"I'm here." The dragon assured the pair, before looking over them with a critical eye. "How small you are for such a great destinies!" He said.
Alexia narrowed her eyes.
" Destinies?" She asked.
The dragon gave a nod.
"Why? What do you mean? What destiny?" Merlin asked. The dragon turned to him.
"Your gift, Merlin, was given to you for a reason."
"So there is a reason." Merlin breathed.
"Arthur is the Once and Future King who will unite the land of Albion." The dragon told them.
Alexia nodded showing she understood, while Merlin looked astounded.
"Right." Merlin said, not wanting the dragon to know he had no idea what it was talking about.
"But he faces many threats from friend and foe alike." He said.
"I don't see what this has to do with me... With us." Merlin asked.
"Everything. Without you, Arthur will never succeed. Without you, there will be no Albion." He told them.
Alexia was shocked." But what am I supposed to do?" Alexia thought in her mind. Surprisingly, she recieved an answer in her mind only.
"Alexia, you are called here for some reason. Your knowledge that you have, is, as you can guess, way more valuable than you can ever imagine. You know things which no one else does. You, young witch are here for a great purpose. You will discover it soon." The great dragon said.
Alexia looked shocked. She was here for a great business.
Alexia nodded and looked at Merlin who was in some deep thoughts.
Probably thinking about what kind of person Arthur is.
Suddenly Merlin shook his head vigorously. "No. No, you've got this wrong."
The dragon stared at him with an impassive gaze. "There is no right or wrong, only what is and what isn't."
"But I'm serious!" Merlin argued, throwing his hands in the air in frustration. "If anyone wants to go and kill him, they can go ahead. In fact, I'll give them a hand."
Alexia would have laughed at his statement but the newly found weight on her shoulders stopped her.
But the dragon did the job. He just laughed. "None of us can choose our destiny, Merlin, and none of us can escape it."
Merlin just shook his head. "No. No way. No. No. There must be another Arthur because this one's an idiot."
"Perhaps it's your destiny to change that." The dragon said mysteriously, before flying off.
"Wait! Wait! Wait, stop! No, I, I need to know more!" Merlin shouted after the dragon, but it was no use.
Alexia stared at the dragon. This was a now something she never imagined. Her destiny is here. In this world. Where, how she reached, she didn't know. Alexia sighed and then huffed. There were still unanswered questions and she will find it. No matter what.
Whom is she destined to change and who bought her here... All these questions were now roaming in her mind.
Next day...
Gaius walked into their room, and was shocked seeing the mess. But it was in only half side. The other half was clean and clear.
"Hoy!" He exclaimed, shocking Merlin and Alexia awake. "Have you seen the state of this room?"
Merlin shrugged his shoulders and gave his best innocent look. "It just happens." He said.
"By magic?" asked Gaius, unbelieving.
"Yeah." Merlin replied, obviously lying.
" I don't see any mess with Alexia. Well, don't worry, you can clear it up without magic. And then I want you to get me some herbs: henbane, wormwood, and sorrel. And deliver this to Morgana. Poor girl's suffering from nightmares." He gave Merlin the medicine as he walked out, while tossing some of the clothes at Merlin's head for good measure.
"Mmm, I know the feeling." Merlin muttered.
He glanced at Alexia who was still rubbing her eyes due to sleepiness.
Merlin shook his head.
" I am going to give this to lady Morgana. You get ready by the time I come. We can then collect herbs for Gaius" he said.
Alexia just nodded.
He left.
Merlin entered the open door to Morgana's chambers, just in time to see her disappear behind a changing screen. "You know, I've been thinking about Arthur. I wouldn't touch him with a lance pole. Pass me that dress, will you Gwen?"
Merlin hesitantly grabbed the dress and passed it over the changing screen.
"I mean, the man's a total jouster." Morgana continued. "And just because I'm the King's ward, that doesn't mean I have to accompany him to the feast, does it?" When she hears no answer, she asks, "Well, does it?"
"Mm-Mmm." Merlin answered in a high pitched voice, shaking his head.
"If he wants me to go, then he should invite me, and he hasn't."
Merlin looked around, trying to figure a way out of his situation. But unfortunately, he found none.
"So do you know what that means?"
"Mm-Mmm." Merlin answered in a high pitched voice once again.
"Where are you?" Morgana asked, peeking over the screen.
"Here." Merlin answered in a high pitched voice, hiding behind one of Morgana's cloaks. Once she went back to changing, Merlin peeked through the neck of the cloak.
"It means I'm going by myself."
Merlin put the cloak down and started to leave.
"I need some help with this fastening." Morgana called out, stopping Merlin in his tracks.
At a loss for what to do, Merlin turned around and stopped. Gwen entered unseen behind him.
"Gwen?" Morgana called.
"I'm here." Gwen replied. Merlin whirled around to see her standing behind him.
"What are you doing here?" Gwen mouthed.
Merlin sighed in relief, and quickly motioned that Morgana needed help dressing.
"Oh." Gwen mouthed.
Gwen nodded. Merlin mouthed something to Gwen before he left and she helped Morgana. Morgana came out behind the screen in a new dress, carrying another gown.
"So, it's whether I wear this little tease..." She said, admiring the dress in a mirror before holding up another gown, "...or give them a night they'll really remember." Gwen just gave a nod.
A knock sounds at the door, which opens to a serving girl carrying a bowl of fruit.
"Lady Helen." She said, curtsying and holding out the fruit. "Compliments of the King."
"Come in." Lady Helen waved. She picked up an apple from the bowl and sat at her vanity table.
"So sweet. How will I ever repay him?" She said, sounding thoughtful.
"When he hears you sing. Well, that will be more than enough won't it? I'm really looking forward to the performance." The young serving girl said, starting to clean up around the room.
"So am I." Lady Helen agreed in a more sinister tone.
"I love singing, you know." The serving girl began to babble as she cleaned up and organized the room. "I sing all the time. My betrothed says I have the voice of a fallen angel." When she picked up the cloth covering the mirror, the true face of Lady Helen was seen. The serving girl tried to leave, but the witch grabbed her arm and sucked the life from her, leaving her pale and cold.
Merlin met Alexia at the gates.
" Where the hell were you? I am waiting for past fifteen minutes." Alexia exclaimed.
" It was life and death situation. I entered Lady Morgana's chambers while she was changing. Gwen saved me." He whisper yelled. Alexia mouthed and 'oh'
" Well let's leave. We have many herbs to collect." Alexia said grabbing his arm and dragging him to the market.
Merlin, Alexia and Gaius entered the great hall, and immediately Merlin's eyes landed on Arthur and his friends at the far end. They were all laughing. "... Alex..." The knights laugh, and the prince says, "...so I stood up and..." Arthur feinted a punch into one of his mate's stomach. They laughed.
Alexia frowned. This was far from truth.
Arthur turned and did a double take as Morgana walked into his line of sight. All the men stare.
"God have mercy." Arthur whispered.
Everyone stared at Morgana as she passed. Merlin too was looking at her.
Alexia, noticing the object of Merlin's staring, nudged him hard. " Ow!" He yelped. "Merlin. Remember, you're here to work." Alexia whispered.
"Oh, yeah." He said rubbing the side of his stomach.
Merlin continued to stare at Morgana as Arthur approached to talk to her. Alexia rolled her eyes. Morgana was beautiful but she was going to turn evil. Wait a minute. She was here to change destinies. Maybe she could change her destiny.
Gwen sidled up next to Merlin.
"She looks great, doesn't she?" Gwen said.
"Yeah." Merlin readily agreed. Alexia glared at him.
" Hello Gwen." She greeted.
" Hello Alex!" Gwen replied.
"Some people are just born to be queen." Gwen sighed continuing.
" No!" Alexia and Merlin said quickly. Alexia thought as the scene with Morgana as queen came in front of her eyes. She quickly shook her head.
"I hope so. One day. Not that I'd want to be her. Who'd want to marry Arthur?" Gwen said.
Alexia snorted realising the irony.
Merlin chuckled. "Oh, come on, Gwen. I thought you liked those real rough, tough, save the world kind of men." He said, pouring a drink.
"No, I like much more ordinary men like you." Gwen disagreed.
Alexia controlled her chuckle at the flirting going in front of her eyes.
Merlin gave a half smile at the irony of her statement. "Gwen, believe me, I'm not ordinary." He said.
"No, I didn't mean you, obviously." Gwen said, trying to backtrack. "Not you. But just, you know, I like much more ordinary men like you."
Merlin looked at her for a moment before he answered "Thanks." In a tone that said he wasn't sure if it was a compliment or not.
Alexia just turned and left the place controlling her laughter. She went to Gaius.
" So enjoying your very first feast?" Gaius asked.
" You should ask Merlin about it." She said and chuckled.
Humming, Lady Helen walked out of her chamber past the dead body of the poor serving girl.
As the guests began to seat themselves, Uther got up to speak. "We have enjoyed twenty years of peace and prosperity. It has brought the kingdom and myself many pleasures, but few can compare with the honor of introducing Lady Helen of Mora."
The guests applauded as the music began and Lady Helen stood up to take her place. While Alexia was glaring daggers at the lady. She looked at Merlin who was standing at a side, few feet away from Arthur. Atleast he was near to him, to protect him. She went and stood beside him.
" I am not getting a good vibe here." She said. Merlin just furrowed her brows, keeping his eyes on the lady as she began to sing.
Blah khien barrah fweelah,
Blah khien aiza krum,
Aloe khio bragam harah eefnell,
Broe floe mesing lah, breeyoolah naaadryu.
Sorin sar akhwah, roe hagroe nonestroe,
Broilin sar akhwah, mortsin danah bradeh,
Broilin sar akhwah, noe-…
Weeben proe, proe sah yakmah, haryay nakhah:
"Agah Madah Sadah Hagah!"
As she continued to sing, the members of the audience slowly began nodding off to sleep. Merlin and Alexia noticed what was happening and clamped their hands over their ears.
" Merlin!" Alexia whispered.
Not noticing that Merlin and Alexia were still awake, Lady Helen stalked forward, her full attention on the sleeping Prince Arthur as she pulled out a dagger from her sleeve. Merlin and Alexia glared at her in shock.
Alexia nudged Merlin and pointed at the chandelier. Merlin stared at the chandeliar and his eyes glowed golden as he magically dropped the chandelier on her as she raised her arm to throw the dagger.
Alexia sighed and as the song stopped, every one started to come out of spell.
They look confused watching the witch, Mary Collins, lying under a chandelier, taking her last breath, when she summoned all her last will, to pick the dagger and throw it at Arthur.
Merlin grew nervous and his eyes flashed gold again, the time slowed and Alexia and Merlin grabbed Arthur pulling him, saving his life.
The dagger was now stuck in the royal chair, where it could have been Arthur's heart if he didn't get pull.
With a groan, Mary dies, while Uther and Arthur stare in amazement at Merlin and Alex.
"You two saved my boy's life. A debt must be repaid." Uther said.
"Oh, well..." Merlin started.
"Don't be so modest. You shall be rewarded." Uther cut him off.
"No, honestly, you don't have to, Your Highness." Merlin tried to argue.
"No, absolutely." Uther insisted. "This merits something quite special."
"Well..." He started, while Alexia stayed quite thinking what would happen.
Uther's face brightened as he came up with an idea. "You two shall be rewarded a position in the royal household. You shall be Prince Arthur's manservants." He decides, clapping Arthur on the back before walking away. The entire court starts clapping.
Alexia stared wide eyed.
Merlin too was shocked.
"Father!" Arthur complains. Arthur and Merlin look away from each other unhappily.
Arthur then turned to glare at Alex, while she stumbled under his gaze.
After few minute when the feast ended.
Alexia and Merlin were sitting in their room, slumped and thinking deeply.
Gaius knocked on chamber's door and entered, carrying a package covered in red fabric. He noticed the pair looking at the single flame of the burning candle.
"Seems you both are heroes." Gaius said, as he entered.
Merlin laughed once. "Hard to believe, isn't it?"
Alexia chuckled with him.
"No." Gaius and Alexia both said disagreeing with a smile. "I knew it from the moment I met you. When you saved my life, remember?"
" And mine too!" Alexia added.
Merlin looked confused. "But... Today... that was magic."
Gaius nodded, and said "And now, it seems, we finally found a use for it."
"What do you mean?" Merlin asked.
"I saw how you both saved Arthur's life." Gaius said.
Alexia and Merlin glanced at each other and smiled.
"Perhaps that's its purpose." Gaius said
Merlin sighed as he looked at Alexia. "Our destiny." He muttered. Alexia nodded.
"Indeed." Gaius agreed. Handing the package he was holding to the pair, he explained, "This book was given to me when I was your age, but I have a feeling it will be of more use to you than it was to me."
Unwrapping the cloth, Merlin saw the leather cover of a book. Unlatching it, he began to flip through the pages. "But this is a book of magic." He said shocked.
Gaius nodded. "Which is why you must keep it hidden. I think Alexia can handle the responsibility." He said joking at the end.
Alexia nodded smiling and they laughed.
"We will study every word." Merlin and Alexia vowed, a giant grin on their face.
Knocking at the door interrupted their conversation. "Merlin, Alex, Prince Arthur wants you right away." A guard called.
Gaius nodded his head towards the door. "Your destiny's calling. You'd better find out what he wants." He said.
Both just nodded and left the chambers.
They reached the door and opened it, without knocking.
" I think you never heard about knocking." Arthur said.
Alexia just rolled her eyes while Merlin just looked at the prince.
" Now, we all know we never wanted to be in such a place, but unfortunately we are. So it's better you both learn about my routine and other things. And from day after tomorrow you can begin your duties." Arthur said.
" Yes, sire!" Merlin and Alex said.
" You can go." He said.
" Prat! " Merlin whispered when he and Alexia started to leave.
" I heard that." Arthur called from behind. In return they just rushed their pace leaving the room.
Finally reaching the chamber, Merlin picked the book they left on bed.
Alexia turned to Merlin and took the book. Rubbing a hand on it, she felt chills across her spine.
" It's amazing. And.. and.. ticklish." She said mumbling the last word, hoping Merlin didn't hear.
" Did I hear ticklish?" He asked with a smirk. Alexia's eyes widened and before she could run, Merlin quickly grabbed her waist and started tickling her badly. Alexia started laughing hard with tears flowing her eyes.
She tried to get Merlin away, resulting in both falling on her bed with Merlin on top of her. Her hair covered her face while Merlin stared at the locks, sliding then away.
" Uh! I think we should hide the book." Alexia said and Merlin nodded looking away awkwardly. They got up and hid the book under Merlin's bed under a loose floorboard.
" Good night Merlin!" Alexia said.
" Good night Alexia." Merlin replied and they both drifted to sleep.
That night Alexia woke up, breathing hard. Her eyes filled with tears. Maybe her nightmares didn't leave her.