The Labyrinth of Gedref
"You slayed a unicorn? How could you?" Evaine asked, frowning as Arthur stood dumbstruck at her door. He had just returned from showing his father the horn of the unicorn he killed that morning, and wanted to show Evaine the trophy.
"It was only an animal," Arthur retorted, and Evaine calmed herself as the want to slam the door in his face at his words increased.
"Unicorns are beautiful creatures, Arthur. They are pure-hearted, and killing one will have consequences," she told him, and he laughed.
"You're being dramatic," he teased, his smile falling as the door slammed in his face. "Women," he muttered, leaving for his own chambers.
"I could murder him sometimes," Evaine mumbled, passing Anna as she walked to her writing desk.
"He just wanted to impress you," Anna said, smiling when Evaine blushed before scowling.
"He accomplished the opposite," she said, glancing out the window. "Bad things will happen, I just know it."
The next morning, Evaine's warnings came true, when news reached the castle that all the crops in the kingdom had died, leaving only what lay in reserves left. Hundreds flocked to the city, seeking rations before the curfew that Uther had put in place overlapped. Evaine and Anna strolled through the courtyard, glimpsing the lines of people waiting for the precious food. They noticed how Arthur, Uther and Gaius were all huddled around the well in the centre of the courtyard, and approached the group with a curtsey.
"Sand," Uther showed the women, his hands going for the water that had dried to sand. Evaine glanced worriedly at Gaius. "And you say the well is full of it?"
"I sent men down to the underground reservoir. There's no trace of water to be found," Arthur told them.
"That can't be possible," Evaine said, and Uther stared into the well.
"First the crops and now this," Uther muttered.
"It's the same throughout the kingdom. There's precious little water anywhere," Arthur added, and Evaine thought of her father.
"Gaius, can you offer any explanation for this?" Uther asked.
"I cannot think of a scientific explanation. I can only conclude it's the result of sorcery," Gaius stated, and Uther nodded.
"I believe you're right. It is the work of magic. The kingdom is under attack," Uther commented, before turning to Evaine. "Lady Evaine, I wonder if you could write to your father, discreetly. We cannot let our enemies know that we are weak," he asked, and she nodded.
"Of course, sire. I have already written to him asking him if he has any winter reserves left to send us, it just needs sending," she answered, and he smiled softly.
"Thank you. We will need all the rations we can get our hands on," Uther said, walking away as Evaine curtseyed as he passed. Her eyes met Arthurs, but she looked away.
"I shall find a messenger for my letter," Evaine muttered, curtseying once more before she hurried off with Anna.
XXXXXX
A couple of days later, Merlin paced in Evaine's chambers, the lady staring out the window at the increasing lines of people searching for food. "I knew killing that unicorn would have consequences," she muttered, before turning to her warlock friend. "And Arthur will be tested by Anhora, and all of Camelot's fate rests in his actions?"
"And it will remain cursed if he doesn't pass the test," Merlin added, stopping to stand beside her.
"Knowing Arthur, he will fail," Evaine muttered, and Merlin shook his head.
"Have hope that he won't. You never know, he might surprise all of us," he said, a smile at the end of his words. Evaine joined the smile, noticing a rider race into the courtyard and run up the steps of the castle. A moment later, Anna rushed inside, smiling and holding a letter out to her mistress. Evaine took it the moment she noticed the seal on the letter.
"Father," she said, looking hopefully to her friends before opening it.
Dearest daughter,
I have been saddened by your news, and have sent five carts with grain and wine. I would have sent more, though we are now beginning to feel the strain of this famine and drought as people flock to my doors asking for help.
As to your questions about your mother's health, I fear she is growing weaker with each week. I beg Uther's indulgence of asking you to return home as soon as you can, to help ease her illness. I believe your brothers are also missing you.
Send word before your journey.
Your father.
Evaine's eyes re-read the words, searching for the missing line of how he missed her but when she still could not find it, she looked to her friends with a tight smile. "My father has sent five carts with supplies," she told them, and they smiled happily. "But he asks that I return to Tiltwood as soon as I am able," she added, and their faces fell.
"Is it your mother?" Anna asked softly, and Evaine nodded.
"I shall leave as soon as I know the kingdom will be righted once more," she said, her eyes meeting Merlin's. He nodded, rushing from the room to find Arthur. Evaine walked back to the window, Anna coming to stand beside her. The two women watched to see the carts roll into the square, and the people rejoice at the sight. Arthur stood at the top of the stairs, Merlin whispering in his ear. His eyes searched until they rested on Evaine's room, seeing the lady stand at the open window. He nodded in thanks, and she returned the gesture.
She prayed the curse would be lifted soon, and that night Arthur managed to pass his first test. She was invited to Arthur's room and smiled in delight at the sight of the large jug of water on the table. Arthur himself poured her a cup, and raised it before gulping it down.
"I never knew water could taste so good," Arthur said, Evaine nodding in her seat next to him.
"My throat was so dry, I thought I wouldn't be able to talk," Merlin said, and Evaine smiled at her friend.
"Well, at least some good would've come from the drought then," Arthur mocked.
"More?" Merlin asked, and the two nodded as Merlin re-filled their drinks.
"The sand has disappeared, the water returned to the well. It doesn't make any sense. I suppose you have some explanation for this, Merlin? Let's hear it," Arthur stated.
"Anhora said you would be tested and last night in the grain store you let that villager go and he said it would bring its own reward," Merlin pointed out.
"He was merely grateful. So he should've been," Arthur said.
"Maybe that was your first test. You passed it, so the curse has begun to lift. Perhaps this is your reward? I know you don't have to listen to me," Merlin said, seeing Arthur's disbelieving expression.
"I'm glad we agree on something," Arthur agreed.
"If you're tested again, you have a chance to end your people's suffering. I know you want that more than anything," Evaine said, agreeing with Merlin.
"Perhaps we should seek Anhora out," Merlin suggested.
"I cannot negotiate with sorcerers. My father wouldn't hear of it," Arthur muttered.
"Then its probably best you don't tell him," Merlin commented, and Evaine nodded.
"I must go check on the guard. See if you can find me some food," Arthur told Merlin, before waiting for Evaine to join him. She followed after him into the courtyard, seeing the line of people still waiting for food. Evaine's heart tightened as the sound of sorrow filled the air.
"Who are they?" Morgana asked, coming to stand next to Evaine.
"They've come from the outlying villages," Arthur answered.
"In search of food, bless their souls," Evaine said softly, watching as a small child and their father walked forward asking for food.
"There isn't enough rations to feed the people who are already here," Arthur said sadly.
"You shouldn't blame yourself. I'm sure you're doing everything you can," Morgana consoled.
"It's not enough," Arthur stated, walking back inside. Morgana and Evaine watched him leave, smiling when Gwen appeared carrying a basket.
"Did you manage to find any food? Where did you get that?" Morgana asked, her eyes widening when she noticed the amount of bread was in the basket.
"I was able to smuggle it out of the palace kitchens," Gwen whispered, looking around.
"Share it out amongst the children and old people. Make it go as far as you can," Morgana instructed, and Evaine took her friend's hand.
"Arthur will solve this, I know he will," Evaine said, hopefully.
XXXXXX
The next afternoon, Evaine sighed as news reaches the castle that the wells had run dry once more and the remaining supplies, including those sent by her father, had rotted. She stood on the roof of the castle, overlooking the courtyard full of people as Arthur and Merlin joined her. Evaine shared a look with Merlin, knowing that Arthur had failed a test, and Camelot had paid for it.
"They do not yet know there is worse to come," Arthur whispered, and Evaine turned to him.
"What do you mean?" she asked softly, knowing that he was in pain from his people's suffering.
"My father is going to stop distributing food to the people. They are to be left to starve. I had the chance to lift the curse and I failed them," Arthur said quietly.
"You weren't to know you were being tested," Merlin consoled.
"My people are starving. Camelot is on the verge of collapse. And it is all my doing," Arthur stated, and Evaine looked down before placing her hand on his shoulder gently. It sat there for a moment before Arthur left.
"Merlin, there must be something that can be done," Evaine said softly, and he glanced at her.
"Leave it to me," he promised, before also leaving the rooftop. Evaine stood there for a while longer before she went to Arthur's chambers and slipped inside. Arthur glanced at her, before looking to the floor.
"Arthur, you tried. That is all your people can ask from you," she told him, and he shook his head.
"No, I could have stopped this. They are my people. How will I be king to them if I cannot stop my pride and arrogance?" he asked, looking away.
"Every leader faces difficult choices. It is how you learn from your mistakes that makes you wiser," Evaine advised, and Arthur smiled softly, turning to look at her. "What?" she asked, blushing under his gaze.
"You would make an amazing queen one day," he commented, and then blushed at his own words. The awkward silence was interrupted by a breathless Merlin rushing into the room. "Merlin, what have I told you about knocking?"
"Anhora. Curse. Can. Be. Broken," Merlin gasped, sitting down as Evaine and Arthur glanced at each other.
"Let me come with you. You don't know what form the test will take. I might be able to help," Merlin told Arthur after he finished tying Arthur's armour. Evaine held his sword out, and he took it with a determined smile.
"You're not coming. I brought this curse upon Camelot. I'm gonna be the one to lift it or die trying," Arthur said.
"How does you dying help anyone?" Merlin asked, stopping Arthur before he reached the door.
"I'll die knowing I did everything I can," Arthur stated.
"I'm coming with you," Merlin said stubbornly.
"Merlin. You're to stay here and help the people as best you can, is that understood?" Arthur instructed. He stared at Evaine before taking her hand and kissing it. "I should have listened to you sooner," he whispered, before leaving. Evaine stood for a moment in shock before she turned to Merlin.
"Follow him. You're the only one who can protect him," she said, and Merlin nodded before running from the room.
XXXXXX
Evaine smiled as she stood watching villagers and soldiers rush around, helping bring the fresh crops into the city. She turned when she heard two horses approach, and watched as Merlin and Arthur dismounted.
"Arthur, Merlin, there is good news! The crops are growing once again. They are bringing in the harvest," Gaius said, smiling at the woman as he walked past. She fell into step next to Arthur, nudging his shoulder.
"You did it," Evaine whispered, and Arthur smirked.
"Is this your doing? Is the sorcerer dead?" Uther asked his son, approaching the three.
"He won't be troubling us anymore," Arthur confirmed, and Uther smiled, nodding.
"Good. Make sure the grain reserves are restocked," Uther instructed, patting Arthur on his shoulder before returning to the castle.
"I will see to it," Arthur said, before looking back to the forest. "There is something we must do first," he told the others, and hurried off into the castle. Evaine looked curiously at Merlin before following after him. She saddled her horse and followed after the two. They rode until they found a beautiful clearing, where the sun filtered in, and they dismounted. Arthur began pilling stones in a circle, before he knelt down and placed the unicorn horn inside. "I should never have ended your life. I'm sorry," Arthur apologised, and Evaine smiled as he looked up at her. "You were right."
"Arthur," Merlin said, standing up from where he and Arthur were placing stones over the horn. Evaine and Arthur looked to where he stared, and both were awed at the sight of a pure white unicorn.
"It's beautiful," Evaine whispered, smiling at the creature as it looked at the three. Arthur smiled, looking to the lady.
"Yes," he agreed, Evaine too occupied with the unicorn to see where he looked.
