Sorry for the lengthy wait... But in an attempt to appease you all this chapter is ridiculously long :)

Summary: Elyan at the Round Table told everyone that whatever was following them from Caerleon will arrive in Camelot within two days. That's a mere 48 hours away...

Chapter 17: Travelling Corridors, Travelling Fog

The castle's usual bustle had died down hours ago, most of its inhabitants asleep or tossing and turning in their beds. But it wasn't quiet either. Whispers flooded the corridors. There was an enemy coming to Camelot. The city wall was being manned and the granaries and warehouses were slowly stocking up, all signs pointed to a possible siege. No one knew more than that except for the king's most trusted men and the Queen of course. But that didn't mean the rest of the castle nor the city weren't aware of the things that happened behind the closed doors of the Round Table. They talked and guessed and some even spied...

The door to the Round Table creaked open and Gwen looked up pleased to see Gaius shuffle inside. He nodded sleepily and sat down. He was immediately followed by Galahad - who looked even younger with his tousled hair - Leon, Percival, Elyan and finally Gwaine making seven reluctant conspirators. Their silhouettes casted wavy shadows in front of them caused by the torches lining the wall and the crackling flames in the fireplace.

"I'm glad you all were willing to come to this gathering despite the early hour." Gwen finally broke the silence and looked especially apologetically at her brother and Percival. Early wasn't an exaggeration, it would be another two hours before the sun rose.

"Where are they?" Leon asked and subsequently suppressed a yawn knowing he wouldn't be seeing his bed this night. Everyone glanced warily at the two currently empty chairs.

"Arthur's asleep. After his inspection of the city wall I 'persuaded' him to drink another of Gaius' vials. I don't expect him to wake up for another three hours." Gwen smiled sweetly and exchanged a conspiratorial glance with the resident physician.

"Gwaine?" Leon inquired next. Gwaine was slumped in his chair and restlessly tapped his fingers on the table. He sighed.

"Merlin locked himself into the vaults." He answered, his voice both laced with annoyance and worry.

"He didn't?" Galahad gaped hoping Gwaine would alter his statement but the knight just rolled his eyes and muttered, "He's an idiot."

"That boy's going to be the death of me." Gaius suddenly spoke up and rested his head in his hand.

"He isn't a boy anymore, Gaius." Leon commented.

"Don't I know it." The physician sighed. Indeed Merlin nowadays rarely showed any resemblance to that naive young boy who had walked into his quarters on a inconspicuous Wednesday morning.

"We need to act. Any ideas?" Gwen spoke up finally arriving at the goal of this meeting.

"Maybe if we got them in the same room and ..." Leon suggested.

"They've been in the same room a couple of times before. It doesn't work. It only chills the air a bit." Gwaine countered.

"Arthur shoved Merlin against a wall." Galahad informed the rest. "And crashed a bookcase in the process." Leon groaned. That was not good.

"Why?" Percival asked.

"Because he figured out Merlin sometimes disguised himself as an old grumpy man. Sounds familiar?" Gwen answered. Four pairs of eyes widened as they made the connection.

"Merlin is insane!" Gwaine chuckled briefly before he turned serious again, "I can't understand why they're both so stubborn about this."

"Same here," Leon agreed, "The work gets done of course, but Arthur said it himself that he doesn't want strive in the ranks."

"From what I heard it's like they have this silent agreement about nothing agreeing on anything." Elyan commented.

"Honestly I have no idea what's going on inside their heads." Gaius said and turned to his right.

"Don't look at me. Arthur is as withdrawn as he was a few months ago." Gwen answered his questioning gaze.

"He's doubting himself of course." Leon raised.

"Never mind Arthur, haven't you all noticed something's off about Merlin?" Galahad asked.

"He's a bit irritable, but that doesn't seem abnormal." Elyan acquiesced, "Apparently a lot has changed in the last days."

"My point exactly," Galahad argued, "We all know his secret and our reactions compass everything from albeit reluctant acceptance to exuberant enthusiasm. It's probably better than he expected."

"What do you think he expected?" Elyan wondered out loud.

"Torches and pikes." Percival answered.

"Prison and pyres." Gwaine went on.

"You're right. He does seem down." Gwen pondered, "Almost as if he was withholding something troubling."

"Right?" Galahad nodded glad his suspicions were acknowledged, "When I became a knight it too was a big change, but I wasn't mopping because it was a good thing."

"True, you were an annoyingly cute little ray of sunlight for days." Gwaine agreed and winked seeing the druid's angry glare at being called cute.

"He wasn't 'annoyingly cute' Gwaine…" Gwen intervened. "Thank you." Galahad said grateful, but Gwen wasn't done yet, "He was adorable."

At this Gwaine snorted while Galahad just sighed. Gwen had no idea what she did wrong.

Leon forcefully cleared his throat, "This isn't getting us any closer to diffusing the situation."

"Merlin wasn't acting like himself before he ever told Arthur about his magic." Gaius suddenly recalled, "Remember the day you all left for Nortcliff? The meeting?"

"He was a bit moody then." Gwaine pondered and suddenly became quite aggravated, "This is ridiculous, seriously. First we had to deal with a grumpy Arthur for months and now Merlin is the withholding one. Who would have thought?"

"He has kept his secret for years. It's clearly not a new development." Leon pointed out.

"Leon's right. When something's up with Merlin you need to ask the right questions. So I asked him afterwards what was bothering him. He told me he was doubting himself."

"Unbelievable, they're so alike. If only they could see it." Percival said wisely.

"But why would he do that? He's Emrys."

"Galahad, you haven't been here long enough to know, but in the past there were a few close calls everybody can sure remember." Gaius said gravely. Everyone else nodded remembering some occasions when Merlin's 'luck' barely made it out alive. "And a few only I knew of."

"So you think that's it?" Elyan asked and suggested, "Maybe we should let them play it out without us interfering."

"Nah, knowing them they will do something stupid." Gwaine argued.

"I'm with Gwaine on this. They're too distracted although they'll both deny it." Leon agreed and ran his hand through his hair.

"Frankly I'm not seeing any action from us which couldn't propel this thing further in the wrong direction." Gwen said, "I tried to tell Arthur some stories and he attacked Merlin."

"So we're just going to sit back and watch?" Gwaine summed up not liking this course of action but not seeing a current alternative either.

"We'll watch their backs, both of them." Leon concluded. The rest nodded silently and got up to resume their duties or catch a couple of hours of sleep. Gwen was the last to leave and leaned back in her chair looking forlorn at the cascading flames and sizzling wood in the fireplace. Even without a clear solution the meeting revealed one pivotal thing: everybody was firmly standing behind Arthur and Merlin. It just upset her that they couldn't do anything more than that.

"Thank you." Arthur inclined his head when Lauren placed the tray with his breakfast and a couple of letters in front of him. He watched her smile and bow before she returned to rummage around the room. Gwen had risen before him and he guessed she went back to Annis. He pinched the bridge of his nose as he read the letters. There was nothing new or important in them.

Lauren shook her head and sighed as she picked up the basket with discarded clothes . Idiots, the lot of them, she thought fondly. There was a lot going on in the castle at the moment and as always Merlin was at the centre of it. But somehow the whole Round Table was aware of it this time and whatever it was, it was causing tangible tension.

Finished in the room she paused at the door, "Sire, it's not my place to second guess you and I'm not doing that, but is it wise to put the two of them together?"

Arthur smirked. "Wise? Maybe not. However it will be interesting." He sure was cursed with having opinionated servants. Still carrying a smile, Arthur turned back to the letter he had been reading, however Lauren wasn't finished yet. "Sire, have you talked to Merlin?"

"Lauren." Arthur warned as his mood changed abruptly and the maid sighed again. Clearly that was the line she shouldn't cross.

"I'm just curious why you asked me about that lord and not him. I'm flattered that you trust me, but Merlin-"

"Merlin's busy." Arthur snapped and instantly regretted it when Lauren flinched. He sighed and waved her away, "Just be careful and don't get caught."

Lauren nodded and reached for the door handle when the door suddenly slammed open. Lauren stumbled back nearly tripping as somebody stormed in before strong hands steadied her. She looked up and faced a stranger. He appeared very uncomfortable and smiled weakly at her.

Arthur looked up at the sound seeing a young boy barging into his chambers followed by an anxious knight who just managed to save Lauren from a nasty fall. The king slowly raised from his chair.

"My Prince, this is highly inappropriate, your aunt-" The knight said still holding Lauren.

"Shut up, Sir Brickem." The boy snapped.

The boy halted a few paces before Arthur and solemnly threw a glove at his feet.

"Pick it up." He said with all the authority he could summon. Arthur frowned looking between the boy in front of him and the man at the door. And then he recognized Caerleon's colours in the knight's attire. His gaze settled back on the boy just as it clicked.

Annis' heir. Arthur mentally cursed. This was bad. And he really, really didn't want to deal with an irate child today or any day for that matter. The boy could be no older than twelve even if he tried to look very imposing: arms folded and crossed before his chest, feet firmly planted on the floor, shoulders straight, chin up, eyes blazing. Arthur carefully suppressed a smile. He distinctly remembered that pose from his own younger years.

"Prince Lothian, that's enough. King Arthur, I apologize for this intrusion." The knight admonished the boy sternly but Arthur brushed him off. "Sir Brickem, was it?" The knight nodded, "And Lauren, would you two please leave us?" Arthur requested.

Both of them were about to protest. Lauren was glaring at the boy and the knight was really uncomfortable with the idea of leaving them alone in the same room. But Arthur gave them a pointed look which made Lauren roll her eyes as she tugged the knight's shoulder and ushered him out.

"Well?" Lothian waited impatiently.

"I'm not picking that up." Arthur said and sat back down. He was more or less at eye level with the boy now and proceeded to study his unexpected guest.

"Why?" He asked and for the first time Arthur acknowledged he sounded like the young boy he was: sad and mystified about why his plan didn't work.

"Because you're still a child. It wouldn't be honourable." Arthur explained patiently.

"And killing my uncle was? He was like a father to me!"

"No, it was not." The king admitted softly. The boy looked confused after this answer, like he wasn't expecting it.

"Sit." Arthur pulled a chair out and beckoned the young prince to take a seat.

"You're not my king. I don't have to listen to you."

"I'm not, but I know Gaius ordered you to take rest today. So sit because you don't want to have him lecture you, which he will even when you're a prince." He waited and watched as the boy considered his argument. After a few moment the prince sat down with a huff.

"Did you eat breakfast already?" The boy shook his head and scowled when Arthur pushed his plate towards him.

The boy picked up a piece of bread while he stared at Arthur. "I hate you." He whispered.

"That's okay." Arthur said and leaned back against his chair further observing his guest.

The boy ate silently for a few minutes shooting confused and suspicious glances between Arthur and the glove. Finally Arthur took pity on the boy. He did understand the young prince's reasoning after all, "Tell you what, when you've completed your training and when you're of age, challenge me again. I won't refuse then. Although it's a very bad idea for us to fight."

"I disagree."

"Just imagine what would happen to Camelot or Caerleon when one of us kills the other." Arthur raised and paused giving the boy sufficient time for his words to sink in, "Sometimes we can't have the luxury of personal justice, because we are or will be a king."

"You wouldn't kill the man responsible for your father's death?" Lothian asked incredulously.

"I won't jeopardize Camelot for it. Also I'm not sure who's responsible for his death. Nothing is that black and white."

The door opened and Gaius walked in, "Sire, there-" The physician paused and looked at the sight in front of him.

"Young man, your aunt was very worried when she woke up and you were gone." He said sternly. The boy guiltily stared down at his plate.

Gaius turned to Arthur next, "Sire, Queen Annis is requesting your presence."

"Very well, lead the way Gaius." Arthur stood up and motioned the boy to follow him. In the hallway he stopped briefly grasping the child's shoulder, "Prince Lothian, you're welcome to explore the castle but stay behind its walls. We're preparing for war and Queen Annis would never forgive me if you got lost in the chaos."

Lothian waited until the men turned around the corner before sauntering in the opposite direction. The encounter hadn't gone as he expected. Frankly he was feeling very confused since the very moment he laid eyes on the infamous king of Camelot. Being here brought all kind of memories and emotions to the surface he hated. If he had had a choice Camelot would have been the last place on earth he would have visited. But now? Sir Elyan had of course told him about his king, but Lothian hadn't believed him deducing that the knight merely spoke out of blind loyalty. Fact remained that Arthur Pendragon didn't act like the wicked monster that haunted his nightmares.

Well, he had a castle to explore and surely this place had quiet corners where he could think about what to do next. The first tapestry was disappointing – no hidden doors or passages – the second one however... Lothian smiled as he stared at the narrow spiral staircase. Go up or down?

"Merlin!" Gwaine yelled from the hallway as he banged on the door once more, "Merlin, I don't care that you're Emrys. If you don't open this door right now I'll trash you!"

The warlock rolled his eyes. As if that's convincing... He rubbed his eyes and surveyed the room. The vault was a mess. Parchments were spread out onto the table and floor. Books were sprawled open everywhere and Merlin had to jump across the piles to reach the door. Might as well let him in...

"Hello Gwaine." The warlock smirked tiredly.

"Don't you ever do that again!" Gwaine walked past him and stopped in front of the table, "Wow, what happened here? Did you sleepwalk or something?" He stared around in shock at the clutter.

"I looked some things up. And I found nothing conclusive yet as I was distracted by the madman pounding on the door every other hour." Merlin answered and walked back to his usual spot.

"Shouldn't have locked me out then." Gwaine countered, "So where do I start?"

"Wherever you like, maybe you can rearrange those crystals again?" Merlin mocked.

"You're in a mood." Gwaine huffed. Merlin sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose."Well there is the issue of Hréonhes and Morgana but clearly only I'm worried enough-"

"Merlin, stop it." Gwaine said softly before his friend had another chance to rant. Merlin was ... intense when he was dealing with something of this magnitude. It both reassured and scared Gwaine because it was in deep contrast with the naive honest fool of a friend Merlin had been or still was somehow. Had it been only a charade or was Merlin still that same person deep down?

Merlin sighed. "I'm anxious, Gwaine. I..." He paused fearing he had said to much. Whatever the plan was, he wasn't going to tell them about Kilgharrah's message.

"Are you afraid Merlin?" The knight carefully ventured remembering Gaius' remark about asking the right questions.

"Of course I am!" The warlock exclaimed before he could stop himself, "And be glad of it. Because if I feel something I'm still just Merlin. The moment I lose that, I'll become like them."

"Like who?"

"Evil." Merlin mumbled and concentrated on his notes once more. But his focus was lost. "Have you ever thought about dying?" He suddenly asked and instantly regretted it.

"Actually Merlin, I've been thinking a lot lately..." Gwaine answered seriously.

"Oh boy."

"Shut up. And well one of the things I've been thinking about is that story you told on the way to Nortcliff about the man who had to die."

"I remember. How is this relevant?" Merlin was confused now.

"I reckon there was a fifth option: he could have asked his friends to go with him, just a thought. I don't think we're ever out of options when we stick together. And every time I ride out into battle I remember that and it's not so scary anymore." Gwaine told him and walked into the other room in search of other obscure object leaving a baffled warlock to ponder his words.

Merlin quickly closed his gaping mouth and refocused on his notes again. Gwaine was spending way too much time with Galahad.

"Arthur Pendragon, we do tend to meet under unfavourable circumstances."

Arthur smiled and paused in the doorway. It was such a characteristic greeting, spoken with a firm unwavering voice. He had expected nothing less from the powerful monarch of Caerleon and yet he hated to admit that she looked very frail at the moment. Huddled in the middle of the four poster bed, leaning upright against the headboard supported by pillows and covered with thick blankets and a quilt draped across her shoulders she looked half the woman she was the last time they met.

"How are you doing Annis?"

"From your pained face I guess your physician already informed you." Arthur nodded gravely. Of course Gaius told him everything he knew... and everything he couldn't do such as curing her from whatever curse that was ailing her.

"I'm so sorry."

"Don't be."Annis quickly dismissed that statement, she really didn't need anyone's pity. "I heard Lothian gave you a difficult time." She inclined her head to the window. The knight, Sir Brickem, was sitting there watching like a hawk. He stood up and bowed, "I must apologise again for barging into your personal chambers, Your Highness."

"Apology accepted." Arthur said solemnly, although in his eyes the knight had nothing to apologise for. He turned back to Queen Annis. "Your prince's allowed to be difficult."

"You're far too understanding. If it's a strength or a weakness, only time will tell."

Arthur nodded, maybe he was. He took a few steps forwards and sat on the chair beside her bed. "What happened?"

Annis sighed, "It was the most terrible thing and the worst of it is that I have no idea if my people are alive or not." She told him and gave a recounting of their flight from Caerleon and the discovery of her wound.

"There might be a cure if you're willing."

Annis narrowed her eyes in suspicion, "Why are you so hesitant?"

"It involves magic." Arthur blurted out.

"That I would see the day a Pendragon suggests the use of magic..." Annis shook her head disbelieving and smiled when she asked, "Where is the world heading to?"

"A better place I hope." Arthur admitted, "Will you allow it?"

"I'm dying now, Arthur, I can feel it. It weighs on my heart. I can almost taste its vileness." She said warily and closed her eyes. Gaius told him Annis was in constant pain which tired her immensely. She opened her eyes again, "So yes, please call for your sorcerer."

Arthur stood up to take his leave when he remembered something, "One last thing, your other companion Lord Linwood, do you trust him?"

Annis thought about it for a few moments before answering. "He has given me no reason not to. Why?"

"Just a feeling."

"I'll keep that in mind." The queen replied thoughtfully, "Be careful, Arthur and if you see your wife ask her if she'll accompany me for dinner. She's a refreshing soul to be around."

"Found anything?"

Gwaine nearly jumped up startled. He had been sitting with his back towards the door and hadn't heard the younger knight's entrance.

"Galahad, you scared me, you fool. Do you Druids always sneak up on people?" Gwaine said dramatically. Merlin snorted.

"That's how we pass time actually, skulking in the woods closing in on the unaware traveller." Galahad deadpanned and pulled out a chair on which he slumped down yawning.

"I'm never sure if he's joking or not." Gwaine grumbled still miffed the younger knight managed to spook him.

Galahad smirked at Merlin before turning to his friend, "But really Gwaine, you were talking so loud an hungry army could sneak up on you."

Instantly Gwaine's posture brightened, "Now that's what I like about you, always reminding us of the essentials in life. Care to join us for a bite in the tavern?"

"He means a drink." Merlin intervened and turned another page. He should be bothered by this interruption, but frankly he was sick of the vaults. More than anything else he was sick of not finding any solution. So Gwaine and Galahad's back and forth taunting was a welcomed reprieve from the gravity of the matter.

"I know." Galahad smirked.

"And no Gwaine, I don't have the time." The warlock spoke up when he saw Gwaine open his mouth again. "I was only joking." The knight said sullenly but smirked as well.

Actually, Merlin decided that Galahad being here was a very good thing indeed because he needed someone to discuss his current theory. He put down the heavy tome and said to the druid by means of introduction, "I finished the book last night."

"And?"

"There is absolutely no way to come back from the dead without repercussions. One." Merlin held up his hand and counted, "Lancelot was just a shell, an image. Two. Those skeletons Morgana summoned were nothing more than puppets, mere vessels of their power. Three. The immortal army was actually vulnerable despite the intent and similarly four, Sigan was a fleeting spirit only capable of possession. His way of immortality was in the end the way to trap him as well. Conclusion: Magic cannot allow the dead to return without paying some sort of sacrifice."

"Which means?" Galahad just asked, knowing very well Merlin had had this argument with himself a couple of times before.

"Hréonhes is either not the same as he was, which hopefully means he isn't as powerful as before." Here he paused, waiting for the druid to pick up on what he was fearing. As expected Galahad caught on quickly, "But you don't think that, not really."

"Well, no. Things don't add up, especially the fact that I felt something shift in the very fabric of magic the same moment you felt a sudden surge of power. And it wasn't for the same reasons. I felt sick."

"So that leaves only one conclusion. Hréonhes found that loophole." Galahad summarised.

"Or he wasn't dead." Merlin raised.

"How is that even possible?" Gwaine exclaimed, "Dalbeth was destroyed ages ago."

"You could ask him." Galahad pointed out. Merlin grimaced at this suggestion, "Oh yeah, that would work fabulously. I'll just invite him for a drink in the tavern and have a friendly chat."

Galahad ignored the sarcasm and calmly said, "Arthur asked for you."

"Did he now?"

"Merlin," Galahad almost pleaded and tried not to sigh, "He wants you to help Queen Annis." Merlin nodded, he had expected that.

"Speaking of royalty, have you talked to Arthur again?" Gwaine suddenly asked.

"I spent all night here after which you decided to stalk every move I make."

"I guess that's a 'no' then." Gwaine muttered and sighed as well, "Merlin, you two have to get past this." He insisted.

"I think you need to take the first step." Galahad carefully suggested.

Merlin coughed awkwardly, "You're making it sound like I'm courting him."

"There's nothing a hug can't fix." Gwaine smirked. He quickly ducked under the table as five crystals magically were propelled in his direction. "Merlin!"

When the city was rebuilt Arthur made sure it was rebuilt better than before. This meant that not only the defences were updated – seriously most stones still bore witness to the dragon's attack – but also he took an active interest in the conditions of people's homes. Gwen and Gaius played an pivotal role here both pleased that he realised that adequate living conditions lowered the risk of sickness spreading. Especially Gaius was thrilled as his stock of medicinal herbs didn't need replenishing that often any more. But the crux of his efforts was the Wall. The entire city, including the Lower Town and a few acres of empty land were now encircled so that the castle itself was part of this structure along with small watchtowers built at equivalent intervals which guarded the gates.

Arthur was surveying one of the gates from above observing how a steady stream of villagers entered the city carrying baskets or pushing carts.

"More people arrive every day."

Arthur turned around to find Gwen walking up the stone stairs. She went to stand next to him and looked down over the battlements.

"Hopefully we can protect them all." Arthur whispered and clenched Gwen's hand, "You heard what your brother said. Two days... Those living in the Outer Villages won't reach Camelot in time especially from places like the Ealdor."

"Hréonhes will leave them alone." Gwen said reassuringly.

"How can you be so sure?"

"He attacked you didn't he?"

"Only to talk to Merlin." Arthur huffed but he was concerned. As prince and now as king he had learned to live with the fact that sometimes it felt as if there was a gigantic target painted on his back. He realised that this wasn't the first time someone targeted Merlin or Emrys. Tristan specifically wanted to warn Emrys, not Arthur. So how does Merlin deal with it?

"Speaking of Merlin, have you two made up yet?" Gwen asked intently.

"Guinevere, not this again." Arthur sighed although he knew Gwen made a fair point. He really need to work things out with Merlin. The only question was when.

"Oh Arthur, don't be so stubborn. You told me once you're view on magic had changed. Why is it so hard to forgive Merlin?"

"He lied." He replied for argument's sake.

"Of course he did and you know why. So stop being so thick and be nice again." Gwen was being more forceful now.

"I'm never nice to Merlin." Arthur scoffed but the corners of his mouth twitched.

"Oh you know what I mean." Gwen rolled her eyes smiling as well, "You can be the prat and he the idiot."

"Only Merlin calls me that."

"And that my dear husband is exactly why you need him."

A while later Merlin was standing in front of the door that led to Annis' chamber. He knocked and carefully entered the room. The queen was resting in her bed. By the window sat a unfamiliar knight. He was merely pretending to read because the warlock noticed his eyes weren't moving. Instead the knight studied him thoroughly deciding whether or not his Queen needed protection. Merlin choose to ignore him for now.

Annis looked up and Merlin saw a glint of recognition. "I remember you. The fool, right?" She said.

Merlin's eyes lit up briefly and he bowed. "At your service, Your Highness."

"Mmm, I've seen the strength of your loyalty." Annis observed him appraisingly, "But is your magic equally impressive?"

"I only hope that my loyalty keeps surpassing my magic." This answer seemed to please Annis because she beckoned him closer and offered her arm. Merlin carefully unwrapped the bandages and paled at the sight. Her left hand was blackened as if it had been burnt to the bone. The curse was getting more powerful and now encompassed her whole lower arm until just above the elbow where the healthy skin was already turning ashen. The sight was nauseating, but the magic that radiated from it was even worse. Merlin had argued often that there was no good or bad magic, but this... He shook his head and almost gagged. This was magic in its most foulest form.

He studied her arm for a couple of minutes muttering words of magic. Annis was fascinated when his eyes turned golden a few times but refrained from saying anything in fear of disrupting his concentration. Finally Merlin carefully rebandaged the arm again and sighed.

"It's complicated." Merlin paused to search for the correct words and thought back about the book he finished reading. "You're balancing something." He tried to explain, "It's converging here, but my magic just rolls over it."

"You can't heal me." Annis stated bluntly. The knight loudly closed his book and rushed over, the concern written all over his face. Merlin shook his head and started pacing.

"Not yet. In order to heal you I need to find an exact opposite. I told you it's about balance. But what are you keeping in balance? I have to figure out what exactly it is that's infecting you and..." Merlin stopped pacing and looked at the Queen. Even now she looked regal and fearsome huddled in bed curled up in thick blankets. He wasn't going to soften the most likely outcome, she deserved better.

"I may be able to heal you if I found the exact cause." He pausing leaving the rest of his statement hanging in the air, but she already guessed.

"But you're not going to look, are you?" She didn't even sound accusingly, because Annis already knew. She was perceptive. If this young man had to make a choice between trying to save her or Camelot his mind was already made up. And she could hardly blame him for that. His loyalty wasn't with her.

"I'm sorry. I just don't have the time." Merlin apologised and left. As he looked back to close the door he saw Annis and the knight argue in hushed tones. He felt awful, but his decision was made. Gaius wouldn't agree, Arthur wouldn't understand and that knight looked betrayed. But at least Annis herself had understood.

A few minutes later Merlin was standing on top of the North Western Tower. His feet unconsciously brought him here taking the long way back to the vaults. But he needed to breathe. Sometime between their journey to Nortcliff and now Summer had turned into Autumn. He felt it in the wind as he took a deep breath and closed his eyes. The invisible caress of thousands fallen leaves swept by his face, gently pulling his clothes, trying to blow him into the clouds above. The wind rushed by carrying magic into Camelot, magic as pure and untouched as the very Earth itself. Inside the city the feel of magic was always subdued. He didn't know why but magic dislikes busy places. It needed peace and quiet like a forgotten glade in a shadowy forest. And for some reason he could feel it right here.

In the overstuffed vaults he couldn't think clearly but here... It was really a game in the end, wasn't it? For Hréonhes at least. Somehow Caerleon and Annis were mixed up in all this. He was seeing the strings but not the knot. Not yet anyway, but he saw their direction and they were leading here. Not to Camelot, not to Arthur, but to him.

"Wow, you can see everything from up here!" Someone suddenly shouted in awe. Merlin was surprised and looked to his right. A young boy was standing next to him. "Do you think I can see my home?" He asked enthusiastically. Merlin smiled to cover up his mood. He never had company here so the sudden appearance unbalanced him a bit.

"Maybe, where in Camelot do you live?"

"I don't live in Camelot, I'm from Caerleon." The boy whispered sadly and looked up at Merlin. The warlock silently cursed when he realised who was standing next to him, "I can't see it from here, can't I?" Merlin shook his head.

"I'm Lothian, Prince of Caerleon. You're Merlin, aren't you? Arthur's manservant?" Merlin noticed the boy's eyes darkened at the mention of his king's name, "Elyan told me all about you. He says you always wear a neckerchief. I told him that was ridiculous because you can't wear it when you're sleeping or in the summer. But he said you did. You don't, do you? Because that would be silly."

Merlin closed his mouth when he realised he was gaping like a fish. He fingered his neckerchief possessively and pretended to be offended. "You can tell Elyan he's ridiculous."

The boy happily agreed, "I'll do that the next time we're sparring. Goodbye, Merlin." Lothian waved as he quickly descended the stairs. Merlin frowned as he watched the young prince leave. He felt even more awful now. Somehow it felt like the whole castle was conspiring against him.

"Lauren! Wait!" A voice echoed down the corridor. Lauren smiled stopping at bottom of the Spiral Staircase and then hastily put on a more neutral face before she turned around.

"Hello Galahad, found any interesting closets lately?" She greeted cheekily and waited for the knight to catch up. The knight grinned, "Actually Arthur isn't bothering me that much anymore."

"Now it's Merlin you're worrying about." Lauren stated and walked up the stairs.

"How did- No, I'm not worried." Galahad quickly covered up his surprise.

"Galahad, I understand that you can't tell me anything, but don't think I'm a fool."

"Sorry." He grovelled a bit. "What are you doing at the moment?"

"I was tailing someone." Lauren answered with a blank expression.

"Really? Who?" Galahad stopped baffled.

"Can tell you that, King's orders." Lauren said vaguely. Galahad looked at her, taking note of the slight twitch of her lips and the mischievous twinkle in her eyes.

"You're mocking me."

"Of course I am." She smiled sweetly. Let him think that.

"Oh, so what were you doing?" Galahad asked again. Really his curiosity knew no bounds. Lauren tapped the papers she was holding. "I'm taking these to Gwen. Inventory of the supplies."

"Okay. Well, goodbye then I have to go make sure Merlin doesn't stir up too much trouble." Galahad said as he turned around and walked back down the stairs. He hesitantly stopped after two steps looking over his left shoulder. "Lauren, just be careful."

She continued to watch him descend the stairs and disappear around a corner before she shook her head and shrugged trying to shake off a sudden ill-boding feeling. Galahad's last words had given her chills.

Lothian despite himself was thoroughly enjoying his exploration of the castle. The view had been breathtaking, he confessed, Camelot was a beautiful city. The dungeons were spooky like Caerleon, but it was easy to sneak past the guards. He had more difficulty sneaking into the kitchen.

"Ouch!" Lothian hurriedly took a step back and looked up. He hadn't been paying attention really to where he was going. He refrained from cursing when he saw that the man he bumped into was a knight. Or he was dressed like a knight but he was very young for a knight.

"Didn't see you there. Are you all right?" The knight asked. Lothian nodded. "It was my fault, Sir." He said apologetically. "Sir, I don't want to be rude, but are you a knight?" He mentally cursed again and clasped his forehead.. My aunt is right. I have no tact, none at all.

"Mmm, let me see." The knight pondered out loud, "Mail, check. A sword, check. A red Pendragon cloak, check. Yes I do believe I am." The knight grinned amused and Lothian suppressed a giggle because princes don't giggle.

"I'm Galahad, knight of the Round Table and surprisingly old enough to be one." He winked and offered his hand. Lothian felt the calloused skin of a swordfighter as he took the knight's hand. "I'm Lothian, almost twelve and counting the days until I'm allowed to be one." The prince answered in the same manner.

"Despite the danger of annoying you, Prince Lothian, I have to ask. Are you lost?" Galahad enquired concerned.

"No, not really. I'm discovering the castle." Lothian answered deciding he liked this knight.

"Lauren, one of the maids, knows all the hidden passages in the castle. I would be happy to show you some, but I'm needed elsewhere. She on the other hand may need an extra pair of hands."

"I'll remember, bye Galahad." Lothian said and made his way back to the kitchen frowning. How did he know I was a prince?

"Good, you're back. I found something." Gwaine said when Merlin walked in. He held up a dragon figurine. Merlin glanced at it. The dragon was made of brass and silver, its scales so detailed the warlock expected the dragon to start breathing fire any second. "It's a dragon."

"Mmm, that's nice, Gwaine." Merlin politely dismissed the knight's enthusiasm and sat down again. He pulled a book towards him and opened it cracking the spine.

"With fire I seek

justice and revenge.

The eternal prison

between life and death

is frozen in my fire." Gwaine recited the lines that were sketched on the base between the dragon's paws. Merlin eyes widened at those last words. He jumped up so fast his chair clattered onto the stone floor and before Gwaine could blink he had ran out of the vaults.

"For the love of-" Gwaine cursed turning his face upwards and followed Merlin. Like he had any other choice...

Halfway down the hall Gwaine spotted Merlin turning a corner without slowing down. This was immediately followed by a loud bang and a "Sorry!" When he arrived there he saw Galahad just managing to get up again rubbing his elbow.

"What are you doing?" He asked as Gwaine ran by him, the older knight only slowed down to check if he was okay. Gwaine lifted his hands and shrugged, "Running?"

"To where?" The druid shouted at Gwaine's back and debated what to do next. He looked at the hallway that led to the vaults and then turned towards the door both Merlin and Gwaine disappeared through. He sighed and sprinted after them.

Gaius was quietly preparing several bags with a vast selection of smaller pouches, vials and bandages. The young enthusiasts he found yesterday were all eager and willing to learn the very basics of healing. It wouldn't be enough to save someone's life, but hopefully they could go where he could not and safely escort the wounded to the infirmary he managed to set up in one of the great halls in the castle. He was quite proud of that accomplishment. The temporary hospital counted thirty-five beds and with the help of Galahad he had made a selection of the necessary herbs and remedies that potential patients would need to patch up the most common battle wounds.

Sadly the wound Queen Annis was carrying wasn't common. The curse was a rather vile one and also one he had never seen or heard of before. This was becoming most shameful. He had prided himself to know the many ways of the Old Religion. When he was younger his magical power was nothing to boast about certainly not amid his former peers. Knowledge had been and was still his forte. However this curse was old, very old and personal. He wouldn't be surprised if Hréonhes created this curse just for his own entertainment.

The door suddenly slammed open and Gaius grabbed his workbench to stay upright when someone barely ran past him.

"Merlin! Will you please watch where you're going! I'm not empty space!" He yelled as the younger man sprinted up the narrow stairs.

"Don't take it personal, Gaius. He knocked me off my feet too." Galahad patted the physician shoulder in sympathy. Gwaine closed the door behind him and sat down on one of the many benches watching how Merlin searched the bookcase.

"Really? Merlin." Gaius said sternly when the warlock descended from the stairs carrying a heavy book. He was already flipping through the pages.

"He's a knight." Merlin absentmindedly patted Galahad on the shoulder this time, "See? Sturdy knightly material."

"Are you going to tell me why you felt the need to barge into our chambers?"

"Mmm." The warlock responded and kept on pacing in small circles.

"Merlin." Gaius insisted.

"Fine, I think I found out what happened to Hréonhes. Or what could have happened or might have? I'm not sure, still guessing but... Gwaine, show us that beautiful dragon. See, Gwaine here found some interesting lines and while they might not be anything I'm feeling optimistic again which- "

"Eat." Gaius took hold of the book and offered a spoon in exchange. The look on his face however clearly told Merlin this was not open for discussion. "But Gaius-" He tried to protest nonetheless when the physician handed the book to Galahad.

"It would be best to gather your thoughts before you spout off theories. You can do that while eating." And without further ado he pushed Merlin down on a bench and set down a plate.

Galahad sat down on the stairs and skimmed through the book. "What am I looking for?" He asked.

Merlin swallowed his chicken, "Ancient laws with references to dragons."

"Check the index." Gwaine offered.

"Gwaine, we've been researching for days now. Surely you've realised none of the books had one." Galahad muttered frowning as he rapidly read the Old Tongue trailing his finger down the pages.

As Merlin was busy downing his food, Gaius moved towards where the druid was sitting so he could read from across the young man's shoulder.

"Dragon's Fire, was is not?" Galahad suddenly asked. Gwaine nodded while Merlin was already standing beside him. "Here is a short passage. Forces of magic can impose fierce punishments. One such punishment came from the dragon's very breath. Being frozen by their fire is considered so cruel that only the gravest of transgressions can justify such a fate. While it doesn't kill the perpetrator his prison is for eternity and entirely of its own making. It's not a half measure. That's it."

"How does that help? Merlin?" Gwaine asked puzzled. Galahad was equally confused. "Was this why you came here?"

"Mmm?" Merlin mused distractedly and then straightened. "Yes, yes. I know it's not much but I feel it's the only thing thus far that actually fits."

They could imprison him. So why didn't the dragons just kill him? Gwaine pondered and he suspected Gaius and Galahad were thinking the exact same thing. Merlin took the book back and said goodbye before he darted out into the corridors again. Gaius shook his head in worried annoyance and suggested they should do the same. That boy is too distracted to wander the hallways alone.

As he caught up with Merlin Gwaine ask something that had been bothering him for quite some days and the information about the dragons only sharpened his unease, "You are very powerful, almost anything is possible for you. Why don't you just kill Morgana and be done with it?"

Merlin sighed, "It not that easy. First of all there is the moral implication of killing someone in cold blood. In case of Morgana it would be easy to argue the argument of self-defence from future attacks; one death for the prevention of many other. But then where do you draw the line when the next threat emerges? How many bad things do people have to do before I decide to kill them. And if, and this is a big if, I would be able to draw the line somewhere, on which side of the line does that leave me? Won't I become the very thing I'm fighting against?"

"Apart from that cause and effect are never straightforward when people are involved, especially when magic is involved as well. Magic doesn't always follows the rules of cause and effect. It breaks the boundaries into a whole new plain. That book Galahad made me read shed a new light on magic, something I hadn't know before. I don't know everything. So what chain of events do I set in motion by killing Morgana with magic? I have no idea. To conclude, I can't exaggerate my actions. You don't burn a forest in order to kill a rabbit." Merlin went on milking the metaphor for what it was worth, "No, you do it with a crossbow when you're close enough, when the chance of success is at its maximum. Because even there one stray arrow can do a lot of damage. The point I'm trying to make is that there are so many aspects to consider that I most of the time go by the rule less is more."

"Also consider this, what if I pass along the responsibility of undertaking such extreme measures to Arthur? Do you still think he would be a king? He would become a tyrant. So I won't kill hundreds of men with my magic. Where's the honour in that? I'm not that kind of man and if Arthur should ever asked that of me, than he no longer is my king."

Gwaine was shocked by the diatribe Merlin spouted. He sure gave that topic much thought. Galahad hadn't expected anything less and nodded proudly because Merlin actually argued like a Druid would have, "Close your mouth Gwaine." Galahad teased, "It isn't very becoming for a knight-" He suddenly gasped midsentence. The corridor swayed in front of him.

"Galahad? What's wrong?" Merlin asked tentatively. He reached out just in time to grab the younger knight before he collapsed on the floor. The druid was visibly pale and shaking, but still conscious. However he wasn't reacting to Merlin's question. He stared at a point in front of him half kneeling half leaning on the floor.

"What's happening to him?" Gwaine asked worried as he too kneeled beside his friend.

"I don't know." Merlin whispered. He looked up and down the corridor. Gaius wasn't that far back even if they were currently closer to the vaults. "Let's get him back to Gaius." Merlin suggested.

But Galahad protested and got up feeling visibly better. "No, I need to get to Arthur now." He said stubbornly and shook off Merlin's hand. "You're coming or not?"

Not again. Arthur thought when the door of his chambers flew open. He only walked into the quiet of his study ten minutes ago.

"He's crossing the border!" Galahad barged in followed immediately by Gwaine and surprisingly Merlin.

"He's moving fast, really fast." The young knight hurriedly explained. But Arthur needed another moment to catch on, "Tomorrow morning he'll reach the Outer Villages. By nightfall Camelot will be besieged and that's if they stop to rest." Galahad paused and swayed but Gwaine steadied him. Arthur frowned at this.

"Get the others." He ordered and Merlin and Gwaine ran out of the room. "Galahad, take a seat. You look as if you're about to fall over." He would have if it weren't for Gwaine. He guided the younger man to a chair and held up a goblet fillet with cool water.

"Thanks." Galahad mumbled and drank greedily.

"So forgive a confused king, but what happened?"

"I felt him cross Camelot's border." Galahad explained, "My skill, it's developing and because of the threat Hréonhes poses I created some sort of failsafe yesterday evening. It's like the warning bell. Only I misjudged the strength it would need." He grimaced.

"Wait, just to make sure I'm hearing this correctly. You created your own alarm system which was tripped like any other trap when Hréonhes crossed the border." Arthur summarised. Galahad nodded hurriedly. "And you can track his movements now?"

"No, it's much too draining. I may be able to sense him for a minute or two but his magic is much too violent. It was just an experiment. One I won't try again soon." The druid admitted sadly. Arthur patted his shoulder, "You did well, Galahad."

An half hour later the members of the Round Table were standing in front of him. Arthur wasted no time to explain what happened.

"Leon, Percival, start evacuating the Lower Town. I want as many as possible inside the castle walls."

"Where will they go, Sire?" Percival asked.

"Anywhere inside the citadel, the coronation room alone can house a hundred. You can even use these chambers, as long as by tomorrow evening everyone is safely inside. Ask Gwen to assist you, she knows this castle back and forth."

"There's a cave below the castle, the one where Kilgarrah was imprisoned." Merlin raised, arms crossed and he wore a thoughtful expression, "A hundred families can easily find shelter there, possibly even more."

"Leon?"

"On it, Sire. Percival, start informing the people, take two dozen knights with you . I'll catch up at the Lower Gate shortly." Leon ordered and motioned Percival to follow him.

"Gwaine, Elyan, round up the rest of the knights and arm every able man. Merlin, do whatever you feel you need to do."

"I will, Sire." Merlin left quickly.

"Galahad..." Arthur paused and turned to Gaius for reassurance. However before the physician could say anything the young knight spoke up, "I'm perfectly fine now, My Lord." Gaius sighed and nodded reluctantly.

"Very well, you're in charge of sending out scouts." Arthur turned back to the druid, "Convey any of their findings to me, Leon and Merlin. Gauis, the infirmary please."

Out in the hallway Merlin was leaning against the wall and waited for Gaius.

"What is it, Merlin?" The old man asked seeing the worry on the young man's face.

"If you find the time, could you come to the vaults? I have a theory but I would like another opinion."

Hours later when the sun was slowly setting in the west four riders were racing to the border of Caerleon when Galahad all of a sudden forcefully pulled onto his reins. The horse protested and neighed loudly. The druid looked around in suspicion. The road they were travelling on was old, very old with slopes so steep they were almost vertically lined the muddy track as far as he could see. Overgrowth and twisted trees leaned over the path making it look like a grey tunnel. The last rays of sunlight only touched the very top of the trees so the road ahead rapidly became darker and darker with every passing second. He didn't see anything out of the ordinary, but he knew better than to ignore the knot of fear that settled in his gut.

"What is it?" Sir Orrell asked as he stopped and quickly turned his horse around to ride back to Galahad. The young knight was standing up in his stirrups staring fixedly at the road in front of him. The two other knights of their scouting party, Sir Corbin and Sir Rowan, anxiously looked around waiting for the druid to answer.

All three of them had immediately volunteered at Galahad's request. Corbin was a young knight, six years older than the druid and a frequent sparring partner. His perfect eyesight made him especially qualified for this sort of missions. Rowan on the other hand was older, not by much though and happened to be one of Gwaine's regular drinking buddies in the tavern. He had spent some of his younger years in Caerleon and had admitted he was beyond worried about the developments there as some of his distant relatives still lived in Annis' kingdom. Orrell purely went for Galahad's sake. He would never admit it in a hundred years, but the druid had managed to gain his respect the day they duelled, something that had never happened with one so young.

"Nothing, I just thought..." Galahad answered vaguely which didn't convince any of them including himself that nothing was wrong, "Look there's mist coming."

As soon as the words left his mouth the others saw it too. Slowly but surely fog rose up at the end of the road thickening and swirling in the overgrowth. Sir Orrell knew he wasn't being paranoid when 'magic' was the first thing that popped into his mind. Galahad was silently agreeing with him.

"Turn back." The druid suddenly said urgently, "Turn back now."

"What?" Corbin frowned. "Our orders-" Rowan started to protest.

"Who'll carry out those orders if we're dead?" Galahad argued turning around his horse. He anxiously looked back. The fog crept closer. "We need to outrun it. This road is much too dangerous, we have a better chance in the open fields."

Without further ado the four knights urged their horses on with a solid tap of their heels. They flew across the muddy road, faster and faster until it felt as if they were flying along Camelot's countryside. Shallow hills and small groups of trees appeared when the steep cliffs fell away. Galahad exhaled in relief. They could outrun it now, surely?

All of a sudden Galahad saw the mist rising in the corner of his eye. He cursed. One minute later all four of them were surrounded by the white fogginess.

Unconsciously they halted and looked around. Nothing stared back.

"I hate this blasted weather." Sir Rowan said.

"It's not the fog that bothering me. It's what hiding in there that has me worried." Galahad muttered. At this the four men peered into the mist. It became colder by the minute, a clear sign that the sun was steadily setting making the whirling veils in front of them even more impenetrable.

"Look, there's something there!" Corbin said and pointed into the mist, his horse took a step forwards guided by its rider.

"Don't." Galahad laid his hand on Sir Corbin's arm, "It's toying with us." He whispered. Orrell's eyes widened, "Stay together!" He yelled louder than necessary. Rowan and Corbin huddled even closer.

"Blast, where is the road?" Orrell cursed out loud. Between their sudden stop and now they had all turned around on the spot one too many times causing massive disorientation. It didn't help that their horses were spooked and refused to stand still.

"I can get us back." Galahad offered after a moment's thought.

"How? The mist is so thick now, I can barely see five yards ahead." Sir Corbin sounded sceptic.

"Um, just to be clear, the King knows about this." The young knight started hesitantly and looked into Orrell's eyes. He took a deep breath, "I can sense magic."

"Okay..." Orrell said unsure where this was going.

"And currently there's someone with powerful magic inside Camelot. I can use him as a beacon."

"There's a sorcerer in Camelot?" Cordin gasped.

"Yes and I swear on the oath of the Knighthood of the Round Table that Arthur knows of this sorcerer."

"Good enough for me." Rowan shrugged. He really didn't care how they got back.

"Never thought I'd see the day I'm glad you're a druid." Orrell admitted with a sly grin.

"So stay close. I'll ride slowly but be prepared to change course at any moment." The three knights nodded as Galahad explained what he'll do. The druid closed his eyes briefly and reawakened the familiar pull he had sealed of months ago. "Right, follow me."

They rode in silence alert for anything that sounded out of the ordinary. Their horses were tense and careful as well. Time seemed to lose all meaning and when Galahad stopped at the bank of a small river he honestly couldn't tell if they had ridden for an hour, three or just twenty minutes.

"I have to check if we can cross here. So don't follow me yet until-" Galahad abruptly stopped and his voice trembled suddenly, "Where's Rowan?"

Orrell and Corbin swerved around. Only fog stared back.

"He was right behind me." Corbin breathed uneasy, "He was following just like you said. He was behind me just now. I didn't hear..."

"Rowan! ROWAN!" Orrell bellowed interrupting Corbin's nervous babble. There had to be rocks nearby because the shouts were echoed before they died down. No one answered.

"Corbin, do you see anything?" Galahad asked, "Anything at all?"

"No and I don't hear anything either." The knight answered. Orrell had to try calling out once more, "ROWA-AN!"

"Ssst, did you hear that?" Galahad stilled Orrell who was about to shout some more with a wave of his hand. The three knights listened carefully, side by side, while struggling to calm their agitated horses.

Galahad cleared his mind and refocused trying to distinguish if he imagined it or if he really heard the clanking of metal.

"It's Rowan!" Corbin yelled all of a sudden, "He's calling for help!" Galahad and Orrell frowned and exchanged worried glances. They hadn't heard a thing.

"Corbin, listen to me very carefully." Galahad steered his horse to the right so he blocked Corbin's path when the knight was about to urge his horse forwards. "Whatever you're hearing, it's not there. Rowan isn't calling you." The druid swallowed hard, "Rowan's gone, Corbin."

"But can't you hear him?" Corbin was nearly hysterical now and unsheathed his sword, "He needs our help. God, someone's torturing him! He screams for help! Galahad you traitorous bastard, get out of my way!"

"Damnit, Corbin, snap out of it!" Orrell bellowed angrily and moved closer to the frantic man, who currently bore more resemblance to a hunted animal than a knight.

"I'm not leaving him BEHIND!" Corbin roared and unexpectedly swung his sword at Galahad. If not for the knight's sharp reflexes the blow would have decapitated him. He escaped that fate by swiftly dropping out of his saddle. The sword only pierced air and with a shout Corbin urged his horse forwards. He disappeared in the mist followed by Galahad's startled horse.

"You all right?" Orrell asked as he jumped to the ground. He held out his hand after winding the reins tightly around his other one. It was no use to chase after Corbin. Whatever spell had taken hold of him, he too was lost now.

Galahad grabbed the offered hand and pulled himself up, "I'm fine, bruised but fine." He flexed his hands and gently cracking his neck.

"Now what the hell happened just now? He could have killed me." The druid was feeling angry, helpless and afraid. In all his life, in all the months of service in Camelot he hadn't come this close to dying.

"Corbin's gone." Orrell said dejectedly, "And we've only got one horse."

"We're being watched Orrell, someone's playing with us." Galahad whispered and cursed tiredly, "Corbin's really gone?"

The other knight just nodded. A sudden sound alerted the knights and they looked around. "You are hearing this?" Orrell asked hesitantly. He had no desire to be the next one to fall for some magic trick.

Galahad coughed and tried to clear his throat, "Yes." He said softly and tilted his head so he could concentrate better, "It's metal and drumming... Footsteps! Orrell, there's an army coming!"

They swerved around trying to pinpoint the direction from where the noise was originating from. They turned towards the stream. The horse neighed and bucked trembling in fear. "It's coming from every direction!" Orrell exclaimed in horror. They could clearly hear the clamour of hundreds of thundering footsteps on the grass, on the rocks encircling them.

Orrell pushed the reins into Galahad's hands, "Get out of here!"

"Not a chance." The druid argued vehemently and took a step back holding up his hands refusing to take them.

"Listen Galahad, the King needs to know. The horse can't carry two, you're lighter. You have got to go." Orrell argued.

"Not without you." The youngest knight of Camelot wouldn't budge.

"Stubborn druid." Orrell scowled and released the reins. Instantly the horse took off. "What now?"

Galahad suddenly coughed again and he unsheathed his sword. "We wouldn't have escaped even if we tried, not from him..." He muttered. The noise was closing in. Orrell coughed and rubbed his eyes."You know who's behind this?"

"I have my suspicions and for what it's worth he'll never succeed in Camelot." Galahad gazed up at the man beside him. Orrell nodded and smiled weakly as he too drew his sword. "That's worth everything."

His eyes started to water, "It isn't fog anymore." Galahad edged closer when the first figure appeared from behind the shredded mist. He coughed again. "It's smoke!"

He and Orrell were standing back to back now, eyeing the cursed soldiers warily as they steadily approached them from every direction. There was no hurry needed it seemed. In a few minutes Galahad suspected the cursed men didn't even need to fight them. The smoke was making their enemies job very easy. Every breath he took brought him closer to his death. Galahad's throat felt raw and his head wasn't cooperating anymore. Orrell was having similar problems. His sword was pointed downwards as he tried to steady himself during a violent coughing fit. The other men weren't affected and kept coming closer. Galahad saw that many of them were wearing Caerleon's colours, but not all of them. He spotted a small boy and several ordinary clothed men and women. So that's what happened to Annis' subjects, the druid realised in disgust. He gripped his sword tighter. Most of their opponents were heavily armed.

"You're a fine knight, Galahad. I was an honour serving with you." Orrell said solemnly and then he rushed forwards with a fierce battle cry.

For Camelot! Galahad thought and rose his sword to intercept the first blow. The strike reverberated through his arm and he gasped shocked at the force behind it. Or maybe I'm too weak. He coughed again, twirling around, sidestepping an axe, ducking and dodging the continuous rain of blows. The soldiers swarmed around him and for a moment he dared to look over his shoulder searching for Orrell. He wasn't there.

"Orrell!" His voiced sounded hoarse. As his vision swam, the cursed men became more and more blurred. Unconsciously Galahad tried to swat away the black spots. He hardly saw the men anymore instead solely focused on the flashing blades that tried to reach him. He kept moving though, turning around his axis, his sword cleaving the smoke in front of him. Dull thuds signalled some of his strikes hit their mark. He blinked and saw a few bodies piled on the riverside. Galahad backed up more and more suddenly finding himself leaning against a large boulder. Using that as a shield to protect his back his efforts gathered renewed strength. But a sudden sharp cough took his breath away. He wheezed trying to fill his lungs again as his weakened fingers loosened their grip midair. The sword clanged useless onto the rocky shore.

Galahad sunk unto his knees and leaned back on his calves, his arms hanging limply by his sides. He lifted his head and tiredly looked up at the soldier standing before him through his sweaty locks. The man raised his sword. Feeling detached from what was about to happen he closed his eyes trying to find some feeling of peace recalling his father's lessons. But the smell of smoke, the pain in his lungs and bruised knees and the whistling sound of the sword wouldn't let him.

His mind screamed in despair.

Emrys!

Oh, I'm evil aren't I? *smirks* For those who didn't notice, there's a small jump in time in the end. Next chapter will start with what's happening in the castle and it will lead to another chat between Merlin and Hréonhes...