Dragon Twins

A/N: I have replaced all image links with a reference to my Pinterest board for this story. All future image references will be on there with the chapter and description. The link itself is on my main profile page here so feel free to check it out.

Also, I refuse to believe that after, what, 21 years…that Arthur knew nothing of how his mother died? He's in a city full of people and at least one person had to have told him she died in childbirth, which was common enough back then. He may not have been told that Nimueh's magic helped conceive him as only a handful of people knew that in the first place, but he had to have at least known how his mother died.

HPuni101: Thank you very much. It's always nice to hear someone enjoys what I write. I'm trying to make a softer, redeemed Uther…but slowly. That kind of thing won't come over night…not with the trauma he's been through.

Padfootette: Glad you liked the last chapter, hopefully you like this one just as much.

Arianna Le Fay: First off…I love your name. Second…I'm so happy you like it. The best Merlin story ever? I can think of a few to compete with me on that title but it makes me thrilled to hear it. Sadly no…Mordred has his own little storyline going on in my head right now…but he'll be back I promise…and as often as I can manage b/c I adore the little bugger.

P-Webes: I'm glad you like it, and thanks for the luck.

Jesskalynn4: I apologize for that. Somehow the links weren't doing what I thought they were and parts were being left out. I have made a Pinterest board for this story now and the link is on my profile page. Each picture has the chapter and a brief description. I'm glad you like the story and hopefully this works better for everyone.

xXallegedangelXx: I'm glad you like Marlena. I'm trying to keep her as realistic as possible so as not to make her a Mary-Sue (*shudders in horror*). She won't be adopting Mordred in any official sense but he will view her as a motherly figure in his life. Plenty of Arthur/Marlena fluff to be had. No action until much later in the story, he's only just gotten up the nerve to start courting her after all…though there will be kissing.

Chapter 10 – Excalibur

Marlena had spent almost six months with the druids and grown very close to several of them, especially Mordred. She had recently sent a message to Camelot to request an escort back to the city and now waited in a small clearing with a clearly-unhappy Mordred, Sir Leon, and a couple of the Druid elders, including Cerdan who had been elevated in status. The Druid's freedom of expression in their light airy clothing had grown on her and she wore an outfit that Camelot was definitely not used to seeing. It was a long skirt with a multitude of silky sheer layers in several shades of blue paired with a dark blue top that bared her shoulders and showed off her toned stomach and had sheer blue sleeves. Her hair was styled in little wavy curls that were partially gathered and had dozens of little blue crystals hanging among the strands connected by thin silver chains. Mordred thought she looked like an angel and she gave him a bright smile when he told her so. In one hand she gripped a dark wooden staff, which about halfway up began to spiral up into a pair of dragon heads facing each other with their mouths open around a large clear crystal. The crystal changed colors depending on what magic she filtered through the staff and it looked quite impressive. The staff was a gift from Cerdan and Mordred as a thank you for saving their lives in Camelot, and she already loved it. If all else failed she could always use it to hit a few irritating nobles on the head. Sir Leon had taken one look at her and started snickering, earning him a raised eyebrow until he'd sputtered out an explanation.

"Arthur is going to have a fit when he sees you My Lady. He can barely keep his eyes off of you as it is."

She just gave the knight a sly look and caused him to laugh even more by saying that was the whole point. Arthur was leading the escort party personally with Merlin and Morgana joining him, at Morgana's insistence of course, while Gwen had opted to remain back at the castle and make sure Marlena's room was perfectly cleaned. As they rode into view they looked to the Druid party in curiosity. Most of the druids wore hooded cloaks to obscure their faces, though they had removed the hoods out of respect for Marlena's wishes. When Arthur caught sight of Marlena he nearly fell from his horse, earning a round of giggles and teasing from Morgana and Merlin both. He practically leapt from his stallion and swept Marlena into his arms, delighting in the merry laughter that fell from her lips.

"Arthur! I have missed you so much these past months. Have my letters been reaching you alright?"

"I have missed you as well Marlena…and yes, they have reached us just fine. My father was delighted to read your request to return."

"Only your father?"

"No…not only him…I was quite pleased as well…and Merlin of course…and I suppose Morgana was happy as well…"

Marlena laughed softly and hugged Arthur again, giggling a bit when he flushed and stammered a bit before hugging her back. She stepped back and twirled in a circle, making her skirts flare out around her and the gems in her hair catch the dappled sunlight coming through the tree canopy.

"What do you think Arthur?"

"I…umm…you look…wow…umm…amazing…beautiful really…"

Arthur's brain had shut off momentarily at the sight of her twirling in the sunlight and Merlin could be heard snickering in the background while Morgana watched the scene with rapt interest. Arthur stepped into Marlena's personal space and brought his hands to frame her delicate face before gently pressing his lips to hers and stealing her breath for a moment.

"Arthur…"

"Gods I've missed you Marlena…you have no idea how dull Camelot is without you around."

"Uther has been in an awful mood as well lately…very cranky. I think he misses you terribly."

Arthur smiled softly at the breathless tone she used to call his name and kissed her again, until Morgana cleared her throat and gave him a pointed look.

"As much as I am enjoying this…we do need to return before it gets dark Arthur."

"Yes, of course. Thank you all for taking such excellent care of her for us. If you ever need aide from Camelot you need only ask."

"Thank you, Prince Arthur. May the goddess shine her blessings you and your kingdom."

Arthur led Marlena over to his stallion, which moved to the side just a bit to reveal Shimmer standing behind him. Marlena immediately hugged her mare and petted her soft nose before allowing Arthur to lift her into the saddle and then mounting up himself. The group rode back to Camelot amid the peaceful happy chatter of Marlena and Morgana about what life had been like with the druids. Merlin and Arthur rode on either side of the two women, both wearing beaming grins…though for entirely different reasons. Sir Leon rode in the very front and a handful of knights rode behind the four and kept mindful watch for any potential threats. Thankfully they made it home safely and rode into Camelot's courtyard where Uther was waiting for them. He lifted Marlena from her saddle and swept her into a tight hug.

"I have missed you my dear little one. Let me have a look at you…oh my…I can almost see my son's expression when he first saw you in this."

"It was quite comical My Lord…I could probably paint it for you if you'd like."

"Morgana!"

"I'm sure it was quite amusing, Morgana, but there will be no need to paint such a thing. Come, let us all gather in my chambers and you can tell us all about your time with the druids. I find myself rather curious about them."

"It would be my pleasure Majesty. Are you coming Arthur, or do you plan to stare at my backside all afternoon?"

Arthur nearly tripped over his own feet trying to catch up to her and he shot Merlin a hard look when the other male couldn't stop snickering. Morgana and Uther shared a knowing look and Morgana had one of her sly little smirks going on as she linked an arm through Merlin's to drag him along beside her. It was Arthur's turn to snicker at Merlin when the poor man flushed red up to his ears at Morgana's attention.

"By the way Mara…it's good that you've come back now. Arthur is going to be named Crown Prince soon."

"Oh really? I would hate to have missed such a momentous event."

"It's just to make it official really…I am the only prince…"

"True."

Later that week it was time for Arthur's crowning ceremony and he knelt before his father as the nobles of Camelot looked on. Marlena and Morgana stood on either side of Uther in matching velvet gowns with flowing sleeves, silver embroidery, and silver coin belts. Morgana's gown was a deep red color while Marlena's was a deep blue that made her eyes stand out even more. Arthur kept glancing at Marlena even as he spoke his vows as Crown Prince.

"Do you solemnly swear to govern the people of this kingdom and its dominions according to the statutes, customs and laws laid down by your forebears?"

"I do, Sire."

"Do you promise to exercise mercy and justice in your deeds and judgments?"

"I do, Sire."

"And do you swear allegiance to Camelot, now and for as long as you shall live?"

"I, Arthur Pendragon, do pledge life and limb to your service and to the protection of the kingdom and its peoples."

"Now being of age and heir apparent, from henceforth, you shall be Crown Prince of Camelot."

As Arthur stood and turned to face the gathered nobles Gwen leaned into Merlin a bit to tease him about the look of pride on his face, which he denied of course.

"So how does it feel to be servant to the Crown Prince of Camelot?"

"Washing his royal socks will be even more of a privilege."

"You're proud of him, really, even though you complain about him constantly."

"I am not."

"You are. I can see it in your face."

"Those socks are very clean! Of course I'm proud of them."

Gwen shook her head with a little laugh before all hell broke loose. An armored man on a black horse launched through the window to stand before them all, not a scratch on him. Arthur immediately pushed Marlena and Morgana behind him even as both women shared a look that said they would not be left out of whatever happened. The knight's black helmet was scarred and dented, his armor was black but it was filthy, and his shield was also black with a silver bird of some sort emblazoned upon it. Uther was clearly angry and Marlena laid a gentle hand on his arm to calm him, unknowingly drawing the black knight's attention to her. The black knight threw down his gauntlet before the king in a clear challenge but before he or Arthur could make a move the youngest knight stepped up and lifted the gauntlet into the air.

"I, Sir Owain, accept your challenge."

"Single combat. Noon tomorrow. Till the death."

The black knight left the way he'd come in, through the shattered window, but his voice gave Marlena chills and she shivered despite the warmth of her gown. Arthur noticed and pulled her into his arms, tucking her head under his chin and rubbing a gloved hand along her back. Uther shared a long look with Gaius and Merlin started to question his mentor, who ended up telling him to go to bed so he could finish his work. Arthur and Morgana took Marlena to her room and the three ended up talking about the impending fight as Gwen tended to both ladies. Arthur was upset but Morgana was nearly panicking at the thought of a fight to the death. Marlena just watched the two for a while before finally intervening before they could get too heated.

"He shouldn't have picked up the gauntlet!"

"So put an end to it."

"The challenge has been taken up. The fight cannot be stopped."

"Then fight in his place."

"I can't."

"Why not?"

"Owain picked up the gauntlet, and Owain is the one who must fight. That's the Knight's Code. He knew that."

"But it's a fight to the death!"

"I know."

"Morgana, the Knight's Code states that he who accepts a challenge must be the one to fight it lest he appear to be a coward. Arthur, Owain is the youngest knight and likely sees this as a chance to prove himself to the rest of you."

"I'll talk to him in the morning…make sure he understands how serious this is."

"Good. Now go and get some sleep Arthur…you too Morgana. I'll see you both in the morning."

As soon as they'd all left Marlena went to find her king. She'd seen how shaken he'd appeared upon seeing that knight and she felt that she needed to check on him. Meanwhile Gaius waited until Merlin was asleep and went down to the hall of records to meet with Geoffrey.

"Gaius. Thank God."

"You know why I'm here?"

"The Black Knight."

"So it is he?"

"You saw his crest?"

"Have you confirmed it?"

"It is the crest of Tristan Dubois."

"And he is the only knight ever to have carried such a crest?"

"Yes…according to the records."

Gaius immediately went to Uther in the council chamber where he was sitting with his sword on the table in front of him and a pensive look on his face. Marlena was kneeling beside him with a concerned look as she spoke softly to the troubled king.

"Yes, Gaius?"

"I'm sorry to disturb you, Sire."

"What is it?"

"The knight, the stranger. He bears the crest of Tristan Dubois."

"Yes."

"But he's been dead for 20 years."

"I know. I killed him."

"But how do you explain...?"

"Dead men do not return."

Gaius left, looking rather unhappy, and Marlena turned back to Uther once again. He saw the determined look on her face and sighed softly.

"Tristan Dubois was Arthur's uncle, Ygraine's brother. He blamed me for her death and challenged me to a duel…to the death…I won. He vowed that he would come back and kill me someday…I never thought it could be possible."

"Rest Majesty…I will find out what I can and see if I can find a way to stop this…whatever he is now…preferably before anyone dies."

Marlena immediately went to Gaius chambers to start searching through books, only to find him already doing so. She shared a look with him and they turned back to the pages to try and find a solution. By the next morning both were exhausted and had nothing to show for it…yet. Arthur and Merlin were attending Sir Owain as he prepared for the fight and Arthur gave him a serious talk.

"You've never fought in mortal combat before. It's different. It's not like the training I've been giving you."

"Yeah, I know."

"Listen to me. The problem is, we've never seen him fight. You have to quickly get the measure of him."

"But I have the same advantage…he's never seen me fight."

"True."

"You've watched me."

"Yes."

"And?"

"And I know no one braver. Remember, all it takes to kill a man is one well-aimed blow."

Gwen enters the room, holding a ribbon in her hands that she holds out to Sir Owain, and ties it to his arm as she explains where it came from.

"The Lady Morgana asked me to give you this token. She wishes you to wear it for luck."

"You can thank her, and tell her I shall wear it with pride…but I won't need luck."

Arthur and Merlin share a dubious look behind the young knight's back and Gwen gives him a gentle smile, kissing his cheek as he leaves the room and heads to the tournament ground for the fight. Arthur gives the young knight one last piece of advice as they enter the fighting grounds.

"Now remember, find the flow of the fight; try to control it."

The two enter the arena and Arthur makes an announcement to all those gathered to watch before heading into the stands himself. He sits next to an anxious and clearly tired Marlena who is fidgeting nervously, taking one of her hands into his own to help calm her nerves.

"The fight shall be to the knight's rules! To the death! Let battle commence!"

Owain and the black knight begin to fight and eventually Owain stabs the knight in the gut as Merlin cheers for him, but the knight doesn't fall…he keeps fighting and eventually kills Owain, Morgana's favor fluttering to the ground as the onlookers gasp in horror. The black knight turns to the crowd, his helmeted face looking right at Marlena who has become rather pale, and takes off his glove again, dropping it to the ground in challenge.

"Who will take up my challenge?"

Arthur tries to bolt over the barrier of the stands, but his father grabs him by the arm and halts his progress. Another knight jumps over the stands and takes up the gauntlet instead.

"I, Sir Pellinor, take up the challenge."

"So be it."

The black knight leaves the arena and Merlin turns to Gaius as they watch him leave, Marlena joining them with her face pale and hands a bit shaky.

"Should we tend to his wounds? He took a hit."

"Owain didn't land a blow."

"No, I saw it. The sword definitely pierced him."

"Are you sure?"

"My eyes are quicker than yours. He should be dead."

"I saw it as well Gaius…Merlin is right…that knight should be dead by now."

"Perhaps he already is."

Marlena paled further at those ominous words and Merlin shot Gaius a quelling look, earning an apologetic one in return.

"My apologies my dear, I failed to realize how badly this must affect you."

"I'll be fine Gaius…I just need to get away from this area. I'll see you later."

"Gaius? Why did the knight look at her after he killed Sir Owain?"

"I do not know Merlin…but I doubt it means anything good."

"Does it ever?"

The two men watched her walk away and both had a sinking feeling that the trouble was only just beginning. Marlena headed to where the black knight had spent the previous knight standing, and was once again standing in the same spot, unmoving. As she approached him the knight's head turned to face her and she took a deep breath to steady her nerves. This man, this thing, felt wrong somehow.

"I was sent to tend your injuries Sir knight."

"I have none. Leave."

"You were stabbed, I saw it."

"I am uninjured. Leave."

"Who are you?"

"You already know."

"Who sent you then?"

"I'm sure you already know that as well little witch."

"Sorceress…not witch. I will find a way to stop you."

"You may try."

Marlena whirls away from the knight only to have one gloved hand yank her back as the thing hisses in her face.

"You will fail…and Uther will die."

Marlena yanked her arm free with a soft cry of protest, stumbling away from the knight who reeked of death. She ran back towards the castle and straight into Merlin and Gaius, Merlin immediately wrapped her in a hug when he saw her distress and looked at Gaius whose face mirrored his concern.

"Marlena? What happened my dear."

"I went to speak to the knight, he said I already know who he is and who sent him…and he's right…I just need to confirm it. He also said that I can try to stop him but I will fail and Uther will die. Gaius…his breath…his entire being…it reeked of death…it was horrible."

"Merlin and I are going to check the crypts now, we will see for certain if this man is who I fear him to be."

"I will join you."

"It will not be pretty…"

"When is it ever?"

The trio went down into the darkness of the crypts while Merlin muttered a few choice words about the place, and cracking a little joke as well.

"Are you sure we should be doing this?"

"You're not scared, are you?"

"No, I love old crypts. I wouldn't be seen dead anywhere else."

The door to the crypt slammed shut behind them and they all jumped, Marlena immediately felt uneasy though Gaius tried to play it off.

"Must've been a gust of wind. We should've brought a torch."

"Leohtbora."

Merlin's whispered spell lights a torch sitting in the wall of the tunnel corridor and Gaius looks happily impressed, as though he'd forgotten Merlin could do magic.

"Huh. Handy!"

"Yes."

"I think I can do one better though."

"Oh is that so?"

Marlena gave Merlin a playful smirk and held her hands out, chanting softly as he hands filled with a light golden glow that formed into the shape of a little dragon that flew around her and lit up her path. Merlin grumbled but with good nature as he was happy to see his twin smile.

"Show off…What are we looking for anyway?"

"Bring your torch over here."

"We're breaking into someone's grave?"

"We're too late. I think someone's already broken out."

"Oh wonderful…so it is him then…Tristan Dubois?"

"I'm afraid so Marlena."

"Who is that then?"

Gaius waited until they were back in his chambers before explaining to Merlin what Uther had already shared with Marlena, after which the young man just sat there looking stunned for a long moment.

"Men don't just rise up from the dead, though, no matter how angry they are."

"It's my guess we're dealing with a wraith."

"A wraith?"

"The spirit of a dead man conjured from the grave."

"So this is the work of a sorcerer?"

"Powerful magic can harness the grief and rage of a tormented soul and make it live again."

"Nimueh…again…"

"Most likely…"

"How do we stop it?"

"We can't. Because it's not alive, no mortal weapon can kill it."

"Surely there must be something."

"Nothing can stop it until it has achieved what it came for."

"And what's that?"

"Revenge."

"On Camelot? What does that mean for Sir Pellinore?"

"I'm afraid it doesn't look good."

"Not Camelot…Uther. His end goal is to kill the king. I'm certain of it. He blames Uther for his sister's death…that's who he's after."

Marlena went to inform Morgana of what they'd found, knowing she was equally as concerned as they were, and together the two women explained all of this to Arthur.

"I don't understand? Why would he blame my father? My mother died giving birth to me…should he not blame me?"

"No…absolutely not. Do not ever think that it was your fault Arthur. Would you blame a pup if the mother dies during whelping?"

"What? No, of course not."

"Exactly my point."

Arthur looked at Marlena with a soft smile and hugged her, kissing her forehead. Morgana watched with a happy little grin and vowed to get the two together if it killed her.

"Thank you Marlena."

"Anytime, my Prince, anytime."

The next morning Sir Pellinore was heading out to face the black knight and Marlena stopped him as he was about to enter the tournament field.

"Sir Pellinore?"

"My Lady?"

"Would you wear my favor Sir? For luck?"

"It would be my honor, My Lady. Thank you."

Marlena tied a bright blue ribbon to the knight's arm and kissed his cheek, whispering good luck before joining Arthur in the stands. Morgana and Gwen sat on her other side as the battle commenced and Marlena refused to watch, choosing instead to hide her face against Arthur's chest. The prince wrapped an arm around her in a protective gesture, wincing as Sir Pellinore stabbed the black knight and nothing happened aside from him being killed.

"He's dead isn't he?"

"Yes…"

Arthur stood then and Marlena tried to stop him but he brushed her hand away and challenged the black knight. Marlena's soft cry of distress behind him made him regret it slightly but his anger had taken hold. After the black knight left the field Arthur turned to Marlena but she refused to even look at him, instead leaning against Morgana who tried to soothe her while glaring at Arthur. Uther dragged Arthur back to the castle and into the council chamber so he could yell at him for being a fool, but Arthur refused to back down. Morgana led Marlena down to Gaius' chambers where he and Merlin were waiting for them.

"Here my dear, drink this. It'll help settle your nerves."

Merlin wrapped his sister in his arms and held her close while the potion took effect and managed to get her to stop shaking so badly.

"Gaius? What can we do? If Arthur fights tomorrow he'll die…I can't let that happen."

"No mortal weapon can kill a wraith, Marlena."

"What about magic? I can try something and see if it works…I'll be right back."

"Merlin!"

Three voices yelled at him as he raced out of the room but he ignored their calls. Morgana took his place at Marlena's side while Gaius went to speak to the King to hopefully find a solution to the problem.

"Good evening, Sire."

"Gaius."

"There is a matter of great urgency, which I must discuss with you."

"Then spit it out."

"Tristan's tomb is empty. I believe he's been conjured from the dead."

"How is this possible?"

"I believe he's a wraith."

"A spirit?"

"He has come to take vengeance for Ygraine's death."

"It was magic that killed her, not I."

"Nevertheless, it was you he blamed. You cannot allow Arthur to fight. No weapon forged by man can kill a wraith. It will stop at nothing till it has accomplished what it came for. Arthur cannot win, he will die."

"He will not listen to me."

"Well, Marlena is refusing to speak with him at the moment…she is quite angry with him."

"I cannot blame her for that…I am not too happy with him myself."

"She believes this is Nimueh's work, and I fear she may be right."

"Leave me, Gaius."

Gaius did as told and returned to his chambers to check on the ladies. Merlin had managed to sneak out to where the black knight stood motionless ad whispered a spell.

"Cume her fyrbryne."

A circle of fire surrounded the black knight and lit him ablaze, but when the fire faded he was unscathed. The knight turned his head towards Merlin and growled which startled Merlin and made him run, cursing the entire way, to Arthur's room. He burst in without knocking and Arthur gave him a pointed look.

"Merlin, you know that conversation we had about knocking…"

"You have to pull out."

"And why is that?"

"Because he'll kill you."

"Why does everybody think that?"

"Because they're right! Just pull out. You're the Crown Prince. No one wants to see you die over some stupid challenge."

"I am not a coward."

"I know that. I've stood there and I've watched you overcome every fear you've ever faced."

"That's what's required of me."

"But you are more than that. You're not merely a warrior. You're a prince, a future king! You've proved your courage, but you must prove your wisdom."

"I'm not backing down."

"Please, Arthur, listen to me. This is no ordinary knight. Look at him. He doesn't eat, he doesn't sleep. He just stands there, in complete silence. Doesn't that tell you something? He's not human anymore. He's a wraith…mortal weapons can't kill him."

"Marlena already told me all of that…but no one is unbeatable."

"If you fight him, you will die."

"I'm not listening to this."

"I'm trying to warn you, Arthur."

"And I'm trying to warn YOU, Merlin! Leave me!"

"What of Marlena? What is she to do if you get yourself killed out there because of your bloody honor?! It will break her heart Arthur!"

"I said leave! Now!"

Merlin left the room, slamming the door behind him and storming back to Gaius' chambers where he relayed all that had transpired. In the council chamber Uther sits alone, looking up as the candles blow out to see Nimueh watching him.

"I should've known. Marlena was certain you'd be behind this whole debacle."

"It is more than I'd hoped for, Uther. Soon Arthur will be slain. You will have sent him to his death. Though that little sorceress of yours is becoming quite bothersome…"

"Haven't you tired of revenge?"

"Haven't you? You began this war when you threw me from the court and slaughtered all of my kind."

"You brought it on yourselves. You practiced evil."

"I was your friend, Uther! You welcomed me here."

"You betrayed that friendship."

"I did as you asked! I used the magic you so despise to give your barren wife the son you craved."

"Don't ever speak of her in that way. She was my heart, my soul…and you took her from me."

"She died giving birth to your son. It was not my choice. That is the law of magic. To create a life, there had to be a death. The balance of the world had to be repaid."

"You knew it would kill her."

"No, you're wrong. If I had foreseen her death, and the terrible retribution you would seek... I would never have granted your wish."

"I wish you hadn't."

"You wish you didn't have a son? Well, your wish will come true tomorrow."

"I will not let you take him."

"I have watched so many people I love die at your hands, Uther Pendragon. Now it is your turn."

Nimueh left and Uther felt horrified and drained by the encounter. Marlena left Merlin to calm Morgana down as she became more distraught at the thought of Arthur being killed and went to the hall of records. Geoffrey found her pouring over books and huffed softly in amusement.

"Are you looking for something specific my dear?"

"Yes…Gaius believes the black knight is a wraith…and I fear he is right."

"Then Arthur is in grave peril."

"Which is why I'm here. I need to find a weapon that will kill something that's already dead."

"Well, I've read of such things in the ancient chronicles."

"Really? What did they say?"

"Well, several fables speak of ancient swords."

"That can kill the dead?"

"The swords the fables speak of could destroy anything, alive or dead."

"Can you show me one of these fables?"

"Well, let me think. Yes. Mm…"

"I'm sort of in a hurry…"

"Yes, you young people always are."

"This is the Chronicle of Beltain. Now then... Ah, here we are. Sir Marhaus looked upon the great sword, begotten in the dragon's breath and found it passing good."

"What did you say?"

"Sir Marhaus..."

"No. No, no, no, no. Not about him. The dragon…"

"The great sword begotten in the dragon's breath..."

Marlena raced out of the room in the middle of the older man's sentence and he huffed softly again, amused despite how serious the problem facing Camelot's prince really was.

"...and found it passing good."

Marlena raced back to Gaius's chamber and grabbed onto Merlin, who had just enough time to splutter incoherently, while shouting apologies to Morgana and Gaius. She dragged Merlin to Gwen's house where they met her and her father, Tom.

"Gwen, Tom. I need to ask a favor of you both…mostly you, Tom."

"Anything you need My Lady."

"I need a sword…the best you have. I'm going to have it enchanted so Arthur can kill that blasted knight tomorrow."

"I have just the thing. This is the best sword I've ever made…if it will save our prince then I am more than happy to offer it up."

"Thank you Tom. I will not forget this I promise you. Come on Merlin…come on…"

Gwen giggled as poor Merlin was being dragged along again and looking bewildered as he tried to figure out what was happening. Back in the Council Chamber Uther met with Gaius secretly and decided to enact a plan of his own to save his son.

"I'm sorry. You knew that one day this business would come back to haunt me."

"Not quite so literally."

"I should've listened to you. You said that no good would come of using witchcraft at Arthur's birth."

"You wanted an heir. You thought it was the only way."

"Nimueh told me there would be a price to pay."

"You weren't to know that that price would be Ygraine's life."

"I cannot let Arthur die."

"Then you must stop the fight."

"No, I will take his place."

"Do you know what you're saying?"

"Ygraine gave up her life for him. So must I."

"Uther…"

"I have no other choice."

"There must be another way."

"My death will stop the wraith and Arthur will live. But it means you are the only person left who knows the truth about Arthur's birth. I want you to swear to me that you will keep your oath."

"I will take it to my grave."

"You have always been a good friend, despite my temper."

"I always thought that would be the death of you."

"I have one other favor to ask."

Marlena dragged Merlin down into the dragon's chamber and called out to the great creature, who settled on his big rock with a happy tone as he observed them. Merlin figured he must get terribly bored down there.

"Merlin! Marlena!"

"Do you know why we have come down here?"

"I don't even know why we've come down here…"

"It may surprise you young sorceress, but my knowledge of your lives is not universal."

"I need a weapon that can kill that which is already dead…a wraith. Will you burnish this sword to save Arthur's life?"

"The dead do not return without reason. Who has the wraith come for?"

"Uther."

"Merlin!"

"Then let him take his vengeance and the wraith will die without my aid."

"Arthur is the one who will fight the thing in the morning…not Uther. You said it's our destiny to protect Arthur and raise him to be the Once and Future King? Well we can't do that if this thing kills him trying to get to his father. Will you help us or not?"

"A weapon forged with my assistance will have great power."

"I know, but…"

"You do not know, Merlin. You can only guess. You have not seen what I have seen. If you had, perhaps you would not ask this of me."

"What do you mean?"

"In the wrong hands, this sword could do great evil. It must be wielded by Arthur and him alone."

"I understand."

"You must do more than understand. You must promise."

"I promise."

The dragon breathes his fire upon the sword as Merlin floats it up in front of him and the sword glows brightly as runes etch themselves along the blade. Marlena stares at it in wonder before grabbing it and racing out of the cavern, Merlin pausing for a moment as the dragon speaks to him again before following her.

"Heed my words. The sword was forged for Arthur, and him alone."

Gaius enters Arthur's room and gives him a strong sleeping Drought before locking the door. The next morning Uther finds Merlin and Marlena in the armory where Merlin is polishing Arthur's new sword and Marlena is checking his armor to makes sure it's all ready to go. They both look up as he steps into the room and Marlena realizes almost immediately what is happening…Merlin takes a bit longer to catch on.

"That's a fine blade."

"It's for Arthur."

"He won't be needing it today. I will be taking Arthur's place."

"But Sire…"

"Prepare me for battle."

"Arthur should be the one that fights today."

"The grievance was with me, the fight is mine."

"I don't have your armor."

"That'll do. It's likely to make little difference."

"Erm, I-I'll get you your sword."

"This will be fine."

"No, Sire. You don't understand. Erm, That one was made specifically for Arthur."

"Who made it?"

"Erm, er, Tom, the blacksmith."

"Merlin…relax. Majesty. I had the sword forged in the breath of the great dragon. He made Merlin promise to only allow Arthur to use it…I, however, made no such promise."

"It's worthy of a King."

"I'm going to be roasted…"

"Oh Merlin…I'll take the blame. You go and check on Morgana, she was already upset at the idea of Arthur going out there…this will send her over the edge I'm sure."

"Right…I'm off then…be careful."

Marlena turned back to her king and helped him put on his armor, speaking softly to him and trying to reassure him.

"If you can stab him with this sword it will destroy him. A sword forged in Dragon fire can kill anything, living or dead."

"If I manage this task…what happens to the sword after?"

"I will have to hide it. It was made for Arthur…for when he becomes King…and I cannot, in good conscience, allow any other to wield it."

"Then you will do what you must little one."

"Here…a favor for luck. I've enchanted it with a protection spell that will work only once to create a shield of protection in case of a mortal blow…but only once so be careful."

"Thank you little one. Walk me out?"

"Of course Majesty."

Marlena tied her favorite blue ribbon to the King's arm and walked out to the tournament field with him, shivering when the black knight's head turned to look right at her, not the king but her. She lifted her chin into the air and squared her shoulders in a silent challenge as Uther hid a small smirk at her daring.

"Go to the stands now where you'll be safe. I will see you soon…I hope."

"Have faith, my king…you can do this."

Marlena joined Merlin, Morgana, and Gwen in the stands as Uther enters the tournament grounds and faces the black knight.

"You can have what you came for. The father, not the son."

A guard removes Uther's cape and the fight begins. Arthur wakes in his bed to the sound of swords clashing and goes to the window to see his father fighting the wraith. He tries desperately to get out of his room, but it's still locked. Uther knocks off Tristan's helmet to reveal the mummified face beneath and Marlena recoils in horror. Nimueh watches in the crowd, looking smug as Uther loses his sword. Tristan has him on the ground and goes for the kill but Marlena's shield spell makes the sword bounce away from the king. Tristan tries again but his sword gets stuck in Uther's shield thanks to Merlin's own quickly-murmured spell. Uther kicks his shield at Tristan, grabs his sword back from the ground, and runs him through. Tristan explodes and Nimueh shrieks in anger. Marlena sees her and bolts from the stands to follow her before Merlin can stop her. Uther tosses the sword to the ground and removes his helmet, not seeing Marlena but hearing Merlin's anguished yell of her name.

"Marlena!"

Marlena tore across the grass, following Nimueh until the older sorceress finally stops and turns to face her.

"You are becoming quite a thorn in my side little girl. I could kill you, right here and now."

"Then why haven't you? You know what the prophesies say about my brother and I don't you? You know what we are to become in the future?"

"I do…which is the only reason I have not killed you. You could join my cause you know…help me bring magic back into power here."

"I am already doing that…but I'm doing it the right way…without needless death and destruction."

"You are a fool, little girl. Uther will turn on you as he did with me. I was once in your position…trusted court sorceress…until he begged me to use magic to enable his barren wife to conceive a son. I warned him there would be a price to pay but he did not listen."

"Did you ever tell him what that price would be?"

"I told him a life could not be given unless one was taken in return."

"But did you ever warn him that it could be his wife's life that was taken?"

"I thought he was smart enough to figure it out on his own."

"You did not disclose the full truth then…and you should have. You knew he had a temper, and he loved his wife above all else in this world. You knew the spell would take the life of someone close to the life being given."

"You know nothing…"

"I know enough."

Nimueh screamed at her again and threw a fireball at her before vanishing. Marlena managed to dodge the fire, but only just. It did manage to singe her arm quite a bit and she hissed in pain as Uther and Merlin ran to her side.

"Marlena?!"

"Are you alright little one?"

"I will be…I just need to see Gaius for some burn ointment."

"Come with me to my Council Chamber then, he will be attending me there and can see to you as well. Merlin? Go check on Arthur would you? He's still locked in his room and probably livid by this point."

When they enter the council chamber Uther lays the sword on the table as Gaius tends to Marlena's burn first. Once he finishes he lifts the sword carefully to inspect the runes etched along the blade.

"I was intrigued by those markings."

"On one side it says, take me up, and on the other, cast me away."

"What does that mean?"

"It means that when it is no longer needed it should be cast away to a safe place."

"May I ask who made it?"

"That'd be a certain scaly lizard who is going to be very angry with me in a little while."

"Oh Marlena…"

Arthur storms into the room, Merlin at his heels trying and failing to calm him down, and marches up to his father. Gaius quickly finishes and makes a hasty exit so as not to get caught in the crossfire.

"Well, that should heal pretty quickly. I'll re-dress it tomorrow."

"Thank you, Gaius…thank you for everything."

"You had Gaius drug me! I was meant to fight him!"

"No, you weren't."

"But the Knight's Code is very clea…"

"Be damned! I believed you would die. And that was a risk I could not take. You are too precious to me. You mean more to me than anything I know, more than this entire kingdom, and certainly more than my own life."

"I... always thought that…"

"What?"

"That...I was a big disappointment to you."

"Well, that is my fault, and not yours. You are my only son. And I wouldn't wish for another."

"I heard you fought pretty well."

"Thanks."

"You should join us for training. Sort out your footwork."

"I'll show you footwork."

Uther gets up and playfully kicks at Arthur who dodges swiftly with a laugh. Marlena watches and giggles at the two before they turn on her and tickle her until she's gasping for breath. Arthur freezes when he sees the bandage on her arm and his tone softens considerably.

"You're hurt…what happened?"

"Nimueh…I'll be fine Arthur…promise."

Arthur escorts her back to her room where Merlin is waiting for her. Arthur kisses her cheek before heading off to his own chambers, telling Merlin to stay and help his sister. Merlin ends up spending the night in her large bed with her, the two curled up as they had always used to be. The Great Dragon calls to them in their sleep and the two trudge down to his cavern with bleary eyes, Marlena with her arm wrapped in white bandages and hissing in pain every time she moves it.

"What the hell do you want at this time of night dragon? I am trying to sleep off the pain of an injury here."

"Does Arthur live?"

"You would know if he didn't so why ask?"

"Yes, the sword worked. It was incredible, amazing."

"As I promised."

"But…"

"Yes?"

"Things didn't quite go according to plan. I mean they did, except... It wasn't Arthur who wielded the sword. It was Uther."

"NO!"

The dragon roared in anger and Merlin stepped back, covering his ears for a moment in fear. Marlena squared her shoulder and lifted her chin as the dragon ranted and raved.

"The sword was born of the old magic. You have no idea of its power. In the hands of Uther, it will bring only evil."

"I'll get it back."

"You have betrayed me. You are not ready to be trusted"

"It was not Merlin's idea. I gave Uther the sword. It was Merlin who made the promise…not I."

"You…treacherous…"

"I am no more treacherous than you…dragon. Do not test me or I will make sure you rot down here for eternity."

Merlin tried to calm the two down by speaking quickly and trying to appease the angry dragon, he could calm his sister later.

"I'll bring it to you. You can destroy it."

"What is made cannot be unmade."

"So what do you want me to do?"

"Take the sword far from here and place it where no mortal man can ever find it."

"Fine. Now can I go back to sleep Dragon? My arm hurts like hell right now."

"What happened to it?"

"Nimueh and her blasted fireball…I wasn't quite fast enough to dodge it entirely."

The dragon gave her a short list of herbs and told her to have Gaius make a paste out of them to put on her arm to help with the magical aspect of the burn. She quietly thanked him and the two left the chamber. Merlin immediately went to the armory to fetch the sword and then they went back to Marlena's room. When the sun rose in the morning they went to the lake where Merlin had glimpsed Avalon and threw the sword as far out as they could.

After a few days, once everyone had calmed and settled and Marlena's arm had mostly healed, Arthur asked Marlena if she would like to take a ride with him. She agreed with a large smile and he led her to where their horses were already waiting, along with Merlin and Sir Leon who were already on their horses.

"Is this a special outing Arthur?"

"It is indeed, Marlena…I'm trying to court you…if that's alright with you of course…"

"I don't mind Arthur…court away."

Merlin snorted softly and Leon bit his lip to keep from doing the same. Arthur gave them a quelling look as he helped Marlena onto Shimmer and then mounted his black stallion. The four of them rode through the forests outside Camelot's walls for some time, Leon and Merlin staying a good distance back from the courting pair, until they came to a crystal clear lake that was smaller than the one she had dubbed Avalon lake but no less beautiful. She had discovered this one while picking herbs and fell in love with it, and the small waterfall that fell at one end of it over some little cliffs. The water sparkled in the sunlight and she quickly took her boots off in order to dip her feet into the cool water. While she was distracted Merlin and Leon helped Arthur set out a large blanket and a basket full of food from the cook…who had taken quite a liking to Marlena after she'd healed the woman's constantly aching back. Arthur waved the other two men away and went to Marlena's side.

"Marlena? I have a picnic…if you're hungry…"

"Oh Arthur…this is wonderful. My favorite place…my favorite foods. You really are falling for me aren't you?"

"Very much so Marlena…and I hope that you will be able to feel the same for me soon."

"Perhaps…perhaps I already do. I have never been in love before so I have no idea what it's like."

"Your heart beats fast around the one you love…your palms sweat…your throat goes dry…you can't think straight…time seems to slow down or stop entirely…and everyone else seems to just fade away so all you can see is the one you love."

Arthur's voice was soft and deep and Marlena found herself leaning into him without even realizing it, her eyes looking up at him with such adoration and trust that he felt as though he might burst from all of the feelings in his head.

"Yes…all of that…I feel, all of those things…with you Arthur."

"Then you love me as much as I love you Marlena…for that is how I feel with you…all the time."

"How do you ever manage to concentrate?"

"I have you and Merlin to keep me in line."

"Hmm..that is true. So, now that we are aware of our mutual love…what happens next?"

"I believe the next step is where I kiss you until you can no longer breathe…"

"Then what are you waiting for, My Prince?"

Merlin made silent gagging motions in the background while Leon teased him mercilessly. Arthur and Marlena were oblivious to their friends for some time as they were too busy being caught up in each other and their new love. Even after they'd returned to Camelot they could not stop staring at each other and everyone seemed to take notice. Uther and Morgana were beyond thrilled when Merlin and Leon told them of the latest development.

"It's about damned time."

"Morgana…language…though I quite agree."

Morgana noticed Merlin's facial expression and kissed him to distract him, which worked like a charm as he ended up wearing that dopey little grin the rest of the evening while she merely looked smugly satisfied with herself. Arthur and Marlena went out riding more and more often together, usually with Leon following for safety reasons as the two were often very distracted by each other. Sometimes it was just a ride, other times they also had a picnic or went swimming in the lake. Leon usually joined in when swimming was involved as he apparently could not resist Marlena's doe-eyed looked any more than Arthur or anyone else in Camelot could.

A/N: Images of Marlena's druid outfit and her staff, the matching gowns she and Morgana wore, and Arthur's Coronet can be found on my Pinterest Board for this story, the link is on my profile page.

I hope you all enjoyed that, Arthur finally grew a pair lol. Morgana is having entirely too much fun teasing poor Merlin but he'll start teasing back soon I promise. The next chapter of my other Merlin story should follow in a day or two for those that follow both stories.