Author's Note: So. I'm alive. It may or may not have been 5-ish years since the last update, but hey, who's counting?
I feel like this is my cue to fall to my knees and beg for forgiveness… But let's be honest, I know you'll forgive me, because we've been friends for five whole years now! I know you're loyal.
On the bright side, I have read back over the previous chapters and have given them a thorough editing, so that has to count for something, right?
I hope those of you who have not died of old age enjoy this chapter.
Thanks for reading!
TTT
Chapter 14
Cal tossed restlessly in his sleep, erratic visions springing unbidden to his mind. Sweat beaded on his forehead and his eyes rolled wildly beneath their lids.
'Cal was in a forest. The smoke of a campfire lightly stung his eyes and throat. The scent of roasting pork assaulted his nostrils as a soldier turned a boar on a spit over the crackling flames. Beneath the boar, a pot of water boiled furiously, sending droplets of water spurting into the air. The soldier's hand wrapped around the pot's handle to extract the water from the flames, but he quickly withdrew it with a curse, violently shaking his hand and inadvertently spilling the pot's contents in the process. The fire hissed angrily as water quenched its flames, and smoke billowed into the camp.'
The scene shifted.
'Cal sat on horseback, men rushing about his knees. Noise exploded in his ears, and his horse whinnied. A voice spoke to him from nearby, "A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush, Captain." '
Agitated, Cal rolled over and the scene shifted again.
'He was in the streets. A white castle loomed above him, flames gushing from its towers. Women and children screamed, fleeing in terror as the city's walls crumbled above them. Large chunks of beaten stone crashed to the ground, falling sickeningly upon soldiers and civilians alike. Amidst the chaos, one knight desperately gathered the survivors together, attempting to lead them to the safety of the inner walls. A crack, louder than the last, sounded in the crowded alleyways, and the wall toppled, crushing the remaining survivors. As the dust cleared, the faces of the victims stood out amidst the rubble, but one face stood out above the rest. A face Cal had not seen in many years and now would never see again.'
Cal awoke with a start. The rays of an early morning sun filtered through the coarse material of his tent, and he could hear soldiers grumbling outside as they groggily stood to face the day. Cal wearily sighed. The dream had left him shaken. The sound of iron scraping on stone met his ears as soldiers outside his tent sharpened their swords. Slowly climbing to his feet, Cal buckled on his own sword and threw back the tent flap to meet the day. The camp was preparing for war. They were scheduled to arrive at Camelot in two days time. Cal heard the crackling of hundreds of campfires as soldiers prepared breakfast, and the smell of roasting meat lingered heavily in the air.
Cal stretched. They had been marching for three days, dragging siege equipment through heavily forested terrain by the sheer force of their wills. He needed breakfast.
Cal made his way to a campfire nearby, where a soldier sat roasting a boar on a spit.
His attention was diverted as a boy wearing servant's garb approached him, running quickly.
"Captain!" The boy called, "King Cenred says we march within the hour."
Cal opened his mouth to reply, but the sound of a crash and a curse interrupted him. Turning around, he was met by a familiar sight. The soldier who had been roasting the boar was now nursing his burnt hand, glaring as smoke filled the atmosphere from the quenched fire. Cal stared at the drenched, smoking wood and the boar still waiting patiently on its spit. Wordlessly, Cal turned on his heel and retreated back to his tent, his appetite suddenly gone.
….
The large double doors opened with a crash, and the Knights of Camelot strode into the throne room.
Uther sat upon his throne, lovingly stroking the hand of Morgana, who sat beside him. The king turned his gaze as the knights barged in, his face expectant.
However, as Uther scanned the knights who were hastily bowing before him, his eyes narrowed.
"My Lord," Sir Kay began urgently, "King Cenred rides for-"
"Where is my son?!" Uther interrupted, a dark look on his face.
"He did not choose to accompany us. He is escorting the sorcerer back to Camelot as we speak."
Morgana looked up quickly. Arthur was alive? Surprise and, as much as she may try to hide it, relief filled her.
"You left my son with a sorcerer?!" Uther demanded, his voice rising.
The knights looked uncomfortable.
"We were under orders, Sire! He insisted that we inform you that Cenred-"
"I explicitly commanded for the sorcerer to be killed," Uther interrupted once again, "why is Arthur escorting it back?"
Sir Kay hesitated, unsure how much his Prince would wish him to reveal.
"Your son wished to interrogate the sorcerer-" Sir Kay began cautiously.
"The sorcerer is his manservant, Merlin," Sir Borch interrupted, to the frustration of Sir Kay, "Prince Arthur has a weakness for the boy, and forbade us to kill him."
Silence filled the room.
All eyes turned to Uther Pendragon, waiting for the explosion they all knew was coming.
All eyes, except for the eyes of Morgana.
If any eyes had been looking at Morgana, they would have seen her staring straight ahead, her knuckles white.
Uther leapt to his feet.
"Arthur's manservant?! The idiot? Are you certain?"
"I saw him perform magic myself, Milord," Sir Borch said, appearing disgusted, "To think, a servant of the Royal Household. Who knows how long he has conspired against you? It is great treachery indeed."
Uther frowned.
"He will be arrested the moment he and Arthur enter the city," Uther said with finality.
"Prince Arthur ordered us to inform you that King Cenred rides for Camelot!" Sir Kay burst out, relieved to have finally shared the news.
Uther looked at Sir Kay sharply.
"What?" Uther asked, his voice now hard. Merlin was temporarily forgotten.
"The army will be here in a matter of days, Sire."
"You discovered this while in Cenred's Kingdom?" Uther probed, his brow furrowed.
"Yes, Sire."
"And you are certain?"
"Unfortunately, Milord."
Uther's shoulders slumped, and he turned his back on the knights, facing his throne.
"You just thought to tell me of this now?" Uther asked wearily, "Camelot is not prepared for war."
"Forgive me, Si-" Sir Kay attempted.
"We will send for Bayard," Uther stated, turning around with a newfound zeal, "He will certainly aid us."
Morgana smiled at her hands.
"I am sure he will, Milord," Morgana agreed supportively.
….
"Merlin, you have been found guilty of using magic and enchantments. For the crime of sorcery, there can be but one punishment. Do you have any last words?"
Merlin crinkled his forehead.
"Are you sure you won't reconsider?"
"No Merlin, you are supposed to plea your innocence."
"I'm innocent."
"And you just got yourself executed," Arthur said "You are just full of charm and eloquence, aren't you Merlin?"
"I learned from the best."
Arthur snorted. The red flags of Camelot could be seen waving in the distance, just above the tree line. It was a sight Arthur had always associated with comfort and home. Today, however, it filled him with anxiety.
"Merlin, we will be arriving at the city gate in a matter of minutes. My father probably has soldiers waiting at the city entrance to escort you to the dungeons. You have to do better than this. You must show my father your worth."
From atop his horse, Merlin shrugged his shoulders. "What use is it? The King has never changed his mind in the past," Merlin replied, his tone resigned.
Arthur's eyebrows snapped down.
"If you are so certain that there is no hope, why do you insist on coming back with me?" Arthur demanded, suddenly frustrated, "You could go back to Ealdor, back to your home. You would be safe there."
"You need me," Merlin replied immediately.
"What use have I for a headless servant?" The Prince shot back, and then added, "Though, I suppose it wouldn't affect your intelligence much."
Arthur had expected an eye-roll, and was disappointed when Merlin didn't give him one.
"Arthur, war is coming," the young man said seriously.
"Camelot has fought wars before, Merlin."
When Merlin did not reply, Arthur sighed.
"Well, if you insist on being an idiot, I can at least make sure that you are a prepared idiot. Let's try it again, from the top."
Merlin yawned.
"Merlin, you have been accused of practicing sorcery and magic. Do you deny these accusations?" Arthur began.
"Yes?" Merlin questioned.
"No, no Merlin, you do not deny them. There were far too many witnesses."
"Okay then Uther, I do not deny them. Chop off my head."
"If I didn't care about dirtying my sword, I'd probably lop off your head myself and save my father the trouble." Arthur rubbed the bridge of his nose.
Already, they were approaching the gates of Camelot, and Arthur felt that he had gotten nowhere with his idiotic manservant. The noise of the bustling city now penetrated their ears, and Arthur could see knights of Camelot lounging by the gate. They were waiting for them.
"Just tell the King that sorcerers will be fighting against him in the upcoming battle, so it is in his best interest to keep you alive and fight fire with fire."
"Fight with fire and fire," Merlin repeated, "got it."
Arthur shook his head, "No, no, Merlin," Arthur began, but was interrupted. A lookout on the wall had apparently noticed their arrival, because the knights were riding out to meet them.
Arthur leaned over, steadied Merlin's horse, then grabbing Merlin by the collar, gave him a good shake.
"Remember Merlin," Arthur said, now pulling Merlin up by his collar until he was at eye level, "don't deny the accusations, fight fire with fire and don't be an idiot, understood?"
Merlin desperately nodded his head, wishing to appease Arthur and be released.
"Good."
A moment later they were surrounded. Knights encircled them, swords outstretched, eying Merlin warily.
"Merlin, by order of the King, you are under arrest."
….
With a guard at each elbow, Merlin was marched into the throne room of Camelot, Arthur striding at his side.
Uther and Morgana sat quietly on their thrones as the group marched across the hall.
When the guards deemed that Merlin had reached a respectable distance, they forcibly shoved him to his knees.
Uther stared at the boy kneeling at his feet, but addressed his son.
"Arthur, I have been informed by your knights that this boy is the sorcerer that I sent you to kill."
"Yes, Father," Arthur said formally.
"Yet, he is still alive?" Uther asked, his voice deceptively calm.
"I believe that every man deserves a fair trial, Father," Arthur replied, equally calm.
"Then you are naïve," Uther replied coldly, "You risk the safety of our city by bringing the sorcerer here. The boy is dangerous."
"Merlin has lived with us as a trusted servant for years, Father. He has never threatened Camelot before, so I don't see why-"
"I gave you a direct order!" Uther interrupted, slamming his fist against the arm of his throne, suddenly irate, "Yet you chose to defy me."
"I did only what I believed to be right! I do not believe that Merlin deserves to die, and if you would just hear him out, I can't see how you would either."
Uther looked darkly at Merlin, who didn't appear overly worried.
"Well then boy? You have been accused of practicing enchantments and magic. What do you have to say for yourself?"
"I…" Merlin looked at Arthur, who had turned around to face him and was giving him a pointed look.
"I do not deny those accusations," Merlin said automatically.
Arthur nodded his approval.
"Really?" Uther asked, mildly surprised, "And according to the letter I received from Cenred's Kingdom, you are also a murderer, interested only in the destruction of Camelot. What do you have to say for yourself?"
"I…" Merlin looked at Arthur, who began furiously shaking his head.
Merlin mimicked him and shook his head as well, looking confused, "I do not deny these accusations?"
Merlin looked back at Arthur, who was smacking his face.
Merlin frowned.
Some people are impossible to please.
"Well then, that settles it. In accordance with the laws of Camelot, I sentence you to death. You will burn at the stake at dawn."
Merlin sighed. This wasn't going well. Merlin looked at the Prince.
"Fire with fire," Arthur silently mouthed, trying to get Merlin back on track.
"Then I fight fire with fire," Merlin announced, looking at Arthur like he was an idiot. Merlin was becoming cynical of his Prince's advice.
"Excuse me?" Uther asked sharply.
Arthur jumped in.
"Sorry, Father. Merlin is an idiot. He didn't mean that."
"He meant every word, Arthur. Sorcerers possess neither remorse nor decency."
Arthur shook his head.
"A sorcerer he may be, Father, but that does not make him evil. Merlin is a good man, who has proven his loyalty to me many times over."
Uther looked at his son, disappointment etched on his face.
"Are you so blind to him, Arthur? Are you so deaf as to not hear what he has said with his own mouth?"
Arthur opened his mouth to reply, but was interrupted.
"Guards, escort the sorcerer to the dungeons."
Merlin was roughly pulled to his feet.
"He will burn at dawn," Uther said irrevocably.
"You cannot do this!" Arthur shouted, suddenly desperate.
"I am King! I can do as I please."
The guards began dragging Merlin backwards, and Arthur ran forward, grabbing the forearm of one of the guards.
"No, stop!" Arthur commanded.
"Seize him!" Uther ordered, motioning at Arthur.
Before Arthur could reach for his sword, five guards had tackled him, pulling him away from his manservant.
"I am disappointed in you Arthur. I had thought I had trained you better."
Arthur looked on helplessly as his manservant was dragged away, not even attempting to struggle.
When Merlin was gone, Uther motioned for the guards to release Arthur, who stood stormily to his feet.
"I'm not going to forgive you for this, Father!"
"Arthur, stop. We do not have time for this. Cenred's army marches forth. We need to prepare the troops."
Arthur shook his head.
"Cenred marches with sorcerers. I've encountered one of them already. Trust me when I say that we do not stand a chance of defeating this army. We need Merlin. I will not allow you to execute him."
Uther sighed.
"It is clear to me now that your attachment to this boy has clouded your judgment. You will remain in the dungeons until after the execution tomorrow morning. Perhaps by then you will have cooled off."
"No!" Arthur shouted, as the guards once again grabbed him.
"Take him away," Uther commanded with a wave of his hand.
Arthur was dragged furiously from the throne room.
….
In the dungeons, Arthur yelled, Arthur shouted, Arthur slammed his body into the iron bars. Nobody listened. Apparently, Arthur must have slept as well, for he woke in the middle of the night to the sound of the warning bell ringing throughout the castle. Arthur stood in his cell, pressing his face to the bars of the small window that revealed the courtyard. The night was awake. Guards carrying torches were scurrying past his window, shouting to one another. If he listened, Arthur could make out words like, "prisoner" and "escaped" and "scum" and "we're fired".
Arthur smiled, relief washing over him.
Merlin was not as incompetent as he appeared.
Arthur slept soundly after that and only woke to the sound of a key turning in the lock. Daylight trickled into the cell.
Four guards stood in the cell door.
"The King requests your presence in the council room, Sire," guard number one said.
Arthur pushed himself to his feet and made to walk out the door.
The guards did not move.
"We are to escort you there, Sire," guard number three said.
Arthur rolled his eyes.
"Very well."
Guards two and three walked shoulder to shoulder with Arthur, while guards one and four trailed behind.
When they reached the council room, the guards opened the door for Arthur to continue, but followed him no further. Inside, Uther was staring at a map of Camelot and its surrounding regions.
"I see your guards couldn't even hold on to my idiot of a manservant," Arthur said as he walked in, "I fear for the survival of our kingdom."
"Good morning, Arthur," Uther said wryly, not looking up, "Yes, Marlin escaped. He shall be found eventually, but honestly we haven't the time to bother with him right now. Cenred's army nears our gates. I need you to prepare the knights."
Arthur rubbed his face. As much as he hated to admit it, his father was right. He didn't have time to be angry right now. War was coming.
"I shall do my best, Father," Arthur replied, "but I fear that our kingdom is frightfully unprepared for the battle to come."
Uther nodded.
"I would agree with you, but thankfully our scouts have reported that Bayard's armies are close and should arrive in time to render us aid."
"They are already here?" Arthur asked, surprised, "It's a three day ride to Mercia. When did the messenger ride out?"
"Two days ago," Uther said with a slight laugh, "Bayard must have found out for himself and taken the initiative. He is more loyal than I had thought."
Arthur frowned.
"Well, that is a stroke of luck," Arthur remarked, head cocked.
Uther waved his hand.
"Now away with you, prepare the troops."
….
Arthur was halfway to the courtyard before he noticed that he did not have his sword. The guards had taken it from him the night before and had probably placed it in his chambers. Sighing, Arthur turned on his heel and retraced his steps back through the castle. Arthur slowed as he neared his chamber door, an eyebrow lifted. Unnatural noises could be heard emanating through the door. Merlin, being otherwise occupied, had not cleaned his chambers in weeks. Last he checked, his socks were dirty enough to stand up on their own, and rats had probably infested the place. Arthur unceremoniously threw open his door and strode inside. Rats had not yet taken over his chambers, but the sight he saw made Arthur stop in his tracks.
His socks were standing up on their own. They then proceeded to walk across his bedroom floor and hop into a bucket of soapy, boiling water. However, his socks were not the only inanimate objects currently animated. His sword was floating in midair, sharpening itself on a whetstone, and in the corner of his room, he distinctly noticed that his pants were polishing his boots. Arthur ducked as a mop went flying over his head, determined to splash his face with muddy water. Arthur could have taken on the mop by himself, but when a hammer joined the fray by swinging past his nose, dedicated to knocking out the dents in a floating helmet, he deemed it wise to retreat. Arthur fell into a crouch.
"Merlin!" Arthur shouted, "You idiot, stop this madness!"
Merlin looked up from where he sat, feet propped up on Arthur's table. A very old book sat in his lap, its pages flipping unaided.
"Oh, hey Arthur," Merlin beamed, "You are disgusting. I mean really, I leave for a couple weeks and it's like a wild animal lives in here."
Merlin waved his hand and the mop ceased its assault on the Crown Prince.
"MERLIN!" Arthur bellowed, pushing himself to his feet, "What is wrong with you?"
"A better question would be what is wrong with your socks."
Arthur stormed up to Merlin, grabbed him by the collar and shook him until he was satisfied his brains had been jumbled back into place.
"You. Are. A. Complete. Lunatic!" Each word was emphasized with a shake.
"Magic is still outlawed. You can't just sit on your lazy behind, using it whenever you please."
"Why not?" Merlin asked, teeth rattling, "It's not a secret anymore, and your father can hardly kill me twice."
"Which is unfortunate," Arthur growled.
Arthur jumped as his chamber door suddenly crashed open, and Sir Leon rushed into the room.
"Forgive me for intruding, Sire, but…" He trailed off, noticing the state of the room.
Arthur dropped Merlin, and Merlin dropped his spell.
Mop, hammer, socks and armor tumbled to the floor with a crash.
Leon looked at the mop, looked at Merlin, and then straightened his shoulders.
"Sire, Cenred has arrived."
….
Morgause stared at the white walls of Camelot, looming in the distance. So strong they were, yet today that strength would bow.
Beside her, Cenred sat astride his stallion, "There she is, My Lady Morgause, your beautiful prize."
Morgause shook her head, "Nay, Camelot's true mistress is still held captive behind those city walls, but not for much longer. Today, Morgana shall claim her birthright. Today, Uther Pendragon will fall."
….
Author's Note: Well there we have it. Entirely worth the 5 year wait. I promise I won't spend longer than 4 on the next one.
And oh boy… Thank you so much for reviewing: NotQuiteBerserk, Ebonyice, 1, Falling Down The Stairs, Ruby890, Eclipseoftheheart17, Wisegirl24256, Castwomanswrath, Cwam, Emachinescat, Suzie, Lilyplusjamesistotallove, Whirlwind421, llLethell, The 10-11 Doctors, Nykskyblue, Rawr52, Ariacle, Coby, Katherine Moonhawk, Micro Chibi Baka San, Ringo's imaginarycat, TaintedXIllusion, 104Arianna, Imperial Mint, Teenmuggle, Arbitrary9, Klester1987, Sydelle Rein, DragonGem777, SilverHeart09, DragonflyonBreak, BabyGlover, Kjate95, Hazelbunny, I Am Theta Sigma, Chibiotaku, Sesshouluver, Owl Watcher, HanaSolo, Jissai, CollinFan, Yabbit, Bookaddict27, Nekomata Hanyou, xLadyxAmbrosiusx, Moonchild08, Acklesaddict, Mel, NoReallyIDontCare, MissOrange8587, Kaykit, Jayley, CM, Ellie, Lindaaa, Kitty O, Noelle, Dor, WaffleDragon, Tagrea, 98Penguin, LikeIdTellU, Magicflower23684, and Highlord24, AzraelLilith,Sandfulla, ArodieltheElfofRohan, Jade W, Airdria, InjiEmrys, Ireland - hime, Android . Girl, Wildfire2, Nitka, Laura, Shadowsonicstar, Samwise O'Keefe, Anonymous, Cennamace, finn1013, SotongForever, Dee, Felicity P, Ulura, PeaceLoveHogwarts, Yuki082, Limico, GoblinMeetsWorld1247, Sarajm, HarryPercyMerlinFrodoPeeta, Bumblebee33, piggie, 4000megahits, M-J-N, GingahNinjah, Kool Kato, flyingptarmigan, Claire Williams, DammitimmaD, ebonypol, TheScarletIbis, A. L. Washington, Windy Silvermist, Rubes99, anonymous6687, Kaitie85386, MicaRose, carinims01, Sanna Black Slytherin, MerlinPsych, Smockey, MJStevie, Mayatrau, Helenmorgause, Lianarias, Phoebstar989, tiffan, sleepy Eskimo, Qwerty616120, K. G. S, Somebody, Patiku, eilonwy77, Akayuki Novak, Katz4, GreenHorn22, Vuurvlieg, ExcaliburStuckInMyStoneHeart and A fan!
Dude. I literally just spent 45 minutes cross referencing my old reviewers with my new ones. You're welcome.
Right, seriously, thank you so much for reviewing. I hope you enjoyed the chapter!
Cheers!
TTT