Hello everyone! I am back, and definitely alive. Now it was 9th July I posted an announcement that my story was on hold. And finally after around six months, I am back. Well, after I was clear with my mind, there were actually many different things that happened and I became so busy with my life that i couldn't even get to write. But now I finally decided to get back to writing. Because I was definitely nearing a panic attack with all the stress i was getting in my life. And what more better to release some stress than writing? So here I am, with another chapter, even if a bit late.
Note: Chapters will be posted every second Sunday, which really counts for two times a month, and some lucky months, it's three times. But I can assure you, that i next one or two months, the chapters will be posted every Sunday, as I plan the future chapters.
Thank you guys! Once again, to follow my stupid humble creation and very sorry for my idiotic rant. Now let's get to the chapter.
Wait wait wait! Before that, we have some readers to give our congratulations and express the gratitude.
#Now! Shoutout to our '@guest' whose real username i am not aware about as it just shows guest as she guessed correct of what I was going to do. Thank you very much for leaving your comments at my story and giving your time to read it. I can't even express how much all these things means to me. I can't help but feel like I am very very famous! *Chuckles nervously* well just kidding. There are so many brilliant authors which are much much much better than me. And I am so thankful that you gave chance to this humbly author to entertain you.
#@theotterreader: oh the most lovely ones of my readers! *Wink* don't tell anyone I said that to you now. Shush! Now moving to your lovely comments! I camt help the smile and the heart warming feeling that envelopes me everytime I read your comments. And I can't help but be honoured! You really created an account just to comment on my story! I can assure you that this really really really means a lot to me! And those hugs, I am definitely going to cherish those hugs. I needed them the most. Once again, thank you very much for your love and support.
#@grapejuice101: yeah! Life does happen and with the twist that my life took. I can't think but look back at it with surprise and confusion. But let's see what lies ahead. Thank you very much for understanding and giving your love and support. It really inspired to continue it. And BTW, I am definitely going to check your profile. Obviously Merlin fanfictions are the only therapy that can cure the trauma that last season delivered us. *Sobbing in corner* well, loads of love to your support and encouragement and thanks for waiting so long.
#@evilhyperpixie13: first of all, I just love your username. Its unique and definitely quite relatable. Because I definitely am hyper and evil *laughing and cackling* cause I made you all wait for so long. *Heads down in shame* i really am sorry. And thank you very much for your well wishes, it was a different feeling when you find people wishing for your wellness, something which just makes my heart so filled upto brim. Thank you very much for being so patient. Loads of love to you my dear reader.
#@kukushkaa: first of all, ohmygod! Ohmygod! Ohmygod! Ohmygod! An international reader! *Gasps dramatically* I can't help these tears of joy flowing through my eyes. The songs of celebration playing inside my head. Recieving love from Germany! I can't just believe it. But seriously! There are people around the world who are reading my story! I can't believe it. Now thank you very much dear, for your love and affection you are showering upon me dear! Can't help but feel really blessed at this.
And also thank you to all the silent readers, who even if don't comment, still like my story and read it, giving me their love and blessings. Thank you everyone!Now, let's get to the story.
Beauty and the Beast - 2
In Gaius's chambers, Alexia was sitting on the stool with a chalice of water in her hand. Her thoughts wandering to the situation at hand. How could she forget something so important? But it was not the time to regret, Uther was married to the troll. And if Alexia could remember few details about her, then she was going to make the lives of people of Camelot difficult. Trolls are greedy, so it was clear that Catrina will cross each line now, since she is finally wedded to Uther. He first step would be to clear her path. Alexia could only worry for the next step rather than guess it. And it was disturbing her.
Her thoughts were broken when Merlin and Gaius entered the room after the ceremony. Alexia looked at them.
"Gaius, Merlin." She called tentatively.
Both looked at her and Alexia really hated those dejected emotions which were dominating their faces.
The trio merely sat in silence thinking about the problems that would shower upon Camelot since Camelot's new queen was a troll.
"I should have tried a bit more." Merlin said, finally breaking the silence.
Alexia frowned at that.
"No Merlin! It's my fault! I am the one who is from future. I am the one who knows what might happen! You can't blame yourself, when clearly it's my mistakes that we are suffering for."
"I don't think blaming yourself will the solve the problem. We have to think about something." Gaius consoled the two kids. Alexia looked at the floor.
"I should be more careful. If I was more aware, I could have resisted the spell she put on me. Probaby then me and Merlin could escape earlier and stop the wedding." Alexia mumbled to herself.
Gaius just shook his head at her and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
Night arrived, Catrina was sitting in Uther's chambers as Jonas made her comfortable on the couch while she combed her hair.
"You look positively foul. Does the enchantment hold?" Jonas asked as he noticed the expression Catrina was wearing.
"It works a treat. Uther is like a puppet on a string." Catrina replied with a snort.
"What about those scumbs? They know your secret." Jonas expressed his worry.
"Leave them to me. Taking out one of them will take the one out on its own." Catrina said as they both cackled. Catrina stopped abruptly when Uther entered the room.
"My Lord." Jonas bowed quickly before leaving.
Uther ignored him as he threw his jacket aside and rushed to her, purely besotted
"Darling, we are alone at last." Uther said placing kisses on her hand as Catrina bursted into tears.
"What's wrong?" Uther asked concerned.
"I'm sorry. It's not you. I want this more than anything. This has been the happiest day of my life." Catrina replied, acting upset.
"Then what is it?" Uther asked.
"When I was forced to flee my home, the one thing I was able to take with me was my family seal." Catrina cried.
"Yes, you showed it to me when you first arrived." Uther agreed.
"It's the only surviving link I have to my father, and now it's gone. Stolen from my chambers." Catrina said bursting into tears once again.
"Who could've done such a thing?" Uther asked, enraged at the theft. Catrina shifted her hand on his cheek.
"Oh no, please, I don't want to cause any trouble. Not on a day that should be filled with such joy."
"Catrina, who took your seal?" Uther gritted. Catrina turned somber.
"It was Arthur's servant, Merlin."
Arthur was walking past the battlements, followed by the battlegaurds.
"Search the stables. You, check the kitchens. And alert the guard on the south gate!" Arthur ordered, pointing out the directions to the gaurds who dispersed as per his commands.
The search was carried out in different parts of the palace, as the gaurds scrounged the heaps and everything in the courtyard.
"Search in there. This way!" Gaurds shouted as they continued their search.
Alexia and Merlin stood in Arthur's chambers as Alexia picked up the objects while Merlin dusted the tables. Alexia looked at Merlin as she felt something strange in her stomach. The feeling was, least to say, worrying. Merlin noticed her expression and moved to her.
"Hey! What happened?" Merlin asked.
Alexia turned to him as she took a deep sigh closing her eyes.
"No. Nothing." Shaking her head, she mumbled.
In Gaius's chambers, Gaius was making some potion when Leon and the gaurds entered. Gaius stared at them, bewildered.
"Where's Merlin?" Leon asked.
"Where he always is at this time: working for Arthur. What's this about?" Gaius asked as the gaurds moved towards Merlin's and Alexia's chamber.
"We've come to arrest him, by order of the King." Sir Leon informed the physician.
Merlin turned to the bedsheet as he changed it while Alexia was now folding the laundry. Arthur swiftly entered the room before shutting the door behind him.
"You need to get out of here. The King's ordered me to arrest you." Arthur said rushing to Merlin. Alexia dropped the clothes while Merlin looked shocked.
"What?" Both Merlin and Alexia shouted.
"Catrina's accused you of taking her seal." Arthur said as he moved to the other door, opening it and checking outside. Realisation dawned upon Alexia as she realised what was going.
"But I didn't." Merlin defended.
"I don't want to know, and you haven't got time to explain. If you value your life, you'll leave Camelot right now." Arthur saiad looking at him.
"Arthur, she is a troll, and she's trying to set me up." Merlin tried again.
"We've been through this." Arthur said with a defeated look.
"I'm telling the truth. I saw her. We saw her!" Merlin said pointing at himself and Alexia. Before Arthur or Alexia could comment gaurds knocked on the door.
"I don't care. You need to leave, Merlin." Arthur hurried.
Another knock was heard.
"Sire!" The gaurd called.
"Go." Arthur pushed.
Merlin turned to Alexia who looked at him with her green eyes filled with horror.
"Merlin, go!" Alexia said pushing him towards the door. Merlin gave a last glance towrads her and Arthur before leaving from the back door.
Alexia and Arthur shared a worried look.
"You don't believe this, do you?" Alexia asked.
Arthur gave a light shake if his head.
Alexia gave a small tentative smile before the gaurds came rushing in.
Merlin rushed through the corridor before seeing two gaurds and hiding behind an aclove.
Arthur stood before Uther and Catrina in the court.
"I fear he may have slipped through our net." Arthur said.
"You're very quick to give up the chase." Catrina observed with scrutiny.
"That is because I know my quarry is long gone." Arthur reasoned.
"How can you be so certain?" Uther, who have been standing beside his son, asked.
"Well, despite appearances, Merlin isn't stupid. He must've got wind that we were looking for him and left." Arthur replied rubbing his eye and playing with the glove, totally uninterested.
"Outwitting your army in the process." Catrina remarked as Uther took his seat.
"It appears so." The prince shrugged.
"I thought your men aspired to the same high standards that my father instilled in you." Catrina said turning to Uther.
"When I led the army, they did." Uther nodded as he looked at Arthur in disappointment.
"We don't even know if he's still in Camelot. He could be anywhere." Arthur pointed.
"And that's a good enough reason to give up?" Catrina asked.
"No, I'm not. It's just that I believe our resources would be better..." Uther cut him off.
"I've had enough of your excuses. We both have. I want the boy found."
Arthur stopped, his face blank before he bowed.
"Sire. My Lady." He said turning and leaving.
Catrina left the court as she crossed the corridors while seeing around with a slight smirk on her face. It was before she felt some suffocation. Catrina coughed, her hand covering her throat as she gasped for air. She quickly searched around to find no gaurds but stopped when she heard the click of fingers.
The suffocation stopped as she swiftly turned to the source.
Her eyes narrowed as she saw Alexia, who stood there, with rage adorning her face.
"You know what? You played the wrong pawn. Till now, I could have forgiven your malices and stupidities, but now you stepped out of the line. You tried to harm one of my own." Alexia said, her voice cold, lacking her usual warmth and kindness.
"You decided to enter a field where you weren't even aware of the soldiers standing in there. You thought you are powerful, but you don't even know with whom you are fighting right now. Endangering Merlin, you have stepped in your grave, and I will make sure to bury you in those depths, from where you won't even be able to return. Count your days Catrina, because I won't be caught off handed again." Alexia warned before passing the shocked troll, standing there with her eyes filled with hatred.
In the woods, gaurds of Camelot continue to search for a specific warlock, before they find a piece of Merlin's clothing. The gaurd whistles, signalling the others, as they find some left over coal.
"Alert the rest of the guards!" One of them yelled.
The guards returned to Camelot as Gwen talked to Gaius.
"They found Merlin's trail. They say he's heading for the northern borders." Gwen expressed her concern.
"I'm sure he'll outrun them." Gaius assured before leaving. Gwen jumped to match his pace.
"What if he can't? Uther won't show him any mercy." Gwen stated.
"Try not to worry, Gwen." Gaius said before he left.
Placing his bucket on the table, Gaius looked at the girl infront of her. It was the first time he saw her this much angry.
"Did they find the lead?" Alexia asked.
"Yes they did." Gaius nodded.
Alexia sighed as she moved to a trunk opening it and knocking the walls.
Moments later, Merlin jumped out, scattering the grains all around.
"That was comfortable." Merlin commented. Alexia rolled her eyes.
"A necessary evil, I'm afraid. As you heard, they picked up the trail that we left, but it won't fool them for long." Gaius warned.
"Then we'd better get busy." Merlin shrugged moving to the door, Alexia on his trial.
"And Merlin, be careful. The guards are still searching for you." Gaius said warning the boy, who nodded his head in understanding.
Catrina itched as she walked back to her chambers. Merlin and Alexia follow her, sneaking behind the walls and moving behind her.
The troll entered the room as she coughed violently.
"Mistress, it is time." Jonas said bringing the potion.
"Do I have to?" Catrina asked as she itched and screamed.
"You must keep up the pretence!" Jonas pushed.
"I hate being like this! So clean! It's revolting. I can't keep it up. This skin, this face! I just want to claw it off! And on the top of that, that wretch tried to warn me? That wretch?" Catrina snarled as she sunk into the ground. Jonas looked confused.
"What did she do mistress?"
Merlin looked at Alexia, who averted his gaze and continued to look at the scene. Merlin shook his head at her antics, but couldn't stop the small smile that appeared on his lips.
"The girl used her magic. She is something pure Jonas and probably a danger." Catrina yelled, "Ugh! I literally want to rip off this skin!"
"Think of all the money, and the power. Soon it will all be yours." Jonas tried.
Suddenly, Catrina became quiet before she peeked from the table. Her eyes wide as greed entered those orbs.
Jonas puts the potion on the table and Catrina picked it up, gulping it in a single go.
Merlin and Alexia watched the troll skin disappearing.
Both quickly rush aside, hiding behind the wall, as Catrina exited and took a deep sigh, moving out like a royal.
Merlin and Alexia saw her leaving.
Arthur stood before Uther and Catrina along with other courtiers.
"There's something important that I...we wish you to address. For too long, the people have had it easy. They've grown fat off our indulgence of them." Uther said.
"How so?" Arthur asked, genuinely confused.
"We provide peace, protection, food. They give us very little in return." Uther stated.
"Most of our people are poor. They survive on the few crops they're able to grow." Arthur reasoned.
"That is what they would have us believe." Catrina pointed.
"It's what I see every day." Arthur countered back.
"We're introducing a new tax." Uther started.
"The people must pay for the sanctuary that Camelot provides." Catrina finished.
"You can't. The majority are barely able to get by as it is." Arthur argued.
"Those who refuse to pay it will be arrested and publicly flogged." Uther commanded.
"We've lived this way for years. You've never suggested anything like this before." Arthur pointed looking at Uther before looking at Catrina.
"Maybe not to you, but the King confided in me that he has been considering this for some time, haven't you?" Catrina asked lovingly, looking at Uther.
"Yes, I have. You are to begin the collections at once." Uther finalized as Arthur left.
Alexia and Merlin could be seen sitting in an abandoned room.
"Okay now I remember. We saw that potion, that potion is what that keeps Catrina in her beauty form. So if we steal the potion, she won't be able to use that. In my timeline, you did the same thing but it didn't give desired results as now I remember that Uther is actually besotted by the troll. He is enchanted. So what we have to do right now is that we will shift the bottle..."
"We have to distract Catrina for that!" Merlin argued. Alexia stopped at that.
"Actually I have a plan." Alexia said with a smile.
Merlin and Alexia sneaked into Jonas's chambers as they assured themselves when he was asleep. Moving inside, the pair moved to the cupboard and Merlin raised his hand.
" Tospringe. " Merlin whispered as the door snapped open. Jonas mumbled something completely incoherent alerting the pair.
Alexia and Merlin looked behind their shoulders to find him snoring once again. Both sighed in relief and moved to steal the bottle and rushed out after closing the door.
The pair, after exiting the room, looked at each other.
"Now you know what you have to do, I will do what I am supposed to do." Alexia said and Merlin nodded.
Alexia turned to leave before Merlin stopped her grabbing her wrist.
"Alexia! Be careful." Merlin whispered.
"I know Merlin, hopefully she isn't as close minded as Arthur. She probably will listen." Alexia whispered assuring him.
Merlin smiled at her.
"We saw her drink some of this potion and a patch of troll skin on her arm disappeared." Merlin said to Gaius, who was stirring the bottle on the fire checking the potion.
"It must be pretty powerful magic to physically change her like that." Gaius commented.
"Could you make a potion that looks and tastes the same as this?" Merlin asked.
"I don't know. Yes, I suppose so, but without the troll magic, it wouldn't have the same effect." Gaius replied.
"Exactly. If I can replace this potion with one that isn't magical. That's what I and Alexia came up with." Merlin said.
"Ah, so Catrina will keep taking it, but it'll no longer work." Gaius said finally understanding.
"And she'll turn into a troll. Think you can do it?" Merlin asked.
"I don't know." Gaius shrugged.
"We have to make the switch before morning or Jonas will notice." Merlin said.
"Then it's going to be a long night." Gaius commented.
Catrina entered her chambers warily. She moved towards the bed, as a snarl crossed her face seeing the clean bed.
"My Lady." Uther called, standing hidden behind a curtain. Catrina turned in a quick motion, giving Uther a fake smile.
"My Liege."
"I brought you flowers picked from the royal garden." Uther said showing the purple flowers, moving towards her.
"Oh, well they're...they're lovely." Catrina said turning her back towards him.
"Not as lovely as you." Uther said, kissing her neck, making Catrina disgusted.
Catrina sneezed in order to escape as she jumped to the other side of room.
"Are you all right?" Uther asked concerned.
"I'm sorry. I don't think I can keep this up any longer." Catrina said.
"Keep what up?" Uther asked.
"The lie. I can't keep pretending like this. I'm beginning to wonder if you're really the man I thought you were, the man I fell in love with. The man I married was firm, strong, in both mind and body." Catrina said.
"Trust me, I am all of those, and more." Uther assured, grabbing her shoulders.
"I fear for Camelot. Arthur has not taken after his father. He is too weak to make the hard decisions." Catrina said.
"Then it's lucky I'm in such rude health." Uther pointed.
"Lucky, indeed, but what if some tragedy were to befall you?" Catrina asked in deep breath.
"Let me worry about Arthur." Uther reassured.
"No, I can't." Catrina said placing her hand on his cheek. "Your love for him has made you blind to his faults."
"I judge Arthur the same as the rest of my men. If he excels, he is rewarded. If he fails, he is punished." Uther said, his tone increasing slightly.
"Well, so long as you're sure of that." Catrina said giving up.
"I am. Now let me take your mind off this. I promise, our first night as husband and wife will be one to remember." Uther said, taking her to the bed and making her sit before kneeling before her. He leaned in to kiss her as Catrina gasped before breathing on him, knocking him out. She snarled getting up as she farted before smelling it pleasantly. Rushing out, she exited the chambers for her own pit.
Alexia passed the corridors in dark, as she greeted all the maids and servants while passing. Rushing on her feet, her steps taking her towards her destination. All the while, she was checking and double-checking the plan she formulated. Could this really be possible? But well it was the only and the best bet they had right now. So finally taking a deep breath, she reached the door and gave a polite knocked before waiting for it to open. Within few moments, the door opened to reveal Morgana in her nightgown, who looked at Alexia in surprise.
"Alexia!" Morgana smiled.
"Morgana." Alexia greeted.
"Come in." Morgana motioned her mentor and friend inside.
"What brings you here?" Morgana asked as the pair sat on the bed.
"Morgana.. I don't know how I am supposed to say it, but Camelot is in grave danger." Alexia started as she noticed the frown on Morgana's face.
"What are you talking about?" Morgana asked.
"King Uther..."
"Yeah, he is married now. Isn't it great? Like who imagined he will find love at this age?" Morgana asked with a smirk.
Alexia rolled her eyes.
"That's not what I am here for. The lady Catrina... She is a danger to Camelot?" Alexia said.
Morgana looked at her with confusion before nodding her head and urging her continue.
"She... She is a troll." Alexia finally said as she saw Morgana's eyes widening in shock.
Morning arrived as Alexia and Merlin came down as Gaius was replicating the potion.
"What's in it?" Merlin asked, as Alexia suppressed her giggles. She knew what was coming.
"Nothing too potent. Rat's guts." Gaius started.
"Nice." Merlin commented as Alexia looked disgusted.
"Toad paste. Take two toads, grind them up..."
"No, I get the picture." Merlin said, stopping the physician.
"Horse dung. Crushed sheep's eyeball." Gaius continued.
"Oh, lovely." Merlin mumbled awkwardly.
"Pond scum. Three wolf spiders. And what potion isn't complete without a dash of sheep's brain?" Gaius asked as he completed his recipe.
"Sounds delicious." Merlin commented.
"Good, 'cause you're going to taste it." Gaius said as Merlin's eyes widened.
"No way." Merlin yelled.
"It's completely harmless." Gaius said giving him the bottle.
"Er, no. Can't Alexia tell us if the potion was right? Like she already knows!" Merlin said turning to the said lady. Alexia stopped smiling as she became serious.
"Uh... I can't tell right! What if something went different. I am afraid you have to taste it." Alexia said, trying to suppress her smile.
Merlin glared at her, she just gave an apologetic smile, which definitely wasn't apologetic.
Merlin sighed looking at the two expecting faces, before finally touching the potion before hesitantly placing it on his tongue. Not even a moment later, he started coughing and gagging.
"That is...ugh." he stopped wiping his tongue with the back of his hand. "That is disgusting." Merlin said.
"Yes, to you, but not to a troll." Gaius commented with a small smile.
"I can't even believe you let me put that in my mouth." Merlin commented.
"Yes, well, try the original." He said turning to him with the new one. Alexia coughed in order to suppress her laugh as Merlin glared at her.
"Oh..." Merlin groaned.
"Just a small amount. And be sure to spit it out." Gaius informs.
Merlin looked at the potion, highly offended, before moving tasting a drop hesitantly. Within a second, he gagged and spitted the potion, coughing and looking disgusted.
"Does it taste roughly the same?" Gaius asked.
"Yes! It's horrible." Merlin nearly yelled.
"Are you sure? Because if there's too big a difference, Catrina will notice." Gaius said.
"It tastes exactly the same." Merlin replied firmly.
"Well, let's hope she thinks so, too." Gaius said and Alexia gave a reassuring smile before taking out a small bottle and passing it to Merlin.
"It's honey. You will like it." She said with a small smile, as Merlin stared at her.
"You knew this would happen, didn't you?" Merlin asked while Alexia just gave him a teasing smile.
Merlin rolled his eyes before tasting a bit honey.
"Now we have to change it. But how?" Merlin asked.
"I already have it covered up." Alexia smiled.
In the courtyard, Catrina was coming back to the palace from her pit. Suddenly Morgana came out if nowhere and went to her.
"Lady Catrina." Morgana called, approaching her.
Catrina looked at her in surprise.
"Morgana!" Catrina said faking a smile.
"Well I was thinking if uou would be free?" Morgana asked.
"And why might you need me?" Catrina asked instead.
"Well it was actually because I am having few quite pretty jewels in my collection. J thought you might want to have a look at them. They are quite expensive and I do t want them to just lay in my boxes. We can try to get some jewellery out of them.. Only if you like!" Morgana explained as she noticed the greed entering in the eyes of the troll.
"Yeah, my dear, offcourse. Please guide the way." Catrina said with a huge smile.
Morgana gave a nod, as she took the lady with her.
In the castle, Merlin and Alexia sneaked past the patrolling gaurds as they arrived in Catrina's corridor. They ran down the corridor, reaching her chambers before peeking inside to see if Jonas was there or not. Realising he wasn't, both rushed inside and moved to the cupboard.
" Tospringe. " Alexia chanted, as the door snapped open and Merlin placed the fake potion. Suddenly they heard few footsteps. Merlin garbbed Alexia before rushing to hide in the wardrobe.
"Mer.."
"Shush!" Merlin placed his finger on her lips quietening her. Alexia stopped as he looked at him. She felt her heart beat increasing, their faces were so close and Alexia could feel his finger on her lips as he peeked out from the small opening. Alexia felt a deep fluttering in her stomach as her face flushed bright red, not that Merlin noticed, he was too busy watching that stupid creature entering and sitting. Alexia stared at his deep blue eyes, they were precious and held so much. It was like a deep ocean, which carried enormous content. And at that time she realised that Merlin affected her like no one other. The thought literally blew off her mind as she felt her eyes widening at the thought. Could she? But how? Was she really falling in love with this idiot?
Her thoughts were broken with a sudden snap as she saw Merlin's tightly extended hand towards the cupboard drawer. She noticed Jonas getting alert as he swiftly got up and looked around, only to find nothing and sit back at his place.
Merlin gave a silent sigh as he saw Jonas sitting back before turning back to Alexia and removing his finger from her lips with a small smile at her. And at that moment, on that day, Alexia knew her answer. She fell and she fell hard. Harder than she imagined. She gave her heart to this idiot. All those smiles, all those happy memories, all that belief, it was all her feelings for him. Alexia ducked her head down, staring at the wooden floor at the thought. But surprisingly it gave a warm feeling in her stomach.
Merlin looked at his companion as she ducked her head, with a small frown. He couldn't comprehend the reason but didn't say anything as he observed the moments of that anonymous creature.
Arthur could be seen taking a walk in the lower town when he saw gaurds wrestling with a man. Arthur frowned before he rushed towards them.
"What do you think you're doing?" He asked approaching them.
"He's refusing to pay the King's tax." The gaurd said as he tried to push the man down.
"You- you ask for too much." The old man panted as he looked at the gaurds.
Even Gwen came out hearing the commotion.
"I've given all I can." The man pleaded.
"That's not enough!" The gaurd snarled.
Arthur frowned and looked towards others, who were all looking towards him. He turned to the gaurds.
"Let me see." He said taking the pouch from the gaurd and looked inside it. He looked at the man and returned the pouch to the man who looked surprised but delighted.
"Release him." Arthur commanded as he turned to leave.
"The King said..." The gaurds spoke up.
"Release him. Give them back their money. All of it." Arthur swiftly cut the gaurd before giving his final order and turned to leave.
Gwen smiled at him along with all the others, who bowed as he passed.
Arthur stood before Uther and Catrina in the throne room.
"I gave you a direct order." Uther said as he held Catrina's hand.
"The people cannot afford to pay the tax." Arthur reasoned.
"Don't tell me you're naïve enough to take them at their word?" Catrina said which sounded more like a question.
"We have their loyalty, their goodwill. Do not forsake that by making unreasonable demands." Arthur warned.
"Is it so unreasonable for a king to expect his subjects to obey him?" Catrina asked looking at Uther.
"They'll starve!" Arthur exclaimed.
The pendant glowed and Uther stood up.
"Nonsense. They've grown too soft. Remember, these are your subjects, not your friends." Uther reminded.
"And why can't they be both?" Asked Arthur with a frown.
"Because we rule the people, not the other way around." Replied the king heatedly.
"I think you're wrong." Arthur said softly.
"I beg your pardon?" Uther asked, clearly shocked, as he strolled towards his son.
"I said you're wrong. Without the people there is no Camelot. We're as much their servant as they are ours." Arthur said, firmly standing his ground as Uther glared at him. Catrina stood up and moved towards Uther.
"You allow him to address you in this manner?" She asked the king, standing behind him.
"No I do not." Uther snarled. He looked at Arthur as he ordered, "It will not be tolerated. You will take your men down into the town and go to every house collecting the payments I demand."
Arthur lowered his head before raising it again and looking at his father in the eyes.
"I will not."
Uther looked clearly shocked at that.
"Get out of my sight." Uther said with rage seeping through his voice.
Arthur merely bowed before giving Catrina a glance and leaving the chambers.
The gaurds closer the doors behind him.
"How can he do this to me? My own son? After all the sacrifices I've made for him!" Uther mumbled.
"Oh, you are tense." Catrina said as she placed her hands on his shoulder, giving massage.
"Is it any surprise? The lack of respect he shows me." Uther said but shouted as Catrina squeezed his shoulders, resulting a crack sound.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Did that hurt?" Catrina asked, continuing the massage.
"No, of course not. No, it's.." he groaned, "..but your hands are surprisingly strong for one so delicate." Uther replied.
"Arthur carries a heavy burden. It can't be easy holding all that responsibility at such a tender age." Catrina said as another groan echoed through the chambers.
"I'm afraid that's the way it has to be. After all, I cannot rule Camelot alone." Uther said in a strained voice.
"Well, you don't have to. You married me, remember?" Catrina pointed.
"How can I forget?" He asked turning to her and taking her hands in his and placing a kiss on her knuckles and leaning in to kiss her, but Catrina stepped back.
"I'm sorry, I can't. I'm too worried about you. With Arthur letting you down the way he has, how will you cope? Like you said, you can't rule Camelot alone." Catrina said as she turned and escorted him to the throne.
"I have you by my side."
"Oh, I may be your queen, but I have no power." Catrina stated.
"Why not?" Uther asked baffled.
"Well, the people wouldn't respect me as they do Arthur. I'm not heir to the throne." Catrina pointed.
"Would it put your mind at rest if you were?" Uther asked as he trailed his gloved hand, across her face.
"Oh, it would. It most definitely would." Catrina said.
"Then you shall be. The ceremony will take place this afternoon." Uther said as he leaned in again. Catrina breathed on him and knocked him out before exiting the throne room.
Merlin and Alexia were still hidden in wardrobe. Suddenly they heard the door open and Catrina entered.
"Jonas, it's time for my potion." The troll said.
"Are your plans progressing as you'd hoped." Jonas asked taking out the bottle.
"Yes, not a moment too soon." Catrina said as she took the bottle. She stopped midway as she noticed something before turning over and walking to the wardrobe.
Merlin and Alexia slid a bit back as they tried to remain motionless.
"I must admit, though, that crown will look rather fetching. All that gold, and them lovely jewels." Catrina said looking at her image before gulping the potion.
She then turned to Jonas.
"Now, would you care to accompany your queen?" She asked extending her hand, as Jonas held it with a smirk. The pair exited the room as the door snapped shut.
Merlin came out of hiding and helped Alexia too, before the pair sighed in relief. The next moment, both left the room.
In his chambers, Arthur sat on his chair as he looked deep in thoughts. There was a knock on the door which Arthur replied with a, "Come in."
The door opened to reveal Gwen standing there. Arthur looked at her.
"Guinevere!" Arthur greeted.
"I saw what you did earlier. The people owe you a debt of gratitude." Gwen said. Arthur sighed.
"The people owe me nothing. My father's still going to impose the tax." Arthur informed her.
"Will he not be persuaded?" Gwen asked.
"Not by me. He can't stand the sight of me." Arthur said.
"That's not true. The King loves you." Gwen argued.
"You should've heard the way he spoke to me." Arthur said standing up.
"I'm sure he was angry, but you're still his son. Everyone appreciates what you did. They know you tried, and they won't forget that." Gwen stated.
Arthur looked deep in his thoughts.
"Maybe he's right. One day I will be the King of Camelot, and I cannot be a friend to the people as well as their ruler." Arthur thought out loud.
"That's not true," Gwen said fiercely, stepping forward, "and you will prove it when you become King. You've a kind heart, Arthur. Don't ever change. Not for anyone." She adviced.
Another knock disturbed the pair, as Gwen took a step back. Sir Leon peeked inside as he informed the prince.
"The King has sent for you."
Sir Leon and Arthur entered the council chambers as he noticed everyone collected there.
"Father?" Arthur asked.
"I'm relaxing your duties, revoking your title." Uther said.
"What?" Arthur asked, totally confused.
"We live in dangerous times, I cannot allow you to undermine my authority." Uther stated.
"You've always welcomed my counsel in the past."
"You stood against me for all the people to see." Uther said fiercely.
"I'm sorry. Any future grievance I have will be held in private." Arthur apologized looking at everone.
"No, it's too late for that." Uther said turning and standing near his throne.
"Father, this is..."
"You are to be disinherited, with immediate effect. You are no longer Crown Prince of Camelot." Uther announced as everyone looked shocked at the declaration. Gaius looked grave, while Catrina suppressed a smirk.
"Sire, Arthur is your son, your natural heir..." Gaius tried but was stopped by Arthur.
"Gaius..." The prince turned to king as he took few steps towards his father. "You've always taught me to be true to my heart, and that's all I've ever tried to do. To be the man you wanted me to be. Someone you were proud to call your son."
Uther looked at his son, before giving his final word.
"My decision is final."
Arthur looked at his father with a blank face before turning and leaving the chambers.
"Queen Catrina will be named as rightful heir to the throne. The ceremony will begin forthwith." Uther announced as he sat beside her. Catrina smiled at him before turning to look at everyone. Sir Leon, noticing what she wanted, started to applaud slowly, followed by the whoke chamber except Gaius.
Gaius sat gravely on his chair, as he thought about today's council. The door creaked open as Merlin and Alexia entered.
"We've done it! Catrina's drank the fake potion." Merlin cheered as they entered.
The pair noticed his expressions. Alexia frowned.
"What's wrong? What's happened?" Alexia asked.
"Uther has disinherited Arthur and made Catrina his heir." Gaius replied, shocking both, the warlock and the lady of unicorns.
"So if Uther dies, she will rule Camelot." Merlin concluded.
"The game has gone too far now." Alexia said.
In the hall of ceremonies, everyone stood at their place as Uther and Catrina sat on their thrones. Geoffrey of Monmouth stood in the centre, presiding the ceremony.
"We are gathered here to bear witness to the naming of Queen Catrina as the rightful heir to Camelot. Are you willing to take the oath?" He asked turning to Catrina who stood there with a smug look.
"I am." Catrina said proudly.
Morgana gave her a silent glare as she turned to look at Arthur who stood there emotionally broken, not that he was allowing it on his face. Merlin and Alexia stood up in the balcony as they hid there.
"Do you solemnly swear to govern the people of Camelot, to uphold the laws and customs of the land?" Geoffrey asked. Catrina frowned suddenly.
"I...do." She said as she itched a bit.
"Will you, to your power cause law and justice in mercy to be executed in all your judgments?"
"I will." She said, all the while itching her arm.
"Will you, to the utmost of your powers..." Catrina checked her arm as she saw a patch of troll skin. She looked at Jones who looked equally shocked. Merlin and Alexia smirked along with Morgana. "... maintain the laws..."
"Yes, yes." Catrina interrupted as she was now getting panicked.
"I'm sorry, you-you must let me finish. The wording must be exactly right to be binding." Geoffrey told her.
"Well, get on with it then. I mean, really, where did you dig up this old crone from?" Catrina asked looking at Uther in irritation while he just smiled.
"She's right. Get on with it." Uther agreed. Morgana looked shocked while Arthur frowned. Geoffrey too look bewildered but gave a slight nod.
"Will you, to the utmost of your powers..." "Yes, yes." Geoffrey ignored her as he continued while Catrina itched. "...maintain the laws and customs..." "I will, I will." "...of the land, and serve the people of Camelot?" Geoffrey finally completed.
"Yes! Just shut up and give me the crown!" Catrina yelled. The court gasped at that. Merlin and Alexia gave small smirks while Morgana carried one of her own. Maybe Alexia's plan worked, Morgana thought.
Catrina whimpered due to the irritation on her arm.
Geoffrey sighed and motioned for the crown. He took the crown and presented it to Catrina.
"Will you just hurry up!" Catrina grabbed the crown and jammed it on her head while running out of the hall. Everyone looked bewildered as Alexia and Merlin saw her running.
Morgana and Arthur looked at her retreating figure, Morgana with a smile while Arthur with confusion.
"Catrina!" Uther called as he stood up and followed her. Jonas too left, as did Alexia and Merlin. Morgana too rushed behind them.
In the Red Ribbon corridor, Catrina tried to find an escape but stopped seeing the gaurds. She swiftly turned only to find Uther coming there, without a choice, she turned to her left and rushed.
"Catrina!" Uther called as she reached there. He looked around to search befire turning to the gaurds, who pointed him towards the Council Chamber of Doom.
"Catrina!" Uther called.
Alexia and Merlin reached the room, hiding behind the wall. Merlin magically closed the door where Catrina was running to.
"Whatever's the matter?" Uther asked sweetly. Morgana arrived at the moment
"I'm sorry..." She said with her both arms raised forward, before she quickly hid the troll arm. "I don't know what came over me. I, I just suddenly felt so hot. I, do you know, I think I need to be on my own, alright?" She said as she turned.
"Are you alright?" Morgana asked with fake concern. Catrina replied, startling her, "Yes, yes, I'm, I'm fine. Really, thank you. I just..."
" Fýrbendum fæst. " Merlin chanted as Alexia suppressed her laugh. The door was locked now.
"Come on. Come on." She tried to open the door.
Arthur rolled his eyes.
"Open!" She snarled before her eyes widened as she realised the change in her voice.
"Let me." Arthur said moving forward, but stopped as he saw the troll arm and backed away.
"What's that?" He asked shocked.
Catrina turned as she looked scared. Suddenly she began to transform.
"What's happening?" Morgana shouted.
the troll continued to transform while Uther still looked entranced.
"Somebody help her!" Morgana shouted again. Merlin and Alexia smiled.
"You're a troll!" Arthur said, disgusted. The troll gasped in her completed transformation.
Uther's reverie was broken at that.
"How dare you speak about her like that!" Uther boomed.
"What is wrong with you? Look at the state of her!" Arthur motioned at the baffied troll who was still trying to find an exit.
"I don't believe it." Morgana acted.
The troll looked around before finally turning and ripping open the door. With a snarl, she left the place.
"She just ripped a door off its hinges. Doesn't that tell you something?" Arthur asked.
"Enough!" Uther shouted, surprising everyone.
Arthur looked exasperated.
"She's a troll! A giant...grey..." "Stinking." Morgana supplied. "Stinking troll!" Arthur completed looking at his father expectantly.
"Stop it! Haven't you hurt her feelings enough? Insult my wife again, it'll be the last thing you ever do." He warned as he moved to pick up Catrina's shoes and crown before exiting, leaving a slackjawed Morgana and Arthur along with a worried Merlin and Alexia.
Uther reached his troll wife.
"I'm so sorry that you had to hear those terrible things." Uther said as he threw the objects and removed his cloak.
"He- he- he's just taking time to adjust. He'll soon get used to having a stepmother around." The troll stuttered. Uther came and turned the troll towards him.
"How could he compare such beauty with a troll?" Uther asked as he caressed her cheek.
The troll shrugged. "Search me. I washed my face and everything."
Uther leaned to place a strong kiss on her forehead. Before he pulled back with a light frown.
"What is it?" The troll asked.
"It's just your scent, it's- it's so...fragrant."
Uther said.
"Hmm. Well, it's er, it's mostly...dung." the troll replied
"And such a sense of humour, too. I was so blessed it was my castle you came to. That I may look upon this vision every day." He said looking in her eyes.
"Well, beauty is in the eye of the beholder." The giant troll commented.
"And I shall behold it." He said picking her up and placing her on bed, with him upon her as he kissed her deeply.
After the incident, Alexia entered Morgana's chambers with Merlin.
Morgana quickly rose to her feet before looking at Merlin with wide eyes.
"You? You are on arrest." Morgana said. Merlin rolled his eyes while Alexia shook her head.
"We have to do something. Merlin was helping me all along. We thought exposing her would finally knock some sense into Uther." Both Morgan and Merlin snorted. " But, it appears that we didn't get the desired results." Alexia finished gravely.
Morgana looked at her.
"Now what?" She asked.
"I don't know. We have to do something soon. Talk to Arthur and know how he feels about it." Alexia said. Morgana gave a nod.
"We will think about some solution." Alexia told the lady before she and Merlin exited.
Next morning the Council members entered to approach Uther.
"I wasn't aware we were due to convene the council. What's this about?" He asked but others remained silent.
"Come on. Someone speak up." Uther prompted.
"I'm afraid it's your wife, Sire." Gaius began.
"Yes, what about her?" Uther asked.
Gaius looked at the others before returning his gaze to the king.
"It's a rather delicate matter, Sire."
"Gaius, you've been my trusted advisor for many years. You can speak as you will." Uther assured.
"I don't suppose it's escaped your notice, Sire, but we just...just wanted to make absolutely certain. You do realise your wife is a troll, Sire." Gaius finally spoke up.
"I beg your pardon?" Uther said.
"At least that's the way she looks to us. What with the warts, and the nose..."
"And the smell." Sir Leon added. " And the smell." Gaius completed.
"The smell? What?" Uther scoffed.
"She also has, what appears to be, a set of fangs." Gaius continued.
"What?"
"I wouldn't really say they were fangs. More like tusks." Sir Leon said.
"Yes, they are more like tusks. Not that we're saying that's necessarily a bad thing. I just thought I ought to point it out to you in case it had passed you by." Gaius finally completed.
Uther appeared in deep thoughts while others looked hopeful.
'The next person to insult Queen Catrina will be charged with treason, and beheaded according to the laws of the land." He said firmly as the smiles fell of everyone's faces.
"Uther must be enchanted. It's the only explanation." Gaius said as he paced around his chamber, while Merlin scrolled his book. Alexia stood there while thinking about something.
"Which is why we have to find a way to break it." Merlin said.
"You won't find anything in your magic books. Troll enchantments are too strong." Gaius told the boy.
"Then what are we going to do?" Merlin asked.
"We need to ask the dragon. Only he can possibly provide us with answers." Alexia said. Gaius nodded.
"If there's a way to break Catrina's hold on Uther, he'll know it. But be careful, dragons and trolls have been close allies in the past." Gaius warned the two. The pair sneaked through the corridors avoiding the gaurds.
In the council dining chambers, the troll was dining with Uther. She gobbled up all the rotten food as the maid brought out another plate.
"Is everything to your satisfaction?" Uther asked with a huge smile.
"Er, no. This thing's got to go for a start..." The troll motions at her chair and tries to get up, only to get stuck due to her large bottom. "...It's made for midgets! Too hard, too clean! Not my taste at all." The troll snarled.
"What can I get you instead?" Uther asked instead.
"Ah. I was walking through the grounds this morning, and I couldn't help but notice that your stables have just been mucked out. It seems such a waste to throw away all that lovely dung." The troll said fluttering her eyes at the end.
In his cave, Kilgharrah laughed heartily as he heard the news from Merlin and Alexia. Merlin looked at the dragon with a with a raised brow while Alexia herself couldn't stop the smile that appeared on her face. How could one not laugh, seeing the great dragon laughing like this. Finally it seemed Merlin had enough.
"This isn't funny." Merlin said.
"Oh, it is, it is. The thought of Uther marrying a troll! Was it a very public affair?" The dragon asked.
"Public enough." Merlin answered. This got an another laugh from the dragon.
"Don't laugh! If she can't be stopped, Arthur won't become King. Albion will never be born." Merlin said seriously, at this Alexia too straightened up.
"I'm sorry. You are right, of course." Kilgharrah said calming himself.
"So... How can we break the enchantment?" Alexia asked.
"These are not trifling tricks. Troll magic is very powerful." Kilgharrah told the pair.
"There has to be a way." Merlin insisted.
"Oh yes. There is. The only way to break this enchantment is a very powerful ritual. Something which hasn't been done in years. It requires three very powerful sorcerers to perform the act, only when they will use their power, the king can be set free." The great dragon boomed.
Alexia frowned.
"But we are just two!" Merlin pointed.
"Morgana." Alexia said.
Both the warlock and the dragon turned to her.
"We need help from Morgana. Only she is the person in the castle who is blessed with powerful magic. But it will lead to Merlin hiding while doing the ritual." Alexia said looking at them.
Kilgharrah looked like ready to revolt only to stop with a glare from Alexia.
Merlin appeared to be in deep thoughts.
"I believe you are correct. We have to do this. But what is the spell?" Merlin asked.
"That I will provide you young warlock. You both must step forward and take in the knowledge I will give you. Remember, it is important that this knowledge should not pass into wrong hands." The dragon warned. Both Alexia and Merlin nodded.
Closing their eyes, they felt what Kilgharrah wanted to share. The sheer power of the spell was blinding. And it was after a moment when they realised why it shouldn't land in bad hands.
Opening their eyes, the two magicians looked at the golden eyes of the great dragon.
Both the witch and the warlock bowed to the mystical creature as they realised the power of the spell.
Kilgharrah couldn't help but be proud at what, he would later deny, were his mentees.
"To carry the ritual, it necessary for Uther to cry tears of true remorse." Kilgharrah told the pair. Alexia's eyes widened in recognition.
"How do we make him do that?" Merlin asked.
"That I can't answer. Uther's heart is cold as stone. He's never been sorry for anything." Kilgharrah said.
"I know a way we can make Uther cry tears of true remorse." Alexia said.
"Thank you for your help." Merlin said as he and Alexia turned to leave.
"Young warlock, it was some time ago you promised to set me free. The help I give is not unconditional." Kilgharrah said and if he saw Alexia stiffening at that, he didn't comment.
Merlin just gave a light nod, unaware to both, Alexia's stiffened body and Kilgharrah's plans.
In the council chambers, the council looked disgusted as they saw the troll eating sung and sitting on the dung heap. Leaning down, she picked up a dung piece and pushed it to Uther.
"That is for you. Now, tell them about our plan, beloved. Plan." The troll said excitedly.
"We're introducing further taxes." Uther announced.
"Sire, we can't. The people've given all they can." Leon said getting serious.
"You told me that before, and yet our coffer is full." Uther said with a smile at the troll.
"Your people are already going hungry." Leon told him.
"Are you questioning my orders?" Uther asked.
"It's just, if we take more, they'll starve." Leon said and within few seconds, the troll, Uther as well as Jonas- who was sitting just beside him- leaned near him to glare at the man.
"Who are you to tell me what's best for my people? You will collect more taxes, or you will lose your head." Uther warned.
The troll cackled up at that. "Lose your head." She laughed again while clapping. "Lose his head."
Uther looked at her with smile.
"I understand Bayard of Mercia wishes to honour our marriage with a visit." Uther said.
"Yes, Sire." Sir Leon replied.
"Oh, good! Now, tell this Bayard we expect gifts. Lots of lovely shiny gold." The troll said looking at him.
Sir Leon became hesitant. "I- I think at this time it might be wise to..." The troll belched. "...to respectfully decline his offer of a visit."
"Whatever for?" Uther asked.
"I'm still not sure that we can trust Bayard." Leon tried, but clearly the reason was something else.
"Nonsense. He is a friend of Camelot. You will send our reply . It will be an honour to feast with him." Uther said looking at the troll.
"Honour." The troll agreed.
Merlin paced in physician's chambers as he told Gaius about the magic.
"The dragon said he had to cry tears of true remorse to break the enchantment." Merlin said.
"Well, that's not going to be easy. Uther's heart's closed to everyone." Gaius said.
"Well, not everyone. Arthur." Alexia told the physician. Suddenly Gaius stood up.
"Then there's only one course of action we can take. Uther must see his son die." Gaius said.
"Wait a moment. We still have to share the plan with Morgana. She needs to know about the plan before we can act." Alexia reminded them.
In Morgana's chambers.
Morgana stood in front of the mirror as she combed her hair. Her eyes lost nowhere. Her trance was broken by the knock on the door. Standing up, she opened the door as she looked surprised seeing Alexia.
"We have found a way." Alexia said.
In his chambers, Arthur went to bed and blowed out the candle. As he closed his eyes, he heard some whispers.
"Arthur! Arthur!"
Opening his eyes, he bolted out of the bed and grabbed a sword, pointing it at ceiling.
"Who's there?" Arthur asked.
To his surprise, Merlin popped out from under the bed.
"Merlin." Merlin whispered loudly with a smile.
"You're back." Arthur scoffed.
"I never left." Merlin replied cheekily.
"You mean to say..." "Yes." Merlin prompted. "You've been under there this whole time." He completed.
Merlin frowned at that. "No. Course not. No."
"'cause if you were..." Arthur left the threat open as he pointed his sword at Merlin.
"I wasn't, I swear." He said.
"So your, er, your stepmother is a troll, then." Merlin asked, with a light grin as he came out from under the bed as Arthur slumped on his chair with a knife in his hand.
"If you say "I told you so"..." He pointed the knife at Merlin.
Merlin raised his hand.
"I wasn't going to. I wouldn't. But it's true that if you had listened to me earlier, then..." He saw the look arthur gave him. "Sorry. Gaius and I believe your father's been enchanted, now we found a way to break the spell, but we need your help."
In his chambers, Arthur now fully dressed could be seen standing with Morgana, Alexia, Merlin and Gaius.
"So your great plan is to kill me?" Arthur asked Merlin who was setting the bed while Alexia was placing the clothes in Arthur's wardrobe.
"No. Well, yes. It...not exactly. It's...Gaius has made a potion that gives the appearance of death without the actual dying bit." Merlin said as he picked up a small bowl before moving to the other side of room, while Gaius showed the potion to Arthur who was frowning. Morgana looked at them worried, while Alexia herself wasn't less worried.
"It's fine. There's nothing to worry about. It'll only bring you to the brink of death."
Merlin reassured as he placed the bowl down.
"Oh, only to the brink." Arthur scoffed.
"We haven't got a choice." Merlin reminded him.
"We have to make your father cry." Gaius told the young prince.
"He doesn't care about me anymore." Arthur said with a shrug as he moved away from the pillar.
"Nonsense. That's Catrina's influence. I've known your father for many, many years. There's never been anyone or anything he's treasured more than you. It's perfectly safe. A single drop of the antidote will reverse the effects immediately." Gaius assured as Arthur looked alarmed at the mention of antidote.
"Antidote. What antidote? You didn't say anything about the antidote!" He accused Merlin. The warlock, who was now picking up the armour pieces stuttered with a weak shrug.
"Er...I didn't think it was important." He tried.
Alexia rolled her eyes.
"Okay listen here. That greedy troll of a queen is ruling Camelot and taking the place that was meant for you Arthur. You have clearly seen what all she has been doing since she came into power. Camelot will face it's worst times under her rule. People will die of starvation and your father won't give a damn under the influence of that troll. The only thing, the only hope, to save Camelot is you. So are you willing to take the risk?" Alexia asked, as she stood infront of Arthur looking straight into his eyes.
"Fine." Arthur sighed as he looked away. Alexia gave him an encouraging smile. Gaius, Merlin and Morgana smiled too.
"The potion will lower your heart rate and breathing. For all intents and purposes, you will be dead." Gaius started explaining the one who will be taking the potion in few moments.
"And the antidote reverses the effects?" He asked as he looked at the bottle.
"Yes. If it's administered in time." Gaius nodded.
"If it isn't?" This time it was Morgana, who, even if she didn't admit, was worried for Arthur.
"He will be dead." Gaius stated.
Arthur turned to Merlin in a swift action.
"You just said it wasn't important!" Arthur yelled.
"Erm...yeah, I suppose it is a bit important." Merlin replied meekly.
"Merlin will have the antidote. Once I have administered the poison...er, the potion, he'll have half an hour to get it to you." Gaius said, quickly correcting his slip of tongue.
Arthur sighed exasperatedly "Don't be late."
"Am I ever?" Merlin asked with his usual demeanor.
"Are you sure you want to go through with this?" Morgana asked her 'brother?'
"It's the only way to save Camelot." Arthur replied as he raised the bottle and opened the cork, before chugging its contents.
Arthur waits for a reaction, while Alexia, Merlin, Morgana and Gaius looked at him in anticipation. Suddenly, Arthur fainted as he fell forward. Gaius and Merlin quickly held him, before carefully placing him on the floor. Morgana and Alexia shifted on his side as theyhe looked at him with a worried frown.
"Time to break the bad news to Uther." Gaius said exiting along with Merlin, who decided to perform his magic from hidden place.
"Are you ready?" Alexia asked the lady infront of her.
"As ready as I can be." Morgana replied while caressing Arthur's hair.
Merlin peeked around a corner and jogged down the corridor.
As he was about to pass the Griffin staircase, Jonas appeared from above, dropping a vase. Reacting bas quickl as he could, Merlin stepped forward before raising his hand and whispering, " In deliquium cadunt. " The spell hit Jonas and he was knocked out. Merlin smiled a bit as he sighed.
Uther could be seen walking to Arthur's chambers with Gaius on his heels. They arrive at the chamber, only to find Arthur lying on the floor, 'dead'. Dropping to his knees infront of him, he spoke up.
"My boy." Uther gasped.
Merlin reached at the window outside Arthur's room as he looked inside. He noticed Morgana and Alexia, hiding behind pillars, all prepared.
"It was my fault. I pushed you away." Uther broke. At that moment, the troll decided to enter and found Uther cradling his 'dead' son.
"My son. My son." He whispered as he looked at Arthur totally broken.
The troll looked panicked as she rushed to Uther.
"Come away. There's nothing you can do for him now." The troll tried.
"I killed him. I killed my only son!" Uther cried. As soon as tears appeared in his eyes, Morgana and Alexia closed their eyes. Merlin did the same before the trio spread their arms slightly.
Golden tendrils started forming at the end of their hands. Taking deep breaths, the three started the chants in whispers.
" Sancti magicae domina, qui tua hodie in magica fecerunt creaturae aliquid remitti non solum avaritia sui. Troglodytarum innocentiae et excrucior haec potestas data est nobis, et tripple deam a nobis petere ut iudicare Troglodytarum et hoc removendum illam a fascinatio positus. "
The troll suddenly felt something piercing her skin. Something was wrong, she could feel it.
"No, no, no, no. Nu meaht þú begalan. Nu meaht þú... " She started chanting only to find nothing was happening.
Merlin, Alexia and Morgana opened their eyes as they glowed gold with raw power and sheer prowess of their magic.
Uther finally turned around, tears streaming down his face. Only to get the biggest shock of his life as he looked at the troll.
"Catrina?" He asked shocked before getting to his feet and stumbling backwards. "What kind of trickery is this?"
"How I've suffered these last weeks. Allowing you to touch me! Having to share a bed with you!" The troll snarled as she continued to move towards Uther. Merlin entered from behind with the bottle in his hand.
"Ugh." Uther groaned in disgust.
"It's repulsive." The troll snarled.
"I know the feeling." Uther agreed while Merlin entered the room. Morgana and Alexia came out of their hiding spots.
"Ooh, I've been looking forward to this." The troll snarled.
"Guards!" Uther called as few gaurds entered. "Seize...it!" He gagged.
The gaurds attack the troll as she hit them back. A fight ensued between them while Merlin, Morgana and Alexia moved towards Arthur. Bending beside him, Merlin un-corked the vial before pouring the antidote down his throat. Fluttering his eyes, Arthur finally came back into consciousness, being helped by Merlin, Morgana and Alexia. The group of four looked at the troll who was now advancing on Uther. Rising to his feet, Arthur quickly tried to attack the troll only to be hit back by it's elbow. Turning around, the troll held Arthur in its meaty hands.
"Is that any way to treat your dear old stepmother?" The troll mocked him before throwing him into a wall. Uther raged at the attack on his son, before unsheathing his sword and attacking the troll. She retaliated by stopping the attack and headbutting the king, leading him to wall. Turning she saw Jonas entering before motioning him to fight Arthur, before dealing with the gaurds. Jonas moved towards Arthur who was lying on the ground. Taking out his knife, he jumped to kill Arthur, who quickly rolled away before kicking him. Turning back, he picked his sword before running Jonas through.
The creature groaned before lumping on the ground dead. Merlin, Morgana and Alexia looked at them worried.
The troll moved towards Arthur who was still looking at Jonas.
Merlin noticing it, quickly whispered, "Fléoge hrægl."
The spell pulled the rug out from under the troll, leading her to fall on her back. Arthur swiftly turning and garbbing the opportunity swung his sword before piercing it in her chest. Merlin, Morgana and Alexia sighed in relief at the end of the troll's tyranny at last. But the relief didn't last long when the troll farted many times before dying, leading everyone to clasp their hands on their noses in order to suppress the odour.
In king's dining chambers, Arthur and Uther could be seen sitting at the head chairs of the table at far ends.
Uther looked at his son, who was eating quietly before clearing his throat.
"I'd like to thank you for exposing this attack on our state. Once again, magic was used to strike at the heart of Camelot." Uther began.
"You mean, your heart. How many nights did you share a bed with a troll?" Arthur asked, acting innocent.
"Obviously I was under its spell." Uther reasoned at which Arthur sniggered.
"I did many things that I...regret." he continued.
"Father, I really don't want to know the details." Arthur stopped his father before any other word left his mouth. The two stare at each other, Uther with embarassment while Arthur broke into a hearty laugh.
In the corridor, Alexia and Merlin were walking side by side when Arthur came from behind.
"Merlin. Alexia. I want you to know that I never doubted you." Merlin looked at him with a look that clearly said 'are-you-sure', while Alexia raised a brow at him. "Alright, maybe I did, but it's your own fault. You've got a suspicious look about you. Shifty. Like you've got something to hide." Arthur backtracked seeing the looks he got before narrowing his eyes at them.
"We are an open book." Merlin said as Alexia shrugged.
"I don't believe that for a second. However, I do know that without both of your helps, I'd still have a troll for a stepmother." Arthur confessed. Merlin and Alexia smiled before looking at him expectantly.
Arthur, finally, knowing he wasn't getting out of it, spoke up.
"Well, thanks." He said patting his shoulder as Merlin moved forward to initiate a hug, resulting in Arthur stepping back with a "Whoa."
"What are you doing?" Arthur asked, in and arkward ark formed by his hands.
"I thought you were going for a hug." Merlin replied, in same position as Arthur.
"No." Arthur said.
"No." Merlin asked.
Suddenly Alexia broke into fits of laughter as both boys shook their heads at her.