Chapter 9

Night had fallen once again on Camelot. The castle's inhabitants had all gone to bed and were soon fast asleep. All but the three conspirators. Arthur, Merlin, and Gwen had gathered for a private meeting in Arthur's chambers.

They knew that they had to break Naomi out of the dungeons, but how was the question. Merlin and Arthur were of course experienced in breaking people out, but this time there was extra security. Uther was afraid that Alvarr and his followers might sneak into the castle and free her, but it was not Alvarr Uther should be worried about. It was those that were already in the castle.

A silence had ascended on the three conspirators, as each became absorbed in his, and her, own thoughts. Arthur's heart was filled with dread. He knew that what he was about to do, would change his life forever. If they succeeded in freeing Naomi, what would become of Guinevere? Surely she would want to go with her mother. If that happened, he would lose her, possibly forever. That was something he couldn't bear to happen. Yet, he had promised Guinevere that he would free her mother, and he must keep that promise, even if it meant losing the love of his life.

Gwen had not thought about the consequences of the rescue. All she could think about was getting her mother out of the dungeons and out of Camelot. She did not realize that she would be forced to make a choice between a parent she barely knew and the man she loved more than anything else. If she had known, she might have given up right then and there.

Merlin had jumped to the conclusion faster than Arthur and now he guessed Arthur's thoughts. He sympathized greatly with his friend, but all he could do was place a comforting hand on Arthur's shoulder. Arthur acknowledged the action with a friendly nod. Gwen just assumed that Merlin was bracing Arthur for what they were about to do.

Finally, the silence had become unbearable, and Arthur spoke, "You ready?" He looked at Gwen for confirmation, and she nodded. Arthur went over to his drawer and grabbed four cloaks. He gave one to Merlin and another to Gwen. The third he put on himself and the fourth he just held. "Let's go."

Soundlessly the three made their way down to the dungeons. The place was swarming with soldiers, just as they had anticipated. Arthur gave the go ahead nod to Gwen. She pulled the hood over her head, and approached the nearest guard.

The man stiffened when he saw a dark figure whose face was hidden. He kept his weapon to the ready. "What do you want?" The words were barely out of his mouth as Arthur, who had crept up unseen with Merlin dealt him a blow to his head, and the guard collapsed. Merlin and Arthur caught him before he hit the ground and soundlessly laid him on the ground. In a like manner the guards were all disposed of.

Naomi looked up in surprise when she heard foot steps outside her cell. Greater was her surprise still when she saw who it was. "Gwen!" Then she saw the two men behind her. "Prince Arthur? Merlin? What's going on?"

"We've come to get you out, Mother." Gwen told her. Naomi's eyes widened.

"Gwen, you can't..."

"Yes, I can!" Gwen interrupted passionately. "And I will." Naomi started to protest again, but Arthur cut her off with a wave of his hand. Merlin, who had snatched the keys from one of the guards, came forward and quickly unlocked the cell door.

With Naomi in tow, they made their way out of the castle and out of the city. When they reached the outskirts of Camelot, they found a couple of horses waiting for them. Merlin had backed them earlier and left them there.

He reached in his bag and handed Naomi a letter. "You are to go to Elador." he explained. "Ask for Hunith, she's my mother. Give her this letter. It explains everything." Naomi nodded and heartily thanked Arthur and Merlin for all that they had done. "Come, Gwen."

Gwen suddenly realized what that implied. She turned to face Arthur and saw a sadness there that clearly showed he knew this might happen all along. Her heart broke. Could she really leave Arthur behind? If she didn't, then her mother would be alone.

Naomi had already started mounting one of the horses and was oblivious to the anguish and indecision her daughter was suffering from. Merlin, sensing what was a foot, distracted her with instructions on how to reach Elador.

"Arthur?" Gwen whispered, tears running unbidden down her face. Arthur wrapped his arms around her tightly. He kissed her check and ran his fingers through her hair.

"I cannot say that I want you to go, for that would be far from the truth. I want you stay with all my heart, but she is your mother and she needs you. I will not say more. I cannot force your hand."

Gwen nodded. How could she have not seen this coming? It was so obvious, yet she had been blind to what was staring her in the face. She knew she should go with her mother for it was the right thing to do, but she wanted to stay. If she left, she may never see Arthur again.

She knew the chances of marrying him were very slim, but to live without him altogether? The thought was unbearable. Yet, she had to leave. They both knew it.

"Gwen." Naomi called. Gwen and Arthur released each other. "I love you." she whispered, before she went and joined her mother.

Arthur and Merlin watched them leave. Every second that took Gwen farther away from him, only added to his pain. Merlin just stood there not saying anything. He knew better than to trying to comfort Arthur for it would only make things worse. When they were at last out of sight, Arthur and Merlin headed back to Camelot.

They arrived in time to hear the warning bell being rung and the sound of metal against metal. Camelot was under attack.