Sorry for the late update. Inspiration for this story is quickly leaving me and I am finding it difficult to continue. I will finish this story ... eventually.
This was not the Camelot he had left earlier this morning. What once was a beacon of peace and prosperity was littered with the filth of poverty and death. Arthur stood at the front gates of the lower town disgusted at what his kingdom had been reduced to. Children dressed in rags fought each other for scraps of food as others wandered around aimlessly. The air was acrid with the stench of smoke and it stung his nose to breathe it in.
The townspeople stared awkwardly at Arthur as he moved toward the castle grounds. They seemed intrigued by the fact that Arthur was the only person around without a scar on his face. The people of the lower town, both young and old, carried a large scar across their faces. Arthur kept his eyes on the ground as he hurried through the roads.
Boom. Arthur was knocked on his back. He stared up to see a giant looming over him. The man was much taller than Arthur and carried a very large sword. Beside the giant was a very short man dressed in royal gown and no scar.
"How dare you touch Tondo, the Queen's royal advisor!" the large man boomed and drew his sword on Arthur. "Your impudence is punishable by death!"
The midget waved off his guard and he obediently withdrew his sword. "Who are you and where is your mark peasant?" his nostrils flared in anger. A crowd was beginning to circle around to commotion.
Arthur was slow to get back on his feet. "I am Arthur, the rightful King of Camelot and I demand an audience with your Queen".
The crowd broke out in laughter. Even the giant let out a small smile. "Is that so? Well them I am greatly sorry for mistreating you sire" Tondo said sarcastically and bowed. "Let me escort you to your castle my king." Tondo orders his guard to apprehend Arthur.
Arthur quickly draws his sword to defend himself. But before he could stike, Tondo's eyes flashed gold and his sword was sent flying away. Arthur needed to reactly quicky. He shoved the guard, pushed through the crowds, and darted into a dark alley. He could hear the angry cries of Tondo as his guards rallied to chase him.
Arthur was lost in the maze of alleyways and roads. He had lived in Camelot his whole life yet these streets seemed foreign to him. As he turned down another street, something in the corner of his eye caught his attention and made him stop.
Gwen
He quickly dashed towards and grasped he arm. "Gwen, I'm so glad I found you –. " A swift slap to his face made him silent and he let her arm slip from his grasp.
"Help!" she cried out as she ran toward the busy main street.
She did not remember him. No one in Camelot seems to know who he was. He needed her to remember. He quickly chased after her as he turned into the Rising Sun. but before he could reach the door, a punch hit him square in the chest, knocking the breath out of him.
Gwaine and Leon stood over the crumpled body of Arthur who struggled to breath." Was this the one who called himself king?" Gwaine asked. Leon nods. "The queen will want to speak with him."
Together they drag Arthur towards the castle.
"There has to be another way of saving Arthur. It's too dangerous" Gaius said with concern. Merlin has just told him about him about how he planned to enter Arthur's dream to help him escape his desires. "If Marasis finds out that you have entered her world, you cannot hope to protect both yourself and Arthur."
"He is my friend and this is the only way I can save him."
Gaius knew there was no use in trying to talk Merlin out of his plan. If their roles were switch, Arthur would do the same for Merlin. "What do you need me to do?"
"Give this to Arthur" Merlin hands him a small vial. "And keep an eye on Gwen for me while I'm gone."
"Be careful Merlin. If Arthur dies in the world of desire, you will also."
"I'll bring him back." Merlin smiles at Gaius as he leaves the room.
Atop his bed, Merlin drinks his vial and patiently awaits its effects.