The light through the stained glass windows of the castle changed with every cloud which covered the sun. As the rays danced across his face, Uther stood watching the day's progress through the panes of the dining room down into the courtyard. Although they were more subdued than usual his people continued to get on with their daily lives, not allowing fear to dictate them. He was proud of their progress - even Nimueh could not instill the amount of dread and terror she had once managed to hold over the Kingdom. Perhaps this was progress? She had certainly not dared to show her face within the castle walls and since Arthur's trip to the West there had only been a few sightings of her within Camelot. Uther could only hope this signalled a change for the city's future. No longer under threats of magic and sorcery to poison the land... that would be a great day, and it was sure to arrive in time.

"I've been told you're holding my friend, Aldras."

With no good afternoon or greeting of any kind, Morgana entered the room behind Uther and approached him with a stern expression. Once Uther turned to her he tried to keep his tone even though he had a feeling he knew what was coming.

"Aldras? Oh - yes - suspected of assisting Nimueh in her return. He was brought in yesterday."

"You are holding him on suspicion... not fact...?"

"Morgana..."

"If there is no proof he is guilty then let him go!"

With a regretful glance towards her Uther shook his head and his tone began to grow annoyed. "There are witnesses who saw the sorceress leaving his home."

"No! Aldras is a good man! He will be beheaded before sundown if you have your way! What is he supposed to have done to help Nimueh? What could possibly warrant his death?"

Uther took a breath. "Aldras provided her with food and water, she could be stronger because of him..."

"And feeding people is now a crime?"

"YES Morgana it is a crime to help sorcerers in their return! That is not new to you, you have always known of this! I am sorry that your friend must be held in the cells but also be sorry that he aided Nimueh in the first place..."

Throwing her hands into the air it was clear Morgana saw this as ridiculous. "This makes no sense! Most of Camelot have no idea what Nimueh even looks like yet you expect them to be aware! Have you not thought it could be an honest mistake? That he helped her under the assumption she was a normal woman of Camelot?" When Uther didn't reply Morgana scoffed. "Of course you haven't. You are so quick to hang these men! No need for trials, you are judge, jury and executioner within seconds of any ridiculous crime..."

"ENOUGH!"

Morgana was silenced though her rage still coursed through her. Uther appeared to be supressing his own anger at his ward's challenging behaviour but yet again he found himself staring her down, his wrist wrapped around hers as he had grabbed her in his fury. Uther's face was so close to hers that she could feel his breath pant over her mouth. Whereas she may have had a different reaction before, in this current situation she found herself repulsed. "If you had my chair, if you were in my position, you would not dare allow someone to challenge your authority as you insist in challenging mine." After a moment to calm down Uther released her from his grip and walked back to the table and raised his goblet to drink. Morgana watched him and her loathing of the man simply increased. "You may find my methods questionable but it has kept Camelot safe."

"Until now." Morgana could not help the little comment. Uther set her with his grey eyes under whose gaze she would not waver. Not this time. "Your readiness to kill innocent people has not only made sorcerers the enemies of Camelot but you are gradually turning your people against you. You are not simply controversial, you are blinded by what you think is right... you are adamant and stubborn, and Camelot is beginning to pay the full price for it! Young boys, farmers, wives, husbands, fathers... all are dying for your misguided ideal! If anyone in Camelot is helping Nimueh then can you truly blame them? You have brought such suffering! Even I would help her in her return for justice!"

Uther had tolerated her speech until now when he turned his head sharply to give her a piercing glare. His voice was low in warning. "That is a very dangerous comment to make, Morgana..."

"More of a promise."

"Watch your tongue!"

Morgana leant forward in a menacing gesture for her final words. "And I'd suggest you watch your step."

Without another word Morgana spun on her heel and left the room like the breeze that blew her in. Uther was left standing in a fury by the window. So angered was he that he threw down his goblet of wine the moment the door closed, cracking the mould on the floor. He knew her threats were made out of anger but he did not believe she would act on them. That at least gave him some peace within all his worries. On top of everything else he did not need Morgana battling for him to change his every decision. He began seriously considering letting Aldras out of the cells - having caused more trouble than good it might go some way as to mending his relationship with the ward but then he could not withdraw every conviction because Morgana - as beautiful and convincing as she was - contested it.

How little he knew, however, that Morgana was true in her words. She had not taken this lightly... though she would have preferred to consult Gaius before she made such a life-changing decision there was no going back if she was to help Camelot survive the tyrant's reign. Gaius would convince her against her idea, Arthur would think her mad and tell Uther immediately and Merlin did not deserve the burden of knowing such a secret... a part of her wished she could tell Gwen but she knew that to be impossible. She could not be there when breaking her best friend's heart: it was best Gwen found Morgana gone the same as everyone else. Despite how understanding of Morgana's cause she may be, Gwen would see no reason for her to be leaving Camelot altogether: if she could not persuade her to stay then she would offer to leave the city and come with her. Morgana could not do that - she could not ruin Gwen's life, not when she was leaving to save it along with many others. No, it would not do. If she was to be successful no-one could know... and so her mind was set. Morgana would leave under darkness of the night, and flee Uther's unfair and dangerous reign.