Arthur felt glad of his leather gloves, his hands felt so clammy he didn't think he would be able to hold his sword without them. He felt a little awed by Merlin's display as he sent the light ball into the air. Arthur now looked at the almost silent street in front of them as they moved towards the barricade that had been hastily moved into position.
"You know the signal if I call a retreat!" Merlin said, his voice rising. "But there is no reason to make this easy!"
"You never know, we might just push them back," Percival replied. Arthur tensed as a dozen of Merlin's men rushed forward, clambering up the two carts that had been used to form the defence. Merlin followed them and Arthur stayed on his heels. He could feel his heart pounding and he felt his limbs shaking. But he held the sword as Percival had drilled into him, and on leaping down lifted the weapon to clash against the sword of an oncoming soldier.
From then on it seemed like there was just noise and chaos. He parried against his opponent until he saw the opening and sliced Excalibur into the man's side and he toppled to the ground.
"Archers, fire on the flank!" Merlin roared.
In response arrows flew from the citadel battlements cutting into the rear of the enemy's force. The archers sent another wave, cutting into the cluster of soldiers. The falling men caused an increase blockage as their comrades stumbled over them.
Arthur deflected another attack, struggling to fend off his opponent. He stumbled back, swinging his sword slightly wildly to keep the man away from him as he regained his footing. He fell again as another soldier jumped into the fray, but Percival appeared from what seemed like nowhere cutting the man down with one easy blow. Arthur stared up in shock seeing the savage expression on the big knight's face. Usually he looked so calm, especially when he had been training. Now he looked almost lost to the battle, slicing into Arthur's other opponent, knocking his body away, barrelling the corpse into the advancing men.
Percival latched a hand onto Arthur's upper arm pulling him clear of the oncoming soldiers. Glancing around the bigger knight assessed the scene.
"Merlin!"
Briefly Merlin turned his head and Percival made a series of hand gestures, while still fighting, and Percival punched one man down Arthur fended another away with his sword. After a moment's pause Merlin locked eyes with Percival again and nodded. Arthur felt a lurch of panic as he saw Merlin move away, heading deeper into the fray. Percival gave a light whistle, and the cluster of men closest to them moved around Percival. Arthur shifted closer to him.
"We'll cut through the alley here and take the right flank," Percival ordered. "They are funnelling through a small area. We can probably push them back."
Arthur stayed on Percival's tail as he dodged sideways, ducking into a nearby alleyway, heading along and taking a small turning to the left.
"What's Merlin doing?"
"Working the other side. The main force stays on the gate and the archers can keep firing into the killing ground, if we push from both sides at the same time and if we secure the gateway we'll trap the force in the town."
"Then what?" Arthur asked his stomach churning, already knowing the answer as Percival paused. Putting out an arm he pushed Arthur behind him. Without being told the rest of the soldiers shifted into the shadows of the alleyway, almost disappearing. Arthur almost coughed as the smell of smoke assailed his nostrils.
"They're burning the buildings," one man hissed.
"That's us," Percival said. "We knew we might have to sacrifice the town either way. What we don't want to do now is give up the ground. Wait!"
He gave the curt order and a moment later the shadows receded as a light flashed from somewhere ahead of them. Percival released his hold on Arthur and ran forward. Arthur stayed with him as they smashed into the side of the advancing men. The archway shimmered with unnatural light and a cluster of soldiers beyond couldn't seem to pass through. Percival swiped down two men and Arthur clashed swords with a third. He had no time to really question what it was, but could easily presume that one of Merlin's magical traps had sprung.
Arthur followed Percival, stumbling again as something slammed against his lower leg. As he fell Percival stepped to cover him, knocking people away from him. Arthur crashed to the ground kicking his leg in an attempt to free himself. Looking round he realised a body had fallen against him, the man's eyes staring unseeingly in his direction. Arthur coughed, bile rising in his throat as he struggled up. Instinct flared in him and he turned, lifting the sword at a perfect angle, his arm almost moving without his body directing it to slam his sword against another to block the attack. He backed up a step and his eyes widened. Bayard swung the sword again and Arthur blocked, again stepping back.
Bayard pushed hard, sending Arthur back and he waved a hand. Arthur tensed as two men rushed forward, and they launched themselves at Percival. Percival had no choice but to focus his attention on them and they forced him back slightly giving Bayard space to face Arthur. Arthur swallowed heavily watching the movement as Bayard swung his sword. Then he leapt forward. Their swords clashed, Arthur backed up but he parried without thinking about it, remembering the training that Percival and Lancelot had given him. Bayard's eyes narrowed as Arthur blocked the blows and eventually the King paused, backing up a step and eyeing Arthur with interest. Arthur didn't take a step forward. The two knights had taken Merlin at his word, teaching Arthur defensive moves, and very little attacking, although Arthur didn't think that he would need to worry about that, Bayard would come at him again soon enough.
"Not bad, that Dragonlord brat has taught you well."
Arthur said nothing, he stayed as still as possible, trying to control his shaking limbs. He felt tired and if anyone was capable of scaring him Bayard was. There hadn't been anyone crueller as far as Arthur's memory served him. Bayard loathed him, but Arthur had no idea why. He didn't know if it was just because he was a Pendragon, or had Uther done something as terrible as what he had done to Balinor.
He never got a chance to consider it further Bayard launched himself forward again speeding up the attack, forcing Arthur slowly backwards. He had learnt a lot in a short time but not enough to really stand against someone with a lifetime of training. In no more than a few seconds Arthur's back slammed against a wall and Bayard swung his sword. Arthur used Excalibur to meet him, realising the second the blow landed that it was not a killing blow. The realisation must have shown on Arthur's face as Bayard pressed his weight down onto Arthur, forcing the two blades closer to him.
"Don't worry, I have no intention of killing you. I'll take hold of you though, once we've dealt with Merlin."
Arthur blinked, his body relaxing as if a cold blanket gently settled over him. He eyed Bayard dispassionately, knowing intimately what this man would do to him. Arthur relaxed against the wall letting Bayard put his weight in. Then Arthur felt his entire body tense. It started in his stomach and flared out to his limbs, something warm passed through his body and he decided he did not have to take this. Percival continued to battle through to try and reach him, to fulfil his promise to Merlin to protect him. Arthur tensed his shoulders and pushed, the force of it was so unexpected that Bayard fell back easily. Arthur glared at him lifting the sword that belonged to him. He exhaled a heavy breath, glaring at Bayard. And he waited.
He watched almost dispassionately as Bayard glared at him, the king's face shifting through clear emotions. Shock started it, wiping away the anger but as he glared at Arthur disbelief slowly filtered into Bayard's gaze. For a moment Arthur wondered what the king actually saw as he stared at him.
Then Arthur didn't get a chance to think anything as Percival finally dealt with the two soldiers harassing him. He ran to Arthur's side, easing in front of him to keep Bayard away from him. Although Percival didn't think he could casually kill the King of Mercia. That act would do nothing more than add to their problems.
"Step aside, you have no right to interfere," Bayard growled.
"I swore I would protect Arthur. I will not leave his side."
Bayard glared at Percival. Since he couldn't get round the big knight he stepped back, and slightly sideways, glaring at Arthur.
"You cannot win this. Do you really think you can stand against the rest of us!"
Arthur blinked. "I don't want to, I didn't exactly plan this!"
Bayard smirked. "We'll get you to heel again, you cowering little dog. And I'll personally severe the head of that Dragonlord brat."
Arthur glowered, but he didn't get a chance to answer as Percival's head snapped up. The light ball flickering in the sky above them suddenly turned red. Percival gasped, reaching out he looped an arm around Arthur's waist yanking him backwards, and pulling him to the safety of a wall. Arthur didn't have time to think about why as he felt an odd pressure in his head, like air rushing through it and his ears gave a loud pop. He almost collapsed to the ground as Percival's weight slumped against him, and he gasped as his ribs hit the wall. Looking around Arthur saw the rush of air, knocking people down, and his eyes flicked left, his senses following the source.
Merlin stood in the centre, a whirlwind surging around him, people falling around him as the pressure of the blast knocked them over. Arthur had a few seconds to realise that Merlin concentrated the majority of the power at the attacking force.
Behind Merlin, in the archway leading to the citadel another wave of men came running out, clearly to see the disorientated enemy off. Arthur struggled to keep Percival upright and hold his sword steady. He had help as Merlin ran to them and took Percival's arm to straighten him up. He staggered again and between them Merlin and Arthur held his weight. Then Merlin stared at Arthur.
"Are you all right?" Merlin asked sounding surprised that Arthur might actually be fine.
"Yes, what did you do?"
There was no time for an answer. Bayard staggered to his feet and a surge of soldiers ran through the gateway to reach their king. For a moment they were all forced to concentrate on the battle. The new fighting force from the citadel ran forward to back them up and then shouts from the army outside caused further pause, especially as a roar followed the yells. Arthur looked up, knocking aside a sword as a soldier lunged. Bayard's men scattered as another blast of wind hit the, this time as the dragon passed low over the wall, his wings beating heavily. Arthur gawped as the beast turned in mid-air, twisting it's neck to glare down at the battle and a jet of flame surged from it's mouth as it roared again.
That was enough. Merlin's spell, and the sudden surge of men from the citadel had done it's work on the enemy force. The appearance of the dragon finished the job. They backed up, herded towards the gateway, and Bayard called for a retreat. One of his men helped the king stagger away but by the look in Bayard's eyes the situation was not over, not by a long shot.
Arthur jumped as a deep voice roared from somewhere, competing with the heavy beat of the dragon's wings. Turning his head Arthur saw Balinor standing along just outside the archway to the citadel, calling up in a language he didn't know. At least Arthur couldn't understand the words, but the lilting tone of Balinor's voice vibrated with familiarity. He felt a surge of something run up his arm and he looked down at the sword, lifting it the blade looked as if it almost glowed in the lights of the fire and Merlin's glowing orb. The shimmer rippled up and down the metal.
Looking up again Arthur watched the dragon fly upwards, circling around one of the damaged towers, and he very carefully curled himself on top of the damaged structure, sitting down and the long tail curled around the circular turret. Then Arthur tensed as the dragon looked down, meeting his eyes and the hairs on Arthur's neck rose as the dragon lowered his head, almost as if he was bowing. A deep voice rippled in Arthur's mind.
"Greetings Arthur Pendragon, King of Camelot."
XxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Arthur looked around in shock, as he decided the aftermath of a battle was almost as hideous as the fight itself. The buildings in the town still smouldered and smoked. Bodies littered the ground, not just the enemy's but also people from the citadel. Arthur wanted to be sick, swallowing heavily as the smells caught in the back of his throat. As he wobbled Percival caught his elbow keeping him upright.
"I'm taking you back into the citadel."
He turned Arthur, marching him up towards the gateway. Arthur made no objection; the decision had been taken out of his hands. It was what Merlin had ordered of Percival. Arthur didn't feel sure of what he was meant to be doing. As they eased their way past the makeshift barricade they both turned at the sound of shouting. Percival hardly reacted but Arthur pulled free as he realised a band of the townspeople had captured someone.
That individual had been forced onto their knees and one of the citizens had a sword at the ready to behead the man in question. Without thinking Arthur pulled free of Percival, rushing over and catching the arm of the man before he could take a downward swing. The group turned on him as Arthur pushed the man away from his captive, staring in shock.
"What are you doing?"
The lynch mob looked furious but Percival stepped up behind Arthur, and all of them stared at him and then at Arthur. They looked as if they didn't quite know what to make of him. On the one hand Arthur's presence had brought the wrath of several kings to their home, on the other he had been named as the legendary uniter of Albion, and their King.
"He's one of them!"
"That's doesn't mean to say you can go around killing unarmed men!" Arthur said. "I don't know much about war but I'm sure that's not right."
"You know nothing you piece of Pendragon filth!"
Arthur recoiled as Gorlois spat at him. He stared at the kneeling man with wide eyes, while Gorlois glared balefully up at him. The group of men shifted uncomfortably, their hands slowly moving to the hilts of their swords.
"We should just kill him, and send his body back!" one man rumbled.
"No!" Arthur objected grabbing the nearest man to push him away. The rest of them backed off, staring at Arthur and waiting. After a moment's pause, aware of Gorlois glaring at him, his face a mask of twisted amusement, Arthur realised they were all waiting for him to make a decision.
"You can put him in the dungeon."
As Gorlois huffed Arthur turned uncertainly to Percival.
"We have a dungeon, right?"
"Yeah," Percival drawled. Then he shrugged and looked at the men. "You heard the prince, lock him up."
Gorlois snorted, giving Arthur one last glare before he was hauled to his feet and dragged through the archway.
"You can't please some people," Percival muttered.
"I don't want people being randomly slaughtered, even if they don't like me. And I thought I was a king."
"You haven't had a coronation, so I suppose we had better wait until that technicality is out of the way. And well done, even if it was an odd decision."
"You would have let them kill him?" Arthur asked in shock.
Percival thought about it and shrugged again. "Maybe. There has never been a great deal of room for any sort of compassion. And the practicality of keeping prisoners during a siege is difficult. We have limited supplies, no one wants them going on the enemy."
"So you agree with them?" Arthur asked in horror.
"I don't agree or disagree," Percival said. "It's a practical consideration. It sometimes happens to people on your own side, if they are too sick to survive there is sometimes no point in trying."
Arthur blinked, swallowing heavily again. He turned his gaze away from Percival who looked as calm as usual, and his words sounded perfectly logical. Over the years such things had probably happened countless times. He felt Percival take his arm again, whether or not Arthur wanted to look at him the knight still needed to get him into the castle, and somewhere safe. Arthur took a step and then resisted as he saw a shadow move. Percival followed his gaze and pushed Arthur behind him, one hand going to his sword. Arthur watched the shadow stagger, realising it was two men, one desperately trying to carry the other. Arthur's eyes widened in shock and he pushed past Percival when he recognised one of them.
"Gaheris!"
The shout caused the two men to look up and Gaheris stumbled, his comrade losing his grip. Arthur reached out and caught Gaheris in his arms, steadying him. Gaheris inhaled sharply, and sagged against Arthur. As carefully as he could Arthur lowered Gaheris to the ground, the soldier on the other side helping to keep his prince steady as they laid him down.
"What happened?" Arthur asked looking at the slick patch of blood on Gaheris' left side.
"Slight mishap with a sword," Gaheris said wincing as Arthur pushed the chain mail aside to take a look at the damage.
"That doesn't look too deep," Percival said. "But you've lost a lot of blood."
Arthur bit down on his lip, pressing his hands to the wound to stem the bleeding as best as he could.
"We need to get him to Gaius," Arthur said urgently. He looked up at Percival, who had been ready to point out that Gaheris, technically again, was the enemy.
Percival sighed, knowing full well that Arthur wouldn't care that Gaheris had been part of the opposing force. He was Gwaine's brother, and Arthur had recognised the injured man merely from a shadowed, staggering figure. Arthur knew him well, he had spent three years in his company.
Arthur, Percival thought, didn't think of enemies and friends, not in the way other people did. He had just saved the life of a man who had once nearly beaten him to death. Something that Arthur seemed to hold no malice over.
"I'll carry him," Percival said reaching down to carefully help Gaheris onto his feet. "Gaius set up in the old throne room, he thought we might have more than a few casualties. You lot!" he bellowed to a group still scouting the area. "You find anyone injured bring them to Gaius. And no killing!"
"Yes Sir," the soldier said watching curiously as Percival steadied Gaheris on one side while Arthur maintained pressure on the wound. The soldier who had been helping his prince hesitated a moment before trailing along behind them. He looked around with interest as they headed into the citadel and up the steps towards the old throne room.
The room itself looked to be in chaos. The injured who had been treated lay on blankets at the side of the room, while six large wooden tables held the men on whom Gaius, and several of the women were treating. Others moved around the room offering water and food, checking on the casualties to ensure they were comfortable. One man nursing a gashed arm shuffled out of the way as they came in with Gaheris, although the man stared intently as he glanced at the tunic Gaheris wore, of his own kingdom's colours. Arthur started to help Gaheris out of his clothes, while Gaius bustled over and assessed the situation.
"Gwen, get some more water, and a needle and thread!"
"I'll get some honey too," Gwen said.
"Good girl," Gaius muttered as he prodded Gaheris' wound. "She pays attention," the old man muttered to himself. Gaheris tried not to wince, or look alarmed by the rambling old man who appeared to be treating the injured. Arthur turned and looked at Percival.
"You'd best find Gwaine."
"Right," Percival said, guessing that now Arthur was safely in the citadel he could leave his side. He hadn't since the attack, keeping strictly to Merlin's order. Like Merlin, Percival didn't want anything to happen to Arthur, he actually happened to like him.
"Is Gwaine all right?" Gaheris asked as Gwen reappeared with a bowl of water and some clean linen and Gaius started to clean the wound while Gwen threaded a needle for him. Gaheris looked at her with interest, raising his eyebrows and quickly looking her up and down.
"He wasn't injured," Gwen said looking back at Gaheris in confusion. When she glanced at Arthur he rolled his eyes and shrugged.
"He helped bring a few of the casualties in," Gwen added.
"Lie down," Gaius ordered Gaheris. "I need to stitch this properly."
"Will he be all right?" Arthur asked feeling very reluctant to leave him. He looked distinctly pale, his eyes a little sunken in his face. Gaheris stared at him steadily, eyes drifting down to look at the sword still tucked into Arthur's belt.
"Gaius!" a woman's voice called across the room, the shout was accompanied by the loud coughing of the man she was treating. Blood flecks splattered the cloth she was holding to his mouth.
"Damn! Can you stitch up?"
Arthur blinked, he had done Lancelot's leg once, and the knight seemed well enough now.
"I think so, is it all right?"
"Looks worse than it is, although it's bled heavily the blade didn't go through the ribs, you were very lucky," Gaius informed Gaheris before hurrying across the room. Arthur carefully inserted the needle into Gaheris' skin, remembering the instructions that Merlin had given him previously and he carefully started to stitch, occasionally wiping away excess blood when he needed to.
"Sorry, I don't exactly make a very straight job of this, Sire."
Gaheris gave a chuckle and then winced, he lay back and tried to relax as Arthur jabbed the wound.
"I remember you being quite good at sewing. That tunic is still my favourite."
"Thank you sire, but until you cloth doesn't move about, or breath."
"Sorry. Not about the breathing though, I'm rather fond of that."
"Gaheris!" Gwaine's voice echoed across the room as he came hurtling in and almost crashed into the table where his brother lay. Gaheris lifted his hand waving it vaguely in Gwaine's direction. Reaching up Gwaine took his brother's hand glancing at the wound that Arthur stitched.
"What have you done now?" Gwaine's voice wavered slightly.
"Just a little accident," Gaheris said. "Arthur's making a lovely nurse."
Arthur glanced up giving a slight smile, but he didn't comment.
"Shouldn't Gaius be doing that?" Gwaine asked.
"He took a look at it, and said it was fine," Arthur said.
"Unlike that fella," Gaheris commented turning his head and glancing over to where Gaius had started to carefully wrap the now dead man in cloth. Nearby two men waited to carry the corpse out of the little hospital area. Arthur swallowed heavily, turning to focus on the wound on Gaheris' side and keeping his concentration on slowly inserting and drawing out the needle.
He felt sick again, his throat tightening as the sounds filtered into his mind, and the smell of blood caught at the back of his throat. Arthur kept his mind and vision on what he was doing, tuning everything else out as he finished stitching and fastened off, ending by wiping away the blood from Gaheris' ribcage.
"Here, drink this," Gwen ordered appearing again. Gaheris eyed the odd coloured brew suspiciously.
"What is it?"
"It will help with the pain and prevent any infections," Gwen said.
"Just drink it," Gwaine ordered. He took the cup from Gwen and glared at his brother. "Or do I have to force you."
With a blink Gaheris reached for the cup. Gwaine helped him to sit up a little to be able to drink it. Arthur rubbed his hands on a cloth to remove the blood. All of them turned as Merlin entered the room, striding over.
"Percival told me what happened," Merlin said. He glanced at Gaheris. "Sire."
"Hello, Merlin. Not the best of circumstances."
"No," Merlin said, then he glanced at Arthur. "Are you all right?"
"I'm okay." Arthur blinked slowly.
"You look exhausted," Percival commented.
"You should get some rest," Merlin informed him. "And get cleaned up."
Arthur looked down at himself, still in the chainmail, his hands covered in blood from treating Gaheris.
"Go Arthur, I can send someone up to look after you and help you undress. At least go and get changed."
Arthur sighed. He didn't think he would sleep but he couldn't argue with Merlin's logic of cleaning up.
"I can manage myself, I'm fine, I just... I need to."
Arthur suddenly decided, he wanted to be alone. He had to think.
XxxxxxxxxxxxxX
King Lot waited for Bayard to finish ranting. They stood with the other kings in Bayard's tent, as it was the largest and most lavish, discussing the results of the night assault. Although he agreed that perhaps the situation had become out of control he though Bayard's reaction excessive. The man was clearly determined to reacquire Arthur. Lot had the opinion that the Dragonlords had overstepped the mark. Certainly using the beast during the battle made that clear, although the dragon had harmed no one it's presence remained enough to rattle the troops.
"They have put that brat out fighting!" Bayard shouted.
Lot sighed; he had, he thought, bigger concerns than Arthur Pendragon fighting in the battle. He didn't think that Arthur had much to do with what was going on.
"The boy has been enslaved to all of us for his entire life, I can hardly see him as the instigator of this. I for one simply think that Merlin is using him. Merlin has held a careful balance for years, protecting the people may be his motive, but he can use Arthur for that."
Lot didn't care either way, he wanted news of his sons. Gwaine appeared to be allied with the other side, and Gaheris had gone missing in the battle. He had already lost one child, an act that he could blame on Merlin, but he kept his emotions in check and made sure he didn't. And despite what he had said to Gwaine he had no desire to disown his youngest son. He had just wanted to make him see sense.
Godwyn nodded. "I agree. Arthur could not do anything alone. But facts remain, you said so yourself Bayard. He's carrying Excalibur, that in itself has to be taken into account."
"I will not submit to some prophecy spouted by one of those priestesses. They hate the Pendragon line as much as we do!"
"I think hate is too strong a word," Lot said. "We took Uther Pendragon down because he needed to be stopped. Even the Dragonlord Balinor assisted us."
"He'd lost his wife. I'm amazed he didn't gut Arthur on sight his hatred is that strong."
Lot raised his eyebrows. It was certainly not as strong as Bayard's hatred. Or was that more of desire. He had always coveted the ownership of Arthur, to the point that Lot found it deeply disturbing. He didn't think Godwyn, Olaf or Alined disagreed with him. They were all guilty of using Arthur, one way or another, and just accepting that he was there to be abused.
"It appears Lord Balinor either agrees with, or at least allows his son's actions," Olaf said. "They both have close ties with the druids, they are ones that believe deeply in the prophecy."
Bayard snorted in irritation.
"Their magic might look feeble but they are subtle with it," Alined said. "If they choose to ally themselves, we may have a bigger issue."
"We should round them up and deal with them," Bayard said.
"You do that, those that remain will no doubt pick their side," Alined told him. "No, acting against those with magic would be too risky. Too many of them worship Merlin as it is. He is powerful, if pushed he may push back too hard."
"He can't risk that, he won't risk the lives of innocent people."
"Gather up a few villagers," Bayard announced dismissively. "Start killing them and it might bring the Dragonlord brat round."
"No! We will do no such thing!" Lot snapped.
"And what if your son lies gutted somewhere in that citadel."
Lot clenched his jaw. It was something he was forced to think about and he dreaded it.
"My Lords," Maleagant lifted the tent flap, bowing as he caught the kings attention. "A soldier has returned from the citadel."
Maleagant stepped aside to let the weary looking soldier into the tent. He still wore his armour and the tunic displaying Lot's colours now looked stained, a dark smear of blood ran down one side. He gave a bow and focused his attention on Lot.
"Sire."
"You came from the citadel."
The soldier nodded. "Yes, Prince Gwaine asked me to bring you the news. Prince Gaheris was injured in the battle. He's been taken into the citadel to be treated by the physician there. If he happy that the wound is fine Gaheris can leave in the morning."
Lot exhaled heavily. Both his sons appeared to be well. The tight knot of tension that had been building in his gut slowly eased.
"Gaius saw to his treatment?" Lot asked.
"He assessed the wound My Lord," the soldier said. "But it was Arthur Pendragon who treated him, and he who initially insisted that he be cared for by the physician."
Lot frowned and the soldier looked down, not really wanting to meet his king's gaze. It had been Gwaine that had given him the instruction to tell Lot. The soldier was not entirely sure which member of his royal family to listen to.
"And have you heard any news of Lord Gorlois?" Bayard asked.
"He was taken prisoner. He is locked within the dungeon. A lynch mob nearly executed him but... Arthur intervened."
Bayard snorted and glared at his fellow kings. "And you still want to suggest that this situation should be tolerated. That brat thinks he holds sway over us. This is what Merlin's influence has done, allowing commoners to act as knights, allowing Arthur a free rein, from what we have seen there is no doubt Merlin is controlling that boy."
The soldier said nothing. It was not his place to comment, but something in his mind told him it wasn't quite like that. He had seen the people in the citadel, caring for those who had been injured and appearing not to care which army they came from. People wearing all banners had been laid up in the makeshift infirmary. He himself had been conscripted to Merlin's army for a time, years ago, and he couldn't see it as they did. Still, it was not his place to say, so he kept his thoughts to himself as he was dismissed and led from the tent.
"We must act, and soon!" Bayard snapped
"A further assault is not the answer, until we know more, and also talk to the Dragonlords regarding this," Alined said carefully. "I have heard from my jester those with magic are divided by this. The thought of having Uther's son as their saviour sticks in their throat."
The man in question sidled forward, moving to stand just behind his king.
"Would they be willing to side with us?"
"Some may, although they may demand the death of the Golden Prince, rather than his return to slavery," the jester told him.
"That is for us to decide," Bayard said.
"And they may also demand the return of the sword," Trickler said.
"That would be better destroyed, if anything else," Lot said.
"It carries the magic of a dragon," Trickler told him. "Destroying it is not an option. They will simply contain it on the Isle Of The Blessed. In the wrong hands it is a terrible weapon."
"And Arthur is the right hands," Godwyn said.
Trickler shrugged. "Only the Once And Future King is."
He
XxxxxxxxxxxxxX
Arthur's head jerked up at the knock at the door, as he pulled the tangles from his hair. A second later it opened, and Arthur hunched slightly as Morgana stepped through the door. He had expected Merlin, or Percival. Morgana tensed, blinking in shock as she looked at him, half dressed with every scar on his upper body on show. Arthur turned, grabbing the red shirt that he had left on the nearby chair and he dragged it on over his head.
"Sorry," Morgana said. "I didn't realise."
"It's fine, My Lady," Arthur said. He frowned as he stared at her, wondering why she had suddenly appeared at his door. "Did you need something?"
Morgana lifted her chin and stepped forward.
"I came to ask permission to speak to my father."
Arthur stared at her blankly. "Why would you need permission?"
"I appear to need it, the guards won't let me down there."
"Shouldn't you ask Merlin?"
"You're the one who took him prisoner!" Morgana snapped. Arthur stared at her in shock.
"The alternative was watching someone take his head off."
The comment seemed to knock Morgana off her stride. She stared at him.
"Oh. Oh, I didn't realise."
"Didn't Merlin tell you anything?" Arthur asked. "It just seemed the safest thing."
Morgana stared at him for a moment. "Thank you. For saving him. He hasn't exactly been kind to you."
Arthur winced. "That's not the point is it. Of course you can go and see him."
"Can you tell the guards that?"
"Oh, right, yes," Arthur said, feeling mildly bemused. On reflection Arthur rather presumed issues like that would have been referred to Merlin but maybe Merlin was deliberately avoiding it.
They walked in silence as they headed down the stairs and Arthur hesitated as they reached the lower floor.
"What?" Morgana asked.
"Where exactly is the dungeon?"
Despite the situation that brought a smile to Morgana's face. "This way."
"Sorry, I suppose I ought to know that. I didn't even know if we had a dungeon when I said it. Perhaps I should just not say anything."
"If you hadn't, my father would be dead," Morgana said as she took the stairs down into the lower level. Torches lined the short corridor that took them down into the lower levels of the castle. Arthur shivered at the cold, and damp feel of the place. Morgana turned a corner, leading the way, clearly aware of where she was going. Arthur trailed along behind her, looking around, but not up, he didn't want to contemplate the low ceiling and the oppressive feel of the place.
Two men lingered by an archway. They sat on stools by a low table, and they both looked up. By their expressions they did not seem that surprised by Morgana appearing again, but they glanced at Arthur. Slowly they both rose to their feet.
"My Lady?" the nearest one said. Then he glanced at Arthur, looking very unsure of how he was meant to address him. Arthur took the issue away by speaking first.
"She wants to see her father," Arthur said. "Let her."
Morgana walked down through the archway, this time unhindered and she paused by the nearest cell. Arthur followed staying as close to the far wall as he could. Gorlois rose to his feet, looking at his daughter. He stepped forward but came to a halt as the chains holding him pulled him up. Morgana stepped forward putting a hand on the bars.
"Let her in."
"He's a prisoner," the guard announced. Arthur turned and looked at him, aware of Morgana and Gorlois looking at him intently.
"He's her father," Arthur announced.
The guard huffed and fiddled with the keys on his belt. "You want me to let him out of his shackles too?" the man muttered under his breath as he stepped towards the cell door. Arthur blinked and then looked at Gorlois. Quite frankly Arthur didn't fancy his chances if the man did get free.
"No!" he ended up snapping, sounding, he realised, quite like Merlin. Arthur remembered that cold, angry tone that Merlin used, when he needed it. Arthur decided to take a leaf out of Merlin's book, and probably every other king and noble he had ever been around, using a cold, steady tone.
"However, I do not believe that Lady Morgana is in any danger from her father. She can enter the cell."
The guard jumped and opened the barred door. Morgana stepped through, pausing as the guard locked it behind her. The guard glanced at Arthur, who said nothing further.
"Call when you wish to leave," the guard said. And he walked away. Arthur paused a moment before turning away.
"Thank you, Arthur," Morgana said.
Her voice caused him to pause and turn back, and it made him think that perhaps the words were not entirely meant for him.
"You're welcome."
Morgana waited until they had gone, Arthur looking unsure and embarrassed. She stepped forward, reaching out her hands to meet her fathers. Gorlois took her smaller hands in his before releasing them and drawing her into an awkward hug. The shackles held him back slightly but he held onto her as tightly as he could. Morgana put her head down on his shoulder. Gorlois stood at a perfect height for her to do so. Inhaling Morgana took in the scent of his armour and his sweat, things that she was so used to.
"Are you all right Morgana?"
"I'm fine father."
"Are they treating you well here?"
Morgana pulled back, looking up at her father, while still holding onto him.
"Of course. Merlin always makes me welcome."
"With everything that has happened I worried."
"I am safe here. But I am sorry you got involved. I am grateful to Arthur for saving you."
Gorlois huffed, looking away. Morgana shifted, trying to catch his eyes again.
"I am. I heard what happened, he saved you."
"He ordered me into the dungeon!"
"What else could he do? You are safe and I am grateful for that! How dare you think otherwise!"
Morgana reached up to wipe her face. Gorlois caught her hand, the chains clinking loudly as he moved. He took her hand and lowered it, using his other to wipe at her tears.
"I am sorry to upset you. I never wish for that. As long as you are safe and well, I am happy. But please think, this will not last. The force outside will take Arthur and Merlin down. We gave Merlin the responsibility for good reason, now he seems to be abusing his leverage."
"And do you think he engineered Arthur pulling the sword from the stone?"
"He could have."
"Don't you think that if Merlin could have done it, he would have done that himself. So many of us thought, and accepted, that it would be him."
Gorlois looked down his hands tensing on Morgana's.
"We cannot accept Arthur. I cannot, Morgana."
"I can. I saw the dream, I know that, but it's different now."
Gorlois said nothing. Morgana looked down at their entwined hands.
"Arthur is the Once And Future King, he took the sword from the stone, I watched him. I saw him. I felt the magic! It's power was beyond anything I have ever experienced before. Not with the Druids, or the Priestesses. I was told the path would always walk back on itself."
"No, Morgana, please," Gorlois said. "Please no."
Very slowly Morgana lifted her eyes away from their entwined hands.
"You told me it would never change anything. Yet, you still told me; why... why did you think that you would even need to tell me?"
Gorlois said nothing, staring at Morgana with dark, pained eyes. He reached up his hand again to stroke her cheek.
"Maybe I should have kept it to myself, even after you had the dream. But it didn't change anything, I love you, I raised you. Your mother never wanted you to know, and she feared... him... finding out."
"He never did."
Gorlois gave a humourless laugh. "I have no doubt that he suspected the truth. I saw the lists, your name was not on it, just your mother's, and your sister's. I had to protect them, and I wanted to protect you."
"I know that, but Arthur, he's not Uther. He's not anything," Morgana said.
"He is nothing!"
"That is not what I meant," Morgana said, looking down at her hands wrapped securely in Gorlois'. "He isn't known. The dream, of the dragon, it comes and goes but it means Arthur; I know that now. It looks for guidance, Arthur will give us what we want."
"Will you tell him?" Gorlois asked his shoulders sagging. "I could never make you biddable, you would always go your own way."
"I do not wish to defy you. I do not do so. I love you, father. I always will but I am not able to see things as you do, as Morgause does. Arthur is my brother - my half brother at least. I do not know if I should tell him, I just know... I do not know. I have to see what happens."
Gorlois looked down at her. Leaning forward he kissed her on the forehead, as he had often done to her, as a child. The gesture brought up memories of happier times, when his family had been safe. Morgana was part of that, nothing would take that away, but occasionally, only fleetingly, things would remind him of the fact that she was not his by blood. She was a Pendragon, bound by that blood to Arthur, and by magic to Merlin.
There was only one thing he could really say to her.
"Whatever happens, you will always be my daughter."