The Sins of the Father
"Arise Sir Vidor, Knight of Camelot. Arise Sir Caradoc, Knight of Camelot. You have been accorded a great honour. But with that honour comes great responsibility. From this day forth, you are sworn to live by the knights' code. You have pledged to conduct yourselves with nobility, honour, and respect. Your word is your sacred bond. You will find no one who better embodies these values than my son, Arthur. Follow his example, and you will prove yourselves worthy of your title," Uther states, Arthur hiding his smile as the court claps at the ceremony.
Sir Leon stood beside Evaine the two glancing at the door, their hands stopping as they hear sword fighting outside, before the doors open, a single knight entering. The knights gather in front of Uther, Arthur standing at the front as he draws his sword, the knight stopping before him and throwing his gauntlet to the floor. Evaine watches holding her breath as Arthur picks it up.
"I accept your challenge. If I'm to face you in combat, do me the courtesy of revealing your identity," Arthur says, looking coldly at the knight. He begins to remove his helmet, and the court mutter when seeing long blonde tresses fall out.
"My name is Morgause," the woman says, Arthur hiding his surprise.
"Has this ever happened before?" Evaine asks Leon quietly as he moves back to her side, Morgause leaving as quickly as she entered, a guard taking her to a guest room.
"Not that I know of," he answers, the two of them watching as Uther and Arthur speak with one another before leaving.
"Do you believe there will ever be a ceremony or celebration that does not end up in some sort of challenge being issued?" she asked, the court leaving to return to their chambers. He smiles, shaking his head.
"It wouldn't be Camelot without a few good interruptions," he answers, and Evaine laugh as he escorts her back to her room.
XXXXXX
Evaine stood in her usual place in-between Gwen and Anna as the court waited for Uther to sit before sitting. The crowd waiting a few moments before erupting into cheers as Arthur enters the tournament grounds, standing next to Morgause who was already waiting.
"The fight is by the Knights' Rules. And to the death," Uther says loudly, rising from his seat. Arthur goes to say a few words to Morgause, and his eyes meet Evaine's as he walks away, putting his helmet on.
They begin fighting, the sound of clashing metal and steel ringing through the grounds. Morgause is doing well, Arthur hesitant to attack first as they circle one another, Arthur managing to catch her arm and dropping her sword. He allows her to pick it up, fighting once more. Arthur corners her into the fence but is distracted as she moves out of the way, kicking his legs from under him and knocking him to the floor. Evaine gasps as Arthur lifts his head, just as Morgause presses her sword to his heart, pushing him further to the floor. Morgause removes her helmet, whispering to him between breaths, and Evaine sighs in relief as she removes her sword from his chest, offering him her hand to stand. The crowd mutters as Morgause bows her head to Uther, leaving the grounds as Uther stares at Arthur before leaving himself.
Evaine watches Arthur turn from the grounds, Merlin hurrying to catch up with him.
"Anna, I'm-"
"I know. Go," Anna said with a knowing smile. She nodded to her gratefully, before passing through until she was back inside the castle, hesitantly knocking on Arthur's doors.
"Come in," Merlin called, and Evaine slipped inside, smiling when she noticed Arthur slumped over in his chair, his head resting on the table as Merlin begins taking his armour off.
"Why don't you pour some wine, Merlin? I can help Arthur," Evaine tells him, Arthur smiling slightly at the sight of her and sitting up properly so she could begin untying the laces to his chest plate.
"It could've been worse," Merlin said after a pause, bringing two goblets of wine to the table.
"How, exactly, could it have been worse?" Arthur asks glumly.
"You could be dead," Merlin said.
"At least I wouldn't have to face everyone. I've never felt so humiliated in my entire life. I was defeated by a girl," Arthur grumbled.
"Hasn't been the first time," Evaine says, laughing as he turns to poke her side.
"That's different. That wasn't in front of the whole of Camelot."
"It's actually quite funny when you think about it," Merlin said, his smile dropping as Arthur looks at him. "Or not."
"No. It's like you said. I was hindered because I was fighting a woman. I was worried I was going to hurt her. That's why she won," Arthur said, and Evaine scoffed.
"You didn't look hindered... I'll stop talking now," Merlin said, passing Arthur a goblet of wine and helping Evaine with his armour.
XXXXXX
Evaine sits at the table, watching Arthur dig his dagger into his shutter as they both look to see Merlin enter.
"Why are the guards outside the door?" he asks, looking between the two.
"My father has confined me to my chambers and has forbidden me from accepting Morgause's challenge," Arthur answers, glaring at Evaine as she contains her small laugh.
"Well, maybe he's got a point. You don't know what she might've asked you to do," Merlin says, but Arthur shakes his head.
"I gave her my word," Arthur says, twirling his dagger.
"So, I take it we're going anyway," he says.
"You're smarter than you look. Gather some supplies, we leave tonight. Oh, and Merlin ...find a way to get me out of here," Arthur instructs.
"Escaping being grounded is my specialty," Evaine says, making Arthur smiles as she looks to Merlin. "Here is what you will need to do."
Merlin leaves after her words, going to gather the supplies and rope. "Thank you," Arthur says, and Evaine smiles.
"Anything for you, sire," she teases. Arthur smiles, looking down.
"She said she knew my mother," Arthur tells her, and Evaine steps closer to him.
"That is why you want to go so badly," she says, and he nods.
"I just want to know," Arthur says, and Evaine nods, taking his hand in hers.
"You must go, and hurry back. Take this opportunity, learn what you can from Morgause," Evaine said, looking down at their hands before stepping back.
"I will," he promises.
XXXXXX
Evaine sat in Morgana's chambers, having lunch with her friend who seemed happier than had done in a long time. Gwen and Anna had been given a small break, so Morgana opened the door when a knock sounded through the room.
"Gaius, come in," Morgana says, greeting the physician.
"Good day, my dear. I brought you your sleeping draught. Evaine," Gaius said, nodding as Evaine smiled at him.
"I could've saved you the trouble. I had the best night's sleep I can remember," Morgana said, smiling brightly.
"No nightmares?" Morgana said, sitting back at the table as Gaius stood beside them.
"I can't tell you what a relief it is. I only wish I could thank Morgause for her gift," Morgana said, showing her wrist holding an intricate bracelet.
"You didn't tell me Morgause gave you the bracelet," Evaine said, and Morgana nodded.
"She told me it would help me sleep. She spoke the truth. Gaius, what is it?" Morgana asks, seeing Gaius' look of suspicion.
"Nothing. I'm merely surprised that it's so effective," Gaius said, and Evaine glanced at him.
"I feel as if I somehow know Morgause," Morgana said, and Gaius shook his head.
"I don't see how. But I'm pleased you're feeling better," he replies,
XXXXXX
Sir Leon and Uther were conversing about some papers as Evaine sat at the table. Uther wanted her help in some matters with Tiltwood her father had sent him in a letter, and she was going over some things as the doors open, Arthur entering.
"Arthur. Where have you been? I have had search parties out looking for you. Arthur?" Uther asks, seeing the way Arthur glares at him.
"I know...what you did to my mother," Arthur says, his voice shaking with anger. Evaine stands, watching him with worry.
"Leave us. No one is to enter," Uther states. Evaine hesitates, but Leon takes her arm gently, guiding her from the room. Arthur doesn't even turn to look at her as the doors close.
They wait a moment, hearing swords clang against one another. "Is that-" Evaine asks, glancing at Leon who looks at her. "We must stop them," she says, but Leon grabs her arm, stopping her from moving. She's about to argue, but Merlin comes running up to them, trying to pass Leon.
"The King has forbidden anyone to enter!" Leon shouts, looking at the two.
"They're going to kill each other!" Merlin tells him, and Leon lets go of them. Merlin opens the door, rushing in as Evaine raises her hand over her mouth, seeing Arthur pressing a sword to Uther's heart. "Arthur! Don't! I know you don't want to do this!"
"My mother is dead because of him!" Arthur shouts.
"Killing your father won't bring her back. You've lost one parent. Do you really want to lose another?" Merlin asks.
"Listen to him, Arthur," Uther says, but Arthur tightens his grip on the sword.
"Arthur, please, put the sword down," Evaine asks softly, stepping into the room.
"You heard what my mother said!" Arthur shouts, looking to Merlin. "After everything he has done, do you believe he deserves to live?! He executes those who use magic, and yet he has used it himself! You have caused so much suffering and pain! I will put an end to that!" Gaius enters, standing next to Evaine.
"Morgause is lying! She's an enchantress. She tricked you. That was not your mother you saw. That was an illusion. Everything...everything your mother said to you...those were Morgause's words," Merlin says, and Evaine glances at him.
"You don't know that!" Arthur shouts.
"This has been her plan all along! To turn you against your father. And if you kill him, the kingdom will be destroyed! This is what she wants!" Merlin tells him.
"Listen to him, he's speaking the truth," Uther begs.
"Swear to me it isn't true! You are not responsible for my mother's death! Give me your word!"
"I swear on my life, I loved your mother. There isn't a day passes that I don't wish that she were still alive. I could never have done anything to hurt her," Uther vows. Arthur shakes, dropping his sword and falling to his knees, slumping against his father's chair.
"My son, you mean more to me than...than anything," Uther says softly, wrapping an arm around Arthur.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry," Arthur whispers, his voice trembling.
"You are not to blame," Uther says. Evaine shares a glance with Merlin, before backing away quietly.
XXXXXX
Evaine sat once more in Arthur's chambers. He had hardly spoken to her, but every time she rose to leave, he would look at her, and she knew her presence meant more to him than words at that moment. She smiles sadly as Merlin enters, placing Arthur's jacket on the table.
"I am indebted to you, Merlin. I had become...confused. It is once again clear to me that those who practice magic are evil and dangerous. And that is thanks to you," Arthur says.
"Glad I could help," Merlin says, faking a smile as Evaine shares a look with him. She stands as Merlin leaves, standing beside Arthur.
"I'm sorry," Evaine whispers, placing her hand on his shoulder. He hesitates, before placing his hand atop hers, looking at her.
"It's alright," he tells her, but she shakes her head.
"You don't have to be a strong prince in front of me, Arthur," she tells him, and he looks down, allowing her to pull him into an embrace.
