The Nightmare Begins

In a land of Myth and a time of magic,
The destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of two young people,
Their names,
Merlin and Mira-Liana

It'd been several days since Mira-Liana and Arthur's wedding. She was now the Princess of Camelot and had fully adjusted to the role. While some questioned her ability due to the fact that she'd once been a commoner, others were more than happy to have her as their princess and believed she'd be a wonderful Queen when the time came.

Merlin was now Arthur's personal Chief Advisor and he found the job a great deal more pleasant than his previous job as a manservant. His advice had so far been proven very helpful and invaluable, and even Uther was beginning to respect him and approve of Arthur's decision.

Despite the new jobs the twins were doing and being married people, they still made time for one another and Gaius, and they still focused on their destiny—protecting Arthur and guarding their secret.

That night, it was storming and Morgana was having another nightmare. She woke up feeling frightened as she gazed at her room. When her eyes fell onto the candle that sat by her curtains, her eyes glowed. The candle's wick was lit and fire formed as it caught the curtain on fire. Morgana screamed and her window was shattered.

When morning came, there was an investigation, as Morgana had not told Uther everything that had happened. But her room was in shambles and it didn't look well. Gwen was telling Uther what she knew.

"I came in to give her some extra blankets, there was a candle by her bed but I moved it and put it out."

"Are you certain?" asked Uther.

"I blew it out, I swear," she said.

"Gwen's been Morgana's servant for years. If she said she blew it out, I believe her," said Arthur.

Uther examined the burnt curtain and broken window. "She could've been burnt alive."

"Lightning struck the castle roof last night, it could've started the fire," said Merlin.

"Perhaps," said Uther.

"What other explanation is there?" asked Mira-Liana.

"Someone started the fire deliberately," said Uther.

Merlin, Mira-Liana, Arthur and Gwen all exchanged looks before Mira-Liana and Arthur walked with Uther.

"If someone did do this, how did they reach Morgana's chambers unchallenged?" asked Uther.

"We don't know," said Mira-Liana. "There's too many guards. It shouldn't be possible."

"And yet they managed to do so," said Uther.

"I can't explain it," said Arthur.

"Well, I can," said Uther. "They used magic. Arrest all those we have under suspicion."

"That's going to take time," said Arthur.

Uther stopped walking and looked at them. "My ward has been attacked. Time is something we do not have," he said, before storming off.

Once he was gone, Arthur turned to Mira-Liana. "Do you think it was magic?"

"Possibly," she said. "It would make a great deal of sense."

"But if it is magic, then the question is who and why? Unless it was Morgana who did the magic. But you said she only had visions of the future."

Arthur had been told of Morgana's power. After their wedding, Arthur and Mira-Liana had told each other everything the other had not known before. While Arthur had found a lot of his wife's secrets interesting, he hadn't been pleased when he learnt the truth of Sophia.

Mira-Liana shrugged. "It's a possibility. Magic works in strange ways and it's possible she just did on it instinct or accident."

"Is there anything you can do?" asked Arthur.

"I'll see," said Mira-Liana. "Right now, we don't know if she did anything at all."

Mir? called Merlin.

Merlin, what is it?

I think you'd better come to Gaius's chambers. Morgana was just talking to Gaius about last night and she thinks she did magic.

That isn't good.

"I've got to go," said Mira-Liana. "Merlin needs me. I'll see you later."

"Alright. Watch yourself, alright?"

She nodded and disappeared down the hall.

XXX

Mira-Liana arrived at Gaius's chambers a few moments later. "Gaius?" she said.

"I'm in here, Your Highness," said Gaius.

Mira-Liana sighed in exasperation. "Gaius, I may be the Princess of Camelot, but I'm still your niece and you don't need to address me as 'Your Highness.' So, don't call me that."

"As you wish…Your Highness," he said.

Merlin laughed and Mira-Liana rolled her eyes.

Gaius laughed too, but looked serious. "I'm sorry, old habits. So, what can I do for you, Mira?"

"Did you hear about what happened in Morgana's chambers?" asked Mira-Liana. "The window was blown out into the courtyard below."

"I know," said Gaius, not looking up from his work.

"If lightning had struck the window like I told Uther, you'd have thought the glass would have fallen in," said Merlin. "Don't you think that's a bit odd?"

Gaius didn't reply.

"It was magic, you know it was," said Mira-Liana. "And more importantly, so does she."

"Morgana knows nothing for certain," said Gaius.

"But that makes it even worse. She isn't sure what's happening to her and it's tearing her apart!" said Merlin. "She needs help, Gaius!"

"What would you have me do?" he demanded.

"Talk to her," said Mira-Liana. "Tell her that her powers aren't something to be afraid of."

"I can't," said Gaius.

"Then maybe we can," said Merlin.

"No, you can't," Gaius objected.

"Why not? We understand what she's going through," said Mira-Liana.

"Too many already know your secret."

"You, our mother, Arthur, that dragon, and Gwen are 'too many'?" said Merlin. "And if we don't help her, then someone else should."

"Who?" Gaius demanded. "Magic is outlawed or have you forgotten that? In your new positions, you're at an even greater risk of being discovered and burnt by Uther. You may be members of the Royal Family, but Uther won't hesitate to kill you both if he ever found out."

"Then he won't!" said Mira-Liana. "But we can't just sit by and watch Morgana suffer when we can help her! She needs someone to be honest with her."

"And what makes you so sure you two know better than me?" said Gaius.

"Because we went through the same thing!" said Merlin. "We know exactly how she's feeling right now."

Gaius sighed. "I know you two mean well, but you cannot get involved in this. No good can come of it. Stay out of it."

Merlin and Mira-Liana exchanged looks as they left Gaius's chambers.

What're we going to do? asked Merlin.

The only thing we can do, said Mira-Liana. We'll contact our old friend and tell Morgana the truth about us if we need to.

But even if we find him, do you think he'll be willing to help?

Finding him shouldn't be difficult. He's never refused us before. I don't think he'll do so now. Besides, he always says he is and always will be the best you see.

XXX

That night, after making some arrangements, Merlin and Mira-Liana were putting out candles in Gaius's chambers when Morgana came in.

"Is Gaius here?" she asked.

"No, he's not here right now, but he'll be back soon," said Merlin.

"I need to speak to him, where is he?" asked Morgana.

"He's gone to see Uther. What's wrong?" asked Mira-Liana.

Morgana hesitated and turned her head away.

"You can trust us, Morgana," said Merlin. "You know you can."

Morgana appeared to be on the verge of tears as she said, "I'm scared, you two. I don't understand anything anymore. I need to know what's happening."

"Shh, shh, shh," said Mira-Liana. "Sit down and try to calm down. We're here."

"Then you believe me?"

"Yes, we do," said Merlin.

"You think it's magic too, don't you? I'll keep my silence, please, just tell me what's happening to me. I need to know that I'm not imagining it," she begged. "Is it magic?"

"Yes," said Mira-Liana. "Morgana, listen to us very carefully. We know what you're going through because went through the same thing."

"You have?" said Morgana.

"Yes, we're a witch and warlock," said Merlin. "Only our mother, Gaius, Gwen and Arthur know. Magic was a part of us from the moment we were born, just like it is with you. We've only used our magic for the good of Camelot."

"I never thought you wouldn't. But I haven't done the same. Am I a monster then?"

"No, you're not a monster. Magic isn't always a bad thing. If you want it to be good, then it will be. Your powers have proven to be of good use before, remember?" said Mira-Liana.

Morgana nodded. "So, my dream about Sophia drowning Arthur was true?"

"Yes," said Merlin. "But we stopped it from happening. We're sorry we didn't tell you about this before. We thought it'd be better if you didn't know, but we were wrong."

"Don't be sorry. I understand," said Morgana. "But how am I going to manage this? You can't risk yourselves for my sake."

"Don't worry, everything is going to be fine," said Mira-Liana. "Listen, we've contacted an old friend of ours. He's willing to help you. He's working with the Druids."

"What do we tell Uther?" asked Morgana. "I can't just disappear. He'll think someone took me."

"We've worked it all out. We'll tell him you're going on a little journey for a few days," said Merlin. "You need to get away from Camelot for a little while because of all that's happening. After a few days, you'll come back so we don't arouse Uther's suspicion."

"Do you think this will work?" asked Morgana.

"Yes," said Mira-Liana. She squeezed Morgana's hand. "You don't need to be afraid. You are not alone. We're here now."

Morgana wiped her eyes and hugged them both. "Thank you. Thank you so much."

XXX

The next day, Morgana told Uther of her plans and thankfully, he believed her story and she left without any trouble. Everyone seemed to accept this, except for Gaius. He cornered Merlin and Mira-Liana when they were talking in Mira-Liana's room.

"You two, exactly what have you done?" he asked.

"Only what we had to," said Mira-Liana. "Morgana needed help, so we gave it to her."

"You told her your secret, didn't you?"

"We had to," said Merlin. "Look, everything's going to work out, we promise."

"How do you know?" asked Gaius. "Where is Morgana?"

"She's going to the Forest of Ascetir to meet with an old friend of ours," said Mira-Liana. "He's working with the Druids now and he's agreed to help her for a few days. Morgana will be back before long."

"I told you not to get involved. Lives are probably at risk now," said Gaius.

"No, they're not!" said Merlin. "Only we know where Morgana's gone. She's going to be fine. You don't understand how it was for us before we came to Camelot. The years before we came here were the loneliest of our lives. If we hadn't had each other or you, we might've been like Morgana right now."

"She needed more than just sleeping drafts, she needed someone to talk to and confide in," said Mira-Liana. "Everything we've ever learnt about magic, that all came from you. We would've been lost without you, Gaius. We did what we thought was best."

Gaius sighed. "I understand why you did what you did, you two," he said. "But that doesn't mean I don't fear the consequences. When will Morgana return?"

"By the end of the week," said Merlin. "We'll go and bring her back ourselves if we need to."

XXX

Morgana journeyed through the forest, searching for any sign of Merlin and Mira-Liana's friend who was supposed to meet her or the Druids. She'd been traveling for two days, and she hadn't found what she was looking for.

She was feeling scared, as she kept hearing strange noises. It was dark now and she was more jumpy. She screamed when she turned around and saw a giant black scorpion. She ran, but was injured in the leg by the scorpion's sting.

Within moments, she was on the ground, unable to move because of the pain from her wound. She was surrounded by the creatures and was nearly their feast, but they separated and left her as a man dressed in a red cloak appeared just before she passed out.

When she woke up, she realized she was in a tent and someone was dabbing at her face with a wet cloth. The man had a strange-looking face, but she knew he'd saved her from the creatures.

"Where am I?" she said. "Who are you?"

"You're in my tent, Milady Morgana," he said. "My name is Frik."

"Frik?" she said. "You're Merlin and Mira-Liana's friend?"

"Indeed I am," said Frik. "You need to rest for a little while. You injured your leg when you were attacked by a Serket. Try and stay off it." He smiled. "You're as beautiful as he said you were."

"Who said?" asked Morgana.

"I did," said a familiar voice. Mordred, the little Druid boy she once helped came into the tent and sat beside her, smiling. When Master Frik went to find you last night, I sensed in my mind, so I told him where you were so he could help you, he said.

Morgana was startled. "So, you can talk through your mind."

"We do not always need words to speak to one another," said Frik.

"Now I can take care of you, like you took care of me," said Mordred.

Morgana smiled and then turned to Frik. "How is it you know Merlin and Mira-Liana?"

"We were childhood friends," said Frik. "From the moment I met them, I knew they were meant for great things. Their coming was foretold by many, even amongst the Druids who know them as Emrys and Emrysa. But I could not fully understand their gifts, so I could not help them as much I would've liked. When I was old enough, I went out to find my own way."

"What is it you can do?" asked Morgana.

"I can change my form, watch," said Frik. He turned around and was now a handsome blond man for a moment before he changed back. "So, as long as I can change, no one will know who I am. So, I offer my services to any who need it. There will always be the need for the perfect gentleman's gentleman, and I was and always will be one of the best you see."

Morgana and Mordred laughed.

"And what is it you've been doing since you left, Mordred?"

Ever since Emrysa healed me, I've been trying to learn how to be a healer like her and her Uncle Gaius. I wish I could learn under him.

"Maybe someday you will," she murmured, as she stroked his hair.

"It's late," said Frik. "You should sleep. And rest assured, no harm will come to you here. You're safe."

"Thank you," said Morgana, as she drifted off and fell asleep.

XXX

When morning came, Morgana changed into the clothes Frik gave her and then joined him on a walk through the Druid camp. She noticed the Druids' looks whenever she gazed at them. Frik saw this.

"The people here are surprised at your being here and even a little afraid, my lady," said Frik. "Your king would have all us killed."

"They have nothing to fear from me," said Morgana. "I do not share Uther's hatred of magic."

"No, I imagine you wouldn't," said Frik. "These forests are dangerous. Why did you not ask Merlin or Mira to accompany you?"

"They've already done so much for me. I didn't want them to do more than necessary," said Morgana. "I just want some more answers and they said you'd help me get them."

"And so I shall," said Frik. "What would you like to know?"

"My friends said I was born with magic like they were. But how is this possible? Why is it I can see the future and start fires with my mind?" she asked.

"There are times when people choose the magic and the magic chooses them. It cannot be explained. What you can do, few are able. You have gifts, my lady."

"Will I ever fully understand it?"

"In time, you will. And someday, you'll be able to use it. This isn't something to be afraid of."

"It is if you have Uther as your guardian," said Morgana. "If he found out, he'd have me killed."

"But he won't," said Frik, soothingly. "We won't let that happen. You should not be afraid of Uther. You should pity him."

"Pity him? Why?"

"Because he's a broken man consumed by fear," he said, simply. "His hatred of magic has driven much of his compassion from his heart."

Morgana wiped her eyes. "This is all so confusing and enlightening. I've always been told that magic is wrong and that it corrupts your soul. But Merlin and Mira-Liana use their powers for good and I've seen that goodness in my dreams. Which is the right answer?"

"Magic is neither good nor bad. It's like a sword. If you use it for evil, then it shall be evil. If you use it for good, then it shall be good. Do you understand?"

Morgana nodded. "I do. Thank you."

Frik smiled. "Anything for you, my beautiful lady."

XXX

The following days passed on smoothly. Through Frik's teachings, Morgana gained some control over her powers. Frik was patient and understanding, for which Morgana was grateful. Mordred was always there to talk to her and they grew close like mother and son.

Before long, Morgana realized her feelings for Frik and went to speak with him one morning. "Frik?" she said, as she peered through the tent. "Are you here?"

"Yes, I am, my beautiful lady," said Frik. "Do you require something?"

"I just wanted to talk to you," she said. "I'll be going back to Camelot soon and I wanted to thank you for all you've done for me."

He smiled. "No thanks are necessary. It was my pleasure and Mordred has been a great deal happier since you arrived. I should be thanking you."

Morgana smiled back, but then looked sad.

"What is it, my lady?"

"I don't want to go back," she confessed. "I wish I could stay with you here. You mean more to me than you know."

Frik said nothing, but gently pulled her in for a sweet kiss that she returned.

"I love you," said Morgana.

"And I love you," he said.

Morgana, Frik, we have guests! yelled Mordred. It's Emrys and Emrysa!

Morgana and Frik looked to see Merlin and Mira-Liana ride in on horses. Mordred was hugging them and looking happy.

"Merlin, Mira-Liana!" said Frik.

"Frik!" said Mira-Liana, as she hugged him.

"It's good to see you, old friend," said Merlin.

"Merlin, Mira, what brings you here?" asked Morgana.

"We came to escort you back," said Mira-Liana. "It's time."

"Do I have to?" said Morgana. "These Druids are my people. And I can't leave Mordred again or lose Frik."

"We know," said Merlin. "Frik's told us everything, so we've come up with another plan."

"What plan?" asked Morgana.

"They can come with us," said Mira-Liana. "Frik is a shape-shifter. And we can enchant Mordred's pendant so he won't be recognized."

They're going to protect us from Uther, Morgana, said Mordred. And we'll protect each other, I promise. Please, say you'll do it.

"You've got to trust us on this, Morgana," said Merlin.

Morgana sighed and looked at Frik and Mordred, who just nodded and then she said, "Alright, I'll do it. But promise me Frik and Mordred will be safe."

"We promise," said Merlin.

XXX

Parting from the Druids was harder than Morgana had thought it would be, as she was leaving behind a world where there was little fear and secrets and entering another where she would have to guard her secret with her life. True, she had her loved ones, but she was already anxious for the day when she would no longer need to hide herself from the world.

They arrived in Camelot shortly after that and were greeted by Uther, Gaius and Arthur.

"Morgana, you're back," said Uther. "How was your journey?"

"Wonderful," said Morgana. "Merlin and Mira-Liana made sure I got home safely."

"For which we're all grateful. Who are your companions?" asked Arthur, looking at Frik and Mordred.

"This is Lord Frik and his son, Mordred. They've come to stay in Camelot. Mordred wants to become an apprentice," said Morgana.

"If is no trouble for us to stay here, my lord," said Frik.

"No trouble at all," Uther said. "You are welcome here. A friend of Morgana's is a friend of Camelot's."

"Thank you," said Frik.

"And just whose apprentice do you wish to be, Mordred?" asked Gaius.

"Yours, if I may, sir," said Mordred. "I want to be a healer."

Gaius looked surprised, but smiled. "Then you may."

Mordred looked delighted, making everyone smile.

XXX

At the end of the day, Morgana thanked Merlin and Mira-Liana for their help yet again. With Frik and Mordred and the twins at her side, she knew she was going to be fine.

Merlin and Mira-Liana went to see Gaius that same night. Mordred was sleeping in their old room, having been studying and working with Gaius since his arrival.

"Gaius, are you in?" said Merlin.

"I'm right here," said Gaius. "What is it?"

"We wanted to apologize for what we said," said Mira-Liana. "We were angry and we should've known better than to say those things."

"Everything's fine, but if it hadn't been for Frik, it might not have been," said Merlin. "We're really sorry and we understand if you're angry."

"I was angry at first, but I'm not anymore," said Gaius. "You did what you thought was right—we all did. And I guess a part of me still sees you two as the young children who first came here all that time ago."

They both smiled as they hugged him.

"And we always will be," said Mira-Liana.

"Thanks, for everything Gaius," said Merlin.

Gaius smiled.

XXX

Before Mira-Liana joined her husband in bed that night so they could sleep, she couldn't help noticing she was feeling a little dizzy and sick. It was probably nothing, but she made a mental note to ask Gaius if it continued.

"Ana, are you coming?" said Arthur.

"Yes, just a moment," said Mira-Liana. She sipped some water and hoped she hadn't caught anything bad. She slid into bed and snuggled up with Arthur.

"Are you alright?" asked Arthur. "You look a little pale."

"I'm fine," she said. "I love you."

He gently kissed her. "I love you too."