THE TORMENTED SOUL
CHAPTER FOUR
TWO SIDES OR THE SAME COIN
Merlin watched Arthur leave unable to stop him. He knew where Morgana's hovel was situated and fully intended to arrive before Arthur if he could. He made his way back home ready to collect the essential items he needed to defeat Morgana. Entering the door in a hurry, he almost knocked Gaius over.
"Sorry Gaius, are you okay?"
"Why are you in such a hurry Merlin?"
"Arthur is on his way to face Morgana. I need to help him. He's not going to be any use on his own without me."
"But Merlin you still need to rest." Gaius said unconvincingly.
"Oh don't you start. I had that from Arthur as well. I'm going Gaius and you can't stop me."
"How will you disguise yourself?"
"As Emyrs!"
"Merlin, it takes it out on you at the best of times. Are you sure you have the stamina?"
"I have to Gaius." Merlin answered, quickly gathering the items required to complete the transformation into the old warlock.
Arthur rode as fast as his horse could gallop. Heading towards the white mountains he was unsure how or even if he could stand up to his sister. Morgana had more power then he would be able to handle, and he knew there was little chance of winning, but he hadn't counted on one thing…Merlin.
Merlin arrived ahead of Arthur. Tethering his horse to the nearest tree he quickly drank the ageing solution. All that was left was to enchant the spell that would finally change his appearance.
"Miht dagena, bepecce me. Afeagile bisne gast min freondum ond min feondum!"
Merlin emerged from behind the tree, now dressed as Dragoon the Great. Heading towards Morgana's hovel he watched as she suddenly appeared from around the corner, catching the pair of them off guard.
"Emyrs!" Morgana said startled at seeing him in front of her.
"Yes Morgana it is I," said Emyrs in his aged voice. "I hear you attempted to kill Arthur. You of all people should know that will never happen."
"You underestimate me Emyrs. You know I get what I want."
"Not this time. Did you really think you could get to Arthur through Merlin?"
"Merlin is just a servant."
"Merlin is much more than that Morgana. You would do well to realise that."
Morgana was infuriated that Merlin not only had survived, but had protected Arthur too. She moved forward; arms outstretched.
"You can not defeat me Emyrs. My power is as great as yours." Morgana's eyes glowed golden as she attacked. "Ablinn du; forlaet du nu!" she said blasting Emyrs far away.
Emyrs lay on his back stunned and surprised. Standing to his feet, he advanced forward towards Morgana. "Morgana Pendragon you'd do wise not to challenge me!" he retorted in a fit of anger. Holding his hands out towards her his eyes lit golden as he cast a spell, "Forp Fleoge!" Beams of light emerged from the palm of his hand making direct contact with Morgana's body flinging her to the ground.
While Morgana lay unconscious, Merlin turned to Arthur who had just arrived witnessing the aggression between the pair.
"You are Emyrs?" Arthur asked.
Merlin turned rolling his eyes. Speaking under his breath he muttered to himself, "Not you as well." he then continued to talk to Arthur, "Arthur Pendragon, you have come at last. What took you so long?"
"Sorry do I know you?" Arthur asked.
"No, not particularly. I am who I am and who I am I will always be."
Arthur stared blankly at him. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
Emyrs shook his head in frustration. "Never mind Arthur Pendragon. Where is your servant?"
"Back at Camelot. I came alone."
"Well that was a stupid mistake to make. Merlin may only be a servant, but he has a lot to give."
Arthur stood looking at Emyrs. He was convinced that he has seen him before."I'm sure I recognise you?"
"And I told you that you have not."
Emyrs didn't have time to argue with Arthur if he was to deal with Morgana. Frustrated with the situation, he did what only he could do. With his eyes turning gold yet again he sent Arthur to the ground knocking him unconscious, just as he had with Morgana.
"Forb Fleoge!" Merlin cried yet again. Smiling with the thought that he had stopped Arthur for a change, he muttered to himself once more, "That'll teach you!" He turned , cautiously heading back to where Morgana lay. Shuffling carefully as the ageing spell was taken its toll on him, he placed one hand on his back for support. "I'm getting too damn old for this game," he muttered once more.
Morgana had managed to get to her feet as Emyrs approached. "Merlin, you are Merlin aren't you?" she demanded.
"So what if I am."
"No wonder you were able to fight of my potion. Well, you leave me no option, I will take great pleasure in destroying you." Morgana said with delight.
"No Morgana I don't think so." Emyrs stepped forward his anger more apparent than ever. "You will be no more Morgana Pendragon!" With one easy swoop Morgana was sent flying through the air, hitting the ground awkwardly. She took one last breath, her final breath …Morgana had died."
Merlin stood looking at Morgana's body. He took a deep sigh; this wasn't what he wanted. As he turned ready to leave, he looked up and saw Arthur staring at him. "Oh Arthur you witnessed your sister's death, that wasn't meant for you to see," he said keeping in character.
"But I did see. Did you kill my uncle too?" Arthur asked curiously. "You know you do look like someone I've met before?"
"And I told you that we had not."
"Why do you have my servant's boots on then and my court physician's coat?"
"Argh…well," Merlin tried to explain.
"Merlin, it's you isn't it. So you have magic then?"
"I was born with it Arthur. I use it only to help you."
"Well, I know that now. Don't worry, I promise your secret is safe with me."
Merlin smiled with relief, "You don't know how pleased I am to hear you say that."
"Come here you idiot." Arthur walked towards his friend giving him a hug.
"I'm not going back with you looking like an old man, Merlin. I think you need to change back."
"Yes, I think I'd better." Merlin answered. As he walked towards the bushes to transform back into himself, he heard Arthur laughing behind him. He turned to look at Arthur who did his best to stop himself from laughing. "Just you wait till you get old Arthur, you won't be laughing then." Once out of sight Merlin chanted, "Edniwe min geoguo!" Appearing as himself once more Merlin headed back to Camelot with Arthur by his side.
That evening Arthur held a banquet in Merlin's honour. Pleased that Merlin has stood by his side, he felt it only right that Merlin should be rewarded for his duty. Merlin was happily drinking and chatting with the Knights as Arthur came to speak to him.
"Merlin, can I have a word please?"
"Please! You've changed."
"I want to make it up to you, I've got something to do first, but come to my chambers in about ten minutes. I'll get someone to bring you."
Arthur returned to his chambers early. He had a plan, a present for Merlin. He sent for Merlin to be brought to his room and whilst he waited he prepared his room with several lit candles placed in prime positions. Merlin had changed him considerably in the last week. The room ready, he sat and waited for Merlin to arrive. Then came the knock he was waiting for. He rose from his chair and open he door.
"Sire, you asked for me?" Merlin enquired not really knowing the reason why.
Arthur poked his head out between a half-opened door. Ensuring no guards were around, he then took Merlin by the arm, pulling him into the room. Locking the door behind him, he wanted to be doubly sure no one would enter, so he placed a chair at the handle, propping it closed.
Merlin totally oblivious to Arthur's intentions wondered what on earth was going on. "Are you expecting someone Sire?" he enquired and was about to leave when Arthur took hold of his arm once more.
This time Arthur slowly pulled Merlin towards him, their chests pressing closely together. Equal in height the pair looked each other in the eye.
"Oh!" Merlin then twigged it was him that Arthur had been waiting for. "Well it is about time too," he thought to himself.
They stood, gazing into each other's eyes. Merlin wouldn't make the first move, he thought it better coming from Arthur.
Arthur started to take off his jacket with Merlin now playing his part by helping. Merlin slipped off his jacket too, then Arthur helped him lift off his top and neckerchief. Merlin did the same for Arthur as the pair stood topless still gazing out one another's eyes. Arthur moved in for a kiss and Merlin didn't disappoint. Lips entwined they locked onto one another, as their hearts pounded away. Before long they had undressed each other's lower half. Arthur quickly took of his boots, throwing them behind him. Merlin kicked off his boots too as Arthur made his way to the bed. Pulling down the sheets he jumped in tapping the mattress encouraging Merlin to join him.
With a deep breath Merlin placed himself beside Arthur's strong muscular body. Arthur straddled Merlin's lean body, running his finger through his thick black hair. He started to nibble Merlin's ear as both became even more sexually aroused.
Merlin still didn't disappoint; this is what he'd been yearning for and at last it had come. Nibbling on Arthur's strong breast Merlin worked his way down Arthur's body. They rolled around the bed; hot breath; hearts pounding.
Merlin thought for a mere second he could smell burning. Still caressing Arthur's torso Merlin tried to ignore the aroma.
As Arthur lips trailed down Merlin's sensuous neck, he whispered into Merlin's ear, "I love you Merlin."
"I love you too Arthur." Merlin answered
Arthur placed his finger on Merlin's lips, "Don't talk."
Merlin looked over his lover's shoulder, "Arthur …"
"Stop talking Merlin," Arthur told him.
"But Arthur …" Merlin continued. "What now you idiot, you had to lose the moment." Arthur said rolling his eyes in annoyance.
"But Arthur …"
"What!" Arthur demanded.
"I was trying to tell you that your boots are on fire."
"We'll use your magic and put it out then. I'm rather fond of those boots and I'd like to get back to what we were doing. That's of course of you don't mind Merlin?"
"Certainly Master you wish is my command." With the biggest smile from Merlin's face, his eyes glowed golden once more. Extinguishing the fire through magic, Merlin turned his attention back to Arthur. Merlin couldn't have been more happier then he was at that moment and there was plenty more of that to come. The young warlock was happily in love.
"You're going to be handy to have around," Arthur told him. "Bye the way Merlin …"
"What!"
"Don't ever call me Master again."
"No Mas…I mean Sire."
