Author's note: Here you go folks, the thirtieth chapter. I have some new OCs in this chapter. Tell me if you like them.

On with the story.

Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin, LOTR, GOT or Death Note.

Chapter 30

Trapped

[ Royal court of Amata ]

The court room was dimly lit. A huge chandelier at the center of the room was the only source of light. The young king, Sauron sat on an ornate throne situated on a higher platform. Fully armoured guards were at the two sides of the king.

The king's advisors were standing before him offering counsel to the king. But it was hard to tell whether the king was listening or not. His face was hidden in shadow. No one could see his expressions. It had become a tradition in Amata to hold council at the midnight after the new king's coronation.

At first, some of the councilors voiced their discomfort in attending the councils. But after outright executing the said councilors, no one had ever questioned the king's decision ever since.

Many things had changed since Sarrum's death in Amata. The new king had reorganized the military. Ordered his men to wear proper armours instead of the rugged attires which were widely worn during his father's reign.

The former king's vision to conquer entire Albion was passed onto his son. Only Sauron was much more determined than his father. Sarrum had preached hatred against magic at one side while recruited people with magical potential in his country.

His army had scourged the entire land in disguise to hunt down other magic users except Amatans. All of this were done to prepare the kingdom for a great invasion on Albion. Sarrum hunted down magical people to make sure that Albion would be defenseless when he would launch his own magical invasion.

His ambitious plan had many obstacles to face. Like the two revolts among the magical soldiers of the army. Many of the magical soldiers were angry because of their kind's death on their own hand. Although those two revolts were easily crushed by the magical soldiers loyal to the crown, King Sarrum never took another chance. He forced all the magical members to swear a blood oath ( an unbreakable oath ) to never use magic against the crown. Those who refused were killed then and there. None of the other kingdoms knew about this Amatan magical army. All of the kings still knew that Amata hated magic more than anything.

Even the general population of the kingdom knew nothing about the secret magical army as the recruitment were done very secretly and those few who sometime would have the misfortune to know about it would be partially brain washed to forget about what they had seen or heard. The king's spies made sure that the secret magic army remained secret and most of the magical family had served the royal family secretly for generations. So, keeping the army secret might have been hard but it hadn't been impossible.

When Sarrum died in Camelot, his eldest son Sauron took the throne. The young king was more ambitious than his father. In the last three years, he had conducted a recruitment and a purge of the magical people among his subjects. Thus numbers of faithful mages to the king had increased significantly.

He would have launched the planned invasion just after his father's death but then another complication arose. The ancient kingdom of Elmet had emerged again in the center of Perilous woods and some ' King of Magic ' had become the king of that kingdom. Worse thing was that most of the northern kingdoms had allied themselves with that king instead of him and his allies.

But that was not the worst. The kingdoms of Rheged and Bernicia had allied themselves with Camelot. Sauron knew that if the allies of Camelot and Elmet joined together, his plan of domination would be ruined.

So, he had tried to place the Lannisters on the throne of Camelot ten months ago by starting a civil war while gathering his and his allies' armies near the northern plains.

His plan was to replace the Pendragons with the Lannisters. And while the Lannisters were still recuperating, he would invade and conquer Camelot. Simple as that.

That plan had gone horribly wrong. The Lannisters were exterminated and Arthur Pendragon was still on the throne.

But all was not lost. Camelot was weakened by the civil war. So, he was planning to invade Camelot anyway. Then another news came to him and that news was the reason he had called this council. As always, most of the councilors were idiots who had started talking and spouting nonsense even before hearing clearly what the king was saying.

" We must act first. Arthur Pendragon has won the war. If we don't attack him now while he is weakened, we won't get another chance. " One of the councilors said.

" Don't be stupid. The Camelotian soldiers' blood is still boiling. They haven't changed out of their armour. They are on high alert. Who knows maybe they have found out about our army. We must fall back or we'll be slaughtered by Camelot and her allies. " Another councilor countered.

" Why don't we attack through Casterly Rock. That castle is empty now. Our men know that place in and out. We'll capture that in no time. Our invasion can be launched from there. "

" ENOUGH. " The councilor who was talking flew away and landed on the ground. He groaned in pain.

All the commotion ceased instantly. The councilors looked towards the throne with fearful eyes and saw a hint of gold vanishing from the king's eyes.

The young king stood up from his throne and began to come down from the high platform. His boots making noise that was echoing in the room as he descended.

All of the councilors became stiff, kneeled and bowed down their head when the king came closer and his figure came to light.

" Have any of you heard what I said at the begining? " The king asked in a cool tone.

None of the councilors dared to look up and meet the king's eyes. None of them spoke up.

" Have you all gone deaf? " Sauron yelled.

" Rise to your feet. "

All the councilors rose as the king said.

" Now answer. " Sauron demanded.

" No, sire. " All the councilors shouted in unison.

" Then, can any of you tell me what did I say at first? " The king asked.

" May I, sire? " One of the councilors who was one of the rare few Sauron called ' friend ' asked timidly.

Sauron nodded.

" You said one of your little birds has brought you an important news from Camelot. You said that you would inform us about the change you have made in the invasion plan and you said you wanted to hear about our own opinion about the changed plan. " The councilor said with a shaky voice.

Sauron smiled a little hearing it.

" You see. That's why I call Lord Walder my friend. He listens without talking too much. Thank you for your words, my friend. " The king said with an accepting tone.

Lord Walder nodded and backed away.

The king then began to speak. " As Walder said, one of my little birds has brought me news and because of that news, I have changed the battle plan. I wanted to know about your opinion about the changed plan not the previous plan. Which part of it you didn't understand? " He was yelling by the time he finished talking.

Nobody talked back. A few seconds later, the king's rage died down.

" Why am I even talking with you? You'll say you understand now but you'll start bickering again whenever you get the next chance. Keeping you people as councilors is such a nuisance. No matter how many time I throw you around you'll make the same mistakes. Right, Lord Ramsey? "

The councilor whom Sauron had thrown in the air a moment earlier was just getting up with a groan. " Ye-s. Y-es. Your majesty. " He replied hesitantly without realizing what the king had asked.

Sauron sighed in exasperation.

" Uuuuhh, I have no choice. Forming another council is such a bother. So, I am stuck with you people even though you are such a nuisance.

Then again, you are assigned to handle the country's finance. And as my subjects are not revolting and my coffers are full, I have to attest that you are doing a good job. "

All the councilors relaxed a little hearing the king's veiled compliment.

" BUT.. " Sauron pointed his fingers towards the lords and they visibly tensed again.

" I won't tell you what I was planning to tell you. Most of you won't be able to give me any sound counsel. I am seeing the proof right in front of my eyes for three years. Only one or two of you can. I don't need you in the matters of military. I will call you if I need your advice in financial or political matters. Now make yourself scarce. Go back to sleep. "

The councilors began to hurry towards the hall's exit. But they were stopped by the king's voice again.

" One last thing. Don't breath a single word that I have changed my plan. Don't discuss among yourselves what I MIGHT have planned. Forget about this meeting. Breath a single word about tonight and I will know. If you break my confidence, your heads will roll before you know. Understood? "

" Yes, your majesty. " All the councilors replied in unison. Some of the older lords were shaking slightly in fear.

" Very good. Now leave me. " All of them began to leave.

" Reynald, Strauss and Aunt Mellisandre. Please stay. " Soon the room was empty except the king, his five personal bodyguards and his three requested persons.

Sauron ascended the stairs and again sat on the throne. The king clapped and a blue light appeared illuminating the room more than before. He brought his right cheek on his right palm and began to tap his left hand's fingers on the handle of the throne.

" You already know about my plan. What do you think about it? General Strauss? " Sauron asked the half-bald and grey haired man.

" May I speak freely, your majesty? "

" You may. "

" I think the plan is too far-fetched, sire. Lady Guinevere might not do what you are predicting? And what is the chance of Mercians and Northumbrians to march with us into such a deadly territory. I mean no offence, sire. But I have doubt that your plan will work. "

Sauron flashed a smirk and began. " You need not to worry, Strauss. I haven't told you about this but I have already sent two whisperers to our dear allies, Bayerd and Eldred. Lord Ahriman has already wrapped his fingers around Eldred just like his sister, Ahrimina has done with Bayerd. They are now nothing but puppet of mine. They will do whatever I command them to do. "

" But what about lady Guinevere? " Reynald, Strauss' younger brother asked.

" Sadly, our spies haven't been able to gain as much as influence in Camelot like Mercia or Northumbria. We don't have a whisperer beside the peasant queen or his husband as they don't trust anyone with the most important matters except the knights of the round table. "

The three people before him looked a little disappointed. But didn't say anything. After all, they didn't want their king to get too angry. It always got messy when Sauron got angry.

Meanwhile the king continued, " But my birds have gathered enough information about the royals of Camelot. And we know that both of them are very sentimental. The king won't leave his queen helpless or the other way around if they could help it. If, no, when our plan's first phase succeeds, queen Guinevere will have no choice but to do what I tell her to.

With her, Eldred and Bayerd as my puppet, we'll overwhelm the enemies. After that, I'll kill our allies. And a kingdom without a king? " Sauron gave his listeners a pointed look.

" Is ripe for the taking. " The king's red-haired aunt said with a sly grin on her face.

The king nodded.

" So, any doubts? "

" I have none now. Sorry for doubting you, my lord. " Strauss said bowing down his head.

" Reynald? "

" I have never doubted you, sire. You have inherited your father's tactical mind and your mother's shrewdness and wisdom. "

" Aunt? " The king asked his father's sister.

" I never expect any less from my brother's eldest son. But I sense you have more to tell me. Am I right? " Mellisandre asked.

" There's no hiding from you, aunt. You're right. I want to know about how Tommen is doing? "

All three of them straightened hearing the king's younger brother's name.

Mellisandre gave a sad smile and then spoke up. " It saddens me, nephew. But your brother is still not listening to reason. I tried to persuade him but he is refusing to help you. He snarls whenever I say your name. And the progress done by my magic is small to none. I fear he will have to remain inside the archive for a long time.

The king continued tapping on the throne. He scratched his chin and then heaved a sigh. " That's a shame. He would have been a great help on my side. But what else can we do? Keep doing your work, aunt. I have time. He might not be ready now. I hope he will be one day. "

" So, do I , nephew. " Mellisandre said. Her poker face not betraying any emotion.

" I am going to the northern plains tomorrow afternoon. Our guests should be there by then. General Ehrant is waiting for them. Aunt, you will be the queen regent here until my return and look after Tommen. Reynald, I am assigning you as her personal bodyguard and commander of the reserve army. We'll call you if we need your assistance. "

" What about my orders, sire? " Strauss asked.

" You are coming with me, General. You will be the commander of the Amatan ranger army. You are the best person for that position. " The king said.

" As my king commands. " Strauss gave a bow.

Sauron rose from his throne and began to descend. When he was level with them. He said, " This is the night before the revolution. Let us take the oath again that we have taken on my coronation day. "

The king beckoned his guards to get out. They obliged.

Now the remaining persons formed a circle grabbing each other's hands. Sauron was between Mellisandre and Reynald.

They began to chant together.

Within the spreading darkness

We pledged a vow to the revolution.

We can't let anybody interrupt it.

We are going to change the dream into reality.

We're going to show them a bright and ideal world.

For the glory of Amata and Erestris family.

The sound of their chanting kept echoing in the courtroom of Amatan Royal Palace. Moonlight poured through the back window of the room making the environment enchanting

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Arthur Pendragon didn't know whether he was worried or happy about this trip. He kept telling himself that it was only for the sake of the kingdom. But in the deepest part of his mind, he was eager to meet his (former) best friend.

He was worried and ashamed at the same time. Worried that his friend might refuse to help him. Ashamed that what he had done to his friend had stripped him of the right to call Merlin his ' Friend '.

And he was also afraid. He knew Merlin was not someone to hold grudge. But what if he hadn't forgotten and forgiven? What if Merlin took revenge on him?

No.

Merlin's not like that. He wouldn't hurt me.

' You didn't mind hurting him. ' His mind told himself.

He stopped thinking then and there. It was too much painful to remember them. Instead he looked around to enjoy the scenery.

It had been two days since he had set out from Camelot with almost twenty knights for the kingdom of magic. They were now on the northern plains. They were hoping to enter the perilous woods within some hours.

King James had told them that the bridge to the perilous woods was a magnificent structure ( Much to Arthur's astonishment ) and the road after that bridge had went straight to the heart of the woods.

On the way, there would be a giant fortress named Saul's Fortress. Arthur was hoping to reach that fortress before nightfall. Hopefully Merlin's men would take them to the capital of the kingdom.

" Hey, Princess! Why so gloomy? " Arthur groaned hearing the rogue knight's voice.

" How many times, Gwaine? How many times I have to tell you that I am the king now? " Arthur said with venom in his voice.

Gwaine didn't even flinch hearing Arthur's tone. He replied in the same cheerful tone.

" Oooh! My bad. Why so gloomy, queenie? Hey! That rhymed. "

" I was thinking. " Arthur said with a sigh. His voice was full of exasperation but he knew Gwaine wouldn't let him rest if he didn't answer him.

" About Gwen, I bet. Already missing your lady? Poor Arthur! " Gwaine said cheekily. Percival who was riding just behind them snickered.

" No. I was thinking about Merlin. " Arthur said in an even tone.

Gwaine's expression changed instantly after hearing his friend's name.

" What about him? "

" What if he doesn't forgive me? "

Gwaine said nothing for a while and Arthur was expecting an answer.

Finally, Gwaine spoke up.

" If I had been in his place, I know I wouldn't have forgiven you. "

Arthur looked down in defeat.

" But I am not Merlin. He is far forgiving than I am. I think he'll give you another chance. "

" You think so. " Arthur looked a little more hopeful.

" Yeah, I believe that. But I advise you to not mess with Merlin again. Pissing off a king with a whole magical population on his back isn't good for your health. " Gwaine said flashing a grin.

" You don't have to tell me twice. " Arthur replied.

After that, none of them said anything. They rode in companionable silence. They could now make out the outline of the Perilous woods. They would reach the woods' edge within an hour.

Then, something unexpected happened. Arthur suddenly felt a tingling sensation on his neck. He knew something was wrong but before he could even look around, he began to feel sluggish and within seconds, he passed out.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

When Arthur woke up, he found himself shackled. Both of his legs. His hands were also manacled. But his mouth was not gagged. He tried to move around. But his body was still sluggish for unknown reason. So, he just sat there. Moving his eyes, he could see that he was in a big tent with all his knights tied up just like himself. They were still unconscious but visibly unharmed.

" So, you have woken up. I was getting a little worried. " A bald middle-aged man with an eye cap on his right eye entered the camp with a much younger man wearing glass with red hair behind him.

" Where am I? " Arthur demanded.

" Now. Now. Don't get so cranky. His majesty won't like that. " The man said.

" What his majesty? "

" His esteemed majesty, King Sauron Erestris. Ruler of Amata. You're now in his encampment near northern plains. "

" Sauron has an army amassed in Camelot? That's ridiculous. I would've known. " Arthur yelled but deep down he began to doubt his confidence.

" Sorry to disappoint you, young king. But your scouts haven't done their duty like they should have. We're in Camelot. I am not lying. " The bald man said confidently.

" Are you planning to attack my kingdom? Do you think without me she will be weakened? You're wrong. Guinevere will repel your invasion. You won't succeed. " Arthur was fuming in rage.

" Shhh. My king. Don't yell. We're not attacking Camelot. We're attacking Elmet. We've sent message to your wife that if she wanted to see you alive, then she should join with us in our invasion against the so-called ' King of Magic '.

And guess what? She accepted and your first knight is riding with an army to join us. " The bald man looked like he was enjoying this very much.

" You're keeping me as a hostage? " Arthur growled.

" Yes. Your people love you blindly. They will do anything for you to get you back alive. Our king knows this and he is manipulating this weakness of your people to our advantage. You are going to remain a hostage until we put Elmet's king's head on a pike. " The man said with authority.

Then he looked back at the young man and said, " Take care of our guest, Rhuben. I am going to greet his majesty. He'll be arriving shortly. "

" Yes, General Ehrant. " The young man bowed.

Saying this, the bald man ( General Errand? or something? ) exited the tent leaving Arthur with his unconscious knights and the younger man.

He came closer and lowered down to Arthur and handed him a bread from the rucksack he was carrying. He put the rucksack beside the king and said, " There's more for your knights. "

Before getting up, the young man whispered into Arthur's ears and said, " Don't worry. I'll get help. The King of Magic won't leave you behind. I am sure of it. "

Without giving Arthur a chance to reply, he stood up and chanted a spell. His eyes glowed gold and the young man began to change. When the process was complete, he looked far more younger and a lot different. His hair was jet black. He almost looked like a boy in his late teens and his tanned skin looked a few shade brighter.

Then, he chanted another spell and within seconds, he vanished in a whirlwind.

While Arthur was still calculating what had actually happened, another young man entered the tent hurryingly who looked same like the lackey Errand had entered with previously.

" Um. Where's the general? " He asked.

" He... He's greeting your king. I guess. " Arthur replied hesitantly.

" Oh no. I am doomed. How did I fall asleep during duty? He's going to kill me. " He left the tent hurriedly just like he had entered.

Without having nothing to do, Arthur began to chew on the bread.

" Princess, where did you get that bread? "

So, Gwaine's awake.

Arthur pointed at the rucksack while continuing eating.

Only one thing was whirling inside his mind now.

" How the hell are we going to get out of here? "

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Muhahahaha. I am evil, ain't I? I said ' going to Elmet '. I didn't say REACHING to Elmet. So, how did you like it? Drop me a line, please. Pretty please with a cherry on top. Next chapter: The mysterious Rhuben ( ? ) brings news to Elmet and Merlin has to make a choice. What will happen?

Today's question: What kind of books do you people like to read? I like history and religion. Second question: What weapon was used to paralyze Arthur? Any guess?

Have a good day ( or night ). Happy reading.

Adios.

- Assassin of Syria.