Thank you for reading, hope that you like the newest chapter and that the last chapter wasn't confusing to follow like the one before. I also hope that the last few chapters with more talking hasn't been to boring. I'm sorry to disappoint with the action. It's really not my thing and I don't like how its turned out, but I feel its taken so long to get this far that I just need to keep going and get it finished.
They walked with the fire behind them. Taking slow steady steps forward. They had no need to rush. The fire was on their side. It moved with them, kept a safe yet was close enough to make an formidable impression.
The saxons did their best to remain unseen, but it was clear that as the knights, druids and the fire that traveled with them moved forward they were retreating back to the cove. They could hear the sound of movement through the tress and shrubs ahead on them. As Eylan had suggested they moved out in a line keeping a distance of a few meters between then as they swept over the land. Many of them wished that the enemy would stand and face them head on, not drag things out longer than they needed to. They understood though that it was best to force them into a corner so they could deal with them all at once. So they kept their pace slow and steady at they carried on moving forward.
Mordred had been sent out ahead of the others. He was headed for a different destination than everyone else. They headed east to the coast he was headed west. Back to the low hill where he and Morgana had left Luke not even a half hour ago. The sun was hidden behind low clouds yet its heat was still felt. If not for the armour that he wore it would be a pleasant mild autumn day. The kind that he had most enjoyed traveling in what he was a child travelling with the druids and then older traveling with Kara. Now he wouldn't mind a light breeze or even a little rain.
This irritating, uncomfortableness was keeping him stuck in the moment. Focused only on Moving forward to his destination. It didn't let him think of anything or anyone else. He could not allow himself to think about Kara. Not now.
By the time he reached Luke he was sweating and out of breath. He had made the journey in half the time it took him and Morgana to reach the barn. Luke had half watched half ignored the knight running towards him. The sun had broke through the clouds for a few seconds and caught the armour causing a bright flicker of light in the corner of his eye pulling his attention. Through deep breaths as he stood before him Mordred told Luke of the new plan.
As he was told of the plan Luke to in a deep breath and gave the slightest nod, Mordred was sure that he caught the older man rolling his eyes. Hr didn't blame him honestly. It was not a simple task that was now being asked of him, but it was not impossible either. Just difficult and tiring.
After acknowledging the message Luke had given his full attention back to controlling the fire that he was now expected to move forward further than he could see with his own eyes. As he tried to do this he felt a pair of eyes on him. He had expected the young knight to have left already to rejoin the forces as the proceeded forward. He was surprised that he was still standing a little to his left. There was a unmistakable look of confliction on Mordred's face. Sympathy now began to eat away at the slight frustration Luke had been feeling.
He did not know all of the details but he knew of that there was deep feeling between the knight before him and the young women that had turned up not long ago on the isle of Avalon. It was now that he looked more closely at Mordred that Luke noticed that while he was physically here his mind was somewhere else. He did not envy the inner battle that Mordred was currently fighting.
There was a part of Mordred that wanted, felt that he needed to offer his assistance to Luke in the large task that was now asked of him. There was also a part of him that wanted to turn and run back the way that he had come and join the others again. There was also a third part, that he tried to push down that wanted to run but in a different direction.
"Get back to your brothers." Luke said without turning to look at the knight.
So he didn't see the look of relief that washed over Mordred's face. It felt very freeing to be told what to do. The pressure at least for now to be taken off of him.
"Morgana and maybe Merlin will come to aid you when they can." Mordred offered to reciprocate for the kind gesture Luke had just given him.
Still Luke didn't turn to look at Mordred, but he heard the clattering of his armour as he took off towards the fire.
Another wave of pain rolled over the queen as she watched the knights and druids prepare to move out. Her hand clenched tightly at her side was the only outward sign that she let show of what she was feeling on the inside. Fear, pure terror really plucked at every nerve in her body. It was fine, it had to be. She had not had a mother growing up to explain what was going to happen, what it was like to carry a child. This could be a normal, unpleasant part that she would have to deal with. One that may pass, it might even have stopped. That last wave of pain might be the last. When it passed as quickly as it came Gwen focused on what was in front of her. Right now that was Arthur kissing her forehead before he, her brother and friends left again to face the enemy.
With the barn now empty of all but five people, those left behind began to go about there task.
While Gaius did not doubt that Morgana was more than capable of healing the wounded knight leg, he also knew that it would take a great deal of focus and control. Which would be draining for anyone. The old man also knew that Leon's injury would only be the first of what was sure to be a long day. Morgana's skills would be needed again, it would be unwise for her to waste to much time or energy here. So he gave her and Merlin some space so that he might help her.
He had planned to think up some task that he and Gwen needed to undertake that would distract her and give Merlin the opportunity to aid Morgana, hoping that when he turned to the queen he would think of one. When he did turn to her he noticed that she looked a little pale. So instead he placed a gentle, but firm hand on her back and moved her towards the other side of the barn and the store of water to get a drink and let her sit down for a minute.
Gwen didn't have the heart to disagree or resist. The pain had not washed over her in a while now. The longest break between waves since the first hit. Maybe it was going to pass after all. It was most likely all due to the stress of the situation. Hopefully now that everything would be resolved either way in the next few hours It would all pass and then they could move forward. It took her a second to notice the cup of water Gaius was handing to her. Finally taking it she was surprised to notice that she was sitting down as well. Lifting the cup to her mouth she drank the water in a couple of large gulps. She hadn't realised how thirsty she was till the water slide down her throat. She also hadn't noticed that Gaius had moved to stand directly in front of her blocking her view of what was going on on the other side of the barn.
Merlin understanding what Gaius was doing moved quickly, not wanting to waste the chance Gaius had given him. Bending down he helped Leon as the knight turned over so he was laying on his front. His head turned away so that he took couldn't see how his wound was being held. Merlin had thought he might have to try and find a way to distract the knight, but luckily Leon was keen not to see what was going on as Merlin was to keep him from seeing it.
Morgana removed the bandage again. The bleeding had stopped now, fortunately. She explained what she was doing as she did it at first. Once she began to use her magic there was no point in explaining that. It might even make the the already tense knight more so. While the pain was minimal it was clear that Leon was anxious about having magic used on him, yet wanting it over as quickly as possible so that he could rejoin his fellow knights.
"Could you get me another bandage." The witch asked Merlin without looking at him.
He gave a small nod and stood up to do as she asked. Sure that she didn't really need a fresh bandage and this was a ploy for him to be able to help her with the healing magic. Bending down next to Morgana he quickly glanced over at Gwen and Gaius, making sure they were not looking over here. Gaius had stood blocking Gwen's view of them as he handed her the water and continued to stand there. Quickly not wanting to waste the opportunity he placed his hands over Morgana's.
The warmth between their hands gently grew as Morgana used the magic that Merlin lent her to heal the artery slowly and carefully. He could feel the tension leaving her body as she finished her task a few short minutes later. Her shoulder rested against his as her whole body relaxed. The light contact through layers of fabric caused Merlin to suddenly froze. When he didn't remove his hands after a couple of seconds Morgana turned her head to face him. Feeling her eyes on him, Merlin turned slowly to face her. Nervous what expression he was going to see looking back at him. Fortunately she only looked confused. Letting out a huff of slight irritation, Merlin could feel on his face, Morgana looked at him questioningly.
Stammered words of expansion about to leave the warlock mouth were cut of by the formerly injured knight twisting his upper body around to look at them and ask if Morgana was finished healing.
"Your fully healed." Morgana said as she tunes away from Merlin and back to Leon, pulling her hands swiftly out from under Merlin's and stood up. Merlin jumped to his feet so suddenly he hit his knee on the edge of the cot. Biting the corners of his mouth he fought back a groan. Not that either the witch or the knight would have noticed if he did.
The colour seemed to be rapidly coming back to Leon's face and his whole body, despite what was going on seemed to relax. Almost as quickly as Merlin had, but more gracefully he pulled himself to his feet. Twisting his head round to get a better, proper look at the back of his leg. Though it was from a unclear angle, he could see no injury or mark from what had only a minute or so ago had been a injury. He couldn't find the words to express his shock and surprise. He had seen what magic was capably, yet he couldn't quite believe what he was seeing with his own eyes.
"Thank you Morgana." Leon said finally finding the right words to say.
Words that had a deeper meaning than a simple thank you. It was no secret that the two had never been friends or even close. But they had people in common that they both cared deeply for. They also had the same enemy now. While he would never be comfortable with magic, or would never fully trust Morgana to be fully transparent, he trusted that she meant to harm to his friends or Camelot and for that he gave thanked her for her help in using her unique skills to heal him as quickly as possible so that he could rejoin the others.
For her part Morgana only gave a slight nod as a brief smile, her mouth kept closed crossed her face. There was nothing for her to say. She apricated what he was saying without saying it. For a fleeting second as Leon took his first steps, Morgana had a sudden fear that he might try and give her a hug. To her great relief he didn't do anything of the kind. Picking up his sword that lent against the makeshift bed, he moved to leave the barn, but stopped after a few steps and turned back around.
"I'll..." He searched for the right word. "Accompany." He eventually settled on. "You to rejoin Luke." He choice to use the mans name.
While he made the offer, Morgana and Merlin could see that he was a like uncomfortable about it. That while he would do what he offered he would rather. Mostly because he wanted to rejoin the others as quickly as possible, but also because the idea of spending any amount of time with Morgana on her was made her feel anxious for a number of reasons. Not overly joyed by the prospect either was about to quickly take pity on the noble knight and kindly reject the kind offer, but Merlin spoke first. Taking them both a little by surprise as they had slightly forgotten he was there.
"I'll accompany Morgana, you should rejoin the others as quickly as possible." He rushed out.
Leon looked conflicted it was what he had hoped to hear, but he looked behind Morgana and Merlin and saw his queen and Gaius. He had expected that Merlin would stay here with them. He did not like leaving them here along and unprotected. He was sure that Arthur would not like that either.
Merlin followed Leon's gaze. He understood what was troubling his friend, it was troubling him as well. He didn't like the idea of leaving Gwen and Gaius, but he felt sure that they would be find. The fire must have forced the saxons to move out of the amidite area. He could also do more good helping Morgana and Luke. It also dawned on him that neither he or Leon had asked Morgana what it was she was planning on doing now. Merlin guessed that she really wanted to joining Arthur in the frontlines, but knew that he skills with magic where the way that she could most aid the fight.
While Morgana didn't know what her next move was going to be, she understood that for Merlin to be of the most use he couldn't be stuck here, have to use his magic secretly. So she stayed quite and let him work things out as he felt best for himself. A quick glance behind her should that Gwen and Gaius where now coming to join them.
Obviously having heard most of the conversation Gwen reassured Leon that she and Gaius would be fine here now that the immediate danger for them at least had past as best as they could tell. He still did not look overly convinced, but he wanted it to be true. More so he didn't want to argue with his queen, so he gave a reluctant nod and left before he had a chance to talk himself out of it.
Once he was gone Morgana turned to Gwen, clearly about to ask her if she was sure about her and Gaius being left here alone. Not giving her the chance the queen took the other queens hands into hers and meet her eyes directly.
"We will be fine. I won't lie that I feel nervous about it, but I will feel better knowing that you and your magic are out there with Arthur, Eylan and everyone else."
Like Leon Morgana didn't want to argue with Gwen, she seemed to be so certain and sure of her choice. She was not going to be swayed easily and they did not have the time to argue the point now. That didn't mean that she didn't too feel very uncomfortable about leavening.
"If your sure." She asked as she squeezed her oldest friends hands. Not sure what answer she wanted to hear.
For a second Morgana felt that Gwen was about to let her strongly held back fears and worries lose, but she didn't she sucked in a deep breath gathering in her strength and confirmed with certainty that she and Gaius would be alright. Still not fully happy about it but not having any other choice Morgana pulled her hands free and moved to collect her sword and prepare to leave. If she didn't start moving then she might talk herself into staying and Gwen was right she and Merlin could do more good outside.
Not having any physical weapons to collect and having watched the two previous exchanges Merlin stepped next to Gwen and became the third person to ask her if she was alright with the plan in a low voice. He expected her to be a little irritated, but he had to ask. She gave him a tight smile as she placed a caring and reassuring hand on his arm.
"Yes, just please be careful."
As she spoke her eyes drifted from Merlin to Morgana as she walked towards the door ready to leave. It hit as all of his resent epiphanies did, like a bolt from the blue that light everything up. Letting him see things more clearly. He realised quickly that Gwen wasn't talking about being carful of the danger that awaited them outside. She was telling him to be carful with his heart. She had been the first one to notice his affections for Morgana, in what felt like another life. He hadn't understand back then. Of course now that he did understood she would notice the change. Gwen was, in as subtle a way as she knew how was telling him not to fall in love with Morgana, not again. The problem was he wasn't sure he hadn't ever stopped. Just never yet himself really feel it.
As soon as her feet were out of the water and on dry land Kara began to run. she didn't stop to think about what direction she was going. She just ran.
It did not take her very long to see the smoke above the trees. Stopping suddenly, her heart thumping in her chest. As she stood frozen, scared to move incase she moved in the wrong direction and was caught by the flames and trapped. It began to dawn on her that she couldn't feel the heat coming from the flames nor could she taste the smoke in the back of the throat.
A chocked laugh escaped as she realised that the fire was not real. That it had to be a creation of magic. Following that line of thought she reasoned that Mordred would be near it or at least Morgana would be there. She would know where Mordred was. It was not a great or even good plan but it had to do. It was all she could come up with, without having to stop and think of a better one and there was no time for that. She had to keep moving or the reality of the difficultly of her task would overwhelm her. It wouldn't stop her, nothing would, but it would take her longer and she couldn't waste any time.
After a few minutes she saw a small hill rising before her. If she got to the top she could get a better view. Having a specific destination in mind she began to run faster. Until something half way up the hill caught the sun and blinded her for a second. When he eyes adjusted and she could see what had blinded her, she let out a loud yell that was close to a cry and ran faster still.
The smoke could been seen above the trees for miles. Fortunately this was not a very populated area, so no villages or towns were scared into running from their homes. The fishing village a few miles away and a isolated good sized manor house where the closest. The manor home was the ancestral home of the pendragon family. Uther had been born there, Arthur and Morgana spent many childhood summers there. The family moved to the city of Camelot when it became clear that it was the more strategical beneficial location. They always maintained this home and the history it held. Uther had retuned here to live out the rest of his days when he abdicated to his son.
Looking out the large window in his study the former king looked on in horror as the smoke continued to rise up into the sky. He was not a young man anymore or king, but he still cared for his kingdom. With clenched fists he turned from the window and left his study. Calling out for the few men that had moved here with him when he abdicated to protect him.
When they responded to his call he told them to prepare to leave. The fire could be allowed to spread further unchecked.
Thank you for reading and for sticking with the story. It really means a lot. As I'm aiming to have this finished by the end of the year, I realised that if I want to do that I have to update more than once a week. So I'm going try and update every week for the next few weeks. I have a little more free time right now so I'll see how I get on.
I really hope that the chapter was alright. There were a lot of different parts part the next few chapters will be when everything should come together.
About the geography I have been looking at a map of Albion and using it there are some liberties taken for the story to work.
One thing that I really wanted to ask those of you that are reading this on A03, is if the story is tagged correctly. If there's any that you think I should add. This could be about anything, but I am specifically asking about something that might be hinted at in this chapter. I don't want to spoil anything but if that is the route the story goes down (I honestly don't know if it is, it depends on how you all feel) then I want to make sure that it isn't triggering for anyone, but I also don't want to spoil anything. Again honestly it could go either way. It really depends on how you feel.
As always any feedback, comments or ideas that you may have are very welcome. On that topic or on anything else.