Chapter 1: King of Kings
AN:
Hey guys. Long time no see. I recently watched The Hunchback of Notre Dame for the first time in years and I forgot how good it is. I also realised the similarities between that and Merlin, particularly with Judge Claude Frollo and Uther. It was a great inspiration for ideas, though if you haven't seen the film, don't worry. It's not required at all
I want to say a quick thank you to all those who left an awesome review in my previous stories. Also, I haven't forgotten about the sequel to 'The Shining Trial of Fate.' It will happen someday, I just really wanted to write this first
With that being said, I hope you enjoy my latest story… :D
Disclaimer: Merlin is owned by the BBC & The Hunchback of Notre Dame is owned by Disney
Dark was the night when destiny as the Triple Goddess had foretold, shifted, for three weary travellers made the decision to make way for Camelot. They move quietly in the shadows, hoping to avoid any detection from the plethora of guards scattered around the premises.
The man named Balinor leads the way. His eyes are tired from fear after losing an argument with his second half and thus returning together to the one place he hoped he would never see again. "We must hurry, my love."
"Don't fret, my dear." Hunith replies earnestly. "The King has gone hunting in the west. It would take him at least a three-day ride to get back to the city."
"Be as that may, the citadel is still heavily guarded. Sneaking into the castle dungeon won't be easy." Balinor says, recalling how hard it was to escape the city a few years ago.
"It'll be fine. Once we free the dragon, we'll all be safe." she assures with a shared smile as she gently soothes the third and newest member of their family. The past year has been a struggle for sure, but once they complete their rescue mission, they'll find a place where they can live happily.
"Is that so?"
A voice cuts in. Killing the kind smile shared between the two lovers and replacing it with a sense of pure unadulterated dread.
They gaze up in fear and alarm at the most powerful man in all the five kingdoms. A man who wields a blade and torch that sits above the world on his signature black horse. A sign that many now associate with death. "King Uther Pendragon!"
He is followed by a small legion of knights that quickly surround them. All of them are wielded with a variety of weapons that there is simply no escape. It was only a moment ago when they were both imagining a future together. One where they could watch the sunrise in bliss as a family without any concern. Yet now it appears that was indeed a fantasy for their future holds only one path. One where their tomorrow has ceased to exist.
"Bring these vermin to the courtyard. There they will be burnt at the stake." the King commands in a disgusted tone, as the guards prepare to lock their prisoners in iron cuffs.
Even as he's being reprimanded in irons, Balinor just cannot understand. He heard multiple reports from various sources that the King was travelling to the west to continue his cleansing. It would be impossible for him to return to Camelot so quickly. "No, how are you here? There's no way."
"At last, the world shall be free from your kind."
Of course. It all makes sense now. It was a trap. Uther deliberately spread a false rumour that he would be out of Camelot for a prolonged period of time, placing a belief that Camelot would be vulnerable. Uther laid the bait and they fell straight into his hands.
Balinor feels like a fool. He decided to believe Uther's lies yet again. Last time it cost him his trusted friend, Kilgharrah, for Uther lied in saying he wanted to make peace with the dragon. Kilgharrah became a prisoner and is now treated like a trophy to glorify Camelot's power. Balinor felt so guilty that after managing to escape, he pledged to save the last dragon, but Uther's lies have managed to prevail once more for it now costs him his family.
Anger erupts from Balinor as he stares Uther down, "Why? Why can't you just let us be? What did we ever do to deserve this?"
Unfazed by the man, the King sternly responds, "It is my duty as king to protect the people from corrupted souls that would stop at nothing to destroy us. But fear not. Your suffering will end soon enough."
"You see corruption everywhere except within. You're no king, for it is you the world needs protection from." Balinor declares with the strongest of conviction.
A guard interrupts the conflict as he takes note of the woman. He grows suspicious of how strong she's clutching onto something wrapped in a blanket and voices it, "You there! What are you hiding?!"
"Magical artefacts, no doubt." the King believes, thinking of how it would be a new addition for the vault. "Take them from her."
As the knights step closer and closer to Hunith, Balinor thinks back to all he has seen. He has watched both his kind and kin get slaughtered like cattle. He has been pursued like an animal by Uther for months on end, even beyond his realm and has seen innocent people suffer because of it. He'd be damned if he's just gonna sit back and watch as Uther takes his child.
"Get your hands off her!" Balinor yells, his magic forcing the nearby enemy knights to fly across the night sky. He unsheathes his sword and readies for the end. He managed to dispose of a few of them with his magic to make a clear getaway passage for his family. The best he can do is to buy the woman he loves and the child he adores a chance to live on. "Run!"
Hunith seizes that moment of opportunity to flee for her life. Behind her she hears a clash of swords that forces tears to rain down her face. But she can't focus on that right now. As much as she wishes she could be with her second half in his final moment, she must continue running. Her child's future depends on it.
Balinor harnesses both magic and blade to stop the knights pursuing her, but it's not nearly enough. He's outnumbered twenty to one, so it was only a matter of time until they got the best of him. Balinor is brutally brought to his knees, yet still he struggles. Desperate to fight on.
The King takes one final glance before issuing his judgement. "Kill him." Balinor fully expected it. The moment he heard that voice, Balinor knew his life was over. There was no cheating death a second time. At the very least, he would go down with honour. He fought to the bitter end, hoping his son could manage to survive. He smiles at the thought before being silenced for good.
Hearing that silence, Hunith inwardly weeps. She wants to cry. Mourn for her beloved and pay respects for his lifeless body, but she can't. She must keep going. She must keep forcing her legs to continue the never-ending run. She holds the bundle closer to her heart, as she thinks of a safe haven for her child. Her close friend who holds a high position in the royal court could be her only salvation.
However, the night is still young for the hunt has yet to conclude. Despite finally disposing of the last Dragonlord, Uther is far from satisfied. He instructs his black stallion to go full speed in chase of the woman for he knows she couldn't have gone far.
The hunter quickly catches sight of his prey, filling Hunith with even more dread than what she thought was possible. Her tired legs are screaming to give up whilst her lungs feel like they could burst at any moment. And yet it is the sound of hooves that brings her the strongest amount of pain.
At last, she reaches the main square. The entrance into the citadel is within her line of sight, where just up the steps lie a chance that he will be saved. Hunith dashes up the steps and bangs so desperately on the locked doors that she thought her hands would fall off. "Help! Please somebody help!"
Then her world went black because a sharp, intense pain proceeds to explode in her skull. Her body was sent crashing down the cement steps of Camelot, sending her into a deep sleep that she will never awake from.
Her predator looms over her deceased body in victory. A triumphant smirk paints his face, as he dismounts his horse to take custody of the presumed magical artefact of some kind. But upon grabbing hold of the covered bundle, his expression changes as he hears the sound of a crying infant.
"A baby?"
Steadily, Uther's eyes become softer as he reminisces of his own child. A boy nearly two years of age that he has barely spent time with due to his duties as king. He's been so occupied with leading the Great Purge that it has slipped his mind.
Perhaps the curse of magic isn't inherited as he had once believed, Uther thought. Afterall, how could a being that looks so harmless and innocent, be diseased with sorcery?
But then the infant's eyes flash from a gentle, breezing blue to a burning hellish gold that could mean only one thing.
"No, a monster!"
Uther's eyes sharpen in disgust as his face starts to burn red for he feels betrayed. Why must magic continue to poison all that is beautiful in the world?
He hastily looks around, knowing what must be done as he searches for a way to dispose of the creature. He could kill it himself, snap the wailing infant's neck like a twig. But he refuses. It still looks too pure. Too much like his own son that he must find an alternative.
The King spots a well in the distance and walks over to it. Plenty of women and children have already been drowned in this structure that he knows it's effectiveness as a method of execution. He holds the baby above the well. Ready to carry out the harsh sentence, even if he refuses to look at the infant as it suffocates.
Suddenly a booming and panicked voice pierces the air, forcing all actions to come to a halt.
"Stop!"
Heads turn to face Gaius the physician. The very man Hunith had placed all her faith into before she died. Seeing her corpse forgotten on the floor, Gaius rushes to be by her side. Embracing her lifeless shell in horror. "Oh heavens. What do you think you are doing?"
Uther removes the infant from its sentence as he's taken back by the physician's display of emotions. "This is an unholy demon. I'm sending it back to hell, where it belongs."
But Gaius cannot accept that. Hunith was a close friend of the family for many years and to see her like that evoked a new sense of confidence. Thus, he wails, "You have already spilt enough innocent blood today. Just stop this madness."
"I am guiltless." Uther wholeheartedly believes, in disbelief of his friend's accusations. "She birthed a sorcerer. Gave rise to the disease that is magic just to spread its influence. For that there is no greater crime."
Hoping to enlighten his highness of his sins, Gaius entails, "I know this woman. She bore no magic to speak of. And now you would add this child's blood to your guilt."
"My conscience is clear."
"Sire please." Gaius pleads with a sterned expression. "This purge has gone on long enough. This kingdom has been soaked in the blood of men, women, and children. Isn't it time to stop?"
Both men are taken back by the physician's persistence. Throughout the Great Purge, Gaius turned a blind eye to the victims on their path to the flames. He tried to help when he could, like striking his wife-to-be off the list allowing her just enough time to escape. But everything he did was from the shadows. He might manage to save a single soul whilst thousands burnt, drowned, cut down, hanged, but no more.
Though it would require more than that to thaw Uther's heart, as his conviction remains strong, "Not until I've cleansed the world of sorcery for…"
"...You've already achieved that." the physician interrupts, his eyes staring deep into the other man's soul. "The world knows the fears of magic that even those few that still exist wouldn't dare study it ever again. You've won. Igraine can rest easy now."
At the mention of his wife's name, Uther's rage soothes to a gentle breeze. He remembers her face, her smile, her voice. He recalls how kind of a soul she was and how much it hurt when he lost her. Would she have wanted this?
He then thinks of what he got in return for her death. A child. An heir to the throne that would continue the Pendragon dynasty. Yet Uther barely spent any time at all with the newborn. From the moment of Igraine's death, all Uther focused on was vengeance. Perhaps it's time to change that.
The King looks down in contemplation. In doing so, his eyes cross in line with the infant in his grasp. A baby he was regretfully prepared to kill mere moments ago. Could he still do so? He always valued his physician's opinion in times of debate. Seeing him as a trusted member of the court despite his history with sorcery.
"And what of this monster?" he asks.
"You gave me a chance to repent. I beg of you to do the same for Balinor's child."
Gazing at the crying child in his hands, Uther's mind considers everything. But then it focuses on one particular name. "Balinor's…"
The last Dragonlord. An ancient title bestowed with a form of magic that gifts communication with the dragons. A slight smirk tugs at the corner of his lips at the sudden realisation of what this child really was. A weapon. "Very well. I shall care for this misshapen here."
Gaius' expression changes as that's the last thing he expected. He figured the child would just be dumped somewhere to be someone else's problem. But no. The King has decided to care for the child and raise it as his own. "Here? But where?"
Decision made, Uther answers with a feeling of newfound power, "Anywhere. Just so he's kept locked away within the confines of the castle. The tower, perhaps. And who knows even this foul creature may yet prove one day to be of use to me."
And so, Uther made do on his word. The child was raised in Camelot with such exclusive company that nearly everyone in the city was clueless about his existence. The boy received proper discipline that made him servient to the King's every word regardless of his integrity. Uther gave him a name that alluded to his usefulness as a weapon. A name that can mean fortress… Merlin.
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Merlin's childhood was a lonely one. Growing up in his tower he only had two visitors. The King would try visiting a few times a month but tended to vary quite a lot. The physician was more frequent but less so as Merlin got older.
Time went by with Merlin remaining in his tower. He grew to meet one other person, Sir Leon, who he learnt is positioned as the commander of the knights. It was exhilarating to finally meet another soul. To meet and talk with them unlike those he sees below in the city from the sky-high distance of the tower window. Even if the knight would rarely engage in an actual conversation.
Every time Sir Leon would visit, it would be followed by a bucket full of chores, typically including polishing armour, shirt buttons, or boots. Uther figured it would be an efficient use of Merlin's time that would keep him busy while also providing the feeling of being useful.
At first, Merlin complained as he much preferred to spend his time reading, but he soon got in the habit and has surprisingly discovered an art for cleaning. When he's not busy with chores, most often than not he'll be reading a book that Gaius gifts him every time he visits. Though he always finds the time to gaze out his window to see the people. He'd watch the knights endure their training regiment, the servants running errands like feeding the beautiful horses, and sometimes the normal yet extravagant people in the lower town.
Life was monotonous and dull, but there is one other person Merlin talks to. Though not in person, for they telepathically communicate with one another from different points in the castle on a daily basis.
As Merlin gazes out the window with a bright smile, a familiar voice rings through his mind.
"To this day, I fail to understand your optimism, Young Warlock."
The voice is painted in ancient melancholy, illustrating how tiresome life has become. The boy recognises it to be Kilgharrah. His imaginary friend that has been there for as long as Merlin can remember.
"Understand or appreciate?" Merlin jests with an opposing attitude. "Come on, the sun is shining, and I have just finished all my chores. Now I get to read some books. Let's see what I should read today?"
He walks over his bookshelf and studies his vast collection that he has acquired over the years of Gaius visiting. He scans over the titles until Kilgharrah adds, "Are you happy with your life?"
A small chuckle escapes Merlin's lips though he's unsure why. Deciding on a book he heads towards his bed to give his response, "Of course. I keep busy. I get all my books I could ask for. What more could I want."
Not even a full second passes before the voice in his head responds with exactly what Merlin expected. "Freedom."
He wonders if Kilgharrah knew he was lying. It wouldn't surprise him for his imaginary friend seemed to have an unnatural gift. Much like himself for they were both creatures of magic. "Sure, I guess. But I'd never fit in down there. I'm not... normal."
"No, you're something far more."
"So you keep saying." the Young Warlock states, laying down on his bed in contempt after hearing the same story for ten years.
Nevertheless, Kilgharrah continues to prophesize, "You are destined to father a legend that together, will unite the lands of Albion."
"Stuck here in my tower. Yeah sure." Merlin sighs in disbelief. He's long accepted his life as a servant to the King in this tower and that's all he'll ever be. It would hurt too much to think of otherwise.
"Perhaps you'd come to realise your place in the world if you change precisely that."
Those words pique Merlin's interest sky high as he sits up. "What do you mean by that?" But no response. Apparently Kilgharrah picked the worst time to go silent for Merlin wants more. He needs more information. Thus, he stresses, "Hey, I'm talking to you."
"Good morning, Merlin."
The newcomer shocks the boy beyond comprehension, and he recognises it to be his majesty himself. King Uther on his monthly visits, standing tall and powerful at the doorway. He had just finished a council meeting and decided to make do on the duties he promised twenty years ago.
Full of embarrassment, Merlin rises to his feet as quickly as possible to appear presentable. God knows how he must have looked a moment ago in the eyes of the King. Talking aloud and then even shouting at his bed. He must have looked like a fool. He only hopes that it will go ignored. "Ah-um, good...morning, my lord."
Unfortunately, it does not for Uther dejectedly questions, "Dear boy, whomever were you talking to?"
Merlin fumbles his hands at the awkwardness of the situation. He fails to see another option apart from telling the truth, even if it does shape him to be a madman. "My...friend."
A moment of silence is stretched out which only increases Merlin's anxiety. He's unsure how the King would react but when he finally does respond, it's slow and gentle though with a twinge of disappointment. "I see. Is there anyone else here in this tower, Merlin?"
"No, my lord." he answers quietly.
"That's right." Uther confirms in a manner that could be taken as condescending. "Now...lunch."
Upon hearing the word, Merlin immediately goes off to the cupboards to retrieve two plates and a pair of silver chalices. Meanwhile, the King moves towards the table, places his small picnic basket on and rests on a wooden chair.
Merlin quickly returns to his master. He empties the basket containing a bundle of fruit and a bottle of wine and dishes them out until Uther suddenly makes conversation, "You've been keeping up with your studies?"
"Oh yes, Sire. The books Gaius gets me are most fascinating." he answers gleefully.
"Good." Uther praises short and simple. Small talk has evidently remained a challenge for the King of Camelot. Hence, he quickly gets to the matter of hand explaining his visit, "Your powers will be needed soon."
"May I ask what for?"
The King brings the chalice to his lips as he takes a gulp of wine before explaining the current situation, "Mercia has decided to launch a full-scale attack on Camelot. I believe a display of power is needed to remind the world of this kingdom's title."
"Very wise decision, my lord." he admires in understanding. It's been a while since Merlin has had to use that power but he's confident he'll succeed and please his master.
"Indeed. After Mercia's defeat, a festival shall be held in honour of twenty years since magic was driven from the realm." Uther commends, bathed in pride for the achievement. Even though the boy isn't invited, he ensures Merlin a feast fit for a noble as compensation. It's a kind gesture even if he's left all on his own to eat it.
"A festival? People celebrating?" Merlin murmurs, thinking back on his discussion with Kilgharrah. He could fulfil his grand prophecy but most importantly find his sense of belonging if he can just remove himself from the tower. He gulps in consideration. Could he really ask that of his master? Would it be worth it?
Slowly and filled to the brim in hesitation, he enacts the most daring decision of his life. "Perhaps I could go…"
One that is not well received in the slightest as Uther spits out his drink at the response. He couldn't believe his ears, so he dares the boy to say it again with a scowl. "Excuse me?"
Merlin rushes an answer he hopes will satisfy the King, for he has never regretted saying something so desperately in his life. "Nothing."
A loud bang bursts the scene as Uther slams his fist against the table as stands from his chair with a large frown etched on his face. "You are thinking about going to the festival."
"I didn't mean to upset you, my lord."
Uther sighs. Taking a breather to control his anger. Feeling composed, he continues, "Merlin, can't you understand? When your heartless mother abandoned you as a child, anyone else would have drowned you. And this my thanks for taking you in and raising you as my son?"
Merlin's eyes start to tear up as scrambles for words. "I..I'm sorry, Sire."
"You don't know what it's like out there." the King stresses with a tired tone. He then walks over to the window, beckoning the boy to follow as they both gaze over the city. "You are a sorcerer, and the people would know that. And yet you really think you could walk among them in harmony?"
"I… I."
His eyes sharpen as he reaffirms the life lesson, "Remember what I taught you, out there, they'll revile you as a monster."
Merlin begins to cower as he accepts his place in the world. He was born with the curse of magic and that will never change. "I am a monster."
"Out there, they will hate you with scorn and jeer."
"Only a monster." he repeats with an aching heart. How he wishes it weren't true, but his master speaks the truth. It hurts to hear. Sometimes Merlin wonders if the King hated him too but he knows it's important to be self-aware.
"Why invite their calumny and consternation?" Uther interrogates, forcing his will onto Merlin through his harsh yet unyielding words. "Do as I say. Obey, and stay here. Be faithful to me."
Defeated, Merlin nods profusely for he struggles to do anything else. He knows the King is right. He always is.
Believing he's made his point perfectly clear; the King turns to leave. Just as he reaches the threshold, Merlin finds his voice to call out, "You are good to me, my lord. I'm sorry."
His master stops in acknowledgment and turns his head to respond with an edge, "You are forgiven. But remember, Merlin, this is your sanctuary."
He then leaves the boy to his own company who continues to stare forlornly at the doorway. His eyeline raises to the ceiling as he whispers, "My sanctuary."
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A few days later, the people are told to gather at the main square for an important announcement. Guards are scattered around the premises with two figures standing tall at each end of the castle balcony.
On the left stands Arthur Pendragon, Prince of Camelot. On the right stands the Lady Morgana, royal ward of the King. The man himself joins them at the centre. He who wears the crown and prides himself as the most powerful man in all of Albion. Uther Pendragon.
"People of Camelot." he begins with a loud assertive voice. "For many years, we have been mortal enemies with the Kingdom of Mercia. We tried to maintain the peace, but to no avail. A few days ago, Bayard foolishly decided to declare war against Camelot. Their army should be upon us within a day, but I assure you all they will not reach the city."
In spite of his promise, many gasp in fear of an invasion. The fact that no preparations have been made to meet the Mercian army in the fields of battle only adds to the concern. While some suspect what their King has in mind, many are clueless. Clearly a siege isn't planned either so what could be happening?
To put a stop to the people murmuring amongst themselves, Uther continues his speech, "Clearly a show of strength is required to remind all our enemies why my kingdom stands above the rest. Bayard shall rue the day he ever decided to declare war for his army shall be burned where they stand."
With all preparations complete in both the tower and dungeon, the King raises his voice to such heights it's as if the Gods themselves have descended to the Earth. "Now behold my power. Release the dragon!"
In unison with a voice, a large reptilian beast flies out of the citadel. Its body is rich in scales harder than steel that are coloured as gold as the sun. Its huge wings cause a massive updraft that disrupts the people's balance as they are all forced to kneel before the mighty dragon.
"What a dragon?"
"So the rumours were true."
"Our King really has the power to control that beast?"
Without hesitation, the Great Dragon flies north of the city and heads towards the Mercian army. The enemy forces are made up of 10,000 soldiers strong, an army equal in number to that of Camelot's. If they were to meet on the battlefield, it would be a close call for sure with many lives being lost on both sides. Not like that means anything, however.
For in a matter of minutes, the dragon arrives where it immediately proceeds to create a bloodbath. A draconic roar erupts upon the land followed by a fiery blaze of furious flames that burns down every last soul. Some tried to fight, some tried to run. But it was pointless. No man could stand up to a dragon. They didn't stand a chance.
Back in the city, the people are still left utterly gobsmacked at what they just witnessed. The sheer destructive power of a dragon was in control of a single man. A man who stood before them as King. He truly is the most powerful man in all of Albion. A King among kings.
As the mighty beast returns to the city, there isn't a shadow of doubt that it succeeded in slaying the Mercian threat. Those few fortunate enough to survive the hellfire would go to tell the horrific tale of the beast that serves Camelot, and thus peace would be brought to the lands.
Amongst those gaping faces, Uther maintained a calm and strong persona that continues as he once again addresses his people, "Let this serve as a lesson to all. I pride myself as a fair and just king, for my pledge to you all is protection. Be faithful to me as your king and you have nothing to fear. I have no tolerance for those that betray me. As shown today, any action against Camelot will be met without mercy."
While the Great Dragon flies back to the dungeon where it dwells, the King senses everyone's fear and wants to end on a high note. With a grin, he then joyously announces, "Having said that, with our victory today, I declare a festival to celebrate twenty years since Camelot was freed from the evil of sorcery. Let the celebrations begin."
The people cheer in response; however, one remains rooted in fear. The Lady Morgana is severely taken back over what just transpired. But she suspects it's for a different reason than one would expect. Moments prior to the Great Dragon's grand appearance, she sensed something unbelievable. Magic on a whole new level than anything she's ever felt before. But where?
AN:
For those who know the film, Merlin is Quasimodo, Morgana is Esmeralda, Uther is Frollo and Phoebus is Arthur. But don't worry, there won't be any gross incest or anything disgusting between Uther and Morgana. Also since this is a Mergana story, you already know the boy is gonna get the girl here
Now unlike my previous stories, I'm afraid this won't be published daily. I got a complete plan of what's happening but I've been quite busy. I figured it'd be better to start now so that way you can let me know if this story is any good and worth continuing.
So please leave a review or pm letting me know your thoughts. I'm not sure when Chapter 2 will be done, but reviews would definitely help!
Next time: The Lady Morgana is infested by curiosity about recent events while Merlin continues to contemplate his sense of belonging…
