Chapter 8
As the last of the food that Anna had brought them, was shared out between the two cells; Arthur knew they had to escape as soon as possible. He had allowed Merlin and Freya to have as much time alone as he could, while they worked out the strange stone that Freya had brought with her.
Arthur didn't like the look of it, although he had now accepted magic, he still retained an unease, over things he didn't understand. He feared the power the stone had even though it was in the good hands of his friends. He still couldn't understand how an object like that could have so much power. It was not just the power but how it could be controlled in the wrong hands. He shuddered to think about what a witch like Demonia could do with a stone like that.
He was still shaken over what damage she had done to Merlin's self-confidence initially. While it was good to see him recover now that Freya was with him, Arthur still feared what the mad witch could do.
As if sensing his unease Gwen came over to the side of the cell and put her hand though it.
"Arthur you seem to be in a world of your own." She said, a smile on her lips.
"Sorry I am just concerned. We need to get away as soon as possible Guinevere. Our supplies are running out. I need to speak to Merlin and Freya see where they are with the stone. We cannot afford to wait much longer."
"I know." Gwen admitted, "Is that the last of the food?"
"There are a couple of pieces of stale bread, Gwaine has them. But besides that we have nothing. I am just worried over whether Merlin can manage it." Arthur said quietly, keeping his voice down.
"Well the stone that Freya has is said to be really powerful. Providing they work together the woman back in Linden thinks they should be able to overpower the witch." Gwen whispered back, reaching for Arthur's hand through the cell.
"You didn't see the mess he was in earlier on Guinevere. I was really worried for him; I haven't seen him like that before." Arthur explained.
"We must hope that together they can make a difference. Freya really proved herself on the journey over here." Gwen said, proudly.
"I think you all did." Arthur smiled, looking back at where Merlin and Freya were talking earnestly. "I am going to have a word for them, we need to make a definite decision.
Gwen nodded watching Arthur go. She could sense his unease at the current situation. Much of what he had said concerned her also. But having seen Freya grow in confidence and knowing what Merlin had already achieved she refused to be down-hearted. She motioned for Isolde to join her.
"Arthur thinks we need to make definite plans at getting out of here. How are the other Knights?" Gwen asked.
"Tristan is like a pacing animal, I can only just stop him from tearing around. I agree I think we need to act quickly, take them by surprise. If Freya and Merlin can control the stone, I see no reason why the rest of us cannot overpower the guards. There are enough of us." Isolde winked.
"I agree, I suggest you get Tristan ready. The quicker we do this the more chance we have. I will speak to Leon."
"Okay, let's hope this is the last hours we spend in this dump." Isolde cursed, restlessly touching her sword.
"How are you two getting on? Do you know how to use it together?" Arthur asked, sitting down next to Merlin.
"That in itself is not a problem." Merlin smiled. "The power we will be able to use through this stone will be immense. It is when we unleash it that is the problem. We are thinking if somehow we can remove the doors of the cell without using the stone, then this can be hidden until we have to use it, should Demonia arrive on the scene."
"Do you think you'll be able to?" Arthur asked, curiously. "I thought you said the doors were enchanted?"
"That's what I thought but my clever girl here." Merlin smiled tenderly, at Freya. "She has already managed to blow off a door in the castle outside. I think if we use our magic together it could be worth a try."
"Well whatever you two think." Arthur conceded, "I will leave the magical stuff to the two experts. But Merlin I think we need to get a move on. The supplies are running out, and I can't help but feel the longer we leave it the harder it will be."
"We agree, what about later tonight?" Merlin asked, with a grin.
"You are both ready?" Arthur asked, suddenly feeling more cheerful.
"Yes we both feel ready for it, just make sure the rest of you have a plan for the guards."
"Are you okay with this Freya?" Arthur asked, worried that she was too quiet.
Freya met him with a determined look in her eyes, "I am ready."
"Good I will have a word with the rest of them." Arthur smiled, "You two rest for now until you are needed."
Merlin and Freya nodded, holding hands through the cell bars.
"If we get out here." Freya began.
"You mean when we get out of here." Merlin smiled, pushing her hair back from her face.
"Sorry." Freya laughed, "I mean when I would like learn more about magic Merlin."
"Well you are with the right person for that." Merlin smiled. He kissed her hand gently suddenly feeling strong again and determined.
A couple of hours later, Merlin and Freya both came to the doors of their respective cells. They held hands, and after a nod from Freya both closed their eyes. As Merlin concentrated he searched for his magic. At first he struggled to find any, just as he began to panic Freya squeezed his hand, he tried again, suddenly he could feel it, moving around inside him.
His determination to control the situation began to take over. He could feel his natural power inside every part of him. It was as though he had found another force, he concentrated hard so it could come up in the most beneficial way. He saw the door in front of him inside his mind, he was now going to blast it open he vowed. Faster and faster he could feel the magic bubble around him, until it became a swirling torrent at the last moment he threw his head back his eyes turning orange as he commanded.
"Torspringe!"
He opened his eyes as the door blew away, quickly checking that Freya had managed it as well, he stood stunned to the spot. He could use his magic after all, he suddenly felt like his self again.
"Come on let's get going!" Tristan impatiently shouted, leading the way to empty the cell.
Merlin felt a hand on his shoulder, "Well done my friend." Arthur said, "You have both done well."
"I fear this could be the easy part." Merlin cautioned, "Let's get out of here."
They ran down the dark corridor. Merlin and Freya grabbed hold of a torch each as Merlin lighted them. Arthur took the lead with Merlin and Freya gingerly following behind them. The corridor appeared to be getting windier and windier as they followed it around.
"Does anyone know if we are going in the right direction?" Gwaine asked, looking anxiously around him.
"Strangely enough Gwaine I can't say I know the place well." Arthur answered, sarcastically.
"I don't remember it being this windy." Isolde said, fearing the worst.
Just as they came to a corner they heard footsteps and a cry of "The prisoner's have gone!"
"Right way or not I suggest we get a move on." Arthur shouted, and began to run.
The rest of them followed him, Percival and Leon at the rear, swords at the ready should they be ambushed. As Merlin ran, he put his hand over his head.
"What is the matter?" Freya asked, as watched him.
"I can feel something, a pain in my head." Merlin began, "Get down everyone now!"
No sooner had Merlin shouted the warning then suddenly a fire ball can careering down the tunnel exploding at the end, forcing part of the roof to cave in. Pieces of the ceiling began to come down, forcing the group to weave their way through the wreckage. They had avoided that one, when another came flying down as well.
"If she goes on like this hopefully she'll blow the castle away and make our escape easier." Gwaine grinned.
"Just as long as she doesn't kill us first that is!" Percival pointed out, rolling his eyes.
"The rest of you keep on going." Merlin called out.
"What do you think you're doing Merlin?" Arthur commanded, stopping as his friend had. "Merlin I'm not sure this is the wisest course of action."
"You continue on, I will use the stone now to delay her." Merlin shouted. "Please Arthur keep on going and take everyone else out. You go with him Freya please."
"Not without you I don't." Freya argued, stopping with him.
"Freya I can probably do this alone." Merlin said, gently. "There is no point in you risking your life unnecessarily."
"That is not what we agreed Merlin, we do this together." Freya said, refusing to leave. "It is what we have to do."
Before Merlin had a chance to answer a shadow passed across them. Merlin didn't have to look at Demonia he could feel her, inside him almost. Suddenly his composure started to wander away, he felt Freya's hand in his, and he could see her reach for the stone, from Merlin's pocket.
"Well, well, well what do we have here?" Demonia purred, coming closer and closer.
"Merlin I have the stone hold it with me, we can do this together just have some faith in me." Freya begged him.
Merlin's mind felt in turmoil as he fought for control of it. On one side lay the demonic powers that the witch seemed to be putting into him. Yet every now and then he felt his and Freya's magic flowing. He tried to concentrate hard, closing his eyes blocking out Demonia's voice, as the stone began to push an extra force of magic into him.
"Merlin, we can do this, are you ready?" Freya asked, praying that he would be able to fight off the forces that Demonia was unleashing onto him. She anxiously looked at him, as she heard Demonia's manic laugh. Freya grabbed hold of Merlin hands squeezing tightly on it. "Come on Merlin you and me together, we can do this."
Just as she was beginning to lose hope, she felt Merlin squeeze her hand back a look of grim determination in his eyes. The pair of them concentrated their powers feeling the extra pull from the stone; their heads went slowly back as they instantly began to recite a spell together. No sooner had they finished it, a gigantic flash of light appeared moving rapidly towards where Demonia and her men were. They were all forced to put their hands before their eyes to shield them, as they were doing this, Merlin threw a fireball right in front of them.
Merlin looked noticing Demonia fall to the floor, grabbing Freya's hand they went dashing up the tunnel. Merlin was sure they hadn't seen the end of the witch but he was determined to take advantage of the delay.
"Are you okay?" Merlin asked Freya, as they ran.
"Yes I am fine, you were great back then." Freya smiled proudly.
"You weren't bad yourself!" Merlin admitted, suddenly spotting some light at the end of the tunnel. Merlin pointed ahead before they knew it they had bumped into a delighted looking Gwaine.
"We were beginning to fear the worst!" Gwaine smiled, grabbing Freya by the hand and pulling her out.
"Ye of little faith!" Merlin said, accepting his friend's quick hug. "Where is everybody else?"
"There is a clearing nearby they are sheltering over there." Gwaine pointed.
"Lead the way then." Merlin shouted, grabbing hold of Freya and pulling her along after Gwaine. As they ran Merlin could sense they were not alone, and instinctively knew they were being followed. Just as he was about to shout and warn his companions, he felt a sharp stab on his shoulder.
It was suddenly as if the life was being sucked out of him, and all his energy was being drained out of his body. He could feel his hold on Freya's hand becoming less and less, as his strength began to desert him. Then without warning he fell to the ground with a shout of agony.
"Merlin!" Freya shouted, her voice breaking as she saw him slumped on the ground. The sound from the horses's hooves were becoming ever closer, she turned around quickly and she could see them moving through the trees. In her desperation she turned to Gwaine.
"What are we going to do?" Freya asked, tears in her eyes not quite believing it had come to this.
As she looked at Gwaine his eyes seemed as hopeless as her own, and they could hear the men behind them who were now but yards away. Suddenly an idea came to her.
"Gwaine can you pick him up and go over to where Arthur and the others are."
"You need to follow me." Gwaine insisted, as put Merlin up over his shoulder. "Follow me."
"No I have an idea but you must trust me." Freya insisted.
"Freya I can't leave you." Gwaine argued, looking at her as if she'd lost her mind.
"You don't have to worry about me, just take Merlin to safety I will follow you in a few minutes." Freya begged him.
There were a couple of seconds where Gwaine hesitated, but in the end he nodded. "Be careful"
"I'll see you soon." Freya assured him.
She turned to face the group of men on horses she could just about make their faces out now. She took a deep breath taking hold of the stone, she caressed it and in a voice of strength which seemed to come from the heart of her soul she chanted out a spell, one she had never even done before. It just seemed to flow naturally out of her, the words tumbling out into forest. There was a pause before a huge cascade of lightning exploded in the sky above the men and their horses. Then pandemonium took over. The horses were bolting throwing their riders off them, one ended up slumped around a tree, two others fell off their mounts with a sickening thud. Freya could see that neither of them was moving. That left just two others, one looked wearily at her as if he was on the verge of running away. Freya could sense the other man meant business.
But she was ready for whatever he was about to throw at her, as long as she had the stone, she knew her power would prevail. She stood tall refusing to back away from him, as he slowly walked towards her his sword raised. Freya was so intent on concentrating on the stone, that she suddenly realised he was nearer to her then she thought. She took a small step backwards, but her boot slipped on some wet ground and before she knew it she had tumbled over. Her eyes looked desperately around for the stone, where had it gone?
The man laughed and approached her, so he was only feet away. "You're in trouble now." He picked his sword up high, and prepared to bring it down on her.
Freya suddenly saw the stone, and her hand reached towards it with all her determination, but she couldn't quite reach it. The sword by now was coming towards her and she made ready for her fate, broken-hearted that she would not see her beloved Merlin again. As she closed her eyes a whimper came from her mouth which seemed to render the forest quiet.
"No one can help you now!" The man shouted bringing his sword down quickly.
Just as Freya waited for the end, suddenly she could feel a force around her. It swirled around her body as if protecting her, warming her and making her feel calm. As she prepared for her death, she could sense another flow of power ebbing passed her, before she knew what was happening the man was lying slumped on the floor, taking his last breath.
Freya slowly got up and looked around her. Who had done this she wondered? But there was no one there, only her in the middle of the now silent forest. She picked up the stone and put it back in her pocket. Feeling frightened she knew she had to find the others.
To Be Continued.
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