Warning: Violence, gore (only a little though)

Chapter 6: Fucking books

The library was huge, enormous! Merlin looked around the room with a sigh of defeat.

"Great!" he whispered into the room and walked further in to start. "Just great!"

The room had two large windows, from which heavy curtains fell, no doubt to hide the sun. Merlin wasn't really sure why they were needed though. Vampires would sleep during the day, why would they care to read. He anyway drew them back allowing the sun to spill into the room. The light revealed thousands of books. The walls were covered by them from one end to the other.

"Hello?" he called in the room, making sure no one was there. To his luck, no one was up this early, the few that were, cared little for book reading or had to be outside on guard.

He looked at the shelves and bookcases, how the hell could anyone find what they needed here?

His eyes were gold as he whispered yesterday's same spell "Áberan þíndrýcræft!"

The same procedure happened again, a few books glowed. More than three this time, more than fifteen to Merlin's strange odds. Putting them all in a pile he started reading the pages. These were ancient books with the most ancient form of words. It was unreadable to those that didn't know it and useless for those who don't know its power. That was not the case to Merlin. The words took shape and meaning in his mind. These were books of magic, particularly beginner's books with minor spells that took years to learn, for Merlin however this was instinctual magic. This spells the books held didn't need any incantation from his mouth, they just happened naturally.

One book after the other proved to be useless. Books of small spells, spells to defeat creatures of magic, healing magic, druid rituals, but none had the great power which Merlin looked for. His head fell back in the wooden bookshelf.

"I'm sorry…" he whispered, hoping his words would reach where they were meant to be heard.

He was about to give all hope when his books drifted to an open book. He saw a very intriguing spell. The spell wrote in the old language, "For what is lost and needs finding, for things to come when they have vanished and for items to be found only when one truly needs it." Merlin found himself recalling some of Arthur's words, a night they spent in bed.

Merlin lay next to Arthur, his feet tangled in the messy sheets. A leg was resting over the vampire's strong thigh, a hand curled loosely over his muscular chest, his breath brushing lightly over it and his head resting on his shoulder. And Arthur in turn had a hand curled around him and his fingers brushed his back slightly, even tickling him a little, memorizing the map of his cruel scars. He felt them beginning from one side and ending to the other.

"You were born here?" Merlin broke the sweet sound of silence.

"Yes, my father told me my mother died shortly after."

"I'm sorry." He said with a soothing voice. "I don't remember my mother…" he said in response "… sometimes I feel like I can see her face in my mind but then it just slips away and as for my father I never knew him. I only met him shortly before he died."

"I'm sorry, too." He returned the words.

"I think I can remember the Castle when I was a boy. I never got to live a normal life though. I was thrown into the darkness long before I was actually in it. If you ask me, I don't remember the sun. I travelled a lot for years and every time I came back here, it felt like home. It's as if the walls still hold the memories from when I used to be alive. It's as if…" he stopped.

"What?" Merlin asked curiously.

"Nothing." He shook his head. "It's stupid."

Merlin felt intrigued "Just say it." he said with curiosity filling his voice. "I promise I won't laugh." He lifted his head so that he could see his face, waiting impatiently.

"It's as if the Castle has a soul or a spirit. It's hard to explain, but whenever I forget a piece of my life it reminds me, gives it back to me."

Merlin grinned, his smile reaching his ears.

"I told you it was stupid." He made a move to get up.

"No, no, it's not." Merlin assured him pinning him back on the bed with little effort. "I think it's wonderful you have a place you can call home." His eyes were sad and full of memories that flashed before him. "I wish I had that." He said hesitantly and in a very low voice not wanting to open a conversation on it. So he just smiled at him.

Merlin kissed him and it was as if it was the first kiss Arthur let someone give him. It didn't indicate anything. There was no passion, heat or lust. It was just pure Merlin and Arthur.

The Castle had memories, it had a soul, Merlin repeated in his mind. He had a plan, then and it could work. He placed his hands flat on the wall and said the spell he found earlier. The words came out hoarse from his mouth as he demanded the Castle to show its way to where the item was held. The spell broke and Merlin had a vision of a hidden room, here in this library.

Magic tingled beneath his skin and he stood up to walk to the source of it. He stopped in front a bookshelf and looked at it with a puzzled look. He has seen such places before there was usually a switch, something that would make the hidden door open. He put a foot at the edge of a bookshelf and reached to the highest books. The handle usually was attached to the ceiling. He took some books out and there! He pressed the switch and before he knew it he was spun around into a dark room.

"Leoht!" he said in his palm and a bolt of light appeared.

The room was stuffy and dusty, no wonder since it had no windows. It was a small and very narrow room with barely any space to move, with only small treasures here and there, presumably valuable. He cared little for them however. His eyes were searching for something else.

Merlin knew he had found what he was looking for as soon as he set eyes on it, his smile wide in victory and his heart easing its thumping.

It would be alright now. Everything would be fine now…

Right?

…

Merlin and Lancelot stood in a tower glancing at the ground outside and looking at the sun.

"Are you going to fight tonight?" He was concerned. Lancelot proved to be a great friend these past weeks. He was there for him and treated him with kindness when everyone else didn't.

"I can't help but not, I am capable and I wouldn't want Gwen to go through this alone or the rest of the people." He paused. "I feel like I have to protect them. It's my duty."

"How so?"

"They are family, aren't they? At least they will be." Merlin didn't know how to respond. "Have you understood yet how Arthur rules? Why I'm choosing this life?"

Merlin knew exactly why, he understood every word he said. "Arthur is I kind man. He is strict as a leader and cruel if he has to. I learned that to him these people, both vampire and human, are important. He cares for them and protects them." He looked at Lancelot. "But to me he has been the kindest man of all. He was the only one after a long time to show me respect and care. I care for him, I truly do." He smiled at his confession.

He couldn't help but adding, "Even if he is a stupid, arrogant prat!"

…...

Merlin was back in the room just before it went dark outside. He wanted to be there when Arthur woke up. He lay next to him watching his still form. He was lying on his back, eyes sealed shut, lips closed and his chest unmoving. He didn't need to breath, he didn't have to. The only think that could kill him was silver and werewolves hunted only in their wolf forms. He would be fine, who would be able to kill a thousand year old vampire?

A werewolf, it would seem since there is considerable amount of pieces of armor around the room and other weaponry. Arthur said it is strictly precautious. He arrogantly said he didn't need it but apparently even a thousand year old vampire could get his head ripped off if they had a chance or even a limb.

The thing with armor was, one may not put it individually as there are buckles and laces tying on the back and let's not even analyze chain mail. Not only was it too heavy to carry but even more so to wear. Merlin knew that fact, but only from the carrying part not the wearing.

"Merlin I don't have time to play around." He told him seriously.

"What makes you thing I want to play around, I just want help you with your armor."

"You know how to put on armor?" he raised an eyebrow not really believing him.

"Yes, not on me thought. I hardly need it."

"That's because you can't fight."

"Yes, that's why." He replied quickly. "Now, may I put the armor on you?" He said gesturing on the metal pieces he had in his hands.

"Go ahead." He said reluctantly and Merlin carried on putting the first piece over his head and buckling the lace behind, not too tight but tight enough. He did it all in odd silence which Arthur didn't take as a good sign. Merlin being quiet is never a good sign.

"How was your day?" he asked in an attempt to make him talk.

"Odd, strange and awkward like every day I've spent here."

"Really? How so?"

"Well… I battled Sophia on who is going to present themselves in front of you, which I won by the way and I thought that had to be the strangest experience I would have here. Apparently after today that isn't true. Arm!" Arthur raised his arm and Merlin slipped the gauntlet.

"Why?"

"Well since you asked… There I was walking on my way to meet Lancelot on the eastern tower and George jumps in front of me, honestly that man just comes out of thin air and he stands with his chest all out and asks me of the most ridiculous thing ever."

"What did he ask?"

"He said it in his own manner but to sum it up he asked if he could have sex with us."

"Both of us?"

"Yes." Arthur looked with a look of wonder or disgust, Merlin hoped it was the second.

"What did you reply?" he said in all curiosity.

"Arthur!" Merlin shouted at him and he burst in laugh.

"Alright, I'm only having fun." His smile started to fade but formed again before he asked. "Did you ever try it though? The more than one I mean."

His face was fuming. "No! Never have and never will! And if you ever ask me that I will never step a foot in this room again! And I really hope a third person doesn't come in our lives in any way! Even if I am not there! I thought we agreed on that!" he took a deep breath when he finished.

There was no answer for it only Arthur approaching Merlin and taking him into his arms tightly. There was a faint smile on his face and his eyes glistened with happiness. "I am not doing anything with anyone Merlin. I don't need anyone else. You're quite sufficient." Merlin realized that was the closest he would get for an emotional confession.

"Thank you. Good to know." He mumbled in his armored shoulder determined and serious.

"And I'm glad you decided to stay." He gave him a quick peck on the lips and went on to get his sword.

Merlin had a look of guilt all over his face. "Well… yes… since… um… sure… yeah… I'm staying… I guess."

"What was that?"

"Nothing." He averted his gaze looking nowhere specifically.

"You are staying, aren't you? You are still not planning on running away, right?"

Merlin just couldn't speak to him, he didn't want to because then he would have to lie.

"Merlin…" He started saying but the door opened to reveal a fully armored Leon.

"Sire it's almost midnight. We are ready." He stated.

"I'll be there right away."

Arthur turned to Merlin and placed his hands on his bony shoulders. "So, um, don't worry about tonight. I will see you later to finish this conversation."

"I'm not worried."

Arthur raised a brow.

"Maybe a little. Don't act all cocky in battle and if there is any way to reason with them, do it." Arthur was amazed by Merlin's strategic talk.

"I highly doubt it but comment noted." His gloved hand captured his chin and he leaned in to give him a goodbye kiss.

…

Outside the Castle gates the army of vampires was lined up in order. They scanned and focused on the trees some meters in front of them. The air was moist and blurry with fog. It was a cold night, so cold that even vampires felt it. The few humans that decided to fight alongside them felt it numb their toes and froze their noses to red. Their breaths made a cloud as it reached out of their mouths. No one spoke, they just waited.

Arthur stood in front of the crowd, his face determined and serious. The moment reminded him of so many centuries ago when he used to be a real warrior under his father's army aiming for approval. It was after long a massive number of dead bodies and bloodshed that he realized how wrong it was for him and his character to try to prove a privilege he should have since birth by such a brutal way. Therefore he never provoked war and he never declared one but protection was one thing he promised all of his people and he would keep that promise.

The vampires grew restless and impatient. Just as someone was about to complain there was a distant slow growling from a mouth full of sharp teeth. Then a man, so very pale, walked out of the trees and into the opening just in front the Castle. Beside him the werewolves formed unorganized protection lines around him. His stance portrayed authority and power over them.

Arthur stepped forward to start negotiations.

"Hello Arthur Pendragon." He greeted sarcastically stating that he very well knew who he was.

"You must be Mordred."

"News flies so quickly around here. They don't even give you the chance to introduce yourself properly, do they?" His tone was sarcastic enough to reach Arthur's nerves a good kick.

"What is it you want?"

"I want many things. But I'll settle down with revenge for now."

"How have I ever offended you in a way that would bring war upon my Coven?"

"Let's just get over with this battle so that I can claim your castle as mine, shall we? All this talk is boring and my wolves here are hungry for some cold ancient blood." Arthur took a quick glance of the growling dogs just behind him preying their hunt.

"This is your last chance for you to retrieve your dogs and leave."

"It isn't happening."

"Have it your way."

Arthur drew his sword and that was the start of war. Mordred mimicked his action, eyes glistening with rage. Sounds of battle filled the usually peaceful and quiet ground of the Pendragon estate that night. Sounds of swords clashing, growls and flesh being pierced and torn into shreds. Blood would be everywhere at the end of this fight, blood of vampire, human and wolf.

Mordred was a good warrior and skilled with the sword. Arthur would even think that he was a good match for him to fight. His feet were quick, he knew how to move around each time Arthur would strike. He was brave and well trained and knew exactly were to hit his enemy. He took the chance every time Arthur would leave a side unprotected only to be blocked by Arthur's swift defense.

"You're good with the sword I'll give you that." Arthur said through gritted teeth and blocking a low swing of Mordred's sword. "But why are you doing this? You are more powerful and we both know it."

Mordred smirked but didn't reply. He didn't even admit to having magic and even less so use it.

The werewolves were hungry for flesh and thirsty for blood, but vampires were warriors, true fighters to keep their home. The humans were fighting bravely, even killed some of them. One by one the wolves were down and the vampires were never going to get tired. That was their advantage, they could keep on going till the sun would rise and even then the werewolves wouldn't be able to morph into wolves. It would be too dangerous for them to then attack in their human form against vampires.

"Give up Mordred! Your dogs are not able to keep up with us. You are going to lose." Mordred had a look of panic in his eyes, although it didn't on his face. His heart was filled with doubt and fear that he would not win this battle.

"I doubt it. It's time to end this."

Mordred eyes turn into gold and an unnatural force was called upon Arthur's body. He didn't feel it immediately but there was a strange wave as Mordred spoke with words he had never heard in any century and any country he has been to. Arthur felt his blood go even colder than before as if it froze and turn into ice, then slowly and painfully it was like silver. In after so many years he felt like he was out of breath and gasped deep with his lungs.

The vampire's looked upon their leader and fear built inside them. As he sank to his knees they lost their focus and the wolves were overpowering them. Arthur could do little but fall on the ground, he could feel pain and he wished he could die. He didn't feel like he was going to, he only felt that he would be in an endless cycle of pain and torture. Mordred was trying hard to keep his magic working against the strong vampire. He felt light-headed but wouldn't break the connection.

But just then the pain stopped and he saw Mordred fly back with a groan. A pair of boots came to his vision and stood before him as protection. The pain subsided and he could feel his body move normal again, his blood calming down.

He looked up to see that the boots belong to Merlin, who was standing facing to the other side. He was looking at Mordred who was trying to get up on his feet.

"Ah! Emrys!" He said and patted some dirt off his clothes. "Our paths cross again."

"What are you doing Mordred?" he demanded.

"Just ridding the world of vampires like I always have and always will." He informed him. "I see that you keep on supporting them. Always the traitor Emrys. Never taking the right side."

"I am not taking any sides Mordred! I simply do what I think is right."

"Come to your senses Merlin, they are vampires, eventually they will eat you and throw the rest of you in a ditch."

"Revenge is not going to bring Kara back and blaming it on all vampires isn't fair either."

"It wasn't fair that they killed her either."

"Do you really thing that this war is making it any better?"

"It does…" He said determined. "… to me."

Arthur finally recovered from his state and was on his feet ready to demand what is happening when a wolf jumped right on him occupying him with the battle.

Merlin knew that this conversation was getting nowhere. Mordred was blinded by hatred and anger and he would only be satisfied with revenge. He also knew how it was to lose someone dear to him and has seen it too many times. He could understand the anger he felt at some point. Kara was Mordred's betrothed and was brutally killed by a vampire. Mordred took this as message that the whole species was evil and had only the same intentions. It was sad how the actions of one often condemned the greater group.

Merlin didn't say anything. He kept looking at him, eyes pleading. As if he was begging him to leave, to forget his revenge but he wouldn't. It was Mordred that stroke first. A small ball of fire forming in his hand and flying straight to Merlin's chest. He averted the strike quickly with only a gold of his eyes and a hand rising in front of him, palm open.

"Don't start a war you can't win." He warned him.

"So full of yourself like always." He said with hatred and struck again with the same procedure happening.

He realized he would need something far bigger than this to defeat Merlin. He conjured a bolt of white light that looked deadlier than his former spell. He launched it at Merlin only to put his hand up and drain it in his body. He closed his eyes briefly, taking a deep breath before giving it back at him double the power. Mordred quickly dodged it and retaliated. There was a huge exchange of the same spells. Blue, white, fiery balls of energy were exchanged between them. Merlin's face was stern eyes a dark, thick night blue and Mordred's face reddened by the energy his magic used. Merlin was seemingly at an advantage his magic acting out of instinct.

Meanwhile Arthur who was eager to catch a sight at the obviously magical state of Merlin was otherwise occupied. One could even say he was far too distracted by the magical battle commencing between him and Mordred. At a chance the wolf found, he had Arthur on the ground snarling his big pointy teeth at him. Arthur's fangs were out and dangerous, showing his dominance of power. He stopped worrying at the foolishness of Merlin who obviously was bravery and concentrated on his own battle. His fingers found the wolf's throat, behind that layer of fur and dug into the flesh, ripping out his throat. He tossed the body away from him, the blood dripping on his armor.

He looked once more towards Merlin and he saw his magnificence and power. He was quick and good at magic. He knew very well what to do. Arthur wondered for a moment how many times he had done this before. Merlin spoke in a language unlike any other as he conjured his spells. His voice was deep and hoarse, the words strange and fearsome. Mordred speaking the same language did not sound that powerful the way Merlin pronounced it. He was obviously more powerful than the other man, so much more powerful. He was amazed, fascinated even as he watched the scene. So amazed that he totally forgot the war around him and the screams of his people and the werewolves that he never saw what was coming.

He only felt the sharp pain of a werewolf digging his teeth into the flesh of his shoulder. He screamed in agony, in pain. Merlin turned to look at Arthur when he heard his scream, afraid that something might happen to him. And that was Mordred's chance, a bolt found him on the chest. He flew back and grunted as he met the ground beneath him. Arthur took his attacker by the back of his spine and pulled him over him, slamming him on the floor and smashing the wolf's face with his foot. He didn't glance at the big wound on his shoulder, what his eyes focused on now was Merlin, who was wriggling on the floor. His hand clutched his chest and trying to get away as Mordred approached in quick sure steps.

Arthur was about to interfere but stopped when Merlin's eyes glowed gold and he spoke a spell so powerful. His voice was once more hoarse and wild, his words sure as he mouthed the long spell. He looked up the sky and extended an arm, clouds gathered together and a lightning appeared. Mordred was struck and his body burned. Merlin sighed in relief and threw his head back.

The war around them was ending. Some werewolves retreated, the last ones fell. Dead bodies were everywhere. A few vampires that had died were being mourned by others. Tristan specifically was over his beloved Isolde, holding her close to him as he wept her name. The rest had their eyes on Merlin. Arthur in particular had the most troubling eyes of them all. He felt betrayed.

Merlin stood up and slowly made his way back to the Castle, eyes following him. He avoided Arthur's gaze, didn't even look up from the grass. He just slowly walked back to where he was sure he would have the most difficult conversation of his life.

A/N- Next update coming soon!