(Author's Note: Still own nothing.)
Part 3 How To Restore What Was Lost
Merlin was terrified. What had Nimueh done to Arthur? Merlin waited in the darkness of a dungeon, in the broken fortress he and Arthur had been headed. She had ambushed them on their way there. He let his mind wander back to what had happened.
'Arthur, are we even going the right way?' He asked annoyed. They had been riding for several hours and he was tired. He also had that feeling he got before serious danger struck.
'Yes Merlin we are.' Arthur froze. Merlin froze and could do nothing but watch as a bright bolt of light came from nowhere and struck Arthur, ripping him from his horse. Merlin cast a spell that caught the unconscious Arthur before he struck his head on a rock. He leapt from his horse and ran to Arthur. Standing in front of him protectively he turned and saw the witch.
'Nimueh!' He spat the name keeping himself between her and Arthur. He could hear Arthur breathing, but it was ragged and sounded strained.
'Merlin. It's good to see you.' She laughed. He saw an opening.
'GEHEFTAN!' Vines encircled Nimueh, trapping her. He knew it wouldn't hold her for long but he needed to check on Arthur. He ran to Arthur's side and knelt down. His breathing was slowing, going back to normal. Merlin sighed with relief, he could sense Arthur's life force, his energy. It glowed strong, revealing to Merlin that whatever Nimueh had tried had failed. Arthur opened his eyes.
"Aww. Look at the poor caged Merlin." He jerked his head up and glared at Nimueh. He couldn't do much more than that though. The chains she had bound him with were pure silver and weakened magic. He could still use it but even simple things drained his energy and he couldn't get the cuffs unlocked. She laughed again.
"You have been a thorn in my side for far too long. But now you won't be. And there's nothing your precious Prince Arthur can do. After all how can he save you if he doesn't even know your name?" He felt the tears of anger and hopelessness beginning and did nothing to hold them back. He knew she was right. Arthur, the Arthur he had met almost a year ago, had been nothing but a prat. He wouldn't come to the aid of someone he didn't know.
"I'll find some way of stopping you Nimueh. If Arthur doesn't come I'll find a way to stop you myself." He spat the words at her and she laughed.
"There is no way for you to get out of those chains. That much silver can hold even your annoying little powers. Don't worry though you won't be here long. No I'll deal with you soon enough. But for now, sleep. Swepnu." He passed out. The spell was supposed to cause a dreamless sleep but what Nimueh didn't know was that Merlin had some very powerful friends.
"Young warlock? You must listen to me."
" 'm listening." Merlin replied sleepily.
"YOUNG WARLOCK! Rouse your mind this is important." That shocked his brain awake but not his body.
"I can't open my eyes!" He felt panic rising in his chest.
"Calm yourself. You are merely asleep. But I must speak with you. Your destiny hangs in the balance."
"Why? Oh right Arthur doesn't remember me. Yeah I'd have to call that a setback."
"Yes, that is one way of putting that. But you must make him remember."
"How? Nimueh's got me trapped in silver chains. How can silver hold back my magic?"
"Silver is magic's bane. It holds magic captive. You and I are in a similar situation at the moment."
"Yeah. I can see why you hate it so much."
"Yes. But that is a problem for another day. Albion hangs in the balance. You must help Arthur remember you."
"How!? I don't know a spell to restore memory."
"No but I do. And as your magic is restrained you must rely on my magic. Open your mind and let me help." Merlin let his mind open to the power of the dragon. He felt himself flying and opened his eyes. He was still in the cell but higher and free now. He looked down and saw himself lying chained to the wall. Fear gripped him for a second but then he saw his own chest rise and fall.
"You are not dead young warlock. I have temporarily separated your soul from your body, this was necessary. You must find Arthur and enter his mind. Unlock the memories Nimueh has hidden. They are still there, locked away in the Princes soul. You don't have much time. Though you will feel no pain in this form your body can be harmed."
"Thank you. But how do I find Arthur?"
"His soul and yours are connected. You can find him if you look." Merlin nodded. With one last look down at his body below him, he closed his eyes and felt for the connection the dragon had spoken of. He found it. A bright gold trail and he followed it. Zipping along faster than he had ever traveled before.