that?" Merlin asked.
"I beg your pardon?" Arthur said.
"It's a bit dry." I said as I handed the paper back to Arthur who was glaring at Merlin with deep focus.
"Merlin, I am trying to write a speech." Arthur said as he sat down.
"Do you want help?" Merlin asked.
"He may need more than that." I muttered, earning a look from the prince.
"No." Arthur said.
"You won't want this, then?" Merlin said as he held up a scroll. "I spent all night working on it." Arthur took the scroll and began reading over it. "What do you think?" The warlock asked eagerly.
"It needs a polish." Arthur said as he handed it back to Merlin.
"I'll add it to the list." Merlin said as he took the scroll.
"What Arthur is trying to say is, thank you, Merlin." I said as I looked at Merlin.
"No I'm not, there aren't many servants who get the chance to write a prince's speech." Arthur said as though it were some great honor. "Obviously it would be too much to say thank you."
Merlin was silent for a moment as he stared at Arthur before he turned and left the room. I looked back at Arthur and saw a smile on his face as he twirled a quill in his hand.
"You give him such a hard time." I said amid laughter.
"Yeah, but if I don't who will?" He asked. I shook my head. Their friendship was beyond my understanding.
Gaius had given me a potion to give to Uther since Samantha was busy and so I found myself walking to the king's chambers. I had to admit, I was nervous about the task, but it had to be done. I hated seeing Uther like this, despite all that he had done it still made my stomach turn to see the shell of the man he once was.
When I entered the room I saw Gwen taking a tray of food away from the king. Gwen had been helping out with his care since Morgana had disappeared leaving her without a job.
The other bit of intrigue with Gwen was that she had been spending a lot of time with Sir Lancelot, but my knowledge of their relationship was just speculation. She carried the tray over to me, a sad look on her face.
"Is that Gaius' tonic?" She asked. I nodded. "It doesn't seem to make any difference."
"I don't think it ever will, but it seems to give him peace." I said as I stared down at the vial.
"It's been a year since Morgana betrayed him." Gwen said with a shake of her head.
"I think his heart is broken." I responded as I looked over at the king. His hair was unkempt and he was wearing night-clothes as he stared out the window. I immediately wanted to change the topic of conversation."You'll be coming to the feast tonight, right?"
"I don't think so, I need to stay with the king." Gwen said.
"I know a certain knight who will be very disappointed." I said slyly causing her to blush.
"Is it that obvious?" She asked.
"I'm just observant." I responded with a smile.
"Well, I must trust in you to not tell anyone." She said.
"Don't you worry, I owe you one." I said, remembering that she knew about my magic. She smiled before leaving the room. I looked over at the king and then at the vial in my hand before walking over to get him to take the tonic.
Just as the sun was setting Arthur and I were brought into the council chambers where I took my spot standing beside of Aleya and Merlin. Leon and Elyan were standing in the center of the room, looking ragged.
"The reports are true, sire." Leon said, "We caught up with Morgana on the plains of Denaria."
"Was she alone?" Arthur asked. I had wondered after hearing of what Merlin did to her whether or not Morgause was still alive. I assumed by Arthur's question he had wondered the same.
"There was someone else." Elyan said with a shake of his head.
"Morgause?" Arthur asked.
"Couldn't be sure." Elyan said.
"Where was Morgana heading?" Agravaine asked from where he stood in the corner.
"The Seas of Meredor." Leon responded.
"The Isle of the Blessed." Gaius proposed. I did not like the sound of that. The last time I had been there even I could feel the potent magic that filled the air.
"I'll send out patrols at first light." Agravaine said as he stepped closer to Arthur.
"Thank you, Agravaine." Arthur responded.
"Sire, you should know, her powers have grown." Leon said. I really did not like the sound of that. "Sir Bertrand and Sir Motague are both dead."
"Keep me informed of any developments." Arthur said with a deep sigh. I followed the others out of the council chambers, feeling nervous about Morgana's plans.
I had just finished getting dressed when I heard a knock at the door. I stood and quickly straightened out my skirts before walking over and opening it. I saw Merlin standing in the corridor with a smile on his face.
"Are you ready, my lady?" He asked.
"Of course." I responded as I looped my arm through his. "What do you make of Leon and Elyan's encounter?" I asked as we walked. Merlin sighed.
"I don't know what to make of it." Merlin said, "Gaius didn't seem too thrilled about her going to the Isle of the Blessed."
"Did he tell you why?" I asked.
"He's being secretive. I don't like it when he's secretive." Merlin said. I shook my head, I did not like it either.
"I'm sure he'll tell us when he's certain." I responded.
"For now, we enjoy tonight." He said with a smile as we rounded the corner for the banquet hall. I let go of his arm and looked at him.
"I suppose I'll see you afterwards then." I said, hating that we had to split ways.
"Of course, my lady." He said with a smile, "We have another plot to unravel." I led the way into the banquet hall and took a seat beside of Samantha.
"Merlin's happy." Samantha observed as he walked in and went about tending to Arthur.
"He escorted me." I said with a smile.
"Of course he did." She said with a sly smile. "Ooh, Arthur's about to speak." Samantha said as Arthur stood, "Merlin wrote the speech."
"Did he now?" I asked.
"Arthur said it was an honor, they were really on each other's case today." Samantha said sounding amused.
"When aren't they." I responded as the prince began to speak.
"Samhain…it is the time of year when we feel closest to the spirits of our ancestors. It is a time to remember those we have lost, to celebrate their passing." Arthur said as he held up his glass. "To the king." We all rose for the toast just as the bell tolled.
In that moment everything slowed down. I heard screaming around me as I watched everyone finish the toast. I looked behind me and saw Merlin with the same shocked expression on his face. It seemed we were the only two that were hearing the disturbance.
Suddenly a terrifying looking woman appeared in front of us. She was terribly pale and she held a scepter in her hand.
"Emrys." She said quietly. "Kiala." She said. She repeated our druid names a couple of times and I felt an impossible cold come over me.
"To the king." I said as I held up my glass and looked at Arthur. He smiled back at me.
I did not realize that there was something wrong until I heard a metallic clatter behind me. I looked back and saw that Merlin had dropped the pitcher that was in his hand and he looked even more pale than normal. As I looked back I noticed that Aleya looked the same way, and they were both staring at the center of the room. I looked there and saw nothing to warrant such a reaction.
Merlin fell forward limply just as Aleya fell onto me. I caught her as best as I could and guided her into the chair as Lancelot ran over to help Merlin.
"Aleya…." I said, confusion apparent in my voice as I shook her gently. Gwaine had already made it over to us when she began to open her eyes.
"What happened?" Gwaine asked as he looked up at me.
"It's so cold…" Aleya muttered as her teeth began to clatter. It was actually kind of hot in the banquet hall, but when I felt her skin she was cold as ice.
"Get them to my chambers." Gaius commanded, taking control over the situation.
Gwaine scooped Aleya up into his arms and Lancelot puller Merlin over his shoulder. I looked over to Arthur who looked concerned, but he had duties to perform. I followed the group out of the banquet hall, unsure of what the next few moments would hold.
When we reached the physician's chambers Lancelot placed Merlin on one bed and Aleya on the other and the entire scene looked eerily familiar. Gaius began to examine his two knew patients while the three of us stood there uselessly.
"What happened?" Lancelot asked.
"I don't know." The physician said, worry evident in his voice. "I've never felt anyone so cold before."
"Will they be all right?" Gwaine asked.
"I'll need hawthorne to improve the blood flow, and blankets." Gaius said. "Lots of blankets."
Lancelot, Gwaine and I went about our tasks in silence. I could not shake the feeling that this had something to do with Morgana, and whatever she was planning it could not be good.
When I awoke I was only aware of the cold. I moved my mind from that and sat up finding myself in the physician's chambers. Samantha was sitting by the bed staring at me.
"You know, this is getting really old." She said with false anger in her voice before a smile came over her face. "Are you all right?"
"I think so." I muttered, taking inventory of how I felt. "I'm not sure what happened."
"You fell over in the middle of the banquet." Gaius explained. "Merlin did as well."
"What?" I asked as Merlin walked down the steps with a blanket wrapped around him. I wondered if I looked as bad as he did.
"Did you see her too?" Merlin asked as he looked at me. All I could do was nod.
After getting the two troublemakers wrapped in blankets and drinking hot cups of tea Gaius and I sat across from them and tried to unravel what exactly had happened. As they spoke I felt repeated chills run down my spine.
"There was this woman, her skin was pale and she looked like….well, like death." Aleya said as though the entire thing had shaken her greatly. I did not want to believe what was happening, but this woman sounded eerily familiar to me.
"When she spoke her voice sounded as though it came from the depths of the earth." Merlin said. She definitely sounded like the woman from my vision when the goblin had attacked me. I realized then that I had not told anyone about this.
"Did you see her eyes?" Aleya asked as she looked to Merlin.
"They were so sad, so much pain in them." Merlin said with a nod.
"Do you know who she could be?" Aleya asked as she turned her gaze to Gaius.
"The Caileach." I muttered.
"How do you know this?" Gaius asked as he looked over to me.
"When I was unconscious after you removed the goblin from me, I was shown a vision. It was Morgana being crowned. The woman in my vision matched your description and she told me about the Cup of Life." I explained, another chill running down my spine. "I though it was just a dream…"
"Such visions are glimpses of a possible future." Gaius said. "She was likely awoken by the great evil that the cup would bring. She is the gatekeeper of the spirit world."
"Why was she here tonight?" Merlin asked.
"It was on the stroke of midnight on Samhain's eve, the very moment when the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest." Gaius explained, his words bearing a weight that set me on edge. "It cannot be a coincidence."
"Why did Merlin and I alone see her?" Aleya asked.
"Likely because of your great powers, for those like you such visions are not uncommon." Gaius explained, causing Aleya to look even more uncomfortable.
"But you don't understand, it wasn't a vision." Merlin said, "She knew who I was, who Aleya was."
"She called us by our Druid names." Aleya explained. Gaius looked down for a long moment in silence.
"What is it? What does it mean?" Merlin asked.
"I'm not sure." Gaius said. That hit me the hardest. Anytime we went beyond Gaius' seemingly infinite knowledge I knew that we were in trouble.
"You have an idea, though." I said, knowing that Gaius always had some sort of theory.
"If someone has torn the veil between the worlds, then God help us all." Gaius said.
This was sounding worse and worse. I looked at Aleya who still looked pale, I imagined that I must have gone pale at the foreboding words from Gaius. Whatever was happening, I could only imagine what it would mean for Camelot.
I spent the night in Samantha's chambers that night, the events proving too much for me to be alone. I did not sleep very well, if at all. I found myself lying awake and thinking about everything that had transpired.
When dawn finally arrived I left Samantha asleep and went to my own chambers to get ready for the day. As I walked I passed Gwaine who was rushing down the corridor. He stopped me and looked me over.
"Are you all right?" He asked
"I'm fine now, thanks." I said with a smile. " I don't know what happened last night."
"Well, you gave us all a scare, you and Merlin both." He said, "I'm glad you're all right."
"Thank you." I responded as I turned for my door.
"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Arthur has called an emergency council session." Gwaine said before hurrying down the hallway. I did not like this morning at all.
After being awoken by Aleya I followed her into the council chambers where Gaius was standing by a young girl who could not have been older than sixteen. She was sobbing and looked exhausted. The knights were scattered around the chamber as Arthur entered. Agravaine approached him looking dismayed.
"What's happened?" Arthur asked as he looked to the girl and then back to his uncle.
"Her village was attacked." Agravaine explained.
"By who?" Arthur questioned.
"It's not entirely clear." Agravaine said, Arthur nodded and motioned for me to speak to the girl with him.
"What's your name?" Arthur asked as we stood before the girl.
"Drea." The girl said while staring at the ground. Arthur knelt to her level.
"Drea, I'm Arthur, this is Samantha." He said as he placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Don't be frightened, tell me what happened."
"My mother, my father, and my sister, they're…" She trailed off.
"It's all right." I said as I knelt and grabbed her hand. She squeezed my hand tightly with her tiny trembling hand.
"Someone attacked them, who?" Arthur asked.
"There was not one, just…shapes." She said.
"You didn't see their faces?" Arthur asked.
"They had no faces." Drea said. "I keep telling you, they were there, but…they weren't. They moved so quickly." I could tell that she was beginning to panic at the memory. "It was as though they weren't real, but they must have been. I could hear people screaming…and then…silence. They were all dead."
"Hey, thank you." I said. She wrapped her arms around my neck and began to sob on my shoulder. She clung to me with trembling arms and I felt my heart breaking. Whatever was going on, it was not good at all.
After council and the harrowing tale from the young girl, Merlin had told me that Arthur and the knights were riding out to investigate what had happened at the village. Naturally Samantha and I were ready in the courtyard when they rode out.
Arthur had reached a point of acceptance where he just rolled his eyes when he saw us and accepted the fact that he could not stop our going. It really did make things much easier.
We rode hard for the village, which was only a half a day ride from Camelot. They members of the party included Samantha and I , Merlin, Arthur, Lancelot, Percival, Gwaine, Leon, and Elyan. It felt so very good to have the knights of the round table present, there was a certain security in that.
"Merlin," Arthur said as Merlin had just jumped at the sound of a woodpecker. I could not blame Merlin for being on edge, I was equally as nervous about our mission. "You need your comfort blanket?"
"What do you mean?" Merlin asked.
"You're so jumpy you putting me on edge." Arthur said. Lancelot's horse whinnied, and Merlin looked back quickly.
"That's a horse." Samantha said.
"Maybe it senses something." Merlin said.
"Yes, that you're a clotpole." Arthur said causing Samantha to snort with laughter.
"That's my word." Merlin said defensively.
"Yes, and it suits you perfectly." Arthur responded.
"Sorry, Merlin, he's got you there." I said with a smile as I looked over at the warlock. He smiled at me with a shake of his head before looking forward, he still looked terribly tense.
We had ridden for most of the day when we came to the top of a hill that overlooked the village. I was beside of Arthur as we stared at the remains of the village. It did not look as though an army had been through it, it was as though everyone had just up and left.
"It's too quiet." Arthur said as we rode into the village and he dismounted his horse. I did the same as and began to look around.
"It's colder here." Leon muttered as he surveyed the scene.
Arthur led the way, sword at the ready, through the village. I held my own sword ready as well, not sure what we may face. I looked back and saw that all the knights were following suit.
A breeze blew through the village causing things to rustle and creek. It made me feel even more on edge, like we were in the middle of a horror movie waiting for something to attack us. A goat ran out from a building causing me to jump.
"Fan out." Arthur said quietly. Arthur, Leon and myself went one way and Lancelot, Aleya, and Merlin went the other way. Percival, Elyan, and Gwaine fanned out in the rear. As we searched in silence I heard a loud crunch and the sound of something falling to the ground. I looked back and saw Gwaine had found some apples.
"Sorry." He muttered, his mouth full. I rolled my eyes.
"Here!" Elyan yelled. We all ran towards the knight who was in a hut with Percival. He was staring at a dead man. His cold eyes were open and frost covered his terrified looking face. I heard something screaming in the distance and looked back to Aleya who shook her head. Whatever this was, whatever had caused this, it was coming back.
"You saw it?" Arthur asked as he looked out. They must have seen something that I did not.
"We are literally chasing shadows." Gwaine said as he held his sword at the ready. I wondered what good the cool piece of metal in my hands was going to do against a shadow.
"Come on." Arthur said as he led the way out of the shack.
"What do you think, Ally, Vashta Nerada?" I asked, trying to lighten the mood a bit.
"I don't recall them screaming." Aleya responded with a weak laugh before following Lancelot and Merlin into the darkness. I followed Arthur and Leon, really not wanting to be alone.
I followed Merlin and Lancelot through the village, my heart racing. I had never felt fear like this before. I could sense something coming, as though there were ghosts everywhere waiting to attack. I heard something clatter in a shack so I ignored my instincts and walked in, feeling my magic stir within me as I did.
Merlin followed behind me as I investigated the noise. Another rustling noise came from the far corner of the shack. I cautiously walked closer.
"Careful." Merlin muttered. On cue a chicken jumped from the hay, wings flapping chaotically as it ran towards me. I almost fell back onto Merlin when it emerged.
"Just a chicken." I said, feeling relieved.
"A decently frightening chicken, though." Merlin said with a smile on his face. A shrieking noise erupted from outside sending a chill down my spine. "Come on." Merlin said as he ran out of the shack. I followed him and we ran towards the open field.
"What are we even looking for?" I asked once we had stopped. I looked around, feeling very exposed and very uncomfortable.
"Leoht." He said and an orb of light appeared in his hand. "We need to see what is causing that shrieking." I took a step closer to him as we looked, feeling very frightened of the dark.
"Why did you do that?" I asked as the light died out of his hand.
"I didn't." Merlin said, looking confused. "Leoht." He repeated. The light appeared in his hand and then flickered away.
"This isn't funny, Merlin." I said, hoping that he was just joking."
"Leoht." He tried one more time, but nothing happened. "You try."
"Leoht." I said, but nothing happened. I heard another screech from behind me and realized that without magic we were defenseless. "We should find the others."
In that instant I looked ahead of us and saw a creature that could only be described as a ghost flying towards us, a scream that I could feel within myself coming along with it. Merlin began incanting something, but magic was useless. I wrapped my arms around him, waiting for this thing to kill us.
"No!" I heard Lancelot yell. He stepped between us and the creature with a torch. As he swung the torch at the creature it disappeared into the air. "What happened?" He asked. I looked up to Merlin who looked very shaken as well.
"Magic, it doesn't work." Merlin said.
"How did you know that the torch would scare it off?" I asked once I had retrieved my composure.
"I didn't." He responded as though he was just realizing this fact for himself. Lancelot had just nearly given his life for us, and I had never felt a deeper fear before. "There's something out here!" He yelled to the others.
"You saw it?" Arthur said as he ran up. Samantha looked me over, confusion and fear in her face as she assessed the situation.
"When it saw the light it fled." Lancelot responded.
"Let's get the horses." Gwaine said, ready to attack whatever it was.
"It's not something that you can chase, or something you can kill." Merlin said. There was another scream in the distance that made me jump once more.
"We need to get out of here." Arthur said sensing the danger. With that we fled through the twilight for the safety of Camelot.
It was still dark outside when we returned to Camelot and it was immediately apparent that the city was in a state of panic. The creatures had attacked during our absence and left a trail of dead in their wake. I looked to Arthur, who had gone pale at the sight of it. When we entered the castle I followed Arthur as he went to check on his father.
Agravaine had explained to us as we went that as soon as night had fallen the creatures had come. The only thing that seemed to work in scaring them off was the light, but that was hardly a weapon. Many were dead, but not many were injured. It seemed that the creatures killed whoever they touched.
"Arthur." I said as I stopped him outside of his father's chambers. He turned and avoided my stare, instead looking at a spot on the wall just above me. "Arthur, I know what must be going through your mind, but you have to stay calm."
"I am calm, Samantha." He said.
"You cannot let your emotions rule your decisions." I said, knowing that I was speaking to what he was doing right now. "The people are depending on you, it is on your shoulders and the pressure is great, but you have to remain in control."
"Is this meant to be comforting?" He asked, confusion in his eyes. I shook my head and smiled at him.
"It is going to be." I responded, "The weight does not rest on your shoulders alone. You are surrounded by people who will help you bear your burden."
"Keep me in line, Samantha. I feel that I will need it." Arthur said with a weak smile before leading the way into the king's chambers. Here we were fighting shadows, but the most chilling thing for me was Arthur's request. He was terrified.
Upon returning to the citadel the knights had gone about their duties in regards to helping those who were affected by the attack. I led the way into the council chambers with Merlin close behind me. We knew that this was where Gaius would be, and that he had most likely had a difficult night.
When I entered I saw Gaius pulling a blanket over a dead man. He had ice speckled on his blank face just as the man in the village had. Gaius looked exhausted and remorseful as he turned to look at us.
"Gaius." Merlin muttered.
"You're back." He said with relief in his voice. He looked at us for a moment and then spoke again. "You saw them."
"We did." I muttered, feeling cold once more.
"Here, help me." Gaius said as he motioned for the pile of sheets that were laid out on the ground. I obeyed, putting my fear aside for the time being. It felt therapeutic to have a task to complete. I looked back and saw Merlin frozen where he stood. "Merlin?" Gaius said questioningly.
"Magic is useless against them." Merlin explained. "I've tried, we both tried. I have never felt so powerless."
"If it weren't for Lancelot, Merlin and I would both be dead." I explained as I felt my grip on the sheet in my hand involuntarily tighten. Gaius looked concerned as he took in what we were saying.
"When it came for us, I felt this emptiness. I couldn't breath." Merlin said his voice trembling slightly. "I'm scared." He said. If Merlin, the bravest person I knew was scared, then that made me terrified.
"It's all right." Gaius said as he placed his hands on the warlock's shoulders.
I looked at them and then turned away, going back about the task before me. I saw the cold eyes of a woman about my age staring back at me before I pulled the sheet over their face. I had a terrible feeling about where this would go, the feeling that Camelot would never be the same.
