Sins of the Father
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
Arthur and Mira-Liana had been sleeping comfortably in their room until Arthur woke up from a nightmare. He sat up breathing hard and sweating as he wiped his face before turning to look at his sleeping wife. She looked peaceful as she slept, for which he was grateful. She was eight months along and she didn't need this kind of stress.
Feeling the need for some fresh air, he got up, put his robe on and then went out onto the balcony. It was quiet and the night air felt soothing as he sat in silence for a few moments.
"Arthur?" said Mira-Liana, as placed her hand on his shoulder. "Are you alright? What's wrong?"
"Nothing," he said, as he rubbed her hand. "I'm fine. You should rest, though. Go back to sleep."
Mira-Liana sighed as she slipped her hand into his and then made him look at her. "How long is going to take for us to be honest with each other? What's bothering you?"
"Nothing. It was just a nightmare."
"Bad?"
"Very."
"What was it about? Tell me."
Arthur sighed before swallowing painfully. "My mother, Queen Igraine, died in childbirth. I never got to know her. In my nightmare tonight, I saw my mother's fate become yours and the baby's."
Mira-Liana studied his face for a moment and then said, "This wasn't your first nightmare, was it? How long have you been feeling like this and why didn't you tell me?"
"It wasn't the first and I've been feeling like this for quite a while now," he confessed. "I didn't tell you because I didn't want to worry you."
"Oh, Arthur," she whispered, as she squeezed his shoulder. "Hold me, like you did the night when we first confessed our feelings."
Arthur held her close against him, gently so as to not hurt their baby. He was overjoyed at the thought of becoming a father and raising his child with Ana, but he was also scared of losing her like he'd lost his mother. He stroked her hair and sighed again. "I can't lose either of you," he said. "If anything happened, I don't know what I would do."
"Shh, it was only a dream," said Mira-Liana, as she rested her head on his shoulder. "I'm here. We're both okay. You don't need to be so scared. Our friends and family will protect me and the baby. We'll be fine. It won't be like your mother, I promise."
"I hope not," said Arthur. Then he noticed something. "Ana, you're trembling. What's wrong?"
Mira-Liana sighed. "I'm scared too," she confessed. "Arthur, this baby will change our lives. I don't know how I'll be able to continue helping Merlin protect you and Camelot when I'm caring for the baby and if Uther finds out the baby possesses magic through me and you went behind his back when you married me, then—"
"I know, I know, I know," he interrupted. He cupped her face. "But let's not think about that right now. Our baby is a blessing—one I never believed I could have."
Mira-Liana nodded and touched his face before she hugged him again. "Come on. Let's get some sleep. We're both tired, we need to rest and the baby's not coming for another month."
Arthur nodded and followed her into bed. He held her in his arms with her back against his chest and their hands rested on her stomach where their baby lay. Silently, Arthur prayed that everything would work out and nothing would go wrong.
XXX
The following night, Uther was bestowing knighthood on several men. The event was somewhat exciting, but also somewhat boring.
"Arise, Sir Vidor, Knight of Camelot. Arise, Sir Caridoc, Knight of Camelot," said Uther. "You have been rewarded a great honour. With that honor, comes great responsibility. From this day forth, you are sworn to live by the Knight's Code. You've pledged yourself to live with nobility, honor and respect. Your word is your sacred bond. "You will find no one who better embodies these values than my son, Arthur. Follow his example and you will prove yourself worthy of the title."
Mira-Liana smiled as Uther patted Arthur's shoulder. She was quite proud of her husband and always would be. She could see Merlin felt the same, but they both wished Uther wouldn't put so much pressure on Arthur all the time.
Suddenly, there were yells and the sounds of swords meeting one another and then a hooded figure in armor appeared in the hall. Everyone who had a weapon, drew theirs.
The armored warrior ignored everyone as it stepped forward towards Arthur and then dropped its gauntlet at Arthur's feet, marking the sign of a challenge.
Arthur, so help me if you take that gauntlet, I'll kill you, Mira-Liana swore.
You know he'll take it. He's not one to back off from a challenge, said Merlin.
As predicted, Arthur picked up the gauntlet, much to Merlin and Mira-Liana's disapproval. "I accept your challenge," he said. "If you want to face me in combat, you'll do me the courtesty of revealing your true identity."
The armored warrior took off its helmet to reveal a woman with long blond hair, intense brown eyes and lovely features. Arthur's challenger was a woman? This surprised everyone.
"My name is Morgause," she said.
XXX
Naturally, Uther thought the challenge outrageous and had the librarian search the records for any reason why Morgause couldn't challenge Arthur.
"I've searched the records going back at least three hundred years and I've found no rule that says that a woman cannot issue a challenge," he said.
"There must be some way to put a stop to this," said Uther.
"According to the Knight's Code, her claim is perfectly valid," said the librarian.
"It seems there's nothing we can do," said Arthur.
"We don't know anything about this woman, I will not let you face her in combat!" said Uther.
"I accepted the challenge. If I refuse to fight, it'll be seen as an act of cowardice," said Arthur.
"You and your pride," said Mira-Liana, shaking her head. "Arthur, she killed five guards. You shouldn't underestimate her."
"They've got a point, Arthur. You could be risking yourself for nothing," said Merlin.
"I cannot demand that my knights uphold the Code, and then seen to break it myself," said Arthur. "I must face her tomorrow."
XXX
Morgana, Frik and Mordred watched Morgause practice her sword fighting from Morgana's room. They thought the woman was strange and no one had even heard about her before and her challenge made no sense.
Even more strange was the fact that Morgana felt that she knew Morgause somehow, but wasn't quite sure how she knew. This seemed to worry Frik and Mordred.
XXX
Back in Arthur and Mira-Liana's chambers, they were talking about Morgause. Merlin and Mira-Liana were worried about the approaching fight.
"Do you know why she challenged you?" asked Merlin.
Arthur shrugged. "I'm the King's son. Perhaps she feels the need to prove herself."
"I suppose," said Mira-Liana. "But you don't want to fight her, do you?"
"I have no choice," said Arthur. "If I refuse to fight her, I'm a coward. If I kill her, what am I then?"
Merlin and Mira-Liana exchanged looks and then glanced at Arthur.
"What is it?" he asked.
"You've never faced a woman in combat," said Merlin. "What if you hesitate? She could use that to her advantage."
"You think she's going to defeat me?" said Arthur.
"He's saying that you need to be cautious," said Mira-Liana. "Because it sounds like she's pretty handy with a sword."
"Since when do you two know anything about combat?" said Arthur.
"Just because we don't fight in combat, doesn't mean we don't know anything about it," said Merlin.
"True enough," said Arthur. He sighed. "Merlin, I need you to take a message to Morgause for me. If I'm seemed to do it, it will be viewed as cowardice. You must persuade her to withdraw her challenge."
"I can try," said Merlin, as he got up. "But if she's as stubborn as you are, she won't withdraw."
"Let's hope she does, then," said Mira-Liana, as he left the room.
XXX
Merlin entered Morgause's chambers and seconds later, Morgause held a sword at his throat.
"What do you want? Who are you?" she demanded.
"I'm Merlin. I'm Prince Arthur's Chief Advisor," said Merlin. "I have a message from him. He wants you to withdraw your challenge. Arthur has no desire to fight you. And if you withdraw, he'll grant you safe passage from the kingdom. Leave now, while you still can."
Morgause gazed at him for a moment before lowering her blade. "If Arthur has no desire to fight me, then he should withdraw."
Merlin shook his head. "No, he'll never do that. It's not within him to withdraw."
"Then we have that in common," said Morgause.
"If you fight him, he'll have to treat you as he would any other opponent," said Merlin. "It won't matter that you're a woman."
"I do not ask for special treatment."
"Arthur had no quarrel with you. Why would you challenge him?"
"My reasons are not your concern."
"Don't put Arthur in a position where he's forced to kill you," said Merlin, warningly.
"Who's to say Arthur's life won't rest in my hands?" said Morgause, smirking. "But you needn't worry. I won't take your sister's husband away from her."
"You'd better not," said Merlin, warningly.
"I won't. Now, leave me."
Merlin had to do as he was told and reluctantly reported to Arthur that the battle in the morning was still going to happen.
XXX
Everyone gathered to watch the fight take place. Merlin kept his hand in Mira-Liana's, trying to comfort her as she was worried sick about the fight. Gwen kept giving her calming drinks, but it did little good.
"The fight is by the Knights Rules," said Uther. "It's to the death."
No! said Mira-Liana.
Mir, calm down, nothing will happen, said Merlin, as he felt his sister's fear. Relax. Arthur will be alright. I promise.
She bit her lip and squeezed Merlin's hand tightly.
Arthur stood in front of Morgause. Anyone could see he didn't want to do this. "I'm offering you a final chance to withdraw. I suggest you take it," he said, softly.
Morgause just continued to stare at him, which made him angry and upset.
"Then you leave me no choice," he said, as he took his fighting position.
The battle began and it seemed Morgause was defeating Arthur. But then Arthur managed to knock her sword out of her hands, slashing her arm in the process. Arthur allowed her to pick up her sword and the battle grew more intense as Arthur had her pinned against a stand, and went to strike. However Morgause kicked his legs, making him fall to the ground. His helmet flew off across the stadium as she held her blade at Arthur's chest.
Everyone froze and Merlin and Mira-Liana were prepared to use a bit of magic to save Arthur if necessary when Morgause took off her helmet.
"Make me a promise and I shall spare your life," she told Arthur.
"What is it you ask?"
"Come to me three days hence and accept the challenge I set you," she said.
"And the nature of this challenge?"
"That is for me to decide. Do I have your word that you will accept no matter what?"
"You have my word," he said.
Morgause looked pleased as she withdrew her sword and helped Arthur to stand. She then bowed before Uther and walked off.
XXX
In their chambers, Arthur was having his armor taken off by Merlin. Arthur seemed very down about his defeat, Merlin was just grateful Arthur was alive and Mira-Liana was fuming.
"It could've been worse," said Merlin.
"How could it have been worse?" asked Arthur.
"For starters, you could be dead," said Merlin.
"At least I wouldn't have to face everyone, then. I have never felt this humiliated in my life. I was defeated by a girl."
"Morgana said she used to defeat you in practice all the time," said Mira-Liana. "It's almost funny when you think about it."
"First off, she never bet me—that is a lie. And second of all, how is this funny?" said Arthur.
"You're right, it isn't," said Mira-Liana. And then she slapped him.
"OW! What was that for?" he demanded, as Merlin snickered.
"That was for being such an idiot!" she snapped. "What on earth were you thinking?"
"I guess I wasn't," he admitted.
"Obviously," said Mira-Liana, dryly, as she smacked him again. "I still cannot believe you went through with that fight! When are you going to stop being stupid and start thinking about the consequences of your actions? Need I remind you what happened the last time a stranger came to Camelot and challenged you to a fight?"
"Arthur, I think you'd better do some groveling," said Merlin, smirking.
"Shut up, Merlin," said Arthur. "Look, Ana, I'm very, very sorry I worried you like that. I didn't mean to. I was being stupid and for that, I apologize. We'll go out on a walk tonight and I'll have your favorites brought up for dinner. Am I forgiven?"
"It's a start," said Mira-Liana. She sighed as he held her. "And you say I worry you."
XXX
The next morning, Arthur, Mira-Liana and Merlin saw Morgause off before they went out riding. She was finishing adding her possessions to her horse.
"Congratulations on your victory," said Arthur, to Morgause. "You're a very skillful swordsman…woman…swords…swordswoman."
Merlin and Mira-Liana bit back a laugh as Morgause walked towards them. "You have a beautiful horse," she said, as she stroked him. "I shall expect to see you three days hence."
"How will I find you?" Arthur asked.
"When the time comes, you will know your way," she assured him. She then bowed to Merlin and Mira-Liana. "Princess Mira-Liana, Merlin."
"Morgause," said Mira-Liana.
"Have a safe journey," said Merlin.
"Thank you," said Morgause.
"If I don't show up, it might be because I don't know where I'm going," said Arthur.
"The path you must follow will become clear to you," she said, as she got on her own horse. "I should thank you for allowing me to retrieve your sword."
"I'm starting to wish I hadn't," Arthur told her.
"You've shown yourself to be a man of honor, you inherited that trait from your mother."
Arthur's head shot up and he looked at her. "You knew my mother?" he asked.
"I knew her very well." Morgause gave him a sad kind of smile and then she rode off.
Arthur shouted, "Wait!" but she didn't turn back or reply.
XXX
Later, Arthur told Uther of his plans to ride out and meet Morgause.
"And what is to be the nature of this challenge?" he asked.
"She didn't say. But I gave her my word that I would accept it, no matter what."
"You should never have made such a promise. You have no idea what she might ask you to do," said Uther, sharply.
"She had her sword to my chest. I had no choice," said Arthur, through clenched teeth. "Morgause said she knew my mother."
Uther frowned. "She told you this?"
"Yes."
"Obviously, she's lying," said Uther, dismissively. "She's playing on your affections for your mother to lure you into a trap."
"That makes no sense. She spared my life," Arthur protested.
"It confirms my suspicions. I believe Morgause is an enchantress. How else could she have defeated you?"
"I don't believe she was using magic," said Arthur.
"And you would know for certain if she were?" Uther shot back.
Arthur bit back a retort that he was longing to utter. Having been around Merlin, Mira-Liana, Frik, Mordred and Morgana, he clearly knew the signs of magic when it was being used. But he knew if he was to say this to his father, it would mean the kind of trouble he wanted to avoid.
"Under no circumstances will you go and meet her, or accept the challenge," Uther ordered.
"I gave her my word!" Arthur insisted storming over to his father.
"I don't care what was said to her, you will remain in Camelot!"
"I want to hear what she knows about my mother!" Arthur hissed.
"She knows nothing. She is lying!" Uther growled, just two inches from Arthur's face. "You will not go to her. I forbid it!"
"So I am to break my word?" said Arthur, scoffing.
Uther glared and then said to the guards. "Escort my son to his chambers. Under no circumstances will he be allowed to leave."
"So, you're confining me to my chambers?" said Arthur.
"I'm protecting you from your own foolishness!" said Uther, as Arthur was led away.
XXX
Mira-Liana and Merlin went to see Arthur and was surprised when they saw the guards outside. They slipped past them and found Arthur sitting in the window sill, fiddling with his knife.
"Why are the guards outside the door?" asked Merlin.
"My father has confined me to my chambers and has forbidden me from meeting Morgause's challenge," said Arthur.
"Well, maybe he's got a point," said Mira-Liana. "You don't know what she might've asked you to do."
"I gave her my word," he reminded them.
"So I take it, we're going anyway?" said Merlin.
"Well, you and I are, but Ana is staying here," said Arthur. "It's too risky."
"I will not stay put! I've faced more dangerous things than Morgause!" said Mira-Liana, indignantly.
"You are not coming along," said Arthur, firmly. "Not in your condition. The baby is due in a month and I am not going to risk losing either of you. So, will you please just obey me for once?"
Mira-Liana bit back a protest as she knew he was right and nodded. "Fine," she said. "But I'm keeping an eye on you both with the mirror. Merlin might need my help with magic."
"Fair enough," said Arthur. "Merlin, I need you to go get some supplies. We're leaving tonight and see what you can come up with to get me out of here."
"Sure," said Merlin.
He disappeared for a few moments and then returned with a bag and then looked fatter than when he'd left before.
"Merlin, is it my imagination or are you getting fat?" asked Arthur.
Merlin grinned and then lifted up his shirt to reveal several long chords of rope. This made everyone smile as he carefully lowered Arthur down out the window with the rope and Mira-Liana used a spell to make the rope longer and another spell to make sure no one see Arthur as he was lowered down.
Once Arthur was safely down, she hugged Merlin "Both of you had better come back to me, safely," she whispered.
"We will," said Merlin. "Go spend the night with Gwen so Uther won't think you had a hand in this."
She nodded and then they went their separate ways.
XXX
Using the same mirror from when Katrina had been around, Mira-Liana watched her husband and brother travel together.
They came to a fork in the road. Neither man was quite sure which way to go.
"Do you actually know where we're going?" asked Merlin.
"This way," said Arthur, as he tried to make his horse go left. But the horse wouldn't go left and instead turned right.
"Where're you going? I thought you said it was left!" Merlin yelled.
"It's not me, it's the horse!" Arthur protested. "Morgause told me when the time comes, I'll know my way!"
"So, the horse knows where we're going. Great!" said Merlin, sarcastically.
XXX
Back in Camelot, Gaius discovered that Merlin was missing and Mira-Liana hadn't been in her room all night. He informed Uther, who went to Arthur's chambers and found the room empty and the window open. It didn't take long to guess at what'd happened.
"You've been guarding an empty room!" he shouted at the guards. "Send out a search party! Find Arthur and bring him back to Camelot!"
"Yes, sire!"
"Do you have any idea what Morgause might want with Arthur?" he asked, Gaius.
"I'm afraid I don't," Gaius admitted.
Uther wasn't pleased and stormed off
XXX
Merlin kept trying to dissuade Arthur from going through with his plans.
"What if Morgause challenges you to do something you don't want to do?" he asked.
"I'm not expecting this to be easy. That's why it is called a challenge," said Arthur.
"So, you'd do anything she'd ask of you?"
"I gave her my word. It's a question of honor."
Merlin rolled his eyes. "What if she challenges you to do something less honorable than breaking your word?"
"Will you stop rabbiting on!" said Arthur, sounding annoyed. "We're in Odin's territory. We could be attacked at any second."
"I just think it's strange to do something and you don't even know what it is."
"Merlin, will you relax? It's going to be fine."
Just then, an arrow suddenly shot past Merlin, making Merlin's horse rear back and him falling off. Arthur grabbed his sword and battled the men who'd appeared.
Merlin used a spell to send two them off while Arthur fought the third and then used another spell to stop an archer in a tree just as Arthur defeated the third man.
The battle was over.
"Maybe we should turn back, the woods could be full of Odin's men," Merlin said.
"No," said Arthur. "I won't give up. I won't stop you if you want to go back though."
"And leave you alone? Mir would go ballistic if anything happened to either of us!" said Merlin. "You don't know anything about Morgause! You don't know what she's going to ask you to do! And we don't even know where we're going, we're following a horse!"
Arthur just got back onto his horse. "Morgause said she knew my mother. I want to find out what she knows."
Merlin sighed as they camped for the night and made a fire.
"What was your mother like?" he asked, gently.
Arthur sighed. "I never knew her. She died before I opened my eyes."
"I'm sorry," said Merlin.
"Thanks. I barely know anything about her."
"Can't you ask your father?" asked Merlin.
"He refuses to talk about her. It must be too painful for him. Sometimes, it's as though she never even existed. I still have a sense of her. As though she is a part of me," he said, smiling softly.
"It's the same with mine and Mira-Liana's father," said Merlin. "We never knew him. Our mother's barely spoken of him. We've got this vague memory of him, but sometimes we think it's just our imagination."
"I'd give anything for even the vaguest of memories," said Arthur, sighing again.
"Is that why you're so determined to find Morgause, to see what she knows your mother?"
"Is that so wrong?"
"No."
"We should get some rest," said Arthur.
XXX
Back in Camelot, Gaius had discovered something about Morgause and rushed to report it to Uther. "Sire, I must speak to you about Morgause."
"What is it?"
"While I was treating her wound, I noticed that she wore a bracelet."
"Go on."
"It bore the mark of the Great House of Golorius. And there's only one person aside from Morgana who would wear such a bracelet. That is, her half-sister."
Uther looked shocked and angry. "I was led to believe that the child had died."
Gaius looked away and said, "The child lived, my lord. She was smuggled out of Camelot shortly after her birth."
"How do you know this?" Uther demanded.
"It was I who entrusted the child to the High Priestess of the Old Religion."
"You should've told me, Gaius."
"I could not. I had sworn a solemn oath, my lord. I only break it now because I fear what Morgause might do."
"Does Morgana know?"
"I do not believe so."
"Morgana must never find out she has a half-sister. I will not have her loyalties divided."
"Of course," said Gaius. "But sire, the High Priestess will have trained Morgause from birth. Her magic will be powerful."
"Then I hope the search party finds Arthur before he reaches her."
The Knights came in and reported that Arthur had not been found, but the search would continue. Gaius and Uther worried that Morgause knew the circumstances of Arthur's birth and feared what would happen if he discovered the truth.
XXX
The next day, Merlin and Arthur arrived at a lake.
"Seems like your horse has brought us to a dead end," said Merlin.
Just as he spoke, Arthur's horse started to move towards the water. "Now, where is he going?" said Arthur.
"I think you're going to get wet!" said Merlin, laughing.
"You don't say," said Arthur.
Behind the waterfall there was another land. There were trees and birds everywhere. Arthur stood a little bit away from this and was standing in front of a castle.
"Where are we?" asked Arthur.
"I don't know," said Merlin. "Well, if we weren't sure Morgause was a sorceress, we can be certain of it now. Maybe that's how she defeated you."
"Maybe," said Arthur. "But we don't know that for sure."
They rode on and got off their horses when they came to an arch that led to a courtyard. The first thing they noticed was an axe and a chopping block.
Arthur swung around the axe and put it down. "Now what?" he said.
"Maybe we should ask the horse," said Merlin, dryly.
"Very funny, Merlin. There's no one here," said Arthur, as he started walking away.
"You kept your promise," said a voice.
Morgause appeared and slowly descended the stairs towards them. She was dressed in a sorceress's dress which looked lovely, but made her look evil.
"What is the nature of this challenge you wish to set to me?" Arthur demanded.
"Put your head on the block," she instructed picking up the axe. "You gave me your word, that you would do anything I asked."
"Arthur, don't! What're you doing?" Merlin hissed. "I won't let you do this."
"I'll be fine, Merlin. You can use your magic to stop her if she actually does it," Arthur hissed back.
He placed his head on the block and she prepared to strike, but then the axe was placed at the block's side, nowhere near Arthur's neck.
"You have shown yourself to be a man of your word, Arthur Pendragon," said Morgause. "And for that, I will grant you one wish. Tell me what it is that your heart most desires."
Arthur slowly walked up to her and said, "You said you knew my mother. Tell me everything you know about her."
"Perhaps you would like to see her?" said Morgause.
"I would like that more than anything," said Arthur.
Merlin felt worried now as he followed Arthur and Morgause to a courtyard that was overgrown with ivy and flowers. Morgause was lighting candles on a table.
"Are you sure you want to do this?" he whispered.
"If you were granted the same opportunity, would you not want to meet your father?" asked Arthur.
"I don't trust her," said Merlin. "And Uther won't forgive you if he finds out about this."
"I don't care. Maybe Morgause is good magic, like you and Ana. She's caused us no harm," said Arthur. "If there's one thing I've learned, it's that not all magic is evil."
"But we don't know if she's not evil," said Merlin. "We don't actually know why she's doing this!"
"It is time," said Morgause, stopping their conversation.
Arthur took her outstretched hand.
"Close your eyes," she said.
Arthur obeyed as he stood perfectly straight and still.
"Aris min miclan mita thi suna toi helpe. Eft funda," she chanted. The wind became slower and gentler; and time itself seemed to slow down. This was powerful magic, and it seemed to bring tears to Merlin's eyes and he felt Mira-Liana's overwhelming emotions and knew she felt the same.
Moments later, Arthur's eyes opened and a beautiful woman with long blond hair, dressed in a gown fit for a Queen, was standing at the opposite end of the courtyard. She was calling Arthur's name.
"Mother?" he gasped.
"My son," she said, smiling as she embraced him. "When I last held you, you were a tiny baby. I remember your eyes; you were staring up at me. Those first few moments I held you were the most precious of my life."
"I'm so sorry," Arthur whispered.
"You have nothing to be sorry for," said Igraine, chuckling, as she stroked his cheek.
"It was my birth that caused you to die," he said.
"No, it was not your fault! You are not to blame!" she protested.
"I cannot bear the thought that you died because of me!" he said, as his voice broke.
"Do not think that," said Igraine, as she hugged him again. "It is your father who should carry the guilt for what happened."
"What do you mean?" asked Arthur, looking confused.
"It is not important. What matters is that you lived."
"Why should my father carry the guilt?" he asked again.
"It is better left in the past," she said.
"You cannot leave me with more questions," he said, pleadingly. "Please."
Igraine could not meet his eyes. "Your father…he was desperate for an heir. Without a son, the Pendragon
Dynasty would come to an end," she explained.
Arthur looked heartbroken at those words.
"But I couldn't bear children," she continued.
Merlin frowned and Arthur looked even more confused.
"Then how was I born?" he asked. "Tell me."
"Your father betrayed me. He went to the sorceress Nimueh and asked for her help in creating a child. You were born of magic," she said.
Merlin was shocked and he could feel Mira-Liana's shock too. They didn't want to believe it, but they could feel it. Arthur was born of magic. Igraine's death, Uther's hatred of magic, the need to keep their secret, was all because of Nimueh and Uther.
"That's not true!" Arthur protested.
"I'm sorry, Arthur," said Igraine, sobbing. "Your father has decieved you as he deceived me' she cried. To create a life, a life must be taken. Your father knew that."
"No!" said Arthur, looking on the verge of tears.
"He sacrificed my life so the Pendragon Dynasty could continue," she told him, tears streaming down cheeks. "It makes you no less my son, nor me any less proud of you. Now that I see you, I would give my life willingly. Do not let this knowledge change you."
There was a rush of wind and everything changed back to normal.
"N!" Arthur shouted. "Bring her back!"
"I cannot," said Morgause, as she walked towards him. "Once the doorway has closed, it is closed forever. I'm truly sorry for what you have learnt about your mother's fate this way. I can only imagine how it must feel, to find out that your father is responsible for her death. It is an unforgivable betrayal."
She then walked off, leaving Arthur and Merlin alone.
"Arthur, are you alright?" asked Merlin. He hadn't failed to notice how calm Morgause had been throughout the incident and silently wondered if some of this hadn't been a trick. "Arthur?"
"I'm fine," said Arthur. "Fetch the horses. We're riding back to Camelot."
The ride back to Camelot was swift and upon arrival, Arthur drew his sword and stormed up the castle steps.
"What're you going to do?" asked Merlin.
Arthur didn't reply and nor did he look back.
Just as he disappeared, Mira-Liana and Gaius came out.
"Merlin!" she said, as she hugged him. "I'm so glad you're safe."
"Where's Arthur?" asked Gaius.
Merlin was quiet for a moment and then softly murmured, "Arthur was born of magic, wasn't he?"
Gaius looked down and was silent.
"Uther used magic," said Mira-Liana.
"Merlin, Mira—" Gaius began, but he was interrupted.
"All those people he's executed…he's as guilty as they are," said Merlin. "He sacrificed Arthur's mother. He as good as murdered her! People should know the truth about what he's done."
"Gaius, you knew my husband was born of magic. You've known this entire time," said Mira-Liana. "How could you not tell us?"
"I feared what Arthur would do if he ever found out and I swore an oath to keep my silence," said Gaius.
Gaius's logic was unquestionable, but it didn't make the new information any less difficult to accept.
"Gaius, you need to tell us everything and now," said Mira-Liana. "Arthur's found out now."
With great reluctance, Gaius revealed the information and then Merlin and Mira-Liana raced to the hall, praying they'd be able to stop Arthur from making a mistake.
XXX
Arthur burst into the hall where Uther was looking over some reports with Sir Leon.
"Arthur! Where've you been? I've had search parties out looking for you," said Uther.
Arthur looked furious and almost scary.
"Arthur?" said Uther, looking worried.
"I know what you did to my mother," he said, his voice dangerously calm.
"Leave us," said Uther, to Sir Leon. "No one is to enter."
The doors slammed shut.
"What're you talking about?" Uther asked.
"You
"You were so desperate for an heir, you were prepared to use magic," Arthur growled, his eyes fixed on Uther.
"Did Morgause tell you this? She's lying."
"My mother is dead because of your selfishness and arrogance! Her blood is on your hands!"
"No, that is not true! But Morgause would have you believe that."
"This is what fuels your hatred for those who practice magic! Rther than blame yourself for something you did, you blame them!"
"You would believe a sorceress's lies, over the word of your own father? I can only think Morgause has enchanted you."
"You have hunted her kind like animals!" Arthur spat. People like his wife, brother-in-law, stepsister, two great friends and perhaps his unborn child. His father had destroyed so many lives and for what? For nothing, other than his need to silence his guilt! "How many hundreds have you condemned to death to ease your guilt?"
"Those who practice magic will stop at nothing to destroy us. I have only done what is necessary to protect this kingdom," said Uther, reassuringly.
"You speak of honor and nobility, but you're nothing but a hypocrite and liar!" Arthur shouted.
"I your King and your father, you will show me some respect!" said Uther, angrily.
Arthur was silent, but then tossed his gauntlet down in front of his father.
"Have you lost your mind?" Uther hissed.
"Pick it up!" Arthur hissed back.
"Arthur, I implore you to think about what you're doing."
"Pick—it—up!" said Arthur.
"I will not fight you."
Arthur walked towards him, close enough to kill him where he stood. "If you choose not to defend yourself, then I will strike you down where you stand."
"You are my son. You will not strike an unarmed man," said Uther.
"I no longer think of myself as your son!"
"Then strike me down."
Arthur stared for a few moments, and then his sword went for Uther and Uther's sword was instantly drawn to defend himself.
"I don't want to fight you!"
But his words fell on deaf ears as Arthur stalked his prey and then without a warning, he attacked and the battle was well underway. Both men were fairly evenly matched.
"Arthur, stop this!" said Uther, pleadingly.
But Arthur continued to fight, forcing Uther to defend himself. It got to the point where Uther nearly cut Arthur's neck, but Arthur forced back Uther's blade and fought on. His rage and grief was making him blind to what he truly doing and he didn't think of the consequences of his actions.
Arthur then got the upper hand and knocked Uther's sword across the room and kicked him into the chair.
XXX
Merlin and Mira-Liana could hear the clanging of swords as they arrived at the door of the hall.
"Open this door!" she ordered.
"I'm sorry, Your Majesty, but the King's forbidden anyone from entering," said Sir Leon.
"They're going to kill each other!" said Merlin.
"Sir Leon, I command you to open the door immediately!" said Mira-Liana.
Looking reluctant and afraid, Sir Leon opened the door.
Merlin and Mira-Liana burst into the room, just as Arthur held a sword against Uther's throat.
"Arthur, don't do it!" said Merlin. "We know you don't want to do this!"
"My mother is dead because of him!" said Arthur.
"Killing your father won't bring her back!" said Merlin.
"Arthur, you've already lost one parent, do you really want to lose another?" said Mira-Liana. "Even if you kill him, what is there to gain?"
"Listen to them, Arthur," said Uther.
"Arthur, please," said Merlin. "Put the sword down."
"You heard what my mother said!" said Arthur. "After everything he has done, you believe he deserves to live? He executes those who use magic and he has used it himself! He has caused so much suffering and pain and I am going to put an end to that!"
"That doesn't make what you're doing right," said Mira-Liana. "Arthur, look at yourself. You're taking revenge and for what? What if Morgause was lying? She is an enchantress. Everything could've been an illusion."
"And what if it wasn't?" asked Arthur. "How do you know it wasn't true?"
"She's an enchantress! Morgause knew what strings to pull so you'd do what she wanted. She wanted you to turn against your father and then the kingdom would be destroyed! This is what she's been planning all along! This is what she wants!" said Merlin.
"Do you really think it matters now if what happened twenty years ago is true or not? The past is the past. All we can do is learn from past mistakes and move on and make things better for the future," said Mira-Liana, as tears glistened in her eyes. "Arthur, listen to me. Your mother died because she loved you. She wanted you to live and be happy. She never would've blamed your father or you for her death and she loved you and your father more than anything. Look at yourself. You're being consumed by anger and grief. Is the King you want Camelot to have? Is the man you want to be? Is this what your mother would've wanted? Is this the man I married? Is this the father you want our child to have?"
"Listen to them, they're speaking the truth," said Uther.
Arthur froze, then his anger returned as he continued holding his sword at Uther's throat. "Swear to me that this isn't true! Give me your word that you aren't responsible for my mother's death!"
"I swear on my life that I loved your mother. There isn't a day that passes that I don't wish that she was still alive," said Uther. "I could never have done anything to hurt her. I loved her."
Arthur looked as though he was struggling with what to do and after a moment, he dropped his sword and embraced his father as they both wept.
"My son, you mean more to me than anything," said Uther.
"I'm sorry," said Arthur. "I'm so sorry."
"Hush. You are not to blame," said Uther, gently.
It was breaking Mira-Liana's heart to see her husband like this. After a few more moments of her husband and father-in-law weeping, she could bear it no longer and knelt beside Arthur and allowed him to cry into her shoulder as she cradled him in her arms.
XXX
Later that day, Mira-Liana and Merlin went to check on Arthur to see how he was doing. He was leaning against the wall with his arms folded.
"Arthur?" said Merlin. "Are you alright?"
"I'll be fine." He sighed. "I'm indebted to you both. If you hadn't stopped me, I would've done something I never would've forgiven myself for. Whatever my father's done, whatever his reasons for persecuting people who practice magic, it doesn't matter. But I promise you that when I take the throne, no one shall have to live in fear or hide themselves because they're different. I hope you both know how grateful I am to have you in my life. I don't know what I'd do without you. You are the greatest things magic has ever given me."
"We know," said Merlin.
"And I hope that you know that whatever may have happened when you were born, your mother loved you and your father does too," said Mira-Liana, as she tenderly kissed him.
"I do. Thank you." Arthur smiled and then took Mira-Liana and Merlin into his arms and for a moment, the family remained in each other's embrace.
XXX
After making sure Arthur would be alright, Mira-Liana and Merlin went Gaius's chambers and were shocked to see Uther there.
"Uther?" said Mira-Liana.
"What're you doing here?" asked Merlin.
"I wanted to thank you both in person for your actions yesterday," said Uther. "You are both loyal people to Arthur and I am most grateful."
"He's family. We were just doing our duty," said Merlin.
"I know. You've both proven yourselves to be trusted allies in the fight against magic."
"Us?" said Merlin, surprised.
"Those who practice magic will seek to exploit Arthur's inexperience. They will attempt to corrupt him. Both of you must be extra vigilant, especially now."
"We'll keep our eyes peeled," Mira-Liana promised.
Uther smiled. "I know you will." He turned to leave, but then stopped. "Can I have your word that you will not speak of what happened between Arthur and myself?"
"Yes," said Merlin.
"Of course," said Mira-Liana. "Uther, forgive me, but I have to say this. I know how much you miss Igraine, but I think my husband has a right to miss her as well. A heavy load can easily be lightened if it is shared."
Uther sighed. "You're right, of course. Oh, and Mira, just know that Arthur couldn't have chosen better."
Mira-Liana smiled at such a compliment as she sat down and Gaius and Gwen came in, looking confused and surprised.
"Was that Uther I saw just leaving?" asked Gwen.
"Yeah, he just popped in to say hello," said Mira-Liana.
"Mira! What did he want?" asked Gaius.
"He just wanted to thank us for being 'trusted allies in the fight against magic,'" said Merlin. "And he wanted to compliment Mir."
Gaius and Gwen looked both shocked and relieved as he and Merlin sat down.
"How the two of you have managed to keep those heads on your shoulders is a mystery beyond our greatest minds," said Gaius. "Uther should be grateful. Your lives would've been easier and safer if you'd let him die. You must've been tempted."
"Maybe for a moment," Merlin admitted.
"But Arthur wouldn't have been able to forgive himself if he'd gone through with it. It would've destroyed him. And that's something we would never be able to bear," said Mira-Liana.
There was a moment's silence before Gaius said, "I'm proud of you both."
"And so am I," said Gwen, as she kissed Merlin.
They smiled.
"Arthur's thanking us, Uther's grateful, you're proud, we've never been this popular," said Merlin, smiling.
Gaius smiled back. "I'm almost certain it won't last."
"Oh, Gaius, must you say that?" said Mira-Liana, teasingly.
"Please," said Merlin, as he put his feet on the table. "Just let us enjoy the moment."
XXX
Morgause gazed at Camelot through her crystal and she was practically burning with rage when she saw Arthur and Uther smiling and enjoying some time together.