Hello everyone! I am back. And belated Christmas wishes to everyone. I wish that you may get every happiness you wished for Christmas and lets hope that this New Year will bring and fresh and happy start for us all.
Now @the otter reader : I am thankful that you liked the chapter and you once again came to read my story. Thank you very much. And yes everything is great now and I am also fine. I hope you are doing well as well. A very merry Christmas to you too. I hope you will like the chapter.
Let's move to the chapter everyone!
The Witchfinder - 2
Gaius was once again taken for questioning, as the gaurds drag him away.
"You're a traitor! You're an impostor! Sorcery is your only master." Aredian snarled at Gaius, his voice lacing with disgust.
"I serve only my King." The old man replied confidently.
"Ha! In what way have you served him? You've lied to him. You've broken his laws. You've betrayed his trust." Aredian pointed, leaning at his table.
"I've saved his life. I've treated his ward. I've protected his only son." Gaius retorted back.
At this, Aredian grew confused. "You've treated his ward?" His question carried the curiosity his mind felt at that time.
Gaius looked a bit nervous at that.
"I have striven to help all those in need. It is a physician's duty to do so." He stated.
"The Lady Morgana?" Aredian asked, surprise lacing his tone.
"Among others." He replied instead.
"For what malady does she receive this treatment?" The question made Gaius stop for a moment.
"She..." the hesitation was clear. "..she suffers from nightmares." Gaius finally spoke up.
"I see." The witch finder observed.
"And as I said, I feel it is my duty to attend to the needs..."
"Yes, yes. You seem very keen to change the subject, Gaius. Perhaps I should question her myself." Aredian thought as he stopped the man from babbling anymore.
Alexia was running to Morgana's chambers as she tried to remember the questions Aredian was going to ask her. She stumbled in the corridor only to stop at the sight of gaurds escorting Morgana.
Morgana's eyes brightened as she saw Alexia before they turned pleading.
As she passed her, Alexia could feel the stress practically covering her aura while her face was covered with thin sheet of sweat. The royal was definitely scared for her secret.
"Don't worry Morgana. Whatever might happen, do not get nervous. He is not in the authority to lay finger on king's ward and he cannot prove you have magic. Be confident! You are the one Uther will believe not him." Alexia soothed the lady, her voice so firm building confidence in Morgana. The ward of the king gave a tiny nod looking over her shoulder into Alexia's green eyes.
"Please don't say anything which might put Gaius in danger." Those were her last words to the lady who then disappeared around the corner.
From his cell, Gaius heard footsteps echoing around the halls. His eyes fell on Morgana, who was looking at him with worried eyes as she was being escorted by the gaurds.
"There's no need to be concerned, My Lady. I won't detain you long. There's just a small detail I wish to clarify. Now, it's true, is it not, that you have received treatment for nightmares?" Aredian spoke up, hanging a balancing tray on its stand as he moved to he moved to his seat, aware of Morgana's eyes following him.
Morgana, as scared as she was, couldn't really think of anything but nodding.
"And it was Gaius, the court physician, who administered these treatments? These potions?" Aredian asked, dipping his quill in ink.
"Yes." The answer was spoken so slow which barely surpassed a whimper.
"I'm sorry, could you speak up?" Aredian asked pointing at his ears before giving a chuckle.
Morgana, as if remembering Alexia's words, straightened and gave a smile.
"Yes offcourse! He is the court physician after all."
"Thank you. Now, you may go." Aredian stated, clearly confused at such change of state but hid it well before writing something.
Morgana smiled in relief as she was excused before getting up and leaving. She would taken mere steps when Aredian's voice startled her.
"You don't happen to know what was in these potions, I suppose?" Aredian asked carefully.
"Oh, no." Morgana answered smiling lightly before continuing. "But it was surely safe for me to consume."
"No. No, of course not. You're not a physician, after all. So, for all you know, these potions could have been magical, your dreams the product of an enchanted elixir." He pointed. Morgana frowned at that.
"Please don't say anything which might put Gaius in danger."
"This is barbaric, Gaius couldn't have done that! And moreover, I had these dreams before Gaius started treating me." Morgana answered heatedly, obviously determining that she was the one with authority.
"But these dreams, have they got better or worse since Gaius began treating you?" Aredian asked anyway, not wanting to anger her, but still get something out.
She sighed as a small smile covered her face.
"Better. In fact, I hardly have them now-a-days. Gaius's new medicine is working brilliantly." Technically it wasn't a lie, the nightmares were now practically gone, replaced with calm dreams. Even if they were something which had to happen already. They were still calm. But it was actually because of the spells that were enchanted and embroidered in her pillow, also the book she got from Alexia and the way she was now taught to do some light magic, helped a great deal. Her meditation also helped her a lot.
Aredian frowned at that before nodding.
"Thank you."
Morgana didn't deem it fit to return the courtesy and left the room without acknowledging the gratitude.
Gaius opened his eyes to see Aredian poking him.
"Gaius. Are you prepared to confess?" Aredian asked.
"I'd rather die of thirst." Was the glumily answered reply.
"Good. And die you shall. But not alone, I'm pleased to say. You shall have company." Aredian said nonchalantly
"What?" Gaius sat up with a jerk.
"Merlin and the Lady Morgana are to join you in the flames." Aredian smirked a bit, relishing the look of terror on Gaius's face.
"No. This is a trick." Gaius denied.
Aredian shook his head.
"Mm-Mmm. You've corrupted them, Gaius, and they must answer to their king. Unless..." He trailed off, already knowing Gaius was smart enough.
"Unless what?" The man asked.
Aredian pushed Gaius to his knees before the court.
"Confess!" He shouted holding his hair
"Confess!" He commanded as Uther looked at them with anticipation. Gaius looked at Merlin and Alexia who looked at him with fear in their eyes."
"I.." Gaius started reluctantly, "...I am a sorcerer, Sire. I am responsible for conjuring the smoke. I'm guilty of practicing magic in Camelot," Arthur looked at Merlin, who was now breathing hard and Alexia who had her eyes closed. "..the goblin, the faces in the well," Morgana looked at Gaius with worry before her eyes fell on Alexia. The girl now had her eyes open but her face screamed with something Morgana couldn't understand. "..I...I am the sorcerer who conjured the toad from his mouth."
Uther stood up in anger. Gaius looked at the man, dreading the next words.
"You've betrayed me, Gaius. Betrayed your friends. And above all, you've betrayed yourself. By the laws of Camelot, I must sentence you" Uther paused, as if he regretted saying it, but spoke anyways, ".. to death."
Aredian released Gaius, making him slump on the ground. Alexia glared at Aredian while the man just looked smug, unaware that he just had earned the wrath of the lady of unicorns. A task that was definitely something not many managed to complete, for the kindness residing in her heart surpassed any other human. But at that moment, Alexia only felt rage for the man. Rage which could burn him at the spot he was standing.
"The sorcerer will be purged of his magic by means of fire! He shall be burnt at the stake tomorrow at dawn! Bear witness and heed this lesson!" Aredian announced dramatically and gaurds moved to drag Gaius out of the room.
Merlin, who couldn't stand this anymore, charged at Aredian, at the same time as Arthur jumped from his throne, already moving towards Merlin.
"You're a liar." Merlin gritted out, before he was restrained by Arthur just before he could make up to Aredian. Alexia too moved behind him to stop him but had to side step as Arthur dragged him out.
"Guards!" Uther shouted.
"You're a liar!" Merlin shouted at Aredian, as gaurds made their way towards Merlin.
"I'll deal with this." Arthur stopped the gaurds while he dragged him out. Alexia following them and exiting, but not before shooting a last glare towards Aredian.
Arthur took Merlin to the Dungeons as Alexia followed them, even running to keep pace. Arthur released him, letting him go. But Merlin took a swing at him. Arthur just held his hand and twisted it behind his back making Merlin groan and Alexia yelp in concern
"Merlin!" Alexia yelled, her voice restrained as if any more words would result a very long verbal lashing from her.
"I know you're upset. I know you're angry. It's alright. I'm not throwing you in jail." Arthur assured.
"Then what are you doing?" Merlin grunted.
Arthur pushed him a bit, releasing him. Alexia quickly moved to him and held his arm, in order to prevent any further stupidity.
"I'm breaking the law." Arthur gruffed, moving ahead, making the pair follow his lead.
Arthur opened the door to Gaius's cell.
"I can only give you a few minutes." He warned as both Alexia and Merlin entered.
"Gaius!" Alexia cried as she rushed to hug him. Merlin not behind as soon as she left.
"They... I.." Merlin broke down as he fought hard to controll his tears.
"It's alright. There is nothing wrong." Gaius assured his wards.
Alexia just shook her head, her eyes unconsciously glowing silver as she closed them.
"No it's not! You are innocent! You are framed. Aredian is a cheat and liar! He planted evidence in your room." The girl stated, taking deep breathings.
Gaius looked shocked at that, before he shook his head tiredly.
"But.. but it doesn't matter now. Does it? It's tomorrow morning."
Merlin denied it with shaking his head roughly.
"I will not allow it Gaius. Even if i have to confess the truth." Merlin snapped.
"You will do no such thing!" Gaius yelled.
"I won't allow myself to lose you Gaius!" Merlin yelled back.
"You are not just my gaurdian Gaius! Why can't you understand! You are my father! You are the one who took that role in my life!" Merlin said tiredly, finally allowing his tears to trickle down his face.
Gaius looked at him worriedly.
"I.. i.."
Alexia moved to him before taking his hand.
"We will not allow anything to happen to you! We will prove Aredian is fake and I will make sure he dies a very painful death." Alexia said, her eyes turning a new shade, silver in colour. Making both Merlin and Gaius look at her in shock.
"Alex..."
"Your time is up! Gaurds are coming." Arthur chose the moment to enter as he took them out
Alexia gave Gaius a small smile while Merlin nodded at him.
Gaius just looked at them, trying to digest everything from their face so as to satisfy himself, if this was the last time he was going to see them.
Aredian came to Gaius in his cell.
"Ah, Gaius. Well, I hope you've found some relief now that your ordeal is over." Aredian stated.
"Your concern is touching, Aredian. Now will you please get out of my sight."
Aredian just scoffed.
"Ha! Of course. I just thought you'd want to hear the news, that's all." Aredian spoke up, teasingly, as he turned to exit.
"What news?" Gaius asked.
"My investigations have begun." Aredian announced.
"Begun?" At Aredian's positive reply Gaius looked confused. "But you already extracted my confession."
"Indeed. Which just leaves Merlin and the Lady Morgana." Aredian smirked.
"But we struck a bargain." Gaius pointed, his voice now holding anger.
"Oh, I don't bargain with sorcerers." Aredian just said as he chuckled darkly as he left, leaving a scared Gaius behind.
Morgana stood at her window, watching the pyre being built in the Square. But she was unaware of Aredian making his way towards her untill he was too close. Sensing a presence, Morgana turned behind, gasping as she saw Aredian.
Alexia and Merlin were sitting at the desk with different books in their hands.
"I just remember it was a flower petal Merlin. Not which flower it was! Nor the man whom he sold this tincture to." Alexia spoke up, irritated by him.
"But you are a woman! Surely you use such products!" Merlin retorted back.
"No! Offcourse not! I don't need them!" Alexia was now definitely growing angry. And if he didn't stop, he was going to get something on his head. Probably a book or chalice.
Thankfully, Gwen burst into chambers.
"Merlin! Alexia! He won't let go! He won't stop!" She expressed worriedly.
"What happened?" Merlin asked, closing his book.
"The Witchfinder's questioning Morgana again. I'm worried. She's close to breaking point." Gwen said, nearing her own breakdown.
"Yeah, that's what he does. He breaks you down and in the end you confess whether you're guilty or not." Alexia seethed.
"What do you mean?" Gwen asked confused.
"Gaius was set up. Aredian planted that amulet." Merlin offered as an explanation, moving back to the book, trying to find the flower.
"But why would he do such a thing?" Gwen asked, totally baffled.
"Aredian is paid to catch sorcerers. Maybe he doesn't care whether someone is guilty or not. Maybe he gets confessions by lying, by planting evidence, just as long as he gets a confession, he gets his money." Alexia replied suddenly her eyes bright.
"But even if this is true, what can we do without proof?" Gwen pointed.
"Gwen!" Alexia stood up brightly.
"You know from whom do most of the women buy beauty products?" The witch asked.
Gwen blushed at that.
"Alexia..."
"Please tell us Gwen! We need this to save Gaius." Merlin pleaded.
With a frown, Gwen nodded.
"I found it!" Alexia yelled in triumph.
The other two looked at her in confusion.
"Belladonna!" She answered showing the book. A yellow flower on the page.
Alexia, Merlin and Gwen could be seen running through the lower town. They reach a door before Gwen knocked on it.
An older man stepped out, a candle in his hand
"Gwen?" The man asked. Gwen just stepped forward as the man moved aside to give her way.
Merlin and Alexia following.
"Do you sell a tincture of Belladonna?" Gwen asked.
"What's this all about?" The man asked.
"Please, it's important." Gwen pleaded.
"Well, I, I think I've got some somewhere, but what you'd be wanting with eye drops in the middle of the night, I really don't want to know." The man said as he passed a vial to them.
"Eye drops." Alexia muttered, her eyes shining with relief.
"Yes. Women use them to make their eyes more beautiful." The man explained.
"Where did you get this?" Merlin asked.
"Well, my usual suppliers." The man answered.
"Sure you didn't get it from someone else?" Merlin asked again.
"Of course I'm sure. If it's all the same to you, I'd like to get some sleep." The man was now getting defensive
"It was Aredian who gave you the Belladonna, wasn't it?" Gwen asked, giving him a knowing look.
"Don't know what you're talking about." The man moved aside, avoiding eye-contact.
"But you know that Gaius is going to be executed tomorrow, don't you?" Merlin asked.
"That has nothing to do with me." The man said.
But Alexia couldn't take it anymore.
"That has everything to do with you! Aredian's witnesses saw visions. Visions produced by the Belladonna in these eye drops! If we can prove this, we have a chance of saving Gaius." Alexia yelled.
"He forced me to sell it. He, he said he'd kill me if I said anything to anyone." The man said, exhausted.
"It was him? It was Aredian?" Gwen asked again. The man couldn't help but nod.
"Yes, it was him.
The three youngsters sighed in relief.
"Thank you." The expressed their gratitude as they left.
In Gaius's chambers, Merlin grabbed the tincture and Belladonna petals.
"That's it. We've got everything we need." Merlin said as he moved to leave.
"It's not enough!" Alexia said.
"We've got a witness as well. Surely that's enough?" Gwen asked
"It's still just our word against Aredian's!" Alexia pointed out.
"Alexia, we don't have a choice! By dawn tomorrow Gaius will be dead." Merlin pressed.
"Merlin, we've only got one chance at this. We've got to give Uther something he cannot deny. Something not even Aredian can talk his way out of." Alexia said. Merlin frowned.
"You have a plan." He guessed. Alexia just gave a smirk.
"Get Arthur to get a hearing with King." Alexia told Gwen.
Gwen frowned before nodding and running away.
"Merlin, you have to do few things." Alexia said as she told him the plan before moving out.
"What are you gonna do?" Merlin asked.
"To fulfill my promise." Alexia answered, not once again noticing her eyes glowing silver.
Merlin quietly stepped into Aredian's room as he made his way towards the cupboard.
"Hlys.." Aredian moved a bit, making Merlin stop. Before he slept again.
He once again pointed his hand at Merlin.
"Hlyste min níehst bebod." A slight clinking was heard before it all became still. Merlin moved back as he turned to exit but stopped as he looked at a sleeping Aredian. He silently approached him and hovered his hand above Aredian's throat.
"Ceolwærc."
Merlin smirked before he heard the noise outside, quickly leaving the chambers.
Aredian was awoken when he heard gaurds entering his chambers.
"What is the meaning of this?" Aredian yelled.
"You have been requested in king's presence." The gaurds said simply before pushing him and taking him to the court.
"Sire, the witnesses saw nothing but hallucinations induced by the Belladonna in these eye drops." Alexia spoke up as she stood before the king. Knowing the king would have Merlin's head if he spoke something after the debacle he presented in Court last time. She took a step forward, presenting the bottle to the king.
Uther turned to look at the women.
"And you bought this Belladonna from this man?" The three witnesses nodded as they looked at the man.
"Where did you get it from?" Uther asked, looking at the man who seemed afraid to answer. Uther looked at him and Aredian.
"Don't be afraid, no harm will come to you here." He assured the man.
"The Witchfinder. He gave them to me." The man finally confessed.
"Did he tell you what it was for?" Uther asked.
"No. Only that if I did not sell it, he'd have me burnt at the stake." The man replied and Merlin had a smug smile at his face.
Uther turned to Aredian.
"How do you answer to these accusations?" He asked.
"They're absurd. The girl has clearly concocted these lies in the hope of saving her master." Aredian denied immediately as he glared at the girl and Merlin. He really didn't pay any attention to her as she didn't came in front like Merlin did. But this was definitely going to be an unwise decision.
"Then you won't mind if we search your chamber, will you?" Merlin pointed. Immediately silenced by the king.
"Silence! You have no authority here!"
Arthur decided to intervene this time.
"Father...let's settle this once and for all. If what Merlin and Alexia say is wrong, they must bear the consequences. But if there is some truth in what they say..."
Aredian looked at the pair before he nodded.
"I have nothing to hide."
In Aredian's chambers, Aredian, Merlin, Alexia, Arthur, Uther, and Morgana watch the guards toss the room.
"You're wasting your time." Aredian scoffed.
"The cupboard over there." Arthur pointed as the gaurds moved to the cupboard. One of them opened it with a jerk and had to step back as dozens of amulets dropped out of the cupboard shocking everyone. While Merlin and Alexia suppressed their smirks.
As the amulets were emptying, a stash of Belladonna tincture came into sight.
"These things don't belong to me!" Aredian said as he kicked the amulets. "This is a trick!" A cough escaped his throat as Arthur slowly unleashed his sword. "That boy plots against me!" Aredian said pointing at Merlin.
Aredian felt something in his throat, as he tried to clear the sensation. But suddenly he found himself spitting something. He gagged as everyone looked at him in confusion before he finally spitted out a toad. The toad croaked two times, before it went from there, leaving a gagging Aredian behind. Alexia couldn't help but feel sorry for the toad who had to suffer the cheater.
But Uther grew alarmed as he quickly unsheathed his sword.
"Sorcerer!" He pointed his sword at the man.
Aredian quickly grabbed the dagger and held Morgana's arm, placing the dagger at her neck.
"Aredian, think carefully about what you're doing. You will never escape from Camelot alive." Uther warned.
"I will if you value the life of your ward. Hmm?" Aredian challenged as he held the dagger near Morgana's throat, making her breathe heavily.
Merlin stared at the dagger before he whispered.
"Forbærnan."
The handle of the dagger heated up making Aredian drop it. Morgana, who was now free rushed to Alexia who had her arms out for her. Aredian tripped backward over a box and stumbled out, crashing into the window as he fell out.
Everyone rushed to see the screaming witchfinder, who now laid dead on the standing spears which were there on a cart for shifting to the weaponry.
Gaius was now cleaning the mess that the guards made while searching. The door opened as the king entered the chambers.
"Gaius, I'm glad I found you here." Uther spoke.
"As am I, My Lord. It thought I'd never see these chambers again." Gaius answered back.
"If anything was damaged in the search, I'll be only too glad to replace it." Uther offered as he looked around.
"You're very kind, My Lord." Gaius replied.
"Aredian. I can still scarcely believe that he was a sorcerer." Uther spoke again.
"Indeed. Is there some reason you wish to see me?" Gaius asked.
"Yes. I, er...I wanted to say I'm sorry if you suffered at his hands." Uther fumbled with his words.
"But I did not suffer at his hands, Uther. I suffered at yours. He worked for you, My Lord. He was merely following your orders." Gaius retorted.
"But I was deceived." Uther defended himself.
"No. You were deceived long before Aredian, for you deceived yourself. You see foes where there are friends, you see sorcerers where there are but servants. I am not the first to be wrongly accused in your war against magic, and not all have been as lucky as I." Gaius pointed out.
"I assure you, Gaius, every measure will be taken to ensure that nothing like this will happen again." Uther assured him, obviously feeling guilty.
"I hope that is true, for all our sakes. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have work to do." Gaius said formally, turning back to his books, as he picked them and kept them at place, turning his back to Uther. The king left the place.
As the night arrived, Gaius served dinner to his both wards and himself.
"What I don't understand is how you knew he'd concealed the evidence in his chamber." Gaius spoke up.
"Well I am from future." Alexia pointed out.
"Ah. And the toad." He asked again.
"That I, er...ahem, I, er...can't explain." Merlin shrugged as he turned his attention back to his food. Alexia giggling softly from behind.
"I can hardly explain it myself. Unless, of course, you put it there." Gaius pointed.
"OK, Gaius, fair enough. I promise I will never save your life again." Merlin said.
"Promise?" Gaius asked.
"Absolutely." The warlock replied. And soon the three burst into laughter.
"Honestly, Merlin, the toad was a step too far." Gaius said between his chuckle.
"You should've seen the look on his face." Merlin smirked as Alexia laughed, passing it everyone else.
Merlin and Alexia returned to their chambers. Alexia moved to her bed as she settled there.
"So.. you knew he was going to fall from the window?" Merlin asked as Alexia stiffened.
"Yes." She answered.
"Alexia. There is something you aren't telling me." Merlin said as he moved to sit beside her.
"You don't know many things about me Merlin." Alexia whispered instead, as she thought how close she was to lose a real father figure.
"Alexia?" He asked softly.
"I had rage filling every inch of me Merlin! I couldn't. I wanted him to suffer. Just like every other innocent he made suffer. Trapping them and putting them on fire. He earned my wrath Merlin. And wrath of a lady of unicorns is not to be taken easily. We are not saints Merlin. We are also human, we just have a more softer heart for everyone. But when.. when someone earns my wrath, it will be worse than anyone else. I know you noticed how my eyes changed to purple. It was judgement, from the lady, of the purest of kind." Alexia explained, making Merlin gasp. Few tears slipped her eyes as she leaned into the warlock.
Merlin quickly held her.
"You are still the Alexia I know. Somethings are not in your control. I understand that. And who better than me?" He chuckled, his voice hoarse. He pressed a soft kiss on her hair, as she hummed in contentment.
"You don't hate me?" She asked, looking at him, their breathes mingled due to the closeness they held.
"Not even in my dreams." He whispered as he smiled back.
Alexia moved a bit forward, pressing her lips to cheek, before moving back and placing her head on his chest and closing her eyes.
Merlin felt heat rushing to his cheeks as he looked at the girl in his arms. She was now sleeping probably exhausted. He just sighed as he held her closer. His heart not really wanting to leave her.
So here ends the witchfinder. I really dont know why I specifically mentioned the wrath of the lady of unicorns, but I did. I know many of you are curious about the change in the eye colour, but it will become more clear in future chapters.
Moving towards the end, I can't help but feel giddiness about Alexia and Merlin, these two arr just so cute together! I dont know if you all share those views or not, but do tell me with your reviews.
Also I am facing so many problems with the spacing in the chapters. I originally write on Wattpad and then copy the content on fanfiction as it is easy to write in the former one. But as soon as I paste it here, all the spacing and paragraphs change and can't even be corrected. I can't help but be frustrated with it, so if any of you have any idea how I can correct it, please do share with me.
Now its time to say Ciao as we will meet next year! Next update will be a whole chapter, and will be uploaded on 9th January, 2022.
Till then, stay happy and safe.
A very merry Christmas and a very happy new year to all my dear readers. Loads of love to you all from your stupid, naive writer!Good bye!