Leon lives! Now they've revealed he's coming back for series 3, I felt I had to fit him in somewhere. I really haven't been nice to him, but I have my reasons (other than being evil). When I planned this I was assuming he and the others were killed.

You did get what was going on with the stone in the last chapter, right? I can't always tell. If not, it will be mentioned in the chapter after this one, but I do recommend re-reading the Heolstor explanation Gaius gives in chapter 6 if your memory is anything like as poor as mine.

Anyway, enjoy the latest chapter!

Chapter 8

Very little moonlight seeped down through the hole in the roof which opened the vast cavern to the starry night sky. Instead the soaring, craggy cave walls were illuminated by several glowing blue orbs which hung pulsating above the heads of the three witches. The dark shape of the Pillar of Heolstor loomed in the middle of them, rugged and ancient, yet standing tall and proud, reaching up toward the heavens.

Heads flung backwards, arms stretched out wide. The sisters began their chanting.

"Síen wé gelæcaþ. Scinn binnan þinum héafdum."

The air began throbbing with the essence of magic and the ground beneath their feet trembled ominously. A golden stream rose up from the stone floor and licked the base of the column before surging upward accompanied by two more tendrils of energy, culminating in a seething mass of power at its peak.

"Se hildeswég áhýde þæt sóþ."

The magic cascaded from the pinnacle in a fiery waterfall, spiralling outwards before reaching the ground, twisting in the air and sculpting new shapes and images. It was more than just a pretty light show, however. Sounds, colours, sensations and emotions were weaving themselves into the mix. The atmosphere became colder. There was a wild screeching, a flash of claws, a snapping of jaws, the scent of blood in the air.

Ailith allowed herself a self-assured smile. Everything was falling into place.

* * *

Merlin thrashed in his bed.

"No," he groaned, kicking his sheets onto the floor. "No."

Images and voices that did not belong were pounding in his skull. He felt like the walls were closing in around him. The same sounds, the same shapes were coming from every direction and drawing nearer, overwhelming him. He could just make out a few fragments of speech from amongst the chaos, "Brégnes," "Blódsihte," "Wíteláe," but he recognised them as words of magic.

An abrupt surge of power woke him with a jolt and then it was over. Except it wasn't over. Merlin knew that whatever had just happened was laying the foundations for some greater feat of sorcery. The magic proper would begin at dawn. Merlin didn't know how he knew this, he just did. Whatever lay in store, Camelot wasn't ready. Camelot couldn't be ready. They needed to be ready. There was only one thing on his mind; he needed to warn Arthur.

"Merlin?" queried Gaius groggily as the boy swept past him. "It's the middle of the night. You should be asleep. The prince will want you rested. You've got a long journey ahead of you tomorrow." Gaius noticed the distress Merlin was in. "What's wrong?"

"I was woken by magic."

"Here in Camelot?"

"Yes.... No.... I don't know. It was everywhere, Gaius. We're too late."

"Where are you going?"

"I have to warn people."

"And what are you planning to tell them?"

"I haven't decided yet."

"Merlin."

"I'll be careful, I promise." Merlin's eyes pleaded with the old man. "I have to try." And with that he left.

* * *

Arthur was out of bed in an instant as Merlin burst into the room.

"Merlin. What do you think you're doing? Unless the castle is on fire you'd better have a damn good explanation for this.

"The sorcerer is going to attack Camelot this morning."

"Riiight. And you know this, how?"

"Erm." Merlin could not say that he had the ability to sense powerful magic. He should probably have concocted a plausible story before coming here, but there wasn't time. Instead he fidgeted awkwardly.

"I see." Arthur placed his hand round Merlin's shoulder and sat him down on the end of his bed. "Did you have a bad dream?"

This was just typical. At a time like this, Arthur not only refused to believe him, but he was his usual patronizing self.

"I'm serious!"

"Of course you are. Look, it's understandable to be nervous after all that's happened, but I promise you everything is going to be fine."

"It's not going to be fine," Merlin snapped, standing up again quickly. "Honestly. For once in your life could you just listen to me. Just once, could you take me seriously?." Arthur was taken aback by Merlin's abruptness.

"I'm listening, Merlin," said Arthur sincerely, "But I don't know what you want me to do. The castle is already on high alert and the guard has been doubled, so unless you can be more specific." Merlin shook his head. "Well then. Try and get some sleep. I don't want you falling off your horse again. I'll see you in a few hours."

Merlin turned back as if to speak, but he didn't know what say. Arthur was right. He didn't know any specific details, just had a very bad feeling. There was nothing that could be done. If the sorcerer was harnessing the power of raw magic the only way to stop them was by going to Heolstor and they couldn't do that in time. Ignoring Gaius upon his return, Merlin went back to his room. After more than an hour flicking through the pages of the book of magic and finding nothing of any use, he gave up and lay in bed staring at the ceiling. He wouldn't sleep again, he just waited in silence, his pounding heart counting down the passage of time until dawn.

* * *

Arthur lay in bed deep in thought. Merlin had got him worried. Despite the fact there were no grounds to support his warnings, Merlin's track record was uncannily good in these matters, although it pained Arthur to admit it. He felt like he should be doing something, but what could he do? If Gaius was right, which he usually was, the only way to stop this 'raw magic' – whatever that meant – was to destroy some pillar in a cave. As soon as it was light they would be going to do just that. He'd already packed everything for the journey, or at least Merlin had. All that remained was to eat, dress and saddle the horses. The kingdom had dealt with magic and sorcery before now, and somehow, against all odds it always managed to pull through. This time couldn't be any worse. Surely. He rolled over, closed his eyes and tried, with no success, to get some rest.

* * *

The pale glow of dawn crept softly across the buildings of town. Outside the people were stirring and getting ready for another working day. Trader's were setting up shop. Children were running outside to play and being told off by their mothers for not eating their breakfast first. Women were gossiping in the street and men were arguing.

"I don't care how many ruddy gargoyles your master wants sculpting, this load is for the south-east section of the town and that's that."

In the castle itself Arthur Pendragon looked from his window out over the city as Merlin fiddled with the remaining pieces of his armour.

"We're still here then. And it looks like it's going to turn out a nice day," Arthur said brightly.

"For the moment," replied Merlin grimly.

"Oh won't you please cheer up. I can't stand you when you're like this."

"Sorry."

"What, no impertinent comments, no sarcastic remarks, just sorry. I'm really looking forward to you being on this trip with me."

"Sorry."

"Is there an echo in here? Honestly Merlin," Arthur said, snatching his sword from Merlin's hand, "I don't know what gets into you sometimes."

"My lord," Sir Hadwyn appeared in the open doorway. "We're ready to leave."

"Very well, I'll be there shortly." Hadwyn bowed and left. Arthur turned to his servant. "Are you coming?"

"Sorry?" Arthur rolled his eyes.

"Are you coming with me?"

"Are you actually asking me?"

"Yes, I'm asking you. You're obviously bothered by something. If you don't want to come, because you're anxious about the journey, or you're worried something might happen while you're gone, then I won't force you." I'm sure your presence in Camelot would make anyone think twice before attacking, Arthur thought cynically.

"No, I'm coming."

Arthur smiled. "Good," he said, slapping Merlin on the back. "Now let's go catch this sorcerer."

They walked together outside the castle to the main gate where the other knights were waiting with the horses. As they passed through the main courtyard, Merlin spotted the executioners block which reminded him that Matthew was due to be killed here soon. Crowds were already gathering to witness the event. Merlin had been in Camelot long enough to witness many men and women put to death, and each time he felt sick as he imagined his own head beneath the axe as it fell. Every time there was the same feeling that next it could be him.

Suddenly there was a shout from one of the soldiers patrolling the walls.

"Sound the alarm!"

They looked up to see what was wrong.

"What is it?" Arthur cried back.

"Over there look."

Arthur followed where the man was pointing but could see nothing. He dashed up the steps onto the battlements and naturally Merlin was right behind him. He looked again and this time he could make out a dark shape in the air in the distance, flying with bat-like wings purposefully towards them. His face fell in shock. Already the other soldiers were beginning to panic.

"It's the dragon. The Great Dragon has returned."

"QUIET!" Arthur bellowed. "Pull yourselves together. The dragon is dead." He discretely shot his servant an accusing look, but Merlin nodded in conformation.

"There is no way that can be the dragon." Merlin said. He spoke the truth. If it was he would know.

Though black creature was moving towards them at an alarming speed, it was still difficult to make out, but Merlin's eyesight was better than most.

"It's a wyvern," Merlin said. "They look a bit like dragons but they're smaller and more aggressive."

"More aggressive?"

"Apparently. They also only have two legs instead of four and don't breathe fire, but they are poisonous." And they can't talk, Merlin added to himself. Arthur glared at him strangely. "I read it in one of Gaius's books," he explained.

Arthur squinted at the airborne beast trying to work out how Merlin could tell so much at this distance. He thought his own eyesight was impressive. He decided not to question it. He would see for himself soon enough. The wyvern, or whatever it was, was fast approaching.

"Gather the rest of the knights," Arthur shouted down to Sir Hadwyn, "And make sure the main square is cleared." Arthur and Merlin stood in the centre of a group of soldiers who lined the parapet armed with crossbows.

The wyvern's wings beat the air in powerful determined strokes. It's long, scaly neck protruded like a dart aiming directly for the castle and it's red eyes shone with menace.

"Looks like you were right about today," Arthur said to Merlin.

"Told you so," Merlin replied. Arthur deliberately trod on his foot.

"Hold your fire until it gets near!" Arthur commanded his men.

The wyvern's flapping grew louder.

"HOLD!"

It's barbed tail undulated threateningly as it flew.

"HOLD!"

The wyvern let out a blood-curdling shriek, which Merlin had heard before.

"NOW!"

The soldiers unleashed a volley of crossbow-bolts. The wyvern twisted in the air avoiding each one. It was surprisingly agile. Arthur drew his sword and attempted to strike the belly of the beast as it passed inches above his head. He could only assume he'd missed as the the wyvern whirled round in the air, tail lashing out in a furious stroke causing the men to scramble out of it's path. Merlin stumbled, but was grabbed by Arthur. The soldier who had sounded the alarm was less fortunate, lost his balance and plummeted from the narrow walkway onto the hard stone flags beneath, landing with a sickening crunch.

The execution postponed, Sir Leon, Sir Caradoc and several other knights charged out of the castle into the evacuated courtyard. There was a screech as the wyvern veered overhead before landing with a thud before them. Supporting it's upper body on its folded wings, it's head thrashed wildly, snapping at the assembling army. Arthur's section joined them from the opposite gate.

"Surround the creature," The prince ordered. The knights formed a tight circle, enclosing the savage animal. The wyvern writhed, tail beating against the shield barricade. It rose up on its legs, wings outstretched in a display of aggression. Without warning a spear was launched directly at its chest. It missed its target and Sir Algar was impaled.

"Caradoc!" Arthur barked across the square at the offending knight.

Merlin didn't understand what he had just seen. The spear hadn't missed, at least that's not what he saw, it just continued on its path never impacting it's target.

The wyvern whipped its neck around again and it's soulless eyes focused on a single prey, one of the youngest knights. It lunged forwards, jaws wide open revealing rows of jagged teeth. Arthur sprung into action to protect his men. Leaping into the circle, he charged at the creature. Distracted it turned instead on the prince. Arthur twisted out of its way at the last moment and brought his sword down in a smooth motion to sever its neck. He experienced a brief moment of satisfaction followed by complete horror as he realised the wyvern was completely unharmed. Instead of him it had attacked the next nearest person. Sir Leon writhed on the floor screaming as he was mauled. Arthur hacked at it again and again but his weapon was useless.

Merlin couldn't just stand back and do nothing. Wyverns were not supposed to be invulnerable to weapons and yet this one was. He had no idea whether his magic would work, but he had to try, even if it was a risk. He didn't want to chance moving and enchanting swords or spears in front of all these people but he knew a few spells that could be used without drawing attention to himself.

"Swilte."

Nothing. The wyvern continued to tear into its victim unimpeded.

"Slíð ælwiht."

Still nothing.

"Forsende. "

The beast remained unharmed but turned to face him, ripped and bloody flesh hanging from it's maw. It looked intently at him with a gaze that was not it's own and tilted its head, as if a human was regarding him through the creatures eyes. Then it spread its wings and launched itself into the air, disappearing into the clouds.

Arthur observed the scene. Sir Algar was dead. He turned to Sir Leon who now had Merlin kneeling beside him in a pool of blood. The knight's upper body was ripped to shreds. Arthur was astonished when Sir Leon stirred.

"He's alive," Merlin said, "But I'm not sure how." Immediately, three knights came forward to bear Leon to the court physician.

"Has it gone?" Arthur wasn't sure why he was asking Merlin of all people, but for some reason he seemed more aware of things than anyone else.

"It'll be back."

"How do you know?"

Merlin indicated Arthur to look up.

"Because it's brought its friends."

Reviews are always very much appreciated. Not sure when the next chapter will be up. Probably slightly later than usual because I've a lot of work to finish off next week and I've got to completely move out of my student accommodation for Easter break so lots of packing. On the other hand I may be able to get some more story written during the hols. When I'm not doing essays, projects or revision, that is. TTFN