The following morning, Krysia was sipping her tea when Merlin came out of their chamber holding his head.

"Late night?" Gaius said.

"You could say that," Merlin said.

"I heard there was a disturbance, an intruder in the city."

"Yeah, I heard talking. In my head."

Krysia set her tea down, interested.

"You're saying the intruder had magic?" she said.

Merlin nodded and said, "And I recognized the voice. It was Mordred."

Krysia held her breath, staring at him, wondering how it could be possible. After the danger she put herself in to smuggle him away, it didn't seem reasonable that he would smuggle himself back in.

"The druid boy?" Gaius said, astonished. "What's he doing here?"

"He was guiding someone to Morgana's chambers."

"You're sure? She and the boy had a kind of bond."

"No," Krysia whispered, picking her tea up again. "No, this has to be about more than that."

"What do you mean?" Gaius said.

Merlin exchanged a look with Krysia, then said, "What if they'd been caught? Whatever they were doing, they were prepared to die for it."

/-/

Krysia knew the matter had to be related when the warning bell rang again, and she stood behind the king when Arthur came to report what had been lost. Merlin stood back, also looking a bit sick. She knew it wasn't going to go well when Arthur spoke his leading words.

"You're sorry?" Uther said, astonished. "That's not good enough. Did they force their way in?"

"No, sire," Arthur said.

Krysia, puzzled, said, "How was something stolen if no one broke in?"

Arthur winced at her, then said, "They stole the keys."

"How is that possible?" Uther said.

"Someone broke into my chambers."

"This is a grievous loss, Arthur," Uther said, possibly angrier than she'd ever seen him about something being removed from the vault. "The Crystal of Neahtid was locked away for good reason."

Krysia said, "I don't understand, sire, is it some kind of weapon?"

"It is an instrument of magic," Uther said. "In the days of the Purge, a great many sorcerers died trying to protect it. Whatever it is, it's important to them."

"I'll search the town, find out what I can," Arthur said.

"Arthur," Uther said firmly, "this crystal cannot fall into enemy hands."

"Yes, sire," Arthur said.

But Krysia feared it was already too late. She thought if she did a full check of Morgana's quarters, she would find the crystal. But she didn't think Morgana stupid enough to let it pass.

/-/

On her way back to Gaius's chambers that evening, she was stopped by Geraint, who was patrolling. He looked concerned, so she paused and waited for him to catch up to her.

"You should be out alone, Krysia," he said. "It's possible the intruder is still at large."

"I think that very unlikely, don't you?" she said. "I can handle myself."

Geraint smiled and said, "Yes, I'm quite sure you can. But even your quite impressive swordsmanship isn't a match for sorcery, especially if you're alone. And I don't trust you not to just let someone go to save your own skin."

"I'm flattered," she said. "Walk with me, then, if you're so worried."

They walked in step, Geraint's boots echoing in the corridor. As they walked, Krysia hoped he didn't linger at the door, in case Merlin was in conversation with Gaius already about the matter at hand.

"Leon was worried about you today," Geraint said.

"Leon lives worried," she said with a laugh. "It's almost comforting, how often he's worried for no reason. Something I can rely on."

Geraint paused, and Krysia walked a few more steps before she realized he stopped. She was surprised to see him looking so serious.

"He's a good man, Krysia," he said.

"I know he is."

"No, he…" Geraint forced a smile. "I'm sorry, I just…see him deny himself so often. It's frustrating. What I mean to say is that you shouldn't tease him."

The words were such an echo of Gaius's puzzling statement that Krysia was beginning to wonder what exactly she'd done wrong, and apparently was still doing.

"I don't understand," Krysia finally said.

Geraint looked puzzled for a moment, then forced his smile again all the brighter.

"Then forget I said anything," he said. "We'd best hurry. I'm sure you're quite tired."

She was still confused, but she knew Geraint well enough to know when he wasn't going to say any more, so she conceded that the conversation as over and they continued their walk to Gaius's chambers in silence. At the door, Geraint did pause for a moment, but only to say one final thing.

"It might be that if you took better care of yourself," he said softly, "Leon might have less to worry about."

Before she could argue with him, he was already going up the corridor, and she was more worried that he might overhear Merlin speaking that she was that she didn't get the final word, so she slipped in, and indeed was mid-conversation.

"Morgana stole the crystal?" Gaius said, surprised.

"I'm certain of it," Merlin said. "I caught her in Arthur's chambers. She must have taken his keys."

"Can you prove any of this?"

"Not exactly, but…"

"Proof is important, Merlin," Krysia said smoothly, walking fully into the room. "Even if you know, it's not enough."

"She did it," Merlin said. "I'd bet my life on it."

"Merlin, you go accusing the king's ward without proof, that's exactly what you'd be doing," Gaius said darkly.

"I know. You're right."

"It doesn't make sense," Gaius said, setting out dinner for Krysia to join them. "Why would Morgana steal such a thing?"

Krysia sat, accepted her plate, and said, "Uther didn't seem to know what it even was, just that it was an instrument of magic."

"There are many legends about the Crystal," Gaius said.

"Is it some kind of weapon?" Merlin said.

"That, I don't know."

"You've heard of it?" Merlin pressed.

"And what do you know?" Krysia said.

Gaius nodded and said, "Indeed, I have heard of it. The sorcerers of the past believed it held the secret of time itself."

Krysia and Merlin exchanged a puzzled look, and then Merlin said, "What do they mean by that?"

"I'm not sure. The crystal's an artefact of the Old Religion. There is only one who could tell you more."

/-/

Krysia checked her aunt's book, Merlin spoke to the dragon, but neither had anything resembling an answer until after Merlin followed Morgana into the forest. He returned with a name, and something of a story. The leader of the group in the forest was named Alvarr, and from how it sounded, he was the one they had to contend with.

"Alvarr has a fearsome reputation," Gaius said.

"What do you know of him?" Krysia said.

"I know he's a sorcerer, and that he and his band of renegades have threatened to overthrow the king.

"He sounded pretty determined," Merlin said.

"He's a fanatic, and his supporters follow him unthinkingly, blinded by his charisma."

"Well, it worked on Morgana," Merlin said.

Krysia hummed and said, "That's the thing about charisma, isn't it? Especially when someone's saying something you want to hear, and we all know Morgana isn't thrilled with Uther."

"And the druid boy," Merlin said, frustrated. "Alvarr's using him too. He seems to think the boy can harness the power of the Crystal."

"We can't let this happen, Merlin," Gaius said urgently.

"But if we can't go to Uther, what can we do?" Merlin said.

Gaius leaned in, frowning, and said, "We can bend the truth a little."

/-/

Krysia led Gaius into the council chamber, as they worked out. Arthur was present, and Morgana. She knew Gaius had kept many a secret, but this would be a great test of his skills, indeed.

"Sire," Krysia said, bowing when she entered. "Gaius says he has the information you're seeking."

"You know the whereabouts of the Crystal?" Uther said.

"I believe so, sire," Gaius said.

"I see. How did you come by this information?"

"In my capacity as physician, I have dealings with many people," Gaius said. "They hear things, sire, and they see things. Last night I was confronted by one such man who told me that the Crystal had been stolen by a band of renegades led by a man called Alvarr."

"Alvarr," Krysia repeated. "Did they know more?"

Uther shook his head and said, "Who exactly was this informant?"

Gaius hesitated, then said, "I think it would only be fair to protect their identity, sire. If news of the betrayal were to reach the renegades, it could indeed endanger their life."

Uther relaxed in his chair, although Morgana did seem tense still.

"Very well," Uther said.

"Where is this Alvarr hiding?" Arthur said.

"He was last seen in the Valley of Chemray, sire,"

"Summon the guards, Arthur," Uther said. "I want this matter investigated without delay."

"Yes, father," Arthur stood to leave, and Morgana went soon after him. Gaius and Krysia exchanged a look.

"Thank you, Gaius," Uther said. "Once again, I am in your debt."

/-/

That evening, Krysia turned down the king's bed as he watched her work, and she had a horrible feeling again that he was examining her, but he said nothing for a long time. When she stepped back from the bed to ask if there was anything further that he needed, he stood from his chair near the fire. She wanted to take a step back, but she knew it wasn't a good idea to show any kind of fear or nerves.

"You may go," he said. "And if you would like one of the guards to escort you—"

"It really isn't necessary, sire," she said.

He touched the frame of the bed, looking at the frame instead of her, as if he'd never seen it before.

"You fear nothing, do you?"

"Of course not, sire," she said, wondering if this, too, was a test of sorts. "I simply…I do not feel that my own safety is something to fear. I will die someday, and it will or won't be today."

The corner of his mouth twitched, and she wasn't sure if it was a smile or a wince, but he nodded, and he told her to take care regardless.

She bowed her head and hurried to Gaius's chambers with her candle, but she was tempted to follow Arthur and Merlin to find Alvarr, as she was certain Morgana would ride out. But she could make no excuse if she was caught, and Gaius would worry. She had to simply hope that Merlin would figure out a way to work things out.

/-/

The following morning, in the council chamber, Krysia stood behind Arthur as Alvarr was forced to kneel. He was not unattractive, she supposed, although she didn't fully understand why someone as sophisticated as Morgana would find him compelling. Handsome he was certainly not.

"So," Uther said, "you admit to stealing the Crystal of Neahtid?"

"I do," Alvarr said, unconcerned.

"You admit to plotting against your King?"

"I do."

"And you acted alone?" Uther said. "You were not aided or abetted by any citizen of Camelot?"

"I acted alone," Alvarr said, without a hitch of hesitation.

Krysia had to give the man some credit: he was a highly skilled liar. But it was good of him not to drag Morgana down with him, although she doubted Uther would believe him.

"Then I find you guilty of treason," Uther said. "You are an enemy of Camelot, Alvarr. You are sentenced to death."

"Ready the guards," Krysia whispered to Geraint, who was beside her. He nodded and slipped along the side of the court to prepare the way to the cells.

"Then I die with honor," Alvarr said, almost with a smile. "To be an enemy of Camelot is no crime."

"Take him away," Uther said, and the guards came forward.

"You, Uther, are the criminal," Alvarr said. The guards pulled him to his feet and led him out of the chamber.

The members of court filtered out, and Morgana gestured for Geraint to leave and close the door. He did so, but Krysia lingered. Thankfully, Morgana did not press her to leave as well. Krysia would not leave without an order from the king, but she wasn't sure if he would bend to Morgana's wishes on the matter.

"How many more must you kill before you're satisfied?" Morgana said.

"He was guilty," Uther said. "He confessed his crimes. You heard him as well as I."

"His only crime was to defy you," Morgana said harshly.

"My lady," Krysia whispered, "this man was a sworn enemy of the kingdom and said as much in front of the court."

Morgana, however, would not be reasoned with, ignoring Krysia and saying, "Is it any wonder he wanted you dead? You, who have persecuted his kind day after day, year after year?"

"I will hear no more of this, Morgana!" Uther said firmly.

"Because you're an arrogant fool," Morgana pressed. "You were deaf and blind to the very needs of the people you profess to serve and protect! The people will tolerate it no longer!"

"I said enough!"

"Sire," Krysia said, but neither paid her any heed.

"They are rising up against you!" Morgana cried. "From this day forward, I do not know you. From this day forward, I disown you."

She started toward the door, but Uther, desperate to have the final word, called after her, "You will go to your chambers!"

She paused at the door and turned back.

"And you, Uther, you will go to hell."

He stared after her, stunned, and Krysia watched him, concerned. She was half worried that Morgana would do something to thwart justice for Alvarr, but she couldn't very well follow her.

"She doesn't mean it," Uther said, his voice slightly gravelly. "We've been here before. She gets distressed with the concept of execution, but she always comes around in the end."

"I'm sure, sire," Krysia said, forcing a smile.

"Come," he said, raising a gloved hand. "Sit here with me as I review these letters."

Krysia wasn't sure why, but she did so, sitting across from him at the council table while he pulled letter after letter in front of himself for review. There was a letter from Bayard, and a rather lengthy one, detailing a concern about Hengist, a warlord originally out of Escetir now operating on the fringes of Mercia, and rumors of holdings and allies Hengist had in Andor. There was a separate letter from some barons overseeing Tintagel on the king and Morgana's behalf until her marriage.

They sat in almost companionable silence until the chamber doors were opened again and Clay brought in lunch for the king. Krysia met him at the door and checked the plate and pitcher before taking the pitcher from him. She cleared the papers to a safe distance and poured the first glass of wine while Clay laid out the food.

She couldn't think of a good excuse to leave, though, no matter how she thought Morgana was up to something.

/-/

In the late evening, when Uther was just about to call his work a night and go to his chambers, the warning bell rang. Krysia startled, but she didn't seem afraid, even with the idea that a dangerous criminal might have escaped.

"Shall I—?"

"No," Uther said. "No, stay here. It isn't safe."

Krysia looked like she might object, and for another moment he was reminded of Zosia, but now wasn't the time to think of that. He had to focus on this breach first.

Sir Geraint swept in and announced that the prisoner was on the loose and guards were giving chase. Arthur would report when they had more information, he said. Uther couldn't help noticing that Geraint paused when he saw that Krysia was still there and seemed to consider something.

"Shall I escort Krysia to her quarters for safety?" Geraint said.

"No," Uther said, squeezing his hand in his glove slightly. "No, she'll remain here with me until we have a full report."

Geraint showed mild surprise, but he bowed and left.

Uther knew Geraint was right to be surprised. Perhaps she would be safer further away from him, as no doubt if Alvarr wanted to inflict damage as he left, he would come to find Uther. But Uther felt personally responsible for Krysia's safety for reasons he couldn't have explained, even to himself, and he felt more secure with knowing that she was near him until the danger had passed.

They waited in a still silence that the council chamber only had at night, and Krysia stood with unnatural stillness, unnatural calm. He could have truly believed her to be a ghost, if he didn't know she was real.

The wait was long, or it was no time at all, and in truth it didn't matter which. When Arthur came to report, Uther stood, ready to hear bad news based on his son's expression.

"We've searched the citadel," Arthur said, "the town, and every corner of Camelot."

"But he's gone?" Uther said.

"Yes, father."

"How?" Uther prompted. "How has he escaped?"

"Even magic cannot escape notice long enough for him to go clear, sure," Krysia whispered.

Arthur nodded a little and said, "It appears that the guards were drugged."

"That means he had help," Uther said. "Someone…"

He trailed off as Morgana entered, fully dressed as though it were not time for her to prepare for bed. A horrible thought occurred to him, but he forced it aside.

"…here in Camelot," he finished.

"Afraid it looks that way," Arthur said.

Krysia said, "It would have to be someone who had access to a soporific, or someone who was a skilled thief."

Arthur was about to ask her something, but Uther was still staring at Morgana, who was looking back at him with a defiant expression he had seen on her mother's face once, long ago.

"Let this be understood," he said firmly. "Whoever has done this, they have betrayed me. They have betrayed the kingdom. If I ever discover who it was, they will rue the day they were born."

A/N:

To the Guest Reviewer:

I'm skipping "Goblin's Gold." We've reached the point in the story when I can't really afford to waste any time, and not only is that episode not going to further any of my stories (although the whole Leon with boils thing might have been fun). The episode might be mentioned, but I don't have the space to deal with it, and quite honestly…I don't love the episode. So.

To Like-a-Slasher-Film:

Well, I do love dropping hints, but you know I couldn't possibly tell you if you're right or wrong. I will jokingly say that I live to upset you, mostly because I enjoy your contrarian reviews! And yes, this is part 6! We're getting Uther coming to power and becoming king of Camelot. We get some Vivienne & Gorlois and Vivienne's shenanigans. I'm going to cover the Great Purge, and yes, we'll get to see children versions of our crew here. I'm also splitting the covering of the tv series into two parts (not telling you where the split comes, but it's not at the halfway), and there will be a story after the series ending, and an epilogue one-shot. While they all have the potential to be long, I think this part will probably end up being the longest. But we shall see! My goal is that each should be readable on its own, but enhanced by reading as a series, so if there's one you don't like, in theory, you should be able to skip it.

Cheers, all!

-C