Chapter 16

In the year that passed after they reclaimed Camelot, Arthur had all but taken up control over the kingdom. Uther was a broken man, filled with guilt, depression and betrayal. For the past few months, Arthur had been receiving guidance from his Uncle Agravaine, a man who got on with very few. Gaius, Rowen, Merlin and even Gwen had told Arthur multiple times he didn't need the help, but Arthur had adamantly ignored them all, much to their irritation.

The kingdom was, once again, a wonderful place to live, filled with joy and peace. Rowen had focused a lot of her time into training with the knights which everyone found odd to begin with. She had found it was the best way to channel her anger and grief whilst also doing something useful. Arthur didn't mind. In his opinion, as long as she sharpened her own weapons and didn't get hurt, she could do whatever she liked. Rowen enjoyed many long mornings with Arthur and his best knights on the training fields.

Everyone felt calmly at peace.

That was, until Sir Leon and Sir Elyan came back on Samhain's Eve with news from their most recent patrol.

"The reports are true, sire," Leon said solemnly, "We caught up with Morgana on the plains of Denaria."

Rowen tensed and took a step forward, placing one hand on the throne as if to steady herself.

"Was she alone?" Arthur asked.

"There was someone else," Elyan shook his head.

Rowen sighed. There could be only one person, "Morgause."

"We couldn't be sure."

"Where was Morgana heading?"

"The Seas of Meredor."

"The Isle of the Blessed," Gaius assumed.

Rowen was conflicted. She hadn't wanted to assume her sister was dead. It felt too cruel. But she'd also hoped that Morgana wouldn't make any more attempts to take Camelot for herself. The months of peace they'd had were too good to be true, of course and now, it seemed that they might all have to pay.

"For months, nothing. Why now?" Arthur said when he, Rowen and Agravaine were left alone.

"We knew she couldn't stay hidden forever. Today, tomorrow, what does it matter?" Agravaine replied smoothly, "We mustn't live in fear, Arthur. Camelot is strong. If Morgana were to act, we'd be ready for her."

Rowen narrowed her eyes, "Except she has magic. Sir Leon has just informed us of how powerful she is. She has attacked us before with less than she has now."

"But the kingdom is stronger now we are not blind to her betrayal," Agravaine said, "She cannot take on an army alone."

"You're right, of course," Arthur said, "I don't know how I'd've got through these last months without you. Thank you, Uncle."

Rowen had to stop herself from making a sarcastic comment and bit back an insult. Instead, she curtseyed respectfully to Arthur and left to prepare for the evening's celebrations.

The king's throne remained empty at the banquet that night in respect for the shell of the man who was now unable to even stand for long, too destroyed by his daughter's actions. Rowen was seated next to Arthur at the front of the hall and was giggling as Gwaine kept pulling silly faces at her during Arthur's speech. The rest of the knights had a mixture of horror and amusement on their faces as they watched Gwaine mess around despite him insisting he was not yet drunk. Rowen was laughing quietly, trying not to distract Arthur as he addressed the court.

And then, suddenly, the air turned cold and time seemed to slow around them. After just standing to toast the King, Rowen stumbled backwards, overcome by a rush of powerful magic that swept through the room. Her eyes went straight to Merlin who was standing, pale faced and frozen at the side, eyes fixed on the centre of the room. Rowen followed his gaze, but saw nothing as she swallowed, trying to calm herself.

There was a distinctive sound of two metal objects clanging to the ground, followed by a splash and a heavy thump and everything returned to normal. The air still felt too cold and Rowen's fingers, while shaking uncontrollably, were numb, which was probably why she hadn't realised how she had dropped her goblet. It seemed like Merlin, too, had struggled to keep control over his hands, as the jug he had been holding was tipped over next to him, contents spilled everywhere. This offered an explanation for the second clang and the splash which had resonated through the hall. The thump, however had been caused by something much more concerning. Merlin himself was lying, unmoving on the stone floor, eyes squeezed shut as he shivered.

Rowen managed to stand again, her brief spell of illness mostly unnoticed as Lancelot rushed over to Merlin's side. Arthur watched, concerned and exasperated as his servant was removed from the hall and then turned to Rowen, "Are you alright?"

Rowen smiled faultlessly, "Fine."

"You dropped your goblet," he said curiously.

"Silly me," she replied easily, "I must have got a fright when Merlin…"

Arthur looked sceptical, "Why don't you go with them. Let Gaius look at you. You're awfully cold."

Rowen sighed, "If it'll make you feel better."

Arthur nodded, quickly checking her temperature with the back of his hand and then pushing her towards the door, "Go on. And find out what happened to Merlin."

Unfortunately, Gaius hadn't been able to tell her much. Rowen had told him what she experienced and he had given her a simple potion made of hawthorn. Lancelot had returned with a huge pile of blankets, kindly given her one and then rushed up to Merlin's room.

"Sit by the fire," Gaius told her, "I'll be back in a moment."

When the old physician returned from seeing to Merlin, Rowen was already fast asleep, curled up in a chair with the blanket tucked around her. Gaius looked at Lancelot solemnly and thanked him, allowing the knight to return to the festivities.

She woke up to see Merlin sitting slumped next to Gaius, still pale and looking terrified. She yawned and shivered, "Merlin. What was that?"

"You saw her?"

"Her?"

Merlin briefly explained what he had seen in the hall, looking truly haunted. Gaius rubbed his back soothingly.

"I didn't see anyone," Rowen said, "But it was so cold. I've never felt anything like it. What did it mean?"

"I don't know," Gaius admitted, "But it can't be good."

And good it most certainly was not. For only the fourth time Rowen could remember, the kingdom was wracked with fear. First, there had been the time when the ghost of Cornelius Sigan had possessed a man and horrible creatures had caused complete. But that had only lasted less than a night, and the effects had been easily dealt with. Second, there had been the Great Dragon. Terrifying and destructive, but at least the knights could try to fight it. Then, there had been the time Morgana magically sickened Uther to try and take Camelot, even managing to rise an army of skeletons to fight on her side. But even then the dead men had quickly returned to being dead and the battle was won.

Each of these occasions had at least shown an enemy, a force to physically fight against. But now, shadows appeared from nowhere and suddenly lives were lost.

Merlin looked practically sick the next morning as he met with Arthur, Agravaine, Gaius and Rowen to discuss the threat. Rowen watched him in concern as he stood, shaking in the corner, eyes dark and haunted.

"The Dorocha," Gaius explained, "The spirits of the dead."

"But who would release such a thing now?" Agravaine asked.

"Morgana," Rowen said solemnly, "That's where she was going."

"You see her hand in this?"

"We know she was travelling to the Isle of the Blessed," Gaius said.

"How do we defeat these creatures?" Arthur cut in.

"I don't know, sire," Gaius told him regretfully, "No mortal has ever survived their touch."

There were more candles and fires lit in the castle that night than ever before. Arthur, Uther and Rowen had all been assigned extra guards, all of whom carried lit torches to watch them over night, just in case.

The next day just bought more helpless people to the castle, looking for refuge from the Dorocha.

An emergency court meeting was called in the morning to try and come up with a solution.

"Somewhere in all your books, Gaius, there must be something," Arthur stepped forward, "All I'm asking is a way to fight them"

"I fear the Dorocha cannot be defeated by swords and arrows, sire. If I am right and the veil between the worlds has been torn, then there is only one path open to us. To travel to the Isle of the Blessed and repair it."

"And how do I do that?"

"I'm not sure, but for the tear to be created it would have required a blood sacrifice. To seal it," Gaius looked at them seriously, "Will require another."

"No," Rowen stepped forward, "There must be another way. Haven't enough people been sacrificed already? We have already lost over a hundred innocent people. What good will one more do?"

"I worry that it is the only way."

Arthur sighed, "We ride before nightfall."

"And who will be the sacrifice?" Rowen couldn't help but feel Gaius didn't need to ask that.

"If laying down my life will spare the people of Camelot then that is what I must do," Arthur said as if it were nothing.

"No, Arthur. Absolutely not," Rowen argued immediately, but Arthur had already walked away.

She glanced at Merlin in horror and shook her head, running after Arthur.

"You can't."

"Rowen," Arthur sounded irritated at her already, "It's not like I have much of a choice."

"Of course you have a choice!"

"I'm not going to ask someone else to sacrifice themself so that I might live. Camelot is my responsibility."

"Exactly! So you can't just leave and get yourself killed!"

"What do you suggest instead?"

Rowen killed recited what Merlin had seen on Samhain's Eve, "Maybe she can be reasoned with! Enough people have died already, and by the time we reach the Isle of the Blessed, that number will have at least doubled."

"We? Oh, no. No way."

"Why? Because it's dangerous? I'll be just as safe with you as I would be here. And I can help; you know how much I've been training. You won't have to worry about me."

"But who will watch over Camelot?"

"I'm sure your Uncle Agravaine is more than capable."

"I don't think for one moment you believe that."

"Arthur, I am not going to sit here and watch our people die while you're out there risking your life. I'm coming."

"I don't need your protection," Arthur told her, "I'll have the best knights in the kingdom with me. And Merlin."

"Merlin's magic is useless against them. Haven't you noticed he's terrified? He's just as powerless as you or I."

Arthur looked concerned, "Maybe he shouldn't come, then."

"Like he'd let you leave him behind."

"Hmm, he's just as stubborn as you, isn't he? You can come, both of you, but you're not leaving my sight."

"I wouldn't dream of it."

Rowen stood next to Gwen as they watched Arthur bid farewell to his father. The prince had tears in his eyes as the king begged him to stay, until Rowen walked forward and took Uther's hand, forcing it away from Arthur who wiped away his tears and headed back to Gwen.

"Don't worry," Rowen told Uther gently, "I'll bring him back. I promise."

"Please," Uther begged, "Keep him safe. Whatever it takes."

"Whatever," she agreed, "He'll come back to you."

From then on, there was a most sullen mood over the city. Naturally, Merlin had decided to accompany them, despite everyone telling him he didn't need to. Rowen knew why he was so adamant to join them. Planning to sacrifice himself instead of letting Arthur. The man was determined not to let Arthur fall. Rowen had also spotted Gwen speaking quietly to Lancelot as the group prepared the horses and Rowen could make a pretty good guess at what she was asking him.

If Arthur had it his way, the group would be returning without a prince. If Merlin had it his way, the prince would be returning without a servant. If Lancelot had it his way, the prince would be returning with one knight less. But if Rowen had it her way, every single one of them would be coming back.

"Guinevere," Rowen directed her horse over to the woman as soon as she had finished speaking to Lancelot, "You didn't need to do that."

"Do what?"

"Ask Lancelot to protect Arthur," she laughed dryly, "I reckon Merlin probably has it covered, as usual."

"I want Merlin to come back too," Gwen said.

"But you want also Lancelot to return safely. I know you do."

"It seems like everyone I care about is running away on a quest to get themselves killed," Gwen admitted, "You and Merlin- my best friends. Elyan- my brother. Arthur and Lancelot- my-" she stopped herself.

"Don't worry. We'll all come home, you'll see."

"You can't promise that."

"I know," Rowen hopped down from her horse and hugged Gwen, "But even if we don't, it'll be for the greater good."

"Please," Gwen begged, "Just be careful. Look after each other."

Rowen nodded, climbed back onto her horse and watched as Gwen backed away to see the group off. Nobody was very talkative as they rode. It was as if someone had already died. By the way Gwaine positioned himself only a couple of feet away from Rowen throughout the duration of the journey, Rowen guessed Arthur had probably had a conversation with the knight about looking after her. She didn't say anything though- she didn't want Arthur sending her back to Camelot.

"You shouldn't have come," Merlin told her when they stopped for a rest once.

"Now, Merlin, don't be a hypocrite."

"Magic is useless," he said, "You can't fight them."

"And neither can you. Or anyone else here, in fact. Or, actually, anyone else back in Camelot. What difference does it make?"

"Because you're-"

"A girl?" Rowen guessed, "The king's ward? Young?"

"You're not a knight."

"I'm just as well trained."

"It's not your duty to die for the kingdom. Or for Arthur," he added before she challenged his own presence.

"My duty," she said, "Is what I want it to be. And in this case, as in every other case, I will fight with Arthur and gladly protect him, even if that means losing my life. Just like everyone else here."

"The knights need to be paying attention," Merlin said, "If they're worrying about keeping you safe, it's risky for everyone. They can't let their guard down to protect you. Not this time."

"The knights are fully aware of how capable I am. I can look after myself Merlin, and all of you know it."

He scowled at her briefly and then turned his back to tend to the fire.

Daelbeth was a creepy place. The ruins of the castle made perfect spots for things to hide. Rowen couldn't help but feel that they would be better off somewhere more open, so that nothing could creep up on them, but Arthur insisted they needed shelter.

Between the eight of them, they only had three torches, and nowhere near enough firewood. Rowen was sitting between Merlin and Leon on the edge of the campfire, all of them completely alert despite the late hour and day of relentless travelling.

"The last one," Gwaine tossed a log onto the fire, "Maybe we should draw lots to see who gets some more."

"I'll go," Arthur said immediately.

"I'll go with him," Merlin volunteered without a thought.

"Maybe someone else should go," Rowen said awkwardly.

"Since when has Arthur known how to collect firewood?" Merlin jokes easily. The knights relaxed but Rowen didn't laugh.

"I don't think it's a good idea," she said, looking at Arthur desperately.

"We need to keep the fire going and to do that, we need wood," Merlin said, "It makes no difference who goes to get it."

Rowen sighed, defeated and sat back down, unaware of when she had actually stood to begin with. They waited anxiously in silence, keeping an ear out for any unearthly wailing that was a giveaway of the Dorocha's presence.

Not long after Arthur and Merlin had left, a horrible scream sounded and a ghost-like face appeared right next to them. Gwaine jumped up, pushing Rowen out of the way and waving his torch wildly. In the chaos, he lost proper grip of the handle and the torch was flung straight into the campfire. Satisfied that they were no longer under attack, the six shared a horrified look. Now, they only had one torch to protect all of them.

The wait was agonising.

Finally, Lancelot couldn't take it anymore. Over an hour of agitated pacing seemed to break him, "They should have been back by now."

"Someone needs to go and look for them," Elyan agreed.

"Well we've only got one torch between us," Percival said and Gwaine looked slightly guilty.

Lancelot snatched it, "Who's coming?"

Rowen stared in horror as the all ran off. Gwaine snatched her arm and pulled her along, "Let's go."

They moved in a circle, the knights all surrounding Rowen, which irritated her slightly, especially when they kept standing on her. The longer they walked, the more frequently they seemed to be attacked, which didn't exactly bode well for finding Arthur and Merlin alive. The air was filled with horrible screams and tortured wails which set everyone's nerves on edge. Every so often, someone would growl, "Where are they?" but the only response would be hopeless shaking of heads.

Hearing a scream, awfully close to them followed by a very human and very terrified yell, Lancelot kicked the nearest door open and burst through, swinging the torch through the air madly until the Dorocha retreated. He turned and handed the torch to Percival before looking to Arthur who was standing, thankfully alive, in front of them.

"Where's Merlin?" Gwaine muttered quietly.

"What happened?" Lancelot demanded.

Arthur turned. Lancelot gasped and Gwaine groaned as they found Merlin. Lying in a crumpled heap next to the wall, back facing them.

"No."

They all ran forward, hearts pounding and watched with bated breath as Arthur gathered Merlin in his arms and turned him over. Rowen cried out and latched onto Gwaine, who turned her away to shield her from the sight. The sight of Merlin's frozen body and glazed, lifeless eyes. The sight of what had to be her friend's corpse.