Vivienne was standing on the balcony of the castle when the army returned, all of them looking dejected, Uther was at the front of the them, the solders peeling away as they moved off to the sides to dismount. Next to Uther she saw Arthur, but found her eyes frantically searching for her other son. Then she saw him, near the back of the group, next to him Morgana, and next to her, another knight, this one wearing the colours of the house of Glorious. Unbelievable, of the entire residents of the castle? Only two survived? As quickly as she could she ran into the castle, to make her way down to the them.
"here, let me help" said Merlin as he helped the silent Morgana down from her Unicorn. A stable hand appearing a moment later to take its reigns and lead it away. Morgana glanced at him, not letting his hand go. Behind her Percival also dismounted his horse, looking at Merlin.
"thank you for staying with her" he said with a bow. Merlin reached out with his free hand and placed it on Percival's arm.
"Thank you for getting her away safely" he replied.
"you're dismissed now Percival" Morgana whispered, a hint of anger in her voice. Percival looked at her, then bowed, walking away.
"Don't be so hard on him Morgana" Merlin said.
"Don't tell me what to think" she snapped. Hurt crossing Merlin's features as she snapped her hand away.
"Morgana?" the woman looked over as Vivienne ran over to her, arms wide. Morgana fell into the embrace.
"Oh my dear child" Vivienne said, stroking her head as she led Morgana away. Merlin watching as his mother led her up the steps and into the castle. With a sigh he turned and began to unbuckle his armour.
"How is she?" asked Arthur walking up behind him.
"Upset, angry, denying its happened" Merlin replied.
"She'll be okay" Arthur said. Merlin turned to him.
"I know, but it's not going to happen overnight" he said. Arthur noticed his brother's expression, and frowned.
"Something's bothering you" he said.
"No, I'm fine, just worried about Morgana" Merlin replied, looking over as another stable hand appeared, to take the reigns of his Unicorn. Arthur nodded in understanding, and clapped Merlin on the back before the two brothers walked slowly towards the castle.
Morgana lay in the bed that had been hastily prepared for her, looking out the window, Vivienne sitting on it, stroking the back of her hair softly. Morgana was no longer crying, instead she had settled into an even more disturbing silence. Vivienne looked up as the door knocked, then slowly opened, Uther walking into the room quietly.
"How is she?" he asked gently. Vivienne shook her head sadly as she continued to stroke Morgana's hair. Uther nodded and moved around the bed to kneel down in front of her, her eyes following his movement.
"You should try to rest a little" he said.
"I can't" she replied. "Every time I shut my eyes… I see them, burning, screaming" she said. Uther nodded and took her hand gently in his.
"I cannot imagine the pain your feeling at the moment, but remember Morgana, you are not alone here, there are people here who care about you" he said. Morgana smiled at him, gripping his hand.
"I know" she replied. Uther nodded and smiled at her, before leaning forwards and kissing her on the forehead. Slowly he stood and nodded at Vivienne.
"I will stay with her" she said.
"Of course" he replied, then with a final look at Morgana he walked out.
Uther was closing the door when he saw Merlin walking up the steps quickly and turned to him.
"Merlin?" he asked softly.
"I just wanted to see how she was" he replied. Uther smiled at him.
"I think perhaps the best thing she needs at the moment is rest" he said. Merlin nodded at him, and with a look at the door, turned and followed his father as he walked up the hallway.
"Balinor can't be allowed to get away with this" Merlin suddenly said.
"I know, and he won't. When the time comes he will pay tenfold for what he has done" Uther said. "But for now, the best thing any of us can do is to just try to get some rest" he said.
"I don't think I could sleep, even though I want to" Merlin admitted.
"then we're of a like mind" Uther admitted. "I don't think there will be any sleep for us this night" he said. Merlin nodded at him then paused, Uther looking at him.
"I'm just going to stand on the balcony, get some air" he said. Uther nodded at him.
"Of course, goodnight Merlin"
"Goodnight Father" Merlin replied, watching as Uther made his way down the stairs. Slowly Merlin turned and walked into the Audience chamber and from there, out onto the balcony. He stopped and held the stone railings, letting the wind blow across his face, closing his eyes as he did so.
"It's so much simpler from up here isn't it?"
Merlin looked over, seeing Gwaine standing beside him. Merlin nodded and looked away.
"simpler yes, easier, no" he replied shaking his head. Gwaine turned so he too was looking out across the city.
"Its amazing, what people think they can achieve, and then they go and they achieve it" Gwaine said. "Take this city, fifty years ago, this was nothing, just fields, now look at it" he said.
"Is there a point to this?" asked Merlin softly. Gwaine laughed, causing Merlin to look at him.
"Not really, mindless drivel from a mad man" he replied, then his eyes seemed to light up. "Or maybe you just need to look under the surface, see the meanings below the words to make sense of it all" he said.
"Now you're starting to sound like Anhora" Merlin told him.
"That old fuddy duddy? Now I am insulted" Gwaine replied, then he placed a hand on Merlin's shoulder.
"All I'm asking Merlin is that you think before you act" he said, turning away. Merlin watching him go.
"Obviously you've never been in love before" he muttered, then slowly he turned away and then he too walked inside.
The Audience chamber was cold as he entered, it and also in darkness, but it didn't bother him. At the end of the room by the door he could see the two guards alert, and at the ready for any intruder, not that Merlin needed guards of course, but he was slightly alarmed when with a sudden bang the doors slammed shut. Outside he heard the two guards banging, but the door would not budge. There was another slam from his right where the door to the balcony had also slammed closed. He ran to it, pulling at it to get it open but it would not budge. Behind him there was a sudden gust of air and he turned, pulling his sword free as he did so.
"Hello Merlin" said Balinor, stepping forwards, Morgause and Hunith also with him. "I told you I'd be seeing you soon"
Vivienne and Morgana both looked up as a huge slam echoed through the castle.
"What was that?" asked Morgana, gripping Vivienne's hand.
"I don't know" she replied.
Nimueh burst from her chambers, nearly colliding with Gwaine as she did so.
"Balinor" she said. Gwaine nodded.
"I know" he replied, the two of them running towards the Audience chamber. As soon they arrived they could see the two guards, Uther and Arthur as well both pressing on the doors.
"Quickly" hissed Uther. They ran forwards, both of them taking deep breaths, pushing with their magic.
"This is strong" said Gwaine through gritted teeth.
"We can do it" Nimueh replied.
"What the hell do you want here" Merlin said as he circled around Balinor.
"Just to talk, nothing more" he replied.
"Really? The last time we met you did leave me and my friends at the mercy of your Serket's" Merlin snarled.
"And yet here you are. I must admit, you really do possess an uncanny ability to be lucky" Balinor told him. "Morgause!" he called. A moment later Merlin's sword went flying across the room, ripped from his hand. Merlin looked over at the woman, who stared back defiantly.
"Now that's better" Balinor said.
"I have nothing I could ever want to say to you" Merlin spat at him. Balinor shrugged.
"As stubborn as your father I see" he said.
"If you've hurt him…"
"Oh no, not at all, actually, you'll find that I only really want you to give him a message" he said.
"The door won't hold much longer" Morgause warned. Balinor smiled and looked at Merlin, even as he reached forwards, gripping Merlin. Merlin kicked out, Balinor catching his foot expertly, and pulling it back so Merlin slammed down hard on the floor. Merlin looked up at him, trying to roll out of the way, Balinor laughed, and grabbed the back of his tunic, hauling him back on to his lifted knee. The pain was intense, and Merlin found himself falling to his hands and knees, even as Balinor circled him, he kicked out, catching Merlin in the ribs, the young prince gasping for air. Balinor laughed again, then kicked out, Merlin crying out as the foot connected with his elbow. He fell to the floor, blood dripping from his mouth, trying to punch out Balinor grabbing his fist, twisting it sharply.
"You are the message" Balinor whispered, as he himself punched Merlin, over and over in the face.
"Uther may think he's safe here in this citadel. But I can reach you whenever I want" he whispered, then with a final roar he slammed Merlin against one of the stone pillars there was a crack as Merlin hit it, before he slumped to the floor in a heap, his face bruised, his body broken. A moment later the doors burst open.
"Ahh Uther, sorry, can't stop and chat" Balinor said, before he, Hunith and Morgause all vanished. Uther looked confused, then startled as Arthur ran past him, to a figure lying on the floor motionless.
"Merlin? Merlin?" Arthur was repeating over and over slowly. Uther took a step forwards, then fell to his knees.
Vivienne and Morgana looked up as the door opened Leon running in.
"Sorry for the intrusion, but you're needed in the pharmacy" he said. Vivienne stood, alarm on her face.
"Why? What's happened?" she asked, dreading the answer.
"It's Merlin" he replied. Morgana was standing now.
"What? What happened?" she asked. Leon looked at her.
"I think its best you come, Gaius does not think he can help him" he said softly. The two women wasted no time, instead running from the room, Leon behind them.
They burst into the Pharmacy, finding it already crowded, Gaius and Alice fretting over Merlin's body. Uther and Arthur both crying, Nimueh and Gwaine doing what they could to heal the prince.
"My boy. What happened to my son!" Vivienne roared as she approached, Arthur grabbing out at her. She pulled away, her face going pale. Merlin's body was just a giant bruise, marred with cuts and weeping wounds. Beside her she heard Morgana gasp.
"no.. please not him too" she whispered.
"Gaius?" asked Vivienne softly.
"I'm sorry, I've done what I can to make him comfortable. These wounds are so severe they're beyond even the strongest healing magic's." he said softly.
"Sure you can do something" she said, turning to Nimueh.
"We are, but he was too near death when we got to him. All we can do is remove the physical marks" she said.
"Than do it!" she screamed.
"We are my lady" Gwaine assured her.
"Who did this?" she demanded.
"Balinor. It was Balinor" Arthur said softly.
"Yet another atrocity he has to pay for" Vivienne snarled.
"Enough!" yelled Gaius. "I do not know how long he has, but I do know hearing is one of the last things to go, so instead of screaming I suggest we all… say goodbye" he said, his voice catching.
"no… no I refuse!" Vivienne said storming out, Uther going after her. Morgana moved over to Arthur, who put his arm around her.
"Please there must be someway" she said. Nimueh looked at Gwaine, then slowly moved away. A moment later Uther walked back in, Vivienne sobbing as she followed. Slowly Arthur stepped forwards, kneeling down, taking his brother's hand.
"I don't know if you can hear me or not, but, please don't go. I need you. I don't care about the kingdom, or any of that, I'll give it all up but please, don't leave me" he said softly. "Besides, you're getting married remember, so Morgana will need you too, and you know how she gets when she's annoyed" he carried on. "Just stay with us okay. We love you… so don't you give up. Got it?" he said. "I'll be here, waiting for you alright" he finished, slowly letting Merlin's hand go. then he stood, and moved back, Alice putting her arm around him as he began to cry. Vivienne moved forwards, stroking his hair as she had done Morgana's earlier.
"Hello Merlin" she said softly. "I hope you're not in pain. And I hope you know that I love you, with all my heart and soul. But please, if you can. If there's even a chance, please fight Merlin, fight this, for us. Because we need you. All of us" she said softly. "But whatever happens, you are and always will be the light of my life" she told him. Looking up as Uther knelt down next to her.
"I wish I had the strength to go through this" Uther said, Vivienne gripping his hand. "but there are some things beyond even me. I love you Merlin, and you must never forget that" he said. "You have made me so proud, you have made me laugh, you have made me mad, but most of all, you have made me so happy having you in my life" he said, then he broke down. Vivienne leant forwards kissing him, as did Uther, before they moved away to join Arthur. Morgana looked at them, and Uther nodded. Slowly she moved forwards, kneeling down beside him.
"I'm so sorry for pulling away from you" she said. "I know, we didn't have a lot of time together, but I thought we would have years. I always loved you, from when we were children, playing in the garden, right through to the night we were betrothed. And I knew I would never be able to ask for a more dedicated, kind husband than the you. I love you and there will never be another. So I ask this if you must leave... your parents have taken me in with open arms in this world. Let mine care for you in the other" she said. "And remember I love you more than anything" she finished, then leant forwards, kissing him gently on the lips. Merlin seemed to give a contented sigh, then fell still. Morgana looked at Gaius who leant forwards, he checked for a few seconds, then shook his head sadly.
"He is gone" he said softly. Behind him Vivienne let out a harsh sob, turning to Uther. Arthur was looking around, seemingly lost, Morgana moving to him a moment later, allowing him some small comfort.
"Rest well my prince" Gaius muttered.
"People of Camelot, as you have heard, we were attacked last night by Balinor" Uther said as he addressed the kingdom the following day. Beside him on the balcony, Vivienne stood, gripping the railings, Morgana and Arthur next to her, holding hands tightly, and next to them, a quiet Nimueh.
"As a result of this attack, my son, your Prince, Merlin, was killed" he continued. There was an anguished murmur through the crowd. "As you all know…." Suddenly he turned away. Vivienne putting an arm on his back, as she whispered something to him. He nodded finally turning back, but it was obvious he was crying.
"As you all know, he was much loved not only by his family, but by the people he swore to protect. For those of you who wish to pay your respects, his body shall be laid in state for one week. For those of you who wish to mourn him in your own way, you may also do so, but I ask all of you remember your prince. " he then turned and walked away, the rest of the family following.
Arthur had taken the solemn duty of greeting the people as they came to pay their respects, feeling, above anything else he owed at least that much to his brother. Leon had offered to take his place twice as the day wore on, both times, Arthur flatly refusing. Summoning up thanks for those who tried to console him. All of it a blur in his mind. This went on for several hours the first day, until finally as the sun began to set the great doors to the chamber were closed, leaving Arthur standing with his brother, At the end of the room however, Leon and Lancelot both stood, unwilling to leave Arthur alone now after what had transpired. Slowly Arthur moved forwards, putting his hand on his brother's chest.
"Why did you leave me?" he whispered.
"I forbid it!" Gwaine roared at Nimueh as they stood in her chambers. Nimueh, unaccustomed to having her word challenged by anyone but the king, stared daggers at him.
"Look at them Gwaine!" she yelled. "look at how this has effected them!" she shouted, pointing at the window.
"Merlin's death is tragic, but you are treading dangerously close to the dark arts now Nimueh!" he roared back.
"And I will tread even closer. We can save him, we can bring him back, but for your superstitious nonsense!" she yelled. "We can undo the evil that has been so unjustly wrought here, yet you would hide behind hollow rumours and hearsay!" she said. Gwaine stepped forwards, glaring down at her.
"The cup of life is not something to be used just because it can be! You are a high priestess of the old religion! You know you cannot return a life without the taking of another!" he yelled.
"Then what would you have us do Gwaine? The cup can end this unnecessary mourning!"
"And at what cost? Yes you would bring the prince back, put who pays in his stead? Arthur? Uther? Vivienne? Who?" he said.
"Do not talk to me of cost! You, who hid for nigh on fifteen years!, you who hid in the shadows of his own little world!" she yelled. "What do you know of cost?"
"I know a great deal! You believe I did not suffer in my exile? That I wanted to remain forever apart from you?" he was angry, she could see it by the tightening of his features. "I gave up more that day than I ever believed I would, so do not lecture me Nimueh!" he spat. She turned away from him, then looked back at him.
"you may not agree with this action, but as court sorcerer to the king, I have a duty to inform him"
"Even if that means someone else must die?" Gwaine hissed. Nimueh stalked to the door and opened it.
"Yes Gwaine, even then" she said. Gwaine shook his head, glaring at her through narrowed eyes.
"Go then, tell him, but let the consequences of your actions be on your shoulders" he snapped.
Uther looked up as Nimueh entered the room, unannounced. Ordinarily he would have taken affront to her appearance, but today he found he couldn't do that. Today he just felt tired, worn out and more alone than he ever believed he could.
"Sire" Nimueh said, bowing.
"Do you need something?" he asked, his tone neutral.
"No sire"
"Then kindly leave me to my thoughts this night" he said. When she didn't leave, but instead stepped forwards, he began to grow angry.
"I told you to leave me in peace!" he roared
"We can bring Merlin back" she said suddenly. Uther looking at her, a mixture of emotions in his face. Anger, fear, hope all rolled into one.
"How?" he demanded.
"Far from here, there is a place the high priestesses pilgrim too. It is called the Isle of the Blessed"
"I have heard of it" he said.
"The Isle is home to many artefacts of the old religion, among them, is an object known as the cup of life" she said. "It is said that whoever takes water from the cup, will have their wounds healed, or return to life" she said. Uther's eyes went wide.
"Then you must go and retrieve it" he stated, standing, Nimueh held up her hands, Uther frowning.
"I must also warn you sire, that the old religion, is not easily swayed. For the cup to work, it will mean that someone will have to die to take Merlin's place, to keep the natural order in balance" she said.
"Who?" asked Uther darkly. Nimueh shook her head.
"I do not know, it could be You, or lady Vivienne, maybe even Arthur, or a peasant on a distant farm somewhere, you cannot choose who will take his place" she said. Uther sank down in his seat, looking at the uneaten meal set before him.
"If we cannot choose, then is there a way to protect against it?" he asked.
"I can attempt to place wards on your family, to protect against it, or even the castle, but I cannot know who will pay in that respect" she said.
"And these wards will work?" he asked.
"I will do what I can. You gave me the task of protecting your children sire, and in that task I have truly failed you" she replied. Uther went silent for several moments, then looked up at her.
"Gods forgive me" he muttered. "See to the wards, bring my son back, but know this, what we have discussed does not leave this room, understood?" he asked.
"Yes my lord" she said bowing. Uther nodded at her, watching as she left the room.
"And may god have mercy on my soul" he whispered…
Vivienne stopped short as she approached the slab where Merlin was laying, Morgana was already there. Holding his hand even as she talked to him.
"Morgana?" asked Vivienne walking forwards softly. Morgana looked up as she approached.
"I'm sorry" she said, her eyes wide. "I didn't know what else to do. I just… I don't want him to be alone" she whispered. Vivienne's heart went out to the girl and she slowly moved next to her.
"You were talking to him?" she asked, Morgana gave a small smile.
"Telling him of my life with my father" she said, biting back tears. Vivienne put her arm around Morgana, pulling the young woman to her.
"Would you mind if I sat with you while you talk to him?" she asked.
"Please" her voice suddenly broke. "Because I speak to him and he won't answer me" she said.
"Oh my poor child" Vivienne pulled her tight, realising that the truth of the past few days had suddenly come crashing down on her already fragile mind and body.
"He's gone isn't he?" Morgana said softly. Even as she continued to clutch his lifeless hand.
"Not as long as we love him" Vivienne replied. "And you do, so much" she whispered as Morgana broke down into frantic sobs.
"So you're going through with it" Gwaine said as Nimueh prepared the incantation to protect the castle.
"I am, at the kings orders, and do not try to dissuade me" she replied, not looking at him. Gwaine sighed and turned away.
"I warn you Nimueh, only more sorrow can come of this" he replied.
"I know, and I appreciate your council, but this must be done" she said.
"So be it then, but remember, you think of what Uther wants, what the family wants, I urge you. Consider if this is what Merlin would want" he said, walking from the room. Nimueh paused briefly, then shook her head. Finding the correct page in the book she was looking at she began to chant. Finally satisfied that the castle was as protected as it would be, she leafed through the book again, then smiling, vanished.