Title: True to Thy Heart

Rating: Teen

Disclaimer: I disclaim. Merlin belongs to BBC/Shine.

Spoilers: for episode 4.05 and before, please note.

Characters/Pairings: Arthur/Gwen / Arthur, Gwen, Merlin, Agravaine, Queen Annis, Percival, Elyan, Gaius, Gwaine and minor Leon

Summary: Has the four A's: angst, amour, adventure and Agravaine…lol. / Gwen trusts her heart in making a choice that will lead her closer to becoming queen and Arthur learns just how brave and influential she can be.

Author's Note: Thanks for putting this story on your alert/favorite list and leaving lovely reviews. So much appreciated! And thanks for all your lovely words for my little Christmas story!

TTT

It was after long tiring hours of riding and the forest darkening to nearly no visibility that finally Arthur gave in. "Alright, we'll rest, but first dawn, we ride again."

Merlin was smart enough to just nod his head. This wasn't the time to gloat. Arthur's mood was so fractioned he wasn't sure what he'd do next. Best to let him have the last word. After dismounting, Merlin tied both their horses. Next he started up a fire nearby where they'd be sleeping, getting it to flare with a quietly whispered word of magic. Sometimes it wasn't possible, but with Arthur now so distracted Merlin was easily able to do the spell without the king catching him.

As Arthur dropped his bedroll to the ground, Merlin offered, "I could get us something to eat." He honestly wasn't sure how successful he'd be with it this dark, but if magic was needed it'd be easier to use without being noticed.

Arthur negated the idea right away. "No need. I'm not hungry. Go ahead and catch yourself something if you want."

Merlin sighed, Arthur's ending benevolent comment uncharacteristic of his usual egotism. Honestly, the king was more down than he'd ever seen him. The search so far had been fruitless, not just having to do with the late hour, but in that they had no idea where Gwen could have gone. The only thing of interest in her note had been…

Wait a minute. Maybe there was something more. Merlin laid down his bed roll on the ground, sitting upon it, as across from him Arthur quietly lay on his side upon his, eyes open.

"Arthur."

"What?" The king asked wearily, gazing into the orange red flames of the burning fire Merlin had started.

"Remember what Gwen said in her note."

Arthur shrugged, not getting what Merlin was referring to. She said more than one thing and much of it was cut off, making her meaning indecipherable.

Merlin grimaced, gesturing meaningfully. "Take it out Arthur. Read it again."

The king sighed, but took out the note anyway that had been folded within his pocket since they started the search. Straightening it out, and positioning himself upon his bedroll a little closer to the fire, Arthur began to read. As he got to one specific point, Merlin stopped him sharply.

"Read that part again."

Normally the king would remind his servant he was the master and didn't take kindly to being told what to do, but at the moment his emotions were frayed and his thoughts were tightly upon her, so he simply did as ordered, repeating the particular words: I know there is too much conflict for you to do this. So let me help Camelot. Trust me to go to-

"That's it." Merlin stated with cautiously growing excitement. It could mean nothing, but it could also be of great importance, lead them in a more fruitful direction that would help them find her. "Those last words, Arthur there could be something there."

The king said nothing, running a hand through his hair restlessly, making it spike at odd angles.

Merlin thought more about Gwen's words, bringing something of importance up. "Arthur, I told you that Gwen's been unhappy lately."

"And I told you that I noticed that also." Arthur replied tiredly, not getting where his servant wanted to take this.

Merlin simply continued his line of thought. "You've made it pretty clear she's who you're interested in. And she's been saying that she doesn't feel, when that time comes, she's ready to be queen. That you don't feel she's ready."

The ring was on his finger. Arthur brushed his other against it absentmindedly. "Well, she probably feels that way because I nearly ended things with her."

"No." Merlin shook his head, not convinced. "It's something more Arthur." The king's lashes began to flicker, the rhythmic movement of the fire hastening his weariness. This was something they needed to talk more about, but it wouldn't do to fall asleep on their horses tomorrow when daylight would make riding safe and purposeful.

Merlin lay down on his bedroll, whispering softly, "Good night Arthur."

The king said nothing. Wearily he kept gazing at the fire until the flickering of his lashes ended entirely, eyes shut.

Even as he fell asleep, he held onto the ring encircling his finger.

TTT

At that call of the guards, Gwen looked to the back doors. One more herald of them and the guards would probably be dragging her to Queen Annis's cells, or executing her right there.

She wondered how she could have done something so drastic. It was not like her to just run away from kingdom and enter another without invitation. After getting past the guards she had thought better of her chances, but she should have known the queen wouldn't be so easily fooled.

Gwen shivered with uncertainty. Meanwhile her mind screamed her stupidity. It was her heart that insisted bravery. She had to think straight on this. Showing fear would only make the matter worse. She could tell Queen Annis was the kind of woman who had little pity for desperation.

Feeling it brushing under her ribs in her cloak pocket Gwen came to a wildly courageous, or wildly insane decision. Oh, she hoped it was the former. Carefully bringing it out of her cloak pocket, Gwen showed it to Queen Annis, holding the weapon defensively in front of her upper body.

"Stop calling them."

The knife glistened in her hand, shining upon the queen's astonished expression.

Queen Annis was indeed shocked, but not at all afraid. The servant woman's hand was shaking if she wasn't mistaken. The queen had been raised to defend herself early on. She was certain she could easily knock the knife out of the girl's hands. She chastised sharply, staring down the young servant woman like she was coveting a death sentence. "I could have you HUNG or relieved of your head on the spot. Do you realize that? You FOOLISH girl!"

The adrenaline within Gwen was burning, a heady mixture of fear and anger. She didn't need to be told she was foolish when she had already dreaded she was that herself. And she came here with a purpose. She needed to fulfill it now that there was no going back. "I am not so foolish. Although you would be so to think you can solve this dilemma alone."

The guards had definitely not heard the queen's first call before Gwen surprised her with the knife.

Well with that rash move, if nothing else, the young servant woman was buying herself time, before she paid the price for her invasion. "What do you mean, dilemma? I would say you have the dilemma. Your life will be ended within a few moments."

Gwen carefully edged closer to the throne, not missing how Queen Annis watched her like a preying wolf. She was the one with the knife and yet she felt more like the disadvantaged deer. "You misunderstand me. I'm not talking about my own welfare. I am speaking of the bandits and mercenaries who have been attacking Camelot's borders and yours. As you have been queen for a good sum of years, you must know that is a rising issue that no kingdom can deal with alone."

Queen Annis let out a small chuckle. "And what do you propose to do? Threaten them with your knife?"

Gwen frowned at that, shaking her head resolutely. "I propose that our kingdoms unite…temporarily. Until the problem is solved."

Another surprising response.

"Are you sure you're just a servant?"

Gwen nodded her head. "I am."

Queen Annis covered the bulk of her surprise with a neutral look. "Well you behave a bit oddly for one." Truly she did. Servants were often demure or foolish. Although coming to the castle without invitation was a disaster in the making, the young woman had gotten past her guards and was continuing to stall time now. "Your loyalty to your king is quite strong. I'd gather you're smart enough to know that coming here the way you did, assured a threat upon your life."

Gwen carefully said nothing, remaining cautious as the queen had an afterthought.

"Your actions remind me of something that happened while your king visited me in the night. A man servant foolishly followed him. Really, he could have lost his head attempting something so stupid. But he was very loyal. And as for your king, he did everything he could to make sure I would not harm him. Strange, when a servant can so easily be replaced."

Gwen countered. "King Arthur cares about all in Camelot. Although I know there are many who feel differently, to him even servants are not easily replaceable. As I recall, Arthur spared your champion in a fair fight where he could have brought him harm." Gwen continued a bit brashly, wanting to get some edge on the conversation that would help her king and Camelot. "Perhaps then you owe my king for the life he spared."

Gwen felt her initial purpose for coming to Queen Annis once again solidly. It all came to a head after Arthur first broke things off with her. It was more though about any tinges of hurt she felt then.

When she visited her father's grave, it was not some made up need. She had to go there to find the courage and rightful answer to what she was doing now. Negating Arthur from going with her was part of it. She knew that he never would have agreed to her mission. Percival wouldn't either, but at least he would be less hard to put to sleep. Even though her conscience still nagged at her for putting him in such an unfortunate situation, the draught was mild and so he probably was wide awake after just a few hours. The note too would assure that even though she went off alone, she was safe.

Well, mostly safe. Gwen still wasn't entirely sure what Queen Annis wanted to do for retaliation, but at least she had ceased calling the guards.

Annis hadn't expected such a forthright response as she leaned forward now just a bit, expression cool. "Tell me Guinevere, how do I owe him? After all, your king cowardly had my husband killed."

Gwen grimaced tightly at that, chastising herself silently for speaking so boldly. The queen was right and Gwen knew well that Arthur regretted that action and the turmoil it had caused before he found a solution that would spare his knights from a brutal fight. But to apologize so to the queen could weaken Arthur in the woman's eyes. It would make her mission a solid failure and could cause great trouble for Camelot.

Maybe there was a way around, a way to balance the blame where it should be held without insulting the queen. "I am sorry for that your highness. That must have been very hard for you. It is unfortunate your husband tread upon Camelot lands giving my king a very hard choice, one he does have some regrets for now. As I do believe he communicated with you."

There, it kept Arthur strong while mildly apologizing for what he had done, quite alright since Arthur apologized himself. Hence too, it didn't totally alleviate the blame from Caerleon for making a foolish decision, while thoughtfully lamenting his loss.

The queen scrutinized Gwen quietly before answering, "Yes, your king did express regret for his rash decision to have my husband killed." She commented none on Caerleon's actions that led to his death. "He was quite humble actually, leaving his pride at the door as he was more concentrated upon sparing his men from a full out battle with mine."

Gwen nodded to that. "It does not surprise me. My king would never go to war for something that could be solved without so much bloodshed."

"Even if he brought on such threat by killing my husband." Queen Annis dryly commented.

Gwen steeled herself, thankful she was a mostly patient person. It kept her ire from rising and stilled any shaking fears too. "Perhaps Queen Annis it is best to remember that my king spared your champion. After of course you so graciously allowed him a one on one fight instead of an unfortunate war."

"I simply did not want much bloodshed either."

Gwen nodded her head. "Then you were in agreement on that."

"Yes." Queen Annis gave the affirmative, her expression wondering. "Tell me Guinevere, does your king know you are here?"

Gwen struggled for a moment, before giving the truth. Seemed the best answer. Although parts of Camelot had seen their relationship somewhat out in the open, the neighboring kingdoms knew nothing of course. "No. As I told you Queen Annis, I'm just a servant. A loyal one to my king."

Queen Annis's eyebrows went up. "And yet you came here, to a kingdom that is not allied with Camelot. How loyal is that?"

Gwen still held the knife in her hand, but she wasn't anywhere near to using it, even as the question put her on edge. Queen Annis was quite good at that, countering honest humble remarks with her own dry ones. Gwen was definitely getting more used to it though. "I would never show ill will to Camelot. Rest assured on that Queen Annis. I love the land where I live and have great respect for its rule by my honorable king."

"And the former king, how did you feel about him?"

Gwen startled at the question, trying not to show her reaction too strongly even as it stirred tightly within her. Uther had caused the death of her father. It had been an unfair execution, but she couldn't share that with Queen Annis. It would weaken Arthur's rule and maybe even make her look like a traitor to Camelot. And yet she didn't want to lie with sugary platitudes. She had a feeling Queen Annis would see through it right away. "Sometimes citizens do not agree entirely with their rulers, but they are loyal to king and kingdom, as I was when King Arthur's father was the ruler. And as I am now that Arthur is my king."

"He is still very young, very new to this…" Queen Annis surmised. "But I have a feeling Arthur will rule very differently, especially after he finds his own way."

Gwen felt the baiting of that comment. She cautiously did not give in to it. "As I stated your highness, I have always sought to be a good citizen of Camelot, a land I love so devoutly. I know my king now more than I knew the former one. I have watched him rise to power with such courage and strength. He has great heart, Arthur. His people matter to him so much that he in return is given such love and respect. I think that truly is what makes a great king, don't you Queen Annis?"

The queen smiled. The servant woman was most definitely not so simple at all. She hadn't fallen for her little trap, instead used it to comment on the present king, quite strongly in fact. So strongly that…

"Does he care for you the same way you do for him? I would say it might even border upon love."

The question was like a flame of fire hitting her. Shocked, Gwen dropped the knife at it. She didn't know she had been so transparent.

Queen Annis actually smiled at the young woman's surprise. She most definitely could have called in the guards a long time ago. Right now, with her battle skills she could have picked up the knife and used it. But she had no care to. Like the king of Camelot made her listen, this servant piqued her interest too.

"Oh now come. Don't be so shocked. After all, after you've been in love, you can spot it quite easily."

Gwen said nothing, feeling a rising blush upon her cheeks that she tried hard to contain. It was the making of her mission so personal, that offset her. Even if it was indeed that.

Queen Annis relented a bit, taking it back to the servant woman's stated reason for coming, and practical defenses of her king. "You are right. Your king did show humility by expressing his regret to me for what he had done to Caerleon. Oddly enough I felt more a sense of loyalty from him than I did from the Lady Morgana." Queen Annis frowned with troubled remembrance. "She is very cold inside. Determined for some kind of revenge."

"Morgana?" Gwen questioned quietly now. "She came to you?"

Annis was the one who answered carefully now, not incline to give too much away, not yet that is. "She did. Believing I would side with her. And I did at first, but then she seemed so blinded by rage. Arthur is her brother, is he not?"

Gwen hesitated for a moment, but it was known to most now that Morgana was Uther's child. "He is."

"Well she showed no kind of regret or conflict in wanting to kill him."

Gwen shuddered at that, still having a hard time believing how much Morgana had turned against them.

The queen scrutinized her reaction. "You know her, don't you?"

Gwen shook her head slowly. "I did. I was handmaiden to her for many years. Before she turned away from Camelot and its sovereign."

"Handmaiden…or more?"

Gwen felt a trickle of pain lace through her heart. "We were friends, I thought."

Queen Annis let out a sad smile. "She's too filled of darkness now."

"Yes."

"So does he?" Queen Annis asked.

Gwen shook her head with confusion.

"Care for, or dare I say…love you as much?"

Gwen hinged on her words for a moment. The queen had already figured it out it seemed. Yet with all that was going on, it wasn't the primary concern. "That doesn't matter. I'm here for Camelot."

Queen Annis actually stepped down from her throne, reaching to the floor to pick up the fallen knife. Gwen warily faced her, but the queen simply put the knife down at the edge of her throne's seat. She regarded the young woman curiously now. "You do dress frivolously, but like your king, there is something interesting about you, Guinevere. And that name, most definitely not befitting of a servant. More-so a queen I'd say. Which I suppose is what you are to become if he does love you as much."

Gwen shook her head. "It was just given to me at birth. By my mother. She no longer lives."

Queen Annis regarded the young woman intently. Even if there was a shadow of pain upon her face, it was honorably contained. So many noble women would not have such composure, but this simple servant woman, she had a great degree of it. "Tell me Guinevere, am I the first queen you've been in the presence of? That is where you would speak to one, not just serve them?"

Gwen was taken aback by the question, but nodded her head. "Yes, your highness. You are."

Queen Annis smiled at that, even more impressed. "So maybe you came here to assure that first?"

Gwen shook her head strongly. "No. I came for Camelot. My brother was badly hurt by one of those mercenaries. He will live, thankfully. But I had to do something. So much violence, it needs to be stopped, and if our kingdoms combine, in some type of temporary truce, we can defeat them. I know we can Queen Annis. Arthur does too."

"Then why is he not here?"

Gwen fought with what to say. She couldn't deteriorate Arthur's title. "Because he has enough to tend to in Camelot. He couldn't leave."

"So you came? Alone?"

"Yes." Gwen breathed out. "I had to. I am loyal to him. We all are. I have such faith in him, but sometimes others need to be of help to their sovereign. This was my time."

The queen thought of how when Morgana came she showed no true loyalty except to herself and her selfish mission, but this servant woman was quite different from that. She was strong definitely, crafty even. You would have to be to get by her guards. But she too had quite a bit of humility like her king. And yet it weakened her none.

"You are most different from your former mistress, Guinevere of Camelot. You came here a bit boldly I would say, but not once have your dishonored your king. In fact you've raised him higher than most dignitaries would while still being quite cordial. Well, that is if I forget that you entered here without invitation."

Gwen carefully said nothing.

Queen Annis continued, relating something of personal value that she thought the young servant woman might benefit from. "If you are seeking to become queen, it won't be so easy, as you are now merely a servant. I will let you know of something. I was not my husband's parents' first choice. And my parents didn't favor him all that well either. At a time when marriages were arranged so much around convenience, we were foolish enough to marry for love. And yet we never regretted it."

When Caerleon was found and summarily executed for being on Camelot lands, the queen had tried to talk him out of going. As much as she didn't agree with how Arthur had him killed without any honorable battle, she too was angry at her husband for inciting trouble. She loved him, but it was a move she warned him against, that unfortunately took his life. That was personal though. As she was well aware the servant woman too was keeping her own secrets.

"My husband was a bullish, action-oriented man at times, but sly too, and quick. We ruled in a different way than most. And I continue to rule quite similarly with strong honor and strong force."

Gwen affirmed respectfully, "You are most definitely a queen of strength and wisdom your highness."

Queen Annis smiled at that. "Your mother was smart to give you such an influential name. For she must have known you were destined for much greater things than servant. You came here to help your king, yes, but you came here too because of a bit of curiosity, or maybe more strongly a hunger I believe. I had my own years ago. Every queen must learn their own way as I did…

And perhaps you will if that is your destiny."

Gwen shook her head, a bit disbelieving. And yet…

Queen Annis had more to say anyway. "You managed to find your way into my castle, pretending to be a noble lady that half of my guards at least showed quite strong admiration for. After all, they allowed you in. Trust me, Guinevere of Camelot, that is no small feat. And you have held your composure in facing me when you knew all the time I could have you locked up or even executed. Quite impressive. And worthy of something."

"What is that Queen Annis?" Gwen asked carefully.

The elder woman replied, "You came uninvited, but now you have…my invite. For one night only, you will be my guest Guinevere of Camelot. To all else, you are Guinevere of Mercia. And so you will be treated with such honored accordance."

Gwen wanted to ask about her proposal of working together, but as the queen offered her a hand, she smartly kept mum. For now she'd just be respectful of the invitation. Be grateful to still have her head intact, she wryly thought.

TTT

Arthur woke up early into the morning, the sun yet to rise, not having slept that heavily, but fresh enough of mind to think of what Merlin had said about the note. Reading it over again, he came to a possible answer. He just wasn't so sure how he felt about it. If he was right, she took a great chance and Arthur was even more determined now to find her. Going to his servant's bedroll, Arthur impatiently called out. "Merlin, get up."

The servant just rolled in the other direction, muttering for Gaius to be quiet. Arthur rolled his eyes at that, bringing out his foot to give a solid kick at Merlin's shins. That definitely woke him.

"OW." Merlin blearily opened his eyes, gazing upward to see Arthur standing over him, arms crossed, his pout solid. "You couldn't have just called out my name?" Merlin asked tightly, still smarting from the kick to his shin, holding at his leg now as it burned with pain.

Arthur shrugged it away. "Don't be such a girl Merlin. I barely touched you."

Merlin definitely begged to differ with that, but at least Arthur looked to have some more of his solid determination back. "You look better."

"And you look just as foolish. Anyway, I was thinking about the note and what you said, in your one rare moment of wisdom. And actually you're right."

Merlin rolled his eyes, getting his bedroll together. "I've had a lot more moments of wisdom than you've ever had…cabbagehead."

Arthur ignored the name calling, intent on finding her. "Guinevere said she wanted to help Camelot. That it was a conflict I couldn't deal with."

After putting the bedroll upon his horse's back, Merlin turned toward Arthur meaningfully. "So what kind of conflict? Lately what Camelot's been dealing with most is…"

Arthur finished for him solidly. "The bandits and mercenaries causing havoc at the border's edges."

"Yes, but Arthur, Gwen wouldn't meddle in that. Her brother was just attacked, could have been killed by some of them. She knows how dangerous they are."

Arthur nodded his head, commenting wryly. "And now you show even more wisdom. Will wonders ever cease."

"Shut up."

Arthur's eyebrows came up, before he shook the silly banter away. "Enough. Merlin, listen to me. I agree that Guinevere would not try to meddle with the bandits or mercenaries. She's smart enough to know that would only put her own life in trouble. But we've been having one council meeting after another about this problem. And Guinevere has been present for most of them. There's one thing I've continuously been approaching my uncle with. He's understandably negated me on it. But now looking back upon it, after focusing on the parts of the note you brought out astutely, I think I have more an idea what Guinevere meant."

Merlin needed to understand more. "What have you been approaching Agravaine with?"

Arthur stated firmly, "Going to Caerleon. They've been under attack too Merlin as they have such near proximity to the lands around Escetia. I thought maybe if I met with-

Now Merlin was getting it. He interrupted Arthur with shock. "Queen Annis! You think Gwen actually tried to face the queen?"

Arthur nodded, still getting his mind around it. "She knows I just went there and that the visit was less than hospitable at first. I had Annis's husband killed. I'm probably the last person she'd want to see."

"But you ended it well with her." Merlin commented helpfully. "Peacefully anyway."

Arthur shrugged. "Yes, but that doesn't make everything alright Merlin. The tension's still there. That's why Agravaine didn't want me to go."

Merlin frowned, but carefully kept mum about Arthur's uncle. His own personal feelings about the man, wasn't going to help matters now for Gwen. If Arthur was right, she could actually be in grave danger. When he followed Arthur, the queen nearly decimated him. "Arthur, if she did that, Gwen could be-

Arthur didn't let him finish, mounting his horse now with rapidity and satisfied as he saw Merlin do the same. "We need to find her Merlin. Now."

"So we're going to Caerleon?" Merlin tightly asked as he turned his horse toward the less dense parts of the forest.

Arthur answered briskly, not wanting to dwell on any danger she could be in, just needing to bring her back home safely. "We're going to Caerleon."

TTT

It was before the sun even touched the sky, Gwen tiptoed through the castle. Her bed last night had been grander than any she'd ever slept a full night in. And she was given plenty of food, that she had no choice but to eat. But now, her stay was over, and she was smart enough to not attempt to extend it. Stepping out of the castle and finding the stables, she perused the stalls for her horse.

"Leaving so soon?"

Gwen caught her breath, whipping around rapidly to see the queen standing behind her, in all her rustic leather gear. "Queen Annis! Your highness." She gave a quick respectful bow.

The queen actually laughed at it, directing questions Gwen's way again. "So you are leaving? Without any word?"

Gwen lowered her head a bit shamefully, before bringing it back up smartly. "I'm sorry. I thought it best not to overstay. You were gracious enough last night."

"And so should I take it that your proposal wasn't that serious? The one of truce?"

Gwen's eyes widened. "No. Of course it was!" She stated adamantly. "I just know better than to insist an answer right away. I hope you will give good sincere thought to it though. I think you will see, such alliance, even if temporary, would be of great benefit to your kingdom."

Queen Annis smiled a fraction. "And to yours?"

Gwen nodded. "I hope."

The queen moved away from the horse she'd been saddling, stopping in front of Gwen. "You're not going to insist on an answer then?"

Gwen shook her head humbly. "No, of course not. I wouldn't insist anything of you your highness."

"Except that I gave you an audience last night." Queen Annis commented dryly, gesturing to the knife that sat within Gwen's cloak's pocket again.

Gwen shook her head. "I know I came here quite boldly, and that threatening you with my knife was not quite hospitable."

"Indeed."

Gwen continued. "But I know too you are wise enough to realize that the reason was of dire importance. These threats the bandits and mercenaries pose can only grow more troublesome unless something is done about them."

Queen Annis smiled, thinking how the statement was wisely stated.

The young servant woman was right. She had yet to come any kind of decision. A temporary truce with Camelot might be of benefit and could equally be a great issue. She wouldn't consider either way lightly. "Well you're a bit wise yourself, as your little plot I remind you of again, got you past my guards."

"It didn't get past you."

"Women of Mercia do not dress like you. My guard may not notice such a small detail, but I do." Queen Annis somewhat playfully gestured downward to Gwen's long skirted dress.

Gwen smiled at that. "Oh."

"You did well enough though. If you ever enter my kingdom again without invitation, trust I will have you placed in the dungeons for a very unpleasant night, but for now, as you are still my guest, wait here. I will have one of my guard escort you as far as possible. Wouldn't want anything to happen to the possible future queen of Camelot, would we?"

Gwen stared, uncertain what to say.

Queen Annis regarded her strongly. "Oh now why so shocked? You're hardly just a servant woman. I had a sense with your king, of something new upon the horizon. And I have some of that sense with you too Guinevere. I am quite sure we will meet again." She took the moment to clasp Gwen's hand firmly within hers, before relating, "But alas, until then, goodbye Guinevere of Camelot.

Wait here. One of my men will return for you shortly to escort you down the mountain."

Gwen watched Queen Annis depart the stables with wonder, taking in the firm line of her back as she walked away with such importance. A woman of such power, who kept calling her not Gwen, but Guinevere.

For years Gwen had always insisted her name was just that…Gwen. But Arthur rarely called her it, using her full name regularly with regality and affection. The queen used it with respect.

Gwen stood up even straighter, lifting her head higher, feeling something new about herself. Something stronger.

She did it. She faced the queen of Caerleon for her kingdom.

Gwen whispered, before the queen's man could get there,

"Guinevere of Camelot…maybe you were right mother."

TTT

As they rode swiftly through the forest an ambush came from the western side. Arthur jumped down from his horse as a mercenary struck at him. He blocked the blow quickly with his sword, getting a parry to the man's chest on the second strike, bringing him down.

"Merlin, take cover!"

He yelled, not yet sure how many more of them there were and knowing his servant was pretty much defenseless.

Merlin did not heed though, understanding it would be too hard for Arthur to deal with all of them alone. He wasn't entirely sure of the numbers yet, but as long as he could help he was staying in the fight.

As Arthur dealt with another, Merlin noticed a man coming from behind. Simultaneously one was coming at him. Arthur was too busy to be watching. Merlin's eyes glowed golden for a second before a branch overhead fell straight on top of the man, knocking him out instantly. Merlin turned. The threat was still behind Arthur. The man was getting ready to strike him with an arrow in the back. Merlin focused, making it quickly change direction, sending it around, a ricochet of a tree trunk before it boomeranged backward. The man ran away screaming.

Merlin let go of his hold on the arrow, knowing if it lasted too long Arthur would get suspicious.

"Merlin!" Arthur called out now, bringing his body in front of his as the last man tried to kill his servant, directing a sword his way.

"Get down!" Arthur yelled.

This time Merlin did. One more glow of his eyes, Merlin got the man to trip over some thick wooded brush, and with that move, Arthur was able to make a clean blow.

The fight over, Merlin let out a long sigh. Arthur exhaled his own, but didn't seem content. He yanked at his servant's arm, pulling him onto his feet.

"Come on Merlin. Had to fight them off myself, but-

Merlin quickly gave complaint. "Hey, I helped."

"Right. I forgot." Arthur dryly answered. You stuck out your foot and made that last guy trip."

Merlin grinned. He didn't have to know it was a magical trip. "I did."

"And you made that tree branch fall from above." Arthur joked.

Merlin made a face. "Now you're just being a clotpole."

Arthur laughed at that, before he quickly grew serious again. "We have to go Merlin. There may be more of them."

"Gwen." Merlin said with worry.

Arthur nodded, unhappy she could have two threats. The queen plus her formidable guard, and the mercenaries.

He whipped his horse around. "Let's go."

TTT

They had reached the outer borders of Caerleon when the guard slowed his horse to a stop. Gwen stopped hers too, a courteous smile touching her face. "Thank you honorable guard of Caerleon. And please give my most gracious thanks to the queen for her allowing you to accompany me and being a most kind host."

"It's been my pleasure Lady Guinevere of Mercia. You are indeed a lady of the finest order."

She took the hand he gave her, not bothering to correct him about her status or home. Purposefully, the queen never revealed it.

When the guard was far up into the mountain, Gwen took a look around the forested land cautiously. It was still a long ride back to Camelot. She hoped to make it there before nightfall, but if not she would have to find a suitable safe place to rest.

Bringing the horse to a fast trot, she followed along the roughened path through the woodland.

TTT

Feeling well enough to walk around now some, Elyan looked out the window. A hand landed on his shoulder. He smiled at it. "Gaius."

The elder man smiled too, sitting down beside him on the interior walled ledge of his physician quarters. "You're healing nicely."

"Thanks to you. Really, I'm grateful."

"It was no trouble at all."

Elyan let out a sigh.

Gaius squeezed his shoulder gently. "I know you are worried about your sister, but Gwen is a hearty soul Elyan. She's been through much and always come through it."

Elyan smiled. "You don't have to tell me that. I remember her once knocking down an intruder with the fire poker. She was twelve then."

Gaius laughed warmly. "Well yes, then you see."

"It's just hard being here, while she might be in danger. I want so much to help."

Gaius put his hand over Elyan's slightly shaking one. "Arthur and Merlin will find her. Trust in that. And in her strength."

Elyan nodded his head, hope a little shaky now, but not lost. Never lost. "I do."

TTT

Sometime after the guard of Caerleon left her, Gwen heard noises from behind in the wood. Stopping to listen more closely, she realized it was the tread of horses.

"Bandits." Gwen let out anxiously. "Come on!" She told the horse, forcing it on at a greatly swifter pace. Rounding through the wood, she propelled the horse down into a lower ravine. Taking her knife out from her hiding place, she watched warily as up above a group of bandits came into view. Leaning down, she talked to the horse. "Hold still."

Maybe it was more to control her own breathing, but it made her a touch calmer. She held the knife ready, listening to the drones of their conversation.

"Thought I saw something."

"Ah, it was probably just an animal. Come on. Let's get going."

"Alright."

They moved away. Gwen clasped her heart. Luck or maybe spiritual blessing was on her side. Whatever it was, she let out with gratitude…

"Thank you."

Then mounting her horse again, warily she made her way back up from the ravine.

TTT

There were no more mercenary or bandit attacks, but that didn't relieve much of the tension Arthur was feeling, even as Merlin tried to dissuade it.

"I'm sure she's alright. Gwen's strong, Arthur. Look how she dealt with Hengist that time. And she got back to tell you about Cenred when he had Elyan. Really, she's tougher than she may first seem."

Arthur truly believed in Guinevere, especially her wisdom and composure. It was much of why he loved her. And he even believed she was brave, but it was hard for him to think that she had gone on this mission alone. It worried him too much. "I just wish she would have come to me Merlin. I wouldn't even send a knight on such type of mission alone. To face Annis herself. She should have spoken to me about having such a bold idea."

"And you would have listened?" Merlin starkly asked.

Arthur shook his head, indecisively. "I don't know Merlin. Honestly. Last night I would have denied her it, but now I care only about finding her. Making sure she is safe and-

"Gwen."

Arthur rolled his eyes. "Yes Merlin, of course-

With a wondering smile, Merlin cut him off. "No, Arthur look.

Gwen."

TTT

To be continued…

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