Amelia's POV
Arthur and Merlin leave Camelot with a bunch of Knights to go search Idirsholas after smoke was seen rising from the Citadel, a Citadel that hasn't been entered in 300 years. Considering the legend is that when the fires of Idirsholas burn, the Knights of Medhir will ride again, it's a cause for worry.
Morgana had found a little box on her window ledge, with a note placed inside to which she shows Amelia as it is addressed to the two of them. Amelia quickly reads it when given to her.
"My dearest Morgana and Amelia, Meet me tonight after sundown in the woods outside the Castle gates. I will wait for you both by the marked and distinctive oak trees. Until then, keep well."
"Who do you think this is?" Amelia asks Morgana.
"I do not know but perhaps we should have a look?" The woman suggests.
"But this could be anyone! We do not know if this is safe!" Amelia argues. The "My dearest" might imply well but they have no idea if this is a trap or not.
"But it could be important. We have to take this chance!" Morgana insists.
"Fine, I'm going but only to keep an eye on you," Amelia replies. Morgana sends her an amused smirk.
—
Amelia and Morgana sneak out of the Castle at night to meet the mysterious stranger in the woods. They reach the spot, look around and it is only when Amelia turns around does she see Morgause standing there. Amelia relaxes at the sight of her other sister despite not knowing her well.
"Morgause," She breathes.
"You both look well," Morgause says with a smile, walking over to them and taking one hand from both of them to hold in hers.
Amelia smiles at her. "Thanks to you." She touches the enchanted bracelet Morgause gave her and sees Morgana do the same for her own. Amelia feels incredibly grateful to Morgause. "We wear them all the time. We can't remember when we last had a bad dream."
"Neither of you seem happy. Why is that?" Morgause questions concerned.
"I would be if we didn't have to pretend," Morgana replies.
"Pretend?"
"That I'm Uther's loving ward when I hate him," Morgana says, her tone full of venom. While Amelia agrees with her, the amount of hatred in Morgana's tone shocks her.
"What about you Amelia?" Morgause asks worriedly.
"His actions have been despicable," Amelia replies. She doesn't respond with the same strength as Morgana as she is still curious about what Morgause has to say.
Morgause walks around them, causing the two of them to turn. "Have you ever imagined a new world, Morgana, Amelia? One where Uther was no more?"
"Sometimes," Amelia replies. Of course she had but she's unsure because of all she has done with Merlin and Anne, keeping Uther alive until Arthur is ready, which isn't yet despite her anger at Uther.
"And is that what both of you would like?"
"I once had the chance to be his assassin," Morgana admits instead. Amelia feels the anger build up inside her because of the memory of Gwen's father's murder.
"And what stopped you?" Morgause asks curiously.
"I don't know. I believe he cared for me. But not anymore. He cares for no one."
"So, you want Uther destroyed and his reign to end?"
"Perhaps," Amelia replies. The whole conversation is making her nervous. "But it doesn't matter what we want. The future's not of our making." She is trying to waylay Morgause a bit.
"You are wrong, Amelia. You underestimate your importance." Morgause circles round them again, causing them to turn, as she speaks. "The decisions you make now will change the shape of everything that is to come."
"What do you mean?" Amelia asks. Suppose she's right about the decisions she makes. Maybe Amelia is being too cowardly – not doing enough. Alvarr had shown her that she needs to do more than she has. This waiting is harming everyone.
"Whose side are you on, Morgana, Amelia? Are you with Uther? Or are you with me? Are you both prepared to help me bring about his downfall?" Morgause asks. Amelia feels panicked at the strong declaration. Is she?
"We are." Morgana declares. Amelia is alarmed as she doesn't know what Morgana has just agreed to for them. Shouldn't they know the plan first?
"I can't tell you how much it means to hear you say that." Morgause puts her hands on their cheeks then her eyes glow. What hold—
It goes dark before Amelia can finish the thought.
—
The next morning, Amelia finds herself waking up in her bed. She looks around confused, wondering how she got here last night.
"Amelia?" She's startled by Anne's voice and looks up to see said woman standing by the bed.
"Yes?" Amelia can't remember how she got here though but sees she's dressed for bed and the sheets are creased from her sleeping in them.
"Did you sleep well?" Anne asks through a big yawn.
"Yes," Amelia mutters, still trying to piece together what she last remembers. She notices Anne yawning. "Better than you, by the looks of it."
"Sorry." Anne sighs. "Let's get you dressed." She walks away to the wardrobe.
—
Throughout the day, Anne just keeps on getting worse, so Amelia sends her off to Gaius despite her protests.
But for the rest of the day, the entire Kingdom begins to fall asleep. The Knights, the Guards, the servants, Gwen, Anne, Gaius and Uther. Amelia and Morgana are the only ones awake.
Morgana paces worriedly in Amelia's Chambers. "What are we going to do, Amelia?"
Amelia is staring out her window before turning to Morgana. "I don't know. I just- I don't know."
"There must be something we can do!" Morgana exclaims.
"There's still Arthur and Merlin. As well as all the Knights they took with them, maybe they'll be able to help." Amelia suggests.
Morgana nods with a sigh. "I feel so useless."
"Me too." Amelia feels it even more so as she can no longer get hints on what is going to happen.
There is a sudden noise coming from the hallway, and they both stiffen.
"Amelia...?" Morgana quietly murmurs.
"Quick behind the curtain." Amelia grabs a sword and they quickly hide. Two people enter from what Amelia can hear and she tightens her grip on the sword, ready to jump out and surprise them.
Amelia hears someone stepping closer to where they are hiding and she takes her chance and jumps out, swinging the sword, which makes contact with another. Amelia gapes when she realises who's in front of her.
"Arthur!" She yelps, dropping her sword.
"Amelia!" Arthur exclaims, sheathing his sword.
"Arthur?" Morgana says as she steps out from behind the curtain.
"Morgana?" He asks, frowning in confusion.
"Merlin!" Merlin calls out causing the other three to stare at him. Amelia feels herself smile a little.
Arthur shakes his head at him before turning to the two women. "What's happened?"
"People were complaining, saying they weren't feeling well." Amelia answers. "And then, for whatever reason, they started falling asleep. Everyone, everywhere we went."
"Was someone here?" He asks. Morgana and Amelia shake their heads.
"Then why were you hiding?"
"We didn't know who you were," Morgana replies.
"Where's my father?" Arthur demands.
"We don't know."
"She's right when everyone was falling asleep, we hid," Amelia adds. She doesn't like how demanding Arthur is being.
"But both of you were awake, you must have seen something," Arthur argues.
"We told you we didn't see anything. We were in here!" Amelia counters.
"You saw people getting sick, what did you do?"
"What could we do?!" Morgana exclaims.
"I don't understand. Why is it that you two are the only people awake?" Arthur says.
"How are we to know?" Amelia retorts. "Trust us, Arthur, we have no idea what's going on here either."
Arthur hesitates then nods. "We need to find my father." They all nod and follow him out of the room.
—
Arthur, Merlin, Amelia and Morgana walk down the Upper Corridor.
"Don't worry, I won't say anything," Merlin says once Arthur is far enough ahead.
"About what?" Morgana asks.
"The illness."
"What's that got to do with us? We haven't done anything." Amelia wonders.
"No, of course not, but you both have magic."
"You haven't told anyone that!" Morgana panics. The three of them stop still. Amelia hopes he hasn't considering she's kept his secret for so long.
"No, and I won't tell Arthur, but..." Merlin insists. "...there must be something keeping you two safe, and I think that must be it."
Amelia frowns. No that doesn't make any sense. "But—"
"I found him!" Arthur's distant voice yells.
—
They burst into Uther's Chambers to find Arthur lifting his father from his slumped position over the table. Amelia isn't surprised to see that the man tried to work despite feeling unwell.
Arthur nudges his face. "Father."
"See, he's all right," Merlin says.
Arthur grabs both of Uther's cheeks in one hand and points it at the rest of them. "He is not "all right"." In any other situation, Amelia would find this hilarious.
"He's just asleep," Merlin argues as Arthur rolls his eyes as he lets his father go and Uther slumps on the table once more. "All we have to do is find the cure. A way to wake them."
"Who could have done this?" Arthur mutters before turning to the two sisters who had not spoken. "Amelia, Morgana, you're the only ones who've not been affected. There must be a reason."
Amelia and Morgana glance at each other before looking at Merlin for help but he just stares back. Amelia honestly doesn't know what is going on. She suspects it is not their magic but she also has no idea what's going on and doesn't know what to say.
Morgana also looks panicked. "...I don't know."
"That's all you keep saying!" Arthur exclaims, walking over to the two of them. "You must know something!"
"Arthur, we told you, they just fell asleep one by one!" Amelia cries. Why do they have to know something?!
"It's obvious." Merlin buts in, they all turn to look at him. "When they started feeling sick, Gaius gave them a potion, right?" Amelia looks at him confused.
"When were they sick? They never said that." Arthur replies.
"They were one of the first ones to be affected. Somehow the potion must have helped." Merlin continues.
"What about everyone else?" Merlin struggles to answer as Amelia and Morgana look on in desperation.
"By then Gaius was too ill. He didn't have a chance to treat anyone else." Merlin answers. Amelia feels relieved.
"Go and see if you can find this potion." Arthur orders. Amelia can't believe he fell for Merlin's lie. "I'll search for signs of life in the Lower Town." Amelia watches as Merlin leaves, hopefully he'll check his magic books for an answer. "Morgana, Amelia, you stay here. You look after my father. Keep him safe. Here." Arthur hands Morgana a sword as Amelia still holds hers. "Protect him with your life, you understand?" The two nod and Arthur leaves.
The two women sit in silence, too shaken about what is happening to talk. Amelia notes how ironic this is, them being left with Uther after declaring they want him gone.
—
Merlin and Arthur burst into Uther's Chambers after a while. Amelia and Morgana have not moved nor spoken since they left, too lost in their own thoughts.
"This will be one of the first places they look. We have to get him somewhere else." Arthur says.
"What's going on?" Morgana asks.
"We're under attack." Arthur grabs Uther under his arms and drags out of his chair. Oh no, they're far too vulnerable right now. "No time to explain. Grab his legs, carry him." Merlin grabs Uther's legs to carry him but Uther is still half on the floor. "You're not meant to be sweeping the floor with him! Pick his feet up!"
"His feet aren't the problem." Merlin retorts.
"Morgana, give him a hand. Amelia, you be the lookout." Arthur tells them. Morgana puts her sword down and grabs another one of Uther's legs and Amelia holds up her sword, taking a deep breath.
They manage to get him out into the corridor with Amelia leading them. Uther is snoring and Merlin must have an amused look on his face or something as Arthur tells him, "It is not funny, Merlin. Did you find the potion Morgana and Amelia took?"
Amelia tenses as Merlin replies, "Er... no."
—
Amelia opens the door to Arthur's Chambers and holds it open for Arthur, Merlin, and Morgana to drag Uther into the room. Merlin and Morgana drop his legs and Amelia shuts the door.
"We can't leave him here! We have to lift him onto the bed." Arthur declares as he still holds his father's arms.
"He's fine, he's asleep so who's going to know?" Amelia remarks.
"Amelia!"
"Well... I'll get him a pillow." Merlin darts to the bed.
"He's the King!" Arthur exclaims.
"All right. Two pillows." Arthur drops Uther's arms in annoyance.
Amelia tries not to laugh but when Arthur staggers as he stands up after he and Merlin have put pillows under Uther's head, Amelia feels dread pool in the bottom of her stomach as she watches them as Merlin looks no better.
"You alright?" Merlin asks Arthur.
"Are you feeling the same?" Arthur wonders.
"We're getting sick," Merlin concludes. If Merlin is sick then his summary that magic is what is keeping them safe doesn't hold up. What is keeping Amelia and Morgana safe?
"We can't let that happen." Arthur declares. "We must keep my father hidden."
"Why don't we disguise him?" Merlin suggests.
"That might just work."
"We could dress him as a woman."
Arthur frowns. "That, on the other hand..."
"I don't know, I think he'd look quite fetching." Amelia tries to joke. She gets a raised eyebrow from Arthur and a small smile from the others.
"We could dress him as a servant," Merlin suggests then.
"That's better," Arthur says.
"I'll get him some clothes." Merlin leaves the room. Amelia watches him worriedly but knows he has his magic to protect him.
"Are you alright, Morgana? You seem quiet." Arthur says. Amelia had noticed this as well but to be honest, can't blame her.
"I'm fine." Morgana replies but Amelia can tell she doesn't mean it.
"You sure? I can always tell when you're lying." Arthur replies. "Don't worry. I won't let any harm come to him." He is right that Morgana is not okay but Amelia knows that it isn't because she's worried about Uther.
—
Merlin's POV
Merlin hides from the undead Knights wandering through the Castle. He goes down to the Dragon's Cave, hoping he'll provide some answers to what is going on.
"What's going on?! Why is everyone asleep?!" Merlin demands. The Dragon is curled up on his rock and is snoring. "Please not you as well. I need your help! What am I going to do?!" It clicks then that it's all a pretence. "Don't pretend. I know you're listening to me."
The Dragon sits up yawning. "I don't need to listen to you, Merlin. You always say the same thing: "Help me". And yet you refuse to give anything in return. Now you will face the consequence of that decision. Camelot's end is nigh, and there's nothing you can do about it."
It takes Merlin swearing on his mother's life for the Dragon to agree to help him.
"It is one thing to cast a spell that puts everyone to sleep. The power to maintain it is a very different matter. It will need more than just words to break this enchantment." The Dragon explains.
"What do you mean?" Merlin asks desperately.
"You must eradicate the source, Merlin."
"Great. What is that?"
"Not 'what', but who," The Dragon reveals. "Such spells need a vessel. A constant living presence to give them strength. The source of this pestilence is the Seer, the Lady Amelia."
Merlin's stomach drops all the way to the floor. "It can't be. Amelia would never harm Camelot."
"That is true." The Dragon agrees. "But she is easily influenced, a strong loyalty to the Lady Morgana. She has been tricked into becoming the vessel for this spell, yet she is unaware of it."
"Well, how do I stop her?" Merlin asks, fear creeping up inside of him.
"That is easy, young warlock." The Dragon answers. "You must kill her."
Merlin steps back as if the words had burned him. "No! I won't!"
"The spell is woven with magic of such power that even you are not immune," The Dragon warns. "You must act now, before it's too late."
"I cannot do that to her," Merlin says fiercely. "I won't!"
"I understand she's your friend, young warlock. But all of Camelot is not worth it." The Dragon replies.
"She's also Anne's friend and I cannot do that to her!" Merlin cries. "You said it yourself, she didn't do this intentionally, she was tricked! Does she deserve to die for it?"
"No, she does not. But the action has already been taken, it is too late. If you do not stop her, then Camelot will fall and Arthur will die. And the future you were destined to share, will die with you." The Dragon argues.
"But you said that Amelia is on two paths!" Merlin tries again, anything to dispel the horrible truth that he will not let himself agree to. "This cannot mean that she's become dark for certain."
"How do you know that this isn't where her destiny is supposed to end?" The Dragon asks. "You must do it, young warlock. For your sake, her sake, and Camelot's."
—
Amelia's POV
After a while, Arthur leaves the room in search of Merlin. Morgana begins to look tired.
"Morgana, are you alright?" Amelia asks concerned.
"I feel a bit tired, it's nothing." Morgana dismisses as she sits down.
Amelia frowns. She still feels fine and how did it take Morgana so long to be affected? But Morgana could be tired from dragging Uther around, which Amelia hasn't been doing.
Nothing else is said until Merlin re-enters on his own with a bag.
"We were worried about you," Morgana says to him
"They're here! They're in the Castle!" Merlin tells them as he runs over to Uther.
"Where's Arthur?"
"Gone to find somewhere safe to move to." Amelia doesn't like the fact that Merlin isn't looking directly at either of them.
"Thank you for not saying anything to him," Amelia says, hoping he'll look at her. His attitude is unnerving her.
"It's all right." Merlin dismisses without looking at them, focusing on what he is doing.
"You're a good friend," Amelia adds. Merlin eventually turns then and Amelia is unsure on how to interrupt his expression.
Arthur enters and runs over to grab his father. "We have to move my father before Morgause gets here." Merlin joins him.
Amelia's eyes widen and Morgana gasps, "Morgause!" The two share a glance and the both of them come to the same conclusion.
"Come on! Let's go!" Arthur urges, snapping them out of it. Morgana grabs the other leg and Amelia opens the door, sword in hand.
"Neither of you are surprised?" She hears Merlin ask Morgana. Amelia doesn't like the accusation.
"No, we are." Morgana quickly answers.
Amelia is worried. Was all of this part of Morgause's plan? They had said they'd be on Morgause's side so that's probably why they had not been affected before though Amelia doesn't understand that while Morgana has begun to feel the effects, Amelia hasn't. None of it is what she wants. She doesn't want Arthur, Gwen, Anne, Gaius or Merlin harmed.
—
"Should be safe in here for a while," Arthur says as they drag Uther into a servant's Chamber.
They drop Uther on the low bed. Merlin and Arthur sit down looking even more exhausted. Morgana slumps on the bed feeling tired but looks way more alert and okay and Amelia stands at the window unaffected by the spell.
"Must be the potion Gaius gave them."Arthur comments.
"Yeah, must be the potion." Merlin agrees but there's something in his tone that rubs Amelia the wrong way.
"We can't keep this up much longer." Arthur points out.
"I know." Merlin agrees. "Wait. We're in a servant's quarters. If we leave him here, they'll just think he's a servant."
"Not if Morgause sees him. We need to get him out of Camelot." Arthur corrects.
"When we arrived, there was a cart in the Main Square, remember?" Merlin says to Arthur.
"You are full of good ideas today, Merlin." Arthur pats Merlin on the shoulder. "You go and look."
Merlin looks reluctant but goes. Amelia, Morgana and Arthur fashion a sledge out of the sheets to try and move Uther better.
"They're closing in! We won't make it to the cart, not carrying Uther." Merlin announces as he runs back in.
"That's why we've made this. We're gonna pull him." Arthur declares, gesturing to the sledge that Uther now lies on. Arthur peeks out of the servant's Chamber to check the coast is clear, but runs back drawing his sword and hides behind a column. "Get down. Keep quiet."
Amelia, Merlin and Morgana hide behind another column. An undead Knight enters and Arthur attacks.
"Protect the King! Get him out of here!" Arthur cries.
Merlin and Morgana drag Uther out of the room and down the Upper Corridor with Amelia following them with a sword in her hand. Amelia sees an undead Knight pursuing them.
"Come on!" Amelia urges but then Morgana trips and falls.
"Amelia! Merlin!" Morgana yells fearfully.
"Keep going," Amelia tells Merlin, which he does and she rushes forward to protect Morgana, who is able to get away and follows Merlin, but Amelia gets disarmed and knocked down.
Amelia watches frightened as the Knight goes to strike her. She screams and cowers on the floor. The undead Knight stops and looks at her as if trying to recognise her, then goes after Merlin and Morgana. Amelia gapes after it in surprise. Why didn't it kill her? What has Morgause done?
Arthur then appears. "What are you doing, Amelia? Come on."
Amelia lets Arthur pull her up and they head after Merlin, Morgana and the Knight. They had pulled Uther into the Red Ribbon Corridor but the Knight has caught up with them. Arthur jumps in to fight it and kicks the Knight down a spiral set of stairs.
—
They dart into the Council Chambers.
"Merlin, help me." Arthur orders. Merlin and Arthur bar the door but slump on the door and Amelia can also see that Morgana is sitting on the floor tired. "Amelia, Morgana, we need the remedy that Gaius gave you. Amelia. Morgana."
"We don't have it." Morgana insists wearily.
"I know that, but you must remember what it was, what was in it?" Arthur pleads. Amelia looks to Merlin but he seems to refuse to look at her.
"Arthur—" Amelia starts.
"Come on, Amelia, Morgana! We can't keep going much longer! Think!"
"I'm sorry! I..." Morgana stumbles.
Finally, Merlin helps them. "It doesn't matter. We can't get it now anyway, we're trapped."
"Also, if you can't tell already but Morgana is exhausted so clearly it isn't a long term solution or it doesn't work on everybody," Amelia argues. Honestly, she's confused as to why it's only her that is unaffected.
"There has to be something we can do!" Arthur cries in frustration, walking away.
Merlin walks over to Amelia, gasping, "I saw what happened with that Knight. Why didn't it kill you?"
"How am I supposed to know, Merlin?" Amelia snaps getting fed up with his attitude. "I do not know what's going on here!"
Merlin reluctantly nods.
"Unless we can rid ourselves of this sickness, then I don't see how we're going to hold out," Arthur says, wandering back over to them.
"We have to destroy the source of the magic," Merlin tells them.
"Which is?"
Amelia thinks Merlin looks at her then but she can't be sure before he turns to everyone and says, "I don't know."
"Our only chance is to get out of Camelot." Arthur declares. "Help me with my father."
Amelia nudges Morgana. "Morgana, they need our help."
"I can't, Amelia. I—" Morgana looks incredibly exhausted and looks a second away from dropping off.
"You stay here," Amelia reassures.
"Amelia!" Arthur yells. Amelia goes over to him and the two of them drag Uther closer to his usual seat, away from the door.
"You cut the blanket up with Merlin as Morgana won't be any help. We'll tie it to my father, and we'll lower him onto the cart." Arthur instructs before walking away.
"Arthur..."
"Amelia, please just do as I say." Arthur drags Merlin over to the door. "I'll fetch the cart 'round to the window." They both slump against the door.
"You're going out there? I'll come with you." Merlin argues.
"No. No, you stay. You protect my father." Arthur protests though he looks like he doesn't have the strength to.
"You won't reach the cart alone. It's suicide." Merlin argues, not looking much better.
"We have no choice." Arthur declares.
Merlin slumps even more. "How you feeling?"
"Not bad." Lie.
"You sure?"
"Yeah, you?"
"Never better."
"Get me a pillow, could you," Arthur mumbles, eyes closed.
"Don't mess around. Arthur you... Arthur? You need to stay awake." Merlin smacks him.
It wasn't the nicest way to wake him up but it works and Arthur straightens up and pulls away from the door yelling, "Merlin!"
"That's better!"
"If you ever do that again..." Arthur threatens.
"Well, don't fall asleep, then!" Merlin counters.
Arthur takes the water skin from Merlin and splashes his face with it. Amelia flinches as the undead Knights growl outside the door.
"That your knees again?" Arthur remarks, an inside joke that Amelia doesn't understand. Arthur and Merlin unbar the door. Merlin holds onto the plank of wood.
"If I need a servant in the next life..." Arthur starts as he leans against the door, gathering his strength.
"Don't ask me." Merlin finishes. Amelia can't help but smile at the two of them.
"Ha-ha!" Arthur draws his sword and jumps out into the corridor. Merlin re-bars the door.
"He's not going to survive out there." Amelia unnecessarily warns tearfully.
"I know," Merlin says, not looking at her.
"We've got to do something Merlin!" Amelia protests. "What good are we in here?!"
He looks at her then. "I know."
"Can't you do anything?" Amelia asks him pointedly as he walks past her to where Uther lies.
"No, I can't." Merlin glances at Morgana. Amelia follows his gaze and sees that Morgana looks like she's fully falling asleep.
"Morgana!" Amelia cries. She runs over to her and shakes her.
"I'm awake," Morgana mumbles sitting up.
"Please I cannot lose you," Amelia says.
Morgana holds her hand. "You won't."
Merlin tosses them Uther's dragging cloth. "Here. You tear this up. I'll make some rope."
Amelia nods as she begins to do what he says and hands some to Morgana to hopefully keep her awake. Amelia is panicked and afraid of what's happening. She really wishes she hadn't been dragged into this.
She's snapped out of her thoughts by Merlin offering her the water skin. "Here, have some water."
Amelia shakes her head. "I'm not thirsty."
"If we get out of here, you may not get another chance to drink." Merlin insists.
Why is he urging her so much? Oh god, she remembers now what her notes said when she once dared to peep further, Merlin's actions had triggered the memory. Didn't it say that Merlin poisoned Morgana because she's the source of the sleep spell? But this time it can't be Morgana, not with how drowsy she now is so it has to be Amelia. She's the source. Amelia shakes the thoughts from her head. It can't be true.
"If we get out of here," Morgana mutters drowsily.
Arthur's yelling draws their attention. Amelia winces at the sound. Merlin goes over to the door, handing her the waterskin, but she puts it down as if it is on fire. Merlin checks the door and comes back and picks up the water skin. He turns his back and pretends to drink.
He offers it to Amelia again. "Here."
"I'm fine." She really doesn't want to be poisoned.
"No, you have some before I finish it." Merlin insists. She looks at him and realises maybe she has to, to save her friends, her family. Amelia feels like all of this is her fault.
She steels herself and sighs. "Thank you."
Merlin turns away as if he can't watch and she doesn't blame him. Amelia takes the water skin and drinks. At first, she feels fine as she puts the cap back on the water skin and quickly casts it aside then goes back to ripping and tying the fabric. Then the burning starts. It starts at the back of Amelia's throat but quickly escalates. She coughs slightly as if to get rid of it but it doesn't, it makes it worse. Merlin turns around as she rubs at her throat like she's trying to claw it out. Amelia keeps coughing but it leads her to start gasping for air as her airways start closing. Morgana notices something's wrong.
"Amelia? Amelia! What have you done to her?!" Morgana drags herself to Amelia, holding her, rocking her back and forth as the flames inch their way closer to Amelia's heart. Tears escape her eyes; her face goes red and her eyes widen as if she's shocked.
Merlin falls to his knees and tries to hold Amelia as she struggles to breathe but Morgana pushes him away. "How could you do this?! Why?!" Amelia wants to tell Morgana that she knows why and that she understands why Merlin is doing this. She can't blame him for trying to save everyone. She wishes she can say all of this but she can't speak.
The Council Chamber doors are blown open and Morgause rushes to Amelia and Morgana, taking Amelia from Morgana's arms to assess her.
"What has he done to you?" Morgause asks worriedly, stroking the long brown hair away from Amelia's face. She has her eyes partially closed, so it looks like she is passed out already.
"I had to." Merlin gasps out.
"No, he did not! He poisoned her!" Morgana snaps, trying to stand.
"Ssh Morgana. Try and reserve your strength." Morgause urges.
"You gave me no choice." Merlin declares as he stands.
"Tell me what you used and I can save her." Morgause urgently demands. Amelia wants to scoff. It's Morgause's fault she's in this situation!
"First, stop the attack!" Merlin proclaims.
"You're nothing but a simple servant! You don't tell me what to do!" Morgause snaps.
"If you want to know what poison it is, you will undo the magic that drives the Knights!" Merlin tells her.
"Tell me the poison or you'll die!" Morgause threatens. Amelia doesn't understand how that'll help.
"Then she'll die with me." Merlin counters.
Morgause doesn't say anything. She just leans her forehead on Amelia's. Amelia tries to say something but instead, it is a gurgled, pained noise as the flames lick her throat.
"I don't want this any more than you, but you give me no choice. Stop the Knights and you can save her." Merlin repeats.
"Please Morgause. You have to save her." Morgana pleads tearfully.
There's a pause before Amelia hears Morgause begin chanting, "Astýre ús þanonweard! Cnihtas Medhires, éower sáwla. Rid eft ond forsliehð eft."
Merlin hands Morgause a bottle. Amelia then hears a few people burst into the room.
"What have you done with my father?" Arthur demands.
"He's safe!" Merlin says. Sure enough, Amelia hears Uther groaning as he wakes.
"Amelia! Morgana!" Arthur calls.
"Keep away from us!" Morgause snaps. "Morgana stay by me."
"What for?" Morgana asks. Amelia is thinking the same. What's happening now, the Knights have stopped.
Morgause doesn't answer her and instead begins chanting, "Bedyrne ús! Astýre ús þanonweard!"
There's a huge gust of wind picking up around them. Amelia turns her head with little strength she has left and opens her eyes, looking at Merlin one last time before wind and black surround her, Morgana and Morgause. This sends Amelia into unconsciousness.
—
Amelia wakes up lying in a bed in a room she doesn't recognise. She panics for a moment before she feels a hand stroking her left cheek. Amelia turns her head to see Morgause sitting by her side on the bed.
"It's okay, you're safe now," Morgause reassures.
"Wha—" Amelia tries to sit up.
"Ssh..." But Merlin, he had— oh god...
"You need to reserve your strength, Amelia," Morgause tells her. "You are still recovering."
Then Morgana barges into the room sobbing and flings herself at Amelia. "You're alive. Merlin had almost taken you away from me."
Amelia smiles at her sister. "You cannot get rid of me that easily but you need to let me breathe."
Morgana pulls away. "Of course, but I promise you they will not get away with this." This fills Amelia with dread.
Morgause and Morgana soon leave to let her rest, leaving Amelia with her thoughts. She wonders what's going to happen now that her and Morgana are away from Camelot with Morgause. She knows they'll be searching for them but Amelia also knows that Morgause won't let that happen.
—
A/N: Um, yeah so that happened.