Merlin
Love by any other name
Part 12
Night had fallen across the kingdom, people slept, the repairs to the town underway at a fast pace. The dead were being mourned, but thankfully, only a small number of people had perished, something of an achievement in its own right. Uther had even opened up the guest wing of the castle so those who's homes had been destroyed had at least somewhere to sleep. Morgana smiled as she remembered him telling those who had lost their homes, the look on their faces, the gratitude on them. Uther had changed, considerably in the past few months, but especially after he and Merlin had spoken in the cells that night. Morgana had wondered what had been said in those hours, what had caused the widening crack in Uther's resolve, but Merlin had never spoken of it, neither had Uther, it was a private moment between them and so it would stay that way. Beside her in the bed Merlin murmured slightly, dreaming. She looked down at him, marvelling at how one man could have done so much, she smiled as she moved a stray hair away from his forehead, just watching him sleep. Across the room, Jamie slept in his own small bed that Arthur had sent up from stores. It had been Arthur's own bed when he was a child, Morgana remembered her and Arthur jumping on it when they were children, until Uther had walked in startling them both and causing Arthur to fall and hurt his arm. The memories were as vivid as if they were only today. She remember Uther rushing to him, picking up his small son who was trying not to cry, not in front of Morgana. She'd expected Uther to yell at them both, instead he had smiled, told his son he was brave for not wanting to cry, but that sometimes it was okay to do so. Arthur had been headstrong, even back then, something that had carried over into his teenage years, when he'd gone from sweet little boy into cocky arrogant prince, she rolled her eyes at the thought, and settled down next to Merlin. Whimsical, yes, something else she had become since she had met Merlin. Beside her he shifted again and she looked down, her smile fading as she saw the tear falling from his closed eye.
"Merlin?" she whispered so as to not wake Jamie. He didn't reply, but his movement was becoming more intense.
"Merlin" she whispered again shaking him. He jolted awake, breathing heavily, looking at her.
"What?" he asked looking at her.
"You were having a nightmare" she explained. "Must have been bad, you were crying" she whispered. Merlin shook his head to clear it, then nodded.
"Elador, my village, I was dreaming about it" he said.
"Why would that give you nightmares?" she asked softly. Merlin shook his head.
"It's a long story." He said. Morgana took his hand.
"Do you want to tell me about it?" he voice was soft, gentle. Merlin looked away briefly, then back.
"It's the reason I was sent here" he admitted. Morgana nodded and then poured them a cup of water each, Merlin took it, sipping it softly as she retook her place.
"So why were you sent here?" she asked. Merlin looked up at her, the tears forming again.
"There's a lot about me you don't know, have never seen" he began. Morgana quickly thought of a witty rejoinder to that comment, but held back, this wasn't the time for joking.
"Such as?" she asked him gently. Merlin look at her, then took her hand.
"There's something I need to show you" Merlin said. Morgana frowned, not following at the moment. "Its probably my biggest secret no must know" he added. Morgana nodded, watching as he stood. Merlin looked around, then pointed at the small candle.
"Emblazry" he said softly, his eyes glowed briefly and the candle lit. Behind him, Morgana gasped.
"But…" she couldn't find the words, instead looking from him to the candle, then back to him.
"Magic" he replied sitting down, for some reason, scared to look at Morgana. He felt her hand touch his bare shoulder, slowly turning him to face her.
"why didn't you tell me before this?" she asked, a hint of hurt in her voice.
"I was scared, its silly I know, but now you need to know, I won't lie to you, this is what I am, a Warlock" he replied. "If it's any consolation, I would have told you anyway, even if we'd just been friends" he added. Morgana didn't reply to that, instead she looked away briefly.
"What's a Warlock?" she whispered. Merlin shrugged.
"Sorcerers and the like, they study magic, for years to do what they are able to do" Merlin said. "Warlocks are different, they don't study it, they're born with it" he explained.
"And that was you? Born with magic?" she asked. Merlin nodded.
"But I don't understand, you were caught by the crones, you could have escaped" she said. Merlin shook his head.
"Remember that rune like thing they drew on my stomach?" he asked. Morgana nodded, vaguely remembering the red coloured Rune from when he's been cut down. "That was a binding rune, It traps the magic inside, you can cast spells but they won't do anything" he explained. Morgana nodded slowly.
"And the bonds, on the Isle of the blessed? When we were tied together?" she asked. Merlin smiled.
"Nimueh told me that if I used magic the bonds would tighten and kill us both. If it was me, I would have tried, but not with you" he replied.
"She could have been lying" Morgana replied.
"She could of, but I wasn't about to test that" he said.
"Because of me?" her voice was soft.
"Why else?" he replied.
"so instead you took the pain on yourself, suffered so that I might live" she stated.
"it wasn't so bad, I had you there, that was all I had to think about, compared to that, a little pain is nothing" he replied. She smiled sadly at him, kissing him softly.
"I'm so sorry you had to do that" she said. Merlin shrugged, his features even more innocent and loving then they had been, endearing him to her all the more.
"Who else knows?" she asked.
"Just you and Gaius" he replied simply. Slowly she pulled away, Merlin watching her.
"Morgana?" he asked as she stood and went to check on Jamie.
"This changes things" she said at last.
"Why?" he asked. "I'm still Merlin, I had the magic all my life, I was like this before we met, why does it have to be different now?" he asked.
"If Uther finds out about this, then nothing can save you, you know that?" she asked.
"Well I'm not going to tell him" Merlin said, suddenly he went cold. "You're not…" his voice was unsure. She looked at him and went over.
"Never, I won't betray your trust Merlin, but please, you mustn't keep things from me" she said.
"That's all there is, now you know everything about me" he said.
Morgause watched the exchange, a smile playing on her features.
"Oh yes, little Dragonlord, I do indeed know everything about you now" she whispered. If she could not get her sister to join her willingly, then so be it. She would just have to remove the thing that truly kept her there, and now she had the information to remove Merlin from the game so utterly it would be mere child's play.
"Sarador!" she called, leaving the throne room of Godfry's castle. In the courtyard she looked up as the Cobalt coloured Dragon left its nest on the roof of the castle and swooped down to her. Unlike the other Dragons, Sarador was old, as old as Kilgharrah himself, and even though the command had been given to the Dragons to go home, he had to go but seventy miles. He had informed Morgause of the death of Balinor, and of what had transpired, and then he had vowed that despite the lack of a master now, Sarador was still with Morgause.
"Morgause" it greeted as it landed.
"My friend, we have, an excellent opportunity" she said. Sarador narrowed his eyes.
"I will have my sister and you will have your revenge on Merlin" she stated.
"Thank you Gwen" said Morgana with a smile as Gwen set the breakfast down on the table, Merlin was carrying Jamie over to the table where he sat him down sleepily.
"Good morning Jamie" said Gwen. Jamie tilted his head towards the sound of her voice.
"hello" he said through a yawn. Gwen smiled at Morgana, then looked over to the corner.
"I hope you don't mind, I took the liberty of getting Jamie a present" Gwen said, moving away. She moved to the corner and then returned with a beautifully carved stick.
"Oh Gwen it's beautiful" said Morgana.
"what is it? What is it?" asked Jamie looking around. Gwen knelt down and then placed it in his hands.
"This was my grandfathers stick Jamie" she said.
"Thank you" he said with a grin as he took it. It was a little on the large side, but not by too much.
"Thank you Gwen" Merlin said with a smile. Gwen smiled then turned away grabbing the water Picher.
"So what does Arthur have planned today?" asked Morgana as they ate.
"He wants me to attend a knighting ceremony with him this morning, and this afternoon I have to go back down to the town to help assess the repairs" he said.
"What a fun day" Morgana said dryly.
"I'm only doing this for you" he replied with a smile, then standing he kissed the top of her head, then ruffled Jamie's hair, and then with a cheery wave at Gwen, left the chamber.
Arthur looked up as Merlin walked in, dressed in his armour.
"My god, you're early" Arthur stated mockingly. Merlin rolled his eyes.
"Despite my usual tardiness I do occasionally make an effort" Merlin replied. Arthur shook his head and turned away.
"Help me on with this armour will you" Arthur replied.
"Get a servant" Merlin replied with a joke.
"I had one actually, quite a good one, I miss him, often wonder what happened to him actually" Arthur retorted.
"Arthur, I never knew you cared" Merlin said with a smile. Arthur blinked.
"And where in that sentence did I say I was talking about you?" he asked, wincing as Merlin pulled the bindings tight.
"Oh sorry bout that" Merlin said as Arthur grunted.
"No problem" Arthur replied, as Merlin loosened it. Merlin laughed as Arthur turned around.
"So what do I have to do?" Merlin asked, all business. He'd been to a couple of knighting ceremonies before, but only as a servant, never as a guest. Arthur glanced at him as he pulled the belt around him.
"Stand there, look gormless, clap at the appropriate time, you'll be fine" Arthur replied, walking towards the door.
"Are you ever going to stop insulting me?" Merlin questioned. Arthur turned back with an evil smirk on his face.
"You're courting Morgana now Merlin, I'm going to get worse" he vowed.
"Great, make a man a noble and I'm still treated like a prat" Merlin growled.
"No, now you're sir prat" Arthur said with a grin, turning and walking back out, Merlin grumbling as he followed.
"Bala los tor valor, mirrois salasta reflectus shada" Morgause stood in the throne room a mist beginning to whirl around her as she chanted.
"Por farn soto malasta sorbdac de, sonom solar mirrois shada nerana" she continued the mist whirling faster and faster until it had completely enveloped her. She screamed then fell to the floor, and a few seconds later the mist vanished. She took several deep breaths then stood, shakily, before she walked to the courtyard where the Dragon awaited her.
"Well? What do you think?" she asked it.
"very good, Lady Morgana" it replied.
"I thought so" she said with a twisted grin.
Morgana was behind her dresser, changing, Gwen had taken Jamie down to where the knight's were training, he'd been asking most of the morning and finally Morgana had relented.
"you're back early" she said as the door opened then closed. No reply. Slowly she frowned, peering around the dresser, looking out into her chambers, seeing nothing. She shook her head, and then continued to dress, then paused as footsteps sounded in the room. Slowly she turned and looked out again.
"Who's there?" she demanded, stepping out, "I warn you, I'm the kings ward!" she called. There was no reply again. She quickly rushed across the room to her drawer where she kept her dagger, opening it, her eyes went wide, the drawer was empty. She turned to the door, running to it, her hand gripped the handle there was a brief spark and she was thrown back to land heavily on the floor. She scrambled to the wall, using it to pull herself up.
"Who are you!"? she called out, a moment later a hand appeared beside her, wrapping a chloroformed towel across her mouth. She struggled for just an instant, then fell unconscious.
"I'm sorry sister, but this is for you own good"
"My lady! My lady!" the call was from outside. Morgause snarled then regaining her composure moved to the door opening it a fraction.
"Is there some problem?" she asked, hoping she had Morgana's tone just right.
"Sorry my lady, we heard a scream and thought you needed help" the guard said.
"Oh that, no I hit my foot on the dresser" she said. The guard nodded, satisfied and then turned away, Morgause closed the door and turned around.
"And this is the elite army of Camelot" she muttered, walking over to the real Morgana and kneeling down.
"Now what to do about you my dear sister" she muttered. Then she smiled and looked around, seeing Morgana's jewellery box on the small table. She moved to it, opened it and searched until she found a broach with an emerald embedded in its centre. She moved back to Morgana, pinning it on her dress.
"Nocharvy" she intoned, the emerald glowed brightly for several moments, then darkened again. "Sleep well my sister" she whispered, then she pulled her, dragging her under the bed. "Tolasto" she intoned again, there was a flicker of light around Morgana's form and then she vanished. Slowly Morgause reached out, poking her finger forwards, touching Morgana's invisible arm. She pulled back, then dusted herself off. All too easy so far. She jumped as the door opened and Merlin walked in, unbuttoning his shirt and going behind the dresser.
"Merlin, I didn't expect to see you so soon" she said, planting a fake smile on her face.
"It was only three knights, thankfully" he replied, stepping out to the drawer, pulling a fresh shirt from it, he turned to her as he put it on.
"Are you okay?" he asked. "You look a little pale" he added. Morgause in the guise of Morgana nodded.
"I'm fine, just a bit of a headache" she assured him. Merlin finished doing up the shirt and then kissed her on the cheek.
"Well if you're sure" he said.
"I am, go on go, someone's probably waiting for you somewhere" she laughed. Merlin rolled his eyes.
"I'll see you later" he said with a smile, then left. As soon as the door closed she wiped her cheek in disgust, then looked at the bed.
"You let that kiss you? You're in worse than I feared" she muttered. Then without another word she left the room.
Merlin and Arthur walked through the streets, seeing people busy rebuilding their homes around them, for once the banter between them remaining at a respectful distance.
"One day, how could they have caused such damage in one day" Arthur asked aloud.
"All those people" Merlin muttered. Arthur put his hand on Merlin's shoulder.
"You did what you could and you did damned well, don't beat yourself up for it" Arthur told him. Merlin sighed.
"I suppose, I just wish I could have done more" he said softly as they passed a woman who was crying.
"Merlin, you're a hero to these people, never forget that" Arthur said. Merlin stopped and looked around.
"I don't feel like it" he said.
"If you have any conscience you won't" Arthur said. Merlin frowned.
"If you're trying to make me feel better, you failed" Merlin said. Arthur smirked at him and shook his head.
"Come on, let's see how the repairs are going in the southern section" he said. Merlin nodded, and followed.
Uther looked up as the audience chamber doors opened and Morgana walked in, wiping tears from her eyes. Uther got to his feet, immediately concerned, Gaius looking at her as she approached.
"Morgana?" Uther asked.
"I've been such a fool, I don't know what to do" she said, sobbing again.
"What's happened?" Uther asked.
"It's nothing" she sniffed, trying to compose herself.
"Morgana you have walked in here crying, you're obviously distressed about something, please tell me" Uther said, taking her hand. She looked up at him, crying again.
"It's Merlin" she said softly.
"Merlin? What has he done?" Uther asked.
"Nothing like that, but… I can't" she said pulling away. Uther grabbed her wrist.
"Then what is it?" he demanded. Morgana looked into his eyes and then began to sob.
"Magic… he uses magic" she said. Uther blinked letting go of her wrist.
"He what?" Uther found the words difficult, the process in his mind grinding to a halt.
"I'm sorry, I saw him, last night, it scared me" she said.
"Merlin scared you with magic?" asked Gaius. Morgana nodded. "And you weren't dreaming?" he asked.
"Gaius if she had been she would not be in this state" Uther snapped.
"sire forgive me, but I am merle attempting to get all the facts straight, maybe if you were fatigued perhaps" he offered.
"I know what I saw Gaius, normal people don't have eyes that glow yellow or will Candles to light from the bed" she said, then looked down. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to snap" she apologised.
"Guards!" Uther roared. The guards ran in.
"Sound the warning bell and find Merlin" he hissed.
"Sire, I beg you, please do not be hasty" Gaius said.
"I have done a lot for that boy Gaius, more than I ever possibly could have thought I would do, but not Gaius, I cannot forgive the use of magic" he said.
Arthur and Merlin both turned as the alarm bell began to sound, then looking at each other broke into a run towards the castle, the had ran into the courtyard when several guards jumped Merlin.
"What do you think your doing!" roared Arthur.
"Kings orders, sorry sire" the guard replied as an obviously confused Merlin was dragged away, Arthur turned as Gwen rushed up to him, Jamie with her.
"Arthur?" asked Gwen.
"Was that Merlin? Why they doing that?" asked Jamie.
"I don't know, But I intend to find out" he said, running after the guards.
The audience chamber doors slammed open and Merlin was dragged to the throne and dumped on the floor. He looked up to see Uther watching him, disappointment etched on his face.
"What's going on?" Merlin asked.
"You have been accused of using magic not only within the confines of this kingdom but this very castle is what is going on" Uther spat. Merlin frowned and got to his knees.
"What?" he asked shaking his head, even as Arthur ran in, Gwen and Jamie with him. Uther looked up.
"Take the child out, this is no place for him" he ordered. Arthur nodded at Gwen who clutched Jamie's hand and led him out.
"Father?" asked Arthur, stepping forwards. Uther ignored him.
"What do you have to say?" Uther asked.
"It's a lie, I'm a Dragonlord, and that's dangerous enough without someone saying I have magic" he replied.
"Magic? Merlin?" Arthur asked, a look of scepticism in his voice.
"And you would say that" Uther said, still ignoring Arthur, turning away.
"Who made these charges against Merlin?" asked Arthur. Uther looked over, and a crying Morgana stepped forwards. Merlin looked at her, then down at the floor.
"Why would you say this?" he asked softly.
"I'm sorry Merlin, but. It scares me, I can't, I can't live holding a secret like that" she said.
"So ask again. Is it true, do you use magic?" Uther said. Merlin looked up at him, then over at the woman he loved, the woman who had betrayed him. He wanted to scream denial, to deny it all, but no. He couldn't put her through that. Slowly he looked back at Uther.
"I'm waiting" Uther said. Merlin took a deep breath.
"Yes… I use magic" he said. Uther turned and returned to the throne where he sat down.
"He's to be executed at sundown" Uther announced, "Take him away" The guards grabbed him and hauled him to his feet, dragging him away, Merlin looking at Morgana the entire time.
"Father, I refuse to believe this nonsense" Arthur said, stepping forwards.
"Morgana has accused him and he himself has admitted as such" Uther spat.
"How do you know its not her who's been enchanted?" Arthur shot back.
"Do not question me" Uther said.
"But it makes no sense! If he had magic then how comes we've had to rescue him twice?" Arthur yelled.
"That is a good question sire" admitted Gaius.
"Because he did not want to risk himself being exposed, so he had to act the helpless man" Uther said. "Now, I will hear no more on the subject" he said. Arthur shook his head, then looked at Morgana, she was still staring at the door, then she quickly moved forwards, and left the room. Outside in the hall she gave a small smile.
"Poor little Dragonlord" she muttered, then turned and made her way back to Morgana's chambers.
Gwen was in the chambers with Jamie, looking out of the window. Upon entering them Jamie had gone from hysterical to very quiet.
"Gwen?" he asked.
"yes Jamie?" she replied.
"Why did they take Merlin?" he asked. She turned to him and knelt down, pulling him into an embrace.
"I don't know Jamie" she said. She didn't have the heart to tell him the executioners block was being hastily set up.
"Are they going to kill him?" Jamie asked, the question so innocent, caused Gwen to break into tears. "They are aren't they? Why? What did he do?" he asked, beginning to cry again. Gwen took his hand and stood, moving behind the dresser with him, to grab something to dry their eyes with. Suddenly the door slammed opened and Gwen spun around, seeing a smirking Morgana walking in. She quickly clamped a hand over Jamie's mouth.
"And that, my sister is the end of your little suitor" she sneered as she approached the bed. "And its all thanks to you. Oh you should have seen it Morgana, the look of betrayal on his face when he saw me, sorry you standing there, quite the spectacle" she said, kneeling down.
"And once Merlin is dead, and you are with me, nothing can stop us" she said. Gwen's eyes going wide as she listened. Morgana laughed as she stood and turned away, heading for the door.
"One hour sister, one hour and I'll wake you just so you can see what has become of your precious Merlin" she said, then with a wicked laugh, left the room.
"Oh my god" Breathed Gwen.
"Gwen.. that weren't Morgana" Jamie said. Gwen nodded.
"I know. I need to get to Arthur" she said and Jamie in tow, they left the room in a hurry.
Merlin looked up from where he was sitting as Gaius appeared at the door to the cell.
"I didn't think I was allowed visitors" Merlin said.
"Wards privileges" Gaius stated as the door was opened. He walked in, shaking his head.
"What were you thinking? No, actually were you thinking at all?" Gaius hissed in a whisper.
"What was I meant to do Gaius? she would have found out eventually, and I'd rather it be when we were alone, and could talk about it" he said.
"Well obviously that went well" Gaius shot back.
"I'm sorry okay, I'm sorry for ever coming to this damned place!" Merlin suddenly yelled. "All its brought me is misery" he said, beginning to cry.
"then why didn't you deny the charges?" Gaius said.
"How could I? as soon as I knew it was Morgana I didn't have a chance, and I can't do that to her Gaius, I can't let her be afraid of me" he said.
"So instead you're going to die, is that it?" Gaius snapped.
"If that's what it takes for her to know I would never hurt her, then yes, bit difficult to hurt people when your dead" he replied. Gaius shook his head sadly, pulling him into an embrace.
"Gaius, I'm scared" he said softly.
"So am I my boy" Gaius replied.
"Arthur!" Gwen's voice echoed as she ran into the room with an out of breath Jamie at her said.
"Guinevere?" he asked concerned, standing.
"Arthur, Whatever's happening you have to stop Uther!" she said.
"I wish could Gwen but she's accused Merlin of using Magic" he said softly. Gwen shook her head.
"no.. Arthur, That's not Morgana" Gwen said.
"What do you mean?"
"In her chambers, she came in laughing while we were behind the dresser, I thought it was strange, then she started talking but I couldn't see anyone else, she said about her sister, and how she's now removed Merlin as a threat, Arthur, whoever that woman is it is not Morgana" she said, the words almost falling over each other.
"Woah, go back, she was talking to no one?" Arthur asked.
"No one I could see" Gwen said.
"Gwen, I know you're fond of Merlin, we all are, but the simple fact is that he confessed, even if this is some kind of enchantment, My father will still kill him" Arthur said, Looking down as Jamie tugged on his trousers.
"Not now Jamie" he said.
"But.. but, what if its not just Morgana?" he said.
"What did you say?" Arthur asked.
"If they enchanted Morgana, they might have enchanted Merlin as well" he said. Arthur leant down, grinning.
"Jamie, you're brilliant, a lot smarter than Merlin at any rate" he said, then he stood.
"I'll need to stop my father, you two get Gaius and find out what the hell's going on in Morgana's chambers" he said running out. Gwen nodded and looked out the window at the sky. They had twenty minuets left to save Merlin.
Uther looked up as Arthur ran in.
"Father you have to stay the execution!" he yelled.
"Whatever for?" asked Uther, even as Morgana stepped out from the shadows of one of the pillars by the door.
"Because I believe we've all been duped" he replied.
"Duped by who Arthur?" asked Morgana. Arthur rolled his eyes and turned, then pointed.
"By you" he said.
"Are you out of your mind?" Uther demanded.
"No, listen, she was heard in her chambers, saying something about how she's managed to remove Merlin as a threat, and something about sister" he said. Uther blinked and shook his head.
"Surely you're mistaken" Morgana said stepping forwards.
"no, I really am not" he replied.
"Who heard this conversation?" asked Uther.
"Does it matter?" Arthur asked. Uther leant forwards.
"Oh yes it does" he said.
"Guinevere and Jamie"
"A serving girl and a blind boy" stated Uther. "While I appreciate your feelings Arthur I will only humour them so far" Uther said. "and besides he admitted to the crime" he added.
"Because its more than likely he's under the same enchantment that she is! Father please, half an hour, anything"
"No Arthur. There will be no staying of the execution" Uther stated. "now I suggest you leave before you embarrass yourself further" he said.
"Father… Please"
"Arthur, you will stop this nonsense now or I'll have you thrown in the dungeons for a week is that understood?" he demanded.
"An enchantment" Morgana gasped. "It must be" she said. Uther looked at her, then nodded.
"Oh you're just loving this aren't you, whoever you are" Arthur sneered.
"No, I really am not, the man I love is about to die, and its my fault Arthur but you know what magic can do, the pain it causes" she said.
"Don't even try to act like her, because you really can't" Arthur sneered.
"I've had enough of this, Guards!" Uther yelled. They entered the room.
"Take Arthur to the dungeon's to cool off for the night, maybe that will teach you to question my orders" he said
"father, your making a mistake! That's not Morgana!" he roared as he was dragged away. Morgana watching then she turned to Uther and burst into tears. He moved to her.
"Go, why don't you return to your chambers? Rest, there's no need for you watch the execution" he said softly.
"Of course Uther" she said, sniffing. "You've been far to kind to me" she said. He shook his head.
"Nonsense, go, I'll see you for dinner later" he said.
"Of course" she said, then she turned and walked away. Uther watching.
"The bed?" asked Gaius. Gwen nodded as Gaius knelt down looking under it.
"I see nothing" he stated.
"Neither did I but she was speaking to something or someone" Gwen replied. Gaius looked up at her and shook his head.
"There is nothing there" he added.
"There must be something" Gwen said.
"There is" said Jamie, both the adults looked at him. He was poking his cane under the bed it went halfway then seemed to stop. Gaius took the cane and pressed out himself with it.
"My lord, he's right!" Gaius said.
"Then why can't we see it?" asked Gwen.
"An invisibility enchantment, it must be" he said.
"Can you break it?" asked Gwen. Suddenly drum beats sounded outside.
"I'd better" he said. Suddenly the door opened and Morgana walked in.
"Well, isn't this a surprise?" she asked looking at them.
"What have you done to Morgana?" demanded Gwen.
"Wouldn't you like to know" she said. Then suddenly Gwen's eyes went wide.
"Its you, the woman from the other day in the hall!" she said.
"In the flesh, well, in my sister's flesh at any rate" she said.
"I beg you please, stop this" Gwen said.
"Please, don't let them kill Merlin" Jamie said.
"Oh but it's far too late" said Morgause. "Ten minutes, and I won't have to worry about any of you ever again" she said. "and you won't wake her, not in time anyway" Morgause said, Gwen suddenly yelled and ran her into the wall, causing the woman to grunt.
"Impressive for a serving wench" Morgana said. Then she knocked her away.
"Guards!" she yelled, the doors opening a moment later.
"Arrest these people for treason!" she ordered.
"Arrest her if you know what's good for you!" Gaius shot back, none of them noticing as Jamie moved from the room as quickly as he could. The guards paused looking from Gaius to Morgana.
"I gave you an order!" Morgana yelled.
"That is not Morgana!" Gaius countered. "Morgana is under here" he said. The guard hesitated and then knelt down looking under the bed. Slowly he looked at Gaius.
"Sir, I think you should come with me" the guard said. Gaius grabbed his sword and poked it gently under the bed it stopped half way then suddenly there was a shower of sparks and a broach appeared at the end of the sword.
"What the?" muttered the guard.
"Bring fourth the prisoner!" the cry came from outside.
"Gaius? what's going on?" Morgana's voice said from under the bed. The guard spun around to the other Morgana.
"Stay right where you are!" he ordered. Morgana blinked, then turning, ran. The guard running after her.
"Come on, we need to get Morgana down to Uther" Gaius said, reaching in.
"What? Wait…Gaius I'm fine I can do this myself - WATCH THE HANDS GAIUS!"
"Oh yes, that's Morgana alright" muttered Gwen.
Morgana run down the hallway, several guards in pursuit, even as Uther stepped out the other side. She skidded to a halt, the doors slamming behind her.
"Morgana?" he asked gently.
"I have to see this, I have to be here" she said softly. Uther nodded, then turned to look into the courtyard.
"People of Camelot… I stand before you today, a grieving man, for the one we took into our home, even though he is a Dragonlord, has betrayed our ultimate trust, he has admitted to the usage of magic" Uther said. Morgana stood beside him, acting the distraught lover. Below them, Merlin looked up, unable to bring himself to look at Morgana.
"Well can't you take this off me? Somehow?" Morgana asked as she was held between Gwen and Gaius.
"I'm trying!" Gaius snapped.
"Well, try harder!" she snapped back.
"Can you two shut up arguing and get on with sorting out this damned enchantment!" Gwen roared.
"Sorry Gwen" said Gaius, as they moved out into the courtyard.
"This brings me no pleasure Merlin, to know that one I was growing to trust could deceive me so utterly, this is yet another reminder of why Magic is evil" Uther was saying.
"Oh get on with" Muttered Morgana, beside Uther, her eyes going wide as Gaius and Gwen appeared below them.
"So it is with a heavy heart that I decree Merlin shall be executed, and may god have mercy on your soul" Uther said.
"Finally" Morgana muttered as Uther raised his hand. The executioner raised the axe. Then yelped as a stick whacked him in the back of the leg.
"Don't you hurt my Merlin!" Yelled Jamie.
"I don't believe this" muttered Morgana glaring at the boy.
"Uther, if you have any heart at least let me say goodbye to Jamie, and take him away" Merlin shouted up. Uther sighed and nodded.
"Very well" he agreed, beside him Morgana was livid.
"Don't worry about the damned boy just kill him" she whispered. Uther looked over at her.
"What was that?" he asked.
"Nothing my lord, just… I want this to be done, its breaking my heart" she said.
"I understand" he said softly.
"yes, I'm sure you do" she replied. Uther blinked. Then frowned looking past her seeing several guards pointing at her.
"Why are the guards pointing at you?" he asked, then he saw Gaius and Gwen moving as if someone were between them around to face the balcony.
"Uther stop!" Morgana cried out, from below. Uther stepped back.
"What is going here?" he demanded, as the doors finally gave way. The Morgana beside him hissed and then turned running past Uther, through the other exit from the Balcony. The guards running past him, following her.
"It's all been a trick to get you to kill Merlin!" Morgana yelled from below as Gaius handed her another potion. Uther watched as no one gulped it back, the frowned as with a bright flash Morgana reappeared. Uther snarled, then ran off after the other Morgana.
"Can I please get off of here now?" asked Merlin, looking up as the Other Morgana reappeared, running across the balcony, Uther the guards and now Leon chasing her.
"What's happening Merlin?" asked Jamie beside him.
"I don't even think there's a word for it" he replied as yet again the other Morgana appeared, the guards in the lead, followed by Leon, then Uther, who paused briefly.
"Merlin is pardoned! Release him!" he yelled, then carried on running. The crowd cheered as Merlin sat up pulling Jamie into a hug, Morgana, the real Morgana joining them. Merlin quickly got down from the executioners stand.
"Okay boys you can take it down" said the Executioner. Two men moved forwards.
"Put it up, take it down, put it up, take it down, Next time we have to put this up if no one is executed I'll confess to using magic" grumbled one of them, a second later the evil Morgana reappeared on the balcony. She looked left and right as the guards came at her from one direction Uther and Leon from the other.
"This is not over!" she screamed, then with a whirlwind of magical light and energy she vanished.
"Heheheheheheeeehehhe" The Cobalt Dragon laughed as Morgause reappeared in her own form. "So close to be defeated by a nursemaid and a blind child, the stuff of legends" he mocked. Morgause looked at him.
"Oh shut up" she grumbled storming into the castle.
"I should have known it wasn't you" said Merlin later that night, as they sat with Uther in the great hall, eating.
"No, it was understandable, she took almost everyone in except Gwen and Jamie" Morgana said.
"Indeed, And I am sorry Merlin, you have no idea how sorry" Uther said. Merlin looked at him.
"You were protecting Morgana and your kingdom, I can't hold that against you" Merlin said. Uther smiled and poured him and Morgana some more wine.
"It seems I still have a lot to learn about you Merlin, but I must ask why did you say you used Magic?" he asked. Merlin shrugged.
"Would you have believed me if I'd said no?" he asked. Uther thought for a moment then nodded.
"True, she was convincing" he said.
"Uther" Morgana cut in suddenly. Uther looked at her.
"Yes?" he asked.
"Sorry, but, won't Arthur be joining us?" she asked.
"Where is he anyway?" asked Merlin.
"Oh…" replied Uther "I'd completely forgot" he added.
" See? I was right, you can let me out now!" Arthur shouted from his cell. "This isn't funny anymore!" he added.
"Father!, Morgana!. Merlin!... ANYONE!"
"SOMEONE!"
To Be continued….