Chapter 3
Gaius trudged back up the stairs, his movements slow and agonizing to the outside observer. By now the entire castle has no doubt heard the news of his ward's imprisonment as well as impending execution. He paused at the top of the stairs, raising one hand to shield his face from view, his shoulders shook with only a slight tremor. A servant passing by paused, seeking to comfort the older man who had been in the castle long before many of them had ever been born, realizing this and unable to think of anything that would be if comfort, she continued on her way while trying to put down the feeling of guilt that came with it.
Waiting until the young lady had passed, the older physician looked both ways before he sped up his pace, keeping his ears attuned for the sounds of people's approach. Encountering very few in the hallways was quite rare, and Gaius wondered if the others in the castle were already starting to feel the strain of the King's new attitude. The few he did see had harried faces, their postures stooped, tension taunt in their muscles as they sought to do their work without fail and more importantly without mistake.
Finally he arrived back at his chambers, where he immediately set about pulling out his multi colored bottles, mixing bowl and book. Flipping to the desired page, he double checked his memory with the words written down. Lining up the bottles and ingredients, he mixed to the exact amounts dictated, stopping several times to check the color of the potion against illustrations on the page. Off to the side, he had a beaker resting over a low flame, he watched as it bubbled sending light wisps of smoke into the air, he scooped some of the smoke towards him taking a small breath. Nodding to himself at the scent, he turned the fire up after adding a little more fuel. It bubbled happily, and so Gaius left it to adjust another mixture to his left.
He was just pouring two extremely volatile ingredients together when he nearly fumbled the measuring cups. Whirling around he opened his mouth to reprimand the intruder and caught himself just in time. Standing in the door way was the King himself.
"Is there something you need, Sire?" Gaius fought to keep his words even.
The King stared at him, his eyes full of suspicion, he entered the room without speaking, taking his time as his eyes roamed over the room noting the frothing beakers and various things strewn about the table. It was a little unnerving to the physician to see such an expression on the face of Arthur, an expression that was only associated with his Father and his deep mistrust of Magic.
"I take you have heard the details of Merlin's arrest, then?"
"Indeed, my lord, I have."
"You have been down to see him."
"You know I have."
"Did he have anything to say to you?"
"He protested, claimed his innocence."
"And do you believe him?"
"What I believe is irrelevant, judgement has been passed and I can only accept it."
"And do you, accept it, that is?"
"You are my King, Sire. I am loyal to you, Arthur."
Gaius moved ever so slightly towards his table, just offset of where the book lay open, without glancing towards it he put his hands behind his back, letting his sleeves cover most of his hands. After another moment or two, he brought them forward again, relieved to see that the movement had caused a slightly breeze to shift the pages causing them to flip to another page.
"What is that you are making? I have not ordered any sort of elixir."
"A compound of my own making, it helps to relieve the symptoms of the old. Mainly for joint, and muscle ache. I have been told that it is very good at making one feel young again. Seeing as you still have many years ahead of you before you would need such a tonic, you might be unfamiliar with these pains."
As if to protest that thought, the King's hand rose to massage his left shoulder, the motion an unconscious one. At the raised eyebrow of the physician, he seemed to come to himself and dropped his hand abruptly.
"Are you in pain, Sire? Should I have a tonic made?"
"No, no. Like you said, I am too young in my years to have need of such remedies. Carry on."
He swept back out of Gaius' chambers with haste, leaving the door open in his wake. Waiting another few moments to make sure that he did indeed leave, and descend the stairs, Gaius closed the door and returned to his potion, checking to make sure nothing had gone over the desired time and temperature. Pouring the liquid into a small glass tube, he held it against the page to check the color comparison. Satisfied, he poured it into a small bulbous jar, sealed it and put it in his pocket. Taking the time to clear his table, and replace the ingredients and book in its proper place, he made sure that nothing incriminating was left out. He then grabbed an old robe of his and rolled it into a tight ball.
Peering out the window, he noted that the rain had ceased, and the clouds were rolling on their way allowing spots of sun to grin down upon the courtyard. Letting out a slow breath, he made his way outside. Counting his steps, he passed several grated windows that led to the dungeons, knowing that Merlin's was the last and smallest of them, he stood in front of it and watched as servants ran around dodging puddles as they went. He allowed his cloth bundle to drop first. With his hands clasped behind his back, he slowly and carefully threaded the jar down his back waiting until he heard the slight clink as it touched the cobblestones. Taking a careful step backwards, he had to restrain a smile as he felt the back of his heel hit the jar and cloth, pushing it into the window space.
Cough cough
Once again Gaius continued to thread the jar, making sure he had enough rope before he let it slide down. His hand jerked slightly and he stopped, another jerk and he let the thread go and walked back to his quarters.
-o(-,-)o-
Leon glanced up at the sun high in the sky, and back down to the pyre that was being built in honor of Arthur's former servant. He watched as wood was stacked one on top of the other, each making a slightly clack when they were dropped onto another.
Clack Clack Clack Clack
The Knight flinched.
Clack Clack Clackclackclack
Clack Clack Clackclackclack
With no other sounds in the courtyard it sounded like some sort of sick parody of a march. Seeing that it was nearly completely, he was able to excuse himself in an attempt to remove the sight from his mind. Returning to the hall where the King was eating, he waited a moment in front of the door guarded on either side. Steeling himself, he nodded to the guards who opened the door for him, allowing him inside.
He watched as the man who used to follow him around as a child, set down a half eaten drumstick to pick up a vine of small round tomatoes. He watched as he bit into it, spraying red juice. The image of a certain servant being forced to kneel as an executioner stood behind him, axe poised to drop at the King's command.
"What is it?"
Sir Leon jerked himself back to the present, he stood a little straighter as he replied, "The Pyre is almost ready, my lord."
"Ah, very good. It seems as though it will be a good day for Camelot."
"Indeed, Sire. Shall I prep the prisoner?"
"No, I want the pleasure of doing it myself."
With that the King went back to his meal, the conversation seemingly already gone from his mind were it not for the smirk still adorning his face. The knight swallowed, trying to rid his mouth of the sudden bad taste that seemed to have taken root since this morning. With a dip of his head, he bowed out of the room, choosing not to watch as his King finished his afternoon meal. He passed through the hallways deep in thought, so deep that he didn't realize that there was one more shadow than there should have been in the formerly empty hallway. Just as he passed an alcove, he felt a breeze run through his hair as he suddenly found himself shoved deep into the shadows, a hand covering his mouth as another hand was quick to stay his hand that was already on the hilt of his sword.
"Ssssh!"
The knight's vision was suddenly blocked by the long hair that glinted in the roaming sun, quite unfairly if he were to be honest with himself, as often as the owner of said hair bathed it seemed to the curly haired knight that his hair should be dull with grease instead.
The sounds of multiple booted feet echoed in the hallway stopped the protest the knight was about to bring to the others attention. A larger shadow blocked his view, as the companion of the first angled to peer out at the approaching guards. The large man took a few steps back, melting into the shadows beside them, waiting as the passerby's march sent shafts of light across their niche.
"What is the meaning of this?" Sir Leon demanded of the two after the echoes died down, signaling the men had moved beyond their hearing.
"What news of Merlin do you have?"
"Last I saw of him, he was not doing too well, but he seemed better once Gaius saw to him. Now if you would unhand me."
Gwaine released his hold, glancing over at Percival who struggled back at him.
"OK, so what's the plan? How are we going to break Merlin out?"
"We're not."
"What?!"
"When I spoke with Merlin I told him he needs to get out but he said he was staying. That I was not to interfere."
"What is he thinking?" Gwaine mumbled as he paced back and forth in front of the knight.
"That I do not know, but I need to return to my duties before anyone comes to find me," Sir Leon reminded them. He moved to step out of the shadows but paused as if he just remembered something.
"The King has moved forward with the execution preparations, it will happen within the hour."
"Within the hour? It only just stopped raining an hour ago, surely the wood will still be wet."
"The King has a store where he keeps them dry. He is determined to see Merlin burn, for what reason I do not know."
With that, he strode back into the hallway after check that there were no guards or knights in the vicinity. Gwaine watched him, hands clenched into fists.
"He maybe alright with letting Merlin be on his own, but I am not. Are you with me Percival?"
"You know I am. What should we do?"
"First, we need to bust him out of the dungeons, second, run."
"Simple. I like it," the burly former-knight smiled down, muscles flexing in anticipation.
"Alright, let's go break my best friend out of the Princess' cells."
"Can you call him Princess still, since he is King?"
"True, but if I call him Queeny, he might get confused with Gwen and that's just an insult to her."
Percival took a moment to think about it, then nodded his agreement of Gwaine's assessment. They too peered out form the alcove before slipping their way down towards the dungeons. They dodged in and out of shadows anytime the sounds footsteps came near, with several near misses. They reached the last hallway that led to the stairs, Gwaine motioned Percival to stay where he was while he crept forward. Hugging the wall, he chose his footing carefully, toe to heel, to minimize the sound of his booted feet.
"Ehehehehe, it's no wonder there aren't more attack with guards as thick in the head as their King."
Frantically Gwaine motioned for Percival to move backwards, they both made it out of sight by the time the speaker came into view. Hugging the wall, they waited for the man to pass by. When his shadow passed by, Gwaine waited several more seconds before he peered out first the direction they were going then back towards the exiting figure. He spied an old man with long white hair and beard turn the corner. Gwaine frowned, He looked familiar. Where have I seen him before?
Unable to place him, he stored the information away for a later date and motioned for Percival to stay where he was until he checked the way. He didn't get very far when the sound of several boots marching in their direction had him scrambling for cover once more. Holding their breaths, they waited for the new group to pass.
"Is everything ready for his execution?"
"Yes, my lord. Are you sure it is wise to do this yourself?"
"He has hid among us for too long, using his magic on us while we were unaware; his betrayal is the worst and I want the pleasure of seeing to it myself."
We were too late! A hand clamped down on his shoulder, and Gwaine knew it was Percival's way of making sure he didn't do something stupid. The party past them and continued on their way the last bit to the stairs. The long haired noble gritted his teeth at his helplessness, Merlin! Anguish gnawed at him, soon to be replaced by anger. He was angry, not just at himself but also at Arthur. This is fault. Despite the fact that Merlin has been nothing but loyal to the prat since he met him, despite all of the things he suffered because of him and he gives it all up because of magic?!
He tried to throw Percival off but the larger man clamped down even tighter.
"Merlin wouldn't want you to do this," Percival hissed.
"Well, I guess we'll never know now, will we?" Gwaine hissed back, fury radiating in every hard line of the former knight's body. He didn't cease his struggles, he only put more effort into it. Percival grabbed his other shoulder and whirled the shorter man around, thrusting him up against the wall with more force than necessary as evident by Gwaine's grimace.
"That's my friend down there, and I'll be damned if I am going to let him rot because Arthur is being unreasonable."
"I understand that but taking on all the guards in the castle is not going to help him. We need a plan. We have to think."
"I think Merlin has waited long enough-"
Shouts erupted from the dungeons, causing Gwaine to bite off whatever he had been about to say. He stared up at Percival who was towards the commotion, and took his chance. Throwing his arms up, he broke the larger man's hold on him and dashed from the shadows towards the stairwell, one hand on his sword. Looking down he could only see men in tin hats and armor running around, some spinning where they stood, as they all looked for something that was clearly not there.
"WHERE IS HE?"
"I-I-I don't know, Sire. He was there! I swear on my honor! The prisoner has not left, he couldn't, he was restrained!"
A young guards was quaking in his stiff boots, leaning back away from the towering King who looked ready to dispatch them for their incompetency.
"Well, clearly, he is NO LONGER!"
Another guard jogged forward, his face clam despite the red-faced King who pivoted to meet him.
"All cells and prisoners are accounted for, my lord."
"Except the one we are looking for," the King spat.
"Uh, yes, Sire, except the boy," the new guard confirmed.
The King turned his attention to the first, eyes blazing, "Did anyone ELSE enter the dungeons?"
"Yes, my Lord, Sir Leon and the Court Physician but he was still there after they left. Oh, and some old man."
"Old man, what old man? Who?"
"I-I don't know, but he left not ten-fifteen minutes ago."
"Who was he visiting?"
"I, uh, am not sure, my lord. I did not see him enter, only leave."
"You didn't see him enter and you didn't question him?!"
"I-I thought that Theiadyn had admitted him."
"Where is this Theiadyn?"
The young man looked around at the milling guards and knights, eyes frantically searching for his partner. Spotting him down the row of cells, he called out to him. The guard turned to face him, he was also a young man barely old enough to leave his family's plot to take on such a role. With wide brown eyes, and smooth skin with a smattering of freckles, this boy could barely fit in his chainmail much less his helmet. Hurrying over, he bowed respectfully towards the King whose lip curled at the sight.
"Did you let an old man in to see a prisoner?"
"No, my lord, I thought that Tomas had."
"What did he look like?"
"Tall, rail thin with deep blue eyes, and long white hair and beard."
"What was he wearing?"
"Uh-."
He didn't wait for the answer, knowing that it would not be what he wanted to hear. He stalked back to the stairs calling out orders as he did so which sent the knights and guards once more into a frenzy. His knights marched behind him, silent as they listened for their orders.
"I want that old man found and brought in for questioning. If the prisoner escaped he must have had help. Find him, now."
Three knights stayed with the King for protection while the others raced ahead to do his bidding, one to the tower to sound the alarm, the other two to secure the exits as quickly as possible. Sir Leon was among those accompanied the King back, he was careful not to glance in the direction of where the former knights had been hiding.
"Gaius," the King hissed.
"My lord, we know that Gaius visited but he left and Mer-the boy was still there."
"You're right, but he had help and when I find the traitor, they too, shall suffer the same fate as the sorcerer."
"Shall I arrange for more wood, then?"
"Arrange it, but I want you to spearhead the search. I want no room left untouched. Do you understand me?"
"Yes, Sire. I shall see to it at once," the knight promised. He gave a slightly bow as he left to do as commanded, leaving the King with only two other knights.
-mo(-,-)om-
Gwaine turned his head to face Percival who also had his back pressed against the wall. His lips curving into a slow smile, eyes crinkled with amazed humor.
"He did it. That little-he did it, he escaped. Wait-that old man. He was familiar to me. That was the sorcerer! Remember in the woods, we had him cornered and he used his magic against us and escape. Spry old guy."
"You got a better look at him than I did, but I did see long white beard, and hair. That fits with what I remember of him. Why was he there, do you think he did something to Merlin?"
"Why would he? It doesn't add up. No one saw the old man enter, only exit and did see Merlin leave. It's not like Merlin could age himself and just walk...out." Gwaine eyes widened.
"He knocked me out! Ohhh, when I see him again, he's going to buy me a drink, no TWO for that!"
"What?"
"That old man definitely had something to do with Merlin's disappearance. We need to find him before Arthur does. Alright, let's go before they finally start searching over here."
Silently they crept from their spot and made their way towards the courtyard. The castle was bustling with knights and guards who were busily checking every person they came across, those of whom didn't question the presence of the prominent knights.
"I guess they didn't hear about our demotion with everything that is going on. Let's hurry before they do," Gwaine encouraged.
Casually they made their way from the courtyard towards the lower town, when a shout sent them into a run.
"GUARDS, SEIZE THEM!"
Gawine looked over his shoulder to see Arthur point his noble finger down at them, the guards looked at him in confusion as they had recognized the former knights.
"Sir Gwaine and Sir Percival?"
"YES! Go, go go!"
Focusing his attention forward, they dodged around bewildered peasants, confused knights, and meandering animals. Gwaine spotted a familiar structure nearby and waved Percival towards it; bursting through the door, Percival slammed it behind them, nearly breaking the hinges in the process. A half a minutes later they heard the sounds of knights and guards rushing past them, their armor clanking against each other.
Sighing with relief, Gwaine turned around only to shout and grabbed Percival's arm as he catches sight of someone else also in the house. He relaxed a moment later when his brain finally made the connection.
"Must you always sneak around, like that Elyan?"
"Me? I was minding my own business, in my own house, when you two barged in. What happened?"
"His highness sent his minions after us, and we thought your place would make a most convenient safe place."
"After you? What about Gwen?! I have to get her out!"
"Easy there. She's fine! He doesn't even know she is still within the castle walls."
"What if he searches for Merlin in Gaius' chambers?"
"Hmph, well there is that," Gwaine mused.
Elyan start to shoulder past them, when Gwaine grabbed his arm, "She's fine. They're searching outside the castle for Merlin-wait. How did you know about his escape?"
"I heard some of the town folk talking. I thought that was your doing."
"Not us."
"THERE HE IS!"
"GET HIM!"
"-STOP!"
"GO AROUND-FLANK HIM!"
"ON ME, MEN!"
Percival opened the door a crack, to see the knights rushing furiously to do Arthur's bidding. Peasant were pressed against walls and out of the way of the King's men. Softly he closed the door again to face the anxious faces of the others.
"Do you think they saw Merlin?"
"Who else could get Arthur so riled up?"
"We can't just leave him on his own, he won't make it," Elyan protested.
"You stay here, and listen for any news regarding your sister. Percival and I will draw their attention, allowing Merlin a head start."
"Be careful, and don't get caught. I don't want to have to save your sorry hides."
"Who, us? We're always careful," Gwaine protested, winking at Percival who smiled in response.
The two slipped out of the house when they caught a break in the constant streaming of Camelot's finest.
"Separate directions?" Percival suggested.
Gwaine nodded, before moving farther away from the giant of man. Seeing a guard approaching, he stepped off to the side, colliding with a vendor's tables full of clay bowls and pots which sent them crashing to the ground. Wobbling slightly, he threw out an apology before looking directly at the guard with eyes wide and darted down a side street. A shout behind him mixed with the sounds of booted feet told him that the bait had been received.
"YOU THERE!"
Gwaine smiled as he heard a shout from what he assumed was another knight that Percival had surprised. An awkward squawk then told him that he dealt with the knight and garnished more attention in the meantime. Good boy. Round a corner he came out next to a frequent haunt of his. Glancing at the patrols milling around outside the pub, he noted that already several of them were quite drunk. Waiting until the guard was close, and keeping an eye on the other few guards that had been attracted by the attention, he turned to the nearest drunk and whispered in his ear.
The man's face burned red as he feasted his attention on the approaching guard, he stumbled his way over fists already swinging. He caught him by surprise, knocking the guard down. They brawled in the streets bringing more and more drunk patrons into the fight until the entire street was mired in the fight. Ducking a fist, he watched in satisfaction as it hit a knight firmly in the nose as he tried to sneak up on Gwaine from behind.
Weaving and bobbing as if he too were drunk, Gwaine made his way down the street shouting. Peasant rushed out of the way, not wanting to become a part of the problem. The commotion drew another group of knights that had been going after Percival, but seeing the civil unrest, chose instead to try and keep the peace to their failure.
Grinning, Gwaine took a moment to snag a cheerful yellow flower, and hand it to a young maiden who had peered out from behind her flower stall. Her cheeks flushed red at his gift, and he smiled in response.
"My lovely lady how would-"
"YOU! HEY!"
Looking over his shoulder he sighed, "Sorry love, business to attend to, you know how it is."
She giggled at him, and he winked at her before he took off like an arrow released from a taut bow. Squeezing between two knights who raced forward, he saluted them and continued to weave his way out of the lower town and towards the forest. He could easily spot the knights who were wearing their Camelot red capes as they stalked the forest, searching for Merlin.
Really, are they complete idiots? Because red doesn't stand out amongst the green. Grinning at their stupidity which worked in their favor, making them easy to spot, he crept around them, his hand on the hilt of his sword, ready to draw it in a moment's notice. Sliding it from its sheath, he crept up to the first one that was alone and slammed the hilt against his helmet, knocking him unconscious.
One by one the rogue knight snuck up on the knights scouring the forest and rendered them unconscious, or at least, unable to to interfere. In the distance he saw a figure who he assumed was Sir Leon by his stature and hair. Cursing under his breath, he made his way in that direction, determined that even if he had to, he would also stop his once comrade from capturing his friend.
-o(-,-)o-
Sir Leon called to the nearest knights and sent them over to his left, into a particularly difficult patch of thorns and briars, watching as they hacked uselessly at the long spindly fingers that were constantly grabbing and tugging at their capes that they had so foolishly worn. He shook his head in exasperation as he could hear the novices crunching, and trampling through the dead underbrush alerting anyone in the vicinity their location.
"Ahhhh!"
"What the-?!"
"SIR-!'
"MAGIC!"
"THe forest, it's alive-ommmfpph."
The First knight's eyes widened as he saw three men go down, one right after another, as if something were snaking across the forest floor and picking his men off. Sprinting in their direction, he pulled up short. On the ground, were his knights, all of them relatively unharmed although almost certainly embarrassed to have been bested by the forest itself. Wrapped around their bodies were long, thick vines that seemed to have been wound around them like rope. Their mouthes were bound with their own cape, obviously done with magic.
Cries all around him, alerted him to the fact that many more of his own men seem to be suffering the same fate, or at least something similar. Never were they harmed seriously, and usually rendered incapacitated by the most clever of ways. Spinning on his heel, he searched the forest for any sign of the person, or persons who were the perpetrators of such magic but he saw no one besides his own knights. He heard them though. He could hear the sounds of something in the grass, it seemed to bob and weave like a slithering snake. Like a forking river, many paths in the grass seemed to shiver and shake as whatever it was scurried around him. As one such plowed past him, the knights eyes widened as his mouth dropped open in astonishment.
Roots! They're tree roots. His eyes immediately sought upward and he then took notice that the leaves on the tree themselves were swaying eerily in a nonexistent breeze. With each shift of the upper branches, the roots along the ground seemed to move in tandem. Out of the corner of his eyes he saw a root dart between the bushes to his right, and he leapt away from it, continuing to follow its tracks with his eyes and watched as not twenty feet away another of his knights fell to its aim.
Soon, the forest seem to shut down, all sounds ceasing as the last of his men fell silent to the forest's traps leaving only Sir Leon upright. Even the birds were silent, as if they too were holding their breath to see what would happen to the lone knight.
"SIR LEON!"
Startling, the knight had his sword in hand, spinning around before the echo died away. Farther up a bit of an incline was the direction that King Arthur had taken, he had chosen to lead the search himself for Merlin and had taken a few knights with him while Leon continued to expand the search down there. Crashing through the brush, he as slightly surprised to find that no roots or vine snapped at his heel, no sharp tug to bring him down to the dust of the earth. His path was actually fairly clear. Too clear. A trap? Was that really Arthur's voice?
"Hello Leon."
Skidding to a stop, Sir Leon spun on his heel, his sword in front of him. Metal clanged against metal as another sword was already there to meet his blade. He stared in surprise at the blue orbs of Arthur's servant. There was no hostility in those familiar eyes, no anger in his face, no tense muscle in his lithe frame.
"Merlin."
"I need you to leave Arthur to me."
"And what do you intend to do to him?"
"Heal him."
"Heal him? Was he injured? Is he OK?"
"No, he is not. Surely, you have seen the sudden change to him since leaving the Valley of the Fallen Kings? Something happened there. Something I intend to rectify."
"How? With magic? Was that you, who turned the forest against us?"
"Yes."
"Can I trust you? That you will help him?"
"Have I ever given you reason to doubt me? Would you trust me, if I said I only intend to help save him, as I have always done."
Sir Leon searched those eyes, for any sign of deceit, anything that would cause him to question or to doubt the words of the King's most trusted servant. He found none. He lowered his sword, his action reflected in Merlin's own.
"I am living proof that not all magic is evil, were it so, I would not be here today without the help of the Druids. Please do what you can, restore our King to us as he was before."
"You have my word, on my life, Sir Leon. Thank you but I must ask that no matter what you hear or see that you do not interfere."
There was something heavy, something ominous in the boy's words that stirred the first bubbling of doubt. Nodding solemnly, the Knight squared his shoulders and moved from his current position to lean up against a thick sturdy tree not a few paces away.
"Also, Leon, please don't go far, once I am done I will need help getting him back to Camelot."
Another twinge, stirred but the knight squashed it down and again nodded, one hand fingering the hilt of his sword.
With that, the Knight could only watch as the servant, Merlin slunk through the forest with far more grace and stealth than he had ever seen him command before. He was good, quite good at playing the fool. I wonder if this is the first time I have truly seen the man that he is.
-o(-,-)o-
"Confound these trees, this forest! I will have you burned! I will destroy the evil that had taken root here, that innocence may once again grow within this land," King Arthur growled, as he used his sword to chop at the roots slithering all around him.
He was constantly dancing away from their reach, his sword striking out creating gashes where it connected with the living foliage. Off in the distance he could hear the fain whining of his horse, which had deserted him at the first sign of unnaturalness, tossing him to the ground. He watched in horror as his men around him fell to the onslaught, their cries cutting off sharply.
It fueled his anger, his hatred for that which was not natural. Yelling, he swung his sword with renewed vigor as his face flushed red. The roots lunged forward then retreated, causing the King to do the same. They danced around each other, one making the move and the other countering it, trading ground. The King roared as he brought his sword high over his head in a two handed grasp and impaled a slithering vine. It struggled to pull itself from beneath the blade but it couldn't, it shuddered as a snake would in the last throes of life before it fell still.
Heaving, the King leaned against the sword, trying to gulp in large amounts of air from his fight against nature. That's when he noticed it. Nothing seemed to move; not the leaves, not the grass, not the roots, or vines.
crack
Spinning around, drunkenly, the King's blue eyes fell on the image of a young man sitting on a fallen log partway down the decline, one elbow rested on his knee which cupped his chin in his hand. The steady, unwavering gaze bore into the King.
"You," he growled.
"Me," Merlin simply responded.
"You filth of the Earth, scourge upon Camelot. This day shall I rid you from our lands, and then all those like you."
"Like me? Oh, people of magic? Like you, you mean."
"How dare you. I am nothing like you."
"True, I was born with magic; whereas, you were summoned of magic. You, who do not belong in this world, but are here nonetheless by the product of magic, does that not make you the same? Having control of something that you did not choose but somehow chose you."
"I am NOTHING like you!" Arthur roared, hatred burning in his eyes.
"Well, I suppose you are right. I am not the one who possessed the body of a loved one, so I could return in some bid to retake a kingdom that was no longer yours, or your right, was it Uther?"
"So, you figured it out, boy. Not quite as stupid as you look."
"A gift, and a curse, I admit but it does allow my enemies to underestimate me, to my advantage."
Uther gripped the hilt of the sword, and pulled. It didn't budge from the ground the tip was buried in. Grasping it with both hands,he yanked until his face turned red with effort. Releasing it, he swore at the boy who was watching him, whose calm face had transformed.
Merlin's hand dropped from his chin, coming to rest on his knees, his brow furrowed, eyes glinting as he spoke his next words.
"That sword is not meant to be defiled by your hands. It was forged for Arthur and him alone."
"I have used this sword before, haven't I though? Was this not the blade I drew and destroyed that wraith's body of Tristan?"
"A mistake that I will not allow to be repeated. Not ever," the servant vowed, as he slowly and with deliberate moves, stood tall and straight, shoulders square as he stared down at the King.
Uther released his hold on the hilt, knowing that with magic at play, he would not be able to take it up once more. Instead, his hand dug in his belt flinging something at the boy. Gold flashed within blue, and the projectile stopped, inches from Merlin's face, it's blade glinting in the afternoon sun. Another flash, and the blade dropped harmlessly to the forest floor. He took a moment to glance down at the dagger intending for him, before he looked up into the face of his friend whose body was no one his own.
"You should not have done that," the boy whispered.
Defiantly, the King again reached for his belt, his hands pulling out several more blades, of varying length. One by one, they were thrown, one at his face, another his leg and still another at his belly. One by one, the boy stopped them, allowing them to fall without hitting their target.
Uther smiled, it was no longer the smile of Arthur Pendragon, but a sick parody that sent a chill down Merlin's spine. Just as the last blade dropped, Merlin looked up to find the King within striking range. He dodged left, riiiiip. A hand flew to his tan jacket, where he felt warm blood flowing freely. Pulling his hand away, blood dripping, he flung it out. A cry was his response. Root shot up through the ground, winding their way up the King's ankles, binding him in place.
The servant stalked forward, eyes stormy as he gazed at the thief.
"You-u can't do anything to me, else you hurt Arthur," Uther protested.
Merlin paused, "You would think that wouldn't you? Hiding behind someone else, like the coward you are."
With a herculean pull of his legs, Uther lunged forward, tackling the thin boy to the ground, using his weight to subdue him, he fumbled with his ankle boot. Wind whistled in his ears as he was sent flying off of the boy and out, in a wide arc before he crashed to the ground. Air exploded from his lungs at the impact, pain sparking in his back, and legs.
"No...o."
Uther struggled to flip over, to get to his feet. He could hear the crunching of the boy's boots as he came closer. I won't let him win. Sorcerer, poisoning my son with his unnaturalness. I will not fall to this mere child!
Blue flashed under his fingertips, small bolts of electricity, growing in sizing as the King's mind churned with desperation. The boy's booted feet came into view. Uther threw a hand out, as if to ward him off, and in the next moment the booted feet were gone. This time it was the serving boy who was sent flying. The King watched in horrified fascination as his body crumpled on impact. Another glance traveled to the offending hand.
"Wha-? No! NO! This can not be! I-I-"
"Similar to me...I was right, just my luck."
The boy swiped a hand across the corner of his mouth, smearing blood across his alabaster skin, causing the bright red to stand out. The King's mouth curved upwards, his offending hand clenching into a fist, causing more sparks to flash within his hand. Rising on unsteady legs, Uther took a stance, feet shoulder width apart, one hand raised to guard his mouth, the other pulled back slightly. Twisting his body to allow for greater momentum, he punched his fist as if delivering a powerful right cross.
Blue erupted from his closed fist, forming a fiery ball of blue directly at the warlock. Merlin raised his own hand in defense, eyes burned gold. A semi transparent shield pulsed into existence, the blue flames crashed against it, the shockwave of which sent both persons backwards and white smoke to drift between the impact area.
Groaning, Merlin wearily brushed his bangs of the way, blinking rapidly as he tried to pinpoint the King. He coughed, smoke burning his eyes and throat, hand waving in front of him. The King was no where to be seen. Another short curse, and Merlin was up, his magic already pouring out of him in small waves. A pull of his magic had him going in the direction he had planned for.
Smiling inwardly, he chased after the fleeing King, his arms and legs pumping furiously as he continued to send out waves of energy, changing course when his magic pinged back to him the King's location. Finally he came to a clearing, looking out over it, he could see the crystal clear lake, the mountains in the distance and the greenery that surrounded the peaceful water. Fleeing along the shore was Uther, this time Merlin threw out his own hand watching as the King's body skipped along the water's surface like a rock before he made it to the center of the lake. Flailing his arms, the King was unable to stay afloat with so much armor as he had on. He was sinking in it's depths.
Merlin watched him struggle for just a moment before he crashed through the water until he reached his friend. Taking a deep breath, he dove under the water, eyes open as he searched for any sort of glint that would tell him where he had sunk to. There! With several powerful strokes he cast his hand around 'til he caught the sleeve by his fingertips. Stretching as far as he could, he snagged the fabric and pulled upwards as he kicked with all his might.
Merlin's lungs burned as he fought against the King's dead weight, his legs working frantically as the surface didn't seem to get any closer. His eyes flickered gold, his magic also struggle to help but the longer he was under the less control he had over it. Not like this. Notlikethis! Bubbles exploded as he opened his mouth in frustration before he remembered to keep it shut. He blinked slowly, watching as the sunlight danced off of the surface of the water, piercing the dark depths of the lake. They weaved under the water's surface like a snake swimming. Slowly, and without a conscious thought, his legs ceased to move, he and his load drifted in the water.
A strong grip seized his upper arm, effortlessly pull them up at a constant speed until Merlin's head broke the surface. Water rolled down his face from his saturated hair, getting into his eyes causing his vision to blur. Air exploded from his lungs, as he coughed out water while trying to draw air at the same time. Next to him, Arthur's head also broke through, causing his body to also attempt to expel the excess water. Using his arms, Merlin tried to spin around to find the person who saved them. No one was in sight.
"Y-you-u!" King Arthur spat.
Treading water, the serving boy glared back at the face of his friend.
"Let him go," Merlin growled.
"No. I am not finished yet. I shouldn't have had to leave so soon."
"We don't get to choose when it is our time, or why, we can only accept it and hope that we made the most of the time we had. You don't get second chances. It's not your place to decide."
"So, you think it is yours, to decide that my time is up?"
"No, fate did that. We all share the same fate. We will die at one point, when and how, we can't control but in the end we will all pass from this life; as you already have and were meant to so that Arthur could take his place upon the throne."
"His place, and what did he do with it? Knight commoners, marrying a serving girl. He has forsaken everything I have ever taught him! He is not fit to be King."
"HE HAS NOT! Don't you dare besmirch his honor. Gwen, is a wise and kind Queen, the likes of which has earned her the respect and favor of her subjects, and Arthur is a just King; more-so than you ever were," Merlin spat back.
Something glinting in the sunlight drew Merlin's attention for just a moment. A moment too long. Water encased his head once more as he felt the powerful hands of Arthur's wrap around his neck and push him under. He struggled against the hold, desperate to reach the surface but still hesitant to use his magic. His magic made the decision for him. The water around him bubbled furiously and he felt the immediate release of the hands from him.
Two powerful kicks, and a slight surge of magic, had Merlin bursting through the water; his already already seeking out Arthur's. He found him a few paces away blowing on his hands which were stripped of their gloves, hands red and raw. We can't keep doing this. We can't tread water forever. I need to get Uther out before this becomes permanent.
"No. NO, no, no. Please. Not yet. Noooo," Uther moaned.
Merlin watched as the King faced away from shore, his eyes locked on some unseen image. He watched as he batted his hands as if warding off an unpleasant odor. The King's trembling sent ripples across the surface, growing in size until the boy could see them no more.
"No! I didn't mean to. It wasn't my fault, it was the magic! I didn't. I loved you! Please, please leave me alone."
It clicked in Merlin's mind at that second, the torment in his voice, the desperation in his words. Uther in Arthur's body saw his wife, Igraine. He was trying to flee physically now, paddling backwards. Both hands were sinking deep into the water, pulling him farther and farther away from the image. Merlin did the opposite, he moved closer to the King, keeping his movements small and without sound. The two met, and Merlin wrapped his arms around Arthur's chest, securing his hands to his side. Uther struggled, his whimpers becoming louder.
The warlock was reminded of the time when Morgana had used a mandrake root to force her Father to live out his worst fears. It was happening again.
"No, no. It wasn't my fault. Not my fault. I-I-I loved-love you. Stop it. Don't look at me. St-o-o-p."
Uther turned his face away, his tears trailing down Arthur's face and mingling into the river without a trace, just a faint ripple each time.
"Noo," he moaned.
Merlin held tighter, to control Uther he told himself. After a long pause, Arthur's head moved ever so slowly as if being directed by soft, gentle hands until it rested with eyes facing forward. A sigh escaped his lips.
"Y-you don't hate me?"
The warlock nearly released his grip, but something held his arms in place. The King was utterly still in his arms, peaceful, if such a word could be associated with Uther Pendragon. He mumbled words that Merlin couldn't hear, and for that the warlock was grateful as clearly this was some moment that should not be shared with outsiders. He felt the King nod his head in agreement, and lean ever so slightly forward as if resting against in front of him. There was a sigh and then Arthur's body went limp.
"Uther? Uther?!"
Merlin shook the King's body slightly, but there was no answer. He released one arm and felt for a pulse with his now free hand. He didn't feel the reassuring thrum of a heartbeat. He felt nothing.
"No-no. NO. ARTHUR?!"
He shook the King's body harder, fear flooding his body as if someone had poured cold water in his veins. He flipped the King's body around so that they were pressed chest to chest, one arm still holding up the unresponsive body. He angled his head sot aht he could feel for breath leaving his nose. He felt no tall-tale whisper of air. Tears welled up in the warlocks eye.
too late. toolate. toolate. Dead. Deadeadead. ARTHUR! Gwen! What am I supposed to tell Gwen? Leon? oh, Leon is going to kill me. Leon!
Spinning around, he used his free arm to wave at the shore where the glint off of armor had distracted him.
"LEON! HELP! LEON!"
The shore was so far away but he could hear the fain splashing of the Knight heeding his call. Merlin's own heart thudded painfully in his chest, as failure pulsated through him. He was watching the Knight's progress when he felt it, a grip on his upper arm.
"My love."
"Freya. Freya?"
Bobbing gently in the water effortlessly, next to him was the one woman he loved, the one person to whom he swore his body, mind, and spirit. She looked just as he remembered her, in the same dress he had stolen from Morgana. She had a smile on her face as she gaze up at him, and despite the fear, the heartache Merlin smiled back.
"I-I-what?"
"You were right to bring Uther here. To the gates of Avalon."
"Then, that was you?"
"Yes, I allowed Uther to see Igraine and thus allowing reconciliation so that he might depart from Arthur."
"I don't understand, why now? If they were both dead, why didn't they already meet?"
"You assume that death is the end and we are all just wandering around aimlessly. That is not the case, there is more to do on the other side than you might think. Death is only the beginning. Uther needed to reconcile before he could move on to the next stage, to where Igraine was waiting for him."
"Oh. Arthur?! What about Arthur? I can't get a pulse. He's dead."
Freya lifted one finger and pressed it lightly against Merlin's protesting lips.
"No, Arthur lives yet. It is not his time. He will waken."
Freya had moved away as she spoke, putting some distance between them. Merlin reached out, wanting, begging her to stay. She shook her head.
"Good bye my love, I shall see you when I see you and think of you in between that."
"Freya-"
Waves crashed against Merlin and Arthur as Leon finally met them, his hands already reaching and taking his King's body in his own strong arms. Without his added weight, Merlin felt so light. He watched as Freya disappeared back into the depths, a shudder running through his body as her head sunk beneath. It was odd that the waterline seemed to also be rising, Merlin head dipped beneath the water, as if he made to follow his beloved. He didn't get far, as Leon's hand grasped him by his collar and jerked him back up.
"MERLIN!"
Tired. With a visible shake of his head, the warlock blinked over at the Knight who was watching him with concern. Waving him off, Merlin slowly made his way towards the shore, with Leon following closely. It was with great relief that Merlin's feet hit the first mounds of sand. Stumbling, he fought to find his footing as the weight of his wet clothes seemed to pull him down now that his strength was waning quickly.
"MERLIN!"
The young man in question slipped, crashing into the surf, arms flailing unsuccessfully. Water strangled his lungs as he again tried to put his feet beneath him, he found relief as strong arms seized him from under his arms and hauled him back to the surface. Coughing, Merlin pounded his fist against his chest, his breaths coming in as strained wheezing.
"Percival, over here! Help me!"
A few moments later, large hands picked him up with more ease than the warlock would have like. I have put on some weight, thank you very much. His next thoughts were a bit more fuzzy as the large man set him down on solid ground, well away from the water.
"Oh, sure, make it look easier than it was. Merlin's no spring chicken anymore. All wet and everythin', he weights probably as much as..."
"A girl?" Percival supplied, a grin on his face.
Gwaine glared at the man, "You impugn my honor and strength."
"I wasn't the one having problems getting him to shore."
Gwaine grumbled nonsensically to himself while Percival just smiled serenely down at him. Merlin's drunken weaving caught their attention, Gwaine reached a hand out to steady him a moment too late as the young man toppled over his eyes slowly sliding shut. The moment his eyelids shut, surprise shouts erupted in the forest in front of them all around. Worriedly, Gwaine and Leon glanced towards the unconscious warlock to the angry guards and knights emerging from the forest, their eyes lighting on the downed sorcerer.
Percival and Gwaine were in front of the warlock, swords out as Leon shouted at the knights to stand down. Eyes wavered from the warlock to the King and back, before shifting over to the First Knight and those protecting the boy.
"One step forward and you will see just what kind of strength we possess."
The words did little to deter them, but a glance at the large man who was flexing his muscles quite impressively and they resorted to surround them, at a distance.
"We will escort you back to Camelot."
Sir Leon nodded his agreement, shifting his load.
"Did any of you retrieve his Majesty's horse?"
"Here!" From the back a young knight was leading said horse, a nervous look about his face.
-o(-,-)o-
Merlin groaned, light assaulted his brain as his eyelids cracked open a sliver. Immediately he shut them again, his hand waving about as if that would ward off the sunlight.
"You can't magic away the sun, you dolt."
The warlock froze, his mind blanking. Oh-
Shielding his eyes, he looked up to see Arthur standing over him, arms crossed, a smirk on his face. Wearily Merlin shut his eyes again, Maybe if I feign sleep, he'll go away.
"No, I won't go away, you've been lazy about too long as it is."
"Did you read my mind?"
"Didn't have to, not much in it," Arthur quipped.
"Ugh, how long?"
"Four days."
"FOUR DAYS?!"
"And in those four days, I have heard quite a fantastic tale of sorcery, loyalty, and betrayal."
"Oh, have you now?"
Merlin was stalling, trying to figure out just what that meant, and how much the King knew.
"And I have one thing to say to that."
"You do?"
"Erm, yes, well. Ah, thank you."
"Did you just-?'
"No."
"You did."
"No, I am quite sure you were dreaming. You do that a lot, dreaming that is. Too much, I'd say. In fact, I should increase your chores as an intervention to your excessive dreaming."
"My what-?!"
"Yes, starting tomorrow you will help out in the stables, the kitchens-"
"ARTHUR!"
"Kidding, well, maybe, that depends on..."
"Funny, Arthur, very funny. You know one day we may look back on this and laugh. Laugh that you banished Gwen, stripped the Knights of their knighthood, tried to execute me, all because you were possessed by Uther."
"Haha, wo-wo-wo...possessed? What do you mean possessed?"
"Wha-I-I thought...um...Oh, uh, you, uh, didn't hear about that part?"
"MERLIN!
"So, uh, what did you hear, and from whom?"
"That I had a rough few days, listing all those things except possession, and was thought to be under the influence of magic. Leon, told me with some additives by Gaius."
"Ah, well, I guess Gaius didn't want to have to repeat the events of when you went to see your dead Father. Left this part to me, kind of, Gaius, that is. So, um, you were possessed by his restless soul in the Valley of the Fallen Kings-"
"I thought we sent his soul back-?"
"Yeah, me too...apparently not. So ANYWAYS, he possessed you and did all that stuff they told you about, luckily I escaped, you know, to save you, of course."
"How did you by the way? Escape, that is."
"Oh, had some help from an elderly fellow."
"A sorcerer?"
"Um, yeah, might have been."
"Old guy, long white hair and beard?"
"Sounds about right."
"Remind you of anyone?"
"Erm-?"
"Oh, I don't know, how about that sorcerer who killed my Father?"
"Um, could have been but Gaius said he had been trying to help but something got in the way."
"Still not entirely convinced that it how it happened, but anyways...?"
"Well, he used his um-gifts-to incapacitate your knights; although it really wasn't that hard, I mean red capes in a forest, really?"
"Oh, shall I have you instruct them on matters of combat then?"
"Well, I could, I do have a few ideas-oh, you were being facetious?"
"Yeees, very good Merlin."
"Anyways, so, he got them all handled until I could get you alone. Then I sort of tossed you into the Lake of Avalon, which is supposed to be the gateway to the other world in a manner of speaking...and it seemed to have worked?"
"And if it didn't?"
"We'd be stuck with your Father in your body-and no one wanted that."
"Just like that it worked?"
"Well, we might have had some intervention from the other side..."
"Intervention?"
"Um, yeah-listen Arthur," Merlin began, before he relayed the events of his Father's coming to peace with his Mother. He ignored the watery of the King's eyes, and spoke as evenly as he could.
"Ah, um...so, wait, my sword is still stuck in the forest ground? Getting all rusty? You left it there?"
"Hey-that's not my fault! I was a bit busy you know, saving your ungrateful arse."
"Merlin-?"
"Yes?"
"GET MY SWORD!"
The end...
AN: Yes, I finished it. A bit late but, better late than never right? AND with an EXTRA long chapter. What did you think? Did it make sense? Please R/R!
HAPPY EASTER!...RS