Arthur washes his face with cool, clean water surrounded by candles, all lit. Merlin comes forward as Arthur stands in clean white shirt, tying a white ceremonial robe over his shoulders, Arthur's expression blank and void of all emotion. Merlin steps back and watches as Arthur pulls back the door of the throne room, padding across the wooden floors barefoot. He pauses when he reaches the centre before dropping to one knee and the the other before his eyes close.
Without Arthur knowing Merlin was peeking in through the throne room, Kara sneaking up from behind him. Merlin jumps slightly as she peeks through the door as well before returning to look at Arthur, Kara wears a confused frown as she whispers 'what is he actually doing?'
'Thinking' Merlin whispers back, onto causing her to frown deeper.
'What about?'
Merlin silent before he replies 'you'. Rolling her eyes she hits his arm playfully before they both draw back closing the throne room doors. Kara looks at him with an expectant look. 'He has to decide upon a quest'
She frowns in confusion 'How exactly is crouching on his knees all night is going to help?' She wonders.
'Well he has to transcend his body so that the quest is revealed to him in a vision' Merlin explains and it's still,confuse Kara but she chnages the subject.
'I'm guessing you're going to stay here and watch him?'
'Kara, this is one of the most important days in a prince's life' he inputs and she nods understandingly.
The next morning Kara stifles her laugh as she makes her way down the stairs behind Morgana and Gwen, the council and uther ahead. Merlin of course was snoring on the floor only to wake at the footsteps. 'Nice one Merlin' Kara nods to him as she passes and he sticks his tongue at her childishly before following.
Uther touches Arthur's shoulder 'It is time' Arthur jolts awake, coming out a deep sleep and uther steps back as he stands. 'What is the quest you have chosen?' The King questions almost solemnly.
'I can see but one path, sir. I am to enter the realm of the Fisher King and find the golden trident spoken of in the legends of The Fallen Kings' Arthur tells him.
'You do understand that if you are to prove yourself worthy of the throne, you must complete this task alone and unaided' Uther warns and Kara frowns, Merlin didn't mention that little detail.
Arthur nods 'I do'
Up in the physician chambers Merlin stuffs his face with bread, eating quickly enough that Gauis warns 'You'll get hiccups'.
Merlin swallows his mouthful before questioning 'Who was the Fisher King?'
'He was a sorcerer who lived many hundreds of years ago' Gauis states and Merlin looks at him waiting for him to expand further.
'And?' He pushes when he doesn't.
'Legend has it he was wounded in battle' Gauis begins explaining 'The wound festered and the infection spread, not just through his body, but through his lands as well. His mighty kingdom was reduced to a wasteland, and it has remained that way to this very day'
'I don't understand' Merlin frowns, continuing to pop blueberries into his mouth 'Why is Uther so worried?'
'Some believe the Fisher King's still alive' Merlin's eyes widen 'kept from death by his magic'.
'Do you?' Merlin wondered curiously.
'Perhaps. Perhaps not' Gauis shrugs 'But the people of the north call the area The Perilous Lands. Few who have ever ventured there have lived to tell the tale'.
Merlin makes Arthur's bed while Arthur studies maps at his desk! both are in silence until a hiccup escapes Merlin. Arthurs looks up at him and Merlin turns around 'I ate too quickly' he explains. Arthur rolls his eyes before returning to his maps.
Merlin hiccups again 'Merlin...' Arthur warns.
'I can't help it' Merlin smiled.
'I need to concentrate' Arthur states and Merlin gave a silent nod, returning to the task at hand. He finishes the bed and admires his work when another hiccup escaped. Arthur slammed down his papers in annoyed exasperation.
'I am trying to prepare for one of the most important moments in my life' Arthur tells him and Merlin nods understandingly.
Arthur went back to his works only to have Merlin come over speaking 'and he drops the papers. 'All these maps...' He muffles a hiccup as Arthur leans back in his chair irritated as Merlin picked up the papers 'None of them are the same.
'Well done, Merlin' Arthur congratulates sarcastically 'Do you know why?'
'No'
'Because hardly anyone's ever been there' Arthur finishes and Merlin frowns.
'Couldn't you have chosen something a bit easier?' He accuses quietly.
'I'm meant to be proving my worth to the people' Arthur sat back up 'A quick trip to the lower town to collect a bundle of herbs probably won't cut it'
'But the Perilous Lands are... perilous' he says for the lack of better word and Arthur looks away in exasperation 'Maybe I should come with you'.
'What for?' Arthur questions in disbelief.
'To... help out' Merlin nods.
'You really don't get it, do you?, Arthur shakes his head The task must be completed alone and unaided' he snatches the papers out of Merlin's hands 'That's the way it's been for hundreds of years. It's not about to change for you. Now, if you don't mind, I have some important preparation to do' Merlin nods and begins to walk out, Arthur returning to his work.
A lone hiccup has Arthur slamming down his papers in irritated disbelief while Merlin merely smiles as he exits.
Down in the lower town, the people are abuzz with chatter, Kara smiles as gwen pretends to model, a piece of see through orange fabric.
Shuffling through pieces of purple fabric she only relishes Morgana has begun to walk away with an old women hidden by a black shawl when Gwen calls out 'My Lady?'
'It's alright' Morgana assures 'I won't be a moment'.
Kara frowned but returned to shuffling through a couple of pieces of fabric, trying to find something nice to make a new dress out of. It was hard to believe she was shopping for fabric for dresses but here she was. God Camelot had changed her.
Gwen's sudden gasp startled her and she turns to see Gwen staring after the old woman with an alarmed look. 'Gwen?' she called worried but Gwen didn't respond merely spinning around to face Morgana, whom had just come back.
'My Lady! Are you alright?' She questions concerned.
'Why wouldn't I be?' Morgana smiles confused.
'I... I thought...' Gwen stammered looking between Morgana and the retreating old woman.
'That poor woman didn't have a penny to feed her family. I felt duty bound to help her, Gwen' Morgana explained, smiling softly before walking to the next stall.
'What's wrong Gwen?' Kara wondered, seeing the worried frown on her friend's face.
'Nothing' Gwen shakes her head 'trick of the light that all' she assures before following after Morgana. Kara frowned watching after her, wondering what she had seen.
The next morning, Kara paced in front of Arthur's chambers, wringing her hands together in nerves. She had heard many stories about the perilous lands along her travels, and because of the stories she had stayed far away from those lands in particular.
Those stories had played on her mind ever since Arthur had announced what quest he was taking and her grew more and more as the hours passed. Add into the fact that he would be traveling out there along, it worried her and that's how she found herself in front of his chambers.
She didn't really know what to say, if she should warn him, ask him not to go or be careful she had no idea what to do.
Unfortunately she didn't have much choice either as the doors opened slowly and Arthur stepped out, chainmail glinting in the morning sun. He wore a surprised expression before it was replaced with a soft smile and just like that the whirlwind of thoughts rushing around in her head disappeared.
'Please be careful' she spoke, the only thought willing in her head was that he had to come back. She had already lost too many people in her life and she refused to let Arthur be one of them because deep down she knew it would tear her apart.
'I will' Arthur nodded.
'Promise?' Kara whispered quietly, hating the small crack in her voice as she did. Arthur however smiled softly and leaned forward, pressing his lips to her in a quick but gentle kiss.
'I promise' he swore and she smiled. Kara watched as he walked down the hall to embark on his quest, as he turned the corner, she leaned back against one of the walls and with a small sigh she slid down to the floor.
Arthur moves down the courtyard steps where Morgana, Uther, some of the lords and knights stood. As soon as he reached the bottom step he bowed to Uther and Morgana, whom bowed back respectively. With that he moved over to the horse that Merlin had prepared, mounting it.
'You look troubled, Sire' Morgana muttered seeing Uther's expression.
'He is sole heir to the throne Morgana' Uther said, speaking like it was obvious and Morgana smiled though a dark look in her eyes betrayed her.
'Don't worry' she assured masking the look 'I'm certain a Pendragon will rule over Camelot for a long time to come'. Morgana smiled and uther nodded back, comforted by her smile.
Arthur and Merlin nod to each other before Merlin's gaze snaps down to Arthur,s wrist. There was a silver bracelet adorning his wrist with an ember stone in the middle of it and around the stone were two metal wings.
'Beautiful, isn't it?' Arthur remarked, seeing merlin's sudden interest in the bracelet 'It was a gift from Morgana'.
Merlin's head snapped up at the information, eyes widening in alarm. If it was a gift from Morgana it could only mean one thing. He wasn't able to say anything as Arthur pushed his horse forward and galloped away.
Up in the physician chambers Merlin and Gaius search through books after books, trying to find the stone that was on the bracelet Morgana gave Arthur. 'You sure it wasn't a jewel?' Gaius questioned, holding out a page for Merlin to look at .
The warlock shook his head turning back to his own page 'No, brighter than that'
'And you think it was enchanted?' Gauis wondered, asking for clarification.
'There was magic there, I could feel it' Merlin insisted, his eyes scanning down the page.
'You sure?'
Merlin nods, flicking the page over 'and if it came from Morgana, it can only mean one thing: Arthur's in danger'
The two men spent hours searching through gaius's library with nothing to show for. Gaius closed another book before looking over at Merlin 'I'm not sure I know where else to look, Merlin' he sighed.
'There has to be something' Merlin refused to give up, pulling another dusty leather bond book closer to him.
'We've examined every stone imaginable. Unless...' He drifts off and goes behind him pulling out another book and turning the page to a drawing of the bracelet 'Merlin'.
Merlin glanced over and cheered happily 'Gaius, that's it!'
'Then it's not a stone, Merlin' the physician pointed out, finger tapping at the drawing 'It's an Eye of the Phoenix'.
'Phoenix?' Merlin frowned.
'Some call it the Firebird' Gauis explained 'Its eye burns with a fire that consumes the life force of anybody it comes in contact with'.
'Arthur' Merlin muttered in alarmed realisation.
'The Eye will draw energy from him. If it's worn for too long, Arthur will die' Gauis admitted gravelly.
'I have to go after him'
'This is not a task to be undertaken lightly, Merlin. You'll need help' gaius told him and a thoughtful look crossed Merlin's face before he smiled racing out of the room.
'Arthur's in trouble!' Kara jumped as the door to her house slammed open by Merlin. She frowned looking over at him confused at his loud outburst.
'What do you mean he's in trouble?' She questioned, making the last fold in her laundry before turning to look at him in curiosity but also concern.
'I'll explain on the way but we have to go' Merlin called, already heading back for the door 'I'll meet you in the square in 10 minutes!'
'Merlin...' she began but the door closed behind him and she could see his figure moving past the window quickly. Frowning, Kara bit her lip in confusion before deciding not to question the odd behaviour and get ready for travelling.
10 minutes later, the sound of hooves clattering against pavement echoed throughout the Camelot streets as Merlin and Kara galloped away.
Merlin entered a tavern in the town of Engerd in Mercia. Kara was one step behind him. The two sorcerers had been travelling all night, searching for someone though Merlin hadn't told her who, much to her great annoyance. Though her had explained the trouble Arthur had gotten himself into and it didn't surprise her that Morgana was behind it.
The minute she stepped inside Kara almost went deaf at the loud yells and catcalls. She watched a man be shoved across a bar, plates and mugs clattering to the floor. 'Hello, Gwaine' Merlin smiled at the man resting at the deg of the bar.
Kara rolled her eyes as her brother flicked his hair back, a bright smile dancing on his feature as he looked between the two 'Merlin! Kara!' He cried, jumping off the bar top clapping Merlin's shoulder 'how are you both?'
'Give me my money' a large brut glared over at gwaine, men crowding around him. The three glanced at each other before bolting out of the tavern, door slamming closed behind them.
They raced out into the town, trying their best to avoid the people as they moved around the stalls. The three slid to hid behind a stall before Merlin glanced over to see the brute and his friend running out of the tavern. 'Run!' Merlin yelled and they scrambled to their feet, disappearing through a tunnel up to the wall.
Kara emerged first at the top of the wall the men right behind her, they came to a rest by the rails. 'Remind me again what you're doing here' gwaine panted, looking over at them.
'Arthur's in trouble, we need your help' Merlin explained quickly and Gwaine sighed exasperated.
'What kind of trouble?'
'There!' The brute cried out from below and they began to run again to the end of the wall.
'He's gone to the Perilous Lands' Kara explains.
'What, you serious?' Gwaine called back in disbelief that the prince would be stupid enough to go into the Perilous Lands willingly.
'Yeah', they reached the end of the wall and turned back around to see the brute and his gang crowding around at the entrance, weapons drawn tight in their hands.
'Just now, sounds pretty attractive' gwaine mutters before they climb up onto the wall together, a large pile of hay resting at the bottom 'All right, go for the horses' gwaine points.
The other two snap their heads around to look at him in disbelief 'you have got to be joking' Merlin pants and gwaine shurgs before pushing him off, the servant screaming as he crashed into the hay pile.
The siblings glanced at each the gang coming closer before they both jumped, a split second after each. They too crashed into the hay. And couldn't stop the laugh escaping the,. The three moved out of the hay looking up at brutes who frowned in frustration before smiling and racing for the horses.
The sound of gwaine's laugh echoed throughout the forest as they galloped away.
Arthur arrives on the top of a hill looking out a barren wasteland, a large contrast of the green of the forest in front of it. Pulling out his rolled map he looked down at it, eyes scanning over to marked location of the Perilous lands and then to the dark tower above it. He glanced back out at the wasteland with a frown before onwards.
Arthur arrives at the border and approaches a bridge in the woods when a dwarf suddenly appears on the wooden boards, an arm around one of the stick railings, 'Who is it that wishes to cross my bridge?'
'A knight on a quest to find the trident of the Fisher King' Arthur spoke, watching him warily.
'Then you must be Courage' the dwarf smiled.
Arthur frowned before correcting him 'No, I'm Prince Arthur of Camelot'.
Grettir steps forward to shake Arthur's hand 'I'm Grettir' Arthur smiles accepting the man's handshake. 'I have to say, you're not as short as I thought you'd be' Grettir remarked Leanne back against the railing s ut as Arthur made his way forward he stood in front of the bridge almost defensively 'Before I let you pass, I'll give you a little advice, as Courage, there are three more things you'll need to complete your quest: Strength, Hope and Magic'
Arthur frowned at last word 'I don't condone the use of magic'
'You'd be wise not to dismiss it so freely' Grettir reprimanded 'The rules in the land that you are heading to are quite different to those in the world that you know'.
Arthur nodded, deciding it would be best not to argue 'Thank you for your help'.
Grettir steps aside. Arthur steps forward to pass him, but Grettir grabs his arm 'That's a very beautiful bracelet' he remarks, taking interest in the Eye of the Phoenix.
'It was a gift from someone very dear to me. She hoped it would bring me good fortune' Arthur explained but the dwarf smirked.
'Did she now?' Grettir lets go, smirk still present on his face 'How very thoughtful of her' he cackles. When Arthur turns back around he finds that the dwarf is gone. Full of apprehension, Arthur draws his sword and walks on.
'Why didn't you tell me we were looking for gwaine?' Kara scolded Merlin once they had reduced to a walk.
'Surprise' Merlin shrugged weakly and she rolled her eyes fondly before looking over at her brother.
'I thought I told you to stay out of trouble'
'To be fair it's not always my fault' Gwaine pointed out in his defence.
'Somehow I highly doubt that' Kara muttered 'Why we're those men so angry?'.
'It's always the way in gambling. Make a man look like a fool and he calls you a thief' Gwaine explains before asking curiously 'how did you find me?'
'Wasn't easy. We've been in almost every tavern in Engerd' Merlin admitted and gwaine smiled.
'so have I' his comment had them all chuckling. Kara felt a warm fuzzy feeling pooling in her stomach as she smiled over at her brother, you would think she would be used to being separated from him for long periods of time but she had missed him dearly. He was her little brother after all.
The trio came to a stop, a forest leading out onto a barren wasteland out in front of them. The setting sun caused the sky to look orange 'This is it. On the other side of the forest is the Perilous Lands' gwaine stated.
'Doesn't look to friendly' Kara muttered.
'That's because it's not, believe me, it's wretched' Gwaine told them, looking over the lands.
'How do you know? You never been there' Merlin stated matter of factly.
'I've travelled to many places Merlin ' gwaine replied.
'Not the perilous lands I know that'
'Why?' Gwaine asked confused.
'There aren't any taverns' Merlin said with a smile making the two siblings laugh at his joke.
'I told you it was wretched' Gwaine laughs before the three move their horses onward.
Not soon after they entered the forest they dismounted their horses when they spotted Arthur's horse tied on a log near food and water. They made the rest of the journey on foot.
They came to what looked like a bridge with a camp fire crackling and a pot hanging over it. Gwaine made a signal that he would go around and for Merlin and Kara to stay. The two didn't listen to him of course and as soon as he was gone they glanced at each other before moving forward towards the bridge.
It looked fairly empty so when their eyes drifted away to look at the fire and sacks nearby, they were both shocked when they heard an unfamiliar voice speak 'so ... magic and hope have arrived' Kara turned to see a dwarf casually leaning against the bridge's side.
'What?' Merlin questioned cautiously after all it wasn't every day that some stranger knew about his abilities. Kara furrowed her eyebrows watching hesitantly, her hand touching the hilt of her sword.
The man saw the action and held his hands up in surrender 'There is nothing to be afraid of. Your prescience is essential if Arthur is to succeed on his quest'.
'How do you know about Arthur?' Kara spoke up before another though hit her 'Better yet who are you?'. She kept a hand on her sword hilt just in case the situation got ugly.
'I'm the keeper of the bridge' he explained, gesturing to the bridge 'I only wish to see the Fisher king,s lands restored and prosperity reign again. Until your mission is complete, this cannot happen' He looked at Merlin who shook his head.
'It's not our mission, it's Arthur' Merlin assured and the man shrugged
'That's what you choose to believe. It's no accident that Arthur this path, or you chose to follow him' he said when Gwaine appeared from behind them.
'Ah finally ...' Gwaine looked at him, then back at Merlin and Kata before looking at him again, moth turned in a confused frown 'strength has arrived. The trio is complete'. Gwaine pulled out his sword despite Kara's and Merlin's attempts to stop him.
'Who's he?' Gwaine demanded only to have the dwarf's eyes flash gold and his sword become a giant white flower.
'I mean no harm to any of you and I'd thank you to mean no harm in return' Grettir remarked with a slight smile at his spell.
'Where's my sword?' Gwaine asked with annoyed resignation.
'It will return once you reach the other side' Grettir indicated for them to start walking across. The trio glanced at each other before both Gwaine and Kara make their way across first.
'The fisher King has waited years for this day. Do not deny him what he wishes Grettir warned Merlin, who looked at him before passing 'Remember nothing is what it seems' he called out before disappearing.
'That's why you don't act before you think' Kara teased and gwaine rolled his eyes before smiling.
'flower?' Gwaine offered before correcting 'oh wait you'd rather get them from Arthur wouldn't you?' he teased and Kara shoved him playfully.
True to his word the flower turned back into Gwaine's sword, the man smiling happily as he twirled it in his hands before sheathing it.
After an hour of walking 'How are we even meant to find Arthur?' Kara questioned, annoyance coursing through her veins, it seem like they had been walking forever.
Yet before she could utter another complaint 'Careful!' Gwaine yelled yanking her hand causing her to stumble backwards into his chest.
Kara looked up at him confused 'bog pit' he explained, gesturing to ground in front of them 'got stuck in one of those buggers once, took me almost an hour to get out' he kicked a stick into the pit.
What once looked like sand turned to mud and sucked the stick up. Kara frowned watching it before looking up at Gwaine 'thanks, she nodded gratefully.
'How do you survive without me again? He questioned teasingly.
'Careful or I'll shove you into the pit and leave you there' she warned, making Merlin laugh at the siblings banter before the trio made their way around the bog pit onto more solid ground.
Night fell and whileKara quickly fell into a deep sleep utterly exhausted, the two men sat around the crackling fire. A loud screech from not too far away had both their eyes snapping up. 'What was that?' Merlin asked cautiously when the screeching stopped.
'A pheasant' Gwaine supplied and Merlin looked at him 'A very big one' he smiled before grabbing his sword and holding it up next to him.
'You can turn back if you want' Merlin muttered to Gwaine after watching the action.
Gwaine however laughed, 'I'm not scared of pheasants' he said resting his sword across his thighs instead.
'I don't know' Merlin shrugged 'why do you want to do this?' He wondered.
'Same reason as you. Help a friend'
'Arthur's lucky to have us' Merlin spoke warming his hands by the fire.
'Not Arthur' Gwaine shook his head with a smile, looking over at Merlin whom understood then that he had meant him.
'I'd do the same for you' Merlin sword and Gwaine nodded.
'Well I hope so. Your the only friend I've got'
'I'm not surprised' Merlin said after a moment and Gwaine chuckled before they heard screeching again 'That sounded like three pheasants' Merlin observed.
'At least' Gwaine muttered in agreement, sticking his sword in the ground by his side again.
The next day the trio rose with the sun, already beginning to move across the barren lands in search for Arthur once more. They climbed up a small hills of rocks wind blowing in their faces when they stopped seeing a giant tower in front of them. 'There it is' Merlin said but Kara frowned.
'What's that in the sky?' she wondered, seeing two large but strange figures flying around the tower.
'They're not birds' Gwaine statesfrowning.
'I've never seen creatures like that' Merlin commented as one of them swooped to the ground.
'It's almost like they're- 'hunting something' Gwaine finished Kara's sentence and she nodded only to see a flash of something down where the creature had swooped.
'What's that?' Merlin asked in confusion.
'A sword' gwaine said and their eyes widened in relisation.
'It's Arthur' Kara cried and at the sound of another screech, the three quickly bolted down the hill towards Arthur.
The creatures continuously swooping down to the spot before they began to fly after Arthur as he ran towards the ruins.
The three of them ran up to the tower, seeing one of the creatures flying up 'I should of known' Gwaine sighed.
'What are they?' Merlin asked.
'Wyverns.' Gwaine said and they began to jog forward 'they're distant cousins of the dragon, they're creatures of magic, so be careful' he warned as they ran towards the tower.
They came to a large gate leading into the tower's courtyard. Gwaine and Kara held it up first so Merlin could slid under. Then it was Gwaine and Merlin holding it up from either side so Kara could go under until finally it was Kara and Merlin holding it up so Gwaine could go under.
They dropped the gate as soon as he was through, 'Let's split up' Merlin suggested and the other two nodded in agreement before they each went in separate directions.
Kara wandered through the halls of the fallen castle calling out for the prince 'Arthur?! Arthur?!'. She only hoped Merlin or Gwaine had better luck then her.
Arthur barricades himself in a small room on the dark tower. Wyverns right behind him. He pulls out his sword but the eye of Phoenix glows and a wave of exhaustion crashes over him and Arthur falls to the ground, unconscious by the time his head hit the creaky, dusty floorboards.
The wooden door slams open and the wyverns creep into the room. Just as they surround the prince, Merlin stumbles through the door. Seeing the danger Arthur was in Merlin's mouth opened and he began shouting at the Wyverns in the language of dragons, channeling his ability as Dragonlord.
The wyverns bow and exit submissively with low snarls. As soon as theyLe gone Merlin removes the Phoenix Eye from Arthur's wrist and the prince wakes.
He blinks, his vision blurry before he sees Merlin's face right in front of him, a bright grim emerging on the servants face. 'What the hell are you doing here?!' Arthur demands in anger and shock.
The smile vanishes off Merlin's face as he looks at Arthur in exasperation 'Why can you never just say thanks?'
'Thanks?!' Arthur shouts in disbelief 'What? For completely ruining the quest?!'
'Well, it's a good job I was here, otherwise you'd be wyvern fodder by now' Merlin pointed out the obvious.
'How many times do I have to get it into your thick skull? I am suppose to be doing this alone!' Arthur shouts and due to being so invested in the argument when a third Wyvern screeches from behind, ready to attack, neither of them were prepared.
However they didn't need to be with sound of a sword stabbing the wyverns from behind. The creature dropped revealing Gwaine standing behind it. Kara appeared right behind him and glanced at the Wyvern before seeing Arthur 'Oh good you found him'.
'Your here too?!' he shouted at her clearly very angry.
'Nice to see you too' she snapped back.
'Who else is coming? Gwen and Morgana? Are we going to have a surprise party?' He spat out like a little child who didn't get its way and she rolled her eyes at the behaviour. He could say thank you.
'More wyverns are on the way, we need to get out of here' Gwaine warned as Arthur stood up, still pouting angrily.,
'I'm not leaving without the trident. It was the whole point of this quest'
'Do you want us to help you or do you want to do this alone?' Merlin called out after him, putting large emphasis on the word "alone".
'Merlin!' Arthur,s angry shout echoed from upstairs angrily from up the stairs. Merlin smiled moving upstairs.
'Lovely guy your in love with' Gwaine teased Kara and she shoved him with a roll of her eyes before hurrying up after Merlin and Arthur, her brother quickly following up from behind her.
'Do you know where the trident is?' Merlin wondered as they made their way up a spiral staircase.
'If I did there wouldn't be a problem, would there?' Arthur snapped back, his anger still evident but it was fading slowly, very slowly.
'Any clues you can give us?'
'This is a quest Merlin, not a treasure hunt' Arthur declared.
'Well it is sort of...' 'Merlin!' Arthur barked, telling his servant to shut up through his tone.
The group checked another room but with no luck in finding the trident Arthur, Gwaine and Kara began climbing up another staircase. Merlin stayed behind and glanced inside the room
'Hey! Look at this' he called and the other three moved back down the stairs to see what he was talking about 'looks like a throne room' he observed.
'If the tridents going to be anywhere...' Arthur began but a loud rumbling from above stopped him in his tracks.
'Merlin watch out!' Gwaine yelled out in warning, pushing the boy forward into the room as stone panel fell from the doorway closing it off.
'Merlin!' Kara yelled in alarm and the remaining three hurried to the stone doorway.
'Merlin, are you alright?' Arthur called as they listened against the stone hearing nothing from inside.
'There's got to be a way to open this.' gwaine muttered and immediately began checking where the stone had fallen.
'Gwaine?! Kara?! Arthur?!' Merlin shouted, pressing his ear against the stone door on the other side of the throne room. Hearing no sound, Merlin sighed pulling away from the door and turning around. He spotted a lone throne and began walking towards it cautiously.
'So, Emrys, you are here at last' a low voice spoke from the chair and as Merlin stepped around to the front of the throne he caught sight of a frail old looking man, dust and cobwebs covering his body, the trident was clenched in one hand the other closed in a fist.
Merlin bowed his head 'So, you are still alive'
'For now' the old king nodded, his eyes echoing wisdom and magic but also a loud sense of sadness that spoke volumes.
Gwaine and Kara watched as Arthur moved his hands over the stone wall closet to them 'Now I'm sure if we just reach in here...' Arthur pulls out a brick out only to reveal a bunch of different insects crawling around and Kara immediately cringed '...we'll be able to find something to release the door'.
'Scared of a few bugs?' Gwaine teased, taking pleasure in his sister's disgust.
'No I'm not scared! Just disgusted' she snapped back and he laughed before turning to Arthur.
'Go on then' he pats Arthur's shoulder 'don't be such a princess. This is your quest after all' Gwaine spoke with a teasing smile but Arthur looked at him, straight faced, tightening his glove before he put his hand into the bug infested hole, cringing in disgust as he did.
The sound of crumbling stone noises on the other side of the door, drawing Merlin's attention to it 'That would be...'
'Your friends Courage, Hope and Strength, I know' the King nodded understandingly 'Without their help, you would not be here'
Merlin frowned and leaned just a bit closer with a curious interest 'What is it you want?'
The old King sighs, the sound just as sad as the look in his eyes 'I want an end to my suffering'
'You want to die' Merlin realised and the King nodded slowly.
'I have been waiting all these years for the arrival of a new time: the time of the Once and Future King' he spoke, his voice but the words holding so much meaning.
'I've heard these words before'
'And you will hear them again' he assured 'For that time is dawning, and my time finally can come to an end. This is why you were brought here. For this is not Arthur's quest, it is yours. Arthur thinks the prize is the trident' the king's eyes drift to the weapon his hands only to let it fall and clang to the floor, 'But the real prize is something far greater'.
The King opens his other hand revealing a tiny vial of water encased in a wooden cage 'Water from the Lake of Avalon. I've kept it safe these years, waiting for the right person to claim it. And that is you. You are the one chosen'.
The frown deepened on Merlin's features as he look at the King 'What are you talking about?'
'Albion's time of need is near. And in that dark hour you must be strong, for you alone can save her. Your powers are great, but you will need help. And that is what I'm giving you' he extends his hand out and Merlin takes the water vial, cradling it with the utter most carefulness. 'When all seems lost, this will show you the way' the Fisher King explained.
'Thank you' Merlin nodded, eyes drifting from the King to the vial in his hands.
'I have given you a gift. Now you must give me one in return' the old King stated, leaning backwards into his chair.
His statement caused Merlin to frown 'But I have nothing to give'.
The Fisher King stands with a slow and painful moan, pulling away from the cobwebs 'I think you do'.
Merlin looks at him before down at his pocket, then he pulls out the Phoenix Eye bracelet. 'If I give you this, you will die' he warns softly, holding the bracelet in his hands.
Despite the warning The Fisher King holds out his arm and nods to him, silently telling him he understood. Merlin nods accepting the King,s desicion and drops to one knee to place the bracelet on the Fisher King's wrist.
The Phoenix Eye glows and the Fisher King is whisked away in a whirlwind of smoke. 'Thank you' a small but meaningful echo was the old King's last words.
Merlin stayed kneeling, taking in a moment of silence when the stone door opens partially and Arthur rolls under it, sword drawn ready for a fight. Merlin gets up and the prince eyes his servant in confusion seeing no danger 'Merlin'.
Merlin lets out a small sigh, Gwaine and Kara following Arthur through the gap. Arthur walks forward and slaps him on the arm while looking around. Gwaine sighs gives Merlin a manly hug whilst Kara embraces him fully.
'Ha!' Arthur cheered happily Look what I found!, he spun the dusty trident in his hands, glee written on his face at a completed quest. 'Let's get out of this place' he states walking away, leaving the other three to exchange an exasperated look. Gwaine scoffs before following the prince. Kara goes to follow but sees Merlin gazing back at the throne with a sad look, causing her to wonder if he really had been alone.
The four of them rode back to Camelot until Gwaine stopped in the middle of a field 'this is the border by Uther's decree I can go no further' he stated and the others looked down, having almost forgotten about Gwaine's unfair banishment.
'I'm sorry, Gwaine. Nothing I can do about that' Arthur apologized sincerely.
'Maybe one day' Merlin smiled.
'Yeah, when Camelot gets itself a half-decent King' Gwaine smiled and Kara laughed at her brother's joke.
'Careful' Arthur warned 'he is my father'.
'Well you can't have everything huh?' Gwaine smiled.
'Where will you go?' Kara wondered and as a response Gwaine cleaned off a finger, popped into his mouth and then raised it in the air almost as if he was testing the wind before replying.
'I think I'll head south' he grinned and the other three smiled.
'You can't keep living like that' Merlin spoke realistically and Gwaine shrugged with a small smile.
'Yeah, but it's fun trying' Arthur urged his horse to move forward.
'Thanks gwaine' Merlin said gratefully and Gwaine nodded before Merlin moved forward.
'I'll remember this Gwaine' Arthur called out before waving.
'Write this time okay?' Kara told him from where she remained at gwaine's side and he nodded.
'Will do' he said and she smiled.
'Good and try not to get into any more bar fights' Kara warned.
'No promises there sis' he admitted and she laughed.
'I guess not' she sighed 'See you soon?'
'If Arthur keeps getting himself into trouble you can count on it' he grinned and she laughed before moving her horse forward to catch up with Merlin who was now riding alone, Arthur galloping ahead.
She glanced behind her to see Gwaine turning his horse around and rising back into the woods. Kara faced the front with a sigh unable to mask her sadness of watching her brother walk out of her life once again.
'We'll see him soon' Merlin assured, seeing his friend's sadness.
'I know' Kara nodded before smiling 'Race you back to Camelot' she challenged before urging her horse forward, hearing Merlin laugh before doing the same behind her.