The beginning of end
A young boy walked through the market of Camelot with his father. The duo approached a storekeeper.
"Do you have my supplies ready? We must leave the city without delay." The man said quietly to one of the stall workers.
The stall worker reached under the cart, pulled out a small pouch and handed it to him. "Everything you asked for, it's all here. I'm sorry."
The man looked up at the stall worker in horror at those words, while guards approached from both sides. The boy and his father ducked under the merchant's table to run through the market.
"Seize him! Stop there!" A guard yelled.
The boy and the man were forced to run into the palace grounds with the guards at their heels. A guard jumped at them and slashed the boy's arm. Merlin and Alexia, who were walking through a palace hallway, heard the boy's telepathic scream.
Alexia stopped. They looked around but saw nothing.
"So where is sir Edward today? I think you are missing him." Merlin said, thought he didn't want, but he couldn't help getting a bit.. jealous, no offcourse not. According to merlin, it was just... Uh.. a bit anger.
Alexia gave him a look.
"He is sent for some work our of the city. Honestly, you can't believe his stories. My god, he just talks about himself." Alexia said.
Meanwhile, The man grabbed his son and pointed a hand at the guard before yelling a spell. The spell thew the guard into the rampart wall. The boy couldn't run far because of his injury, so he and his father got stuck on the drawbridge.
The man looked around frantically before focusing on the gates. "Abanne átí." He yelled.
The spell shut the drawbridge gates.
"Run! Run, run!" The man told his son. The kid ran through the gates before they closed. The boy turned back to see that his father allowed himself to be caught.
Merlin and Alexia walked down a corridor of the castle.
"I am truly relieved for..." Alexia stopped when they heard a child's voice exclaim, "Help!" Merlin and Alexia stopped to look for the owner of the voice, but no one was around.
They glanced at each other.
" Did you.."
" Yes." Alexia cut him.
They quickly entered the Square, looking slightly confused, when they heard the voice again. "Help me! Please."
Merlin reached a hand up to his head and stopped to look around again. Alexia realised this must be Mordred. They saw the kid sitting by a stone ledge, looking at them. Alexia gasped in shock. This boy...
"Please. You have to help me." Mordred told them telepathically. Alexia looked at the boy with a realisation.
Looking confused for a moment, Merlin realized the boy was using telepathy. "Help me."
Merlin and Alexia saw as the guards entered the Square.
"Search in there. Take the other side. You, did you see a boy run in here?" The guards questioned.
"They're searching for me." Mordred informed them..
"Why are they after you?" Merlin questioned telepathically. Alexia jumped a bit as she heard Merlin in her head.
"They're going to kill me." Mordred exclaimed, looking frightened.
" Don't worry! We are coming to help you." Alexia replied the boy in her mind.
Merlin looked at her in shock.
One of the guards motioned to the others. "Guards! In here!"
Merlin and Alexia ran to a side door, looked at the guards, and then nodded to Mordred. "This way. Run. Run!" Alexia told him.
Mordred ran to Merlin and Alexia, holding his wounded arm, catching the attention of one of the guards. "Hey. There he is! Alert the rest of the guards!"
Alexia looked at them and her eyes flashed gold as the men froze at their place.
Merlin gave her a glare, but it was broken as Mordred reached there.
Alexia grabbed Mordred's hand and they ran up the stairway.
"In there. Quick, down there. We've got 'im." The guards called to one another. After they were free.
Merlin, Alexia and Mordred ran up the curved stairs leading to Morgana's chambers before bursting in with Mordred.
In Morgana's chambers, Morgana and Gwen were standing near the table laughing. "Have you forgotten how to knock?" Morgana exclaimed in shock.
"The guards are after him. I didn't know what to do." Merlin said as he, Alexia and Mordred catched their breath.
A knock at the door sounded, "My Lady? My Lady?" A guard called. Morgana and Mordred meet eyes, and Morgana stared at him with a confused expression.
" Please Morgana!" Alexia whispered in pleading tone.
"In there." Morgana whisperd, motioning to the alcove. She waited until Merlin, Alexia and Mordred were behind the curtain to open the door.
"I'm sorry to disturb you, My Lady." A guard said apologetically.
In the alcove, Mordred collapsed into Alexia's arms.
"We're searching for a young Druid boy. We believe he came this way." The guard informed her.
"I haven't seen anyone. It's just me and my maid." Morgana replied nonchalantly.
"Best keep the door locked till we find him."
"Of course. Thank you." Morgana nodded before quickly shutting the door.
Morgana closed the door and ran to check on Mordred. Alexia raised her hand to discover that it was covered in Mordred's blood. The four exchanged worried glances.
" We need to treat this." Alexia said.
They looked at her.
" Best wait for few minutes. They are still searching." Merlin reminded her. Alexia nodded but her expression were still worried.
" I have some work." Alexia whispered.
" Take care of him." She said quickly getting up and leaving the chambers. The trip shared a look.
In the council chambers, Uther and Arthur were standing around the table. "The Druid was only in Camelot to collect supplies. He meant no harm. Is it necessary to execute him?" Arthur asked.
"Absolutely necessary. Those who use magic cannot be tolerated." Uther said.
"The Druids are a peaceful people." Arthur argued.
Uther gave him a look. "Given the chance, they would return magic to the kingdom. They preach peace, but conspire against me. We cannot appear weak."
"Showing mercy can be a sign of strength." Arthur argued.
Uther turned around from where he was walking away. "Our enemies will not see it that way. We have a responsibility to protect this kingdom. Executing the Druid will send out a clear message. Find the boy. Search every inch of the city." Uther left the council chambers.
In Morgana's chambers, Mordred lied awake. Morgana and Merlin watched the Square below as Cerdan was waiting to be executed. Uther and Arthur stood on the balcony overlooking the execution.
"People of Camelot," Uther began his speech, "the man before you is guilty of using enchantments and magic. Under our law, the sentence for this crime is death. We're still searching for his accomplice. Anyone found harboring the boy is guilty of conspiracy, and will be executed as a traitor." Morgana and Merlin exchanged looks. "Let this serve as a warning to your people."
Suddenly Merlin heard something.
" Listen! There is no time for my identity. I am going to slow the time and produce smoke. Just leave as you get chance and run to the back door."
Merlin knew this was Alexia. The man glanced here and there for source but found none. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath before looking at Uther.
"You have let your fear of magic turn to hate. I pity you." The man stated loudly.
"I can't watch this." Morgana cried, as she left the window and sat down on the floor, cradling Mordred. Uther signalled for the man to be executed. But suddenly smoke covered the whole area. People stared coughing.
The man quickly stood up and ran to the back door.
He entered the passage running a bit forward when he saw a girl.
" I am Alexia. You have to get our of here. Quickly." Alexia told him.
" Cerdan." The man quickly told his name.
" But my.."
" I know. Your son is safe. Just go to your druid group. You will soon have your son back." Alexia promised.
" Thank you Arian!" The man said. Alexia frowned at the name but shook her head quickly.
" Just vanish. You know how to do it?" She asked.
" I know the spell, but I don't think I am that powerful." He said.
Alexia looked behind and saw that the smoke started to clear up.
" We don't have time." She said. She closed her eyes and held his hands. In few seconds, both of their bodies glowed gold.
" Go now!" Alexia said desperately.
The man nodded.
" Please keep my son safe." The man said.
" I will!" Alexia promised.
The man chanted few words and vanished on the spot.
Alexia quickly returned as the smoke vanished. As soon as the vision cleared, panic broke out.
Everone looked around in search of the man.
Uther looked furious.
" Search the man." He yelled and the gaurds quickly started the search.
In the physician's chambers, Merlin and Alexia were eating food, watching as Gaius worked at another table. After a moment of silence, Merlin finally worked up the nerve and asked, "Do you know much about the Druids?"
"Very little. They're very secretive people. Especially now they're being hunted by Uther." Gaius suddenly stopled writing and stood up straight. "Merlin, please tell me you haven't got yourself mixed up in this."
Alexia ignored it and continued to eat.
"Me? No. Mixed up in what?" Merlin denied badly.
Gaius just looked unconvinced. "For someone with such a big secret, you are a terrible liar."
"Well, I haven't done anything." Merlin replied.
"Merlin..." Gaius warned.
Alexia looked up and sighed before telling Gaius, " We heard the boy calling out. He was nowhere to be seen, but we could hear him... like he was inside my mind."
"Yes, I've heard of this ability." Gaius said. "The Druids look for children with such gifts to serve as apprentices. While they're searching for this boy, you must be especially careful otherwise it'll be your head on the chopping block."
"I'm always careful. You know me." Merlin smiled.
" Besides if the man has escaped, he surely would not leave his son behind. They both could have escaped long ago." Alexia argued. Gaius looked a bit convinced at that.
Merlin and Alexia saw the guards poking their pole arms through a hay cart in the castle courtyard.
When they entered Morgana's chambers, Alexia quickly went to the boy's side. While Merlin stood behind Morgana. He finally asked her, "How is he?"
"He's sleeping. He's very pale. I worry he may have lost a lot of blood." Morgana said.
"Has he said anything at all?"
"Nothing. He won't even tell me his name." Morgana looked up at him.
Merlin laughed lightly and leaned against the wall. "You know, er, for a moment there earlier, I- I thought you were going to hand us over to the guards."
"I'm glad you have so much faith in me, Merlin." Morgana said sarcastically.
Her words sent him backtracking. "No, no, sorry. Erm, I meant, you're the King's ward. You're taking a huge risk helping the boy."
"I wouldn't see an innocent child executed. What harm has he ever done anyone?" Morgana said, looking down at Mordred.
Merlin replied quietly. "Uther believes he has magic, and that makes him guilty."
"Uther's wrong." Morgana argued.
Merlin looked up to catch her eye. "You believe that?"
"What if magic isn't something you choose? What if it chooses you?" Morgana looked up to see Merlin staring at her with a half smile on her face. "Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Nothing." Merlin said, immediately dropping his smile and looking towards the floor.
Morgana gave him a searching look. "Why are you helping him?"
Merlin just shrugged.
" They were behind a child for god's sake. How can someone be so horrible? He is just a child." Alexia exclaimed.
Merlin averted his eyes and looked down at a sleeping Mordred. "What do you think we should do with him? He can't stay here."
"We have to find a way to get him back to his people." Alexia said, remembering her promise.
Later that night, in the council chambers, Morgana was dining with Uther.
"You seem troubled, Morgana. Is something wrong?" Uther asked, noticing her unusual quietness.
Morgana shook her head. "No, My Lord. I'm sorry I'm not better company."
"I'm merely concerned for your welfare, that's all." Uther replied, reaching for his wine goblet.
"Thank you, My Lord. All is well." Morgana gave him a wide smile.
Arthur entered the council chambers. "What news of the hunt for the Druids?" Uther asked immediately.
Arthur leaned against one of the chairs at the table. "We have conducted an extensive search. The man and his son are nowhere to be found."
"You mean you failed to find him?" Uther replied, leaning back in his chair.
"Perhaps, they already left the city." Arthur offered.
Uther scoffed. "You're telling me that a wounded boy and a captured man are able to evade the guards and escape the city? Nonsense, they are hiding here only. I want them found."
"The are Druids. What harm can they do?" Arthur argued.
"Exactly. They are Druids, and that makes them dangerous." Uther replied.
"The Druids would see your father's kingdom destroyed." Morgana commented.
Arthur raised an eyebrow. "I had no idea you were such an authority on Druids."
"Morgana is right. Double your efforts."
"Yes, father." Arthur replied, clearly annoyed.
"Keep searching until you find him." Uther called after him.
In Morgana's chambers, Merlin and Alexia checked on Mordred the next day.
Merlin put a hand on his forehead. "He's burning up. How long has he been like this?" He asked, turning to Morgana, who was kneeling beside him. He looked at Alexia who was sitting in front of him, beside the boy .
"Since early this morning." Morgana replied. "I think his wound may be infected. We need Gaius before it gets any worse."
"No. We can't involve Gaius. It's too dangerous. Besides, if he finds out about this, he'll execute me himself." Merlin muttered.
" I can cure him. Easily. I just need few herbs. They are in Gaius's chambers" Alexia said.
" After that we have to get him out of Camelot." Alexia completed.
The other two nodded.
The sound of approaching footsteps and knocking at the door caused them to turn around. Morgana closed the curtain to the alcove and went to open the door to reveal Arthur standing there.
"Arthur! To what do I owe this pleasure?" Morgana asked pleasantly.
"Don't get all excited. It's not a social call. I'm looking for the Druid boy. I'm afraid I'm going to have to search your chambers." Arthur informed her.
"You're not searching my chambers." Morgana scoffed.
Arthur sighed. "Don't take it personally. I have to search the entire castle. Only take a few minutes."
"I'm not having you mess up my things."
Arthur looked around the room. "I'm not interested in your things, I'm just looking for any evidence that the Druids are in the castle."
Merlin peeked through the curtain and saw Mordred's boots sitting out in plain sight.
"Perhaps the Druid boy's hiding in your chambers. They're usually such a mess, you'd never know." Morgana retorted.
Arthur laughed. "It's hardly my fault I have two lazy idiots for a servants."
Alexia narrowed her eyes from behind the curtain.
Merlin whispered under his breath, "Bestepe 'scós." The boots tiptoed towards Merlin.
"If you can't even find your own servant, what hope do you have of finding the boy?" Morgana taunted.
"Gestælle scós." Merlin whisperd as he saw that Arthur might catch the shoes. The boots hid behind a column.
"Really, I'm touched by the confidence you have in my abilities" Arthur replied sarcastically. "And, as much as I'd love to stay and talk, the sooner we get started, the sooner we'll be finished."
Seeing that Arthur was not looking, Merlin chanted, "Ástýre scós." The boots tiptoed to Merlin behind the curtain.
"Well, I'll save you the trouble."
"Trust me, if I could find any of them, I would." Arthur said.
"The Druid boy's hiding behind the screen." Morgana stated, smiling. "I'm sure your father would love to know how you wasted your time by rifling through my things. Go on."
"So you can have the satisfaction of making me look a fool?" Arthur retorted.
"In my experience, you don't need any help looking like a fool." Morgana laughed." What are you waiting for? Take a look." She said, motioning towards the curtain where Merlin, Alexia and Mordred were hiding.
"Why don't you go back to brushing your hair, or whatever it is that you do all day?" Arthur asked, annoyed.
Arthur stomped out, as Morgana called after him, "Bye, Arthur. Good luck with the search!" Arthur scowled and slammed the door to Morgana's chambers. Merlin and Alexia sighed in relief.
" Just few minutes and I will be back with all the necessary herbs." Alexia said.
" I will come with you." Merlin said.
Alexia nodded and they left.
In Gaius' chambers, Alexia picked all the necessary herbs and was leaving the door.
" Let me get sure for the cure." Merlin said and started searching through books to find a cure for Mordred's illness.
Alexia rolled her eyes and left the room.
While Merlin continued the search.
"Bites, bruises, burns, wounds... Infections..." He mumbled. Looking at the book, Merlin finally found the cure.
"Ah, there you are. I need you to pick some heather for me." Gaius said as he entered.
"Er, can I do it later? I was just going out." Merlin asked.
Noticing the book on the table, Gaius asked, "Who set this book out?"
"It was me. I was doing some reading." Merlin admitted.
Gaius beamed. "Oh? I'd given up hoping you might take more of an interest in my work."
"No. It's fascinating." Merlin lied.
"Merlin, you are riddle wrapped up in a mystery."
Merlin grinned and nodded. "That's me. I was just getting some cleaning supplies. Arthur's been complaining about the state of his chambers."
"I think Arthur's chambers can wait. I'm not missing the chance to begin your education." Gaius smiled.
"Really. I should go." Merlin tried to head for the door.
"Sit!" Gaius ordered. Merlin sheepishly walked back and sat at the table. "We'll start with some basic anatomy..." Gaius pulled out a giant volume and slammed it on the table.
Later that day, Morgana opend the door for Merlin to enter.
"What took you so long?" Morgana hissed.
"Sorry. Once Gaius gets talking about anatomy, there's no stopping him." Merlin replied, looking at Alexia who was waiting for him.
" Need any help?" Morgana asked as Merlin and Alexia sat beside Mordred.
" Can you fetch some water?" Alexia asked.
Wanting to help, Morgana nodded, "I'll get you some more water."
Alexia quickly glanced at her and applied medicine. She then closed her eyes and opened them, which were glowing gold.
" This will help him to cure quickly." She explained Merlin.
Mordred lied there with his eyes half open, he said telepathically, "Thank you, Arian, Emrys!"
" Why do you call us that?" Alexia asked telepathically, confusion laced her thoughts.
Mordred opened his eyes fully to look up at them. "Among my people, that is your name."
"You know who we are. How?" Merlin asked telepathically. Mordred passed out once more, and Merlin impatiently said out loud "Speak to me."
"I don't know if he can't speak, or... he's just too scared to." Morgana said, coming around the curtain carrying a pitcher of water.
In the bowels of the castle, Merlin and Alexia saw the guards continuing to search the castle as they went down the Tunnel Corridor to the Dragon's Cave.
"Hello?" Merlin called, looking out for the dragon.
The dragon climbed around a corner and roared at him, making Merlin and Alexia jump. Merlin sighed. "Do you have to do that? You scared the life out of me."
The dragon flied to his normal perch and faced the pair. " No doubt you're here about the Druid boy."
"How did you know?" Merlin asked curiously.
"Like you, I hear him speak." The dragon replied.
"Why does he called me Emrys?" Merlin asked.
" And he called me Arian!" Alexia said.
"Because that are your names." The dragon stated.
Merlin gave the dragon a confused look. "I'm pretty sure my name's Merlin, always has been." He replied cheekily.
"You have many names."
" Me too?" Alexia asked. The dragon nodded.
"Do we? How does the boy know who we are? I've never even met any Druids. And I am sure Alexia too hasn't" Merlin asked.
The dragon gave him a stare. "There is much written about you that you have yet to read."
Alexia shrugged and looked at him. Thinking if the dragon would warn them yet again about the boy.
" Alexia, you don't know what you are doing. You are changing a destiny. It is not easy to defy a destiny." The dragon said.
Alexia raised a brow.
" Well I am doing so!" Alexia replied.
"What kind of destiny are you talking about?" Merlin asked.
" If Alexia wouldn't have been here, I would have asked you to not to save the druid boy." The dragon told Merlin.
Merlin looked shocked.
" Why?" He asked.
" That question, I don't think now needs to be answered. Since the young witch is changing it." The great dragon said and took flight.
Alexia was smiling broadly at the given information.
She finally saved two lives. Mordred and Arthur.
She turned to Merlin and grabbed his arm. They both left the tunnel.
" What do you think you have changed about his destiny?" Merlin asked.
Alexia just shrugged innocently.
At night, Alexia decided to sneak up to Mordred. She was not willing to sleep. Her nightmares would haunt her again. So she decided to go to Morgana's chambers. The said lady was pacing in her room.
" Lady Morgana!" Alexia called.
Morgana glanced up.
" Alexia!" She replied.
" You are not asleep?" Alexia asked.
" I was actually keeping an eye on the boy." She replied glancing at the recovering boy.
" You can sleep my lady. I will take care of him." Alexia said.
Morgana nodded and went to bed.
Alexia went to curtain and sat beside him stroking his hair.
" I promise I will change your destiny. The cruel fate will never achieve its goal." Alexia whispered planting a kiss on his forehead. Her eyes flooding with tears.
" I won't let anything happen to you Jake! I am sorry!" She whispered in tears hugging the boy.
Next day, Morgana, Merlin, and Gwen watched the guards stop everyone who passed through. Alexia was feeding Mordred some soup.
"Halt there." The guards stopped a man pulling a cart out through the gate.
"The guards are searching everyone leaving the town." Gwen whisperd.
"There is another way out. There's a secret door in the armory. It leads to the lower town. I'll take the boy out that way." Merlin told them.
"No. It's too dangerous. I'll do it." Morgana replied. Gwen gave her a disbelieving look.
"But I-I'm good with secret doors and things." Merlin stuttered.
"If you are caught, Uther will execute you. The boy's my responsibility. I'll smuggle him out of the castle." Morgana said decidedly.
"Well, you'll need a key for the door." Merlin informed her.
"Who has it?" Morgana questioned. Gwen looked between the two of them.
"Arthur." Alexia said from behind, coming towards the group.
" It will be dangerous. It was my choice to bring in the boy. It must be me to take him out." Alexia said.
The three stared at her.
" I took him in Alexia. I will be the one to take him out. Uther will execute you in a second if you are caught." Morgana reminded her.
" Who said he will catch me?" Alexia asked.
" No Alexia. You two go and bring me the key. I will smuggle him out." Morgana decided.
Alexia was about to protest, Merlin stopped her.
That night, Arthur dined on soup in his chambers. After setting the bowl down, Merlin moved out of the way, but he focused on the key ring on Arthur's belt. While Alexia was setting the bed, her eyes on Merlin.
"Inbringe, cume mec." Merlin whispered softly. The spell made the keys float off of Arthur's belt.
"Is there any bread?" Arthur asked, turning his head.
The keys produced sound as Merlin floated them behind Arthur's head as he turned. "What was that?" Arthur asked, hearing the keys.
"What?" Merlin replied politely.
"There was a sound." Arthur said.
"Was there?" Merlin asked, looking innocent.
Arthur turned to Alexia, who just shrugged innocently, shaking her head a bit.
Merlin continued floating the keys behind Arthur's head as he stood up to search for the sound. "What is that? Can't you hear it?"
"I can't hear anything." Merlin replied innocently.
"Are you deaf? It's like a...jangling sound." Arthur said irritated.
The keys continued to jangle behind his head as Arthur walked towards Merlin.
"There!" Alexia pointed behind Arthur.
Arthur spinned on the spot and ran towards the window. "What?"
"I thought I saw something." Alexia lied.
Arthur moved to where Alexia pointed, and Merlin dropped the keys into the soup.
Arthur spinned around and questioned, "What was that?"
"What was what?" Merlin replied.
"A different sound, like a...like a splash." Arthur explained.
Alexia faked a gasp.
" Arthur! Are you fine? Hearing sounds isn't a good sign!" Alexia exclaimed.
Arthur glared at her.
" I am not going mad!" He stated sternly.
" No no no! I am not saying that. But I think you must visit Gaius. Common." Alexia said coming behind him and giving a little push.
" Common Arthur, let's go." Alexia said pushing him despite his protests.
Alexia gave a wink to merlin while exiting.
Merlin grabbed the keys from the soup.
Morgana left her chambers with Mordred, while Merlin and Gwen headed to Gwen's house to wait. Morgana and Mordred managed to escape the castle, but a servant girl saw them and ran from there.
Arthur was sitting on a stool while Alexia recounted what happened in Arthur's chambers. Gaius was looking confused and glanced at Arthur.
" Sire! I don't think it was necessary. You are absolutely fine." Gaius assured him.
Arthur nodded.
" Thank you Gaius, but my maidservant thought I needed to see you and dragged me here." Arthur said glaring at Alexia. Alexia made a small pout in protest. Suddenly the door was opened and a gaurd stormed in.
" Sire! Two people are spotted in the castle. We believe they are the Druids." The gaurd said.
Alexia and Arthur both looked alarmed. And both for different reasons.
At Gwen's house, Gwen prepared some travel supplies while Merlin paced. "I hope they're OK. Morgana really cares about the boy. I've never seen her this way with anyone." Gwen said.
"I'm sure she just wants to protect him. Besides Alexia is more attached to the boy. I don't know the reason but everytime she sees him, I can see a different emotion in her eyes." Merlin replied.
" You seem to understand Alexia way too much." She said.
Merlin glanced at her then continued his pacing.
Arthur walked through the armory with a guard.
"A servant saw someone entering. They had a boy with them." The guard reported.
Arthur saw the revealed door and checked his key ring, but the key is missing. "Sound the warning bell." He ordered.
Merlin looked out the window as the warning bells sound and saw them. "They're coming." He said, and he opened the door to let Morgana and Mordred enter.
"There's enough food for three days." Gwen told her.
"Your horse is fed and watered." Merlin reported. "I'll take you to it."
"No. There's no point in all of us risking our lives." Morgana argued.
"What about you? " Merlin asked.
"I'm the King's ward. I'll take my chances." Morgana replied.
"Morgana!" Gwen exclaimed.
"I couldn't live with myself if anything happened to either of you. We must go." Morgana said.
"Goodbye, Emrys." Mordred told Merlin on his way out.
As they exited after few moments Alexia entered.
" Don't go now mor..." She started but stopped as she saw only Merlin and Gwen.
" Shoot!" She cursed and ran. Merlin quickly stepped forward grabbing her arm pulling her back.
Morgana and Mordred tried to run, but Arthur and the guards approached through their exit. Morgana and Mordred hid in a nearby building. Arthur entered after them.
"Fan out." He orders.
Morgana and Mordred made a break for it, but they ran across a guard and Arthur blocked the other side of the path. Arthur drew his sword and placed it at Morgana's back.
"Halt, or I'll run you through. Show yourself." Arthur ordered.
Morgana turned around to reveal her face. Arthur was shocked.
"Let him go. I beg you. He's just a child." Morgana begged him.
Arthur debated, looking at the guards around him. "Restrain them." He ordered.
" What the hell are you doing Merlin?" Alexia yelled.
Merlin held her arms and turned her restraining her.
" Alexia! Stop!" He said.
Alexia yanked him and broke into tears.
" I am going to lose him second time. It's all my fault I can't even protect him." She said in tears.
Merlin and Gwen stared at her broken state in shock.
" Alexia, stand up common." He said and help her to stand.
" We can't be weak. Right? We have to help the boy." He asked and she nodded.
" So stop crying. Let's go." He said.
She nodded again.
Merlin helped her back to the castle, while Gwen stared at their retreating figures half heartedly.
In the council chambers, Uther looked furious. "All this time, you've been hiding the boy in my own palace. How could you betray me like this?"
"I would not see him executed." Morgana replied coldly.
"I've treated you like a daughter. Is this how you repay me?" Uther asked.
"I did what I thought was right." Morgana retorted.
Uther looked furious as he stalked towards her. "You think it's right to conspire with my enemies against me?"
"How can this child be your enemy? He's just a boy." Morgana argued.
"He is a Druid." Uther said.
"Is that such a crime?" Morgana asked.
"His kind would see me dead and this kingdom returned to anarchy and you would help them." Uther exclaimed.
"Then punish me... but spare the boy. I beg you." Morgana asked softly.
"Make arrangements for the boy to be executed tomorrow morning." Uther ordered.
"No! Please. He's done nothing." Morgana begged.
"Let this be a lesson to you." Uther replied coldly.
"You don't have to do this."
"Do you hear me? I want him executed at dawn." Uther said harshly.
Arthur looked up, and replied, "Yes, Father."
"What have these people done to you? Why are you so full of hate?" Morgana exclaimed, going after Uther.
Morgana marched towards Uther and grabbed his arm. Uther grabbed her throat and pressed her against a chair back. "Enough! I will not hear another word! Do not speak to me until you are ready to apologize for what you've done." Uther then left, and Arthur followed him.
Merlin stood there, his hand on a chair. Alexia was sitting in the chair. Morgana was standing near them.
"I promised that I wouldn't let anything bad happen." Morgana said.
"You can't blame yourself. You tried your best." Alexia consoled.
"It's not enough." Morgana said.
"He's in jail now. There's nothing more we can do." Merlin said.
" I can not let him die." Alexia said.
" Morgana will you do me a favour?" She asked.
Morgana nodded.
" You have to talk to Arthur." Alexia said.
In another scene, Arthur followed Uther down the corridor.
"Perhaps imprisonment is a more suitable punishment for the boy. I mean, he's so young." Arthur offered.
"It would allow him to grow more powerful, more dangerous, until he strikes against us." Uther replied.
"We don't know he's gonna strike against us. He's yet to do anything." Arthur reminded him.
"It is enough that his people conspire to overthrow me. This is harsh, but necessary. I take no pleasure in killing the boy." Uther told him.
"Well, then spare him for Morgana's sake. She's clearly grown attached to the boy, and if you execute him I fear she will never forgive you." Arthur asked him.
Uther stopped and rounded on Arthur. "I do not seek her forgiveness! She has betrayed me!"
"Yet you're sparing her." Arthur pointed out.
Uther stopped. "She has the promise I made her father to thank for that. The boy enjoys no such privilege. He will be executed at dawn. Is that clear?"
When Arthur entered his chambers, Morgana was waiting for him.
"Make yourself at home." Arthur stated sarcastically.
Morgana stared at him. "You can't let your father execute the boy."
"You're lucky he's not executing you." Arthur replied. When a thought came to him, he added, "Are you telling me he really was behind the screen when I came to search your chambers?"
Morgana nodded, much to Arthur's annoyance. "I know you believe your father's wrong to execute him."
"What I believe doesn't matter. My father's made up his mind. He won't be talked out of it. I tried." Arthur took off him sword belt and grabbed a goblet from the table.
"Then the time for talking is over." Morgana stated firmly.
Arthur just gave her a look before going to stand at the window. "Whatever you're thinking, it's not going to happen."
"We have to get the boy back to his people." Morgana said.
"No. Forget it." Arthur refused.
"I can't believe you'd let an innocent child die!" Morgana exclaimed.
"It's too late. He's been caught. I have no choice." Arthur stated.
"And is this how you will rule when you are King? You're not like your father." Morgana said quietly.
"I will not betray him." Arthur said, his eyes flashing before he turned back to the window.
"If I know you at all, you won't stand by and let this happen. Please. If you won't do this for the boy, then do it for me." Morgana begged.
Alexia and Merlin walked through the courtyard, Merlin watched the executioner sharpen his axe.
Merlin and Alexia entered Arthur's chambers, and Morgana and Arthur looked at them.
"Sorry. Are we interrupting something?" Merlin asked.
"Nothing you need concern yourself with. Go make yourself useful, muck out my horses." Arthur said flatly.
"I trust them." Morgana replied.
Merlin and Alexia stood in the doorway, looking between them, until Arthur motioned for them to enter.
"We're going to break the Druid boy out of the dungeons." Arthur replied.
Alexia beamed.
" Thank you Arthur!" Alexia said with a huge smile.
Arthur stared at her.
" What? I can't see him getting executed." Alexia told him.
" But it's too dangerous for Morgana. She's already been caught once, and if the King catches her a second time he'll never forgive her." Merlin reminded them.
"I'm not worried for myself." Morgana replied.
Arthur looked thoughtful, and interrupted, saying, "Merlin's right. When my father finds out the boy's escaped, he will suspect you being involved."
"It's suicide." Merlin agreed.
Coming up with a plan, Arthur told Morgana, "You must go to my father and apologize. Dine with him, he cannot hold you responsible if you're with him when the boy escapes."
"You need me if the plan's to work. You can't do this on your own." Morgana reminded him.
"Merlin will take your place." Arthur smirked.
"Me?" Merlin asked.
"I'm going to take the boy out through the burial vaults." Arthur explained. "There's a tunnel that leads beyond the city walls. Get my horse from the stables and meet me there. There's a grate that covers the entrance to the tunnel. Bring a rope and a grappling hook to pull it off."
Merlin nodded.
" Bring two horses Merlin." Alexia interrupted.
" If Arthur is going for hunting he must need his servants. Alas Merlin, you always behave like an idiot on hunting. And he can't come back without hunting anything good." Alexia said with a smirk. The other three stared at her in shock.
" What?" She asked.
" You have to answer something to your father." She said. They all nodded.
In Morgana's chambers, Gwen helped Morgana dress for dinner with Uther. "Thank you." Morgana turned around and saw Gwen's expression. "What is it? What's wrong?"
"You're risking so much for this boy. You don't know anything about him. You don't even know his name." Gwen said worriedly.
" I can't say no to Alexia, have you seen how she reacts around the boy? I can't let her down. She always helps everyone in need. I think we can do this much for her." Morgana said.
Gwen nodded.
"I must go to Uther." Morgana said
"Good luck." Gwen wished.
In the council chambers, Uther was dining as Morgana entered with tear stained cheeks. "I have come to apologize, My Lord. You have been generous and kind and fair. And I owe you everything. I truly don't know what came over me. I acted without thinking of the consequence. My behavior was unforgivable." She gasped.
"I am glad you've seen sense." Uther replied. "Dine with me. Let's put this" he cleared his throat "unfortunate incident behind us."
In the dungeons, Arthur descended the wrought iron stairway. He stopped halfway and dropped a smoking bag down to the guards, who coughed and passed out. Arthur grabbed their keys and opened Mordred's cell.
"Don't be scared." Arthur assured him. "I've sent word to your people, I'm taking you to them. You must come with me." Arthur took Mordred's hand and lead him out. They headed down a tunnel with a torch.
"This way." Arthur told him.
The guards woke. "It's the Druid boy. He's escaped!"
Arthur and Mordred reached the gate at the end of the tunnel. However, neither Merlin nor Alexia are there.
"Merlin! Alexia!" Arthur whispered out into the darkness. "Don't worry, they'll be here."
Suddenly the warning bells chimed.
Morgana was dining with Uther.
"Guard!" Uther yelled.
A guard entered.
"Find out why they've sounded the warning bell."
"Yes, My Lord." The guard bowed out.
Merlin and Alexia reached there.
" Sorry! But this idiot." Alexia panted.
" Quickly!' Arthur urged.
The pair nodded.
Merlin attached the grappling hook and pulled off the grate. Alexia sat on her horse. Merlin lifted Mordred up onto the horse in front of Arthur.
" I don't know when I will pe perfect in riding horse?" Alexia muttered stressed.
"If my father asks where I am, I've gone on a hunting trip. Alexia is my servant, so she is with me. You'd better make yourself scarce, or they'll execute you in his place." Arthur told him.
" Sorry Merlin!" Alexia apologized in her thoughts.
Merlin flashed her a smile.
"Goodbye, Emrys. I know that someday we will meet again." Mordred told Merlin telepathically.
"My Lord. I regret to report that the Druid boy has escaped from the dungeon." A guard reported to Uther in the council chambers.
"What! How?" Uther yelled.
"My Lord, he was assisted by some accomplices. The guards are searching Camelot as we speak."
"Find him and his accomplices and kill them." Uther ordered.
"Yes, My Lord." The guard bowed out again.
"If I discover that you were somehow involved in freeing this boy, the consequences will be extremely severe." Uther said harshly.
"My Lord, you know I respect you too much to ever betray you like that." Morgana replied.
Uther looked down at her, furious. "I made a promise to your father that I would protect you. But if you cross me again, I will break that promise without a second thought."
Uther left and Morgana scowled after him.
In the woods, Arthur, Alexia and Mordred met up with the Druids.
Cenred ran towards Mordred and hugged him.
" How could you leave your son behind?" Arthur asked in anger.
" We believed our lord and lady would help him." Cenred replied. Arthur looked confused while Alexia was surprised.
"We are forever indebted to you, Arthur Pendragon, for returning the boy to us." One of the druids said.
"You must not let it be known that it was I who brought him to you." Arthur told him.
"We will tell no one. You have my word." The druid assured him.
Alexia quickly ran to the boy and dropped to her knees hugging him.
" Listen to me carefully. You are the most wonderful kid I ever met. And most bravest one too. You survived in an enemy's shelter for so long. Just remember this." She said planting a kiss on his forehead.
" You don't even know how special you are to me." She said as a tear rolled down her eye.
Mordred raised her hand and wiped the tear. He pecked her cheek and returned to her father.
The druids turned to leave. "Wait, I don't even know your name! At least tell me your name." Arthur called after them.
Mordred looked up at his father. "It's all right." He assured the boy.
Mordred turned to look and Arthur and Alexia and said, "My name is Mordred."
"Good luck, Mordred." Arthur wished him.
" Good bye Arian. We would meet soon." Mordred said telepathically.
" Good bye Mordred." She replied.
The druids walked away.
Alexia looked to see Arthur.
" Prepare a bonfire. We have to camp out tonight." He ordered.
Alexia nodded.
She prepared a bonfire and she and Arthur sat around it.
" Why did you help him?" Arthur asked.
" Huh?" Alexia replied broken from her trance.
" I asked why did you help him?" Arthur repeated.
" You don't know Arthur. He was... He was just like Jake. When I first saw him, I thought he returned. But how?" Alexia said as tears threatened to fall.
" He was so small! But so brave. I regret that day everyday. He gave his life for me. He was the best brother one could ever ask. He... He died in an accident. Because of me." She whispered with tears.
" I regret it everyday Arthur. I could have been more careful. He saved me but died himself. So when I saw Mordred. It was just like god gave me another chance. I wanted to protect him with my life. And I promise to do it. If we ever meet again." She finished with a small sad smile.
Arthur stared at her in shock. He never imagined that maybe, she had a life before this.
He placed his hand on Alexia's shoulder, and cleared his throat.
" Uh! I was thinking.. maybe you would like a day off tomorrow. After all we hunted and are tired." He told her. Alexia smiled at him.
This was the closest thing Arthur could say for comfort.
Alexia nodded and they laid on their bed rolls.
" I will keep first watch." Alexia said and Arthur nodded. She needed some time alone.
And when he woke up, it was already dawn. He got up and saw Alexia sitting by a tree staring at nothing, in her trance.
" Why didn't you wake me?" He asked.
Alexia quickly snapped her head towards him, getting alert. As she saw him, her stance relaxed.
" You are going to do your duties today. I will just be having a day off. So..." She answered.
Arthur nodded and they left back for the city.