Chapter 32

"We should work on the distance thing. I can't handle it if you're going to be going out with Arthur all the time," I say, lying on one of Gaius' medical beds while Merlin is on his hands and knees cleaning the leech tank. "I don't know what it feels like for you, but when you left for Ealdor it felt like I was sick."

"And I couldn't perform my magic well," he adds, nodding slowly. "It felt…wrong."

"Exactly. But I found a book and it said we could train this. Stretch it like elastic!" I exclaim, throwing my arms towards the roof.

"Elastic?" he asks, perplexed at the word with a cute dorky face.

"Oh, it's like this really stretchy material but that's not the point," I shake my head, bringing myself back to my original thoughts. "Now that we can communicate we should try it. We can see what happens and I don't have to run all the way back here after each time to tell you."

"Gaius doesn't like me using magic unless I have to," he falters. I sit up on the bed, grasping its edges.

"Merlin. This could mean the difference between life and death. If you can't perform magic because I'm not here than…well, nothing good is going to happen," I shriek. "Besides, the burning in my arm isn't something I exactly look forward to."

"Alright, alright," he submits. "Go to the other side of the castle. Let me know when you're ready."

"Aye-Aye captain," I say in his mind, saluting him. He mouths a 'what' at the unknown expression but I jog out of the quarters, not bothering to answer. Over the last few days, I had been practising with him at random times to make sure I could do it at will.

"Do you still have that book?" he asks while I strut down the corridors back over to near Arthur's chambers. I am confused for a second before remembering that I brought up the book about Vessels.

"Yes. I'll bring it over tonight." I answer.

I find an empty corridor that I know is relatively unused, leaning against its wall. The windows peer into the Camelot gardens, a mix of herbs and an orchard and flower beds.

"I'm ready. Start with something small"

My mark begins to warm but turns into a sting and a tugging sensation erupts inside me.

"That wasn't too bad. Wasn't great either but…" Merlin says.

"I'll get a little closer," I reply. I move another few corridors back down. "Okay."

Once more, the mark warms. While there is a slight sting, it's more of a prickling sensation than anything else.

"That was good. It feels better," he says.

"Same here. Do it again. Something bigger this time."

This process goes on for a while. Trying something small, getting comfortable with it then moving on to something bigger. I moved around a lot, starting with finding a distance that is comfortable for both of us then moving on, testing its limits. I can feel myself getting accustomed to it, even just after practising today; Merlin could perform larger spells at a greater distance with no negative side effects on either side. I can only compare it to exercise. Using a small weight to get used to the movement than using a challenging weight, adding more on as needed to push and improve.

We stick to the castle as limits, pushing both ourselves far enough today. I can feel exhaustion creeping on me, even though it's the middle of the day. With each spell, it costs me, just a little. But it adds up when you do it over an hour.

"Aren't you going on a hunt tomorrow with Arthur?" I ask him, sure I heard Arthur saying something about a hunt.

"If you mean will I be forced to do the dirty work and lug around the heavy stuff," he replies, the sass coming through as well, "then yes."

I giggle to myself in the empty corridor, probably looking rather stupid but my mood is too good to dampen with the thoughts of others judgement. Nothing had come to Camelot threatening anybody lives in two months which seems like a new record. Leon had taken me on the picnic he promised, out to an open grassed area on a gorgeously sunny day. It seems as though things are finally slowing down in our lives, almost as though it is back to before Merlin's arrival.

Gaius enters the corridor at the other end, a vial in his hands.

"Afternoon Gaius," I greet warmly, the pleasant thoughts bubbling through. Gaius looks almost surprised at my voice but covers himself well enough.

"Good afternoon Elena. I'm surprised to see you without Merlin or one of those knights for once," he comments, his words cautious as though not to offend me but I take nothing of the kind. If only he knew.

"I am an independent person, Gaius, however unlikely it may seem some times." I peek at the potion in his hand. "What have you got there?" I probe. The physician holds the vial up, letting me inspect it closer.

"It's the Lady Morgana's draught for her nightmares," he informs, thinking again before he continues. "I believe you mentioned suffering nightmares as well, would you like me to draft you something to help?" he offers. I am warmed at his gesture but I hadn't suffered from nightmares in quite a while now.

"No that's alright. I seem to have overcome them myself. It may have been my body just not used to this place yet but I'm content enough now to call it home," I bubble. Gaius seems ready to continue moving on so I conclude our conversation. "Thank you, though. Have a nice day, Gaius."

"Good day," he bids, continuing past me to Morgana's chambers.

Though I still feel tired, it would be pointless to waste the day so I decide to make a round of the castle, knocking on people's doors and ask if they have clothes they need mending. By the time I have seen most of the castle, I have a well-established pile of clothing, and not sure who's is who's but that would be a problem for another day.

The pile keeps me busy well into the night, almost falling asleep at my desk but a servant collecting dishes wakes me back up, which I am glad for because spending the night bent over at a desk would lead to a horrendous back problem and everybody around me would be hearing about it for days, and I am sure they are sick of me already so I don't want to push my limits.

Merlin and Arthur's hunting group return the next afternoon, much too soon for a normal hunting trip but I am shocked to hear from one of the servants that the Prince had brought down a unicorn, bringing its horn to the King as a trophy. While I do participate in some hunting, I did it to help bring food and animal products back, not for a trophy and certainly not kill something as beautiful as a unicorn.

I walk with Gaius and Merlin through the Square, helping them acquire items to get away from the horde of clothes I have currently in my room in need of mending.

"I don't understand how Arthur can have taken any pleasure from killing the unicorn," Merlin laments.

"Arthur is a hunter. It's in his blood. Whereas you are something entirely different," Gaius counters, neither in defence or prosecuting the Prince. I have always admired Gaius' ability to see a situation from both sides, something I often needed.

"It was the most beautiful creature I have ever seen," he crows, turning his head to look at us. "I wish you'd both been there to see it."

"I didn't even unicorns existed," I admit, realising that my childhood fantasy may not have to remain one for long if I could see one in the lifetime.

"They are very rare creatures, a privilege to see one."

"You try telling that to Arthur," Merlin jeers.

"Like he will listen to anybody but his own mirror and his father," I scoff, bending over to pick a rock that looks pretty, tossing it between my hands. Neither man argues my words knowing they are true. "And even then he doesn't listen to them sometimes."

"You should go see Arthur, I'm sure he's waiting for you," Gaius instructs, making a shooing gesture. "Before he has you in the stocks again."

Merlin looks up at the sun, as realising the time. Muttering something about the stocks he jogs away, leaving Gaius and me to continue our walk.

"I think it's been a good four months since he's been in the stocks," I remark, holding my hand up to block out the sun from reaching my eyes. A light wind blowing my hair behind me, my dress folding between my legs. "Must be a record or something, the kids probably miss him."

"Unless you count the time he Arthur threw a tomato at his head last week," Gaius chortles, shaking his head side to side. My mouth opens, thinking back to the distinct memory.

"That's why head had seeds in his hair," I realise. "I thought he had just been digging around in the gardens. I should tell you if Merlin hasn't already. We've improved the bond's capabilities and we can speak telepathically with ease now," I inform. The rock moving between my fingers. "We had some trouble with things at a distance but we're getting the hang on it now."

"I'm glad to hear it. I hope you've been keeping this on the down-low though," he speaks quietly, eyes looking around for any prying ears. I nod, giving him a reassuring smile.

"Of course. But I still don't know how to do this healing thing. I'm worried when the chance comes I won't be able to."

"For both of your sakes, I hope you don't need too. Merlin may be precious to me but you are too," his voice says firmly but the intention is kind. I wrap my arms around his neck.

"Thank you, you are precious to me too, Gaius. But it's my duty to and I can't hesitate. It's either the both of us or just me and there's no sense in both of us dying," I conclude. True, the information shocked me when I first discovered it, not sure what to make of it. I relate it to the story of Eragon and his dragon. If he is to die, his dragon who is bonded to him will as well but unlike her, I have the chance to let him live. Anybody would be stupid not to choose that for someone they care about.

"Gaius!" A guard calls. "The King requests your presence in the court immediately."

"I'll be right there," he calls. I bow, bidding him a silent goodbye but my face drops in worry. Merlin had informed me of the legendary curses unicorn's deaths could bring and the urgent request for Gaius is never a good sign.

"I'm just getting myself overworked," I mutter, brushing the thoughts away. My eye catches a red cloak floating through one of the open corridors, a familiar head on top of it. I jog to catch up with him.

"Leon!" I call, coming up closer behind him. Hearing his name he spins around, planting a smile on his face but I can see the worry behind his eyes even though he attempts to hide it from me. "What's the matter?" I ask, coming to a stop in front of him. His smile falters, knowing I can see right through it.

"All of Camelot's crops were diseased overnight," he admits.

"All of them? Even the outlying villages?" I query, aghast. He nods solemnly, his cheek indented from where he bites it between his teeth. This is too much of a coincidence with the unicorn. "I'm sure it'll be fine. There are other sources of food that can sustain us for a while," I say, trying to think positively.

"I'm not sure how long they'll last though. Fruit and vegetables rot quickly and livestock can't survive without food either," he says wearily. I don't answer as I can't think of anything to say. "Sorry." He shakes his head as though ridding himself of a thought. "I've just been stressed about it. We got word early this morning and we don't know what to do. Uther has just called for Gaius to test the grain."

"Don't be sorry," I urge him, grabbing his hand. "Camelot has faced numerous tough time. This is just another one." Neither of us is convinced of my words but I let them hang like a thread of hope.

"They'll cut back and start rationing soon. They'll be giving the knights and army the better food, to keep them fit. I'll come around and give you some of mine if it comes to that," he says, squeezing my hand. I shake my head.

"Don't do that," I beseech. "I don't eat much anyway and you'll need it more than I do. I don't run around with heavy armour and a sword every day," I tease, touching the hilt of the sword at his hip with my other hand.

"I'd much rather not spend that energy worrying about you," he counters. I roll my eyes but it is pointless in arguing. "I have to go speak to the guards but I'll find you later."

I smile in agreement and he lets go of my hand, turning around to leave but I call out offended. "Excuse me?" I quip. He looks back utterly perplexed but then laughs, leaning down to kiss me. "Better," I murmur. He smirks, turning around to leave again and I let him, watching his red cloak flow behind him majestically. He is mine and I am his.

I head back to the physician's quarters to wait for their arrival, knowing they'd both have some information to divulge. And true to my prediction, Merlin enters, smiling as he sees me at the table, inspecting some different potions.

"What are you looking at?" he asks, though not in an accusatory way.

"No idea to be honest," I admit, squinting my eyes. "I can't read the label." I put the liquid back on the shelf, amongst the other exotic liquids.

"Well, I know not to trust you with healing me then," he quips. "Probably give me the wrong thing."

I scoff, pulling a dirty rag from the table, scrunching it and throwing it in his general direction. He easily doges it, throwing it back my way.

"I heard about the crops," I mention, hoping it would spark him to tell me what the Prince knows.

"What?"

"You don't know?" I ask puzzled. And here I am waiting for him to give me something. "All the crops in Camelot have died overnight."

"How is that even possible?" he questions, apprehensive of the possibility.

"I don't know," I shrug. "Leon is stressed about it, I just saw him an hour ago. Food is going to be rationed."

Gaius enters at that moment, holding a handful of dead grain. He greets us briefly, moving straight into his work. I move away to sit with Merlin at the desk, both of us intently watching the physician do his job.

"He's so concentrated" I comment, letting out a short huff. "Maybe if you were that dedicated to your job you wouldn't end up in the stocks." I taunt, not even needing to look at him to see the offended face.

"I'll have you know, the last time I was in the stocks was because I was actually good at my job" he retorts, a physical scoff leaving his mouth.

"You landed in the stocks because you're a terrible liar and you have a permanently guilty face".

He fingers pinch my side, making me jolt and give him a playful glare. Memories of my night with Castor spread throughout my mind, old guilt rising back up again. I'd betrayed this boy and his trust. I force it back down and out of memory.

"Any ideas what caused the crops to die?" Merlin asks aloud.

"I'm here to complete all the tests. No disease I have heard of could spread through the entire kingdom in a single night."

"I don't think there has been in history, not at this level anyway and I'm speaking with knowledge from the future here," I chime in.

"Well, what could kill all the plants other than a disease?"

"It's not killing all the plants," Gaius informs us. "The trees and hedges around the crop fields are unharmed. Unfortunately, you can't eat trees and hedges."

"It's targeting food? And everywhere in Camelot but nothing else," I shake my head, my forehead burrowing. "This isn't a normal disease if it's a disease at all."

"You think its magic?" Merlin asks me but Gaius answers before I can.

"We cannot assume anything just yet. Perhaps there is something in the soil and water that can explain it. I can't tell the King it's caused by sorcery until I'm completely certain."

"It's almost definitely sorcery," I say in my mind.

"I'm afraid you are going to be right."

"At least it isn't the water. We couldn't survive half as long without water," I say, trying to add some light onto the situation.

The town is filled the next day with people lining up for their rationed grains, people arguing amongst themselves. Guards stood near, already having stopped a few looters. Two villagers argue over a sack of grain, pulling it between themselves.

"Merlin, Elena!" the voice belonging to Gwen calls. We stop, turning to greet her as she stands at the well, a bucket ready. "Is it true what they're saying about the crops? They're all dead?"

"Afraid so. We may have to start tightening our belts," he says, making a small joke to lighten the conversation.

"Could do Arthur some good," I add with a half-smirk.

"Well I'm sure the Prince will think of something," she assures, more so to herself than us.

"Well, if he doesn't, I will," Merlin quips cheekily. I wave goodbye, following Merlin around the path but Gwen calling out our names draws us back. She's pumping the water well, only dry sand coming out in the water's place. Merlin gives me a side-eye in reference to my earlier comments.

"How was I supposed to know?" I scoff, crossing my arms. "Now we're stuffed. Let's go tell Arthur."

"Can I have that bucket?" Merlin asks Gwen who nods - confused but doesn't question it. The warlock takes the bucket and we do as I suggested, and go alert the Prince.

An hour or so later we sit in Gaius' chambers with the bucket of sand in front of us. My throat is already dry, having the terrible habit of not drinking water till I am parched and now that I haven't had water in a day at least, I regret my decisions immensely. Merlin holds his hand out to the water, flipping through his book. My mark has been going on and off as he casts but even my help doesn't seem to be strong enough to overcome whatever magic was cursed onto Camelot. This is above our paygrade.

"Gréot gecymen, lecan. Gecymen gé drýe wæter."

But like the past twenty times, nothing happens but a flash of gold and a burning mark. Sand remains sand and my throat is still dry.

Gaius enters, Merlin's eyes widen, caught in headlights.

"I was…I was just, er…" he fails to come up with an excuse but Gaius doesn't look mad like the warlock is expecting.

"I was hoping you might be trying to turn it back into water. I know I've cautioned against using magic, but if ever there was a time to use your talents, it's now," he urges.

"Well, I wish I knew how. I've tried everything. If it is magic, it's more powerful magic than I possess, even with Elena's help."

I eat with Merlin and Gaius, our dinner only half of that which we usually get. A guard had come to inform us of a new curfew which I groaned at, feeling like a teenager once again only instead of a possible grounding, it would be being locked up in a cell for treason. Parents should learn a thing or two from here. Don't give empty threats – build a dungeon and lock them in there for time out.

"I've got to go and get this rat of Arthur's chambers," Merlin informs us, getting out of his seat.

"I'll come. Got nothing else to do anyways," I chime in, standing up myself.

"Don't forget there's a curfew. I'm not bothering getting you two out of a cell, I've got other things to worry about."

"Don't worry, Gaius, we're smarter than we look."

"How smart do we actually look?" I say, putting my hands on my hips. "Because that rat is just not falling for any of our tricks," I huff, bending over to look for it.

"I give up," he exhales. "That rat can chew through all of Arthur's boots for all I care."

"You're job, not mine," I mutter, giving up with him. I look out the window seeing how dark it has actually become. "Any chance we haven't missed curfew?" I remark rhetorically. We leave the Prince's chambers unsuccessfully and walk through the Square to go back to the other side of the castle.

"Elena, Merlin. You do realise there's a curfew?" the Prince calls, walking up to us both.

"Yeah, we were in your chambers, hunting for the rat," he says in a rather pathetic defence. If I end up in a cell tonight because of him I swear -.

"Did you find it?"

"Nope," I pop. "Believe it or not, rats just don't want to be caught."

"So you've been outwitted by a rat? They both of you together?"

"They do say rats are very intelligent," Merlin defends.

"More intelligent than the both of you, it would seem. I thought two halves of a brain make one," he chides.

"I take offence to that," I remark in deadpan.

"Go home. It'd be embarrassing to lock up the seamstress and my own servant," he sighs but his attention is taken by something behind us.

"What was that?"

"What?"

Arthur runs off and Merlin quickly follows. I'm left standing before realising I should follow them, sprinting to catch them, holding back a shout for them to wait up. Arthur jumps over the Courtyard ledge into a corridor like he is doing parkour, leaving me to awkwardly climb over it in my dress, never really getting the hang of obstacles. They're chasing a man I'm too far behind to see, downstairs all the way to the Burial Vaults. I finally catch up, both men waiting at the bottom of some staircases, joining them in their silence. Arthur gives some hand signals to Merlin then too me. Merlin nods but I flash my eyes between the two not having any idea what they meant.

Arthur begins walking to the right, Merlin and I behind him. Realising we're behind him, he scowls.

"That means you go the other way and cut him off," he hisses to Merlin.

"Okay," he says, turning around to go back the other way. I go to follow Merlin but Arthur grabs my arm.

"No you're safer with me than that idiot," he whispers. I don't argue, knowing there's no point. If Merlin didn't have magic he would be pretty harmless. We stalk around the vault, his sword drawn. We make a full circle without a sign of anybody, coming back to Merlin. A silhouette of a man briefly flashes in a corner. Arthur signals to go around again but it yields the same results.

"Where is he?" Arthur breaks the pointless silence.

"I didn't see anyone," Merlin adds.

"He was right here! Don't tell me you let him get past you."

"Arthur, no one passed me."

"Are you blind?!"

"Hey!" I call out in the warlocks defence. "We didn't see him either."

"Are you looking for me?" a brand new voice arrives, making my skin jump. We turn, meeting the gaze of a man in a white hood. "I am Anhora, Keeper of the Unicorns." Wow, was that ever a job option? I should have a spare resume with me at all times.

"Camelot is under curfew. What's your business here?"

"Arthur he just said he's the Keep of the Unicorns, I really don't think he cares about a curfew," I chide but he shuts me up with a hard glare.

"I've come to deliver a message," the man declares.

"And who is this message for?"

"It is for you, Arthur Pendragon."

"Is it you who's responsible for killing our crops, turning our water into sand?" the Prince accuses, holding his sword out.

"You alone are responsible for the misfortune that has befallen Camelot"

"Me?" Arthur cries out, not believing a word the mysterious man is saying. "You think I'd bring drought and famine upon my own people?"

"When you killed the unicorn, you unleashed a curse. For this, Camelot will suffer greatly."

"If you have put a curse on Camelot, you will lift it, or you will pay with your life."

"The curse was not my doing."

"Undo the curse or face execution," the Prince warns, sick of the Keeper's words.

"Only you can do that. You will be tested."

"You're under arrest."

Arthur goes forward to arrest the man but he disappears into thin air, not even the dust on the floor is unsettled.

"Until you have proven yourself, and made amends for killing the unicorn, the curse will not be lifted. If you fail any of these tests, Camelot will be damned for all eternity." The man disappears once again but does not reappear.

"What a night," I remark, earning me another unpleasant glare from the future King. "Comments not appreciated. Noted," I grumble to myself. We go our own ways back to our respective chambers but I tug on the warlock's sleeve before he leaves.

"Make sure you can convince him, I don't think that man was a random crazy person," I hush.

"I think so too. But Arthur's proud and it's going to take a lot to convince him that it's his fault. Nobody wants to be responsible for the downfall of their kingdom. He cares more for his people than he does himself."

I nod, saying goodnight and go to bed, my throat actually hurting now from its dryness and my lips are beginning to bleed through the cracks. Once I get back to my room I suddenly remember something. I open the top draw at my desk and pull out a soft object wrapped in a white cloth. I look at it but I don't feel enough appetite to bring myself to eat it. Other people used more energy than I did.

I sneak out of my chambers, making sure the guards aren't around and tiptoe to Leon's chambers, knocking lightly at his door, opening it softly. Inside Leon is standing shirtless, searching through his wardrobe. He notices me coming through the door.

"Elena, what are you doing?" he says quietly. "There's a curfew." He puts on a shirt, breaking my eyes contact with his chest. I close the door behind me.

"I know. But I have something," I beam, holding out the white cloth. "I grabbed it the other day before this all happened. It's a few days old but it'll still be good." I unwrap the cloth revealing an unsliced piece of bread. Leon rushes over.

"No," he states. "We've got enough. Uther is prioritising us, as much as I disagree. The people need it more."

"I'm fine, I had a good dinner. And as I said, physically you do so much more than me. I can split it with Torj and Castor if you want," I implore, wanting nothing more than for him to take it. "I'm not taking no for an answer so don't waste it." I push the bread out further, motioning to it with my eyes. I hear his stomach rumble, making me both smirk but realise how hungry he actually is. Of course, I feel hunger but it's not something that I found bothers me as much as the lack of water does. Leon gives in, taking the bread, ripping a part of it for himself, handing the rest back to me which I would leave for Castor and Torj. Leon sits on his bed and I join him, leaning up against him as he eats ravenously, my hands resting on his leg, playing with the material of his pants. Tearing off another piece of his own, he holds it out for me.

"I'm fine," I assure him with a short laugh. His brows raise and motions again for me to take it. I sigh, taking the piece and plopping it into my mouth, feeling guilty. "Happy?" I ask dropping in some sarcasm. He brushes a hair away from my face, one that refuses to grow out.

"Very."