A/n: Welcome to an another chapter of the story. First things first, I want to thank all those readers who give this story a try, an even bigger thanks to those who take time to review it and give me feedback. It means a lot to me and definitely motivates me to write more.
Now, another reason for this note before chapter is an announcement actually. Finally my high school ended and I have a break from my studies. And for that, finally I am going to stay at my cousin's. Where, I am sure I won't be able to write my stories. So, I want to inform a my readers that my both stories, 'A heart of gold' and 'Broken things can be mended again' will be on break for about two weeks. I know it's a long period of time, but I have to write the further chapters too, which will definitely take a long time. I want to apologize for this delay and hope that you all will stay connected with the story.
Thankyou very much everyone, loads of love to all my amazing readers.
The awakening of fates
"You can rest Gwen. You have been continuously working since your father died. I know you are trying to forget and move on, but untill you don't let it go, you won't be free from this pain." Alexia said to a packing Gwen, who was picking up her things to leave with Morgana tomorrow. Alexia was getting stressed for her best friend. She hadn't taken a day off since her father's death and as much as she could say she moved on, Alexia knew better. Gwen loved her father, and was trying to move on from his death by pretending it was okay now, which Alexia could clearly see was not.
Gwen stopped packing and looked at her. Her eyes blank as they used to be whenever her father was mentioned. Alexia moved forward towards her taking her hands.
"I know it's difficult, I know you want to remain strong for him. But he won't like if you carry this burden all your life. Rest Gwen, just give yourself some time to mourn. Let your emotions out Gwen, bottling them will just make a void space in your heart." Alexia said, her voice soothing and Gwen finally gave up. Few tears rolled down her eyes as she looked at the ground.
"I know it's difficult. I can't even imagine what you would be feeling, but just let them flow. Free yourself. And take some rest to mourn him." Alexia said.
"I.. I can't, lady Morgana has to leave tomorrow." Gwen argued.
"I can help her with that. I will go with her. And you know what, it will give me a break from the prat prince." Alexia replies with a small smirk. Gwen chuckled lightly shaking her head.
"Thank you." Gwen whispered.
"Don't mention it Gwen, that's what friends are for." Alexia said with a soft smile.
"I will go and tell Morgana about this." Alexia said and left.
Morning arrived and Alexia, Gwen, Morgana, Arthur are standing in the courtyard. Arthur helped Morgana mount her horse.
"I hope your trip isn't too upsetting." Arthur said looking at Morgana.
"Thank you, Arthur." Morgana said, her voice soft. Alexia looked at Gwen.
"Give yourself some time and relax a bit." She said with a small smile. Gwen returned it.
"You got a good excuse from your duties isn't it?" Arthur said coming from behind.
Alexia faked a gasp.
"You think too little about me prince Arthur, I would never intentionally escape my duties."
Arthur snorted in response.
"Don't miss me too much prat, and please I want Merlin in one piece when I come back. I would like to remind you he is a human and not a donkey." Alexia said teasing him.
"I beg to differ." Arthur said and Alexia laughed. He moved a bit close to her.
"And don't worry about him, I will definitely keep him in one piece, after all you want him like that, don't you?" Arthur teased and laughed when he saw her bright red cheeks and wide eyes. Gwen, who was with Morgana now looked at them in confusion.
Arthur caught her gaze before giving a small smile as he turned back to Alexia.
"Thank you for talking her out of this." Arthur said looking at Gwen.
Alexia's face softened.
"She deserves rest, it's been six months since the incident and she didn't even take a break."
Arthur nodded.
"I am grateful."
"Yeah you owe me a life debt. Maybe I will take it back with asking your life." Alexia said and nodded with a serious look on her face as Arthur gave her a look which clearly said 'you-are-totally-insane'. He shook his head at her antics and turned to the knight.
"Make sure you return to Camelot before dusk." He ordered.
"Yes, Sire." The knight, whom Alexia knew as sir Robert, nodded.
The party starts moving forward and they rode out.
From behind, Merlin came down with a circular board in his hands and a crossbow at his shoulder. He looked at the leaving group.
"Where are they going?" He asked.
"Didn't Alexia tell you?" He asked back.
"Um. Actually I slept early last night and woke up late, she already left with a note saying she will meet me at night." Merlin shrugged and Arthur shook his head.
"Morgana's on a pilgrimage to her father's grave." Arthur told him as he took off the crossbow from Merlin's shoulder. Merlin looked at the knights when his eyes fell on another knight along with sir Robert.
"You didn't tell that sir Edward was going too!" Merlin exclaimed exasperatedly.
Arthur just smirked before leaving as Merlin lingered there for a moment before running behind Arthur.
Alexia and Morgana were passing the woods. Gaurds surrounding them.
"So, how is it riding with me without Arthur giving orders around?" Morgana asked teasingly.
"Oh I feel purely delighted." Alexia replied with a smirk of her own. Morgana chuckled, but Alexia could see it was restrained.
"You are brave Morgana, more than anyone I have ever seen." Alexia said softly.
Morgana smiled at the compliment as she looked straight.
"And you, Alexia, are way too much kind for your own good." Morgana said and Alexia gave a small laugh.
"You are disillusioned Morgana, I am not kind, there are many others who are far more kind than I can ever be." Alexia said.
"Oh I wish Arthur had some of your humility!" Morgana said with a smirk.
Both laughed.
Suddenly a roar was heard.
The escort looked around to see dozens of men, who had their faces covered, attacking them. The knights and gaurds quickly answered with their own yells and responded the attack. Alexia and Morgana looked around with panicked looks on their faces.
Sir Robert killed one of the bandits and turned to Alexia and Morgana
"My ladies, you must follow me!" He said but before anyone could comprehend, Sir Robert is shot in the back.
Morgana and Alexia looked at the body in shock, but suddenly both are pulled off the horses by two bandits.
Sir Edward saw that and moved to them, killing both the thugs.
"You both should leave right now." He said.
Alexia looked at the man.
"Alexia! Head for the path! Go!" Morgana yelled before she moved. Alexia looked at sir Edward who jumped off his horse.
"Please lady Alexia, move." Sir Edward said.
"You would be killed." Alexia said softly.
"But you will be saved." He replied. Alexia looked at the man with watered eyes, after a second she moved forward, placing a soft kiss on his cheeks before moving behind Morgana. Sir Edward looked at her surprised, before turning back and killing another bandit.
Morgana and Alexia quickly climb the hill, but a man was already waiting for them.
"I warn you. I am Uther Pendragon's ward. He'll have your heads if any harm comes to me." Morgana warned glaring at the man.
"I have no intention of harming you. At least not yet. You're much more valuable to me alive, Lady Morgana." The man said, his voice hoarse and suddenly a yell was heard and both Morgana and Alexia looked back to see sir Edward falling. Alexia closed her eyes suppressing her tears. Sir Edward was dead.
Morgana and Alexia watched the bandits from a tent. The man who caught them, whom Alexia recognised as Kendrick, came to them.
"He's coming. You know what you must do?" Morgana asked.
"I still don't think it's a good idea." Alexia tried. She knew what would happen.
"Just do as I say Alexia, we have to get out." Morgana whispered as Kendrick approached them.
"I trust you are comfortable?" Kendrick asked. Morgana glared at him.
"I demand to know where you're taking us." She said in a commanding voice.
"You'll find out soon enough. We've a long journey ahead of us. Get some rest." He replied before turning back to leave, but Morgana quick follower him out of the tent.
"I wish to bathe." Morgana said quickly.
Kendrick looked at her in surprise.
"You wish to bathe?" He asked, looking amused. Alexia frowned a bit.
"I am the King's ward and accustomed to certain standards. I am sure you are quite contented to stink like a pig, but I am not." Morgana taunted.
Kendrick just gave them a look before he smirked cruelly.
"The Lady Morgana wishes to bathe! Who wants to help me guard her?" He asked spreading his arms around in a wide arc as his words were followed by coarse laughter. Morgana looked at Alexia, who gave her a hopeless look.
In the chambers of doom, Arthur, Merlin and Uther stood around the table with few gaurds.
"Morgana's party hasn't returned to Camelot. There's no sign of her anywhere." Arthur said. His voice even but Merlin could feel the stress.
"Send riders to the outlying villages. I want every guard, every sentry looking for her." Uther told him.
"Dispatch them immediately." Arthur nodded before leaving with Merlin.
In the forest, Morgana began to undress by a stream while two men stood there guarding her and Alexia. Alexia was looking at them with her murderous eyes.
"You may find the water a little... icy." Kendrick taunted.
"I'm sure I'll manage." Morgana said as she looked at Alexia who was standing juts behind Kendrick, the other gaurd holding her arm tightly. Morgana turned back to Kendrick. "If you were any kind of gentleman, you'd give me some privacy."
"Well, unfortunately for you I am no kind of gentleman. Now get on with it." Kendrick said as he stepped forward, Morgana took a step back before removing her outer garment. The second bandit let go of Alexia as he stared at Morgana. Alexia looked at him in disgust.
Morgana pulled her gown but kept it on her chest.
"You can at least turn your backs." Morgana said.
"So you can make a run for it. Do you think I'm that stupid?" Kendrick asked.
"I think you're very stupid." Morgana said coming towards him as Alexia quickly pulled Kendrick's sword. Morgana hit Kendrick as Alexia quickly slashed the other gaurd before passing the sword to Morgana who slashed Kendrick's arm.
"Run!" Morgana yelled and both the girls broke into a run. The pair rushed through the trees when suddenly Morgana saw another path.
"No, no, this way!" She said moving towards it, Alexia quickly following.
Kendrick and his man were followed them.
Alexia and Morgana were running as fast as they could. Suddenly, Alexia yelled before falling down. A sharp pain surged through her foot. She gasped as she looked at the sharp glass piercing her skin. Morgana stopped in her run and turned to Alexia coming back to her.
"Run!" Alexia yelled.
Morgana ignored as she moved to Alexia, taking her arm and putting around her. "Put your arm around my shoulder, come on!" Morgana pressed.
"No, no, no. We'll never outrun them, you must go on without me!" Alexia said.
"I'm not leaving you behind!" Morgana exclaimed indignantly.
"Morgana, go! Please! I will take care of them. I know magic Morgana for god's sake! Please run." Alexia pleaded. Morgana still looked reluctant.
"Take this." She said before giving the sword.
"Go!" Alexia yelled. Morgana complied as she ran forward. Alexia looked behind at the coming man before raising her sword and piercing the man's guts.
Morgana stopped when she heard the man's scream, then continued her way. She had to leave soon and get help from others.
Arthur, Merlin and many other knights arrived at the scene of the first attack. Arthur and Merlin climb down the horses.
"Check to see if anyone's alive!" Arthur ordered and everyone climbed down. He moved to a dead gaurd and pulled out yeh seird befure checking it.
"It's Mercian craftsmanship." He concluded.
Merlin's eyes fell on something.
"Arthur." He called moving forward. Arthur looked at him. Merlin reached an arrow which had a note stuck to it. Merlin took out the note before reading it quickly. "It's a ransom note! They've taken Morgana hostage." Merlin said gravely. Arthur looked around.
"Tracks lead off this way." Arthur said pointing at his right. Everyone followed him.
Arthur, Merlin and all the knights sneaked through the woods. Arthur heard running footsteps and exchanged his sword for a crossbow. He rushed a bit forward, taking a tree as hiding spot. Waiting for a moment or two, he jumped out of hiding to find a startled, but gasping Morgana. Arthur looked at her before looking around as if searching someone.
"Where's Alexia?" Arthur asked. Merlin looked at them with a feeling of dread churning in his stomach
Morgana just stared at Arthur and shook her head.
Alexia stood up with difficulty after killing the man. She stumbled but took a tree as a support.
" consano! " Alexia chanted pointing her hand at her foot. Nothing happened. At some distant many footsteps could be heard.
Alexia looked at her foot in panic.
She was not feeling her magic working. Gulping the terror in her throat, Alexia turned to the tree raising her hand.
" Forbearnne! " She said, but unfortunately she got no results. Panicking, Alexia broke for a run only to yell at the pain surging through her foot. And at next moment she was surrounded by the bandits.
After some time, Alexia stood at the camp with her hands tied and the bandits surrounding her.
She was gasping for breath.
"How could you let her escape? Eh?" Kendrick shouted kicking a bucket. "You bring me the servant! She's worthless to us!" He continued to yell coming infront of Alexia.
He grabbed Alexia's face to look her over. Taking Morgana's clothes, he shoved them in her hands.
"Put 'em on." He commanded.
"Why?" Alexia snapped back.
"Wild uh-huh?" He asked before leaning close to her.
"Don't forget that you are here captured by us. The only thing that can save you is if you follow our orders." He said whispering in her ear. Alexia jerked her head aside in disgust.
"What are you going to do with me?" She asked instead, looking at the clothes.
"Hengist has never met the Lady Morgana. For all he knows, you could be Uther Pendragon's ward." Kendrick said.
"I will not impersonate Morgana." Alexia all but yelled.
"Then you will die where you stand." Kendrick siad simply, putting a sword to her throat.
Alexia glared at him.
"Kill me, you won't have anyone as lady Morgana, I am sure Hengist will be pleased." Alexia said with a fake shrug.
Kendrick gave a hoarse laugh.
"You are truly wild, aren't you? If Hengist wouldn't have needed lady Morgana, I would have been more than pleased to take you with me. Now decide, Hengist? Or me." He said pointing the sword at her cleavage, piercing the cloth a little.
Alexia stared at the man in disgust before taking the clothes of Morgana.
In the castle, Uther sat in the chambers of doom. Morgana entered rushing with Arthur and Merlin following her.
"It's such a relief to see you safe. I couldn't bear the thought of anyone harming you." Uther said standing up with open arms.
"The bandits still have Alexia." Morgana said. Merlin turned his head away.
"I believe they were Mercian. We've received reports that Hengist has crossed the border." Arthur said.
"Hengist?" Uther asked.
"You must send a rescue party." Morgana said desperately.
"If Hengist is holding her, it would take a small army to rescue her." Uther said. Merlin looked at Uther with wide eyes.
"We can't abandon her!" Morgana exclaimed taking a step back.
"How many men would you have me sacrifice to save a servant?" Uther asked.
"As many as it takes! Alexia gave herself up so that I might escape. I owe her my life!" Morgana exclaimed.
"She did so willingly, and she will be honoured for it." Uther said.
"I don't want her honoured, I want her rescued! She is more than just a maid. She's my friend." Morgana yelled.
"A servant is of no value to these bandits. I fear she's dead already." Uther said turning to sit at his throne. Merlin gulped at the harsh words. He could feel his stomach sinking. Gaius looked at him gravely.
"No!" Morgana said, too quickly, her hands shaking. "We cannot give up hope!" She said, before turning to Arthur. Taking few steps she reached him. "Arthur? I'm begging you. You have to do something. She was your maid!" Morgana yelled.
"My father's right. I'm afraid there's nothing we can do." Arthur said. Morgana looked at him shocked. She took a step back.
"How can you say that? How can you live with yourselves? All of you!" Morgana shouted pointing at everyone.
"Guinevere." Arthur called as Gwen stepped forward holding Morgana.
She took her out of the chambers.
Uther turned to Gaius.
"I can understand how you would feel, she was more than an apprentice to you. My condolences are with you Gaius." Uther said patting his shoulder before he left.
In the forest, Alexia could be seen dressed in Morgana's clothes and getting escorted to Hengist's fortress. Kendrick dragged her in the fort. Alexia tried to jerk away the grip was strong.
They reached in front of Hengist and Alexia was shoved infront.
Hengist looked at Alexia before standing up.
"Kendrick, I was beginning to think you'd failed me." Hengist said moving towards Alexia.
"May I present the Lady Morgana." Kendrick said motioning at Alexia.
Hengist laughed before he stepped infront of Alexia. Alexia looked dead into his eyes. Hengist gasped before taking off her hood.
"You're as beautiful as they say, Lady Morgana." Hengist said.
"I demand that you release me immediately!" Alexia said, her voice full of authority.
"Just as soon as Uther Pendragon pays your ransom. In the meantime, you'll be my guest." Hengist said.
"Do not flatter yourself. I am not your guest! I am your prisoner!" Alexia snarled.
"As you wish. Take her to the dungeon." Hengist said. Alexia glared at the man as she was dragged to the prison.
In the castle, Morgana stormed in Arthur's chambers. Gwen following her trying to calm her.
"How can you be so heartless? Alexia is the most kind, loyal person that you would ever meet, and she has been more than a friend to all of us! And you would leave her at the mercy of those animals!" Morgana shouted at the prince who was busy picking up things and putting in a bag.
"Morgana..." Arthur called Morgana was in her own world.
"Have you no shame? Do you think of no one but yourself? Don't you even remember what all she faced before and after coming to Camelot?" Morgana yelled.
"Morgana..."
"I knew you were many things, Arthur Pendragon, but I didn't know you were a gutless coward!" She shouted.
"Morgana!" Arthur yelled stopping her. "Perhaps if you would stop shouting at me for one second, you would notice that I am packing." He said showing her the bags. Morgana stood there baffled before she ducked her head trying to hide her smile.
"You're going after Alexia!" She drawled.
"Of course I'm going after her. What do you take me for? I couldn't disagree with Father in public." Arthur said looking at Gwen before picking his things and preparing to leave the room
"Arthur?" She called from behind. Arthur turned to look at her. "Bring her home." She said.
Arthur nodded with a small smile and left.
In Gaius's chambers, Merlin came out of his chamber.
"I suppose you and Arthur are going after Gwen." Gaius said.
"Gaius, don't even think about telling me not to go. There's nothing you can say that will stop me." Merlin said.
"I wasn't going to try and stop you Merlin. I know Alexia's value in your life. She is important to all of us. Just bring her back safely." Gaius said and for the first time Merlin saw his face broken.
"I will Gaius." Merlin promised.
He moved to the door but stopped in between turning to Gaius.
"Gaius, I am afraid. I am truly terrified. What if what Uther said was true? What if..." He trialed off.
Gaius stopped him.
"I believe she is stronger than you think Merlin." He said.
Merlin nodded in reply. Gaius hugged him and Merlin smiled a bit before he left.
At night Merlin and Arthur hid behind a cart in the Square and peeked around it to look at Camelot's gaurds.
"I'll fetch the horses, you distract the guards." Arthur said standing up.
"Wha... how do I do that?" Merlin asked surprised at the sudden task.
"I don't know. Do I have to think of everything?" Arthur asked exasperated, and then left. Merlin looked at the gaurds and sighed.
He raised his hand and chanted, " Binne tófléon. " His eyes flashed gold and one of the barrels started rolling towards the gaurds. The gaurds looked at the barrel with caution as they point their spears at them. As they reached them, Merlin spoke another spell.
" Alíese. "
The barrel stood up and the gaurds jumped back in fright. They looked at each other and stepped up again.
" Swéor þá. " Merlin spoke and suddenly all the barrels rolled over the gaurds, Merlin's mouth formed an 'O' at the scene.
"What did you do? I said distract them, not knock them out!" Arthur asked coming from behind with horses. Merlin gave him a look.
"There's just no pleasing you sometimes." He snarked. Arthur still looked confused.
There was a feast going in the fortress. Everyone was shouting and yelling. Hengist took a meat piece as he ate it. Alexia stared at him with an aghast look on her face.
Suddenly Hengist stood up.
"Silence!" He yelled and suddenly everything quitened. "Our royal guest, Lady Morgana has grown bored! She needs entertaining." Hengist siad while touching Alexia's shoulder and neck. Alexia tried to jerk his hand away but he held a firm grip. The bandits laughed at Hengist's words. Hengist nodded to someone. A gate opened to a cage and a gladiator strutted out. He gave a roar to fight. Alexia gulped. She knew it was Lancelot's cue. He would come here. The gladiator moved around the cage laughing and swinging his sword. Everyone cheered.
"Bring on the challenger." Hengist yelled and Lancelot jogged into the cage. His eyes fell on Alexia and a look of surprise crossed his face. Alexia looked at him with a frown.
"Only one of you will emerge from the cage alive. Do you accept the challenge?" Hengist said. Alexia looked at Lancelot in worry. He won last time, but what's to say he will win this time too.
Lancelot bowed to Hengist. A cage match ensued, the gladiator striker viciously, trying to kill Lancelot while Lancelot parried his blows with his own sword. Alexia looked at the match with worry.
The man pinned Lancelot to the bars trying to attack him, but Lancelot stopped the blow with his sword. Alexia jumped a little while everyone else cheered. Lancelot tried to maintain his force before kicking the man hard. The man stumbled backwards and Lancellt got free. He quickly rushed to other side. The man roared before he and Lancelot exchanged few more blows. Alexia was now panicking sitting beside Hengist.
The man threw Lancelot across the cage and striked with his sword. Lancelot quickly slipped away. He took a deep breath before attacking. The fight continued but Lancelot finally unarmed the gladiator and pinned him down with his sword. The man looked at Lancelot gasping.
Shouts of "Kill! Kill!" Rang around the chambers. Lancelot looked at Alexia but this didn't go unnoticed by Hengist who looked at her. Alexia quickly straightened pretending to be oblivious.
Hengist looked back at Lancelot, who shook his head slightly, refusing to kill. He stepped back befure exiting the cage and moved to Hengist. Everyone cheered for him. He stole a glance at Alexia before looking at Hengist. The said man tossed a bag of coins, which Lancelot caught easily.
"What is your name?" Hengist asked looking at him.
"My name is Lancelot." Lancelot replied. Alexia looked at him with soft eyes.
"You have proved yourself to be a skillful warrior. I believe you may even have impressed our royal guest, Lady Morgana." Hengist said. Lancelot looked surprised but still bowed.
"My Lady."
Hengist laughed loudly.
"Next time you fight, do not expect any mercy. Release the Wilddeoren." He yelled.
The cage door opened and a Wilddeoren emerged to eat the screaming gladiator.
Alexia looked horrified. While Lancelot too turned his head.
Alexia turned to Hengist.
"You are a monster." She snarled.
"A proud one my lady." Hengist replied with a sick smile.
Alexia turned her head away from him, while Lancelot looked at her.
Alexia gave a last glance at Lancelot, who left from the door.
She knew they were gonna meet soon. Lancelot was the only hope for Alexia, as her magic was deceiving her. What was happening? She didn't know. But it was bad.
In the forest, Merlin and Arthur could be seen riding through the woods.
The pair was moving as fast as they could when suddenly an arrow passed just infront of Arthur, striking into the tree, making him pull the leashe on his horse and stopping. Merlin followed his prince quickly looking around for the threat. And before they knew, dozens of bandits surrounded the pair with swords and arrows.
Merlin groaned while Arthur unsheathed his sword to fight.
In the fortress, Alexia was sitting curled up supported with a wall. Her thoughts wandering to what all was happening. This shouldn't have happened even to get started with. Gwen was supposed to be here but Alexia changed it without even realising, but it would still have been different as Alexia could have freed herself with magic. But right now? It was just same as Gwen. She was sitting hopelessly in the cell. Alexia looked around to get a hint of outside world. She didn't even know what time it was. But if memory served her correct, it might be day time. Sighing Alexia looked at the ceiling, a defeated look on her face. Suddenly she heard a whisper.
"Alexia!"
Alexia looked at the window as she climbed up her cot to reach it. A smile formed her face as she recognised the person.
"Lancelot." Alexia spoke up. Relief flooding her voice.
"I could not believe my eyes when I saw it was you." He said with a small chuckle.
"Ohh... but... yeah! Here I am." Alexia said with a shrug. Lancelot shook his head.
"Why does Hengist think you are Lady Morgana?" He asked seriously.
"His men abducted me and Morgana when we were back on our way to Camelot. I helped Morgana escape believing I will deal them with magic. Morgana escaped but as soon as I tried to use it, nothing happened. And now here I am. Kendrick believed it was a good idea to deceive Hengist and making me play Morgana. Now according to Hengist, he's holding Morgana to ransom. When no ransom is paid he will realise the truth and then he will throw me to those beasts." Alexia said with another shrug.
"How are you so casual about all this?" Lancelot asked looking at her surprised.
"Because I saw you and I know you will help me escape." Alexia replied and Lancelot looked at her with an exasperated look.
"Only you Alexia." He said with a shake of his head.
"So, what are you doing here? What became of you after you left Camelot?" Alexia asked while Lancelot sighed, his face getting a dejected look.
"There are few opportunities for men like me. So I've been earning a living the only way that I know: with a sword in my hand. It seems it is my destiny to entertain men like Hengist." He said and Alexia looked at him with a frown. This shouldn't have been his destiny. He was one of the future knights of round table. Alexia couldn't even wait for that moment when he would get the respect that he deserves.
"I don't believe an ounce of that. You are an amazing fighter. And definitely an honourable man. You didn't kill the unarmed gladiator. You are kind at heart Lancelot. I am sure there is something great stored for you in future." Alexia said cheering the man. Lancelot looked at her intently.
"You always know what to say to cheer someone right?" He asked with a small smile.
Alexia laughed a bit.
"No. It's Merlin's job. I just know few things which no one else does." She said with a distant look as Lancelot regarded her with a frown.
"How is he? Merlin?" Lancelot asked.
Alexia gave him a bright smile.
"He is fine. And I know he is on his way along with Arthur to come here and save me." She siad smiling. The smile was contagious, as Lancelot found himself smiling with her.
"You are stupid." He said.
Alexia pouted.
Suddenly they heard a door unlocking at a distance.
"Someone's coming." Alexia said and Lancelot prepared to leave.
"No matter what it takes, I will find a way to get you out of here. I will." He promised before he left. Alexia smiled at his retreating figure before she slumped back.
She truly hoped that Merlin and Arthur were coming.
In the forest, Arthur panted as he killed the last one of the bandits while Merlin magicked a sword at another one stopping him from killing Arthur, all the while doing it in secret.
Arthur looked at Merlin with an exasperated look.
"Oh god Merlin! I don't even know why I bother to bring you along with me. You always play hide and seek while I am fighting those idiots off." Arthur said with a teasing smile before mounting his horse.
"Clotpole." Merlin muttered under his breath before following the prince's actions.
"Come on now. We have to move fast." Arthur said and they both left.
Alexia was sitting very stiffly on her prison bed, as she thought about what would happen if anything changed. Will she die in this ordeal? Or will there be some worse kind of fate preserved for her. Suddenly the door to the cell opened and Hengist entered the cell. Alexia quickly stood up with a confident stance.
"I've not yet received word from Uther that he intends to pay your ransom. I was informed that the King was extremely fond of his ward. Are you not surprised he is content to leave you here to die?" Hengist asked taking steps forward towards Alexia. Alexia looked straight into his eyes.
"How can I know the King's mind when I am locked in your stinking cell?" She retorted with a raised eyebrow.
"If I do not hear from Uther by dawn tomorrow, this stinking cell will be the last place you ever see." He said, his voice slow but the threat was clear. Alexia continued to stare at the man in front of her, she couldn't show that she was afraid. Hengist turned and left the cell while laughing maniacally as he slammed the door shut. Alexia slumped back on her bed as she felt tears forming in her eyes.
She was now getting afraid. What if? This was her end? What if this was the only thing she was supposed to change? What if her role was finished and now she will die? Alexia was getting scared, her heartbeat was rising frantically as she raised her hand towards the lock.
" Tospringe! " She chanted but nothing happened. What in the world was happening to her? Alexia closed her eyes as she leaned back to wall. A lone tear escaped her eye as she calmed herself to think positive.
Meanwhile in the forest, Merlin was not feeling well. Something was wrong, he could sense it, something was wrong with Alexia.
"We are coming Alexia, don't loose hope." Merlin thought to himself.
In the cell, Alexia looked up as she felt something comforting. What was that? She mused.
In the woods, Merlin and Arthur got off their horses and looked at the map.
"The ransom was supposed to be delivered to the Veil of Denaria. If they're holding Alexia anywhere, it has to be there. Which means, it'd save a day's riding if we cut through the tunnels of Andor." Arthur said looking at the map and then at the tunnels infront of them. Merlin shared his gaze before he caught the look on Arthur's face.
"Oh, no. I know that face. I'm not going to like this, am I? What's in the tunnels?" Merlin asked as he looked at Arthur. He sincerely hoped that it was something good, but knowing their luck, it can't be.
"They're... infested with Wilddeoren." Arthur replied.
"What are Wilddeoren?" Merlin asked, genuinely confused.
"Well, they're like giant...baby rats." Arthur said changing his track when he saw the look on Merlin's face.
"Baby rats? They don't sound so bad." Merlin mused.
"They feast on human flesh." Arthur completed.
"Maybe we should go over the mountains." Merlin suggested simultaneously.
"Alexia..." Arthur spoke as Merlin gave a defeated sigh before motioning with his hands for Arthur to continue.
Arthur walked over to inspect some bushes as he shoved the map to Merlin.
"Er...what are you doing?" Merlin asked.
"Wilddeoren are completely blind, they hunt by sense of smell. Gaia berries will put them off the scent. So, if we smear ourselves with them, perhaps we can pass through the tunnels undetected." Arthur explained as he crushed the berries smearing them on his face. Merlin followed his actions but grimaced at the action.
"Oh! Oh, these stink! Oh, they're really bad." Merlin said looking at Arthur.
"Perhaps you'd prefer to be eaten alive." Arthur teased.
"Pass me some more, will you?" Merlin asked instead moving to him and Arthur smeared some more on Merlin's face. Merlin gave him a look.
The prince and the warlock entered the tunnels as they moved forward sneakily. The heard a screeching sound and stopped to look around. Merlin and Arthur looked at each other before moving forward.
They moved inside the tunnels as Merlin suddenly stepped up on something.
"Ah! I just stood on something." Merlin said panicking a bit.
"That was my foot." Arthur said glaring at him.
"Oh, sorry." Merlin apologized and they continued their way.
"How much further is it?" Merlin asked and they hear a screeching sound.
Arthur quickly threw his torch before repeating the action with Merlin's. He extinguished the fire and dragged Merlin with him.
"Shh! Wilddeoren coming this way." Arthur said as they hid behind a rock.
"Whatever happens, keep completely still." Arthur said and they looked infront to see wilddeorens coming their way.
One of them came near the pair as it moved towards Merlin, all the while sniffing the air. Merlin squinted his eyes shut as the creature sniffed Merlin's face from a close distance. Finally after satisfied, the wilddeoren jumped back and left. Arthur and Merlin stood up slowly as they saw the animal running.
In the fortress, Lancelot sneaked up to Alexia's cell.
"Alexia!" Lancelot called.
"Lancelot." Alexia spoke standing up and rushing to the window. A huge sense of relief washed over her
"I was terrified I might find your cell empty." Lancelot said and Alexia looked at him with worry
"There's been no word from Uther. I fear Hengist is growing suspicious. I don't even know if I will make out alive or not. He warned that he will kill me if Uther didn't send a word. I don't know what to do?" Alexia said looking at him as for the first time Lancelot saw fear in those bright green orbs.
"You must keep up the pretence. I will not allow you to die here." Lancelot consoled her.
"What about you?" Alexia asked as she looked at him.
"I have little to live for." Lancelot siad looking down. A small charm popped out of his vest.
Alexia looked at it recognising it at instant.
"No way Lancelot. Lili is waiting for you. I won't ever be able to look in her eyes if you died here. You are away but she does hope that you will return. Please don't ever make me snatch it Lancelot." Alexia said looking at him. Her tone grave.
Lancelot looked at her.
"How is she?" He asked, his voice soft.
"She is as much fine as you are. You both are lost Lancelot. She is still waiting for you. She knows that you are alive and happy somewhere." Alexia said softly as she held his hand that was placed on the net at her window. Lancelot smiled slightly.
"Then you have given me a reason to live. Be ready. I will come for you before nightfall." He promised before standing up and leaving.
Arthur and Merlin sat on the bank of a stream, washing off the Gaia berries. Merlin splashe water on his face clearing the paste as he gasped a bit.
"Gaia berries worked. Huh." Arthur said suddenly looking at the residue of the paste in his hand. Merlin looked at Arthur in surprise.
"You didn't know if they worked?" He sputtered indignantly.
"Not for sure." Arthur shrugged with a smirk.
"Now you tell me? Oh! Oh, what's that Wilddeoren eating? It's all right. It's just Merlin." Arthur scoffed. "You trying to get us both killed? Do you even realise if we die on this quest so will Alexia over there in that stupid fortress!"
Merlin said yelling at the prince. Arthur laughed lightly.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have risked your life like that." The prince apologized while Merlin just rolled his eyes looking away as he thought about Alexia.
"Now where?" Merlin asked, still irritated.
"Oh we just covered a huge distance, now we will be there by nightfall." Arthur said and Merlin sighed, his thoughts wandering to Alexia. Was she fine? Offcourse she wasn't, she would have been back if she was, her magic would have helped her. Merlin frowned at the thought before following Arthur who was moving forward.
In the cells, Alexia sat there with her head on her arms, curled up like a ball. Suddenly the cell opened and two men entered. Alexia crawled back to the wall, pressing herself in the wall.
"What are you doing? Get away!" Alexia shouted but the two men held her each arm dragging her out of the cell.
The two bandits shove Alexia into the cage where Hengist was waiting. Alexia stumbled a bit befurr standing up.
"Morgana." Hengist called turning to look at her, with a confused look on his face.
"Morgana! I keep asking myself, 'Why does Uther not pay the ransom? He's a rich man, why would he leave his beloved ward to suffer a slow and terrible death?'" he asked moving towards her.
Alexia looked at him, a bit scared.
"I don't know. Please. Please..." She said backing up into the corner of the cage. Hengist grabbed one of her hands.
"It must be very upsetting to know that Uther has abandoned you. It seems like no one in the world cares for you." Hengist muttered staring at her.
"I don't know why he doesn't pay. Please, I don't know." Alexia pleaded turning her head aside, her eyes squeezed shut.
"Take her to her cell. Bring Kendrick to me. Perhaps he can tell me why the Lady Morgana has the hands of a serving girl." Hengist said shoving her to the gaurds.
Alexia was thrown into her cell. The gaurds left the door and Alexia moved to the cot taking the cloak and covering herself, all the while crying. Hengist's quote of nobody caring for her repeating in her head.
"Hush! Merlin cares for you Alexia. Calm down. He won't leave you in this hell hole. Calm down." Alexia mumbled to herself wiping her tears with her terribly shaking hands.
In the forest, Merlin was getting restless.
Lancelot looked through a net, down where the food was being prepared. He took out a thread and a bottle. He lowered the thread into the coundrel, as he slipped few drops of a liquid into the soup.
Kendrick was thrown into the cage.
"No! No, wait! Wait, Hengist! Hengist, wait. We did, we did capture the Lady Morgana, but, but...she escaped." Kendrick finally confessed m
"So who, exactly, do I have in my dungeon?" Hengist asked, his voice threatening.
"She was the maid with lady Morgana, she is actually a servant of Prince." Kendrick said desperately trying to get out of the cage.
"Thank you for being so honest. Release the Wilddeoren." Hengist ordered turning and leaving the place.
Kendrick panicked at that.
"No! No, please! I'm begging you! Hengist! Hengist, please! Please, Hengist! HENGIST!" He yelled before he was eaten by the wilddeoren.
The gaurds could be seen lying unconscious due to drugs used by Lancelot, while he walked upto them picking up the keys from their belt.
In her cell, Alexia lied there with tear stains on her white face. She rose to the sound of door opening.
Lancelot opened the door to her cell and extended his hand to her.
"We haven't a moment to lose." He said with a smile as Alexia stood up with a huge smile on her face. She took his hand before they both ran down a dark tunnel. The gaurd finally woke up as Hengist arrived pushing him aside in anger. He reached the cell only to find the door opened before he yelled.
"Ah! Find them! Bring her to me alive!" He yelled ordering the bandits.
Alexia and Lancelot could be seen running in the tunnels before they stopped.
"Follow this tunnel. It will take you out beyond the castle walls. I will buy you as much time as I can." Lancelot said pointing at a tunnel.
"I am not leaving you." Alexia told him firmly.
"You must." Lancelot insisted.
Alexia shook her head.
"We are gonna leave together Lancelot, I know how to fight, we will figure it out together." Alexia said looking at him desperately.
"But..."
"No! Please Lancelot, I am begging you! Please just come with me." Alexia said suppressing her tears.
Lancelot looked at her with a frown before nodding and following her, they both quickly ran across the tunnel and Alexia picked a sword which she found while their way back.
Arthur and Merlin were outside the fortress, viewing it from their hiding spot in the woods. Arthur surveyed the building before coming to a conclusion.
"We'll have to scale the walls."
"Maybe there's another way in." Merlin tried looking at the high walls of the fortress.
"Why don't you go an knock on the front gate? I'm sure if you ask nicely, they'll hand Alexia over to you." Arthur commented sarcastically. Merlin turned to glare at the prince.
In the tunnels, Alexia and Lancelot were fighting with the bandits. Alexia pointed her sword at one of them before slashing it across his chest. The bandit fell lifeless on the ground. Behind Alexia a bandit yelled before charging at her. Alexia quickly turned around blocking his blow befyrr pushing him and swinging her sword piercing his arm.
Lancelot came from behind killing the bandit as both stood there panting.
"We should move as fast as we can." Lancelot said and Alexia nodded. The pair turned around towards the exit only to be surrounded by a dozens of bandits. One of them came from behind striking Lancelot at the back of his head with a large wooden plank.
"Lancelot!" Alexia yelled as she saw him falling on the ground unconscious.
Merlin and Arthur were scaling the wall
But what amused Arthur was the way Merlin was coping with his speed.
"You are doing surprisingly well Merlin. It means you aren't completely stupid." Arthur commented while Merlin just rolled his eyes as they continued to climb.
The pair peeked around a corner inside the fortress to see some bandits.
"You distract them. I'll knock them out." Arthur whispered as he observed the two bandits. Merlin looked at Arthur in confusion.
"How do I distract them?" Merlin asked. Arthur turned to look at him in exasperation before putting his arm around him and shoving him into the room. Merlin stumbled a bit as he climbed down few steps. The bandits stood up swiftly, unsheathing their swords and pointing them at Merlin who raised his hands in surrender.
"What are you doing there?" One of them asked as they quickly moved making the bandits face their backs against Arthur while merliny reached the other side of room.
"Nothing." Merlin shrugged before continuing. "Actually, it's a funny story. I was out walking and I took a wrong turn and here I am. Do you know the way to the Veil of Danaria?" He asked his face tilted with an innocent expression on his face.
The bandits looked at each other before the earlier one questioned again.
"Who are you?" He asked.
"Me? Er, I'm no one..." Merlin replied as Arthur appeared behind the two bamdits.
"It's him you need to worry about." He said pointing at Arthur who knocked the them as soon as they turned.
The pair quickly changed their outfits and dragged the thugs into a corner.
"That actually worked pretty well." Merlin commented a bit surprised after they left the bandits and moved inside the fortress.
Alexia and Lancelot were sitting in the centre of the cage with their hands tied and their backs to each other. The bandits laughed at the pair as Hengist sat on his chair looking at them mercilessly. He stood up and raised his hands.
"What do you say?" He boomed loudly. "Shall I spare them?"
The shouts of 'Kill! Kill! Kill! Kill...!' were the only response.
Alexia looked around, wincing at the sounds, as she turned to Lancelot.
"I am sorry. This is my fault." She apologized as she pressed his hand lightly.
"You have nothing to be sorry for. You reminded me of who I am. I will die with faith in my heart. That is worth more than anything." Lancelot said assuring her.
Hengist looked at them.
"Release the Wilddeoren!" He shouted loudly and Alexia closed her eyes.
" ego iubes me dimittere te! " Alexia chanted once again hoping her magic would awaken. Only to groan when nothing happened.
Everyone cheered as the gates were opened and a wilddeoren entered screeching. Alexia looked at the creature, her eyes filled with fear.
Merlin and Arthur entered the room. A mask was place upon Arthur's face.
Both witnessed the scene infront of them before Arthur rushed to the cage climbing the bars and entering it. He pulled of his mask and Alexia and Lancelot looked at him.
"Arthur!" Alexia yelled in relief as she caught his sight, her heart beating loudly against her chest. Arthur, with his sword freed them and helped Alexia get up, pulling her behind himself and Lancelot, while tossing a sword at Lancelot.
Alexia went near the cage as Arthur and Lancelot fended off the wilddeoren.
She hastily looked around looking for the person she wanted to see eagerly only stopping when she caught his eyes who were already looking at her.
As the bright blue orbs met the bright green ones, a realm of water appeared in her eyes. Merlin gave an assuring nod and turned to look at Arthur and Lancelot who were fighting the wilddeoren.
"What are you doing here, Lancelot?" Arthur asked while striking his sword.
"I came to save Alexia. What about you?"
"Likewise. Get behind us." Arthur replied before commanding Alexia. She quickly moved in the pointed direction. Hengist looked at everything in irritation before he aimed his crossbow at the three in the cage.
Merlin noticed him and quickly looked around, his eyes finding the chandelier.
" Ic bebíede fealle. "
The chandelier broke and crashed but unfortunately Hengist dodged it.
It was a pure chaos in the cage as Arthur finally came up with a solution.
"The tunnel, that's our only chance." He yelled at Lancelot and Alexia before looking around for Merlin who was coming towards them. "Merlin! Move fast, let's go!" He yelled and Merlin nodded.
"After them!" Hengist yelled unsheathing his sword while Merlin ran to the cage and jumped over ints wall entering it.
The four quickly moved around ducking the wilddeoren and reaching the gate of the tunnel.
Hengist entered with one of his bandits, through the door.
Alexia, Merlin, Lancelot and Arthur entered the tunnel.
"Take Alexia! I'll hold them off." Lancelot said.
"No way! We will leave together." Alexia said.
"Alexia, we have to go!" Arthur said.
He grasped her arm and took her down the tunnel.
Merlin gave her a reassuring nod before turning back to the gate.
He chanted a spell quickly as his eyes falshed gold and the rope broke resulting in the fall of gate. Hengist got trapped in the cage as fear entered his eyes.
"Open the gate! Ah!" Hengist yelled as the wilddeoren attacked him.
Merlin and Lancelot stood there panting as they saw Hengist dying.
"I see you're still up to your old tricks, Merlin." Lancelot teased good naturedly.
"It's probably best you don't tell anyone about that." Merlin replied with a smile of his own.
The four stopped running when they reached locked bars at the end of the tunnel.
Alexia looked at everyone as she continued to pant, being out of breath.
"Good to see you both. Where are your knights?" Lancelot asked as he helped Arthur. Merlin stayed with Alexia who quickly jumped in his arms, silent tears flowing from her eyes. Merlin consoled her as he rubbed her back softly.
"It's just us. Got to keep moving." Arthur siad looking pointedly at Merlin and Alexia as he opened the door. They all exited as Lancelot turned to Arthur.
"Thank you, Arthur. We owe you our lives." He thanked and Arthur gave him a clap on his shoulder with a nod of his head.
The four sat at a campfire in the woods, as the dawn arrived.
"I'm surprised you would undertake such a rescue mission...with just the two of you." Lancelot mused.
"My father would not risk the lives of his knights for a servant." Arthur explained.
"And yet you disobeyed him and came here anyway." Lancelot said with a smile.
Arthur looked at Alexia who was asleep with a tree as support.
"Truth is, I only came because Morgana begged me." Arthur said mocking a defeated sigh. Merlin just rolled his eyes at the prince.
"We should all get some rest." Arthur said.
"I'll stand guard for a while." Lancelot offered kindly.
Arthur nodded and left to sleep.
As the morning arrived, Alexia woke up and smiled a bit seeing the freedom infront of her. Cell surely took its toll on her.
Merlin looked at her with a smile as he helped her get up. Alexia nodded her head as thanks as Arthur and Lancelot appeared from woods.
"Where will you go Lancelot?" Alexia asked looking at the future knight.
Lancelot gave a small smile.
"Here and there, somewhere where I could be better."
"You already are!" Arthur said coming from behind.
"It's not what I believe. There are many things which I have yet to learn." He said.
"There is someone in Camelot who still awaits you." Alexia said with a sad look across her face.
"And that will give me hope to do better and return soon." He replied with a smile.
Alexi nodded and gave a barest hint of smile before turning to Merlin.
The group bid their farewell to Lancelot.
"We have a long walk ahead of us." Arthur said and they started their walk back to Camelot.
Arthur took his horse while Alexia and Merlin shared another.
Morgana and Gwen stood on the Griffin Landing staring worriedly out the window. Arthur walked up the stairs.
"Morgana. Guinevere. There's someone here to see you." Arthur called as the two ladies turned to him. He stepped asside to reveal Alexia who quickly rushed to them into their awaiting arms. The three girls hugged each other while Arthur and Merlin stood there looking at them with a smile.
"I thought I'd never see you again." Morgana said with few tears in her eyes.
Alexia just shook her head. As tears fell from her eyes. She couldn't believe she was back. Her whole body was a shaking mess. It was like all the pain, all the tiredness was returning to her body. And before she knew, her body gave up as her eyes were closed and she fell back only to be held by Morgana and Gwen.
"Alexia!" Morgana yelled in worry as she held her. Arthur and Merlin rushed to them helping the pair.
Night arrived as Alexia woke up in her chambers after taking rest for the whole day.
The door to the chambers opened, revealing Merlin who held a tray with few potions along with Gaius.
"Gaius." Alexia called as the said man came to her hugging her with all the love he could muster.
"Please do not attempt anything like this in future. My old heart can take upto a certain limit." Gaius said with watery eyes.
Alexia nodded blinking back tears.
"Take rest and have your potions on time." Gaius said before leaving.
Alexia waved him goodbye as the man moved out of the room closing the door behind.
Merlin sighed as he kept the tray beside and moved to sit beside her.
"You are not fine Alexia. Let it go." He said placing his hand on her shoulder as she leaned into him hugging his waist.
"I am not Merlin. I am not." She said as she broke down, crying into fits.
"He... He died Merlin... They killed him... I couldn't.. I couldn't do anything... He died for me... I hated.. hated there. That cell.. it was dark.. so dark I couldn't see anything. Everyone was so mean.. it was in their eyes... Hengist.. he touched me on my shoulder.. it was so dis.. disgusting!" Alexia hiccuped crying on his shoulder as Merlin consoled her. Even he couldn't believe when he saw the corpse of sir Edward. And Alexia saw the man dying, how could she forget it?
"My magic... It didn't even work. I.. I don't even know why? I was all alone, no one was there... No one..." She wailed, her arms tightening around him as she clinged to him like her life depended on him. Merlin in return just hugged her, all the while murmuring reassurances in her ear.
"Why didn't my magic work Merlin?" Alexia asked looking at him with a horrified look on her face.
Merlin could feel her breath on his neck due to their closeness but shrugged the thoughts away.
"I don't know Alexia, but we will soon find out." He said moving a bit back and picking up her potion.
"Drink this and sleep." He assured her passing the bottle to her, helping her to gulp it.
After that he helped her lie back on the bed and covered her with a blanket as she closed her beautiful green orbs, falling into deep slumber.
Merlin sighed and went back to his bed lying there and falling asleep.
At midnight, Alexia woke up panting, while elsewhere, a pair of blood red eyes snapped open as thunder striked across the skies of Camelot.