The men all dismounted silently, each knotting their horses' leads to individual trees. There was no warning this time; their weapons were left alongside their horses. They had not even worn armor. The cave loomed ahead of them like a gaping maw, dark and silent.
Arthur walked in front, his steps measured and with no sign of hesitation even though his hands were balled into fists at his side. His breath was visible in the air in front of him. All were careful to avoid the runes and hanging charms, Percival especially.
"We did not expect to see you here again, Arthur Pendragon," Niede said. "It is not often that we are surprised."
"I know we didn't part on the best terms," Arthur said, and Merlin almost didn't recognize his voice. He spoke softly. Humbly. "I didn't heed your advice then."
"It should have cost you your life," Atorloppe's frown was visible under her cowl. It wasn't a look of displeasure or anger, but of fear.
"I came here to make amends." Arthur stepped forward, his hands open in front of him. "Camelot is not the same place it once was. The Old Religion is welcome in the kingdom again."
"Too little, too late," Befelen sighed. "The Triple Goddess decreed you were to die for your obstinacy, like your father."
"But I've changed," Arthur pleaded, and he lowered himself to his knees. Without his crown, kneeling in the dirt, he could have been anybody. "My people will die."
Merlin suddenly emerged from behind Percival and kneeled next to Arthur, who cast him a look of confusion.
"You," Befelen leaned forward, her staff trailing towards him like a finger. "You, too, were a surprise."
"If I could speak-"
"Merlin, what are you doing?" Arthur hissed, but the sorcerer brushed him off.
"According to the Old Religion, the Triple Goddess is made of three parts: the Maiden, the Matron, and the Crone. If we cannot appeal to all three of them then please, let the Mother hear us."
Atorloppe nodded after a moment's debate.
"The Druids are her people. They worship her and she protects them from their enemies like Uther. Can we not call them her children?"
A faint smile was playing at Niede's lips.
"Arthur was a threat to her people, true. But he is a threat no longer. Magic is practiced openly in the streets. Druids- her sons and daughters- have been welcomed again. But now their mother sends an army to wipe them out- and Morgana and Nimueh will wipe us out. You're seers. You know this. So we ask the Mother to spare her children."
"It is not that simple," Atorloppe sighed. "By changing your destiny, you completely ignored a decision set forth by the highest power in the universe. It sent a message that you believe yourself to be as powerful as She."
"She knows my heart, and so do you," Merlin persisted. "I didn't act out of disrespect or rebellion."
"No," Niede admitted. "It was love."
"And as a result, her initial demands were fulfilled," Arthur added.
"But what if others follow your example, however motivated? What if people lose faith in the Old Religion?" Atorloppe was shaking her head.
"Then we set a better example!" Arthur leapt to his feet. His eyes were bright. They were close. "We can build an edifice. Make offerings. Anything."
The Disir turned away, speaking in strange whispers, and Merlin stood, giving Arthur a look. He knew that in any other setting, had someone accused him of acting in the name of love where Arthur was concerned, he would have earned a seriously bruised arm.
"The Goddess is not unkind," Befelen held her staff out again, and Merlin realized that all three of the women were smiling. "To forgive is the greatest show of power, after all."
"You will build a place of worship, protected within the kingdom walls. There you will make offerings at every harvest, and at every full and half moon. The first of these offerings must be made by you, King Arthur of Camelot." Atorloppe said.
"I am grateful for her mercy," Arthur said seriously, and then broke into the biggest smile Merlin had seen in weeks. "Thank you. Thank you!"
As they left the cave Arthur draped his arm over Merlin's shoulders, shaking him vigorously before ruffling his hair. "We're saved."