Balinor paced the room, back and forth, occasionally shooting annoyed glances at his daughter and her lack of success in finding the Pendragons. Finally he stopped, and snapped at her.
"Well?" he demanded. Morgause looked at him and shook her head.
"They are being hidden" she said. Balinor rolled his eyes.
"By who? Who would dare challenge me?" he demanded, his faith in his power absolute. He knew of course Uther would be up to something, but for someone out there to be protecting him…. No. Balinor was not happy at all.
"Find them" he sneered walking out onto the Balcony. Morgause sighed and then turned back to the scrying font.
Outside he looked up into the air, seeing his Dragon's circling overhead. Suddenly he turned as Kilgharrah roared overhead. Livid to the core he screamed at the retreating dragon, several of those in the air, turning to give chase.
Arthur watched the sky, seeing Kilgharrah swoop away with several of the Dragon's in pursuit.
"That's our cue!" he yelled, running forwards, Nimueh using her magic to open the gates to the assault tunnels beneath the city. Arthur stood to the side as people poured forwards from hiding and into the tunnels, Uther in the lead. Arthur kept glancing skyward, this was taking longer than he had thought, and all it would take was for one Dragon to spot them now and it would all be over, however, eventually the last of the people were inside, Merlin taking the rear, Arthur following him in, closing the gate.
Morgause looked up, frowning, sensing something, but unable to pin point it. Outside her Father was roaring, before he stormed back in.
"He thinks he can taunt me?" he demanded. Morgause frowned. "Kilgharrah" Balinor told her. Morgause nodded. That must have been what she sensed.
In the tunnels everyone moved quietly, but quickly. Beside Merlin Arthur nudged him.
"Have fun last night?" he whispered. Merlin frowned. "You and Morgana" he grinned. Merlin rolled his eyes.
"Just as intense as the first time" he replied, moving off, Arthur nodded, then blinked.
"First time?" he whispered, quickly moving after his brother.
"First time?" he repeated as he caught up.
"I know we're brother's Arthur, that doesn't mean I tell you everything I get up to" Merlin said.
"Wait, you mean that night before we left…?"
"Yep"
"you said you were having a long hard talk with her about the future" said Arthur. Merlin grinned.
"Think about it" he winked. Arthur frowned, then made a gagging motion.
"That's disgusting" he said as they caught up with the main group, moving forwards to stand near to Uther, Morgana and Nimueh.
"Right, you all know what to do" said Uther. In front of him he watched the assembled armies nodding. Vivienne and Gwen moved over to Elyan, both of them brandishing swords. Uther caught his wife's eyes and nodded at her She returned it, holding the sword she carried steady in her hand.
"Lets do this" Uther said, then turning he ran up the last passageway, everyone else following him at a run.
Balinor had returned to the battlements, and was looking at the sky for any other sign of Kilgharrah, so was startled when beneath him there was a roar and people began to emerge from the citadel, running into the courtyard, his Dragons still on the ground being taken completely by surprise. At the edge, by the gates, the Serket's turned, clattering as the enemy rushed forwards.
"Who dares?" Balinor hissed, a moment later he caught sight of Uther, Arthur and Merlin moving up to face off against one of the dragons.
"Kill them!" he roared, pointing at the three men, in the sky above two Dragons turned and began to move towards the three men, only to be blasted back a moment later by the magic from the Druids
Merlin looked over and up at the battlements, seeing Balinor glaring down at them. He looked over at Arthur who was facing off against a Serket.
"Arthur!" he called out.
"What?" Arthur called as he moved around the creature.
"I'm going for Balinor!" he shouted. Arthur paused briefly.
"Be careful!" he called. Merlin turned and saw Nimueh watching him. Then he ran to Morgana, kissing her
"Merlin? What?" she asked confused, the frowned as he ran into the citadel with Nimueh, then turned as a Serket hissed coming towards her, Gwaine and Percival, then she had no time to spare in her concerns as the beast was on them.
The Serkets at the gate had been driven back down into a small clearing in lower town. Elyan had put Vivienne and Gwen in what he'd hoped was a safe spot by the Tavern, but really, with this many Serket's here, was anywhere safe. Still he'd chosen this spot, sending his troops down further to try and stop any more Serket reinforcements from getting through, that still meant they had to deal with the ones here though. He hacked at one of them, causing it to hiss, even as beside him Helios embedded his blade deep into the mouth of another. Across from him, Tristan and Isolde were doing a tag team between one of the bigger Serkets, both hacking at it. And behind him he heard both Gwen and Vivienne begin to attack one that had gotten too close to them.
"I hate these things" he grumbled, as another moved towards him.
"Father!" Arthur called as he ducked the attack from a nearby Serket. Uther looked over, as he found himself standing next to Lancelot and Leon, attacking one of the Dragons that had landed. Arthur pointed to the steps where Morgana, Gwaine and Percival were busy dealing with another Serket. Uther nodded, gesturing some troops to go and assist them.
"Where's Merlin?" Uther asked. Arthur looked at the Castle.
"He's gone for Balinor"
"Idiot boy" Uther hissed, moving forwards, when another dragon landed. Arthur had dispatched the Serket, but the Dragon had set it eyes on him. With a snarl Uther turned and joined his son.
The castle was strangely silent as Merlin and Nimueh traversed its dark hallways, suddenly they stopped as Morgause rounded the corner ahead of them. Nimueh slowly stepped forwards, gesturing to Merlin.
"I'll deal with her, you get Balinor" she said. Merlin nodded and moved off down a small side turning, and ran up the steps.
"you" said Morgause stepping forwards slowly, arrogantly, "Killed my mother"
"She died by her own actions" Nimueh replied as she held her hands up.
"Not from what I saw. And now, you're going to go to hell for it!" Morgause screamed, lashing out with her magic. Nimueh's hands glowed, and the battle began.
Merlin moved quickly towards the Audience chamber, unsheathing his sword as he moved. The chamber itself was in darkness, but he could hear from the battlements, Balinor's booming voice. Slowly Merlin stepped out, Balinor looking over at him, then smiling.
"Come to claim your revenge?" he taunted.
"No, I've come to end this" Merlin replied. Balinor laughed, then pulled his own sword free, taking up a fighting stance.
"Then by all means, I dare you to try, dear nephew" he sneered. Merlin looked at him, then took a deep breath, before raising his own sword, he moved forwards quickly, their blades clashing together.
"You had the jump on me last time, not again" Merlin said through gritted teeth.
"You were easy prey then, you'll be easy prey this time" Balinor said.
In the courtyard two more Dragons had landed, and the Druids were doing what they could to keep them down and in range of the weapons while at the same time trying to protect Elyan's forces from the Serkets. Uther and Arthur had finished with the previous Dragon that had landed, but were both distracted by the sounds of fighting from above. Both looked up to see Balinor and Merlin, swords clashing as they moved to and fro along the battlements. Both men wanted to help, but there was little they could do to assist, instead they had to trust in Merlin. Uther turned away, towards the two downed Dragons, Arthur at his side, Morgana and Gwaine there a moment later with them. Together the charged, Gwaine using his magic as best he could to emphasize their attacks.
"Ugly bastard" muttered Helios as he withdrew his sword from the face of a Serket. Behind him Elyan, Tristan and Isolde fought another two of the beasts, stopping them from reaching their goal, which they realised, was Vivienne. However they were all surprised to see both the Queen and Gwen doing damage to the enemy as well, hacking at the creatures that got too close, holding them long enough for one of the others to finish it off, but Helios knew at least five of the corpses were of their doing.
"Helios! Left!" shouted Elyan, Helios growled and swung around as the next wave of Serket's scuttled into view. With a roar he charged forwards.
Nimueh dodged the powerful attack from the other sorcerer, quietly worried at how powerful she truly was, and the fact, she didn't seem to know just how strong either.
"Tired?" asked Morgause launching another volley at her. Nimueh moved out of the way and returned her own volley.
"I'm just getting started!" Nimueh said.
"Good, I was getting bored"
"Give it up boy, you're no match for a Dragonlord" Balinor said as he battled Merlin back. "I promise, I'll make it easy on you"
"Not as easy as I will on you" Merlin spat back, bringing his blade downwards, both hitting the stone of the battlements, causing sparks to fly, then Balinor was falling back again, Merlin once again on the offensive. Down in the courtyard there was a roar as another dragon fell, the group turning to the next one.
"Face it you lost" Merlin said to him. Balinor roared and began beating back at Merlin, he thrust out, slicing into Merlin's thigh, not enough to wound, but enough to tear at the clothing there. Merlin danced back, bringing his sword up to deflect another incoming blow, more sparks issued from the stone.
The first Dragon hit the ground with a thud, its blood pooling around the already soaked courtyard, the group ignoring it, turning to the second one and moving forwards.
"You know, sooner or later our luck's going to run out" Arthur said. Uther nodded at him, it was true, but still, they had to do what they could.
"Then we keep fighting until it does" said Morgana, stabbing out at the Dragon with the sword she had got hold of.
The Serkets were becoming a major nuisance to Elyan and the others, but still, they had vowed to help retake the city and this is what they'd been charged with, stopping the Serkets, and protecting Vivienne.
"You know" said Isolde as they passed each other, hacking out. "I never thought this would be so much fun" she grinned.
"When this is all over, we, all of us, are going to have a long and hard talk about what you all consider fun" Elyan said, drawing a laugh from Tristan and Helios. There was a scream from behind them and they turned running forwards as two Serket's broke through the lines lower down, heading for Vivienne and Gwen. The two women held up their weapons, glanced at each other then both charged forwards, between the claws, hacking away at the beasts. The Serkets both roared, then fell. Vivienne, covered in its blood, looked over at Elyan.
"Still doubt our ability?" she asked mildly. Tristan and Helios both grinned.
"I would be honoured if my lady would lend her skill" Elyan said with a bow. Vivienne grinned then moved next to him, Gwen at her side as the broken line continued to break, Serket's pouring through towards them.
Morgause went flying backwards, taken unaware by Nimueh's magic. Slowly she sat up, knocking the other woman back with her own attack, before scrambling to her feet. Around them the corridor was a mess of shattered vases, smoking drapes and cracked walls, but as both women stood and faced off again, neither cared much for the décor. At the same instant magical energy lanced out between them creating a huge amount of conflicting energy between them. Both women strained as they applied pressure, trying to force it towards their opposite number.
Clang! Balinor deflected Merlin's attack, only to have his own one deflected. Both men were sweating, breathing heavily, but neither ready to give in. Both swords pressed close to each other, Merlin and Balinor both leaning into the attack. Balinor grunted from the effort, then suddenly Merlin broke away, jumping back, Balinor staggering forwards. The man recovered quickly and spun around with his blade, Merlin brought his own one up and there was a loud clatter as the sword flew from Balinor's grip to fall to the courtyard below. Merlin slowly advanced, holding his sword out to arms length, at Balinor's throat.
"Yield" he whispered. Balinor grinned, then kicked out, Merlin jumped back as Balinor moved away pulling a dagger from his belt. Without warning he threw it, and it ripped into Merlin's arm, causing him to grunt in pain and drop his sword which Balinor quickly grabbed. Merlin looked up at him as the man circled around him.
"Never" Balinor hissed, raising the sword. Merlin suddenly smiled, and then, grabbing the dagger Balinor had just cut him with thrust it upwards into Balinor's stomach. Balinor dropped the sword, eyes wide as he staggered back, looking at the dagger in his stomach.
"No more chances Balinor" Merlin said. Then with a mighty kick to his chest he sent Balinor over the edge of the battlements to land with a wet thud in the courtyard below.
"HE DID IT!" Screamed Morgana, Uther turned to her then looked around a grin on his face, seeing Balinor's lifeless body on the ground, his blood mixing with that of the slain. He looked up, smiling as Merlin looked down at them. A moment later Kilgharrah appeared above the battlefield.
"CALL THEM YOUNG DRAGONLORD! CALL THEM AND END THIS!" he roared.
"How?" called Merlin.
"You already know" Kilgharrah told him. Merlin frowned then closed his eyes. Slowly he opened them and looked up.
"O Drakon, Cest La ma Tores! Sidhu Neist lama Tor!" he called out. The effect was immediate, the Dragons around the castle began breaking off, flying off into the sky.
The magical energy between the two sorcerers was growing in strength and intensity. But neither of them moved, both just glaring at the other, pouring more and more energy into the attack, which now crackled audibly. Nimueh took a deep breath, closing her eyes, then snapped them open.
"LOSTAURIUS!" She screamed, the energy from her hands intensified so suddenly that Morgause was completely unprepared, it flew back, blasting her backwards to hit the wall so hard that the magical energy caused a portion of the roof to collapse in, Nimueh took a deep breath, walking forwards seeing Morgause's hand poking out from beneath the rubble the fingers twitched for a moment, then fell still, the hand going limp.
At the gates the group were all bloodied, and beaten, but alive. The Serket's, those that had survived slowly backed away, then turning, fled from the city. Helios gave a booming laugh and patted Elyan on the shoulder. The other man grinned, and then looked at the others, before bowing to Vivienne.
"If my lady ever tires of ruling, you will forever be welcomed with us" he said with a bow. Vivienne smirked at him.
"Oh get up you prat" she mumbled, Helios and the others breaking into fits of laughter. Slowly they turned and made their way up to the courtyard, Vivienne running into Uther's arms, looking over at the corpse of Balinor. Then she looked over at Arthur who, like his father was bloodied, but alive. She pulled him into a hug as well, and he returned it fondly.
"My lord" said Gwaine, nodding at the castle steps. Uther looked over to see Merlin supporting Nimueh walking slowly down the steps. Uther wasted no time, running over to Merlin and pulling him into a tight embrace, then the others were there. He grinned as he embraced his mother, then turned to Arthur.
"You look how I feel" Merlin quipped.
"I probably do at that" Arthur agreed with a grin.
No, this wouldn't do. Breaking into a smile of his own, Merlin pulled Arthur into a hug, his brother grinning like an idiot, much to everyone else's amusement. Finally they broke away, and Merlin turned to Morgana. She walked up to him, touching his arm gently.
"I'll live" he promised her. Morgana smiled.
"Good" she replied, then they kissed, passionately, holding onto each other as if their lives depended on it. Over from them, Gwaine and Nimueh were both embracing, smiling at each other.
"So You get your queen, Gwaine get's his girl, Merlin get's his true love. What do I get out of this?" Arthur said, looking at Uther. Behind him, Elyan grinned, then pushed Gwen forwards to stand next to him. She looked back glaring as Arthur blinked, then shook his head chuckling, it slowly faded away as the Druids and the remainder of Elyan's forces moved into the courtyard, Mordred stepping out to approach Uther. The king turned to him, and knelt down.
"We, all of us, owe you so much" Uther said. Mordred smiled at him.
"No, I just pointed you in the right direction" Mordred replied.
"If there is anything we can do to repay you" he replied.
"You are a good man Uther Pendragon, with a good family" Mordred replied shaking his head. "We will go to the isle of the blessed, there we will take up the cause our brother's died for" he stated. Uther nodded.
"If you ever need us, we will be here" Uther said. Mordred turned to Nimueh and gave her a small hug.
"I will miss you" she said softly. Mordred looked up at her and smiled.
"And I you, but we will meet again" he promised, then he turned and walked back to the waiting druids. They all bowed, then turned, following him away.
"Well, I guess we'll need to head back as well" said Elyan stepping forwards and bowing to Uther. Uther nodded and smiled, holding out his hand. Elyan clasped it, then turned to Gwen, who's eyes were tearing up.
"Don't go" she said softly. Elyan smiled and wiped away her tears.
"Shushh. Its done now, and you know where to find me" he said softly.
"It's not the same" she replied. Elyan smiled and pulled her into a hug.
"But it is more than we had to start with" he told her. "And perhaps, out there I can make a difference to the kingdom" he said. "Not with robbing nobles, but defending it" he replied. Gwen looked up at him and smiled.
"Always wanted to be a hero didn't you" she said. Elyan smiled and nodded.
"And now I can be" he replied. Then with a kiss to her cheek he turned and with a wave to the others he, Helios, Tristan and Isolde moved away, the remaining members of their troop following.
Three months later…
Merlin was nervous as Arthur walked in, both of them clad in ceremonial armour.
"You ready?" Arthur asked with a grin. Merlin nodded and then stood up. Arthur smiled at him, resisting the urge to ruffle his hair.
"Come on, they're waiting" Arthur told him. Merlin still didn't reply, but instead walked out of the room.
The Audience chamber was full of people, all watching as the doors opened and Merlin walked in with Arthur at his side. Both men standing proudly. In the front row, Uther and Vivienne both smiled as they bowed to Sir Geoffrey. Merlin took a deep breath as the doors opened again and Morgana entered, Gwen at her side. She too bowed to Geoffrey when she reached him, Arthur and Gwen both moving off to their respective sides. Geoffrey cleared his throat and began to speak.
"We are gathered here today, to witness the marriage of the Lady Morgana of the House of Glorious, to Prince Merlin of the house Pendragon" he said, Merlin and morgana both looking at each other.
"we will now hear your vows" Geoffrey said. "My Lady?" he asked gently. Morgana nodded and took Merlin's hand.
"Merlin, ever since I've known you, you've been kind, compassionate, caring. You made me feel safe in the darkest of times, loved in the loneliest of moments. So I promise, I will do all in my power, and more to make you as feel as loved in the future as you have already done so for me" she said.
In the front row, Uther took Vivienne's hand, holding it tightly.
"My lord?" asked Geoffrey, turning to Merlin. Merlin nodded and looked at Morgana.
"Morgana, of all the people I've known, its you who truly makes me feel alive, makes me glad to be here. You've shown me the world from a different perspective, and you've shown me your heart. And I love you more than I can ever say" he said. "You are, and always will be my one, true love" he finished. Around the room, people broke into smiles. Geoffrey smiled and nodded at them.
"Do you, Merlin, take the lady Morgan, to have and to hold, in sickness and in health, until death do you part?" he asked.
"I do"
"And do you, Morgana, take prince Merlin, to have and to hold, in sickens and in health, until death do you part?" he repeated.
"Rings?" Geoffrey said. Arthur and Gwen stepped forwards, handing Merlin and Morgana a ring each.
"Then let these bands show your union through marriage, and if no one here present objects, I now pronounce you, husband and wife" Geoffrey intoned. "you may kiss the bride" he added with a smile. Merlin looked at Morgana and then they kissed, and the applause around them was forgotten.
Uther left the feast early, standing out on the balcony. He looked up at the star lit sky, smiling.
"They did it my friend" he whispered. "and I hope they made you as proud as they made me" he added, and he was sure he could hear Glorious booming laughter on the wind. He turned a moment later as Vivienne joined him, putting her arm around his waist. The pair of them just looking out at the stars.
END