Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin.


Chapter 7 – The Call to Arms


The following weeks were hard on all in Camelot. Word of the Lady Morgana's betrayal spread even faster than news of The Queen's pregnancy and it was not just those closest to her who were devastated for Morgana had been loved by all. Time passed and the war with the Saxons grew. After having escaped with Morgause, Morgana had returned to the Saxons and alongside her sister was aiding Mordred in his quest to conquer Britain. But it wasn't Mordred or the Saxons who were causing trouble. Both Morgana and Morgause had developed a talent for creating illusions and were using them to wreak havoc across Camelot. It started when Morgana found a way to capture Merlin. Kilgharrah had been right that she had concealed her power and so Merlin had not been prepared for the powerful magical assault that knocked him out. He awoke not far from the castle surrounded by Saxons and magically bound to a tree. It took some time to free himself from Morgana's magic, but once he did the Saxons were quickly dealt with and he returned to the castle in time to stop Morgana from reaching the vaults, or rather to stop himself. Morgana had disguised herself as him and used the trust The King had in Merlin to enter the vaults where the plans for the castle were kept. Thankfully Merlin was able to stop her from leaving with the plans, but the damage had been done, the seeds of doubt sowed by the knowledge that Morgana could become anyone she wanted had been planted and the entire castle was on edge, wondering if Morgana walked among them. It did not end there, however, as reports quickly began to stream in from all around the kingdom of similar ruses.

"They're trying to divide us." Merlin said at a council meeting that had been called specifically to deal with this latest threat. "They want to sow discord so no one feels they can trust anyone else." Morgana and Morgause's ruses were not limited to just them, but to others they used their magic on to turn Saxons into villagers or people at court. The infiltrators then used their guise to ferret out secrets or even to take the lives of Camelot's people who died at the hands of their friends or family, or at least so they thought. It had gotten to the point where no one trusted even those closest to them, fearful as they were that it was not truly their brother or sister but a Saxon in disguise.

"How can we stop them?" Arthur asked. "If we don't stop their illusions Morgana and Morgause will soon destroy Camelot, which will destroy Albion. If this continues the rest of Albion will not trust us and there can be no alliance without trust."

"I may have a way." Merlin said. "But we will need to enlist the help of sorcerers throughout Camelot. And it is not foolproof."

"Since when are your plans ever foolproof, Merlin?" Arthur quipped earning a glare from his wife.

"What is your plan, Merlin?" She asked when Arthur backed down. Her pregnancy was not terribly far along, snow had yet to fall and the midwife said not to expect the babe until the spring, but still Arthur had discovered it was best to let her have her way wherever possible.

"There is an enchantment that negates any form of magical concealment. If magic is being used to hide something or change something, or someone, into what they are not the enchantment will break the spell, revealing the truth."

"That…actually sounds quite perfect." Arthur admitted suspiciously. "So what is the catch?"

"The enchantment must be maintained, and it only covers a limited area, the size of which is determined by the power of the caster."

"Meaning?" Percival asked.

"Meaning I could easily cast an enchantment that covers not only the castle but the surrounding town, but a less powerful sorcerer might have trouble shielding even the smallest village."

"How modest he is." Arthur mumbled, earning himself another glare.

"So what do you propose then?" Leon asked.

"Since the ban was lifted sorcerers of all sorts have come out of hiding, and many of those who fled Camelot during the purges are returning. By my estimation there are very few villages that do not have some form of magic user living in the village or nearby. I suggest we recruit them, have them cast the enchantment in their village. I can travel to each village to ensure they are trustworthy and help them initially cast the enchantment which will give it extra strength."

"Merlin, have you any idea how many villages there are in Camelot?"

"Many, I know." The Court Mage ignored The King's condescension. "It will take time but it can be done."

"Before winter?" Gwen asked. "You cannot travel once the snow falls, it is too dangerous."

"Ah…" Apparently he had forgotten that winter was nearly upon them.

"If I may, Sire?" Gaius spoke up.

"Of course, Gaius."

"Perhaps the Druids could be of assistance in this matter. Their loyalty to Emrys runs deep, and many have become quite good friends, have they not Merlin?"

"He's right. I hadn't thought of that. Thank you, Gaius."

"So what exactly is the plan now?" Arthur asked with a sigh, wanting this meeting over with.

"I shall ask some Druids whom I know I can trust to help. We shall split up and each travel to different villages throughout the kingdom, with more then one of us it should not take that long to visit every village in Camelot. Besides that the plan is the same."

"Good, it's settled then." Merlin's plan did work out quite well and Arthur could not help but be impressed. Once the enchantment was cast, Morgana and Morgause's magic failed anytime one of their disguised Saxons entered a populated area and were quickly caught. As Merlin had said it was not foolproof, it did not protect those travelling between villages and it made those sorcerers who cast the enchantment a target, for if they were gone, the enchantment failed. Even still, with the enchantment in place, it wasn't long before Morgana and Morgause's trickery stopped. Reprisals for the few times the Saxons had killed a village's sorcerer were swift and merciless, and any attacks outside a populated area did not cause the same damage and so the two sorceresses deemed it not worthwhile to continue expending their magic thus. It was a small victory considering the war still waged but nevertheless it was an important one and the people of Camelot celebrated, while Arthur and Merlin were congratulated for their swift action and the people saw that they were truly being looked after. They should have known, however, that their victory would not go uncontested. As the first flakes of snow fell, Camelot settled in, glad for the reprieve the coming winter brought them, for it was suicide to attempt an attack while the weather was so harsh and supplies were short; any good strategist knew that mounting a campaign in winter was akin to killing your own army for they'd die of starvation and cold long before they would even have a chance to die in battle. And so it was quite the surprise when one day, when snow was piling up, did Aithusa arrive at the castle with news for Merlin of an impending attack.

"Why can't we understand her?" Arthur asked when Merlin rushed over. The Dragonlord had been keeping tabs on the young dragon, ensuring she got into no more mischief then she already had, but otherwise he let her be. Aithusa had joined up with Kilgharrah, as the only other one of her kind left, but unlike The Great Dragon who only came when summoned or in the rare instances he decided to share something he'd seen of the future, Aithusa felt she owed a debt to Merlin and so helped him of her own free will wherever she could.

"She's a dragon." Merlin said as if it was obvious.

"Yes, but so is the other one, Kilgharrah right? We could understand him."

"That's because he's The Great Dragon. Even before dragons were hunted to near extinction he was the oldest and most powerful. His powers allow him to communicate with others besides other dragons and Dragonlords. But that's not important." Merlin insisted and he returned to the task at hand. "She says that Morgana and Morgause are leading a Saxon army against us. Mordred is with them as well."

"What? Now? In winter?" Sir Percival demanded, this lack of care for the men who made up an army being unfathomable to him.

"Yes. And she says they're not far away, they'll be within Camelot's borders before nightfall."

"An army could destroy a border village within a matter of minutes." Sir Leon said.

"Then we must take the battle to them before they reach Camelot. We leave in one hour." The Knights did not hesitate once Arthur had made his decision and went to call the men to arms.

"You're going to need me with Morgana and Morgause there." Merlin said as he and Arthur went back inside the castle after Merlin had asked Aithusa to stay nearby. Arthur merely nodded and the two walked back to his chambers in silence. Gwen was there sewing clothes for her child with Nan and her maid Sefa when they arrived, though she quickly put the sewing down when she saw the look on Arthur's face.

"What has happened?"

"The Saxons are nearly upon us." Arthur informed his wife. "They are trying to take us by surprise with an attack in winter."

"I take it you are leaving then." It wasn't a question for Arthur always led his men into battle.

"I must." He replied and seeing the fear in her eyes that was there every time he went to fight he smiled softly and pulled her into his arms. "Sweetheart I will return, I promise you. Never fear."

"Don't make promises you can't keep." She murmured into his chest where she'd buried her face to hide her tears. Merlin, Nan and Sefa all turned their backs, giving their monarchs a semblance of privacy.

"I never do. But I will return to you, Guinevere."

"I know you will do all you can to return to me."

"I will. And while I'm gone I want you to rest. You are not to worry about me, but rather take care of yourself and our child." His hand went to cover the small bulge of her belly where their child lay. Gwen's pregnancy had recently begun to show and he took great delight in it.

"I shall ensure she does, Sire." Nan said with her back still turned.

"I know you will, Nan. And I thank you for it." With that acknowledgement the moment of privacy was over and the others turned back around.

"I shall fetch your armour." Merlin said not seeing Arthur's new manservant around and easily falling back into the role himself.

"That won't be necessary, Your Excellency." A voice said from the side of the room. Merlin groaned inwardly. He should have known that George, the new manservant, was always nearby and like a good servant was practically invisible until needed. "His Majesty's armour is already here, polished and ready to go."

"Thank you George." Arthur said and the manservant swiftly moved with practiced ease to help his master dress.

"'Thank you?'" Merlin asked, his indignation showing. "You never thanked me and I served you practically all our lives!"

"Yes, well maybe that has something to do with George being possibly the most efficient servant I have ever seen. You, on the other hand, were in the running for the most inefficient idiot to ever walk these halls."

"Oh yeah? If I was so bad why did you keep me around for so long then?"

"Because you were stupid enough to always fall for my pranks."

"Try no one was stupid enough to fall for those disastrous attempts at pranks, but I did so to make you feel better."

"Oh please! You fell for them every single time and-"

"Boys!" Gwen cried, she and the other occupants of the room having watched the banter with amusement. "Do I need to call the nurse and have you both sent to bed with no supper?"

"No." They both grumbled together and Gwen was satisfied that their argument had been cut off before they started yelling at each other. Once George had finished helping Arthur into his armour, he and Merlin departed for the courtyard where the Knights waited accompanied by Gwen, who insisted on seeing them off.

"Go with God, and ride swiftly to save our people." Gwen said by way of goodbye as she and Arthur paused on the steps.

"I will return before I've been gone long enough for you to miss me." He replied, bending to give her a kiss, that lingered perhaps a bit too long for they were interrupted.

"It is time, Sire." Leon said having come half way up the stairs with Percival not far behind him.

"And so it is." Arthur said, giving Gwen's hand one last comforting squeeze.

"Return him to me safely, Sir Leon." Gwen instructed. "And do try to see that Merlin does not get into too much trouble." She added seeing Merlin stumble in his attempt to mount his horse.

"Neither shall be easy, Your Grace, for they never make it so." Leon laughed. "But with Percival by my side we shall do all we can."

"That is all I can ask. Except for the two of you to return safely as well." Leon and Percival smiled at their Queen and bowed before departing. Gwen followed them as far as the entrance to the balcony that overlooked the courtyard where she watched as they departed, waving farewell to her husband and hoping it would not be the last time she saw him. Once the last of the men had departed the gates, Gwen slowly returned to her chambers being met by Nan and Sefa.

"Oh, honey." Nan said, holding out her arms and allowing Gwen to cry on her shoulder. "The King will return to you, he always does."

"I know he will try, Nan, but I fear his luck will run out."

"Now Gwen, you know how capable Arthur is, his success in battle is far from merely luck."

"I know, but the fear is still there."

"Of course it is. He's your husband and the entire kingdom knows how you love him."

"I do, Nan, I love him with all my heart."

"Then have faith he will return." Gwen nodded as her tears subsided.

"I apologize, Nan. I do not know what came over me."

"You worry for the man you love, it is normal. And the babe in your belly does not help, women are known to be weepy while with child."

"Then we shall write it off as the babe's doing and leave it at that. Neither Arthur nor Merlin will let me forget it if they learn I broke down like this." The rest of the evening was spent sequestered in her chambers with Nan and her ladies, all of whom were busy working on a wardrobe fit for a prince. Gwen went to bed alone that night and like every time Arthur was away she did not sleep well and so was still asleep mid-morning when Nan and Sefa rushed in to wake her up.

"What is it?" She asked as Nan drew the curtains to allow light in and Sefa rushed to her wardrobe, returning with the first dress she could grab.

"King Rodor and Princess Mithian of Nemeth are here, Your Majesty." Sefa informed her.

"I take it this is not an official visit."

"Indeed not." Nan said. "They arrived with but two guards between them, no servants, no luggage, and only two horses which they said were not theirs but borrowed from a village along the way."

"Has anyone seen to their comfort?"

"Hunith has handled that, Your Grace. She saw them to guest chambers and had baths drawn and food served."

"Good. Sefa, find something of mine we can lend Mithian to wear, and see if anything of Uther's remains that King Rodor can borrow. I'll receive them in the presence chamber when they are ready." Sefa bowed and went to do as instructed, leaving Nan to finish helping Gwen dress. Once ready for the day Gwen went immediately to the presence chamber off the throne room where smaller, more private and less formal meetings were held. She did not have to wait long before the doors opened and the guards led their guests in.

"King Rodor, Princess Mithian, you are both most welcome here." She greeted, holding out her hands to her friends and Camelot's allies. King Rodor kissed Gwen's hand before stepping aside and allowing the women to hug. Mithian was of a similar age of Gwen and as her kingdom of Nemeth was a member of Albion both women had seen each other rather frequently growing up. "Come sit, and tell me what has happened."

"The Saxon's happened." Rodor ground out, accepting the goblet of wine a servant brought over. "They marched through Nemeth in numbers we were unprepared for, with powerful magic on their side."

"Morgana." Gwen sighed.

"And another." Mithian added. "A women with fair hair and complexion, though dark eyes."

"Morgause. She leads the Saxon's alongside Mordred, and now Morgana as well. She and Morgana are sisters by their mother."

"Yes, well whoever she is, our own sorcerers were no match for her and Morgana. They sacked the city and the castle, as well as many villages in their path. They intended to use my daughter and I as hostages against Arthur and Camelot. By the Alliance of Albion Arthur would be mandated to do all he could to come to our aid."

"Which he would do anyways." Mithian defended, knowing Arthur would do all he could because it was the right thing to do, not merely because the Alliance his ancestors had signed decreed it. "And already has. Along with a small contingent of guards we managed to escape and made our way for Camelot. Only two of our men remained when Arthur and his Knights came upon us near the border. He saw father and I to the nearest village and saw to it that we had horses to get us the rest of the way here. He promised sanctuary for us and our people within Camelot."

"And you shall have it. You both are welcome here as long as you like, and your people as well."

"You are very kind, Queen Guinevere, and all of Nemeth is in Camelot's debt." Rodor said formally, though Gwen shook her head.

"No, no debt. Friends help each other. That is what Nemeth is to Camelot, and what you are to me."

"Thank you, Gwen." Said Mithian. "Arthur said he intended to fight the Saxons, that he had received word they were marching on Camelot and that is why he was out there."

"Yes, it is true. They will do all they can to defeat the Saxons and restore Nemeth to you."

"We are very grateful for your help." Gwen merely smiled before changing the topic.

"What about your people? Will they come to the castle?"

"We believe so." Rodor said. "They will know that the average village will not have the necessary supplies to support them and so will come here, unless a noble house agrees to shelter them."

"If their path crosses a noble house it is likely they will receive aid there, our nobles are good and kind, Arthur has seen to that. For now we must prepare for those who make it to the castle. Given the army that bears down upon us I cannot send men to search for your people as I would like, for Arthur has taken most of them with him. But once inside Camelot's borders they should be safe. Arthur is keeping the Saxons busy so they should not be bothered by them and our people will help them reach the castle." Gwen stood being followed by Rodor and Mithian. "You both should rest, you've been through a terrible ordeal. I will see to the preparations for your people."

"Father should rest, but I will not." Mithian countered. "These are my people and I will do what I can to help them."

"And I will not?" Rodor asked his daughter.

"Father you know your health has not been the best as of late." Mithian implored. "Please retire now so that you may be well rested to greet our people when they arrive."

"I will send Gaius, our Court Physician, to you, Your Grace." Gwen said. "There is no one better." Although he was prepared to decline, not liking being sent to his room like a child, he saw the pleading and determined look in his daughter's eyes and sighed in resignation.

"You are so like your mother." He mumbled, remembering his late wife. "She had that same look in her eyes whenever she was readying for a fight. I learned quickly that there was no winning against her when she had that look."

"Then you know you will not win this argument either." Mithian said, quite pleased. "Rest, father. We shall see you soon." Rodor nodded and with a goodbye to Gwen he returned to the room he'd been given.

"Come." Gwen said, linking her arm through Mithian's and leading her to the door. "We shall find Hunith, our Housekeeper, and prepare for your people's arrival."