A/N: Thanks to all those who have reviewed this story so far. I appreciate the feedback!
The morning council meetings had turned Arthur's life into a constant state of boredom yet at least his uncle was helping him understand the finer points of politics. Not that it was particularly helpful. The Prince was concerned with other matters. Since the feast last week he had exchanged only a few pleasantries with Morgana, had offered his apologies for his father's actions and been met with the typical Morgana onslaught. No one mentioned the incident. He knew his father's mood had been dampened by Vortigern's outburst, and the rift between him and the ward seemed to continue to grow. They now talked only business. Vortigern had thought she was her mother. At first he had been worried, but then he remembered that Merlin was an idiot, especially when talking about magic. Magic was a curse and something that you chose to do. Morgana was safe. He wanted to help her. but she was shutting him out.
Arthur however did not believe for a moment that his father had killed Vivienne. Despite his hatred for sorcery, it was well accepted (since Morgana had no memories of her mother) that she had fled before the Purge. Second it was no secret that Uther's closest friend had been Gorlois. He could not see him killing off his wife. Gwen's father surely, he was only a servant in his eyes, but never the wife of a Duke. He doubted it would have sat well with the other Lords and Cornwall had been powerful back then. Gorlois had been strong enough to conquer Camelot.
He sat in the council chambers, while the two kings were out on maneuvers training the Camelot army while Lot worked out his own tactics, playing the part of his brother with Morgause and a battalion of Uther's finest acting as the aggressor force. He should be out there, but his father was determined to give him a political education. Morgana was to his right, always watching, interjecting when she felt it was needed and when she didn't. She was showing him up, and Agravaine had told him that much this morning. Worse, it was in front of Merlin of all people. Why couldn't she just help him behind the scenes? Why did she have to rule court in front of him? What had happened, besides his blatant ignorance of her presence a few months earlier, that had poisoned their relationship?
"It is not enough to have the respect of the army Arthur." Agravaine lectured as he accosted him and his servant before entering the throne room. "The Lords feed the armies. You must obtain their allegiance."
"I have Lord Ector's." Arthur began. "And they will follow me, I will be their King."
Agravaine huffed. "Lord Ector's loyalty will pass onto you when you are crowned, and while you will be king, only someone established, such as your father can make such a broad statement as you just did. Morgana is upstaging you,and it is clear that she has no fondness, and worse no allegiance to you. You're letting her devour you in front of the entire court."
"Morgana is first lady of Camelot but that gives her no true control over its operations or its Lords. She may not like me, but she will obey." His own words felt hollow in his ears. Morgana was not one to lie down and follow orders from any man, not even a King.
"That is where you are wrong my boy." Agravaine looked slightly flustered Arthur thought. "Uther's new trust in her, regardless of their strangled relationship since Samhain has made her very influential. Furthermore there are few Lords who do not remember Gorlois, or realize how powerful she can become if Uther ever gives her Cornwall."
"Uncle, I grew up with Morgana." Arthur began trying to ignore Merlin who was clearly shifting in background. Idiot."Her 'loyalty' to my father borders on treason, but she has no..."
"Arthur! Do you think your father hasn't noticed either? When you are king do you want your every decision questioned by the Lords as they turn towards Morgana? Even if she becomes your wife? Ector is old, he may not be alive come your coronation. That woman holds the power her father held in court. People respect her logic and bearing. Her aggressive nature."
His uncle placed both hands on his shoulders. "I respected Morgana's father and I respect her strength but you are my sister's son. More than anything I want to see you in full command of this kingdom. Control the Lords Arthur, use Morgana's knowledge but do not let her get out of hand. She is young, and naive about many things, but Gorlois rose to power fast as well, and if it wasn't for his strong friendship with the king..."
"Uncle, Morgana would not betray me. You're making no sense."
Agravaine raised his hands. "Of course not, maybe. Arthur I am doing this because I want you to become a great king in all aspects. I think you underestimate her because of her sex."
"Uncle..."
"Arthur, to both you and your father she is just a woman destined to play a simple role but I see more. My sister was Queen because of who she was. Morgana is similar. She is a woman who was destined to rule. You must have her undying allegiance."
"And you have an idea Uncle?"
"You may dislike her personally, but there are certain…aspects to her that are impressive to any man."
Arthur grimaced, affronted by his Uncle's forcefulness.
"Marry her. She is a gorgeous woman after all. As your wife she will be seen as an extension of your will. As the king's ward she will be seen as her own will, maybe the will of Cornwall alone. This can't happen."
"You're asking me to marry Morgana?" Arthur spoke. "We would be terrible, unhappy she wouldn't have it."
"You are Prince, one day King. Her opinions mean nothing. Camelot comes first as well, your feelings mean nothing. Ask your father, you need to control her Arthur."
The Prince was confused. Morgana was overbearing in court but she was helping him and never hindered. They may have personal difficulties but she was supporting him. In fact he welcomed her outbursts in court. She may be taking more of an active role, but it was all in line with what they had decided together. Agravaine was wrong. She might be powerful but Arthur was sure she had his interests at heart. Besides, daughter of a Duke or not, she would never command the loyalty of the knights and armies. Arthur commanded the loyalty because of the man he was after all, not because he was Prince. Morgana was also a kind and caring individual. Agravaine was wrong. She wasn't her father. She wouldn't take over the kingdom.
The other part of his Uncle's conversation was awkward as well. He had always assumed that he and Morgana had been raised for each other. His father had told him as such. Despite how annoying and overbearing she could be, Arthur would be lying if he said he wasn't attracted to her. He still didn't like Lords or knights looking at her, and how Morgana knew that! She used every opportunity to arouse his jealously, or at least she used to. He also hated when Merlin, Merlin of all people had been delivering flowers to her! What an idiot! He was a servant after all. He could go to his father, request to be married to Morgana. Arthur knew it wouldn't work smoothly, they were too far apart. They needed to mend their differences first. Not to say he wouldn't enjoy Morgana in bed. It was all he thought about recently. He was sure she had been teasing him with her dresses, getting close to him, the perfume she wore. He wanted her, but he wasn't sure if he would marry her. Then there was also Gwen. Arthur couldn't shake the feelings he thought for her as well.
He was supposed to be a future King, and here he was fantasizing about his father's ward (and her maidservant), the woman who could be a potential threat (according to Agravaine) or a potential ally (according to Uther, and surprisingly Merlin in a moment of abnormal intelligence.).
"Father you summoned me." Arthur looked at his king, finding it hard to find the last time he had seen the man covered in dirt and sweat and gird in full armor. "How were maneuvers?"
"Excellent. The re-organization of the forces that you commenced will surely give us an advantage on the battlefield. I hope to have our local forces completely comfortable with their new positions before the arrival of all my vassal troops. Cenred, crafty as he might be won't stand a chance."
"And if Lot is lying to us Sire?"
"Lot is deceitful but not enough to plan something like this. I had my doubts from the beginning but they are ebbing away. Caradoc has received some preliminary reports. They are all quick but seem to confirm that the two brothers had some sort of falling out. This bodes well. If Lot is plotting anything even without his brother he will be easier to dispose of alone, or at least collar."
"And if it is simply a show? Cenred no doubt has his own network."
"Caradoc seems determined we will have full proof, one way or the other long before we march. The farmers have predicted a harsh winter and hopefully some well placed bribes can open up tongues. Essetir's nobility has always been known for its predilections and appetites. Have you taken look at our stores lately?"
"King Lot certainly has his affections for our sweet meats and wines."
"How he has been able to keep a better figure then me all these years I can't tell. Regardless, I feel the old fighting spirit coming back." He looked at Arthur will a smug smile.
"Father, about what you wanted to discuss..."
"Indeed. After talking at lengths with Ector and Kay this afternoon I have decided to make Morgana's place at court more official. I am going to give her Cornwall."
Arthur was shocked, and thought immediately back to Agravaine, wondering if his uncle had simply guessed this move on the king's part, or had known already. He needed to revisit this with his Uncle. "You intend to make her a duchess father? She is already First Lady of Camelot."
"Hardly an official position and only because she is my ward." Uther ran on. "If...Arthur I have no intention of dying..."
"Father..."
"Listen Arthur. We will go to war in a few months, maybe shorter if Cenred attacks us first for harboring Lot, since we have now officially declared ourselves allies. If the worst is to happen, I need to ensure that my promise to Gorlois extends beyond my death." Uther paced around the room and grabbed a jug of wine. "In the past I would have thought of marrying her to you. Gorlois and I were like brothers and it seemed only natural to join our houses through marriage. I know he would have insisted, but you and Morgana are almost violent together. A wife must be supportive of her husband and the husband likewise. You would hardly make a suitable match for her."
"Father..." Arthur began, slightly insulted despite his conflicted feelings for Morgana, that his father would consider himself unsuitable for the mere daughter of a duke.
"Listen, Arthur. If I die she can obviously not be your ward, the entire notion would be absurd. Furthermore when you marry, hopefully for good political reasons she would have fallen from first lady to a woman without husband or title. I intend to make the announcement tonight, during private council, and confer her title in front of Camelot tomorrow."
"What of Agravaine and the other Lords who hold claim to Cornwall?"
"There claim will be gone, a generous allowance will be given to your Uncle who at least has kept the place running."
"You would make her a duchess without marrying her off first? You said before…"
"And what Arthur? Who would you have me saddle with her? I could force her to marry but the backlash may be worse than the gain. A woman like Morgana, it's not appropriate, she shouldn't act that way, but she reminds me of her father. No man would have her and she wouldn't be cowed, even by physical violence. I have talked at length with Kay about this as well."
How well you know that father. You've grabbed her neck, you've struck her.
Arthur frowned. How odd for Kay to get so completely involved in Morgana's interests. His mentor had been absent of late, running interference with Leon. They had little time to talk as Arthur's court pressures began to grow.
"Kay father? You could marry her to a knight..."
"Lancelot maybe? And have him bed such a beauty?" Arthur cringed at his father's ignoble words and tone. "I may have said differently before, but she's too high to be married any one but the highest of my knights. Kay maybe."
Arthur wouldn't stand the though of his mentor married to his childhood friend. Damn the consequences. "Morgana and I have issues, but I will protect her father. If you allow,I will marry her. I wish to marry...Morgana."
"God, she is gorgeous isn't she Arthur? Who wouldn't want her? But yet I think your queen would be better coming from the princesses in Albion. Cornwall is a rich land. It needs a strong administrator, and hopefully this will bring her closer to me, more in line with my policies when she realizes how difficult it is to rule fiefdoms, let alone a kingdom."
"Bribery then?" Arthur's impetuous proposal had fallen completely flat.
Uther's voice rose a notch. "I do not need to bribe her! I am her king after all. This is about confirming the promise I made to her father. I will have no other lose ends. Besides it gives me an excuse to send her away for a few weeks, and still have her be productive."
"Send her away...?"
Uther grew more impatient, his tone condescending. "She needs to calm down after the incident with Vortigern. I have given her my word and all the proof she needs. I opened the Purge records for her."
"And the truth father?"
Uther grew annoyed. "We discussed this already that night Arthur and I know you asked both Kay and Caradoc. The truth is that I do not know if she is still alive or where she went. This was before the Purge."
"And she was part of your court?"
"Arthur I did not realize the evils of sorcery then and I wasn't going to forbid my best friend to bring his wife to court."
"You realize Morgana knows this father. She has to suspect that what Vortigern says is true, that her mother cursed him to live."
"I should have realized it then my son, the evils of magic." His father was introspective. Yes it is true she cursed him."
"And you've had that sword all this time…"
"No Arthur! I've tried before to kill him. I've tried dozens of times! Gaius finally located the blade in the vaults. It hadn't been categorized. The poor girl doesn't know what to believe now. She needs work and time away from all of Camelot. Tintagel will hopefully bring back pleasant memories. I had to reassure her Arthur, it was heartbreaking, her thinking she might have her mother's curse. I've cured her naivety. Magic is a choice. A wicked one."
"Yes father, but to send her away now? She needs to be surrounded with the people who care about her. Let my uncle continue to rule Cornwall with those other lords. Keep Morgana here. She is needed in court. Father, I know you may be worried about death, but I give you my word if that happens I will protect her. I will make her my queen."
"You are really attracted to her aren't you Arthur? Fuck her then."
"How dare you..."
"I gave up the notion of arranging a marriage for Morgana, she'll marry no husband who cares if she's a virgin. Have your fun Arthur."
Arthur was enraged and wished he had his sword. "How dare you think so little of the woman you swore to protect..."
"I think the world of her boy!" Uther raged. "It's you I have problems with. Have you nothing to think of but my Ward's body? You need to be focused on other things instead of an upcoming betrothal or an upcoming fuck!" Uther grabbed a full wine goblet and downed it. "Today I got a brilliant report from Ector on how Morgana has asserted herself in my court. Scathing at times, but with good intentions. She sees through the corruption of many of the Lords that I have been too long blind to. Her upcoming rank will only give more credence to her claims. But yet when I asked Ector about how you are doing, ruling the kingdom in my stead as I focus on the army, he uncharacteristically said nothing. He literally shut his mouth Arthur."
"Father..."
"I am here now as your King and not your father!" Uther shouted. "Do you only think of ladies and easy servant girls? Grow up boy! Ector can easily run my kingdom but has done nothing this past week on purpose; on my direct orders! It has been Morgana, or Agravaine who have been making all the hard decisions as we prepare for war! There was one particular issue involving a dispute about tariffs that she literally overruled you in front of the Lords. Imagine the rumors growing, imagine them if she was your betrothed. You wouldn't be able to control her even if you bedded her."
Arthur reddened in embarrassment and anger.
"Normally I would have spoken to her, maybe even confined her for her insolence but I gave her the explicit right to speak in council. She is going to Cornwall, so in the next few weeks you will make all the decisions on your own. Every, single, one."
Arthur couldn't speak. He was beyond angry and embarrassed. He didn't know where to focus his emotions. His father had twisted him and played him. There were no other words to describe it. He still tried to fight.
"Sire I have been trained to kill since I could walk, if you had perhaps devoted some of my time to a political..."
"Your political education occurs daily, when you watch me and learn. Or should have learned. You have been late for councils, more interested in training, you have day dreamed about winning glory or bedding servants when you should have watched me and Ector. Instead of challenging Morgana you have been dreaming of her in your bed. No, son. In these next few weeks I am throwing you to the wolves. Only Ector will be there to catch you if you fall. Agravaine will settle accounts with Morgana, and your servant will be going to assist him."
"Merlin?" Arthur yelled. "Father he is my servant, not Agravaine's..."
Uther softened. "The fact that you call him by his name says much about your attachment to people of lower stations Arthur. You care for the boy obviously, and he will return as your servant, but for now I need you without a support structure. I need you to walk through fire."
"No Duke can rule a fiefdom on their own let along a king his domain. Father, you are setting me up to fail."
Uther gave him a small grin. "I am setting you up to succeed. When I took this fortress back from Vortigern we still had armies to fight. Who do you think ruled Cornwall and Dumnonia when Ector and Gorlois were off fighting? I did. By myself. During the Purge, who do you think continued to rule this kingdom? It was only after that I finally was granted reprieve, when my warriors could finally settle down and administer their fiefs." Uther waved a dismissive hand at him. "I hope you love numbers Arthur. Really love numbers."
Arthur left in a rage from the king's chambers. He had no idea how he was going to succeed, and above all he needed to make his father proud once again. And what about his comments concerning Morgana? How did his father think he was not worthy of her, and why did he say to 'have his fun' with her? More importantly...Who is going to be my servant for these next weeks? George? Perfect! He needed to talk, figure out how he was going to administer an entire Kingdom. Surely his father couldn't mean that? By himself?
Uther laughed slightly to himself when his son stormed out. He was disappointed in Arthur, but only slightly. He knew the boy would come around. He had enough intelligence to figure it all out. After all, how much of a fool could he be to truly think he had ran the entire kingdom by himself for years? If he knew his son at all he foresaw Arthur approaching this like any military problem. Divide and conquer, give responsibility to your subordinates, supervise. As soon as Arthur began to see the Lords as his soldiers he would began ordering them around, which is what Uther wanted after all. The boy was no politician, and would never earn the love of the Lords. How similar to myself. His plan would work, he would subtly reshape his son into the tough, demanding king that Camelot deserved. He also could not let Arthur marry Morgana, not yet at least. He finally had admitted that he couldn't marry Morgana off for an alliance, she was too unstable and unpredictable. Also, marrying Arthur off may weaken his position as a future king. Still, his son needed to become more of a strong leader before he allowed him to officially court or marry Morgana. If only he was younger. He had slept with her mother after all, and here she was, almost the spitting image of that traitorous sorcerer bitch. Uther drove the thought from his mind. He respected Gorlois too much to have any ill feelings towards his daughter. He was making her a duchess, and she would one day be queen. Then he would have fully repaid his old friend for his betrayals.
That left Morgana's interests. How had he not seen it before? He had prattled on how she was like her father but had refused to admit it to himself.
"Cater to her interests then Uther." Ector had told him in his usual bland tone. Him and Caradoc were more alike then the two wanted to admit.
She was Gorlois's daughter. She might not know it but she had a lust for power. It was a perfect idea. He gained a strong duchess, pushed the shifty Agravaine (still mourning Tristan and Igraine he was sure) and his cohorts out of the way, while the same time binding Morgana closer to him and ensuring that his promise to Gorlois would be kept. He would not fail his friend again. He was worried, as always, about her attitude towards magic, but felt he had trapped her perfectly. Once the girl gets a taste of power, not just the wealth I've showered her with, she will not easily want to lose it. He was not above threatening the girl with the loss of her birthright if she didn't fall into line. A small voice in his head told him he never could though. He would never betray Gorlois. Not again.
"Uther," Ector responded. "If she dares to push too far, it can be construed as a stain on her father's honor. Surely no promise would then stand, if a child dares insult their parent's legacy."
How he longed for more innate craftiness. Morgana would be on a short leash. Kay had been right about Vortigern. He had opened a door that Uther never wanted to approach with his Ward. Vivienne had been as powerful as Nimueh, maybe more. He had no doubt in his mind that her daughter would have some latent ability. Those nightmares after all, the monster trying to assert itself. Gaius had been taking care of her all these years, keeping her pure and safe from magic. That was the true reason the boy Merlin was going. He needed someone he trusted, someone loyal in the fight against magic to make sure his ward was medicated. He hoped her time at Tintagel would relieve some of the pressures she had at court. She needed to forget about her mother. He had no desire for Morgana to slowly slip into insanity. There were times right after her nightmares that she had seemed mentally sick. The symptoms had however improved since her kidnapping a few months ago. He just wanted her safe. If she was male he might have been worried at what she might do next. He had seen Gorlois out for blood before. He had been on the receiving end as well. The only thing Morgana would do would attempt to undermine his (or his son's) position as she had tried before with the druid boy and her maid's father. He only desired to live long enough to see the day when she finally thanked him for all he had done for her. Nothing would make him happier than for her to accept his methods and love him as a father. Uther only wished he knew if Vivienne was alive or dead, hoping for the latter. The woman was a cancer on his soul.
"A druid camp with no...younger druids?" Uther asked incredulously.
"Indeed Sire." Sir Leon stated. "I could hardly believe it myself."
"Odd Leon, as the scouts clearly confirmed it as being such. Also the fact that almost all the druids escaped is making me question your devotion."
Leon slightly paled. "I assure you Sire I acted with the interests of Camelot at heart. I seek to dispose of all magic..."
Lot interrupted him. "A camp without children? Fucking stupid!"
"Sires if I may." Kay came towards the table. "It is my opinion, that this is the work of Cenred."
"Of what?" Lot asked his face almost purple."You think he's trying to ruin a daily druid quota?" The man was already drunk.
"Sire he knows of your position on magic." Kay said pointedly at Uther, ignoring Lot. "We know his spies are among us and more will arrive when Cenred's delegation comes here to parley in a few days. It is advantageous of him to warn the druids and all that use magic of our intentions and plans to execute the."
Merlin didn't need to listen to the rest. He knew the battle had been won. He had been skeptical at first, Kay's plan to push the druids east, but it was working so far. The fact that Kay was in charge of domestic spying and not Caradoc helped matters greatly. Arthur however still remained a cipher. He was torn between wanting to hate magic and feeling indifferent. One thing was for certain, he was now more concerned with ruling a kingdom then pursuing magic users, having given that over to Kay. If only Uther knew the truth about his foremost knight.
Merlin cringed as he observed the boy by Arthur's side. George. Uther had saddled Arthur with George. He almost felt sorry for his royal Pratness, but was more than content to serve Agravaine if it meant he would be closer to Morgana. They finally would have time to talk. His heart had thundered in his ears when he had heard Vortigern speak. Kilgharrah was right. Since that night he had locked up and inventoried all of Gaius' poisons. He felt awful shadowing her for most of a week but when she made no move against the King he chided himself at listening to the dragon's advice. He needed to talk to her. Morgana was too sweet after the revelation she had in front of all of Camelot none the less. She had even cornered him in an alcove, moving close to him batting her eyes. She was using him, playing on any feelings he might have. She couldn't know he felt anything for her, he was a servant after all. He still wasn't sure what he felt about her. It made him feel slightly sick, her using him like a tool. He had acquiesced regardless, he needed to help her through this time. Merlin snuck into the records chambers and looked for information on Vivienne.
He found out more than he wanted to but knew with their quick departure he would have no time to talk to Gaius about his revaluations. Uther used sorcery more than just to conceive Arthur. He used sorcery throughout his entire kingdom up until the time of the Purge. Vivienne had been more than just a seer. She had been classified as dangerous as Nimueh in the warrants. Merlin had felt cold. The dragon had said that Morgana should not know the extent of her power. What was more interesting was her sudden disappearance, maybe she had foreseen the purge. What was strangest of all was that Uther hadn't hunted or down or killed her. Merlin found hundreds of copies of warrant's for executions, but her name was on none of them. Vivienne's location and status was unknown. Merlin felt even worse. He knew how bitter Nimueh had become and he didn't want to know what Vivienne was capable of if she still lived. It also seemed that Uther had many others who practiced magic with him. Gaius for sure. There were also papers involving Caradoc and Kay, but Merlin couldn't decrypt them fully without a cipher. Uther's closest Knights could, still could be, sorcerers. Regardless he had Morgana's answer and delivered it after re-sealing the documents with magic.
"Thank you Merlin." She said later that night when he delivered her draft. Her voice was sincere, but lowered. "It wasn't right for me to ask you to risk your life for that proof."
"It's no problem my Lady." He replied, conscious of the guards near him. "I know the past days have been rough."
"Good night Merlin." She said with a small smile, though immediately dismissive.
Soon they would be away from prying eyes he hoped. He was happy. She was going to be a duchess, finally getting something that should have been hers when she reached womanhood.
Despair hit him again. If she was already above his position, now the title made her seem even more unreachable. He grumbled to himself. This is about helping her cope with her magic and her nightmares. Nothing more Merlin. Nothing more. He still couldn't help the warm feeling he felt whenever their eyes met, or whenever he stopped to exchange pleasantries in the hall. He felt drawn to her. It's probably just the magic.
She didn't know why Uther was doing this, but it felt good. It was her birthright after all. She hated the prospect of Agravaine tagging along. Arthur's uncle had always been somewhat of a creep after getting a few drinks into his system. She would be happy to spend time back in her old home. She had good memories too and not just the nightmares of her father's death. It would be helpful to be away from the court for a while and spend more time with Gwen. She needed to get away from Uther. He looked smug, thinking this would change everything between them. This changes nothing my King. She would find out the truth, and even if Uther was being honest he had his other crimes to pay for. On the up as well, Arthur would be lost without Merlin. She hoped the boy wouldn't be too annoyed by Agravaine. He needed a break after all Arthur put him through. She had recently been unfair to him as well, asking him to break into the archives. He had rolled over in an instant. She shouldn't have treated him like that. She had considered him a friend, however absent, not just a servant. She also didn't know why she went to him, why she assumed Merlin could break into the archives. There had always been something about him.
Morgana looked around. Gwen was smiling, Merlin beaming, Arthur looked overwhelmed and Kay's face was stern but with the hint of a proud smile. Lot was laughing and drinking. Morgause was nowhere to be seen. Agravaine looked as smug as Uther and Ector was bored. Caradoc would be watching, but invisible.
"Citizens of Camelot, I present to you, the Lady Morgana, Duchess of Cornwall!" The king intoned, raising her hand with a large smile on his face.
After a week of preparation Morgana departed Camelot. Quick goodbyes were said to both the King and Prince. The new Duchess, Gwen, Agravaine and Merlin were accompanied by a complement of fifteen under the young but tested Sir Lucan. Merlin was annoyed that the handsome Lucan immediately was taking up all of her attention, not that it would have been appropriate for him to talk to her during their journey to Tintagel. He loved hearing her laugh, but not when it was directed at some comment made by the smooth knight.
"Will you stop watching those two Merlin?" His ears reddened when he heard Agravaine speak. "I'd rather not think of the flirting those two are doing right now."
Flirting? Merlin thought. Morgana and Lucan? Lucan was handsome after all. A noble knight who had all the qualities a young Lady would be looking for, courage confidence, good looks, a proven warrior.
I have awkwardness, a goofy smile, big ears and a secret that would get me killed, or in another time make me stand as high on the social ladder as the clot pole.
"It would be slightly inappropriate, her now being raised to a duchess now." Arthur's uncle continued to prattle. "But Lucan is of high standing, and Uther always considered her like a daughter."
Shut up please Agravaine.
Another laugh from Morgana. And from Gwen? Merlin had enough. He needed to clear his mind with horrible math. "My Lord, where are those figures you wanted me to go over?"
"Mmmm?" Agravaine pursed his lips. "Oh things, farm finances and some tax discrepancies. We need to get this all fixed before we arrive, and since I don't want to do work when we bed down for the night..."
"Of course Sire." Merlin resigned himself to riding and working. Lucan should be paying attention to other things after all, not just Morgana. The roads weren't perfectly safe.
The sun was red in the sky by the time the entourage (and mostly Merlin of course) had erected the tents in the small glade off the main road. Four more days to Tintagel, if everything went as planned. A slight trickle of rain began and Merlin reached out with his magic and groaned. A slightly larger storm was on the way within the hour. He walked over to the fire and continued to prepare the evening meal with the help of two of the squires. Lucan was assigning the watch roster and Agravaine, contrary to his previous statement, was in his tent pouring over more documents. Merlin wasn't sure if he was working on Tintagel issues or overall problems concerning the war. The man sure did have a lot to accomplish in the coming months and probably viewed this journey as a waste of time. He noticed Lucan walking over towards him and groaned. Why whenever he was in a group, even surrounded by squires and servants, he was always the go to man?
"Come here boy." Lucan said gently. "We need more water filled."
Merlin nodded and went off to find a stream, covered in water skins. Merlin grumbled slightly. Maybe it was his desire to get noticed by Arthur, to get recognition of what he had done, or maybe it was simply that he wanted Morgana to take notice of him more. He was growing fast tired of being the simple servant. He would have been content continuing his ruse but ever since Uther's reinforced measures he felt his own pride rising in time with his hatred of the man. Even in the past weeks he had used his magic for Arthur. All simple tricks yet all something that helped make the Princes life easier. He had even used magic today when he had fallen back in the column, ensuring the sums on the documents were all correct.
Yet he was always the bumbling servant in everyone's eyes and he wasn't a simple hedge wizard. He wanted to be able to show just what he was capable of, how he could defend Camelot from all her enemies. Gwen was the only one who gave him any consolation, telling him frequently that he was more than a servant. He wanted Morgana's recognition however. I truly am infatuated aren't I? He could probably destroy armies, rain as much destruction on Cenred as Nimueh had on Uther, and here he was gathering water. His simple life, all the humility his mother had taught him and Gaius had reinforced was crumbling down in the wake of his destiny and growing powers. Only a thin line was keeping him sane, and that was Kilgharrah. He didn't want to prove the dragon was right. He wanted to show the dragon that he was stronger than his own wounded pride.
When he returned the rain had begun to fall heavily. He was soaked by the time he distributed all the water skins and of course no food was left in the pot. Not that it would be warm, the fire had been doused. As Agravaine's temporary servant, he knew he would have a place in the man's tent, but the thought of being in any proximity to Agravaine gave him shudders. He stood up and walked towards the woods. He would try to find some food, and find some cover. Maybe if he was far enough away he would use his magic.
"Merlin where are you going?"
"Gwen?" Merlin spun around. "Go back inside Gwen you could catch a cold."
"And you're already drenched!" Gwen grabbed him by the arm and pulled him into her tent. Morgana's tent. "You're a mess, miss Arthur that much do you?"
He was dragged in and realized how cold he had become once the rain had stopped falling on his body. He immediately noticed Morgana was sitting on a cot, wrapped in blankets and sipping something hot. Her eyes shot up as she saw him.
"Did Agravaine kick you out?" Morgana said angrily.
"No My Lady. I got caught up in this while...it doesn't matter. I'll be on my way now."
Gwen spoke up. "No you won't. You're drenched, and I know you haven't eaten."
"It's alright Gwen."
"Merlin." Morgana interjected sternly, looking at him over the top of her mug. "Listen."
Merlin nodded, made his way over to the small table and chair and sat down. Gwen put her own blankets around his shivering body and for once he didn't try to complain. He ate his stew in silence ignoring Gwen's stares. The stew he had cooked was good. I still got it, he smirked to himself.
"There's the old Merlin." Gwen said in jest.
"Oh, just thinking about Arthur and George right now."
Morgana snorted. "Arthur's going to be hopelessly lost without you."
"You give me too much credit my Lady."
Merlin met her eyes and noticed a flash of hurt that quickly turned back into an unreadable expression. "Please. Morgana."
"You're a duchess now my Lady."
"Merlin," She warned. "As much as a like my new title, I would hate to have it add any more formalities between us. You're here to assist Agravaine but I want you to assist me as well. I need to know the exact state my duchy is in and I need an honest opinion without trappings or formalities between us. I know you will be honest with me."
Merlin felt slightly warm, but it was probably the stew. He had wanted slightly more of course. He felt they were two close acquaintances who couldn't get past the motions and just admit they were friends. Sort of like him and Arthur, but Merlin already knew how the clot pole thought about him. He also knew it would take years or a mortal wound for the Prince to admit it.
"Of course Morgana." Merlin managed one of his goofy smiles. He heard the rain continue to thump against the canvas and heard it getting rougher.
"Merlin! Where is that boy?" Morgana rolled her eyes and Merlin cringed at hearing Agravaine.
"Duty calls." Merlin said standing up and handing Gwen her blankets. He felt a deep chill again. He fumbled in his bag for a moment and walked over to Morgana. "You're sleeping draft. You both have a good night."
Gwen spoke up. "Stay dry Merlin." She added with a slight smile.
"Goodnight my Ladies." Merlin said with a smirk before heading back into what was better termed a deluge.
He stumbled into Agravaine's tent, and into the Lord himself. Agravaine raised an eyebrow and pointed to a lump of blankets in the corner.
"Warm yourself, get changed." Arthur's uncle intoned as he looked outside briefly. "I love weather like this. We have work to do Merlin."
Merlin hid a groan when Agravaine placed a docket of papers on his small table. "Hurry up Merlin, these are troop figures. You and Arthur's favorite." He gave him a greasy smile.
Gwen poured herself some tea and sat on the side of Morgana's cot. The air was still chilly and the blankets weren't going to help much tonight. Poor Merlin. It seemed he carried on as if he was four servants sometimes. He was also devoted to Arthur and Gwen was certain that time spent away, though good for Merlin's overall well being, was driving him slightly crazy. He was strangely overprotective of the Prince.
"He said 'my ladies'." Morgana muttered. "Tell me Gwen is it Lancelot or Merlin?" Her mistress added with a sly smile.
Gwen reddened slightly. True, she had a slight thing for Merlin in the past, but he had clearly been interested in her as a friend and nothing more. Then Lancelot came around and immediately won her over with his charm. Even though he maintained his presence as a noble he never changed in his attitude towards her. To say that she had a crush on his was an understatement.
"Merlin's my friend Morgana. He made that evident shortly after we met. As for Lancelot, well we've talked about it before."
"We have Gwen and you have yet to act. It's clear Lancelot feels the same way about you. You've seen it too, how his attitude changes whenever we watch their training."
Gwen wasn't going to deny that. "And cause a scandal at court? Morgana especially now with you being a duchess..."
"You're discreet Gwen." Morgana smiled. "Besides shouldn't my position as duchess afford you some simple freedoms?"
"Morgana I..."
"You've been my friend since before I can remember Gwen. Your job is as my handmaid but it's not what defines you. Is it too much for me to ask that my friends be happy?"
Gwen sighed. She couldn't tell Morgana that despite her feelings for Lancelot she also held feelings for another man who was far out of her reach. Merlin's prat. Merlin had relayed the story how Arthur had defied his father and rode off to rescue her after she had been captured by Hengist. Lancelot had been on maneuvers at the time and though she knew had he been free he would have ridden off to save her, it had been Arthur that had captured her thoughts that day. She felt a complete mess.
Her affections were torn between two men, both she could never have. And if she could, having one may meant losing any friendship between the other. She knew Lancelot had feelings for her. It had been evident on their first meeting. She didn't know if Arthur felt anything for her, and considered herself stupid for even thinking about it. He was a Prince after all, destined to marry a high lady or a princess. He would never look at a woman like her and see anything other than a friend of confidante. His sights would always be set on women like Morgana (God help him) or the princesses of Albion (Christ help them).
Yet Arthur had done more than confide in her on the day he condemned the sorcerers to death, late at night after being rebuffed from Morgana's chambers. He had laid out his whole dream. A dream of an Albion where people were judged on merit and not birth or wealth. He had even mentioned that in the new Camelot he wanted to rule people like her would be more of an asset in a higher position than that of a mere servant.
Morgana's gulp brought her from her reverie. Her mistress's grimace was quickly replaced with a faint smile. "Merlin..." She said whimsically.
"Morgana?"
The Duchess moved the bottle towards Gwen. "Merlin prepared my draft. He always adds something to mask the bitterness. Whenever Gaius prepares it however..."
Gwen smirked. For years she had watched Morgana try different methods to swallowing the sleeping draft. When she had been a young teenager Gwen almost had to force her mistress to swallow the bitter liquid.
"He's always considerate."
Morgana shook her head and laid it against Gwen's shoulder. The draft always had an initial quick effect, but it never seemed to last. "He does too much. And all for Arthur. He doesn't even acknowledge Merlin's good work. Whenever I turn around he's being beaten in the training yards, cleaning out stables or being berated because he was a few moments late finishing some other mindless task for Arthur."
"Merlin takes pride in his work."
"It's more than that." Morgana closed her eyes, the draught taking effect. "He's a friend to all of us. He's been a good friend to me and I haven't' acknowledged that, even if he has been distant recently."
"Morgana, you're a Lady after all..."
"What does that have to do with anything Gwen? Have you listened to nothing I was saying." Morgana perked up slightly and then began to murmur again. "If Arthur won't take pride in all that Merlin does at least I will."
Her mistress began to breathe deeply and started to fall asleep. Gwen held her for a few moments. She was three years older than Morgana, and though she wouldn't admit it, almost considered her mistress as a younger sister. She thought about Merlin. He was always awkward especially amongst women and even more so with Morgana. Gwen always assumed it was because Merlin found it difficult to traverse the social boundaries, especially when at court. It didn't make sense however because Merlin had no problem berating Arthur, occasionally teasing him in public and most definitely in private. Gwen perked up. She had noticed Merlin when he clearly was not paying any attention to her. His eyes were always on Morgana, whether at feasts or during court. She knew the two had gone together to bury a druid girl as well. They had talked in months past after Morgana had been kidnapped by the Druids. They clearly had confided in something. They hadn't talked recently for a while besides the usual pleasantries.
Maybe Morgana had given Merlin a wrong impression. Gwen felt slightly annoyed at her inability to see it before. Merlin clearly had some feelings for Morgana. Even this night, when she had dragged him inside, whenever Morgana spoke it was like she had disappeared and to Merlin only he and Morgana were in the tent. Merlin with Morgana? The entire scenario was absurd as her little dreams of Lancelot or Arthur. She only hoped Merlin would snap out of it, find a nice girl. Gwen knew how hopeless it was to dream of something that could never be. She had realized months ago that her heart was trapped; it could only be Lancelot or Arthur. She would never wish that on Merlin. If only Morgana hadn't been so damn ignorant of how she made Merlin feel. She should have made it clear from the beginning that nothing would ever happen between them. Gwen felt as lost as she knew Merlin must feel.
Morgana shivered in her arms and Gwen laid her down on the cot, flinging the covers over both of them. The pattering of the rain had become less intense and calming enough to lull her to sleep. It reminded her slightly of the storms that had come to Tintagel when she was young. Unlike Morgana she had always liked the rain. She heard muffled voices, detecting one as Merlin's and the other possibly Agravaine. Still working those two.
Merlin was different. They all had felt it. Never would she have imagined that Arthur and Morgana would have gone to help a servant, even if he was a friend, to save his home village. They had known him for hardly half a year and yet felt bound to help him. Gwen couldn't place a finger on it, but something was odd about the boy. It felt like he was some noble lord, placed in the body of a servant. She had seen it before in Merlin's glances and actions. How much of the clumsiness was real, and how much was a masquerade?
Merlin kept fading in and out of sleep, the rain dripping steadily on the canvas. He didn't know what hour it was, but prayed it was still late at night. He and Agravaine had literally burnt down an entire candle going over troop manifests. He fell off again, then woke up. He only hoped his draft would do the trick. He had added more than just his sweetener. He used magic as well, a slight incantation to hopefully suppress any nightmares. He knew he shouldn't be playing with her like this and continue to give her a placebo, but he wouldn't risk Morgana's magic getting out of hand, not here on the open road in front of Camelot knights. He only had a few more potions left for their journey. Once at Tintagel he would give her the natural draught that Gaius had prepared. Maybe he should stop giving the draft all together, help her deal with her dreams. But Merlin knew next to nothing about seers and had no idea how to help her. Nothing he had found in the sealed archives about Vivienne had helped. Gaius didn't know, or refused and the Dragon had flat out laughed at him. Maybe if Agravaine will leave me alone I can find out something, try to help her without revealing my magic. Merlin drifted off again.
In the morning he did the usual. He filled in the privy trench while refilling water and cooking breakfast. Eventually they broke camp and set off on the road. Morgana looked exhausted and after questioning Gwen he found out that the Lady had tossed and turned all night. Merlin snorted, determined to remove his enchantment and try something else. Maybe he would just induce more of a deep sleep. Until Tintagel. He felt awful playing her like this, but what choice did he have? As they saddled up and moved, Merlin couldn't shake the feeling that he had heard Kilgharrah last night. Yet the dragon had been speaking in a tongue he couldn't understand and his voice seemed far off. It was almost as if the beast had been talking to someone else with himself being the unwillingly eavesdropper. It gave him a horrible sense of unease. He needed to be back with Arthur, he needed to be with Morgana, he needed to stop Uther.
Several days passed and they would spend one more night on the road before coming to Tintagel. Now deep within the borders of Cornwall, they camped on an open road with a small copse of trees for cover. Not that it's helping. Merlin cursed, hoping this was the last of the fall rain. Around him squires and knights tried to quickly erect the tents and keep them wet, while moving all around was the arrogant Lucan, insulting them at their lack of speed while taking every opportunity to make sure Morgana was covered and comfortable. Just another excuse to touch her.
Merlin grumbled as he saw the knight return to Morgana and hustle her inside her tent, arm around her shoulder. Lucan had started out confident but friendly to all, and had remained that to Morgana, covering her with his charm and making her happy with his jokes. It was all an act. Merlin had known his type before in Ealdor and in Camelot. As soon as the going got tough, in this case with the weather, Lucan turned on all his subordinates berating them and insulting them whenever one showed the slightest hesitation or weakness. The only one he avoided was Agravaine, his clear superior, and he spoke no ill words of Gwen. The perfect gentleman to the ladies, and Merlin only hoped Morgana wasn't too taken in with his charm.
He chided himself. Regardless of his behavior, Lucan seemed to have no ill will when it came to Morgana. He was simply a brute to his men. Merlin knew he should be happy that Morgana was enjoying his company. But he wanted to be in Lucan's place and felt confused. Was his jealously out of infatuation, something more, or just plain lust. Lust was definitely involved, but Morgana would have that effect on any male. Shut up Merlin what could you ever offer her? Even if revealed your gift is a burden. You would be given no high standing, no praise. Merlin would however get a chance to look down on all the people of Camelot. From a cross.
Merlin grew even more annoyed when Lucan continued to remain in the tent no doubt making sure his Lady was nice and comfortable. Damn arrogant Cornwall knight.
"Lucan!" Agravaine yelled. His hair seemed to have lost none of its greasy gloss, even in the thick rain.
"My Lord?" Lucan popped his head from Morgana's tent.
"Have you decided to become a handmaiden? It suits you." Agravaine wore a thin smile on his rain soaked face.
Merlin almost chuckled and heard a few of the squires holding in their own humor. Lucan's face however darkened from both anger and embarrassment.
Agravaine beckoned the knight. "We need to finish our discussion we were having earlier."
The Lord was out in the middle of the camp. Clearly he did enjoy the rain. Lucan made his way over and Merlin was only too happy to be neglected this time. For six hours earlier he had taken notes on his horse while Agravaine and Lucan discussed the slight rebel problem that they had yet to break to Morgana. God help them when they do.
Through the ingenuity only known to servants and squires, the small group was able to erect a suitable covering for a pot and fire and began to put together the beginnings of a wonderful meal by on the road standards. Thunder began rolling in and soon the band was huddled together, protecting the pot from the wind. They went about serving the hot stew, Merlin coming into Morgana's tent with two bowls. Morgana had insisted he stay but he declined.
"Duty calls my Lady." He said cheekily.
Duty was digging the privy pits. And probably filling them up in the morning like these last few days. Merlin hated digging. Even growing up in a farming community he had always hated it. Here in the rain and mud, he looked like he had already been mucking out stables. All of them. Lucan had finished his discussion with Agravaine and made his way back to Morgana's tent. Merlin slipped carelessly, landing back in the makings of his shallow dish. He lay there on his back for a few seconds starring up at the rain clouds. A squire's hand reached out and pulled him to his feet.
"Go." He handed Merlin a small bowl. "You know I never see you eat. Have mine."
"No I couldn't, I'll get some scraps."
"Nonsense." He grabbed Merlin's shovel and started to work. "Go take the night off. Lucan and the others may not see how hard you work but I do."
"This is my job, you're a squire not a servant." Merlin tried to inject a bit of hurt pride, but it didn't come out. He was relieved in fact.
The squire laughed. "Right. Go on Merlin."
"Thanks Galahad." Merlin replied and walked over to Morgana's tent. He heard a male voice and had forgotten Lucan was in there. Morgana was laughing and he heard Gwen's less than enthusiastic response. At least someone didn't like the suave knight. Like they would even let him in their tent the state he was in. He looked down at his muddy clothes. He thought about going to Agravaine but marched away from the camp, across the road and down near the beginnings of a small forest. The rain would help to clean his clothes before he used a bit of magic.
He ate as he walked, tossing the spoon away and drinking from the bowl. The rain water had added a particularly interesting flavor to the soup. Merlin uttered a few words and steam came from his bowl. Away from the camp and just inside the forest he sat down on a damp patch of leaves, the canopy above protecting him from some of the deluge. He felt miserable, but less physically then emotionally. Being away from Arthur was part of it. He needed to protect him. Dollop Head could hardly look out for himself. He couldn't even dress himself! At least he's living fine with George. Merlin had even grown used to Agravaine's company, if it could be called that, in the past week. Now he was sulking away, alone and pouting during a rainstorm and he couldn't care less. For two years he had worked with the weight of Arthur's destiny on his shoulders. He could be allowed one night of reflection, even if he was thinking very childishly. Agravaine may actually look for me, if to help me with his work if nothing else.
Gwen poured herself some more spiced wine and sat on the cot, watching Morgana and Lucan talk in lower voices, both of them smiling. She was delighted that Morgana was happy. After all Lucan was everything a noble Lady would desire from a knight. Not quite as much as Lancelot, but still up there on the scale. She didn't quite like the man though since he treated servants and squires like they were invisible. She had been a slight exception. At first Gwen had thought it was simply a noble knight making sure his Duchess was comfortable, but after the first couple of days...
Morgana had even invited him to talk. Clearly she wasn't going to discuss anything with Agravaine, and Lucan was always transfixed on her. Then the last night, he had kissed her chastely on the cheek and Morgana had blushed. Gwen wisely neglected to mention the encounter. Here they seemed at it again, talking about her duchy, occasionally inconsequential things. Lucan was below her station but Morgana was never one for propriety. He mistress needed to be happy however, even if she was just finding pleasure in his company. Gwen could count on her fingers the amount of men Morgana had been infatuated with. Kay (when she was just blossoming into womanhood) Arthur (never mention that one again, a brief moment in her teenage years) and last year Sir Dagonet (mostly because of his clear genius before the knights had proven himself to be completely married to his work. Gwen thought Dagonet more bordered on insanity). Gwen wasn't sure if she needed to add Lucan to the list, but wasn't ready to at this time yet.
Her suspicions about Merlin had been confirmed in the past days. Whether it was simple lust or genuine infatuation, he clearly had something for her mistress. His barley concealed jealously at Lucan, his stares grumbles or underhanded jokes to Agravaine were evidence enough. Merlin clearly had trouble keeping secrets, at least from her, but Gwen had been taught to spy long ago in court.
Gwen couldn't work out Morgana's feelings however. The lady was hardly someone to tolerate a man's company just so she would put off hurting him. She always spoke her mind. Morgana also only displayed an outward interest in someone when she was trying to invoke jealously, almost always with Arthur. Gwen rolled her eyes thinking of the incident with Valiant after the first round of that tournament. The fact that they were talking about opinions concerning magic made Gwen nervous. Ever since the incident with her father...Whatever Lucan's opinions were, they were clearly similar to Morgana's. Gwen could add Lucan on her list of knight's without Uther's prejudices.
A rush of cold air and Agravaine burst into the tent, startling all of them and clearly upsetting Morgana.
"Lord Agravaine? Do you have no decency?"
"I am sorry my Lady." He turned towards Gwen. "Have you see Merlin? Has anyone seen Merlin."
Agravaine seemed slightly exasperated.
"Your servant?" Lucan replied. "Not since he handed out dinner, why my Lord?"
"We were supposed to continue work..." He trailed off and Gwen became annoyed. Did everyone need to use Merlin to get their own work done?
"I'm worried about him." It's been two hours since supper and no one has seen him. I promise Arthur I'd look after the boy."
Gwen's annoyance was replaced by curiosity. It may be the uncle's loyalty to his nephew, but the Lord was worried about the boy's whereabouts, and she was as well.
Lucan was not nearly as concerned, but Gwen detected a trace of worry on Morgana's face. "I'll send some squires to look..."
Agravaine's eyes grew dark to Gwen's surprise as he grabbed the knight by his shoulders pulling him from his chair. "Are you an idiot Sir? These forests are crawling with God knows what. You don't know child, but I do. I remember the purge bpy!" Agravaine released the knight. "Find the boy or I will drag you in front of the Prince."
Gareth left quickly flustered and muttering. "Yes My Lord."
Morgana stood up. "Gwen, fetch my cloak and riding clothes."
Agravaine spoke up. "No my Lady. Night is falling. Rest I will..."
"I am a duchess my Lord." Morgana said coldly. "We are in my fief and you will stand aside."
"Morgana." Agravaine placated. "I am a high Lord of Camelot in charge of your protection. Uther and Arthur could not bear it if anything were to happen to you. My Lady I must forbid it."
"You forbid nothing..." She removed her shawl and started attempting to undo the fastening on her dress. Gwen noticed Agravaine didn't bother to avert his eyes.
"My Lord." Gwen began, testing. "He is just a servant after all."
She winced away from Morgana's scowl and remained facing Agravaine, eyes down.
"No he is Arthur's servant." The Lord began. "And he is most loyal. If Arthur values the boy's life, then so do I. He is more than my Prince, his is my sister's son. He is all I have left…" He trailed off, confused slightly.
"Of course my Lord." Gwen said submissively. She was happy that Agravaine had proven his loyalty so quickly to Arthur. Maybe the rumors that said he was secretly against the King and all his kin for what happened to his sister two decades ago were false.
"Please Morgana trust me." He began. "I will ensure nothing happens to Merlin. I will go out there personally. I...Cornwall cannot afford to have anything happen to their new Duchess."
Morgana ignored him. "Gwen. Undress me." She turned towards Agravaine with a smirk. "My Lord? I'm sure Uther will be dying to hear the part of the story were his brother in law watched his beloved ward undress?"
Agravaine looked annoyed but showed no hint of embarrassment as he stormed from the tent, not before taking in Morgana's form once more with his eyes. Gwen shook her head. The man was a pig. He heard him trip outside on rope and caught Morgana trying to conceal a snort of laughter. Soon the Lord was yelling for a horse to be saddled.
"Do you think it's serious?" Morgana asked Gwen, a slight tremor in her voice.
"Agravaine concerned about Merlin?" Gwen tried to lighten the mood but failed. Agravaine was worried, and not just because Merlin had wandered off. There was something about the forest. Thinking back Gwen noticed that he had been uneasy since midday when it appeared on their right on the road.
"Merlin doesn't run off without telling someone first." Morgana mused. "He's been acting strange these last days. Distant, more awkward than usual."
So Morgana had been watching Merlin? She handed Morgana her shirt and trousers, moving off to find her riding boots. "He's stressed. Morgana he'll be fine."
"He better be." Morgana said slightly furious.
Gwen was confused. What had gone on between her and Merlin those months ago since her kidnapping? No. Gwen walked over and began lacing up Morgana's boots with a chill in her body. The Fire. Druids. Nightmares. Vivienne. Gwen grimaced. Her friend couldn't have magic. She had grown up with her. But what secret would she not want to discuss with her but Merlin instead? She had asked initially what they had talked about but Morgana had shut her down quickly. I'm being ignorant. Merlin doesn't have magic after all. They wouldn't talk about that.
The sun had set, the rain got heavier and Merlin quickly realized something was wrong with this little forest. At first it had been the lack of all noise, which he realized now, accustomed to the sound of rain. Easy to miss. Then had been the bluish glow in the forest. He left the bowl of finished stew, gathered his magic around him until he felt it hum within his body, and set out towards it. Here, alone from prying eyes of anti-magic crusaders he could finally be in his element. He was a warlock and a silent hunter, not an awkward manservant.
He reached a small hill, crawling through the wet ground, and peaked over the edge. The figure was clear in the clearing below him. It looked nothing like what he had seen near Avalon, but something in its composure, in its soul told him this was a Sidhe. The creature was tall, maybe seven feet with a thin, human like body. Its eyes were turned away and he couldn't detect any movement of breath from the entity. It was dressed in a dark, shimmering armor and held a sword in its left hand. The sword was not made of steel. Instead it seemed to be made of a sort of wood.
A branch broke behind Merlin but he didn't turn around. The Sidhe had shifted its position and he looked into its helmet. Where there might be eyes only a pit of shimmering shadow was, a lake made out of darkness. Merlin surged his magic ready for release, ready for any spell. He knew next to nothing about the Sidhe. Would his reflexive magic even affect it, or would he need a more prepared spell? Would he have to use words as well and not just instinct? Words were power in the old religion.
"You're lucky you're not dead." The voice spoke from behind him. Agravaine.
Merlin remained transfixed as the Lord spoke a few words in some strange language back towards the creature.
An unearthly voice came from the Sidhe. It seemed to envelop Merlin and all the clearing. His soul felt cold. The creature spoke four, maybe six words.
Agravaine responded with one word, and gripped Merlin's collar and hauled him up. Merlin glanced at Agravaine, the Lord's face plastered with rain but showing little more than annoyance. The Sidhe remained standing still. Agravaine spun him around and began marching Merlin away from the clearing into the forests edge. Merlin didn't even feel incensed. Here was a creature that he had no clue how to face and the greasy uncle had stared it down.
"I gave Arthur my word I would protect you boy and you try to make me a liar! Well?"
"The Sidhe…" Merlin began, cutting himself off when he realized what he had said.
"Yes the Sidhe. Even an idiot like you would recognize it what were you doing wandering away from the camp?"
"I went for a walk...I thought all the Sidhe…"
"Fled north to Bedegraine and beyond. Most did." Agravaine sighed. "Some of these lands used to be mine before Tristan…Never mind. During the Purge I made a deal with a few Sidhe who did not want to leave. I offered them this place, knowing that their flight would mean their lives or the lives of many of Camelot's soldiers."
Merlin was shocked. Agravaine apparently held little, or no hatred for magic and its creatures. He needed to know more. "My Lord how did you…"
"My siblings and I grew up obsessed with the woods." He began. "Like our namesake. Sidhe are only dangerous when provoked. Their language has been in my family for decades. Speaking of provoking…" They had begun to move out of the forest. Merlin could see other riders scattered about, looking for him presumably.
"Speak nothing of this." Agravaine said harshly. "To anyone. I gave the Sidhe my word and that word is more dear to me then your well being."
"I won't betray them." Merlin said forcefully. He couldn't be angry at Agravaine now. He might treat him like a simple servant but he did seem to be a true ally of magic. "My Lord." He added. It helped to be respectful at times like this. He only wished he had been able to communicate with the being.
"We need to leave now, make for Tintagel tonight or at least get away from the borders of the forest. Those were his terms." Agravaine mused as he mounted his horse. "Well get on let's not be awkward about this."
Merlin clutched onto Agravaine as they broke into a canter. He looked down at his body and saw what a sight he was. His clothes and flesh were covered and in complete disarray. He finally allowed his magic to relax. Agravaine took a horn from his saddle and blew, summoning the other riders back. Merlin groaned. They had all gone looking for him it seemed. It took over thirty minutes for them all to assemble, and Agravaine had grown anxious.
They dismounted in the middle of the camp. Lucan rode up to them looking furious. Merlin spotted Galahad by his side and Morgana and Gwen, soaking wet, trotting up behind them. Merlin wanted to hang his head. Yet another nail in the clumsy, idiot servant coffin.
"Lucan tear this camp down, prepare to leave." Agravaine ordered. "We ride for Tintagel tonight something is stirring in this forest."
"What is it my Lord?" Lucan asked as he dismounted, helping Morgan down as well.
"That does not concern you we must ride!" Agravaine yelled.
"Lord Agravaine if you know something..." Morgana led on.
Please no Morgana. Leave this alone.
"My Lady we will not delay."
"Lord Agravaine," She said harshly. "If we are threatened I will know by whom or by what!"
That was when Merlin felt it. The presence in the forest. Multiplied now, and moving. This was why the Uncle was worried. They had given him a time. He spoke without thinking. "My Lady he took an oath. He cannot say but we must move now!"
The mood in the whole camp was changing. Lucan and Morgan were angry but Agravaine and Merlin seemed anxious, even scared. Merlin knew it was more than that. He could feel their aura. The time taken for all the riders to come back was too long. Their land had been invaded and they would not suffer any more lingering. Agravaine's promise was fast meaning nothing to these creatures.
Galahad trotted off towards the road as Lucan roared towards Merlin. "How dare you speak to the Lady Morgana without permission boy!"
Merlin's magic rushed into his veins, feeding off his own aggression, feeding off that of the Sidhe. He was wild looking, the whites of his eyes the only thing clean on his whole body. He stood raising himself against the knight and yelled. "Shut your mouth and do your job for once Lucan!"
Lucan punched Merlin. The young warlock lay on the ground, jaw throbbing, sensing nothing. He could feel them getting closer, could feel Galahad as the squire drew his sword and turned around to shout that something was coming. This was it. He was going to push this knight into the ground and then unleash his full power on the Sidhe. There could be no turning back.
Then he heard Morgana's voice and the world came flooding back. "Leave the tents; gather the essentials move to the road, now!"
Merlin didn't even have time to saddle his horse as he threw his packs together and gathered Agravaine's essential papers wrapping them quickly in their protective sheepskin. He had grown up with horses, he didn't need a saddle to ride. The trotted out to the road, Morgana and Lucan in front, Merlin taking up rear guard with Agravaine and Galahad. A mist had spread out through the rain and he could see the Sidhe moving fast towards them. Merlin counted at least twelve.
"Dear God. Sidhe!" Galahad said as he gripped his sword. The party turned and began to gallop.
They rode hard until their horses were lathered and Agravaine was finally sure the Sidhe had left them. The entire party was drenched and exhausted. Tintagel would be only half a day's ride away now. They stopped on the road and Morgana ordered Lucan to prepare the guard. She seemed fully in charge now, mortal danger had awakened something in her. Merlin fed his horse an apple, then sat down with the reigns in his hands, looking east back towards the forest now lost past the horizon. The moon was in the sky, obscured by the rain and clouds. He allowed himself to relax. Keeping his magic on hold had exhausted him. All around him the party collapsed except the two on guard, covering themselves as best they could, trying to get some sleep.
If I hadn't run off. Merlin berated himself. They had thankfully saved all their documents, but probably not Morgana's wardrobe. He put his head in his hands. Why had the Sidhe come after them? Maybe they weren't being aggressive, but they did have blades in their hands. Maybe just trying to scare us off. If this gets back to Uther…
Merlin started, looking up, face to face with the same Sidhe he had seen in the forest.
"You should not have run from us Emrys." The entity disappeared when he blinked. Merlin didn't sleep.
Half a day later he saw the coast and Tintagel castle.