AN: I hope you guys enjoyed the last Chapter, thanks for all your wonderful reviews.
Merlinreveal3- I have an account on Ao3 under the same name. :)
- MORGANA Tell me, Sir Leon, how have you enjoyed the first week of my reign? Speak up. Are you and your fellow knights ready to honour and serve me?
LEON I would rather die.
MORGAUSE That can be arranged.
LEON My loyalty is to the King and Prince Arthur. There is nothing you can do to change that.
"Thank you Leon." Arthur bowed his head to his friend. He could not have asked for a more noble and loyal friend. "I'm glad you made it out alive."
"Morgana thought that if I bowed to her then the rest of the knights would follow my lead, I think it was the only reason she kept me alive." Leon looked at the woman disgusted.
MORGANA We shall see. -
ELYAN
I'll get some more.
MERLIN
It's too dangerous.
GAIUS
What happened?
MERLIN
Nothing. [whisper to Gaius] We need to do something. Morgana's men are everywhere.
"Thanks you as well Merlin. You kept going even after all of that, while all I could do was wallow." Arthur sounded disgusted with himself.
Merlin leaned over knocking his shoulder against Arthur's "I don't think I've ever heard you say Thank You so often."
"You're right, I should stop before it goes to your head."
"Too late" Merlin gave him a cheesy smile and Arthur rolled his eyes.
"Don't get the wrong idea, you're still a complete idiot."
"Prat."
- MORGANA
I will give you one more chance to pledge your allegiance to me
LEON
Long live the King!
KNIGHTS
Long live the King!
MORGANA
Perhaps this will help you change your mind.
LEON No! -
Arthur flinched, he knew things were bad, but he never imagined what was happening in the citadel while they were out in the forest. All those innocent lives.
Leon closed his eyes unable to watch again as Morgana killed the people of Camelot. Once upon a time he had admired Morgana, her strength and wit. She was beautiful and brave. Now that woman was gone, replaced by something ugly and twisted.
Gwen cried "I just don't understand what happened to her." She whispered "She used to love the people of Camelot, she used to argue with Uther to protect them, now she kill them without mercy. I do not understand how this happened." Arthur pulled Gwen close to her and Merlin felt guilt swirling inside him.
MORGANA Father.
UTHER Why are you doing this?
MORGANA Oh, come, come. Surely you of all people must understand. Sometimes such measures are necessary.
UTHER Those people are innocent.
MORGANA As were so many that you put to death.
Merlin shook his head "That's not the way to go about it."
"He who wishes to revenge injuries by reciprocal hatred will live in misery." Gaius said.
"You have magic to Merlin, you can't have liked Uther either." Elyan looked to Merlin curiously.
"I cared very little about Uther. I neither liked nor disliked him." Merlin answered honestly. "He wasn't always a bad king, and he genuinely cared for Arthur and Morgana. But he was to blinded by grief and fear. I was afraid of him for a long time, but after years in Camelot I just sort of grew used to it."
"If you were given the chance to would you let my father die." Arthur asked Merlin.
"No. In fact I have been given that chance quite a few times, but I knew what that would do to you. He was still your father, and I would never wish to inflict that sort of pain on you."
"You've saved my father?" Arthur looked confused.
"It's a long story."
"You'll have to tell me one day."
UTHER If you must kill someone, kill me.
MORGANA You'll get your wish. But not yet. First I want you to suffer as I suffered. To know what it's like to be alone and afraid. To be disgusted with who and what you are.
Merlin flinched. He should have told her. He should have said to damn with the dragon and his prophecies. Maybe if he had she'd still be good and kind.
UTHER Do you really hate me so much?
MORGANA You cannot begin to know how much I hate you.
"The really sad thing is, if she would have told him about her magic, I honestly don't think Uther would have been able to hurt her, it might have even been a good thing. She might have been able to convince him of it's ability to be used for good. She was just too afraid to see how much he loved her." Gaius spoke softly, no one could disagree especially seeing the look on Uther's face in that moment.
MERLIN It's rat. Oh, believe me, you've eaten far worse. I mean, I've definitely served you things I would never have touched, but you wolfed them down no problem.
"Yet another thing we'll discuss later." Arthur said glaring at merlin who gave him his best innocent smile.
ARTHUR Merlin, for once, leave me in peace, please.
MERLIN I understand. Your father lied to you about Morgana. I don't know why. I'm sure he had his reasons, but now is not the time for that. He's still your father. He needs you. Camelot needs you.
ARTHUR I've known her all my life. How could she do this to us?
MERLIN I can't answer that, but you have a duty to your father, to your people. You can't give up on them now.
ARTHUR You cannot defeat an immortal army.
MERLIN We don't know until we try.
Sir Leon didn't think he'd ever seen Arthur so defeated before.
"Do you have a plan?" Gwaine asked
"No, but I knew there had to be a way, I couldn't just give up."
"We're getting closer to the present now," Arthur commented knowing it was this night that his mother had visited him.
MORGANA I'm beginning to see the challenges that I face. Being queen is not so simple, Gwen.
GUINEVERE You're doing well, your Majesty.
MORGANA You think? The knights do not share your view.
GUINEVERE They don't know you.
MORGANA: I need their allegiance. Without that, the people will not yield to me.
GUINEVERE My mother was a maid in Sir Leon's household. We grew up together. I could talk to him, try to make him see sense?
MORGANA You would do that for me?
GUINEVERE Uther killed my father.
MORGANA Yes, I...forgot you too had suffered.
GUINEVERE Let me meet with Sir Leon.
MORGANA I will arrange it.
GUINEVERE Thank you, your Majesty. -
"That was the most difficult time of my life, I was so scared that she'd see my lies and have my killed." Gwen tried to control a shiver as she watched the proceedings.
"You were very strong Guinevere." Arthur was proud of the woman he'd come to love.
Lancelot looked at the two with a sad but resigned countenance, he'd had his chance with her, but if she was truly happy with Arthur than he would step aside, she deserved to be queen. She deserved all the riches of the world.
MERLIN We need to act before Morgana gets any stronger.
GAIUS Have you sent word to Lancelot yet?
MERLIN I sent a letter to Haldor days ago. He's probably moved on.
"You have no idea how thankful I am that you had not." Merlin smiled at Lancelot and Percival. "If you hadn't showed up when you did we would have been caught."
"Sorry we were late." Lancelot said "We had a hell of a time sneaking through that forest. For a while I didn't think we'd reach you without being caught ourselves."
GAIUS Give it time.
MERLIN We don't have time. We need to act now.
GAIUS I know, Merlin, but how?
MERLIN There was an immortal army before. How was it defeated?
GAIUS The Cup of Life had to be emptied of the blood it contained. Once that had happened, the enchantment no longer held.
MERLIN Then that's what I have to do.
GAIUS They're immortal, Merlin. You don't know the power to defeat a soldier, never mind an army.
Merlin sighed "Gaius is right. My powers can temporarily disable a soldier, but I can't do that to an entire army." He frowned.
LEON Guinevere.
GUINEVERE
It's all I could get.
LEON
I don't understand. What are you doing here?
GUINEVERE
Morgana sent me...to talk to you, to make you see sense. Listen to me.
LEON
I'd rather starve. Guard!
"Forgive me, I didn't think you'd ever betray Arthur, but after Morgana… well, anything seemed possible."
"It's alright, I understand."
GUINEVERE
I'm going to help you escape. [to guard] It's alright. Get me some water. The queen has instructed me to get the prisoner food and water.
LEON
You know what will happen to you if you're caught.
GUINEVERE We have to find Arthur.
LEON I've a good idea where he'll be hiding.
GUINEVERE Then I need to get you out of here.
LEON How? It's impossible, surely?
GUINEVERE I'm a trusted member of the court. Morgause has the keys to the cells in her chambers.
LEON
No, Gwen
MORGANA
It is as we suspected. She's betrayed me. I will have her executed at dawn.
Gwen gasped putting a hand over her mouth in shock.
MORGAUSE
No. Wait. This is good. Let her run to her beloved prince. She will lead us straight to him.
"No! I'm so sorry, I had no idea that they suspected me. Arthur I'm sorry." Gwen looked down at her feet in shame
"It's not you fault." Arthur reassured her.
"No one got hurt Gwen, you couldn't have known." Lancelot added for good measure.
GUINEVERE
No one will suspect me.
-
GAIUS
Merlin, what are you doing?
MERLIN
Looking for something.
GAIUS
What?
MERLIN
This. When I met the Fisher King, he gave me this. He told me, in Camelot's darkest hour, when all seems lost, it would show me the way.
GAIUS: Yes. But how?
MERLIN: That's what I've got to find out.
"Did you?" Percival questioned
"I never got the chance, Arthur showed up blabbing about having a plan before I could work out what it was for." Merlin pulled the water from his pocket and showed the knights before returning it to its spot.
-
MORGANA: Did you speak to Sir Leon?
GWEN: Yes.
MORGANA: And will he do as you asked?
GWEN: It might take some time, but I think he will come 'round.
MORGANA: Gwen, this deserves a celebration.
GWEN: Your Majesty.
MORGANA To friendship and loyalty.
GUINEVERE To friendship and loyalty.
Gwen groaned "I'm so sorry. I should have realised."
"None of us would have noticed it either, if we've learned anything it's that Morgana is a fantastic actor." Arthur said bitterly. "Besides I would rather have you followed, than her kill you." Arthur didn't think he could bare it if she had died too.
-
MERLIN *spell1* *spell2*
"I can't believe you were doing magic with us right there." Arthur rolled his eyes at Merlin.
"Well it's not like I could just go out for a stroll" Merlin shot back. "Besides you were all gloomy, the only one I had to watch out for was Elyan, no offense."
"None taken." Elyan smiled at his friend. He only hoped Merlin could forgive him for thinking so low of someone he never should have doubted to begin with. How could he have ever thought Merlin was evil.
GUINEVERE My Lady? Morgause?
-
MERLIN *spell*
-
[Gwen, the blacksmith's daughter;)]
GWAINE Sorry. Nature calls.
"Merlin you idiot" Arthur hit him over the head for breaking the one thing that could help them, but then stopped. "Wait hold on, you still have it…"
"I'm just as confused" Merlin said rubbing the back of his head.
"This is what would have happened had you not come here. The things from here on are things that can be changed, so watch carefully." Ygraine whispered to them all. She hoped that what she was doing was right, if not then she had just ruined everything. No. She thought to herself this is for your son, and for all of Albion.
MERLIN Oh, no! Freya?
FREYA I've missed you.
There were cat calls and whistles from the men and Gwen gave him a cheesy smile. He smiled back but it was a sad smile and the men quickly went silent. They had never seen Merlin look like that before.
"Who is Freya, you never talked about her before."
Merlin sighed softly "I never wanted to." He blinked back tears "She was someone I loved, she died in my arms." Merlin's voice broke and Gwen was there in an instant pulling Merlin into a hug and simply holding him. She could not imagine losing Arthur like that.
"I'm so sorry Merlin" She whispered "You don't have to say anymore."
Arthur wanted to know more, it hurt him to his core to see Merlin so heartbroken, and to think he never knew about her. What sort of friend was he? A lousy one. He answered himself. But no longer, Arthur was going to prove to Merlin that he cared, that Merlin could trust him with things like this. He didn't want Merlin to suffer alone anymore.
The other men were all thinking the same thing.
MERLIN You're...
FREYA Merlin, we don't have long.
MERLIN Is it really you?
FREYA I swore that one day I would repay you. Now is the moment.
MERLIN I don't understand.
FREYA There is but one weapon that slay something which is already dead.
MERLIN A blade forged in the dragon's breath.
FREYA That weapon lies at the bottom of the Lake of Avalon. Where you hid it.
Merlin got a lot of questioning looks, but it was like no one wanted to ask. Merlin gave Gwen one last squeeze and released her wiping at his eyes for good measure just in case a few stray tears had been allowed to fall.
"I had it forged for you Arthur."
"Me."
"When that undead knight was going around challenging everyone and you were going to fight it."
"So that's how my father defeated him." Arthur had always wondered but he'd been to grateful to question it further. "It was you." He looked at Merlin with unconcealed gratitude. Merlin simply gave a small smile back.
Gwen looked between the two of them pleased to see their bond mending.
MERLIN But Morgana's army are not dead, they're very much alive.
FREYA Anyone who toys with the cup pays a terrible price. The moment they entered their pact with Morgause, they became the living dead. You must come to the lake.
"So if we empty the cup then Cenred's entire army will die?" Gwaine looked suitably impressed.
Arthur suddenly had this look in his eye, one Merlin recognized almost instantly "Well men, it looks like we now have the beginnings of a plan."
MERLIN And you will give me the sword?
FREYA In your hands it has the power to save Albion.
MERLIN Thank you.
FREYA No. It's giving me the chance to see you again.
GWAINE That's better. You alright? You look like you've seen a ghost.
MERLIN I'm fine. Really. [whispers] Freya?
Gwaine winced "I'm sorry"
"You didn't know." Merlin said but he couldn't help but feel a bit put out. Still at least he'd gotten to see her, he grasped the water tightly in his hand.
[[Merlin leaves camp. A familiar Dragon lands in front of Merlin]]
Merlin winced.
Arthur stared in shock he looked from the dragon to Merlin and back again several times. "You said…! What actually happened."
"I didn't kill him. It's complicated Arthur, but it is a good thing, Kilgharrah has been really helpful."
"In case you've forgotten, that dragon nearly destroyed Camelot."
"I give you my word that he will not do so again."
"How can you be so sure."
"It's a long story."
"Why do I get the feeling that everything is going to be a 'long story' with you Merlin?" Arthur did not look amused. Merlin could only thank whatever gods were out there that Arthur did not realise it was he who freed the dragon in the first place. Though he wondered how long that would remain a secret. He hoped that when the time came Arthur would understand why.
MERLIN I have to cross 20 leagues of hostile territory. I need you to take me.
KILGHARRAH I am not a horse, Merlin!
MERLIN If you do not, then Morgana will have won. Unless that's what you want.
KILGHARRAH My allegiance has never been with the witch.
MERLIN I know. But is it with me?
"You are very brave." Percival could not imagine speaking to a dragon so calmly.
"Hang on. How did you get him to listen I thought a dragonlord was the only thing that could control them." Arthur looked from Killagrah to Merlin who smiled sheepishly.
"I didn't know until after we found Balinor." Merlin told Arthur. It was the truth, even if it wasn't the full truth.
KILGHARRAH Yes, young warlock. It is with you.
Merlin: Thank you.
Merlin cheered "I always wanted to fly!" He looked so excited The others looked rather queasy at the thought of it.
KILGHARRAH I warned you before that, in the wrong hands, this sword can do great evil. You must promise me, Merlin, that once its task is done, you will place it where none can wield it.
MERLIN I promise. *spell*
"You don't even have to row your own boat." Gwaine commented appreciatively.
[[Sword emerges from the water]]
Merlin could hardly wait. He was going to see her again, it seemed to good to be true.
[Gwen slips Leon the key]
GWEN We haven't got time to waste. [hands him a dress]
Leon groaned flushing red.
Arthur burst into laughter along with the others. Gwen hid a small giggle.
Leon could not be too angry, he had not heard Arthur laugh since this had begun and it had certainly cheered everyone up.
LEON
You...You can't be serious.
GWEN
Just hurry! Every guard in Camelot will be looking for you. They won't be looking for two women courtiers.
"Not a word." Leon threatened drawing his sword as if daring one of the ment to comment. They wisely kept their mouths shut even as they snickered at him.
LEON
Augh.
MORGANA
Sounds like the wait is over.
MORGAUSE
*spell* The potion does its work.
MORGANA
Off you go. Hurry along to your beloved prince.
Even the threat of Morgana and Morgause could not lower the mood of imagining Leon in a gown.
GWEN
What's taking you so long?
LEON
I'm a women.
GWEN
Here, let me help you.
Gwaine whistled and Leon held his sword to Gwaine's chest. Gwaine held up his hands "Sorry, I've got no self control." He shrugged. Leon sighed giving one last glare before sheathing his sword.
LEON
From here, we need to take the path heading north. There's a cave in the Darkling Woods, five minutes due east of the fallen oak. It has a concealed entrance and fresh water. My guess is that's where Arthur's hiding out.
MORGAUSE *spell* This way.
ARTHUR Having a little lie down, Merlin?
MERLIN No.
ARTHUR Good. Because the time for sleeping's over.
MERLIN You seem better.
ARTHUR You're hopeless at a lot of things, Merlin. Well, most thing, in fact. But very occasionally, quite by accident, you say something useful.
MERLIN Really?
ARTHUR
Yesterday, amongst all your gibberish, you said something that, if I didn't know you, I'd be completely fooled into thinking you were...
MERLIN
What?
ARTHUR
Wise.
Merlin and Arthur looked at eachother for a moment and then they both shook their heads. "Nah."
MERLIN
Nah.
"Looks like some things don't ever change." Lancelot looked at the two as they said the same thing in the memory.
ARTHUR
Guinevere! Sir Leon.
ELYAN
We've been found! They're almost upon us!
ARTHUR
[to Merlin] Get Gaius. [to others] We need to get out of here. Run!
MERLIN
They've found us. We need to go.
GAIUS I'll slow you down. It's Arthur you need to protect, not me.
Arthur shook his head "There's no way we would leave you Gaius."
"Thank you Arthur. I do appreciate it."
"I don't know what we'd do without your wisdom Gaius." Arthur told the man sincerely and Merlin could have sworn that he saw the old man blush.
MERLIN
I won't leave you!
GAIUS
Camelot needs you.
MERLIN
Camelot needs us both. Go! I'll be right behind you!
[[Merlin fights guard and kills him]]
Arthur clapped Merlin on the back while those who had not seen Uther's battle looked in awe at the magnificent blade. "Looks like your not so useless with a sword after all."
"It seems all those practice fights really paid off." Gaius added remembering how many time Merlin had come back sore and bruised and complaining.
- PERCIVAL
Look out!
ARTHUR
Who's that?
GWAINE
Don't know, but I'm liking him already.
Percival smiled at Gwaine "Why thank you."
Gwaine laughed "I have a feeling we're going to get along, you and me."
GUINEVERE
Lancelot!
LANCELOT
We need to hurry.
ARTHUR I take it that rock fall wasn't an accident.
LANCELOT This is Percival. It was his strength that brought them down.
PERCIVAL Your Highness.
ARTHUR Arthur.
PERCIVAL Arthur it is.
ARTHUR What were you doing here?
MERLIN Er...it was me. I sent for him.
ARTHUR Well, we owe you our lives. Thank you.
This meet and greet had happened pretty much the same.
MORGAUSE He was lucky to escape. I'm sorry, Sister.
MORGANA What can he do? Arthur has but a handful of men. We have an immortal army at our disposal.
Morgause: Yes, but whist Arthur lives, the people will not yield.
MORGANA Then we will make them. Tonight we will have a gallows built, and tomorrow, one by one, we will put an end to the knights of Camelot.
"No!" Leon looked shocked "What if it's already happened" How long had they been in this cave? He wondered. Arthur put a hand on his shoulder calming him
"Do not worry. I know for a fact that once we set foot in this place time stopped outside of here. When we leave it will be as if only a few seconds have passed. We have time, and we will not let Morgana do what she wishes." Merlin wondered again how Arthur knew this, but it just didn't seem to be the time to ask.
The men relaxed looking relieved.
GAIUS Are you sure we'll be safe in here?
ARTHUR
This castle belonged to the ancient kings. It'll do for a while.
ELYAN
Can't be worse than that cave.
ARTHUR
Search the place, see what you can find.
"Thank you." Gaius thanked Percival as the man in the memory handed Gaius some water. Percival nodded looking slightly shy. Merlin decided that he liked him.
"Percival looks really big, but he's got the soul of a teddy bear." Lancelot joked. Percival elbowed him but Lancelot only laughed.
GWAINE
They must've been left by bandits.
"At least we have some weapons" Gwaine sighed
ARTHUR
Here! Come and join me. This table belonged to the ancient kings of Camelot. A round table afforded no one man more importance than any other. They believed in equality in all things. So, it seems fitting that we revive this tradition now. Without each of you, we would not be here. My father has languished in prison for too long. Tomorrow, I make my bid to rescue him. Are there any around this table who will join me?
Merlin had never been more proud of Arthur until after hearing that.
The men all watched and Leon couldn't help but grin when he saw not himself but Merlin at Arthur's right. He did not feel slighted, he'd seen merlin go with arthur on journey after journey, he had never faltered and after everything they'd watched he knew that the boy had done so much more than all that. It was fitting.
He wasn't the only one that noticed Gaius too noticed and the old man wondered briefly if Arthur even realised what he'd done himself.
LANCELOT
You taught me the values of being a knight, the code by which a man should live his life. To fight with honour for justice, freedom, and all that's good. I believe in the world that you will build.
Gwen smiled at Lancelot brightly and he smiled back at her.
"I would like to hear about it." Percival murmured
"Hear about what?" Merlin asked having been the only one to hear the gentle giants whispered words
"About the time Lancelot met you." Percival said "He's spoken highly of you, but I'm beginning to think I don't know the whole story."
"I'd be happy to tell you, but I warn you it's nothing big, in fact I didn't exactly do the right thing." Merlin admitted thinking back to the fake knighthood.
ELYAN
Even though I was a commoner, a nobody, you were willing to lay down your life for me, Arthur. It is now my turn to repay you.
Gwen reached out her hand for her brothers gripping it tightly.
LEON
I have fought alongside you many times. There is no one that I would rather die for.
Leon nodded.
GWAINE
I think we've no chance. But I wouldn't miss it for the world.
Everyone snorted and Gwaine shrugged "You can't fault honesty."
PERCIVAL
Your enemies are my enemies.
"You didn't know me, but you're still willing to risk your life, you have my gratitude Percival." Arthur looked slightly shocked but happy.
"I'd seen and heard enough to know it was the right choice."
GAIUS
If you need an old man.
GUINEVERE
You know the answer.
Arthur felt his eyes water. He knew then what he was going to do and he had no qualms. They were good men, better than any nobles he could find, if anyone deserved the title it was these men standing before him.
ARTHUR
Merlin?
MERLIN
No, don't really fancy it.
ARTHUR
You don't have a choice, Merlin.
MERLIN
OK.
They all laughed and Gaius shook his head. Merlin smiled "I couldn't make it too easy on you Arthur" He joked "Besides you know I'd always go with you, when haven't I, even when you ordered me not to."
Arthur knew he was right, but he still slapped merlin over the head anyway.
ARTHUR
I want to thank you all for staying loyal to me in Camelot's hour of need. I'll do something that my father won't approve of.
ARTHUR
Arise, Sir Lancelot, Knight of camelot. Arise, Sir Gwaine, Knight of camelot. Arise, Sir Percival, Knight of camelot. Arise, Sir Elyan, Knight of camelot. Tomorrow, when you fight, you can stand proud knowing you are members of the most noble army the world has ever known.
The new knights all looked at each other smiling. Merlin elbowed Lancelot and beamed at him. Lancelot probably looked the happiest out of the bunch.
MERLIN
You're a knight. At last.
LANCELOT
But for how long?
MERLIN
Who knows?
LANCELOT
What are you planning? And don't even think about lying; I know you too well.
MERLIN
It's too difficult to explain.
LANCELOT
You can tell me.
MERLIN
Morgana has the Cup of Life. If I can find it and empty it of the blood within, then the army will be destroyed, and Morgana will be powerless.
LANCELOT
Aren't you forgetting something? It's guarded by an immortal army.
MERLIN
Aren't you forgetting something? I have magic.
LANCELOT
It doesn't make you immortal.
MERLIN
No.
They all looked at Merlin.
"You'll get yourself killed" Arthur finally spoke.
"Even if I die, if I can get to that cup first it'll be a victory."
"No" Arthur argued
"Arthur-"
"I said no. You don't have to do everything alone anymore." Arthur reminded him. Merlin almost looked shocked at the nods of agreement that statement got. He nodded but he knew it didn't change anything he'd still die for Arthur, for any of the men and women that were present.
LANCELOT
You know, Merlin, you're the one Arthur should knight. You're the bravest of us all and he doesn't even know it.
"Nah." Merlin shook his head "I'm not really knight material, and I'm rubbish with a sword. Besides, I've told Arthur before, I'm glad to be his servant, til the day I die."
Arthur did not like to even think of Merlin dying. Merlin had become someone that he could not imagine his life without.
MERLIN
He can't. Not yet. That's why I need to find a way to get to the Cup without Arthur knowing.
LANCELOT
Leave that to me.
Arthur let out a huff of frustration and Merlin shrugged "I couldn't let you know about my magic."
"Why not?"
"Do you not remember your reaction."
"You didn't know I was going to react that way."
"You just found out that Morgana was a sorcerer and evil and her betrayal was still fresh in your mind. Even if I had wanted to tell you, that would have been the worst time to." Arthur couldn't argue with that reasoning, but he still pouted a bit.
ARTHUR
There is a tunnel under the northern ramparts that brings us only a few paces from the entrance to the dungeons. It will be well guarded. So, if we're going to break everyone out, we must remain unobserved. We cannot let them raise the alarm.
LANCELOT {C
We need to take out the warning bell. That way the warriors have no mean of communication.
"That's a good idea, but I get the feeling that it's just your cover." Arthur frowned
Lancelot winced "Sorry, but now that we do know, we can get someone different on that front." Lancelot suggested. Arthur nodded.
ARTHUR
Good idea.
LANCELOT
I'll need someone with me who knows the castle.
MERLIN
I'll go.
ARTHUR
Alright.
ARTHUR {C
Stay here with Gaius. I want you to gather firewood and make bandages. There'll be casualties.
GUINEVERE
Alright.
ARTHUR
Guinevere.
GUINEVERE
They'll see.
ARTHUR
I don't care. I want you to know...if I never see you again...
GUINEVERE
You will. You will see me. I watched you last night. You gave us hope, something to believe in. I saw the king you will become. I'm so proud of you Arthur.
No one teased them, even gwaine had enough tact to let the moment be.
Lancelot nodded to himself, that was it then he could see it a mile away, the love she had for him. He was only happy that Arthur could see it too, that he knew how good and wonderful Gwen was. Lancelot though heartbroken could not bring himself to feel too sad. This was a new start, he could find love again someone to love him and only him. And he would be happy for his friends.
GAIUS
You need to be careful.
MERLIN
I've got the easy bit. The warning bell is nothing compared to the cells.
GAIUS
I overheard you, Merlin. If Morgause catches you, she'll kill you.
The atmosphere in the room was tense.
MERLIN
I have no choice.
GAIUS
I remember the bumbling idiot that came charging into my chamber all those years ago. Who would believe.
"Hey" Merlin pouted and the knights smiled slightly, but the tension remained. The battle was imminent and who knew who would survive it, if anyone did.
[Arthur & Co. approaching castle]
GUINEVERE
Gaius? Gaius?!
"You were supposed to stay with Gwen." Arthur looked at Gaius.
"Forgive me sire, but Guinevere was safe and she could take care of herself, I was worried about Merlin battling Morgause."
"Gaius is right" Gwen added "I was safe in those ruins."
ARTHUR [to Lancelot]
Good luck.
MERLIN
*gasp* I can sense the Cup's power. This way. [kills guard]
"Sense it?"
"I can sense all magical artifacts, I've used it to save your life more than once." Merlin said simply
"Just how powerful are you Merlin."
"Hopefully powerful enough." Merlin said watching the memory continue to pay and avoiding Arthur's question. He really did not want to get into it at that moment.
LANCELOT
What is that?
MERLIN
It was forged in a dragon's breath.
GWAINE {C
*whistles* [to Percival] Now! [to guards] Stay there and don't move, eh?
[Merlin and Lancelot peek around a corner]
LANCELOT
What do we do now? [Merlin shakes head]
[Arthur & Co. fight guards, Arthur throws keys to the imprisoned knights]
Gwen squeezed her brother's hand when he was injured gasping slightly but unable to look away.
[Lancelot and Merlin attack guards, get inside council room, lock door, and face more guards]
[Arthur opens Uther's cell]
ARTHUR {C
Father, we have to hurry.
UTHER {C
I'm sorry.
ARTHUR
Please, Father, now isn't the time.
"I've never seen him like that before." Arthur breathed out sounding worried.
"It's likely that Morgana's betrayal was too much for him to handle. He'll need time to heal."
"Is there nothing you can do to help?" Arthur asked Gaius.
"Some wounds can not be healed with medicine, sire."
[Lancelot and Merlin fight]
[Arthur & Co. fight]
[Lancelot & Merlin fight, Lancelot injured]
"No." Merlin whispered softly.
"It's nothing too bad."
"I should have gone alone."
"Even with that sword you couldn't have fought them all off on your own."
[Arthur & Co. fight, warning bell sounds]
ARTHUR
What the hell are those two doing?!
"Sorry" The two grimaced.
[Lancelot & Merlin fight, Merlin kills last guard, goes for the Cup, Morgause throws him]
Gwen gasped. No one dared speak or move as they watched.
[Arthur & Co. fight, reinforcements arrive. Arthur stops fighting] Arthur: If we're gonna go down! We'll go down fighting! For the love of Camelot!
Knights of the Round Table: RAAAAAHHHHHHH!
- MORGAUSE [to Merlin]
I have a feeling I won't be seeing you again.
GAIUS
No, you won't. *spell* [Morgause thrown. Gets up to cast spell]
"I'm afraid my powers are not as strong as yours merlin."
"Nonsense. Gaius, you saved my life." Merlin looked at him gratefully.
MORGAUSE
Ahhhh! [thrown by Merlin, knocked out]
The knights were impressed.
Gwaine slapped Merlin on the back making his friend wince "I'm glad you're on our side."
GAIUS
Merlin! The Cup! [Merlin picks up Excalibur and knocks Cup off pedestal, blood spills]
[Arthur & Co. guards explode]
"You did it!" Gwen laughed. She hugged Arthur tightly. The knights all cheered they took turns giving Merlin one armed hugs or soft friendly punches. Arthur nodded to Merlin and he did the same back.
Gaius watched proudly.
[Morgana enters council room.]
MORGANA
No! No! [runs to and embraces Morgause] Sister.
MERLIN {C
It's over, Morgana.
MORGANA
No, you're wrong. This has just begun! No. *screams*
[Windows explode, council room crumbles, Merlin, Gaius, and Lancelot flee the scene.]
Everyone watched in horror. They might have had Merlin but could they really go up against power like that?
ARTHUR
You're safe now, Father.
ELYAN
Where's Gwaine? Gwaine? You still alive?
Everyone waited with baited breath.
GWAINE
What do you think? And that's Sir Gwaine to you.
Everyone laughed Arthur shook his head "Great, I've gone and given him a bigger head."
ARTHUR
Have you seen the state of these boots?
MERLIN
Yeah.
ARTHUR
Well, go and get something to clean them.
MERLIN
Why? They're your boots.
ARTHUR
Have you lost your mind?
Leon snorted "You know for a long time, a lot of knights thought Merlin was mad. The way he speaks to you."
"He'd be bored if I didn't" Merlin grinned.
"We all would." Gwaine snickered.
MERLIN
I thought you believed in equality.
ARTHUR
I'm sorry?
MERLIN
At the Round Table, you said...
ARTHUR
Shut up, Merlin. [gives Merlin a friendly shove]
Gwaine smiled at the two. She loved Arthur with all of her heart, and she knew Arthur loved her back. But there was something there, a relationship stronger than her's and Arthur's could ever be. But she wasn't jealous or mad, she was simply content. She had a piece of Arthur, a piece no one else would ever have.
MERLIN
How's your father?
ARTHUR
I don't know. All this. Morgana. It's hit him hard.
MERLIN
Perhaps we're heading for a new time. You may need to take charge, become...become King.
Arthur was not sure how to take that. He did not feel like he was ready to be king yet.
ARTHUR
Who knows what the future will bring.
-
(Arthur spots Gwen and walks down the castle then helps her off of her horse and they kiss, then hug)
The tension of the battle was gone and the knights finally let Gwen and Arthur have it. Cheering them and making the couple blush furiously.
GAIUS
And they searched through the remains of the rubble, and still no Morgana?
MERLIN
Or Morgause.
GAIUS
They won't have gone far. Merlin, no one else is going to say this to you, but I will. Well done.
"We will now." Percival smiled ruffling Merlin's hair.
Merlin swatted him away playfully.
MERLIN
I told you Camelot needed both of us.
GAIUS
We're going to have to tidy this place up.
MERLIN
Hmm. But not now.
GAIUS
Where are you going?
MERLIN
Er...
GAIUS
What are you up to?
MERLIN
There's something I have to do.
KILGHARRAH
In the wrong hands, this sword can do great evil. You must promise me, Merlin, that once it's task is done, you will place is where none can wield it.
"What a shame, that sword is something else." Gwaine shook his head.
[Merlin raises Excalibur, his eyes glow red as he says a spell, and thus, the sword enters the white plain stone]
"In a stone?" Arthur questioned.
"There is only one who can pull that sword from the stone."
"Who?"
"I'm not telling." Merlin smiled.
"Alright we know how to win, should we go now."
"Wait, there is more for you to see. Have patience." The voice spoke out. "I'm going to take you into the past now, Understanding your enemy is the first step in beating her." Merlin didn't like where this was headed. He hoped she didn't mean what he thought she did.
AN: Now I'm going to skip back a bit and show you The Fire of Idirsholas and The Last Dragonlord. Then we'll come back and start the fourth season.
Reviews are greatly appreciated!