Chapter 9 [Within the Mists]

Morgana groped about at all-encompassing mists. Chill dimpled and reddened her skin. She flailed about batting wisps this way and that. Her heart raced. Sweat beaded across her forehead. "Merlin! What is this? What have you done? Who's that voice?" Demands spat akin to crossbow bolts at him.

Merlin's hands brushed up against the mists. "That's the first time I've heard it too, Morgana. I have no idea!" Exasperation pounded at his temples. Kilgarrah? Kilgarrah, are you there? Really could use some advice.

"Who's Kilgarrah? That other voice we heard earlier?" She wheeled about. Her eyes narrowed. Challenge sparked in them. Her arms folded across her chest. "Do tell. I mean Arthur would never believe his idiot servant really is a sorcerer and a telepath too. Imagine that?"

"Not helping, Morgana. That is private." He rubbed his forehead. "Besides, you would never believe it anyway." He ground his teeth. He looked for a door. Fruitless attempts wore him down. Attitude wore on his last nerve. "I really do not need for Uther or Arthur to know about this. You are not going to believe it." He shook his head.

"We left 'believable' back in the Physician's Chambers, Merlin." Snark dripped from her retort. Indignant sniff hissed from her nostrils. "Go ahead!"

His lip curled at her. Her demand stiffened him. "Go ahead what?"

Her hand batted at the wisps. "Really, Merlin?" Snort escaped her nose. "Fine! Use your magic! Get us out of here! Then, you can tell me who those voices are!"

Instinct picked through his mind. Potential excuses and half-truths went out the window. "Oh fine! Whatever!" He set his jaw. He pointed his hand at the mists. "Sgrios!" Canary flashed in his eyes. Spell's energies flew from his fingers.

Once more, Incredulity widened her eyes. "So, you really do have it?" She shook her head. "I wish Arthur was here. Now that would be worth watching." Amusement gave way to Dread. Memoria recalled Ealdor after the battle. She and everyone else heard Arthur's lecture to Merlin about magic.

Assumption pinned it on Will…Will's dying lie supported that mindset….

"Did you use your magic at Ealdor, Merlin? Just be honest for once!" Frankly, Circumstance frayed her patience and temper.

He sucked in a terse breath. "Nothing." He felt her eyes boring into his back. "The magic's stronger than mine." He shrugged. "We are stuck."

"Stuck? Oh, this is just wonderful!" She threw her hands up. Frustration boiled up inside of herself. Pinpricks jabbed her skin. Static burned her. "Now what? I….I…" Spasms wracked her entire body. "OH, NOT AGAIN!" Her scream pierced both their ears. Canary flashed through her eyes.

"Morgana?" He tried to get to her side. Recoil, however, bowled him from sight. He flew backward and ever backward still. Expectation braced him for a painful impact with the wall….

…an impact which never came….

Calm yourself, Emrys. It will be all right.

"Emrys? Who? What?" Bright light dazzled his eyes. As with Mists, Light swept him away….

Nausea buffeted Morgana's stomach and throat. Magical outburst had sapped her. Her hand clamped down over her mouth. Questions popped up in her mind. "That…that was magic. I…have magic? How…How can I…?" Dread chilled her. "Nay! I…cannot! That witchfinder! He will…." Nerves unsteadied her yet further. Visions and nightmares unsettled Royal Court's sensibilities. Suspicions seemed to point to sorcerers around Camelot. Vengeance could be a cause….

….now, Transitions and transformation lay before her. She was a sorceress….

…a sorceress…

Did Merlin and Gaius know? Is that why Gaius sought to drug me? Was he trying to keep my magic from manifesting itself? Suspicion now burned within her mind. Merlin would not. Would he? He's a warlock himself. He'd help me. Gaius would though. He'd keep me sedated so I couldn't use my magic. Resentment bubbled up within herself. Her stomach added another unpleasant rumble.

The sleeping powders react with your abilities, Morgana Pendragon. They will soon wear off completely. The nausea is to be expected. Brilliant light conveyed the goddess to that spot. Her gown's hem hovered just above Morgana's knee level. Flowing hair reached to her shoulder blades. Emerald hue glowed from her eyes. I am the triple goddess.

The triple…? Words failed Morgana. That revelation spun her mind yet again. Legends and myths had peppered her education. Uther spat on her at every turn. Pity had moved her toward the floating woman's followers. Memoria recalled Mordred's escape (with Merlin's and Gwen's help). Commiseration kept her silence over Merlin's stolen food and gown for the refugee Druid girl. Magical creatures' and beings' threats hung over Camelot at every turn. Awe, fear, and uncertainty defined magic within the kingdom's borders…

…and Uther did everything to define his understanding beyond said borders as well….

You already understand Uther Pendragon's ignorance. I am glad your understanding grows, my Child. You will need that understanding soon enough. As for your abilities, aye. You have magic. You need to master it. Uther Pendragon summons a dark shadow across everything I wish to achieve. Aredian the Butcher. Anger darkened the goddess' face. Nemeth has rebuffed him. Now, he returns to Camelot. I will tell you the rest in short order. Emrys…the one you call Merlin…and the others await us.

"Others?" Morgana shielded her eyes. Light's intensity brightened some and then more. Once more, Disorientation unsettled her.

Then, everything changed again….