Amelia's POV
Now that Morgana and Morgause know of Morgana's true father, the plans have now changed from simply destroying Camelot to making sure Morgana is Uther's only heir. Plotting to kill Uther is one thing, but Arthur? Amelia can't stomach the thought.
The new plan is to lure Arthur away using his weakness, Gwen. Morgana had gleefully told Morgause, and Amelia, all about it to which Morgause declared this information very useful.
The new plan is to get Gwen to lure Arthur to Cenred's Castle. But Morgause had wondered how they would be able to achieve that to which Morgana suggests Elyan, Gwen's brother, and Amelia reluctantly gives up the information of where he is.
Amelia is anxious the night the plan is enacted. Gwen is to be kidnapped and told to bring Arthur to Cenred or risk her brother harm before being released. Amelia hates this but she doesn't stop it as her sisters will know it's her that did it and they'll then know of her double agent status, which won't be good news for anyone. Amelia tells herself that as soon as Gwen is taken, she'll tell Merlin and Anne.
—
The next morning, Amelia eats her breakfast groggily as she sits at the table in the Council Chambers with Uther and Arthur with Anne and Merlin serving. Morgana enters looking anxious though Amelia knows it's an act.
"The building works in the Lower Town have been delayed. I want you to ensure it does not happen again." Uther is saying.
"I'll see to it," Arthur says to his father.
"Good morning, Morgana." Uther greets his daughter as she takes her seat on Amelia's left. Merlin moves to pour Morgana's drink, but she places her hand over the cup.
"No, thank you." She speaks.
"Anything the matter?" Uther asks.
Morgana swallows and looks down sombrely. Amelia tries not to frown at her. "It's Gwen. She didn't turn up for work this morning."
"She didn't?" Amelia 'asks'.
"No."
"That's not like her," Arthur comments though Amelia can see he is worried. Amelia is worried herself though she knows Cenred will be sending Gwen back unharmed for the plan to go ahead.
"I know, it's strange. I hope nothing's wrong." Morgana says.
"You needn't worry, Morgana." Uther puts his hand on Morgana's. "After all, if your maid can no longer be relied upon, we can easily replace her."
"Gwen is our friend," Amelia says tightly. She knows it is safe for her to say this as Morgana will think it's all part of their plan.
Arthur looks displeased as well. "I'm sure she will turn up soon enough."
"I'm sure," Morgana says with a smile. When no one is looking but Amelia, a dark look passes over her face.
—
After breakfast, Amelia immediately meets up with Merlin and Anne in her Chambers.
"Gwen did not just disappear." She tells them. "Morgana and I have been feeding Morgause information to give to Cenred about Gwen. The plan is to blackmail Gwen into luring Arthur to Cenred and Morgause."
"So, Gwen will be released soon?" Anne asks.
Amelia nods. "Yes. I wish I could have stopped it but then Morgana and Morgause would know."
"Do you know where she is?" Merlin asks.
Amelia shakes her head. "That is the only thing. I don't. I'm sorry."
"It is okay Amelia," Anne says comfortingly, wrapping her arm around her and rubbing her arm.
Merlin nods in agreement. "You are doing a good thing. When Gwen gets back, we can form a plan."
—
Arthur looks into what has happened to Gwen and calls a meeting with his father, Morgana, and Amelia in the Council Chambers. Anne and Merlin watch on from a distance.
"The Guards saw her leave the palace at the usual time. After that, nothing." Arthur reports. In any other situation, Amelia would love how worried Arthur is being about Gwen but at the moment he is falling into the trap.
"Why are you telling me this?" Uther frowns. Amelia clenches her hands into fists. She hates how careless this man is about people who he sees as inferior.
"Sire, I have reason to believe that Guinevere has been kidnapped."
"Kidnapped?!" Morgana exclaims in false disbelief.
"I'd like to organise a search party." Arthur continues.
"I hardly think that would be appropriate," Uther utters. Amelia glares at the man. Morgana nudges her to imply she's overplaying her act but Amelia shrugs at her cause she really isn't.
"Father?" Arthur asks.
"She's just a serving girl."
"But she is the maid to one of the King's wards!" Amelia argues. "And our friend!"
Uther sighs. "Very well. Send a squad of Guards to search the lower town."
"And the countryside?" Arthur prompts.
"They have until nightfall."
"Father, I'm not sure I can achieve..." Arthur tries to argue.
Uther interrupts. "Arthur, I have a Kingdom to protect. I cannot waste precious resources on a servant, whatever their circumstances."
Arthur realises it's a lost cause arguing with his father and bows before leaving. Morgana smirks smugly at Amelia who replies with her own one though it is false unlike Morgana's.
—
Just as predicted, Gwen returns the next day and, after some arguments from Merlin, she's willing to involve Arthur so Amelia and Anne hurriedly join them in Arthur's Chambers.
"The Castle of Fyrien, I'm sure of it." Arthur declares after Gwen tells them of what she remembers. She sits at the table while the others gather around it in various places.
"Never even heard of it," Merlin says.
"Fyrien was a merchant," Arthur explains. "He built a Castle on the Seas of Meredor as an outpost for trade routes to the east, but when war broke out with Caerleon, the trade dried up. The Castle was abandoned."
"And so, it is ruined now?" Anne asks rhetorically.
Arthur shakes his head. "Well, no. It was built to withstand anything. For Cenred, it's the perfect hideout."
"Doesn't sound like an easy place to get into." Amelia comments, sharing a look with Merlin and Anne. That and Morgause and Cenred will be on the lookout.
"It isn't. It will be well defended." Arthur agrees.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't've brought this to you." Gwen apologises.
"You did the right thing. Your brother will come to no harm, I promise." Arthur reassures her gently.
"How can you be so sure?"
"Because we're going to rescue him," Arthur announces. They look at him in surprise.
"What do you mean "we"?" Merlin retorts.
"The five of us."
"Cenred wants you dead. That's why he's doing this." Gwen warns him.
"I know. Cenred's wanted Camelot's throne for as long as I can remember." Arthur remarks casually as he leans on a chair.
"Then we'll be walking into a trap." Anne points out.
Arthur shrugs. "Not necessarily."
Amelia wouldn't be so sure about that.
—
Amelia is right to be worried because apparently, Morgana had heard the whole thing and now, they slip into the night to report to their sister. They stop at a rock formation in the forest.
"Sisters," Morgause calls causing them to turn and walk over. Morgana smiles happily and Amelia does the same despite the pit of dread in her stomach. Their eldest sister takes one hand from both of them in hers. "Is everything in place?"
"Arthur's taken the bait," Morgana reports.
"So, he means to rescue her brother?" Morgause asks for confirmation.
"Just as we thought. There is nothing he would not do for her." Amelia replies, playing along. "It is rather pathetic."
"Excellent." Morgause grins. "And he comes alone, I take it?"
"Uther would never sanction an army for such a task," Morgana assures her. "He rides with just Gwen, Anne, Amelia, and Merlin."
"Perfect. He is as good as ours." Morgause declares.
"And once he is dead?" Amelia asks with false interest.
"Why, then Morgana is Uther's only child, and when the time is right, she may take her place on the throne of Camelot," Morgause replies.
Amelia puts a false smile of satisfaction on her face to match her sisters'. Won't happen on Amelia's watch.
—
Merlin prepares the horses in the Square. Amelia winces thinking of what is going to happen.
"Aren't you forgetting something?" Morgana calls as the two of them approach Merlin by the horses.
"I don't think so," Merlin says shortly. He looks at Amelia, who stands awkwardly behind Morgana.
"But we're coming with you," Morgana says innocently. Merlin looks startled and Morgana smirks. "Did Arthur not say?"
"No, he did not." Morgana walks away and Merlin turns to Amelia irritated look on his face. "You didn't tell me she knows." He hisses.
"I didn't have time!" She hisses back before looking at Morgana's back as she packs her horse. "Either way, you shouldn't stick around me for too long. Don't want Morgana to see."
He nods ruefully as he turns around and walks over to Arthur, who is approaching them. Amelia goes to her horse and ties her bag to the saddle. She hears the sound of footsteps approaching and turns her head to see Morgana walking over.
"Did you see the look on Merlin's face when we told him we were coming?" She snickers.
"We could not have played it better," Amelia remarks with a smirk as she looks over to the spot where Merlin and Anne stand before quickly flickering her eyes away. "Well, we should get going."
—
They reach the trail in the woods. At this point, the mysteries of the forest and the constant little noises no longer bother her. The same can't be said for Gwen, who looks around the woods warily.
"I used to be afraid of these woods," Arthur reassures her. He and Gwen ride out front while the others mingle behind them.
"I find that hard to believe." Gwen scoffs.
"My father would bring me here when I was a boy, and it seemed every falling leaf was a bandit, every puff of wind was a ghost," Arthur tells her. "You just get used to it in the end."
"I don't think I'd ever get used to it." Gwen dismisses.
"You don't have to. You've got me." Gwen and Arthur smile at each other. Amelia smiles softly at the sight.
Morgana frowns in disgust at them and looks to Amelia, who quickly rolls her eyes in irritation causing Morgana to smirk. Amelia drops it once Morgana is no longer looking and catches Anne giving her a look of pity. It's exhausting being a double agent.
Arthur then remembers he's not alone with Gwen and looks back to see Merlin's grin. "What I mean is, in the event of an attack we'll watch out for each other. Anne and Amelia can look after each other. Morgana, I think I can rely on your protection?"
"Of course," Morgana says hurriedly. Amelia tries not to frown. Morgana would rather kill him than save him.
"And Gwen, you'll look after Merlin, won't you?" Arthur says with a fake serious expression.
Gwen and Anne giggle and Amelia and Merlin grin before they drop it because Morgana glances at them.
—
They set up their campsite in the woods. Gwen, Amelia, and Merlin unpack while Arthur sets up the fire and Morgana and Anne do firewood collecting.
"Go get some more firewood, would you Merlin, Amelia?" Arthur remarks casually, standing. The two he addresses don't look up from their horses.
"I thought Morgana and Anne were doing that? I don't think it needs four of us." Amelia replies.
"Well, go and see if they're alright."
Merlin looks up and sounds as if he's almost scoffing at the suggestion. "Why wouldn't they be?"
"I don't know, maybe there are wolves in these woods." Arthur bursts out.
Amelia looks at the irritated Arthur and rolls her eyes at him. "I think they can look after themselves."
"Merlin... Amelia…" Arthur mouths "you" and jerks his head away from the campsite. Merlin and Amelia look at Gwen and Arthur nods.
"Oh yes! The wolves!" Amelia exclaims loudly, drawing Gwen's attention then says quietly, "Come on Merlin."
"But…" Amelia drags him away.
—
Merlin's POV
He and Amelia had split up to go find the two women collecting firewood but unfortunately for him, he comes across Morgana.
"What do you want Merlin?" Morgana grumbles at the sight of him.
Merlin sighs and steals himself for the conversation. "Arthur sent me. He wanted to make sure that you were OK."
"How very thoughtful of him." Morgana spits.
"Well, he cares for you. You know, Gwen and Anne too. They're your friends, Morgana. They've always been loyal to you." Merlin pleads, trying to get somewhere under this hard shell of hers.
Morgana looks up from her collecting and frowns at him. "Why are you telling me this?"
"Because I don't understand how anyone would want to hurt their friends," Merlin says.
Morgana shakes her head. "No, you just poison them." She gives him a hard glare. "You know, if you had poisoned me, I might have been able to find it somewhere in my heart to forgive you. But no," she takes a threatening step towards Merlin, "you chose to go after my sister. My best friend. I love her more than anything, Merlin. And I will continue to protect her against the likes of you."
"She is my friend too, Morgana!" Merlin retorts.
"You'd do well, Merlin, to stay out of things that do not concern you." Morgana threatens.
"Oh, but they do concern me," Merlin argues, stepping towards her, "because they're my friends too. And I'll do whatever it takes to protect them."
Morgana smirks. "I would expect nothing less." She drops the firewood she has collected at his feet and saunters off. Merlin glares at her back before gathering it up and following.
—
Amelia's POV
Amelia and Anne return with their firewood to see the tense air in the camp. It's even worse than usual between Merlin and Morgana, if it is possible, and Gwen and Arthur are acting shifty and uncomfortable. She shares a look with Anne. What happened?
Amelia doesn't get a chance to ask as they have to finish unpacking and cooking their meal. The six travellers sit around the campfire, finishing their meal when Arthur details the plan to save Elyan.
"Cenred's chosen his hideout well," Arthur explains. "Now, the Castle of Fyrien backs onto the sea, we will be vastly outnumbered, and his lookouts will spot us well before we've reached the gates. So, we can't go that way."
"But there's no other way, surely?" Morgana says pointedly. Her eyes flicker to Amelia, concerned.
"Yes, there is." Arthur corrects.
"Erm, more beans? Anyone?" Merlin quickly offers, receiving shaking heads and weird looks. Amelia appreciates the effort to stop the conversation.
"No thanks," Arthur replies then turns back to the matter at hand. "When Caerleon was defeated by my father at the Battle of Danaria, he retreated to the Castle of Fyrien and it seemed a victory would be denied us, but my father knew of a secret labyrinth beneath the Castle."
"A labyrinth?" Amelia questions. Morgause had never mentioned those but she'll know now.
"Fyrien was greedy. So, to avoid Camelot's levies, he dug tunnels from the Castle to the sea. That way he could smuggle goods into the Kingdom without anyone knowing."
"And you ambushed Caerleon using these old tunnels," Morgana says. And now Morgana knows.
"He never saw us coming. And neither will Cenred." Arthur affirms confidently. Shouldn't be so sure about that.
—
Morgana drags Amelia out of bed that night so that they can go meet Morgause in the woods.
"So, they are heading for the Castle as planned?" Morgause asks.
"Yes, but Arthur means to catch you unawares," Morgana reports.
"What do you mean?" Morgause questions.
Amelia swallows before telling the truth because what else can she do? "He knows of some tunnels beneath the Castle."
"There must be a secret entrance," Morgause murmurs. "Did he say where?"
"I'm sorry, that's all we know." Morgana apologises.
"Then your work is not yet done, Sisters. When you find the entrance, you must lead us to it." Morgause tells them.
"But how?" Amelia asks. She hopes it won't be too difficult to stop.
Morgause pulls out a ring and begins chanting, "Lære us, forþbrenge us, ætlæde us. Wisuheofoncandel ure." Her eyes glow and so does the ring. "When you are certain that you are alone, cast it upon the ground. Its magic will guide us."
Morgana eagerly takes it and she and Amelia return to the campsite and climb under their blankets. Amelia hopes everything will go well tomorrow.
—
The next morning, they head out again. Arthur and Gwen ride ahead with Merlin and Anne behind them and Amelia and Morgana at the back.
Suddenly, a snake rears up in front of Morgana, spooking her horse. She screams as she's thrown off.
Amelia immediately jumps off her horse and rushes to Morgana while Merlin does the same. They both grab her arms to get ready to pull her up while Anne, Gwen, and Arthur hurry over. Amelia glances questioningly over Morgana's head to Merlin. That was way too much of a coincidence that Morgana's horse would be spooked like that. Merlin gives her a slight nod as if to say yes it was me. Well, at least he didn't try to kill her.
"Ow, my leg." Morgana groans in pain.
"Can you walk?" Arthur asks, offering his hand to her.
"No, it's your ankle. You need to rest it." Merlin insists, stopping Amelia from trying to help get Morgana up.
"We don't have that kind of time." Anne pushes. Amelia realises they're trying to stop Morgana from coming with them so she won't betray them and get them caught. Well, Amelia is all for that.
"We can't go on without her," Gwen tells them.
"What other choice do we have?" Merlin says.
Morgana has clearly clicked on to what he's trying to do and quickly says, "No, no, it's alright. I can go on." She uses the others' help to pull herself up.
Amelia has a go. "If you are too injured Morgana, I will complete the task for you." Not really but Morgana doesn't need to know that.
"No, I'm well." Morgana insists, yanking her arm forcefully from Merlin.
"You were lucky. It could've been serious." Arthur says to her. He turns to a grumpy Merlin. "Come on, Merlin, don't just stand there.
Morgana leans on Amelia, who helps her to her horse. What are they going to do now?
—
They walk close to the rock as they reach the tunnel entrance.
"Here we are. Stay close." Arthur says to them all.
Amelia and Morgana linger at the back, letting the others walk ahead. Once they enter Morgana places the enchanted ring on a rock. Amelia begins to follow Morgana as they themselves enter the tunnel but drops back quietly before retreating to the entrance. She panics when she sees it emitting orange smoke and pulls out her sword. She destroys it after whacking it a few times then hurries back into the tunnels so she's not missed.
"Where's Amelia and Morgana?" Amelia hears Merlin question further up and picks up her pace.
"We're here," Morgana says.
Amelia just then catches up as Arthur says, "Stick together, everyone. We need to keep moving."
They walk further into the tunnels. Merlin and Arthur carry the torches that light their way. Then there's the sound of multiple footsteps approaching from in front of them. Amelia feels dread pool in the pit of her stomach. Oh no.
"Quiet. Quick, this way." Arthur whispers. He leads them to another tunnel, but footsteps approach from that direction as well. "We're trapped."
"How did they know we were here?" Merlin asks pointedly as Arthur hands Gwen his torch as he readies his sword alongside Morgana, Anne, and Amelia. Anne has been improving by leaps and bounds with her sword skills.
"It was probably my scream. I'm sorry." Gwen apologises. Amelia wants to tell her that it's not her fault and that it's Amelia for not destroying the ring quicker.
The Soldiers surround them and they attempt to fend off Cenred's men, Arthur, Anne, Amelia and Morgana with their swords and Gwen and Merlin with their torches, but they hear a scream and realise Gwen has been captured. They reluctantly surrender. They are immediately grabbed and pulled away.
—
They are taken to the Throne room and shoved onto their knees in front of a gleeful Cenred who lounges on his throne in all leather for some reason.
"Well, well, Arthur Pendragon." Cenred remarks as he stands. "How kind of you to pay me a visit. And look, you brought some friends with you." He walks along the line and stops when he reaches Morgana and Amelia at the end. "Oh, the Ladies Morgana and Amelia, no less." He reaches out to touch Amelia's chin and she can admit her flinch of disgust from him is not entirely false.
Morgana puts her body in front of Amelia. "Don't so much as breathe on us, you pig." She snaps.
Cenred's eyes flicker to the upper walls of the room. Amelia follows his gaze and sees Morgause watching them from an upper room and through a grate.
Cenred stands. "Well, the more the merrier, I say." He declares.
"I'm the one you want, Cenred. Let them go." Arthur declares.
"You're right, that would only be fair. But fair's for fools. Take them away!" Cenred orders. The Guards immediately pull them all up again.
"I won't let you harm them! They're innocent!" Arthur yells, struggling.
Cenred laughs. "Innocent? No friend of Camelot is innocent!"
—
It isn't long before Morgana and Amelia are shoved back through the doors to the Throne room. The Guards don't follow and simply close the doors. Amelia growls in irritation at the Guards and steps forward but Morgana quickly stops her by grabbing her arm and yanking her back.
"Sisters," Morgause greets, walking over and taking one of their hands in hers, "you are unharmed, I trust."
"I will not be thanking Cenred's men anytime soon." Amelia snaps. She's irritated with herself for all this happening so is taking it out on those around her. She doesn't feel sorry it's this lot she's taking it out on.
"Forgive me, but, er... we must keep up appearances." Cenred remarks.
"What've you done with Arthur?" Morgana asks as Morgause guides them to where Cenred sits on his throne.
"He's safely under lock and key," Morgause reassures them. Amelia sighs in relief internally. They hadn't killed him.
"Why do you not just kill him now?" Morgana asks.
"Again with the too drastic Morgana, patience," Amelia says pointedly. Morgana flinches as she remembers her botched attempt at killing Uther with her dagger.
"She is right." Morgause agrees though she looks confused briefly. She still doesn't know about the incident. "The Prince still has his uses. He knows more about Camelot's defences than anyone."
Morgana scoffs. "Arthur will never tell you anything."
"Cenred has his methods." Morgause remarks but then seems to remember something and quickly turns to her two sisters. "But sisters, what happened? We almost could not find you. What happened to the ring?" At least Amelia's attempt wasn't for nothing.
Amelia frowns in false confusion. "Well, we did put it out. I watched Morgana do it."
Morgana nods. "She is right, sister."
Morgause frowns but nods.
—
Anne's POV
Anne, Arthur, and Merlin escape from their Prison Cell and run off to save the others. They sneak along the corridors and peek around a corner to find a Guard outside a Prison Cell. This must be it.
"Any ideas?" Arthur murmurs to Merlin and Anne.
"Just this one," Anne says. She steps back and Arthur looks back round the corner so stumbles in surprise when Anne shoves him round the corner.
"Ha." Arthur awkwardly laughs. "Hello again."
They engage in a fight and the Guard ends up being able to pin him against the wall. "I'm going to enjoy this."
"Wæs asnið gyrdel." Anne hears Merlin chant. The Guard's belt breaks and his trousers fall down. Anne is horrified by the sight she is greeted with and darts away from the corner.
Arthur takes the opportunity of the Guard's distraction and begins knocking him backward. "Know what your problem is? All mouth and no trousers!" Arthur shoves him through the door of the Cell and it lands on the floor.
"Do not know what is worse his trousers falling or your line," Anne complains. She then proceeds to fake gag at the thought. Merlin is right. She is spending too much time with Amelia.
Arthur rolls his eyes and quickly darts into the Cell. "You alright?"
"Yes," Gwen says, beaming.
Anne hurriedly sticks her head and sees the Cell contains just Elyan and Gwen but no Amelia and Morgana. She should not be surprised. Morgause would not let her dear sisters languish in a Cell.
Arthur is on the same thought as her and working out if Amelia and Morgana are in the room as he quickly looks about before asking, "Where's Morgana and Amelia?"
"I thought they were with you," Gwen says.
"They must be holding them somewhere else." Arthur decides. "Let's go."
Anne is quick to move as she is anxious to get Amelia away from her sisters as soon as possible.
—
Amelia's POV
Warning bells sounding alert those in the Throne room of the escape taking place. Amelia smiles to herself before quickly rearranging her expression.
"Arthur." Cenred realises as he stands and walks to the door but doesn't open them.
"You should've killed him when you had the chance!" Morgana snaps at him as she follows.
"He won't get far. My men will deal with him easily enough." Cenred says, turning to them.
Amelia quickly plays her part, clenching her teeth and she angrily threatens, "Cenred, if he escapes..."
"Do not fret, Sisters." Morgause interrupts with a smile that twists Amelia's insides. "You are both like family to our brave Prince. He will not leave this place without either of you. And when he comes, we'll be waiting."
"And then, My Lady Morgana, Lady Amelia, you must play your parts well," Cenred says as he pulls out the swords that sit crisscrossed on his back.
"When have we not?" Morgana smirks at Amelia who responds the same though she worries about what'll happen.
—
Arthur bursts in and Cenred guards Morgana with a sword near her throat and one pointed at Arthur. Another Guard points a blunt dagger against Amelia's throat.
"That's close enough." Cenred threatens.
"Please don't hurt us." Morgana pretends to whimper. Amelia would've rolled her eyes if she were not so anxious about Arthur.
"One more step and they die," Cenred concludes.
Arthur stops walking closer but circles slightly. "You're a coward, Cenred. You always were."
Cenred chuckles. "It's cowards that survive, Arthur. Now put down your sword."
Morgause comes out from behind a pillar. "Do as he says." Arthur is shocked for a moment by her appearance. "You seem surprised."
Arthur schools his face. "Hardly. I know what you're capable of."
Amelia catches the sight of Merlin peeking around the edge of the doorway and relaxes a little.
"Oh, you have no idea." She utters. Morgause summons a pillar of fire and pushes it towards Arthur but suddenly it explodes outwards, knocking them all back.
Amelia hits her head against a pillar and goes unconscious when she wakes up, she sees a frantic Arthur crouching by her.
"Ew," Amelia grumbles then winces when she realises her head hurts.
Arthur sighs in relief. "You're okay."
Amelia touches her head and realises there's a wound on her temple that's bleeding. That's just great.
"Come on. We need to get you two out of here." Arthur pulls Amelia up. Amelia looks around and sees a dazed Morgana standing as well. Merlin enters the room.
"Merlin?! What the hell are you doing here?!" Arthur exclaims irritably.
"I thought you might need some help!" Merlin retorts. Amelia can see Merlin giving her a concerned look and she gives a quick weak smile. She's beginning to feel a bit dizzy.
"Get out of here now!" Arthur orders.
Merlin grabs a hold of Morgana's arm, who in turn grabs a hold of Amelia's as Merlin drags the two of them out of the room.
—
Morgana is doing fine until they reach the tunnels. Amelia, on the other hand, is stumbling around everywhere. She can feel herself losing a lot of blood. Morgana and Amelia are both ready to pass out as Merlin drags them along.
Morgana eventually has enough. "I can't go on!" She digs her heels into the ground, which stops Merlin from running.
"What's the matter? Worried about your friends?" Merlin patronises.
"No! My ankle!" Morgana protests.
"I'm not a fool, Morgana! I know what you're trying to do!" Merlin bellows as he tugs on her arm, which causes Amelia to pitch forward slightly.
"You know nothing!" Morgana hisses, finally ripping her hand from Merlin's grasp.
Morgana shuffles backward, which makes Amelia shuffle backward and hit her foot against a rock. Her blood loss finally takes full effect as she goes tumbling backward, landing on her back.
"Amelia!" Merlin and Morgana both cry at the same time.
Morgana drops down onto the ground next to Amelia as she lifts her head onto her lap. Her fingers lightly grazed the cut on Amelia's head, and Amelia takes in a sharp breath at the pain.
"Sister…" Morgana breathes, cradling Amelia's face in her hands.
"Amelia." Merlin tries taking a step forwards.
Morgana snaps her head up at Merlin. "Don't even come near us." She hisses at him as she draws her arm around Amelia protectively. Amelia's heart softens slightly at this. It reminds her that the Morgana she knew is not completely gone.
"What's wrong?" Arthur asks as he finally catches up to them.
"It's Amelia," Morgana explains. "Her head wound, she has lost a lot of blood. And my ankle. Neither of us can walk."
Arthur has only a few seconds to think. He snaps his fingers, "Merlin, pick up Amelia."
"What? No!" Morgana protests, obviously not wanting Amelia anywhere near Merlin.
"We do not have time to argue!" Arthur disputes as he gestures from Merlin to Amelia. "Now, Merlin!"
Merlin picks Amelia up in a fireman's carry as Arthur does the same to Morgana. Amelia grumbles in pain as her head now hangs upside down.
"What are you doing?!" Morgana cries out indignantly.
"Trust me, I don't like it any more than you do!" Arthur argues as he adjusts Morgana on his back. "Come on, Merlin!"
—
They get back to the horses and once she's put down, Amelia is relieved to notice Gwen, Anne, and Elyan waiting for them. Anne hurries over to wrap Amelia in a hug, which Amelia happily reciprocates.
"I thought I told you to ride for Camelot." Arthur remarks after putting Morgana down.
"You might be a prince, but I don't always have to do what you tell me to." Gwen retorts. Amelia sniggers before wincing causing Anne to look over the head wound with concern.
Suddenly branches crack and Cenred's men attack. Arthur takes out one. They all watch in surprise as Elyan engages the other skilfully before killing him.
Arthur is impressed. "Not bad."
"Well, practice makes perfect, I guess." Elyan remarks.
—
Anne fixes Amelia and Morgana's wounds and injuries the best she can before they are back on the road to Camelot so they can receive some proper treatment.
The rescue party rides along a trail in the woods when Arthur turns to the two sisters. "What did Cenred want with you?" He asks.
"He was trying to extract information." Morgana quickly explains. "We told him nothing."
"See, that's what men like Cenred will never understand. Camelot was built on trust and loyalty. We will never be defeated as long as we stay true to those ideals." Arthur declares.
Amelia presses her lips shut so as to not say anything though she desperately wants Arthur to know. Perhaps one day.