The Labyrinth of Gedref
Merlin and Marayna huffed quietly to themselves as they followed Arthur and his hunting party into the woods, the men armed with crossbows, the servants forced to carry the animals that had already been struck down. Arthur paused, hearing something, and turned to send two of his knights another way to scout it out, "Merlin!" he hissed, "Mara!"
Marayna huffed, "What is it now?!" she nearly whined.
They'd been at it ALL day. And Arthur knew how much they hated going out on hunts, neither being a big meat-eater having grown up on a farm. They'd been trekking through the woods, he'd made her wear the blasted dress, just because she was going to be around the other knights and 'it wouldn't be proper to wear a tunic and leggings' which only meant that her dress got more and more soiled and was even more that she'd have to clean later. It kept getting snagged on branches and, while she was thrilled that the noise of the branches breaking and her shaking them to get her skirts free alerted the other animals that they were near so they could escape...it was irritating to get stuck every ten feet.
"I don't know," he smirked, "We'll surround it. Merlin, I want you to go in there and flush it out..."
Merlin gave him an incredulous look, "You want me to go in there? You just said you don't know what it is. It could be dangerous!"
Arthur smirked, "Now you know why I'm sending Mara too."
Marayna rolled her eyes, "Nice to know you care Artie."
His eyes narrowed a bit at that, "Just go. "
Merlin sniggered at that, Marayna was the only one he knew who could get away with calling the Crown Prince Artie...much like he was the only one Morgana allowed to call her Gana, not even Gwen was allowed to.
"Come on," he reached out and took his sister's hand, the two of them moving off to sneak through the woods, following the soft crunch of footsteps on the ground ahead of them. They crept over to a bush, pushing aside the large leaves, their eyes widening at the sight beyond, a unicorn standing right in the middle of a small clearing in the woods.
"Oh that's beautiful," Marayna breathed, now pulling him on, out of the spot and towards the unicorn. She paused, eyeing it, noticing a small notch in the horn, 'That's the one that helped me bring Arthur back,' she told her brother.
'Really?' he looked at it, before gently reaching out a hand to touch it, "Thank you then," he said to the unicorn, stroking it as it nuzzled its hand into Marayna's palm, snorting. His smile faded though when he heard the hunters approaching, "Go," he hissed to the unicorn, urgent, "Go! Please, go."
It whinnied.
"Shh," Marayna put a finger to her lips, "Please...they'll kill you."
"Please, go!"
Marayna gasped, spotting Arthur out of the corner of her eye, his crossbow ready, "Arthur, no!"
But it was too late.
Arthur fired, striking the unicorn in the heart, felling it with just one go. Merlin and Marayna watched in horror as it hit the ground, before they too fell to their knees beside it, stroking its head and side, just...trying to do anything and everything they could short of magic to help comfort it as it died. They could feel their throats closing from emotion, being so near...they could hear the horse's pained noises as its life left it. It wasn't an instant kill...the horse was suffering, even if not long, it still WAS.
"We're sorry," Marayna breathed, tears in her eyes.
"So sorry," Merlin agreed.
Arthur just leapt into the clearing, the men cheering behind him, "Ha ha! A unicorn!"
"What have you done?" Merlin shook his head sadly.
"Don't be such a girl, Merlin," Arthur rolled his eyes.
"You are such bloody cold-hearted bastard!" Marayna pushed herself to her feet and literally shoved his shoulder as she stormed past him with both hands, making him stumble but hold up his hands to stop the other knights as they took a step towards her to try and stop her from another 'attack' against the prince. She didn't know where this anger was coming from but...that horse had helped her save Arthur and he'd just killed it. Something so innocent, so pure...dead, stained with blood, because Arthur just wanted to kill any animal he came across, gentle or beast.
It made her sick.
Arthur though, frowned, her words striking him, he'd never seen her that angry before, not even when he'd fired Merlin the first few days she'd arrived. He cleared his throat as his knights shifted, watching Marayna disappeared through the foliage, "Prepare the beast," he ordered the knights, "Keep the horn as a trophy for my father," before he noticed Merlin staring...but not at the direction his sister had gone, in the opposite direction entirely, "What are you looking at?"
Merlin just looked at the cloaked, aged man standing behind Arthur, who disappeared as soon as Arthur turned around.
~8~
Marayna was glowering as Arthur proudly strode through the Main Hall, Merlin forced to carry the horn that had been brutally chopped off the unicorn and placed on a pillow, Marayna outright refusing to even touch the pillow and saddled with the rest of the hunt.
"Father!" Arthur beamed, "A unicorn's horn to grace the walls of Camelot," he gestured Merlin to step up with the horn.
"Magnificent," Uther smirked, standing from his throne, "It's the first one I've seen," he reached out and took it, "Gaius, look at this."
Gaius, who had tensed at the mention of the slain unicorn, looked at it with a grim face, but...knowing Uther expected celebrations...said, "It is very impressive, My Lord."
Uther eyed him, sensing the man's discomfort, "What is it, Gaius? Speak your mind."
Gaius sighed, "Unicorns are rare and mystical creatures. There is a legend that says that bad fortune will come to anyone who slays one."
Marayna stiffened as did Morgana at that news, both of them knowing that this was NOT just a legend, but that it really was a curse of sorts. Well, that explained her reaction to the unicorn's death, her reaction going beyond just seeing the beautiful creature fall. Merlin had always joked she was more intuitive with her magic, more sensitive to the magic being used around her. She'd probably sensed the danger lurking behind the action and just...it was happening again wasn't it?
THAT was what bothered her the most. She and Merlin had such hope for Arthur, that he'd be a better man than his father. They knew that Arthur had likely seen a horse before he saw it as a unicorn, and he'd just been hunting it...but the fact was...danger was going to befall Camelot and it was because of Arthur's actions. How different was it that he would make a decision and it would cause ruin for the kingdom? It was just like Uther and his decision against magic. These Pendragon men...they needed to think before they just reacted! She knew that there was likely no way that Arthur would think anything bad would happen from the slaying of the horse but...it was a magical being and he didn't even seem repentant...he didn't seem sorry, he didn't regret what he'd done and it had to be assumed that something bad would come from killing it. She couldn't imagine that seeing a horse as pure white as the unicorn had been that Arthur wouldn't, in some part of his mind, realize it wasn't a normal horse.
"Nonsense," Uther laughed, looking at the horn once more, "We will be the envy of every kingdom."
Arthur just nodded, smiling, proud, "I'm pleased you like it."
~8~
Merlin sighed as he and Marayna walked through he square with Gaius, "I don't understand how Arthur can have taken any pleasure from killing the unicorn," he muttered.
"Arthur is a hunter," Gaius shrugged, "It's in his blood," before casting a teasing glance at Marayna, "I'm sure you've noticed it in the way he looks at you dear?"
Marayna blushed, not having expected such a remark from her uncle, as Gaius chuckled, oh to be young and in love.
But Marayna had to consider his words, she HAD noticed an almost 'predatory' quality in how Arthur would observe her and the people (men) around her at times, particularly when she was wearing light blue. His gaze always targeted her across a room, zeroing in on her, always darkened when other men came near her, and the way he moved sometimes, to her side, using his full height...he seemed to almost be at a cross between hunting her himself and protecting her from others. It was a strange notion but...one she was starting to find almost...endearing. In a brutish hunter way of course.
"I still think he's an idiot for what he did," Marayna muttered, thinking of the unicorn.
"That's because you and your brother," Gaius pulled her arm through his, "Are something entirely different."
"It was just so...beautiful, uncle, so pure," she sighed, looking at him, "You'd have loved to see it."
"It's a rare privilege. Alas, there are few unicorns still alive."
"You try telling that to Arthur," Merlin grumbled.
"I can imagine it would be difficult."
"Unless you beat it into him," Marayna shrugged, nonchalant. They looked at her, "What?! You can't tell me he doesn't deserve a good wallop from time to time!"
They laughed at that, shaking their heads. She truly would make a rather remarkable wife one day, one who would stand up to her husband and make sure he saw the error of his ways even by force. And as a Queen...well, they both doubted there would be a king or dignitary from any kingdom that would dare challenge her in all her furious might. Merlin snorted at that, her furious might, that would be something even HE would be scared of if she ever turned it on him.
Luckily, she loved him too much to ever be that cross with him, he was her older and favorite brother.
'You're my ONLY brother,' he heard her remark in his mind.
'And therefore, your favorite,' he joked, draping an arm around her shoulders as they walked on.
~8~
Marayna stood at the window to Arthur's rooms, staring out of it as Merlin made a secret rendezvous with Morgana in the courtyard, the woman wanting to know about the unicorn...and probably rant about Arthur killing it...for which Merlin would be needed to calm her before she could kill the prince herself. She couldn't understand it, though, why her gaze kept getting pulled to the fields on the edge of the castle, it was like...something was stirring, something was coming, and it wouldn't be good.
"My horse threw a shoe," Arthur was saying as he sat at his desk, Marayna hearing him but not responding, "Take it to the blacksmith. Make sure he does a good job. And when you've done that, you can polish my s..." he looked over to see her staring, "...saddle," he frowned and sighed, getting up, "Mara? Have you listened to a word I've said?"
"Do I ever not?"
He laughed, "Yes. All the time."
"Then don't ask questions you already know the answer to."
He sighed, "You've got a face like a wounded bear ever since we got back from that hunting trip. Don't tell me you're still upset about the unicorn."
"As much as you're not upset about Rosaline."
Arthur fell silent at that. Rosaline, Sir Lucan's daughter. He'd...done some investigation of his own, when Marayna had brought up the girl, her...age. He hadn't wanted to believe her, naturally, even though he knew and was well aware that she and Merlin had rarely ever lied to him. He'd just had a hard time believing that his father could do that and to his best friend, to a girl that was just...so small. He...DID know that his father had been forced to execute men and women and even children during the Purge, but he hadn't ever thought they were THAT young before. Though, looking back on it, what had he expected his father to do? Wait until a child grew to an older child once they showed signs of magic?
It had been ridiculous to think of but...somewhere in the back of his mind he'd likely not wanted to think of children who had been younger than him at the time being...executed like that. It was one thing to be a five or six year old child and be told that enemies of Camelot were being punished...it was another to learn that a girl three years younger than him was being burned for it. He'd gone to Geoffrey, the only man he could think to ask for records like that without him reporting to his father if he phrased his request in the right way. The records he'd been provided...staggered him.
The sheer number of men and women and children alone had been more than he had ever imagined. At times entire families had been executed merely for having one member that was friends with a sorcerer. He was honestly shocked that Camelot had had any peasants left after her saw the numbers...till he realized at least half were also from the outer villages and even from some neighboring kingdoms that had alliances with them. But still...he'd taken Marayna's words to heart, he'd looked at all the names, all the families and done a small calculation of just...how many still had other family members out there, those that could be potential enemies of Camelot.
He could admit...his father had made a small army's worth of enemies in just those who KNEW a sorcerer let alone the ones that actually were proven to possess magic.
He hadn't been able to look at his father for a week after that, after seeing Rosaline's name there with Lucan listed as her father and her method of execution. He'd kept thinking about the Druid boy as well. He hadn't agreed with his father then either, the boy hadn't harmed anyone, he was just a Druid, he was small and a child and his father, he knew, would have him executed before seeing him returned to his people and it just...unnerved him how blind his father turned when magic was mentioned. He didn't ever want to be that way, especially not when children were involved.
He couldn't count the number of times he'd accidently cut one of his friends when he'd been showing off as a boy, showing them a sword and proclaiming to know how to use it. He couldn't begin to say all the times he'd nudge Morgana or shove her playfully but use too much force and knock her over or hurt her on accident. He was just a CHILD, they had no knowledge of true right and wrong, they didn't know their strength or limits, and they had rubbish control of anything including their own two feet at times. How could a child, even one who had the slightest bit of magic, be targeted and executed for something they couldn't control. If they harmed someone with magic...how was it different from when he'd shove Morgana and hurt her without meaning to? It was different when they were older, when they had control and could make a choice in what they did, consciously hurt someone...but a child?
"That's not fair Mara," he uttered quietly.
She sighed, "I know," she nodded, "I'm sorry."
She knew he WAS upset about Rosaline, he'd come to see her after he'd made the discovery that she'd been speaking the truth...she really did need to speak to him about believing her and Merlin more...but he'd sworn to her that children would be protected, not just Druid boys like Mordred, but...all children, any that possessed magic. If any were found he would do his best to get them out of Camelot and plead with the Druids to take them in, to teach them to control their magic. What they did after that, whether use it for good or evil would be up to them, but at least they'd be punished for a crime they truly intended to commit instead of for something they didn't understand.
It might be dangerous, that plan, it might mean more enemies, more skilled enemies, for Camelot but...he hoped that if HE, the Crown Prince, got them out...perhaps they would feel mercy towards the kingdom. Perhaps it would show them the realm HE hoped to build, where those who deserved a punishment were punished and those who meant no harm were...well, he couldn't say accepted, he WAS still very wary of magic, one didn't go 21 years hearing about its dangers with no consequences but...he could say they wouldn't be killed for passing through. He just hoped that, one day, those he saved would NOT want to kill him or destroy his kingdom.
She turned around, her arms crossed, "I just...I think you shouldn't have killed that unicorn."
"Oh, really? And why is that?"
"It was..." she trailed off, unsure if she should tell him it had helped save him before incase he asked how she'd gotten him up onto its back or anything like that, despite her being 'stronger than she looked' she was NOT that strong as to lift him up onto a horse's back, "It was just...standing there. It wasn't doing anything and YOU attacked it for no reason. What's the point in that? I understand the thrill of a chase, fine, or if it was attacking and you defended yourself...but something that was just grazing? There was no point to do that Arthur."
"We were hunting," he shrugged, "That's what you do. Would you have me bring it home as a pet?"
"And I'M a servant," she countered, "Doesn't mean I'll do EVERYTHING you tell me to does it?"
"You hardly do ANYTHING I tell you to."
"There you go, just because you're hunting doesn't mean you need to kill EVERYTHING that moves!"
He shook his head, not about to get into it with his servant, and pointed at a few small black balls on the floor, "Look at this."
"What?" she huffed, irritated at how he just changed the topic.
"Do you know what that is?"
"Would I have said 'what' if I did?"
"Rat droppings," he remarked, not seeing her stiffen, "My chambers are infested. You need to spend less time worrying about unicorns and more time worrying about rats."
Just then the door burst open and Merlin rushed in, slightly out of breath, though Marayna was certain it had little to do with the run from Morgana's chambers, where she'd seen them heading, to his, "Arthur, the king wants to see you."
Arthur pointed at Marayna, "Find that rat," before heading out.
Merlin looked over at Marayna's pale face, seeing her stiff, her eyes wide and fixed on the floor, ber hack tense, "Rat?"
She nodded and he walked over to her, putting a hand on her shoulder and moving her to sit on the desk as HE got to work looking for it.
~8~
The crops had died, all the wheat in the kingdom just wilted over night which had thrown the realm into chaos by morning, "Any ideas what caused the crops to die?" Merlin looked at Gaius as they watched him perform some tests on the crops Uther had had the knights gather for his research.
"I'm here to complete all the tests," Gaius sighed, already knowing what it was, "No disease I have heard of could spread through the entire kingdom in a single night."
"What could kill all the plants other than a disease?"
"Magic," Marayna answered.
"And it is not killing all the plants. The trees and hedges around the crop fields are unharmed. Unfortunately, you can't eat trees and hedges."
"Well...you COULD," Marayna countered, "But bark and leaves are rather disgusting, and rather hard to digest and..." they looked at her, "I was 3 and curious!" she defended.
"So it's only killing plants we can eat?" Merlin guessed.
"It appears so," Gaius remarked, "Magic is trying to starve the people. Perhaps there is something in the soil and water that can explain it. I can't tell the king it's caused by sorcery until I'm completely certain."
They both looked at each other for that, tell the king magic had something to do with it and there'd be another witch hunt within seconds.
~8~
"Give it back to me!" a man was shouting to another, arguing over the grain rations that were being implemented, while Merlin and Marayna walked past in the village, "It's mine!"
"It's not yours..." another argued.
"Merlin," Gwen gasped, smiling at them when she ran into them on her way to collect some water, "Rayna!" she glanced around before whispering, "Is it true what they're saying about the crops? They're all dead?"
"Afraid so," Merlin sighed, "We may have to start tightening our belts."
Gwen winced, "Morgana's rather cross with Arthur about all this," she set her bucket down by the well, "She thinks that it's because of the unicorn and..." she looked left and right, leaning in to whisper, "Magic."
"Oh she's not the only one," Marayna remarked.
"I'm sure you'll both think of something," she winked at them before turning to pump the water...only for sand to pour out, "Oh no!"
~8~
Merlin and Marayna sat in Gaius's chambers, a bucket of sand between them, their hands on the table, flat, but touching one another's as they both tried to turn the sand to water, the magic book open beside them, "Gréot gecymen, lecan," Merlin began, his eyes flashing.
"Gecymen gé drýe wæter," Marayna tried, her eyes flashing as well when Gaius entered and stared at them.
"We were..." Merlin floundered, caught, "We were just, er..."
Gaius nodded and walked over to them, "I was hoping you might be trying to turn it back into water. I know I've cautioned against using magic, but if ever there was a time to use your talents, it's now."
"Wish we knew how though," Marayna huffed, though she was secretly pleased Gaius seemed to be leaning more towards allowing them to use more magic now, "We've read through a dozen spells already and nothing's worked. Whatever this is...it's magic more powerful than us."
~8~
Getting Marayna to come with him to try and find that cloaked man he'd seen was easier than Merlin thought it would be...but then again, she'd take any excuse not to have to look for the rat again. Unfortunately, they'd just reached one of the exits from the castle when they saw Arthur addressing the guards by the drawbridge nearby, "Patrol the market and the lower town. No one is to leave their homes. Dismissed. Merlin!" he called, seeing them trying to backtrack, "You do realize there's a curfew Mara?"
"Yeah..." Merlin started, "We were in your chambers, hunting for the rat."
"Did you find it?"
"No!" Marayna nearly shouted, before quieting, clearing her throat, "No, we didn't."
Arthur blinked and stared at them, "So you have been outwitted by a rat?"
"They do say rats are very intelligent," Merlin defended.
"More intelligent than you, it would seem."
"You're the one who didn't notice a mouse living in your rooms till you saw the droppings," Marayna pointed out.
He rolled his eyes, "Go home. It'd be embarrassing to have to lock up my own servants for breaking the curfew," he turned, about to start his own patrol...when he spotted a man in a white cloak, the same one Merlin had seen in the woods, walk into the castle, "What was that?"
"What?" Marayna turned around, spotting the man disappearing inside just as Merlin and Arthur took off after him, running towards the castle, Arthur jumping over the courtyard corridor ledge to catch up as they chased the man down sets of stairs and right into the burial vaults.
Arthur looked at his servants, making gestures to them with his hands. Merlin nodded and Arthur left...the two following him.
"That means you go the other way and cut him off!" he hissed to them, glaring.
They just held their hands up in surrender, "Ok," they said, turning to head off in one direction. They wandered a moment or two, ending up back at the staircase but no one was there...when Arthur appeared.
"Where is he?" he demanded.
"We didn't see anyone," Merlin shook his head.
"He was right here! Don't tell me you let him get past you!"
"Arthur, no one passed us," Marayna promised.
"Are you blind?!"
"Are you deaf?" she shot back at him, glaring at how he was shouting at them, "NO ONE passed us!"
"Are you looking for me?" a voice called behind Arthur, they turned to see the man in the white cloak, long-bearded, "I am Anhora, Keeper of the Unicorns."
"Camelot is under curfew," Arthur stepped up, "What's your business here?"
"I have come to deliver a message."
Merlin and Marayna glanced at each other, able to feel the magic rolling off the man.
"And who is this message for?"
"It is for you, Arthur Pendragon."
"Is it you who's responsible for killing our crops, turning our water into sand?"
"You alone are responsible for the misfortune that has befallen Camelot."
"Me?!" Arthur scoffed, angry, "You think I'd bring drought and famine upon my own people?"
Marayna shook her head behind Arthur, honestly, did no one listen to Gaius when he said a curse would fall upon them for slaying a unicorn? Probably not, if Arthur HAD...he'd recall that HE was the one who had slain said unicorn in the first place! Therefore...famine and drought.
"When you killed the unicorn, you unleashed a curse. For this, Camelot will suffer greatly."
"If you have put a curse on Camelot, you will lift it, or you will pay with your life," Arthur aimed his sword at the man, now convinced that he had to be one of the 'evil' sorcerers, to place such a curse on Camelot. He could NOT hold anything but foul intent against the kingdom.
"The curse was not my doing," Anhora didn't even blink at the sword to his chest.
"Undo the curse or face execution!"
"Only you can do that. You will be tested."
"You're under arrest," Arthur stepped to him, but the man disappeared.
"Until you have proven yourself," Anhora called, reappearing at the top of the stairs, "And made amends for killing the unicorn, the curse will not be lifted. If you fail any of these tests, Camelot will be damned for all eternity."
A swirl of wind picked up around the man and he disappeared.
"Sorcery," Arthur glared at the empty spot.
"Arthur?" Marayna called, "Are you just a complete idiot or is there some mental affliction YOU haven't told US about?"
"What?" he demanded rounding on her, glaring, in no mood for anything like that with his people's lives in danger.
"You just threatened to run a man, who MIGHT have had the power to reverse this curse, through...how in the WORLD would threats help? WHY would he even consider helping you after that?" she shook her head, "The laws are so flawed that, IF a sorcerer walked by, able to help, able to end the curse, well then, fine, he uses magic, ends the curse...and then is KILLED for using MAGIC after having just SAVED your entire kingdom! No one in their right mind," she put her hands to her head and threw them out in her frustration, "Would EVER help Camelot because of that. And you," she pointed at his sword, "You brought this on us all just like now, your actions, your pride, and your rashness. Next time, stop and THINK about what you're doing and saying and who you are threatening first!"
And with that, she stormed off, leaving Arthur gaping.
"How does she do that Merlin?" he looked over at the man, shaking his head, "You're her brother, you would know..."
"I really don't," Merlin sighed, "I think it's a woman thing," Morgana had the same way of leaving him speechless...though in a different way than Marayna did Arthur, his sister liked to shout about things...Morgana was much more, erm, subtle and delicate about things, "She has a point though," he remarked, "If he wasn't the one who brought the curse on Camelot and you want him to end the curse, he has to use magic. He uses magic, he's killed anyway. Won't matter that he saved everyone's life, not to Uther."
~8~
"And you believe what this Anhora said about the curse to be true?" Gaius asked as he listened to his wards explain what had happened.
"Well, you said there's a legend that misfortune comes to anyone who slays a unicorn," Merlin shrugged as he took a sip of tea, "It makes sense."
"Not much for breakfast, I'm afraid," Gaius placed two plates before them, "We're down to our last few scraps of food."
"Um...uncle..." Marayna hesitated sipping her tea, sniffing it as she sat on top of the table, her feet on the bench, "This tea...how'd you make it if all the water's turned to sand?"
"Fortunately, for us, Merlin forgot to empty his bath yesterday."
"Oh eww," she grimaced, pushing the cup away.
"You're making tea from my bath water?" Merlin gaped.
"It's not so bad," Gaius smirked, "Perhaps a little... soapy," he sighed and grew serious, "What does Arthur think about the curse?"
Marayna scoffed and rolled her eyes, "Prince Prat refuses to think he could be at fault. He'd much rather blame Anhora for all of it."
"Despite Aya giving it to him last night," Merlin chuckled, it always amused him to see her shout at Arthur and call him out when HE was being an idiot.
"If you do not wish to drink bath water, you better make sure Arthur sees sense," Gaius reminded them.
~8~
Arthur entered his chambers later that day...only to stop short at the sight before him. Merlin was on his knees, his head stuck under the bed, while Marayna sat cross-legged on his desk, "Do I want to know?" he asked them, shutting the door behind him.
"The rat ate through a boot," Marayna remarked, holding up the boot she was trying to mend.
"I guess the rat must be as hungry as the rest of us," Merlin called, his voice muffled.
"You think this is funny?" Arthur crossed his arms.
"Moderately," Marayna nodded.
"Fine that rat," he shook his head, "Mara get off the desk and help him."
"No!" Marayna called, before quieting, "I mean...boot?" she held it up.
Arthur frowned.
Merlin pulled his head out from under the bed and rested his arm on the side of it, "Aya's afraid of mice, remember?"
"It's not even the size of a fist..." Arthur began.
"And yet it can still spook a horse," she muttered, returning her attention to the boot.
Arthur blinked, his eyes widening as he remembered just WHY she was afraid of mice and rats. It had been the cause of her accident as a child...she still liked horses, not blaming them, anything would have been spooked, but she WAS afraid of the mouse that caused it. He smiled softly and walked over to her, grabbing her quickly around the waist and leg, scooping her up into his arms, holding her bridal style, "Never fear fair maiden," he smiled as she squealed in shock and delight when he spun her around, "I'll protect you from the mouse."
"Oh put me down you dunce," she laughed, whacking his arm till he set her on her feet, though it was a very sweet gesture. She'd um...never been swept up like that often, ever really...leave it to Arthur to do it.
"Have you given any more thought to what Anhora said last night?" Merlin glanced over as he got up and continued to look for the rat, pretending he hadn't seen anything as Arthur stiffened, seeming to just remember HE was still there in the room with them, while Marayna moved to sit on a stool to work on the boot.
"Ah," Arthur turned back to him, "Well, he may have escaped last night, but at least we now know who we're looking for. I told my father I'll find this Anhora and put an end to it."
"Arthur," Marayna began gently, knowing how Arthur's temper could get, "Please tell me you at least considered the possibility that he was telling the truth about the curse."
He looked at her, startled, "You think I'm responsible for bringing suffering upon my own people?"
"Yes, I'd say that."
"Not intentionally though," Merlin added, shaking his head at his sister's bluntness, "When you killed the unicorn, I saw Anhora in the forest."
Arthur rounded on him, "Why didn't you say anything?!"
"It was just for a second, and then he disappeared. I didn't even...well, I...I thought I was seeing things. But he was definitely there."
"That doesn't actually prove anything."
"Really?" Marayna gave him a look, she was starting to think it was genetic that the Pendragon men were just thick skulled. Thankfully she'd never have to worry about her own child being the same way, Arthur certainly would, but since she knew the chances of her being Queen, despite what the Dragon said, were slim...that solved that problem, "And you don't think that might mean he was telling the truth?"
"Because he was skulking about in the forest? That makes me trust him even less."
Merlin shook his head, "Why would Anhora appear in Camelot, and then lie to you?"
"We had him cornered. He was trying to talk his way out of it by blaming me."
"Arthur, he can disappear into thin air," Marayna reminded him, "He didn't have to talk his way out of anything."
"My father has warned me about sorcerers like him," he looked at her meaningfully, meaning the sorcerers he believed were using their magic for evil, "They will not rest until our kingdom is destroyed."
Marayna blinked, "And if he truly wanted that...he could have killed us all right then and there. Why waste the opportunity? What better way to destroy a kingdom than by killing the only heir to it?"
"We believe he's telling the truth," Merlin cut in before Arthur could respond.
"Then you're fools," Arthur's eyes narrowed, "You cannot trust a single word a sorcerer like that says. You'd do well to remember that. Now, I think I've figured out what Anhora's next move is going to be, and when he makes it, we're going to be waiting."
Marayna just stared at him a moment, before letting out a frustrated breath and running a hand through her hair...this was going to be a LONG night.
~8~
Merlin was leaning against a pillar near the grain store, his eyes closed, smacking his lips as Marayna, who was sitting with her back against the pillar yawned. Arthur poked her with a broom, "Don't you worry about keeping watch, Mara. You just make yourself comfortable," he twitched as Merlin smacked his lips again, "Stop smacking your lips. It's annoying."
"Stop being a prat," Marayna countered, "It's irritating. We don't always get what we want, princes and peasants alike," she added, before whacking his leg, "And leave him alone, he's just thirsty."
"We're all thirsty," Arthur rolled his eyes.
"Um...Arthur..." Merlin cut in, pointing at something past his shoulder.
Arthur looked over to see someone coming and pulled his sword, turning into the grain store with his servants behind him, sneaking up on the man, "You go over there and come in," he mouthed to them as they nodded and moved to the side, leaving him to turn back to the man, "Show yourself, before I run you through! Who are you?" he demanded a man with a small shovel and bag stepped up.
"My name is..." the man stuttered, "My name is..."
"Speak up!"
"My name is Evan, My Lord."
"I see you think you can help yourself to our grain reserves. My father has order that looters be executed."
"Please, My Lord. I...I do not steal for myself. I have three children they have not eaten for two days. They are hungry."
"It's the same for everyone."
"I...I know that it is wrong to steal. I couldn't bear to see them starve."
"And could you bear for your children to see you be executed?" he eyed the man as he shook his head, close to tears, and sighed, putting his sword away, "Then you should go home. If you're caught stealing again, I will not spare you."
"Yes, My Lord. Thank you!" Evan smiled, setting down his shovel and sack, rushing to leave.
"Wait," Arthur called, picking up the sack of grain and giving it to the man, "Use it sparingly. It might be the last food you and your family get for some time."
Evan looked at the prince in awe, "You have shown yourself to be merciful and kind, My Lord. This will bring its own reward."
Arthur waved him off, the man dashing out, before turning to his servants to see them smiling at him proudly, "What?"
"Nothing," Merlin said quickly.
"Well done sire," Marayna smiled, making Arthur smile as well.
He loved it when she called him sire.
~8~
The kingdom was rejoicing, the water had returned, the sand was gone and water was back! The crops were still mysteriously dying out but the water was back and that was enough to give scores of people hope that whatever was happening might end.
"Never knew water could taste so good," Arthur remarked as he shared quite a few rounds with Marayna and Merlin in his chambers, all of them delighting in the water they were drinking.
"My throat was so dry, I thought I wouldn't be able to talk!" Merlin laughed.
"And don't you dare say that's an improvement," Marayna pointed at Arthur warningly from where se was sitting on the desk, not daring to put her feet near the floor with the mouse still on the loose. It had taken Merlin promising he'd use his magic if necessary just to get her into the room...that and he'd had to carry her to the desk first.
"More?" Merlin held up the jug.
Arthur motioned his mug forward and Merlin filled it, "The sand's disappeared. The water returned to the well. It doesn't make any sense," and then he noticed a look pass between Merlin and Marayna, "I suppose you have some explanation for this, then? Let's hear it."
"Anhora said you would be tested," Merlin shrugged, "And last night, in the grain store, you let that villager go. And he said it would bring its own reward."
"He was merely grateful, and so he should have been."
"Or maybe that was your first test," Marayna supplied, "You passed it, so the curse has begun to lift. Perhaps this is your reward."
"We know you don't have to listen to us..." Merlin began.
"Glad we agree on something."
"BUT," Marayna cut in, "If you need to be careful Arthur, you'll be tested again, you'll have the chance to help the people..."
"So we were thinking...maybe we should seek Anhora out," Merlin added.
"I cannot negotiate with sorcerers," Arthur shook his head, "My father wouldn't hear of it."
Marayna smirked, "Then you probably shouldn't tell him, should you?"
Arthur shook his head, standing up, "I must go check on the guard. See if you can find me some food."
Marayna rolled her eyes as he left when she screamed, spotting the rat climbing out of Arthur's other boot.
"Swealt déor!" Merlin hissed quickly, stopping the rat before he ran to his sister's side and hugged her tightly as she panted, having sworn he'd felt her fear flash through him as though it were his own.
~8~
Unfortunately, food was harder to come by as more villagers from the outlying areas flocked to Camelot for help, scores of people going hungry all over. Merlin and Marayna had helped Gwen sneak some bread out of the kitchens earlier that day for her and Morgana to hand out to the children and elderly, creating a 'magical' distraction for the cooks. Right now though, they were preparing the food for Arthur's dinner, Merlin pouring some meat stew into a bowl for the prince.
"Lost my appetite," Arthur muttered as he stared at the bowl.
"You've got to eat something Arthur," Marayna remarked as she looked out the window.
"I can't. Not while my people are starving," he sighed and looked at his servants, "Do you really believe I'm responsible for the curse?"
"Yes," Marayna said as bluntly as she always did.
Merlin winced, "I'm afraid so."
Arthur sighed, "We're going to the forest, first thing in the morning. Maybe we can pick up Anhora's trail. Whatever it takes."
"We are going to TALK to him yes?" Marayna turned to him, "Not THREATEN him again?"
"Yes, yes," Arthur rolled his eyes.
"Fine, but you have to eat," Merlin egged him on, "You won't be able to help anyone if you're too weak to pass the test."
Arthur took a bite of the stew, frowning, "What kind of meat is this? It has a very strange texture."
"Pork," Marayna called, walking over.
"This isn't pork. It's far too stringy. What is it? It's, erm..." he put the spoon down, realizing what he was eating, "It's rat, isn't it?"
"Yep," Marayna smirked.
"Try not to think about it," Merlin laughed.
"Look at me," Arthur got a dangerous look in his eye, "I'm being rude. Here I am, stuffing my face with this delicious stew when you're hungry too. Come on. Take a seat," he got up and half-forced Merlin into his spot, "Eat."
Merlin hesitated before taking a bite, "It's actually pretty tasty."
Arthur smirked, "Well, I'm glad you like it. Because..." he fetched the pot, "There's plenty more. Mara," he put the pot before her, "Help yourself."
She grimaced, "No thanks," she shook her head, "I'd rather my first taste of meat not be rat."
Arthur blinked and looked at her, "You've never had meat before?"
She shook her head, "We came from a poor village Arthur, meat was scarce at best and the chickens or cows were best used for eggs and milk."
"What did you eat?"
"Potatoes, tomatoes," Marayna shrugged.
"Vegetables," Merlin nodded, "Sometimes cheese and bread..."
"Berries from the forests."
"Mushrooms and..."
Their list was broken by a knock on the door, "Enter," Arthur called as Morgana and Gwen entered, "Morgana?"
"I hate to ask, but I was wondering if you had anything to eat..." she began.
Arthur started to smirk but Merlin jumped up, "No!" he rushed to her, "We have rat," he told her quickly so Arthur couldn't trick her into it.
"Rat?" Morgana blanched.
"My reaction as well,'" Marayna remarked.
"Right well," Morgana nodded, stepping back, "I'll see if the kitchens can spare something," before she headed out.
"Thanks Merlin," Arthur grumbled, hoping he might have been able to get Morgana to eat the stew.
"Sit down and eat your dinner," Marayna called back.
~8~
The brief happiness at the return of the water didn't last long when, the next day, an even worse plague struck. They'd gone to try and find Anhora, ending up separated from Arthur, only to find the man on his knees, his sword beside him, Anhora disappearing moments later. He'd tried to play it off, spin the story to suit himself, how 'Evan' was a bandit, a con, had insulted him and his honor and he'd struck him to defend it.
Marayna had seen right through it, crossed her arms, and said 'So you basically had a tantrum and killed someone?' to which Arthur had gaped at her, especially when she finished off with 'No wonder you failed the test, and of course the people will suffer, he's showing you what will happen to the people without a just king!'
All the tests, being honorable, meant the people were protected. Defending his honor meant he didn't think of the consequences of his actions and what it would mean for his people, that he was more concerned with how HE was viewed instead of deserving the respect he seemed to think he was entitled to. They were all suffering but...at least NOW Arthur seemed to realize that it really WAS his fault.
All the grain had rotted, every last store of it.
Merlin was watching amusedly as Marayna paced in Gaius's chambers, when she sighed, "I know Arthur's stubborn...and pig-headed...and annoying...and arrogant and..." she blinked, looking at Merlin, "I WAS going somewhere with this."
Merlin smiled, "But he cares about his people?" he remarked, "More than he cares about himself."
She nodded, "He won't forgive himself for making his people suffer."
"You must make sure he doesn't do anything rash," Gaius warned them.
"The mood he's in, we don't know what he's gonna to do," Merlin sighed.
"Ready?" Gaius held up some insects.
"Sure they're not poisonous?" Merlin asked as Marayna grimaced and shook her head, passing.
"Quite certain," he picked on up as Merlin did the same, "They say they taste like chicken. Unless we're to starve, we must hope they're right."
They bit into them, Marayna crinkling her nose at them, especially when Merlin turned a little green, "This tastes nothing like chicken."
"Not that we know what chicken tastes like," Marayna remarked.
~8~
Marayna stood beside Arthur on the battlements of Camelot, watching the people continuing to pile into the square, hoping for food, hoping for help. She'd noticed a solemnity to Arthur the past few hours. She knew he'd been summoned to discuss the situation with his father, she could only assume it hadn't gone well.
"They do not know yet know there is worse to come," Arthur muttered.
"What?" Marayna looked at him.
"My father is going to stop distributing food to the people. They are to be left to starve."
She nodded and reached out, rubbing his arm, "I'm sure you tried to stop him."
He shook his head, "I had a chance to stop the curse as well...and I failed."
Marayna was silent a moment, "I'm not going to say it's not your fault just 'cos you didn't know you were being tested," she began as he turned to look at her, looking a cross between shocked she'd say that and relieved that she wasn't going to lie to him, "Because you DID know. Merlin and I told you, repeatedly. But you didn't listen Arthur. You NEVER listen."
"Mara..."
"I know that we're servants," she cut in, "But that's just it. We're servants. Everyone ignores us, they say things around us they wouldn't normally because they don't even notice us half the time. We hear things. We see things that you can't. So when we TELL you something, please, just ONCE actually LISTEN to us. You don't have to tell anyone who told you, hell you can launch your own investigations but Arthur...we will never lie to you to hurt you. So don't assume that what we say we're saying in spite or ignorance."
He nodded, "I understand."
"Good," she nodded, before turning back to the people, "Now, how are we going to help our people?"
He blinked, "OUR people?"
She looked back at him, "They may be YOUR subjects, but most of them are peasants, makes them MY people as well. Therefore," she gestured between the two of them, "OUR people."
He watched her cross her arms and look back down at them and, in that moment, the way she was standing, so determined, so caring, how she'd called them OUR people...it had made him think, just for a moment, what she'd be like wearing a proper gown, a noble's gown, standing there beside him with a crown on her head, the crown of the queen...
He shook his head, and looked back at the people, finally able to admit, "The people are starving. Camelot is on the verge of collapse. And it is all my doing."
"Yes it is," she added
He winced, but knew he should expect that. Marayna wasn't the sort of woman to sugar coat things, she would tell you exactly what it was like, no matter what or how bad it was, he suspected he needed that from time to time, someone to point out when he TRULY made a mess of things.
~8~
Merlin and Marayna snuck into the woods, Morgana with them, determined since she'd learned of her magic to be more a part of their escapades, regardless of the danger it would pose to her if she were caught not just with servants but consorting with sorcerers.
"Anhora!" Merlin called, "Show yourself! Anhora!"
There was nothing there, just the dark.
Marayna paused, thinking, "Anhora!" she tried, "Emrys and Reesa summon you!"
"My Lord," Anhora called behind them, nodding at them respectfully, "My Ladies, you wanted to talk with me?"
"We've come to seek your help," Marayna began.
"The people are starving," Morgana added, "They will soon be dead."
Anhora nodded sadly, "You must believe me when I say it gives me no pleasure to see your people suffering."
"If it pains you, why can you not end it?"
"It is not in my power to lift the curse."
"Then give Arthur another chance," Merlin pleaded.
"He has finally accepted it is his responsibility," Marayna told him, "And he will prove himself worthy and lift the curse if you give him just one more chance."
Anhora eyed them a moment, the three most powerful magic users their world would ever see...just at their beginnings. He knew, one day, they wouldn't have needed to come to him about the curse, together they would be able to break it themselves. But they had only just begun to explore their magic and they WERE looking to him for help, there was little he could truly do to deny the three of them such a request, "You have faith in Arthur?"
"We trust him with our lives," Marayna nodded.
"Arthur must go to the Labyrinth of Gedref. There he will face a final test. If he fails, there is no hope. The curse will destroy Camelot," he disappeared.
"Wait!" Merlin called, "What kind of test will he face?"
"That is for Arthur alone to discover," Anhora's voice whispered across their minds.
"Oh my god," Marayna groaned, "He's almost worse than the lizard!"
~8~
"Really?" Marayna crossed her arms as she and Merlin watched Arthur packing for his travels in his chambers, "Are you OUT of your mind?"
"Let us come with you," Merlin agreed with his sister that Arthur's decision to go alone to the labyrinth was insane, "You don't know what form of test will take. We might be able to help."
"You're not coming," Arthur stated, "I brought this curse upon Camelot. I'm gonna be the one to lift it, or die trying."
"Oh yes right," Marayna rolled her eyes, "So it's the Black Knight all over again is it? How does you dying help anyone?"
"I'll die knowing I did everything I can."
"We're coming with you," Merlin said firmly.
Arthur turned to them, "Merlin, Mara, you are to stay here, and help the people as best you can. Is that understood?" he didn't even give them the chance to respond before he stormed out of his rooms.
Merlin and Marayna shared a look, "Does he REALLY expect us to listen to him?" she asked her brother.
Merlin just smirked and took her hand, pulling her out of the room after Arthur.
~8~
They had managed to follow Arthur into the woods without him seeing, right to a labyrinth, rushing in after him...only to lose him rather quickly, managing to stay together as they held hands.
They turned a corner and stopped short, seeing Anhora before them, "You said Arthur would face a test. And here you are, preparing a trap for him."
"The trap isn't for Arthur," Anhora frowned, "It is for you. Gehæftan."
Merlin and Marayna gasped as vines shot out from the hedges and grabbed them, restraining them and pulling them back...
~8~
Arthur stopped short as he found his way to the middle of the labyrinth...which was somehow now the edge of the sea. But it wasn't the fact that there was a sea in the middle of a magical labyrinth that stopped him dead, it was the fact that Merlin and Marayna were sitting at a table on the shore, Anhora nearby, Merlin on one side, an empty chair across from him, with Marayna between both chairs.
"Mara?" he moved closer, "Merlin?"
"Sorry," Merlin winced.
"Let them go," Arthur glared at Anhora, "I'll take your test, but not till they're released."
"That is not possible," Anhora sighed, "They are part of the test. Please sit. If you refuse the test, you will have failed and Camelot will be destroyed."
Arthur grudgingly moved to take the empty seat, "I thought I told you to stay at home."
Marayna scoffed, "I am not your wife, you don't get to order me around."
"You are my servants though," he countered, trying to ignore the ping in his heart at the mention of her not being his wife, "Let's get on with it."
Anhora nodded and came to stand across from Marayna, "There are two goblets before you," he gestured at one before Arthur and Merlin, "One of the goblets contains a deadly poison, the other goblet, a harmless liquid. All the liquid from both goblets must be drunk, but you must decide which of you will drink and it must be done from a single goblet."
"What kind of ridiculous test is that?" Arthur glared as Merlin and Marayna exchanged a look, "What does that prove?"
"What it proves is for you to decide. If you pass the test, the curse will be lifted."
"Let's think about this," Merlin cut in, "What if...I drink from my goblet first?"
"Then you'll die if it's the poison," Marayna shook her head.
"And if it's not, then Arthur'll have to drink from his, and he'll die."
She frowned, "There's got to be some way around this."
"It is perfectly simple," Arthur remarked, "One of us has to die. We have to find a way to determine which goblet has the poison. And then I'll drink it."
"I will be the one to drink it, thank you," Marayna glared at him.
"This is my doing. I'm drinking it Mara."
"YOU're the future king you prat! You NEED to live. You're more important than me!"
"Not to ME you're not," Arthur said fiercely.
"Um..." Merlin hesitated, "Could you both stop acting like an old married couple?"
"What if...I try Merlin's first," Marayna continued, waving her brother off, "If it's not poisoned, then I drink yours too?"
"He said we're only allowed to drink from a single goblet. I had no idea you were so keen to die for me."
"Neither did I," Merlin eyed her.
"It's not like I'd be missed much," she shrugged, continuing before the boys could argue, "One life for a kingdom? That's a bargain."
Arthur fell silent, looking at them both, at the two who had followed him, despite his orders, just to...be there with him and help him face the challenges set for him, "I'm glad you are here," he admitted with a sigh.
"I've got it!" Merlin cheered, "Right, we pour all the liquid into one goblet and then we can be sure it is poisoned. Then I can drink all the liquid and it will be from a single goblet!"
"You never cease to surprise me. You're a lot smarter than you look."
"Is that actually a compliment?" Marayna smirked.
"Look out!" Arthur cried suddenly, pointing behind Merlin. He and Marayna turned to look, as Arthur took the two goblets, pouring them together and readying to drink it.
"No!" Marayna stood, "I will drink it!'
He looked at her softly, "As if I'd let you."
"You can't die," Marayna shook her head, tears in her eyes, "This isn't your destiny."
"It seems you're wrong again."
"Listen to me!"
"I'm sorry," he smiled sadly, "I've broken the promise already," he reached out and took her hand, "Look after our people," he whispered before drinking it.
"Arthur!"
"No!" Merlin leapt up as well, "What have you done?"
"Arthur!" Marayna ran forward as Arthur fell off his chair, unconscious, "No!"
Merlin knelt at his side as well, trying to shake him awake, his heart breaking for his sister, "Arthur. Arthur. Come on! Arthur, come on. Come on. Come on! No...come on."
"Please," Marayna turned to Anhora, "Please! Just...let me take his place!"
"This was Arthur's test, not yours," Anhora shook his head.
"You've killed him!" Merlin breathed, "I was meant to protect him!"
"He is not dead," Anhora smiled, "He's merely consumed a sleeping draught. He will come round shortly."
They blinked, "What?"
"A unicorn is pure of heart. If you kill one, you must make amends by proving that you also are pure of heart. Arthur was willing to sacrifice his life to save yours," he looked between them, "He has proven what is truly in his heart. The curse will be lifted."
~8~
Marayna and Merlin rode on Bartok, the horse Marayna had selected to help them chase after Arthur in the woods, as Arthur led them back to Camelot, seeing the townsfolk cheering, all happy, "Merlin, Marayna, Arthur, there is good news!" Gaius cheered, heading over as they dismounted, "The crops are growing once again! They are bringing in the harvest!"
They smiled at Arthur, "You did it," Merlin patted him on the back.
"Well done sire," Marayna beamed.
"Is this your doing?" Uther looked at his son, before having to add, "Is the sorcerer dead?"
"He won't be troubling us anymore," Arthur replied instead.
"Good. Make sure the grain reserves are re-stocked."
"I'll see to it. There's something we must do first," Arthur nodded Merlin and Marayna off.
~8~
Arthur turned, taking the unicorn horn and placing it on a burial mound he'd made in the woods, "I should never have ended your life," he murmured to it, resting a hand on top of it in respect, "I'm sorry."
"Arthur?" Marayna called as the boys began to lay stones over the grave, pointing past them.
They turned to look, spotting the unicorn, the notch in its horn, in all its glory, alive once more.
"Brilliant!" Merlin cheered as Marayna threw her arms around Arthur and hugged him tightly, the unicorn whinnying and running off into the forest.
~8~
"When he who kills a unicorn proves himself to be pure of heart, the unicorn will live again."
A/N: Poor Marayna and the rat :( But aww, Arthur being the 'hero' for her :) I really wanted someone to point out to Arthur a bit more than Merlin had how his actions had consequences and to also make him aware of how double-edged the laws were, to be willing to use magic to save Camelot and then be executed for using magic...to save Camelot.
I think it was a little of Marayna's own irritations about her and Merlin peeking out there, to be capable of helping so much and not be able to do anything because of the laws :(
Some notes on reviews...
I can say Arthur will learn about magic earlier in than in the show yup ;) But I won't say when, I can promise it'll be before Series 5 though :)
Arthur will still call Gwen Guinevere, but it'll be more of a sort of reversal thing, like...he only gives nicknames to the ones he is truly sweet on/cares for, so Guinevere is him being formal and not close as close to her as in the show :)
I think Arthur will aspire to be a bit like him yup ;) I can say we'll see Lucan again one day :) And thanks! I just felt like Lucan was what every good man/knight should be :)
Arthur will never trust his father when it comes to children and magic, I can say that, he'll be very determined to help the children, so at least one good thing came out of Uther's dark deeds, his son is a better man because of the mistakes his father made :)