Hi guys. I totally forgot to do this last chapter. I want to thank: AnneOfNarnia, Ellena Tyler, Tilla91, readernurse, Written-Life, writergirl142, and MerlinFan1996 for reviewing the first two chapters. I get excited every time I receive one. It means a lot to me and they motivate me to continue writing.

So, here's the next chapter. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I don't own BBC's Merlin.

Chapter 2 - A New Foe

Merlin wondered what he had done to tick Arthur off this badly...and this early in the morning. He didn't see what the problem was really. Putting on some weight isn't that bad. Merlin thought about the incident that had taken place a couple of minutes ago.

**********A Couple of Minutes Ago*********

Arthur and Merlin were walking through the halls heading towards the throne room. Uther had requested his son's presence immediately and said that is was of the "greatest urgency". Of course, the young warlock knew that it was probably another Morgana sighting (as he started calling them after the tenth one) or a magic-is-evil speech Uther had whipped up. The whole Cup of Life incident had unnerved the tyrant King (though he would never admit it). So, it was safe to say that anything to do with Morgana was put on top priority.

"Merlin, can't you walk any faster?" Arthur yelled at his manservant.

"Sorry Sire" Merlin replied before grinning mischievously. "You're right of course Arthur. I mean, with all your extra padding weighing you down, I should be walking faster than you".

"Merlin, what are you talking about? I don't even have any chain mail on. How do I have extra padd..." Arthur paused, realizing what Merlin was implying. "Merlin, are you calling me fat?"

"Me Sire? No way."

"Then what did you mean by 'extra padding'?...because it sounded to me like you were insinuating that I had put on some extra weight...which is not true of course"

"Well..."

"Merlin!"

"Extra padding. Weight. Tomato, tomata. If you want, I could be politically correct if it makes you feel better."

"Merlin, I am not fat!"

"No, of course you're not. You're just a little...um...round down town"

"MERLIN, I AM NOT FAT! Repeat after me: Prince Arthur is NOT fat!" Arthur yelled. Merlin began quietly snickering. The young prince didn't understand what his annoying servant was laughing at until he turned around. To his horror, they had already reached the throne room, whose doors were wide open for everyone to hear and see. Arthur gave a sheepish grin to his father and glared back at Merlin before strolling in as if nothing happened.

"You're gonna get it Merlin!", the prince mumbled under his breath.

************End Flash Back************

Okay, so maybe that was a bit too far, but really, who could blame Merlin? If Arthur is hurt by the truth, he shouldn't ask for it.

Anyway, that is how the young warlock found himself preparing all of the horses for an exciting day of hunting. Oh joy! Another day to waste time and take your anger out on nature. And here I thought that Arthur was actually showing signs of maturity. Silly me, what a foolish idea, he thought. Despite all the complaining, Merlin had to give the prince credit; Arthur knew what he hated most and he used against him wisely.

The week went by and Morgause regained most of her strength, enough to be able to take care of herself for a change and to give Morgana a little break. The blonde sorceress appreciated how her sister had waited on her, hand and foot, for the past months, soothing her with ideas about how they would 'reclaim' Camelot, how Arthur and his pesky servant would pay, and other horrible things they would do to those who opposed them.

With renewed strength, Morgause knew that the time for talking was over (that is, unless a spell had to be cast). Action had to be taken soon... and it wasn't a moment too soon, for as the new day began, the two sisters had a visitor.

"It's been a while Morgause" a voice said from the entrance of the cave.

"Anatol! It's truly wonderful to see you" Morgause said before pulling the young woman into a tight hug. "Let me introduce you to my sister. Anatol, this is Morgana. Morgana, this is Anatol, a fellow sorceress. We studied together under the High Priestesses of the Old Religion for some time."

"It's a pleasure to meet you My Lady." the newcomer said and bowed her head to Morgana. She took a second to look at this 'ally' that Morgause had spoken so highly of.

Anatol had green eyes, fine skin and long red hair. She looked slightly older than Morgause. She wore a pair of brown leather pants and a dark green blouse which was almost hidden by the black hooded cloak draped over her shoulders. Two daggers, both bearing the sigil of the Blood-Guard, were strapped to her belt, one on each side.

Morgana felt a pang of jealously at the close bond Morgause and this other sorceress seemed to have. However, she quickly put away these thoughts upon realizing that her dear sister had to have had friends, especially growing up with no-one to call family.

"No, the pleasure's mine" Morgana said, crushing all thoughts of jealousy.

"Morgause always talked about the sister she never knew because you two were separated at a very young age. It's finally good to meet you and I can see the resemblance". Turning back to Morgause, she got straight to the point. "So, why have you requested my presence? Not that I'm upset or anything, but the message I received said it was urgent".

"And it is Anatol. We must act with great haste. You see, my sister and I are planning the downfall of Camelot. For that to happen, we need to get rid of the King and especially the Prince. Only then can Morgana take her rightful place on the throne."

At this, Anatol's eyes widened as realization hit. "Your Majesty!" she said before bowing to Morgana. At that point, Morgana decided that she liked this woman. She was polite, respectful, and knew her place. "No, none of that. Morgana is just fine" she replied.

The newcomer nodded her head and continued. "Of course. I'm sorry. You were saying" Anatol said, looking at Morgause.

"Your expertise when it comes to magical curses is far greater than my own. I need your help in placing a curse on Arthur Pendragon" Morgause said.

The young sorceress took her time to dramatically think about this proposition. She already knew her answer. "What curse did you have in mind?..."

Obviously, there is no one named Anatol in the series, so I guess she would be considered my first OC. Hopefully I did well in describing what she looked like. The 'atol' part of her name translates to 'evil' (yes, aren't I clever XD).

So, any ideas of what their evil plans are (despite the title of this fic)?

Stay tune and see what happens next time.

Until later,

-STL13