Hey!
Here is a new chappie xD I am sorry for the long wait (agaiiiiiin, I know, woops…), and I hope this will compensate it (this chapter isn't long but I couldn't add more, because I felt I couldn't divide in two the next big part of the story…you'll see xD).
Thanks to my fantastic reviewers, fastreader12 (your review was the reason I spent the last hours working on this to be able to post it quicky), Nataly SkyPot (gracias J), TobiasBoon (yay! Neither can I!), IndiaMoore (thanks thanks thanks) and Spaarky199 (simple but really nice xD)! To all of you: keep revieing, and enjoy!
The wards were falling. Merlin could feel them crack above his head, slowly but surely collapsing against the dark magic. The thin invisible dome was shattering against the black tendrils of magic banging against it.
The druid camp was in a frenzy. Everyone was running about to find a weak spot in the wards and try to patch it up. The druids were spread around the camp, their hands outstretched upwards and their golden eyes firmly set on their objective. The smallest kids were frowning in concentration, mumbling old magic charms. But their magic was tiring, the aggressing magic was too powerful.
Merlin quickly prodded at his magic, and was surprised to find it fully recovered so rapidly. He shook his head, refocusing, before raising his arms towards the wards. He delved into his powers, gathered them into his hands and released them with a flash of his eyes. Golden magic flew up into the dome, which immediately looked stronger. Merlin smiled. It felt good to be able to use magic without having to worry about being discovered.
To his and the druids' despair, the wards quickly began to collapse again because of the dark tendrils.
He exhaled before focusing and letting his magic flow out of his body and into the wards again. This time he did not stop pouring out his magic, and was again surprised at seeing it back to standard levels: his resources felt strong and nearly endless. He grinned a little – it had been too long since he had last felt this good. Moriarty and Morgana were going to pay back his days spent in the cells, his magic bound and hurt, forced to watch Arthur fade away.
Come on, a little more…there.
He lowered his arms before looking up at the wards. They brightly glowed ; an ethereal but strong protection stood above the druid camp.
The druids around him ceased incanting and looked at each other with a relieved smile. Sherlock, who had ran after him when he had zoomed out of the tent, nodded at him, a proud gleam in his eyes. Merlin grinned before frowning. What were Morgana and Moriarty planning?
"You will go and set up an ambush in the plains of Niht. The Semlohians will walk through them just before dawn. You will attack and kill them all. I don't want prisoners."
The head knight of Essetir was kneeling in front of Moriarty's throne, his head bowed as he listened to the king. His eyes were glazed over - just as every other Essetian, the head knight was possessed and would obey his Queen and her puppet. Right now, the puppet was speaking, and he was nodding to his every word, showing his total and irreversible submission to him – that was only second to that the possessed Essetians held for their Queen.
"On a second thought, I would like you to capture my cousins and that dumb King of Camelot. I want to have some fun with them before they die." It was obvious even to the possessed man Moriarty was refraining from letting out a maniac cackle.
The knight bowed again before leaving to gather the soldiers and leave for Niht. The full forces of Essetir would be ready to slaughter the filthy Semlohians by morning.
Unbeknown to Moriarty, Morgana smirked as she listened from in the shadows of the dark throne room.
After his brother's display of raw power, Sherlock was asked by a worried Iseldir to follow him into the main tent. He entered the room to find his brother, John and King Arthur gazing apprehensively at an old druidess. He observed his surroundings for a short moment. The tent was large, but not too much; it felt just right. The walls were made of thick rich red tapestries, in which were delicately sewn shining protective runes. A ancient-looking wooden round table with carved druidic symbols and a set of stools were the only furniture in the room. Despite this, it felt welcoming and warm. Sherlock nearly smiled, unconsciously relaxing in the peaceful atmosphere, but his years spent repressing and not showing his feelings prevented him from letting down his neutral mask. He sat down on a stool at Merlin's right.
Iseldir went to sit at his brother's left before speaking up.
"I have grave news. Our Seer has foreseen a great battle between Semloh and Essetir, started by an ambush that will kill many. According to her vision, this battle will take place someday soon at dawn."
"It will be tomorrow at first light", Merlin cut in. "My mother, Hunith, must have managed to convince Mycroft to quickly come rescue Arthur and me. The travel from Ealdor to Semloh takes three days and marching troops would take two days to get to Essetir, which means Semloh's troops will cross the border tomorrow."
Sherlock nodded to support Merlin's estimations.
The druidess spoke up.
"As for the place of the battle, I have seen desert plains, with charred remnants of trees." The druidess shivered. "I had never seen such desolation. No birds, no trees, not a sound except for the howling wind. Moriarty's reign has destroyed this land. He must be stopped."
A short silence fell over the small assembly
Sherlock announced. "The plains of Niht, at the Eastern Border between Semloh and Essetir. It fits your description and Mycroft would have taken that path, as it is the quickest way for large troops. A small number of soldiers would have cut through the Northern forest, but a larger number needs space." He rolled his eyes. "Mycroft's idea of a rescue party must be sending in the whole army of Semloh." He whispered to Merlin. "Overprotective brother."
Merlin smiled at him before standing up and looking at Iseldir.
"I am leaving to warn Mycroft. I cannot let the men walk into a trap. I will fight alongside my people, and call in the dragons."
Sherlock and Arthur jumped up and spoke at the exact same time.
"I am going with you."
Merlin hid a smile as they eyed each other with respect.
John joined in, standing up as well.
"I am not missing a chance to kick Moriarty's backside. You can count me in."
"You can also count on the druids." Iseldir added. "We have an opportunity to fight for Albion and gain our long-sought freedom." Arthur looked down. "King Arthur, the druids do not hold you responsible for the Purges. You never did any wrong to the magical community."
After a few seconds of silence, Merlin spoke up.
"Sherlock, Arthur, John and I are going to meet up with Mycroft and warn him of the ambush. The druids can prepare here. I will contact you, Iseldir, through mind-speech, and the druids will teleport in the middle of the battle. That way we will have the advantage of taking Moriarty by surprise."
Iseldir nodded before leaving the tent to announce the upcoming battle to the druids.
Sherlock added. "Our troops will not turn around. The attack will take place, but with our own rules. Moriarty has reigned for too long. And this will be his last battle."
Hope you liked it and review :)