This chapter follows the storyline of the hunters heart so I own very little here
Southrons
Gwen was playing with her engagement ring as she hears the village turn into chaos.
She ducks behind the closest wall but she knows she won't be safe there for long. This was the fifth raid since she had been here. The village had little left to give over to them.
She runs off but is caught by one of them.
Gwen tries backing up to get away from him but falls backwards.
The soldier lifts his sword up to strike her.
Gwen starts thinking about everything and hope that Arthur would forgive her eventually.
"Wait" The man said.
Gwen looked up and then regretted it. She recoils as he lent over her.
He smiled. "There's still some pleasure to be had here."
Arthur faced the court. His mind was still heavy with where Merlin was but that had to be put to the back of his mind for now.
"My lords, fellow Knights, gentlemen...as you are all aware, Camelot's claim to the lands of Gedref has long been in dispute. Today I can announce that, after many months of confidential negotiations, the kingdoms of Nemeth and Camelot have reached an agreement."
He watched as the Lords started to murmur.
He wished that Merlin was here as with Gwen gone, Merlin was the only one who could give him some confidence.
"There's nothing to fear. It is a fair and honourable agreement that benefits two great kingdoms. Furthermore, our friendship will be cemented by a union that cannot be broken. My hand in marriage to Her Royal Highness, Princess Mithian."
The court started to applaud after dome more murmuring.
Arthur turned his gaze to Gaius, hoping to see Merlin standing there.
Arthur was surprised to see Gaius slightly slack jawed. After Gaius noticed Arthur, he put on a fake smile and started to clap.
Arthur needed Merlin back.
Gaius followed Arthur as he returned to his chambers.
"Milord when was this decided?"
Arthur turned to the old man. "A while ago. Look Gaius it's the right thing to do."
"Sire please, you can't do this."
"I can, I need to Gaius."
Gaius knew he was getting nowhere.
"Arthur, surely it's a little bit …"
"A bit what?" Arthur said turning back around. "come Gaius spit it out."
"Well soon. You have only just …"
Arthur turned round again and sighs. "I know but I need to make Camelot a strong kingdom and if that means going against what my heart says then I must. Anyway she is gone. She only has herself to blame. There is no future between us now."
Gaius watches Arthur go. Merlin needed to come back sooner rather than later.
Mordred enters the hovel to meet just Morgana.
"Where's Merlin?"
Morgana looked up at Mordred. "He is collecting wood and herbs. I should put his skills to some use while he is here."
Morgana smiled. "Have you got the plans?"
"Not yet. There have been unexpected developments."
Morgana dragged her hand through her hair.
Mordred carried. "There will be other opportunities in the future. Hopefully the near future."
"Camelot grows in power every day. If we don't act now, there will be no future for us."
"Morgana, it isn't as easy as you may think. Plans for the siege tunnels are very well protected."
"And you are now the closet to Arthur." Morgana stood in front of Mordred. "I need them please Mordred."
Mordred thought and about it and nodded. "I will get them, myself."
"I was not mistaken." The man said. "The filth of the pigsty cannot disguise true beauty."
He bowed to Gwen.
Gwen didn't know whether she should feel some gratitude for that. He made her feel like she was back at Camelot with Arthur.
"Helios. I'm only sorry we had to meet under such circumstances." The man said.
Gwen curtsied. She didn't want to because she had to remind herself that she wasn't in Camelot with Arthur. This man, Helios, was dangerous.
"Guinevere. I suppose I must thank you for my life. The villagers were not so lucky."
Helios chuckled. "These are difficult times, I need new recruits. The youth of today are not always...enthusiastic. Who are you? From what family do you come?"
Gwen looked at the floor. "I am no one."
Helios looked like he was going to argue but didn't. "No matter. I'm not concerned with where a person comes from, only with what they can become. Would you do me the honour of dining with me?"
Gwen put on a fake smile and follows him.
Gwen finishes tell Helios her fake story when a servant enters.
"I said we were not to be disturbed."
The servant tried not to look nervous.
"I am sorry my lord but the Lady Morgana is here and requests an audience."
Helios looked thoughtful for a moment. "Make her welcomed. I will see her right away."
"You don't mind if someone joins us?" Helios said
Gwen tried to hide her anxiety. "I had thought we'd be alone."
Helios opened his mouth to speak.
"I am sorry it has been a long day. I should retire." Gwen said getting up and leaving.
Gwen passed Morgana without being noticed but cannot help but stare at the person that is with her.
He also stops and stares at her.
"Merlin, is everything okay?" Morgana said.
Merlin shakes his head. "Yes of course."
He just thought he saw Gwen.
Helios looked a little annoyed when Merlin entered the room.
"Do you have the plans?" He said not taking his eyes of Merlin.
"Not yet."
That made him move his eyes to Morgana.
"That was our agreement, Morgana. Without them, any attack on Camelot would be suicidal …"
Morgana quickly butted in. "Well, I hear your force is not yet up to strength."
"Are you doubting me?" Helios questioned.
"No more than you me."
Merlin didn't like this. Helios was trying to charm her.
"I am sure we understand each other perfectly."
Morgana turns to Merlin. "We must get back."
Merlin nods.
"Take care not to get too distracted, Helios. There's still much to do. Once I'm crowned queen of Camelot, you may indulge yourself all you wish." Morgana said smiling at Helios.
Mordred gives Morgana the siege maps but keeps his eyes on Merlin.
"The siege maps, copied onto parchment so no one knew they were missing. Quite easy as Arthur is occupied elsewhere."
Merlin stood up.
"Occupied?"
"He had Princess Mithian from Nemeth in his company. He wishes to marry her."
Merlin shock his head.
Morgana just smiled. "You've done well Mordred."
Arthur walks with Mithian.
He had enjoyed their few days together and with Merlin out of the way, their time has been pleasant.
"I'm afraid the Festival of Istara will soon be upon us." Arthur said. "It's a tradition in Camelot to have a hunt that day, but Mer… George can arrange a tour of the city for you."
Mithian looked up at him. "A tour?"
"Some of the buildings …"
"Arthur I love hunting." Mithian said stopping him.
Arthur turned to look at her. "Really?"
"Really." She said smiling.
Maybe I have found the one. Arthur thought.
Morgana passes the map to Helios and watches as he opens it.
"Where did you get this?"
"I have my sources."
Helios looked up at her.
"I need more than that."
Morgana turned to Merlin. "I have the king's manservant, Merlin but I also have his squire Mordred. They can be very useful due to them being so close to the King. I use to have the king's uncle but he wasn't as useful as I first thought."
Helois smiled. "I will send word the moment our forces are at full strength."
A rock hits the ground.
"Someone's listening."
Helios goes straight to Gwen's room.
Morgana becomes suspicious when she sees a red servant's dress.
"Gwen." Merlin whispered.
Morgana looked at Merlin.
"I will go after her." He said turning to leave.
"But she knows Merlin."
"I will deal with it." He said over his shoulder.
Merlin watched Gwen as she slept.
She has run so far without being followed that she thought she was safe.
She woke up to see Merlin sitting opposite her.
"What are you doing here?" What are you doing with her?" Gwen said to him confused.
"I am not taking you back to Morgana. Don't be afraid Gwen, I am still me."
Gwen shock her head. "You are working with her."
"Yes because I am bound to her until death because of the fomorroh. Gwen I am sorry for everything I have done. You must believe me. I didn't want to do it. But I am happy it has happened. She loves me Gwen. You must understand what it is like to love someone so much it hurts."
Gwen nodded.
"If it makes it any better, she enchanted the bracelet that Lancelot gave you so you would feel for him. I hope with that you and Arthur may have some sort of life together."
"He will be heartbroken by your betrayal Merlin."
Merlin nodded. "I know."
