Yay! Another chapter for everyone. I hope everyone is enjoying this story. It is starting to heat up. Have a great week everyone.
Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin
The knights sprinted down the corridors. Each man was pushing himself to the brink of exhaustion as they continued through the castle, winding their way through the halls. Arthur knew that it was a bad idea to deplete their energy now, but he couldn't bring himself to tell his men to slow down. He couldn't even slow down. It was as if his legs had grown a will of their own. "Save Merlin. Kill Ulric. Save Merlin. Kill Ulric." The words were repeating themselves in Arthur's head, hammering into his very flesh. Judging by the looks on the faces of his friends, they were having very similar thoughts.
But there were other words pounding in Arthur's skull, overtaking the ones that were driving him to go faster, run harder. "Merlin might be dead. You failed to keep him safe." Arthur shook his head, trying his hardest to ignore these ones. Merlin was not dead. He couldn't be dead. Arthur couldn't fail him. He wasn't just Arthur's destiny, he was a child who was too innocent for the world yet too knowledgeable of the horrors it held. Merlin was something very precious and Arthur refused to let him think that Merlin was gone forever.
"The king has to be warned. He has to be prepared. I don't know what Ulric is planning, but something is off about this whole thing," Leon said. He barely managed to swerve around some servants, his mind focused more on battle strategies for a man who was a complete mystery.
"Do we even know what he wants?" Elyan said, huffing a little. He managed to leap over a small pile of rocks that had been dislodged from the wall. The earthquake had caused some extensive damage to the castle. Walls had been pulled down, foundations were cracked, people were injured. It was an unnerving site. Arthur's people were suffering and it was all because he had let a stranger take residence in his castle, under his protection.
"He wants Arthur," Percival responded.
"But we don't know why. He wants you alive, for some reason," Elyan said, casting a brief glance in Arthur's direction. In truth, Arthur didn't care about what Ulric wanted with him. He just wanted to hurt the man who had dared to hurt Merlin.
"Let's just hope he hasn't injured Merlin. We should have never trusted him," Arthur spat. The men didn't respond to this. They merely continued to run through the halls, coming closer to their final destination.
When the doors to the throne room appeared, it was like a weight that had been pressing down on Arthur's shoulders increased its weight a thousand fold. Ulric would know by now that Arthur was onto him. He would not wait long to attack and take what he wanted. In fact, Arthur might even be too late. There was nothing that was keeping Ulric from leveling this kingdom to the ground. The doors flew open to reveal Gaius and Uther both looking a little shaken, but alive. Arthur allowed himself to breathe a little easier with this revelation. But, he still had Merlin to worry about.
"Father," Arthur called. Uther turned towards Arthur's direction. Leon and Elyan began checking the room for any traps. Percival closed the door and stood guard.
"Arthur, what is going on?" Uther asked.
"It's Ulric. He's a sorcerer. He hired Drake to catch me and he has Merlin," Arthur explained. He was still a bit out of breath from running the entire way here. But there wasn't a moment to lose. His kingdom was in danger. He needed every able-bodied man ready to fight an enemy with unknown motives and unknown abilities.
"Oh no," Gaius gasped. Arthur felt his heart clench at the sight of the old man. Gaius had visibly paled upon hearing the news. While Arthur never thought of him as an old man, he looked older now than ever before. During Merlin's stay here, Gaius had become very attached to the child. Apparently, Merlin reminded him of a woman he had lost contact with a long time ago. To hear that the boy was in danger appeared to have taken its toll on the old man. He collapsed into a chair and stared blankly at the ground.
"We have to find him and stop him before he causes any more damage to the castle," Arthur continued. Arthur wanted to comfort Gaius, but the best way to help Merlin was to find Ulric and make him talk.
"You think he did this?" Uther asked, stepping towards Arthur. There was a small voice in the back of Arthur's head that told him 'No, Merlin did this. He was scared and called out for help the only way he could.' But Ulric was also a mystery. Perhaps it was the combined powers of the two that caused the castle to crumble. And if Ulric knew about Merlin, then that could make him even more dangerous.
Arthur heard Percival cry out and whirled around. His eyes widened.
"I did in fact, do this," Ulric laughed gesturing to the damaged room around him. There was a blue crystal pressing into Percival's arms, making his eyes go unfocused. His body began to sink to the ground when Ulric removed the stone.
"That should keep you busy for a few minutes, big guy," Ulric said.
"What do you want? What did you do to Percival?" Leon demanded, his sword poised for attack. Arthur held up his hand to stop Leon from charging forward. Leon was usually so level-headed, but this situation was a bit more personal than what he normally had to deal with. Ulric threw back his head and laughed.
"These crystals were given to me by a very old woman who wanted revenge on Uther Pendragon. Little Merlin got a taste of a few of them. It was nice to know they work so well on a child," Ulric said.
"What did you do to him?" Leon repeated. Ulric waved half-heartedly in Leon's direction.
"Don't worry about the man. He's just going to feel a bit sleepy for a few minutes, an hour at the most. The crystals don't actually do any physical harm. Mental harm, well, that's another story," Ulric said. He started laughing and stepped past Percival, who had fallen completely to the floor, and towards the group. Arthur looked away from the scene that was just behind Ulric. Guards, servants, and maid all lay in heaps on the floor. The blood was mixing together, filling every crack with the sticky, red substance. Ulric must have put a spell on them. Their screams never managed to make it to Arthur's ears. Arthur was thankful when Percival managed enough strength to close the door. He would give every person a nobleman's funeral if he won. They fought against this monster. They deserved to be recognized for their deeds.
"You have committed treason against your king! You will be killed for this!" Uther screeched. He unsheathed his sword. Arthur turned and tried to tell him not to attack Ulric, but it was too late.
"I can't have you in my way," Ulric said. His eyes flashed gold and a large puff of smoke filled the room. Arthur thought about every time Merlin used magic. The same color would circle around his blue irises, lighting up his face whenever a spell went right. When Melrin's eyes flashed, they were a beautiful and magical thing. It made Arthur's heart swell with pride whenever he saw the boy perform wonderful feats.
When Morgana's eyes flashed gold, they were dangerous, but comforting all the same. They didn't hold the same sense of wonder and joy that Merlin seemed to carry everywhere with him. But they did command respect. They showed the heart of someone who could squash you like a bug if she so decided. But where Merlin was wild and uncontrolled, Morgana was much more restrained in her powers. She could squash you like a bug, but she had the ability to stop herself.
Ulric's eyes were like the worst qualities of Merlin and Morgana smashed together. He was wild and uncontrolled as well as dangerous. They weren't comforting. They weren't full of wonder. They were dark. This one man had now tainted what once was Arthur's association with good.
By the time the smoke cleared, Arthur was able to see Uther. Except, Uther was no longer like his old self. Instead, Uther was now an old and decrepit man. He looked to be even older than Gaius. His skin withered and papery, his eyes sunken and his bones fragile. Uther cried out and fell to the ground, no longer able to hold up the sword.
"What did you do to him?" Leon asked. Percival, now recovering from the crystal, rushed forward with Leon and helped position Uther so he was more comfortable. The king coughed weakly and looked thoroughly confused at what was going on.
"I merely turned him old. See, Arthur, now he'll die of old age and not violently." Ulric smiled sweetly. Arthur felt his rage begin to boil once again. He would not allow this man to succeed. Ulric was going to die if it was the last thing Arthur managed to do. Uther would be avenged. The people of Camelot would be avenged. Merlin would be avenged.
oOoOoOo
Lancelot made his way through the castle. What few people that were out and conscious did not pay him any attention. They were too focused on trying to put the castle back together than worry about a man convicted of sorcery and set to die. That was just fine for Lancelot. He didn't need to be dragged down to the dungeons again and blamed for this incident. There were more important things to worry about. The biggest being why Ulric was down in the dungeons. Lancelot didn't remember him coming down and he didn't remember being told that there was another prisoner. Something didn't sit right with how the man was smiling as well, like someone who had been triumphant in battle. Maybe he was. Maybe this was Ulric's way to bring down Camelot.
Lancelot came to the hall the throne room was located in and gasped. Bodies were piled through the halls. Men, women, and- oh God- even children were lining the floors. Some eyes were opened, glazed over and frozen with fear, never again being able to take a single breath. Some looked as though they had put up a fight, defensive wounds covering their bodies. Lancelot knelt down next to a woman. She was young, only about Gwen's age. He had seen the two women talking the hall before. His gently closed her eyes before standing back up. His feet continued to carry him towards the room. The blood was sticking to the bottom of his boots, soaking through the material. He clenched his jaw and started running to the doors. Ulric was in there. Ulric was in the room and he would pay for the destruction he had caused. Lancelot unsheathed his sword and burst through the door.
"Sire!" he called before feeling a bolt of energy hit his chest. Lancelot was thrown against the wall. The stone hit his body, causing waves of shock and pain to roll through his body. Lancelot gave a shout and fell to the ground. His head was wringing and he was numbly aware of the blood that was starting to pool around him.
"Where's it coming from?" he thought to himself. His eyes began to slip close, but he could still hear a muffled cry from somewhere in the room.
"What an irritating knight," Ulric drawled. The gold had already disappeared from his eyes.
"Lancelot!" Elyan cried, running to his friend's side. Embedded in his side was a knife. Elyan looked over to see Ulric put away two other knives. Gaius was also quickly by Lancelot's side, checking over the knight to see what he could do.
"It's too dangerous to do the operation here," he said.
"But he's losing a lot of blood," Elyan replied. Lancelot came back to his sense as he was rolled over, a wave of pain snapping him out of his dreams.
"I guess you know about Ulric then?" Lancelot laughed. He should have taken the time to plan this better. He was not Gwaine. He should have never rushed in without at least some sort of idea as to what he was going to do. "Is Merlin okay?" he asked. Elyan looked back at Arthur. Arthur's eyes dropped to the floor and refused to look at Lancelot. Ulric laughed, the noise echoing around the castle, bouncing off the walls and causing the entire population of Camelot to shudder with fear.
"No way. That boy is dead," he said, still shaking with laughter.
"You better be lying. If you did-" Lancelot growled. He was probably not being very threatening at the moment, with him bleeding and all. But he still felt it was necessary to threaten Ulric.
"You'll what? I'm an all-powerful sorcerer, the most powerful sorcerer to walk the earth. I dragged that boy down to the dungeons and trapped him there. He may not be dead yet. But give it a few hours. I wonder if he's scared of the dark," Ulric laughed. Lancelot growled again. That's what Ulric was doing down in the dungeons.
"You bastard, I'll kill you!" Percival said, leaping away from the king. Leon quickly tugged him back down.
"We can't fight this one, he's too powerful and I doubt our swords will even make a mark on him," he explained. Percival allowed himself to be pulled to the ground, but continued to glare at Ulric with all his might. Ulric smiled and turned towards Arthur. Arthur still had his head bent, his face being hidden with his hair. His shoulders were shaking and the sword was loosely held in his hand. Lancelot wondered if Arthur was angry or crying. The knowledge that Merlin was really gone made every knight feel a rush of both emotions.
"Arthur, don't you see what this is. I'm just helping destiny along," Ulric said with a smile. Arthur's hand tightened around the sword and his head snapped up. His eyes were narrowed and his jaw was clenched. He raised his sword and moved so that he was in front of Lancelot. It was a very controlled anger that was coursing through Arthur's veins at the moment. The kind of anger where you knew exactly what was seeping through. But underneath this control lay a dangerous beast. Arthur would unleash it and the ferocity of his emotions would tear Ulric to shreds. Gaius was working hard to try and heal the wound, but Arthur knew that without proper treatment, Lancelot more than likely wouldn't last.
"Let Lancelot and Gaius leave so that he can be healed," Arthur said, ignoring the whole destiny speech Ulric seemed intent on giving. Ulric's smile widened.
"Arthur, don't you see. We were meant to find each other. My father always said that I was destined for great things, unlike the rest of my family," Ulric spat. Arthur felt bad for this man's family. It sounded as if they were much better people than Ulric. Arthur wanted to release his rage on Ulric, to slice him to bits with his sword. But right now, what was important was ensuring no more innocent blood was spilled. That was his duty as prince. Besides, once he gained Ulric's trust he could torture him into submission and then burn him at the stake for hurting Merlin.
"If I agree to help you, will you lift the curse on my father and allow Lancelot to be healed?" Arthur asked.
"Arthur, do not make deals with this man. He's mad, and evil," Uther rasped. Arthur winced at his voice. It was so weak, like dust. Leon held him down on the ground to attempt him to stop getting up.
"Father, right now we have no choice. We either die right here, or we live another day. I am trying what's best for this kingdom. If I am in charge, then I might be able to minimize the amount of casualties," Arthur explained.
"Do you not care about Merlin?" Percival shouted. The words pierced Arthur's heart. He fought down his emotions once again.
"If he is dead, there's nothing we can do about it!" Arthur snapped back. He wanted to drop to his knees and cry. He wanted to tell Percival that yes he did care about Merlin. He cared about Merlin more than he had any right to. He wanted to tell Percival that he was planning on killing Ulric in the most painful ways possible. He wanted to be angry and sad and mourn for the loss of the child. He wanted to turn Ulrich into an example. No one messed with Merlin. He was wiling to forgo all of his morals if it meant that Ulrich got the most painful death possible. But right now was not the time. Percival bit his lip and glared down at the ground. He didn't say another word.
First, though, he needed to gain Ulric's trust. Ulric's smile widened even more.
"I knew the once and future king couldn't resist his other half," Ulric said. Arthur lowered his sword. Did Ulric know about Merlin?
"What do you mean?" he asked. His heart started beating harder. If Ulric knew about Merlin, then he might have a bargaining chip. Maybe he would tell Uther that Merlin had possessed Arthur. No, that couldn't be right. Something was off about this whole thing.
"I knew that when we meant, there would be a spark. You see, Arthur, you may not realize, but you are destined for great things. You are destined to be a great leader. But a great leader needs a great advisor," Ulric continued.
"What are you getting on about?" Leon asked. He knew that Merlin was supposed to be Arthur's advisor, but something wasn't right about the way Ulric was describing him. Ulric patted Leon on the head and waltzed over to the throne. He plopped down on the seat and gently placed his hands on the armrests.
"Don't you see, gentlemen, I, the greatest sorcerer to walk the earth, am Arthur's advisor. I am Emrys."
Plot twist! Ulric is a funny guy. But, do we think Merlin is really dead? Wait for the next posting to find out!