A/N: Thank you for every follow and favourite.
—
Amelia's POV
Amelia and Morgana end up staying with Morgause for a whole year. Amelia's eldest half-sister played the whole it's not just Uther that is the enemy but everyone is in Camelot. While Amelia was still angry at Uther, she can't bring herself to see those she cares about in Camelot as the enemy. But no matter what Amelia did, Morgana seemed to become more and more corrupt and angry.
Morgause never told them that she was the one that put the spell on Amelia, which meant Merlin had to poison her to wake everyone up. She would tell Amelia and Morgana that he knew how much she cared for them and did it to get at her. Amelia would try to defend Merlin when she and Morgana would be left alone but she never seemed to listen. It was always one step forward and two steps back. It hurt Amelia to see her sister so angry and vengeful.
Morgause would teach them more spells to help them develop their magic but it was all dark. Amelia had the memory of Anne and Merlin to keep her going and not fall into this mess. There was one time that Morgause taught them a spell that choked this poor prisoner and Amelia ended up running to her room, crying, at the end of it.
That wasn't the end of the trauma.
Screams pierce Amelia's ears from the small room that she has in the abandoned Castle. Morgause, Morgana, and Amelia never stay in one place for too long in fear of Camelot's patrols finding them, but Morgause has decided to stay at this place for a couple of weeks. While Amelia is happy with a break from travelling, she isn't happy that it means torturing some poor souls.
Amelia is trying to focus on the book that Morgause had gotten for her when she realised that Amelia likes to read, but all the thoughts that are filling her mind are the suffering she's overhearing. Amelia tries to ignore it at first by blocking the gaps in the door, moving to a different room on the opposite side of the Castle or using her bedsheets and pillow to block out the noise, even covering her ears but the screams are too loud. Every instinct within Amelia wants to go and help those men, but the worry of what Morgause might do to her if she finds out Amelia is a 'traitor', sister or not, stops her.
It eventually stops. Amelia hears the door open and sees Morgause entering the room.
"Yes, sister?" Amelia asks though she doesn't like calling this woman her sister.
Morgause smiles and leans over, kissing her on the cheek. "I was thinking we should have chicken tonight if that pleases you sister then we'll continue our lessons after."
"That sounds lovely," Amelia replies as if the past few hours had not traumatised her and the idea of these lessons don't scare her.
"I'll go ask Morgana." Morgause squeezes Amelia's hand and moves to leave.
Amelia's curiosity gets the better of her, and before she can stop herself, she asks, "How much longer until you're finished with your captured men?"
Morgause turns around, a slightly puzzled look on her face.
Amelia quickly shakes her head. "It's just… the screams..."
Morgause nods in understanding. "They are quite bothersome, aren't they?"
That wouldn't be how Amelia would describe it but she smiles and nods.
"Do not fret, sister," Morgause reassures her. "Their screams will not last much longer, as they will no longer have a life to scream and beg for."
Amelia waits until Morgause is gone and has shut the door behind her to let her face drop. Amelia presses her face into her hands and silently mourns the deaths that are about to happen.
Maybe ten minutes later, the screaming starts again.
Morgause would tell them more about her origins. She explains that their mother had an affair with a local blacksmith when she was engaged to some great noble but she fell pregnant, which broke it off. After giving birth to Morgause and pretending she was dead after giving her away was when their mother met Gorlois.
After a year had passed, Morgause decided it was time for them to return. For them to seamlessly go back to Camelot without suspicion, Morgause sets up a scenario that keeps up the idea that Amelia and Morgana had been kidnapped. Morgause had left a trail for Camelot search parties to find and once they reach the planned 'abandoned' camp, bandits would leap out and attack. Once the battle is over, Morgana and Amelia will make their entrance.
They wait in the distance and Amelia can hear the battle playing out. Amelia and Morgana had helped each other to look like they had been through hell as much as they can to sell the story. Amelia does not like this ploy but she's desperate to get home.
The battle is won by the Camelot party and Morgana and Amelia step forward through the fog. They stumble out of the fog to find Camelot Guards and Knights with Arthur and Merlin in the middle. All look shocked.
"Morgana. Amelia." Arthur gasps.
—
Amelia can't talk with Merlin about everything and Morgana and Morgause's plan with Morgana there as they all travel back to Camelot. She shares a horse with one of the Knights but drifts off on the way and wakes once again in her Chambers in Camelot in bed. Gaius and Anne walk in and she tries to sit up.
"No, no. Please sit." He says. He sits on her bed and begins to check her. After a few moments, he speaks, "You need to rest."
"I'll stay with her," Anne says.
"Where's Morgana?" Amelia asks sleepily.
"In her Chambers. I must check on her." Gaius tells her. "Rest and I'll return when you have woken."
Amelia nods and watches him leave. Once he's gone, Anne flings herself on top of Amelia.
"Uh, Anne?" Amelia gasps.
"Oh, sorry, sorry. I am just so happy to see you back." Anne cries joyfully as she wipes the tears from her cheeks.
Amelia laughs. Oh, had she missed her. "I am happy to see you as well Anne." Anne smiles and steps away. "Wait."
"You need to rest. Do not worry, I'll just grab something but I'll be back." Anne reassures.
"No, it's not that. There's something I need to tell you." Amelia tells her.
Anne looks worried but nods.
—
Anne's POV
Anne leaves Amelia's Chambers feeling happy but also anxious as she walks hurriedly to Gaius' Chambers.
"She knows I tried to poison her; she knows that." Anne hears Merlin says as she nears the door. She opens it and the two in the Chambers turn to her in panic, probably wondering who had walked in and what they overheard, but they relax once they realise it's her.
"What's happening?" She asks.
"Merlin is worried about what Amelia will say about him poisoning her." Gaius answers.
"You had no choice, Merlin," Anne says, placing a reassuring hand on his arm and he relaxes under her touch. "Camelot was dying. Amelia was the source of the enchantment. Either you poisoned her, or the Kingdom fell. Amelia will understand that if she does not already."
"How do you know? We do not know what happened in the past year. She could hate me and will tell Uther that I tried to kill her, nothing else." Merlin argues.
"We can't be sure, Merlin," Gaius admits.
"She did say she wants to tell me something," Anne tells them.
Merlin looks at her in alarm. "Well, that just seals the deal! Can you think what Uther will do to me?!"
"You are being drastic," Anne says.
"Let's just wait and see what tomorrow brings," Gaius adds.
Gaius walks away and Anne turns to Merlin. "It'll be okay." He gives her a warm look. She wants to kiss him again but can't with Gaius watching so she settles for a kiss on the cheek. She hopes they'll be able to catch a moment alone soon but that is unlikely as Anne will be busy with Amelia and Merlin will go back to his usual routine, which is always busy.
—
Amelia's POV
Amelia wakes the next morning and Anne brings her breakfast. Amelia is working up the courage to tell Anne anything when there's a knock on the door.
"Who is it?" Amelia can hear a bit of irritation in her voice.
"It's Arthur." Comes the reply. Arthur! Oh, how she has missed him!
"Come in." Arthur walks in and Amelia goes to stand from her bed.
"No, no. Sit." Arthur says hurriedly causing Amelia to roll her eyes at him. He nods to Anne, who picks up the breakfast tray and leaves. Amelia moves to sit on the edge of the bed and Arthur joins her, wrapping her in a tight hug.
"I'm happy to see you," Amelia says happily.
"As am I to see you," Arthur replies, pulling back. "Can I ask what happened?"
Amelia swallows uncomfortably. Here come the lies that will sell the plot. Arthur misunderstands the discomfort.
"You do not have to." He speaks.
Amelia shakes her head. "No, I want to." She pauses. "Morgana and I were kept in a Cell for almost a year. I thought I'd go mad if it were not for Morgana. We kept each other sane."
"How did you two escape?"
"They moved us about a week ago. I don't know why. It may have been the patrol from Camelot. I do not know." Amelia answers.
"The patrol found you?" Arthur asks.
Amelia nods tearfully, which isn't a complete lie. She does feel tearful and wishes that someone had found them. "We thought we were going to be free. But then we saw them killed. Every one of them cut down. But that night, the bandits were distracted by their spoils. We took our chance because who knew how much longer we would have been captive. When I saw you and Merlin, I couldn't believe it."
She sucks in a breath as if she's about to cry. Amelia doesn't like lying to Arthur like this but she knows she has to do that to stop Morgana and Morgause. Arthur leans forward and they share a hug. Amelia squeezes her eyes tightly to stop the tears as she clings to the man she sees as her brother and technically her unknowing biological first cousin considering their mothers were sisters. When she opens them, she sees Merlin lingering by the door behind them. Arthur and Amelia pull away.
"I think I need to rest." She speaks. Amelia wants Arthur gone so she can properly talk to Merlin, to tell him she's not angry with him.
"Everything's going to be alright," Arthur tells her, drawing Amelia's attention. "You're safe now." Amelia nods and gives him a watery smile. She's not sure whether to believe his words or not. Arthur gets up and leaves. Merlin begins to follow him.
"Merlin," Amelia calls out. He pauses at the door. "I want to speak to you." Merlin tentatively looks at her. "I know what you did. You tried to poison me."
Merlin swallows nervously. "I didn't want to."
Amelia gives him a small smile. "It's alright, Merlin. I understand. You were just trying to protect your friends; I would have done the same."
"Really?" Merlin gasps, as if unsure of the validity of her words.
"Of course," Amelia says. "You were in a difficult situation with very few options, but I do wish you had spoken to me about it. I would've understood. I am so sorry about my behaviour, Merlin. I don't think I really understood what I was doing, but you must understand how much I regret everything that I've done. I just...hope that you can forgive me?" Her voice breaks off as she tearfully looks at him.
"I am so sorry for everything you've been through. It's good to have you back." Merlin gives her a warm smile.
Amelia beams as she relaxes. "Thank you, Merlin. There's so much to talk about."
"Yes, of course, soon, but I need to go. Got things to do. You know what Arthur is like."
Amelia laughs though she's annoyed. "We'll have to talk later." Merlin nods and leaves.
—
Amelia loses another chance to talk to Anne when Morgana interrupts them when Anne is dressing Amelia so that they can go together to see Uther. Amelia grimaces at the thought of the performance she has to put on for that man. Unknown to Morgana, it's the only time where Amelia actually has to act like she's enjoying someone from Camelot's company. They had to go and greet him as they have to keep up pretences and fulfil Morgause's plan.
The doors to the Throne room open and Amelia and Morgana walk toward the dais where Sir Leon is giving Uther his report.
"The grain stores are running low, but we're expecting supplies from the northern borders before the end of the week…"
Amelia sees the moment Uther notices them because he lazily looks up and then suddenly straightens. "That's enough. Leave us." He dismisses. Amelia and Morgana continue walking calmly as people in the room pass them to walk out of the room. Soon Uther can't help himself and instead of walking, he begins rushing to meet them. He embraces them with tears of joy, which is what they need. Morgana laughs a little through her fake tears and wipes his tears away with a handkerchief.
"Look at the two of you." Uther sighs as he tries to stop crying. He keeps an arm around each of them. "You should sit." He pulls away but Amelia stops him.
"No, no." She says, giving him a smile through her fake tears. "If I sit for another minute, I'll go insane." Uther and Morgana chuckle tearfully.
"It's all we have been doing for the past year. Sit. And pray that you hadn't given up on us." Morgana continues. She reaches out and squeezes Amelia's hand and Amelia returns it.
"Never." He's slightly choked as he gives a kiss to each of their foreheads.
"I don't know why. I wouldn't blame you." Amelia replies. "You've done more for us than any guardian."
"You've always cared for us, loved us like we were your own daughters," Morgana adds. "And yet we've insulted you, defied you, hurt you."
"I don't know why you put up with us." Amelia jokes. They all chuckle.
"But we promise," Morgana begins, 'sobering up', "in the future I will show you the love and respect that you deserve." Amelia nods in agreement, she's beginning to feel uncomfortable. She looks at Morgana, trying to signal to her that she wants to leave. Morgana seems to have noticed and gives a slight nod. They both kiss Uther on his cheeks.
"We will leave you to your Council," Amelia says. They turn, taking each other's hand and walk away. Amelia's face drops to a blank one while Morgana begins smirking as she clutches the handkerchief in her hand tightly.
—
That night Amelia and Morgana leave the Castle and ride to a Cave guarded by the Bloodguard.
Amelia looks cautiously around the room. There's a bubbling cauldron in the middle and if Amelia wasn't freaking out internally, she would've laughed at it, maybe have done a cackle. Her attention diverts when she hears footsteps and her eyes land on Morgause, who had emerged and stands before them. As she takes in the sight of her eldest half-sister, Amelia knows she doesn't feel any loyalty, love or trust for her. Not like she does with Morgana. Or maybe she should say used to? Amelia is unsure.
"My sisters. How have you fared?" Morgause greets. Morgana begins to smirk and Amelia quickly does the same, falling into a performance she has perfected over the many months she has spent with her sisters.
"Camelot has welcomed back its daughters with open arms," Morgana reports as she pulls off her hood. Amelia does the same.
"Uther does not suspect?" Morgause asks as she takes their hands.
"He laps up our lies like the snivelling dog that he is." Morgana bites.
"And the boy?" Morgause asks, looking over at Amelia.
"Merlin?" Amelia asks, forcing herself to put a disgusted look on her face at the mere mention of his name. "He believes that nothing is wrong."
"Speaking of." Morgana interrupts as she reaches up and holds out the cloth with Uther's tears to Morgause.
"You've done well." Morgause praises them. Morgause holds up the tissue and stares at it. "The tears of Uther Pendragon have only begun to fall." She drops the handkerchief with Uther's tears into a giant cauldron filled with boiling mud, the previously yellow cloth sinking deep into the brown liquid. Morgana and Amelia watch as Morgause grabs a rather large, rather funny looking root, and drops it into the cauldron after the napkin.
As soon as it starts to sink in, a piercing scream invades Amelia's ears, and she flinches and instinctively puts a hand to her head to try and stop the screaming. One glance at Morgana confirms that she had heard it too. She looks just as befuddled as Amelia feels.
Morgause, however, is smiling away happily. "The Mandrake root is very special. Only those with magic can hear its cries. But for those without magic," Morgause begins to stir the liquid inside of the pot, "the magic pierces the very recesses of the soul, twisting the unconscious into the very image of fear and dread. Uther Pendragon will find that his great Kingdom counts for nothing when he has lost his mind." Amelia has no choice but to smile evilly, as does Morgana, though she can't help but feel slightly pleased with some of the plan.
"Mid þæm wundorcræft þæs ealdan æwþ ic þe hate nime Utheres wopdropan ond þa gemengan mid his blod. Sy he under wittig ond deofol seocnes his heorte afylþ." Morgause's eyes glow.
When she is finished, she reaches in and grabs the now covered in brown mulch Mandrake root, before handing it to Amelia, who cringes at how it feels. Morgause begins to explain the plan with what to do with the Mandrake to them.
—
So as to keep up pretences, Amelia helps Morgana place the Mandrake root under Uther's bed.
Amelia finally finds the chance to tell Anne what's going on the next morning. It all just spills out of her and Anne gapes at her in shock.
"We must get rid of the Mandrake root!"
"No!" Amelia exclaims before dialling down her voice at Anne's surprised face. "Uh, um, I mean no we cannot, it'll raise Morgana and Morgause's suspicions. We need to be more subtle about this. We need Merlin and Gaius on our side." Plus, the fact that Amelia wants to see Uther suffer a bit though hopes it'll be stopped before the Kingdom falls.
Anne nods in understanding. "You are right, of course." She then begins chewing her lip nervously.
Amelia narrows her eyes at her. "Anne... what's going on with you?"
"Well, I um, speaking of Merlin. He- I, uh, we might be or are a thing." Anne stumbles.
Amelia raises an eyebrow. "A thing?"
"A thing," Anne confirms.
"As in I like you, like you, let's kiss sort of thing?"
Anne blushes and looks down. "Maybe."
Amelia blinks in shock though she knows she really shouldn't as there had been something between the two of them for a while. "Wow, Anne. I, uh, congratulations!"
"Thank you." Anne smiles giddily to herself.
Amelia smirks at the sight of her. "It's adorable."
"Amelia!" Anne's face now resembles a tomato. Amelia laughs.
—
Amelia doesn't get to talk to Merlin all day, as he is far too busy with Arthur now that they were back to their regularly scheduled days because Morgana and Amelia had been 'found', and she is dying to catch even a second alone with him so she could spill the beans and he could go and tell Gaius the two of them would help Uther. Anne couldn't get him alone either as the preparation for the feast brings extra work and the two of them can't raise Morgana's suspicions. Can't be a good double agent if you expose that you are one.
All this intense pressure on her shoulders was exactly what was keeping her from enjoying the feast in the Banquet Hall to celebrate her and Morgana's return.
Uther stands to speak. "Standing here, seeing so many happy faces, seems almost like a dream. I can tell you, I have not felt like this in a long time."
"What, drunk?" Arthur jokes causing everyone to laugh and Amelia can't help but join in a bit.
"Drunk with happiness." Uther corrects as he swats his son with a napkin. "I would have searched the entire world, the seas, the skies, the stars, for those smiles." He gestures to Morgana and Amelia. Uther's tearful performance almost makes her waver but Amelia strengthens her resolve and puts on an adoring smile as does Morgana. This is one thing the two agree on, not liking Uther. "To have them stolen from me was like a blade to my heart. Amelia, Morgana, there are no words. You both mean more to me than you will ever know. To the Lady Morgana and the Lady Amelia." Uther holds up his glass to them.
"To the Lady Morgana and the Lady Amelia." The Court follows suit, raising their own drinks. Morgana and Amelia both stand to receive a hug from Uther. Amelia's face drops a bit once her face is over his shoulder.
Uther pulls away and stumbles. Amelia puts out her arms as if to catch him but he does it himself. "I need some air." Uther leaves the room. Amelia feels satisfied that the effects of the root should be taking effect soon.
—
Soon a Guard is whispering in Arthur's ear and he leaves the room with Morgana and Amelia hurrying after him. They find Uther outside curled up in the foetal position and rocking back and forth. Arthur and Merlin get him back to his Chambers. Amelia quickly pulls back the bedsheets as Uther is deposited on the bed.
"Careful." Morgana urges, her voice filled with fake worry. Amelia tries to look anxious and worried though seeing the genuine thing on Arthur's face helps as she genuinely feels bad for him. "Is he going to be alright?" Amelia and Morgana tuck Uther in.
"He should sleep 'til morning," Gaius suggests.
Morgana turns back to Uther to keep up the performance, as the others are still in the room as they leave, she grabs his hand and places a kiss on it. Amelia has to give her sister credit for the performance.
When they are gone, Morgana abruptly drops the hand in disgust and turns to Amelia, grabbing her hand and smiling. "It worked, sister!"
Amelia's returning smirk is somewhat real as she's glad it worked, seeing the terror on Uther's face brought her satisfaction, but she's worried about the consequences for Camelot and everyone else. "I'm glad. We must tell our sister."
—
Later that night, Amelia and Morgana slip out of the Castle again to see Morgause.
"Already the rumours are spreading," Morgana reports as Morgause makes a new Mandrake root.
"The Mandrake's poison does its work well," Morgause says.
"Soon all of Camelot will believe that their King is going mad," Amelia smirks. She would like this more if it weren't for the next phase of the plan.
"And a Kingdom without a King is ripe for the picking." Morgause continues.
"When do you go to Cenred?" Morgana asks. This is the next part of the plan. Morgause is going to use the fact that he fancies her to get him to help her take over Camelot. The knowledge that Camelot is going to be attacked makes Amelia feel antsy and wishes she can get a hold of Merlin soon.
"Tomorrow." Morgause answers.
"And he will do as we wish?" Amelia asks, pretending to be interested in this.
"Cenred wishes only to please me," Morgause tells them as she holds up the new Mandrake root.
"Then your time with him has been well spent." Morgana remarks as Morgause drops the Mandrake root into the cauldron. Amelia tries not to flinch as she hears the piercing screams again.
—
The two wards of Uther Pendragon slip back into Camelot, slipping past the various Guards on their way. They reach the battlements when a Guard, Patrick, suddenly appears. Amelia tenses worriedly.
"Lady Morgana. Lady Amelia." He greets looking at them in confusion.
"We were just taking a stroll," Morgana tells him, but Amelia sees him notice the mud dripping from a new Mandrake root under Morgana's cloak.
"What's that, My Lady?" He asks.
"Nothing."
"You're bleeding," Patrick says.
"She's fine, really," Amelia says, trying to get rid of him as she worries what Morgana will do if he doesn't let this go.
"You're wounded." He insists and before either of them can stop him, he opens Morgana's cloak. Morgana stabs him and Patrick falls over the wall. Amelia gasps at the sight of it and tries to hold back her tears at the death of the poor man.
"It had to be done, Amelia." Morgana 'reassures'. Amelia nods, not trusting her voice and lets her sister take her back to her Chambers.
—
Amelia doesn't bother to get changed and sits despondently on her bed with the candle burning.
"My Lady?" Anne calls. She enters and smiles at Amelia. "I saw the light, wanted to make sure you were alright. Have you just come back from Morgause?" Amelia doesn't answer. "Amelia? Is everything okay?" She sits next to Amelia, who feels tears fall down her face.
Amelia sniffles. "No, it isn't."
"What is it? What has Morgause done?" Anne asks as she rubs Amelia's arm.
Amelia shakes her head. "It wasn't Morgause, it was Morgana. We were returning to Camelot and one of the Guards caught us." She lets out another sob.
"What did she do?"
"She killed him! She stabbed him and he fell over the battlements! I just stood there!" Amelia cries.
Anne shakes her head. "Do not blame yourself. You couldn't have done anything. Morgana is too changed and you can't let her see your true loyalties."
"But at the cost of others?!" Amelia argues. Anne doesn't answer and Amelia knows she doesn't know what to say.
—
"We've had reports that mercenaries are streaming into Cenred's Kingdom," Arthur reports to his father as he stands in front of him in the Council Chambers with the Court behind him.
"Do we know why?" Uther asks. Amelia watches Merlin and Gaius from where she sits on Morgana's left with a hopeful look on her face. Maybe she can grab them after the meeting?
"There is a rumour that Cenred is amassing an army. I think we should send a patrol out to assess the situation." Arthur suggests. Instead of answering Uther stares past Arthur.
"Father?" Arthur prompts. Arthur turns to see what his father is staring at and so does everyone else but nothing is there.
Uther stands up and points to what appears he can see but no one else. "Leave me alone. Get out of here." Amelia tries not to smirk in satisfaction at the terror on Uther's face.
"Father, will you..." Arthur tries to calm his father by reaching for him but Uther pulls away from him.
"I said get out! Get out! I'll have you hanged!" Uther yells. Arthur and Sir Leon restrain Uther and drag him from the room. "You hanged! You...! You...!" Gaius follows after them.
—
Amelia loses the chance to get a hold of Gaius and Merlin but soon they are back in the Council Chambers due to the warning bell having been sounded. This time Arthur stands in front of his father's chair with Amelia and Morgana behind him. Once Gaius explains why they are here and what for, Amelia struggles to hold herself together.
"The sentry must've been attacked at some point during the night." Gaius continues.
"Who could've done this?" Arthur asks. Gaius hands Arthur the dagger Morgana used to stab the Guard. Amelia tenses at the sight of it.
"That is a sigil of the Bloodguard," Gaius explains.
"The Bloodguard?" Arthur sounds out the name.
"Warrior priests sworn to protect the High Priestesses of the Old Religion."
"Surely they were wiped out during the Great Purge."
"Not all of them." Gaius corrects.
"So, you believe there is a traitor in Camelot," Arthur concludes. Amelia glances at Morgana, who is looking down.
"It is possible, Sire. The sentry will be able to tell us soon enough." Gaius says. Amelia looks up in alarm though she does feel some relief.
"He's still alive?"
"Indeed."
—
Frustratingly Amelia loses sight of Morgana and only finds her later with a beaming smile on her face as Amelia walks to her Chambers.
"There's no need to worry. I've sorted it." Morgana greets.
Amelia frowns. "What do you mean?"
"I solved it. No one is going to expose us." Morgana explains cheerfully.
Amelia's stomach drops and the temporary relief she had felt leaves quickly. "You killed him again!"
Morgana rolls her eyes. "Technically I never killed him the first time."
"Morgana!" Amelia hisses. They really shouldn't be talking about this in the middle of the corridor. "Behaviour like this is going to draw attention!"
"What other choice did I have?" Morgana demands.
"Not killing him! It was unnecessary." Amelia doesn't like saying that last bit but has to say it to keep up pretences.
"Well, it's done now." Morgana retorts.
—
Anne's POV
Anne learns from Gaius that Merlin has been sent with a potion to Uther's Chambers and she takes this as a chance to finally be able to talk to him all about what Amelia has told her. She opens the door to see Merlin standing by Uther, who's sleeping.
"Finally, there's something I need to tell you—" Anne begins to say.
"Ssh, do you hear that?" Merlin whispers. Anne then hears mud dripping from the Mandrake. She walks to Merlin's side as he looks down to see some mud goo on the floor. Merlin crouches down to look and Anne joins him.
Suddenly there are footsteps and, fearing that it is Morgana, Anne joins Merlin when he darts under the bed, knocking his face into the root in the process. A hand comes under the bed and pulls off the root without looking.
"Do you have it?" A voice asks. Anne realises it's Amelia and that they are probably going to meet with Morgause. Merlin frowns and Anne hopes he isn't interrupting this the wrong way for Amelia.
"I do," Morgana says. Merlin moves to watch them leave the room and gestures for Anne to follow him. They follow Amelia Morgana through the Lower Town and into the woods.
—
Amelia's POV
Amelia notices that Merlin and Anne are following but hopes that Morgana doesn't notice. They make their way to a new location in the Darkling Forest where Morgause wants them to meet. Morgause and the Bloodguard arrive soon after on horseback.
Morgause gets off her horse and comes right over to them. "Sorry, you had to wait. There was much to discuss."
"But your visit was successful?" Morgana asks her.
"Cenred's army ride for Camelot on my command," Morgause reports proudly.
"There is nothing you cannot do." Amelia pretends to praise though she is conscious about Anne and Merlin watching, particularly the fact that Merlin still likely doesn't know about her double agent status.
Morgause smiles. "It is you two that gives me strength, sisters." She takes their hands and gives them a squeeze. "How goes the battle for Uther's mind?"
"When Cenred marches on Camelot, he will find a Kingdom without a leader." Morgana grins.
"Finally, we are ready," Morgause says.
"Not quite," Morgana says, a small frown line etching on her forehead. "Merlin suspects me."
Amelia tries not to look around for Merlin and Anne. "He does? Just you?" She's glad her voice doesn't give anything away.
Morgana nods as she begins pacing. "Just me."
"Has he told Arthur?" Morgause asks as she moves closer to Amelia.
"Not yet, but he will," Morgana replies.
"Well, then we must stop him." Morgause decides.
"That will not be difficult." Morgana deduces.
"Why?" Amelia asks curiously. Morgana hadn't noticed their followers as well, had she?
Morgana suddenly turns her head in the direction of a bunch of large rocks and a fallen tree. "Because he's already here." She calls out in that direction.
Suddenly Merlin comes out of hiding and Amelia quietly sighs in relief at the fact that Anne stays where she is. Morgana is glaring and Morgause looks surprised at the sight of Merlin. He looks over to Amelia and she feels incredibly ashamed at the disappointed look he gives her. She can't explain to him that he had just misinterpreted her role in all of this with Morgause, Morgana and the Bloodguard there. She can't blow her cover.
She avoids his eyes as Morgana asks, "Did you really think I was that stupid, Merlin?"
And with that Merlin immediately runs off. Morgause sends the Bloodguard after him and Amelia knows they'll get him eventually.
Morgause turns back to Morgana and Amelia. "You both need to go back to the Castle, keep up appearances while I take care of Merlin."
Amelia doesn't want to agree but knows she has to plus Anne is here to help Merlin if she needs to and as soon as she herself can, Amelia will slip out to help.
—
Anne's POV
Anne sits tensely as she watches the Bloodguard bring an unconscious but breathing Merlin to Morgause and he's wrapped in a chain. Anne knows she needs to wait until Merlin is alone to help him. Anne is thankful that Amelia is on their side and not truly on her sisters' side and will not get suspicious of why Anne is not in Camelot.
Merlin wakes and is yanked up by the Bloodguard to face Morgause, who observes him for a moment before speaking, "You intrigue me, Merlin. Why does a lowly servant continue to risk everything for Arthur and for Camelot?" Merlin looks away from her and Anne chews her lip anxiously. "You know the answer, but you're not telling me. Why? Come on. Time and again you put your life on the line." Morgause paces around him before crouching next to him. "There must be a reason."
"I believe in a fair and just land." Merlin answers.
"And you think Arthur will give you that?"
"I know it."
"And then what?" Morgause stands. "You think you'll be recognised, Merlin? Is that it? All this so, one day, you can be a serving boy to the King? No. There's something more. Something you're not telling me, isn't there?"
"I told you," Merlin replies.
"Well, you can take your secret to your grave." Morgause declares. "Weorc untoworpenlic." Merlin's chains glow and tighten from the magical binding. "You chose to poison one of my own. You may regret that." Merlin is then left and Anne takes her chance to dart out and pulls at the chains.
"She used magic, it's no use," Merlin warns her.
"Well, I'm going to try!" Anne exclaims.
"I can't believe Amelia would do this. I thought the Dragon was wrong." Merlin says painfully.
"You're wrong," Anne tells him, pausing what she's doing.
Merlin frowns. "How? You saw the same thing I did."
"You are though." Anne insists. "Amelia and I have been trying to talk to you since the day after her and Morgana returned."
"You have?"
"Yes!" Anne exclaims. "The only reason Amelia is with Morgause and Morgana is to find out their plans for Camelot! You've been too busy for us to tell you that the Mandrake root was the result of Amelia's sisters trying to weaken the Kingdom. Amelia can't exactly stop it without exposing her cover to which she needs to stop them!"
Merlin deflates and looks guilty. "Ah. I misinterpreted it didn't I?"
Anne snorts fondly. "Yes, you idiot. Stop jumping to conclusions!"
Then there's rustling in the leaves. Anne and Merlin freeze and look towards the noise only for Amelia to appear and they relax.
"Um, hi?" Amelia says cautiously, glancing to Anne while looking unsure.
"I've told him," Anne tells her and Amelia nods as she walks over to them.
"You really are on our side," Merlin says.
Amelia rolls her eyes. "Yes! I hate to betray Morgana but I have to protect my friends. I don't agree with their methods or their aims to harm you all."
"How did you get out?" Anne asks. She wonders how Amelia is here without Morgana lurking.
"Fed Morgana a few lies so she covers for me," Amelia replies.
Anne and Merlin take turns trying to break the chains with their magic but the chains glow, reinforcing its power. Anne hears scorpions approach and looks worriedly at the advancing creatures.
Amelia pulls out a sword. "Keep trying." She urges as she fights the scorpions but she struggles. Merlin blows a few occasionally back while Anne tries the chains.
Suddenly Anne feels this searing pain in her back and realises one had stabbed her in the back. Merlin throws the scorpion that stabbed her with a flash of his eyes and Amelia cries out and ferociously tears down the creatures.
As Anne slumps in pain, Merlin turns to the sky and yells, "Ω δρακον, έάω μαλερός σοφόνους φθέγγομαι τείδε άναδικέω!"
"What was that?" Amelia asks.
"You'll see," Merlin replies as Anne falls on him, groaning in pain. Amelia and Merlin try to keep her awake but Anne finds herself drifting into unconsciousness.
It is sundown and the scorpions continue to approach them. Anne feels the wind pick up and realises she can hear the flapping of wings.
"What?! You freed Kilgharrah?!" Amelia exclaims as the Dragon roasts the scorpions.
"Maybe..."
The Dragon picks them up with his talons. Anne faints from the poison sting as the Dragon flies off.
—
A/N: Oh Patrick! My favourite side character that would regularly turn up when I needed a Guard.