As I lay there shivering & bitter with cold, I couldn't help my mind from wandering. Back to memories of much happier, less painful days…memories shared with that lanky, big eared, dark haired boy, that I loved so dearly with all that was left of my heart now that Morgana had ravaged it.

I twisted the ring around my finger, remembering the time when he yanked me from the windowsill in such a rush those many years ago, protecting me even then. When he gave up his secret for me, in order to save me from Arthurs judgment, trying desperately to protect me even with his life, and getting us out of Camelot to somewhere we thought was safe...

How now, in this dark cave lit by a blazing torch that, as long as it was lit meant that I couldn't die yet and that Morgana wasn't satisfied…his promise was the only thing keeping me sane, the ring, a life together, my husband to be…someday when Albien was born.

I couldn't tell you how many days or weeks had past, but by now I was so worn out, cold and hurt…the sticky blood that had coated my forehead and clung to my hair had dried completely now, and the gash on my temple was sealed over by it. The dark bruises that covored my arms were stating to yellow. Healing finally, and my wrists that were raw from the shackles had stopped bleeding at the least….

But my cheeks were still not full enough and still a sick sallow color, my cloths were still too loose, at this moment though I didn't have enough energy to care. I wanted to sleep. I wanted to dream. I could be with him in my dreams.

Slowly I started to drift off, the cave slipping away into an entirely different scene…. Cool grass, and a warm summer day, strong fingers laced with mine, and soft lips kissing me sweetly…

An hour later a stinging slap across the face pulled me from the pool of my memories and back to a harsh reality. I jerked forward, forgetting the shackles. As they slammed against my wrists, they dug in deep and I felt my warm blood begin seep out again. I let my head fall back onto the stone table the adrenaline rush gone, and feeling limp again. The place where she slapped me across the cheek must have been red and swelling, for I was dimly aware of a welt rising.

I wanted so badly to let my eyes flutter closed again, but I couldn't that would only result in another rude awakening.

Her voice sounded almost like a hiss in my ears…"Morning miss sunshine…GET UP!" she grabbed me by the collar of my tunic and hauled me up as far as she could. My wrists were painfully strained against the cuffs, and her glaring face was two inches from mine. I felt woozy.

"You're not TELLING ME!" she screeched and trust me down. My back slammed against the rock, the wind knocked out of me. Through my coughing and sputtering I managed to smile. Morgana turned and saw; furious she didn't hesitate to slap me again. I felt the welt begin to form on my opposite check. She was so foul and bitter!

I spit out blood as she sauntered over to me…"You haven't been very cooperative of late." Morgana jeered.

I mustered the strength to speak and spat out a foul reply, "Was I ever?"

Morgana's lips pursed and her nostrils flared in anger, then turning away from me she regained her composure. "I know that Gaius told you who Emris is…" she hissed coolly.

My eyes went wide; my mind reeled at sinister possibilities; she knew that I knew who Emris was, but how did she know?

"What? How could you…?"

"You under estimate me," She quoted me, the same words I had said to HIM that long, long time ago. My tension was building.

"You may change your mind about telling me….at this." Morgana shrugged away from me.

I heard scuffling.

Someone was being drug in the room.

I heard a cry as they were thrown to the ground.

My skin prickled, I knew that voice.

I gasped aloud, turning and straining against the chains.

Time slowed down.

A flash of gleaming silver.

Morgana's sick smile.

Red.

…

…

…

…

I watched helplessly as she slit his throat, and cast his bleeding body upon the stone.

I screamed.

"MERLIN!"