Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin.
Chapter Six:
Having left the Great Hall, Gwen headed towards the stables. Her horse was already saddled and waiting for her. Moments later she was riding across the draw bridge and heading towards the woods where she was going to meet Morgana.
"My lady," Morgana greeted Gwen when she arrived in the clearing.
Gwen jumped down from her horse and the two of them embrace.
"What of Emrys?" Gwen asked.
"The druid who escaped did not bring me Emrys," Morgana told her. "But he did bring me Merlin."
"Merlin?" Gwen frowned slightly.
"He's gone to his death, along with everything he knows," Morgana replied with a smirk. "It's a blessing really, it saves me the trouble of planning his death. And King Sarrum?"
"He's feasting with Arthur as we speak," Gwen answered.
"Then we must talk quickly," Morgana started to pace the clearing. "We cannot afford an alliance between Amata and Camelot. It would put the throne beyond my reach forever."
Gwen shook her head and let out a frustrated sigh.
"What is troubling you?" Morgana turned towards her.
"Sarrum," Gwen replied, with a bitter voice. "Are we right to enlist such a man? Is there not another way?"
"Do you not see how perfect this plan is?" Morgana insisted. "King Sarrum's reputation precedes him. There's no deadlier assassin in the five kingdoms. Arthur will not stand a chance."
"You're sure he'll agree?" Gwen asked, nervously.
"You're forgetting how well I know this man," Morgana snapped. "For two years, his was the only voice I heard. I know King Sarrum. I know his lust for power. He will not refuse your offer. He will think he can control you, but he will reckon without me."
"And once Arthur is dead?"
"The knights will turn on your guest and make you their queen."
Gwen smiled.
"But you must promise me something," Morgana grabbed hold of Gwen's hands. "You must make sure King Sarrum's last moments are filled with agony."
"It will be my pleasure," Gwen smiled.
)o(
Sunlight streamed through the windows of the royal chambers, as Gwen helped Arthur dress in his armour. Arthur had dismissed George moments earlier as the servant had been getting on his nerves. He just wasn't Merlin… But then Merlin hadn't really been acting like Merlin lately.
"You're much better at this than Gaius," Arthur said, as Gwen adjusted Arthur breast plate.
"I was a servant, remember?" Gwen reminded him. "I'm also the daughter of a blacksmith."
"You were always much more than that," Arthur told her and leaned forward for a kiss.
Gwen pulled one of the straps sharply causing Arthur to let out a grunt of pain.
"Stop moving then," Gwen said as she loosened the strap.
"Ow," Arthur grimaced. "I want Merlin back, where is he?"
"You mustn't be hard on him," Gwen tutted.
"I am a bit worried," Arthur confined in her. "You don't think something's happened to him, do you?"
"He's probably overworked," Gwen tried to comfort him. "Maybe just once, let him enjoy himself."
"You're right," Arthur nodded.
"Besides, you've got more important things to worry about," Gwen stepped back and admired her work with a smile. "There, all done."
Gwen watched as Arthur left and once she was sure he wasn't going to come back, she left too. She walked through the castle and stopped in front of a window overlooking the training grounds. She watched as Arthur fought with one of King Sarrum's men, a man by the name of Albin, if she remembered correctly.
She smiled as it became clear Arthur would not win this fight. She leaned forward as Albin disarmed Arthur and forced Arthur to his knees. Albin raised his sword in a killing strike and the Knights of Camelot drew their swords and King Sarrum's men readied their spears.
Albin looked to King Sarrum, who held up a hand. Albin stepped back and lowered his sword and the Knights of Camelot relaxed. She watched as King Sarrum approached Arthur and patted his shoulder before the two of them headed back towards the castle. Gwen smiled to herself.
)o(
"You fight bravely," King Sarrum told Arthur.
"Your man wields a sword better than any fighter I've ever met," Arthur replied as they walked through the castle corridors.
"I trained him myself," King Sarrum answered with pride. "Perhaps one day, I'll teach you."
"I'd be honoured," Arthur smiled slightly.
And with that the two of them part ways and as King Sarrum turned a corner he came face to face with Gwen.
"My lady," King Sarrum greeted her.
"Your man showed great skill to beat my husband," Gwen informed him.
"The men of Amata are born with swords in their hands," King Sarrum moved to go past her.
"I can't help but believe that Camelot would benefit from a leader like you," Gwen said, causing him to pause for a moment.
"Mm," King Sarrum agreed.
"You should have let him die," Gwen smiled.
"I must have misheard you," King Sarrum said, sounding slightly startled by what Gwen had said.
"I don't think so," Gwen disagreed.
"You're not happy with your husband?" King Sarrum asked.
"I'd be happy if he died tomorrow," Gwen replied. "If someone can make that happen, I would ensure that they were richly rewarded."
"I'm not sure I believe you," King Sarrum answered.
"Meet me outside the king's solar tonight," Gwen said, as footsteps sounded from an adjacent hallway. "We can speak openly there."
Gwen hurries away and King Sarrum watched her go.
)o(
Hey, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Until next time,
Blessed be,
TreeOfLife1997.