Gwen knelt to reverently place the bouquet of small, white flowers on the pile of stones which marked her father's grave. He had always appreciated her efforts to pick fresh flowers and have bunches of them around their home; she hoped he could still appreciate the gesture. Elyan placed a hand on her shoulder as he stood behind her. A slight breeze ruffled the blossoms, a hint of a possible storm in the warm air.
Because Tom died a criminal accused of consorting with sorcerers, Gwen had been forced to bury him in an isolated spot secretly assisted by Arthur in defiance of King Uther's command to "let him rot." They had placed Tom's grave in a small clearing of knee-high grass with a view of the White Mountains in the distance, although the view was obscured now by distant clouds. It was surrounded by dense thicket on three sides and a steep cliff on the fourth and was secluded from the many well-travelled paths around the city. Despite its isolation, it was close to Camelot and Elyan had every reason to believe they would be perfectly safe as long as he accompanied the queen so they could share their grief in private.
"Even after all these years, I still miss him," Gwen said quietly.
Elyan gave her shoulder a squeeze. "He was a good father." He swallowed a pang of guilt for having abandoned his father and sister so long ago after that last fight with Tom. His father never understood Elyan's desire for more than the life of a blacksmith, how he had chafed at the responsibilities that chained him to Camelot. Gwen had always done her best to mediate between father and son but, in the end, Elyan saw no other choice than to leave. He had not been there when his father died, had not even known until months later. And even then he had left Gwen to shoulder it all alone.
But he was with her now. "I'm glad we came."
"So am I." Gwen got to her feet. She turned to face her brother and took both his hands in hers. "He'd be proud of you, not just because you're a knight, but because of the man you've become."
"I don't think so," Elyan replied regretfully.
Tom had wanted so much for his son to take over his trade. Elyan considered himself moderately skilled as a blacksmith, but he had no desire to make his living over the heat of a forge, eyes burning from smoke and drips of sweat. Gwen gave him a sympathetic look and hugged him before they returned to their horses.
As they rode slowly through the last bit of forest which separated the grave site from a more well-travelled road, both their mounts shied at the same moment. Elyan calmed his dancing horse as he scanned the ground to see what had spooked the animal, but all he saw was an insubstantial mist which quickly dissipated. His head snapped up to see that Gwen's horse had bolted and she was already out of sight among the trees. He spurred his mount to gallop after her.
Elyan breathed a sigh of relief when his sister's streaming brown braids and blue cloak came into view only a short ways ahead of him. Then his eyes opened wide in horror when she was yanked from her horse as if by an invisible hand and thrown roughly to the wooded ground. He winced as she landed, hoping she was not injured in the fall.
The knight reined in hard and leapt to the ground to kneel beside Gwen, relieved beyond measure to find she was breathing although her eyes were closed. A footfall behind him warned of someone's approach and he drew his sword as he spun to his feet before he froze. Cold chills crawled up his spine.
The sorceress stood with a malevolent smirk marring her otherwise beautiful features. A hood covered her tangled dark hair and her black clothing was tattered. Even as the knight lifted his sword, the weapon was torn from his grasp at only a gesture from Morgana. It hovered in the air, then the blade spun slowly to point directly at his throat.
Every possible response – short sword, dagger, physical assault with his bare hands – raced through Elyan's mind only to be discarded the moment he thought of it. A sense of furious helplessness overwhelmed him at his inability to protect his sister.
Morgana smiled coldly. "You might still be able to save her." The sorceress tipped her head to the side. "If you deliver Emrys to me."
Panic tinged the helplessness. Elyan had no idea who she was referring to, but the depth of her madness made him despair of convincing her of his ignorance. "I have never heard of such a person."
"Then you had best find someone who has." Her smile vanished. "Have Arthur return here two hours before sundown with Emrys. My associate will escort them to me."
Before Elyan could formulate a reply, Morgana clenched her fist and executed a throwing motion. He felt himself yanked from his feet and tossed aside like a twig.
Gwen blinked several times, trying to erase the bright spots floating in front of her eyes. She became aware of a pounding headache at the same time as she felt a sharp rock poke into her side. The smell of damp earth filled her nostrils and she lifted a hand to brush something from her cheek only to discover her hands were bound.
"Good morning, my lady."
Panic spread through Gwen the moment she recognized the voice and realized Morgana was kneeling beside her to stroke her cheek. The queen bolted upright, eyeing her former mistress and friend with distrust. Her eyes darted around, finally coming to rest on Elyan lying unmoving on the grass not far away.
"No, he's not dead," Morgana's cold voice cut across Gwen's worst fear. "I need him to deliver my message. But we can't wait here or Arthur would find you too soon."
A length of rope was fastened to Gwen's tied hands. She watched, numb with shock, as Morgana mounted her horse and tugged on the rope. Without question, Gwen stumbled to her feet.
When Elyan regained consciousness there was no sign of Morgana or Gwen, although the queen's horse was grazing beside his own nearby. He searched the ground. A set of hoofprints headed away from Camelot; a single rider with someone walking, or being dragged, behind. Elyan glanced at the sky, estimating the time until sundown and how long it would take to return to Camelot and speak with the king. Then he considered telling Arthur his wife had been kidnapped from under the knight's nose and wondered whether facing Morgana might be less dangerous.
The decision was made when the trail he was following abruptly ended as if it had been erased. Elyan glanced again at the sun's position in the cloud-filled sky. He mounted and rode as hard as he could for Camelot.
When Morgana finally stopped her horse and dismounted, Gwen sank to the forest floor, exhausted. Morgana tossed the long rope at the queen's feet.
"What do you want with me?" Gwen did not try to disguise the terror she felt.
Morgana smiled and Gwen's stomach lurched.
"I thought we might play a little game," Morgana responded sweetly.
"A game?"
"Find out just how much Arthur loves you. We'll see whether Arthur chooses you or that powerful sorcerer who has been aiding him to steal my throne."
Gwen simply stared.
"Oh, don't look so worried, I'm certain he'll choose you." Morgana's saccharine tone was somehow more frightening than her usual venomous snarl.
"It won't work."
"You underestimate his feelings."
"He's not stupid," Gwen said forcefully.
"We'll see."
"He knows you took me, he knows it's a trap."
"He does," Morgana said. "But he'll still come."
The certainty in her voice sent a shiver up Gwen's spine, knowing it was the truth.
The sound of someone approaching caught Morgana's attention. Gwen followed the direction of Morgana's gaze to see a young man wearing a dark cloak over simple peasant garb and carrying a roll of cloth and a basket. He looked at Morgana for instruction.
"Daegal, thank you, I'm sure the queen is starved. You can lay the food out here."
Gwen stared in disbelief as the young man proceeded to spread the blanket he had carried on the ground between the two women before he unpacked the basket. Her eyes grew even wider at the array of cold meat, bread, cheese, and fruit set before her. Then the young man produced a flask of wine which he added to the feast.
"Please my lady," Morgana gestured to the food as though inviting an honoured guest to join her. "Eat. Food always makes me feel better. Here." She dished up a slice of cold pork with a hunk of cheese to hand to Gwen.
The queen merely stared at the food without taking it.
"Would you prefer some chicken?" Morgana asked solicitously.
Gwen checked the position of the sun, a bright spot behind the grey clouds. It had been mid-morning when she and Elyan began their return journey to Camelot; the sun was now past its zenith, so it had been a few hours since her capture and even longer since breakfast. But she could not trust Morgana. "Why are you doing this?"
"Because we're friends," was the calm reply. Morgana helped herself to a handful of strawberries and popped several in her mouth.
Still Gwen could not accept hospitality from someone she knew to be a mortal enemy who had kidnapped her for an unknown purpose.
"I spent two years living in darkness, chained to a wall at the bottom of a pit," Morgana spat. "I would have sold my soul for someone to show me kindness such as this."
"Whatever twisted game you're playing, I want no part of it."
"Then I leave you to your own solitary company, my lady." The respectful title sounded more like a term of derision. Morgana got to her feet, then with a smile of satisfaction at Gwen's fear she mounted her horse.
Gwen did not relax until the sound of hoofbeats faded into the distance. But as soon as Morgana's stifling presence had gone, Gwen found her apprehension mounting again at what the would-be queen was planning.
"The food is safe, my lady," came a boy's voice.
Gwen stiffened in fear at the reminder that Morgana's henchman was watching her. He must be her guard, yet he did not appear to be a hardened killer and he had seemed uneasy in Morgana's presence. The poorly-dressed boy had likely welcomed a few coins without asking too many questions about what he was being paid to do. He was thin and Gwen wondered when he had last eaten. Probably the young man had sampled the food it had been his job to transport, but he would not have dared to eat too much.
"Then please," Gwen said. "Help yourself."
The boy regarded her in astonishment for a moment.
"Really," she encouraged. "I find I can eat very little in this situation." She indicated her bound hands.
The boy gave her bonds a regretful look. "I can't untie you."
"I understand," Gwen said, hiding her disappointment. "Daegal, is it?"
He looked surprised again. "Yes, my lady."
"Well, Daegal, please help yourself."
The young man hesitated for another moment but he licked his lips as he eyed the food spread before him. Finally he crouched down on the far side of the blanket from her and tore off a hunk of bread. At her encouragement he helped himself to more food, eating quickly as though it might be taken away from him as unexpectedly as it had been offered.
"Daegal, do you know who I am?" Gwen asked when the sound of chewing began to slow.
He swallowed before he looked up slowly. "Yes, my lady. You're the queen."
"Then you know the king would reward you handsomely if you returned me to him."
A frightened look came over the boy and he shrank back as though the food had come with a price he was unwilling to pay. "I would not dare to cross the Lady Morgana."
Gwen sighed. "No, I understand completely how dangerous that would be."
For a few minutes they sat in silence and then the boy glanced at her uncomfortably. "Is there anything I can get for you, my lady?"
"If you cannot free me, then perhaps you could talk to me, just to keep my mind from dwelling on … well, on whatever Morgana has planned."
"What would you like me to say?"
"You could tell me about yourself, your family."
A dark look crossed the boy's face. "I don't matter."
Gwen frowned. "We all matter."
For a moment Daegal simply stared at her. "My mother is dead and my father was thrown in prison for trying to protect her."
Gwen gave him a puzzled look.
The boy regarded her cautiously before he continued in a low voice. "My mother had magic and Uther executed her for it. My father tried to stop the soldiers from dragging her from our home. I never saw him again."
It was a story Gwen had heard often, although such tales never failed to arouse her sympathies for the innocent victims left to mourn. "I am sorry."
"Is it true, then," he asked tentatively, "that it's no longer a crime to have magic?"
"Yes, it's true," Gwen answered. "Nor would anyone hold it against you that your mother did."
"Then could I –" Daegal began but he paled and leapt to his feet at the sound of returning hoofbeats.
The boy took up his previous post as her guard as she twisted around, a feeling of dread overwhelming her at the sight of Morgana returning. Gwen's dismayed expression must have pleased her former mistress because the dark-haired sorceress gave a cold smile which did not touch her eyes.
"I hope you did not miss me too much, my lady. I fear our time together is quickly coming to an end." Malevolence replaced the false smile. Morgana reached out a fist and closed it on empty air as though choking someone.
Gwen gasped and clawed at her throat, suddenly unable to draw in air.
Morgana waited only until the dark-skinned woman had slumped to the ground before releasing her magical chokehold. Then she knelt beside the unconscious queen and grasped her jaw in a rough grip to pour a dark liquid down her throat.
Daegal swallowed his horror along with any sign of his fear as the sorceress got to her feet and turned to face him.
"It is time to meet our guests. You know where to bring them."
"Yes, my lady," he replied.
Merlin's chest tightened when Elyan related his story. The knight stood rigidly, shoulders back as he faced the king in the throne room, Merlin standing beside him. The sorcerer glanced at Arthur's pale features to see the king clench his hands on the arms of his chair.
"And you were unable to track them?" Arthur demanded.
The knight shook his head helplessly. "The trail disappeared as though it had been erased. Do you know who Emrys is, Sire?" Elyan asked desperately.
Arthur gritted his teeth. "Yes, I think I do."
"If you tell me where to find him, I'll take him to the meeting. It's not safe for you to get near Morgana. Besides, this is my fault."
The knight's tortured expression seemed to affect the king, although he probably agreed Elyan should never have allowed the sorceress to ambush them.
"Gwen raised me." Elyan's eyes were fixed on the king, pleading for understanding that he had done everything in his power to protect his sister. "I don't know what I'd be without her."
"It was only a matter of time until Morgana struck again," Arthur reassured Elyan with a heavy sigh. "But to attack Guinevere …"
Merlin was certain the king was thinking that if he had been there Gwen would be safe when the sorcerer knew neither of them could have held off Morgana. But he could have. It was his fault Gwen was in danger, he should have been there.
"Where will Morgana be waiting?" Merlin questioned.
Elyan looked at him. "She said her associate would be at the place where we were attacked to take us to Morgana."
"Then you'll lead me there."
The knight regarded him with a half-hopeful, half-doubtful expression. "What about Emrys?"
Merlin smiled. "I am Emrys."
Arthur regarded at him closely. "What is this about? What is Morgana after?"
With a resigned sigh, Merlin launched into the explanation he had known he would have to give sooner or later. "When Morgana released the Dorocha, when she tore the veil between the worlds, she would have seen the Cailleach." He glanced at Arthur whose brow had furrowed. "The gatekeeper to the spirit world; she was the one waiting when we arrived on the Isle of the Blessed to heal the veil. I saw her, too, the night Morgana performed the ritual. The Cailleach called me and she used the name Emrys." Merlin wondered if he should explain more about that name, but the king indicated he should get on with the story. "According to Alator, the Cailleach made a prophecy to Morgana, that Emrys would be her destiny and her doom."
"Her doom?" Arthur asked heavily without questioning who Alator was. "What is that supposed to mean?"
Merlin ran a hand through his hair. "I don't know for certain, but I presume it means that at some point I will kill Morgana."
There was a sharp intake of breath from Elyan.
"Since then, Morgana has been attempting to discover who Emrys is and I have been doing everything possible to hide from her that I have magic and that Emrys is me."
"Why? Why not face her?" Arthur asked.
"Do you know what it feels like to be destined to kill someone? Someone who was once a friend?" Merlin stared at Arthur. "If it was in your power, would you kill her?"
The king did not answer immediately, but when he did his tone was steady. "Morgana and I were close, we grew up together, we loved each other like the brother and sister we didn't know we were. But she has since become a traitor who would uncaringly slaughter my people and anyone else in her way. She allowed her bitterness over our father's disavowal of her to control her and has demonstrated an eagerness to kill me. When I look into her eyes there is nothing left of the girl I cared for, only madness. Yes, I would kill her."
Merlin dropped his gaze. Then he felt Arthur's hand on his shoulder and looked up to see king standing beside him.
"I know how you felt about her," Arthur said.
Merlin shrugged. "She had magic," he answered.
"That was the reason for the flowers?" Arthur stepped back, surprise written across his features. "You knew, you knew long before she made her first move to take the throne. That's why things were so different between you two, like you were enemies instead of friends. Why didn't you alert us to her changed loyalties?"
"Uther would never have taken my word over hers," Merlin said. "I knew where I stood, and where she stood. Even you would not have believed me."
Arthur opened his mouth to refute that assertion before doubt crossed his face.
"Nor could I tell you how I knew some of the things I knew without revealing …" Merlin hesitated but Arthur gave him an understanding look.
"That you had magic," he finished. "Yet you chose to remain loyal to Camelot and Morgana chose to ally herself with Morgause against our father and against me." Arthur closed his eyes briefly. "Why didn't she trust me? I could have helped her. Surely she couldn't believe I would harm her for having magic?"
"It's not you Arthur. There were others better placed to help Morgana who failed her."
The king looked at Merlin sharply. "It was her decision, her choice," Arthur said. "Even now it's her choice to continue this relentless quest for the throne she believes Uther denied her by not admitting she was his daughter. She chose this path."
Merlin was heartened by the lack of blame he read in Arthur's eyes.
"She's completely mad," Arthur said.
"And she has Gwen," Elyan solemnly reminded them.
A pained look crossed Arthur's face. "I lost Guinevere once before."
Merlin held out his hand to the king. "You're not going to lose her. You're not," he added more forcefully. "We will find her, I swear. We'll bring her home."
Arthur grasped the proffered arm and some of the fear drained from his expression.
Merlin returned to the physician's chambers only long enough to don clothing appropriate to be out in the autumn chill, but before he could leave the workroom the door opened to reveal Gaius standing in the entrance. The elderly man took in the travelling clothes and the urgency Merlin knew was written across his face and raised an eyebrow questioningly.
Merlin froze where he stood. "Morgana kidnapped Gwen. We need to rescue her."
A worried frown creased the old man's brow. "How will you find them?"
Knowing Gaius could read him like a book, Merlin hesitated briefly. "She assigned a place and time to meet with us, and Emrys."
The blood drained from the physician's face and he put out a hand to catch himself from falling. "You cannot let her know who you are, Merlin."
The young man took Gaius' arm and led him to the nearest bench so he could take a seat. Then Merlin looked his guardian in the eye although his tone was gentle. "I won't let anyone die to keep the secret, Gaius. Besides, it's only a matter of time. The more people who know I have magic, the more likely word will reach Morgana and then she'll realize."
The old physician was aware of the truth of his words, as much as he might like to deny it.
"I'll be careful, I promise."
"Merlin, you are never careful," Gaius said.
Merlin gave him a wry smile in response and squeezed his arm. "I have to say goodbye to Mithian."
Mithian's delighted smile of welcome when he found her alone in her chambers faded at the expression on his face. "What's wrong?"
"Morgana is holding Gwen hostage."
"What has she demanded in exchange for the queen's life?" Mithian's left hand massaged her right wrist.
"The sorcerer Emrys."
Mithian wore a puzzled expression before horrified comprehension dawned. "You – she's trying to remove you from protecting Arthur."
"I won't let her hurt Arthur or Gwen. And I won't allow her to destroy Camelot or the kingdom of Albion that Arthur will build. I'll stop her no matter what."
She stared at him for a long moment. "You would give your life to do so, wouldn't you? Even now." She laid one hand on her swollen belly.
Regret for how things had to be gripped Merlin more than it ever had before. "That's the reason for my existence: to ensure Arthur and Albion live even if I'm not there to see it."
"Why do you think your life is worth less than Arthur's?"
Merlin smiled. "Since I found the purpose for my gifts, I've known Arthur would be a great ruler of a great kingdom and when my part was done I would fade from memory."
"If you were unimportant, why did fate not give Arthur those gifts?"
"I think it would be too much power for one person. Besides, we're not meant to walk alone; that's why we have family, friends, people we love." He cupped her face in his hands.
She reached up to stroke his cheek. "Just remember that you are cherished, not just Arthur, not just Albion."
A tiny, self-deprecating laugh escaped him at her earnestness, as though the princess really believed he was precious. Then he bent down to kiss her before leaving to meet Arthur and Elyan.
He could not prevent either Gwen's husband or brother from accompanying him, but Merlin worried about his ability to protect them all and simultaneously rescue Gwen. Arthur had insisted on coming himself as had Elyan, but the king refused to lead any more of his knights into a danger they could not hope to fight. Merlin was certain Morgana would make an attempt to kill Arthur, in fact it might be her plan to use this ruse to lure him out. Gwen may not even be alive, although Merlin had to trust she was and they would get to her.
The three of them arrived at the edge of the thicket to find a young man in a dark cloak waiting patiently. He nearly blended into the deep shadows beneath the trees, his cloak wrapped tightly against the chill evening breeze. His eyes darted around, but whether he was afraid of being arrested as a criminal or simply on edge until his dealings with Morgana were finished, Merlin could not tell.
The boy glanced around again as if searching for someone else, then he looked inquiringly at the king. Arthur indicated the young man should lead them to Morgana, so with a final glance over his shoulder the boy gestured at them to follow him. They tethered their horses and followed on foot deeper into the thicket. The clouds obscuring the sun made it seem later than it was and the ground beneath the trees was hard to see in the dim light.
The young man led them back to the tiny clearing which housed the shrine to Tom. Elyan averted his gaze from the flowers Gwen had placed there earlier. The boy stopped beside the marker and waited.
Morgana must have been watching them from the deeper darkness beneath the trees because when they arrived her venomous words cut through the stillness of the early evening as she stepped forward. "Hello, dear brother."
Arthur stiffened but made no move to grasp his weapon. "Morgana." He kept his tone neutral, not betraying his fury or his fear.
"It's been far too long," she continued sweetly. "I haven't seen you since you left me under a pile of fallen rock in a collapsed tomb. The work of your pet sorcerer who has been of so much assistance to you of late, I assume." Her tone grew harder.
"Where is Guinevere, Morgana?" Arthur demanded coolly.
The sorceress smiled cruelly. "I poisoned her."
At that, Arthur did grasp the hilt of his sword before he could stop himself from making such a futile gesture.
"Now don't worry, you have time to save her," Morgana said. "If you give me what I want, I'll take you to Gwen and give you the antidote." Her venomous glare shifted to Merlin. "That's the usual bargain, isn't it?"
Merlin felt the barb hit home. His conscience pricked him at the vindictive accusation in Morgana's eyes, condemning him for bartering her life to Morgause.
"Why are you doing this, Morgana?" Arthur demanded. "I have made the kingdom safe for magic, isn't that what you wanted?"
The look she gave him was icy. "Now you would welcome me back as a beloved sister, is that right?"
"You would have to answer for your treason, for the lives of innocent citizens."
"Uther never answered for his crimes!" she said furiously. "As he never acknowledged me even though I'm his rightful heir."
Arthur did not waste his breath to dispute her assertion. "He treated you as a beloved daughter."
"If I behaved as he wanted, if I was exactly what he demanded I be. Not if I questioned him or his deeds. But you – you could do no wrong. The sun rose and set in you."
"What do you want, Morgana?"
"The old man," she demanded, a flicker of madness in her wild-eyed stare.
For a moment Arthur was puzzled. Morgana's eyes seemed genuinely to be searching the area as though seeking someone.
"Emrys is not an old man," Merlin said.
The sorceress flicked her gaze to him briefly before she fixed her attention back on the king. "I heard he has many faces, but you know who I mean."
Merlin stepped forward resolutely. "Emrys is right here, Morgana."
For a moment it appeared she did not believe him, then a look of absolute astonishment caused her mouth to drop open. The shock was replaced with a fury so vehement he was afraid she had lost all sense of reason. Her anger erupted in an outpouring of rage that took the physical form of a flaming sword hurtling at him so swiftly he barely had time to raise a shield.
When the blaze fizzled harmlessly at Merlin's outstretched hand, Morgana grew even more enraged. She screamed. Everyone clapped their hands over their ears and the trees bent as if a gale was blowing; the flowers Gwen had left on her father's grave were whirled away and the stones rattled. Daegal dropped to his knees, hands still covering his ears, while Arthur and Elyan braced themselves against the tempest.
Abruptly the scream stopped. Morgana stood glaring at Merlin who returned her accusatory scowl calmly.
"You knew, you knew exactly how afraid I felt. I begged you to tell me the truth, but you just stood there, pretending to care," she spat. "Pretending to be so helpful, telling me where to find the Druids, all the while refusing to tell me the truth."
Guilt threatened to overwhelm him but he reminded himself of all she had done since. "I am sorry, Morgana, but I couldn't trust you."
"Sorry?" she shrieked. "Sorry does not begin to make up for abandoning me, for letting that old fool lie to me."
"Gaius did what he thought best for you."
"He didn't understand. But you did," she snarled.
"I wished to help you, but not in the way you wanted. I would never have helped you overthrow Uther and I won't allow you to hurt Gwen."
A look of satisfaction stole over Morgana's face that caused a shiver of fear to crawl up his spine in a way her fury had not.
"But she will die if you don't act quickly. The poison is working its way through her now, causing unimaginable pain." Morgana tipped her head to the side, her dark tangle of hair swinging in a clump. "Unless you do as I say, you won't find her in time, and even if you did I am the one who knows what poison it is and I have the remedy."
"Then tell us what to do. Let's end this," Merlin said.
Her smile spread wider, twisting her beautiful features. "What I ask is simple, just even. Poetic justice."
"What is it, Morgana?" Arthur demanded impatiently.
She held out a hand towards Merlin and opened her clenched fingers to reveal a small vial. "You take the poison."
Elyan gasped but Merlin had expected a proposal like it. She would think it fair and just to poison him as he had done to her.
Morgana saw that he understood. "It isn't even a trick. You'll know exactly what you're doing and it will be your choice."
"If I do, how do I know you'll take Arthur to Gwen and give him the antidote? That you will let either of them return alive?"
"Don't worry, this is a slow-acting poison. You have hours to ensure I kept my side of the bargain before the poison eats away at you." She smiled again despite the coldness in her eyes. "You might even have all night." She turned her smile on Arthur. "If you're thinking you can give the remedy to both of them, you should know there is only enough for one dose."
Merlin saw Arthur's face fall.
"So you can choose who to save, your wife or your sorcerer. I won't interfere."
A cold fury to match his sister's touched Arthur's eyes.
She turned back to Merlin. "Take heart. It's better to die in a night than be trapped in a living grave. At least you will not be shackled and there is light; you can move, you can see."
A memory of how it felt to be chained in darkness, cut off from his power, his own magic causing him pain, sliced through Merlin. Again he experienced a sliver of empathy for what Morgana had suffered. "The Sarrum is dead now."
"Yes, I heard Arthur had defeated him. Slaughtered his warriors and drove them back to their homeland. So you had someone to rescue you, even though you're a worthless servant? But no one came to save me," she said bitterly.
"We didn't know then, believe me."
"Is that so? Perhaps it's true." She raised her hand higher, the small vial on her open palm.
Holding her gaze, Merlin reached out to take the poison.
"No," Arthur protested.
Morgana made a show of consulting the sun's position in the sky. Despite the clouds, the sky was visibly darker in the east. "Gwen doesn't have much time."
Merlin kept his eyes fixed on Morgana, silently communicating that he would ensure she kept her word to lead them to Gwen in time to save her, as he removed the wax stopper and tipped the contents into his mouth. It tasted vile but no worse than most of Gaius' concoctions. As soon as he swallowed, he ordered Morgana to lead them to Gwen.
"Of course, follow me," she said with a satisfied smile.
Merlin stayed close behind her, alert for any sign of treachery. Arthur and Elyan followed after and the boy trailed them at a distance. Merlin studiously ignored the worried looks on the faces of the king and his knight.
They had not walked far when Morgana lifted a leafy branch out of the way to show the remains of a picnic spread on the ground and Gwen lying prone beside the food. Her red gown and blue cloak were twisted as if she had writhed on the ground, her hair was plastered damply to her face, and bile stained her lips. She whimpered but did not open her eyes.
Arthur and Elyan both rushed forward to drop to their knees on either side of her, their faces drawn. Elyan untied her hands.
Arthur laid a hand on her brow, then shot a glare at Morgana. "Where is the remedy?"
She held up a vial.
Merlin glanced at Gwen for only an instant but in that moment Morgana smashed the vial on the ground and, cackling insanely, disappeared in a swirling rush of wind.
"Morgana!" Merlin cried in fury and alarm but it was too late.
"No!" Arthur shouted. He turned a horrified gaze on Merlin before staring down at Guinevere as she moaned and thrashed.
Desperately, Merlin knelt among the wreckage of the broken vial, carefully examining each piece. The neck of the container contained a few precious drops of the antidote; perhaps with help it would be enough.
His face pale but determined, Merlin nudged Elyan aside and crouched beside Gwen with the shard in hand. He held her jaw steady to tip the droplets onto her tongue, then closed his eyes as he laid one hand on her feverish forehead and one on her stomach. "The poison is deep within her." When he opened his eyes Arthur was staring at him, his eyes moist. Resolutely, Merlin concentrated every scrap of power he could summon, speeding and strengthening the healing properties of the remedy, helping it fight the poison that was choking the life from Gwen.
When he had done what he could, Merlin took his hands away and stared down at Gwen. Her only response was another moan of pain. His heart sank; either there had not been enough residue left of the antidote or his healing spell had not worked. He looked at Arthur in despair.
Then Gwen's eyes fluttered open. "Arthur?"
"Guinevere!"
She shakily reached up a hand and he grasped it tight.
"Gwen?" Elyan grasped her other hand.
"Elyan! Thank God you're all right!" Her voice was hoarse.
"Me?" he asked in amazement. "Gwen, we thought we'd lost you."
Her eyes opened wide as she looked at the ring of concerned faces above her, then she slowly sat up. "I was coughing and retching." She looked down and saw her stained clothes and one hand went to her throat as she coughed again. "Then what happened?"
Arthur looked steadily at Merlin. "Merlin used his magic to save you."
Gwen twisted so she could see him. "Thank you."
"Yes, thank you," Elyan added.
Certain she would recover, Merlin allowed relief to wash over him.
"How did you find me?" Gwen asked weakly.
The other three exchanged a glance.
"Morgana led us here," Elyan explained, "after Merlin took the poison."
As the queen turned her horrified gaze on him, Merlin suffered a fit of coughing that doubled him over. He tried to catch his breath but it felt like his throat was closed, like he could not draw in enough air. Another coughing fit racked his lean frame and he put one hand on the ground to brace himself. Flecks of white foam speckled the dirt beside his palm. When he lifted his head, he met three pairs of eyes.
"The remedy, there must be more." Elyan leapt to his feet and began poking cautiously through the fragments of the vial Morgana had smashed.
Merlin shook his head, aware there was not another drop left among the shattered pieces.
"Merlin, there must be something you can do," Arthur said.
"If we knew what the poison was," Merlin was dismayed by how hoarse his voice sounded, "Gaius might be able to make an antidote."
"It's henbane, but he won't have the main ingredient to make a remedy."
At the sound of the unfamiliar voice they remembered the young man who had led them to Morgana. Daegal seemed alarmed to have the attention of all four so suddenly focused on him.
Arthur rose to his feet and fixed the young man with a scowl. "You know how to make the remedy?"
"I … I work for the man who sold the potions to Morgana," Daegal admitted with a glance behind him as if looking for an escape route. "I gather ingredients for him and sometimes I help him in his workroom."
Merlin was wracked by another fit of coughing and Daegal cast a worried look from the sick man to the angry king. Arthur took several steps toward the young man who shrank back.
"Daegal." Gwen had risen to her feet although she swayed slightly when she did. She stepped in front of her husband. "Can you make an antidote? Do you know where to find what you need?"
"Yes, my lady."
Gwen gave him an encouraging smile and the boy stood taller. "Would you do it, then, quickly?"
The boy darted into the undergrowth.
Arthur frowned. "How do we know he's coming back, let alone knows what he's doing?" The king glanced worriedly at Merlin who could feel beads of sweat standing out on his forehead as he struggled to drag air into his lungs.
"We can trust Daegal," Gwen said.
"If Arthur hasn't scared him off," Merlin croaked feebly before he collapsed in another coughing fit. When he tried to catch his breath he found Arthur and Elyan on either side of him, supporting him as best they could.
"Merlin, thank you for saving Guinevere," Arthur said.
"Now I'm worried," the sorcerer rasped. "Arthur is thanking me, that must mean I'm dying."
"You're not going to die, Merlin," the king said. "We still need you."
Before the dark-haired man could think of a reply he was forced to bend over, retching painfully. After that all four of them fell silent, waiting.
"Elyan," Arthur ordered abruptly, "ride for Camelot and fetch Gaius. If the boy doesn't come back, at least the physician may be able to help."
"I won't leave Gwen here," Elyan protested. "We don't know for sure Morgana is not coming back."
The king's head snapped up. "Guinevere is not leaving here without me."
"I'm not leaving until Daegal comes back." Despite the weakness in her voice, Gwen's tone brooked no opposition.
"We don't know if he is coming back, or if he can help when he does," Arthur said with a concerned frown. "Elyan has a point, we should all get out of here in case Morgana returns to check on the success of her little ploy."
"No." Gwen said. "You heard what Daegal said about Gaius being unable to make a remedy. We cannot risk leaving before the boy returns."
Arthur stared at Merlin with a tortured expression. "We have no reason to believe that boy was telling the truth."
Gwen opened her mouth to protest when they heard someone's approach. Their heads whipped around to see Daegal returning. He had used a large leaf as a bowl and was cradling it in his cupped hands. He hesitated at the four stares all fixed on him, then continued resolutely to where Merlin crouched on the ground. Carefully, Daegal lifted the tincture and held it to Merlin's lips to tip the contents into his mouth.
As soon as Merlin swallowed, he felt the antidote course through him, battling the effects of the poison. Closing his eyes, Merlin concentrated on the antidote, helping it drain away the toxin that choked his airways. He gulped in air when he felt his throat open up again. A shudder went through him, then he felt his strength returning.
Opening his eyes, he found himself looking into Daegal's face. "Thank you."
The boy shrugged. "You saved the lady."
"Thank you, Daegal," Gwen said. "You are brave to defy Morgana. You have done well."
The boy's cheeks reddened at her praise. "I haven't done many good things in my life."
"You've done something good now," Merlin said. "You have a gift."
Daegal dropped his gaze to the ground and shrugged.
"If Morgana learns you helped us," Gwen said, "it might not be safe for you to return to your work or your home." She turned a pleading look on Arthur.
"Guinevere is right. You can come to Camelot with us. I'll ensure safe passage wherever you choose to go."
Daegal gave the king an astonished look.
"After all, you did just save the life of my … friend."
Merlin raised his eyebrows but his throat was too raw to make a suitable remark.
"We should leave." Elyan said. "Before Morgana comes to check her handiwork."
"She'll find out soon enough none of us are dead," Merlin croaked.
Arthur pinned the sorcerer with a look. "She knows who you are now. She'll be after you."
"I've thwarted her before. Besides, you're her main target. And if something were to happen to you …"
"She still has a claim to the throne," Arthur finished gravely.
"She would need an army to take the city and hold it," Elyan said.
Merlin did not find that thought comforting.
Arthur grasped hold of Merlin's arm to drag the younger man to his feet. "Let's get back to the horses. Guinevere." The king took his wife's hand and strode off in the lead, clasping her tightly.
Merlin and Daegal followed and Elyan brought up the rear. As they made their way quickly and cautiously to where the horses were tethered, Merlin looked over at Daegal.
"You said you gathered ingredients and helped the potion-maker in his workroom?" His voice was still hoarse.
The boy gave him a puzzled glance before hesitantly confirming the observation.
"Gaius, the court physician, could use assistance like that."
Arthur's head whipped around at the offer. "I will not have a young criminal who allied himself with Morgana working within the citadel, Merlin."
"Keeping reckless boys out of trouble is Gaius' specialty."
Arthur scowled in response to his friend's grin.
"He did help us in defiance of Morgana," Merlin said.
"There's no place for him to stay in the palace."
"Actually," Gwen said, "he could have Merlin's room in the physician's chambers, then Gaius could supervise him closely and have him on hand whenever he needs."
"Wait a minute," Merlin objected in surprise. "I live there."
"But you don't spend your nights there," Gwen said with a sly smile. "We can find new accommodations for you, someplace more convenient."
Merlin felt his cheeks grow hot and hid his embarrassment in a cough. Elyan gave him a curious look.
Daegal's eyes had grown wider as the three discussed his immediate future. The queen fixed him with a penetrating look.
"Would you want to assist the court physician in his duties in Camelot?" she asked.
Daegal stopped walking to stare at her with open-mouthed astonishment before Elyan nudged him to keep going.
"Yes," the boy managed to gasp. "Yes, I would, my lady. My mother was a healer."
"Hang on," Arthur barked.
Daegal appeared intimidated by the king's frown but both Merlin and Gwen merely gazed at him.
Arthur looked from one to the other of them before throwing up his hands in surrender. "Fine, if Gaius is willing, then fine." The king marched up to the horses. He snatched the reins of his mount with unnecessary force and received a reproachful whinny in response.
Gwen gave Daegal a reassuring smile. "Gaius will be glad for your help."
At that moment they heard a warning shriek and felt a gust of wind. Then a blast of dragonfire scorched the area around them causing them to drop the ground in an attempt to seek cover.
When Merlin regained his feet, his eyes met Morgana's cold stare. He could feel the weight of her fury at his apparent good health, her hate almost palpable. She stood in the cover of the trees at the edge of the small clearing. At the sound of Aithusa's screech, a triumphant smirk crossed Morgana's face.
Merlin glanced up at the croaking shriek. Aithusa had banked in the sky and was diving toward them again.
Merlin strode forward to meet her. "Nun de ge dei s'eikein kai emois epe'essin hepesthai!"
His eyes flashed gold and the white dragon squawked as she came to a halt in mid-flight, frantically backpedalling before turning in the air to flap away. It cut at his heart to deal so harshly with her but there was no opportunity at present to do other than send her off.
Merlin's eyes fixed again on Morgana to see an expression of utter betrayal at the dragon's retreat.
"Emrys!" she screamed in rage.
Before he could blink she had raised her hand and sent a bolt of lightning at him.
Calmly he reached out and caught it, then sent it back at her. She screeched as she ducked to avoid the bolt. It crashed into a tree behind her in a shower of sparks, briefly lighting the dark forest.
Her shout had apparently been a signal because Merlin saw several armed men break from the tree cover to rush at the group in the clearing. With a sweep of his left arm, Merlin sent several of the men flying backward. Behind him he heard the clash of swords and assumed that Arthur and Elyan had engaged more of their attackers.
Morgana used his momentary distraction to reach out a hand toward Merlin and incant the choking spell "Hilda" had used. She squeezed her fingers together and he felt his throat close, but this time he was familiar with the incantation. Immediately he clenched his fist and was satisfied to see Morgana raise a hand to her own neck.
As black dots began to swim in front of his eyes from lack of air, Merlin saw Morgana sink to her knees. She released her chokehold. He took a deep, gasping breath as his hand instinctively went to his throat, likewise releasing his hold on her.
She stared malevolently at him as she rose slowly to her feet. Then every sword, dagger, and axe the fallen attackers had been carrying came hurtling at him. Merlin held out both arms, his eyes flashed, and the weapons froze in midair. At another word they were sent flying toward Morgana but she merely waved them aside. He heard Gwen cry out behind him but he could not risk breaking eye contact with Morgana. He could only hope Arthur and Elyan were able to defend Gwen and Daegal, both of whom were unarmed, until Merlin could rid them of the threat the sorceress posed.
Merlin began chanting an incantation, hand outstretched, and a whirlwind formed in front of him. The air spun faster and faster, picking up autumn leaves and fallen branches from the grassy clearing.
A look of terrified recognition came over Morgana's face. Then she raised both hands and released another bolt of lightning which Merlin realized was not aimed at him but instead at those who were behind him. He let the whirlwind fade as he threw his power into raising a shield wide enough to protect the others.
Her lightning hit his shield and flared brightly causing Merlin to raise one arm to cover his eyes. When he looked back at the place Morgana had stood, no one was there. For a brief instant he considered trying to follow her, but he had no idea where she had gone and he had to check on Arthur, Elyan, Gwen, and Daegal. The sounds of fighting behind him had stopped.
Merlin spun around to see Arthur standing solemnly, his bloody sword held loosely at his side. None of the armed attackers were standing, although one or two groaned where they lay. Gwen knelt on the ground, Elyan's head in her lap, a dark stain seeping through the chain mail covering his chest.
Daegal was crouched beside them, but he had withdrawn his hands from any attempt to save the wounded knight. He looked helplessly at Merlin.
"I'm sorry, Gwen," Elyan croaked weakly.
"No, you saved me," Gwen sobbed in response. "Father would be proud of you."
"And of you. So proud."
The life went out of Elyan's eyes and Daegal reached out wordlessly to close them. Gwen sobbed harder, her tears soaking the front of her already-stained gown.
At length, Arthur sheathed his sword and knelt to take her in his arms while Daegal eased the knight's lifeless form onto the ground.
Gaius breathed an immense sigh of relief to see Merlin walk through the door of his chamber just after dark. The old man moved to greet his ward with a hug but halted at the somber look on Merlin's face.
"Elyan is dead," Merlin said.
The physician started forward again and Merlin met him halfway to be enfolded in an embrace that was both comforting and welcoming. Then Gaius' eyes fell on another figure standing on the threshold behind Merlin and he turned a questioning look on his ward.
"Daegal," Merlin said by way of introduction, gesturing the young man to come forward. "This is Gaius, the Court Physician. Gaius, Daegal is skilled with herb-gathering and potion-making-assistance which might be of use to you."
The startled expression on Gaius' face told Merlin the physician had not yet fully realized he needed more help in his daily tasks.
"How do you know the boy has these skills?"
"He brewed an antidote that saved my life."
"Merlin! What did you do?"
The sorcerer winced at both the tone and the sharp look. "Morgana's price for Gwen's life was that I take the same poison she used on Gwen. Henbane."
Apparently his guardian thought the stupidity of that was self-evident because he did not waste any words pointing out Merlin's foolishness. "Does she know?" he asked instead.
Merlin nodded. "Morgana knows I'm Emrys."
A resigned expression slowly replaced Gaius' worried frown. "Well, it was only a matter of time, I guess." The old man turned to the skinny boy standing on the threshold, twisting the hem of a worn dark cloak in nervous fingers. "Daegal, is it?"
The boy nodded.
"You look hungry." Gaius dished up a bowl of a warm stew and set it on the table.
Daegal hesitated.
"Go on," Merlin said.
With a glance at the old physician's compassionate face, Daegal sat down and hungrily wolfed down the entire bowl of stew seemingly without pausing for breath. It was only once he had finished eating that the boy thought to thank his host. Red-faced, he murmured his appreciation while he stared down at his empty bowl.
Gaius merely chuckled and dished up another helping. "We'll have to make you up a bed on the floor until we can find you a permanent place to sleep."
"Gwen suggested he could have my room," Merlin began, but stopped at the look of utter shock on his guardian's face. "She thought there might be other accommodations for me … elsewhere in the palace," he finished awkwardly.
Gaius sighed, the look of surprise fading as he set the refilled bowl in front of Daegal. "I knew this would come sooner or later."
Merlin reached out to take one of the thin, old hands in his. "Gaius, I will always be here for you whenever you need me."
"I know my boy, I know."