Sooo… A week later than anticipated… Blame the bad cold/flu I had. It was so evil I had to cuddle with a box of tissues and a thermometer on the couch on New Year's Eve. Anyway…
I haven't had much feedback on young prince of Caerleon, but I like writing him so he has a fairly big part in this chapter. Please bear with me even if you want to scroll down towards Hréonhes the megalomaniac. If not, you'll miss the plot. Again, not beta'ed. If you spot blatant mistakes, my apologies.
Chapter 18: Bad Men Smile Too
"Don't push. There's enough place for everyone!" Leon bellowed at the endless string of people. A few citizens looked properly chastised and slowed down.
"There is?" Gwaine leaned in and muffled the question behind his hand. He was standing next to Leon at the drawbridge and had watched the steady stream for a few minutes with growing concern.
Leon nodded, "I had forgotten how vast the caves, tunnels and catacombs were below the castle. They should be save there, just pray the attack doesn't last too long." He whispered and took a step forward just in time to prevent a young boy from falling down. "Careful there." He said when the child was firmly standing on his own two feet again.
"Keep moving forward! You'll be helped in the courtyard, women and children go to the stairs. Able men, move towards the left side." Leon shouted repeating the same words yet again.
"I should better get back and see how Elyan's coping with the recruiting of volunteers." Gwaine said and quickly left, elbowing his way forward. A few seconds later Leon couldn't even see him anymore as he was swallowed up by the sea of people.
"Not everyone is willing to leave their houses, saying they'll defend it." Leon turned away from the view of the hectic courtyard when he heard a familiar voice.
"Percival." He greeted his fellow knight as the man walked up to him. "The evacuation is progressing otherwise?"
"It is. Word got around fast. It's busier than market day."
"But no uproars?" Percival shook his head. Leon was pensive for a moment, his index finger rested on his lip as he gazed at the quant houses in front of him, "Good, good, we'll save them a trip here. Get the armourer to collect every spare weapon, distribute them at each watchtower and rally the men there."
"Nice axes, some lovely bows and not so blunt swords." Like an experienced stallholder Gwaine praised the weapons spread on the rows and rows of tables in front of him. He handed them to those willing although most of the men were quite hesitant at first. "Only take what you're comfortable with, then follow that string of knights towards the training grounds." He repeated for what felt like the millionth time.
"Mind you, it's borrowing only." He spoke sternly when he caught sight of a greedy glint in a particularly burly man's eye. The man huffed offended but laid the axe back down and stepped out of the line. Gwaine sighed and shook his head. Some men don't even change in the middle of a crisis, others however. Gwaine looked up and down the line and saw countless of faces pass: hunters who only needed spare arrows, rich traders weighing the swords with worry, farmers who had never been in the city before, pickpockets, tavern goers and so on. Every trade imaginable was present. At the moment he could pick them out just by looking at them. But at nightfall tomorrow those trades won't matter, the knight prayed a few heroes were hidden behind their plain facades.
"Oh can't I keep this, old friend?" A familiar voice whined shaking Gwaine out of his reverie.
"Tom." He grinned at his pouting friend, "Borrowing only, mate, besides you have a fine sword hanging on your hip already."
"I wouldn't might having two." Tom joked back. "Anyway, where do we go after the training grounds?"
"The wall most likely or the castle if you're lucky."
"Mmm, I heard the view was pleasant from up there. I'll be happy to see something else beside brick and stone." Gerard appeared behind Tom's broad shoulders. "Give me that bow, will you?" He asked and examined the weapon Gwaine handed him appraisingly, "Nice string."
"You sure? You have no allegiance with Camelot." Gwaine asked serious all of a sudden, "You could die."
"So could you," Gerard shrugged and grinned reassuringly, "But don't worry, no landlubber will stick me on dry ground. I'll die on the waves, of that I'm certain."
"Be back before nightfall. It's not because we aren't at home that you'll get out of bedtime." Lothian grimaced in horror and wished he could just smash his head against the wall. Seriously why did his aunt feel the need to bring up bedtime? Please. And in front of Queen Guinevere no less.
His aunt looked at him sternly with a gaze that said so much as 'don't you roll your eyes at me, young man'. It was a sad, sad fact that he could actually hear her saying that. Queen Guinevere was aware of the prince's mortification and smiled at him encouragingly. He hated to admit that – again – he liked something about Camelot. The two women had talked animatedly during dinner, but Queen Guinevere appeared truly curious about his adventures. She had a natural grace and just like his aunt she surprisingly radiated a powerful presence. It wasn't something evasive or oppressing, it was a sort of pull which he imagined would make everyone look at her even amidst a crowded hall. He had to hide a smirk when he noticed that halfway during dinner Brickem was still staring in admiration.
"I will, aunt." Lothian said knowing he would have to voice his agreement out loud before actually being allowed to leave the room.
"My Lady." He bowed deeply for Queen Guinevere.
"Sir Brickem, keep an eye on everything." The knight nodded solemnly. Lothian practically ran out of the room, ready to pick up where he left off when Brickem summoned him for dinner: the search for an obscure servant girl named Lauren.
The trip to the kitchens was a little bit more challenging this time. He dodged and swerved through the masses of people that travelled the corridors. The Queen had mentioned that they were trying to get as many citizens as possible inside the safety of the castle walls. Lothian stopped at a window overlooking the crowded courtyard. Through the tiled windows he easily spotted Elyan. The knight was standing next to a table covered with weapons. Suddenly he recognized someone else among the crowd. Arthur Pendragon bending down and talking to a child? Lothian rubbed his eyes in an attempt to break the obvious illusion.
It wasn't one. The king of whole Camelot was practically on his knees and from the looks of it calmly explaining something to the child before him. The little girl who couldn't be older than five was clenching her ragged doll tightly to her chest. The king rose again still talking and smiled as he offered his hand. The mother, or Lothian assumed it was the mother of the girl, looked relieved and nudged the girl to accept the stretched out hand.
Lothian turned around and leaned heavily against the window. He rubbed his forehead and ran his hand through his hair to regain his composure. Time to head for the kitchens, he thought fully prepared to ignore other conflicting notions, ones like the realisation that he never once saw his uncle treat his subjects with that much care.
"Elyan, how are they holding up?" Arthur asked and surveyed the courtyard in front of him. There was movement everywhere. It amazed him that so many of his citizens managed to get to safety. More were streaming in every minute. Leon and Percival were obviously doing a good job in the Lower Town.
Elyan took a few steps closer so he was standing side by side with the king. "They have faith, Arthur." He said following the king's worried gaze. "I would tell you to relax, but I fear I'm not that persistent nor that effective as Merlin in these matters." A thoughtful smile briefly graced Arthur's face and he clasped the knight's shoulder, "The effort is appreciated, but I came here for a request."
Arthur held up a narrow package enveloped in cloth. He uncovered the top and Elyan saw a beautifully crafted hilt. It had no adornments but the leather and steel hilt was engraved with miniscule ivy leaves. Elyan accepted the sword and carefully lifted it out of its sheath. He ran his finger reverently across the edge. The balance was perfect.
The sword was perfect in all ways except, "It's rather small for an average sword."
"It was a birthday present when I turned ten." Arthur explained quickly. Elyan frowned still confused before a sudden realization dawned him, "You're planning to give the Prince a sword?"
Arthur shook his head, "You're going to give it to him." He emphasised, "I have no intention to face the boy again so soon, certainly not with a sword in his hand. You don't have to comment on that." Arthur held up his hand when he saw Elyan's amused face, "Just make sure he gets it. You told me they left in a hurry. I'm guessing his own swords weren't packed. I don't want Annis to be undefended in the chaos of a battle. A family's love and loyalty generally sparks the most devoted defence, but a good sword tends to evens the odds."
Arthur already turned halfway around when he curiously asked, "Be honest, how good is he Elyan?"
"He has an obvious lack of experience. But he sure knows how to use the advantage of being smaller. With time and practice he'll probably equal Galahad's or Leon's skills with a sword." Elyan answered, fondly remembering the sparring sessions between the prince and the knights of Caerleon. He wouldn't never equal their style though. The boy tended to fight with his heart and often his temper instead of a composed mind.
"Make sure he gets it." Arthur ordered and hurriedly walked back into the castle his mind already busy with countless other matters he needed to attend.
"I can't have you dandling in my kitchen, boy! This is the third time that I see you sneaking in here." The matron of the kitchen towered in front of him. Lothian gulped. He had avoided the impressive woman on his earlier explorations but chances were that she knew where Lauren was.
"But I'm looking for someone!" The prince defended his presence.
"Nonsense, looking for my famous sweets and pastries I'm sure. Can't have you snatch one of them, I have enough work as it is with this awful warring business–" Audrey stepped forward threateningly holding up a wooden spoon, sauce dripping onto the floor.
"Sir Galahad told me to look for a Lauren!" Lothian blurted loudly holding up his hands to shield himself. He may find this hilarious later, but right now he was seriously questioning his sanity. I'm never coming into the kitchens again. She surprisingly lowered her spoon and for a brief moment her eyes softened.
"Mmm, Galahad you say. Now that's a fine young man, never steals the fruits of my hard labour." Was that a smile, Lothian thought. "Lauren is probably hanging around somewhere close to Caerleon's quarters." She informed him, "Can't imagine why she'd even bother. Weylan is a lazy sod, he'll only take advantage of her help. Now scram." Audrey held up the spoon again.
Lothian nodded his thanks and quickly followed the direction of the spoon: out of the door.
"Your death, young warlock." For the millionth time since that day Kilgharrah's words reverberated in his mind. Merlin leaned heavily against the cold stones as they soothed his upcoming headache.
If he were to listen more intently he should be able to hear people crossing the corridors, hurrying up and down one of the numerous staircases and banging doors in their haste. But down here, in the vaults, it was quite peaceful. He realised this fact last night when every now and then Gwaine would shout at him from the other side of the door. Every time the knight left a silence descended and right now Merlin only heard the faints flickers of the torches and his own heartbeat. But back to the stones, they did feel rather nice even if I'm standing here like an idiot. Galahad was busy with the scouts, Gwaine was distributing weapons. It was so quiet in here, it was discerning. To quiet to think, but too quiet not to do anything else.
"Merlin, what are you doing?"
Merlin sighed and reluctantly pushed himself away from the stone wall with his hand. "The cold helps me think, Gaius and there's isn't a quiet spot in the castle anymore. I'm certain my room is already preoccupied with a distraught family?"
"I need my chambers to work, my boy. Although if you don't get some sleep tonight, it might be too tempting not to offer it to someone more appreciating of a soft bed."
"You're blackmailing me to sleep?"
"Whatever it takes, but you said you had a theory?"
"With Kilgharrah gone and Aithusa probably siding with Morgana, I have no dragon to help me." Merlin motioned Gaius to sit and paced in front of his mentor, "But hypothetically speaking is it possible to recreate the dragons' punishment?"
"You're not a dragon."
"But I'm a Dragonlord." Merlin emphasized that last word.
"I don't know, Merlin, so is he." Gaius mulled over the possibility, "It would be easier to reverse whatever Morgana did to summon him."
"I fear Aithusa helped her with that."
"Which brings you back to needing a dragon." Gaius acknowledged the problem.
Merlin nodded, "Exactly."
"Can't you stop him some other way?"
"You mean kill him right out?"
"He's not a nice man, Merlin and quite deluded too."
"I know that Gaius," Merlin briefly snorted and continued, "And I'm not averse to killing him however he is very, very powerful. I repeat, it took more than hundreds of dragons just to imprison him. And that were some powerful and wrath seeking dragons. Maybe he's too powerful for me..."
Merlin trailed off as he sank down on a chair opposite of Gaius and brought his hands to his face. He was silent for a few seconds gathering his words, his courage. He took a deep breath and willed his hands to still their slight shake. Merlin looked up, eyes filled with sorrow and defeat. "Gaius, there is a chance... Actually I'm quite certain that-"
EMRYS!
Merlin was on his feet instantly clenching the table to maintain his balance. His heart was beating so rapidly it felt like it's about to jump out of his chest. Did I just hear Galahad scream? He tried to wrap his mind around that notion looking around the vaults in bewilderment. But the answer wasn't there.
"What chance? Where are you going, my boy?" Gaius stood up as well. He was confused by the young man's behaviour. Merlin sounded so tired only a moment ago and now he's running towards the exit? "Merlin?"
"I've got to run. Don't wait for me." Merlin answered hurriedly and left without saying another word. Gaius sighed and absentmindedly reordered some books on the table. Why do I have the feeling there's more going on here? The old man shook his head and left as well.
Arthur was walking towards the armoury when someone forcefully pulled him into an alcove.
"Merlin!" He shouted indignant when he recognized his assailer and lowered his hand he had raised to block an attack.
"Where's Galahad? He's in trouble." Merlin spoke quickly offering no other explanation.
"How do you know?" Arthur asked puzzled.
"Does it matter?" Merlin shot back irritated, but Arthur leaned back against the wall behind him and waited, "Fine, it's a druid thing. He reached out for help. Now where is he?"
"You know I put him in charge of sending out scouts. Have you checked the armoury or the stables?" Arthur tried to be helpful. Merlin snorted at this and rolled his eyes almost screaming 'do you take me for a fool' out loud. Of course he had checked.
"Did you order him to stay behind?" Merlin glared and crossed his arms in front of him. Arthur blanched at this and wiped his hand across his face. It stayed in his hair, clenching the blond strands with force. "I didn't think-"
"Of course you didn't!" Merlin snapped angrily.
"He's a fully qualified knight!" The king countered in his defence.
"He's sixteen, Arthur!"
Arthur cursed and sagged against the wall, "So what do we do?"
"We do nothing, I'll get him back safely." Merlin answered and without another word he stalked back into the hallway.
Think, think, think! There has to be a way! Merlin drummed his fingers against his side as he hurried back to the vaults. A way, a way...
He paused in the middle of the corridor. Of course, but Galahad told me it was dangerous... Well he can scold me when he's here.
Merlin opened the nearest door and locked it behind him. The room was small and empty but he took no notice of his surroundings. The accelerated thumping of his heart blocked out any other noise as the anticipation surged rapidly. The warlock kept stringing words together in his mind while he paced franticly around the room, trying to find the right set of words. Merlin's eyes lit up suddenly and he stood still. He flexed his hands and lowered them tentatively to his sides. He let out a deep breath and chanted clearly.
"Forelæde færeld Galahad min níehsta geond pleoh, geond pleoh fultome!"
A familiar gush of wind pulled and twirled all around him faster and faster. He closed his eyes this time, focusing only on the destination and not on the Way. The ground fell away beneath him and a second later the room once again was empty.
"How long before the king gets it?"
"A day at most."
Lauren heard someone grumble and tried to make herself even smaller. Once Merlin's back to his normal self along with the rest of this insane castle he can do the sneaking around. She carefully pulled the seam from her dress from underneath her foot and rested the side of her face against the stone wall. She was huddling in the narrow staircase just behind the servant's entrance. Lauren strained her ears to catch the lowered voices through the door.
"I never thought you were one to lose your nerve."
"Watch it Weylan, you're just a servant."
"Tsss, Linwood. You might be a lord, but you're in my terrain." She heard Weylan sneering. Not that she needed any confirmation about the identity of the traitors. Yes, it was plural this time. Why Arthur hadn't chained Weylan to a dungeon wall before baffled her, but on the other hand she admitted it had its perks to know your own resident spy.
"So show me your terrain. We've two pair of eyes now. And I'll get into places you can't." The other man, Linwood, gently coaxed.
"Oh no, I'm not showing you anything. I know what you're doing, trying to steal away my job here because you quit yours."
"I didn't quit, I fled you idiot," Linwood said angrily but his tone of voice turned amiably right away, "Be thankful I managed to flee with the king's latest instructions. Come on Weylan, I do wonder what Bayard would think of his 'perfect spy' if you start obstructing his chances here. You know we'll be more successful together."
"Fine, but you follow my orders." Weylan reluctantly agreed.
"Fair enough, although I do wonder if the Pendragon won't find it strange that I a lord of the realm is being ordered around by the likes of you." She heard someone grumble again, definitely Weylan this time.
"Only behind closed doors then." Lauren briefly wondered what damage the two of them could cause that she almost missed the hurried footsteps that came her way. The men were still talking. She cursed silently and quickly took a step backwards surveying the options she had. There were only two hide-outs here: up the stairs or down the stairs. Stupid, stupid, of course Weylan would use the servant's route.
Without further thought she flung herself up the stairs. One, three, five steps later she stopped and pressed herself close against the inner side of the staircase. The curved stairwell just scarcely hid her from sight but she couldn't risk making another noise and held her breath. Please go down.
"... Annis has a clue?" Weylan asked and led Linwood downstairs. Lauren heard their receding footsteps but remained silent as she barely contained her relief.
"No, and she's of no consequence. She most likely won't survive this attack." Linwood answered gleefully.
"What are you playing at?"
"Just think creatively for once, Weylan. How would the rest of Albion, not the mention her young heir react when Annis is killed here in Camelot under the very nose of Pendragon? Mmm? Let me answer that for you. The wilful prince already hates Arthur. Bayard will jump at the opportunity to forge an allegiance between Caerleon and his kingdom. Whereupon the two of them will crumble Camelot's defences with some inside help of course and after the boy has proven his usefulness Bayard will..."
The rest of Linwood's explanation was too quiet to be heard as the men finally moved along. Lauren's mind was already processing the information. This was bad, no bad was an understatement. I have to warn the king now. She entered the room and headed for the main entrance on the other side. Halfway there she paused. Instructions!
She looked around. On the table by the window were the leftovers of dinner. Letters, letters where can you be? Lauren opened the closet and searched in between the spare blankets. There are only so many hideouts in a room and she knew all of them. It's not as if the lords that occupied these rooms were more imaginative than her. Everyone believes they're so original, but honestly hiding things below floorboards or sticking them under the bed is hardly a novelty.
Nor is hiding them between the curtains, she smirked as she examined the bundle of papers. There were four letters carefully bound together with a piece of string. Inconspicuous really, but the damage they could do... Lauren shuddered and tugged the letters in the folds of her dress. She walked around the table just as the door to her right opened.
"Killing the king is not our-"
Her eyes widened in fear but somehow she managed to grab the empty platter and put on a pleasant smile.
"Good evening my lord. I hope dinner was satisfying enough?" She hoped her voice sounded normal enough as she lowered her eyes when she did a slight curtsey. The two men in front of her stopped arguing and gaped.
"Lauren, what are you doing in here?" Weylan glared at her.
"Cleaning up, kitchen's packed today. Plenty more mouths to feed. I'm collecting. Audrey needs the plates and the cutlery." Stop rambling, she thought as she rearranged the platter and walked towards the door the two men just entered through.
"Not so fast." Linwood put his left hand against the wall effectively blocking Lauren's hasty exit with his arm. "I wouldn't mind the company."
"I'm sorry, I'm needed elsewhere." She said and smiled weakly as she bent down a bit and moved beneath his stretched out arm. When she looked up again Weylan was standing right in front of her and worse, the door was firmly shut. He smiled maliciously at her and before she had a chance to utter a word of protest, grabbed the platter and smashed it into a pillar. The sound of breaking glasses and clanking silver drowned out any other noise in the room. When a rolling goblet finally came to a stop against the table, the room was silent once more.
"Nobody heard." Weylan remarked when the hallways surrounding the room remained quiet.
"Good." Linwood nodded and in a flash Lauren felt herself being forcefully pinned against the wall. She gasped and struggled but Weylan's coarse hand enclosed around her throat.
"Tut, tut none of that." He said. Linwood leaned against the wall next to her with his shoulder and observed her with a piercing stare.
"What do you hope to accomplish by spying on us?" He finally asked. Lauren pondered for a second to deny everything, but honestly the choice was already taken from her. Their actions already proved they thought her to be guilty. They didn't see it was the other way around though. Because even if she had been doing just her work, their behaviour would make even the most imperceptive servant suspicious.
"It takes one to know one." She spat defiantly and watched how Weylan paled and Linwood became thoughtful, "Wait until the king hears about this."
"If you live that long." Weylan responded harshly and tightened his grip.
"The king will notice my absence." Lauren struggled to speak now and tried to wrench his hands off, "If you hurt me, he'll know it was you."
"Weylan, wait." Linwood restrained him, "If you kill her now and here the changes of discovery are high, if you wait for let's say a day..." Linwood paused and looked appraisingly at the girl in front of him. It was a shame really, but sacrifices had to be made. "The city will be crawling with soldiers. One other casualty amongst the unfortunate victims wouldn't be noticed."
"I told you not to order me around!" Weylan yelled.
"It's a suggestion then." Linwood sighed tiredly.
"You won't get away with this." Lauren tried again, but there was no strength behind her words anymore. They sounded hollow even to her own ears. Honestly, how many people hadn't uttered the exact same words right before they died?
Suddenly the door to the main hallway opened. Linwood and Weylan twirled their heads around but Lauren already spotted the boy who casually strolled in.
"Lord Linwood, have you seen a maid called-" Lothian froze as did the other occupants of the room. And then Lauren started to struggle again. Weylan quickly put his other hand on top of her mouth, muffling her cries for help.
The prince studied the scene in front of him for a moment and took an authoritative step forward, "Release her immediately."
Weylan was about to protest but Linwood shut him up with a glare. This was not good. A mere servant girl was easy to misplace, but the prince? There was no way out of this, but that didn't mean Linwood wouldn't try. He took a few steps towards the prince and made some placating gestures.
"A simple dispute between servants, My Lord, nothing more. I was just about to put a stop to it." Linwood bowed and then grasped the boy's shoulder to usher him out of the room.
Lothian nodded as if he accepted that explanation. He didn't believe it for a second. The woman looked terrified as she kept struggling. The man that was holding her tightened his grip around her neck and mouth and Linwood had a smile on his face, a cruel smile as if he was about to murder someone in cold blood. Lothian suppressed a shudder and sprang into action. He slammed his right boot down on Linwood's foot and kicked the surprised man forcefully between his legs. Linwood gasped and doubled over. Lothian gave him another 'slight' nudge with his knee and Linwood was groaning and writhing on the floor. Meanwhile with his right hand the prince reached behind his back and lifted his shirt edging the small dagger that was tucked at his waist out of its sheath. In a flash of movement he threw his weapon and rushed forwards. His aim was true. The man screamed and stumbled back.
Lauren blinked and looked at the dagger that was suddenly protruding Weylan's upper arm. He had no choice but to release the hold he had on her and gripped his arm instead. Lauren fell to the floor dazed but had just enough awareness to stretch out her legs, Weylan tripped over them and crashed into a chair. He sagged on the floor unconscious. The whole fight had lasted not even thirty seconds.
"Help! There's someone hurt!" The boy screamed as he kneeled beside Lauren in the hopes of getting someone's attention."In here! Help!"
"Are you all right?" He asked more subdued. Lauren held her neck protectively and tried nod but the sudden rush of oxygen overflowed her senses as she gulped for air.
"Miss, are you all right?" The boy asked again and his voice took on a panicked tone, "You're not going to faint on me, are you?" If she wasn't battling against the black spots that filled her vision she would have smiled. My rescuer, fearless against two grown men but terrified of a weak girl. Mmm, it does feel like I am fainting...
When the tendrils of fog unravelled themselves and vanished Merlin unsteadily tried to maintain his balance. It was quiet, only the rushing of the river and the rustling of the leaves could be heard. The warlock looked around and suspiciously observed his surroundings. He was standing on a rocky beach along a small river. At the edge of the clearing the trees obstructed his view as the woods behind him were impenetrable black. Still, there was something unnerving about them. Merlin shivered. Did the spell work? It had to, but where was Galahad?
He enhanced his vision with magic. A few large boulders a couple of feet away stood out. There was something there. Merlin walked around them and gasped. He rushed forwards and fell unto his knees.
"Galahad, Galahad?" He gently but urgently shook his young friend. The druid remained unmoving, he was awfully pale. Merlin hesitantly brought his hand to Galahad's neck and gulped. Please let there be a pulse, please...
"Don't look so panicked, he's only sleeping." An amused voice suddenly interrupted the unearthly silence. Merlin's head snapped up and he berated himself for not noticing the man sooner. He was casually leaning against a boulder a few paces away and picking his nails out of boredom. His dark cloak flowed lightly in the evening breeze. Merlin noticed the golden clasp with two fire breathing dragons. The man may looked bored but his eyes were piercing between a fringe of raven black hair.
Merlin's eyes never left the man in front of him as he took Galahad's pulse. He sighed relieved and then carefully stood up, moving between him and the druid. His magic was already gathering, ready for anything.
"Hréonhes." Merlin said as a manner of greeting.
"Emrys." The dragonlord smirked while he slightly inclined his head in a mocked bow.
"Why are you doing this?" Merlin briefly motioned towards the young knight, for now ignoring the fact that the enemy knew who he was.
"You mean why is he sleeping or why isn't he dead? Or are you talking about more general affairs?"
Merlin remained silent, choosing to observe before taking action. His heart was beating rapidly. This man was different, unnerving and surprisingly gentle in his wording, like two opposites suspended in one place. He felt ill prepared coming here. This confrontation was too soon, he wasn't ready.
"You're not very talkative," Hréonhes sighed sounding very let down, "Well I suppose my question could be seen as rhetorical… Why are you frowning?"
"You left him alive."
"A weakness on my part I assure you. But to answer your question. Firstly think of him as an insurance for a friendly talk between the two of us. Secondly he's a Druid. Where I came from that meant something." Hréonhes explained and looked at the river longingly as if he was seeing another age, "They are pure souls, this one particularly. Druids ought to be respected, revered even. Yet from what I could gather from his memories that isn't the case anymore, pity." He looked back at Merlin, "Do you never feel nostalgic? To wish you weren't so burdened with destinies and troublesome dragons?"
Merlin didn't respond, because somehow Hréonhes hit the right spot. There were times when Galahad reminded him of himself, his former self. The young man, filled with naive dreams and hopes, was someone he hadn't been for a long time. He couldn't be that man anymore, otherwise the dozen plots to kill Arthur would have succeeded. He had to outwit them, be faster, be stronger. He became quite good in detecting lies and ploys, of course it took one liar to detect another.
So Merlin didn't answer. But Hréonhes didn't expect him to, besides he loved having an audience. "His memories were still so innocent. I envy that sometimes. Well just for a second and then I realized I wouldn't be having so much fun if I had stayed that way." Hréonhes said, his unfeeling eyes and cruel smile vanished any human resemblance he displayed a moment ago.
"You looked into his memories?" Merlin spat disgusted. Hréonhes just grinned. "The young Druid will have a headache when he awakens, I'm afraid." The dragonlord said in mocked concern, "It isn't a painless form of magic."
"Otherwise he should be fine. I practiced on the pretty witch. She wasn't happy with me although I wonder if she knows." Hréonhes said thoughtfully.
"So you know all about me now?" The warlock asked unsure. It didn't feel fair to be blind sighted when the enemy knew all the facts. But then, when did his attackers ever played fairly?
"Oh yes, Merlin, you make quite an intriguing character. I'm actually impressed to be honest and rather amused as well. People must have degenerated since my reign. You were hiding in Camelot for how long? And what's up with the clothes? Are robes out of fashion? Or general taste?"
"Are you criticising what I'm wearing?" Merlin asked incredulously and frowned.
"Not really, just curious, except if it ire's you." Hréonhes twirled around and smiled, "Then I could remark something along the lines of 'that colour doesn't suit you' or 'you look like something that should have died ages ago'."
"That would be you actually." Merlin shot back.
"Ouch. I should have realised that doesn't bother you the slightest. Morgana however," Hréonhes shook his head in amusement, "Another story entirely. Boy is she easy to rile."
"Where are the other knights, Hréonhes?" Merlin asked impatiently. He hadn't come here to chat.
"I was bored." Hréonhes bent down and picked up some stones, "When I was younger I was quite fond of playing hide and seek." He threw them one by one into the river watching them disappear in the water, "I'm afraid your dear knights, Emrys, are rather lost."
Merlin fought to keep his emotions in check and more importantly his magic. He clenched his teeth. Galahad's still alive. Focus on that.
"What about you?" Hréonhes interrupted the silence once more.
"What about me?" Merlin asked puzzled but then it suddenly all made sense: why Hréonhes was civil, why they were talking instead of fighting. The dragonlord was curious.
"Aren't you bored with playing the dutiful servant day after day?" Hréonhes took a step forward continuing more passionately, "You're Emrys. The Emrys. You should rule Magic and men. Instead you cower behind your petulant king. What happened to the pride of the Old Religion?" He sighed and leaned back against the boulder. "Think about it, we can rule the world together or destroy each other in a fight."
"What makes you think you can destroy me? If you know everything about me, then you know about my destiny." Merlin bluffed and couldn't help but wonder why Hréonhes would make an offer like that. Or was he merely playing?
"Destinies… " Hréonhes pondered out loud and turned towards the river again, "I had one once. They're big things and so very convenient to hide behind. In the end with me, it didn't seem worth all the collateral damage, so I threw it overboard."
Hréonhes swirled around unexpectedly and Merlin barely controlled his first instinct which was to throw him across the clearing. But he didn't want to fight. It may be cowardly but if Hréonhes did manage to kill him right here and now, Camelot would be defenceless against his brutal magic. He took a step back instead and the dragonlord smirked gleefully, "But why don't you strike me down. You had a couple of chances. I even turned my back just now. That's long enough to smite me. Or do you value his life more than those you left in Camelot?"
He paused and waited for an answer but Merlin couldn't come up with a fitting explanation. Luckily Hréonhes did. "Except," He pondered, "Except if you found out what happened to my last home. That makes you cautious doesn't it? Fear of what could happen to your dear city."
"We're not even close to Camelot." Merlin countered finally.
"Agreed, but it's still a gamble. Two of Magic's most favoured children pitted against each other in a deathly battle could easily cause so much destruction that your city crumbles in the fray. She'll not turn against me. I reinstated my allegiances honouring Her in every way I live. You on the other hand ignore Her, defy Her and renounce Her every day. So what weighs more?" Hréonhes paused dramatically, "You don't know and more importantly you have something to lose. I don't. That's why I'll win."
"How did you survive the destruction of Dalbeth?" Merlin asked and ignored Hréonhes gleeful expression. This encounter was tiring him even if they weren't using magic.
"Figured that out then?"
"So you did survive. You weren't dead." Finally some useful information, Merlin thought.
"I wasn't there anymore." Hréonhes sighed and for the first time Merlin spotted a glimpse of vulnerability in him. "Have you figured out yet what's wrong with the exiled queen?" He changed the conversation's direction this time.
"You did that?" Merlin had known this but it bewildered him why Hréonhes kept revealing little pieces of the puzzle.
"Naturally, curious about its effects?" Hréonhes asked and without delay whistled on two fingers. The sharp piercing sound echoed throughout the clearing and it seemed to take ages for it to die down. And then Merlin heard something else: the sound of hundreds marching footsteps breaking branches and the clanging of metal. He hastily looked around. The edge of the woods were suddenly flooded with people. Men, women and even children were amassing around the small beach.
"Controlling people's minds is terribly exhausting and complicated, but if you switch something simple, something that was already there and can be controlled, it's awfully easy. You see, I have all the loyal puppets I need to crush your precious home."
"What did you do?" Merlin hissed dangerously and clenched his hands. This was just sick.
"Say please." The dragonlord ordered sweetly.
"I'm not-"
"Say please and I'll give you a clue how to break the curse."
Merlin looked around. This were the people of Caerleon. They weren't evil, some of them weren't even of age. He spotted a boy and a girl who couldn't be older than six. So he took a deep breath and grovelled, "Please, Hréonhes, what did you do to them?"
"Marvellous!" Hréonhes exclaimed and clapped taking delight in this small victory of his, "Don't you just love it when the past offers you inspiration? Oh, don't look so sour, I'll give the clue right away. Look into your own past Merlin," The dragonlord sneered, "You already know the solution when one is a vessel for the suffering of many. Question is, where does your loyalty lie?"
Merlin opened his mouth to protest, but Hréonhes interrupted again. "Take your pet with you Emrys." He said harshly all the pleasantness gone from his voice and made a dismissing gesture, "You know what I want and what I offer. Next time I'll expect a friendly greeting or a fireball to dodge."
Merlin nodded angrily and kneeled down again. He hauled Galahad up and put the druid's arm over his shoulders while silently chanted the correct words. With a final glare at Hréonhes the tendrils of fog closed once more and the wind swept them away.
"Merlin!" The physician shouted indignantly as the gush of wind died down. Merlin guiltily looked at his feet and noticed the shattered shelves and sprawled books.
"Sorry Gaius, I'll fix it." He said contrite, "But it's kind of hard to aim correctly."
"Never mind, my boy. What happened to him?" Gaius looked worriedly at Galahad who half sagged in Merlin's arms. The warlock was struggling to keep him upright.
"Hréonhes found the scouts. He looked into Galahad's memories. I think he's fine but..." Merlin trailed off.
"Put him on that cot and step aside." Gaius ordered and bent down studied the young man before him when Merlin hurriedly complied. The physician got up again and hovered over his table. "Now where did I put it? Ah yes, yes." He said triumphantly and uncorked a vial. Instantly Merlin clamped his hands around his nose. The stench was foul.
"Come on my boy." Gaius coaxed gently and shoved the vial below Galahad's nose. After ten seconds the druid's eyes flew open and he practically jumped of the cot bumping into Merlin.
"Easy." Merlin grabbed a hold of Galahad's shoulders and guided him back to the bed.
"Gaius." The warlock sternly looked at the open vial the physician was holding. "Right." Gaius remembered and put it away again. Meanwhile Merlin helped Galahad out of his tattered mail and eased a blanket around the druid's shivering body.
"Are you all right?" Merlin asked worriedly and kneeled down beside the bed trying to catch the knight's gaze. Galahad was still staring at nothing specific and the lack of vocal reaction was making the warlock very anxious. "Galahad?"
The young knight finally looked down and gave him a tired smile. "I..." He started, but had to cough because his voice sounded so hoarse.
"Drink this." Gaius said and handed over a goblet. Galahad didn't even ask what was in it and merely downed its contents in one gulp.
"Thank you." Galahad said softly, "I'm fine I think. My head still feels a bit woozy but your potion helped."
"Do you remember anything about-"
"That bastard invading my mind?" Just the fact that his friend was swearing told Merlin enough. "Yeah I remember and I don't want to talk about it." Galahad continued and effectively blocked Merlin's next question.
Elyan hurried towards Lothian's room with Arthur's sword when suddenly he heard the prince calling for help. He passed around the corner and bursts into a room.
The chamber was a mess. Food and broken plates decorated the floor. Some of the furniture was broken as well.
"Lothian?" Elyan asked as he carefully came closer. The boy was sitting on his knees beside and staring at an unconscious woman. Behind them a man lay incapacitated across the remnants of a chair. "What happened?" He asked as he kneeled down.
"I don't know." Lothian answered a bit dazed as the last minutes caught up with him, "One minute I was looking for someone called Lauren-"
"You found her." Elyan interrupted as he recognized his sister's maid.
"Oh. Well and then he was suffocating her," He pointed at the unconscious man, "And Linwood he-"
"Linwood?" Elyan asked surprised. Lothian huffed and seemed more like himself. "The guy currently groaning on the floor?" He swirled around and cursed, "Oh no, he's gone! How did he-?"
Lothian jumped up and ran to the door. He looked up and down the hall. Nothing.
The prince turned back, "Is she all right? I couldn't get her to wake up. I didn't know what to do." He admitted softly and ashamed. Elyan was busy tying the unconscious man up with his own belt. He was not going to escape as well.
"I think so, but I'll get her to Gaius." Elyan kneeled down again and lifted Lauren in his arms, "You should go to your aunt, Lothian. It's becoming late."
"No! I need to know if she's okay. Please? Aunt Annis will understand."
"Fine." Elyan fought the urge to roll with his eyes. He really couldn't say no to the boy's pleading look. And the prince knew it. "Great, thanks Sir Elyan!"
"Wait!" Elyan suddenly remembered why he'd been in this part of the castle in the first place. "See the sword there?" He inclined his head towards the floor. Lothian nodded. "That's yours. No don't thank me, just strap it on and follow me to Gaius."
"The others didn't survive, did they Merlin?" Galahad asked. He already knew the answer but as long as Merlin didn't confirm it, they might have a chance. Merlin felt his despair, but he couldn't lie. He shook his head. "I'm sorry."
Suddenly the door opened and Merlin looked up recognizing Caerleon's prince quickly followed by Elyan who was carrying Lauren.
"Oh dear, lay her on the bed, quickly now." Gaius said momentarily forgetting Galahad was still sitting there. The druid didn't hesitate though and he was up before Elyan took another step.
"What happened?" Gaius asked.
"Someone tried to choke her and then she fainted." Elyan informed them and lowered her on the bed. Galahad kneeled beside her and stroked her hair out of the way so Gaius had a better view of her neck. The finger shaped bruises looked painful but he didn't detect any lingering harm.
"You were there?" Gaius asked not taking his eyes of Lauren's neck. Before Elyan could answer Lauren moaned softly and opened her eyes.
"Welcome back, Lauren." Galahad said and smiled. Instantly he found himself engulfed in a tight embrace.
"That's nice. We save the girl and he gets the hug." Elyan scoffed but he smiled relieved. Lauren didn't notice the others in the room or she might have been embarrassed. Instead she sobbed silently against Galahad's chest while the druid tried to comfort her. The blanket on his shoulders suddenly shifted and covered Lauren as well. He glanced suspiciously at Merlin who grinned before looking away. Yeah, not suspicious at all.
"Are you all right?" Galahad asked after she seemed to calm down a bit. She lifted her head and sat back in the middle of the cot.
"My neck, it hurts." She answered softly her voice sounded as hoarse as Galahad's a few minutes ago. "Drink this, dear." Gaius handed her a familiar goblet. She drank it slowly savouring every sip.
"The boy," Lauren suddenly panicked. "Where's the boy?"
"I'm here." Lothian raised his hand from where he was sitting on a bench.
"You're all right." Lauren breathed in relief and wiped away some remaining tears. It wasn't every day that she came so close to dying.
Merlin and Elyan were standing by the door and talked quietly. "Did you caught her attacker?" Elyan nodded hesitantly, "One of them. He's on his way to the dungeon. Linwood escaped."
"One of Annis' entourage." Merlin commented, "One who didn't disappear." He mused quietly. Elyan looked at him strangely, but Merlin didn't take notice. Is that why Hréonhes underlined loyalty so much?
Merlin hadn't much time to contemplate this further because Leon barged in. The knight stopped clearly baffled by the sheer amount of people since he was only expecting Gaius to be here. One of the occupants surprised him more than others.
"Your Highness, what are you doing here?" Leon asked confused.
"Your Highness?" Lauren's eyes widened and looked around the room.
Elyan took a step forward, "May I introduce you to Prince Lothian of Caerleon."
"I got saved by a prince..." Lauren mouthed disbelieving. Galahad couldn't contain a snicker, but quickly stopped when Lauren elbowed his ribs. The druid quickly stepped out of her range and bowed, "I'm glad you found her, Prince Lothian."
"You told me to go look for her." Lothian answered, "I'm glad you did."
"I'm missing something vital, aren't I?" Leon raised in the hopes someone would start explaining.
"You have no idea." Elyan answered, "Lothian here saved Lauren who was attacked by a servant I didn't recognize and Linwood. The servant's in the dungeons, Linwood's on the run."
"Weylan." Lauren spat and carefully got up. "They're spies. The king asked me to watch them. I found evidence." She took out the papers. Leon was grateful the rest of them looked equally surprised.
"I'll go inform Arthur." Leon said and accepted the offered letters. "He ordered another meeting one hour before midnight at the Round Table." The knight said and virtually ran out the door.
"Come, Lothian. I'm getting you back to your chambers." Elyan gently steered the prince towards the exit, but the boy stopped halfway and turned around.
"My Lady, if you ever need help." Lothian bowed and then practically fled the room. Elyan shrugged his shoulders, "See you later." He closed the door behind him.
Merlin went to stand next to Lauren who was still reeling from the unexpected bow. "I think you have another admirer." He grinned and glanced at Galahad.
He so deserved that slap on his head.
Not long after Lothian went to bed, quietly and without making a fuss, someone knocked on Annis' door. She was still reading.
"Enter."
"Annis, I apologise for the late hour. I've ordered Linwood's arrest." Arthur said directly.
"On what grounds?" Annis asked and motioned towards the chair beside her bed. Arthur tiredly sagged down.
"Spying for Bayard." Whatever Annis thought he was going to say, this wasn't it. But the moment Arthur said those words was the moment her surprise left her. It made sense somehow. She didn't know why but it felt like the truth. Of course evidence is needed because mere speculation cannot be tolerated.
"How did he reveal himself?"
"I send my own spy." Arthur smirked but it quickly faltered, "She got hurt though, Lothian saved her and was a witness of their guilt."
"He didn't say."
Arthur frowned, "He probably didn't want to worry you."
Annis sighed accepting that explanation even if she didn't like it. She was about to ask more about his involvement when she recalled something Arthur just said. "Their?"
"One spy is already locked up in the dungeons, but Linwood escaped." Arthur continued gravely.
"He'll be out of Camelot by now. He may not be a loyal subject after all, but he was one of my most resourceful one's." Annis stated and suddenly grimaced in pain.
"Didn't Merlin heal you?" Arthur asked concerned. Annis shook her head. "He can't."
"Arthur, if – no listen if I die will you promise to look out for Lothian? He's still young and although I'm sure he'll have many teachers and mentors to guide him to become a good king, only you know how lonely a place the throne can be."
"That can't be a good idea, Annis. The more time he spends with me, the more he'll hate me."
"Nonsense," Annis waved his protests away, "I'm not asking you this as an ally, but as a personal favour to a friend."
Arthur turned his head and stared out of the window in a futile attempt to escape the desperation that lined her face, "I don't think-" He started but Annis interrupted him.
"Arthur." She now pleaded and the king's heart clenched. This wasn't supposed to happen. Annis was too strong willed to sound so fragile. Damn Merlin! Shouldn't he be all powerful?
Arthur sighed and looked back at her. There really wasn't a choice was there?
"I promise." He said solemnly and took hold of her right arm, the same gesture that had established the peace between their lands. It seems ages ago. A small smile graced his face when he watched Annis eyes light up in remembrance. The significance indeed wasn't lost to her and she sealed his promise with familiar words, "This gives me hope."
It shouldn't really surprise him that even bedridden Annis still got what she wanted.
He didn't burst into the vaults like last time, but he didn't knock either. Arthur simply walked in expecting Merlin and at least Gwaine or the newly returned Galahad to be concealed by stacks of books on and around the table, haphazardly scribbling spells down and debating the next step. Leon had briefed him and while he hadn't had the time to see Galahad or Lauren for himself his second in command assured them that they were both fine. He had been very relieved to hear that.
Merlin however was alone and more importantly he was lying on the table. His arms were folded behind his head, his feet were crossed and Arthur could swear he heard him humming some irritating tavern song. The tune was familiar.
So he wasn't holding a book or a quill or doing anything that would be considered productive. No, he was sending sparks across the ceiling who chased each other in a playful race.
With the whole castle on high alert searching for the escaped spy and preparing for war, this passiveness relit Arthur's anger.
"You're not going to do anything?"
"I'm doing something." Merlin kept staring at the ceiling even after the sparks died down. "I got Galahad back." He merely stated.
But Arthur didn't listen to that, "I just came from Annis."
"Oh."
"Oh. That's all you have to say. She basically told me she accepted her death, because you couldn't heal her. You should at least be looking for a cure." Arthur said angrily.
"Sometimes doing nothing is the right thing to do." The warlock said flatly and tiredly closed his eyes for a moment.
"That's the talk of a coward." Arthur spoke harshly.
"Bravo, you figured me out then." Merlin snapped and stubbornly evaded Arthur's gaze.
Arthur sighed and rubbed his aching temples. He wanted to take a step forwards so Merlin had no choice but to acknowledge him. He didn't though. There was no use. He couldn't reason with Merlin now. He had come down to talk about Annis and honestly also to finally talk to Merlin. He missed the humorous and misplaced jibes in the middle of the chaos. He missed the well meant words and the moments his servant surprised him with wise encouragements.
He wanted to say all that and then maybe...Well, he wasn't planning to apologise, certainly not, and he was definitely not going to thank Merlin, not now anyway. His servant was in a foul mood. And frankly Arthur didn't have the drive to start arguing again. He sighed again, shook his head and simply left.
When Arthur closed the vault door behind him Merlin exhaled deeply. He didn't want Arthur to yell at him, certainly not, but the king seemed so resigned just now. Merlin swallowed hard and stretched his arms. All my fault. I can't even blame Hréonhes for this mess between Arthur and me.
He sat back up and stared at the door. Maybe he'll change his mind and rush back in, lecture me, yell, throw things, shake his head and smile. There wasn't something physically stopping him from doing the same, but his mind was floating back towards his talk with Hréonhes.
He didn't think he had been underestimating the man's deviousness nor his madness. That was until the ancient dragonlord invaded two sets of memories and found out his weaknesses, his wounds and smiled happily while rubbing salt in them again and again and again. He had told Galahad so many stories.
"Look into your past, Merlin."
Damn his taunting! He couldn't use this kind of distraction.
A plan, a plan, a plan... He repeated over and over again. Save Camelot, save Annis, defeat Hréonhes, free the people of Caerleon and don't die. He sighed again and lay back down. He knew that not all of his goals were complementary.
And pause... Please leave a review! Next chapter: another Round Table meeting and the start of the "last" day...
The spell Merlin uses to retrieve Galahad is a loose, very loose translation of 'Lead the way to Galahad my friend through danger, through danger to help!' with Old English translator. Honestly it just looked cool :)
For Stiles Holmes: copy this watch?v=m4FXalLGaDs and paste it behind the YouTube URL. It's scene 66 aproximately at 1.34.