Chapter 5
"Kildare!"
Vortigern carefully made his way across the roof of one of the two still standing towers of the ruin. It was dark, cold and the rain fell down, soaking his long green cloak. These cloaks might help against the cold, they did nothing to protect the body when it came to harsh weather. He should have grabbed his woollen coat before searching for Kildare. But he'd been too upset. Upset finding out what had happened to Merlin - one of the other druids had told him. News travelled fast in this place.
His voice had a shocked edge to it. Normally he felt very calm, thinking over his actions carefully and in the past he'd never been afraid to speak his mind. To make Kildare see his triumphs as well as his mistakes. It had always been like this. How long had he known the man? He couldn't remember, as it seemed he'd always been around while they had moved from camp to camp; finally ending up in this God forsaken ruin. Had he been calling it a holy place before? At the moment he was so angry, he couldn't even think straight. His friend was going too far. Was he still a friend?
He had to admit to himself, he was becoming afraid of Kildare. The change in his friend had run so deep, if he would go up against it, it would cost him dearly. It wouldn't even surprise him if he had to pay with his life. But what was his life worth if he wouldn't be able to do the right thing? If he never truly tried to make a difference in the world? Was he a coward all of a sudden?
Vortigern had called Gaius a coward many times, until the man had smuggled him out of Camelot. Their situations weren't so different at the moment. Gaius had to stay with Uther, but at least he had made the right choice in the end. Yes, the man could have done much more; but right now, so could he.
It had slowly become clear to him, musing over his earlier conversation with the boy. Kildare was wrong. His ways of teaching Merlin were getting way out of hand, and if he couldn't make him stop, the boy might actually die. And that would mean the end of the legend they all held so dear. Vortigern wasn't going to let it happen. Gaius, Camelot and Prince Arthur needed Emrys to live. They all did.
"My dear friend," Kildare turned around from gazing over the square, gazing at the tree being barely noticeable from up here in the darkness of the night. There was a weird dreamlike stare in his eyes, and Vortigern cursed this place for it. "What's on your mind?"
"It's not right," he started before his courage would disappear. He drew his cloak around him, shivering. "What you're doing to Emrys."
"Do you think I like doing this to him?"
Vortigern snapped his fingers, as if it would help to wake Kildare out of his stupor. He didn't care if his eyes were wide in anger, he didn't care if Kildare would notice. "Emrys is still young, he's not the warlock he's supposed to be, yet. He can't compete with you, and you know you might do more harm than good with your methods."
"It's the only way. He has to see the ways of Camelot and see our ways are better."
"Your ways?"
Kildare stayed calm, even though Vortigern could hear in his voice he was disappointed. "That's not fair. We agreed to this, Vortigern. You know I don't have a choice."
"The tree is consuming you. You're addicted to its essence and you know you are. The tree and you, you seem like one now. Don't let this happen to Emrys. You say this is all about teaching him. Isn't this also to help yourself?"
"I thought I could fight it." Kildare slowly admitted, and for a moment the way he talked reminded Vortigern about his friend from before the tree. The one he wanted back, desperately. "I was so arrogant to even think such a thing, I know this now."
Vortigern blinked, trying to find a hidden message inside this statement. Kildare the druid would certainly have thought it - Kildare under influence was an entirely other matter. He was getting confused and his anger crumbled into pieces. What if Kildare knew something he didn't? Was there any other reason for this madness? "So, you're not only doing this because you want to teach the boy, correct?"
"I think he might be able to set me free." Kildare turned around to face him. Really face him, and his eyes were clear and alive for a moment. "We seem to be connected Vortigern."
"Connected?"
"He can save us."
"How?"
"You disagree, but in fact he's stronger than any of us. If someone can fight the tree, it's him. And if he does find a way, than I can be saved as well. Isn't it what you always wanted?"
Of course it was what he wanted. At the moment it was all he wanted; next to building a safe world for them to live in. Maybe both dreams were still obtainable? But how on earth was it possible if Kildare kept submitting young Merlin to the essence of the tree? Was the warlock really strong enough to make a difference?
"I showed Emrys his beloved Camelot, that is all. It shouldn't be where he has to live." Kildare's voice changed slightly, getting this hard edge back. "Remember the times when we were living in our holy city, before it was destroyed by Uther?"
Yes, Vortigern remembered. A city of beauty and magic. A city of learning and hope. Until it all slipped through their fingers when the Great Purge started. Not many of their kind escaped. He had been in Camelot at the time for a meeting, but Kildare had seen their city fall. It had changed him forever. Broke him before he even came near the tree of Idad. "I do remember, yes."
"We were teaching the young, Vortigern." Kildare continued. "Like I do now. The tree lets us dream. Dreams teach and show us the way. Emrys just doesn't know it yet, but he will."
Vortigern didn't like where this was going. "You brought him back to the cell?"
"Yes."
"How is he?"
Kildare turned back to gaze over the square once more. "I can feel he's fighting the essence of the tree every step of the way." He almost sounded satisfied, and Vortigern felt shivers run down his spine. It felt like his old friend had two personalities - the tree was trying to keep hold of one, while Vortigern was fighting for the other. He didn't have to fight alone anymore though. It was all together possible Emrys really was their saviour.
"If you ruin him like this, he will never be able to help you."
"He'll live."
"Maybe, but what about you if he doesn't?"
"Emrys and I will have a long talk when he has recovered."
"When the tree has consumed him you mean." Vortigern had made up his mind. He would do anything possible to save Kildare, and this meant he had to save Emrys or it would be too late and who knew what would happen then. "I need to see him, make sure he'll be all right."
"Yes, you do that," Kildare mused. "You are a good friend to me, Vortigern. A good friend indeed."
Arthur stumbled - almost falling flat on his face back into the cold cell when the tall silent druid finally released him. He locked the cell door and was gone before Arthur could find his balance. Them disappearing like that, it wasn't natural; it was eerie. So much for his great escape. He should have known it wasn't easy trying to trick a bunch of arrogant sorcerers. He wouldn't make the same mistake twice, as he was certain he would get another chance.
The man had taken him on a grand tour of the old ruins before returning him to the cell. As if they really wanted to discourage him. Make certain he wouldn't think of escape again, as this place - even though it was a ruin, was a fortress. Arthur had to admit, he did feel slightly defeated, but it didn't mean he was ready to give up. There had to be a nearby way out of here, even though it hadn't made itself presentable to him, yet. They certainly hadn't taken it this time. If their walk would have taken any longer he would have died of boredom and hunger.
He gulped, his breath stuck in his throat when he realised he wasn't alone. The figure of a man with a blue shirt and red neckerchief sprawled on the ground made him gasp. "Merlin!" How the hell had he gotten here so fast? Had Arthur's Meden tour taken this long, or was there really a nearby way to this cell from the room where he'd heard Merlin's voice? It had to be.
The young man was unconscious again and his body jerked up and down, while moans mixed with half bitten off cries started to fill the silence of the dungeon. What in the world had the old man done to him? Arthur could have sworn his friend sounded alright when he'd listened at that door.
"Merlin?" Arthur was on his knees in a heartbeat, relieved the guard didn't attach him to the wall this time, so he could see to his friend. Deep down inside he already knew there wasn't much more he could do than offer some comfort. The old physician had promised to heal Merlin, but it seemed as if his friend's condition had gotten worse. So much for trusting a sorcerer.
What was going on around here went way above his knowledge of the druids, of dark magic and Arthur admitted to himself he was terrified he would lose Merlin. The thrill of the escape was gone and he felt bone tired, but it was nothing compared to his fear for Merlin.
He grabbed a pale flaying hand in his and squeezed it in the hopes Merlin would somehow notice he was there. Meanwhile he placed his other hand carefully on Merlin's cheek, wondering if he should try and slap it to at least wake him up from what seemed to be a terrible nightmare.
The heat radiating from Merlin's face flowed into Arthur's hand, making him pull it back in surprise and wonder. This was not just the heat from having a fever, but there was something else, a slight tingling sensation making its way through his fingers. It felt like putting a woollen shirt over your head on a cold day, when hairs would stand up. In the dimness of a room it looked like sparkling lightning bolts, dancing.
Arthur snapped his fingers to get rid of the feeling, but his fingers felt numb so he shook his hand a couple of times. Touching Merlin's face shouldn't elicit this kind of reaction, and Arthur became increasingly worried about the magic tree again. What on Earth did these druids do to his friend? Why weren't they coming for him instead? Why choose someone weaker, like Merlin? Were they this cowardly?
Arthur didn't get their motivations. They hadn't killed them and they still hadn't mentioned his ransom. But if they had, would they have let him know in the first place?
A loud groan coming from Merlin's partly opened mouth snapped him out of his thoughts instantly. The man's head was starting to move from left to right, like he was denying something with immense intensity. If this continued he would hurt himself and Arthur was not going to let it happen. To hell with the numbness in his fingers, it was time for action.
He sucked in a gulp of air and lay both his hands to the side of Merlin's head, steadying it. The tingling in his fingers; this time of both hands, intensified and he let out a sharp gasp. One hand had brushed against something small behind Merlin's left ear. It was hard to see with the young man's thick unruly mop of hair falling over it.
He gaped at it for a moment, whatever it was. It had the size of a small coin and in its centre there was a piece of glass shaped into a teardrop. Inside this glass a black moving substance was producing swirling wisps of smoke.
When he touched it with the tip of his finger, Merlin let out a cry of agony followed by a small whimper like in despair while the younger man's body folded in on itself, his head moving down. It would certainly have hit the floor if Arthur wouldn't have been there to prevent it.
Bleary blue eyes opened just a slit and seemed to recognise him instantly. Gazing up at him in a mixture of fear and relief, but determination as well. Merlin was awake, but Arthur wasn't too certain if this was a good thing.
"Merlin, can you hear me? Talk to me."
"Arth... You're, alive." It was barely a whisper, but it warmed Arthur's heart.
"Of course I am, what makes you think I wasn't?"
Before Merlin could respond - and Arthur could see he was trying as he was parting his lips, another spasm wracked his body. The hands of his friend reached out and grabbed the sleeve of his shirt and he could actually hear Merlin's teeth grinding together, his eyes tightly shut but most definitely fully awake now.
Arthur felt dread climbing up his spine. "Come on you idiot, fight this."
"You... fight this." Came the response between clenched teeth.
Arthur knew it had something to do with the coin and knew he had to get it off. But even brushing against it made Merlin react so violently, all he could do was hold his friend in a firm grasp, letting him know he wasn't alone. Damn, he felt useless, totally utterly useless to help Merlin. And this fact tore at him in a way he had never experienced before. He was so scared and angry he could barely focus on what needed to be done.
"Arth...ur." Merlin whispered and Arthur could see he did his best not to give into the pain. Merlin was a brave and loyal man. Probably braver than Arthur himself, although he would never admit this thought to anyone. Brave, loyal and an idiot.
"It... it hurts."
"It's that round thing behind your ear, right?"
"Yes."
"I can't get it off."
"Please, try... again..."
Merlin wasn't a person to plead, with anyone about anything, so he definitely was experiencing agony by this blasted round coin-thing. Maybe if he could just pull it off in one go? But what would it do and would he do more harm than good? This was something beyond his knowledge. Something to do with magic. The last thing he associated with Merlin was dark magic and the idea alone made him suddenly feel a bit hysterical. Again he wondered about the druids and their motivations. He was missing something here but he had no idea what it was.
"Merlin, I don't know... I don't know what to do." Arthur couldn't help but admit the truth. He had to stay strong for Merlin's sake, but this was so out of his league he felt tears of anger coming to his eyes. He blinked to get rid of them.
"But I do..."
A firm voice penetrated Arthur's senses, and gazing into the light of an approaching torch he could see the old physician's face. The man walked cautiously into their cell, his grey hair and cloak were dripping wet as if he'd been outside. He was alone.
It took all of Arthur's restraint not to jump up and grab the man's throat, but he couldn't leave Merlin's side. His friend was holding on to his arm, gasping for air that didn't want to come. Was this the time and place to trust the old man? Arthur didn't want to, but it sure as hell looked like he didn't have a choice. But if the man had inflicted this pain in the first place, why would he be so willing to help? Maybe it hadn't been him but Kildare, or the tree? Arthur looked up at him, trying to keep the hostile look from his eyes. It wouldn't do Merlin any good.
"Have you done this?" Arthur demanded.
"No, Kildare did, but I might be able to help him."
"And why would I trust you?"
The physician looked shocked. Arthur hadn't seen this before. The last time they met the man had been very calm and collected, but the idea of hurting Merlin didn't seem to sit very well with him. Was the man having a change of heart all of a sudden?
He had talked to Merlin before, Arthur had heard them through the door. Maybe this had something to do with it? No one in his right mind would ever think of harming his servant. He was friendly with everyone, even the most cranky people like Audrey from the kitchens. They all adored him, even though Arthur couldn't exactly tell why. He only knew Merlin had this effect on people. Maybe with this man as well? What was his name again?
"My name is Vortigern." The man said, almost making Arthur jump in surprise.
"You can read thoughts now?"
"No, it was the way you looked at me, wondering," Vortigern provided, taking one step closer to him and Merlin. "And to keep things short, Kildare's wrong but it's not his fault entirely."
"I don't care right now - you said you can help Merlin?"
"Maybe, yes."
"That's helpful."
"I know a spell to ease the effects of the eorðgráp."
"Eoro what?"
"The coin contains the essence of the tree." With an impatient glare which silenced Arthur immediately, Vortigern continued. "I also have to examine it, to see if it can be removed."
"I already tried, it's not working." Arthur tried to keep his voice from sounding frantic, and in fact he was over being frantic. He was way beyond it.
It's designed that way or anyone could just remove it, couldn't they." Vortigern stated.
Arthur wasn't in the mood for smart remarks and glared at the older man in a way he would normally reserve for his knights or Merlin. He suddenly didn't care if he needed the man to get out of this place or not. He would not allow him to hurt Merlin again. "But you'll hurt Merlin if you try."
His gaze hadn't been focused on Merlin, deliberately. He couldn't; wouldn't falter or it meant they would be lost. If so, Merlin and he would stay a pawn in a game he wasn't intent on playing any longer. This had to stop, right here, right now. This wasn't about ransom anymore, this was way beyond it. Some dark magical game at play and there was only one way out. Why anyone would even want to infest Merlin with some ancient dark magic was beyond Arthur. His servant was as far removed from magic as possible.
Merlin had seemed to put his trust in the old physician and, because it was Merlin's life on the line, Arthur felt he had no choice but to go along with his trusting friend. But he didn't have to like it, and would keep his eye out for any abnormal behaviour. It brought him back to his earlier question. Why was the man willingly helping them all of a sudden?
Arthur hated feeling choiceless as much as he hated his helpless state. He hated not having a solid plan of action. He always needed time to think things through thoroughly, but there wasn't any time. Not when there were dozens of druids around who would try to stop them. If Vortigern had a plan, Arthur would listen to it.
He quickly caught Merlin's exhausted gaze. There was poorly concealed fear in those eyes, but also that glint of fierce determination again. He seemed more ready than Arthur to give it a try.
"All right, do whatever you need to do," Merlin muttered and broke their eye contact, focusing on Vortigern. "I know Gaius would approve."
"Gaius?" Arthur raised his brow. Did Vortigern know Gaius?
The physician gave them both a wan smile but didn't answer the question; like he was already apologizing for what was about to happen. Oh yes, Arthur would keep his eyes on this man. He wouldn't let him out of his sight.
"I cannot be certain what will happen, how it will react or lash out."
Merlin bit his lower lip, pain still clearly written all over his face. "It's not like I have a choice."
TBC