Hello, my patient readers! I apologize for the lengthy update, as we all know life catches up to us all! I was working on an important film that could not be delayed. However, as compensation, this is a very long, suspense-filled chapter! I hope you enjoy and forgive me for the delay! As always, you are all very kind and I love your passion and involvement in this story! ~themodernteen
Without further ado, chapter 13!
The morning bell rang throughout Camelot as dawn approached. Its deep chimes echoed throughout the kingdom, even heard in the dungeons where Edmund lay awake. It was his execution day.
He looked through the bars at the cell next door. Prince Arthur was asleep. His back rested against the wall and he huddled in the corner for some warmth. His head lolled towards his chest and he snored slightly.
Let him rest, Edmund thought. They'd been awake half the night talking. After Gaius left, Edmund and Arthur began to befriend one another. It was the pleasant conversation they both yearned for in the cold darkness of their cells.
The moon rose as they spoke, Arthur wanting to hear about his forced employment with Sir Terrowin. He inquired about his magic and how he'd come to live without it. Edmund realized he was droning on and on and the Prince stopped asking questions. When he looked through the gates, he saw Arthur asleep after an exhausting day.
Edmund, however, was wide awake. He saw the sky darken then grow lighter with the sunrise as his death sentence approached.
When the bells tolled, two guards descended into the dungeons. The commotion woke Arthur, who hung at the gates, watching Edmund start his journey to the gallows. Edmund gave one last look to the Prince who dipped his head, willing him to stay strong. Edmund nodded in thanks as a return.
A crowd had gathered for his execution. In the center of Camelot's square, a wooden configuration of the hangman's rope was set up. An executioner stood on the wooden beam, awaiting his arrival.
Sir Terrowin stood beside him, dressed in his all black armor so early in the day. Up above on his palace patio, King Uther watched like a deity. He towered over his citizens, and kept a stern glare on the approaching Edmund.
Edmund kept his gaze to the ground, not wanting to see the disapproving looks of the Camelot citizens and hear their judgemental whispers.
He spotted a friendly face at the end of the throng. Gaius….and Merlin! The young sorcerer had finally made it out of his bed, standing for the first time in days. He appeared pale and gaunt, but he looked full of determination. Merlin and Edmund made eye contact, Edmund feeling guilt flare in his chest for stabbing his ally. Merlin dipped his head, much to Edmund's relief, suggesting they were still friends.
He didn't want to look at them for too long to not stir any suspicion with Terrowin. Edmund carefully climbed the wooden stairs to the waiting rope. The executioner happily fitted the thick cord around his neck as Edmund felt his heart flutter with fear. He would have never predicted this occurrence ever in his life. He was a good man, a family man who had been forced into a situation to protect those he loved. Edmund never wanted to hurt anyone, he just wanted to manage his farm with his wife and children in peace.
Terrowin ruined that dream for him. Now, Edmund was an infamous fugitive known throughout Camelot, his precious son was killed, and he faced the hangman's rope for having magic which he was forced to use.
Uther's booming voice interrupted his thoughts as Edmund's legs clung for dear life on the pedestal separating him from death by the rope.
"I, Uther Pendragon King of Camelot, have sentenced this man to death by the executioner's rope for practicing magic in this kingdom," he addressed the large crowd, "magic is strictly outlawed throughout Camelot. Let this be a lesson to all that any trace of magic is punishable by death."
His daunting words blew with the howling wind of the fall morning. Uther looked directly at Edmund, who felt blood pounding in his ears.
"May God have mercy on your soul," he announced with a hint of bitterness, "let him hang."
The executioner obeyed. He stepped forward, hand on the lever that would collapse the ground beneath Edmund's feet, allowing his full weight to rest on the rope wrapped around his neck.
Edmund closed his eyes, saying a silent prayer as the executioner pulled the handle. The rope tightened around his neck, leaving Edmund gasping, choking, and writhin like a fish out of water as he tried to catch a breath of air. His wild eyes found Terrowin smiling like the devil beneath him.
Focus, Edmund, focus! his frantic mind reminded him The plan begins….now!
On cue, the entire configuration of the hangman's rope burst in bright orange flames.
Edmund's rope snapped, sending him to the safety of the floor where he breathed grateful gulps of air. He regained himself for a few seconds as the flames quickly spread, consuming the wood.
Screams and panicked shouts sounded around him as the crowd fled in madness. King Uther's enraged voice shouted enraged, yet useless orders to the frigthened crowd, as guards and knights attempted to regain order with the masses.
The first step of the plan was complete. Edmund looked to Gaius and Merlin. The two headed into their dwelling, away from the chaos. Edmund thanked Merlin silently. It was his magic that sent the hangman's rope into a large conflagration.
Meanwhile, Sir Terrowin's furious shouts sounded above all of the noise. He grabbed two knights by their armor, screaming rage-filled orders at them.
"FIND HIM!" he demanded, "FIND THE FUGITIVE! BRING HIM TO ME! I WILL HAVE HIS MISERABLE HEAD ON A STAKE BEFORE HE ESCAPES MY GRASP! FIND HIM!"
Edmund crouched beneath the wood panelling further, to avoid being seen. He crawled backwards as knights started to search the area for him. He needed to escape quickly.
He thrust his hand out and muttered a spell under his breath. Wood went flying as an opening formed for him to slip through. Edmund crawled out into open daylight and grabbed a tarp lying on the floor. He covered himself with it and ran towards Gaius' dwelling.
Edmund burst through the door, met by a waiting Merlin and Gaius.
"Good, the plan is in motion," Gaius nodded approvingly.
"Thank you," Edmund looked at Merlin gratefully, "your timing was perfect."
Merlin accepted his thanks, and they moved on to the next step.
Gaius shut the doors and windows, "Edmund, you must stay hidden. Your services are not necessary yet. The entire kingdom is on a search for you."
Edmund nodded as Gaius showed him his hideout. He stepped inside and was easily concealed in the floor boards. Merlin provided him with food, water, and a pillow so he may rest given his tiring ordeal.
"I will come for you when it is ready," Merlin said. Edmund nodded and they closed the floorboards.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o
"What is the meaning of this madness?!" Uther bellowed as knights and guards stood around him, waiting for his order. They were in the Royal Court, yet Camelot was in chaos outside.
Knights and brave citizens alike were trying to douse the growing flames in the town square. People scattered like mice, the entire city was in a panic since the fugitive was loose.
"We do not know, sire," Sir Leon stepped forward, answering Uther's question with a cautious voice. The king was in a rut, words must be spoken carefully, "we have units on hand, awaiting your orders."
"Arth-!" the king began to call for his son, but stopped short. He recalled that the Prince was serving his sentence in the jails and that he wasn't available to round the knights and direct instructions.
The knights stared at him blankly.
Sir Terrowin burst through the doors at that moment.
"Ah, thank the heavens!" Uther quickly approached the witch hunter, "Sir Terrowin, the city has descended into madness. This execution has brought chaos upon my kingdom!"
"My most sincere apologies, sire," Terrowin said in a flustered voice, barely concealing his anger, "I have several of your good men searching the streets now for the fugitive. He will be apprehended, my Lord, I swear it."
"He escaped our grasp once, he can do it again! This outlaw got magic, he can go as he pleases," Uther ground his teeth, "it's unforunate to say that your execution failed, Sir Terrowin."
"Sire, as I said-"
"The fugitive has made a fool of us already," Uther turned to the witch hunter with a cold stare, "he must be caught with one who is familiar with the knights. That role falls upon my son."
Terrowin's eyes flared.
"Your kindness in accepting Prince Arthur's responsibilities during his sentence is most appreciated," the king dipped his head towards the witch hunter, "but I want this criminal found immediately."
"My Lord-"
"Sir Leon!"
"Yes, sire?" he stepped forward.
"Go and release my son from the dungeons," Uther ordered firmly, "Have Prince Arthur rally the knights and find this fugitive immediately."
"Of course, my Lord."
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o
Arthur watched the entire commotion through the small window of his cell. He gripped the iron bars and saw the ordeal unfold before him. Edmund walked towards the gallows, the rope fitted around his neck, the noose tigthens, and the entire pedastal bursts into flames. He lost sight of the fugitive as chaos spread throughout the kingdom. He saw an angry Terrowin shouting orders to deaf ears as citizens panicked all around him.
Soon after, Sir Leon ran into the dungeons, excitement in his eyes as he announced that Arthur was to be released from his prison. The Prince was donned in his armor and stepped into his responsibilities fluidly. Knights eagerly awaited his orders as he dispatched some to douse the flames, some to rally the panicked citizens, and the others to accompany him in their search for Edmund. They formed a perimeter around the Upper City borders in case he tried to escape, and they patrolled the street and dwellings for the man.
Knights came knocking at their door. Gaius allowed them entry as Sir Elyan, Sir Leon, Sir Gwaine, Sir Percival, and Prince Arthur entered the home.
Merlin was sitting at the table, reading a book.
When Arthur spotted him, he froze.
It was the first time he'd seen Merlin since the night of the stabbing.
The dark-haired sorcerer looked pale and gaunt, as he was still recovering, but his usual jolly smile was still there.
"M-Merlin," Arthur gulped, eyes wide as he looked him up and down, "y-you're awake."
"That pleased to see me, are you?" Merlin's usual sarcasm returned.
The other knights were pleased to see Merlin, yearning for his light, happy self.
"Are you alright?" Percival asked as Gwaine clapped Merlin on the shoulder. Sir Leon was beaming happily and Elyan had a relieved smile on his face. It was obvious that Arthur wanted to say more to Merlin, but the time didn't permit it and he would rather they be alone.
"Quite better," Merlin nodded in assurance, "and I know you gentlemen have a job to do."
"Right," Sir Leon answered, "we're searching for the fugitive. Have either of you seen him? Has he approached your home seeking shelter?"
Gaius shook his head, "Not at all. The last I saw of him was his first night in the dungeon. I've had no contact with him since, but we'll keep a close eye in case he should return."
"Thank you, Gaius," Elyan dipped his head, "We will leave you both in peace. Good to see you're healed, Merlin."
The knights started to exit the home. Arthur ordered them to search the next residence. He was left alone with Gaius and Merlin.
"Where is he?" the Prince asked in a hushed voice. According to the plan Gaius told him and Edmund the previous night in the cells, Edmund should be in the home.
"Safe," Gaius assured, "you do your part and Edmund shall play his. As long as Sir Terrowin is where he needs to be."
"He will," Arthur nodded, "Keep Edmund out of sight. All of Camelot is on a hunt for him."
"Of course, sire."
Arthur turned to leave, took one last glance at Merlin, smirked very slightly, then exited.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o
Some time had passed when Edmund heard the floorboards above him wake him from his slumber. He had relished in the peace and quiet of his hideout. The tired man was wrapped in the blanket provided for him, resting, when Merlin poked his head through the opening.
"Edmund," he called, "are you awake?"
"Yes," he answered groggily, thankful for the few hours of rejuvenation.
"Good," Merlin gulped, "it's time."
Edmund's gaze hardened, "I am ready. Sir Terrowin shall not succeed any longer."
He pulled himself out of the space and Merlin concealed it again. After his much needed rest, Edmund was prepared to continue with their plan.
Gaius stood beside Merlin, "I've received word that Sir Terrowin is on his way to his chambers. He's alone, as most of the palace knights and guardsmen are accompanying Arthur in his search for you. We assumed correctly that Uther would release Arthur of his sentence to lead the patrol in their hunt."
"Arthur knows I'm here, correct? Just as he discussed?"
"Yes," Gaius nodded, "He's using all of the forces he can to free the palace of any witnesses so you and Merlin may act. He does not know of Merlin's involvement, however," he reminded, "he believes only you are to go and confront Terrowin."
"Right," Edmund followed along, "I pray Arthur may keep Camelot's forces distracted enough so we may follow through," he looked to Merlin, "are you ready?"
Merlin answered quickly, confidently, "Absolutely."
"Then, let us go."
"I wish you both well," Gaius watched them walk to the door, "Merlin, please be careful of your wounds. They are not fully healed. Performing this magic will already drain you, stay cautious."
Merlin dipped his head as acknowledgment of his understanding, as he smiled at Gaius once more before both men covertly exited the dwelling.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o
Merlin had Edmund stay behind him so he may survey the area before they proceeded. Camelot was on a witchunt for Edmund, and should any knight, guard, or civilian spot them, they were finished.
Both men followed a discreet route to a side entrance of the palace. Their stop-and-go motion proceeded until they approached the gate. Edmund hid behind a pillar as Merlin entered, looking around him to ensure nobody noticed. Once he deemed it clear, Edmund quickly followed, and they were inside the palace.
Just as they expected, there were no guards patrolling the corridor, as most followed Arthur in their search for Edmund farther into the city.
"Where is Sir Terrowin's chambers?" Edmund asked in a low voice.
"At the end of this passageway," Merlin gestured to the end of the corridor, "there is a stairwell. We must climb two flights and venture farther into the castle to reach the bedrooms."
Edmund nodded once as Merlin led the way. They reached the end of the hall without trouble, and climbed the stairwell. Usually, Merlin would be able to take the steps with ease, but due to his injury he felt weak and exhausted after the first flight. He hobbled slightly, shakily putting his weight against the wall as he caught his breath.
"Merlin?" Edmund looked at him, concerned, "are you alright?"
"Yes," he panted heavily, "just...need to...catch my...breath."
Edmund nodded once, looking up and down the stairwell to make sure no one was following or intruding. Merlin willed himself to catch his breath, and they pressed on.
After more stairwells and dizzying hallways, Merlin and Edmund reached the door to Terrowin's chambers. Edmund pressed his ear against it as Merlin leaned against the wall for support.
"No sound from inside," Edmund reported, "he must be inside yet."
"Perfect," Merlin commented, "he must be on his way, we must hurry."
Edmund and Merlin quietly opened the door and surveyed the inside. The room was bare and, more importantly, void of Terrowin.
"I shall hide behind the armoire," Merlin whispered, "and I will stay concealed until the proper moment, just as we discussed."
"Right," Edmund nodded, "you know the spell?"
"Yes, I practiced with Gaius all morning."
"Are you confident you are strong enough to perform this?"
Merlin opened his mouth to speak, but an angry voice and rushed footsteps sounded from outside the hall.
"Where can that miserable scum Edmund be! He's jeopardized my chances! Why, when I catch him, I will wring the life out of him so quick!"
Merlin and Edmund looked at each other in panic, then ran to their hiding spots. Merlin hid behind the armoire as Edmund took cover behind the door. Terrowin's footsteps sounded just outside the door. The knob turned, and he angrily burst into the room. Usually, the witch hunter would be very alert and cautious, but now he was flustered, angry, and distracted.
He did not notice Edmund rush him from behind until the very last second.
The witch hunter turned, blocking most of the fugitive's blow. It knocked him in the head slightly, but he was able to recover.
"You!" Terrowin's eyes flared with rage.
Edmund wasted no time and struck again. This time, Terrowin was ready. He easily blocked the swipe and kicked out, hitting Edmund square in the chest. The man went falling backwards, taking a few moments to catch his breath.
"Why look at this!" Terrowin circled him with maniacal glee, "you fell straight into my lap, what a treat!"
Edmund glared at the witch hunter as he got to his feet, "This is for my family," he said in a dark voice.
"Family?!" Terrowin scoffed, "I will make sure your pathetic child and miserable wife suffer, I swear to you!"
Edmund charged with a defiant yell, but Terrowin was an experienced fighter, the best hunter in the lands. He parried all of Edmund's shots and blocked his blows.
"Useless!" Terrowin growled, enticing him further, "I gave you the smallest responsibilities to save your family, and you manage to fail then too! That is what you are, an utter failure!"
Terrowin kicked upwards with his strong boot, knocking Edmund in the mooth. Blood went flying from his lips as he fell backwards. He groaned, rolling on the floor in agony as Terrowin circled him like a vulture.
"Did you really think that you could defeat me?" Terrowin scowled at the writhing man at his feet, "I am the feared and mighty Terrowin, the notorious witch hunter. A pest like yourself is no match for my capabilities. This armor is made from your kind, it protects me from the worthless likes of you. You have no power over me!"
Edmund muttered something inaudible on the floor. Terrowin reached down and and aggressively pulled him up by his hair. Edmund ground his teeth in pain as he tried to remain stoic.
"What did you say?"
"I said," Edmund breathed heavily, bleeding from the mouth, "I did not expect to defeat you alone."
Terrowin's face was blank for a moment, then realization hit him. It was too late.
Merlin emerged from his hiding place, an enchanted dagger in hand, as he rushed Terrowin. He stuck the blade into the black armor. Though he was holding the knife, Merlin could feel the armor was incredibly durable and powerful. It was forged from magic, it had to be. He sunk the knife in with great force, but it only managed to slightly chink the armor. It's magical powers were designed to protect the wearer, and that was Terrowin.
However, it did work. Gaius had given him the dagger earlier that morning and told Merlin of a special enchantment to use to disable the armor's powers. It was an ancient, old spell that took him days to find. While Merlin was healing, Gaius ventured into the forests to find a special pixie species to inform him of the spell. It was a secret only to be used in dire times, for dealing with the magic of dead souls was dangerous business. Yet, it performed just as it should have.
Terrowin dropped Edmund, shock and very slight fear on his face as his black armor began to hiss and crack.
"No!" Terrowin shouted, looking down at his protective gear, "NO!"
The obsidian armor cracked with a glowing aura, then it shattered into pieces. The demystified remnants fell to the floor, useless and lost of their power.
Merlin was too amazed to react, as the furious Terrowin lunged for him. He held up his arms ahead of him in the last few seconds to protect himself from the sudden onslaught, but no attack came. Instead, he saw Edmund tackle Terrowin from behond. The witch hunter's hands came inches away from him.
Edmund was fighting with Terrowin fiercly, and shouting at Merlin.
"Run, Merlin! Go! Escape while you can!"
Terrowin delivered a nasty blow to the quickly tiring Edmund.
"No!" Merlin shouted defiantly, as he racked his brain for spells. Now that Terrowin was no longer protected, Edmund could use magic to his defense.
"Edmund, use your powers!"
"I-I can't!" he managed to shout back as he grappled with the witch hunter, "I don't know how!"
Edmund had said he'd learned to live without his powers for some years, and he most likely never used them for combat before that time. He did not know what to do.
Focus, Merlin, focus! What's a spell you can use?! Hurry!"Ah!" Merlin's eyes snapped open, as he saw Terrowin towering over Edmund. Terrowin had a jagged piece of glass pressed against Edmund's throat. Merlin's ally was swiftly restrained by the strong witch hunter and was just centimeters away from death.
Terrowin panted heavily, but an evil smile spread across his face, "Merlin….," he hissed, "we meet again...only this time your friend is not so lucky."
"Let him go!" Merlin yelled defiantly.
"What will you do to stop me?" Terrowin chuckled, "you're no match for me, especially injured and afraid."
"Release him and leave, Terrowin," Merlin stood his ground, "we order you to exit Camelot's grounds as soon as possible and never return."
Terrowin pressed the glass shard deeper into Edmund's neck, "And how will you stop me? Magic?"
"You're the best witch hunter in all of the lands," Merlin's gaze hardened, "then you know me and the sorcerer that I am to become."
"Oh, I know all about you, Merlin," he smiled like a snake, "and that is why you die today."
"Merlin…." Edmund gasped, "Go..."
"I will not leave you behind!" he shouted, anger at Terrowin, "you release him or I'll banish you myself!"
"Go ahead," Terrowin purred like a tiger, "you're to weak to even mutter the first few words of an incantation."
Merlin did not want to admit that he was right.
A familiar voice sounded from down the hall, a voice most inconvenient in this dire time.
Arthur's calls echoed through the corridor, "Merlin? Are you there?"
"Oh!" Terrowin's eyes lit up joyfully, "it seems the Prince shall meet his death today too!"
"Not if I can help it," Merlin's fists clenched in fury.
"Then show him, sorcerer," Terrowin glared at him menacingly, "show him who you really are or I cut this man's throat and his death will be on your hands."
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