Morgana pulled her red cloak tighter around her shoulders, her gaze flickering over to her broken mirror, finding Kahlan watching her. There was a question on Kahlan's lips, as she came to stand by her ally.
"Did Mordred do that?" Kahlan questioned, gesturing to the shattered mirror, earning a curt nod in response.
"And that doesn't frighten you?" Kahlan pushed, still trying to decipher Morgana's intentions.
"His friend was executed. He was upset. I can understand that" Morgana admitted.
"You're putting your life in danger for us. I think that goes further than just understanding" Kahlan pointed out.
"I feel that there is a bond between us…and I don't only mean between Mordred and I" Morgana went on, as Kahlan's lips twitched into a smile.
"This is all moving very fast, Morgana. I'm a proper lady, I'll have you know. You should really ask for my hand in marriage first—" Kahlan was cut off by Morgana's laughter, clearly amused.
"I am not surprised you were able to woo Arthur with your charms" Morgana chuckled, as Mordred walked over to them, attempting to tie his cloak over his shoulders.
"Did you hear that, Mordred? I'm charming" Kahlan gasped, teasingly, as the young boy snorted in response.
Kahlan quickly noticed he was having trouble tying his cloak, and crouched down in front of him, making quick work of the string. Once she was done, she pulled him into a tight hug, almost crushing him against her, not wanting to let go. She couldn't let anything happen to him.
"I'll take him" Morgana announced, as Kahlan whipped her head around, still holding onto Mordred's shoulders.
"No. It's too dangerous" Kahlan frowned.
"I'm the King's Ward. If you are found with him, you'll be killed on the spot. At least I may have a chance—" Morgana started, but Kahlan stopped her quickly.
"You can't expect me to hide in your Chambers while you risk your life!" Kahlan exclaimed, pushing herself to her feet.
"That's not what I'm asking. You need to help Merlin. Fetch the horses, gather the supplies" Morgana stated, but Kahlan still didn't appear convinced.
"But I can't…he needs me, Morgana" Kahlan insisted, in a hushed voice.
"I will protect him with my life. Nothing bad will happen to him under my protection. I swear" Morgana replied.
"Please, be careful" Kahlan sighed, reluctantly.
I don't want you to go.
Kahlan turned back to Mordred, who's bright blue eyes were filled with fear, making him look younger than ever. They both trusted Morgana, but there were too many things that could go wrong.
"We can't hide away here forever. We have to try, Mordred" Kahlan told him, as he bit his lip.
I'll be alone again.
"That's never going to happen. Not as long as I'm alive" Kahlan insisted, leaning down to press a soft kiss against his hair.
"Come. We must leave now" Morgana exclaimed, holding out her hand for Mordred to take, who only did so after an encouraging nod from Kahlan.
Kahlan's leg bobbed up and down as she sat at the table in Morgana's handmaiden's home. Her introduction to Gwen had been short and tense, as the woman was clearly nervous about housing a Druid in her home, even if it was only for one night. She was taking a massive risk, and it showed just how much she cared for Morgana. The older woman in question was still yet to appear with Mordred, which was causing Kahlan to almost shake with worry.
"They'll be here soon" Merlin tried to reassure her.
"Unless they've already been caught" Kahlan mumbled, fidgeting with her hands.
"It'll be alright. You'll see" Merlin told her.
Only a few seconds later, the three heard the warning bells ringing from the Palace, as Kahlan gave Merlin an unimpressed look.
You just had to say it, didn't you?
Merlin's forehead wrinkled, as he heard Kahlan's words in his head, and wondered if he was able to respond using only his mind. A small chuckle left Kahlan's lips as she watched Merlin turning red in the face as he tried to concentrate on doing just that.
Now it looks like your constipated.
Merlin rolled his eyes, as a pout grew on his lips, clearly irritated that it hadn't worked. He came to stand beside her, whispering in ear, just low enough so Gwen couldn't hear them.
"How are you able to speak so easily?" Merlin questioned.
"Practice. You'll get the hang of it, don't worry" Kahlan replied, in a hushed voice.
"I think I see them!" Gwen cried, looking out of one of her wooden windows.
A moment later, Morgana and Mordred came rushing in, as Gwen quickly slammed the door closed behind them. She prayed they hadn't been followed, or they would all surely be executed.
"What happened?" Kahlan asked, placing her hands on Mordred's shoulders, looking him over for injuries.
"We must have been spotted" Morgana murmured.
"Perhaps we should wait until tomorrow—" Gwen began, but Morgana shook her head, vehemently.
"The patrols will be doubled by then. This is our only chance" Morgana stated.
"It's suicide. You'll be caught!" Merlin warned, fearful for his friend.
"Let me take Mordred. You've done enough" Kahlan offered, as Morgana grabbed Mordred's hands.
"No. I made a promise to you. I'll get him out of Camelot, no matter what" Morgana told her, as Mordred's eyes darted between the two women.
"Your horse has been fed and watered. If your going, it needs to be now" Merlin said, reluctantly.
"Follow us in the morning" Morgana suggested, as Kahlan followed them to the door.
"I'll create a distraction. Maybe it will buy you some time" Kahlan announced, causing a frown to grow on Morgana's face.
"…Be careful" Morgana all but pleaded, as she opened the door.
Goodbye Emrys.
Merlin's head snapped up at Mordred's words in his mind, feeling unnerved. He watched as he and Morgana fled the room, catching Mordred's piercing eyes as they left. They were so cold for a boy so young.
"Kahlan!" Merlin cried, just as she was about to follow them.
Kahlan turned to look at the young Warlock, who seemed reluctant to let her go. It was then that it hit her. She was probably the first people he had met who had magic and openly used it. He didn't want to be alone either.
"I'll be back" Kahlan exclaimed, giving him a nod, before fleeing the room.
Kahlan followed quickly behind Morgana and Mordred, as they made their way through the lower town. However, before they could get very far, they could hear shouts coming from beyond a nearby archway. Kahlan could make out the torches in the distance, her eyes flickering to her side as she watched Morgana drag Mordred into the stables.
"Right…distraction…how do I do that?" Kahlan muttered to herself, now able to make out the figures of the guards not far away.
Not sure what else she could do, Kahlan let out a scream, before throwing herself to the ground in a dramatic fashion. She heard footsteps rushing forward and recognised one particular voice. Arthur. The next moment, a hand was shaking her shoulder, as she continued her act.
"I know this girl" Arthur exclaimed, very close to her face, as she realised it was his hand on her.
"Sire, we heard a noise from the stables!" A guard announced, as Kahlan tried to not show the worry on her face.
"Go. Find them" Arthur ordered, as she heard footsteps marching away.
Kahlan had to stop herself from flinching when she felt surprisingly gentle fingertips brushing against her cheek, moving away a strand of hair that had fallen into her face. She wasn't used to being touched by anyone outside of her camp, especially not so gently. However, it seemed she must have shown more of a reaction than she realised, as Arthur suddenly let out a scoff.
"Well, I suppose I better place you over my shoulder and take you to the Court Physician—" Arthur began, as Kahlan's eyes shot upright.
"Oh…what happened?" Kahlan mumbled, an innocent expression on her face.
"Your acting leaves a lot to be desired" Arthur informed her, realising his hand was still touching her shoulder, pulling it away a second later.
"I didn't think it was that bad" Kahlan pouted, as Arthur found his lips twitching into a smile, despite himself.
"What were you doing out here?" Arthur queried.
"I was, uh…I was attacked" Kahlan informed him, as Arthur quirked an eyebrow.
"By whom?" He asked.
"Didn't see them. It's…you know, dark" Kahlan shrugged.
"And you appear to be miraculously uninjured?" Arthur went on, as the two rose to their feet.
Kahlan's eyes flickered to something behind Arthur a second later, spotting Morgana and Mordred sneaking back out of the stables, having somehow got in front of the guards. Arthur seemed to hear their footsteps and went to turn around but was forced to come to a halt when his jacket suddenly blew over his face, blinding him completely. Luckily, he hadn't heard Kahlan enchanting the jacket.
"Let me help you, Sire" Kahlan exclaimed, grabbing the jacket, and helping to tangle it around him even more.
Arthur let out an exasperated yell, as he almost stumbled over his own feet while tugging at his jacket. Once Kahlan could no longer see Morgana or Mordred, she stopped the spell, allowing Arthur to pull his jacket away. Kahlan had to bite her lip to stop herself from laughing when she watched him rip the jacket off, and start stomping on it, childishly.
"I'm glad to see your just as helpful as your cousin" Arthur complained, as Kahlan's forehead wrinkled.
"Who?" She frowned, as Arthur gave her a look.
"Oh! Merlin, right! Of course…" Kahlan trailed off, awkwardly, her eyes downcast.
"Sire! We have caught the boy and his accomplice!" A guard cried, rushing towards them, as Kahlan's face fell.
Kahlan felt her world come crumbling down around her as she watched the guards dragging Morgana over to them, who was still clutching Mordred tightly, afraid to let go of him. Morgana's eyes welled with tears as they connected with Kahlan's, as if she could feel the other girls despair. Arthur's mind had come to a halt the moment he realised who the Druid boy's accomplice was, unable to believe what he was seeing. Morgana had betrayed them.
"Let him go…I beg you. He's just a child" Morgana pleaded, her eyes boring into Arthur's.
"Restrain them" Arthur announced, shakily, looking like he was going to be sick.
Kahlan! Help me!
"No! You can't—" Kahlan begged, rushing forward, as Mordred was pulled away from Morgana.
Arthur's reached out to grab her arm, preventing her from getting any further. He saw how a tear dropped down the boy's cheek as the guards pulled him away, but his icy gaze never left Kahlan's. She was stronger than she looked, Arthur thought to himself, as he had to put all his strength into keeping a hold of her arm.
"You know him" Arthur hissed in her ear, as she turned around.
"He's my friend" Kahlan replied, with watery eyes.
"Sire. Do you wish us to restrain the girl?" One of the guards questioned, seeing how she struggled against him.
All eyes turned to Arthur, as he debated what to do. The girl had turned up at the same time as the Druid boy. She was likely one of the people his father feared so much. She would see him dead. So, why did Arthur feel like the villain?
"…No…no. She doesn't understand the situation. Leave her be" Arthur exclaimed, letting go of Kahlan's arm.
Kahlan couldn't stop the sob that left her lips as she lost sight of Mordred in the distance and realised she had lost him. Her knees gave out from under her a moment later, the tears now falling freely down her cheeks. Having been told to leave her, the other guards still by Arthur's side, went to leave, while suspicious of their orders, they still wouldn't dare to question them.
"I'm so sorry" Morgana cried, crouching down beside Kahlan, placing her hand on the young girl's shoulder.
"I told him I wouldn't leave him" Kahlan sobbed, as Morgana squeezed her shoulder.
"You should go. If you stay—" Arthur began, but was cut off by Kahlan's angry yell.
"I won't abandon him!" Kahlan retorted, a fiery look behind her eyes.
Arthur couldn't hold her gaze for long, looking away from the accusing expressions on both women's faces. It was too late now, couldn't they see that?
Kahlan sat motionless in Morgana's chambers the following morning, having not moved from that spot in hours. She stared at the wall, her face completely emotionless. Merlin watched with worry, wondering if that was how someone looked when they were broken. If Mordred died…Merlin doubted Kahlan would ever move on. Their heads snapped up as they heard the door creak open, turning to see Morgana marching through, a bright red mark on her neck.
"What happened?" Kahlan gaped.
"Nothing. I'm fine" Morgana shook her head, as Kahlan pushed herself to her feet.
"That's not nothing!" Kahlan insisted, ushering to Morgana's neck.
"Uther didn't take my betrayal well" Morgana muttered, going to stand in front of her mirror, her fingers touching the red skin of neck.
"He attacked you?" Kahlan asked.
"You can't help Mordred anymore, Morgana" Merlin announced, as Morgana's eyes flickered to his.
"Excuse me?" Morgana questioned.
"If you do anything else to make Uther doubt you…I don't want to think about what he might do" Merlin exclaimed.
"I keep my promises, Merlin. And I don't abandon my friends" Morgana insisted, turning to Kahlan.
"Is there anyway that we can get him out of the dungeons?" Kahlan inquired.
"I'm not sure…but I know someone who would. Arthur" Morgana told them, as Kahlan bit her lip.
"Can we trust him?" Kahlan asked, as Merlin chose to speak up.
"Arthur is a good man. He wouldn't see a boy executed" Merlin sighed, as Morgana nodded.
"I should speak to him—" Morgana began, but Kahlan stopped her.
"No. I'll do it. I'm the one who lied to him" Kahlan replied, firmly.
Arthur couldn't stop the scoff that left his lips as he entered his Chambers that afternoon, to find Kahlan waiting for him, already sat at his table. He slammed the doors behind him, not even bothering to question how she had gotten in. The girl was a mystery, that was for sure.
"You're a Druid" Arthur stated, as Kahlan nodded.
"Your people would see my father overthrown and Camelot destroyed" Arthur went on, as Kahlan gave him a look of disbelief.
"The Druids are peaceful people. They would never wish to see any city destroyed…not even one as corrupt as Camelot" Kahlan muttered.
"My father has united the lands. There hasn't been peace such as this for—" Arthur began, as Kahlan cut him off, jumping to her feet.
"Peace?! You're going to execute an eleven-year-old boy, where is the peace in that?" Kahlan spat out, angrily.
"…My father will not change his mind" Arthur shook his head.
"I didn't come here to change Uther's mind" Kahlan pointed out, as Arthur's jaw tensed.
"I won't betray him" Arthur told her, storming towards his window, turning his back on her.
"You'd rather kill Mordred?" Kahlan retorted.
"I'm not killing him" Arthur mumbled, in a quiet voice.
"You won't land the blow, but the blood will be on your hands. Can you really live with that?" Kahlan pushed, coming to stand behind him.
"…I take it you're not actually related to Merlin" Arthur exclaimed, turning towards her.
"Why'd you ask?" Kahlan frowned.
"Merlin can barely tie his own shoelaces, let alone convince me to change my mind" Arthur told her.
"I think you underestimate…wait, what did you say?" Kahlan gaped.
"We will both surely be killed, but you're right. I won't watch a child die" Arthur replied, as a smile grew on Kahlan's face.
"Thank you, thank you!" Kahlan cried, suddenly jumping up and wrapping her arms around his shoulders.
Arthur was taken aback by the hug, his arms floundering in the air, unsurely. He couldn't remember the last time somebody had hugged him. He realised it wasn't an unpleasant feeling, as Kahlan gripped his shoulders tightly. Just as he was moving his arms to wrap around her waist, she was pulling away, a blush dusting over her cheeks.
"Sorry" Kahlan mumbled, shyly.
"It's uh…it's fine. You're welcome?" Arthur replied, awkwardly, his own cheeks red.
"Looks like Merlin was right about you. You're not just a prat" Kahlan exclaimed, watching a scandalised expression form on Arthur's face.
"He said what?!" Arthur gaped.
"It was a compliment" Kahlan giggled, as Arthur shook his head fondly.
"...I have to admit, you're easier to sway than I would have thought. I am your father's enemy after all" Kahlan pointed out, as Arthur mulled over this.
"Sorcery is the enemy. Not your people. I understand while we may have different ideals on magic, you're not the evil my father fears" Arthur explained, as Kahlan's heart sank.
"Because there is a difference between supporting the Old Religion and actually being a witch?" Kahlan suggested, sadly.
"Precisely...which is why I need to ask...Mordred, he doesn't have magic, does he?" Arthur inquired, as Kahlan slowly shook her head.
"...No. Like I said, he's only a boy" Kahlan lied, uneasily.
"Good. That makes things easier" Arthur nodded.
"Yes. Things are very simple now" Kahlan mumbled.
It was well known that not all Druid's had magic, in fact, it was becoming rarer everyday. Arthur must have simply assumed neither she or Mordred had magic because they didn't seem like the monsters Arthur had been warned of. He couldn't imagine sorcerer's being kind, ordinary people. The Druid's had alwaus taught her magic was a good thing. That it could help people. Surely her magic wasn't the evil thing that Arthur believed it was? What would he do if he found out the truth?
The plan was soon put in place. Morgana went to Uther that evening to beg for forgiveness, giving her a convenient alibi, while Arthur would sneak into the dungeons and get Mordred out. Merlin's task was to meet them outside the burial vaults and help to pull off a grate that cut off the tunnel. Kahlan's job was to help make sure Merlin got to the tunnel, or else it would all be for nothing. That was why Arthur was so surprised when he found the guards outside the dungeons knocked out, and Kahlan trying to figure out which key would open the doors.
"What are you doing here?" Arthur hissed, storming towards her.
"Thought you could use some help" Kahlan pointed out, ushering to the unconscious guards.
"How did you knock them out?" Arthur frowned, taking the keys from her hand, quickly finding the right key.
"I don't think that's our priority right now. C'mon!" Kahlan insisted, as Arthur begrudgingly opened the door, letting them into the dungeons.
Kahlan wasted no time sprinting towards the nearest cell, her shoulders slumping in relief when she saw Mordred unharmed. His small face lit up when he saw her, instantly jumping to his feet.
You came back for me.
Of course, I did.
Mordred flinched when he saw Arthur approaching the cell and backed up against the wall. His eyes widened as Arthur unlocked the door and entered beside Kahlan.
We can trust him. Hurry!
Mordred gave a quick nod, reaching out for Kahlan's hand, as the three quickly fled from the cell. Arthur led them through the burial vaults, clearly knowing his way well. Seeing that Kahlan was about to take a wrong turn, Arthur grabbed her hand, pulling her in the right direction, and didn't let go afterwards. He hid it well, but Kahlan could feel the nerves coming off the young Prince in waves. They all breathed a sigh of relief when they saw the grate at the end of the tunnel, and rushed forward, looking out into the night for Merlin.
"Merlin? Merlin!" Arthur cried, careful to not be too loud.
"Why isn't he here?" Kahlan mumbled.
"Don't worry. He'll be here soon" Arthur told her.
Right of cue, they heard the warning bells start up, as the pair shared a look. Arthur desperately started to try to pull the grate off with his bare hands, knowing the guards would soon be on them.
"Damnit, Merlin!" Arthur hissed, banging the grate with his fists.
"Arthur…they're coming" Kahlan whispered, hearing voices from the other end of the tunnel.
Arthur's eyes darted around, trying to think of anyway to get them out, but came up empty. Without Merlin, there was no hope, and they all knew it.
Emrys. Emrys! Help us…please. I don't want to die.
Kahlan heard Mordred crying out for Merlin and couldn't understand why he had let them down. All of the stories she had heard spoke of his courage, his kind nature. Why would he let them die? Why would he desert his friend?
Merlin. Don't do this. You're a good person. You're better than this.
You don't know me. Whoever you think I am…that's not me.
Kahlan's eyes widened as she heard the soft reply, practically able to feel Merlin's pain through the link.
I'm not talking about the stories I've heard. Or Emrys. Only Merlin. I trust you, so please…trust me. Why ever you think you shouldn't help us, whoever you've spoke to…they're wrong. Mordred deserves to live. He needs to live.
I can't fulfil my destiny if he lives.
I don't care about destinies…and deep down, I don't think you do either. He's like a brother to me, Merlin. He's all I have so please, just…save him.
Kahlan felt the link cut off a moment later and realised that Merlin had somehow been able to push her out of his head. He wasn't coming to save them. Kahlan's eyes connected with Arthur's, watching as he pulled out his sword, coming to stand in front of them.
"Whatever happens, stay behind me" Arthur announced, as Kahlan's mouth went slack in shock.
"You'd fight your own guards to protect us?" Kahlan gaped, as a small smile spread on his lips.
"It almost sounds like your impressed" Arthur teased.
"You wish" Kahlan replied, sharing his expression.
"...Arthur. I need to tell you something..." Kahlan trailed off, as she felt Mordred tense beside her.
You can't tell him we have magic! He will turn his back on us!
If I don't, we will die here!
"What is it?" Arthur asked, seeing the conflicted look on her face.
All three jumped when they heard a tapping on the grate behind them a minute later, and turned to see Merlin waving at them, a grappling hook in his hand.
"Hey" Merlin greeted, as Arthur held his hands out in exasperation.
"Hey? Hey, seriously?!" Kahlan complained.
"Where the hell have you been?" Arthur hissed, as Merlin connected the grappling hook to the grate.
"Do you want to be saved or not?" Merlin retorted, as Arthur backed off, allowing Merlin to rip the grate off.
Merlin then quickly showed them to their horses, helping hoist Mordred onto Kahlan's horse, looking away from the boy's icy gaze.
You made the right choice, Merlin. Thank you.
I hope I did. I really do.
"You better make yourself scarce, Merlin, or they'll execute you in his place" Arthur advised, jumping onto his horse.
"Arthur, you don't need to come—" Kahlan began, but Arthur cut her off.
"I made a promise to save the boy. I'll be damned if I let something happen to you…him, on the road" Arthur corrected, not seeing Kahlan's grin.
Goodbye Emrys. I know that someday we will meet again.
Deep down, Merlin prayed Mordred was wrong.
Arthur tensed up the moment he saw the three Druid men in the clearing, amazed at how they were able to find them. Kahlan explained that this was their meeting place whenever they were separated from the group, but to Arthur it appeared no different from any other part of the forest. It would be impossible to find for anyone else.
"Iseldir!" Mordred cried, jumping down from his horse when he spotted a grey-haired man.
The older man chuckled as Mordred ran into his arms, giving him a quick hug. Kahlan went to jump down from her horse and was surprised to find Arthur holding out his arms to help her. His hands grabbed her waist, helping lower her to the ground, bringing her close to his chest. She was glad that in the dim light from the moon it would be hard to see the blush that coated her cheeks.
"So...this is it..." Arthur mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck.
"A tad dramatic, Arthur. I'm not dying" Kahlan giggled.
"I'm starting to think you enjoy teasing me" Arthur scoffed.
"I certainly do" Kahlan grinned, brightly.
"We must leave" Iseldir called out to her, as she nodded
"I owe you my life, Arthur. That's a debt I plan to pay" Kahlan exclaimed, in a hushed voice.
"You don't need to—" Arthur began, but she cut him off.
"Greenswood. There's a bakery there. I go twice a week. Send word there if you ever need a favour or...well, just know you can call on me" Kahlan explained, before walking away, leaving Arthur speechless.
"Wait, you never told me your name?" Arthur called after her, taking a step forward.
"My name's Kahlan" She smiled, turning back to him.
"Good luck, Kahlan" Arthur replied, sharing her expression, as he watched her approach the Druid's.
Iseldir placed his hand on her shoulder and led her away, letting out a loud sigh.
"The Prince? Really?" Iseldir whispered, as Kahlan gave him an innocent look.
"I'll probably never see him again, Iseldir. Don't worry" Kahlan replied, with a mischievous look in her eyes.
Author's Notes: I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Even though this story will be mostly Arthur/OC, I was wondering how you would feel about a little bit of Morgana/OC sprinkled in? Please leave a review:)
ArganRose: Thank you! I'm really glad you like Kahlan so far, she'll be back to Camelot soon:)
LiyaIsHere: Aw, thank you:) I plan to go through all the seasons, so there's lots more to come!
LairaCapulet: I'm glad you're liking Kahlan's personality, she'll be bringing a lot of fun to the story. Thanks for the review:)