The long awaited next chapter arrives! I think I should apologise again I kind of forgot to post this one...but anyway the next one should be up soon-ish. Sorry for any mistakes and I hope you'll enjoy this chapter!
Thanks for your reviews last time and I sorry for not replying, I loved them all! (at least I think I didn't..bit tired from university these days. thank god I got holidays now! :D )
Enjoy!
Chapter 15
The very ground, on which Camelot was built, was vibrating from the sheer volume of magical energy that filled the air around the city. Despite that the people of Camelot slept peacefully and without worries. But that was no wonder as Merlin's spell still affected them all.
Merlin, himself on the other hand, was in a state of panic as he watched the numerous attacks hit the barrier continuously. Most of the spells used were familiar to him, but he'd never seen them this powerful. Especially, from people that weren't him, but then again, he thought, there must be some advantages with combining the magic of that many sorcerers/sorceresses.
The sheer strength of the attack baffled him and he briefly wondered how the future must look like. And imagined a vibrant, thriving city, overshadowed by its populations constant fright of being under an assault of this magnitude. Surely, the people there were protected by a barrier, much like the one King Arthur and Emrys had erected around the city, but was it really the golden future prophets had predicted.
Right now he could hardly imagine it, all the deaths that were inevitable throughout any battles. Even if, no, when Camelot won the number of casualties would be massive. Wasn't there any other way to solve this?
"Don't look so glum, Merlin," Arthur said friendly, with just a hint of exasperation.
"There's time for grief later. Now, we must do what is needed to protect the people and their future."
"But isn't there any other way? It seem so pointless to fight them, to fight her...and how exactly did that happen anyway," Merlin questioned desperately. He just couldn't bring himself to relate this new version of Morgana with the present Lady. It made no sense, none at all. But then again, he had no idea what was going to happen in the future and honestly, after all that he did know, he wasn't sure he even wanted to know. Or see it transpire in due time.
Arthur ground his teeth grimly and only slowly replied, "let's just say, it wasn't something I saw coming- unlike you."
Then Arthur suddenly tilted his head, as if listening to something only he could hear. Frowning he waved over Sir Leon, who had stayed close to his king, and whispered an order into his ear. Sir Leon only nodded smartly and took position at Merlin's left, apparently waiting for something.
"What's going on?" Merlin inquired suspiciously. He knew that look on his master's face, it was the same one he got before he either did something incredibly stupid or noble. Mind racing Merlin took a tentative step back, however, he was soon met with restricting hands. And before he realised his mistake Leon had him in a tight body lock, which in itself was ridiculous considering that he had magic and could fling him off easily. Except that it wasn't working...
The usual flash of golden eyes brought him no freedom, in fact it didn't do anything. Frantic now Merlin trashed in his hold and exclaimed, "what did you do, my magic, it's gone." Only now did he see the glowing necklace around Arthur's neck, which for some reason hummed with his own power.
"Don't worry," Arthur tried to placate him. "It's only temporary. Emrys was quite certain that you would object to being put asleep yourself. That's why he created this talisman, to make sure you wouldn't interfere or rather get hurt in this battle. Plus, it really is easier to alter memories the less you know. And yours will be quite a bit of work anyway. So, good night."
The moment Arthur said it a heavy wave of fatigue worked its way over Merlin's consciousness and drowned his senses swiftly. As a matter of fact he only had time to say one word, before he succumbed to a peaceful slumber.
"Prat." The sound of distant laughter followed him into his sleep.
The future king, who was still chuckling, ordered Leon to carry his servant into his room and then returned to watching the attacks progress. Arthur silently counted the minutes, till he was sure Merlin was far enough away from the battlefield, before he whispered, "we're ready."
In a village not too far away an old man cocked his head and then smiled slightly. 'time to spring my traps then...'
Back in Camelot the sky was still filled with hundreds of spells, when suddenly the protective barrier flickered violently and collapsed entirely. The now unprotected soldiers and knights hissed curses and flung themselves under whatever cover they could find. Some retreated into the guard towers, others simply hid behind the wall of the battlements. Only King Arthur and his elite stayed exactly where they were, feet planted firmly on the ground and observing their now cheering opponents.
Morgana's voice could be heard clearly above the general shouting, as she urged her supporters on and screamed for the defenders blood. All the while, spell after spell hit the protectors hideouts, though most of the attacks were trained upon Arthur and his closest knights.
It was a bizarre sight. The multicoloured spells rained down on either side and above them, as if they were framing them. They highlighted Arthur's fierce posture, his magnificent armour and most of all his unforgiving expression.
In his time he was known as a just, peace loving king, therefore many often forget that when angered he could turned into a raging dragon. And nothing enraged him more than a threat to the safety of his people.
Many among the assailants stopped, paralysed by their first real glimpse of their rightful king, untainted by the words of others and in his purest form. Right then a great number of them realised something no amount of words could have conveyed, namely that Arthur truly was their prophesised king. When asked later, none of them would be able to explain what had come over them in that moment, though it was more than just a feeling, an epiphany.
Finally, they had found what they'd been looking for all along, a king worthy of their loyalty and affection. A king who would always fight for the innocent.
Just like that the attacks lessened considerably, as more than half the sorcerers, sorceresses and creatures lowered their hands and claws and paws to bow. Arthur acknowledged their gesture and motioned for them to step aside and rest till he was able to speak with them further.
Little did they know that their sudden change of heart had been provoked by an ingenious warlock and his first trap. Its entire purpose to weed out those, who had been persuaded by Morgana against their better judgment. Now, only the real enemies remained, the ones who were actually out to kill Arthur, out of misguided revenge or in an attempt to further their own positions.
Now, the real battle could begin...
Review ? :D please
