A/N: I felt like I should incorporate more other POVs into this.
—
Anne's POV
One morning Anne leaves her home carrying a bunch of flowers in her hands and walks to Gwen and her father's house as she and Gwen often met up with one another when walking to the Castle.
As she approaches, Gwen's father exits and gives her a nod and smile before walking off to the Blacksmiths to begin work. Gwen then appears at the door holding a similar bunch of flowers and greets Anne. They both proceed to head off to the Castle.
They are about to cross the Drawbridge when both Anne and Gwen notice Merlin and Gaius wheeling a cart over the Castle Drawbridge. Anne and Gwen approach them.
"What are you doing?" Gwen asks.
"Er... just moving something." Merlin awkwardly says.
"Looks heavy," Anne says trying to lean around Merlin to try and see what is on the cart. Gaius just stands on the other side of the cart waiting for them to finish talking.
"Earm, it's nothing really. Erm... did someone get the two of you flowers?" Merlin says, diverting the conversation, which causes Anne to frown. Something is going on here.
"Oh! No." Gwen giggles. Anne gives her a slight smirk, forgetting her suspicions momentarily.
"We picked them ourselves," Anne says. "Would you like one?"
"A purple one." Gwen decides, handing Merlin one of the flowers but then began to ramble, "Purple suits you. Not that I'm saying red doesn't suit you." She flushes red.
"Thanks. Well, er..." Merlin puts the flower in his scarf. Gwen smiles.
"Er... see you," Merlin says turning away from the two girls and begins to push the cart again.
"Bye," Gwen says wistfully. Anne narrows her eyes at Gaius and Merlin's retreating figures. Something definitely is going on.
—
Amelia's POV
Amelia is sitting in Morgana's Chambers, talking, when Gwen and Anne enter with a bunch of flowers each. She is not surprised to see Anne as it makes sense that Anne would also walk into Morgana's rooms as both her and Morgana are often found together in either one of their Chambers.
Morgana stands up from where they are sitting to walk over to them smiling and says, "You two look happy."
"We picked these for the two of you," Gwen says holding out the flowers in her hands.
"Oh, that's so sweet," Morgana says taking the flowers from Gwen's hands while Amelia stands and takes her bunch from Anne's hands. "Thank you, Anne." She says in gratitude. Anne smiles.
"Something to cheer you up," Gwen says.
"We know the two of you are not sleeping well," Anne says.
"You two cheer us up," Morgana says.
"We do not know what we would do without you." Amelia compliments.
"Would you like us to put them in water for you?" Gwen asks. Morgana nods smiling.
As they do this Amelia turns to them and asks, "How has your morning been?"
"Nothing interesting, though Merlin was being very secretive when we met him and Gaius at the Drawbridge earlier." Anne answers.
"Oh?" Amelia asks. Is this the beginning of another episode? Wasn't it something to do with Nimueh?
"They were pushing this cart with a blanket covering what was on it. I'm sure it is nothing." Gwen answers this time. Mmm…
—
Amelia decides to go to Gaius' after talking to Morgana, Gwen and Anne for a while to find out what is going on. She knocks on the door and Merlin comes to answer it, letting her in. Amelia walks in and sees that Gaius is leaning over a body that lies on a table in the middle of the room, looking at it with a magnifying glass.
"What's happening?" Amelia asks.
"We found this body on the street." Merlin answers. "Are you alright? You look exhausted."
This causes Gaius to look up as Amelia answers, "Oh it's these dreams I have. They have been happening since I was a child."
"I've never seen anything like this before." Gaius interrupts. Like it is intentional.
Merlin walks back to the table with Amelia following behind him. "Do you think it could be some kind of plague?" He asks.
Amelia bends over the body looking at it. "Don't poke the body!" Gaius suddenly says.
"But- I wasn't—" Amelia splutters. Gaius gives her a look. Okay, maybe she was. She always seems to have the urge to prod things a lot of the time. It is probably a good thing that Gaius stopped her from poking a dead body.
"Mmm…" He says, clearly not believing her before turning to Merlin. "No. I fear that something like this could never come from nature. But who has this kind of power?"
"You think it's caused by magic?" Merlin questions.
"Merlin!" Arthur yells from the other side of the door. Merlin opens the door before Arthur can come in and see the body.
"Erm... I'm on my way. Sorry I'm late." Merlin says.
"Don't worry. I'm getting used to it." Arthur says exasperatedly. Arthur furrows his brow when he sees the flower in Merlin's scarf.
Merlin looks down at it. "Oh, er... Gwen, she gave it to me."
"Tell Gaius my father wants to see him now." Arthur orders.
"Okay," Merlin says closing the door once Arthur begins walking back down the corridor. "Gaius..." Merlin begins to say turning back towards Amelia and Gaius.
"I heard." Gaius interrupts.
"Wait, why couldn't he just tell you himself?" Merlin asks walking back towards the table with the body.
"Because that's the way it is. You're a servant." Amelia says.
"Wha... if he knew who I was, what I've done..." Merlin reasons.
"You'd be a dead servant. Right, get this covered up." Gaius says. Amelia sniggers at the comment.
"Hey, I'm not your servant," Merlin says clearly annoyed at the two of them.
"No, you're my dogsbody. Come on, hurry up." Gaius answers.
—
Amelia follows Merlin and Gaius into the Council Chambers where some of the Court have congregated. A dead body lies on the floor. Gaius bends down to observe the body.
"What's happened to him?" Uther asks.
"I don't know, Sire. It's the second case I've seen today." Gaius says while still kneeling next to the body. Merlin and Amelia continue to stand behind him.
"Why didn't you report it to me?" Uther demands rather than asks. He's a little busy mate.
Gaius stands up. "I was attempting to find the cause."
"What did you conclude?"
"I don't think it's time to hurry to conclusions. The scientific process is a long one." Gaius stalls.
"What are you concealing from me?" Uther insists. Okay, he's a little smart to detect that Gaius is hiding something from him.
"Sire, I have seen nothing like it. The victims are dying in 24 hours, and it's spreading fast." Gaius says.
"What is the cause?" Uther asks.
"I think you should say that the cause, the most likely cause, is sorcery," Gaius announces. Bit dramatic.
Uther immediately pulls Arthur aside having a quick quiet conversation with him. Amelia knows Uther is asking him to do searches in Camelot to find the sorcerer. She can't help but think how stupid this is. Why would the sorcerer who caused this be in Camelot? It would be a bit stupid of them to do that.
—
Amelia has retreated back to her Chambers as Uther instructed that it is best that she is to stay in the Castle due to the plague spreading. As she is reading a book, Arthur and a number of Guards suddenly burst into her Chambers.
"Arthur!" She exclaims. The Guards immediately begin searching through her things. Amelia can't help but be glad that her notes on the show are well hidden.
"Sorry Amelia," Arthur says. "I'm just doing my job."
"I doubt the sorcerer is going to be in here," Amelia says in an exasperated tone.
"I know but I have to search every room in the Castle no matter who inhabits it," Arthur says.
Amelia simply slumps back into her chair as she watches them mess up her things before they eventually leave with Arthur muttering a "sorry" to her as he closes the door behind him.
Just another day in Camelot. She gets back up to sort out her things so Anne won't have to.
—
Before Amelia knows it, Uther imposes a curfew which means no one out in the streets after the great bell. As well as the Lower Town being cordoned off. She feels like she can't continue to do nothing so she saunters down to Gaius' Chambers to see what he has found so far.
When Amelia arrives, she notices they are about to start looking at another body. How lovely.
"Ah Amelia," Gaius says when he notices her. "Now what do you two think is different about this victim?"
"Er... she's a woman." Merlin guesses.
"Really I had no idea," Amelia says sarcastically.
"Sometimes I do wonder whether you're magical talents were given to the right person," Gaius mutters indirectly agreeing with her. "Anything else?"
"Erm... she's a Courtier." Merlin guesses again.
"Ah," Gaius says in encouragement.
"How does that help us?" Merlin asks.
"She's a Courtier," Amelia says trying to help Merlin figure it out. "That means she likely would rarely go down to the Lower Town."
"So what does that mean?" Gaius prompts.
"Erm... that, that she hasn't spoken to any townspeople." Merlin further guesses. Gaius looks pained and Amelia can't help but sigh.
"Yes, it suggests that the disease is not spread by contact," Gaius tells him.
"Oh, and they probably ate different food," Merlin says.
"Good. Anything else?" Gaius prompts again.
"Erm... I doubt they breathe the same air." Merlin says.
"So what would every person need to survive no matter their station?" Amelia asks him.
"Water. Water? You think the disease is spread through water?" Merlin finally gets it.
"Merlin, you're a prodigy," Gaius says sarcastically handing Merlin a bucket. Merlin then turns to walk to the Lower Town well. Love Gaius' sarcasm.
—
Amelia is still in Gaius' Chambers when Gwen comes rushing in with tears in her eyes.
"Gwen!" Gaius exclaims in surprise.
"Gaius." Is all that Gwen says.
"Are you ill?" Amelia asks concerned.
She shakes her head and begs, "My father! Please, Gaius, he's all I have."
"Gwen, I have no cure." Gaius answers.
Gwen sobs, "I am begging you!"
"I wish there was something, anything, but so far the remedy is beyond what I can achieve," Gaius utters taking her hand. Amelia notices that Merlin had entered by this point. "I'm sorry, Gwen."
Gwen doesn't answer and runs out of the room.
"I'll follow her," Amelia says before running after her.
She catches up with Gwen as she leaves the Castle. "Gwen!" Amelia calls. "Wait!"
"Oh, Amelia!" She sobs. "I do not know what to do!"
"Come here," Amelia says pulling her into a hug. She doesn't know what to say so she figures the best way to comfort Gwen is to just hold her and be there for her. Amelia wants to come with her to her house but she knows the Guards would stop her before she even enters so Amelia walks with Gwen to where the Lower Town begins telling her she should stay with her father and not work for now. Amelia feels as if she is missing something important.
—
Anne's POV
Anne, after Amelia's asking, agrees to stay with Gwen to be with her as she watches over her father. After a while the two of them fall asleep, Gwen kneeling on the floor with her head resting on the bed and Anne in a chair in the corner.
Anne is suddenly startled awake when someone begins to shake her. She opens her eyes and lifts her head to realise it is Gwen, who has a big smile on her face.
"Gwen?" She asks before glancing around Gwen and noticing that Tom's face is completely clear of any sickness. "Tom?!" She exclaims rushing over to him. "What happened?" Glancing between him and Gwen.
"I do not know! But is it not amazing!" Gwen cries. She leans forward to hug her father.
Anne, worried about how this could have happened, reaches over and touches her on the shoulder. "Maybe we should leave him to rest Gwen."
"Of course." She agrees. Gwen then moves to her own bed so that she can rest.
Anne waits till she is asleep before checking under Tom's pillow and notices a glowing poultice. Anne wants to check the magical signature of the poultice and quickly mutters something under her breath before her eyes flash gold. She then tucks it into the pocket (Amelia insisted pockets were necessary) of her dress. Someone had used magic to heal Tom she realises, though she is not sure who.
As she steps away to sneak back into her own home now that Tom is better. What she does not notice as she slipped out of the house is the poultice slipping from her pocket and onto the floor.
—
Amelia's POV
Amelia is walking along the corridors the next morning wondering if she can sneak into the Lower Town to see how Gwen's father is. Anne has been in an odd mood this morning and she wonders why though if Tom had died she probably would have told her. Amelia then hears screaming. She turns the corner and sees Arthur walking towards her and Guards behind him dragging Gwen down the Upper Corridor.
"No, please. You've got to listen to me! Please, I haven't done anything wrong! You have to listen to me, please! I am innocent, I swear! Let me go! I swear to you!" Gwen begs but no one was listening. Gwen turns her head and sees Merlin, who had approached behind her.
"Merlin! Merlin, please help me!" She begs him before turning to the Guards. "Why won't you listen to me?!" Gaius takes Merlin's arm and escorts him out of the corridor.
"Please listen to me!" Gwen begs, seeming to not notice Amelia watching in horror as she passes.
Amelia quickly walks towards Morgana's Chambers as that is the direction Gwen had come from.
"Morgana?" Amelia asks as she enters. Morgana is pacing around the room. "Why is Arthur arresting Gwen?"
"Arthur found a magical poultice in Gwen's house after seeing that her father has suddenly recovered, he has decided she is the sorcerer!" She explains.
Amelia then remembers what her brain has been trying to tell for hours. Merlin had gone to cure Gwen's father. The idiot! she wishes Merlin would have spoken to her about this! She could have done something. Not necessarily let Gwen's father die but make it so it would have been less obvious? Like cure more than one person?!
"We have to stand up for her." Amelia declares. Morgana nods, following her as she left the room.
—
As they enter, Anne having joined them on the way to the Council Chambers, they hear Gwen cry, "Why will no one believe me?! He got better, he just recovered. I didn't do anything!"
"We believe you." Morgana declares, the three of them stopping next to Gwen, who had been thrown to the floor. "Perhaps this is a disease that is not always fatal. Have you thought of that? Perhaps he recovered naturally."
"And what of this poultice that was found?" Uther asks.
Gwen grabs onto this, "What poultice? I don't know anything about a poultice!"
"It was found in your house. Undo this enchantment. Put an end to this contagion." Just because she 'healed' her father doesn't mean that she actually got her father ill. Could easily be someone else Uther. Amelia highly doubts that a sorceress that had caused a plague would be so obvious.
"I can't!" Gwen sobs.
"I will show you no mercy." Uther declares.
"I am not a witch. I don't know how to stop the illness!" Gwen says trying to persuade him.
"If you will not undo your sorcery, you force my hand and I must find you guilty..."
"But I told you, I..." Gwen interrupts.
But Uther continues as if he hadn't heard her. "It is therefore my duty to pronounce judgment. And under the circumstance, I have no choice but to sentence you to death."
"No." Gwen cries but he does not listen.
"I can only hope that when you die, this evil plague dies with you." This reminds Amelia of the witch trials where they drowned women to see if they were witches. Horrible as they are as it is gambling with someone's life and hoping for the best.
"No! No!" Gwen sobs.
"Take her away." Uther orders. Guards drag Guinevere, who is begging and saying she is innocent, backwards out of the room. Courtiers leave and Morgana and Amelia watch as Gwen gets dragged off. Anne follows after them.
Morgana then turns to Uther, "I know Gwen, she's my maidservant, not an enchantress."
"Have you ever seen an enchantress? Believe me, they bear no sign, no mark. There is no sense of evil in the eye."
"You see no sense of evil in her eyes because she is not!" Amelia insists.
Morgana persists, "I've seen the way the girl works. Her fingers are worn, her nails are broken. If she was a sorceress, why would she do this? Why would she kneel on a cold stone floor morning after morning when she could make these things happen with a snap of her fingers? Like an idle King!"
"You have no right!" Uther says angrily.
"You have no right to cast a judgement on that girl!" Amelia says, backing Morgana.
"I have a responsibility to take care of this Kingdom! I take no pleasure in this!" Stop acting as if you are the victim in this Uther.
"Killing all of them once you get a whiff of the possibility magic is not taking care!" Amelia says, her voice rising. Uther looks at her with an angry look on his face.
Before he can say anything to her, Morgana continues, "You're sentencing the wrong person!"
"They are right, Father. You hear the word magic, you no longer listen." Arthur pipes up.
"You saw it for yourself. She used enchantments." Uther argues.
"Yes, maybe. But to save her dying father, that doesn't make her guilty of creating a plague. One's the act of, of kindness, of love, the other of evil. I don't believe evil's in this girl's heart." Yes, Arthur defend your future wife.
"I have witnessed what witchcraft can do. I have suffered at its hand." That was somewhat your fault Uther. "I cannot take that chance. If there is the slightest doubt about this girl, she must die or the whole Kingdom may perish."
"I understand that—" Arthur tries.
"One day you may become King. Then you will understand. Such decisions must be made. There are dark forces that threaten this Kingdom." You're the dark force Uther.
"I know. Witchcraft is an evil, father. So is injustice." Amelia gives him a small smile. "Yes, I am yet to be King, and I don't know what kind of King I will be, but I do have a sense of the kind of Camelot I would wish to live in. It would be where the punishment fits the crime."
"I fear you're right. She's played with fire, and sadly she must die by fire." That is not what he was saying Uther.
"I mean she did not literally play with fire," Amelia says before she can stop herself. They all gave her incredulous looks, though you would think they'd be used to it by now.
Morgana grabs her arm, pulling her from the room and muttering, "Not helping!"
—
Merlin's POV
After talking to Gaius about how stupid he was, Merlin hurries to the Dungeons to see Gwen and he comes across a crying Morgana and Amelia going up the Wrought Iron Stairway. Amelia gives him a watery smile, her blue eyes full of unshed tears as she stops him before he passes, letting Morgana scurry ahead.
"Were you the one to cure her father Merlin?" Amelia asks quietly.
Merlin looks down guiltily before looking up, "Yes," He whispers.
"It's not your fault Merlin, but I wished you had spoken to me about what you were going to do," Amelia says.
"I did not know she would be blamed!" Merlin exclaims a little louder than he should, causing a Guard to glance at them. He blushes with embarrassment.
"Uther is not rational." Amelia quietly murmurs drawing his attention. "I do not know why he thinks the sorcerer who caused this would stay in Camelot. And just because someone supposedly used magic he assumes that she obviously caused this." She rolls her eyes. "I have to go to Morgana, but we need to do something."
Merlin nods thinking of his own plan that will not involve Amelia, who turns to hurry after Morgana.
"Gwen," Merlin whispers when he reaches her Cell door noticing Anne just sitting by the Cell door not saying anything other than being there for Gwen. Gwen tries to get to the Cell door, but her chains don't stretch that far. He can see she's been crying.
"Thank you." She says.
"What for?" Merlin asks.
"For coming to see me."
"Of course he'll come to see you, Gwen," Anne says. "You have lots of people who care for you."
Merlin nods. "I'm sorry." He says.
"It's not your fault," Gwen says firmly.
"Well..." Merlin says with a guilty look on his face.
"It's alright. Don't worry about me. There's no point crying about it. I mean... I mean, I'm not saying that you were going to cry about me. Obviously, I don't think that." Gwen rambles. Anne smiles at seeing Gwen ramble like she always does.
"Oh, Gwen. I can't have this happen." Merlin says.
"Please, one thing. You, you don't have to, but..." She trails off.
"What?" Merlin asks.
"Remember me."
"Of course we will Gwen," Anne says with a small smile.
"You're not going to die. I'm not going to let this happen." Merlin declares before turning away, Anne quickly scurries after him.
After catching up to him at the top of the stairs, Anne turns to him.
"I was there with them." Anne whispers, Merlin looks at her in feigned surprise though he does not think he did much of a good job as Anne continues. "I think Tom did not say anything to protect me as I probably should not have been in their house in the first place."
"That's kind of him," Merlin says.
"I wish he would not though, I do not want to see him lose his own daughter," Anne says quietly. "He has a son, but he has not seen him for years." She glances around. "The thing is, I found the poultice under his pillow and tried to hide it but I must have dropped it. I feel so stupid!"
"It's not your fault." Merlin insists before quickly leaving, rushing up the Wrought Iron Stairway more determined than ever to hand himself over.
—
Amelia's POV
After seeing that Morgana has fallen asleep, Amelia hurries to Gaius' Chambers to see what she can do to help Gwen. She feels guilty for not doing more to stop this. As Amelia walks in, she hears Merlin and Gaius arguing.
"What else could I do? It's my fault Gwen's going to die." Merlin persists.
"Yes, but you don't prove her innocence by offering to jump into the flames. You do it by finding out what's causing the disease!" Gaius argues.
"You did what?!" Amelia exclaims. The two of them spin around and look at her with varying degrees of emotion on their faces.
"Merlin thought it was a brilliant idea to offer himself as the sorcerer who did this to save Gwen!" Gaius explains. "The only thing that will save her is to understand the disease."
"Well, whatever it is, one thing's for sure: Arthur isn't going to find it. He thinks he is so sharp! But even when I told him I was a wizard, he still couldn't see it." Merlin complains.
"Sometimes they're pretty hard to spot," Gaius says sarcastically.
"Well, maybe I should go around wearing a pointy hat." Merlin jokes. Amelia can't help but snigger at that. He gives her a smile glad that she found his remark funny while Gaius definitely did not.
"I don't think you'll find one big enough. Anyway, forget that. If we're going to save Gwen, we have to find out what's contaminating the water." Gaius says grabbing a bucket and walks out of the room with Merlin and Amelia following after him.
—
Gaius, Merlin and Amelia enter the Underground Entrance to the water supply.
"Never been down here," Amelia whispers to Merlin. 'It's exciting."
Merlin looks around the Cavern in disdain and fear. "I would not say that." He mutters.
"Are you scared?" She asks teasingly.
"No!" Merlin exclaims a bit too defensively. To be honest Amelia is a little nervous herself, never been much of a fan of the dark.
After walking for a while they reach the water basin, Gaius turns to them, "The water from here supplies the whole town. Take a sample." Merlin puts a bottle in the water and collects some.
"Let's take it back and examine it," Gaius says. They all begin to turn away when suddenly a creature rears up out of the water. They spin around and it goes back in the water. Ah, she forgot about that. Going down here is no longer exciting.
"What the hell was that?" Gaius takes Merlin's arm so that he will follow as they all leave the Cavern.
—
They reach Gaius' Chambers and immediately begin to pour through his many books.
"Here," Gaius says after a short while. "It was an Afanc."
"An... a what?" Merlin stumbles in confusion.
"A beast born of clay and conjured up only by the most powerful sorcerer. Now we have to find a way to defeat it. But where?" Gaius asks before looking at shelves of many many books.
"Oh god," Amelia says in despair.
"That could take days," Merlin says agreeing with her. "Gwen'll be dead by then."
"Have you got a better idea?" Gaius asks not expecting an answer.
Merlin just turns and hurries out of the room and Amelia follows him.
"Merlin let me come with you!" Amelia calls.
"I don't know…" he says.
"Come on! I can tell you when you are being stupid."
"Fine." He concedes. "We'll go to see Gwen and then I'll introduce you to someone."
As they are crossing the Square, they see a pyre being built on their way to the Dungeons. When they walk up to the door they can see Gwen lying on the Cell floor.
"Gwen? I'm going to get you out. I will." Merlin says.
"We promise," Amelia says and they both leave not waiting for an answer.
—
When they reach the gate that closes off the stairs to the Dragon's Cave, Amelia quickly grabs Merlin's arm.
"There's nothing to be worried about." He says thinking that is why she stopped him.
"It's not that," Amelia says. "It's just that do you realise that is where the Dragon lives?" She knows he already knows that but she continues to play the ignorant card to see what he will say to her.
"Uh… yeah… I've met him," He says seeming a bit unsure now. "Do you not want to…?"
"No, it's alright. I've already met him." Amelia answers. He looks at her in surprise.
"You have?" He asks.
"I have been talking to him since I was a child." Amelia is happy she does not have to lie to him about this anymore.
"Oh." He says. "Well, you'll be more familiar with the way than I am." Amelia rolls her eyes before grabbing the torch from his hands and descending down the stairs. They reach the bottom of the stairs, step into the Cave and onto the podium. "Hello?" Merlin calls out.
"Hello." Kilgharrah flies down to his rock. "The great warlock returns, as I knew he would. And with the young one who has a destiny that has multiple paths with many turns." Merlin looks at her confused.
"Yeah, I do not know what he means either," Amelia says.
"I need to know how to defeat an Afanc," Merlin demands. Could say it a bit more nicely Merlin.
"Yes, I suppose you do."
Merlin turns to her, "Now I know where you get your attitude from."
Amelia elbows him in the side. "Be more polite Merlin," Amelia says.
"Will you help me?" Merlin asks trying to follow her advice.
"Trust the elements that are at your command," Kilgharrah says as clearly as he always does.
"Elements? But what is it I have to do?" Merlin demands, forgetting her advice.
"You cannot do this alone. You are but one side of a coin. Arthur is the other." What is she? Chopped liver?
"I, I don't understand. Just tell me what it is I have to do." Merlin says but Kilgharrah flies off. "No! Please, help me!"
"I have." Kilgharrah laughs.
"Oh, yeah, right. Thanks." Merlin says sarcastically.
"Now who has an attitude?" Amelia says teasingly, Merlin gives her a look. "He has actually told you what you need to do, you've just got to think. I know it is difficult for you." She gives him a cheeky smile.
—
They both hurry back to Gaius' Chambers to comb through any books that talk about elements to come up with an idea. They are frantically searching through books when Gaius enters. "Merlin, Amelia, what are you doing?" He asks.
"Looking for a book," Merlin answers unhelpfully.
Amelia sees Gaius' mouth open to ask another question. "A book on elements." Amelia quickly says hoping to clear up the confusion as soon as possible. "Though they seem to be in most of these no matter what subject."
"Well, the study of base elements is at the very heart of the scientific process," Gaius says.
"But how would they help me kill the Afanc?" Merlin cuts in.
"Well, the Afanc is a creature made from earth and water. That's two of the four base elements."
"What about the other two?" Merlin asks.
"Well, perhaps they will destroy it," Gaius says realising what Merlin is looking at. "You want fire. Wind and fire. How did you find this out?"
Amelia glances at Merlin. "Erm... I just knew, you know? One of my powers." He awkwardly answers. Amelia doesn't know why Merlin does not initially tell Gaius about the Dragon. He already knows about his magic.
"What else do your powers tell you?" Did he actually believe that?
"That I am only one side of a coin. The brighter side, obviously." Merlin cheekily answers.
Amelia swats him on the shoulder. "Honestly Merlin." She says chuckling.
"And who's the other side?" Gaius asks.
"I think that might be Arthur."
Morgana and Anne suddenly enter the room. "They're bringing forward the execution. We have to prove Gwen's innocence." Morgana informs them.
"We're trying," Gaius says.
"Please, just tell us what we can do to help," Anne begs.
"We need Arthur," Merlin says.
"Arthur?" Morgana asks.
"There's a monster, an Afanc, in the water supply. That's what's causing the plague." Amelia says.
"Well, we must tell Uther," Morgana says.
"The Afanc's a creature forged by magic. Telling Uther wouldn't save Gwen. He'd just blame her for conjuring it." Gaius the voice of reason.
"He's so logical," Amelia says sarcastically.
"So what are we to do?" Anne asks.
"We need to destroy it. Then the plague will stop and Uther may see sense." Merlin says.
"And that's why you need Arthur." Morgana realises.
"He's our best chance. But he won't want to disobey the King." Merlin says.
"Leave that to me." Morgana declares. She exits. Gaius gives Merlin the keys to the water supply tunnels and Anne and Amelia follow him. They leave to go to the Square to wait for Morgana and Arthur.
—
Morgana and Arthur walk into the Square to where Merlin, Anne and Amelia stand. Arthur draws his sword as he passes, all of them forming a group and when they reach the Cavern, they open the tunnel door and Arthur lights a torch before they descend.
Merlin turns to Amelia as they follow behind the others, "I'm more nervous now knowing that something is crawling about down here."
"I know. Now that I remember it." Amelia says not really thinking about what she is saying.
"What do you mean?" Merlin asks.
"Nothing," Amelia says picking up her pace to walk with Morgana.
"You'd better be right about this, Merlin," Arthur says as they walk further in.
They then all hear a low growl. Amelia gasps along with Morgana despite herself.
"You two should stay here," Arthur says.
"We are coming with you." Morgana states.
"No."
"Scared we'll show you up?" Amelia asks.
"Father will slam us all in chains if he knew I'd endangered the two of you," Arthur says.
"Well good thing he doesn't know about it then," Morgana says sassily.
"I'm telling you, Morgana, Amelia, turn back. You could get hurt." Arthur says.
"You could too... if you don't get out of our way," Amelia says sliding past him with a sniggering Morgana following behind. She catches Merlin and Anne's amused faces. Arthur rolls his eyes.
"How are we going to find it?" Morgana asks.
"I just hope we do before it finds us." Merlin answers. Arthur suddenly spins around. "Stop."
"What?" Merlin asks.
"It's just a shadow," Arthur says. They keep moving and reach the water source. "Spread out."
They all split up. As Amelia walks away, she hears a growl and Arthur swiping his torch. She rushes over to him with everyone doing the same.
"What is it? Are you alright?" Morgana asks in rapid succession.
"Yeah." Arthur answers.
"Did you see it?" Merlin asks.
"Yes," Arthur says.
"What did it look like?" Anne asks this time.
"It... it's quick." Thank you Arthur that is really helpful.
The Afanc then comes up in front of Morgana, who screams. Arthur goes for it, but it disappears again.
"Where is it?" Arthur asks frantically.
"I think it's gone this way!" They all walk to where Merlin thought the Afanc went. The Afanc comes slowly around the corner into full view. Arthur swings at it and loses his sword. It also swipes away Morgana's torch. Arthur circles it with a torch.
"Arthur, use the torch!" Arthur swings and Merlin then mutters, "Lyfte ic þe in balwen ac forhienan." The spell blows flames into the Afanc, incinerating it.
Amelia quickly grabs Merlin to give him a hug. "Well done," Amelia whispers in his ear.
"Thank you." He says. As they pull away, Amelia notices Anne is staring at Merlin with a frown on her face and she realises that Anne was also standing near Merlin when he cast the spell. She hopes she hadn't heard.
—
They reach the Dungeons after Uther had declared that Gwen is innocent so as to be there for when she is released. A Guard opens Gwen's Cell and Gwen's father is the first to enter with Merlin, Morgana, Anne and Amelia following suit.
"Dad!" Gwen cries. They hug. "Oh, my little child!" Tom cries. Gwen reaches to grasp Morgana and Amelia's hands.
"Thank you!" She says.
"Don't thank us. It was more Merlin." Amelia says.
"Really?" Gwen asks in surprise.
"He's the real hero here," Morgana says with a big smile on her face.
"I don't know what to say," Gwen says.
Merlin shrugs embarrassed, "I didn't do anything."
"I'm- I'm grateful to you all. Come on, Gwen." Tom says, he and Gwen leave. Morgana, Anne, Merlin and Amelia are still in the Cell.
"Merlin," Morgana calls to him causing him to turn around from watching Gwen and her father leave. "I wanted you to know, your secret's safe with me." Oh god. She doesn't think she can bear to listen to this bit. She thinks of how much the second hand embarrassment she felt watching this.
"My secret?" Merlin asks.
"Merlin, don't pretend. I know what you did." Morgana says seriously. Amelia doesn't blame Merlin for misinterpreting her here.
"You do?" Merlin asks in surprise.
"I saw it with my own eyes." Amelia looks over to see Anne watching the scene with a frown on her face. She clearly is not happy with what is going on here.
"You did?" Merlin asks.
"I understand why you don't anyone to know." Oh, Morgana.
"Well, obviously." Merlin chuckles.
"But I won't tell anyone. You don't mind me talking to you about it?"
"Er... no. I, I, it's, er... you have no idea how hard it is to keep this hidden." Thank you, Merlin. Amelia thought she was being helpful support.
"Well, you can continue to deny it, but I think Gwen's a very lucky woman," Morgana says.
"Gwen?" Merlin asks in confusion.
Morgana puts her finger to her lips, "It's our secret." Morgana smiles as she leaves and Amelia shakes her head laughing as she walks away with her.
Merlin's POV
Merlin sighs closing his eyes.
"I suppose that did not go how you thought?" Anne asks. Merlin jumps having forgotten she is there.
"Uh- No." He says embarrassed. How could have he misinterpreted what she was saying?
"I think I know what secret you thought she was talking about," Anne says nervously.
"What?" Merlin asks with cautious surprise.
"Could I talk to you later somewhere private?" Anne asks.
"Um…o-okay" Merlin stumbles. Anne smiles slightly before slipping out of the Cells leaving Merlin on his own.
—
Anne's POV
When Anne enters Gaius' Chambers, she can see that Merlin and Gaius have just finished eating their evening meal. "I hope I am not interrupting." She says when they notice her.
"No my dear. You have come at the right time." Gaius says smiling kindly. "I understand you wanted to talk to Merlin about something. Is it alright if I stay?"
"Y-yes that's fine. You p-probably already know about e-everything." Anne stammers. After an awkward pause, she realises she should probably say something. "Anyway, when we were defeating the afanc I heard and saw what you did."
"You know I have magic," Merlin says quietly feeling very nervous now.
"Yes. But do not worry I will not say anything!" She quickly says. "T-there's something I want to tell you." She looks over her shoulder as if someone is behind them watching before looking down at her hand and mutters a spell before opening both her eyes and hand so that Gaius and Merlin can see the flash of gold in her eyes as well as the flame that appears in her hand.
"You have magic!" Merlin exclaims.
"Merlin be quiet!" Gaius says looking concerned with how loudly Merlin had spoken.
"Sorry Gaius," Merlin mutters before turning to Anne who has been awkwardly standing there. "Can you tell me what spell you used?"
Anne smiles, "Forbærnen." Merlin smiles and tries it himself and got it on the second try. He laughs. "This is amazing!" He says. "How long have you been practising magic?"
"Since I was a young child. Gaius saved me when I was a toddler from being burnt like my parents were during the great purge." She smiles thankfully to Gaius, who has just sat watching their exchange with a small smile on his face.
Merlin spins around in surprise. "You?! But you could have put yourself in danger!"
"I have helped a few people escape Uther's rage, Merlin," Gaius says. "More than you know."
Merlin quickly turns back to Anne not putting any more thought into what Gaius says. "This is brilliant. You can help me so much! Why have you not told Amelia?"
"Amelia knows?" Anne asks in surprise, she knows about Amelia and Morgana's dreams but did not think either of them knew anything.
"Yes! She learnt about my magic when she saw me save Arthur from Lady Helen- well the woman pretending to be her." Merlin says.
"Oh," Anne says. "Maybe I should. She has not said a word about you so she seems like she can be trusted and I know that sounds stupid as I have known her for years but this is risky. If she told the King would never believe me over her." She smiles at the two men before turning around and walking to Amelia's Chambers to wait for when Amelia returns from having her meal with the King, Arthur and Morgana.
—
Amelia's POV
After a while, Amelia enters her Chambers. "Ah, Anne there you are. I think I am just going to go to bed straight away and not stay up reading." She had begun to take off different pieces of jewellery as she was saying this, not noticing how Anne shuffles and fidgets.
After no response, Amelia looks up and notices the state Anne is in. "Anne? Is everything alright?"
"Amelia, I- there's something I need to tell you." Anne stammers.
"What is it? You can tell me anything." Amelia says in what she hopes is an encouraging voice.
"I—" Anne begins before stopping as if she cannot work out what to say before, "Forbærnen."
Amelia stares in amazement at the small flame in Anne's hand. "Oh…" is all that Amelia says. Anne closes her eyes seemingly worried about what would happen next. "That's beautiful," Amelia continues. Anne relaxes and opens her eyes and before she can stop her, Amelia touches the flame.
"Ow!" Amelia exclaims. "That hurt." She pouts before putting her finger in her mouth.
Anne laughs at what she sees. "Just because it does not hurt me does not mean it will not hurt you." She says once she can stop laughing.
"Oh, now you tell me," Amelia says in mock anger.
"You did not give me a chance!" Anne responds chuckling. "So you do not hate me?"
This causes Amelia to sober up. "Of course not! Wait does this mean you heard Merlin? Does he know about you too?"
"Yes. He's the one that encouraged me to tell you. Gaius knows as well but he probably always suspected, he saved me from the fate that met my parents."
"Oh, I'm so sorry." Amelia frowns. "How long have you…"
Anne interrupts before she can finish, clearly knowing what she is going to ask. "Since I was a child."
"Mmm… apparently Merlin has been able to use magic since before he could crawl."
"What?! He was born with it?" Anne asks in surprise. Merlin had clearly not told her this.
"Oh my god! You should meet the Dragon!" Amelia suddenly says. Anne looks like she can't keep up with every bit of new information Amelia says.
"The Dragon- there's actually a Dragon below the Castle?!"
"Yes! I have met him. So has Merlin." Amelia answers. "And Gaius probably." She adds.
"Really?"
"Yes. Now I am sure we can talk more but I think I should put my finger in some cool water." Amelia puts her finger back in her mouth now remembering the pain.
"Yes of course. I'll arrange for someone to bring that to you and then I'll help you get ready for bed." Anne says before stepping away.
"Oh, Anne?" Amelia calls before Anne can leave. "I will not tell anyone about you."
"I know that now," Anne says looking lighter. It makes Amelia happy to know that Anne will not feel so alone now.
—
A/N:
What I don't get is that while they prove that Gwen did not cause the plague, they did not prove whether she cured her father with magic or not. So did Uther assume that if she did not cause the plague she must not have magic and not be able to heal her father and Tom just somehow got better? I dunno, I didn't bother changing that and just went with it.
I hope you like that last part. I always worry how good the parts of these chapters that deviate from the episode are any good and fit with the rest of the episode. I hope I am fitting Amelia, as well as Anne, well in the story.