Episode One: A Kingdom from the Ashes
July;
Arthur
My chambers are larger than before.
When construction on the castle had come to a close, we'd been shown to our room, Gwen and I. Aldwyn had followed, flying high above us in the wide, towering halls designed specifically for him. The people of Ealdor are surprisingly handy people (and by handy I mean amazing—they built the whole town, our castle, and fortified our walls), and every house they built was pristine and warm. The three of us were not disappointed.
First off, Aldwyn gets half of it, which is about the size of my old arrangements. It has many high ledges (these go on throughout the room) and one wall is a complete window. Merlin always did like the view of the city.
Gwen had screeched with delight when she saw the bed. It was a soft grey color with red swirls. The drapery was a thin, see-through red with a darker, opaque setting (for… well, you know). We had a balcony that sits high above the townsfolk, a dressing screen, a desk, and marvelous oak floors.
Gwen had raved on and on about how beautiful it was, she thanked and thanked the builders and promised them great rewards ("No, no, Milady, your happiness is reward enough!"), and had finally, with a huff, collapsed on the bed.
I looked at her, smiling, as we talked.
"Arthur, I can't believe that we came back from the Battle of the Fallen."
I nodded, sighing. "I can't believe it either. It truly is amazing, the years we've been here. And our people…."
"Hunith will get a room in the castle, right?" Gwen looked at me, a sternness in her eyes that shook most people.
I shrugged. "I'll ask, but don't be surprised if she declines. The people of Ealdor are extremely close people," I glanced at Aldwyn, who'd been staring me down, "for the most part. There are traditions they have that are new to us, and I don't want to take that away from them."
Why don't you adopt them?
I looked at him. "The people?"
The traditions, idiot. Like the Fire of the Lost. We would hold this event each December to honor the lost warriors of our village. Aldwyn sighed in my head. We could move that to the twenty-third instead of the twelfth and honor both it and the Battle of the Fallen.
Gwen gave me a look. "What'd he say?"
"He thinks that we should adopt some of their traditions, except kind of merge them with ours. They hold an event each December twelfth to honor the warriors of their village. We could move it to the twenty-third and honor the Battle and their warriors."
"The seventeenth," Gwen nodded, standing and moving to my desk. "It's about halfway between both dates. I think it's a wonderful idea."
As it turns out, Hunith had been about to come to me about the very subject. I chuckled and we talked about the different traditions they held, the different festivities.
Aldwyn and I walked down (well, he flied) the enormous hallway, taking in the structure of the new castle. He landed on my shoulder (he may be huge, but he's as light as a feather), small feathers on his head—they looked like ears, if I'm honest—twitching up and about. He was silent in my head.
Grey stone flattened by years of hard work ran under my hands. Every ten steps there was a table with a bouquet of flowers atop it, leaving the air smelling like lavender and roses. Torches provided a warm glow, highlighting the sunset outside. Dark oak ran under my feet, silent. Small but sturdy branches were attached near the ceiling for Aldwyn.
We opened the door at the end of the corridor.
Within was much of the same aspects of the hallway, with the stone and wood and flowers, but this room was large, vast—and there was a large wooden table right smack in the center.
I tensed as I walked into the empty room. My breaths echoed around the walls. Oldy flew up and landed on the rails on the overhang, peering sadly throughout the room. He looked to one of the chairs and said:
Gwaine sat there.
My heart panged. I looked a few over. "Leon was always to my right."
Aldwyn chuckled. Percival was your left.
"Elyan sat over there."
Lancelot… he was a little to the left of Leon.
I laughed, happy tears in my eyes.
Mord—
My smile disappeared. "Merlin."
Despite what you may believe, I loved him. I wanted him as a friend, but there were too many problems that kept us apart. You, me, the Dragon, oh—and how he was destined to kill you. He let out a huff. I've always known that destiny isn't ever set in stone. Yes, maybe ours, but Mordred didn't kill you. And I always wanted him to change, for all this to be wrong.
I bit my lip. "He wasn't a knight of the Round Table, Merlin."
Yes, but I'd like to believe he could have been.
He spread his wings and took off.
"Arthur,"
I groaned, placing my papers down. "Yes, Gwen?"
She looked hesitant. "Well… we need Knights."
I shook my parchment. "Yes, well, I'm sorta working on that. Aldwyn's overviewing the people to see who can do what. Aurora's with him, testing them."
"Yeah, well, defense and offense is good, I guess…."
She still looked uncertain. "What is it, Guinevere?"
She finally laid her beautiful brown orbs on me. "We need a physician, Arthur."
It hit me then that she was right. I'd been avoiding the subject—Aldwyn gets kind of sensitive whenever Gaius is brought up. He falls silent and takes off into the woods, not coming back until morning. Either that, or he freezes up, never moving a muscle. And it makes me sad to see the depression in his small eyes when he remembers his mentor.
I placed my head in my hands. "I know, Gwen, I really do. But… Merlin… he can't—"
"Well, he needs to move on." She gave me a stern look, but also looked exasperated. "I know it was hard for him, but he has no idea what he put us through! I understand that Gaius was like a father to him, I really do, and that he was probably the only father he'd ever known, but he needs to get over it. Our people are as susceptible to sickness as anybody, and we need someone with proper medical knowledge to help them in times of need. He needs to—"
She froze midsentence, eyes wide. I tilted my head. "Gwen—"
Aldwyn was perched above her, head tilted just as mine was. I tuned in, even though he obviously wanted his conversation with her to remain private.
-Gaius was more than a father to me, Gwen. He was a friend, a mentor. He may not have understood me completely, but he understood me enough. He was one of the only people in my life to help me with everything. I understand that I need to let him go, that I need to stop longing and grieving for him. I understand that we need a new physician.
Do understand that I had a real father. I sucked in a breath, meeting Gwen's eyes. I saw him for one day before he died. He didn't know me half that day, but when he did, he made me a dragon. He carved it from wood and gave it to me. Then he took a blow for me.
I looked to the blue bird. "B-Balinor? He was…."
Yes. Aldwyn ruffled his feathers and flew to his bed. Tomorrow morning, Gwen will stay here with Aurora and test each of the people on their knowledge of potions and whatnot. Arthur and I will ride out to outlying villages and do the same.
Gwen looked miserable. "Merlin, I'm so sorry—"
Don't be, Gwen. Seriously. I understand, and I'm sorry any of this had to come up. Just go to bed.
And with that, he shut off for the night. Granted, he's very alert at night, and it's a wonder how he gets any sleep, but I think he slept a good night.
Gwen and I didn't protest.
Sometimes, even the Queen and King have to take orders.
Aurora wasn't happy in the least.
I had tried my best to explain, saying that it was a small trip and that there was no need to go. She'd countered with the question why, and since I had no better answer, I told her it was because of her gender.
The courtyard had stiffened then, quieted down so much that you could hear the embers from the blacksmith. I had grimaced then, realizing the mistake I'd made.
Now, Aldwyn was perched on my shoulder, giving me the silent treatment.
"Look, Merlin, I'm sorry." I sighed. "I really am."
His head twitched.
"I don't know what else to say. I didn't mean to offend Aurora—she's like a daughter to me. You know that! It was just… a slip of the tongue. Old habits and beliefs."
He ruffled his wings, lowering his body. I failed to notice.
"Merlin, please, would you just—"
He screeched then, and for the first time I heard the arrow. It was making a beeline for my chest. Aldwyn swooped around my bags and spread his body out in front of mine. The arrow impaled him.
My breath caught in my throat. I gave him wide eyes, not knowing what to do. Just knowing that no, no, no, no, no—
It shimmered from existence and he dived toward the archer.
I finally came to my senses and pulled my sword out. Excalibur gleamed inhumanly in the sunlight that was streaming through the trees, but that was normal. After all, it was forged in a dragon's breath.
There were ten of them. We'd stumbled into their camp (how we did so remains a mystery), and to say they were prepared would be an understatement. They were ready.
Aldwyn weaved through the bandits, taking them out in swift, quiet movements. I recounted them. Twenty.
Twenty-five.
It was almost, probably, nearly too much. I noticed, out of the corner of my eye, a cage. Inside were two people in ragged clothing, one an older, greying woman, and another a small child.
The small girl had brilliant golden, chestnut hair and unearthly green eyes. Her stomach appeared to have been stabbed, and had been wrapped together with makeshift bandaging. I looked to the greying woman to see part of her dress missing. Mother and daughter, then.
Fifteen men came at us then, all wielding swords and axes.
A few of them have magic, Arthur. Tread lightly. Call if you need anything.
And with that, we reengaged.
Every arrow that came at the phoenix disintegrated. Swords passed through him, as did axes. It was quite amazing, really, but it also made me wonder: what could kill him?
A scruffy man with a beard managed to place a nice, long gash on my leg. But I hardly noticed this as I made my way to the cage.
The older woman looked at me suspiciously. "And who might you be? Never seen nobody with a fancier bird than that of yours."
Aldwyn broke the lock. He looked inside the cage, bending his body and tilting his head. Arthur, their chains are magical.
I started. "How were you captured?"
The woman bit her lip, drawing the girl closer to her. "We were gathering herbs, hunting a little, too. They came out of nowhere and saw us using magic. 'Sorcery!' one of them had shouted, and without warning, he impaled my granddaughter. Outta nowhere." She suddenly looked at me, eyes wide, and they were the same entrancing green as the girl's. "They-they put these chains on us, and I can't… I can't heal her and…."
Aldwyn snuggled his way into the cage and… spit on their manacles. They began to disintegrate, erode, and soon the two women were out of the cage. One was laying on the ground, while the other had her eyes gold.
I shuffled my feet, feeling slightly impressed and, yes, intimidated. She obviously wasn't scared of me, and I doubt she would be if she knew who I was. And despite these facts, I felt humbled in her presence.
"What, ah, be your name?"
She glanced sideways at me, an eyebrow raised. I felt a pang in my chest at her expression. "Althena." She paused, biting the corner of her mouth. "And this is Avilon."
Aldwyn stiffened. I licked my lips. Althena scrutinized me.
"What are ya gonna do with us?"
We're going to test you, Aldwyn started, and the woman looked to him with wide eyes. Yes, I'm talking, perks of being sorta-not-really-dead. Anyway, you seem like the type of person that likes to help people. You seem wise, trustworthy, and judging. But we need you to apply them to a real world situation.
Althena paled. "Like… like an actual human being…."
That is not for me to tell. You will be projected somewhere, be it past, present, or future. You must realize that, to be a physician, you must know when to keep going, and when to stop. Help will not always be on the way, Althena. You were lucky this time. He spread his wings. But sometimes luck is not on our side. Sometimes, fate has already decided what it's going to do with us.
He took off.
Althena is an interesting woman.
She reminded me an awful lot of Merlin, with his witty retorts, thoughtfulness, and rebelliousness. She never bowed once, never referred to me as "Sire", and hadn't even given me a second glance when she'd conjured up a horse.
She clasped Avilon close to her chest.
"May I ask you something?"
I nodded. "Yes."
"Why do you need a Court Physician?"
My throat closed up. I furrowed my brows. "Our… Gaius… he died a few years back."
She looked horrified. "You've been without a Physician that long?"
"What? No!" I reassured her. "Aldwyn—the phoenix—he has basic, and sometimes major, healing capabilities. It just… it tires him out. He can't go around for every person that gets a cold."
She huffed. "He can disintegrate arrows, pass through swords like a ghost, but healing a cold hurts him."
"We all have our weaknesses, Althena."
Her eyes softened. "Is it an emotional bond the bird shares whenever he heals somebody?"
I shrugged. "I honestly have no clue. He's never been the type to open up. He… we've been through some rough times."
She rose a brow (my chest panged). "Do you have family?"
I chuckled. "Well, my wife, Guinevere, and Aurora, but Aurora isn't actually our daughter—"
"Then what'd you do, find her in the woods?"
I laughed out loud at that one. "Yes, actually." My smile faded. "She's sorta… Aldwyn's her father, technically." We were at the gates.
Althena looked at me, bewildered. "What the hell, Arthur?"
Aurora
My father and I were having a heated argument. In our minds.
Dad, you heard what he said!
Yes, Aurora, I did. Just because I'm not human doesn't mean I can't hear.
I need to prove myself to him.
The phoenix straightened. No, Aurora Aquila, you don't. I know Arthur. Trust me, I do—he's trying his best. This kingdom used to be ruled by a far crueler king, and that was Arthur's father. That man was a large influence on his life, and getting rid of beliefs and ways of life are difficult. Beyond difficult. I mean, getting him to accept magic was a hassle enough.
Dad, he's never going to learn if he has nothing to learn from!
Aurora, he's had PLENTY to learn from!
I silenced then, because I knew it was true. Sure, I still felt the need to show him a piece of my mind, but the more rational part of me was scolding for even thinking so.
Sorry.
What? I gave him a confused glance.
For yelling.
I waved it off, seeing as I had deserved it. It's fine. But… I'm not gonna promise anything.
When he ruffled his feathers, I imagined his sparkling teeth biting his lip, all those years back when I had set a tree on fire from my anger. It was stupid, but I was six, and I didn't think so. He was pretty disappointed.
Two women are coming.
"What?" I cringed at the loudness my voice brought to the room. What?
And older woman, Althena, and a small girl, Avilon.
There's something more to this, isn't there?
She… he ruffled again. She's quite impressive. Decent at healing magic, what with what happened to her granddaughter.
Granddaughter?
Avilon. Stabbed by one of the men, apparently. Althena couldn't heal her completely, though, with the chains and aftereffects. I'll finish her when they get here, then Althena's gonna—
"Aurora?" Guinevere, practically my mother, burst through the door. She looked worried, exasperated. "Oh, Merlin—Arthur wants you straight away."
He flew from the room.
The Queen and I walked quickly down the hallway, talking frantically. Or, well, she was, at least.
"Althena Grace and Avilon Valor, fifty-five and twelve. Arthur and Merlin found them while fighting bandits. Althena has magic, healing magic, and we're unsure of Avilon, who is hurt badly. I think Merlin's gonna take care of her, though, but—"
"But what?" I gave her a scrutinizing glance.
"I think Merlin's gonna address the Court about her." Her voice was tight in anticipation.
"Merlin… woah." I swallowed. "He's never done that before. I think, at the most, he's done, what, four minds? There'll be at least thirty there!"
"Fifty, with the commoners there to witness. Actually, no, I think we're set for forty-five."
"But… won't everyone realized it's Merlin talking?"
"No." she chuckled. "He's talked about it before. Apparently, only the people he trusts can hear his voice. Everyone else in the room will hear some big, booming, dramatic voice that 'shakes fear into enemies'."
"This is for his own personal amusement, isn't it?"
"Well, the voice part. For sure."
I sucked in a breath. "What if he doesn't have the energy for it? What if he decides to…?"
Gwen shook her head. "He wouldn't do that. That alone is extremely draining, and he hasn't ever actually done it. What he's gonna put Althena through will take a lot of concentration."
"And what exactly is that?"
We were at the door. Gwen paused, looking at me thoughtfully. "You'll… you'll get the premise. Trust me."
Althena
Aldwyn met us halfway to the court room, looking frantic (for a bird). I rose a brow, feeling wrinkles forming on my face. "Are you quite alright"
He looked at Avilon, who was cradled in my arms. I trust Gwen as spoken with you?
"Oh, yes."
Okay, well, may I see Avilon for a moment?
I held her even tighter. "I don't know…."
"Trust him." Arthur whispered beside me, and again, I was astonished at his kindness. He's not his father's son.
I placed her gently on the floor and watched as Aldwyn healed her. Let us just say, it involved lots of colors and a bit of wind. But, by the end of it, she was awake and—
"Oh, my God!" she rose her brow, propping herself on her elbows. "You're absolutely huge!"
Arthur chuckled, while Merlin dipped his head slightly.
Thanks, Avilon. You know, for the complement.
She looked horrified. "Oh, my, you can hear me!"
Well, yes. I'm not deaf.
"Well, you're very beau—handsome… uh…."
Aldwyn.
"Aldwyn." She smiled, turning to look at Arthur and I. "Grandmamma!" she stood, hugging me. "I told you we'd get out of there!"
I chuckled, rubbing her head. "Well, we wouldn't have if it weren't for Arthur and his bird."
Phoenix!
"Aldwyn, I'm pretty damn sure you aren't a phoenix."
Avilon gave a tentative step forward. Her golden-brown hair fell down her shoulders, and I could see Arthur stiffen at her green eyes. "Are you King Arthur?"
He jumped. He was already rubbing her neck. "Oh, um, yeah, that's me."
She gave him a look. "I'm not bowing to you."
I gasped. "Avilon!"
He tilted his head. "I didn't exactly expect you to."
"I'm not going to do anything for you until I have proof that you deserve it."
I furrowed my brows, opened my mouth, but Arthur raised his hand.
"I like your spirit, Avilon Valor. Reminds me of a certain someone." He gave a pointed look at Aldwyn. "And I have trust that you will make the right decision, whether it be in helping this kingdom or not."
She nodded in acceptance.
Now, we really should get going. I want to start and finish this as quickly as possible.
Arthur gave him a warning look. "No. You cannot."
But I am.
"You can't show them that! It's… we haven't even shown our people that!"
It is a test, Arthur, do realize this. To understand us, she must understand our secrets. To be a successful physician, she must understand the job.
"How would this help her 'understand' the job?"
You know how, Arthur.
He bit his lip, looking angry and reluctant. "Who will you be showing?"
Althena, Avilon, and Aurora.
"Aurora, too?"
She deserves to know. I bet her and Avilon will be great friends.
"Ah," Avilon looked to Aldwyn. "Who exactly is this 'Aurora'?"
My daughter.
"She's a bird, then?"
Good heavens, no. We were at the doors. It's… complicated. You'll realize soon enough.
Arthur nodded and pushed the doors open. The room quieted faster than a blink of an eye, and I could feel the stares digging into our backs. Surprisingly, though, Aldwyn seemed to be getting the most attention.
The Queen sat on her throne, looking quite anxious. And, unlike most queens I've seen, she's actually human.
To her left, across from Arthur's obvious throne, was a lithe, strong, muscled woman with dark red hair and bright, yet stormy green eyes. Her dress was made of silk and dark blue, her arms thin and long. She had a kind, angled face that made me want to smile.
That's Aurora. She's eighteen. You'll get to know her later.
I glanced at Aldwyn. Avilon and I stopped, standing in the aisle, while Arthur sat. Aldwyn flew above him, landing on a ledge.
Hello, all.
There were gasps around the room. I saw an elderly woman faint.
Aldwyn twisted his head at her in worry. Oh, dear, someone do help her, please?
A young man lifted her and placed her in a seat, nodding to the large creature, who nodded in return.
Thank you. He ruffled. The two women in front of you are known as Althena Grace and Avilon Valor. Arthur and I rescued them from bandits about an hour ago.
Althena is a magic healer. I blushed. She may not be perfect, but we do need a physician. While I will not force this on her, I want her to go through something only a few of us in this room has seen.
She, Avilon, and Aurora will be projected into a situation. It may be from the past, present, or future. If from the past or present, it will be altered into a setting that fits them three into the situation. If from the future, well, that's pretty self-explanatory.
We all laughed, relieving some of the tension, but it was quickly replaced by more.
I do not want you all to criticize their choices. I would rather have them accept it full-heartedly than lie to us. We need a reliable physician, not a forced fraud.
Aldwyn turned to Avilon.
Avilon?
"Yes?" her voice was strong.
Do you use magic?
"… yes." Now it wavered.
Do you use it for good?
"Yes."
Were you born or taught?
"Born."
Very well.
There was silence for a moment.
Your choices are yours. Consider the situation carefully, all of you, and good luck. He swept down onto the wooden floor and spread his wings. I hadn't even seen Aurora get up from her throne, but she stood next to us now.
We all looked at each other, and Aurora turned to her father. "We're ready, Aldwyn."
He seemed to shake, just for a moment, but he stiffened.
And all was white.
Aurora
I opened my eyes to find a sword in my hand. A sword, may I add, that was embedded in a man's chest. I yanked it out, just in time to see another coming from behind. I killed him, too, and couldn't help but notice how they were dressed.
"Aurora!"
I blinked, looked to the man who'd called my name. His hair was long and dark, curled slightly at their tips, and he had a frantic look on his face. "Behind ya!"
I blinked again and, swiftly, twisted my body to stab the man in the gut. I shouted afterwards a name I hardly knew. "Thanks, Gwaine!"
"Anytime!"
I took a breath and went back to swinging. I glanced around every once-and-a-while, seeing a dark-skinned man, a long, dirty-blonde that I recognized as Sir Leon, and a tall, muscled, bald man with a wide swing and deadly accuracy. But they were all kind, I could tell, and it was comfortable fighting with them. Even if I had no idea who we were fighting.
I was breathing hard, and it felt as if it'd been an hour, when I finally saw the two of them. Arthur I recognized immediately, seeing as I'd seen him for a good eight years now. But where I was then, it was as if he were years younger (which, I suppose, he was), with pure blond hair and wrinkleless skin. He had a grimace on his face, and his side was bleeding. But he fought strong and sure.
It took me a minute to place the second man.
He was quite a bit taller than Arthur, by what looked to be three inches, and he wore no armor. His black jacket, red neckerchief, dark pants, and common boots alarmed me in the situation we were in. His black hair hung over his forehead, and he looked at least thirty, but his cheeks were sharp and exact, his skin unblemished, and his eyes—
His eyes were glowing gold.
I realized then that, obviously, this was my father, in all his glory, and that this battle was extremely important, for he would not show me this if it weren't. But, for the life of me, I could not remember what battle this was!
"Where the hell did they come from?" Gwaine shouted, killing another man. "I mean, seriously, no one can just kill the Watchers—Merlin trained them!"
I had no clue what he was talking about. Watchers? Who did Merlin train?
"You know," the dark man groaned, ducking, "I've never heard someone complain so much—especially to a group as clueless as he."
"Oh, would you both just shut up?" Merlin yelled, eyes flashing gold. I bit my lip, a smile forming. The tall man laughed, surprising me at his lightness.
I saw as a man slashed at Merlin, slashed into his back. Percival lowered his sword, slightly, and both Merlin and I saw the man behind him.
"Percival!"
Our eyes flashed, I felt it, but it was too late.
My dad was kneeled upon the ground in the blink of an eye, but he tensed at the sight of the wound. We all bowed our heads, as it seemed respectful to do so.
He cried out, shaking the ground. I nearly lost my footing, surprised at the strength in his cry. Arthur and I met gazes, and he bit his lip, looking down at Merlin with sadness. No pity.
His hand was out. "Merlin…."
"Shut up. Just—shut up. Not right now. Later." I cringed at his wording. "You all… I can't heal your wounds. They were forged in a dragon's breath. So please… be careful." He breathed.
Gwaine spoke up. "But you're in the same predicament as us, right?"
"Yes."
Arthur's head snapped up. "But, Merlin… you… we…."
"I said I'd be your servant till the day I die. Don't you dare think I'll ever take that back."
"But you could die."
Merlin looked at me, fleetingly, and his eyes were the glowing, flaming blue that I was so used to. "We all could, Arthur. We all might."
Avilon
I gasped, looking up. I was laid out on a bed, screams lacing the air outside. My side was sore, and my arm was wrapped in bandaging. It hurt, badly, until I took a look around the room.
Children, younger and older than myself, were laid out, either groaning, arguing with nurses, or… dying. A woman with brown hair and eyes walked in, along with a beautiful lady with dark skin and warm eyes, dressed in furs and brown, skin-tight leggings.
"Vera," the latter said, "go check up on Brenan." She walked over to me, looking worried and regretful. "Avilon, before you go back out, listen to me. You need to know what to be careful of."
I gave her a strange look. "Go back out where?"
She shook her head. "You did suffer a blow to head." She handed me a vial filled with purple liquid. "The Physician gave it to me—it'll provide you with strength."
I downed it without question.
"You were injured out on the field. A man, we don't know who they are, came at you. Alice… she saved you, but was killed in the process. Your arm has a nasty gash, and you were a bit delirious from the knock to the head that you suffered. But, and I'm truly sorry to say this, we need you back out there. I really am sorry, Avilon."
"Gwen, you're needed in the main!"
The woman, Gwen, nodded. "Alright, in a minute!" she looked at me, a delicate hand place on my good arm. "I wish I could help you all."
I shook my head, swinging my legs over the side of the bed. "You're helping plenty, Gwen. Trust me. I'll make it through, just for you. For both you and Arthur." I don't know where I got the second name from.
She chuckled. "You sound just like Merlin." And, with that, she left.
As I ran past the main room, I caught sight of Althena. She seemed busy, so I didn't bother interrupting her. We were all here for a reason, and I could clearly see her.
The first hour was exhilarating. Spells flew from my mouth, knocking down men left and right. Their white cloaks and hoods shone in the moonlight. They were blinding after a while, and by the time the hour was over, my eyes hurt every time they came at me.
The screams did not end, and most of the time, I couldn't tell which side they came from. I earned quite a nasty gash on my arm, my broken arm, but I hardly felt it at all. That medicine really did work.
About three hours in (or at least, from what I could tell was three hours), there was a cry. It pierced the air, seemingly stopping all battle. I turned to my left, the direction it came from, and had to hold in my gasp.
Aurora stood there, shocked, bleeding, with her hand just barely grasping her sword and her mouth wide. I couldn't see her eyes, but I was smart enough to realize that she had just shattered.
There were six men around her. Four wore Camelot's chainmail, red capes fluttering in the wind. Three lay on the ground. Two were either dead or almost so. One wrenched his sword from the fallen enemy (the man was the source of the cry), while a blonde man—Arthur?—knelt next to the gasping man on the ground, rocking him back and forth.
I could see his black hair and green eyes from here, along with his red neckerchief and gaping wound, but I stood still as stone. No man attacked them or me, instead leaving us to stand there, shocked and worried. There was a feeling that reminded me a lot like doom in the air, and that worried me more than anything.
I could faintly hear the echo in the air. Merlin…!
Who was Merlin? I looked at the young man again, tilting my head. That had to be him—the cry still rang desperate, and he seemed pretty important.
The dark man clad in red stepped forward, the tremble in his voice unmistakable. "Arthur, we need to get him to Althena."
I held in my gasp. My heart shattered at Arthur's voice.
"But… he s-said…."
Said what?
"Well damn that!" the other man said. His sword was bloody, his hair sticking to his face. "We're going to try, so get your ass up, Princess, and get him to Althena."
Arthur nodded, and he locked eyes with me. It was just a glance, actually, but I could see a flaming blue within them. I shuttered. Merlin lay limp in his arms.
Aurora looked at me too, and I shivered. Her eyes were haunted, like she knew every one of these men. Like she knew their fates. I looked away.
The fight was not over.
Althena
Being thrown into this was quite a surprise, really. I knew they'd be testing me, and that it wouldn't be easy, but I didn't expect this.
I realized quickly that, in this day and time, I was a known physician. I needed to get a hold of my surroundings, but, at the same time, I needed to work through this situation.
We were in a castle. If I counted correctly, there were four rooms on each wall, and I was working in the main, largest one. Fifty or so beds lay around the room, and surely, that wouldn't be enough, so I assumed two of the other rooms were for this same reason. I saw nurses running around with supplies, while others wheeled fallen men into another, darker room, and I guessed that that was for the dead.
Magic seemed legal, as spells rang in the air around the room, so I did my best to heal to wounded. The injuries stuck me as abnormal. My healing capabilities seemed to only hold off the inevitable, not prevent it. Many of the other women were coming to the same conclusion, looking exasperated.
I had to blinked a couple times when Guinevere came up to me, empty bucket clasped in hand. "Althena, none of the healers can fix the wounds. Do you know why?"
I bit my lip. "It's something with the weapons they're using. Magical—in what way, I don't know." I rose a brow at her worried expression, wracking my mind. It came all of a sudden. "Is Arthur out—still out there?"
She nodded, looking away. "Yes—yes, he is. S-so is Merlin." She gave me a sideways look. "I have a bad feeling, Althena."
I nodded farewell as she walked out, then went back to thinking.
Who was Merlin? Arthur was obvious. They were married, of course, so she must care about them greatly. But who was the Merlin fellow? He sounded important, really, and the way she stuttered at his name worried me.
Yes, he must be very valuable. Not only to this battle, but to the people fighting.
I thought on for a good four hours. I cringed slightly when I saw Gwen carrying both Avilon and a girl I later found out was Alice. The latter was brought into the dark room, while Avilon was in the unidentified room. Another child, a boy, seemingly no older than ten, ran out from the same room with a fireball in his hand.
So that was where they kept the injured children.
I finally figured out later that I was in the past. When Gwen came back in, I got a good look at her. Her skin was flawless, and she seemed a lot fitter, what with the running around she did and the children and men she hefted into the castle.
Then, I figured that this was Camelot. Many of our warriors wore red, and coupled with Gwen being here, it became quite obvious.
Then I realized that this battle was important—extremely so. Aldwyn and Arthur had seemed tense when they brought us three here, and the King had even argued that we shouldn't be allowed to see this.
While I will not force this on her, I want her to go through something only a few of us in this room has seen.
Aldwyn, Gwen, and….
"Althena!" the whole room quieted. You could hear the water dripping from the ceiling. I looked to the door, taking in Arthur and the man in his arms.
He placed him down on the bed, and I got to work. I could feel magic in this man, great, powerful, good magic that seemed to flow through his veins. It fought the wound, the gaping wound that obviously came from a sword, but it would not be enough, not even with my magic pushing it along.
Healing magic was obviously not his strong suit.
"Althena," I bit my lip. His hands were shaking, the bandages in them trembling, too. "Althena, you have to help him, there has to be a way to…."
I shook my head sadly, looking into the injured man's sad green eyes.
I felt as if I should know him, and with that knowledge also came to feeling of loss. We both knew the inevitable was coming, his laid in his eyes and mine in my posture, and I felt so lost all of a sudden. Memories that weren't mine, memories of a boy stumbling into a large, towering room. Memories of falling off a ladder, memories of a bed running under me.
Memories of his face, his innocent, young face panicking at the sight of my yelling—someone else's yelling—when I questioned him about magic. His face when he told me he was born this way, that he was never taught, and that this was the unknown.
"What did you just do?"
"Erm…."
"Tell me!"
"I—I—I have no idea what happened."
"If anyone had seen that…."
"Er, no! That—that was—that was nothing to do with me. That—that was…."
"I know what it was! I just want to know where you learned how to do it!"
"Nowhere."
"So how is it you know magic?"
"I don't."
"Where did you study? Answer me!"
"I—I've never studied magic or—or been taught."
"Are you lying to me, boy?"
"What do you want me to say?"
"The truth!"
"I was born like this!"
His eyes were wide and unyielding, yet scared and questioning.
"That's impossible! Who are you?"
"Oh, erm, I have this letter…."
"I don't have my reading glasses."
"I'm Merlin."
"Hunith's boy?"
"Yes!"
"But you're not meant to be here till Wednesday!"
"It is Wednesday."
"Ah, right, then. You better put your bag in there."
"You—you won't say anything about, erm…."
"No. Although, Merlin, I should say thank you."
I blinked as the memory left me, only to realize Merlin and Arthur were talking.
Merlin's face was streaked with tears. He placed his hand upon his King's, shaking and gasping. Arthur looked at him then.
"Merlin… you… you're gonna… please, Merlin…."
I sucked in a breath, ready to intervene, but the raven had other thoughts.
"I'm scared, Arthur." His breathing was ragged. "I-I don't want to die. Not today. I want us to win, Arthur, but…."
"We will win, Merlin. This is your King you're talking to." But even he was unsure.
All of a sudden, Merlin lurched in his bed, eyes wide and panicking. "Arthur, I forgot all about her—I forgot, you have to follow—"
He coughed, frantic, and my heart panged. "Merlin, you need to calm down. Who are you talking—"
"No, no, no, no, no—Arthur, you won't win this battle. B-but you will sur-survive it. You have to follow… the…." Blood spewed from his mouth. He was chocking and there was nothing I could do.
Arthur was alarmed. "Follow what, Merlin? Merlin!" he looked into his fading eyes, both of us seeing his vulnerability. "…Merlin?"
"I'm scared, Arthur," I looked into his eyes, seeing a blue fire. "Where… where will I go?"
The merlin was made of blue light, and it brought some sort of new hope. An artificial hope, unreal, unbelievable. A passion.
It flew out. I looked at Arthur. As blue met hazel, I recognized despair and finality. Subdued sadness.
He left the room, slamming the door in the room of silence.
Aurora
Arthur came out about an hour ago, silent and stubborn. He didn't talk about Merlin, and he didn't have to. We all saw the bird. I already knew where that bird was going.
I looked at Gwaine then, eyes widening. The pain that came was quick, and I left quickly. I heard Arthur's scream, then nothing.
Static.
Avilon
My arms ached, and my magic was working against me. My energy was depleting and there were swords were flying everywhere.
Eventually, one of them caught me. I didn't know until my vision went black, where I seemed to float in a dark fog for a few seconds. Then—
Static.
Althena
I felt utterly alone for the next few hours. Gwen, Vera and I worked on quietly. Gwen had brought Merlin's body back to the room. I had offered to do it myself, but she shook her head, breathing hard, tears collecting in her eyes.
She walked out of the room arms shaking.
Now I looked at her, eyes larger than saucers. She was helping a patient, focusing on the person, not the outside. But I could hear the rush of it, the ongoing, nearing, loudening of it. And she couldn't.
So I pushed her. I ran as fast as I could and shoved her, hard. She wasn't prepared, so she flew easily twenty feet, well out of the way. Finally she caught herself, and stared at me in horror.
Something hit me, and there was a flash of pain, then nothing.
Static.
Arthur
I stared at Aldwyn, eyes narrowed and reprimanding.
"What are you showing them?"
In my mind, he took a deep breath that sounded slightly shaky and watery.
Just… just a little longer. One more. Not much longer. One more….
All
They all gasped as they came to. In front of them was a screen split in two. Or, well, a wood slab with a black line down the middle.
"What is this?" Aurora whispered.
Althena and Avilon jumped, along with the Ambrosius, who all looked at each other. They seemed to remember their past situations and nodded.
"Warrior."
"Sorcerer."
"Physician."
The wood suddenly started flickering, drawing their attention away from each other. On one side, there was a commoner woman and a rugged man. The other, there was a King and a Queen.
"Push!"
The word was said on both halves, and they whipped their heads at the sound of another's voice. Both women scrunched their eyes in pain, screaming out. Both men held their hands.
"Push!"
The rugged man smiled, whispering sweetly.
"Push, push! You're almost there!"
Their smiles were whiter than snow. Behind their pained faces, kindness glowed and prevailed.
"Nearly there! There's the head!"
"There's the head!"
Aurora looked to the commoner, frowning. Then to the Queen, then to the man next to the Queen, who looked just as worried as her.
"He's nearly out!"
"He's out!"
The commoner's was free. The woman that'd been calling out on that side rushed forward, cutting the umbilical cord and taking the baby. It was an obvious boy, and his head held wisps of black hair. His lips were blue.
"He's out!"
On the other side, a beautiful blonde boy appeared. The cord was cut, and he was cleaned and wrapped. The Queen held her child, and looked to her King.
"Promise me you'll take care of him."
His eyes were wide. "Of… of course I will—"
"Thomas, get over here! He isn't breathing!"
The rugged man's eyes widened. He rushed over, surprisingly fast for an old man, and started with the compressions. The mother panicked.
"My baby! Why? What is it? Leah, why isn't it breathing?"
"It's a he, Hunith! And…."
"Promise me you'll love him, Uther." The group of three whipped their heads, one pair of green eyes widening.
"I… I promise, Igraine. What's wrong?"
"Thomas, you better get him breathing!"
The boy's lips were still blue, and he was still limp. Leah covered her mouth, eyes watering. "Thomas…."
"You better get my Merlin breathing!"
"Promise me you'll be a father to him, not a King."
The old man in the corner bowed his head, seeing her face. It was acceptance and knowledge and finality. Uther's eyes narrowed.
"I swear, Igraine. But why do you make me promise such things?"
Hunith hoisted herself on her elbows, twisting around with determined, scared eyes. Tears ran down her face.
"Dad, you have to get him breathing. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if you didn't."
Igraine handed Uther their boy, her perfect, strong boy.
"His name is Arthur, Uther. Give him the life he deserves."
Leah was crying. It'd been too long, too long for him to survive, for him to breathe—
There was a cry. Glasses flew from the shelves and shattered to the ground. Hunith gasped.
There was a breath. The women in the room bowed their heads, brows furrowed. Igraine ceased breathing.
Hunith cried joy with the boy placed in her arms. Tears spilled from Uther's eyes as he looked down upon his child.
"Merlin…."
"Arthur…."
Arthur
I didn't know what to think when the three opened their eyes. It'd been only three minutes, and Aldwyn had been worrying me by the first. His head kept twitching, and I didn't know what to do when he started—muttering?—frantically.
They opened their eyes at the same time, and seemed to look to him like he was some sort of god. That they were, well, afraid of. Then there was understanding and sadness, then pity, which Aldwyn guffawed at, and then there was amazement, which I had no idea how to react to.
What the hell did they see?
"So," I began quietly, trying my best to break the silence. Anticipation filled everyone as Althena stepped forward, tattered dress fit around her and her grey hair trembling it its tie. She still did not bow, and I thought then that I would have to thank her, because I don't think I'd be able to handle it.
"I'm sorry to say this, your Majesties," she began, and my heart sank. Her face was dead serious, and she looked like she'd seen too much in too little time (oh, irony). "But I think I'm gonna have to accept your offer."
The room was quiet for a moment more, taking in her answer and processing their shock, then erupted into wild cheers. I myself was smiling like a madman, and Gwen had a small grin on her face, but the three women before us had grim looks that just wouldn't go away.
Aldwyn waited for the room to quiet down, then spoke. You understand what it means to be a physician.
"Yes, I do."
You understand what your job entails.
"I do."
You understand, then, that some things are inevitable, unstoppable.
"Yes."
You accept this job knowing that it brings forth regret and sadness.
"I do." She was strong, and I smiled at that.
You will bring strength to this kingdom, Althena Grace. You will be a beacon of hope, and you will help the many that live here.
"I will be, Aldwyn."
I furrowed my brows. Where was he going with this?
You are replacing a great man, Althena. His name was Gaius. It will be hard for me to accept you, seeing as he was a father figure to me, but you seem to be a near duplicate of him.
We were all silent.
I name you Althena Grace, Court Physician of Camelot!
The people left after about an hour. Hunith had remained, a small, knowing smile on her face. I stood up and stretched, clasping my hands as Gwen smoothed out her dress.
"So," I rose a brow. "Should I know what happened?"
Avilon shifted uncomfortably. "Where were we?"
Oldy bowed his head. The Battle of the Fallen. Oh, and I guess I'm taking questions.
Aurora raised her hand. "Who were the men I fought with? Who was I?"
You fought with Sirs Elyan, Leon, Gwaine—he chuckled then—and Percival. He wasn't really there, but you were Sir Lancelot. He died about thirteen years ago.
"So I didn't really save… Gwaine?"
No, you didn't. That was, if my information is correct, when he died.
I gave him a side glance. "It was."
"Who was I?" Avilon asked.
You were Bella, one of the Hidden Children. Alice really did save you, dying in the process.
Aurora said, "Who were the Watchers?"
Aldwyn stiffened then, just barely nodding to me. You can tell them, Arthur. I nodded.
"The Watchers were a group of magical people, sorcerers and warlocks alike. They were Camelot's hidden guard. Right before the battle, M-Merlin came to me. They all held a special connection, and he—"
I could hear them screaming. We all shivered at his haunted voice. So I went to Arthur to tell him the Watchers were dead—that your… mother… was dead.
Aurora nodded, eyes sad.
"Do you know who they were?"
I looked to Althena. "What?"
"Do you know who the enemy was? Where they came from?"
"No. We didn't know, and we still don't. There was no crest, no symbol—nothing."
She looked at Gwen then. Both locked eyes, Gwen's brown slightly alarmed and Althena's hazel curious. "Did he really save you?"
Gwen took a step back. Aldwyn and I looked to her. Even I wasn't sure, he commented.
"I—y-yes, he did. He saved me. The fireball killed him and ten others."
Aldwyn stumbled. Who—fireball?
"The… the beast they brought." I stuttered, looking at him. "You said there was a larger force, that they were just tiring us out with their men. You were right." I paused.
"They brought a giant." Gwen whispered.
A… giant?
"Never seen anything like it," I said, grimacing. "It wiped us all out. Only Gwen and I survived."
"Aldwyn," my wife rasped, tears running down her face, "they were aiming for you. They had to get rid of you before they could send that beast in. They knew you could have killed it."
The castle shuttered, sending them all sprawling. Aldwyn landed on his side, groaning in a very bird-like manner (he cawed). Aurora was up first, right before the bird, and helped everyone else. Gwen was shaking her head.
"They're back."
We were running after him.
Merlin had decidedly taken off, flying down hallways and corridors and breakneck speeds. So, really, we were following a trail of blue mist.
"Goddamn." I muttered, glaring at the blue.
"Do they have the giant?" Avilon yelled. The screaming outside was desperate, but not pain-filled. They hadn't struck yet.
"How the hell am I supposed to know?"
"Don't you have some sort of mental connection with Aldwyn?" Althena grumbled, surprisingly fast for an older woman.
"He's blocked me out."
"That makes three of us," Gwen said, "Aurora and I haven't been able to get a hold of him in a while. We've been trying. He's put up one of his mental blocks."
"Great," I growled. "Just—"
"You aren't welcome here!"
Aurora, Gwen and I halted at the voice. Althena did to, looking bewildered. I resumed running, finally getting to a balcony where I could see everything.
I wish I hadn't.
First off, there was a thick blue barrier around the whole kingdom. Town, castle, everything. Aldwyn was perched just outside of it, upon one of the gargoyles. He seemed ten times larger, and now that I think about it, he was ten times larger. His wingspan… let's just not talk about that. It was ginormous.
So, he was going for the intimidation factor. I will say, it was working.
Real well.
Down below, were the Men. The wretched, white-clothed men with gleaming swords. My throat closed up as I saw more in the trees, in the valleys, everywhere. There was no giant to be seen.
"We don't know who you are," the voice rang in the air. Merlin's voice. It'd never sounded so full, so powerful, so demanding. But it was his voice, not the fading sound in the back of his head. It was Merlin.
"But you may not come near this kingdom."
They shifted uncomfortably. I didn't know what they knew. Now would be the perfect time to attack. We had little to no defense, and Aldwyn could only do so much.
The front row dared to walk forward. Oldy screeched. "Leave now!"
There was no while you still can! He knew better than to get cocky.
Still, they stepped forward.
Suddenly, there was a swoop. Upon the roof of our largest building landed Killgarrah and Aithusa. The latter was much bigger, and her grand white scales shimmered in the sunlight. She was as big, if not bigger, than Killgarrah, her long tail taking up most of her body. She was smooth, not ragged with spikes like her father-figure.
They growled. "Leave now, fools. Today is not your day."
Aithusa roared, seeing as she couldn't speak, sending them scattering. I grinned, looking at them.
"Thank you, Killgarrah, Aithusa. It's good to see you again."
Killgarrah chuckled. "Likewise, young Pendragon. How does your—"
Killgarrah!
Aldwyn landed on his head, poking him with his beak. Aithusa laughed silently, watching as the older dragon tried to torch the bird. The most amusing part was that he didn't succeed.
"Ah, Mer—Aldwyn," he corrected himself, looking wistful for a moment. "Nice to see you haven't changed… much."
Hey, watch it.
The four women finally caught up. Avilon gasped. "Oh, my!"
Killgarrah looked startled. "What do we have here?"
Althena blinked. Blinked again. "Are those dragons?"
"Yep." Gwen nodded, panting. "It was a surprise to us, too." She waved. "Hey, Aithusa, Killgarrah."
They nodded in return, smiling.
That, Aldwyn spoke, is Althena Grace and her granddaughter, Avilon Valor. Althena is our new Court Physician, as of, what, ten minutes ago?"
"Eight, I think," Avilon corrected.
Killgarrah nodded. "She looks worthy. We welcome you, Althena Grace, but beware. There is much hardship ahead.
All
They decided that the courtyard was the best place for a feast. The dragons could watch from above while the people rejoiced over their new Court Physician.
Five women preformed for the Queen and King. Throughout their family, they were known as Tiny Dancers. They created intricate and complex scores and seemed to have choreographed for their entire lives.
Little did Arthur and Gwen know, they'd choreographed a lot more than dances. And their family was not from Camelot. They had no friends within the kingdom.
Aldwyn flew to a tree, landing within its' branches. He looked out over the yard. His eyes caught on a bird some meters away, perched in a tree. A peregrine falcon.
Its white feathers of it ruffled in the breeze. Its eyes were a cold, dark black that shook Aldwyn to his very core.
Who are you?
Aldwyn stumbled at the voice.
Who are you?
He shook his head. No, he hadn't heard that.
Who are you…!
Trick of his mind.
Who are you!
That's all.
WHO ARE YOU?
Ah, well. First "Episode".
I want to add, too, that Arthur and Merlin were NOT born at the same time! I just needed it to be dramatic and meaningful, so I put their births side by side and WHABAM!
I'm working on Episode Two, "Banisher". No telling when it'll be published, what with my procrastination and inconsistence. Horrible combination, really. I guess I'll get it done when I'm inspired, eh?
My other stories are currently postponed until I find an inspiration within or outside myself to continue and finish them. Sorry for the inconvenience, and thank you for your patience!
Love you all,
Mini
