Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin
Arthur stared at the messages set before him. Any hope he had felt previously washed away at its arrival from nearby kingdoms; it appeared that many feared the threat Morgana imposed upon Albion. None of them want to chance angering the witch when there was every possibility that the war could not be won. Gods help any who angered a power-hungry witch. Arthur gave a groan as he swept his hand through his hair and began to rub his face.
How can they win against such forces with a handful of knights and Nemeth's small army? Though the army of this land had shown particular strength before, they were nothing compared to what Morgana controlled. Camelot had fallen within hours, and thought they were caught by surprised Camelot still had one of the strongest armies in the land. Nemeth on the other hand never had to have a particularly large army, not when allied with a kingdom capable of providing aid when needed.
"Has none offered us help?" came a whisper as warm, soft arms enveloped Arthur from behind and dark curls brushed against his cheek while Guinevere leaned over his shoulder to read over the parchment.
"It is clear who holds the advantage. If we start and lose this war, Morgana may target kingdoms that helped our cause. Last thing a ruler wants is to bring the wrath of an all-powerful sorceress and her unstoppable army to their doorsteps"
"Do not lose hope Arthur. No matter the odds, there is always a chance of victory. You have faced many battles at a disadvantage and come out victorious."
"I fear that this time victory is beyond our grasp," Arthur whispered, his hand crumpled the most recent rejection.
"That will never be true," admonished Gwen. She placed her hand upon Arthur's, her thumb making soothing circles, "The reports we are getting from the patrols still say the same: the people of Camelot refuse to see Morgana as queen. You must remain strong for them, for they show they are willing to keep their faith as long you're still there to lead them."
Gwen straightened from her position and walked in front of Arthur to softly kiss him upon the lips. She pulled back only a short distance then leaned her forehead against the King's. Making sure she had his full attention, Gwen said, "Camelot has always stood strong against adversity. This is no different. We will defeat Morgana."
Gwen's hand was caressing Arthur cheek when a knock sounded from the chamber doors. Her fingers lingered across Arthur's cheek, not quite wanting to pull apart, before Gwen strode to the door and opened to a grim-faced Elyan.
Of Arthur's group of trusted knights, only Elyan was able to escape alongside the King and Queen. Elyan was dining with his sister and the King at the time of the attack and took it upon himself to see the two to safety through the flames and violence. Leon, with Percival, had already gone to lead men to defend the lower town while Gwaine was, Elyan could assume, spending a night at the tavern. It didn't take much for Elyan to be persuaded into escorting Gwen and Arthur out of Camelot once it became apparent that they could not secure the citadel from the invasion.
Standing before her, Gwen tensed; from the look of her brother's face, she knew the news was not good.
"Gwen, Sire," Elyan bowed his head as he addressed them, "We found Leon."
"Where is he?" demanded Arthur as he quickly got to his feet and followed Elyan out the guest chambers with Gwen trailing behind.
"He was brought to the infirmary the moment we got back; Gaius and Helena are treating him," Elyan answered as he led the King and Queen through the castle. Reaching the infirmary, Arthur was met with the sight of a middle-aged woman examining a figure that lay stretched across the bed while Gaius stood by a table grinding herbs for, what Arthur can only assume, medication.
Elyan stood back as the royal pair approached the patient's bed. Gwen gasped, hands flying up to cover her mouth with eyes wide in horror. Arthur's jaw tensed, his anger simmering beneath the surface, the rough emotions waiting to be unleashed against the closest target; however, Arthur knew losing control would not help matters. Instead, Arthur pushed aside his anger and focused on the barely conscious knight before him.
"S-sire," Leon stuttered. He struggled to say more but Arthur raised a hand.
"Rest Leon, you are among friends."
With what remained of his strength, Leon stretched his hand out to Arthur. In it, a scroll was clenched tightly in his fist. Gingerly, Arthur unwound Leon's finger from the scroll and took it to the side. Gwen watched, biting her lip in worry, as Arthur's face hardened as he read the scroll.
"Elyan, fetch Rodor and Mithian. Tell them I wish to speak to them in the council room," Arthur ordered, he then turned to Gaius, "Gaius, I want you at attendance as well." Orders given, Arthur strode out of the room leaving Gwen to briefly give questioning looks to Gaius before they too followed the king to the council room. In the center of the room stood a large table; to the side was a fireplace, a small fire merrily dancing in the hearth.
Gwen watched Arthur impatiently pace back and forth at the end of the table, running his hands through his hair, while Gaius sat on a chair, his eyes glued to the bloodstained parchment on the table. It was awhile after that Elyan appeared with the Nemethian royal family. King Rodor nodded to Arthur while Mithian smiled and hugged Guinevere. With a gesture from Rodor, all those in attendance joined Gaius at the table.
"King Arthur, I heard that one of your knights was found by a patrol," said Rodor.
"Yes, and the message he brought is the reason I needed to speak with you. It seems our suspicions were correct as to why Morgana has not attack," said Arthur, getting straight to the point of the meeting. The past weeks had left Arthur feeling disheartened in his exile to Nemeth and the news, though morbid, gave Arthur a better understanding on their current situation. The knowledge that was sorely needed would allow him to take better action towards retaking the throne.
At the mention of the sorceress current state of inaction, Gaius eyes widened and his shoulders sagged as uneasiness flooded his face.
"Sir Leon, the knight your patrol found, was sent as a message from Morgana," the King's voice filled with venom towards his sister while he gestured to the parchment on the table. Rodor grasped it from the center of the table and began reading. After a moment, he placed the parchment back on the table and met the King of Camelot in the eye.
"She is not planning an attack?" Rodor said, confused though there was an undertone of relief. "Whoever it is she seeks, it's diverting her attention from us and giving us time to form our own defenses. I can only hope that our luck continues."
"And who is it she seeks that is keeping her from hunting you down. From what I gathered about her, Morgana would stop at nothing to get her hands around your throat, Sire," questioned Mithian.
"According to the message, the identity and location of someone by the name of Emrys," Rodor answered though he too gave a questioning look to the King of Camelot. "She even promised the lives of Queen Guinevere and three of Camelot's Knights that escaped to Nemeth if you handed the sorcerer over."
"The only thing we can understand about this Emrys is that whoever he is, Morgana not only fears him, but that he has foiled her plans enough times before for her to believe his death essential in her campaign against Arthur," Gwen answered.
"During a previous invasion from Morgana, the moment we confronted her, she mentioned that Emrys could not save us from her magic," Arthur said.
"How did you defeat her the last time?" Mithian asked, "How did you fight against her magic?"
"We didn't. She… she couldn't use it. I don't know what happened, but she chanted and nothing, not even gold in her eyes. It was as if something was blocking her from using magic. Before I didn't give it a second thought. Now I can't help but wonder the implications of it and how Emrys plays a part in the scheme of things." Arthur turned to Gaius, "Gaius, I think it's time we heard the truth. Who is Emrys?"
Gaius glanced down to his folded hands. "There is much about Emrys that I have been privy to but it is not my place to speak of."
"Even if it is for the good of the kingdom?"
"Yes. Emrys is a secret that is not mine to reveal, only to safeguard. I have, with regret, revealed it against my will during the time Agravaine named me as traitor to divert your attention and Morgana could have me questioned. It was only through luck that the one who heard my confession was sympathetic to Emrys," Gaius said, "It is best that a few people know Emrys' identity."
Arthur gave Gaius a long look. "Even at Merlin's expense?"
Gaius deflated even more, his eyes glistening, "My ward is loyal. He would do everything in his power to keep you and the kingdom safe. Emrys is a secret he will guard with his life."
"How much longer can we expect him to endure Morgana before he breaks then? We are playing a waiting game, one that ends the moment the servant talks," the King of Nemeth spoke, glancing around to meet each and everyone in the eye, "And even then there might be even less time, for there are other ways aside from the boy that Morgana can find the information. It is safe to assume that Gaius and Merlin are not the only ones who know the truth."
"We could be attacked any day," Mithian whispered, though her voice grew stronger with each word, "Let us not waste what precious little time we were given. We bring in anyone who can fight, including refugees from Camelot and train as many as we can as best as we can. We get ready for an invasion."
"No."
Everyone look to Arthur in surprise.
"No?" Mithian tentatively asked.
"I cannot endanger an entire kingdom for an improbable victory nor for my own wellbeing. When the time comes and we," Arthur gestured to those from Camelot, "are not prepared nor found a way in retaking my kingdom, then… then I will go to Morgana willingly."
"You give yourself up, then the people of Camelot are doomed," Gwen said, her voice low, "Without you, the kingdom will be torn apart."
"With me, not only will Camelot be destroyed but also Nemeth. I will not drag more innocents into this fight, nor will I get you killed. When invasion threatens this kingdom, only I will surrender. It is the only option I can take that can protect as many people as possible"
"Then until that day comes, we prepare for war. I understand the consequences in protecting you but we will prepare our armies and send out more messengers for help. I will not condemn an ally and friend without trying to stop it, nor can I allow your people to suffer too," King Rodor said. "I will declare war against Morgana once we have a large enough force that stand a better chance against her."
Arthur nodded, "Thank you."
"We will begin the recruitment process. Mithian, gather those unable to fight to learn the healing arts or begin producing weapons and armor. I want the people prepared for the worst," ordered King Rodor. He stood and began to leave the council room.
"Yes father," Mithian replied.
"I'll help as well." Gwen said. Together the women left after the King of Nemeth, but before Gwen gave Arthur a light kiss, leaving Arthur alone with Gaius.
The silence weighed heavily on them during which Arthur watched Gaius. It was this moment that Arthur finally allowed the emotions he had been suppressing since the arrival of the scroll to flood him. The confusing assault of emotions caused him place his elbows upon the table and drop his head into his hands, rubbing his temples. Concern, relief, and despair battled against those of betrayal and anger as he thought about the situation in its entirety and the one man who stood in the center, Merlin. One thing his warring mind seems to agree on was dread. Dread for what was happening to his servant, his best friend… and dread of what his friend was capable, the threat his father taught him that magic posed.
Arthur was once again brought back to the moment of attack.
It had been a peaceful night that found Guinevere, Elyan, and he about to tuck into their meals when the warning bells, accompanied by distant screaming, rung. With unfortunately well-practiced movements, Arthur was already out the door to investigate when they ran into Merlin, who was at the time helping Gaius with patients of a minor sickness that broke out amongst the citizens in the lower town. The sudden appearance of the virus and its many victims had caused Gaius to turn to Merlin in aid. The physicians himself was paces behind the servant as the two were about to make their rounds.
"Arthur!"
"Merlin, have you come from the lower town?"
Merlin shook his head, "No we were on our way when the warning bells sounded."
"Whatever is happening, it's affecting the lower town, Gaius, take Guinevere to the infirmary, ensure you bring a few guards nearby and keep her guarded. Take care of the injured. I'm going to the lower town to see what I can do."
Before any word of protest can be made, Arthur was already rushing through the hallways and out the castle with Elyan and Merlin close behind. Their feet thundered down the streets of Camelot before Merlin gave a shout of warning and grabbed Arthur to pull down an alleyway. Elyan merely turned in the street and followed the two.
"Merlin, you id-"Arthur's yell was interrupted when Merlin slammed his hand over his mouth and placed a finger to his lips. Merlin eyes were wide when he continued to look out the alleyway. It took seconds for Arthur to notice what had caused his servant to force the trio into hiding.
Just a few steps away from them stood a monstrous creature of what Arthur could only assume its origins to be of sorcery. The demented feline growled, as it seems to sense them in the alleyway, its lips curled over its wicked teeth, still glistening with fresh blood, the growl intensifying. Arthur lifted his arm and motioned for Elyan to keep still while at the same time pushing Merlin further against the wall. The servant rolled his eyes at the King, Arthur could already imagine the man scoff at the late reaction. Outside the alleyway, the creature narrowed its eyes, searching with nostrils flaring as it tried to pinpoint the men's location, before giving a small huff and bounded away towards the sound of clashing swords.
The three stumbled out of the alleyway and glanced down the road. Further, down the roadway, several more creatures were running in small packs in twos or threes, chasing after the citizens. Past them, soldiers and sorcerers could be seen battling; those wearing the colors of Camelot appeared to fall in battle more often than the other warriors did. Arthur began to draw out his sword when Merlin placed his hand on his shoulder, giving a small shake of his head.
"Arthur, no. Whatever those things are, you alone with a sword won't be able to do much help. Let's retreat into the castle and get a better idea of the situation."
"I will not stand aside while my men are slaughter," Arthur said tersely.
"And I will not stand by and watch you act like a Dollophead and get yourself killed."
"He is right, Sire. It is best we retreat and get the castle secured," Elyan supported. "Let us retreat and secure the castle, organize men to escort as many people into the citadel for safety."
Arthur clenched his jaw, taking a minute in indecision on retreating. It was in his hesitation that one of the creatures, slightly smaller than the one previously, jumped from the shadows, its jaws snapped shut as it met its intended target: Merlin.
Merlin gave a yelp of pain as the creature's momentum and weight slammed him into the cobblestone, forcing the breath out of the servant. The manservant's hand grasped onto the creatures maw, attempting to pry the beast's jaws from his left shoulders, though it did nothing in stopping the fangs from sinking deeper into flesh. As the servant grappled with the beast on the ground, Elyan and Arthur drew their swords, the dark-skinned knight slashed down towards the feline, blade crashing down on its back; however, with all the force the knight possessed, the blade barely cut through its fur. In retaliation, the serpent head, which swung from tail of the feline, reared back and prepared to strike the knight. Swiftly, Arthur dispatched of the snake's head before it lashed out against Elyan. The beast gave a shriek in pain, dropping the servant in favor for turning towards the King, though its claws tore four long gashes down Merlin's chest as it moved. It was interrupted mid attack by another thrust of the King's sword, the blade sliding cleanly through the eye socket and bursting out the back of its head. Arthur pulled out the blade and the monster dropped to the ground. The creature gave one gasp of breath before it grew still and disintegrated into ashes.
"Merlin. Merlin!" Arthur knelt by his servant but still kept his blade out in case of another attack. He noted the deep bite mark on the shoulder but was relieved to see the gashes on his chest appeared shallow, if a bit wide.
"I-I'm al-alright, Sire," Merlin gasped, his eyes scrunched closed in pain as he tried to even out his breathing
"Come on, we need to get you to Gaius," Arthur said, slowly pulling his servant up from the ground. Merlin gave a grunt of pain as he pressed his hand into his shoulder and his other arm across his chest to stem the flow of blood. Together, the knights supported Merlin, careful not to jar the man's injured shoulder, and led him back towards the citadel, through the entrance and into the infirmary. There Gaius and Gwen were found, busy among the injured as they treated the injured surrounded by a cacophony of moans and cries.
"Gaius!" Arthur called, pushing Merlin onto a nearby bed.
Gaius took one look before he was already by Merlin's side checking his wounds with eyes full of concern. "The wounds on his chest are superficial; they only need to be treated to prevent infection. The wound on the shoulder, however, would have to be stitched, give me a mo-"
"Just wrap, Gaius," Merlin interrupted, his face still twisted in pain, "I don't have time."
"No Merlin, I need you to stay here." Arthur said.
"Since when I have I ever listened to your orders, Arthur," came Merlin's reply as grabbed the bandages from Gaius and began to try to wrap his wounds himself, which he failed spectacularly as the movements jarred his injured shoulder. With a sigh, Gaius took over and swiftly had Merlin's shoulder wrapped before handing him a potion.
"For the pain, my boy."
Arthur tried not to let his irritation toward the servant show, he had bigger things to worry than his servant's insubordination as he glanced around the room and noticed the increasing amount of injured. The forces he had caught glimpses out in the streets where clearly overwhelming Camelot's defenses. Arthur could only think of one who was capable of such an attack.
Arthur was wrenched from his thoughts when people down the hall began to scream, followed by a large blast that cleared the people from the doorway and into walls, knocking half either unconscious or dead while the others remained where they fell in a daze. Those who were still able began to pick their way amongst the injured, hoping to find and help loved ones and others still alive. Then, through the smoke and debris that filled the hallway, Morgana strode in, as if she owned the place, and gave a cool glance around the room before locking eyes with her brother.
The witch had changed much during her exile from Camelot. The kind woman who argued against any bigoted action Uther had done had now become a mad woman. Her eyes were crazed in hunger for power and vengeance as she admired Arthur as one would admire a prize. Her hair was a wild, tangled mess that only accentuated the insanity that had consumed the witch.
It saddens Arthur to see his sister degraded into such a state.
How he loathed magic for what it did to her.
"Hello, dear brother," Morgana smiled as she lifted a hand toward Arthur, lips ready to incant when a piece of the ceiling above her suddenly broke apart and landed on the witch, knocking the woman into a daze.
"We have to get away!" Merlin shouted, grabbing the King with his good arm and pushed him around the fallen witch out of the room, along with Gaius. Elyan took a hold of Gwen's arm as well and followed the others out.
"Sire, this battle has already been lost if Morgana already has access into the citadel. We need to get you and Gwen through the siege tunnels and out of the castle," Gaius told Arthur, still following behind as Merlin pushed the King down the hall and putting as far of a distance from the witch before she had a chance to recover while also glancing around for potential threats. His left arm was pressed against his chest to prevent unnecessary movements from affecting his injuries.
"I am not leaving my people to Morgana again!" Arthur argued.
"You do not have a choice; we cannot allow Morgana to reach either you or Gwen. You cannot win this. It is better to survive and live another day to stop Morgana," Merlin snapped at Arthur as they forced him down another hallway.
"Let me go! I will not leave this castle withou-"Arthur, along with the other four, was thrown off their feet. Behind them stood three sorcerers, each with the arms raised and ready as they began to chant. Their incantations were spoken in synchronization while a fireball began to form in front of them. Arthur only had time to wonder on the unlikelihood that they would survive such a blast when the sorcerers finished their chant and hurdle the fireball at them.
It was seconds after that Merlin threw himself before the fireball.
Arthur felt a shout build in his throat. Terror struck him the moment that he realized he wouldn't be able to get the idiot out of the way before he was killed.
Then the fireball struck.
But it didn't reach Merlin.
Barely touched the servant.
Rather it slammed into a barrier inches from the manservant's face. A barrier with a golden sheen took the brunt of the force; the power of the spell caused a small ripple throughout the apparent shield.
All Arthur could do was gape at what he had just witness. Gape as his friend turned and met Arthur in the eye, remnants of gold still sparkling across his eyes. It was mere seconds, but to Arthur it felt like hours go by as his mind processed the apologetic look Merlin was now giving him.
He was a sorcerer, a powerful sorcerer.
He had committed treason against the crown.
All Arthur could wonder was: Why?
"Elyan get them out of here, I'll hold them off. Make sure you keep them safe. If we lose the King and Queen, we lose everything," Merlin shouted, then, to Arthur, "I'm so sorry."
Arthur watched as Merlin began to incant, the strange words flowing smoothly from his lips with practiced ease as he created his own fireball to launch back to the sorcerers. The King felt a spike that was through his heart go deeper as the betrayal ran even deeper by the one person he thought he could always trust.
"Sire! Let's go!" Elyan interrupted Arthur's thought as he too stared wide eyed at the battle that raged on before them. "Come on!" Elyan took ahold of Arthur and roughly forced him down the hall following behind Gaius, who had taken Elyan's role in leading Gwen to the siege tunnels. Gwen was too shock by the new revelations as well to do anything but follow the physician.
The view of the servant's back, straight and strong as he stood against his adversary, was the last time Arthur saw his friend.
He could only hope it wouldn't be the last, thought the King, though unsure of what he would say to the servant.
Of course, by the time they reached Nemeth, Arthur had dozens of questions for Gaius. Gaius said little only that Merlin had been a sorcerer for years and that Gaius would leave it for the servant to explain. Though it irritated him, Arthur knew that was only an excuse for Gaius; one that allowed him to keep his hope that they would find Merlin alive, as illogical as that line thinking was.
Arthur had doubted his friend had lived when he never returned to them on the way to Nemeth. There was no reason for Morgana to keep the servant alive, especially since Arthur suspected he went down fighting. That was until two weeks of staying in Nemeth, receiving reports of increase activities of the Morgana's patrols at the Camelot Nemeth border, wondering when Morgana would come for him that Gaius gave his own theories as to why the witch hadn't already tried to hunt them down.
Emrys.
The elusive sorcerer that had struck Morgana with fear and hatred.
The powerful sorcerer that stood as a self-appointed protector over Camelot for years, giving neither hint of involvement and denying any recognition for his deeds.
One that Gaius has admitted of knowing but not disclosing the information of Emrys' identity to Arthur but only that Merlin knew as well. Gaius guessed that if Morgana had known, or at least suspected, Gaius' knowledge of the warlock then she might make the connection of Merlin's knowledge.
That was the reason why Morgana had not attack. That was the reason why Gaius suspected Merlin was still alive. Because Morgana did not want to attack and risk losing all she had accomplished to Emrys. She did not want to lose everything to a man who can work in the shadows, hidden from sight, while she was distracted by her blood-thirst for Arthur.
Instead, she fixated her attention on hunting down Emrys, on ensuring he did not foil her plans again. Though she had other resources utilized in the search, if Gaius could guess, she also chose her own trail to follow. And it was in Merlin that she knew she could not only find the truth but also the pleasure.
Though Arthur wished to deny it, allow his mind to delusion himself that Merlin was not an innocent man being tortured for information, but rather the evil sorcerer his father had preached sorcerers to be all his life, Arthur knew that the message had come as proof that Gaius' hunch was correct. For within the message, Arthur could practically hear his sister's gloating voice as message spoke of Emrys demise approaching. Of how Merlin screamed day in and day out as he got closer and closer to breaking the truth out of the man.
Once again, Arthur felt himself torn between concern and anger over his servant.
"Gaius," Arthur spoke, breaking the silence within the council room, "you say that magic is neither good nor evil, yet look where magic has brought us. Look what it turned Morgana into."
"Look at Merlin, Sire. If you didn't know of his magic, you would not have hesitated in thinking him as your most loyal subject. Would you say Merlin is evil, even with years of loyalty?"
"How can I trust someone who has been lying since we've met? How can I know for sure that the person I knew wasn't merely a disguise to use me for his own gains?"
"You can't," Gaius shrugged, "you can only depend on whether or not you trust him. I can assure you, Sire, Merlin had always been as truthful with you as he can. He gave himself to you and Camelot, body and magic alike. The only difference between Merlin now and Merlin before is that he has magic, and nothing more. Now if you will excuse me, I will have to help the Queen and Princess with the training."
With a bow, Gaius left Arthur alone in the room.
Arthur glanced once again at the parchment before standing up from the table, scroll in hand, and tossing it into the flames within the fireplace.
Arthur would hold his judgment for now, until Merlin can explain and defend his actions.
Again, the King could not shake the lingering of guilt and concern even as he tried to steel his mind against any thoughts of his once best friend.
Arthur was standing beside Leon, observing the training grounds as men all around him were being worked into drills. Each Knight of Nemeth and King Rodor led various groups of men through the motions, working from how to initiate an attack to parrying a fatal blow. They focused mainly on swordsmanship, but few, who already know their way around a blade, were also shooting crossbows at targets or participating in hand-to-hand combat. Meanwhile Elyan can be spotted from a distance leading a group of men and a few women from the castle towards the town, where he will teach them how to work steel into weapons and armor.
"They are getting better," remarked Leon.
"Indeed. Let us hope it is enough when the time comes," said Arthur.
The days after they had discovered the knight, Leon had been in and out of consciousness. When fever had set in, Gaius worried of infection, the body further weakened as it tried to repair the more extensive injuries. Now, though still marred in cuts and bruises, the knight had healed enough to venture from the patient's cot and serve his King by help organize the training.
"Leon," Arthur said, steeling himself for the answers he was about to search for.
"Yes Sire?"
"What was it like? In Camelot, I mean."
Leon hesitated. The knight knew the devotion the King had for the kingdom and his people, but he also knew Arthur needed the truth. The knight felt a shiver as he thought back to his times in the dungeons.
"Most of the knights serve Morgana, not out of loyalty," Leon said quickly to assure the King that his knights still had no love for the witch, "but for fear for the people. Before Morgana would shoot at crowds at random to get their loyalty, now she threatened the lives of the children in the city. She threatened that she would gather and execute the children until the knights were subservient to her. They did not doubt she would do it."
Arthur paled.
"Percival and Gwaine were with me when I was captured; we were sent to the dungeons immediately. I believe she had us separated from the others, recognizing us as the closest knights to the crown. We only found out the state of kingdom during a visit Morgana gave us to gloat. Other than that time, Morgana ignored us until recently when she finally made a decision on us."
"What happened to Gwaine and Percival?"
"She decided to give them demeaning work as slaves in chains. I was singled out to be a messenger," Leon snorted.
"And Merlin? Do you believe we have enough time to prepare against Morgana?" Arthur asked, trying to cover his worry for his servant with worry for the time they had for the war, though Leon knew otherwise.
"He…" Leon hesitated. He wanted to report to his King, serve his duty, but how was he supposed to explain to the man on what he knew or can guess of the servant's condition. Leon felt his body tense once again.
He was the most senior of knights, often looked upon to command the others under orders or absence of the King. It was Leon's responsibility to ensure the royal family safety in desperate situations and protect the people from monsters, whether they were man or beast. He should have been the one protecting Arthur, not Merlin. Though Leon knew it was illogical, he could not help the guilt over Merlin's situation. The servant had been a close friend to the best of the knights, Leon included; yet the knight felt he failed in his duties only to have the manservant pay the price. While he was too busy being caught, Merlin was in the castle protecting the royal family the best way he can.
Leon was surprised to hear that the servant had used magic, for how is it possible for a sorcerer to willingly live in the heart of magic persecution. Though Leon was uneasy with the knowledge, decades of prejudice shaping his own opinions, Leon still recognized that the newly revealed sorcerer did not have evil intent. How could he? Merlin must have had several opportunity of killing Uther during the late King's reign and the man had access to every inch of the castle and every moment in Arthur's day-to-day life. If Merlin truly had an ulterior motive, he would have attempted something long ago.
With the servant in Morgana's clutches, Leon feared for the man's life. Every night, the screams made him want to plug his ears and close his eyes, pretend to not know what was happening deeper into the dungeons. Though the witch words were to incite anger from the knights, Leon could not help but agree that he was relieved to hear the servant screams for it mean the boy still lived. But the relief was short-lived, replaced by horror and disgust for what they were doing to the man. Leon did not know what Morgana was trying to accomplish, but the knight knew that much of the torment in the beginning was of malicious intent. She did not want to give the servant an easy death.
Here the knight was, before his King, expected to tell of how his best friend was given no mercy while his fellow knights, his brothers, stood by, helpless in that cursed cell. Or how several times in the beginning Gwaine would yell himself hoarse with hands smearing blood across the bars until finally giving up into sulks and glares, while slumping against the bars. How Leon would constantly meet Percival eyes, sharing an understanding that they could not do anything and hating every moment of it.
"Merlin is strong," Leon found himself continuing in the smallest of voice. "He would put a fight, but… you didn't hear him, Sire. I have not seen him since he was first brought into the dungeons, but I heard him each night, screaming.
I don't believe any man can last as long as he has. I don't know if I can even guess how long he can last. Whatever she is doing to him is more than even a knight was trained to survive."
AN: Well I meant to post this slightly earlier, but at least it's up xD Surprisingly this chapter was at around 3,000 words in its rough draft but due to a last minute addition and a ton of edits, it became this monster of a chapter (I know it's not that big but its genuinely the biggest chapter I've ever written o,O). I was originally going to update on a weekly basis but I decided to just post whenever the next chapter is ready, though I will limit a week at most between each update, so expect the next chapter between now and next Tuesday.
Also, I forgot to mention in the first chapter, and for those wondering, this fic takes place post-season 4.
Anyways I hope you enjoy this chapter and if you see any grammar/spelling errors let me know so that I can fix them.
Reviews and constructive criticism are welcomed, thanks for reading!