Chapter 17-Morgause

Hey guys, hope you are all doing okay. There is a poll up on my profile to do with this story if you want to check it out. Apart from that I'll keep this quick because it's late here and I'm shattered after a busy week. I hope you like this chapter, I don't own Merlin but Elizabeth, Laudine and Kay are all my creations. Enjoy!

It was late afternoon by the time I made it to Arthur's chambers, I met Merlin outside nodding at the guards as I entered, "Why are you being guarded?" I asked as we made our way through the door.

Arthur looked up from his work, "My father has confined me to my chambers and has forbidden me from accepting Morgause's challenge."

Merlin put some clothes away before joining in the conversation, "Well, maybe he's got a point. You, you don't know what she might've asked you to do."

"I gave her my word," Arthur argued back.

I rolled my eyes, "Which means we're going anyway."

"If by we you mean Merlin and I then yes," Arthur responded firmly.

"Morgause allowed me to join you. Plus I don't trust her," I said simply back.

This time it was Arthur's turn to roll his eyes, "If I can't convince you then you can help Merlin get supplies and find a way out of here."

By early evening we had managed to get everything together apart from the escape route. When we entered Gaius looked up from his work, "How's Arthur?"

"You mean after being defeated by a girl in front of the whole of Camelot? I've seen him happier," Merlin said a slight smile on his face.

"You're enjoying this," I accused him.

"Maybe a little," Merlin grinned at me.

I looked around the room and noticed rope laying in the corner. I turned to Merlin as Gaius turned back to his work, "Rope," I whispered nodding my head slightly to where it lay.

Merlin nodded before moving over to the other side of the table and began to smash rather than grind some herbs, Gaius gave him a strange look. I took a chance and whispered an incantation, "Ic þé geháta, searubunden," I watched as the rope began to move slowly on its own toward Merlin, who seemed to be doing a good job of distracting Gaius. I had to hold back a laugh as Merlin jumped out of his skin when the rope moved up his leg and wrapped itself around him. I saw the last part make its way up Merlin trousers before I spoke, "Merlin Arthur will probably be yelling the castle down for you in a bit."

Merlin nodded his head before making his way out of the room as slowly as he could trying not to get a rope burn. I waited until we were out of earshot of Gaius's chamber before bursting out laughing, Merlin didn't seem so amused. I picked up the package of supplies we had left in the corner before we made our way back to Arthur's chambers.

When we walked in Arthur looked up dressed in chainmail, "I have the supplies," I said holding up the bag from my back.

Arthur nodded before looking at Merlin behind me in confusion, "Merlin, is it my imagination, or are you getting fat?"

Merlin smirked and lifted up his shirt showing the rope that was wrapped around his torso, "That's...actually quite clever."

"You know occasionally he does have his moments," I smirked at Merlin, "Now I am going to go down and wait for you under the window."

I managed to sneak out without being noticed and hid in the shadows as Arthur was lowered down on a rope, he then came to a stop about half way down, "What are you doing? Lower the rope!" Arthur yell-whispered up at Merlin.

"There is no more rope! I don't know if I can hold on much longer!" Merlin yelled back.

"Merlin, do not let go of the ro..." Arthur began before the rope flew out of the window and Arthur fell down onto the ground. I ran over to him to see if he was okay but couldn't help but burst out laughing when I looked at him laying on the ground covered in the dung he had just landed in.

Most of the beginning of the journey was spent in silence as Arthur sulked his way through. Merlin and I followed behind trying not to laugh at the image of Arthur's fall which was still in our heads. The first time anyone spoke was when we reached a fork in the road, "Which way?" Merlin asked, Arthur didn't answer straight away looking down both roads.

"You do know where we are going Arthur?" I couldn't help but ask.

Arthur nodded his head, "It's this way," Arthur tried to push forward on his horse but he wouldn't move, "Come on. What is wrong with this horse? It's even dumber than you, Merlin!"

Before Arthur could complain anymore the horse pulled him in the opposite direction to what he wanted, "Where are you going?" I called after him, "You just said left?!"

"It's not me! It's the horse!" Arthur yelled back, before sighing heavily, "Morgause told me. When the time comes, you'll know your way."

"So the horse knows where we're going!" Merlin rolled his eyes at me, "Great," I couldn't help but laugh as we followed on behind Arthur. We weren't much further down the path before Merlin decided to speak again, "What if Morgause challenges you to do something you don't want to do?"

Arthur rolled his eyes, "I'm not expecting it to be easy, Merlin. That's why it's called a challenge."

"So you'd do anything she asks of you?" Merlin asked in disbelief.

"I gave her my word. It's a question of honour," Arthur replied as if it was so simple.

This time I rolled my eyes, "That honour of yours seems to get you nothing but trouble."

Arthur chose to ignore me instead looking around, "We're in Odin's territory. We could be attacked at any second."

Merlin continued as if the conversation hadn't just finished, "I just think it's strange to agree to do something when you don't know what it is."

Arthur turned to face him, "One more word out of you, Merlin, and you'll be taking the challenge in my place."

Before Merlin could respond an arrow shot through the air narrowly avoiding him and hitting the tree, his horse rose up knocking him onto the ground. I pulled out my swords and jumped off my horse as some of Odin's men attacked.

I faced off my first one finding him an easy challenge before I heard someone running behind me I turned to see one of the men with his sword ready to strike above Merlin before I could charge Arthur threw his sword into the man's back. As the next one came charging towards us I swung my sword to block the blows. I turned just in time to see a branch fall down knocking out the man who was sneaking up behind me. As Arthur finished the last one we turned back to Merlin who was still on the ground, "Don't worry Merlin. I'll deal with this, you lie there, make yourself comfortable," Arthur said sarcastically.

"What didn't I help at all?" I questioned as Merlin got up and we made our way back to the horses.

Arthur rolled his eyes, "You know you did."

"Maybe we should turn back. The woods could be full of Odin's men," Merlin suggested quietly.

Arthur glared at him, "You can go back if you want to, I won't stop you."

"You don't know anything about Morgause!" Merlin argued raising his voice, "You don't know what she's gonna ask you to do!"

"I hate to agree with Merlin, but we're following a horse Arthur. Even you've got to admit this is not the best idea you have ever had," I pointed out trying to make them both stay calm.

Arthur looked between us for a moment before he spoke quietly, "Morgause said she knew my mother."

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Until next time

Artistic-Blue-Eyes

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