A/N: Italics are flashbacks. This is the season of flashbacks. Some episodes will have some to delve into Amelia's experiences over the last few years.
—
Amelia's POV
Amelia watches from a window in a room in the Fortress of Ismere. She sees Morgana enter the grounds in a sleigh being pulled by wolves. Amelia notes the red cloak and Dragon crest sewn on it. Must be the rest of the Camelot patrol. Morgana and her men have been picking them up recently.
After Amelia had been taken by Morgana, she reluctantly joined her sister in a quest to find the young Dragon. Amelia did it out of thankfulness to the Dragon for saving her but also worry. Why was Aithusa wondering on their own without Kiligharrah?
They find Aithusa but the happiness is short lived when at the same time they had learnt that King Sarrum, ruler of Amata, had kidnapped Aithusa. With the threat of Aithusa being harmed, Morgana and Amelia didn't fight when Sarrum took them prisoner. After which ensued the worst two years of Amelia's life.
The Sarrum is cruel and a sadist. Like Uther, he has a hatred for magic but Amelia's experience with him shows that the Sarrum is more extreme, more ruthless and cruel than Uther was even at his worst. He took pleasure in emotionally torturing Amelia and Morgana by torturing Aithusa. He would also put them through physical torture.
When he was not putting them through physical and emotional torture, he would put them in a pit. This had consequences as Aithusa ran out of room to grow and became twisted and crippled, which broke Amelia's heart and made her cry more than when she herself was hurt. It felt like they were buried in a living grave. However, one day the Sarrum became lax in his imprisonment of the three and Amelia, Morgana and Aithusa found the chance to flee from their captivity.
Due to the trauma, she has gone through, Amelia can't bear to leave the only people who understand her. She feels hurt that in all the time she has been gone, she had not heard a word from Anne, Merlin, Gwen, Gaius, and Arthur. Amelia honestly wonders if they have forgotten or given up on her.
In the time after their escape, they meet a Druid called Ruadan. He informs the two sisters of an ancient prophecy regarding Arthur's bane. The plan is to start looking for the Diamair, the key to all knowledge, that is rumoured to be hidden under the Fortress of Ismere.
Amelia has grown severely attached to Morgana during those traumatic years. She's told her sister nearly everything except one. No matter how much she feels towards her friends, she can't quite tell Morgana who Emrys and Tarion really are as she knows what Morgana will do. She knows what's been prophesied, Morgana's doom, but, in a way, she hopes to prevent it. Pained and hurt by her friends' abandonment and fear of Morgana, Amelia agrees to the plan.
For three months Ruadan, Morgana and Amelia, with the help of a pack of magical wolves under Morgana's control, capture men who venture into the Northern Plains and force them to work in the mines under the Castle. They also recruit Saxon bandits who form a small army under their order. Ruadan's daughter Sefa has been implemented as Gwen's, Queen Guinevere's, maid.
Amelia is brought back from her memories to the present when she hears, "Mama?"
Amelia turns to see a little girl, her daughter Ella, who's nearly three years old. Ella rubs her eyes tiredly as she blinks up at her mother.
Amelia smiles at her softly as she walks over to the little girl, the only light in her life. It's a large part of the reason Amelia was so desperate to find Aithusa and to continue to protect the young Dragon as the creature did not only save Amelia's life but the life of her unborn child.
"What are doing up sweetheart?" Amelia asks as she picks up her daughter, who happily snuggles into her embrace and rests her head on her mother's shoulder.
"Mama read story?" Ella asks hopefully.
Amelia smiles sadly. "Not now darling, Mama's got some important business to do with your Aunt."
Ella pouts but nods. Amelia leaves her station by the window and takes her daughter back to the Nursery before she goes downstairs.
—
Gwaine's POV
Gwaine finds himself being dragged into what looks to be a Throne room by some Saxons. He's dropped to the ground; he pulls himself up and sees who else is in the room. There before him stands Morgana Pendragon with an unknown man.
Gwaine smirks. "Lady Morgana, we really have to stop meeting like this."
One of the Soldiers hits him, knocking him to the floor and gripping his cheek due to the pain.
Morgana looks down at him, unamused. "You're not looking so pretty now, are you, Sir Knight?"
Gwaine opens his mouth to utter a quick remark but then a voice suddenly interrupts. "No need to play around Morgana, there's things to be done."
Gwaine turns to see, to his shock, that it's Amelia. Gwaine grins at the sight of her, relieved to see her again but his smile drops as he looks at her. Something's different, something's wrong. Her face is gaunt, her once lovely brown hair is a mattered mess and there seems to be little light in her blue eyes. They're almost too similar to her sister's.
Morgana smirks. "Of course, sister. You and your men Sir Knight are going to help me find something."
—
Amelia's POV
Morgana tells Amelia she's got something to show her. They go down to the Dungeons and Amelia is surprised to see the familiar figure of her husband.
"Percival..." She murmurs in shock.
Percival looks equally surprised from where he's being held in a knelt position by two Saxon Guards. "Amelia…"
Her eyes harden. "Oh, you remember me do you? You didn't seem to be that worried about me these last few years."
"No, you're wrong! I have been searching for you all this time, I haven't given up." Percival replies desperately.
"Well, no need to worry, as you can see, I'm perfectly fine without you!" Amelia spits.
Percival glances over Amelia's shoulder to where Morgana stands with narrowed eyes. "With Morgana? She doesn't truly care about you! Don't you remember all that she did?"
Amelia hesitates then. Well, she– Morgana isn't–
Morgana speaks, breaking through her spiralling thoughts, "You're wrong. I do care about her, I helped her these last few years, while you were nowhere to be seen!"
"No!"
Amelia shakes her head tearfully. "You all think she's the evil in the world but you are wrong!"
"Please Amelia! Help us!" Percival pleads.
"Help yourselves." Amelia spits, turning to leave.
Percival stops her, "Please, Amelia. I– please tell me, they said you were pregnant. Did you– is the child—"
Amelia looks over her shoulder. "You're staying away from her."
Percival's eyes widen at the confirmation that not only is their child alive but it's a girl.
What Amelia doesn't see when she turns her back is Morgana's face turning dark and she smirks at Percival before ordering the Guards to take him away.
—
Merlin's POV
Screaming, wailing and maybe some curse words emanate from Anne and Merlin's Chambers. The former lies in their bed gripping onto her husband's hand so tightly he wonders if it is broken as Gaius, Gwen, and some servants dart around trying to help her the best she can.
Anne had become with child, again over a couple of years after Faye's birth and is now in the middle of giving birth to their second child.
Anne gives one more scream and suddenly a baby's wail fills the room. Merlin peeks at the child and a wide grin split across his face. He turns, pressing a kiss to Anne's head, whispering in her ear, before he stands, hugging Gwen in relief. The Queen moves forward to wipe Anne's forehead off with a cool cloth. Merlin gives a brief thought to how the Court would react to seeing their Queen do such a task before he rushes out of the room as the baby is cleaned by Gaius.
He hurries towards the Nursery where Faye is. Merlin and Anne had tried to argue against moving her there, but Arthur had insisted. When Merlin enters the circular room, he is amused by the great King of Camelot and the Knights on the floor playing with Merlin's daughter.
"Faye!" He calls, drawing the group's attention.
"Daddy!" Faye squeals, running over to her father.
Merlin scoops up the girl. "Guess what, big sister?"
"Baby?!" The girl looks at her father, her eyes wide with hope.
"Yes." Merlin nods, looking at Arthur and the Knights that are there with him, Elyan, and Leon. Both men have stayed behind while Gwaine and Percival are on a journey to Ismere, having been gone for some weeks now. It is worrying how long they'd been off.
Gwaine had sworn on the Tavern that he would be back in time for the latest birth, not wanting to miss it. For him to not be there after so many weeks… something is wrong. Arthur had promised that after the birth, he'd send out a patrol to try and find them.
"I have a son." Merlin announces.
Leon and Elyan let out a cheer. Arthur chuckles and slaps Merlin on the shoulder in congratulations.
"What's his name?" Arthur asks.
"Euwen." Merlin says.
"That's a strong name, Merlin." Leon offers.
"Euwen's a strong boy." Merlin nods, tears in his eyes. He looks down at his daughter. "Do you want to meet him?"
Faye nods eagerly, her black, curly locks bobbing with her head. It is amusing, to Merlin, how much she looks like him, her hair, his cheekbones, and smile, but his eyes and build. Faye isn't as gangly as Merlin is, but sturdier, stronger.
Merlin turns and walks back to the Chambers. Arthur, Leon, and Elyan clamber on after him. Merlin smiles softly as he gazes upon his wife, who sits up in the bed, holding their son in her arms, the baby is much louder and fussier than Faye had been. Anne has adapted well to being a mother. Merlin's mother had come to stay in Camelot soon after Faye had been born, to help teach her son and daughter-in-law what to do, before she headed back to Ealdor. Anne had done quite well, though she'd had Gwen to help. And it was good practice for the Queen for when she has children of her own one day.
Merlin carries Faye over, sitting beside Anne and turning her in his arms to look at Euwen, who finally settles and is now squinting and frowning at the world around him.
"Faye," Anne smiles, shifting Euwen in her arms to take Faye's hand, "say hello to your brother, Euwen."
"Uen!" Faye says causing them all to laugh. Close enough.
"All right," Arthur interrupts, "as King, I think it's my turn to hold the baby."
"You say that as if it has any sway over us." Anne remarks with a smirk.
Arthur pouts and Gwen sympathetically pats him on the shoulder. Elyan and Leon snigger.
Merlin smiles at the family that surrounds them. Just a few people missing...
—
Gwaine's POV
Gwaine hits the rock again with his pick axe before taking a breather, glancing over his shoulder to see their Guards are not nearby before turning to Percival.
The other Knight has been largely quiet, focusing on the task at hand. He hasn't said much but Gwaine knows the whole finding Amelia again must be weighing on him.
"Did you find the others?" Gwaine asks him instead.
Percival looks up at him in surprise then quickly nods. "Every last one."
"Do they know what we're searching for?"
"Some kind of key."
"The key to what?"
They pause when a Saxon walks past.
"I don't know." Percival admits. "But the men say Morgana's obsessed. She won't rest until she finds it."
"Let's hope we don't succeed, then." Gwaine remarks.
—
Anne's POV
It's been six weeks and there's still no sign of them. Elyan led a search party but he found no trace of them, it is as if they have vanished from the face of the Earth.
Anne stands around the table with a map laid on top of it in Arthur and Gwen's Chambers along with Merlin, Gaius, Gwen, Arthur, Leon, and Elyan.
Elyan points to the map. "We know Gwaine and his men crossed the pass, here, at Isulfor. But beyond that, there was no trace. The trail went cold."
"What of this story that the fortress of Ismere has been occupied once more?" Arthur asks.
"I heard many rumours, Sire. All of them had two names in common..." Elyan pauses, looking at them all hesitantly, "Morgana and Amelia."
Anne feels the breath knocked out of her. "She has Amelia." Finally, after so long.
"We expected as such, we all heard of the rumours." Gaius says solemnly.
"The Sarrum." Arthur utters, he's quiet for a moment, contemplating before quickly clearing his throat and moving on. "Then we have no time to lose."
"What if the rumours are true that Morgana inhabits Ismere, Sire? You may be walking into a trap." Gaius reasons.
"The Knights of Camelot do not abandon their own."
"Morgana knows that. She'll be waiting for you." Merlin reminds him.
"These men have fought for me, bled for me..." Arthur begins to argue.
"May I make a suggestion?" Gwen interrupts. "What if you were to take a different route? Approach Ismere from the West."
That could work…
"Through Annis' lands?"
"It would certainly take Morgana by surprise." Gaius adds.
"Would Annis grant safe passage to so many armed men?" Arthur questions Leon.
"I believe she would, Sire." The Knight replies.
"Dispatch a rider immediately. We'll follow at dawn. Remember, if we're to succeed, no one must know of our intentions." Arthur instructs.
They all nod in agreement.
—
Merlin's POV
Merlin meets with Kilgharrah when the others have fallen asleep. What he saw, what was shown to him by that man in the decimated Village, he can't get those images out of his head. He wishes Anne was here but she'd stayed back in Camelot to help Gwen.
"I need to know about a Druid symbol." Merlin tells him. "A black spiral, within it a thin, yellow coil."
"It is the mark of a Vates. A Druid seer." The Dragon informs him. "Where did you encounter him?"
"On my journey here. He warned me of Arthur's bane."
"His bane?"
Merlin swallows heavily before speaking his next words, "And then he showed me a battle. A terrible battle. Arthur was fighting for his life. I saw him wounded. I saw him fall."
"The Vates' power of prophecy is unrivalled, even by a High Priestess." Kilgharrah explains.
"So, this– this battle will come to pass?" Merlin questions worriedly.
"I do not know, young warlock," Kilgharrah admits, "but one thing is certain... this was no chance meeting."
"You think I should heed his warning?"
"There was a time when the words of a Vates were considered a gift."
"Then why do they feel like a burden?" Merlin asks.
"A wise man is not cowed by knowledge, Merlin. Instead, he uses it to guide him." Kilgharrah advises.
"How?"
"That is something only you can decide. But remember, the Vates singled you out for a reason. Now, more than ever, it is you and you alone that can keep Arthur safe." Kilgharrah tells him.
"One more thing."
"Yes?"
"It's just– Amelia is with Morgana. Does that mean she's chosen her path?" Merlin asks. He hadn't wanted to mention it to Anne, but he has been wondering.
"It is yet to be decided." Kilgharrah replies. "Now, more than ever, she's being tested."
—
Amelia's POV
Amelia pants frantically as she runs. All she can hear is her blood rushing through her ears along with her heart beating and her footsteps pounding along the ground. She knows she can't stop or she won't be able to continue. She glances over her shoulder to see Morgana and Aithusa stumbling after her as the Sarrum's Castle fades further and further into the distance.
"Come on!" Amelia huffs out. She knows they'll notice their disappearance soon if they haven't already and will send out a search party.
"Amelia! We need to stop!" Morgana yells after some time.
Amelia shakes her head frantically. Their treatment under the Sarrum flashes through her mind making her shake in fear. "No, no, we can't. We– we can't."
"Amelia." Morgana grabs Amelia's shoulders, stopping her in her tracks. "We can't go on. We have enough distance for now but to defend ourselves we need rest. Aithusa needs rest."
Amelia looks to Aithusa who whines pleadingly. She sees the creature has been struggling as they ran. Amelia's heart breaks at the sight of how twisted and deformed Aithusa has become and feels a rush of anger towards their captures and Kiligharrah for the direct and indirect harm they have caused to a creature whose name means light.
Her shoulders drop in defeat. "Fine."
Later on, they settle in a Cave that night, checking for any injuries not healed during their ordeal or obtained during the escape.
"I cannot believe they abandoned you." Morgana suddenly utters.
Amelia looks at her sister, who sits across from her, the fire lighting her face, frowning. "What do you mean?"
"Those in Camelot you so willingly betrayed your sisters for." Morgana explains as if it's obvious. Is it? "They've abandoned you."
Amelia shakes her head. "No, n-no. I... they're my friends. They care about me."
"Then where are they? Where were they when that man tortured us? Nowhere."
"I-I-I…"
"But I am here, sister. I have never abandoned you." Morgana continues.
Amelia stares at her sister with wide tearful eyes. She had tried not to think about it but where were they? Where's Percival, Arthur, Gaius, Gwen, Gwaine, Anne and Merlin? What have those she cares for been doing while Amelia had been locked away and tortured? She sniffles.
"Ssh." Morgana whispers as she moves to sit next to Amelia "I'm here. I'm here. I'll protect you from the hurt they have caused. I'll never let them hurt you again."
Amelia curls in Morgana's arms and sobs.
—
Anne's POV
Soon after Gwen became Queen, she quickly appointed Anne as her companion. Anne had offered to become her maidservant but Gwen had refused as they have worked side by side for so long so it would just be weird. Instead, after a good while, Gwen accepted a young girl called Sefa to be her maid.
It had been great to simply spend time together, Anne at Gwen's side as she eased into her new role. It gave Anne something to focus on, along with her new motherhood, since Amelia's disappearance.
It has also become a habit of Anne and Gwen to eat together when their husbands are away, to have some company as well as to try and keep worrisome thoughts away. Anne wishes she could join them, but she can't leave Gwen on her own.
The second night after Arthur and Merlin had left to rescue the Knights, Anne watches curiously out of her window as Sefa leaves the City. What is she doing?
The next morning, Anne watches the maid curiously as she walks around in a daze while dressing Gwen.
Sefa is leaving the room when Gwen clears her throat, stopping her. "Aren't you forgetting something? My papers for the Council?"
Sefa nervously chuckles. "Of course." She goes over to the desk to collect the papers.
Anne narrows her eyes suspiciously at her back. "Is everything all right, Sefa?"
"Yes." Sefa replies unconvincingly.
"You don't seem yourself today." Gwen says, concerned.
"I'm sorry."
"Has this got anything to do with the fact that I saw you leave the City last night?" Anne questions pointedly.
Gwen smiles. "What's this?"
Sefa turns around, looking frightened. Is she worried that she has been discovered? "I, um..."
"Are you seeing someone, Sefa?" Gwen asks.
Sefa frowns in confusion. "My lady?"
"Whoever he is, he's lucky to have you." Gwen says sincerely.
Sefa deflates in relief. "Thank you, my lady. There are so many things to remember."
"I know that better than anyone. You're doing well. Honestly."
"Thank you, my lady." Sefa bows and leaves the room.
Anne throws Gwen a doubtful look. "You sure she's seeing someone?"
"What else could it be? You've become too suspicious Anne." Gwen admonishes.
Anne rolls her eyes. "Can you blame me?"
"Sefa is too sweet to be deceitful."
It's always the ones you least expect.
—
Amelia's POV
Amelia sits with Morgana in the Throne room. Ruadan arrives then, looking flustered and frantic.
"Ruadan? What's wrong?" Amelia asks in concern.
"Arthur is riding for Ismere as we speak." Ruadan informs them.
Amelia and Morgana share a confused look before standing. The former tries to ignore the tightening in her chest at the mention of her cousin's name.
"Impossible. I've had sentries posted on the border for weeks." Morgana replies.
"He's approaching from the West, from Annis' lands."
Amelia frowns. "Why would he do that?"
"He means to cause a surprise. He will be on us in less than a day." He warns them.
Morgana's face hardens. "Prepare for battle. We ride tonight."
Morgana begins to stride off, but Amelia is stuck where she is.
"But—"
Morgana stops and turns to her sharply. "Amelia?"
Fear swells in Amelia's stomach. She doesn't want to invite Morgana's wrath. She glances at Ruadan but it's clear he'll be no help, he usually isn't. "Well, I – I promised Ella I'd be free to read her a book tonight."
"That can wait. You're not doubting me, are you?" Morgana narrows her eyes at her.
"N-no."
"Good." Morgana turns and strides out of the room with Ruadan following, leaving a tearful Amelia behind.
—
It isn't difficult to find the camp. Amelia had reluctantly followed Morgana on horseback and their army of Saxons as they left Ismere. They reach the camp at dawn, just as it seems they all are packing up and getting ready to leave. Morgana signals for the Saxons to surround the camp and move in.
They emerge through the mist as they move closer to the camp and Amelia begins to see all the figures more clearly and her gut clenches when she begins to recognise some of the faces. Leon, Elyan, Merlin…
"Run!" Amelia's breath catches in her throat at the sound of Arthur's voice.
The Knights run, but soon realise they are surrounded by Saxons and have to stand their ground. They then engage in a fierce battle. In all the chaos, Amelia loses sight of them all. It is only when the battle dies down, Camelot Knights lying dead or fleeing does Amelia notice that Arthur and Merlin have both vanished.
Morgana growls in frustration. Amelia flinches at the sound.
—
Anne's POV
Leon and Elyan stand before Gwen, Gaius, and Anne in the Throne room, heavily breathing and looking a bit ragged. They have just entered the room after their sudden appearance back in Camelot.
"We were ambushed." Leon huffs. "Morgana, Amelia and a band of Saxons attacked us as we crossed the border into Ismere."
Anne's insides seize. Amelia wouldn't, would she?
"And what of Arthur?" Gwen questions frantically. Anne reaches over and grips her hand tightly. She knows the worry about your husband all too well.
Elyan hesitates then steps forward. "I tried to protect him…"
Gwen looks at her brother aghast. "What are you saying?"
"We lost him in the battle. We don't know what happened to him," he glances over to Anne and Gaius, "or Merlin."
Anne almost chokes at those words.
"But how? How is this possible? How was it known that Arthur was approaching from that direction?" Gaius questions.
"Someone betrayed us." Gwen realises.
Anne's pretty sure she knows who it is.
"Gwen," Anne speaks, gaining the Queen's attention, "who do we know left Camelot late at night not long after Arthur and Merlin departed?"
Gwen sighs, closing her eyes in defeat and sadness. "Bring her to me."
—
Amelia's POV
Amelia eventually falls asleep after draining herself dry and wakes to hear some strange noises. She pulls herself up, noticing Morgana is no longer beside her.
"Morgana?" Amelia calls.
She realises the sound she's hearing is whimpering, and it seems to be further into the Cave. Amelia follows the sound to find Morgana lying in a heap, shaking and whimpering. She places a hand on her sister's head and finds it burning up. Amelia panics.
How long has she been like this?! Had Amelia been so selfish as to not notice the pain her sister is in?!
"Ic hæle þina þrowunga." She chants.
Nothing.
Amelia tries again. "Gestepe hole! Þurhhæle!"
Nothing.
"Þurhhæle dolgbenn!"
No matter what spell she uses, her magic is too weak as she hasn't used magic for a long time. It's been bound for too long.
Tears blur her vision. "Morgana." She chokes out. "Morgana, please. It can't end like this. You promised you wouldn't leave me alone; you promised you would stay by my side you can't die, Morgana, please! Please." Amelia begs.
Between sobs and hiccups, she repeats the spells. It still doesn't work.
Amelia doesn't know what to do anymore. Morgana is unconscious, her fever is getting worse, and her breaths sound softer than normal.
Amelia lets her head fall on her chest, burying her face in her clothes, and sobs. It is over. She has failed her.
"You promised." Amelia whimpers again. "You can't leave me." Her voice breaks.
Something nuzzles her side and startles her so badly that she almost hits whatever it is. It's Aithusa, looking at her with those wide blue eyes of hers. Those orbs shift to Morgana then, and Amelia doesn't want to hope that the little creature would manage to heal her sister, lest she be disappointed again. But then again, Aithusa had saved her as well as her darling daughter.
Biting her lip, she watches as Aithusa breathes a golden mist over Morgana, whose body begins to glow slightly. Amelia has to close her eyes at the sight.
When she opens them again, it is to find Morgana healed, her paleness receding and giving place to a healthy rosiness. Amelia waits with bated breath and then, after what seems like a century, Morgana opens her eyes.
"Amelia?" Comes Morgana's raspy voice.
Amelia gasps in relief and flings herself at her sister, who chuckles at her reaction.
—
Morgana insists on searching through the night and into the next day. Amelia anxiously watches as her sister becomes more frantic and angrier.
"Don't just stand there. Find them!" Morgana snaps at the Saxons.
"Morgana?" Amelia hesitantly speaks up. "I-I'm sure the men are exhausted. M-maybe we should—"
Morgana snaps her head to Amelia, who cowers under her sister's sharp gaze. "No! Keep looking! I don't care how long it takes!"
—
Anne's POV
Sefa is dragged before Gwen in Court in the Council Chambers by two Guards who deposit her on the ground. Gwen stands in front of the throne while Anne stands at the side next to Gaius and Elyan.
Sefa looks around her, frightened. "What have I done?"
"The night before Arthur set out for Ismere there was a meeting of the King's Privy Council. Did you hear what was said?" Gwen asks.
Sefa shakes her head. "No, my lady."
Gwen frowns disbelievingly at her. "And yet you were standing right outside the door."
"I was bringing your supper."
"Later that night, where did you go?"
"Nowhere."
"Sefa, you have been a servant in this Castle for nearly a year now." Gwen says. "And I have known Anne years." Anne has to swallow thickly when those wide terrified eyes turn to her. "I trust her, as I like to think I trust you as well. But when she tells me that you left the City through the south gate... I believe her. So please. No lies. Did you leave the city?"
Sefa looks down.
"Look at me." Gwen orders causing Sefa to look up. "Do you deny it?"
"No, my lady."
"Who did you see?" Sefa hesitates. Gwen walks closer. "You can tell me."
"You wouldn't understand." Sefa replies.
"Who did you see?!" Gwen snaps angrily.
"My father. I saw my father." Sefa admits
"And you told him what you'd heard?"
"He only wants what's rightfully his." Sefa begs. "Were he a Physician or a warrior, his skills would be revered. But sorcery! He deserves respect like any man."
"Respect is to be earned!" Gwen retorts coldly. "It cannot be bought with blood. Your treachery cost the lives of many good men."
The reality of the consequences of what she'd done hits Sefa. "I di– I didn't mean to..."
"You have admitted your guilt. You leave me no choice, Sefa. By the laws of Camelot, I find you guilty of treason. I sentence you to death." Gwen declares. "Take her to the Cells."
Wait, what?
Anne, Gaius, and Elyan exchange shocked glances. Sefa is pulled away.
—
Merlin's POV
Merlin might have gotten a bit too reckless, too hungry, which lead to both him and Arthur getting trapped in this huge net overnight because he saw some rabbits.
Merlin guesses they had somehow managed to fall asleep in the net because he feels himself start awake the next morning when they fall to the ground, letting out indignant cries. They crash to the ground in a heap, and they both groan at the pain and rude awakening.
"I'm sorry." A voice remarks sarcastically. Merlin looks up through the tangles of the net to see a man, a bunch of lackeys surrounding him. "Did we wake you?"
Arthur immediately pushes the net off him and lunges for his sword, but the man stomps his foot on top of Arthur's hand just as he grabs it.
"Not so fast." The leader says, kicking Arthur's hand away. He picks up the sword and examines the weapon. He lets out a laugh as he turns to regard them. "The King of Camelot. You will fetch a handsome price." He points the sword at Arthur's face. "Alive or dead." He tilts his head to the side. "Any last requests?"
Arthur is silent for a moment before nodding his head at Merlin. "Let my servant go. He has children. He doesn't deserve to die like this."
The leader nods at his lackeys, and one of them moves. Merlin feels a pair of hands on his arms and then his body being lifted off the ground and away from Arthur. Not happening.
"If you're going to kill him." Merlin starts, wrenching his arm away from his captor. "You'll have to kill me first."
Hunger flashes in the leader's eyes as he turns his attention to Merlin.
"Merlin!" Arthur hisses. "Step aside."
"You know I never do as I'm told." Merlin says.
"Stop!" A male voice bellows from the side.
When Merlin looks to see who had intervened, his stomach drops all the way to the pits of the earth. A young boy, nearly a man, steps forward from the trees with bright blue eyes and the blackest of hair.
He is from the Vates' vision. It is him. And there is still something familiar about him. His gait, his curly hair, his nose. Why is he so familiar…
"Shouldn't we leave it to the Lady Morgana to decide their fate?"
The leader considers it for a second before smirking and nodding. He sheathes Arthur's sword and motions for his men to follow him, to lower their weapons, and ready to head out. He chuckles before walking away.
The young man walks over to Arthur and holds out a hand. Merlin feels himself unable to move. Arthur stares at it for a few seconds before accepting his outstretched hand.
He pulls him to his feet, and then says, "You don't remember me, do you?" When Arthur doesn't answer, he continues, "You saved my life once, many years ago." He then looks over at Merlin, and one look into his pale blue eyes, and he knows.
"Mordred." Merlin chokes out, his lower lip quivering and his chest contracting.
Mordred simply smirks and turns back to Merlin's King, his friend, the man that Mordred is supposedly supposed to murder. "Hello, Arthur."
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A/N: I know some people don't like Morgana's evil, but I love it. Plus, I wanted to give Amelia more of a reason to turn against her friends.
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