The Hollow Queen

by TreeOfLife1997

When Merlin agrees to help his friend, Daegal, he has no choice but to leave Camelot on a dangerous mission. With the citadel distracted by the visit of King Sarrum of Amata, it seems that no one will notice his absence. But as the sky darkens, so do Merlin's chances. Is there more to the story than Daegal is telling? And can a king as ruthless as the Sarrum ever really be trusted?

11. The Adventure Continues…

Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin.

The Adventure Continues…

Gwen walked through a darkened corridor, being careful to keep to the shadows. She was just about to leave the castle when Percival saw her from where he was standing guard.

"You there!" Percival called out. "Show yourself."

Gwen turned around and faced him much to Percival's surprise it was the queen.

"Your Highness," Percival bowed. "Are you alright? Is something wrong?"

)o(

"You are to tell no one that we have changed the plans until the patrol is on its way," Arthur stared at both of them. "Is that understood?"

"Yes, Sire," Leon nodded.

"Mordred?" Arthur prompted.

"Of course," Mordred nodded. "But may I ask why we're changing the route, my lord? It's another day's ride."

)o(

But unknown to Gwen or Morgana, Arthur and Merlin were watching them talk from nearby. Arthur unsheathed his sword and made to move forward, but Merlin was quickly to stop him.

"No, my lord!" Merlin whispered. "Morgana's too powerful. Now is not the time."

"How could she do this?" Arthur asked, sounding defeated.

"She's not the Gwen you love," Merlin explained. "She has fallen prey to a dark and powerful magic."

)o(

"Emrys," Mordred's voice suddenly echoed through Merlin's head. "The King has changed the levy route. Last night was successful?"

"It was," Merlin answered. "But we are still no closer to helping Gwen… But Gaius knows someone who might."

"Who?" Mordred asked.

"The Dochraid," Merlin replied.

)o(

"When I was young," Gaius explained. "I heard about an ancient ritual of the Old Religion called the Teine Diaga."

"Teine Diaga?" Merlin questioned, trying to hide his disappointment.

"The sacred fire," Gaius said. "The ritual used the mandrake root to bring unimaginable terror to the victim. Their screams could be heard twenty leagues away. When it was finally over, their will was no longer their own. They were slaves of the high priestesses for eternity."

)o(

Hey, I hope you enjoyed this story. Next up is 'With All My Heart', which will be posted soon. Until next time,

Blessed be,

TreeOfLife1997.