Chapter 24

[Author's Note: Just wanted to throw out some things in response to the reviews.

First, this story is written from the viewpoint of the old religion and magic users rather than from Camelot's. As such, Camelot is portrayed as a very closed-minded place in its persecution of that religion and magical beings. Nimue, Morgana, Kilgarrah, the Unicorn Wizard and others do what they do in response to Camelot's policies. You also notice how when Camelot's invaded, they end up fighting alone? There's a reason for that too. Hence what is sown gets reaped, Folks….

Secondly, Arthur and Uther, for some of their differences, are both linked in their opposition to the old ways. As with any English king, he has to govern with his nobles (the knights are only some of these nobles). The nobles, I'm sure, would've opposed the approval of magic. (Arthur's rejection of Mithian and marriage to Gwen ruffled feathers without a doubt and put him on thin ice with those nobles and courtiers. So he still had to be careful. That pretty much made change (and accepting Merlin) impossible.

Thirdly, Arthur's own bipolar attitude toward those around himself (Merlin in particular) really grates on me. He trusts Merlin for advice when it's convenient and yet dumps on him at the turn of a hat. It's not like Merlin can just leave without Arthur's permission so he has to take the garbage. But I think it gets ridiculous. The Prophecy says Merlin has to protect Arthur. Okay fine. But he can do so as well from Whitgate as he can from Camelot. (Think he can fly there with Kilgarrah or teleport there in less time than it takes for him to cross the castle in Camelot.) Furthermore he can do so as an equal and ruler. That way, George can deal with Arthur's ranting and Merlin can be using his magic for better things than silver polishing.

Fourthly, Merlin gets the best Princess. There's something to be said for that as well.

Thanks!

[Physician's Chambers]

Gaius ambled about the area. He set a cool cloth on Leon's forehead. He tugged open Elyan's eyelid to check on him. "They are quite fortunate. They are only in a deep sleep."

"When will they awake?" Gwen considered her brother and First Knight. Her mind kept going back to Arthur. "Is Arthur all right?"

"He was safe when I departed with the knights, Queen Guinevere," Josiane informed her. "Morgana has been dealt with."

"Morgana has been…what?" Gaius and Gwen stared at Josiane.

"You would need to ask Prince Merlin. I only saw the glowing woman. She made fire descend from the sky. Afterwards, Morgana collapsed without a single singe on her. A ball of energy flew from her and was taken in by the glowing woman," Josiane reported.

"Gaius?" Gwen asked.

Somberness creased the old physician's face. "Aye. That, Princess Josiane, was the triple goddess. She stripped Morgana of her magic. I have never heard of her directly intervening in that way before. Such are Morgana's crimes however."

"And Sir Orfeo? Where was he?" Gwen pressed.

"He was impaled on a tree bough. May my god have spared him torment," Josiane added.

"I appreciate that." Gwen smiled at Josiane's sentiment. "We can just hope that Arthur comes to us unharmed."

We can hope so indeed! Gaius gazed out the window and toward the forest. Hurry back, Merlin!

[Plaza]

Mithian sat on the top stair. Her eyes had not moved since Kilgarrah had borne Merlin into the sky and toward the forest standoff. Please, goddess, let Merlin be all right! I have waited so long for a man like him. I do not want to serve with anyone else. She bowed her head.

A chill reddened her skin. She shivered.

A hand rubbed her arm nearly making her jump.

"What? I….Priestess Freya?" Mithian stood slowly. "What about Merlin? Is he all right?"

"Aye. Merlin's fine. It is all over. The goddess herself took Morgana's magic from her. Your knights bring her back here to see justice done." Freya smiled. "In fact, Merlin protected Arthur from my lady's wrath." She chuckled.

"What? What did Merlin do?" Mithian visualized all sorts of pranks and stunts. Merlin, think of the diplomatic repercussions. I just hope he did not go into senseless horseplay.

"Nothing so dire. He put Arthur to sleep. I am sure Merlin will wake him once they have returned." Freya scanned the hill beyond the gate. "Ah! I believe that our friends are in view!" She pointed to the tree line.

Malodius strode into view. He raised his head and released a massive roar. Then he rushed down the hill and toward the open drawbridge.

Behind him, Lancelot, Gawain and Ywain galloped toward the city. They kept an eye on their burdens making sure not to jostle them overly much with each stride.

And over the trees, Kilgarrah soared into view. His wings beat at a good pace to bring Merlin home. Mithian awaits you.

"I'm sure she is." Merlin sighed. His eyes twinkled. Amor's euphoria flooded his senses. "Let's not keep her waiting."

Kilgarrah chuckled. No I suppose you do not want that. Now do you, Young Warlock?

Merlin rolled his eyes. "Kilgarrah, you're reading too much into this."

Am I? When I said her name, your pulse raced and heartbeat has increased. I believe I know of what I speak, Merlin. It is all right. There is no shame in having a purpose and loving another. Hold on. Kilgarrah glided over the fortifications and the town. He alighted in the plaza with barely a sound. He bowed to Freya and Mithian.

"Merlin? MERLIN!" Mithian raced down the stairs and toward her friends.

He climbed down. "It's over. She cannot hurt you anymore." He grabbed onto his Princess. His lips pressed against her forehead.

"I have been so worried, Merlin. I still see you at the river and…." Mithian buried her head in his chest.

"Morgana did not have a chance to ambush me this time. I did not try to deal with her alone either." He looked toward Freya who waited a few steps back. "Thank you, Freya."

"My pleasure." Freya nodded to him. Still, Jealousy twinged at her. It is their destiny to be together not yours. Serve and be happy to be around them. "And Sir Mordred?"

"He comes bearing Arthur." He raised Mithian's hand and kissed it. Then he walked toward the High Priestess. "I'm not about to forget your help, Freya." He smiled. "Is it against the rules to hug you?"

Mithian nodded. Ascent warmly sparkled in her eyes.

"Nay. That is fine. We are friends after all." Freya embraced him. Her heart warmed over the gesture. Emotion's burning subsided.

"We are family, Freya," Mithian corrected her. She joined in the embrace. "You are part of ours."

"Thank you." Freya bowed her head at Grace's gift to her. She noticed Malodius and Kilgarrah watching in silence. Gawain, Lancelot and Ywain galloped into view. "You have Morgana?"

"I do, Priestess." Lancelot dismounted. Then he eased his prisoner down from the horse's back and onto the stones.

Gawain climbed down from his horse next. He shook his head. "Glad she can't hurt anyone else." He bowed to the two royals. "Everyone's okay except for Orfeo there. Wish we'd been there sooner."

"We did our best, Gawain. We will honor him before he goes back to Camelot," Merlin assured him. He saw Morgana stir. "Be careful."

Morgana blinked. "I know this place." She grimaced. "Well now! Not only are you a sorcerer but style yourself a Prince as well?" She sniggered. "You are NOTHING!"

"He is the rightful Prince, Morgana Pendragon. You should hold your tongue! My father will deal with you." Mithan frowned. "Take her to the dungeon. Make sure she is secure and under guard at all times."

"It shall be done." Ywain bowed to Mithian. Then he grabbed onto Morgana's arm. "Come along!"

"Unhand me! You will never hold me!"" Morgana protested.

Mithian rubbed her wrist. "This was supposed to be a festive occasion."

"It still will be," Merlin assured her. "We will still have our handfasting. Then we shall deal with this."

"And what about Arthur? You will have to wake him up at some point," Freya reminded them.

Merlin smirked. Mischief clearly glinted in his eyes.

"Merlin." Mithian raised an eyebrow. "Arthur is the King of Camelot. We do not need an incident."

"King Arthur almost caused one on his own. He'd best be willing to go along your planned negotiations." Freya shook her head.

"I put him under a sleeping spell so that the goddess would not kill him," Merlin clarified. "He needs to learn that the old religion is not going away. Mordred brings him back here." He shrugged. "The spell should wear off just before dinner. He'll have plenty of time to get ready."

"That's reasonable." Mithian could almost feel her Prince's scheming. "There's something else. Is there not?"

"Could be." Merlin smirked.

"I knew it. What is the catch, Merlin?" Mithian wondered.

"George has to wake him up."

Freya studied her companions. "This is bad?"

Mithian rolled her eyes. She could well imagine how the castle would ring with Arthur's protests. "We should get inside. Father wants news."

"And I will speak to him." He smiled at her. "I'm glad to be home."

"I'm glad you are." Mithian's heart soared at his use of the word 'home' to describe Whitgate and their citadel. She led the others inside and toward the throne room.

At least they were all together….