Chapter 39: News

The next morning Arthur woke to the sound of cracking twigs. He looked around to see if anyone was missing and sure enough one of the serving girls, Eira had vanished.

"Merlin." He shook his friend awake and stood up.

But before they knew what was happening, an arrow shot through the woods, barely missing him.

Everyone else woke at the sound of hooves. "Run!" Merlin whispered desperately.

"No." Arthur said. "Gwaine, Merlin, you two come back to the castle with me, I'm not leaving Lyra again."

"Eira betrayed us." Morgana stated. "She's not here."

Sefa frowned. "She wouldn't do that. She's my friend."

"We'll see, but now, you all have to hide. Wait for us until sundown tonight. If we're not back by then, run. And keep running until you know you're safe." Arthur stated.

"Wait!" Morgana yelled. "Good luck." She said.

Arthur nodded and they all split ways. "I'm coming, Lyra."

"Well, hopefully this time we won't screw up." Gwaine sighed. "What?" He asked, as Merlin gave him a look. "I'm serious."

Arthur shushed them as the hooves started to get closer. "There!" He said, "Hide!"

There was a small hole in the ground, which could easily fit three grown men inside. They were well hidden as the bushes kept them from the sight of Mordred's men.

"Okay, looks like they're gone." Arthur whispered. "Let's go."

Earlier that day, Eira had woken early, to give news to her king.

"Eira!" Mordred greeted kindly. "What have you found out?"

She smiled and curtsied. "My lord. Arthur and his friends are hiding in the darkling woods, in a cave not to far from the main road.

"You've been very useful, Eira." Mordred smirked. "But I'm afraid you're work here is done."

He pulled out his sword and before she could yell, he slit her throat. "Thank you for your help."

Lyra had once again been locked in her chambers.

She felt terrible and had thrown up more than once that morning. She had a feeling she knew what was happening to her, but she didn't want to believe it.

She was three weeks late and she knew what that meant. The door opened and Mordred stepped in. "What's wrong with you?" He asked, noticing how pale she looked.

"Mordred... I-I think I'm pregnant."

His eyes widened in shock. "Pregnant? Well that's not good now, is it?"

She thought he'd be pleased, but given the look on his face and the tone of his voice, he was infuriated. "Why?" She asked. "Don't you need an heir?"

He chuckled. "Lyra, when we're immortal, I don't want anymore threats to my thrown." He snapped. "When that baby is born, it'll die."

Her eyes widened. "No! I won't let you! Send it away, give it a different life, but Mordred, please! I beg you not to hurt it. Please!"

He rolled his eyes. "If I send it away it'll eventually return and steal my thrown. It will die, Lyra. You will remain here until it's born. We don't want anyone else to find out, now do we?"

Lyra's stomach churned. "You're going to keep me here, f-for nine months?" She whimpered. He nodded. "No! You can't!"

She should have seen it coming, but it had come and gone so fast. He had slapped her. "Must I remind you every god damned day?!" He yelled. "I am king! You will obey me."

"You will never kill my child." She seethed. "Even if I have to kill myself."

I don't know how long it's been, but I felt terrible at not writing anything. I can't promise when I'll next update, but it will not be as long as this one took. I really hope you'll continue reading.

Please review.