Chapter 19–The Beginning of the End
Hey guys, so another chapter done. I'm on a roll at the moment and it's great . Please remember the poll on my profile page, Does Mordred deserve a chance at redemption? Please vote or write your answer in the reviews! Anyway I don't own Merlin but Elizabeth, Kay and Laudine are mine. Enjoy…
I could have sworn that I never knew what home was like until I had come to Camelot. The feeling of belonging that you can get from a place, I had never understood until I had seen that castle in the distance. The same feeling was coming over me now as I rode quickly through the forest, trying not to go too fast as Laudine had already pointed out today that I was tiring the horse out. I stopped riding for a moment taking in the sight of Camelot castle appearing on the horizon. This gave Laudine and Kay time to catch up with me, "Did you miss it My lady?" Laudine asked me quietly.
"Every day I was away," I replied honestly before taking off in a gallop, riding faster than before. It took half the time it should have for me to reach Camelot gates, the two guards standing there stared at me for a moment in amazement, "Tell King Uther that Princess Elizabeth wishes to see him and his son please," I ordered watching as the guard took off towards the castle. I rode through the town a lot slower than I had across the country liking the way the villagers smiled at me as I passed. When I reached the stables I jumped down and dropped off my horse with one of the stable hands before turning around to find Merlin standing there, "Merlin," I smiled brightly at him.
Merlin answered with a bright smile of his own, "My Lady, Arthur sent me to get you."
"Did he now? How have you been?" I questioned as Kay and Laudine came into view once again.
"Okay, you didn't miss a lot. Everything has been pretty boring since you left," Merlin said almost sounding a bit disappointed.
Laudine and Kay arrived next to me quickly climbing off their horses, "Glad you didn't get into any trouble," I said.
"Me? Never!" Merlin said with a laugh.
We started to walk up to the castle, "Laudine could you get some of the other servants to help you with the bags there isn't that much there is there?"
"Yes My Lady and there isn't much no," Laudine said before turning around and walking away to the servant quarters.
"Kay you are excused," I smiled at him over my shoulder. He nodded his head before also disappearing, probably to help Laudine with the cases.
I pushed open the doors of the council chambers, Uther was with Morgana and Arthur, they looked like they had just finished their meal for today. I bowed down, "Your highness."
"Elizabeth. I take it your father's health has improved," Uther said seeming happy to see me.
"He is also back to his old self. He told me to send his regards, he wishes to visit at some point soon to discuss the future between our two great kingdoms," I resighted the statement he had told me to say when I arrived.
"That would be pleasant," Uther smiled.
Morgana reacted next she got up and walked over to me before pulling me into a hug, "Elizabeth, I have missed you."
"It's good to see you again Morgana. I'm sorry I didn't get a chance to really say goodbye to you," I apologized.
"It's okay, I'm glad your father is feeling better," She said taking a step backwards.
I just nodded before turning to Arthur was now standing next to Morgana, "My lord."
Arthur took my hand and kissed it gently, "My Lady," I felt a blush rise up my cheeks and looked away to stop him from seeing.
There was a moments silence before Uther got up and walked over to us, "Morgana and I are going to travel the castle," Uther said before taking Morgana's hand and leaving the room so Arthur, Merlin and I were the only ones left.
"Merlin can we have a moment please?" I questioned. Merlin just looked blankly at us for a moment, I couldn't help but roll my eyes at him. He seemed to suddenly understand and took off out of the room as quickly as he could. As the door shut behind him Arthur pulled me into his arms and kissed me hard.
"I thought they would never leave," he muttered against my lips.
"Anyone would think you had missed me, my prince," I laughed.
Arthur took it seriously, "More than words can express."
I looked into his eyes smiling, "I have missed you a great deal too," I said before leaning in for another kiss, "I was thinking of exploring Camelot again seeing what has changed, do you wish to join me?" I asked when I got a chance to have a breath.
"I'm sorry I have to train the knights, but how about dinner?" Arthur said looking disappointed.
"I would love that," I said softly.
"Take Merlin with you, he has been going on and on about seeing you since you sent that letter," Arthur said rolling his eyes at me. I just laughed.
I walked over to the door and opened it seeing Merlin practically fall into the room, "Come on, you're coming with me on my walk," Merlin nodded, muttering an apologize and blushing badly. I turned back to Arthur and bowed my head, "See you soon."
It wasn't long before Merlin and I found ourselves walking into the courtyard, "He spent most of his time being moody in his room. I think Uther was thinking that he was ill," Merlin was complaining about Arthur. He had been since we left the council chambers.
"I don't think he was that bad Merlin. I'm sure," I smirked at him. Then suddenly there was screaming. Both Merlin and I looked at each other before we walked quickly down the corridor and into the courtyard completely.
"Help!" I heard a young voice cry. The voice sounded male.
"Did you just hear…" I began to ask.
"Yes," Merlin interrupted.
We turned into the main square looking around for the owner of the voice, "Help me! Please," I realised then that no one else could hear what we could. Then I saw him, a young boy no older than ten, hiding behind a cart. I nudged Merlin and nodded in his direction, "Please. You have to help me. Help me."
I noticed there were guards entering the square, "Search in there. Take the other side. You, did you see a boy run in here?"
"They're searching for me," The boy explained.
"Why are they after you?" Merlin spoke telepathically.
"They're going to kill me," The boy said his voice getting more and more desperate.
"Guards! In here!" I heard one of the guards yell before they all headed off in the opposite direction.
"We'll help you," I promised telepathically. Before running over to the side door. Merlin looked out for the guards and then nodded at the boy.
"This way. Run. Run!" Merlin told him. The boy ran over to us holding his wounded arm. Unluckily one of the guards saw us. I grabbed the boy's hand which wasn't hurt and we run up the Griffin stairway. I could hear the guards calling after us. We took another flight of stairs before Merlin ran ahead of me and into my room.
I followed behind dragging the boy with me, I looked up to see Morgana standing in my room with Laudine, "Have you forgotten how to knock, Merlin?!" She asked sarcastically.
"The guards are after him," Merlin explained.
There was a knock on my room, "My lady?"
"In there," I said pointing towards the curtains over in the corner of my room. I waited until Merlin and the boy were safely behind it before opening the door.
"I'm sorry to disturb you, My Lady. We're searching for a young Druid boy. We believe he came this way," the guard explained to me.
"I haven't seen anyone. It's just me and Lady Morgana here," I said nodding towards Morgana who looked like she was in shock.
"Best keep the door locked till we find him," The guard advised.
I just nodded wanting him gone as soon as possible, "Of course. Thank you," I said politely before closing the door. Morgana run over to open the curtain. The boy was laying in Merlin's arms.
I walked over to him touching the wound gently, "Laudine!" I called.
"Yes, my Lady," She said arriving at my side.
"Help him," I asked. She nodded before bending down to looking at the boy, "I didn't think I could have had a calm week when I came back," I muttered before there was another knock at the door. I walked over to it quickly as Morgana pulled the curtain again. As I lifted my hand to the door I noticed it was covered in blood. I hide it behind my back and opened the door with my other hand.
"My Lady, the Prince wishes to see you," The Guard explained to me.
"Of course," I said nodding before turning my head to Morgana, "You can stay here as long as you wish."
I followed the guard into the council chambers keeping my hands behind my back at all times. Arthur and Uther were already there and by the looks of it arguing, "Given the chance, they would return magic to the kingdom. They preach peace, but conspire against me. We cannot appear weak," Uther argued.
"Showing mercy can be a sign of strength," Arthur pointed out.
"Our enemies will not see it that way. We have a responsibility to protect this kingdom. Executing the Druid will send out a clear message. Find the boy. Search every inch of the city," Uther ordered. Arthur nodded before turning to me. We walked out of the chambers together.
"I take it dinner is cancelled," I observed.
"Once I find the boy we can spend the evening together," Arthur spoke softly.
I nodded before kissing him on the cheek, "I will wait," I said before turning and walking away.
"Elizabeth, is that blood?" Arthur questioned.
I moved my hand quickly as I turned around running the palm along my blade of my knife that was laying on my hip from the journey here, "I just cut myself when I was in a rush to get here," I said holding up my palm as proof.
"You should get Gaius to see to that," Arthur stated taking my hand gently in his and getting blood on himself.
"It is unnecessary Laudine can help me with it," I said taking my hand away from Arthur, "I'll go to her now."
By the time I had reached my chambers. The boy was awake and staring at the wall. I didn't notice it before in the rush but something about him remind me of something that I had seen in a dream. Morgana and Merlin were standing watching the square below. I moved to stand next to them as the man who had been caught with the boy waited for execution, "Laudine. I need something for my hand please," I asked her as I stood watching.
"What happened?" Laudine asked looking at the deep cut which now lay on my palm.
"I had to come up with an excuse for the amount of blood on me," I explained. She nodded before going to get some potion and bandages.
"People of Camelot, the man before you is guilty of using enchantments and magic. Under our law, the sentence for this crime is death. We're still searching for his accomplice. Anyone found harbouring the boy is guilty of conspiracy, and will be executed as a traitor. Let this serve as a warning to your people," Uther gave a long speech.
"You have let your fear of magic turn to hate. I pity you," The man yelled back at him.
"I can't watch this," Morgana said softly before turning away from the window and sat on the floor next to the boy.
Uther signaled for the execution. Instead of watching what was going on with that I chose to watch Arthur. His face seemed to be set in a mask of indifference where as his eyes showed the pain he felt for the man.
"No!" The boy screams echoed through my head. I held my forehead in pain as the mirror next to me broke.
"Merlin you should go and see Gaius," I heard Morgana suggest from the floor. The door opened and then closed once again.
Laudine came over to stand next to me, "Are you okay?"
"Yes I'm fine," I moved over to sit on the other side of the boy, "It's okay," I whispered softly as he clunk to my neck, "You will be okay."
The sobs the boy was letting out slowly turning into deep breathing as he began to sleep peacefully. We stayed like that for a while, Morgana moved back into her room for a little while to eat while I just sat there with him.
"My Lady what is it?" Laudine asked coming to sit in front of me.
"The powers. This boy his abilities," I said softly looking into her eyes, "They are so similar to Merlin's. He is very powerful Laudine, no wonder the druids want him."
"The druids have wanted us all at one time," Laudine said angry her voice betraying her thoughts on the matter.
"You are old enough to make your own decisions now Laudine, you have been for a while. You know as well as I do that the people who tried to capture us were not true druids," I said to her quietly.
"I know my lady. Just sometimes it's hard to forget," She said apologetically.
"It's okay," I said before there was a knock at the door. Laudine pulled over the curtains before going to open the door.
"How is he?" I heard Merlin asked.
"He's sleeping. He's very pale. I worry he may have lost a lot of blood," Laudine explained.
"Has he said anything at all?" Merlin questioned pulling back the curtains to look at the boy.
"Nothing of late. Still don't know what his name is," I said stroking the boy's hair gently.
"What do you think we should do with him? He can't stay here," Laudine said the thing we were all thinking.
"We have to find a way to get him back to his people," I said softly.
There was a knock at the door. I gently extracted myself from the boys grasp before moving to open the door, there was a guard on the other side, "The King wishes for you to dine with him."
I left diner quickly after Morgana, not really wanting to be in the same room as Uther for any longer than neccesary at that moment. It had been an awkward diner with Arthur and Uther talk about the druids only making it worse. I walked back into my chambers quickly followed by Morgana. Merlin arrived a few minutes later, "He's burning up. How long has he been like this?"
"For a little while, I think his wound may be infected. We need Gaius before it gets any worse," Laudine explained.
"No. We can't involve Gaius. It's too dangerous. Besides, if he finds out about this, he'll execute me himself," Merlin muttered.
"We need to get him out of Camelot, and we can't do that while he's sick. We need a physician," Morgana pointed out.
"I'll treat him," Merlin offered.
"Merlin, do you know how to treat an infected wound?" I asked looking disbelieving.
"Not exactly, but I'm a fast learner," Merlin said with a shrug.
After Morgana and Merlin both left leaving Laudine and I with the boy who was sleeping once again, "Is there no way you can heal him?" I questioned looking down at him.
"I have tried my lady but even with my magic I can only slow down the infection, Gaius will probably have a book on how to solve the problem," Laudine explained.
I leant over the boy and stroked his cheek gently before looking away from him and out of the window, "Are you okay My Lady?" Laudine asked for the third him in two days.
"I don't know," I confessed shaking my head, "It seems so stupid but when he screamed I could have sworn it was like the sound I heard when I began to dream of Arthur's and Merlin's destinies."
"Maybe you should go and see the Dragon," Laudine suggested.
"Perhaps, will you be alright looking after the boy?" I asked. Laudine nodded her head and I grabbed my cloak on the way out, sneaking down to the dragon's keep in the dungeons.
"Kilgarrah!" I yelled when I got there.
It only took a moment before the beating of wings filled the air and the great dragon landed in front of me, "Hello young Guardian, is the warlock not with you?"
"No he's not, you heard the boy screams didn't you?" I questioned getting straight down to business.
"Yes of course," Kilgarrah said dismissively.
"Why do I know him? Who is he?" I asked feeling like I was going to explode with curiosity.
"He is the dark to your light. The night to your day. He is the one who can stop Merlin and Arthur from fulfilling their destiny and bring Albion together," The dragon said speaking in riddles, before flying back into the air and disappearing from view.
"That doesn't answer my question," I yelled back after him.
I walked back slowly to my chambers thinking about what the dragon had just said, when I entered it all came back to me. The dark to your light. The one who could stop Albion from forming, "You're Mordred," I whispered out in disbelief.
Before Laudine could speak or anything could happen there was a knock at the door. Laudine stayed with Mordred as the closed the curtains and made my way over to the door, "Arthur! To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"Don't act all excited. It's not a social call. I'm looking for the Druid boy. I'm afraid I'm going to have to search your chambers," Arthur said sounding bored.
"You're not searching my chambers," I snapped.
"Don't take it personally. I have to search the entire castle. Only take a few minutes," Arthur explained.
I shook my head trying to come up with a reason why he couldn't, "I'm not having you mess up my things."
"I'm not interested in your things, I'm just looking for any evidence that the Druid boy's in the castle," Arthur said getting more annoyed by the moment.
I then noticed Mordred's boots sitting on the floor in plain sight, "Perhaps the Druid boy's hiding in your chambers. They're usually such a mess, you'd never know," I snarled at him.
"It's hardly my fault I have such a lazy idiot for a servant," Arthur said moving to look out of the window.
"I happen to like your servant, he treats you like I wish everyone would," I shot back before bowing my head, and whispering under my breath, "Bestepe 'scós."
I watched as the boots tiptoed their way to where Laudine and Mordred were hiding. I rest my hand on my head to hide the change in my eye colour, "Are you okay?" Arthur asked suddenly seeming concerned.
"Headache. Back to the point, if you can't even find your own servant, what hope do you have of finding the boy?" I questioned getting back down to the problem of moving him out of my chambers.
"Really, I'm touched by the confidence you have in my abilities. And, as much as I'd love to stay and talk, the sooner we get started, the sooner we'll be finished," Arthur said sarcastically.
"Well, I'll save you the trouble," I said calmly to him a plan forming in my head.
"Trust me, if I could find him, I would," Arthur answered back shortly.
"The Druid boy's hiding behind the screen," I said honestly before stepping right up into Arthur's face, "I'm sure your father would love to know how you wasted your time by rifling through my things. Go on."
"So you can have the satisfaction of making me look a fool?" Arthur asked.
"In my experience, you don't need any help looking like a fool. What are you waiting for? Take a look," I said knowing exactly how to wind him up.
"Why don't you go back to brushing your hair, or whatever it is that you do all day?" Arthur snapped back before walking out.
"Usually it involves beating you in a fight, but bye now, Arthur. Good luck with the search!" I yelled after him before turning back to where Laudine was peaking out from behind the curtains. I shut the door and leant against it, "That was a little too close."
"Why did you tell him where we were?" Laudine asked looking confused.
"Because Arthur thinks I was winding him up," I answered simply before there was another knock on the door. I opened it and came face to face with Morgana and Merlin, "Thank god. What took you so long?"
"Sorry. Once Gaius gets talking about anatomy, there's no stopping him," Merlin said before leaning over and beginning to treat Mordred.
"Are you sure you know what you're doing?" Laudine questioned hovering over him.
"I'm doing my best," Merlin shot back.
"I'll get you some more water," Morgana offered.
Merlin continued to work as a voice echoed through our heads, "Thank you, Emrys."
"Emrys? Why do you call me that?" Merlin asked back.
"Among my people, that is your name," The child explained.
"You know who I am. How?" Merlin asked when the boy didn't reply Merlin spoke out loud, "Speak to me."
"I don't know if he can't speak, or... he's just too scared to," Morgana said holding out the water. Merlin nodded his head, "I must go back to my chambers it will seem to suspicious if I stay for too long," Morgana said before leaving.
Merlin continued what he was doing in silence for a moment before speaking to me, "Emrys?"
"It's hard to explain…" I began.
"Well try, I need to know," Merlin said back irritated.
I nodded my head, speaking slowly so I got the right words, "You're destiny, Arthur destiny. It has been known for a long time. A seer a long time ago predicted that one day the once and future king would unite Albion and that magic would once again be free to roam. He would have help, a sorcerer who would lead him to the right path. His name would be Emrys."
"I don't understand…" Merlin interrupted.
"Emrys is you, it's the name that was given to you by your magic. The druids know you as Emrys and the boy is a druid. They grow up on the stories of a future where magic will be allowed, were you will make it so it is," I finished explaining.
"That's a big destiny," Merlin said with a sigh.
"That is why I'm here, to try and help in any way I can," I said touching his shoulder lightly before he turned back to his work.
It was later on the next day when Mordred seemed to be getting a lot worse, "Let me care for him for a while. You need to sleep. You'll make yourself sick if you go on like this," Laudine tried to make Morgana stop.
"His fever's getting worse," Morgana observed.
"Morgana," Mordred called out telepathically.
Morgana looked shocked, "Did you hear that?"
"What?" Laudine asked.
"He said my name," Morgana said looking back down at him.
"Did he? I didn't hear anything," I said softly, being saved for any more of this conversation by a knock on the door.
"It's Merlin," The voice called from the other side. Laudine ran over to answer it, "How is he?"
"He's getting weaker. Whatever you did yesterday, it hasn't worked. We have to ask Gaius for his help. After all we've done, we can't give up now!" I said honestly.
"Please! If he doesn't receive treatment, he'll die!" Morgana begged.
"Okay. I'll go quickly," Merlin said before walking out of the door.
It wasn't long before Gaius came back in followed by Merlin who looked like he had been chewed up and spat out.
Gaius immediately went over and began looking at Mordred, "I will treat the boy, but as soon as he's well, you must get him out of Camelot. And woe betide anyone caught helping him. Well, one thing we know for certain."
"What's this?" Merlin questioned.
"You're no physician," Gaius answered before getting back to work.
"Now we need to get him out of the castle," I said.
It was because of that reason we walked down to the lower town watching as the guards stopped people and began searching their stuff, "The guards are searching everyone leaving the town," I informed Merlin and Morgana.
"There is another way out. There's a secret door in the armoury. It leads to the lower town. I'll take the boy out that way," Merlin offered.
"No. It's too dangerous. I'll do it," Morgana said softly.
"But I-I'm good with secret doors and things," Merlin argued back.
"If you are caught, Uther will execute you. The boy's my responsibility. I'll smuggle him out of the castle," Morgana said firmly.
I knew there was no disagreeing with her, "Well, you'll need a key for the door."
"Who has it?" Morgana asked.
"Arthur," Merlin explained before looking at me.
"Looks like we have a job after all Merlin. I'll distract, you take?" I questioned before turning around and walking back into the castle. Merlin following me closely.
It was diner time when Merlin and I put our plan into action, I walked in just as Arthur began dining on his soup, "Elizabeth," He said the surprise evident in his voice.
"Arthur I wanted to apologize for my rudeness earlier. It was uncalled for," I said sitting down opposite him.
I heard Merlin mutter a spell underneath his breath and the key from Arthur's belt floated behind Arthur's head, he turned his head swiftly and the keys rattled, "What was that?"
"What?" I asked an innocently as I could.
"There was a sound," Arthur said looking confused.
"Was there?" Merlin questioned this time. The keys continued to float behind Arthur's head as he stood up and searched the room.
"What is that? Can't you hear it?!" Arthur said getting annoyed.
"I can't hear anything," I said before looking at Merlin.
"Me neither," Merlin said.
"Are you deaf? It's like a...jangling sound," Arthur said walking towards Merlin.
"There," Merlin said pointing behind Arthur, "I thought I saw something."
Arthur moved towards where Merlin was pointing as Merlin dropped the keys in the soup, "What was that?" Arthur questioned.
"What was what?" I asked perfecting my innocent face.
"A different sound, like a...like a splash," Arthur said looking more and more confused as he went.
Merlin picked up the bread from the table, "Bread?" He offered. Arthur shoved passed Merlin checking his hearing on his way out. I grabbed the keys out of the soup.
"A little too close, Merlin," I said with a laugh.
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Artistic-Blue-Eyes
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