IMPORTANT – THIS UPDATE 12th Feb 24 IS TWO CHAPTERS!
This is the second chapter of this update. Read the previous chapter first.
Destiny Begins
by Milui Elenath
Chapter Twenty-one
Morgana, ward of Uther Pendragon, stared at herself in the mirror as Gwen fussed with the bedclothes.
"Did you sleep well milady?"
Morgana laughed sardonically, "No need to be polite Gwen I think my appearance can testify that I did not."
"You can barely tell," Gwen offered, "it's just that I know you so well." Morgana watched Gwen hesitate before she continued, "I thought your nightmares had stopped."
"They had," Morgana admitted. "Have." She insisted trying not to shudder as she recalled the many disturbing visions of the previous night of Gaius, Merlin, Morgause and the woman who had made her feel as if her skin was crawling . . . even now. Morgana looked up at Gwen and shrugged in a manner she hoped was careless.
"But not without your bracelet?" Gwen prodded.
Morgana felt her eyes go wide and it was far too late to hide her distress from Gwen who was still boldly waiting for a response. Were they back to this? Dancing around the subject of magic and Morgana's powers again? Morgana wanted to answer honestly, wanted to gauge Gwen's reaction but with everything still in the air regarding Merlin she didn't know if she dared to trust another even a little – she wouldn't like to find all of her faith in everyone was misplaced. Morgana rubbed her empty wrist. "It hardly helps knowing there are thieves in the castle."
"I suppose not," Gwen responded her expression revealing her own disquiet.
Gwen seemed as if she were about to say more but Morgana didn't get to hear it as suddenly a knock came at the door. Morgana frowned as Gwen went to answer. It was a court attendant. He was strangely early. Messages for Morgana were usually delivered at the breakfast table, where Uther could inquire of her as to the contents. Morgana speculated that perhaps this was a message from Uther, excusing himself from breakfasting with her. He had been reclusive since the balding episode. She hoped she was right. Breakfast with Uther was draining and she had little energy for such a pretence today. She was tired and distracted and would much rather find and confront Merlin about Gaius' magic potion sooner rather than later.
Morgana was surprised when the messenger didn't hand Gwen anything instead he stood to attention. "Milady Morgana is required to attend a council meeting."
"This early?" Gwen voiced Morgana's own thoughts.
The attendant of course had no answer, merely bowed, and left.
"Something must have happened, something significant." Morgana worried. Her thoughts ran through the possibilities. Had Morgause been found and arrested?
"Maybe they've found the thief," Gwen suggested.
"Yes," Morgana agreed weakly. That could be it, she hoped so. Gwen was already fetching Morgana's slippers and Morgana adjusted her girdle. Though, as a woman, she did not have a voice on the council her presence was required as the last representative of the house of Gorlois. Uther retained the right of her vote until she married. . . perhaps another reason of his. Not that it truly mattered given that it was rare for the other houses to oppose him in anything.
Slippers on and properly dressed she left Gwen attending to other duties and entered the council chamber moments later. She found it filling quickly and there was a nervous tension in the air which gave Morgana the impression that most, if not all, of the council were as much in the dark as she was. "Good morning my lord," she greeted Uther who barely acknowledged her before he turned back to Gaius.
The two were conversing fervently about something but Morgana could not make out what. Morgana sat and waited projecting an air of composure and boredom that she did not feel.
"Bring in the prisoner!" Uther commanded at last.
So it was an arrest. Morgause or the thief? Morgana braced herself hoping her fears were misplaced as she watched the double doors of the great hall, even so, she had to stifle a gasp and prevent her hand flying to her throat as the guards came into view bringing with them their reluctant prisoner. It was not Morgause but Merlin who struggled against the knights!
"Is it true?" Uther's voice demanded as soon as Merlin was forced before him. "You were responsible for the afflictions that I and other members of the court have suffered?"
"What? No." Merlin seemed just as confused and stunned by the turn of events happening to him as the rest of the room.
"Gaius." Uther prompted never taking his eyes from Merlin.
Gaius retrieved a large tome from a nearby pedestal and stepped forward. "I found this in your room. It's a book of spells and enchantments."
Morgana was glad for the reaction around her since her own didn't seem out of place. Merlin. Magic. The vial last night, had she been right in her first assumption?
"He's lying. That's not Gaius." Merlin asserted firmly.
Morgana was as silent as the rest of the court as everyone took in this surprising defence. Not Gaius? What could Merlin mean?
"What are you talking about?" Arthur demanded clarification.
"He's been possessed by a goblin!" Merlin insisted.
Morgana snapped her attention to Gaius. The physician seemed utterly composed, not at all shocked by Merlin's words nor concerned by them. As if he were ready for it.
"The boy is reduced to making the most desperate and ridiculous accusations," Gaius dismissed.
Uther directed a cold gaze at Merlin. "You seriously expect me to believe that Gaius is a goblin?"
"It's, it's controlling him. Gaius is still in there...somewhere." Merlin flailed perhaps recognising how unconvincing he sounded.
To Uther perhaps, Morgana thought horrified, but not to her. She believed Merlin. She could see it in Merlin's eyes. The way he stared at Gaius was a mixture of concern and disgust with a little helplessness thrown in. She remembered the unnerving conversation she'd had with Gaius yesterday and the potion he'd given her. The magic potion. It started to make sense. She was certain Merlin spoke the truth. Gaius was not himself.
She saw that Arthur looked flummoxed as if he wasn't sure what to believe. Morgana wanted to shake him. Surely, he knew Merlin wouldn't lie about this. How many times had Merlin saved his life? Hadn't Merlin proven himself reliable time and again? She eyed Arthur sternly, willing him to do something. Say something in Merlin's defence but he never looked her way.
"Do you have any proof of these accusations?" the prince asked finally.
Morgana gripped her arms to halt herself from getting up and slapping Arthur for his stupidity. It was a futile question, what kind of proof was Merlin going to have that someone was possessed? It was only going to make Merlin look more guilty!
"No!" Merlin answered.
Gaius spoke pityingly. "I fear that magic has corrupted you. It pains me more than I can tell you."
"I really doubt that," Merlin retorted.
The room was shocked at the insolence of this young man towards his mentor but Morgana saw the entire exchange only as further proof something was terribly wrong. She was sure not only that Merlin was being accused unjustly but that Gaius was a goblin. That was no small thing! She knew little of them from her magical studies but she knew enough to be concerned for Camelot and for Gaius . . . and for Merlin! But what could she do? Once upon a time she'd have made a scene. Demanded Uther start listening to Merlin but she wasn't so naïve anymore. She stared at Uther knowing his mind was made up. Her voice on its own would do no good. She turned her gaze back to Arthur who was standing there mutely, showing no signs that this was at all distressing to him than any other trial – if trial it could be called. How could Arthur be so passive? He knew Merlin and Gaius as well as, if not better than she. Didn't he see? Didn't he know something was wrong? Morgana felt ill. If Arthur would only say something she would join in, together there was less chance that they would be ignored, ridiculed, or worse. . . Thoughts of her time in the dungeons, of Uther's hand around her throat replayed and were broken only Gaius's movement towards Uther.
It appeared Gaius the goblin wasn't finished with his performance. "My Lord, I have been harbouring a sorcerer. For that I offer the most sincere apology."
Morgana clenched her teeth. If Uther were to have paid even a tiny bit of consideration to those around him he would know that Gaius would never say such a thing about Merlin either. But Uther was always blind where magic was concerned.
"You were not to know, Gaius. He's fooled us all," Uther said magnanimously.
"It's not me that's fooling you," Merlin tried again.
"Silence!" Uther shouted incensed by such a suggestion. "You've been found guilty of using magic and enchantments. In accordance with our laws, you will pay with your life. Take him away!"
Morgana felt her heart quake, she switched her attention to Merlin, lump in her throat, and their gazes met. Of all those he could look to at that moment, he had chosen her. Her heart, already thumping, ached with the pressure but there was nothing she could do for him except try to convey that she believed him. Of course, she didn't intend on leaving it at reassuring glances. No matter what it took she would not let him be killed. Whatever it took. Merlin's expression suddenly seemed to harden and she thought she detected a slight movement of his head indicating a negative. She was touched that he knew her well enough to know she would try but if he expected her not to do anything on his say so – or anyone's – he should think again. He had torn his gaze away, brokering no more argument imagined or real and was taken from the room. Morgana gazed after him noticing a strange determination radiating from him. She marvelled how he could suddenly appear so purposeful and almost calm.
Quite the opposite of the feeling in the room. Quite the opposite of herself.
She knew what would await Merlin if she did nothing. She'd seen it often enough. Fire, axes – blood. No matter whether he wanted help she was going to give it, she was sure of that, even if right now she wasn't sure how. She saw Uther glance her way and she tried not to wince as he frowned. It seemed he'd detected some part of her reaction and it displeased him. No wonder.
It was a moment more for Uther to dismiss the rest of the council and not unexpectedly he approached. "Shall we breakfast Morgana? I assume you have not yet eaten?" He was curt as if expecting refusal.
She swallowed her anger and her fears and forced herself to appear impassive. "I have not but my lord I am afraid I am not well enough to dine." Her voice was more strained than she would have liked.
"I can see that, I hope that it has nothing to do with this morning's events?" There was a sharpness to his tone.
Morgana managed to force a laugh through her constricted airways. "Not at all."
Uther seemed unconvinced. Morgana thought fast, suddenly remembering what she had said to Gwen she leaned forward conspiratorially. "I am afraid I did not sleep well last night, what with the thefts . . ." she trailed forcing a wobble into her lips.
Uther relaxed slightly and reached out to pat her hand. "Well, you can sleep better now knowing the culprit is caught."
It seemed her act of the last few weeks had put to rest most of his misgivings in regards to her stances on magic and he was taking her at face value.
"Yes, it is a relief." She managed bravely.
"Well, ensure that you do not take upon yourself too many duties today. I believe you said the preparations for the melee are in hand. Take some time for yourself. It has been a trying few weeks."
"It has," she agreed with more venom than intended. It had been trying and she saw no end to it. Not with Merlin facing execution. But Uther was once again thinking only of himself. The trying few weeks as far as he was concerned were his trials in being mad and unwell, his baldness, his discomfort. He had no reason to think she'd had a trying few weeks. Nor did it seem to occur to him that a supposed year of capture with the bandits would have been far more trying to her than the ups and downs of kingdom life or caring for a sick king. Such concern as he displayed for her in this moment was so superficial, so carelessly given on a whim and likely to be taken from her just as easily! "If you would excuse me, my lord." She bobbed.
"Certainly, rest well child," he bid her distractedly.
She turned, anxious to leave Uther's presence before she did or said something she shouldn't and hurried out. She had decided as soon as she exited where she was going to go. Arthur's room. She didn't know whether he'd be willing to listen or willing to help but if he refused this she knew that she would not forgive him.
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Morgana knocked on Arthur's door but there was no answer. She tried the door and found it was unlocked so she slipped inside to wait. She paced back and forth for a few moments as she considered how best to convince Arthur that something was amiss. She was on her tenth lap when it occurred to her that Arthur wouldn't necessarily return here before attending to other duties. It might be hours before he came back here! Possibly longer without a servant to attend him. She was just forming thoughts of how else to tackle the situation when he entered.
"Morgana?" Arthur frowned disapprovingly. "What are you doing in here? And how did you get in?"
She answered his question sharply. "It was unlocked but I came to speak to you about –."
"Gaius?" Arthur interjected.
Morgana had been going to say Merlin but she nodded taken aback. Had Arthur actually realised Merlin was telling the truth?
"So," Arthur said carefully, "you think there's something to Merlin's claim?"
"I'm sure of it," Morgan asserted. Arthur raised his brows at her tone evidently surprised at her certainty. She didn't care what he was making of her words or manner. "We've got to do something to help Merlin, Arthur."
"That, I know."
"You know?"
Arthur's brows flattened. "Of course I do. You don't think I'd let Merlin be executed."
Morgana had not been sure but his indignation was encouraging. Maybe Arthur had changed more than she thought in the last year. "He has been accused of sorcery," she said quietly. She watched Arthur carefully to see how he responded, did he have some tolerance for magic users?
"Merlin, a sorcerer!" Arthur laughed. "I don't know what's going on around here but the one thing I'm sure of is that if Merlin had magic I'd know about it. The idiot is so clumsy he'd probably have set himself on fire."
Morgana frowned remembering vividly the moment her magic first set her room on fire. Arthur's response also didn't suggest that he had any more leniency towards sorcery than before.
"In any case," Arthur continued, "I can't do anything for him until nightfall."
Nightfall. Yes, she supposed that was true. Merlin's chances of getting out of the dungeons unseen in the day were zero.
Arthur had gone to his wardrobe and was pulling out various articles of clothing. He clearly thought the matter was at an end.
"What about Gaius?" Morgana persisted. "He could be dangerous."
Arthur suddenly shifted his stance and his eyes fixed on her face. "You seem awfully certain that Merlin is right about Gaius. Why?"
Morgana was not put off by his scrutiny, she'd seen that calculating look before but he'd rarely gotten the truth out of her unless she wanted to tell him. She paused obstinately. She obviously couldn't tell Arthur about sensing the magic potion, she couldn't explain why she believed Merlin was telling the truth either, at least not without fear of Arthur noticing her feelings. She returned his gaze openly. "It's a few things. I had a very strange conversation with Gaius yesterday and watching his behaviour just now it all seemed to fit. He was glad to give up Merlin, Gaius would not do that."
Arthur grimaced mildly. "That's not much to go on. Maybe Gaius legitimately believes Merlin is guilty of sorcery. He did express regret. As for Merlin's accusations, he does have a tendency to mix things up."
Morgana pursed her lips. Just when she had started to believe Arthur had a brain cell.
"Look," Arthur said, "we'll know more when I speak to Merlin. If it is Gaius behind this, if Gaius has really been possessed by a goblin or something then he's not likely to try anything more. Not when Merlin has already put some suspicion on him."
Although there was some logic to Arthur's belief Morgana didn't know if she shared it. She knew too little of goblins to be confident about how it might act.
"Fine," she relented, "we'll wait until we speak to Merlin." After all her main concern was Merlin's execution. Goblin Gaius could be dealt with later. "When should I come back?"
"Come back?" Arthur lifted his head.
"To help Merlin escape."
"You don't. There's no need for you to be involved."
Morgana glared. "You don't think I'm leaving Merlin's fate in your hands alone?"
"Why shouldn't you?" Arthur challenged.
Morgana shifted uncomfortably, "because if something goes wrong you'll need backup."
"Nothing will go wrong . . .," Arthur seemed to think better of the statement, "although, Merlin is involved."
Morgana felt that rather bettered their chances but she didn't argue. "What are you going to do?"
"I'm not sure yet."
"How can you say nothing will go wrong when you don't even have a plan yet?" Morgana exclaimed.
"Because I'm an excellent strategist Morgana."
She merely stared at him coldly.
"I'll have thought of something by then."
She said nothing.
"All right," Arthur huffed, "meet me back here after evening meal and we'll talk it through. Now go brush your hair or whatever it is you do all day. I've got training to get back out to before someone wonders where I've got to."
Morgana had started to feel triumphant until he'd finished his sentences. Brush her hair, she thought angrily. She gritted her teeth and turned on the spot. Had she not been so worried about Merlin and Gaius she might have taken Arthur to task for being so ignorant of castle duties beyond his own not to mention offence at his patronisation but now was not the time. Nonetheless she fumed as she stormed back to her chambers. Today she had planned to inspect Camelot's banners before the melee to ensure they were worthy of display, delegating those that weren't to be repaired or replaced. She had an appointment to inspect and approve materials for new linens and she really should begin to choose works from among the court artisans for some of the more neglected guest rooms. While these were tasks specific to the upcoming tournament they would soon be replaced with the next event. Her daily tasks were perhaps less regimented than Arthur's but they were not less. A castle as large as Camelot required a lot of oversight. Uther managed finances and held court for the people but the quibbles, purchases, or requirements from the servants were matters that Morgana dealt with. Not that any of those tasks were going to be able to take her mind off what Merlin was facing. Let Arthur insult her for now, so long as he followed through on preventing Merlin's execution.
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"That's your plan?" Morgana exclaimed in disbelief. "Waiting until the guards pass out from drunkenness?"
"It's perfect. I changed the duty roster. Loefsig and Hayeward can't be in the same room together without starting a drinking competition. One of them is sure to smuggle something in, all we need do is wait. Best of all when it's discovered that Merlin went missing on their watch Loefsig is the youngest son of the Earl of Ormstedale, father can't afford to punish him severely and have his eight brothers disgruntled and Hayeward's father has that horse father's been admiring."
"You're setting them up," Morgana was more than surprised, she was shocked. She'd known Arthur to be straightforward or strategic but never cunning or calculated.
"I think of it as more of a lesson," Arthur said glibly, "a test. If they can't be trusted with a prisoner like Merlin then they certainly shouldn't be trusted with someone who truly is a threat. A failure now will teach them a good lesson and they'll be making it up to me in extra sword practice."
Suddenly it struck Morgana. "You're going to use them by punishing them with extra training for the melee. To help yourself!"
"P-lease," Arthur shook his head, "I don't need help. I'm the finest knight in Camelot."
"Well I suppose we'll see soon won't we," she taunted but Arthur remained irritatingly confident. She huffed. "How long before we can go?"
"It's about time now."
"And you're sure the house in the lower town will be safe for Merlin to hide in?"
"Yes, yes," Arthur said, "the tanner always trades in the outer villages for at least a week and I saw him leave yesterday. Do you have the extra cloak for Merlin?"
"Yes," Morgana glanced down at the bundle in her hands. Arthur's idea was that if they were seen by the guards he would declare himself and act as if he was escorting two women back to their homes. Arthur had thought the idea of Merlin dressing as a woman quite amusing. Morgana had just rolled her eyes. Arthur was far too easily entertained. This was a matter of life and death. She had no doubts Merlin would go along with it. He was a man of sense. It was just a servant woman's cloak. Morgana imagined that if Arthur were in Merlin's place he wouldn't be so compliant, likely putting up such a fuss about a mere disguise that they'd probably be caught before leaving the dungeons.
"Last chance to back out. I can do this on my own," Arthur told her.
She shook her head.
Arthur grumbled something about letting her talk him into things and they set off.
The corridors were quiet, not that it particularly mattered in this part if they were seen. It was only as they got to the door that led to the lower stairs that they need be careful. Fortunately, they seemed to have passed the last servant some time back.
"See," Arthur whispered, "no problem."
Morgana wished he wouldn't keep saying that. She'd thought the same once with Tom. Poor Gwen's father.
Arthur lifted his hand as they reached the curve of the stairs. "Wait here," he mouthed.
Morgana followed him with her eyes as he continued to the bottom and peered quickly around the corner. He sent her a triumphant smile and indicated she should come down.
"Out like a light," Arthur shook his head and folded his arms, all signs of gleefulness disappearing. "Downright disgraceful."
"I thought that's what we wanted."
"Sure for our situation but I expect better from Camelot's guards. Much better."
Morgana had nothing to say to that. She'd snuck in and out of Camelot enough times to know that it was always a risky business but very possible.
Arthur had returned to focusing on their goal and bent down to retrieve the keys from one of the guard's belts. "Come on."
Together they crept through the darkened hall to the cell containing Merlin.
Except it didn't contain Merlin at all. It was empty!
They stared at each other silently.
"Hmm," Arthur uttered after a moment. "Seems Merlin has some friends." He tossed the keys roughly on the ground.
Morgana remembered that when she'd left with Morgause Merlin had spoken of those working in Camelot for magic. Had they helped him? "Why shouldn't he have friends?"
"I'm not saying he shouldn't," Arthur retorted.
Morgana shot him a quizzical look. "You seem put out."
"I ought to be, some tavern flies have bested Camelot's guards! It's outrageous. What if Merlin had been a dangerous sorcerer?"
"If he was," Morgana was thoughtful, "he'd probably have gotten out on his own." Morgana stared at the empty cell. The lock, the keys, the guards. It was a clean escape which must have happened only moments before she and Arthur got there. Her skin was prickling next to the cold iron bars of the cell that tried to dampen her magic and yet . . .and yet there was something.
"Oh please," Arthur argued interrupting her thoughts, "we've had countless sorcerers in here. None have escaped . . . without help."
Morgana looked away disconcerted by the memory. Was Arthur referring to Alvarr's escape? Morgana occasionally wondered what had become of the bandit leader she'd helped free and the crystal. Mostly she wondered if he'd ever found Mordred again. She'd enquired of Morgause early on if she knew anything of either of them. The priestess had said that she'd heard of the bandit leader and that he'd been in Cendred's lands not long ago but she'd not heard of any child being with him. Morgause had been strangely quick to move on, more focused on the missing crystal of Neahtid and telling Morgana of the differences between it and the crystals Morgause sometimes used to see present events. Her thoughts were returning to the unsettling empty cell when the warning bells tolled.
Arthur's eyes went wide. "Stupid fool. Why didn't he wait for me? Quick Morgana, get yourself back to your chambers. I'll have to deal with this."
"What will you do?" Morgana cried. If Merlin was caught a second time it would be very difficult if not impossible to break him out again. Morgana's hand covered her mouth as a more horrifying thought occurred. What if he resisted or tried to flee and some overzealous guard killed him? "What if –."
"Morgana!" Arthur said firmly cutting her off. "I will make sure the guards have clear instructions not to harm him. Now go!"
Morgana nodded and ascended the stairs. She knew that Arthur meant it. She knew he would do all in his power to keep Merlin from harm but would it be enough?
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The warning bells faded but the sound of guards stalking about in the square below continued. Morgana stared out her window below. She'd seen no sign of the search stopping which was surely a sign that Merlin hadn't been found . . . yet but it did nothing to calm her. She thought she had been done with feeling helpless when she'd begun to learn magic but it didn't solve everything. It couldn't she supposed. After a time she sat wearily in her chair. She was tired, how could she not be after having spent the two previous nights with little rest? Nonetheless, sleep would be impossible, she thought and yet some minutes later she found herself jolted awake. For a moment she got the strange sense she was someone else. There was knowledge just beyond her grasp, things she needed to know and power. A lot of power.
It made her gasp for a moment, astonished, needing, wanting but it pulled away. Gone. She massaged her temple and tried to understand. It was like trying to remember a dream that she just didn't have enough memory of.
Coming to a little more she wondered about this sensation. Was this something to do with what she sensed the other night? The magic in Camelot that seemed sometimes to call out to her? Wakening her to some purpose? Provoking her magic to the fore?
She wasn't sure, perhaps there was a link, somehow but it was all so irritatingly elusive. If she could only find the source of it there might be some clarity. She wondered if now was a good time to be seeking it. Could it help her? Help Merlin? Was it a good idea to do this with a goblin possessing Gaius? Morgana decided against it. There were too many unknowns.
The night wore on. Morgana dozed and startled as distant sounds reminded her of the search, she stretched and paced and waited. Finally, the dawn lit the edges of the city and slowly brightened the square.
Outside her chamber, she heard footsteps approach. Too early and heavy for Gwen and with the distinct clink of armor. Arthur's she realised had a certain sound. She tensed.
A knock, strangely soft, making her hear race with more anxiety.
"Enter," she called straightening herself imperiously.
Arthur pushed open the door and entered. "You're still awake, have you had any sleep?"
Morgana shrugged, "what's happened? Did you find him?"
"No, he seems to have gotten away."
Morgana breathed.
Arthur gave her a slightly quizzical look but seemed to have let the thought go. "I'm about to report to Father."
"What about Gaius? What are we to do about him?"
"No need to worry about that, Morgana." Arthur pulled at his gloves. "I plan on getting to the bottom of that shortly."
"You do?" Morgana said with a rising level of skepticism.
"Yes, I'll ask Gaius to meet with me. "I'll get the truth out of him."
Morgana was absolutely aghast. "And just how do you plan on doing that?"
"Just a little subterfuge," Arthur said off-handedly. "We both know Gaius, the real Gaius, would never want to willingly harm Merlin. A few choice questions and I'll know for certain what we're dealing with or what this is about."
Morgana was dumbfounded at his naivete. "And what if Gaius is possessed?"
"I'll call for the guards of course. We'll arrest him, put him in the dungeons and I'll speak to Father. He will have no choice but to pardon Merlin."
"Just like that," Morgana said disbelief laced in every word. "You think a goblin is going to allow himself to be captured so easily? And even if he did what happens to Gaius?"
"Obviously it will leave Gaius' body once it knows he's headed for execution. We won't let anything happen to the real Gaius."
"Do you seriously think Uther would take the risk?" Morgana was appalled at Arthur's woefully inadequate grasp of the situation and felt only slightly mollified when she saw Arthur have a moment of doubt.
"I'll admit there are a few kinks."
"A few?" Morgana had her arms folded. "This is a goblin Arthur, a creature of magic. I think we ought to be very careful how we deal with it."
"And what would you know about a creature of magic Morgana?"
The question was meant to be a patronising taunt designed to remind her of her place. It riled her. "Evidently a lot more than you!" She spat.
Arthur's eyes darted from her to the door and he dropped his voice. "Don't let father hear you saying such things. Especially not at a time like this. I thought you were done defying him."
Morgana fought the urge to respond rashly. She wasn't done, not done by a long shot but it would undo everything if she said so. "I just don't want to see an innocent man executed or Camelot harmed."
"Nor do I," Arthur said reassuringly. "That's why I'm doing this."
When he used that tone and made that particular face Morgana did feel a certain amount of confidence . . . but it also unfortunately came with an equal amount of dread and it increased dramatically at Arthur's next words.
"Don't worry Morgana. There isn't a magical creature that has defeated me yet."
She pursed her lips. "This is a terrible idea, Arthur."
"Do you have a better one?"
She bit her lip. She couldn't go to Morgause now, not with guards on high alert looking for Merlin. Even if she could Morgause might not know anything about how to deal with goblins. It didn't follow that just because Morgause knew a great deal about magic that she also knew everything about magical creatures of all kinds. If things got desperate then she would take the risk but for now, there was another option. "I thought," Morgana began, "I could look for some information on magical creatures in Gaius' books or even the library."
"Right, good idea. That way if we do have to force a goblin out of Gaius we might have some options."
That wasn't exactly what Morgana was thinking. She'd been thinking more about how to protect themselves from its magic. "Arthur I really don't think it's a good idea to tip our hand." She tried again.
"You're worrying for nothing Morgana. I'll check in with you when Gaius is detained – if he actually needs to be."
"Are you truly still doubting the truthfulness of Merlin?" Morgana demanded.
Arthur halted, "no," he said simply. He seemed a little stunned at his confession. "But in my position, I can't afford to assume."
Morgana fell silent as he left. Arthur wasn't willing to let his friendship or his trust in Merlin be his guide, not until he was certain by other means that Gaius was the guilty part. It irked her but she had to acknowledge there was something noble about it. Something Kingly, she supposed. Not so rash as Uther, not so willing to condemn. She also had to acknowledge that she couldn't do it. She wouldn't. Loyalty was more important to her than fairness. Merlin had said Gaius was a goblin and that was enough for her. He was worthy of that loyalty, of that trust. She only hoped she could find some help in one of Camelot's books.
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Morgana had forsaken Gaius' books for the library. There were too many shelves in the physician's chambers that seemed to have no rhyme or reason – at least not to her. However, the library had sections that were more easily navigated.
She'd passed Sir Geoffrey on the way in and offered him some explanation of requiring some background information for guests of the melee. Being Uther's ward did allow her access to much of the books, it never seemed to occur to either Geoffrey or the King that she could easily read forbidden archives once out of sight. Perhaps because she was a woman or perhaps because they simply didn't believe she would want to read them. What she couldn't do was take them out past Geoffrey. She hoped that wouldn't be necessary.
She'd pulled out a few selections about creatures of Camelot but they were all too mundane. It then occurred to her that goblins mightn't be catalogued as creatures, instead, they may be more likely to be grouped with ghosts and shades or something else entirely. She began to despair as to what a mammoth task this was. It was then she heard the distant clattering of pots followed by a yelp of pain. Her head snapped up alert before she determined that Sir Geoffrey must have merely dropped something. Just as she was about to return her gaze to the books she carried, her eye caught movement at the end of the library aisle.
Her mouth hung open in astonishment as she saw that it was Merlin, hurrying past.
What could he be doing down here?
On instinct she moved quietly in the direction he headed, checking each aisle she passed but there was not yet any sign of him.
She heard a scraping sound a few shelves away. She increased her pace, Merlin had to be there. It was the limit of the library's walls but when she rounded the final shelf she couldn't see him. It was impossible. He had to be here. There was nowhere else to go.
She jumped as the scraping sound started again before darting back to the shelf's end. She peered from it, watching as the shelves in one section moved and Merlin emerged. A secret room! Perhaps Merlin had been hiding in there all along but how had he found out about its existence? She pulled herself back out of sight, noting that Merlin was carrying some sort of box in his hands and showed every inclination of being quite set on some purpose.
She followed him silently, aware that calling out might give him away to Geoffrey. Which she presumed Merlin had somehow managed to slip by. She very much doubted Sir Geoffrey would ever assist an accused sorcerer in evading execution. Of course, that wasn't her only reason.
Merlin was up to something. Something probably to do with the goblin and Morgana wanted to know what. If it had been Arthur sneaking about, Morgana knew he'd try to keep her out of things. Arthur never wanted to get others involved, especially not her. Merlin was oft times more inclusive but he had a stubborn streak too – she'd seen that and if he decided not to let her know what was going on she feared he'd have more success at keeping her out of it than Arthur ever could.
She saw Merlin hesitate as he neared the corner approaching Sir Geoffrey's desk. He was peering around it. Morgana could not fathom how he expected to get past unseen. He seemed to be pondering it himself.
Morgana watched intently, if Merlin turned he would see her just lingering at a distance but he didn't. He was unaware of her presence but she was acutely aware of his. This close she could almost imagine he had some kind of aura that was affecting her. Something she could feel.
Suddenly a shiver came over her, brief, so mild as to barely register but distinct. Morgana put her hand over her mouth to smother the gasp she uttered. She needn't have bothered for another sound – weak, repetitive thuds blotted it out. Merlin had shot forward beyond her sight.
Morgana was frozen for a moment. Had that happened? Could she really have felt what she thought she just felt? There was no time to grapple with her thoughts – not yet. She dashed onwards coming upon Sir Geoffrey on his hands and knees gathering books. "Ah, Lady Morgana. He straightened himself clearly embarrassed. "Did you find what you were looking for?"
Morgana halted frustrated, "Yes, I'll come back for it later. I just remembered I have something urgent to do," she paused frowning in the direction Merlin must have taken. She was sure she could find where he'd gone. Surer now than ever. She felt her teeth clench, she supposed a little confirmation wouldn't hurt and was worth a delay. "May I ask what happened Sir Geoffrey?" Her voice was surprisingly calm.
"Oh, I'm afraid I must have been careless in stacking the books. . . though I could have sworn they were perfectly balanced."
"I see," Morgana said. Not proof, but more evidence. "I would offer to help but I can't delay."
"That's quite alright my dear. I'll be fine."
Morgana nodded at him as she exited. Now to see if Merlin had gone to the physician's chambers. She did not catch sight of him until the third last corridor, a particularly long one. Yes, there he was, fugitive, eyes glancing everywhere but behind him. She hung back nonetheless, waiting just long enough for him to turn into the next.
Finally, Morgana saw Gaius' chambers. She approached carefully. Merlin had likely already gone in but what he was up to and perhaps more importantly where was Gaius goblin? There were voices within. Morgana listened carefully.
Gwen's voice!
Gwen and Merlin were talking but Morgana could not make out their words.
Morgana hung back. Should she enter and demand to know what they were doing? Intrude on whatever it was that she was not a part of. She was still contemplating as a woman's footsteps, Gwen's, approached the door. Morgana jumped back and removed herself to a slightly darker alcove. It was not much hidden but if Gwen went straight out she would not see her but the door opened only a crack, away from the direction Morgana stood.
"No sign of him yet," Gwen's voice was clear.
Merlin's voice responded but once again Morgana could not distinguish the words.
Morgana stood still as a statue. The him must be Gaius. Gwen and Merlin were working together. She hoped they knew what they were doing. She folded her arms grumpily. Merlin probably did . . . and Gwen did she know all about it as well?
"He's coming!" Gwen warned.
Morgana shrunk back, pressing herself into the corner. Gaius headed straight for his door never glancing at her.
Morgana waited in the corridor. If Merlin and Gwen had some sort of carefully laid plan she didn't want to disrupt it or risk ruining it but she couldn't leave this alone. If she walked away she might never know the truth. After a moment she crept forward her hand reached out tentatively for the handle and she turned it slowly.
"You've poisoned me," she heard Gaius say. "You've poisoned Gaius!"
Merlin spoke in response. "Leave his body while you still can!"
There was a dense thudding sound as Merlin shouted at Gwen to give the antidote. Morgana on the other side of the door wasn't sure what was happening. Her hand paused as the door lock made its final click. It wouldn't do to go barging in, allowing the goblin to get out if Merlin and Gwen had somehow cornered it. Suddenly there was the sound of shattering and clinking glass. After that, it all happened very quickly. Morgana heard a voice she didn't recognise taunting Merlin, scuffling and banging followed by the same strange voice muffled. Gwen was crying in distress that Gaius was dying. It was then Morgana entered.
Merlin and Gwen were on their knees searching bottles, Gaius was lying on the floor and the container Merlin had been carrying was jiggling and moaning.
"I think it's this one," Merlin picked up a bottle.
Gwen looked unconvinced.
Morgana had put the information together. The antidote that Merlin had called for lay among the bottles and they weren't sure which. Gaius was obviously the intended recipient and the goblin had been somehow removed and captured. She hardly gave it a thought before she spoke, "that which they seek, come forth."
The much-needed bottle rolled into Merlin's hands. He grabbed it, gave it a moment's notice then just as quickly, finally snapped his gaze toward her understanding that she was the source of such movement.
Morgana stared coldly back but he unsurprisingly failed to interpret or even register much more than her role in him getting the needed antidote. He was already rushing over to Gaius with it.
"Morgana!" Gwen said in surprise but she too promptly turned her attention to Gaius.
Merlin had poured the antidote down Gaius' throat but there was no response.
Morgana was horrified. Perhaps her spell had not chosen the right one or perhaps they were too late. What had Merlin and Gwen done?
Merlin's distress was obvious. "Gaius! Come on! Please! Come on, you stubborn old goat!"
Finally, Gaius stirred, his eyes fluttering open. "Who are you calling an old goat?"
Merlin and Gwen were relieved, gushing over each other and the physician. Morgana watched silently on. She was relieved of course. Despite their recent differences, she cared for Gaius but much of the circumstances had happened in her absence and there was still the matter of Merlin's suspected activities. She listened passively as Merlin and Gwen explained to Gaius what had occurred. Continued to stand unmoved as the three made plans as to how to approach Uther about the events.
"And of course there's Arthur," Gwen said suddenly, "what will we do about what the goblin did to him?"
"Arthur?" Morgana found herself chorusing with Gaius.
"He's a donkey," Gwen said biting her lip.
Morgana's eyes widened.
"A what?" Gaius said shocked.
Gwen shrugged helplessly. "I mean, not a whole donkey. He's still himself just with donkey ears and well, unable to talk and he's . . . braying."
Morgana covered her mouth, then despite everything she had been feeling, laughed. She had warned Arthur that a goblin wasn't to be taken lightly but he was so smug, so patronising and now he had donkey's ears. Morgana had to see it for herself! He was not going to hear the end of this.
Gwen giggled first as Merlin joined in and even Gaius was cracking a smile.
"We shouldn't laugh," Gaius warned but his lips were still bordering on a smirk, "he is the prince."
Morgana did not feel the slightest bit rebuked, "I've always thought he was an ass!"
Merlin's laughter increased and their eyes joined in mutual merriment. Morgana didn't want to share an intimate moment with Merlin right now. She wanted to tear her eyes away before he had the devastating effect of making her forget that there were things to be settled but those blue eyes of his sparkled in delight at what she had said. How could she possibly ignore that? But how could she ignore the events in the library?
The laughter died mutually.
"I'm sure if I look through my books, I can find a remedy that will undo the effect," Gaius said and Morgana caught the look he shot Merlin. A silent communication of some sort.
"Can a remedy really be expected to undo magic?" Morgana cut in, knowing it probably couldn't. She saw Merlin gulp and it was then she knew exactly what she would do. How to test this new theory of hers? How to play her own game for once instead of being played as she thought she had been.
"Oh, I think so," Gaius said smoothly, "most likely a matter of Arthur eating something a donkey wouldn't eat."
"I hope so," Morgana said carefully, "I'd hate to think we'd have to resort to magic to undo such a thing. We certainly couldn't be expected to find a willing sorcerer in Camelot, unless Merlin wants to give it a shot."
"What?" Merlin began his reaction just as she expected. "I . . . uh, I'm not -" he broke off as she stared at him hard. His eyes dropped.
Perhaps he had a modicum of shame after all.
Gwen was looking a little puzzled and Gaius perturbed.
Morgana noted their reactions as much as Merlin's. She smiled sweetly and forced a laugh. "I'm teasing you, Merlin, about being accused of sorcery."
"Of course," he laughed nervously but his eyes continued to rest on hers thoughtfully.
She looked away first. It was unfair of him to try to read her when she had apparently been so blind to him. "I'll leave you three to the details. I'll go check on Arthur."
Gwen opened her mouth and Morgana expected to hear the maidservant offer to go with her but Gwen suddenly blushed and said nothing, seeming to think better of it.
Gwen must have some reason to stay and Morgana found herself tired of guessing everyone's motives. She supposed she should be glad of some time alone to think and she was but she was also done with being passive. She wasn't going to play it safe anymore and wait for answers to come to her. She was going to find them, force them out if she had to. With this in mind, she halted at the threshold, turned ever so slightly and with all the sway her position afforded her spoke. "Merlin, by the way when this is all sorted. I'd like to speak to you privately. The sooner the better."
She didn't wait for a response; it was not a request but she saw Merlin nod his ascent slowly before she departed.
She headed for Arthur, perhaps his appearance would lighten her mood before she had to confront Merlin about her suspicions.
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Authors note! I hope it was worth the wait (you did read the TWO chapters that came with this update didn't you?) Don't forget to favourite or bookmark to get alerted to future updates. Thankyou for all the kind reviews! We'll be seeing some threads come together quickly soon (I think)