Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin.
Chapter two: Two plans.
The doors to the throne room swing open, but Jared hardly glances up from the parchment he is studying on the table. Morgana swipes into the room, her black dress billowing around her. The throne room was just as cold as it always was. If not colder today, as no fires had been lit.
"There is still no sign of the Diamair." She snaps, making her way towards her throne. "We are running out of time."
"Have faith, Morgana." Jared answers, as Morgana continues to make her way towards him. The sounds of her footsteps echoing around the hall.
"Arthur could be on us in days." Morgana replied, her face twisted in a bitter expression.
"Or he could be dead." Jared answers, still doesn't look up from the parchment.
"No!" Morgana snaps, as she walks past the table. "He escaped. I am sure of it."
"Then, he'll be in Camelot by now." Jared almost sighs.
"Then, you must speak to your spy, discover what Arthur will do next." Morgana answers, reaching her throne and sitting down.
"My Lady..." Jared begins, looking up from the parchment finally. "Rachel has been arrested. She is sentenced to die."
"That is cruel indeed." Morgana speaks, getting up and making her way over to Jared. "But you must remember, there is no greater glory than giving your life for a cause that is right."
"She has proved herself to be a worthy partner." Jared answers.
"It will not be forgotten." Morgana reassures him. "I will double the patrols on the border. We will be ready for when Arthur returns."
Jared nodes, looking back down at the parchment in his hands.
"There is nothing more you can do for Rachel." Morgana speaks, her voice taking a dangerous tone. "We must make sure her sacrifice was not in vain."
Morgana walks past Jared and out of the throne room, Jared simply watches her go, gripping the parchment in his hands even tighter.
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Snow had once again began to fall, as Merlin and Arthur both walked behind the wagon they were tied to, by ropes bound around their wrists, like animals on leads. The landscape around them, were made up of snowy drifts and Merlin knew if Tristan hadn't given him that charm, he'd be dead or close to it by now.
Up a head of them, Ragnor sat upon his horse, watching the landscape. If he missed the path in the snowy weather it could set them of course by days. But much snow had fallen since he had last travelled this route.
Arthur who was walking beside Merlin, suddenly falls forward on to his knees, before falling face first into the snow. Merlin was beside him in seconds kneeling in the snow and placing a hand on Arthur's shoulder.
"Whoa," Merlin yells. "Stop!"
Ragnor stops, before guiding his horse found to face Merlin and slowly making his way forward.
"He needs water." Merlin explains, as Ragnor approaches him.
Jumping down from his horse, Ragnor approaches Merlin and Arthur. Merlin quickly gets to his feet, as Tristan watches them closely.
"Get up!" Ragnor orders.
When Arthur does not respond, Ragnor kicks him in the side, causing Arthur to let out a muffled grunt. Quickly Ragnor pulls Arthur to his feet and grabs his face.
"Not so much of the great warrior now, are you?" Ragnor mocks, before laughing.
"Here." Merlin cuts in stepping forward. "I'll help him."
Ragnor shoves Arthur at Merlin and walked back to his horse laughing. Arthur looked up at Merlin, as he slowly slipped a dagger up his sleeve. Merlin smirked, before returning his face to a blank expression as Tristan gives them a knowing look.
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Two guards lead Rachel into the throne council hall, where Gwen sits at the head of the table, Gaius at her left hand side.
"My Lady." Rachel bows slightly.
"Rachel." Gwen answered, placing down her quill. "You asked to see me."
"I'm sorry for what I did." Rachel begins. "It was wrong, I know. It was without thinking. I didn't mean to hurt anyone. I wouldn't. I... All I wanted was to help my betrothed and now I am condemned to death."
"You understand the law, Sefa." Gwen answers. "I cannot change it."
"Please..." Rachel begs. "I know you have a good heart. A reprieve... I'm begging you."
"Men have died." Gwen answers, her tone matter of fact.
"I know." Rachel answers. "I'm sorry. I'm so... I'm so sorry."
There's at moments silence and Gaius glances at Gwen, who was watching Rachel carefully.
"I did it for my betrothed." Rachel finally continues. "It was the only thing he wanted from me. I told him I couldn't, but... I don't know, he... I wanted to make him happy, to please him."
"He used you." Gwen points out almost sadly.
"I know." Rachel answers. "My Lady, I don't want to die."
Gwen sighs. "There is nothing I can do, Sefa. The sentence stands."
"My Lady!" Rachel exclaims.
Gwen nodes to the guards and they move forward grabbing Rachel by the arms and dragging her from the hall. Rachel glances over her shoulder at Gwen before she's pulled from sight.
"Where is it that I need to sign?" Gwen asks, turning to Gaius and picking up her quill.
"Perhaps you should reconsider." Gaius speaks, handing her a piece of paper. "The sentence is a harsh one."
"The law is clear." Gwen answers, signing the paper.
"Rachel was naive and foolish, but she doesn't deserve to die." Gaius points out.
"And she won't, Gaius." Gwen answers, looking up at him from the paper. "I have no intention of executing her. My aim is to catch her betrothed. He is the threat to Camelot, not the girl. I'm hoping her plight will lure him here."
"Why did you not tell me?" Gaius asked.
"Her predicament must remain genuine." Gwen replies. "Jared may have more spies here. And if he has any inkling of this, he will not come."
"This is a dangerous game, My Lady." Gaius warns.
"Wars cannot be won without risks." Gwen acknowledges.
"The execution is set." Gaius answers. "What happens if Jared doesn't appear?"
"Rachel is his betrothed." Gwen points out. "I have to believe that he will."
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Hello, I hope you enjoyed that chapter. Until next time,
Blessed be,
TreeOfLIfe1997.