Author's note! I am sorry I am very late with an update it seemed absolutely everything in life conspired against me writing, beginning with a fox attacking one of my hens on my doorstep (hen had to be nursed back to health with wound care and suspected sprained wing - made a remarkable full recovery) followed by a few personal pressures and mini dramas and then culminating with another emergency vet visit this time for the cat (at the moment fine) BUT Destiny Begins was never very far from my thoughts and was not forgotten!

Chapter Seventeen

Gwen hurried through the lower town desperate to reach the safety of her home. She wished now she had made some excuse to Morgana and gone directly home instead of panicking and heading to Gaius. It had been a mistake to show her alarm to Morgana and again to Merlin even as it would have been a mistake to tell Gaius. She supposed past habits that had driven her to seek Gaius, he'd always been the one to seek when Morgana's nightmares and headaches had taken hold but this had been different. Gwen wasn't sure if this time he could help Morgana . . . or if he needed to. Gwen had to admit that she was less frightened for Morgana than she was of her.

Gwen replaced the frown that had come over her face with a polite but forced smile as she passed her neighbours, she made a point of hurrying purposefully so they wouldn't detain her. Almost there, almost to safety . . . or was it? She came around the corner and almost collided with someone in chain mail.

"Arthur!" she exclaimed stepping back, heat rising to her cheeks she realised her mistake. "Prince Arthur," she corrected quickly collecting herself, "sire," she curtsied, inwardly wincing at her awkward recovery. She caught sight of Sir Leon just behind the prince, looking a little curiously at her. Or perhaps he was only stunned by her barrelling about through the lower town.

"Guinevere," Arthur acknowledged, he gave her once over before his eyes settled upon her face and stared at it a moment seeming to decide something. "Are you all right?"

Gwen had noted that although Arthur was often oblivious to the moods of others occasionally he had an unnatural insight into her distress and usually at the most inopportune times. Perhaps Merlin had rubbed off on him – she found she had to be super guarded around Merlin as well. She pulled her lips into a small smile, "I'm fine, thank you sire." She saw the slight pursing of his lips, he didn't believe her. She didn't like lying to him, he deserved the truth, he'd probably understand – maybe. "I've just got a headache," she added, feeling it was likely going to be true soon. "I was heading home."

"Let me walk you," Arthur insisted.

"That's not necessary –." Gwen began.

"It is," he said warmly before his tone changed, "I assure you. I don't need Morgana chiding me over my unchivalrous behaviour if she finds out I left you feeling in in the middle of the lower town. Leon you go on to the next few houses. I'll catch up."

"Yes sire," Leon bowed giving no sign that he thought it odd behaviour from Arthur.

Gwen watched him go before it occurred to her to wonder why it was Arthur was searching houses. "What's going on?" Gwen's heart lept into her mouth. What if what Morgana had said was true? What if it were happening now?

"Nothing really, just following up on a few requests now that father is on the mend. The lower east water pump has been sticking and the markets want another. We're moving some residents with promises of better homes but it takes some convincing."

Gwen held in a sigh of relief. "Oh, yes the pump hasn't worked very well for some time."

"You should have let me know about the pump Gwen, I'd have done something sooner."

Gwen smiled in amusement, "I did let you know just before Morgana was found, I think that is how it came to be on your list."

"Oh," Arthur said thinking it over.

She smiled at him, "everyone understood how stretched resources were."

"Hmm, yes even the bandits," Arthur frowned, "they still seem to think so."

"Bandits," Gwen repeated feeling her throat close.

Arthur didn't seem to notice. His face brightened, "But things will change now Morgana is back, father is well. I'll have more time to sort the town's matters and our borders. Shall we?" Arthur invited to her walk.

Gwen opened her mouth to point out the obvious but decided against it as she walked all of four steps to her door.

"Ah," Arthur looked at it and around seeming to finally place himself. "Well, perhaps I should see you inside?"

Gwen's heart began to race, was Arthur trying to get a little more time with her? Was he trying to make an opportunity to kiss her again? She'd almost given up thoughts that he still cared. He'd been so busy and distracted over the past year with Morgana's disappearance and she had been working in other parts of the castle. He'd taken a few moments to update her on Morgana's search but she'd never been sure it wasn't just chivalry. She shouldn't concede to his offer, it would not be proper if he was seen to be entering her home alone and then she had another thought. Morgana's warning. "No!" Gwen found herself stating sharply. His eyes opened wide at her startling outburst.

"That is," she said flailing for more explanation, "it's messy."

"I doubt that," Arthur replied looking reproached, "I know how tidy you are."

Gwen couldn't bear him to think she was rejecting him. "And people are watching," Gwen whispered.

Arthur's gaze softened and sought hers gently, "And if there wasn't?"

Gwen's heart sighed happily, "I'd probably say yes." It was a scandalous thing to say but it was said.

"Still?" Arthur asked.

She knew what he meant, after all this time did she still feel the same. She nodded.

"Me too," he said.

She smiled but sadly, he seemed to share the sentiment. They stood there a moment, he didn't appear to know what else to say, neither did she. What could they say at a time like this, in the lower town.

"Well," Arthur cleared his throat, "I better catch up to Leon. Good day Guinevere, I hope you feel better."

"Thankyou, I'm sure I just need a rest. Good day, Prince Arthur."

Gwen watched as Arthur hesitated just a moment longer than he should before he turned to go. She watched him feeling equally reluctant at their parting. A prince being interested in her was still very astounding, she didn't let herself think often about what it could mean for her because there were so many things in the way and because . . . it hurt.

She turned back to her door almost forgetting what had driven her home but the sight of her door, normal to all outward appearance brought the anxiety back. It was shut, as it should be and yet Gwen hesitated as she put out her hand to push open the door. She swung it open gently and halted on the threshold, she leant forward. "Hello? Is. . . is someone there?" There was no response, no sound from beyond. She shouldn't expect there to be.

She sighed, relieved, disappointed she wasn't sure. Stepping further in she could see all her things in their usual places, no sight of anyone else's belongings. Well, there you go, she chided herself, Morgana's words were probably nothing. Gwen snatched up a broom knowing her agitation needed a physical outlet while she thought things through.

What was she going to do about Morgana? Things with Morgana had been tense between them ever since the noblewoman had been rescued and returned to Camelot. Gwen blamed herself, she'd been so frightened about what Morgana might have discovered during her time with the bandits that even when it appeared as if Morgana either didn't know or had decided to say not to say anything Gwen had not been able to feel at ease. As the weeks passed she had almost rid herself of the anxiety when Morgana had spoken those strange words. At first Gwen thought she'd understood some of Morgana's words but then Gwen had caught the look in Morgana's eyes, so unnerving, so . . . unnatural and the words had become more frightening, more confusing.

Then just as suddenly Morgana seemed dazed and claimed not to remember what she'd said. Maybe she didn't. Maybe it was as Merlin said, some sort of waking nightmare that just happened to make enough sense to alarm anyone with the sort of secrets Gwen held. After all Morgana couldn't possibly know the future. Gwen clutched the broom hard, could she?

Morgana did have strange dreams; Gwen had noticed things Morgana spoke about sometimes related to what befell Camelot later. But it was just coincidence, so many things happened in and to Camelot, that Morgana's natural fears just happened to eventuate, it was not anything to do with . . . sorcery. Gwen shuddered. Her father had got involved with sorcerers and it led to his death, sorcery had tried to take the kingdom on more than one occasion, Arthur's life had been threatened by it, magic had brought famine and death, it had left them helpless and asleep while Morgana was snatched. Gwen was firm in her thought. Sorcery clearly tainted people, nothing good had ever come of it. Surely Morgana thought so too after all she'd been through for the last year and Gwen supposed the proof was that the noblewoman had seemed to reconcile easily with Uther.

Gwen sunk into her dining chair realising that didn't bode well for herself. There was one thing Morgana had said among the other warnings that Gwen knew was correct – Gwen had decisions to make and they were decisions about how to go forward. Should she tell Morgana everything? Would it mend this uneasiness between them? Could she trust Morgana to understand? Or had Morgana so changed due to her captivity that it would only end in disaster? Gwen wished there was someone to ask but she was alone in her cottage. There was no one here – despite Morgana's predictions.

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Morgana rode through the forest eager to reach Morgause. She had so much to tell, to ask and it seemed a lifetime since she had seen Morgause, although it had been but half a moon cycle.

Morgana reminded herself that certain topics should remain unspoken – Merlin in particular. She understood Morgause's caution in not trusting strangers but she was also aware of her sister's slightly snobbish attitude towards servants. There was nothing to tell about Merlin in any case apart from the incident with Gwen. Gwen who had not attended her since that afternoon and sent other maids in her stead claiming illness. Morgana was still uncertain about how to handle it. She wasn't sure at all what had frightened Gwen or whether Gwen knew what had happened. She didn't know if she should confront Gwen or let things play out. It was certainly something she wanted to discuss with Morgause but there was another more plaguing matter now. Morgana gripped the reigns feeling angry and ill.

The cave was near and Morgana slowed looking for a suitable place to tie her horse. She was thankful it was so easy to leave the castle under the pretence of a ride because the walk would have left her far less time with her sister.

"Morgause?" Morgana queried telepathically mindful that stealth and warning were always warranted.

"Around here sister," Morgause spoke aloud.

Morgana followed the sound and discovered Morgause sitting in a patch of sunshine, she was reading but placed the book down at once and stood to greet her sister with open arms.

"Come," Morgause smiled and indicated that Morgana should sit, "it is too nice to be inside and winter's chill will be here before long."

Morgana settled herself. It was a pleasant day with enough warmth that the breeze was refreshing and not at all cold. She found herself already feeling more relaxed. "It is so good to see you Morgause."

"Ah," Morgause seemed to understand the tone, "how goes it then sister?"

Morgana did not sigh although it was her first impulse. "Tediously, irritatingly," she said, "but first tell me how you fare, is all well here? Are you much put out?" Morgana did not want to immediately lay her problems out when Morgause had already done so much for her.

Morgause's smile broadened, "Put out? Not at all. As you see, I enjoy the pleasures of sunlight and freedom. In poor weather perhaps I have reason to complain a little but not so much that would drive me away. My concern is all you. I take it Uther has recovered and not given you trouble?"

"Uther," Morgana huffed, perhaps it was best to start there. "No. No trouble. Gaius kept Uther sedated for some days after his recovery – to keep up the ruse of exhaustion." Morgana explained, "I kept watch over him, calling Gaius whenever he stirred. It was not easy, sometimes I still thought of his death but I held back for Arthur's sake. Finally, we released him from the sedation and he returned to his duties in the last few days. Last night I was forced to resume having dinner with him." Morgana could not help the displeasure in her tone. "I thought it would be difficult to pretend but I found old habits so easy to pick up again. We make small talk, he smiles, I smile. Nothing of value is said, nothing is demanded of me or expected of me."

"There are many who would not lament that," Morgause said but it was not a rebuke, it was a prompt, a query even as to why it irked Morgana so.

"I know how it must sound," Morgana snapped taking to her feet, "I know everyone thinks I'm spoiled and that I want for nothing. That a dinner with the king is an honour but I am a prisoner in Camelot, well fed, well dressed but a prisoner nonetheless!"

Morgause looked stunned at the outburst. "Forgive me Morgana I was not implying-."

Morgana's crossed arms fell back to her sides, "no sister," Morgana said her voice softening, "It is I who should apologise. I did not mean to snap at you, I know you do not think that way of me, it's just this whole situation is so . . ." Morgana paused as she thought of how to voice the realisation that had come upon her. She sighed, sat again and decided to start again. "At the dinner Uther thanked me for the care I gave him while he was unwell. He was so sure I'd taken on the vigil out of devotion. Then he began to talk of making plans for my birthday next month."

"Your birthday?" Morgause gave a delicate frown, she could not be expected to make the connection.

Morgana nodded. "I knew Uther was a tyrant but I never quite understood how selfish he was. When I had dinner with him I found myself finally understanding exactly what it is Uther expects from me, has always expected from me." She did not disguise the bitterness in her tone. "I used to fear birthdays because I thought they served as reminders to Uther that I was of marriageable age. I thought I would someday find he'd arranged to send me off with some noble whose loyalty needed shoring up. But last night, at dinner I realised why it is Uther had not married me off some years ago."

Morgause's eyes darkened and her expression became cold, "what are you saying, Morgana?"

"Oh nothing like that," Morgana snorted in disgust, balking at the mere idea. "Or not much like. What he has in me is a convenient captive companion. Someone to run his errands, plan his feasts, creating comfort and conversation. A sort of half daughter, half slave. A ward, reliant on him for her keep. I think he has always had in mind that I shall care for him in his old age. His prisoner until the end of his years or mine!"

"You certainly do not fear that?" Morgause queried aghast.

"Fear?" Morgana shook her head firmly. "No, he cannot keep me forever now but it sickens me to think how . . . " Morgana looked at the horizon, "things might have gone. To know that I was so vulnerable, that if I hadn't met you I should have spent my entire life in fear and servitude to someone so unworthy."

Morgause expression was comforting. "You would have found a way out."

"I'm not so sure," Morgana said quietly. "Camelot even now ensnares me." Morgana was aware herself of the eldritch tone she'd taken and the implication alarmed her.

Morgause shifted uncomfortably too as if the seer power also upset her. Morgana had never seen Morgause disturbed by any magic.

"Morgana," Morgause said seriously, "there is something I must tell you about our last parting."

Morgana felt her mouth go dry, her magic flared as if to burst from her skin. "I did something, I said something!"

"Yes," Morgause seemed relieved, "do you remember?" She was eager now and pleased.

Morgana shook her head slowly. "Not really, I just knew that I had. This is worse than I thought," Morgana pushed the hair back from her face.

Always observant Morgause seemed to pick up immediately that there was more to it. "What do you mean?"

Morgana had almost convinced herself that her seer's outburst with Gwen was a one-off, something vital Gwen needed to know but she had done it to Morgause as well. Suddenly fear gripped Morgana. "What did I tell you?"

Morgause fixed her eyes on Morgana firmly, "You told me to seek the sun."

Morgana frowned. "The sun?" she said in disbelief. "Is that all?"

"In a funeral pyre," Morgause stated plainly.

Morgana gasped and felt her blood run cold. "What does that mean?"

"I had hoped you could tell me," Morgause urged, eyes resting expectantly but she did not have a look of alarm.

"Sister, I think you should leave Camelot," Morgana decided.

Morgause's brows rose. "You think this pyre is of Uther's making?"

"It makes sense," Morgana agreed.

"No," Morgause shook her head calmly, "I think it has some other meaning."

"What else could it mean?" Morgana cried.

"Only the future can tell." Morgause took Morgana's hands comfortingly, "This is not the first time you have spoken to me with your powers. Twice before you sent us from danger and you were very clear that we should leave. This is something else, something that you can not tell me plainly either because you do not know or because I do not."

Morgana huffed. "I wish I did not have these powers if they are going to be so vague."

"These powers are a part of you. I fear you are endangering yourself by ignoring this part of your magic Morgana."

Morgana pursed her lips, ready to confess. "I've already used them in Camelot."

Morgause's expression was horrified. "In Uther's presence?"

"No," Morgana reassured quickly, "with Gwen, my maidservant."

Morgause relaxed slightly though she still frowned. "Does she know what they are?"

"I don't know. She was spooked. She was supposed to attend me last night and this morning but she sent someone else. Merlin has promised to try to find out what I said."

"Merlin? Good. He continues to prove worthy of trust."

It was fair praise from Morgause. Morgana tried not to appear too pleased, let Morgause see Merlin's value for herself in her own time.

Morgause continued to be thoughtful. "It is surprising that you should fall into trance twice in such a short time. Only powerful prophecies should be able to overcome your healing bracelet's powers. I doubt a serving girl warrants such which means . . ." she scrutinised Morgana seeming to weigh whether or not she could take the revelation.

"Which means?" Morgana prompted ignoring the insult to Gwen.

"You may be overriding it yourself for the sake of your friendship, unconsciously perhaps?"

Morgana felt a great uneasiness but it wasn't because she believed Morgause. No, in fact Morgana felt a strange certainty that there was a lot more to her increased warnings than either of those options. There was something, some knowledge that she did not want to acknowledge, something that she instinctively knew was the reason but couldn't yet put together. "What should I do?"

"You must embrace these powers so that they do not burst out of you uncontrolled. I should have pushed you earlier."

Morgana shook her head. "I wasn't ready or willing." She wasn't sure she was yet but there were added stakes. "But I can't ignore them now, not when I've given warnings to Gwen and to you. I must do all I can to understand them, to find out more to help you. How should I start?"

"With your dreams."

"Dreams again?" Morgana gulped.

"I am afraid so. They come naturally to you, it will be easier to start from there. Come let me teach you how to prepare."

They entered the cave and Morgause ran through several steps and an incantation that would help Morgana with her control and awareness, however, none of it would be effective unless Morgana removed her bracelet. She turned it anxiously on her wrist. "I think I have it now, in any case, it will have to do. I've been too long already though I hate to go."

"It is not forever," Morgause reminded.

Morgana embraced her sister as they farewelled when she felt Morgause stiffen. Morgana pulled back "what is it?"

Morgause had no need to respond for Morgana heard noises outside.

"Lady Morgana!" A male voice called, "Lady Morgana?"

Morgana's eyes opened wide in horror. "Sir Leon," Morgana spoke telepathically to Morgause. She huffed, "a patrol must have seen my horse."

"They cannot find you here with me," Morgause mindspoke back.

"They cannot find you," Morgana insisted back.

"Don't worry, I will deal with them," Morgause made for the exit of the cave but Morgana quickly stepped in front.

"No sister, if we ever hope to bring Arthur around, we cannot harm Camelot's knights. He'd never forgive it," Morgana thought hurriedly. "Leave it to me, I'll lead them away."

"Sister," Morgause protested but it was no good. Morgana gave her a short, firm look of determination and Morgause shrugged with pursed lips – reluctantly accepting the choice. Morgana exited the cave.

Morgana didn't exactly know what she was going to do or say but she knew that she had best keep the knights from Morgause and vice versa. The sunshine blinded her for a moment but she heard the sound of chain mail moving quite close.

"Lady Morgana!" Sir Leon exclaimed, "what are you doing here?"

Her vision had focused by now and she saw Sir Leon but only one other knight, not an entire patrol as she had feared. The knights stood not far from the cave and they had, as she suspected, found her horse and were leading it with their own. Morgana straightened herself as she answered Sir Leon's question as simply as she could. "I was riding."

"Riding?" Sir Leon wrinkled his brow, "did you fall?"

Morgana repressed an urge to scoff. For one thing, her horse had been tied, for another she had just exited a cave, agreeing that she'd fallen off would have been foolish. "I stopped to stretch my legs," her claim was less absurd than his question but apparently not very convincing given the short distance she'd ridden.

He frowned harder.

It occurred to Morgana there was another excuse she could use, "don't make me spell it out for you Sir Leon."

He still wasn't catching on.

She knew a blush was creeping into her cheeks which would only add to the authenticity of her statement. "Surely even the knights of Camelot find themselves seeking caves or. . . shrubbery from time to time."

Finally the knight understood, "oh, um. I see." He was blushing harder than she was. He was buying her story about relieving herself but it wasn't getting him away from here and it didn't explain why the knights were in the part of the forest.

"Did Uther send you to find me?" Morgana asked though she didn't think it was likely.

"No, we've come to check the cave," Leon explained. "We saw your horse."

"The cave?" Morgana queried, anxiety rising.

Leon nodded. "Smugglers and bandits use it from time to time."

Well wasn't that just great? No wonder Morgause had found it so apt and dry for habitation. "Bandits," Morgana repeated irritatingly, they were the cause of the more frequent patrols and the reason why Leon was here now.

"I didn't mean to alarm you," Sir Leon reassured.

Morgana had been about to deny any fear but instead she forced a quaver into her voice seeing an opportunity. "Bandits, after everything I . . .I, that is I think I'll ride back now. My horse if you would Sir Leon," she stretched her hands out for the reigns, making minute movements so her fingers appeared to tremble. She made a laugh that ended in a choke and lifted wide, helpless eyes to Leon.

It was a careful ploy, Sir Leon knew her well enough to know she was not easily frightened, nor inclined to show it if she was. So, she had to dither between pretending to be both brave and scared.

She was pretty sure the pleading eyes were what was going to cinch it, they seemed to be having the desired effect as Leon opened his mouth but the other knight interjected.

"This is Camelot, I am certain you'll be safe riding back to the castle, it's hardly far." The man wasn't offering assurances as much as he was being patronising, full of the self-importance inexperienced knights often had about Camelot.

It took Morgana a great deal of effort not to shoot him a withering glare or retort with some barb about just how unsafe Camelot really was – and of course, she knew this for a fact. Instead, she pasted a demure smile. "You're right of course," she said sweetly, "as Uther's ward," she carefully made the reminder, "I know how he values the safety of his kingdom and citizens. How vigilant he is. Your patrol is important to that safety, far more important than my silly fears. I'm sure King Uther will think so."

Sir Leon's brows twitched a little and Morgana chided herself. She shouldn't have been so obvious using terms such as silly fears. Leon seemed to have guessed he was being played and must soon begin to wonder why and that could be disastrous but Morgana could not give up or he and his compatriot would not leave this place alive.

"In my defence, I have been kidnapped three times from Camelot." She spoke levelly, maintaining eye contact with Leon the entire time and to her own surprise found that her eyes had welled a little. Two of the three times she'd actually gone of her own accord but she had been captured with Gwen once. She'd never forgotten the fear of what might have occurred had she not escaped, nor the awful, lonely, terrifying days after when she thought of Gwen harmed or dead nor the things she'd feared happened to Gwen that Gwen had assured her did not. And now things with Gwen were so strained and she didn't know if they could be fixed. Morgana dropped her eyes, trying to focus back on the here and now and the lives of these men.

Sir Leon reached up and patted Morgana's horse on the nose. "I would not presume to guess the King's wishes but I would feel better if we accompanied you back to the castle."

"Thank you," Morgana said softly and she meant it. For Leon's sake, for the irksome knight beside him, for Arthur's sake and her own.

He nodded just once and his eyes moved towards his own horse.

Suddenly, Morgana got the nasty sensation that her seer's powers wanted her to say something to him, she quelled it. Not Sir Leon, not now. The feeling subsided long enough for her to quickly relay to Morgause what had occurred between herself and the knights and a warning to leave the cave, though she said nothing of the rising seer power. Sir Leon mounted his horse and indicated to his companion that he should lead the way and Leon passed out of Morgana's sight and took up the rear. Morgana sat uneasily in the saddle, the seer's power had gone quiet again, seeming to obey her but the closer they drew to the citadel the more turbulent she felt her powers were. Morgana remembered what she had said to Morgause earlier. Even now Camelot ensnares me.

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Author's second note – shouldn't be nearly as long for the next chapter this time I hope! Thankyou very much for your continued support, it is appreciated. For those concerned or curious, Ancient Merlin and Morgana La Faye have not been erased and we'll be seeing them again sooner or later.