This chapter is long. It's an episode chapter. =D I actually like this one. I don't know. You can slowly feel Arthur and Artemis getting closer to one another near the end.
The next few weeks everything was calm and normal. Nothing exciting happened and nothing entertaining happened. Artemis went about her chores and she had kept teaching Morgana when she had the time. She also had to keep teaching Ava. It was slightly stressful with all that had to be done in fact it started hindering Artemis's sleeping pattern.
On this particular day, Artemis was with Morgana in the same woods they went during one of their first lessons. Arthur, Merlin, as well as a few men for a hunting group 'escorted' them there before going off hunting. They were to meet them in an hour or so. Morgana and Artemis both sat on the ground. Morgana had her eyes closed trying to concentrate Artemis was drawing in a journal the events that had happened over the last few weeks. Morgana was still trying to push that bar of the present. Morgana suddenly gasped as she opened her eyes.
"Did you see something?" Artemis asked.
"Yes," she said astonished. "I think so. You were yelling at Arthur." Artemis laughed.
"That happens everyday. Keep going." Artemis closed her eyes somewhat wondering why Morgana had seen her yelling at Arthur. Though, what she had said was true. She yells at him practically everyday. Artemis shut her eyes and due to the heat and the amount of sleep she's been getting she drift off for a moment…
No more than a mile or two away, Arthur and his hunting group slowly began to creep up on an unknown creature. He signaled for his part to circle around their objective. They all did. Merlin didn't move from his position.
"Merlin," Arthur called in a whisper. Merlin walked to Arthur.
"What is it?"
"I don't know. We'll surround it. I want you to go in there and flush it out," he said pointing to the area were the animal was.
"You want me to go in there? You just said that you don't know what it is. It could be dangerous."
"Let's hope so. Now go," Arthur said pushing him forward before leaving the spot he was sitting. Merlin slowly pick up a stick from against a tree as he made his way closer to the animal. As Merlin reached a slight opening from the trees, the creature came into his view. It was a unicorn. Merlin stared in awe as he dropped the stick and approached it slowly.
"Go, go," he encourage as he heard a snap in the woods the signified that Arthur and his men were moving. "Please go, shoo. They're going to kill you. Please go." Merlin looked up when he heard a noise. He saw Arthur in a tree ready to shoot an arrow at it with a crossbow. "Arthur no!" Merlin yelled. The unicorn was shot and collapsed.
A mile away in the forest, Artemis shot up from ground her eyes wide and her body sweating. Her heart was racing, and she was panting. She had a sudden pain in her chest.
"What is it?" Morgana asked worried.
"Let's go!" she said getting up quickly before lifting herself up onto Libera's saddle. Morgana followed on her horse as Artemis road fast down the road.
"Artemis!" Morgana called. She didn't answer. She kept riding. The hunting party's horses came into view. Artemis stopped.
"Come on," she said giving Morgana her hand. "Leave your horse here." Morgana did as she was told and got behind Artemis on her horse. "Agito ieiunium. Reperio Arthur quod Emrys." The horse speed off in the woods dodging trees and ditches expertly. Finally, they reach the hunting party that was standing around the body of the unicorn.
Artemis slid down from the horse quickly before pushing her way to the unicorn. She collapsed on her knees and pulled out the arrow and throwing it aside. The unicorn's horn was already chopped of by one of the men. Morgana pushed her way.
"Is that a horse?" Morgana asked.
"No," Merlin said. "It's a unicorn."
"See," Arthur said proudly showing her the horn that he had wrapped in a red cloth.
"Are you so ignorant, Arthur, that you proudly show such savagery?" Artemis asked her voice shaking with both anger and grief. She slowly stood but her back was still to them.
"It's just a unicorn," he said with a slight laugh.
"Just a unicorn…," she drifted for a moment. She turned to Arthur and let her anger blow up at him. "JUST A UNICORN! ARTHUR PENDRAGON YOU ARE JUST AS IGNORANT AND CRUEL AND HEARTLESS AS YOUR FATHER!" None of those in the forest had ever seen Artemis so angry. "I HAVE SEEN KINGDOMS FALL BECAUSE OF IDIOCY LIKE THIS!" Artemis hit Arthur hard in the shoulder. In fact she was so mad, she forgot what she was saying and suddenly switched languages. "Quis erant vos reputo? Es vos peius? Unicorns es putus quod insons insontis , quod vos iuguolo scabies! Vos-"
"Um… Artemis," Merlin said.
"QUIS!" she yelled. Suddenly a nearby tree branch snapped of the tree and fell landing by them.
"You're speaking another language." Artemis put a hand to her head still fuming. Her body was shaking slightly with anger. Artemis ran back to her horse before getting on.
"Go with Arthur and Merlin back to your horse, Morgana," she said. "There's someone I have to see. Reperio Anhora," she muttered. Libera speed off into the woods. It was minutes later when Libra slowed down, and slowly started walking forward. She stopped in from of a large cliff. There was a symbol on the side of it. "Ego ordo vos patefacio. Ego sum putus of pectus pectoris quod animus. Ego sum a amicus of unicorns." The rock face opened and Artemis rode in. The rock face closed behind her and after traveling a minute in the dark, the cave ended and opened up into a beautiful brightly lit field with many flowers. There was a lake glistening at the far end. Huge cliffs made a circle around the refugee. Unicorns were scattered across the field. A few druids in white cloaks were spread through out.
"I was expecting you, Ambrosine," a voice said. Artemis turned to her left. An elderly man stood there staring at her.
"Anhora," she said bowing gently. "I'm sorry about what Arthur did. He did not know. He does not know. He is ignorant like his father."
"You know that there is nothing I can do," he said. "What he has done is unforgivable. He must prove that he is pure of heart or not even your magic can save Camelot."
"I understand. I suppose I came here with some kind of false hope," she replied. Anhora moved forward and gently touch Libera.
"I recall when Libera was born. She is one of the only half-breeds in the world, half unicorn, half horse. She took an immediate liking to you. It was rare for unicorns to approach people so readily, but she went right up to you. You've taken good care of her." He patted her gently.
"I should get back and help Camelot prepare for the curse," she said.
"I understand."
"May your heart stay pure," she said getting on her horse.
"And you." Artemis turned and started back on the path. The cave opened up for her easily and closed behind her. Artemis rode back to Camelot fast. Ava ran out when she saw Artemis coming from the window.
"What happened?" Ava said in slight panic.
"A unicorn was killed." Ava had this looked of horror on her face.
"Who killed it?"
"Arthur, of course," she said bitterly. "I don't know how this is going to affect Camelot. I've seen a unicorn's curse only twice. Once it brought plague; another time it brought an army to it's walls, but both times the Kingdoms had fallen."
"Should we leave?" Ava asked. Artemis shook her head.
"I don't know. All we can do is wait and see what sort of curse it brings." The day went by. Artemis didn't return to her maid duties. She stayed at home with Ava teaching her, and trying to make up for the amount of time they have been loosing together.
The next day arrived and at first the still angry, Artemis didn't go the castle. She had been teaching Ava again, but still throughout the whole thing her mind kept drifting back to the unicorn. It had kept her up most of the night and now was distracting her.
"I think I'm going to talk to Arthur," she said suddenly.
"Why? Surely you're still furious with him."
"Oh I am, but if anyone knows where the banned books are he would. I believe there was a book once that depicted each and every type of curse that the unicorn can cause. I'm not sure if Uther had all copies burned, but I believe if I know what kind of curse it is I may be able to counteract it somehow or at the very least appease the unicorn. Different unicorns bring different curses. This one is no different. Surly there is a proper burial ritual I can proper as a proper apology to it." Artemis left the house and walked the palace and to Arthur's chambers. She opened the doors.
"You've got the face of a wounded bear ever since we got back from that hunting trip. Don't tell you're still upset about the unicorn," Arthur said as she entered. He was speaking to her brother whom did genuinely look upset. Arthur sat in a chair at the table without a care in the world. He stood and walked to his bed.
"I don't think you should have killed it."
"Oh? And why is that?" Arthur asked as he pulled his boots on.
"It was… It was doing no harm. What purpose did you serve by killing it?"
"We were hunting," Arthur explained. "That's what you do. Have you bring it home as a pet?" Merlin looked back to the window. Artemis stood lingering in front of the door unseen by both men.
"Look at this!" Arthur said.
"What?" Merlin said dully.
"Do you know what that is?" Arthur asked bringing Merlin down slightly to look at the floor.
"No."
"Rat droppings. My chambers are infested. You need to spend less time worrying about, and more time worrying about rats." There was a sudden knock behind Artemis. She jumped slightly. "Since when have you been here?" Arthur asked staring at Artemis.
"Since you said Merlin looked like a bear. I didn't want to interrupt your arguing." There was a knock again.
"Enter," Arthur called. The door opened and a knight looked in.
"My lord. The King request your services as a matter of urgency. Find that rat," Arthur said before walking toward his door. He stopped at Artemis for a moment. "I'll deal with your disrespectful behavior later." He was about to continue walking, but Artemis stepped in front of him.
"I need a quick word. My matters are far more urgent. I assure you this cannot wait."
"I don't have time for this," he replied.
"Arthur, I am begging you," she said with a straight face. "For the love of Camelot, listen to me."
"Sire, the king your requests you now."
"Clean my laundry, make my bed, make sure my armor is polished, clean off my table, wash the dishes, make sure there is something to eat when I get back, and help Merlin find that rat. You are a maid, nothing more," he said before stepping around Arthur. Arthur closed the door behind him. Artemis didn't look happy.
"Arthur upset at you for yelling at him in front of two of his men," Merlin explained. Artemis just shook her head.
"It doesn't matter. Camelot is doomed."
"I've never seen you so mad than in the forest," he replied. "What's going to happen?"
"It varies depending on the unicorn killed. The last time I witnessed it… an army arrived at the kingdoms doors and slaughtered nearly everyone inside. Before that, the first time I witnessed it, nearly everyone died of plague."
"What can we do?"
"There are few things we can do. I wanted to ask Arthur if Uther kept any copies of the books he burned so many years ago. There was once a book written by a Unicorn keeper. That described ever type of unicorn curse, but it was only ever printed in Camelot. No other books exist and all other Unicorn Keepers after that were sworn never to tell mortals what the many curses are. If one copy exist, I could find the curse and possibly counteract it. If not, it is up to Arthur to prove he is pure of heart. When Arthur gets back, tell him I'm busy," she said. "I'm going to the library." Artemis found the library easily. It wasn't very big, but it was cluttered with books. It was very unorganized. She started looking through the books.
"Can I help you, young lady?" An elderly man asked. He had a white beard and a balding head.
"Oh, hello. I am Artemis," she said politely.
"I am Geoffrey of Monmouth."
"May I ask you something… something that might seem odd?"
"What?"
"During the Great Purge, did Uther keeps copies of the books he burned? Perhaps simply hiding them?"
"Why?" Geoffrey asked suspiciously. Artemis knew he was trusting. She could tell just by looking at him. She also knew he was a friend of Gaius.
"I fear a curse may be starting to spread through Camelot." He looked surprised.
"Why not tell the king?"
"I tried telling Arthur, but I am his maid. They listen to me."
"I see," he said suddenly becoming sympathetic. "I have much knowledge. Tell me what do you seek?"
"There was once a book, Putus Vomica. Roughly translated it means the Pure Curse." Geoffrey nodded.
"I recall that book. It was very popular with women because it had to do with unicorns… this is about Prince Arthur's killing of the unicorn."
"Yes." Geoffrey was silent.
"The book, if there is still a copy, would be in the vaults below the palace, but you won't get in there. Only the prince has a key."
"Thank you anyways, sir," she said.
"I'm sorry."
"Don't be sorry for me, be sorry for Camelot," she replied as she left. The day came and went as did the night. Artemis didn't sleep. Bt the morning, the next day they were rationing food. The wheat in the fields had all died and the livestock were getting sick and dying. It turns out famine would be the fall of Camelot. By midday, it was discovered the town's water supply had all turned to sand.
"Artemis?" Ava asked worried. She was sitting at the table with her head down looking completely worn down. She looked worse than she had been as of late. Her hair was wild, slightly curly, and everywhere instead of completely straight like she had been wearing it since they left Valde. Her eyes had deep shadows under them like she hadn't slept in weeks. The color of her eyes were dulled down and the remaining spark she had was nowhere to be seen. She was stressing out a lot. Ava was sure she saw a few strands of gray. "Are you going to be okay?" she asked.
"If Camelot falls…," she said shaking her head. "Magic will never raise here or anywhere near here again. I need to go see, Arthur," she said getting up.
"That didn't help last time."
"I know," she replied. "But what else can I do?" Artemis stood and went to Arthur's chambers. She entered. The least she could do is see if he was truly pure of heart. She had her doubts. Merlin was still looking for the rat. Arthur was looking out the window in thought.
"Artemis?" Merlin said staring at her. Arthur turned to look at her. "Are you okay? You look awful." Artemis forced a small fake laugh.
"I haven't been sleeping well," she admitted. "Nightmares."
"I'll get Gaius to make you something to help you sleep." Artemis shook her head.
"It won't help. It never does."
"Why are you here?" Arthur asked. "You haven't been showing up on time, and when you do come you stay for a short moment before leaving. I was under the impression that you quit."
"I'm afraid I've been staying home for my health, sire," she replied. Arthur flinched slightly at what he heard. That was the first time she had ever called him sire, and although he wouldn't admit it hearing Artemis use language like this made him worried. She was usual more lively and annoying. Today, she just looked like she needed rest.
"Perhaps," Arthur said. "You should go home and rest more. You look tired."
"That's kind of you, but it won't help, sire. Sleep is nothing but a burden at the moment." Arthur watched her.
"What is truly wrong?" Merlin asked. "Tell me."
"You want to know what's wrong?" she said annoyed. "You want to know what's wrong?" she said now laughing like an insane person. "I CAN FEEL THIS DAMN CURSE IS WHAT'S WRONG!"
"Everyone can," Merlin said. "Everyone's hungry. Everyone's thirsty."
"No," she said calmer. She leaned against the door a hand to her head. "You don't understand. It's not that I feel hungry and thirsty. It's far more than that. I can literally feel the weight of the curse in the air. After traveling with monks and gypsies I'm sensitive to all magic especially curse. While you suffer from the curse because of the famine and drought, I suffer for a much big, much more painful reason. I would welcome just famine and drought for me right now! Because right now I FEEL LIKE I HAVE BRICKS PILED ON TOP OF MY BODY WHILE I'M BEING BURNED ALIVE AND STABBED ALL AT THE SAME TIME! NOT TO MENTION I CAN HARDLY BREATH LIKE I'M CHOKING! I CAN'T SLEEP BECAUSE OF THE PAIN, AND I CERTAINTLY CAN'T CONCENTRATE BECAUSE OF IT OR EAT OR DO ANYTHING REALLY! DO YOU KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE TO FEEL LIKE SOMEONE IS TRYING TO SMASH YOUR HEAD IN WITH A SLEDGEHAMMER?" she yelled at Merlin. She clearly wasn't in a good mood. "DO YOU? HUH!"
"No," Merlin said.
"THEN DON'T ASK WHAT'S WRONG!" she yelled at him. Her breath was shaking. Her hands were balled into fists and it really looked like she just wanted to hit someone. Finally after a minute Artemis calmed down.
"Better?" Merlin asked. Artemis nodded.
"Surprisingly yes."
"Good," Arthur said. "Take the day off until you feel better and stop calling me sire. It's really surprisingly annoying."
"I know, Arthur, sorry," she replied. "for everything. I know you were mad at me yesterday because I yelled at you in front of your men. It was disrespectful. I was angry. I still am angry at you, but once you realize that my horrible mood is caused by you killing the unicorn everything will start to fix itself."
"This curse is not caused by me killing the unicorn."
"We shall see," there was a brief moment of silence. "Well, I'm going to leave now. The closer I am to Arthur, the worse I feel, so I'm going to as far as I can travel in a day. I'll be back in a day. Hopefully, I'll be a little better by then." Artemis turned and left. She went to the house. Ava was reading again, which was weird. "Let's go," Artemis said.
"Where?" Ava asked closing the book.
"The only place the curse won't be affected in Camelot, the unicorns sanctuary."
"Really?" Ava asked jumping up. Artemis nodded. Artemis and Ava rode out of Camelot quickly. The reached the sanctuary with just as much easy as the first time. As soon as the end of the cave was reached Artemis sighed and slid off her horse. She just laid in the grass enjoying that the feeling of bricks, burning, stabbing, and choking were all gone.
"Now if you'll excuse me," Artemis said. "I'm just going to sleep here. Go play with the unicorns. They won't be too shy around you since you're a virgin," she said closing her eyes.
"Okay. Have fun Teach," Ava said as she ran off. Artemis fell asleep in the grass.
When she woke up next, the sun was bright in the sky. Ava laughed at Artemis groggy expression.
"You slept a really long time."
"Did I?"
"Yup. We should get back to Camelot, and see how things are there. The druids said that it's fine if you stay or leave as you please. They really like you." Artemis laughed.
"Let's go then." Artemis and Ava exited on horseback. As soon as they reached beyond the cave Artemis felt the curse, but this time she smiled.
"What is it?" Ava asked.
"It seems Arthur has passed a trial. The curse isn't as thick."
"So no more split personality than?" Ava teased. Artemis laughed as they started to ride back to Camelot fast. She left Ava to stable the horse before running to Arthur's chambers. She entered.
"There you are!" Merlin said. "Here! To water!" he said happily giving her a goblet. Artemis drunk it fast.
"You look better," Arthur noted.
"Oh, I feel much better. Sorry for snapping at you both yesterday. What happened to your window?" she asked staring at the crack in it.
"I don't know," Arthur admitted. "I just came in here and it was broke."
"Oh," Artemis said flatly.
"Artemis?" Merlin asked.
"Yes, oh dear brother?" she asked as he poured her another glass of water.
"Do you know of a man name Anhora?" he asked.
"Most certainly. He is the Keeper of the Unicorns… well… the main keeper… there are other keepers. I assume you met him, and that Arthur passed one of the trials," she replied.
"Than you know of the trials?" he replied.
"Of course. It's Camelot's only salvation at this point. I could of done something if Arthur had not taken the horn off," she said looking at Arthur with slight annoyance.
"Forget it Merlin," Arthur said. "We do not negotiate with sorcerers. My father wouldn't hear of it."
"Then it's probably best you don't tell him," Merlin replied. Arthur looked to be thinking about when he suddenly stood.
"I must go check on the guard. See if you can find me some food," Arthur said as he walked out the door.
"Find some food," Merlin muttered. He sat against the table. Sudden squeaking was heard by the twins. They looked to see Arthur's boot moving around on the floor. A rat pulled out through a hole it had created. Using a little bit of magic Merlin killed it.
"You're not going to feed that to Arthur, are you?" she asked disgusted.
"Yup."
"Ew. Well," she said. "I think I should get to cleaning Arthur's chambers. I mean really Merlin what do you do all day? This place is a disaster."
"I'm trying to save the kingdom here."
"So am I," she scolded. By the time Merlin had finished the stew, Arthur was back and Artemis had nearly finished with his room. She was finishing making the bed. He sat down looking depressed. Merlin served him the stew. Artemis wrinkled her nose in disgust.
"I've lost my appetite," he said.
"You have to eat something," Merlin said.
"I can't. Not while my people are starving," he said. "Do you really believe I'm responsible for the curse?"
"I'm afraid so. You heard Artemis when you killed the unicorn, and my sister's always right."
"We're going to the forest first thing in the morning," he decided. "Maybe we can… pick up Anhora's trail. Whatever it takes." Merlin grinned and laughed.
"Okay, but you have to eat. You won't help anyone if you're too weak to pass the test." Merlin set the bowl closer to him, and Arthur began to eat.
"What kind of meat is this?" Arthur asked after a moment. "It has a very strange texture."
"It's pork," Merlin said simply.
"This isn't pork. It's far too stringy. What is it? It's um… it's rat, isn't it?" Silently, Merlin nodded.
"Try not to think about it." Arthur took a drink of his water. Probably to get the taste out of his mouth.
"Look at me. I'm being rude. Here I am stuffing my face with this delicious stew when you're hungry too." Arthur stood. "Come on. Take a seat," he said patting the chair he was just sitting in. Merlin sat down. "Eat." Merlin slowly took a bite. "MmMm," he said as he helped Merlin take another bite.
"Mhm… it's actually pretty tasty," Merlin said as looking like he was trying not to vomit.
"Well, glad, you like it," he said grabbing the stew pot, "cause there's plenty more." Merlin looked sick.
"Artemis knew I was going to feed you rat," Merlin blurted.
"Traitor!" Artemis yelled.
"Artemis, then why don't you come over here and have some to?" Arthur said.
"Um… wow, no thanks. I can fast for months before I really need food. I think I'll pass."
"No, no I insist," he said walking toward her.
"Um… I'm on a diet," she said.
"Why you're too skinny as it is. Come eat with us."
"Er…" There was a knock on the door saving Artemis.
"Enter," Arthur said. "Morgana," he said surprised as she came inside.
"I hate to ask, but I was wondering if you had anything to eat." Arthur turned and looked at the stew before hiding a smile and looking at Morgana, who would be his next victim.
It was later that night when Artemis found herself alone with Arthur. She had told Merlin to go get some rest. She would finish dealing with Arthur.
"You surprise me," Artemis admitted as she started to put out the candles.
"Why is that?" he asked as he started taking off his boots.
"You care very much for your people."
"Isn't that how princes should be?" he asked.
"It should, but it's not," she replied. "Many do not care what becomes of their people as long as they themselves are safe. I expected you to be the same, but I was wrong… for once in my life. You are not like them."
"You are not like most either," he replied now watching her go around the room straightening up a few things and putting out more candles.
"No?" she asked picking up a few of the things on the table while she put out a few more candles.
"No. You don't treat me… or Morgana for that matter like we're not any different from you."
"Because you're not," she said now turning to look at him. "When it comes straight down to it, I do understand the hierarchy. I'm not an idiot. I know that in reality I'm not supposed to hit you or yell at you. I know I'm not supposed to be friends with Morgana. I know I'm supposed to just stand quietly and do what I'm told. I know that. I know that in the eyes of everyone I am just a servant and you are the Master. You are far above me in society's eyes, but I don't care. I'm not going to stop feeling something just because someone tells me to. I can't live like that. I need to speak what I think or I'll be driven mad. To me, you are a person born with a destiny, and I am a person born with a destiny. We both have a soul, a heart, a mind, and a body. We live and we die. I have learned in death we are all the same, so why is it any different in life? You dream, so do I. You have goals, so do I. The only difference is that I was born to someone else. That is it, and it's wrong for me to be treated so much more cruelly because of that. I'm not complaining. You love the life you have, and I love mine. It has it's down points, but every life does. I love that I came from a small village and had to find my way through life. I love the struggles I've been through. It's made me who I am now. I wouldn't trade who I am for the world. I love who I am. I have flaws… many, many deep flaws, but who doesn't? Society… I don't like society. For the most part of my travels, I lived in the mountains with monks or traveled with gypsy, because they are free. Freedom is not living by these invisible laws. Freedom is talking to whomever you want because you want to. It's living without that hierarchy. It's being able to say anything you want and allowing the person next to you to think whatever they want without it bothering you. So what if they think your mad? Some people will. Freedom is not needing gold. It's living off each other. It's making something because you want it, and then feeling the accomplishment when you finish it. Freedom is riding as fast as you want not going towards a destination. It's just riding fast in any direction because you feel like it. It doesn't matter. Freedom is loving whomever you want without there being consequences or worries. It's just having each other to warm at night; having someone talk to when you need talk; it's light in its finest form. It's not worrying about what others will say. In my life, I have experience there are only three things to ever fight for: one: the right to live, two: freedom, and three: love. I'm sure there were times that you felt sorry for me, because of the village I grew up in or… the disease I had as a child or… perhaps what you believe to be my ignorance of society, but I pity you. You don't live free, Arthur, and you never will because of who you are. You can never be free, because you were born as a prince. I can be free, because I was a born a peasant. I would trade all the gold and all the power in the world for one day as a truly free person, and I have lived free for a long time now." The smile that was one Artemis's face slowly slid off. "Except now. I am once again trapped in this cage called society where the world looks down upon me and sees nothing more than a maid. They don't see the trials I went through in my life, and even if they did they would give me no sympathy unless I made them," Artemis said. She paused for a moment. "I apologize. I'm ranting. I'm keeping you from sleep." She turned and put out another candle.
"Perhaps," Arthur said, "you can show me what freedom is even if only for a day." Artemis smiled.
"I would like that. You would be so lost," she laughed.
"Have you been feeling better then?"
"Yes. At first, I was afraid you would not be able to prove yourself, but you really do love your people. I suppose the future of Camelot is not as frightening as I thought it would be."
"Thank you. You're faith means a lot to me."
"It does?" she asked surprised.
"You once told me the world is built on faith and trust, and to be a great king I needed to understand this. I think am understanding it now, because of you. You are annoying, rude, obnoxious, and disrespectful, but you are also wise among other things. I should listen to you more. If I had… Camelot may not be cursed."
"Who knows," Artemis said. There was silence. "I should go," she said at last. Arthur night.
"Good night, Artemis," he said.
"Good night, Arthur," she said putting out the last candle by the door.
"Er… wait!" he called as she started to close the door.
"Yes?" she asked entering again.
"Merlin and I are going to look for Anhora tomorrow. You said you know him. Can you help us find him?"
"I'm afraid me interfering in this matter would end badly. It would be like cheating in a tournament. Do you understand?" she asked.
"Yes."
"Just go to the forest and look for him. You will find what you are looking for. I promise."
"Thank you."
"Your welcome, Arthur. Good night," she said again before leaving. When she arrived back, Ava looked up at her. They both had been fasting since the food was better left to those who could not.
"You're home late."
"I had a rather deep conversation about Freedom and society with Arthur."
"Really?" she said in disbelief.
"Yes," she said. "I'm as amazed as you are."
"Well, sleep time." Artemis and Ava both got into bed and after Artemis stared at the wall for a little before falling asleep.
Artemis woke up early as usual and Ava was up an hour later.
"Morning Teach," she yawned.
"Morning. I'm going to go see Arthur and Merlin off and then after to visit Morgana to tell her that we won't be having lessons until the curse is gone, and then I will be free for the most part. You and I can train today. I feel I haven't been spending enough time with you."
"You're trying."
"Would you like to come with?" she asked.
"Sure." Together Ava and Artemis set off to the courtyard. Both Merlin and Arthur were already mounted.
"Good luck," Artemis said reaching them.
"Thank you," Arthur said. They both looked at each other before Artemis nodded lightly with a gently encouraging smile. Merlin and Arthur both rode off leaving Ava and Artemis.
"What was with that thank you?" Ava asked as they started toward Morgana's chambers.
"What do you mean? It was just a thank you."
"No, no. It was not a oh-I-appreciate-your-help thank you; it was a you-are-the-most-amazing-person-I-want-to-be-with-you-thank-you-for-being-alive thank you," Ava said.
"No it wasn't."
"Yes. It was, and then you just sort of gave him a nod and a smile that pretty much said right back at you."
"Um, no."
"Yes."
"No."
"Yes."
"No."
"Yes."
"I'm not having this conversation with you."
"You liiiiike him," Ava said.
"I do not like Arthur Pendragon!" she yelled at Ava.
"And who does really?" a voice said from behind them. Gwen was walking their way.
"Hello, Gwen," Artemis said.
"Artemis, Ava," she said. "What were you two arguing about?"
"Artemis liiiikes Arthur."
"I do not!" she yelled at Ava.
"I've seen those two interact. There's no way," Gwen told Ava. Ava just shook her head.
"We were just on our way to see Morgana, but since you're here… can you tell her that lessons will no presume until the famine and drought is lifted? She'll understand."
"Of course, but what lessons?"
"Nothing really. Meditating and other things to help her nightmares." Gwen nodded.
"Of course." Gwen walked off.
"Race you to the practice grounds," Ava said.
"Psh, like I would ever be so childish." Artemis and Ava grinned at each other before both started sprinting the practice grounds.
The knights on the field at first laughed at the idea of Artemis and Ava fighting, but then when they started to swordfight they stopped what they were doing to watch. It was one hell of a battle. They were graceful and fierce. Ava was getting her ass kicked all over. In between defeats, Artemis gave pointers which Ava took and stored in her mind. Suddenly, something went wrong. Half way through a battle, Artemis let down her guard, and Ava got her.
"Ha!" she said at first, but then she realized Artemis stopped and dropped her sword. She was holding her head in agony. "Artemis?" she asked. Artemis collapsed to her knees. "Artemis!" she yelled kneeling beside her. "Can you guys help me get her to Gaius?" she asked the knights that had been watching. Two knights stepped forward. They each put an arm over their shoulders, and helped her walk.
"Thanks guys!" she said as they left. That was nice of them.
"What's wrong?" Gaius asked Artemis.
"The curse…," she said. "Arthur failed. Camelot's doomed." Ava looked horrified.
"Crud!" Ava yelled. "Now we have to move!"
"We can't let Camelot fall!" Artemis said. "Gaius, hand me a vial!" she yelled at him. He gave her a vial. She gave it to Ava.
"Give this to Morgana. Tell her to put some sleeping potion in it, and bring it back here." Ava ran off.
"I thought someone's been giving her sleeping potion. You should be careful."
"I am," she said.
"Merlin told me you can sense magic. That's a rare gift. Is this perhaps another reason for your ails as a child?" Artemis nodded.
"That's correct."
"Hm.. You are full of surprises," he said. Ava came back a few minutes later. Artemis downed the entire bottle.
"Um… Teach… aren't you only supposed to take a drop of that to fall asleep?"
"No. I'm immune to all sleeping potions as well as poisons. All this will do is make me drowsy and dull down my headache."
"Oh… weird…," she said. Merlin suddenly entered the room.
"Oh, you're back," Artemis said.
"Arthur failed!" Merlin said.
"I know. I felt it. This is worse than before. Is he alright?"
"No, he's angry with himself."
"I'll go talk to him. Ava, you talk to Merlin about magic or something. I'll be back in a few minutes." Artemis ran out of the room and towards Arthur's chambers. When she reached them, she heard a lot of crashing coming from inside. She entered and saw Arthur kicking and throwing furniture. "Well, just don't consider my feelings, I'm the one who has to clean this up in the end." Arthur was breathing hard.
"I've failed," he said leaning on the tipped table for support.
"I know. Merlin told me."
"I failed because this man was insulting my honor! I let my pride get in the way and now my people are going to die! The rest of the food has rot! I just argued with my father because all he sees is enemies! The people of Camelot will die because he wants to reserve what is left for the army! I had the chance to save them and I failed! Camelot is on the verge of collapsing and it's because of me!" Artemis found watching Arthur in this much pain and distress was definitely not fun. She walked to him.
"I think…," she said, "it's time to cheat," she replied. Arthur looked up at her.
"What do you mean?"
"Let me talk to Anhora. I can see what I can do. I might be able to get you another chance," she said.
"You can?" Arthur asked both in shock and gratitude.
"No promises," she said. "I can only try. I will move out. Right away." Artemis left before he could say anything else. Artemis saddled Libera and rode fast to the unicorn's sanctuary. Inside, she stood waiting for Anhora to appear.
"So you have come," Anhora said.
"Yes, I need something. I know you cannot lift the curse, but I know you can give Arthur another chance. Please, I beg of you, do this. Give Arthur another chance. He has accepted what he has done. He can do this. He has a good heart."
"You have faith in him?" Anhora asked.
"I trust him with my life." Anhora thought for a moment. "And I know keepers take that term literally. I will gladly give my life to give him another chance."
"Arthur must go to the Labyrinth of Gendref. There he will face a final test. If he fails, there is no hope. The curse will destroy Camelot." Anhora disappeared and Artemis got on Libera and rode off fast back to Camelot. She ran to Arthur's chambers, and practically fell through the doors. Merlin and Arthur were both there.
"You must go to the Labyrinth of Gendref. You've been given another chance," she breathed." Arthur immediately stood and began getting ready. As Merlin helped put on Arthur's armor, Artemis faced him. "I am going with. I know more about the unicorns and Anhora than you do."
"No," Arthur said. "You've done enough."
"No. I am coming."
"As am I," Merlin said.
"No. Neither of you are coming. I brought this curse to Camelot, and I'm going to be the one to lift it or die trying."
"Alright, how does you dying help anyone?" Merlin asked.
"I'll die knowing I did everything I can." Artemis didn't hear the rest she ran off to go saddle her horse and to beat Arthur to the Labyrinth. Ava spotted her.
"Where are you going?" she asked.
"If I'm not back in 4 days, go to Telmore. I have a Babylon candle left in my trunk." Artemis took the key off from around her neck, and gave it to Ava. "Tell them Camelot is falling and needs their help. Understand?"
"Yes." With that Artemis rode off hard and fast to the labyrinth. It was a large hedge maze on the sea. Artemis sighed before sliding off. She left Libera before entering the maze. She made her way quickly and with ease using her foresight to see if would reach a dead end if she went certain ways. She reached the end and started to walk out. There was a table near the sea with three seats. Anhora stood there.
"Sit, Ambrosine," Anhora said. Artemis sat down as she waited for what she knew would come. There was three goblets not even a third filled at the table. Soon Anhora disappeared and Merlin was now sitting in a chair next to her. Artemis sighed.
"So this is why there are three seats," she said. "Now for Arthur." Soon Arthur arrived.
"Merlin, Artemis," Arthur said annoyed.
"I'm sorry," Merlin said.
"I'm not," Artemis said. "You know me, not really giving a damn what you say."
"Let them go. I'll take your test not until they're released."
"That is not possible. They are part of the test. Please, sit," he said gesturing to the last seat. "If you refuse to take the test, you will fail and Camelot will be destroyed." Arthur put his sword on the table and sat.
"I thought I told you two to stay at home."
"I'm afraid. This is my fault," Artemis said. "When you say something to a Keeper they take it literally. I told Anhora I trust you with my life. This was a set up and I knew it except Merlin was not supposed to get involved!" Artemis yelled at her brother. Arthur stared for a moment.
"Let's get on with it."
"There are three goblets before you. One of the goblets contain a deadly poison, Othalanga, the other two goblet a harmless liquid. All the liquid from the three must be drank. Each of you may only drink from a single goblet." Artemis smacked her head against the table. Othalanga was one of the few poisons in the world that could kill her.
"What kind of ridiculous test is that? What does that prove?" Arthur asked.
"What it proves is for you to decide. If you pass the test the curse will be lifted."
"Let's think about this," Merlin said, but Artemis cut him off.
"No. It's simple," she explained. "The fact that there is barely any liquid is a clue." Artemis poured all the liquid into one goblet.
"Of course," Merlin said. "Brilliant, but who drinks it?"
"I will," Arthur said. "This is my doing. I'm drinking it."
"No," Artemis said. "You need to live. You're the future king."
"You said we are no different. So why should you die and I live?"
"Because no other can rule," she said. "You must live to take the throne and bring about the kingdom I have seen." Artemis took the goblet in her hands.
"No, Artemis," Merlin said. "You're not going to be the one to drink it. I'll do it."
"Let's think about this rationally," Artemis said. "I have done a lot more with my life than you have. You and I know that at this point it's your destiny to live. Your destiny is greater than mine. If mine is to give my life so you and Arthur can live than so be it." Merlin and Arthur stared at her.
"I didn't know you were so willing to risk your life for me," Arthur said. Artemis smiled.
"Yeah well, I'm a servant of the world, and the world needs you to live." There was silence.
"I'm glad your both here," Arthur admitted. Artemis lifted the goblet. She stared down into the liquid, but before she could drink it Arthur swiped it from her.
"Arthur, no!" Merlin yelled at him.
"Listen to me! You can't do this!"
"Since when do I listen to a maid?" Arthur asked before raising the glass and drinking it.
"No!" Merlin yelled. "What have you done?" Arthur collapsed. Merlin rushed to him. Artemis stayed were she was sitting. She was trying not to panic as Merlin started shaking Arthur telling him to get up, and started begging Anhora to allow Merlin to take his place. Artemis picked up the goblet and swirled it and smelled it before drinking a little. It dawned on her that it was nothing more than a weak sleeping draft.
"This was Arthur's test not yours," Anhora said.
"You've killed him! I'm meant to protect him!"
"He's not dead. He's merely consumed a sleeping draft. He'll come around shortly," Artemis said as she walked to Merlin.
"What?" Merlin said confused.
"A unicorn is pure of heart," Anhora explained. "If you kill one you must make amends by proving that you are also pure of heart. Arthur was willing to sacrifice his life to save yours. He has proven what is truly in his heart. The curse will be lifted."
When they arrived back in Camelot it was thriving. "Arthur, good news," Gaius said as the three of them go off their horses. "The crops have grown once again. They're bringing in the harvest."
"You did," Merlin muttered to Arthur as they continued walking along.
"Is this your doing?" a voice said. Artemis got her first look at King Uther. He seemed like a normal enough man. He was man with fairly short hair that was almost completely gray, who looked as though he had definitely seen much war. He seemed to have some kindness though Artemis flinched somewhat seeing the man who had executed so much of her kind. "Is the sorcerer dead?"
"He won't be troubling us anymore," Arthur replied. That was rather sneaky edging around the truth like that.
"Good," he said putting a hand on Arthur's arm. "Make sure the grain reserves are restock," he said hitting Arthur's arm gently and walking away.
"I'll see to it," he called. "There is something we must do first."
Arthur placed the unicorn horn in a stone grave.
"I never should have ended your life. I'm sorry." Together they placed stones on top of the grave.
"Arthur," Merlin whispered. Arthur stood. There was a unicorn standing not far from them. Artemis grinned and spoke.
"When he who kills a unicorn proves himself to be pure of heart. The unicorn will live again. Congratulations, Arthur. You have proven yourself a friend of the unicorns."
Many Miles Away Deep Underground
A beautiful sorceress with brown hair stared in a bowl of water. This was the high priestess Nimueh. "So," she said staring at Artemis in the water, "You've returned, Ambrosine. It seems I've just found a new way to destroy Camelot." Her laugh rang through the caverns as the menacing ideas in her head started to form into a perfect plan...