Omg, I love this chapter. It wrote itself. I knew this chapter would be a bit away from the episode, but this... wow go me. anyway, love this chapter... perhaps it's because i know how well everything will be put together and how epic it will be. It has plenty A/A moments and then it has a bit of why is Morgana being kind moments, which will be explained later, and it has a lot of foreshadowing, and it's happy sometimes and angst others. there are sibling moments, and a new character. Rhian is not repeat not going to replace Ava. Rhian won't be here too long and she serves a very very important purpose. i'm excited for you to find out who she is. anyway, i'm equally excited for the next chapter with Ajax and Jack. Yay! sorry this is late, but i love this chapter so it's all good.

Artemis was laughing. It should have irritated Arthur, but somehow it became contagious, and he started laughing as well. They ran laughing, and Merlin couldn't help but smile as well as he looked back at the bandits chasing them through the woods. Suddenly, their situation became more of an adventure than something to panic about. Arthur led them down a small ravine covered in moss. They hid behind a rock. Artemis's mouth was covered by Arthur, who was trying to keep her quiet.

"Are they still after us?" Merlin asked. Artemis hit Arthur's hand away finally quiet now. Arthur looked slightly over the edge of the ravine.

"Told you we'd outrun them," Arthur said with a laugh.

"Are you sure?" Merlin said looking with him.

"Why is it you never trust me Merlin?" Arthur asked him. Merlin looked like he was thinking when suddenly the screaming of the bandits was heard. Merlin gave Arthur a looked. Artemis laughed and pushed Arthur farther into the ravine. Merlin followed as Arthur led. Arthur hesitated looking around trying to decide were to go.

"We don't have much time, Arthur," Artemis reminded him.

"This way," he said starting to run.

"Where are we going!" Merlin yelled.

"Trust me!" Arthur yelled back. They ran and suddenly, Merlin and Artemis felt magic near. Merlin stopped; Artemis kept running.

"Arthur!" Merlin called.

"What are you doing!" Arthur asked annoyed. "Come on!" he said grabbing Merlin. They passed between two large statues.

"What is this place?" Merlin asked as they descended steps. They had slowed down. The bandits were not chasing them, or so it seemed.

"The Valley of the Fallen Kings," Artemis said.

"She's right," Arthur confirmed.

"Is it cursed?" Merlin asked.

"No," Arthur said. "Not unless you're superstitious."

"It is," Artemis said.

"It's a myth," Arthur said. "They'll never follow us in here. They won't dare."

"There's confirmed," Artemis told Merlin.

"Trust me," Arthur said.

"Say that one more time," Merlin warned under his breathed. Suddenly, the bandits were upon them again.

"Damn it! This is getting annoying!" Artemis said no longer amused. They ran and suddenly Arthur was shot and fell.

"What was that?" he asked as Merlin and Artemis grabbed him supporting him.

"An arrow," Merlin informed him.

"An arrow? Oh good. I thought it was something terrible." Arthur collapsed into unconsciousness. Artemis and Merlin dragged Arthur behind some brush. The bandits walked by looking for them, but they were unsuccessful.

The day whittled away and Arthur remained unconscious. Merlin made a fire while Artemis was gathering herbs to try and make some kind of medicine for Arthur's wound. She gently put it on his wound.

"Is he going to be alright?" Merlin asked. Artemis looked up at him with a worried expression.

"I don't think so. If it continues like this, he's going to die." Merlin turned him over gently. He muttered a spell under his breath nothing happened. He tired again. "It's not working. You do it."

"I can't."

"Why?"

"The wound could be infected."

"Don't give me that, Artemis. Arthur is dying."

"… I can't… do… healing spells… well strong ones that is," she said slightly ashamed of admitting it.

"What?" Merlin asked surprised.

"I can attack and defend, but I never learned how to properly heal. When I try, it usually back fires and kills the person or hurts me."

"Listen to me, you clotpoll," Merlin muttered to Arthur. "I don't care if you die. There are plenty of other princes. You're not the only pompous, supercilious, condescending royal imbecile I could work for. The world is full of them, but I'll give you one more chance." Merlin turned Arthur again and tried to heal him. He failed again. Merlin went to wash his hands of Arthur's blood. Artemis put pressure on Arthur's wound. Merlin approached this time an older man came with him. Artemis stood quickly in a defensive stance.

"Who are you?"

"I'm Taliesin. You need not fear me, Ambrosine," he said kneeling down to Arthur.

"Taliesin, as in the prophet?" Artemis asked. The man nodded looking at her hard. Artemis was quiet understanding what he was telling her, not to tell Merlin he was dead. The man said a spell. Arthur breathed in rather healthily.

"Arthur?" Merlin asked.

"He is sleeping. Within hours, he will be fully recovered.

"You sure?" Merlin asked.

"If my memory serves me well," he said.

"What do you mean?"

"I want to show you something, Merlin. You as well Ambrosine." Artemis and Merlin hesitantly followed.

"What?" Merlin asked.

"You must wait and see."

"Where are we going? Why have you brought me here?" Merlin asked as they reached a small opening in the cliff side.

"All in good time," Taliesin said chuckling allowing them to enter the cave. They entered a huge crystal cave. Artemis gasped and stared in wonder. Her eyes were like saucers as she gaped in shear amazement.

"What is this place?"

"It's where magic began," Artemis muttered. "It's the Crystal Cave."

"She is correct," Taliesin coming to Merlin's side. Merlin walked down a little. His eyes darted everywhere. "What is it you see?"

"Images, flashes. I've seen something like this before in the Crystal of Neahtid."

"What you see here is exactly the same for the Crystal of Neahtid was hewed from this very cave. Look into them. Really look. Both of you." Artemis turned her eyes to the crystal and her world faded as images appeared before her. A woman nearly dead in a forest, the same woman holding out something to Artemis, Artemis kissing another man, Artemis begging to Arthur on her knees and Arthur yelling at her in fury, a pool of blood on a cave floor, a group of people dressed in black cloaks using strange abilities, Merlin in chains, Morgana becoming queen, Arthur and Artemis together in a cave, a bolt of lightning striking Artemis, and darkness. Artemis was lost as these imagines played in her head.

"ARTEMIS!" Merlin yelled finally shaking her into reality. "What did you see?" he asked. Artemis shook her head.

"Something I wished not to," she admitted. They walked out of the cave together. "I need… I need a walk." Artemis walked from the camp. Her mind drifted to each vision thinking what they could mean. One of the most concerning was her graveling on her knees to Arthur. What did that mean? Did he find out that she had magic and if he did was he going to turn her in? Did he not accept that? She never did tell him, but if she did what would happen? What if he then suspected Merlin had magic? And those people… the ones in black who were they? And the lightning striking her? Was she going to die? So many questions but no answers.

"Artemis, what's wrong?" a voice said behind her making her jump. Arthur and Merlin stood there staring at her. It was Arthur who spoke.

"I'm fine," she said with a false smile. "Let's just get back to Camelot." Artemis and Merlin were both silent on the way back. Artemis especially was in deep thought. Merlin held a worried expression.

"I don't understand," Arthur said as they walked through a field. "You said I had an arrow in my back. How come all I can feel is a slight bruise?"

"I don't know," Merlin said.

"Merlin, did something happen that you're not telling me about?"

"No."

"I'm missing your usual prattle."

"You're certainly making up for it," Merlin replied.

"You still didn't answer my question," Arthur said. Merlin was silent. "Artemis?" he asked. Her eyes wondered to him.

"The arrow barely pierced you, but the impact was enough to cause you to fall. You knocked yourself out. Merlin dragged your body into the brush to protect you."

"Did you now?" Arthur asked Merlin. "I normally don't say things like this, but you did good back there. Both of you." Merlin and Artemis was silent. "Did you hear me?" Still silence. "Alright, perhaps I should give you some kind of reward. What do you want?"

"Some peace and quiet," Merlin muttered.

'Help me,' a voice whispered in her head. 'Help me.' Artemis stopped. She listened. 'Help me. Help me!' Artemis snapped her head to the east. She could feel magic.

"What is it?" Arthur asked her. Artemis didn't answer.

'Help me. Please God help me!' Artemis suddenly ran off toward the voice.

"Artemis!" Arthur called. She ran into the forest and dodged trees. Her feet carried her fast. Arthur and Merlin tried to keep up. Artemis slowed.

'Where are you!' she telepathically yelled.

'Here,' the voice whispered. 'Here.' Artemis turned. Hidden in the brush was a woman. She had blonde hair and lively, sharp blue eyes. She was about just a few years younger than Artemis. She was dressed like a noble. She was hurt badly. Artemis fell to her knees beside her. She looked at her. Shock was evident on her face. A weak smile graced her lips. Her head fell, and she was unconscious.

"How did you know she was here?" Arthur asked.

"I just knew," Artemis said. "Help me." Arthur lifted her.

"Who is she?" Gaius asked as he treated her wounds.

"I don't know. She spoke to me in my head. She knew I was there," Artemis said. Her and Gaius sat at his table. Merlin was off with Arthur somewhere.

"Merlin told me about the cave. He told me that he saw Morgana kill Uther, but you saw something different. Tell me."

"I saw… this woman. She showed me something. I saw me and another man. I saw Arthur accusing me of something and me begging. I saw blood, a lot of blood. I saw a strange group of people in black. I saw Merlin in chains. I saw Morgana becoming Queen. I saw me getting struck by lightning. Merlin's visions all lead to one thing but mine seem to go nowhere. They're just flashes."

"Perhaps your vision do not concentrate on a smaller picture like Merlin's. Perhaps yours is a much bigger picture. Perhaps it leads to something bigger than that of Merlin's, something not as obvious."

"Will she be okay?" Artemis asked nodding to the woman.

"I believe so."

"Good. Will you let me know when she awakes?"

"Of course." Artemis stood and left. Her mind was still going in and out, so when she turned a corner, she ran right into someone.

"Oh, sorry," she said absently. She started to continue on her way, but she was stopped.

"Artemis, what's wrong?" Arthur asked. She looked up at him. She shrugged. "Tell me. Ever since we've come back you've been off. You were so full of laughter when we were being chased. What happened?"

"I…," she muttered thinking what to tell him. "I am worried."

"What about?"

"The future," she muttered walking from him. Her mind was still wondering.

"Artemis?" Merlin asked her the next day. She looked to him. She didn't look well. Something was deeply wrong. "The woman. She is awake." Artemis stood and together they walked to Gaius's. "It's the visions isn't it?" Artemis nodded. "Mine has been worrying me as well. The visions I had have been coming true."

"I suppose we were both cursed." They arrived. The woman was sitting up. She looked to them as they entered. Her gaze was fixed on Artemis in awe. She was probably a Servant.

"Are you… are you truly Artemis?" the woman asked. Artemis was surprised that she used the name Artemis. Merlin had to leave right away leaving just the woman and Artemis. Gaius was out.

"I am. Who are you?"

"I am Rhian."

"Why do you know me non-Servant name?

"I am… your student."

"What?" Artemis asked confused.

"There was a mirror," she started to explain. "I was there and then I was here. You are older there."

"Mirror? In the Ruins of Lumen?"

"No. It was not that one, my lady. I am not from that far."

"Where is it? You have to go back once you're healed."

"I cannot get back… at least not that way. The Masters of the World reside there. They were the ones who hurt. It is where the Mountains of Gorion are now."

"What were you doing in the Mountains of Gorion? They're extremely dangerous."

"Not in my time. The Servants' base is there."

"It is not in the caves?"

"No. They have not been since the Masters of the World took them."

"Who are the Masters of the World? I have never heard of them."

"They are the Servants sworn enemy. They want nothing more than to rule over humanity."

"That is impossible. The Servants have no enemy." The door opened. Arthur walked in.

"I heard your guest was awake," Arthur explained to Artemis after she gave him a confused look.

"Come in." Rhian stared at Arthur with just as much awe as he walked forward to them and stood at Artemis. "Rhian, this is Prince Arthur of Camelot. Arthur, this is Rhian. She is a Servant of the World." Rhian stared blankly at him with a shocked face. She was silent at first, but suddenly spoke her objections.

"No. No, I'm not." Artemis looked at her. They both did. "I'm not a Servant. My mother forbids it. She said I should make that choice when I am older and wiser, but I am taught like I am one."

"I see. Where do you live? Perhaps we can help you," Arthur said.

"No, that's fine. I came here to see… Lady Ava."

"Ava is not here," Artemis said looking at her curiously.

"When will she be back?"

"I don't know," Artemis said. "You may stay with me until she returns though. Gwen won't mind. The more the merrier."

"Thank you," she said. Artemis nodded. Artemis turned her attention. "Did you want something?"

"Morgana wishes to invite you as a guest to her birthday feast," Arthur said. "I think you should go. You have been really distracted lately. You seem troubled. A feast will get your mind off of things." Artemis mulled this over.

"You are right. I will go. Serve drinks," she muttered. Arthur chuckled.

"You misunderstand. You are going as a guest not like Merlin. You will be sitting right next to her at the table."

"How did she convince Uther that was a good idea?"

"Both Morgana and I pushed him into it. I had mentioned good relations with the Servants of the World, and she had said how many times you've helped Camelot. It was a group effort."

"Your effort scares me, Arthur," she teased.

"Anything to see you in a dress," he teased. Artemis laughed and then groaned.

"I have to wear a dress," she said in a depressed tone.

"I have to go prepare. Morgana says if you need something to wear to go to her."

"Fine," she grumbled.

"Good. I will see you there."

"Indeed." Arthur stared at her a moment longer before turning and leaving. "Where are you really from?" Artemis asked Rhian once Arthur was out of the room.

"Camelot."

"Arthur is king?"

"Yes."

"Who is queen?" she asked hesitantly. "No," Artemis said suddenly. "Don't tell me that. I don't want to know."

"Morgana is… Arthur's half sister?" Rhian asked.

"Is this public knowledge in Camelot?"

"Yes. There are stories of her. She is the enemy of Camelot."

"I see. Yes, she is. The only people alive who know Morgana is Arthur's half sister is a few Servants and Uther."

"Really?"

"Yes. Nor is she evil… well openly evil that is. Only Merlin, Gaius, and myself know Morgana's true nature, but Morgana still thinks me a friend."

"You are deceiving her?"

"Yes. Who are your parents?"

"… They died. I never knew them."

"I see."

"You ask a lot of questions."

"I don't trust easily."

"I know."

"Do you?"

"I am your… student," she reminded Artemis.

"Indeed. I always vowed I would take only one student, Ava. Therefore, I believe you are lying."

"I figured. You always could tell what was a lie and what wasn't."

"I'm glad I haven't lost that aspect of my personality."

"No," Rhian muttered. "It's impossible to get something by you." Artemis chuckled.

"Well, shall we go see Morgana? We can see if you can come to the feast as well."

"Really? You trust me that much?"

"No, which is why you are going to the feast, so I can keep an eye on you. Are you well enough to go to a feast?"

"Are you kidding me?" she asked standing. "I'm fighting fit." Artemis raised an eyebrow.

"Sounds like something Arthur would say," she muttered. "Anyway, get dressed." Artemis through a dress at her. She caught it. Artemis turned around. In a matter of moments, she was dressed. "Good. Now let's go." Artemis and Rhian walked out of Gaius's home and into the main part of the castle, down the halls, up stairways, and into the corridor Morgana's room was in. Artemis knocked. Gwn answered.

"Hi Gwen. Is Morgana here?" Gwen opened the door. Morgana was staring out the window.

"Artemis," she said happily. They met each other half way and embraced. "I thought I would see you soon."

"Morgana," Artemis said pulling away. Rhian was visibly glaring. Artemis elbowed her. "This is Rhian. She is a very good friend of Ava's, and well, since you were kind enough to invite me to the feast… would you mind if Rhian came as well?"

"Not at all," Morgana said.

"Excellent. Come, Rhian." Artemis turned and left the room. They walked together down the stairs and out the castle and into Gwen's home. "You can stay here until we get things settled. As for what you are going to wear…," Artemis said thinking. "You look about my size. I can hem it if it comes to that. I have spare clothes as well. I'll see if I can convince Arthur to lend me some money to buy some proper things."

"You and Arthur seem close," Rhian noted. Artemis blinked at her. She waved a hand at the comment.

"Arthur and I have a good relationship," Artemis said. That wasn't really the truth. It was more of a complicated than good.

"Ah," Rhian said. Artemis pulled open her wardrobe before looking through the scant dress she had. She threw a silver dress at Rhian, who caught it. "It's nice," she said looking at it.

"I'm sure nothing compared to what you have at home," Artemis said picking out a blue dress for herself. It was simple yet gorgeous dress. It had one inch straps and a neck line that went lower than she was used to. It was also tighter than the dresses she usually wore for such occasions.

"What do you mean?" Rhian asked.

"You're noble. That much is clear to me." Rhian looked surprised by the suggestion.

"Is… Is it that obvious?"

"To me," Artemis said. "Now… I require a gift for Morgana." Artemis went to her truck. She unlocked it before throwing it open. Artemis went rummaging through it before pulling out what was clearly a jewelry case. Artemis opened the case inside was a silver necklace. The necklace was shaped into a Celtic shape and from the shape a amethyst hung down.

"That's beautiful!" Rhian exclaimed. Artemis chuckled.

"Don't be fooled it's a powerful amulet."

"Really?"

"This amulet is undetectable by magic creatures. It can tell the receive when the person wearing it is near magic, doing magic, and where they are if need be. I will be the person receiving."

"You'll be watching her without her knowing?"

"Exactly." Artemis closed the box and set it on her counter before closing her trunk.

Artemis say at Morgana's side and Rhian at Artemis's. Artemis wasn't expecting this. What in the hell was Morgana up to? Did she know? Or was it something else? Arthur had complimented Artemis nicely, but she was too focused to care. Artemis watched as Uther gave her a bracelet of some sort.

"And what did you get me?" Morgana kidded with Artemis. Artemis laughed.

"So impatient, my Lady? Arthur has yet to give you his present," she said waving to Arthur who sat with his crown on for the occasion. Artemis was distracted momentarily by him and his damn good looks before she turned her attention to the knight that walked to Morgana holding a box.

"Happy Birthday," Arthur said.

"Arthur," Morgana said with a smile as she stood. She opened the box. Inside was a very ornate dagger. She watched as she pulled off the sheath and stared at it with a deep fascination that Artemis found worrying. She smiled at Arthur as everyone clapped. Morgana got into deep conversation with Uther about the dagger as Arthur stood and spoke to Merlin.

"Well?" Morgana asked a little later in the feast. Arthur had returned to his seat and Uther and Morgana's conversation had ended.

"You'll have to beg," Artemis teased.

"On my birthday, Artemis?" Artemis sighed and gave her the jewelry box. Morgana opened it. Her eyes widened at the necklace. "It's beautiful," she whispered. "It must have cost a fortune.

"I have had it for a while. It is tradition to give something of connection to a close person on their birthday to represent a bond that was formed, a sisterhood if you will." Artemis showed Morgana a similar styled bracelet on her arm. Morgana put on the necklace and looked down at it. She looked up and smiled at Artemis.

"I will wear it always." Morgana hugged Artemis, and she returned the hug. Artemis pulled away. Her eyes drifted over the crowd. She still wasn't quite herself. It did not go unnoticed by the Prince of Camelot.

Just like Artemis had predicted Gwen had been open to allowing Rhian to stay. Artemis sat in bed playing with the bracelet on her wrist. Rhian and Gwen were both asleep. Artemis herself was starting to drift. Her eyes shut...

"Arthur, God please! I'm begging you don't do this!" Artemis begged. She was on her knees begging him to listen to her. She held the edge of his shirt in her clenched fists.

"Stop arguing Artemis! It's going to happen whether you want it to or not!"

"There must be another way! Please!" Tears fell from her eyes.

"There is no other way! You know this as well as I! It must be done! I have to do this!" Arthur ripped her hands from her and turned away leaving her in the dark room.

Artemis wrist burned causing her to spring awake from her dream or nightmare. The stone on the bracelet was glowing brightly. Artemis stood and made her way slowly to Gaius's.

"What happened?" she asked. She saw Morgana laying in bed unconscious.

"Merlin tried to stop something he saw, and… Morgana was knocked down a flight of stairs by accident." There was silence. It had occurred to Artemis that she hadn't been there for her brother like she should have been lately. She had been segregating herself from him worrying about only her problems when they should have been there for each other like real siblings. Artemis walked up the stairs to Merlin's room. She entered. He was sitting in bed looking upset and restless. Artemis sat next to him and put a hand on his shoulder.

"It's hard trying to change the future, isn't it?" she asked.

"I didn't mean for this to happen," Merlin muttered.

"I know. There is this story that a man tried to prevent a prophecy that he would kill his son. He tried everything, and yet he knew that nothing would work so the man killed himself. His son, so overcome with regret killed himself. The man had, without meaning to, inadvertently killed his son just as the prophecy predicted. The future can almost never be changed, Merlin. It's not wise to dabble in."

"What did you see?" Artemis was silent. "I know it was bad. You've been really out of it since. Arthur's noticed it too. He's worried about you, you know?"

"I saw my demise," she said sadly. It was true. All of her visions lead to one thing. It was clear to her that it led to her death.

"You… saw…," Merlin said becoming aware that he too had not been there for his sibling. He hugged her, and unable to stop herself she cried into Merlin. She had held it too long. Artemis and Merlin kept each other company that night. They didn't sleep. They just sat there thinking about what was and what will come. The future seemed bleak when just a few days ago they had everything ahead of them.

"Arthur needs you, Artemis," Merlin said suddenly as the sun started to rise. "I'm sure he's torn apart right now, and I think you would both benefit from being together right now."

"What about you?" she whispered.

"I'll be alright, Artemis."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Arthur needs you more." Artemis stood.

"It will be okay Merlin. I don't know how, but it will be okay." Artemis left. She ran up the stairs to Arthur's chambers. She didn't care what he was doing right now. She entered without so much as a knocked. He was sitting in a chair staring into the fire. His mind was gone. He didn't look well. Artemis closed the door and approached him quietly. She put a hand on his shoulder. He looked up to her. He jumped up in surprise. She gently rested an hand on his arm before embracing him. Artemis was unsure how long they stayed like that, but it could have been forever, but alas, time had to continue. Artemis had to leave him vulnerable again.

The day went by with Rhian. Rhian was not a chatty girl when she shouldn't be, and she knew when wasn't a good time for talking. It was raining as if to reflect the mood of the castle. Merlin walked to Artemis and dragged her away from Rhian to talk in private.

"Morgana is Uther's daughter," he said alarmed.

"I know," Artemis admitted.

"What?"

"It is known among the Servants."

"Why did you never tell me?"

"It wasn't important."

"He's upset Artemis. I don't know what to do."

"Merlin. You are usually a wise man. What ever you think is right… do it." Merlin nodded.

"Thank you… that helped. Please, Artemis. Arthur." Artemis nodded. She went to his room again telling Rhian to help Gwen. Arthur was in there. He was soaking wet. He was out training. He pulled off his chain mail. Artemis helped him.

"Where have you been Merlin?" Arthur snapped not seeing who was helping him. He removed it fully and realized it was Artemis.

"He was looking for me," Artemis replied. "He's worried about you. He thought me being around you would help."

"It does," Arthur admitted. Arthur sat against the wall by his window sill and Artemis sat against him. They said nothing. They just leaned against each other for emotional support.

"Do you love me?" Artemis asked suddenly. The sun had gone down.

"More than anything," he replied.

"Than promise me something," she whispered.

"Anything."

"If I ever grovel on my knees, begging you not to do something, please listen."

"Why would you?"

"I don't know. Just promise."

"I promise." Artemis nodded and rested her head against his chest listening to his heart.

"Do you love me?"

"Always."

"Then promise me something."

"Anything."

"Promise you'll do whatever it takes to be at my side always. Don't leave me."

"I cannot promise that."

"Try."

"I promise I'll try to stay be your side forever. I promise I will do everything I am capable of." Artemis didn't leave Arthur. She stayed at his side even as a knock interrupted there silence.

"Enter," Arthur said without moving. Rhian entered the room. She looked at the two.

"I'm sorry," she said immediately. "I didn't mean to intrude."

"Go home," Artemis said. "Rest Rhian. You may take my bed for the night. I will not be returning." Rhian nodded. She turned and left.

"You aren't going home?" Arthur asked.

"This is home," Artemis whispered leaning back against him. Their fingers entwined. He breathed into her hair softly. They must have fallen asleep sometime in the night because a knock awoke them both. Artemis got up and stretched.

"Enter," Arthur said. A knight entered.

"The Lady Morgana is awake," he said happily. Arthur sprang from his spot near the window. He made to leave, but stopped and looked at Artemis.

"Go," she commanded. He didn't need to be told twice.

"You seemed very cozy with King Arthur," Rhian teased. Artemis sat looking through books that would give her information on how to put Rhian back in her time.

"Prince Arthur," Artemis said.

"Right, forgot," she said with a grin.

"Well," Artemis said slamming her book shut. "That's the last one. We have no choice. You have to go back the way you came."

"But you can't! It's filled with the Masters of the World!" Rhian said in a panic.

"Ajax and John should be here in a few days," Artemis said. "When they arrive, I will tell them all. They will ask for reinforcement guards for you to get you back to your time. That could take a few months though. So you're stuck here for now."

"That's fine. I'm sure you know where I am already." Artemis nodded.

"Probably." Artemis threw her books back in her trunk. The warning bell chimed through Camelot. Artemis ignored it.

"Something's wrong?" Rhian asked.

"It's nothing knew. You learn to ignore it."

"The warning bell almost never goes off in my time," Rhian said.

"Arthur's rule is peaceful?"

"Oh yes, fa- King Arthur rules well. Everyone thinks so, but it's much pressure on his sons. The first born fears he will not be good enough to rule, and his daughters feel the pressure as well. They are always being compared to their mother."

"What's their mother like?" Artemis asked curious.

"Oh, she's really beautiful, the envy of the court, but that's not why he fell in love with her. He loved her intellect and sense of humor and her strength and courage. Their loves like a fairy tale."

"Oh," Artemis said dully. Rhian giggled.

"You're jealous," she said.

"Perhaps." Artemis's bracelet burned again. Artemis stopped what she was doing. "Stay here." Artemis ran off. She ran through the corridors and finally ran into Merlin.

"I stopped nothing! She's going to kill Uther!" They ran off to Uther's chambers. They threw open the door. Morgana was about to plunge a knife into him. Merlin used magic to magic the window. Morgana was thrown back. Artemis held out her hand. The dagger flew into her hand. Uther sprung awake.

"What's going on?" Uther asked disoriented. Morgana stood and immediately pulled out an excuse.

"There was a fire… and I was scared. You're the only person I feel safe with."

"I caused it," Merlin said as they walked down the hall.

"I told you the story of the father and son. I was trying to make a point, but I'm not saying I told you so," Artemis said. "You don't need that right now."

"How did you know that Morgana was about to kill Uther?"

"The necklace I gave her," Artemis said with a satisfied smile.

"It's enchanted?" Merlin asked with a smile.

"Of course."

"Well, at least one of us was doing something right."

"Thank god. Go home, Merlin. Let us both forget for a time this happened, yes? Forget you went to the Crystal Cave."

"I wish I could, but I still have a problem," he admitted.

"Oh what's that?" Artemis asked.

"How are we going to stop your death if I could stop none of my visions?" They stared at each other as the very real reality set in. Artemis was going to die.