Taryan
Taryan walked down the corridors after leaving Gaius's work space, replaying the image of the blue hand again and again in her vision. New defined details showing up she swore she never initially saw.
There are going to be a number of people that are going to die…is it right for me to just sit back and do nothing? I know the cause, where it is, and how to stop it, but what good is that when I don't want to draw even more attention? If I even did something…how do I know it won't cause lasting effects?
She descended the curved stone steps, going down faster as bleak thoughts consumed her, images of unfaced village people seemingly falling to their deaths. When Taryan made it to the last step her shoulder got knocked into something, only to realize it was another shoulder.
"Sorry." She managed to choke out as her null eyes became expressive. As she looked at the person and took in their physical traits she nearly thought about running. Golden hair and piercing blue eyes made it obvious, it was prince Arthur, who she also nearly sent to the floor. He was wearing a brown long coat that ended at the bend of his knees, but most importantly was bearing a rather unfavorable expression.
"What got you in a tussle?" Arthur asked, rubbing his shoulder as if in true pain.
Taryan immediately bowed, in truth not sure what to do. She doesn't recall the protocol of rudely knocking into a prince. "My apologies for running into you, your highness. How may I assist you?" She brought her eyes up and saw Arthur's jaw slack from her words. He then grabbed her shoulder when he heard someone else descended the stairs, bringing her to the hall ground floor.
"I see Gwen has been training you. I haven't seen you at any formal events tending to Morgana. Why is that?"
Taryan had to stop herself from giving a foul expression.
God…why do you care?
"I'm still in training Sire, when I have more experience I'm sure me and Gwen would take turns at council and formal events for Morgana or perhaps go together." Taryan said.
Arthur still looked unsatisfied with her answer, but waved his hand up and down. As if he suddenly regretted his decision on ever asking her.
"Well…off to your duties, Red."
She began to walk before abruptly stopping in her tracks, "Red?" She turned her head around.
Is he making a jab before Gaius cut my hair? I never knew Arthur saw that…great. I love getting new information…
"Yes, Red. That's your name now. You took too long to decide." Arthur smiled.
You know at this point, I don't have the energy to care.
Taryan now completely faced Arthur again, "Is this the part where I thank you for bestowing a name to me?" Taryan asked.
Arthur brought up his hand to his chin to ponder Taryan's words. "I suppose you're right. I have never named a person before."
Well that's a relief to hear as you're awful at names.
"Wow…what an honor." Taryan said with an eye twitch.
Arthur brought his hand down from his chin and grinning, relishing in Taryan's facade of pleasantry. "Not every person gets to be named by the future crown prince. Take it with pride."
How am I supposed to respond to this?
"Oh is there more than one prince?" She asked.
Arthur blinked after her response. "No…."
"Then…aren't you already Crown prince?" She scratched her head, as if fumbled by Arthur's response.
Taryan couldn't help putting him down a peg or two. In Taryan's mind, the more humbled the better.
"I…just get on with your duties." Arthur said before starting to ascend the stairs.
"Wait! Arthur! where are you going?"
Arthur paused before slowly turning around. "My ranking is far above you, I don't need to answer you."
"Are you heading to Gaius?"
"..…perhaps." Arthur quietly and begrudgingly admitted.
The blue hand entered in front of Taryan's eyes once again, "Gaius is currently inspecting a body. I suggest you wait for another time."
"Well it seems Gaius is going to be a busy man this morning." Arthur continued the steps while talking. "I also have a body Gaius needs to inspect immediately, under my father's orders. It…he's in the throne room as I speak."
Taryan's uneasiness only heightened from Arthur's delivering such news.
This is already moving fast…
….
After grabbing unused cloth used to strain oils from the kitchen foods, Taryan wrapped her hands while walking through the square and out of the citadel.
I never actually got treated by Gaius for my wounded hands and Gwen will be far from happy if she were to find out…
As she walked to the horse stables to meet Gwen, Taryan couldn't help but pause at the water well for Camelot. She saw men, women, and children take some in passing for chores of cleaning, washing off grime from boots or skin, or simply taking a drink to relinquish their thirst.
Taryan continued to tighten the bandages around her hand. She didn't break her eyes off the approaching people, innocently sipping something so deadly.
Taryan started to weigh her options, none of which sounding promising.
It's not like I could go around like a lunatic and start shouting for people to not drink the water…I would land faster in the cells before Uther could say the word 'sorcery'. Is there any way I could break it? It would have to be at nightfall. Could I even break it? I don't know how medieval water systems work…
"Are you alright Red?"
Taryan heard Gwen's voice making her jump. "Gwen! Why are you here? I was right about to join you at the horse stables?"
Gwen smiled and stood with a wooden bucket at her hip, "It seems that the stable boy's worries have ceased, Morgana's horse was right back to eating normally. It was a massive relief…I was not looking forward to telling Morgana her horse was likely sick."
"Oh well that's good to hear…wait…did you just say Red?"
"Oh! I happened to hear it in passing this morning and I meant to ask you about it. Are you uncomfortable with it? Should I call you something else?"
Taryan just rubbed her temples. "No…the name is fine. I'm just surprised how fast Arthur is."
At the movement of Taryan, Gwen caught sight of her bandaged hands. Taryan had to physically fight herself from hiding them despite them already being seen.
"I see you have gotten treated," Gwen then looked closer, "Hmmm I don't remember Gaius using kitchen's cloths to treat his patients." Her mouth tightened at one side, looking at Taryan.
Taryan couldn't help but give a sly smile.
Gwen saw through…of course she would…
"Okay but in my defense." Taryan started, "Gaius was inspecting a body and I didn't want to interfere."
Gwen signed with a heaved chest, as if she was expecting it, "I'll let it slide for now as the hardest work of the day has been completed, but I expect you to get treated soon." Gwen readjusted the bucket in her hands. "Morgana enjoys a good amount of alone time for her embroidery and art so it's usually around this time I focus on preparing for my own dinner and home chores before returning back to morgana to prepare for her night routine."
As Taryan looked at Gwen she saw in a distance behind her a man in a ragged cloak stagger before collapsing to his knees. He was then supported by the women next to him, likely his wife. Taryan could see the women's lips yell in worry. Taryan's breath hitched at the sight.
Gwen turned around as she followed Taryan's line of sight. "Oh dear…I hope he's alright."
Gwen then started forward, "I'll get him some water." headed right towards the water well. Taryan instinctively grabbed her sleeve to stop her, gently pulling the fabric. Gwen looked between her arm and Taryan's face with obvious questions. Taryan abruptly let go, not breaking eye contact.
"Sorry, but it's just…I don't think you should get water from here." Taryan said, holding back a wince from her own lack of restraint.
No going back now….
Gwen only brought her chin up with questions clearly bubbling in her head. "May I ask why?"
"I felt it tasted weird this morning…maybe it's just me but I just couldn't shake the feeling." Taryan rubbed the back of her neck, but internally pleading Gwen would take her advice.
Gwen nodded slowly, taking in Taryan's words as she thought deeply. "I'm sure the water is fine…" Gwen said and looked back at the cloak man, who now rose and walked away with the women guiding him. Gwen smiled slightly, "I'm relieved to see that man moving…oh you seem quite stricken by this?"
Taryan brought down her gripped fist from her mouth that she subconsciously started to bite. Each person drinking the water was being added to Taryan toll in her mind, piles of white sheets layered in the town.
"If you truly feel strong about this…I will get stream water instead."
Taryan's face lit up, "Stream water?"
…..
"I think you got enough…" Gwen said, seeing Taryan struggling with the three water skins.
"Well…it's just you never know?" Taryan laughed and Gwen gave her a puzzled look.
Gwen and Taryan cracked sticks and pulled tree branches as they emerged from the forestry area behind the citadel.
Taryan couldn't help but feel massive relief with holding 'safe water' in her hands.
The stream water Gwen showed me is a fortune! How many times was water unattainable in this book series? More times than necessary.
Gwen and Taryan circled the walls to approach the entrance once again. Taryan's hem of her dress was soaked from the stream leaving a dark contrast in the fabric. She kicked her legs out while walking to see more of the water soakage when Gwen suddenly struck a conversation.
"Red, this is your first night assisting Morgana right?"
Taryan's face slightly dropped.
Crap…I totally forgot. I've been too distracted…and I can't afford that.
"I still have to advise you on how to handle her nightmares." Gwen walked with Taryan, balancing the water bucket that was now full with stream water. "Her dreams are very realistic so it's very important to reassure she was in fact having a dream. Lately, she's been having a hard time transitioning to that."
Taryan nodded with her, as she could see the clear disdainfulness in Gwen's eyes.
Gwen continued. "She comes down with sweat so prepare a wet washcloth to cool down her forehead. She most often has dreams in the first one or two hours of sleeping and it would be safe to say you can leave after the two hour mark. Thankfully, Morgana oftens retires to bed early leaving me enough time to watch her and safely travel home. There are some nights I stay with her if her dreams continue far into the night, but I can't be there for every single one for obvious reasons."
Gwen then looked around them for eyes before she gripped Taryan's arm, leading them behind an empty horse stable. Taryan's nose slightly crinkled at the smell, the stalls clearly needed to be mucked out.
When Taryan was about to make a laugh about the smell she saw Gwen's stricken expression, of seemingly fear. Taryan now gave Gwen her full attention, feeling the water in the skins steady in place after being jostled around in her arms.
"I trust you deeply for what I'm about to share with you, but you must not tell another person. Do you understand?" Gwen asked, neverseen more frightened. Taryan nodded fastly.
"You can trust me, Gwen?"
She took a deep breath. "Morgana does more than just have nightmares. It's extremely rare. I have only seen it two times but when it's a really…awful dream…she sleepwalks."
"Sleep walks? That's very dangerous." Taryan managed to say despite wanting to ask 'I don't remember that?'.
I don't recall Morgana having a sleepwalking problem? Did I not pay close enough attention to this story? I feel like I would remember that detail?
"It's scary and very serious for anyone involved. The second time I witnessed it…well." Gwen shook her head at the thought, but continued. "At the time, Morgana was gifted beautiful song birds from the Canary Islands from a wealthy traveler that Uther was fond of. The birds were kept in this magnificent copper cage, you should have seen the detail alone."
Taryan could see Gwen imagine the cage in her mind, as if seeing it in-person all over again. Her eyes then grew heavy with her memory getting exchanged by something else entirely, "However, one night as I was making my final check on Morgana before departing…I saw her in the frame of her open window, curtains blowing heavily from the harsh winds. When I asked what she was doing she never responded and as I went to her I saw her holding the three beautiful feathered birds in her hands. I wasn't in time however…she tossed them all out the window where they all flew away. Then…she…tried to jump out the window herself."
Taryan leaned back from Gwen's words just muttering a soft, "Oh."
"I obviously was able to pull her back in the room, frantically crying may I add. She seemed to have woken up by then and said how the room was just on fire and needed to get her birds out. It was heartbreaking to see her looking around and realize it was a dream but her birds were long gone."
Taryan tried to remain calm at Gwen's words. It was plainly a terrifying story, with a doleful ending. But, it was never something written, something that should have been written. A series can't just throw these intense stories never discussed?
Gwen continued despite Taryan's silence, "I simply led her to bed and the next morning we agreed to go along with the story that the birds were ill, from the long travel."
Taryan debated on giving a simple apology for what Gwen went through but settled on simply nodding again.
"I didn't say these things to scare you but…since Morgana wants you to tend to her I thought you ought to know." Gwen said, then quieted as a lone stable boy emerged to retrieve a wooden pitchfork that leaned against the stable they were behind. The boy looked at them oddly with their choice of location.
Gwen and Taryan rounded the opposite side of the stable and Taryan whispered for only Gwen's ears.
"Gwen…I do have one question, who else knows of this?"
When Gwen remained silent Taryan's eyes widened, "I'm the first person you have told? aren't I?"
Gwen turned to Taryan, "If anything goes amiss when you are tended to Morgana I want you to find me immediately, okay?"
"Gwen-"
"Red, please promise me." Gwen displayed almost wet eyes and Taryan couldn't help but feel pity for her. So desperate for her lady's sake but also terrified of revealing such a weighted secret, and likely, against her mistress' knowledge.
"I promise." Taryan said.
Gwen gave one last squeeze of Taryan's arm before muttering about preparing dinner for her father.
Taryan looked around her as she thought, with Gwen's trailing footsteps.
Father…Gwen's father…he's going to…get sick! I have to-
"Gwen! Before you go!" Taryan came back to Gwen's side. "Here." she handed one of her water skins.
Gwen took it with her free hand and raised an eyebrow. "I already filled up my water bucket?"
"Please give it to your father. You live with him right?" Taryan asked.
"Correct…" The water skin sagged under Gwen's grip. "You seem to really care about this water?"
Taryan ignored the fear that spiked in her, "Like I said…the water tasted-"
Taryan was caught off when Gwen and her jolted in shock after hearing loud bangs. They hurried to the market with their water in hand, hearing more crashes and raid dogs barking.
Gwen stopped a nearby Camelot guard, "Excuse me sir? What is going on?"
The Camelot guard gave the two of them a glance over, authority cascaded his tone. "There is a disease spreading among the people, likely by the cause of a sorcerer. The prince is conducting a thorough search of the town under the king's order."
As quick as they originally stopped the guard he continued forward.
"Oh gosh…I need to go check on Morgana then…my father…and there's a elderly couple that lives next to me."
"Gwe-"
Gwen hurried off carrying the water skin and bucket in hand before she even heard Taryan utter her name.
Taryan readjusted the grip of the two water skins to find herself completely failing. She put them on the ground to find the bandages on her hands partially soaked through, from the early stream. She re-tightened, ignoring the tiny pricks of dotted blood that were visible through the wet parts of the cloth. Taryan continued forward to the main street sellers, bumping into passerbers and hearing Arthur's raid in the distance with a mix of incoherent shouts and loud stomping from knights searching.
Taryan eventually passed a seller of woven baskets when she saw a man leaned against the wooden pillar of the sellers stand. A blue tint coated his skin.
Taryan felt her heart become heavier at the sight.
She leaned down to him, putting her hand on his shoulder. "Would you like some water? It's fresh from the stream."
He slowly nodded with what strength he had left.
She opened the cap of the water skin and held it to his lips and let him gulp as much water as he wanted. Taking short breaks for him to gather his breath before he licked his lips again, indicating he was ready for more water.
When he finally got his fill, he meekly wavered his hand and Taryan reclosed the top. His then gently grabbed her wrist.
"Truly…th-thank you."
She smiled at the man's clear gratitude.
"Gaius, he's still alive."
Taryan heard Merlin's voice beside her and turned towards him. Merlin immediately stepped back, recognizing her face.
"Hello again…" Merlin inquired as he crouched down beside Taryan, getting a closer look at the sick man.
Gaius approached the two of them and the sick man leaned out his arm, clearly knowing of Gaius's position as physician. "I'm afraid there's nothing we can do for him." Gaius said.
"But we haven't tried!" Merlin spoke out.
It was then Taryan realised the same scene played out in the book. The man slowly dying and Merlin's frustration only growing.
Taryan looked back and forth between Gaius and Merlin as they exchanged heated looks.
"If we don't know what the disease is then how can we cure him?"
Merlin opened his mouth then made eye contact with Taryan. He quickly shut it, rising to his feet. Gaius took the opportunity to latch on his shoulder and lead him away.
Taryan staggered to proper footing, calling out.
"Gaius…Merlin…I need to speak with you."
Gaius removed his grip on Merlin and turned back to Taryan. "I'm sorry dear, but we're busy. If you have a friend that's sick there is still nothing I can do at the moment." They continued walking, but Taryan remained in place and spoke out once again.
"I believe I know what's causing this."
This time Gaius stopped mid stride and slowly turned around. His mouth was open and he displayed wide eyes. Merlin stood next to him in a similar display. Gaius hastily walked over to her with Merlin shortly behind and Taryan almost stepped back from intimidation
"And what would be the cause?"
Now I really did it. I need to learn not to rush into things…
"Well to be honest…" Taryan begins, "I don't know the direct cause, but I believe I know how it is spreading, which is Camelot's water system."
Merlin and Gaius exchanged glances after her words.
"And what reasons do you have for this conclusion?"
"I talked to an ill man…similar to him." She lied while gesturing at the sick man who was still leaning against the wooden post. "When I asked him what he ate and drank he said he gave every last crumb to his two children the past three days and only drank from Camelot's water. I also heard rumors that it is affecting the lower towns. Water is the only thing I could point to…it's the one common thing."
Gaius nodded and looked back at the dying man who once again made attempts to grip his hands forward. Taryan visibly cringed at the sounds of doors breaking in the distance of Arthur's search.
"One more thing, I keep seeing people collapsing at sources of water. They are likely getting water for their illness only to be accidentally making it worse." Taryan added, remembering the collapsed man when she was with Gwen.
"You indeed brought some considerable thinking to the table." Gaius then looked towards Merlin. "Merlin, get a sample of the water. It seems there's reasonable reasons to look into this."
…
Merlin and Taryan leaned over the table with Gaius inspecting the vival of water. Gaius used a pair of bronze scissors and cut a newly blooming flower bud from a pot.
"What would this tell us?" Merlin asked as Gaius plopped the flower in the water.
"If the pigment of the flower is removed or unusual damage is done to its stem, then it's safe to say the water has been affected by sorcery."
The door suddenly opened, drawing all their eyes. Arthur came in with multiple guards along his shoulder.
"I'm sorry Gaius, we're searching every room in town."
"What for?" Gaius announced.
"The sorcerer." Arthur replied.
"And why would the sorcerer decide to be here?" Gaius asked, clearly not a fan of the idea of his space raided.
"I'm just doing my job." Arthur pointed at the table for a guard to search.
"Well we've got nothing to hide. Go on then, search." Gaius said.
Taryan backed herself into the small arch leading to Merlin's room to not get in the guards way. Arthur and Gaius discussed briefly on what books were in Gaius's collection, none of which obviously belonged to sorcery. Taryan leaned her side against the archway watching the guards carefully lifting Gaius's items. She looked down as she tapped the tip of one of the boots against the stairs, waiting for the search to be over. She suddenly saw two leather boots come into view in front of her own feet. Taryan looked up to find Arthur, crossing his arms in clear disapproval of her presence.
"What are you doing here?" Arthur asked, clearly suspicious.
"Actually Sire, I asked for her assistance."
Taryan couldn't help but feel relieved as Gaius stepped in for her.
You are a god sent, Gaius. Truly.
"Her? Red?"
"What?" Merlin asked. "What's Red?"
Taryan rubbed her hand down her face, stretching her eye bags as she clearly forgot about Arthur's practical 'naming ceremony' he performed this morning.
"She didn't tell you? That's her name." Arthur confidently said.
Merlin blinked and a subtle amount of shock came over him, before turning his gaze to Taryan. "You started gaining your memories?"
"Oh no, that's what I named her." Arthur replied with a toothy smile looking back at Taryan.
Taryan gave the fakest smile she could pull towards the prince.
I should have just smacked him when he made that suggestion…the cells would have been worth it.
Merlin's face slowly dropped to a disgusted expression. "Arthur, she's not a pet."
Arthur rolled his eyes then pointed to the door behind Taryan. "This is Merlin's bedroom, correct?"
Merlin awkwardly gestured forward for Arthur to enter.
Taryan stepped aside letting Arthur through. She saw Gaius pull Merlin into a close whisper and they both exchanged fearful looks.
"Well Merlin, look what I found."
Merlin ran past her under the arch and Taryan held back a smile thinking of the original moment of them, of Arthur's comment on his 'messy' room and Merlin's not so subtle way of hiding his magic book.
Taryan then watched Gaius slowly creek the wooden stairwell, yelling at a knight that was not putting his anatomy books back correctly. The knight was clearly young and he embarrassingly tried to put them back fumbling as he did so. Taryan couldn't help but smile as she looked at them, imagining the boy reacted the same way with his own grandparents.
"You are Lady Morgana's new servant, correct?" A Camelot knight suddenly came in front of Taryan, he bore a cheeky grin that dimpled on both sides.
Taryan nodded, giving them a somewhat perplexed look as some of the knights looked around each other after her indication.
Is it that big of a deal to assist a king's ward? The whispers I have heard over my shoulder were already tiring, but I would prefer it if it would remain like that, just over my shoulder and not to my face.
"Do us a favor and talk well of Camelot knights, lady Morgana is far too beautiful to simply go to a popish skinny prince one of these days."
This gathered some laughs in the group and Taryan glared her eyes at them which they only returned with large grins, as if to retaliate.
"You speak as if my lady would spare as much as a glance to you knights." Taryan said. She had worried it would come out shaky but was surprised and relieved she felt leveraged and authority in her tone.
In fairness, only about half of the knights joined the conversation while the rest solitude themselves in searching, shaking their heads at the exchange.
The original grinning knight scoffed before walking towards Taryan. She remained in place, but she wouldn't lie that her stomach hardened at the fear.
She didn't exactly want to start something but it seemed to be clearly escalating. The fiery gaze of the knight made Taryan think he only reserved it for the blood thirst of knocking down an opponent.
"Red? Was it?" The knight asked, hearing the earlier conversation involving Arthur. "It seems the rumors of you being thrown away noble are true? Pretty bold of a servant to speak to knights in such a way, especially newly arrived."
Taryan's frown deepened at the knight, half from forgetting her status as a servant and the other half from the unsettling idea that rumors and speculation were indeed being spread about her.
"Shouldn't you be busy searching my work space? Need I remind you fellows that people are dying as we speak?" Gaius spoke up for Taryan after he retreated from the upper area.
The earlier laughing knights continued their duties, but the same knight turned back to Taryan with a clear objective, seemingly unfazed by Gaius's words.
Taryan was beginning to think the knight wanted and was planning to slap her, but Arthur came out Merlin's doorway and the knight quickly turned away from Taryan. Arthur cocked a brow at the uncomfortable atmosphere he walked into, but quickly shook it off, directing his attention to Gaius.
"How long do you think it may be before you find a cure?" Arthur asked Gaius and Merlin went down the alcove of his room, standing next to Taryan.
"Depends on how many interruptions I get."
"Of course, I'm sorry." Arthur looked around the space for a final time before gathering his group and departing. "We're finished here."
The three of them slowly heard Arthur and his knights stomping away down the hall.
"I'm sorry about that dear." Gaius said to Taryan and she simply gave a tired smile in return.
Merlin looked between them before asking obvious questions of what happened, but he only found himself ignored. All their efforts were refocused as Gaius went in clear determination to the glass bottle on the table that held the flower. Gaius raised the glass up for Taryan and Merlin to which they both squinting their eyes, finding the tips of the pedals beginning to show a pure white in harsh contrast to the baby pink in the rest of the flower.
Gaius started, "Merlin, take Red with you to check the water supply under Camelot, I'll report to the king of our latest findings."
Merlin and Taryan nodded in understanding.
…..
Merlin and Taryan walked down the stone stairs, with Merlin holding the torch. The light from the torch only casted about seven steps in front of them, the rest was a dark abyss. Taryan had to lift her blue dress, afraid she would trip and barrel her way down the stairs which, no doubt, would cause alarm with Merlin.
Taryan however was more preoccupied with thinking of the book then tumbling down the stairs. Imaging the descriptions she read of piles of sheets over bodies, layered in the town.
The thought of her or anyone for the matter under the sheets unnerved her to no end.
"So…why Red to be exact?" Merlin asked, seemingly out of nowhere and Taryan had gotten used to their casual silence. She continued down the stairs giving him a side glance.
"I don't know…when a prince names something…even a tree…aren't we supposed to accept it?"
Merlin started to mutter, "Not when it's Arthur...did he force it on you? Cause if not-"
"I'm fine with it." Taryan shortened the reply, just wanting the conversation to cease.
"I don't think you entirely understand what the prince was doing." Merlin spoke again as the sound of his steps slowed on the stone stairs.
"The prince was mocking you by giving you that name. Red hair means a level of deceit and witchery. Even though you cut off the strange stained substance to your hair as he wants to remind you it was there."
Taryan felt Merlin lean back, as if to prepare for displeasement or retaliation from her, but she was only left more confused.
There was a pause in the air around them and Merlin seemed to realize what he said, sounding incredibly rude.
"Of course I don't think that, but it's just-"
"I know Arthur doesn't think well of me, you don't have to hide it. I already heard there was disproval by him with me becoming Morgana's servant.
"I didn't say that to-"
Merlin jumbled the torch while trying to correct his previous statements causing the torch to practically jump from his hands. It fell, rolling down the steps before it eventually stammered and sizzled out on a lower step a few feet in front of them. It was pure darkness now and Taryan heard Merlin give out a heavy sign before making his way down the stairs to pick up the torch. He then immediately turned around for the hike up to relight it where the fire pit was held.
Taryan remained standing in the middle of the stairs looking towards the sounds of Merlin walking. She almost caught herself asking for Merlin to just use magic to relight. Taryan obviously stopped, but the thought came to mind.
How will I tell Merlin I know about his magic? If it's possible, I want it to be on his terms. With his track record though…he will never tell me. Will things even be better if Merlin knew I know of his magic? Things might be easier or…would it just cause fear for Merlin? And if I'm being honest here…many people that knew of Merlin's magic didn't exactly live for the long haul.
Taryan's fear then transitioned to something else entirely.
Should I even be worried about tip-toeing around every obstacle when in reality…I just need to die to get back home?
Taryan felt heat come between the sides of her face, effectively getting her out of the plague that infiltrated her thoughts. She found Merlin waving the torch back and forth.
"Sorry, I was making sure you were okay, it was like you were frozen or something." Merlin said, with light illuminated between them, casting harsh shadows along the walls.
"Ah yeah…I'm fine."
Then another thought came to Taryan's mind.
From what I know of the series…Arthur isn't that forward thinking to come up with a name to apply hateful meaning? He just said Red because of my previous hair and ended it there…
Taryan looked back at Merlin as he loomed
over the stairs to see how much further it was.
So…why would Merlin…lie? It was like…he wanted a reaction from me?
….
"The water from here supplies the whole town." Merlin spoke loudly as he bended down, taking a sample of the water over the stone concealment. Taryan now held the torch to help navigate their surroundings
"I'm confused…" Taryan admitted. "We took a water sample of the water system above, that people are drinking from? Why do we need another?"
"Because…" Merlin began, "This is…in a sense…the origin of the water supply. If we are to find what type of magic did this, our best efforts should be spent here." Merlin corked the small sample bottle and Taryan let her eyes wander at the cave-like surroundings. There were scratches along the walls in some places and wooden planks likely abandoned from some past creation. Taryan felt a shiver go down her spine in a fluid movement.
This place is definitely haunted…I mean an underground castle system in the medieval times? Of course it would be haunted.
Taryan looked back at Merlin when suddenly feeling anticipation start to inch in her.
I feel like something is supposed to happen in this scene?
Suddenly Merlin backs up from bubbling water and fully fell down when something emerged. The monster conjured from Nimueh jolted up, breaking the water surface causing both Merlin and Taryan to gasp. It lifted its heavy arms with dripping water and opened its mouth revealing fangs, with water spilling over the sides of its enclosure. When Taryan looked closer, she felt she was looking at a creature that was melting, with no hint of eyes. Taryan gripped the torch tighter and backed away feeling more disgusting than actually scared.
"What hell was that?" Merlin spat out still on the ground, in a daze.
"Well isn't that the 'origin' we were looking for?" She said in a shaky breath.
….
"An afanc?" Merlin asked leaning over the table to see the drawn picture.
"A beast born of clay, and conjured up only by the most powerful sorcerer. Now we have to find a way to defeat it." Gaius lifted his wrinkled fingers off the page squinting at the many books. Merlin soon joined him, getting him extremely frustrated.
"More people will die if we spend days looking for it." Merlin said, slouching over the table.
"I would love to hear a better solution if you have one." Gaius replied. "The king has been even more agitated since I last saw him. We can't risk trying something without proper reasoning and searching."
Taryan looked at everything in Gaius' work place from measuring equipment, glass bottles of ointment, books upon books of mythical creatures, and sharp bronze tools reflecting off of candles.
Time was beginning to weigh on Taryan with it already feeling like hours they had been searching for that single page that described the afanc. Life here certainly made no shortcuts for Taryan as opposed to reading the series.
Is it really that hard to think of the solution?
Taryan's patience was now stretching as she walked back and forth across the physician chambers.
I know the creature has to be killed with the opposite elements of wind and fire, but will I be able to say it without causing suspicions? Could it cause them to think I even conjured it? They don't even know that I know of Nimueh…
"Maybe I'm out of turn for suggesting this…" Taryan twisted her hand in a circular motion. Merlin and Gaius both looked at her giving the silent 'well go on…' in their eyes. "I mean it lives in the water right? Wouldn't that mean it would be at a disadvantage if it were…so to speak…dry out? Away from the water. This thing is like a fish right?" Taryan asked.
Merlin looked up at her, his cheek coming forward against his palm from where he sat at the table. "Are you suggesting to lure it away from the water? I doubt it would be that much of a disadvantage. This is highly skilled magic…" Merlin trailed off, somewhat sweeping off Taryan's idea.
Gaius looked lost in thought for numerous seconds, scanning the books among his collection before looking at the page he found about the afanc. Merlin caught on to this asking, "Gaius? Do you have something in mind?"
"We shouldn't brush off Red's comment so easily…the afanc is made from earth and water, which is likely what the sorcerer used to conjure it. It might very well be at a disadvantage to be taken away from its elements."
"So then…" Merlin started, now leaning up from the table, "We do lure it out? of the water?"
"Possibly." Gaius included and scratched the back of his head, contemplating.
Taryan was holding back on pulling her hair.
I shouldn't say more it will cause suspicion…I shouldn't say more it will cause suspicion…I shouldn't say more it will cause suspicion.
"So…."
Stop!
"You said it was conjured with earth and water? Does that mean it has opposing elements?" Taryan couldn't help herself, internally cursing at her own obvious phrasing.
"Going by the elements…" A glint of realization came over Gaius. "If the afanc is made from water and earth…then it's safe to assume it can at least be damaged by the opposing elements."
Merlin made the table scratch as he fastly stood. "A way to kill it! The opposing elements…thats…"
"Fire and wind Merlin." Gaius' forehead made more wrinkles, internally debated the new idea.
Taryan gave an imagined fist bump in the air. No trip to the dragon Merlin, you can thank me later, "Will me and Merlin be able to handle it?" Taryan asked.
"No…I'm afraid it's better to bring more people with you. And Arthur's help will definitely prove assistance."
Merlin interjects after Gaius walking towards Taryan, "Unfortunately, the king has Arthur spending his every moment seeking the sorcerer that caused this disease in the first place."
Taryan stiffened at Merlin's words.
Seeking the sorcerer….that's right…Gwen was supposed to be accused the following day…have I done enough to stop it? Looking back now…that was rather reckless…by telling Gwen about the water. I have already altered the change of events…It's not like anything bad will happen…..
….right?
"Gaius, how many people have died from the disease so far?" Taryan asked.
Gaius tilted his eyebrow, "I would say about eight, but around fifteen others are infected though."
That seems less than it was right? I managed to get two days of work wrapped up in one…surely less people will die in the end?
"Well…" Taryan started to gently roll up her sleeves. "We convince Arthur, tonight." She pointed to the open book, "We now know what caused it and how to defeat it." Taryan said with new found confidence.
Merlin shuffled around before removing loose parchment paper on a bench for him to sit down. "In truth it's not the monster I'm worried about, waking up Arthur in the middle of the night…" Merlin pinched the bridge of his nose, "Now…that's something to be scared about."
"Middle of the night?" Taryan walked to the small window in Gaius's work space and sure enough saw the night blackness stare right back at her. "This doesn't change anything…" she started. "The longer we wait the more people that will die. I won't be able to sleep peacefully."
Even the idea of trying to sleep makes me feel guilty. I'll surely have nightmares…much like…oh gosh.
"Morgana!" Taryan suddenly spoke out, alarming both Merlin and Gaius. "I have to leave now. I was supposed to…" Taryan trailed off as she ran towards the door with Gaius calling out after her.
"Do not go out of the castle! Camelot is under curfew!"
When Taryan was about to swing the door closed, but she abruptly opened it again causing a hard creak, pointing her hand at Merlin. "And you convinced Arthur, I'll try to meet you in the square!" She shut the door ignoring the clear protest from Merlin that she heard through it.
As Taryan ran she couldn't help but think of the change or changes she had been causing in the story thus far.
Maybe it's just me…but Merlin seems less motivated to solve this…well…I guess anyone would be frantically jumping around if their friend faced wrongful execution.
Taryan cut through passages and shuffled sideways when passing servants and guards. As she got through the champers she found herself out of breath at Morgana's door.
She leaned over her knees, mumbling displeasure at the invention of stairs when the door swung open.
"Red! We were beginning to worry." Taryan heard Gwen's distress voice.
She leaned up, quickly presenting herself by smoothing her dress before she entered. When Taryan walked through the door frame she was somewhat startled to see Morgana on her bed, knees drawn close to her chest, clear anxiety engulfed her. When Morgana looked at Taryan a small smile parted her lips and she straightened her legs, feeling like a façade to cover up her thoughts more than anything.
"Morgana is stressed…as we all are… about the recent disease." Gwen spoke.
As Taryan came to the foot of Morgana's bed, Gwen and Morgana let out confused stares towards each other as Taryan bowed, her short hair flopping forward to the sides of her face. "My lady, I apologize for my absence. There is no excuse for my delay."
"Red…" Morgana's eyes sadden, "It's fine…and I'm sure you have your reasons but…out of concern…I would like to hear what they are?"
"I was giving an extra hand to the physician Gaius and his assistant Merlin," Taryan admitted. "I should have told you earlier. I'm sorry." Taryan then gave a reassuring look at Morgana. "We believe that we found what is causing the disease and frankly…I think Arthur could use your help."
That's all she needed to fully get Gwen and Morgana involved in their plans.
…
"Well…I think you got it Arthur." Morgana said with a huffed gasp.
They all remained silent after Arthur torched the creature to death with a fiery blaze, with honorable credit due from Merlin and his incantation despite the laws of the story with no one seeing it.
There was now a state of shock and bewilderment between them, Gwen and Morgana sharing glances and grinning and Merlin meeting Arthur's eyes, catching sight of his accomplishment in a confident nod.
In all of the moments Taryan had been there, this was the most she felt out of place, but it strangely didn't sadden her. If anything, it relieved her. Their strong relations and sense of loyalty were best described in the writings, but in Taryan's mind, it didn't pale to seeing it in person.
Taryan slowly walked over with everyone else still frozened and studied the creature, being much less scared knowing now it was fully dead. Curiosity then also developed in Morgana as she followed suit. Morgana went a step further and actually used the tip of her shoe to gently nudge the creature. Taryan caught a look towards Arthur who's eyes were wide and mouth agape.
"Don't touch the foul thing!? Who knows what magic it may possess!?"
Morgana simply chuckled at Arthur's comment, "I think our worries have ceased with you burning it to death?" Morgana used the end of her torch to lift up the mouth of the creature revealing its fangs. "At least it keeps its teeth whiter than yours Arthur."
With that, Arthur grabbed Morgana's shoulder and gestured for everyone to begin moving, much to Morgana's dismay. Gwen, still shocked but relieved, came to Taryan's side with a reassured smile and Taryan returned it with her own. Merlin, torch free, greatly swung his arms in expressions of Athur's swinging ability against the afanc to which Arthur rolled his eyes, clearly tired at the comedic japs Morgana and Merlin seemed to pounce on at a moments notice.
"We must immediately tell my father that this isn't some common village sorcerer he's looking for." Arthur remained silent for a few seconds, the only sounds being their steps. "We must turn his efforts away from the villages. This sorcerer is clearly highly skilled and has likely long departed since now."
Taryan matched Gwen's pace of walking and talked in a low voice. "Gwen, how is your father? I…I understand both you and him live outside the castle walls? Where the disease was mostly affected."
Gwen looked at her with confused eyes, "He's doing well," Gwen's eyes then glinted with something, turning her gaze towards Taryan. "Actually, likely thanks to you, my father and I ended up completely hale." Gwen broke her eye contact with Taryan and resumed forward, a stoic expression forefronted in her sharpening eyebrows, "Some of the families next to me sadly can't say the same, I can't thank you enough Red. Your 'weird taste' feeling really came quite conveniently."
Taryan saw Merlin's eyes flicker between them. Who she now noticed, lowered his pace of walking to overhear their conversation. "Weird taste?" He asked.
"Red told me earlier this morning…or yesterday morning accurately…" Gwen said as they approached the sun rayed entrance, it was now early light. "She told me she found the water odd and advised me not to use it-"
"Gwen, I'm sure it's nothing, just an odd feeling. Oh Merlin, I meant to ask but how long before you think the townspeople can safely drink the water again?" Taryan tried to slyly change the subject, seeing Merlin's questionably stare shoot straight at her.
"You drank the water?" Merlin asked.
"Well…yes. I did have some for my early breakfast…about a single cup's worth." Taryan responded, holding back a nervous swallow.
Merlin simply nodded hesitantly, not elaborating on why he asked in the first place. They eventually all left the entrance of the dark underground tunnels, emerging into the early sunlight and eliminating the wet mildew smell from their nostrils.
"We'll report to my father, and discuss about this…" Arthur looked towards Merlin.
"Afanc."
"Afanc." Arthur said louder than Merlin, like it would compromise for his lack of remembrance. Arthur then slumped an arm around Merlin's shoulders, moving them forward.
As they started to the entrance of the citadel both Arthur and Merlin stopped their pacing and turned around, after hearing footsteps behind them. Morgana, Gwen, and Taryan remained behind them, after each of their steps.
"Why are you following us?"
"And let you take all the credit?" Morgana snarky replied.
Merlin
Merlin groaned as they departed from Uther's study, with a less than pleased Morgana.
"You wouldn't even let me get a word in." She huffed in the air.
Arthur brought his hands flat against each other, touching the tips of his fingers to his lips. "Morgana, if I were to tell my father that you helped me torch a magical creature, I would end up in the stocks for a week."
Merlin chuckled, clasping his hands behind his back, lifting the heels of his feet. "You wouldn't last an hour."
"Well I suppose I should trust your word, you by far have the most experience in that area."
Eye glaring tension by Arthur and Merlin was broken when Gaius appeared down the hall.
Gaius approached the group, hearing the tale they told to Uther moments before. This time, it was primarily told by Morgana who felt cheated in the last telling.
Gaius would simply have a relieved smile worn, clearly tired from the stress that caused basically everyone little or no sleep.
The group then began to slowly leave Gaius, feeling as Gaius wanted to enter Uther's study.
Gaius instead called out.
"Wait…do you mind, for a moment if I could speak with-"
"Oh, of course Gaius." Arthur slapped a hand on Merlin's back, Merlin staggered a couple steps. "I wanted to go back to my chambers anyway. I can hear my bed from here calling out to me."
Gaius opened and closed his mouth, carefully choosing his next words. "Actually Sire, I was going to ask if lady Morgana minded if I chatted privately with Red for a moment."
Silence fell to the group with eyes turning to Red and she looked the most confused from anyone. She slowly gave a nod and Merlin couldn't help but look back and forth between them. A slight twist in his stomach forming.
"It's quite alright, take all the time you need. Gwen?" Morgana said as they both walked down the hall.
Arthur soon followed but Merlin couldn't help but look back briefly at them.
What on earth would Gaius possibly need to ask her?
Merlin gave a quick glance to Arthur as they rounded a corner, who yawned and wiped a tired tear from his left eye.
I…I have to think of something….
"Oh crud! I accidentally left…my…my handkerchief!" Merlin proceeded to slap his entire body, looking for the non existent handkerchief. "Damn…I must have dropped it a few…I'll be back…if I find it that is."
Arthur looked at him, appalled. "Have you gone ill? What's that around your neck?" Arthur gave him bizarre eyes.
"Not this one prat…it's my green one." Merlin shouted as he started to jog.
Arthur yelled back, "Since when, have you had a green one?!"
"You keep track Arthur? Well I'm flattered."
Arthur swung his hand in the air, simply giving up on Merlin.
Merlin pitched his lips, shaking his head for not finding a better excuse when he slowed his footsteps. Practically tip-toeing into a stone alcove on one of the halls, where he could barely make out the voices of Gaius and Red.
"Well, enough about your memories, Red. I also wanted to personally thank you for your help this past day."
"Oh Gaius…" Red began to say, "That's quite alright. Please."
"Nonsense."
Merlin leaned farther over the alcove edge, his ear at the cut corner.
"I doubt we would have found the solution as quickly as we did without your assistance."
Merlin rolled his eyes at Gaius's compliments.
I'm sure if I just went to that damn dragon originally I could have cut this disease in half the time.
Merlin became more bold and narrowed his eyes around the corner. He found Red to be giving a sheepish smile. "It's nothing Gaius, many people would have done the same in my position."
"I don't know many who would risk their work and job to help such a matter?" Gaius raised an eyebrow.
"Thats- I…I explained my negligence to lady Morgana. She understood completely of my sudden disappearance and my want to help both you and Merlin."
"I didn't mean anything by it," Gaius patted her shoulder gently. "I'm beginning to think Morgana swiped you too quickly. Perhaps you could consider being a possible apprentice of a physician."
Red's eyes widened along with Merlin's with Gaius's suggestion. Their similarities stopped however, when Red quickly let herself enthralled in a giggly laugh. She swung her hand in a foolery expression of Gaius's proposal. When Gaius remained still, face hardened, Red coughed and brought seriousness to her own appearance.
"You are not serious are you? I mean…it was just a fluke…I am not that skilled in the arts of medicine or anything involving anatomy." Red voiced out.
Gaius raised his eyebrows, "If it wasn't for you we wouldn't have discovered the water being the cause so quickly…not to mention, it was your critical thinking that got us to the conclusion of how to defeat the afanc in the first place."
"Well…I am flattered you think I have shown promise in this work…but I like where I remain now. Assisting lady Morgana."
"It was just a suggestion, Red. Don't think too much into it."
Red bowed with a smile before scurrying off to get back to Morgana's side. Merlin stumbled back into an alcove in the stone wall, watching Red pass him without a hint of acknowledgment from where he hid. Relieved he wasn't caught he let out a breath, but quickly began questioning Gaius's implication and why he would want her of all people to assist him.
"I know you're behind there Merlin."
Merlin shut his eyes uponing hearing Gaius's voice.
Rats… he thought.
"I didn't know you were so keen on replacing me?" Merlin walked out, arms crossed, playing the defensive card immediately.
"I'm not replacing you. You are practically under Arthur's wing. I need all the help I can get so forgive me for showing interest in potential." Gaius proceeded to walk forward and Merlin dropped his arms to his sides to fastly catch up with him, dropping his tough facade.
"Why Red though? That girl's shaky background…I would have thought you chose your possible apprentices more harshly?"
Gaius looked at Merlin briefly, "It's not everyday I get caught off guard by someone, especially someone with no prior medicine knowledge."
"Supposed, no prior medicine knowledge." Merlin corrected, Gaius gave him a stern look. "What? I am just clarifying what is known about her, which is nothing…and you want to make her a possible apprentice?"
"Is there something you aren't telling me concerning Red?" Gaius finally asked.
Merlin paused and strangely, Kilgharrah words yet again resurfaced in his mind.
"There is a uncertain entity in this realm"
Merlin mentally shook his head.
Why that again?
Gaius signed and Merlin realized he never responded to his early question. Merlin opened his mouth, but Gaius's next words shut it quickly.
"I mostly said it to gauge her reaction," Gaius admitted. "The way she reacted…perhaps it may have just been a fluke as she said."
Gaius and Merlin started to ascend stairs to lead to their chambers.
"Gaius," Merlin began. "Would it have been possible for someone to have tasted the enchantment in the water?"
Gaius looked at Merlin in pure confusion and a spark of fear.
"Don't tell me you drank it?!" Gaius barked out.
"I didn't!"
"If you are lying boy-"
"I'm not!"
Gaius seemed to have calmed down at Merlin's denial, but Merlin's heart still raced from his accusation. "Not if they were a highly powerful sorcerer," Gaius responded. "I wasn't able to sense anything when I tried to reveal the enchantment myself, it's clear it is highly skilled magic meant to mask anything, including taste."
They reached the top of the stairs but Merlin suddenly stopped.
Then…how was she? Am I just mistaken?
"If a person were to drink a single cups worth…what would that mean?"
"Seems oddly specific Merlin?" Gaius gave another questioning brow before continuing, "Anyone that consumed a decent sip of the water would show even small symptoms…a whole cup's worth would definitely result in at least one of the dangerous symptoms concerning the disease."
Merlin paled at Gaius's words.
If she…she seemed never better? But how?
"Anyone who consumed the water would show symptoms? It wouldn't be lessened for anyone?"
"Yes Merlin, is this leading towards something?" Gaius asked.
Merlin skimmed his feet.
"I'm sorry Gaius, I forgot to do something."
Merlin shuffled down the stairs they just ascended, almost tripping. Merlin could feel Gaius's suspicious eyes locking on his back.
….
Merlin walked down the last stone steps, a small shiver coming down his shoulders from coldness and dread for the conversation to come. He opened the guarded gate and emerged through Kilgharrah's cave entrance.
Merlin waved the torch, "Hello?"
"Hello," Kilgharrah chains rattled as he flew down to perch himself on the large rock. "The great warlock returns, as I knew he would."
"Yes…I have been a bit busy…had to deal with killing an afanc."
The dragon gave way to ponder in his gaze, "A tricky creature…it's good to see that you warlock, can indeed solve magical instances without my continuous propositions."
Merlin gave a slight nod, "Yes, but…I actually didn't come down here to brag about my recent endeavors. I wanted to ask you about-"
"Your avoidance to my advice, dispelling the unknown entity."
"Yes…I am afraid…I can't exactly narrow down what you mean."
"Well your task should be much easier now," The dragon flocked his wings in irritation. "I can now feel their presence directly in Camelot as we speak."
"What?" Merlin backed up a single step.
No…that doesn't make any sense. I…I can't just assume-
He shook his head in disbelief and refusal, "No…you truly believe this thing you feel means harm? against Arthur?" Merlin received nothing from the dragon and he marched up to the edge of the cave dwelling. "When exactly did you feel this presence enter Camelot? you told me in this very spot, that you felt a presence but it was not in Camelot? at least not yet."
"If you would have visited me sooner you likely would have been given an immediate answer."
"You never called for me?" Merlin snapped.
"Forgive me for having faith you already dealt with it accordingly by imprisoning them, my mistake."
Merlin shut his eyes and breathed harshly through his nose and Kilgharrah luckily continued. "I felt the presence enter eight sunsets ago."
Merlin started counting on his fingers with the dread he was feeling in his stomach earlier tightened. The tightness coming over him in a fluid motion.
That's…exactly when…
"No…it can't be…but she-"
"She?" The dragon leaned forward. "So you did discover something?" Kilgharrah wrinkle his head skin, mouth beginning to show the insight of yellow teeth.
"Ah Nothing! Well…It's just…" He looked back at Kilgharrah who displayed hungry eyes.
He is not going to let this go…
"There is this girl." Merlin admitted, despite his uncomfortableness.
"I acquired that much. A powerful sorceress I reckon?" The dragon asked.
"Not exactly." Merlin shifted the torch to his other hand. "Morgana happened to stumble across a girl in the woods. She seemed to be a victim of a kidnapping…but there are some strange traits."
Kilgharrah leaned closer, clearly enthralled in the new developments. "She…Gaius suspects she is a noble woman, but I have some doubts. We also can't exactly prove our theories with her suffering from amnesia."
Kilgharrah suddenly laughed, startling Merlin. "What?" he asked, somewhat annoyed at his interruption.
"If this is indeed the lucid creature, it is clearly not as skilled as I originally thought," The dragon bitterly chuckled. "Amnesia? The oldest trick in the book to gain sympathy."
Merlin continued with his explanation of Red, despite Kilgharrah rudely intruding. "She works under Lady Morgana where it seems she enjoys herself. Gaius has taken a liking towards her. Something about 'potential' in his work." he muttered.
For the first time, Kilgharrah seemed perplexed at this which at the same time relieved but unnerved Merlin. "She is moving rather quickly for someone who just arrived." The dragon paused, "What of Arthur?" Kilgharrah asked.
"He's more suspicious than I am. In hindsight, he questioned it more than me at the start. I have only just begun to suspect that Red is the strange 'entity' you mentioned."
"Red is her name? So her supposed amnesia hasn't completely eradicated her thoughts."
"Well about that…Red is actually the weird name Arthur gave her. I'm still confused on the exact steps of that arrangement." Merlin scratched the wood of his torch remembering Red's annoyance to the whole thing. He held back a smirk.
"Arthur bestowed a name? A royal to a supposed commoner?"
"Well when you phrase it like that…"
Merlin couldn't help but feel the concept somewhat humorous.
Bestowed? No…that is too refined for Arthur…more like harassment and gloating prilvages.
"So this entity has already infiltrated Camelot and now has gained the relationships of Morgana, Gaius and Arthur? Do I stand corrected?"
Merlin bit the side of his cheek, and nodded while dragging his eyes away.
"Is she…to say…of the enchanting group?"
"Of the echanting group?" Merlin said, as if saying it out loud would make him realize. When it didn't, his lips clicked, "What does that mean?"
"Able to glamour eyes of those in front of her."
Merlin paused, furthering his brows and furthering his confusion. "I never saw her eyes light up from magic if that's what you are asking."
"No Merlin, is she pretty?"
Merlin scoffed and fumbled his torch, nearly dropping it. "So glad you think so highly of me that you think I am easily influenced by the appearance of a woman." Merlin looked directly back at the dragon eyes, "I guess her features are on the more attractive side…if that's what you're asking."
"I asked this young warlock, as she might be using her assets to strike Arthur's fancy."
Merlin let out a cackle, raising his eyebrows, "If that is her goal then she is seriously failing at it. If Arthur could have stopped Red from being Morgana's servant he would have," Merlin looked off for a moment, "Besides…Red seems to be in no hurry to gain Arthur's favor."
Merlin thought back to the 'test' he played out, lying about Arthur's hidden insult with Red's hair. He remembered being on the stone stairs, ready to retrieve the water with Gaius's command. Her reaction was anything but he expected as she simply wanted to move on from it. In truth, he wasn't exactly sure why he did it. He was suspicious of her, yes, but she had done nothing to warrant behavior that might make her out of line. Now, Merlin wanted to shake his past self hand. If he learned one thing from his experiment, Red always wants to take the easy way out of conversations, never spending a second more than she has to with discussion about herself.
It was odd.
Merlin could feel his head crinkling from frustration.
Or perhaps I am reading too much into it and she simply has yet to under the weight of magic in Camelot. She supposedly has lost all her memories after all, but if that is truly the case…you would expect her to be more alarmed and unsure of things? How would someone with no prior knowledge of…anything…have such good reasoning skills? What she said about the water being tainted with the lower towns and people she witnessed…was it a lie to cover her own tracks to how she actually figured it out? With Gwen simply saying it outright?"
"I only have one quick solution, it is also rather easy warlock. A true test of justice."
Merlin stepped forward even closer to the caves edge, eyes locked with Kilgharrah. "What do I have to do?"
"You must kill her."
