Rose spent the next few days in Ealdor doing normal village stuff, helping with the potions with Mordred and spending time with Kara, Mordred and Hunnith. She would spend the night with Mordred. Kara would spend some nights with them and nights where Mordred and Rose would want time alone, she would sleep in Hunnith's house. It was night-time and she was asleep cuddled up to Mordred. It was Hunnith's night to have Kara, so Mordred and Rose were a bit undressed. She started to dream only she soon came to realise it was not a dream. She was watching the scene in horror this was the not-too-distant future, she concentrated it was to come to pass in a day's time, she concentrated again it was early hours of the morning.
She was in a cave like room with guards around her and a stone bed in front of her on the stone bed was Gaius, she recognised it as the ridge of Kemeray. He looked weak and tired, he opened his eyes and looked at her defiantly.
"It's time for the fun to begin" said Morgana, it was weird as it was coming from her, but it wasn't her body or mouth. She was not in control all she could do was watch.
"Get on with it Morgana, whatever you want to do just do it now, I am not afraid to die" said Gaius. Morgana scoffed and rolled her eyes.
"Dying is the easy part, wouldn't be in such a hurry if I were you" said Morgana. She looked to the man in the room who was standing by the stone bed "my friend here is going to help me get some information, some information you might be a little reluctant to give, I want you to tell me where Emerys is". This must be why Rose was seeing this it was to do with the both Merlin and Morgana and now poor Gaius was going to pay the price.
"I don't know anyone called Emerys" said Gaius.
"Oh, I think you do" said Morgana.
"Do what you will" breathed Gaius he looked her in the eye "I will not tell you anything Morgana". Rose knew Gaius he would never reveal Merlin's identity and she hoped it would stay that way.
"Alator is no ordinary torturer, he's a Catha priest of the old religion, he has a lot of skills at his disposal" said Morgana. Rose's heart dropped a Catha priest used both mental and physical torture to get what they want, "you're a clever man Gaius, I'm sure you know exactly what he can do" She felt an anger in Morgana and a hurt that she had barely felt before. Alator approach Gaius as Morgana and Agravaine left the room.
At that point she awoke, she gasped loudly as she sat up waking up Mordred in the process. Mordred held her as she got her breath back. She told Mordred everything. After she finished her story he got up and started getting dressed.
"What are you doing?" asked Rose.
"Getting ready to go to save Gaius" said Mordred, Rose started to get dressed and smiled at his nobleness.
"Merlin will love that" said Rose.
"This could be my moment to prove that I am not all bad, and what better way than saving his guardian" said Mordred. She smiled and nodded she packed a bag of fruit and got her sword; she wrote a note to Hunnith.
They then took the one horse and got on it. Setting of just before sunrise. They rode for the rest of the day not stopping until they reached the border for the night. They sat by a campfire that Rose had made eating fruit.
"So, when will this come to pass" asked Mordred.
"Tomorrow morning, I assume he's getting kidnapped now as we speak" said Rose sadly, she placed her head on Mordred's shoulder, he wrapped an arm around her.
"None of this is your fault" said Mordred.
"It feels like it I thought if I could leave them to it they'd sort themselves out, now poor Gaius is going to get hurt because I wasn't there to talk her out of it" said Rose. Mordred moved so they sat in front of each other he cupped her face.
"You are not at fault, Morgana is in charge of her own action, you are allowed to have a break from your destiny, and you are allowed to have fun, do you understand" said Mordred she nodded and then hugged him tightly, he held back just as tight. She kissed him before moving so she was laying down on the ground, he laid down next to her and pulled her to him, so they were cuddled up together.
"We'll sleep until the morning then we'll get going, it's just over a day's ride, would ask Kilghara but he'll probably set you on fire" said Rose. He chuckled, at that she shut her eyes and fell asleep.
Rose woke up the next morning she was still cuddled up to Mordred, she smiled down at his sleeping form. She nudged him to wake him up, then got up and straightened down her clothes. Mordred got up and arranged the horse then got on.
"Let's go save Gaius" said Mordred happily putting his hand out she took it and climbed on in front of him. She kicked the horse into life, and they set off on their journey. They rode for the rest of the day and all Rose could do was worry about Gaius. He had always been there for her, would help her with her schooling, helped her during difficult times, he was like a father to her and she didn't want him to die.
"How do you know where they are" asked Mordred.
"I went on patrol there a few weeks ago with Gwaine and a few other knights," said Rose.
"It's hard to imagine Gwaine being a knight," said Mordred. She smiled and looked back to him.
"He goes rogue a lot," said Rose. She got a feeling of anger from the connection, she tapped into it to see which connection it was coming from. Merlin it was coming from him.
He must have found out about Gaius being missing. They arrived at the ridge after nightfall. They got off the horse and tied up their horse to the tree. They got their swords out and walked into the cave slowly. They got into the main part of the cave they walked to side and hid as a bodyguard came past. One he was out of sight Mordred looked to her.
"What's the plan" said Mordred into her head.
"We'll find Gaius, or Morgana" said Rose into his head. They heard a noise and stayed where they were. Merlin and Gwaine came into the cave a guard came over to them and swung his sword at Gwaine. The rogue knight swung his lit torch at the man before chucking it down and getting sword taking on the protective stance in front of Merlin.
They fought until Gwaine was de-sworded. Mordred ran forward and stabbed the man in the back as he loomed over Gwaine. He screamed and fell on to Gwaine. Rose moved forward as Mordred got the man off Gwaine.
"Mordred" exclaimed Gwaine hugging Mordred happily.
"What are you two doing here" said Merlin looking at them suspiciously.
"We came to save Gaius" said Mordred and Rose at the same time. Gwaine then started to look at them suspiciously.
"How do you even know they were missing" said Gwaine. Merlin just looked confused and annoyed. She gave him a look and he then nodded realisation coming on to his face.
"We'll explain that later, come on let's go" said Merlin.
The four of them walked forward through the cave, Merlin and Gwaine walking ahead with Mordred and Rose walking behind them holding hands. They got to a part of the cave that went two ways. The four of them looked at each other.
"We should split up, Mordred go with Gwaine, I'll go with Rose" said Merlin everyone nodded. Rose hugged Mordred and kissed him. She could feel Merlin's eyes burning into the back of her head. She ignored the look and broke apart from Mordred.
"Be careful" said Rose. Mordred and Gwaine began started to walk away.
"If you find him first, don't wait for us" said Merlin. He then grabbed Rose's hand then they walked forward he waited until Mordred and Gwaine were out of sight "vision or did you help Morgana plan this". Rose felt like he had slapped her across the face.
"I'm going to ignore the fact you just called me a traitor, off course it was a vision, Merlin, I would never betray you, we'll talk about this later" said Rose. He gave an apologetic look before they carried on walking until they came to another part of the cave that went to ways.
"I'll go this way; you go that way" said Merlin. Rose walked through the cave which ended up being a dead end. She ended up walking back the way she came, did he really think she would do that to poor Gaius. She wouldn't let Morgana hurt Merlin her brother, did he honestly thing she would betray him and hurt the people she cared about.
Apart of her destiny was to protect the once and future queen. She wasn't exactly going to turn against them. She carried on walking through the tunnel and went the root that Merlin did. She finally found them Merlin, Alator and Morgana. Merlin was on the floor, while Morgana stood over him a dagger magically pointed to his neck. Alator was watching the scene with interest, she hid behind a rock. Then she got the message in her head she longed to hear.
"Good news we found Gaius, bad news Agravaine has arrested me for threatening his life" said Mordred's voice in her head, her heart dropped. She was about to reply but she got distracted by the scene in front of her.
"Tell me" said Morgana.
"Never!" snapped Alator, he blasted her back with magic knocking her out, Rose came forward then and got down on her knees checking on Morgana. "Merlin, I am Alator of the Catha. I am honoured to be of service" he looked across to Rose "My lady".
"You have magic!" exclaimed Merlin.
"I understand the burden you both carry, I have lived with it all my life. I have been shunned, persecuted, and sometimes even hunted in every corner of the five kingdoms. I understand what that feels like, neither of you are alone, from what Gaius told me, I do not have your great powers, but I share your hopes. For I, and others like me, have dreamt of the world you both seek to build, and we would gladly give our lives to help you do it" said Alator. He knelt down in front of Merlin and bowed.
Rose sent the men ahead as she checked over Morgana. She had a gash on the back of her head and was pale. She put her hand on the gash.
"Ahluttre tha seocness. Thurh-haele braed," said Rose. The gash left and more colour came into her face, she was still looking tired but it was better than it was she didn't want to leave Morgana unconscious in the cave alone, she didn't deserve that "wece". Morgana woke up and looked at her. She started to shake with fear, Rose put her arms out and Morgana crawled closer and then was in her arms "its alright, its alright". They sat there a bit longer before Rose remembered that Agravaine had arrested Mordred.
"Thank you for healing me" said Morgana into her shoulder.
"It's alright, I've got to go, your traitor has arrested Mordred" said Rose. Morgana moved back and gave a shocked look. They both stood up.
"Go, I'll deal with Agravaine" said Morgana. Rose nodded and left that part of the cave. She met Merlin back at the horses outside the cave. It was daylight which was weird.
"We're sharing a horse" said Merlin getting on the horse putting his hand, she took it and climbed on behind him. She wrapped her arms around his waist to keep her balance.
They cantered back to Camelot in silence. Once they arrived back at Camelot they got of the horse.
"Mordred where are you?" asked Rose telepathically.
"He's here?" questioned Merlin.
"Yeah he found Gaius with Gwaine, Agravaine then arrested him for threatening him" said Rose.
"Give the man a knighthood" said Merlin laughing.
"I am in the throne room" said Mordred in her head. She ran to the throne room and walked in slowly. Mordred was on his knees in front of Arthur. Rose walked forward and stood next to him.
"What's all this" asked Rose.
"This man has admitted to threatening the life of lord Agravaine" said Arthur seriously. She looked at him with shock. He attempting to sound kingly and Uther like which made her wince.
"I did it to protect Gaius, he had a sword to his throat," said Mordred. Rose was impressed with him arguing back, not taking this laying down.
"I explained, I was checking for breath" said Agravaine.
"Does him not rescuing Gaius with us not change anything" said Gwaine.
Rose watched this interaction, she stared into Arthur's eyes. Silently begging him not to sentence Mordred to death or make him angry enough to kill him on the spot.
"Arthur, as your ward, I believe you should give him the benefit of the doubt, he did help save Gaius," said Rose. Arthur looked at her and nodded. He then looked at her and smiled. He looked ready to give his sentence.
"You have until nightfall to leave the city, to return will be pain off death" said Arthur. Rose's jaw dropped, she suggested letting him off not banishment. How was he meant to eventually move to Camelot if he was banished?
"Your banishing him? Why?" asked Rose.
"He's a druid, they are all out to kill us" said Arthur.
Rose hated him when he said stuff like that it was so Uther like and horrible it was like the destiny of the once and future king was for nothing. She glared at Arthur.
"He's not just a druid, he's a physician, handy with a sword and he helped save your physician," said Rose.
"It is the law of this land" said Arthur before dismissing everyone. Rose helped Mordred up and took him out the room. Rose took him to the courtyard giving him a horse, so he didn't have to walk back. Her anger and emotions were raging as she walked with Mordred to the edge of the city.
"This is ridiculous, he has no reason to banish you, it's so annoying, after everything you did to save Gaius, you put yourself at risk and don't worry Agravaine will get what's coming to him" said Rose, Mordred turned around and put his finger to lips before kissing her. She kissed back.
"It's alright, things will change but for now we will be a distant partnership, I love you, we will be together one day" said Mordred. He hugged her before getting on the horse. She smiled up at him "I love you".
"I love you to" said Rose.
He then kicked the horse and went out of Camelot. On the route back to Ealdor. Rose walked back to the castle and went to Arthur's chambers. She walked into him sat flirting with Gwen as per usual, he could kiss and court a servant, but she couldn't court a druid without it being illegal.
"Change the law on druids" demanded Rose. She stood in front of him defiantly.
"I can't they have magic, and they are plotting to kill me" said Arthur.
"Not all druids have magic! They are peaceful people; Mordred didn't deserve to be banished," said Rose.
"You can't be seen to be in contact with a druid" said Arthur.
"You are courting a maid, you will eventually marry said maid and she will be queen, so don't you dare have a go at me, just because I have become close to druid," said Rose. Arthur was about to speak but Gwen stepped in taking Rose's hand.
"Rose, you have had quiet the ordeal, come with me and I'll run you a bath" said Gwen and before either person in the room could argue. Gwen dragged Rose out of the room.
After a long bath and head massage courtesy of Gwen, Rose felt a lot calmer, still annoyed that the love of her life was banished from Camelot, but it was better than it was. She sat at her table writing letters and reading. There was a knock at the door.
"Enter" said Rose. The door opened and Merlin entered the room looking sheepish he was about to speak but she put her hand up and he shut his mouth. She went across the room and put a silencing spell on the door before turning to face her brother "So, earlier you felt the need to ask me if I helped Morgana take Gaius, I am deeply offended by this suggestion".
"I know, I'm sorry I.." said Merlin.
"I would rather get trampled by all the horses in the stable than watch something bad happen to Gaius or you" said Rose.
"You got bored and left while I was being kept hostage" said Merlin.
"No, I left because I got told they were looking for me, I stayed so that she didn't kill you, I made her promise not to kill you" said Rose she then walked back to her desk and leant on it "When I found out about the stupid creature in your neck, I wrote Gaius a note and confronted Morgana".
"I am sorry" said Merlin walking closer to her "I appreciated the note you left, it helped Gaius notice quicker, however I have to ask why did you turn up to rescue Gaius with Mordred".
"I had a bad dream and when I woke up, I woke Mordred up and yes when I am in Ealdor we share a bed don't worry about it most of the time we have Kara in our house" said Rose. She then did a basic run down of who Kara was as he looked at her stunned.
"Rose you're 14, what does mother think" asked Merlin.
"She is okay with it; he makes me happy, you're my brother not my dad, you can't tell me who I can court or not court" said Rose.
"I will do my best to butt out, it's hard though, I have watched you grow up and it has only been the last few years I realised we were brother and sister" said Merlin she let him pull her into a hug and she hugged back tightly.
"I hate it when we fight, just know I am not betraying Camelot or you, I love it so much" said Rose into Merlin's shoulder. He stepped back and held her hands in his "I am surprised that you didn't notice, we look similar and we will sometimes finish each other's sentences". They smiled at each other. She then yawned putting her hand to her mouth to cover it.
"I think you need some sleep, go to bed and we can talk tomorrow" said Merlin. He gave her a hug before leaving the room. She then walked across to her bed and picked up a book.
The end
