AN: Hey all! Thanks for reading!

I think I've mentioned that some of this story will be rewrites of chapters and some original. Well the next two chapters are rewrites of the Ealdor episode with some fun little things thrown in. :)

I'm not rewriting every episode, so imagine the episodes in between still happen very similarly to the show.

I will be trying to update at least every weekend? Life gets crazy sometimes so no 100% guarantees.

xoxo

Chapter 3

I had been in Camelot almost six months before I saw my mother again. She arrived in town while I was getting supplies from the merchants in town. My mood rose considerably when I saw her in the marketplace. "Mother!" I exclaimed, rushing to meet her.

"Oh, Merlin," She said and hugged me tight against her chest. When I pulled away I noticed a deep purple and blue bruise across her eye and the side of her face.

"What happened?" I asked, my brow furrowed. "Who did this to you?"

She looked away, ashamed. "Let us go to Gaius'."

Once inside she turned away from me and began to explain. "It was Kanen."

"What? But I thought he was getting sufficient payment!" I began to pace the room. My fists balled at my sides.

"He was. But others in town were not able to pay. We had a weak harvest this summer, Merlin, the weakest in decades according to the elders. So I was helping them pay their debts by sharing the money you were sending. But Kanen felt he was not getting his money fast enough from everyone, so he started taking our harvest. The little we had, I mean. People are starving and they're not able to purchase any food from neighboring villages," Mother said and finally faced me. "When Kanen came and took the most recent harvest, I tried to fight him."

I felt incredibly guilty over the dress, soaps, and new boots that I had bought since working for Arthur. "Mother, you should have told me what you were doing. I could have been sending more," I said, shaking my head.

"It's not about the money anymore, Merlin," mother said. "It's about the safety and survival of Ealdor. Our people will die soon without food."

"We should ask for council at the court," I said confidently. "The King will help us, surely."

Though, that was not the case. King Uther denied help, though it was understandable. He was correct in thinking that it would start a war by sending knights from Albion to Ealdor, into another king's territory. It was disappointing, but I was still needed at home. I would need to fight for my family and friends.

Gwen and her father were willing to lend me a sword for the fight. But Gwen and Lady Morgana insisted on coming along. My heart swelled at their outpouring of support, but I hesitated. Not only was this fight in Ealdor likely going to need magic, but I fully anticipated it taking my life. It would be unnecessary for it to take their lives, too. Nothing could have stopped the two women, as it were to seem. They were already packed and ready to go before I could have convinced them otherwise. The idea of children and families suffering without food was unacceptable to them.

I spoke with Arthur before leaving. He was out on a terrace when I met with him. The wind blew his blonde hair about and into his blue eyes. He looked at me very little as I spoke. "Arthur, it's been a real… honor working for you. But my mother needs me, my village needs me."

"I know they do, Merlin. I only wish I could do something to help. But my father's right, it would be too risky to send men into Ealdor," he said, his voice flat as he leaned his elbows on the edge of the terrace, looking out over Camelot.

"He is, I know. I wish you could help, too, but I understand. I only wanted to come tell you good-bye before I left," I said looking at my boots, fighting the tears that wanted to well up in my eyes.

"Well, you've been terrible," he said brightly now. "And I mean it, too. Good luck, Merlin."

"Thank you, sire," I said around the lump in my throat and he finally looked at me. I held his unreadable eyes for a moment before smiling a little and walking back into the castle, leaving him in the early afternoon sunlight.

After packing my things and saying good-bye to Gaius, the four of us were on horseback headed to Ealdor. On horseback it was a two day's ride, though if we were walking, it was more like four. It was an easy ride, as much of it was on an established path.

That night we stopped for camp so that mother could rest. Myself, Gwen, and Lady Morgana could have easily continued through the night and made it to Ealdor before sunrise, but Mother was tired and sore from riding. I built a fire while Gwen prepared food. Lady Morgana sat on a log and sharpened the swords we had while chatting with Mother.

I had thought of little other than the coming fight since leaving Camelot. I knew this was going to go poorly as neither of us were trained to fight. Morgana fancied herself a talented swordswoman, but I had never seen her wield a weapon. Gwen knew how to make the weapons and armor, but was not skilled at wearing the armor and swinging the sword. My mother could surely not fight, and I could but with magic.

Nervous energy kept me moving and caused me to stay awake while the others rested. Mother stayed up with me and shared her concerns over the coming fight. I fidgeted with sticks and stones around me while she spoke. "These women should not be here; they are not suited for fighting. Especially the Lady Morgana."

"You'd think that," I said, trying to sound confident. "But she's the only person I know who isn't frightened."

"Kanen is not going to care that we are women," Mother said. "It will not dull his sword."

"I know," I said and looked away. "But we have to stand and fight. It was their choice to come and they know the risks. We have to try to protect Ealdor as best as we can."

Mother looked at me sadly and stroked my hair. "Get some rest, dear. We have a long day ahead of us."

"You go on, I'm going to be awake for some time longer," I said before she went to lay down in her bed roll near the other two women.

I made shapes in the smoke and embers with magic for Mother before she fell asleep. The release of magic calmed me and I felt ready for sleep soon enough.

It had been a few hours later, when I awoke to the sound of twigs snapping nearby. Nobody else was awake but my magic was alert and ready for a fight. I sat up, listening hard and I heard the distant sound of a horse snorting. Our horses were nearby; this was someone else. I quietly stood up and picked up the sword Gwen had allowed me to use. My heart beat hard in my chest as I gripped the heavy sword handle and crept away from camp and towards the sound of twigs snapping. Moonlight glittered down onto me as a soft breeze blew the leaves of the trees. I couldn't focus my eyes enough this far away from the dying fire. I swallowed hard. The sword held out in front of me vibrated as I shook with fear.

Then the twig snapping sound was right behind me and a sword pressed into the middle of my back. My blood ran cold and my breath caught in my throat.

"Women shouldn't be unaccompanied in the forest. A man could get the wrong idea," a familiar voice said behind me.

"Arthur!" I exclaimed, relieved, and spun around. He had to quickly duck to avoid the sword that was still in my hands. When he straightened up again I jumped at him, dropping the sword and wrapping my arms around his neck.

He hesitated before hugging me back and I realized how out of line I was. "Sorry," I said as I stood back. I would have averted my eyes but I was too excited to see him.

"You looked ridiculous with that sword, Merlin," he said and walked passed me towards the camp, picking my sword up off the ground. "This is going to take some serious work."

I eagerly followed him and tended to the fire, getting it roaring again. Arthur and I sat around the fire, talking for some time.

"Does your father know you're here?" I asked, warming my cold fingers over the fire.

"No, he thinks I'm on a hunting trip. I asked some of the knights to keep quiet," he said and idly poked at the fire with a stick.

"How much further is it from here?" Arthur asked, changing the subject.

"Probably a few hours of solid riding," I replied, stretching out my limbs towards the fire.

"How many men do you or Hunith suppose Kanen has?" Arthur asked, all business.

"Not sure, but my mother has seen upwards of forty," I replied and watched for his reaction.

Arthur hid his reaction well, because I didn't see anything on his face. Something told me that he was frightened and unsure. I wondered if my magic was becoming connected to Arthur since we shared a destiny. I didn't ask him to divulge his feelings, though, as it would be inappropriate.

"You should get some rest, Merlin. We've got a lot of work to do tomorrow," Arthur said flatly.

"Thank you for being here, Arthur. I know you didn't have to," I said before standing.

"Get some rest," Arthur said by way of a reply.

I laid back in my bedroll near Mother and watched as Arthur set his up on the other side of the fire from me. He didn't remove his chainmail before laying down on top of the blankets, his sword and helmet next to him. I fell asleep thankful and more hopeful than I had been since Mother came to Camelot.

The next day we rode out again. Stronger now that we knew Arthur was there to help us. We arrived in Ealdor with better time than expected. We arrived just as Kanen and his men were uncovering the hidden grain in the fields. Women and children were crying and men were sheltering them from Kanen's view, some were being ushered into their homes.

Had it been any other occasion, it would have been so relaxing to come home to Ealdor after the busy town of Camelot. But today I was enraged as I saw Kanen beating Matthew to the ground. Arthur rode ahead and I followed closely behind. He threw a dagger towards Kanen but the dagger hit the wood post next to him. I heard Arthur curse under his breath as he dismounted his horse just inside the village gates. I followed suit, pulling out my sword. I heard Morgana do the same just behind me.

Sword fighting was much more difficult than the knights made it look. I tried to model what I had seen Arthur and the knights do on the training field numerous times. The sword was heavy and slow to swing and holding it steady to block used more strength than I had. One of Kanen's men sparred with me and I swung the sword and blocked as best as I could. But he was stronger and he pushed me against the wall of the nearest home, our swords crossed in front of my face. The grit of metal on metal was a terrible sound so close to my face. The man's breath in my face smelled of onions and mead as he laughed at how easy I was going to be defeated. I saw no other option and used magic to make the sword burn red hot, causing the man to drop it to the ground with a shout. I used that opportunity to slice into him with my blade. I didn't look at him on the ground, but I knew he was dead. This time, I didn't feel the deep, muddy regret. This time I felt validated and powerful. My magic snapped in my veins and I closed my eyes to calm it as Kanen and the rest of his men retreated, calling out threats.

"I see you're up to your same old magic tricks," a familiar voice called out.

I opened my eyes, smiling at Will.

"I thought I said I didn't want your kind around here," he said meanly, but a glimmer of humor was in his eyes.

We both laughed and embraced each other. Will had been my best friend in Ealdor. We were taught to read together and played together when we were younger, which lead to a strong friendship through the rest of our lives while I lived in Ealdor. We had been expected to marry soon, had I not left for Camelot. I did love Will, but not in the marrying way. Though if it were my fate, it would not have been the worst outcome. I was ready to accept before I left. Will had been upset, seeing my leaving as a personal slight. So I had not written to him since I left, and had been nervous to see him today.

"I hear you're a maid servant to a prince these days," Will said in a way that suggested more than household chores.

"I'm a servant to Prince Arthur, yes," I said with a look that told him to stop assuming.

"Merlin! Gather the villagers, I need to talk to them," Arthur called to me.

"I will. I'm just talking-"

"Now, Merlin. We don't have much time!" he demanded. I sighed and left Will to gather my people.

Arthur, as I had suspected, gave a speech to encourage the villagers, getting them excited and wanting to work together. Only Will pushed back, saying that Arthur had made the situation with Kanen worse. After Will stormed off, I followed him to his home to try to talk to him, with no success.

"I trust him with my life!" I insisted to Will.

"Yeah, well let's see who he sends into battle to die first," Will said and then added as a second thought: "Unless he wouldn't send the servant who serves him more than dinner."

"No, Will. It's nothing like that at all!" I insisted, frustration rising in my chest. Will was just hurt, he didn't mean what he was accusing. But it didn't make it acceptable. "Arthur is a good prince and will do whatever he can to help us. That's why he's here."

Will and I parted, still not agreeing on the battle. But I had hope that he would change his mind eventually. Most of the villagers wanted to fight, so the majority of them were going to be there for the battle.

Later that night Gwen and I set up beds for everyone on the floor of Mother's house. I relaxed into my pillow and breathed deeply. It smelled like home and I felt comfortable, despite knowing the battle that was looming closer.

Arthur was next to me, laying the opposite way from me, his eyes still open and looking at the ceiling. He asked me questions about my life growing up in Ealdor and how it differed from my life in Camelot. It was strange telling Arthur these things, since he had never taken an interest in my life before.

"Who is Will to you?" Arthur asked. "When he left the meeting earlier, you went after him."

"Will is… complicated," I sighed.

"Come on, stop trying to be interesting," he teased, and poked me in the face with his foot. I batted it away with a laugh.

"He is my oldest friend. We were expected to marry before I left for Camelot," I explained, regretting having to tell Arthur.

"Is that why you left Ealdor?" Arthur asked.

"No, I left because Kanen had bought out my mother's and the villager's debts and began to lord it over us. I came to Camelot for work," I explained. "I would have married him."

"Do you love him?"

"I… love him, yes. But not as a wife," I said finally. "But marrying him would have been better than the other men here. Have you seen them?"

Arthur and I laughed. "Is Camelot much better looking?" He asked, a smile still on his voice. I wasn't sure if he was fishing for a compliment or actually asking me.

"I'm not sure yet," I giggled. "I've not gotten out much since I started working for you. I've got you and Gaius."

Arthur chuckled. "Well I'm sure I know who you like best of those options."

"Yeah, I'm sure I could get a few good years out of Gaius," I said before bursting into laughter.

Arthur and I laughed before one of the other three shushed us. Which, in turn, made us laugh more, but now trying to stifle it with our hands.

Arthur was silent for some time after our laughter died down. "I'm going to start training the men tomorrow. Get some rest," he said before turning over on his side, away from me.

I blew out the candle and fell asleep as soon as I closed my eyes.