First of all thanks to everyone who all reviewed my work. Thankyou very much. It truly means a lot to me. I hope you all would love this.
Now let's get to the chapter...
The labyrinth of Gedref
In Camelot, next morning, Gwen saw a man running past her in the Lower Town, the guards chasing him. When they passed by, Gwen looked over by the well and saw water dripping from the spout. Tilting her head slightly in curiosity, she went to it, putting a bucket under the spout, and pushed the pump. To her surprise and glee, water gushed out.
In Arthur's chambers, Arthur and Merlin gulped down large mugs of water. "Never knew water could taste so good."Arthur admitted, setting his mug on the table.
Merlin looked into his mug, and gasped, "My throat was so dry, I thought I wouldn't be able to talk."
"Well, at least some good would've come from the drought, then."
Merlin gave him an unamused look, and asksmed, "More?"
Arthur motioned towards his mug as a reply, and Merlin filled it.
"The sand's disappeared. The water returned to the well. It doesn't make any sense." Arthur mused.
"I think it does. Anhora said you would be tested. And last night, in the grain store, you let that villager go. And he said it would bring its own reward." Merlin said.
"He was merely grateful, and so he should have been."
"Maybe that was your first test. You passed it, so the curse has begun to lift. Perhaps this is your reward." Arthur looked thoughtful, and tilted his cup as he thought.
"If you're tested again, you have a chance to end your people's suffering. I know you want that more than anything. Perhaps we should seek Anhora out." He suggested.
Arthur was quiet for a moment before saying, "I cannot negotiate with sorcerers. My father wouldn't hear of it."
"Then it's probably best you don't tell him." Merlin replied quickly.
Arthur narrowed his eyes slightly, clearly giving Merlin's words some thought, before getting up and saying, "I must go check on the guard. See if you can find me some food."
Merlin muttered "Find some food!" A squeaked and rustle catched his attention, and Merlin saw the rat climb out of a hole in Arthur's boot.
With a golden flash of eyes, and a muttered " Swealt déor," the rat squeaked it's last.
In the castle courtyard, there was an even larger group of people waiting outside the outside the grain store for food. The queue stretched far beyond the city gates. Walking among them was Arthur and Morgana.
"Who are they?" Morgana asked softly.
"They've come from the outlying villages in search of food. There's not enough rations to feed the people who are already here."
"You shouldn't blame yourself." Morgana tried to comfort him. "I'm sure you're doing everything you can."
A look passed across his face, and he muttered, "It is not enough." Before he walks away.
As Arthur left, Gwen approached with food stolen from the palace kitchens. Wanting to help, Morgana and Gwen passed it out among the waiting people.
In Arthur's chambers, Merlin poured some meat stew into a bowl.
"Lost my appetite." Arthur said sullenly.
"You have to eat something."
"I can't. Not while my people are starving." He looked up at Merlin. "Do you really believe I'm responsible for the curse?"
"I'm afraid so."
"We're going to the forest, first thing in the morning. Maybe we can pick up Anhora's trail. Whatever it takes."
Merlin laughed happily before he said, "Okay, but you have to eat. You won't be able to help anyone if you're too weak to pass the test." He pushed the bowl forward before stepping away.
Arthur took a bite of the stew, and made an odd face. "What kind of meat is this? It has a very strange texture."
"It's pork." Merlin replied.
"This isn't pork. It's far too stringy. What is it? It's, erm..." Arthur put down his spoon as a thought occurred to him. "It's rat, isn't it?"
Merlin nodded before replying, "Try not to think about it."
Arthur took a long drink of water before starting in sarcastically, "Look at me. I'm being rude. Here I am, stuffing my face with this delicious stew when you're hungry, too."He got up and patted the chair. "Come on. Take a seat." Arthur forced Merlin down into the chair. "Eat." He commanded.
Merlin took a bite of the stew and made a disgusted face, while from behind him Arthur can't help but add an, "Mmm." When he hesitated with the next spoonful, Arthur grabbed his hand and forced it towards his mouth.
After that bite, Merlin closed his eyes and screwed up his mouth. "It's actually pretty tasty."
"Mm. Well, I'm glad you like it. Because..." Arthur fetched the pot of stew, and leaned over the table menacingly, "...there's plenty more."
A knock at the door interrupted them and Arthur called out in a low tone, "Enter." He turned to face the door with a surprised, "Morgana?"
"I hate to ask, but I was wondering if you had anything to eat..."
Arthur paused , looking between the table and Morgana, and Merlin smiled.
The next morning, Merlin and Arthur searched through the woods for Anhora.
"I'm not entirely sure what I'm looking for." Merlin called out.
Over the sounds of birds cawing, Arthur explained, "You're looking for footprints or broken branches." He studied something on the ground intently. "Anything that would indicate someone passed that..."
Arthur catched sight of Anhora moving away. "Merlin! Merlin! He's here!"
Arthur ran off after the sorcerer, leaving Merlin behind.
"Arthur?" Merlin yelled. Not having seen where he went, Merlin went down the wrong path seconds after Arthur turned a corner.
Running a bit far, Merlin came face to face with Anhora.
"You!" He said. Anhora nodded.
"Emrys! We finally meet." Anhora said.
Merlin nodded.
"What do you want? Why are you not lifting the curse?" Merlin asked.
"The curse is not my doing. But you need to understand, it's necessary that the curse is lifted, or Camelot will be doomed." Anhora said.
"You said that before too." Merlin said.
"Yes I did! But you need to realise, if the curse is not lifted, the purity will leave this realm. The only chance for a bright future will be doomed too. A heart of gold, who appears in many centuries, will leave the realm. And it won't be good." He said.
"I am not understanding." Merlin said.
"Your friend had a life force of gold aura." Anhora said before disappearing.
Merlin was now totally baffled, but suddenly something clicked.
" You would be astounded to know, her life force was of gold."
"Alexia! Purity!" Merlin said slumping on the rock nearby.
"She is dying. And if the curse is not lifted, she will leave this realm." Merlin said as he realised.
"She is the one, a heart of gold, appeared once in many centuries. If she entered another realm, Camelot is doomed." He whispered shocked.
Meanwhile, Arthur continued chasing Anhora, with Anhora always just ahead of him, when he came across Evan sitting next to a camp full of food.
"You?"Arthur accused breathlessly. "You're a thief."
"Wasn't that obvious when you caught me stealing your grain?" Evan replied, definitely amused.
Arthur tried to dismiss this, starting to walk away. "Fortunately I have more important things to deal with."
Evan quickly stopped him, saying, "You didn't really believe that story about my children, did you?"
"What kind of man lies about starving children to save his own skin?"
"Your people starve because you let thieves steal their grain. That is why they doubt you." Evan mused.
"You don't speak for my people." Arthur argued, once again trying to walk away.
"Hey, your father would never have allowed himself to be fooled like that." Evan called, trying to get a reaction.
Arthur stilled, takimg a step forward and threatenys, "You hold your tongue, or I will make time to teach you some manners."
"Your father would have had me executed, but you didn't have the stomach for it, did you, Arthur?"Evan continued. "And that's why he doubts you'll make a good king."
"You know nothing of what my father thinks."
"I think he wishes he had another son, one who was worthy of taking his place. You shame him." Evan taunted.
Arthur breathed out harshly through his nose. "Pick up your sword."
Evan did so, chuckling while he did, all the while continuing with his comments. "The King must fear the day when you will take the throne."
Without another word, Arthur attacked Evan. Arthur swung widely a few times and missed, Evan easily jumped out of the way.
"He fears you do not have enough strength to defeat his enemies." The two exchanged several more blows, with Evan driving Arthur back further into the trees. With a wide circle of his sword, Evan forced Arthur's sword from his grip and up a nearby embankment. Arthur quickly scrambled after it, and Evan can't help but add, "The King must wonder if you are even his son."
Arthur started fighting even more fiercely, anger overwriting everything. After a few more harsh strikes, he gained the upper hand and delivered a fatal blow, but Evan suddenly disappeared. Anhora appeared behind Arthur.
"This is your doing?" Arthur realised.
"It was a test to see what is truly in your heart." Anhora replied gravely.
"Your tricks prove nothing!" Arthur exclaimed.
"Why did you kill this man?"
Arthur looked outraged. "He insulted my honour!"
"You could have chosen to ignore his taunts. What harm would they do you?"
He ignored Anhora's words, and threatens, "You will lift the curse, Sorcerer."
"It is not in my power."
"Then you will die." Arthur tried to strike him, but Anhora disappeared and Arthur fell to the ground.
"Killing me will not help you." Anhora pointed out reasonably.
Arthur tried to strike at him again, but Anhora disappeared once more and Arthur fell to the ground again.
Anhora stood over the fallen Arthur with the grace of an unwilling judge. "You have shown that you would kill a man to defend your pride. You have failed the test. For this, Camelot will pay dearly."
"My people have done nothing!" Arthur yelled.
"Your people's suffering is not my doing. It is yours." And with that, Anhora disappeared. Arthur breathed hard, looking up at where Anhora once stood.
"Arthur? Arthur?" Merlin yelled, coming up the path behind him.
"Arthur! Alexia." Merlin panted.
He looked at his grave face, stopping.
"What happened?" Merlin asked.
Back in Camelot's store rooms, Uther sifted rotten grain through his fingers as Arthur entered. "What is it? What's happened?" Arthur demanded breathlessly.
"All our remaining supplies have rotted." Uther threw the handful he was holding back onto the pile. "Every last grain."
In Gaius's chambers, Merlin and Gaius were sitting at the table when Merlin spoke up, "Alexia's soul will leave the realm if by any chance, the curse is not lifted. She has a heart of gold. Anhora said if she died, Camelot will be doomed, the future of Albion won't be any bright."
Gaius looked graved.
"Are you sure?" He asked.
Merlin nodded.
" We have to lift the curse. For Camelot, for Albion. If the curse stayed and people died, Arthur will never forgive himself. He love his people. And if he knew the curse was the reason, behind Alexia's death, he would be grim. He is kind hearted, but stupid pig head."
"You must make sure he doesn't do anything rash." Gaius advised.
"The mood he's in, I don't know what he's going to do."
"Camelot will be damned. It was the last chance anhora gave." Filos said to Alexia, who was watching everything from a portal.
"No he will definitely right the things." Alexia said.
"Do you seriously think?" Filos asked.
"I believe in him. In them. Please give then a chance." Alexia said.
"It's difficult. The curse was placed due to a sin." Filos said shaking his head moving few steps back.
"Can't I do anything? Please!" Alexia begged.
"You are the lady of unicorns. You can't lift the curse, but you have the power to give them a chance." Filos said.
Alexia beamed.
"But how?" She asked.
"That's upon you to realise. You must wake your powers." Filos said before turning away.
Alexia frowned and looked at portal.
In the council room, Arthur was brooding as Uther entered. "There are some supplies left in the palace stores. We are distributing them to the people, but there is not enough to live on. They will not survive for long." Arthur reported.
Uther nodded, before saying, "Then you must stop distributing food to the people."
"They will starve." Arthur replied slowly.
"We must conserve the food we have for our army."
"We cannot let our people go without food."
"We must defend the kingdom at all cost."
"What's the point of defending a kingdom when the people..."
"Well, what would you have me do?!" Uther interrupted harshly.
Arthur carried on determinedly, "... starve to death?! Ask the neighbouring kingdoms for help."
"Ha." Uther snorted.
"They may be able to spare some food." Arthur pointed out reasonably.
"Out of the question." Uther dismissed, spinning on the spot. "As soon as they realise how we weak we are, our enemies will strike against us."
"You don't know that for certain!"
"Besides I would rather starve than beg my enemies for help! What of our kingdom's reputation? Have you no pride?"
Arthur looked up at that, a strange expression crossing his face. "I cannot think of my pride when our people go hungry. They're all I can think of."
Uther got in his face, and ordered in a dangerous tone, "Give the order to stop distributing food to the people. Is that understood?"
"You'll have to give that order yourself." Arthur replied quietly, turning on his heal and walking out.
Uther called after him, "Very well. But if you'd caught the sorcerer, I would not have to. That's your responsibility!" Arthur paused at the door, before walking out. "One day you will understand what it takes to be King!"
People continued queuing in the square, while Arthur and Merlin watched from the balcony.
"They do not know yet know there is worse to come." Arthur said, a hopeless note coloring his voice.
Merlin turned to look at him. "What do you mean?"
"My father is going to stop distributing food to the people." Arthur informed him, his voice still carrying that air of sorrow and regret. "They are to be left to starve. I had a chance to lift the curse. And I failed them."
"You weren't to know you were being tested."
"My people are starving. Camelot is on the verge of collapse. And it is all my doing." Arthur turned and walked away, leaving Merlin standing on the balcony, looking over the crowd of people.
Closing her eyes, Alexia tried to concentrate on her abilities. Looking inside her own self, she searched for the power, her special power. Finally she found something, something bright, Shinning like a sun. She reached out to the ball of energy, which was now practically singing along. Her magic started flaring around her. It was flaring brightly, shining gold, like a sun. It felt like it was dissolving in her veins, in her blood. A few mystical creatures, or rather known as unicorn, two Pegasus, centuar and Kelpie appeared near her. The five of them looked at each other. They looked at the girl whose magic was singing brightly, as if willing them to accept her command. The five Alpha's unleashed their powers, and the four bright beams of different colours were shot towards Alexia.
The unicorn glowed in green colour, representing the earth it walks on. The Kelpie glowed blue, representing the waters from which it is born. The white Pegasus glowed white for the air it rules. The fierce orange one glowed red, for the fire that it controls. And the Centaur flashed grey for the lightening and the sky that it respects.
The Power and bond made Alexia levitate few inches above the ground. As the colours blended, Alexia, along with the five Alpha's levitated in the air. Filos looked at the scene in awe. The scene was so magical, so divine. The five Alpha's of the mythical creatures and the lady of their kind.
Soon Alexia's eyes snapped open.
Her eyes glowing bright gold.
She looked at the five Alphas standing infront of her, in a semi circle.
"I am sorry, I am giving a second chance to the person, who slayed one of our kind, but he is a kind man. A good man. He deserves this chance and I trust him. I hope you all do." Alexia said, her voice commanding a different authority but at the same time the old calmness and kindness.
The unicorn stepped forward.
"We trust them, my lady. You are our lady, our queen. If you believe in the man, so do we." The unicorn said.
Alexia bowed in thanks.
"We believe in your decision." The white Pegasus said.
Alexia smiled at them.
A unicorn appeared there, Alexia recognised it the same Arthur hunted.
She went to the mystical creature.
"You will return with me. I am sure." She said.
The unicorn bowed and neighed, before leaving. Alexia turned to look at the five Alpha's.
"We think its time." The Centaur said
Alexia frowned.
"Don't you think Filos?" The Kelpie asked.
"I believe, yes." The man said, with a mysterious smile.
Arthur and Merlin were sitting in Arthur's chambers.
Suddenly Anhora appeared.
"Arthur Pendragon!" He called.
Arthur and Merlin looked at him, hastily standing up and moving together.
"What do you want?" He asked.
"You are given a second chance to be tested." Anhora said.
Arthur's face brightened, while Merlin's broke into a grin.
"You must go to the Labyrinth of Gedref. There, you will face a final test." Anhora disappears and reappeared behind them, forcing them to spin around. "If you fail, there is no hope." Disappearing and reappearing again, Anhora moved to their right side. "The curse will destroy Camelot and The girl will leave this realm forever." With that final warning, Anhora disappeared once more.
"Wait! What kind of test will he face?" Merlin said.
Anhora's voice was heard, "That is for Arthur alone to discover."
Arthur and Merlin shared a look.
"Which girl was he talking about?" Arthur asked, already fearing the answer.
"Alexia." Merlin said looking down.
Arthur groaned.
" You said she was unconscious due to infection." He said.
"For so many days?" Merlin asked, pointing at his foolishness.
Arthur groaned again.
"But why her?" Arthur asked.
"She is not dying Arthur, she is leaving this realm, to move to another. She tried to risk her life to protect the unicorn. She is blessed to move to other realm. If the curse is not lifted, she will leave." Merlin said, bending the truth a bit.
Arthur looked at him.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Arthur asked.
"I didn't want you to blame yourself." Merlin said softly. Arthur appeared in thoughts before nodding.
He quickly prepared for the journey in his chambers.
"Let me come with you." Merlin was insisting. "You don't know what form of test will take. I might be able to help."
"You're not coming. I brought this curse upon Camelot. I'm gonna be the one to lift it, or die trying."
"Alright, how does you dying help anyone?" Merlin scoffed.
Arthur paused for a moment before sputtering, "I'll die knowing I did everything I can."
"I'm coming with you." Merlin repeated.
"Merlin, you are to stay here, and help the people as best you can. Is that understood?" Arthur ordered.
"And take care of Alexia." He said before walking out.
Arthur rode out of Camelot and across the countryside. Merlin, or course, followed.
Arthur rode over the crest of a hill and saw a great labyrinth laid out, with the seas laying beyond the opposite edge. He arrived at the entrance to the labyrinth and entered. Merlin arrived shortly after and followed him in, going the completely opposite direction that Arthur did. Both men followed the twists and turns of the labyrinth, which seemed to go on and on, both running into dead ends on several occasions. At least, until Merlin saw Anhora standing in wait in the middle of the labyrinth, holding a rather large sword.
"You said Arthur would face a test." Merlin exclaimed, making the sorcerer turn around to face him. "And here you are, preparing a trap for him."
"The trap isn't for Arthur. It is for you." Anhora revealed, before lowering the sword and chanting, "Gehæftan."
Merlin was wrapped in vines from the labyrinth hedges. Struggles proved useless, as the vines were too strong.
Arthur ran through the labyrinth and finally found the exit, which lead out to the rather calm sea and blue skies. Merlin was sitting at a table on the shore, with Anhora standing watch nearby.
"Merlin?"
"I'm sorry." Merlin said quickly.
Arthur turned to Anhora. "Let him go. I'll take your test, but not till he's released."
"That is not possible. Merlin is part of the test." Anhora revealed, motioning to the table. "Please sit. If you refuse the test, you will have failed and Camelot will be destroyed."
"I thought I told you to stay at home. Let's get on with it."
"There are two goblets before you. One of the goblets contains a deadly poison, the other goblet, a harmless liquid. All the liquid from both goblets must be drunk, but each of you may only drink from a single goblet."
"What kind of ridiculous test is that?" Arthur scoffed. "What does that prove?"
"What it proves is for you to decide. If you pass the test, the curse will be lifted."
Both men turned to the table, and stared at the rather beautiful silver goblets. Both were about half full, containing a clear liquid. "Let's think about this. What if I drink from my goblet first?" Merlin offered.
"If it's poisoned, you'll die." Arthur pointed out.
"And if it's not, then you'll have to drink from yours, and you'll die. There must be a way around it." Merlin rested his forearms on the table, leaning forward to stare at the cups as if they held the secret of life.
"It is perfectly simple. One of us has to die." Arthur said blankly. "We have to find a way to determine which goblet has the poison. And then I'll drink it."
"I will be the one to drink it." Merlin said.
"This is my doing. I'm drinking it." Arthur argued.
"It is more important that you live. You're the future king. I'm just a servant."
"This is no time to be a hero, Merlin. It really doesn't suit you."
Merlin sighed "What if I drink from mine first, and if that's not poisoned, I will then drink yours?"
"He said each of us is only allowed to drink from a single goblet." Both looked over at Anhora, and back at the table. "I had no idea you were so keen to die for me." Arthur joked.
"Trust me, I can hardly believe it myself." Merlin muttered.
Arthur snorted before becoming serious again. "I'm glad you are here, Merlin." He sighed.
Merlin's face relaxes as he came up with the solution. "I've got it. Right, we pour all the liquid into one goblet and then we can be sure it is poisoned. Then all the liquid can be drunk, and it will be from a single goblet."
Arthur looked between the table and his friend, and a slow smile grew on his face. "You never cease to surprise me. You're a lot smarter than you look."
"Is that actually a compliment?"
Arthur looked over to the side, and exclaimed, "Look out!" Arthur pointed and Merlin looked away.
Arthur took the two goblets and poured all of the liquid into one of them, holding it up to drink.
"No! I will drink it!" Merlin exclaimed.
Arthur looked down at the goblet. "As if I'd let you."
"You can't die. This isn't your destiny."
"It seems you're wrong again."
"Listen to me!"
"You know me, Merlin. I never listen to you." Arthur grinned and toast Merlin.
"Arthur!" Merlin tried one last time.
Arthur drank it.
"No! What have you done?"
Both met gazes before Arthur wavered His eyes rolled back into his head, and he slumped to the rocky beach, apparently dead.
"Arthur! No!" Merlin yelled, scrambling to his side and trying to shake Arthur awake.
"Arthur. Arthur. Come on! Arthur, come on. Come on. Come on! No... Come on."
Merlin turned to Anhora. "Please. Please! Just... let me take his place!"
"This was Arthur's test, not yours."
"You've killed him! I was meant to protect him!" Merlin begged, looking distraught.
"He is not dead. He's merely consumed a sleeping draught. He will come round shortly." Anhora revealed.
Merlin looked gob smacked. "What?"
"A unicorn is pure of heart. If you kill one, you must make amends by proving that you also are pure of heart. Arthur was willing to sacrifice his life to save yours. He has proven what is truly in his heart. The curse will be lifted. Our lady will return." Merlin looked back down at the unconscious prince.
Saying that Anhora disappeared.
Merlin sat there. Waiting for the prince. His heart fluttering, thinking of seeing Alexia fine, Camelot safe, and Arthur alive.
He smiled at his thoughts, when a groan was heard.
Arthur sat up, rubbing his eyes to adjust the brightness.
"What happened?" He asked.
"It was just a sleeping draught. You passed the test." Merlin said smiling brightly.
In the Ehlanes, Alexia was standing surrounded by the five Alpha's, her parts fading. Filos stood in front of her.
"The Alpha's have accepted to name you the lady and protector of unicorn. You have proved yourself truly who you are. We are more than ecstatic to mark you our queen." Filos said.
Alexia gasped shocked.
"All the unicorns, Pegasus, whether fire or air, Kelpies, Centaurs, dead or alive, will be at your command, and their powers to serve you. All the messengers and protectors of our kinds will follow you. We have accepted your powers. Now you must do the same, before it's too late." The five Alpha's said in sync. Alexia was surprised at such sync of words.
She looked down and saw her vanishing body. Just few seconds were left before she would leave this realm.
"I would be honoured." She said in mere whispers. Bowing her head in courtesy.
The mythical creatures and Filos bowed back.
"We are now at your command." The Alpha's said and Alexia nodded before vanishing wholely.
Merlin and Arthur ride into Camelot and dismount. Everyone was joyful, the townsfolk were carrying around platters joyously and there was food everywhere.
"Merlin, Arthur, there is good news!" Gaius exclaimed, meeting them as they dismount from their horses. "The crops are growing once again! They are bringing in the harvest!"
"You did it." Merlin muttered as an aside to Arthur.
Uther sauntered out to meet them. "Is this your doing? Is the sorcerer dead?"
"He won't be troubling us anymore." Arthur replied.
"Good, make sure the grain reserves are re-stocked." Uther clapped him on the back before walking away.
"I'll see to it. There's something we must do first." Arthur said, and he walked off with Merlin following.
They reached Gaius's chambers. As soon as the door swung open, Merlin was tackled into hug by Alexia.
"You both did it." She said laughing joyously.
Merlin joined her in laughing. Arthur and Gaius smiled at the pair.
Finally after few moments she seperated herself.
"We have something more important to do." Arthur said. Alexia smiled, knowing what he was saying.
In the forest, Arthur laid the unicorn's horn in a burial mound of stones. "I should never have ended your life. I'm sorry." He apologized softly.
Merlin, Alexia and Arthur began laying stones over the grave when Merlin looked up and saw a unicorn. "Arthur... Alexia..." he murmured, drawing their attention to the now living unicorn. The three looked on with small smiles.
"When he who kills a unicorn proves himself to be pure of heart, the unicorn will live again." Alexia said moving towards the unicorn. Who came towards her. As she placed her hand on the unicorn, the horn glowed. Her hand responded, and the wound was healed completely.
Arthur and Merlin looked surprised.
"Thanks!" Alexia murmured petting it. It neighed softly, before turning and leaving.
Arthur and Merlin both looked in awe at the retreating creature.
Alexia and Merlin expected Arthur to have an outburst on the use of magic, but he didn't say anything.
"Let's go back." Arthur said.
Alexia and Merlin smiled brightly and nodded.
As they returned back, Gaius, Merlin and Alexia were sitting at the bench.
Alexia told them everything what all happened in the mythical lands of Ehlanes.
As she ended her story, both Merlin and Gaius were amazed.
"You are the lady of unicorns!" Merlin exclaimed.
"And you actually saw Ehlanes, the most purest of lands in whole universe." Gaius said.
Alexia just nodded.
"Well what exactly is lady of unicorns?" Alexia asked.
Gaius straightened a bit, ready to share his knowledge.
"It is said that there are many creatures of old religion. But three of them were considered to be most prominent and powerful one. The three most powerful of all the creatures, knowledgeable. Dragons, fae creatures and unicorns. The old religion gave powers to three entrusted humans, who had the power to help them, to command them, who learnt the very pure art of magic. The ones who were given the knowledge and power upon dragons, were called dragon lords, whose powers were transferred from father to son." For some reason, Alexia gave a quick glance at Merlin.
"The fae creatures were under the commands of the high priestess. But after some time, the power corrupted them, the old religion decided to snatch the powers to control the fae creatures from the high priests and priestess. The fae creatures decided to leave the realm. The went deep within earth, where no one knew. The elves and fairies are said the offsprings of these fae creatures. At last were the unicorns. Unlike the power of dragon lord, which travels through blood, the powers of the lady or lord of unicorns, is on the basis of your abilities.
Unicorns are symbol of goodness and purity. And only someone, with a heart of gold, can get the title and powers of lady or lord of unicorns. And such a heart is not seen in centuries. You are one such heart Alexia. You are purest and kindest soul one can ever meet." Gaius said stroking her head lovingly.
Alexia felt her cheeks heating at such praise.
Merlin grinned from ear to ear.
"That is the reason you are so good at healing magic." He said. Alexia nodded in realisation. Merlin then smiled.
"I am glad you are back." He said truthfully.
Alexia smiled back.
"Even if the place was literally a heaven, I knew you won't survive without me. Moreover, someone has to control your idiotic nature." Alexia said teasing.
"Oh really?" Merlin asked.
Alexia gave him a mock look of pity.
"Let me show you your so called stupidity." He said getting up, Alexia too quickly rose to her feet running out.
Merlin chasing her behind.
They ran passing the corridors and gaurds, running into maids and servants, some of who just laughed while others were upset.
Exiting the castle, Alexia ran towards the town, running through the market, colliding with people. Merlin was following her closely. They were passing the training grounds and the knights stopped fighting listening to the laughs.
Arthur looked at the pair, amused at their antics.
Finally Merlin caught her from her waist pulling her back, while Alexia laughed loudly as he tickled her.
They both stopped soon and panted.
"Now?" He asked.
"You just proved my point." Alexia said giving a teasing smirk. Merlin just shook his head.