Within two days, they arrived. It had been an easy trip. Neither Arthur nor Merlin saw bandits. No wild animals attacked. Morgana didn't try and thwart their journey. If the King and his manservant hadn't had a possessed, but unconscious Queen in their midst, this whole excursion would have been quite enjoyable.
After Arthur placed Gwen on the ground, Merlin decided it was time to go turn into his disguise. The warlock had hoped just to sneak away and transform, but Arthur caught him. "Where do you think you're going?" demanded the King as he eyed his servant.
Merlin turned on his heel. "Oh? What? Umm…I was going to go get the sorceress. Gaius told me where to find her," the warlock stammered in hopes Arthur believed him.
He did. "Well then get a move on! Guinevere will be awake at any moment and don't want to give her any more of the draught," said the King.
With a slight nod and a flash of his goofy grin, Merlin was gone. He headed up the hill until he was in a secluded area of the woods. Pulling out the transformation potion ad the dress, Merlin slipped into the frock and down the disgusting tincture.
As soon as he had transformed, Merlin sashayed down the hill and into Arthur's view. Placing his hand on his dress-clad hip, he tried to be as womanly as he possibly could. It wasn't working very well, the warlock feared. When Arthur didn't notice him Merlin cleared his throat.
"Are you the magic user," asked Arthur.
"Why yes. Yes I am," said Merlin in a girly voice. "You seek Domla's help, am I right?"
Arthur frowned. "Who is Dolma," demanded the King.
"I am," replied the warlock, batting his eye lashes.
"I see. Where is my manservant, by the way? He went looking for you," asked Arthur.
"Oh, he stayed behind. He offered to clean up my hovel, sweet and kind boy… so helpful and such a good worker. I don't think my windows have been this shiny since they were brand new," Merlin aka Dolma purred.
After a moment, Dolma continued, "Now! It is time to correct the wrongs and restore the light in your life."
As Merlin in his sorceress disguise spoke, Gwen stirred. Opening her eyes, she bolted to her feet and backed away from Arthur. "Where are we," she demanded. Her gaze is cold, but filled with confusion.
"We're at a place to help you. You've been cursed by Morgana," Arthur began.
Gwen cut the King off with a laugh. "You'd like to believe that wouldn't you? I don't love you. I don't even like you. I never did. I never will," she spat
Arthur shook his head. A little hurt was in his eyes, but it was only a flicker of pain. "Those are not your words. Those are Morgana's. I know you," the King whispered as he took her wrists and pulled her to the water.
"No, Arthur. She must enter under her own free will," Dolma warned.
Guinevere chose to ignore Dolma. She just kept her eyes on Arthur. "It was a ruse!" she said.
"No. I will not believe that. Come, Guinevere, do you remember what you said to me when I asked you to marry me," the King asked in a gentle voice.
Recognition broke through. Tears shined in her eyes. "With all my heart," sobbed Gwen. She threw her arms around Arthur's neck.
"I am so sorry. Help me, please Arthur," breathed the Queen. Her whole boy was shaking from the strain of coming through and the memories of what she did.
"Come with me," Arthur said. He led Guinevere into the water and Dolma began to chant. Waves crashed around the Queen. Then light shined down, which seemed to pull something from within her. When it was done, Guinevere fainted for just a moment. Before going under, she stood. As fast as her wet dress would allow her, the Queen ran to Arthur.
Arm in arm, they walked from the lake and stood before Dolma. Arthur looked up at her and smiled. "Thank you… Merlin," said the King with a frown.
"What? My name is not Merlin? It's…. oh no," the warlock stammered, unaware until just now that his disguise spell had worn off.
"You have magic," Arthur growled, but Merlin did not hear him. Before Arthur could move, Merlin fainted and fell into the lake.