The sun was just beginning to rise over a new day as Kahlan trudged through the woods, knowing she couldn't be far from her camp. A cold wind threw her hood back, causing goosebumps to rise over her neck and stopping her in her tracks. Just as she reached to pull her hood back over her brunette hair, she felt eyes on her. Whipping around, arm raised out and ready to attack, she found a friend a few metres away, a stern expression on his features.
"Iseldir?" Kahlan frowned, dropping her hand to her side.
"You have put our people in danger once again, Kahlan. I have warned you time and time again that no good will come of your adventures in Camelot…yet you still don't listen" Iseldir spoke up, his lips drawn in a fine line.
"They're my friends. How can you expect me to turn my back on them?" Kahlan insisted.
"You are not the only member of this camp! What if you were followed from Camelot? What if you were caught, tortured for information on the Druids?" Iseldir went on, as Kahlan shook her head, slowly.
"I would die before I gave up our secrets" Kahlan replied, as Iseldir approached her, coming to stand by her side.
"Kahlan, I care for you very much. I think of you as…I have to put our people first. If I see a threat, I must act on it. I know you can understand this" Iseldir explained, as Kahlan dropped her gaze.
"Is that what I am, then? A threat? A traitor?" Kahlan cried, in a shaky voice.
"You have two paths ahead of you. You must choose one. You can't have it both ways" Iseldir told her, placing his hand on her shoulder, and giving a comforting squeeze.
"How am I supposed to make such a choice?" Kahlan frowned.
"Not on this day. You must have time to think. I know that you will make the right decision" Iseldir smiled at her.
"…If I did return to Camelot, would I never be able to see you again?" Kahlan asked, feeling her eyes well with tears.
"Of course not. You would always be a friend of the Druids…but you would no longer be able to live with us. We could not take that chance" Iseldir exclaimed, as Kahlan's eyes suddenly widened.
"And Mordred?" She questioned, watching Iseldir shake his head, a sad look in his eyes.
"He would need to stay with us. Mordred must stay as far from Camelot as possible" Iseldir explained, causing Kahlan's face to fall.
"Come, Kahlan. This is not a choice you can make now. You must be hungry, I will prepare some food for you" Iseldir insisted, placing his arm over her shoulder, and ushering her forwards towards their camp.
Kahlan shot upright, a bolt of lightning having woken her from sleeping, an all too vivid nightmare just fading from her memory. All she could remember was Arthur…Merlin screaming his name. With a shake of her head, she pulled Druid's book onto her blanket and pulled the first page open. It had been three moons since she had last ventured to Camelot, and most days she checked the book, almost hoping for a reason to go back to Merlin and her friends there. Her eyes widened when she saw writing scrawled inside and wondered how long it had been since Merlin had sent the message that was now in front of her eyes. She scanned over his panicked message, focusing on the words 'Arthur and 'Questing Beast', feeling her heart sink. She had never come across such a beast before, but the warnings of the creature were as clear as day in her mind. One bite or even a scratch would mean certain death. There was no known cure. Pushing herself up from her makeshift bed, she rushed to Iseldir's tent, clutching at the book still underneath her arm. Kahlan found him sitting outside his tent, warming his hands near the flames, arching an eyebrow as she approached.
"Prince Arthur has been attacked by a Questing Beast" She announced, watching Iseldir's lips thin.
"That is very unfortunate for the young Royal" Iseldir replied, making Kahlan scoff.
"That's all you have to say?! You know the stories…" Kahlan trailed off, a look of horror in her eyes.
"Such a beast is said to be a terrible omen. I have only heard of one in my lifetime…the night Prince Arthur's mother died" Iseldir explained.
"W-what if that means something? Iseldir, we have to do something!" Kahlan cried, as the older man pushed himself to his feet.
"I was not put on this Earth to protect that boy" Iseldir told her.
"I won't let him die. Not when I could have done something to stop it" Kahlan admitted, as Iseldir let out an almost pained sigh.
"It seems as though you have made your choice, then" Iseldir exclaimed, as Kahlan opened her mouth to reply, but couldn't seem to find the words.
"…He's my friend" Kahlan murmured, in a quiet voice, seeing Iseldir's eyes soften.
"And he's very lucky to have you. I hope one day he'll realise just how lucky" Iseldir smiled, stepping closer to her, watching as her forehead wrinkled.
"I've lived in this camp for as long as I can remember. I don't…I don't know how to live out there" Kahlan explained.
"I have complete faith in you, Kahlan. And the path you have chosen. Perhaps this was always meant to be" Iseldir stated, before reaching out to wrap his arms around her shoulders.
"I'll miss you" She cried, gripping on tightly to his back, her voice thick with emotion.
"This is not a goodbye, my dear girl. We will see each other again" Iseldir exclaimed, as he slowly pulled away.
"We better" Kahlan replied, earning a hearty laugh from the grey-haired man.
"Promise me that you will be careful. Danger lurks around every corner for a sorceress in Camelot" Iseldir pointed out, as she nodded, vehemently.
"I'll do my best" Kahlan smiled, causing Iseldir to sigh once again.
"As for your young Prince…I know of only one way to cure the bite of a Questing Beast. You and I do not possess anywhere near enough power, but I can direct you in the area of one with such knowledge" Iseldir explained, unease clear in his tone.
"What's wrong?" Kahlan frowned.
"You must beware, Kahlan. The sorceress you need to speak with, Nimueh…is cruel and bitter. Everything that we Druid's stand against. To save Arthur's life, she will ask for one in return. A life which you may not be willing to give up" Iseldir went on, as Kahlan nodded.
"I will keep my wits about me, Iseldir. If this sorceress does possess a cure…I will stop at nothing to get it" Kahlan informed him, watching the older man's face fall.
"That is what I fear" He mumbled, quietly.
Taking a deep breath, Kahlan entered Mordred's tent not ten minutes later, unsure how she could find a way to say goodbye to the boy who had been like a brother to her. She was taken aback when she found Mordred glaring at her, his arms crossed across his chest, tear tracks marking his cheeks. She could tell from the fury burning behind his eyes that he had at least some idea what she was about to say.
"Did you overhear my conversation with Iseldir?" Kahlan frowned, as Mordred shook his head, almost violently.
"I saw it. In a dream. You leave here. Leave me" Mordred muttered; hands balled into fists.
"Did you see why in this dream?" Kahlan questioned.
"The Prince. He was sick, near death. You saved him. Bargained his life for yours…w-why would you do that?!" Mordred cried, in a shaky voice.
"His life is more important than mine—" Kahlan began, but was instantly cut off.
"What about me? You said you wouldn't leave me! That I wouldn't be alone again!" Mordred all but screamed, his eyes burning a bright gold colour, as Kahlan heard the wind pick up outside the tent.
"It's not as simple as that. I couldn't leave with myself if I knew I let a friend die. Can't you understand that?" Kahlan argued.
"You're being selfish" Mordred murmured, his eyes returning to their usual blue colour.
"I know. And I know you may hate me for it but—" Kahlan started but was once again cut off by the young boy.
"I could never hate you" Mordred sniffed, rubbing at his already bloodshot eyes.
"…You're not gonna' throw me across the tent if I try to hug you, are you?" Kahlan asked, returning a little shake of his head a moment later.
She was then rushing forward, pulling the small boy into a bone-crushing hug, biting her lip as she tried to keep herself from crying. She wanted nothing more in the world than to bring Mordred along with her, but she knew it was impossible. The people of Camelot would recognise him. It was far too dangerous.
"Tell me you'll come back for me one day" Mordred sobbed, tears now freely dripping down from his eyes, as Kahlan pulled away.
"I promise. And I never break a promise, do I?" Kahlan replied, leaning down to press a kiss to his forehead.
"Goodbye, Mordred" Kahlan wept, pushing herself back up and fleeing from the tent before he could stop her, knowing if she looked at him for a second longer she wouldn't be able to leave.
Kahlan knew deep down the likelihood of her being able to keep her promise was slim. She would likely not return from the Isle of the Blessed, and even if she did, what life could she give Mordred? He was better off with the Druids. At least they could keep him safe.
Her journey was luckily uneventful, and quicker than she had expected. As Kahlan enchanted a boat to bring her across the lake of the Isle of the Blessed, she realised she could be sailing closer to her death. A shiver went down her spine as she looked towards the imposing castle in front of her, surrounded by a dense fog. There was no sound. Not even the smallest insect could be heard. It was as if everything that surrounded the Isle was dead. Maybe it truly was, Kahlan realised as she departed from the boat. Her eyes darted around as she walked up a steep staircase, coming to a large courtyard, suddenly being hit by the power that surrounded her. A wave of dizziness hit her when she spotted a figure out of her peripheral vision.
"Hello, Kahlan" A pale woman in a dark red robe greeted, her eyes watching her intently.
"Nimueh, I presume?" Kahlan replied, as the older woman's lips twitched into a smirk.
"You have heard of me, I see" Nimueh exclaimed, coming to stand beside a strange stone altar.
"All bad, I'm afraid to say. Do you know what I seek?" Kahlan questioned.
"The life of your Prince" Nimueh smirked, causing Kahlan to roll her eyes.
"He's not my Prince" She mumbled, watching Nimueh's smirk grow wider.
"You do not know how true that statement is" Nimueh pointed out, as Kahlan frowned.
"I'm not here to listen to your riddles. Can you do what I ask?" Kahlan pushed, as Nimueh nodded, curtly.
"There will be a steep price to pay" Nimueh warned.
"A life for a life. And I will give it gladly. But, only my life. That's the deal. My life for Arthur's" Kahlan told her, watching the sorceresses' smile fade slightly.
"How disappointing. I would have liked to see where your life would have led. Nevertheless, I suppose it is for the best. You won't be around to poison that little boy's actions" Nimueh went on, as Kahlan stilled.
"What does that mean?" She asked, sternly.
"Oh, did the Druid's not tell you? What a pity" Nimueh smirked, causing Kahlan to grit her teeth.
"Enough of your mysterious words, Nimueh, give me what I want—" Kahlan began, but the older woman cut her off.
"How about the truth? Of the prophecy?" Nimueh suggested, as Kahlan's eyes narrowed.
"What prophecy?" She couldn't help but inquire.
"Of Morgana and Mordred, united in evil. And you standing by their side" Nimueh told her.
"That will never happen!" Kahlan spat out, disgusted by the idea.
"You'd be surprised what is possible when a person is pushed enough. Just how much can you take, little girl?" Nimueh laughed, as Kahlan all but snarled at her.
"Enough!" Kahlan cried, as the ground underneath their feet shook.
The shockwave appeared so strong that a piece of the stone altar crumbled to the floor, causing Nimueh's eyes to widen a fraction. She seemed taken aback for a moment, before composing herself and raising her hand in the air. Kahlan feared she would be attacked, but instead a golden goblet suddenly appeared in the older woman's hand.
"The Cup of Life, blessed by centuries of powerful sorcery so that it contains the very secret of life itself. If Arthur drinks water from the cup, he will live" Nimueh exclaimed, before muttering a spell, looking to the sky.
Clouds covered them almost immediately, sparks of lightning zipping across the sky as rain poured down, soaking both their hair and clothes. After no more than half a minute, the clouds cleared, the cup half full, as Nimueh pulled out the contents into a decorated vial.
"Why are you doing this? Out of goodness of your bitter heart?" Kahlan frowned, making Nimueh huff out a laugh.
"I have my reasons. As do you" Nimueh grinned, passing the vial to her, as the goblet disappeared into thin air.
"How wonderfully vague" Kahlan rolled her eyes, turning her back to walk away when the pale woman suddenly grabbed onto her arm.
"I was like you once. Wanting nothing more than to please a Royal. Let me give you a piece of womanly wisdom, child…they're not worth it" Nimueh warned, bitterness clear in her voice.
"This one is" Kahlan retorted, ripping her arm from Nimueh's grip.
She then turned on her heel and began rushing towards the steps, hoping more than anything she had made the right choice. What was her life compared to the Prince of Camelot?
The relief was evident on Merlin's face as soon as he saw Kahlan, who had barged into Gauis' chambers, a determined look on her face. His shoulders sagged further when she informed him of the cure she held in her hand, revealing the vial of water. While Merlin was too overjoyed with the news to question it, Gaius didn't appear to share the same hopefulness.
"Such a cure does not exist" Gaius proclaimed, as the pair made their way towards the door.
"It is water from the Cup of Life. If Arthur drinks from the vial, he will be saved" Kahlan announced, as Gaius' forehead wrinkled further.
"What price did you commit to pay?" He questioned, as Kahlan gave a half shrug.
"It doesn't matter—" Kahlan tried to dismiss, but Merlin stopped her, placing his hand on her arm.
"Kahlan, what does he mean?" Merlin inquired, watching the shorter girl let out a soft sigh.
"I struck a bargain with a sorceress. Nimueh" Kahlan confessed, as Merlin's eyes all but popped out of his head.
"Nimueh? W-what did you bargain?!" Merlin cried, in a panicked tone.
"…My life for Arthur's" Kahlan admitted, as all the blood appeared to drain from Merlin's face.
"No…no. You can't…there must be a way to…" Merlin trailed off, when he saw the saddened expression on Gaius' face.
"There is no turning back on such a deal" Gaius exclaimed, watching Merlin shake his head, vehemently.
"We don't have time for this. Arthur needs this cure. Now! Or this will all have been for nothing" Kahlan explained, as the two men reluctantly agreed, and the group departed from the chambers.
A sob left Kahlan's lips as soon as she laid eyes on Arthur's pained form, taking in the sweat that covered his body, to the bandage across his shoulder that was already stained with blood. Arthur looked half-dead, having never appeared so pale, or sickly before. Kahlan was by his side in an instant, reaching out to touch his hand, giving his sweaty palm a small squeeze.
"What have you got yourself into this time, you idiot" Kahlan murmured, as Gaius came to stand beside her.
"I will need someone to hold him up" Gaius exclaimed, as Kahlan was already moving to the top of the bed before he had finished his sentence.
She came to sit on the pillow and lifted the Prince's head onto her lap, one hand tangled in his soft blond hair and the other on the nape of his neck. Arthur barely stirred, showing just how sick he had become. Kahlan doubted he would last much longer.
"Please work, please work, please work…" Merlin began chanting under his breath, as Gaius placed the vial of water to Arthur's lips.
It took a few moments, but slowly Arthur began to swallow down the liquid, his Adam's apple bobbing up and down. Kahlan gradually allowed his head to slip back down onto her lap, running a hand over his sweaty head, a concerned expression on her own face. Would the effect be immediate? Should there have been a sign it had worked?
"All we can do now is wait" Gaius sighed, placing his hand on Merlin's shoulder, who was holding his hands together as if he was praying.
"I'll stay with him" Kahlan murmured.
"Come Merlin, the Prince is in good hands" Gaius pointed out, gently pulling the young sorcerer away.
"It should…it should have been me" Merlin exclaimed, as Kahlan looked up to see a tear rolling down his cheek.
"You have a long life ahead of you, Merlin. That is one thing I know for sure" She smiled, the expression not quite reaching her eyes as she looked back down at Arthur.
Once she heard the large wooden doors close, she let out a shaky breath, feeling her own eyes well with tears. She didn't want to let the other men see just how terrified she was. She had no idea what would wait for her on the other side…perhaps she would see her parents again.
"I think I will miss saving your royal arse most of all. It's become quite the hobby for me" Kahlan spoke up, earning nothing but silence in return.
"I hope you awaken soon enough. I'd like to say goodbye" Kahlan mumbled, stroking a finger through Arthur's hair.
Almost an hour had passed and still, Arthur showed no sign of waking up. Kahlan thought to what Iseldir had warned her of, that she couldn't trust Nimueh. Perhaps the cure she had been given truly was nothing but water? What if the sorceress had tricked her?
"This isn't supposed to happen. You're supposed to become King. Far better than your father could ever hope to be. Things were supposed to change. We need you to change them" Kahlan went on, rubbing at her already bloodshot eyes.
"Please Arthur. You need to wake up. For your kingdom, your friends…for me. We need you" Kahlan cried, biting her lip as a tear rolled down her cheek.
She scrunched her eyes shut, trying to hold in the sob that threatened to leave her lips when she felt something touch her cheek. Her eyes shot open to see Arthur staring up at her, his finger brushing away the tear still on her face.
"Why are you crying?" Arthur frowned, in a soft voice.
"Arthur!" Kahlan gasped, in an overjoyed tone.
She was quick to pull the Prince into her arms, holding him tightly as he dropped his face into the crook of her neck. He held her back weakly, his arms circling her waist, seeming dazed but returning the embrace, nonetheless. She soon melted into the hug, grinning from ear to ear.
"What happened?" Arthur asked, blinking rapidly.
"You were attacked by a creature. But you're going to be alright, everything is…is…" Kahlan stuttered, pulling away with a frown.
Her eyes flickered down to see blood had begun to seep through her shirt, just beneath her shoulder…in the exact place Arthur's own wound was. She grimaced as she felt pain rip through her body, moving her hand to press down against the growing wound. It seemed she had less time than she realised.
"What's wrong? Kahlan…Kahlan?!" Arthur gaped, as he watched the girl grow faint, her eyes fluttering shut.
He grabbed her by the shoulders, helping to lie her down on his bed, as his own eyes found the blood seeping through her shirt. It took him a few moments, but soon enough Arthur realised what was happening, a look of horror dawning on his face.
"What have you done?" Arthur questioned, in a stern tone.
"I made a deal. I…I had to save you" Kahlan replied, forcing her eyes open to catch his gaze.
"No. No! I will not allow you to die for me" Arthur shook his head, as Kahlan huffed out a laugh.
"I don't think you have a choice" Kahlan pointed out, as Arthur lowered his head, reaching up to clutch at her uninjured shoulder.
"Why would she do this? How could she be so stupid?!" Arthur complained, after storming towards Gaius' chambers, demanding answers.
His guards seemed amazed to see him on his feet so quickly, and did not try to stop him as he raced past them. Whatever magic had been involved was powerful, as Arthur could feel himself growing stronger by the second. Arthur knew the only person who might be able to tell him more of the deal Kahlan had taken would be Gaius. The desperation was clear on his face as Gaius informed him of who she had got the cure from.
"She did what she thought was right" Merlin murmured.
"How can this be right?" Arthur sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"We must respect her choices" Gaius advised, as Arthur's eyes snapped up to his.
"…Where did she meet this sorceress?" Arthur questioned, causing Gaius' eyes to narrow.
"I do not think it matters" Gaius retorted, as the blond marched over to him, a fury burning behind his eyes.
"Tell me" Arthur demanded, in an angry tone.
"And what will you do with this information?" Gaius inquired.
"I will break the deal. Offer my life instead" Arthur exclaimed, as Gaius gave him an appalled look.
"It will do no good. Nimueh will not do as you wish" Gaius stated, as Arthur grit his teeth.
"Then she will die by my sword" Arthur muttered.
"I'll go" Merlin announced, as both men turned to him, their brows furrowed.
"You? What exactly do you plan to do to an all-powerful sorceress, Merlin?" Arthur scoffed, watching Merlin's jaw clench.
"Kahlan is my friend too. I have just as much a right to fight for her as you do" Merlin retorted, bitterly.
"She'll kill you" Arthur pointed out.
"…She can try" Merlin replied, as something darkened behind his eyes.
"Merlin, you cannot do this. You are young, you have your whole life ahead of you" Gaius insisted, as Merlin grabbed a nearby pack, and began throwing supplies inside.
"And that means I must stand and watch as my friends die? That's not me, Gaius. You know it's not" Merlin complained, cramming whatever he could find into the pack.
"Let me go with you—" Arthur began, but Merlin cut off immediately.
"No. You need to stay with Kahlan. You both do. Keep her alive" Merlin commanded.
"I'm a Prince, Merlin. You can't tell me what to do" Arthur stated, crossing his arms, as a smile grew on Merlin's face.
"Like I haven't been doing that since we met?" Merlin grinned, earning an eye roll from Arthur.
"Good luck, my boy" Gaius sighed, reaching out to pull Merlin into a quick hug.
"It will be alright. You'll see" Merlin told him, returning the hug.
"I have every faith in you" Gaius exclaimed, patting him on the shoulder a few times as they pulled apart.
Merlin then turned to Arthur, giving him a quick nod before he turned to the door, surprised when the blond's arm shot out. Arthur seemed surprised by his own action, and released him a moment later, letting out an awkward cough.
"…I may lose one friend today, Merlin…make sure I don't lose another, alright?" Arthur insisted, as a beaming smile grew on Merlin's face, as he nodded eagerly.
A second later, Uther barged into the chambers, his eyes instantly landing on his son. Merlin saw his chance to leave before the two could stop him, bowing to the King quickly before scurrying out the door. Uther didn't seem to find this strange, his thoughts only of Arthur.
"I can scarcely believe it…I thought…it's a miracle" Uther grinned, rushing over to his son, and patting his face with his gloved hand.
"It is no miracle, father. A cure was found. The woman who procured it is now gravely ill—" Arthur began, as Uther cut him off.
"Ah, yes. I heard. The commoner. She should be moved from your bedchambers, Arthur, it is not right for a girl of her standing to be in the palace yet alone in your—" Uther started, but he himself was cut off this time.
"She saved my life! She may now die because of it and you…you're worried of how that may look?!" Arthur scoffed, pulling away from Uther's touch.
"I am only thinking of you, son" Uther explained, as Arthur's jaw tensed.
"Perhaps that is the problem" Arthur muttered, before shoving past his father and heading towards the door.
Author's Notes: I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! I thought I'd see if there is any interest in this story, so if you want me to continue please leave a review:)