A/N: Finally getting notifications on this website for reviews etc - it's been since April ish that it all stopped, and I wonder if I'm finally going to be able to see the views as well as that has been dead since mid September.

—

Anne's POV

Anne's heart is in her mouth as she watches Mordred strike out towards Arthur who parries his blow. Merlin's words of the vision he had seen swirling around in her mind. The two duel for a few minutes before Arthur knocks Mordred to the ground. Arthur sheaths his sword and applauds.

She watches on as Arthur pulls Mordred up, walking away to further discuss techniques. Anne chews her lip anxiously from the window she's looking out of inside the Castle out towards the Training Grounds.

She knows Mordred has done nothing but be courteous towards Arthur, towards all of them and Anne has done her utmost to be kind and cordial with the young Druid, but she can't ignore Merlin's words, his fearful look whenever Mordred and Arthur are close to one another. She hates it because as of yet, Mordred has done nothing wrong, yes, he was previously misled by Alvarr but he had just been a child back then.

—

"Arthur says he has all the makings of a fine Knight." Merlin remarks to Anne as they sit down to eat in their Chambers.

"Mordred?" Anne questions.

"Mmm…" Merlin hums, taking a sip of his drink.

"You think he's not ready?" Anne questions.

"It's not that. He's an excellent swordsman." Merlin retorts.

"You think he's too young? Too headstrong?"

"He's always been thoughtful and modest." Merlin answers.

"The boy sounds perfect, Merlin." Anne says.

"I can't ignore what I saw. Anne, Mordred is destined to play a part in Arthur's death." Merlin argues.

"I know, I know. Seeing them today in the Training Grounds wasn't reassuring but he's bonding well with Arthur, surely that would mean it is possible that he won't kill Arthur?"

"Maybe." Merlin says reluctantly, he reaches out his hand to grasp hers.

Anne sighs. "Merlin, if Mordred wished Arthur ill, he has had ample opportunity to do so. He's a likeable boy."

"I know. I like him myself, but I can't ignore what I saw."

Anne strokes his hand softly. "Seeing is not the same as knowing. And we must know - for certain - before we act."

—

Leon brings in a report from the east that a rather famed sorcerer, Osgar, had been nearly apprehended by a small patrol in the Forest of Brechfa. Unfortunately, the man had escaped, killing Sir Ranulf in the process.

Arthur deems it necessary for him to join the patrol to avenge him, including Mordred. Merlin is worried about this, but Anne can't help but think this could be a positive, giving Merlin and Mordred some more time to bond on the way.

And so, Anne stands in the Square the next morning, next to Gwen, watching as the Knights prepare to head out, Mordred bright and early and eager to go and prove himself. It is things like this that make Anne feel that Mordred couldn't possibly harm Arthur like the vision Merlin had seen. The boy is so gentle and kind and truly loyal to Arthur. He so wants to be a defender of the realm that imagining him harming Arthur is just something difficult to imagine.

Merlin is talking to Arthur by Arthur's horse, holding Faye in the saddle. The young girl is squirming like she is going to be going along with them.

Percival, Leon, Elyan and Gwaine, all ready, watch Mordred adjusting the saddle on his horse from where they sit on top of their own horses.

"You sure you haven't forgotten anything, Mordred?" Leon calls.

Anne shares a look with Gwen as Mordred looks up, puzzled.

"Do you think so?" The young Knight asks.

"Isn't he missing a dagger?" Gwaine remarks.

"I can't see a water bottle." Elyan shakes his head.

"His boot." Percival quips. "He's missing a boot, I think."

Mordred looks down, confused. He looks back up, even more perplexed.

Anne rolls her eyes at that as the Knights start to laugh. She clears her throat, drawing the Knights' attention. "I'm sure all of you will behave." She gives them a pointed look. "I want the four of you to promise me you'll keep each other safe." They all nod. "And be nice." She adds, fixing a firmer look at them.

Mordred gives her a thankful smile, mounting his horse.

Merlin puts his daughter down and she scurries over to her mother as he mounts his horse along with Arthur.

"Gentlemen!" Arthur calls to them all. Arthur rides out of the Square with the Knights filling behind.

Merlin turns to follow but Gwen calls to him. "Merlin?" Merlin looks up. "You will take care of him?"

Merlin scrunches up his face, disgruntled. "He doesn't always make it easy."

"I know."

"You better look after yourself too." Anne adds pointedly.

"Merlin!" Arthur calls.

Merlin nods and exits. Anne and Gwen watch with concern as the group gallops away.

—

Anne looks down at the Runemark. It essentially looks like a large golden coin but has strange markings on it and the power emanating from it. "Osgar gave Arthur this?"

"He did." Merlin answers.

"What exactly did he say?" Gaius asks. The three of them have convened in his Chambers.

"That it is both judgment and fate by the Disir."

"But let me guess, Arthur is not taking it seriously?" Anne remarks, exasperated.

"No."

"What else did he say, Merlin?" Gaius questions.

"He said the circle of fate begins to close. 'For even as Camelot flowers, the seeds of their destruction are being sown'." Merlin tells them. "I've heard these words before."

Anne frowns. "'Their'?"

"We can only assume that he talks of Morgana and Amelia." Gaius declares.

Anne gapes at them in disbelief, shaking her head. "He can't have meant Amelia."

Merlin sighs, walking over to her, holding her hands. "I know you want to believe that, but you saw how she deceived us. She was ready for Arthur to die, and I didn't see any hesitation."

She can't believe this. "You don't know. None of us know what's happening behind the scenes."

Anne can't believe that Amelia would just so easily turn to the dark side, turn against them all. She worries about what has happened in the intervening years that caused Amelia to join Morgana and go against everything.

—

Merlin brings a reluctant Arthur to Gaius' Chambers so they can hopefully talk some sense into him, to get him to realise he should take this seriously.

"Sire, thank you for coming. Please." Gaius gestures for Arthur to take a seat, which he does, and he takes a seat in the chair on the other side of the table. Gaius holds the Runemark in his hands. Merlin and Anne stand nearby.

"Tell me Merlin's got you two believing his nonsense too." Arthur remarks.

"This is a Runemark, my lord." Gaius explains instead of answering him.

"So, everyone keeps telling me." Arthur comments.

Gaius ignores him. "In times past, this mark aroused great fear. It was given to those found wanting by the Court of the Disir."

"The Disir?" Merlin questions.

"The highest Court of the Old Religion." Gaius answers. "Three women were chosen at birth to be trained as seers and soothsayers. Their only task was to interpret the word of the Triple Goddess. When they sat in judgement, their word was final."

Arthur scoffs. "This worn-out superstition has no relevance now. I don't see how what bearing it has on me or Camelot." Anne almost growls at his careless attitude.

"Because, sire, the Disir saw fit to give you this. This is the judgement of the gods against you." Gaius persists.

"This is... nonsense, surely?" He doesn't sound as confident as before.

"The Old Religion held that the Runemark not only contained a man's guilt but the path that the gods had chosen for him. That is why it is both a judgement and fate."

Arthur stands. "I make my own path." He declares, moving to leave.

"Do you?" Gaius' words stop him in his tracks. "It is said that only the gods can alter a man's fate... And even then, only when he repents and appeases them."

Arthur turns back to him. "You don't believe any of this? Gaius?"

Gaius drops the Runemark on the table. "I am an old man, sire. Old enough to be wary of dismissing other people's beliefs."

Arthur reaches forward, taking the Runemark and stares at it thoughtfully.

—

"You were right to summon me." Kilgharrah says when Anne and Merlin speak to him that night. "The Disir are the mouthpiece of the Triple Goddess. It is she who has decreed Arthur's fate."

"What is it to be?" Anne asks.

"The Runemark predicts Arthur's death."

Anne's breath catches while Merlin remains stone faced, staring steadily at the Dragon as he asks, "When?" Kilgharrah doesn't reply so Merlin presses, "When will Arthur die?"

"The future is never clear, Merlin. You should know that by now." Kilgharrah retorts. "There are many paths. Not all lead to Camelot's ruin."

"But you must know something?" Anne pleads.

"Do they lead to Mordred?" Merlin then asks.

"The Druid boy? His fate and Arthur's are bound together like ivy round a tree." Kilgharrah replies.

"I fear he is dangerous." Merlin says.

"But we haven't actually seen anything that would truly suggest that." Anne points out. She hates how the two of them are so easily turning against the young boy. She likes Mordred, he has only behaved well since his return. "Surely, he's a good ally?"

"The boy cannot be trusted. There is good cause to doubt him." Kilgharrah disagrees.

"I'm sorry, but he's right, we can't know if he can be trusted." Merlin replies sorrowfully. He turns to the Dragon in front of them. "Is there anything we can do?"

"Sometimes...to save the tree, the ivy must be cut. You had a chance to kill the Druid boy once before. If you have another... you must not fail." Kilgharrah declares.

Anne swallows heavily. She doesn't like this at all one bit.

—

Anne and Merlin make it back to bed, hoping to get a few more hours of sleep before the day starts again but are suddenly interrupted by the hammering on the door, startling them from their sleep.

Merlin bolts up, blinking blearily in confusion. "Wha– am I late?"

"It's not yet dawn." Anne grumbles. "Whoever it is, I'm going to kill them." She opens the door to find Arthur still dressed though casually. She glares at him. "Congratulations, your majesty, it's time for you to die by my hand."

"You might not have to worry about that." Arthur mutters. Anne frowns at that.

"Arthur?" Merlin questions from behind her.

"Merlin, get ready within an hour." Arthur orders, striding into their Chambers.

"Why? Where are we going?" Merlin questions.

"To the Disir."

Okay, now Anne is definitely awake. "Is that wise—"

"We're going." Arthur interrupts. "I've made my decision." He looks at his manservant. "Be ready." And with that, he strides off.

Merlin huffs, moving to get ready.

Anne can't help but worry. "Merlin…"

"I have to go, Anne." Merlin says, not pausing.

"I know, just," Anne sighs, "just be careful. I don't know what you'll encounter but the Old Ways will be at their strongest there. This will be a place where the very centre of their powers will concentrate."

"I'll be careful." He picks up his bag, kisses her and off he goes.

—

Anne was right to be worried as when they return, they bring with them a wounded Mordred.

"Merlin is right. This is no ordinary wound. There is magic at play." Gaius tells Arthur as he analyses the young Knight as he lies in the cot in the Physician's Chambers.

"Can you save him?" Arthur anxiously asks.

"I am but a Physician - there are limits to my knowledge." Gaius replies.

"There must be something that can be done."

"Perhaps. I shall do everything in my power, sire."

Arthur stands from the stool he has been sitting in, looking down at Mordred mournfully. "Let me know the moment he improves. Or..." He breathes shakily, not daring to speak the rest of his sentence.

Anne touches his shoulder gently. "Arthur, do not worry. We'll tell you the moment anything happens."

Arthur nods shakily. "Right, of course." He leaves the room.

Anne immediately turns to her husband, who has sat silently on the windowsill ever since they had entered with the wounded Mordred and has not spoken a word. "Merlin, you know your magic can save him, you've had opportunity to and you haven't. Why?"

"You know why." Merlin retorts. "I cannot save the life of a man destined to kill Arthur."

"If Mordred is destined to take the King's life, why has he just saved it?" Gaius argues.

"I cannot ignore what the Dragon said." Merlin counters.

"Yes, you can!" Anne cries. "You can't just write off a young boy's life because of the chance that he may be the one to kill Arthur."

"The possibility is too strong for me to ignore." Merlin stonily replies.

Gaius frowns, leaning back with crossed arms, analysing him. "What happened to the young boy who came into my Chambers just a few years ago?"

"He grew up. And he learned the meaning of duty."

Anne scoffs angrily. "No, he learnt to be heartless. Is really the example you're teaching the children?"

Merlin looks at her sharply. I'm doing this for the children so that they can be free, to be themselves."

"If you say so." Anne huffs.

—

Arthur practically leaps towards them as the group enters his Chambers to report their news, leaving Gwen, who looks to have been comforting him, by the window.

"Is there news?" Arthur questions but the trio stare silently at him in a non-verbal reply. Arthur then continues to say, "I thought that once we'd got him back to Camelot, and your care—"

"The staff that caused his wound was forged using powerful sorcery." Gaius argues.

"All the same..."

"And the poison that runs through his veins is beyond remedy."

"There must be... something you can do!" Arthur pleads.

Anne glances testily towards Merlin, who stares ahead, not daring to look at her.

"I'm afraid not." Gaius admits. "Only the Disir themselves have the power to counteract their own sorcery. I'm afraid we must prepare ourselves for the worst."

"I'll go to them." Arthur decides.

"Sire, I do not think that is—"

"And I beg for mercy." Arthur interrupts, turning to Merlin. "Prepare the horses. We leave at once." Arthur strides to the door, leaving through it with Merlin following.

Anne watches her husband go, hoping he comes to the right decision.

—

Someone's POV

In the darkness of the night, a cloaked figure enters Gaius' Chambers. The room is quiet except for the soft wounded sighs of the young Druid boy who sleeps in the cot in the centre of the room.

The figure lets out a choked sob as they gaze upon his prone body. They move forward quickly, taking the empty chair next to the cot and reaching out with shaking hands towards Mordred. They stroke his cheeks softly, shocked to find that he feels cold to the touch and extremely pale.

"Oh Mordred." They murmur softly. The hood of the cloak is pushed back to reveal its Amelia. Mordred continues to lie unconscious, unresponsive to her.

Through the windows, dawn is breaking. She can't stay, Morgana is only temporarily distracted by their next plan, their boldest yet.

Suddenly he leaps up gasping for breath. "I–I– wha—" He pants frantically.

"Mordred!" Amelia cries in relief, pulling him into a tight hug.

Mordred's hesitancy to return her hug breaks her heart as he slowly hugs back. "A–Amelia?"

Amelia pulls back and strokes his face affectionately. "I thought I'd lost you." She knows tears stain her cheeks.

"What are doing here? Where's Morgana?" Mordred questions, his dart around as if trying to find her sister.

"I slipped away but I cannot stay, I must leave before Morgana realises I'm gone." She stands to leave.

"No!" He grabs her arm, staring at her imploringly. "Please stay."

Amelia weavers for a moment before quickly shaking her head. "I have to." She pulls away and quickly leaves before he has a chance to protest further.

—

Anne's POV

Anne walks back into Gaius' Chambers. She had left Mordred alone for a moment, getting some sleep, seeing to the children and collecting water. She expects to find Mordred in the same prone position in the cot as she had left him but instead, he is sitting, proper up by his elbow, looking expectedly at the door only to deflate when seeing her.

Anne hears the pale of water drop to the floor as she stares at Mordred in shock. "Mordred?"

He gives her a tiny smile. "Hello, Anne." He tries to pull himself into a fully sitting position but lets out a slight groan.

Anne rushes forward. "Here, let me." She sits him up and adjusts the pillow to give him support. She takes a step back. "You're awake…"

"Erm, yes, I, um, what happened?" Mordred splutters. "I–I remember the spear and nothing else…"

"You were badly wounded." Anne replies, reaching out to touch his forehead for a moment, relieved to feel the warmth coming back. "They brought you back to Camelot but there was nothing to be done. We all believed you were going to die."

Mordred frowns. "Even Merlin couldn't do anything?"

Anne hesitates for a moment. "No, no he couldn't. He and Arthur left yesterday to plead with the Disir." She glances over him. "Seems like it worked."

"Seems so…"

What did Merlin do?

—

Arthur and Merlin return later that day. Anne follows Mordred out of the Castle, down the steps towards where Arthur and Merlin stand next to their horses. Arthur beams, pulling Mordred into a hug but Anne is distracted. All she is focused on is the utter despair that flooded Merlin's features as soon as he spotted the young Knight.

Anne soon finds herself standing with Gaius and Merlin, looking out onto the Training Grounds as Mordred and Arthur clash swords. Merlin had explained what happened. Arthur had been faced with two choices: embrace the Old Religion or continue on as he had (essentially). One meant Mordred's survival, the other didn't. Merlin had believed, that to stop Mordred from killing Arthur, he needed to tell Arthur to reject the Old Religion so Mordred wouldn't survive but that clearly didn't happen.

"How could I have been so stupid?" Merlin questions, his voice full of disdain at himself.

"You did what you thought best." Gaius reassures.

Anne keeps quiet, still full of mixed feelings. She hadn't wanted Mordred to die but neither does she want Arthur to die.

"I assumed the best way to protect Arthur was to kill Mordred." Merlin says.

"A perfectly natural assumption." Gaius responds.

"Suppose we know now." Anne speaks up quietly. "Mordred's life is part of the Disir's judgment to punish Arthur for rejecting magic."

Merlin's jaw clenches at her words.

"You mustn't blame yourself." Gaius tells Merlin.

Merlin shakes his head. "But it is my fault. Mordred is alive and well. He's free to play his part in Arthur's death and there is nothing I can do to prevent it."

There are cheers from outside as Mordred succeeds against Arthur. Mordred beams as Arthur lifts him up in celebration.

"Nothing."

—

A/N: This wasn't planned but I'm happy that I've uploaded this on the 11th anniversary of the last episode of Merlin (in the UK anyway).