Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin.
Chapter Eight:
Daegal shifted uncomfortably where he sat, glancing between Sir Mordred and Merlin's unconscious form. Only to. Breathe a sigh of relief as Merlin stirred.
"You're alive," Daegal almost laughed from the sheer relief he felt.
Merlin sat up slowly.
"You have to believe me," Daegal said. "I did not intended for this to happen. I just wanted to…"
"It's alright Daegal," Merlin smiled at him.
Daegal nodded, but didn't look convinced.
"Mordred," Merlin turned to the Druid Knight. "I'm glad you followed us."
Mordred bowed his head slightly, "I'm simply glad you are okay, Emrys."
"Do you know what Morgana's planning?" Merlin turned back to Daegal.
"No," Daegal shook his head. "I met the Lady Morgana only once, but she spoke of the Queen."
"She means to kill the Queen?" Mordred demanded.
"No," Merlin shakes his head. "The Queen and Morgana are working together, Mordred. Morgana did something to Gwen when she was held prisoner in the Dark Tower."
"I think they mean to kill the king," Daegal said.
Merlin forced himself to his feet.
"What are you doing?" Daegal quickly moved forward to help Merlin.
"I need to warn Arthur before it's too late," Merlin said.
"You can't be serious," Mordred said. "The Queen loves the King."
"Mordred, you are as familiar with the ways of magic as I am," Merlin turned to him. "Gwen isn't doing this of her own free will."
Merlin began to leave and Daegal quickly followed him. Mordred stared after them for a few moments, before following. Who was he to doubt the words of Emrys? They teach the top of the incline to find where the druid camp once stood, filled with bandits.
"Bandits," Merlin muttered.
"Won't they see us?" Daegal asked
"No," Mordred answered. "We'll edge around the outside."
"They'll have lookouts," Daegal pointed out.
"We don't have a choice," Merlin answered. "We need to get back to Camelot."
Merlin runs around the outside of the camp, followed by Daegal and Mordred. Suddenly the ground beneath Merlin's feet gives way and he tumbles down the incline into the centre of the bandits camp. Daegal quickly followed him and helped him to his feet as the bandits closed in around them.
"Mordred," Merlin warned the Druid Knight telepathically, as he sees him about to follow them down the slope. "Stay where you are. I can deal with this."
"Go," Merlin orders Daegal.
"No," Daegal shook his head.
"I can look after myself," Merlin answered.
"I know," Daegal smiled.
Merlin nodded.
"If you value your lives, you won't take another step," Merlin warned the bandits as they surrounded them.
"What are you doing?" Mordred asked urgently.
"Trust me," Merlin replied.
The lead bandit pointed his sword at Merlin.
"You," He said. "Empty your pockets."
"Last chance," Merlin told him.
"You don't even have a sword," The bandit sneered.
"I don't need one," Merlin replied.
His eyes flash gold and the lead bandit is thrown backwards through the air. The bandits flee in fear and Daegal grinned.
"Let's go," Merlin said.
)o(
Gwen walked through the corridors of the castle, towards the royal chambers, when she's greeted by the sight of King Sarrum walking down the corridor towards her. He stopped before her and took her hand and kissed it.
"My lady," He said. "How good to see you."
"I trust you had a pleasant night," Gwen inquired politely.
"Most agreeable," King Sarrum answered.
They pass each other and King Sarrum twirled the key Gwen had just passed him. It doesn't take King Sarrum long to reach the corridor leading to the door to the balcony overlooking the throne room, which Gwen had just given him the key to. Albin was waiting for him.
"Arthur will be dead by sundown," King Sarrum told him as he hands him the key. "And then all that stands in our way is a serving girl who plays at being a queen."
Elsewhere in the castle Gwen had arrived and the royal chamber and is sat into front of a mirror as she brushed her hair. She looks up as Arthur and Gaius enter the chamber.
"The bed has not been slept in," Gaius was telling Arthur. "I fear he's in danger."
"What do you mean?" Arthur asked.
"We need to send a search party," Gaius answered.
Gwen gets to her feet and approaches them.
"What's happened?" She asked.
"Merlin's gone missing," Arthur told her.
"Oh, I knew I should've said something," Gwen reached forward and grabbed Arthur's hands. "Arthur, I feel terrible. This is my fault. I know where Merlin is."
"Where?" Gaius asked.
"I shouldn't say," Gwen said. "I promised him I wouldn't, but... He's gone to visit someone."
"Who?" Arthur demanded.
"He's not in danger," Gwen reassured him. "He's seeing a girl."
"Merlin?" Arthur asks in disbelief.
"Gaius, I'm sorry," Gwen turned to Gaius. "But there is no reason to worry."
"Except for the poor girl," Arthur laughs.
"I should've told you," Gwen said. "But I don't think he wanted anyone to know."
"Thank you, milady," Gaius said, even though he knew she was lying.
"Good," Arthur said. "Then we can get on with the signing. Gaius, you can help me get dressed."
Gaius looked at Gwen, who smiled and gave a slight shrug.
)o(
"Merlin, you may be a warlock, but you need that treated," Daegal said pointing to the wound on Merlin's leg, as the three of them stopped for a break. "I'll help you, please."
Merlin sits down and Mordred stands guard as Daegal bandaged Merlin's leg.
"You've done well," Merlin said. "Alice would be proud."
"Really?" Daegal asked. "I don't think I've done many good things in my life."
"Well," Merlin smiled. "You've done something good now. See? I'm better. You've the gift."
"Must be from my mother," Daegal answered.
"So that bit was true?" Mordred asked.
"It was all true," Daegal said.
"And you mother?" Mordred asked. "She wasn't a druid?"
Daegal helped Merlin to his feet.
"No, but she was like Merlin," He answered. "She had magic, and Uther killed her for it."
"I'm sorry," Mordred said.
Merlin tested his weight on his leg.
"Feels good," Merlin said and he began to walk, Daegal and Mordred following behind.
)o(
Hey, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Until next time,
Blessed be,
TreeOfLife1997.