"Denar." Merlin hissed.
"I thought," said Morgana coldly, "Arthur had forbidden you from coming."
"I'm sorry Morgana, I had to help."
"Yeah, help us die." Scowled Merlin.
"Why do you not trust me Merlin? Morgana speaks highly of you."
"I would think that would be obvious." Retorted Merlin, drawing his sword.
"Merlin, away with your sword!" said Morgana sternly.
"You cannot trust Denar, you were just…"
"Shut up Merlin!" snapped Morgana.
Merlin was astonished and offended.
"I thought you had changed." He growled.
"Ha, you were fooled again." She smiled.
Merlin started to say something, but faltered. This could not be. It couldn't. Not her again. He didn't want to lose her. Denar was astounded his plan to change Morgana had worked so well.
"Well, Morgana my love, we have work to do." Sneered Denar.
"I WILL NOT LET YOU!" snarled Merlin.
He rushed at Denar, sword at the ready. But Denar was ready too. Merlin flew back.
"You are a sorceror?" said Merlin.
"As if our dear King would go against Arthur with just knights." Mocked Denar.
"You are right to be afraid of him." gasped Merlin, the wind having been knocked out of him.
"Me, afraid of that coward? If he and his father were so smart, they would not have shunned magic. It is the greatest weapon, a weapon of fear and power. Their subjects would never speak against them because they would pay!"
"That is exactly why they fight it! Arthur understands what it means to be a great King. Compassion and justice is the way of a true King."
"Well said my boy!" said another familiar voice.
They turned.
"My lord?" gasped Denar in alarm.
Suddenly the King's demeanor changed from friendliness to anger.
"Fear is the best tool to rule!" Odair laughed maliciously, "I will hold this prat of a servant boy off while you stop the others!"
Denar and Morgana nodded and headed in the opposite direction. The King withdrew his blade.
"Why do you want to destroy Arthur?" said Merlin.
"While I do not have magic like my faithful Knight, Camelot is a strong and powerful jewel for collecting! No one could stand up to me once I have taken over!"
Merlin attacked, but Odair blocked.
"You cannot defeat me!" said Odair, chuckling derisively.
Merlin knew his chances were slim but he did not care. He dared not reveal his secret, Odair could use it against him should killing Arthur fail. But then again, King Odair was no longer trusted. Merlin shouted a spell that would put the King in temporary sleep for a few hours. The warlock didn't wish to kill unless there was no other way to stop him.
With that Merlin rushed to aid the others. He should have known Morgana had betrayed him, and played them all for sap. After all that hope and relief, she was gone again.
