Title: The legend of a Warlock who Served the Once and Future King
Author: Lamiabellascrittore
Rating: T+
Warnings: Violence, sexual content, adult situations and more- deal with it. There is more to come.
Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin, or any of the characters. If I did there would be a season six, seven, eight, and so on, and a movie, of course.
Spoilers: Possibly.
Summary: Merlin and Arthur go on a mission that was supposed to be strictly reconnaissance. However, nothing ever goes as planned, and they get separated. Merlin is kidnapped by Morgana and Arthur must find a way to rescue his ever loyal servant. But, will Arthur still save Merlin after he learns Merlin has magic? This story is building up to the battle of Camlann. There most likely will be a sequel if you all want.
A/N: Okay, so this is my first Published Fan Fiction. Please read and review.
If you liked it I will continue. Please be kind. ;) The more you review the more likely it is that I will continue this story and more. Sorry for any errors, it becomes difficult after editing it so many times. It becomes a lot like a word repeated over and over again until it no longer makes any sense.
Okay. New A/N: So the story is getting darker. Sorry. Can't help it. I like the dark sexy stuff. It will most likely get more intense.
Common people give me some love and review. 3
I hope you enjoy...
Just like our eyes, our hearts have a way of adjusting to the dark.
~ Adam Stanley.
Chapter 23
A Drastic Judgment
Merlin rolled over in his bed and looked blankly at the ceiling of his tent. His body ached from the harsh ride. His bum was sore and his thighs screamed at him. His saddle hadn't been kind. He sighed and rolled over to get more comfortable.
Thought's of Arthur kept him awake. What was he doing in Morgana's territory and so close to her army? What was he doing watching him? Why was he alone? Where were the other knights? Did he think he could rescue Merlin all by his lonesome?
He was just about to fall back asleep when a pair of strong arms hoisted him from his blankets and roughly dragged him to the door of the tent.
Merlin struggled and fought but he was sluggish and tired. The fatigue clung to him like iron weights pulling him under the water, drowning him. Merlin was tossed to the ground outside his tent. The dirt had a layer of frost. His breath came out in white clouds with each breath he expelled. He looked up at Cedric in confusion. Merlin knew that Cedric was loyal to Emrys but he also had a part to play and he played it well. For only twenty he was wise, determined and relentless.
"What the hell Cedric, what's your problem?" Merlin snapped and stood up to look at him but his blank face gave nothing away.
"Sorry, Emrys. This is not my problem." Cedric said impassively. "It's yours." Cedric nodded to someone behind Merlin.
Merlin turned around. Mordred stood in all his new found dark glory glowering at him as if Merlin's death couldn't be painful enough. Merlin sighed.
"Mordred, do you really want to get on my bad side even more than you already have?" Merlin pointed out.
" Follow me." Mordred ignored him turned on his heel and led the way through the camp. Hesitantly Merlin followed. "I found someone you might know."
Merlin faltered and tripped over his feet. Don't let it be Arthur. Please, God, don't let it be Arthur, Merlin chanted to himself as Mordred led him to a large tent designated as a prisoner inquiry.
Merlin stepped into the tent. He let out a breath he'd been unaware he was holding in. Arthur wasn't the one they had. It was Sir Garret and Sir Ranoue, the two newest recruits to the Knights of Camelot. They knelt on their knees with hands bound behind their backs. As far as Merlin could tell they were unharmed. For now.
Morgana sat in a desk across the room from the Knights. She looked up from the paper she had been reading when Merlin entered the tent.
"Merlin?" Ranoue whispered as he looked between Mordred and Merlin. His emotions swung one way and then the other, between anger and resentment when he looked at Mordred and relief and confusion when he looked at Merlin.
"Merlin!" Ranoue struggled in his bonds choosing to focus on Merlin. "Your alive!" The young knight exclaimed.
Hardly, Merlin thought bitterly and frowned. Morgana smiled and motioned for him to come further into the tent. Merlin glared at her, but other wise didn't so much as twitch to look over at Garret and Ranoue like he so clearly wanted to. Morgana's eye twitched in irritation. He was always in such control she wanted to see his façade drop once more giving her view of everything he tried to conceal. All his raw undertones and the things he fought so hard to keep chained and hidden in the dark.
"Merlin!" Ranoue tried again and failed to get Merlin's attention.
"Lady Morgana." Merlin forced through a tight lipped smile. He did his best to ignore Garret and Ranoue. His heart was bleeding enough.
Morgana raised a brow at Merlin's tone. She could clearly see the 'fuck you' in his smile. He was still looking at her as if he would snap her neck, and very much enjoy doing it.
"Lord Emrys." Morgana greeted snidely bringing attention to Merlin.
"Emrys?" Garret exclaimed softly. He looked at Ranoue who was still struggling in his bonds. Garret shoved him with his shoulder. Ranoue stopped and glared at Garret before he focused back on Merlin and Morgana.
She briefly glanced at the knight who spoke and chuckled coyly. She turned to Mordred and Cedric.
"Wait outside." She watched as Cedric bowed and left the tent obediently. Morgana didn't miss the way his eyes flickered over to Merlin in concern or the fact that Cedric waited for Merlin's nod before he left.
Mordred didn't move, he was rooted to the floor glaring at Merlin as if he was about to lunge for his throat at any moment. Merlin looked at him and raised a brow daring him to make the first move.
Merlin was exhausted but he was no longer injured and would have no problem taking a swipe at the pest, yet Merlin remembered that Darrin and James were still very much alive and relying on Merlin not to fuck up again like he did with William.
"Mordred." Morgana snapped softly gaining his attention. She waited patiently for him to gather himself and tear his gaze from Merlin. Mordred reluctantly focused on Morgana even as he imagined different ways he could kill Merlin. "Now." She snapped and nodded to the door. He grit his teeth and stormed out of the tent.
Morgana stood up She was still clad in her armor having never gone to bed. She noticed Merlin had his on as well. He had dark circles around his eyes. He must have been to exhausted to take it off before he succumbed to sleep. She could relate. The march here was a long and tiring one with no healing waters to soak in other than what the healers brought along for the injured once the battle began. She walked around her desk over to Merlin. She looked at him silently for a moment drawing it out. She could see that it bothered him to be so close to her while Camelot knights were in the vicinity. He didn't want to seem chummy with her. She smirked.
"I'm glad your here." Morgana said softly. She brushed his hair our of his eyes. Its gotten longer this past year. She liked it. She smiled up at him. Merlin's eyes followed her movement as she brush his hair from his face. He glared at her hand as if he wanted to snap her wrist. He was obviously still cross with her.
"You'll get over it." Morgana consoled. She patted his chest placating and stepped back out of his reach.
Morgana faced the young Knights. "What are your names?" She demanded. They looked to Merlin for support. "Oh, don't bother to look at him." Morgana gave a bark of a laugh. "He won't help you." She smiled.
Morgana glanced at Merlin over her shoulder. He pressed his lips together to keep his mouth shut. He stood with his arms behind his back with one hand griping the wrist of his other hand to keep him in place. He knew what she was doing. She was baiting him and he wasn't going to bite. She should be worried if he did. Morgana looked back at the knights.
"Names. Now." Morgana demanded. She raised her arm when no one spoke up. "Don't make this difficult, boys. I will make you bleed." She hissed. Her poorly concealed madness was starting to show.
"Sir Ranoue and Sir Garret of the Camelot knights." Merlin said blankly from behind her before she could hurt them. He had started to speak before he could stop himself. Merlin saw how close Morgana was to the edge and he would rather Garret and Ranoue die quick than feel the pain she inflicted on him. Besides Merlin would have to give them that quick death to insure they didn't give Arthur away.
Morgana smiled. "Thank you, Emrys." She sat up and put her arm back by her side. "Sir Garret and Sir Ranoue." She thought for a moment. Staring quietly at them. Ranoue swallowed reflexively as her penetrating green eyes appraised them. "Sir Ranoue...Ranoue. Sound familiar. I believe Mordred had a half brother by the name of Ranoue, yes?" Morgana asked innocently and raised a brow inquiringly.
Ranoue shifted uncomfortably. The cold starting to get to him. He could no longer feel his fingers and his shoulders screamed from being held in this position for most the night. Ranoue could only hazard a guess Garret wasn't in much better shape. Ranoue pressed his lips together.
Morgana shrugged. He didn't have to tell her. It wasn't important. What was important was that if these Camelot Knights were so close to their camp Arthur must not be far behind.
"Did you travel here with Arthur?" Morgana asked changing topics. Ranoue paled and Garret narrowed his eyes. "Well did you?" She pressed.
Ranoue straightened his shoulders and lifted his chin in defiance. "No. We're alone." He stated.
Morgana's lips pressed into a thin line and she shook her head. "Don't lie to me." She hissed. "Arthur would never send you into my domain alone with out him and his round table peasants." She assured looking back and forth between the young Knights.
"So," She took a deep breath and started again calmer. "Where did you last see him? Do you have a rendezvous location?"
Merlin's hand tightened around his wrist behind his back. Keep your bloody mouth's shut, Merlin threatened silently to himself. Or I'll have to shut it for you.
Silence. Neither Garret or Ranoue gave anything away. Merlin was starting to get nervous. When Gwain, Leon, Percival, or even Merlin were questioned they replied with sarcasm and insults. In Merlin's experience when a prisoner was quiet during the first leg of interrogation before the actual torture they were bound to talk once the real pain began.
"I will not ask you again." Morgana hissed. She got nothing but silence. She clenched her fist and Ranoue cried out. He fell back onto his side.
Garret paled. He looked at Ranoue's writhing body and back to Morgana. He had gotten attached to Ranoue. He may not like the man but he respected him and felt a sort of obligation to protect him. "Stop it." He hollered. "Stop!" He tugged at his bonds, twisting and pulling his hands trying to get free but they were to secure.
Morgana squeezed her fist tighter and Ranoue's cries turned into blood curdling screams. It tore at Garret. The screams of someone he cared about was enough to make him forget his vows and reasons for loyalty.
"Tell me!" Morgana screeched.
Merlin's nails dug into his wrist hoping the action will help him to remember himself and where he was at. Act now surrounded by Morgana's finest sorcerers and swordsman and he was dead in a matter of moments no matter how quick his magic was. His felt his nails pierce skin and welcomed the flare of pain. The warm trickle of blood seeped down the palm of his hand and dripped from his finger tips. Merlin was thankful his arms were clasped behind his back.
"Stop and I'll tell you!" Garret shouted growling at her.
Morgana pretended to think about it for a second before she released her hold on Ranoue. Garret stopped struggling when Ranoue scream ended abruptly. Garret tried to scoot closer to him making his wrist burn even more from his attempts to escape.
Garret watched him relax into the floor with his arms bound beneath him. That didn't look like a very comfortable position. Garret released a breath he didn't know he was holding when he saw Ranoue's chest rise and fall. Ranoue moaned. "Oh, thank God your alive." Garret breathed.
"Barely." Ranoue croaked from his spot on the ground. He coughed harshly and spat out a gob of blood and mucus. His throat was raw and bloody.
"You know where Arthur is." Morgana stated.
Garret looked away from Ranoue. "Yes." Garret confirmed. His eyes shifted from Morgana to Ranoue's dazed form to Merlin.
Merlin held Garrets gaze trying to get a feel for his intentions. His brown eyes begged Merlin for forgiveness. Garret was going to tell Morgana. Merlin narrowed his eyes. Garret's eyes shinned. Merlin brought his arms slowly from behind his back. Merlin shook his head. Don't, Merlin mouthed, warning him.
Garret swallowed his shoulders sagged in defeat and looked back to Morgana. "Yes," Garret sighed deflated. "I know where he is going. He's-" He gasped. Garret's words cut off before he could give anything away.
Merlin didn't hesitate. His arm shot out and a magical hand tightened around Garrett's throat. His hands went up to try to pry it off but he couldn't. His eyes searched wildly for the one responsible. His wide eyes settled on Merlin. Merlin's hand jerked viciously to the side and a sickening crack echoed in the sudden silence.
Morgana's back snapped straight and she froze in shock. The silence stretched before Merlin noticed Morgana's shoulders shaking. Was she laughing? Merlin thought disapprovingly. Morgana turned towards him wiping away her tears.
"Well, look at you Merlin." Morgana smiled savagely. "Aren't you just full of surprises." She hissed resentfully. " letting your dark side come to play. I like it. It suits you. However, I could have done without the murdered Knight and done this the easy way, but now we can do this the fun way." Morgana sneered and stormed out of the tent leaving Ranoue where he was.
Morgana must not think he wasn't worth the time. She paused just outside the tent. Merlin followed her but paused on the other side listening to what she was going to do next.
"Mordred." She called.
"Yes, my lady."
"There's someone waiting in there that I'm sure you'd like to reunite with." She informed. "You may not recognize him at first though." She warned. Merlin tensed. So that's what she was doing. She was going to let Mordred loose on the kid. Merlin knew Ranoue better than he did Garret and Ranoue had a will of steel and has faced this kind of brutality before in the same form as to tonight. Morgana and Mordred.
Morgana turned on her heel and strode away. Her anger getting the best of her once again. People jumped out of her way as she passed and she shoved those who didn't get out of her way fast enough.
"Athusia!" Morgana hollered.
Merlin was torn between staying with Ranoue to see what he could do to prevent Mordred from harming him or go after Morgana. But Morgana made the discussion for him when she called for the Dragon. He tensed the white dragons name on Morgana's lips. Merlin's heart stopped in his chest when he heard Athusia's answering roar. So obedient. Morgana wasn't a Dragon Lord but she had a strange bond with the young Dragon that Merlin didn't quite understand.
Mind made up he tore out of the tent brushing past Mordred in his hast. He followed the chaos Morgana left in her wake. Men and woman were still picking themselves and scattered items off the ground.
Merlin ran after her ignoring the stars of the others he passed. They thought him crazy for chasing after her. He jumped over a couple of abandoned wood crates and dodged around groups of people still gaining their bearings when suddenly a loud boom! Echoed not far ahead setting the already wary people on defense.
What the hell was she doing?! Merlin was actually starting to get worried. Everyday she was even more unpredictable than the last. Right now Merlin wouldn't put it past Morgana to destroy her own army in a fit of rage, killing everyone maybe even herself, through rumor has it the witch couldn't die by a mortal blade and Arthur had the only one on him.
He spotted Morgana up ahead. The white dragon hovered above her. Merlin's stomach dipped. She was sending Athusia to find Arthur.
"No!" Merlin yelled. "Stop Morgana. Don't." He commanded.
Morgana turned on him. "Shut up." Morgana yelled angrily. Athusia rose in the air positioning herself between Morgana and Merlin. She roared at him enraged on Morgana's behalf. Athusia charged Merlin without warning. He dodged rolling towards the perimeter of the camp. He contemplated bolting into the trees and dealing with this there but it was dark and Athusia had the advantage. Merlin shifted as Athusia hovered just above the ground waiting to see of he was going to move.
Snap. Merlin tensed. That strange and unwelcome panic began to build in the pit of his stomach again. His eyes snapped to the trees to his left and crouched there in the bushes was Arthur. Damn it. Merlin grit his teeth. He took a step to the left putting himself between Morgana, the dragon and Arthur.
Merlin felt the air stir. He turned just in time to see Morgana launch a piece of burning wood at him. It clipped his shoulder leaving a nasty gash behind. He grunted and stumbled back a step.
Athusia saw Merlin's distraction and dove at him, but Merlin felt her coming. He righted himself and faced her head on and opened his mouth. Merlin let his inherent ancient abilities take control. He roared out words in a foreign language familiar only to a dragon and their Lord.
Athusia jerked back and shook her head. She paused and gazed at him as if she recognized him for the first time.
He spoke again, calmer, gentler and she landed softly in front of Merlin. She bowed her head low to the ground. He nodded accepting her apology. He reached out palm forward and Athusia nuzzled his hand. Their bond reestablished.
Morgana shook herself from her shock. She growled. A Dragon Lord, she fumed. She wasn't exactly surprised that he was a Dragon Lord. Everyday that he doesn't shave he looks more and more like Balinor from the painting just less hairy. Morgana had already suspected and she just wanted him to admit it, but she wasn't surprised that he lied to her either. Just irritated.
Merlin let his hand fall back to his side and look back at Morgana. He looked at her blankly.
"I knew it." She growled storming up to him. Athusia growled and backed up as Morgana approached guarding Merlin as she had once done for Morgana. "A fucking dragon lord!" She laughed."My God Uther must be turning in his grave." She murmured humorously.
Merlin glared at her. She was one to talk. Morgana was Uther's illegitimate daughter for Gods sake and she was the last High Priestess. Morgana raised her hand and sent a pulse of magic at him. Merlin dodged and launched himself at her with a yell. She crashed to the ground with a pained cry struggling against Merlin's grip. He straddled her and pinned bother her wrist him on of his hands above her head.
"Stop." A mans voice yelled. Merlin let his head drop in exasperation and sighed. He looked back up at the man who spoke.
"Come again?" Merlin asked.
"Let her go?" The man said making his statement come out as a question. Merlin must look terrifying if he could cow a man like that.
"Or what?" Merlin challenged not in the mood for this solders bullshit.
The man took out his sword. Two others following suit. Merlin shook his head sadly and shot his hand out. One after the other they dropped to the ground. Dead. Morgana shrieked and tugged on her wrists trying to get free but Merlin would have none of it.
"Stop killing my people." Morgana growled shoving against Merlin's inner thighs with her pelvis.
"Why?" Merlin demanded. "You have butcher hundreds of mine." Merlin accused referring to the men woman and children lost in the war for the cup of life and the immortal army.
Morgana stilled. He was right. They were both guilty in this war. Merlin seeing her give up let her go. He stood up and watched her get to her feet.
"I'm taking Ranoue away from Mordred and putting him with Darrin and James." Merlin said forcefully.
"N-" Morgana started.
"Don't fight me on this Morgana." Merlin interrupted firmly. "You will not win this matter." Merlin looked at her sedately.
Morgana couldn't argue with him when he had dark shadow laughing at her from his azure eyes. She turned on her heel and stormed away from him with out a word or backwards glance.
Merlin spared on quick glance to where Arthur was standing but he was gone. Merlin grit his teeth. He had to act now. Tonight was his last chance. He would have to get Ranoue, Darrin and James and go find Arthur without getting anyone killed. Merlin fumed. He was so angry at the king for being out here alone with no back up and he was alone because Merlin sensed no others around him. The idiot.
Merlin turned and left to gather Ranoue. Hopefully he could get to the kid before Mordred did to much damage.