The bright sun was dimming as it slowly set over the horizon, the snow topped mountains soon covering the large globe. Night had fallen on the vast valley and creatures whom scurried through the forests were now sleeping soundly. The waters of lakes and rivers all the same, were still and resting under the brightly shining moon, neither rippling or causing soft waves to brush ashore. Everything was at peace, all seemed tranquil.

However, Morgana had other plans rather than sleep. She sat in deep thought by the slowly burning fire within her hearth. The only sound disturbing her concentration was the steady beat of her heart, but even that could not stop the ideas of how to take over Camelot that erupted within her mind.

'Crunch'

The fallen leaves outside had not blown in the wind nor had the branches of the old trees shaken and rattled; so the tiny sound that echoed from outside was indeed a mistaken step of a person. Morgana rouse from her seat already preparing her magic as to force whomever was outside into the pitiful state of death. Ever since the intrusion of the great sorcerer Emrys, she had gained an ugly feeling in the pit of her stomach every time someone approached her home - No. Not really. Camelot was her home, and hers alone. Not this awful place - so she was very ready to kill all those who intruded her peace.

Suddenly the door to her huddle opened wide, the cool air from outside rushing in as if it were afraid of the dark. A shadow stood in the opening, his or her face hidden behind a black cloak. Morgan did not attack as she expected herself to do, for she would know the presence of that man anywhere. Dear Agravain had come to visit her.

"I hope you bring good news, Agrvain!" Morgana hissed, trying to hide the fear she just experienced.

"I have, my lady. News of Arthur." The traitor bowed his head in respect.

"His he dead?!" The witch was quick to respond. Her only wish was to have her half-brother come to his death. Her every waking moment consisted of her finding ways to rid of Camelot's king, so she could take her rightful place upon the thrown.

"Sadly... No. However, he can be with the information I hold at my disposal." His lips curled up into a smile, hoping to please his mistress.

"And what is this information?"

"The king plans to travel through the dark forest of Ebony, to reach the village of Avarian. He suspects the forests evil presence will keep from bandits traveling throughout it's winding trails. However for a handsome price, I'm positive we can find someone willing to attack when Arthur and his knights least expect it."

"Very good, Agravain. Find a group as soon as possible, pay them whatever they wish. I want news of Arthur's death by the weeks end." Morgana was sitting at her makeshift table now, cutting into an apple with her intricate dagger. Agravain bowed and began to take his leave into the dark of night, back to Camelot before he turned to face her one more time.

"I won't let you down," he persisted, before walking through the door and closing it behind him.

Earlier that afternoon...

Soon the group was moving away, through the gates of Camelot, and toward the small village of Avarian.

Agravain created a fake smile and played along according to his role - a loving uncle - until Arthur, his knights, and pathetic servant were out of sight. It was all too perfect. Arthur expected the journey to be safe as well as quicker and would not expect a large group of bandits to attack during the trip. Arthur would be no more and the new queen, lady Morgana, could rightfully take her place. Even if Arthur could not be vanquished, for his skills with a sword wee known throughout the land as the best, Agravain could at least crush the kings spirits. Not all his knights could survive such an attack, and Merlin was sure to vanquish in the raid - everyone knew how Arthur valued his servant, even if they didn't know why.

"What is there to be so happy for, Sir Agravain?" Giaus came from inside, and had slowly walked down the stone steps to see Arthur's uncle with a sly smile upon his face. It was not a kind nor worried smile, Giaus could tell, but an evil one. One only feared what he was up to, and Giaus worried for the group whom just left.

Agravain was pulled from his thoughts, quickly, and was at a loss of words for a short moment before he earned his bearings. "Oh there is nothing to be happy for, Giaus. My dear nephew has just left on a mission to seek out a sorcerer... I fear the worst," this was just another one of his well played acts. However, the physician could see right through the disguise.

"Just happy you get some time for yourself then? It must be tiring having to watch over Arthur all the time, I understand, for it is the same with Merlin. Still... When they are away, we still worry, do we not?" Now it was Giaus' turn to play his role - a mere old man who had no idea the man before him was a traitor - and some may say he played it well.

Agravain let out a small laugh, "that is how it seems. So troublesome when they are around, but when gone, all you can do is fret and pray the gods for their safety. Arthur has surely become like a son to me." Inside his head he was screaming and shouting, 'that fool is nothing to me. I only serve the lady Morgana!' But nothing of that matter was to be said. Giaus, on the other hand, almost seemed to know that's what Agravain was thinking. He was indeed a traitor. "Well, I must be off. I have to attend to the duties of the court. Farewell, Giaus." Agravain started to turn away.

"Farewell, sir Agravain." Giaus bowed his head in respect, even if there was no respect to be found for such a man. Before Gius turned to head to his chambers, he made one last look at the traitor walking toward the stables.

Agravain requested a horse be prepared for him before quickly heading to his chambers to grab some supplies. All he need for such a journey was a pouch of water and his dark cloak, so he was swift to grab his things and make it back down to the courtyard. He wished to set off before the sun was to set. A horse was ready and saddled, ready to be mounted, which of course he did and was soon taking leave through the gates of Camelot and into the woods. The sun was slowly drifting down and darkness would soon enough take over the valley.

Arthur and his men had made it a fare distance before the darkness obscured their view and forced them to make camp. By the next day they were sure to reach the Ebony forest and follow it's paths to the village of Avarian. It was only a matter of time.

"This is all Merlin's fault. If he were not so late as to wake me, we would have left at an earlier time and surely made it into the Ebony forest already." Arthur was quick to complain as they sat by the warm fire. Merlin just shook his head in annoyance as he stirred the stew that was set over the flames.

"If you were capable of waking yourself, perhaps you wouldn't need to rely on me to make us on time." Merlin snapped back. Even as late as he was, Arthur should know how to wake himself.

"Ah, but surely the princess just needed his beauty sleep." Gwaine was at it again, and the king just gave an evil glare towards him after his joke. "Perhaps some dinner will ease this awful tension... How's that stew coming there, Merlin?" Gwain was fast to change the subject and slapped the servant on his back looking into the large pot of grub.

"Almost done." Merlin reassured the knights who were all anxious to get something in their hungry stomachs. He would be lucky of he were to get any.