The Wanderer
by BynWho
Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfic for entertainment purposes only. All characters and plots from the BBC show Merlin belong to the BBC. All other characters and plots belong to BynWho. No copyright infringement is intended.
Summary: Camelot is thrown into battle and only the new Knights of Camelot can rescue the kingdom. Marian and Merlin meet new friends and her affection for a certain scoundrel grows.
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The Coming of Arthur
Uther was in an uproar, stalking around the castle, paranoid and angry. A patrol of Camelot's finest met a brutal death at the hands of Cenred, the king of Essitir. Everyone believed that they had lost all the knights, including Sir Leon, Arthur's second-in-command.
Then, out of the blue, Sir Leon returned to Camelot after making a miraculous and quick recovery. He stood before the king and prince to explain how he was brought back from the brink of death. Gaius believed that Leon's recovery was remarkable, so much so that he suspected magic was involved. He hoped that wasn't the case since Uther had become more paranoid as of late. And just as Gaius had feared, the king did indeed become agitated the moment Leon mentioned the druids.
"I was dead, or as good as, until the druids found me."
Uther sat up, one hand still on the armrest of his throne, and leaned forward. A look of alarm crossed his face. "Druids?"
"Yes, My Lord. I owe them my life."
"How did they heal you? You were as good as dead, you said."
"I don't know."
"Did they use magic?"
Leon looked at Arthur, unsure of what he should say. Would the king accuse him of using magic, though he hadn't? Could Uther execute one of his knights for receiving the mercy and compassion of a sorcerer?
"Well, I…" Leon hesitated.
"Yes or no, it's a simple enough question."
"I only know that I drank from some kind of cup, sire."
Gaius looked over at Marian when she gasped.
"Cup?"
"It was extraordinary, my lord," Leon said, relaxing slightly when Uther didn't start raging at him. "I have known nothing like it. From the moment it touched my lips, I could feel my life return to me."
"Well, your trials have left you weary, I'm sure. We must let him rest," Uther said, waving everyone away. Despite his calm words, he was seething inside.
Of course, Leon had no idea the effect his tale would have on his king or on the events to come. He left to go to his chamber so the healers could examine him for any lingering ailments.
Uther caught up to Gaius in a deserted corridor as he left Leon's bedchamber. Merlin and Marian had followed Gaius out but ducked into an alcove when they saw him.
Uther fidgeted, impatient for Gaius to tell him all he knew about the cup. "Well?"
"It's remarkable, sire. He bears no sign of any kind of wound. He's in perfect health."
"And the cup he spoke of?" Uther asked, his voice low.
Merlin and Marian leaned closer to the edge of the wall to listen closer.
"From his description, I would say it was the Cup of Life," Gaius replied.
Merlin gasped softly. Marian covered his mouth and pulled him back into the alcove before Uther turned.
"You are aware of its power, Gaius."
"I am, indeed, sire. But the druids are a peaceful people. They would only ever use the cup for good. Sir Leon is surely proof of that."
"Be that as it may, according to Sir Leon's description, the druids' cave lies within Cenred's kingdom. It is imperative that we get to the cup before he does."
"My lord, druids are secretive by nature. They will have the cup well hidden. Might it not be wise to leave it where it is?"
Uther frowned in anger. "I'm not prepared to take that risk. We will have that cup."
As the king stormed back to the council chamber, Merlin and Marian came out of their hiding place, both astonished. Merlin opened his mouth to ask Gaius about the cup, but the physician motioned for him to keep quiet.
"Not here, Merlin. Walls have ears."
When they were finally back in the physician's chambers, Gaius and Marian sat on the bench next to the fire while Merlin got comfortable on the floor in front of them.
"I thought the cup was destroyed with Nimueh when I defeated her on the Isle of the Blessed," Merlin said.
Gaius shook his head, "The cup cannot be destroyed. Its magic is eternal, unbound by time or place."
"Wait, the goblet Nimueh had was the Cup of Life?" Marian asked.
"Marian, you and Merlin both were surprised at the mention of the Cup of Life. I imagine for very different reasons?" Gaius asked. "You recognized the cup from Leon's description, didn't you?"
"It sounds like the Holy Grail," she said.
Gaius shook his head. "I haven't heard of a Holy Grail."
"It's an artifact from one of the dominant religions in my time. In the legends, King Arthur sends his best knights in search of the Holy Grail. It was said that the Grail could heal all wounds, deliver eternal youth, and grant everlasting happiness."
"Well, the Cup of Life healed Arthur from the Questing Beast," Merlin said. "But if the cup or the… the Grail can heal and grant happiness, why does Uther fear it so much?"
"Because the cup can be used for evil as well as good," Gaius said.
"I don't understand."
Gaius leaned in and put his elbows on his knees. "Many centuries ago, it fell into the possession of a great warlord. One night, he gathered his army before him. He took a drop of blood from each and every man and collected it in the cup. Such was the vessel's power that the soldiers were made immortal where they stood."
"So, they could not be killed."
"Jesus," Marian said as she blew out a heavy breath.
Gaius shook his head. "The carnage they wrought was beyond all imagining. The king's no fool. He knows that the forces of the Old Religion are rising against him once more. Heaven forbid that the cup should fall into the hands of Morgause."
"Or Morgana."
"With such a weapon at their disposal, Camelot would be all but lost."
"What are we going to do about it, then?"
At that moment, someone knocked on the door. "My apologies, Gaius," a young serving boy said as he entered. "Prince Arthur has requested Merlin's presence."
Arthur and Merlin left on a secret mission to retrieve the Cup of Life the next morning. It was supposed to be one of those if I told you, I'd have to kill you missions, but Merlin had let it slip when he was packing.
Not but a few days had passed since the prince and the young warlock set off on their journey when word came to Camelot of an impending invasion from Cenred's kingdom. A patrol, led by Sir Leon, had come back from scouting the area near the border to report that the invading army was heading to the city. An army filled with not just any soldiers, but with men who couldn't be killed. It seemed as though Arthur had failed, and Cenred controlled the Cup of Life after all.
The gathering of the army outside of the city threw the castle into chaos. There was no place to flee, and too many of the knights had already met their demise. The people panicked, clamoring to get inside the safety of the citadel.
"Gaius? What else do we need?" Marian asked as she rushed around the physician's chambers, gathering supplies. "More bandages and fresh water?"
"Yes, but you can't risk going out to the well, Marian. Cenred's men could attack at any moment!"
"That doesn't matter now, Gaius! If we need it, then I'll go fetch it. We may not get another chance!" Marian called to him as she headed to the door.
Gaius caught her arm before she left and pulled her in for a hug.
"Be careful, dear girl," he said as he pulled back and held her at arm's length.
"You as well, Gaius. If I'm not back in—"
"Let us not think on that possibility. Instead, concentrate on keeping yourself safe."
Marian nodded and left to go fetch the water. Gaius's stomach dropped as he watched the young healer leave. He had a bad feeling about this.
Later that night, Arthur, Merlin, and Gwaine snuck into the devastated city to head to Camelot's castle. Arthur and Merlin had run into Gwaine while searching for the cup, and he had offered his assistance. Once in the city, they learned from Gwen's brother, Elyan, that the citadel had fallen to Cenred's immortal army.
Elyan joined them as they headed to the castle to find any survivors. Arthur, though injured, was impatient to find his father and Gwen. They couldn't retake the citadel on their own, but he was determined to escape with the king.
While Merlin was eager to find Gaius and Marian, Gwaine worried excessively about Marian. He hoped that she was still with Gaius and they were safe. He didn't know what he'd do if he lost her.
When they reached the castle, they split up. Gwaine and Elyan went to the dungeon to look for Uther, and Merlin took Arthur to the physician's chambers to treat the prince's injured leg.
"I'm going with them," Arthur said, hobbling away.
Merlin stopped him and put Arthur's arm over his shoulder to take on some of his weight. "No, you're not."
"That's an order."
"No, to hell with your orders. You're coming with me," Merlin said, dragging the prince to the physician's chambers.
They arrived to find it in a state of disarray. Papers were scattered, glasses were broken, and tables were overturned. But there was no sign of Gaius or Marian.
"You're disobeying orders, Merlin. I'll have you in the stocks for this."
Merlin helped Arthur over to a table and dropped him onto the bench. "Fine," he said. "Now, stay put and try not to move that leg."
He went over to the potions cabinet and began rifling through the bottles, trying to find something to help the infection that Arthur probably now had. There was a sudden noise from the cupboard beside the cabinet. Merlin picked up Arthur's sword and slowly approached the door. He held his breath and yanked the door open. "Gaius!"
"Merlin!" Gaius released a sigh of relief as he embraced Merlin, grateful that at least one of his young charges was out of harm's way.
"Are you alright?" Merlin asked.
"All the better for seeing you."
"Gaius, where's Mari—"
"Oh!" Arthur moaned in pain, drawing their attention.
Gaius looked at Merlin for an explanation.
Merlin bent low and spoke in a near whisper. "I tried to heal him using magic, but it didn't work."
Gaius nodded. He walked over to Arthur and carefully turned him to get a better view of his leg. "This may hurt a bit, sire."
Arthur yelled out in pain as Gaius inspected the wound on the back of his leg.
"The wound's infected. I'll have to redress the leg to reduce the inflammation."
Arthur tried pulling himself up. "No, no, no, no. We haven't got time. Just give me something to keep going," he gritted out, the pain in his leg near unbearable.
Against his better judgment, Gaius went to the cupboard. "Yes, sire."
Merlin followed him away from Arthur. "It's the army of immortals, isn't it?"
Gaius nodded. "We'll be lucky to get away with our lives, any of us."
"I'll go pack." Merlin left to go to his room while Gaius searched for a potion to treat Arthur. Once he returned to the main chamber, he grabbed a few potions Gaius had set out, adding them to his pack of supplies.
Gaius found the potion he'd been looking for and went over to Arthur. "The effect will be instant, sire, but I cannot guarantee how long it'll last."
Arthur downed the potion all at once and stood. "Thank you, Gaius," he said as Gwaine and Elyan burst into the chamber.
"The king, sire, he's alive," Elyan said, out of breath.
"Where is he?"
"They're taking him to the throne room as we speak," Gwaine replied. "Gaius, where's Marian?"
Gaius opened his mouth to answer, but Arthur cut him off.
"This may be my last chance," Arthur said as he picked up his sword, ready to take on the entire invading army.
Merlin grabbed Arthur's shoulder and held him back. "Arthur, there's too many of them. You'll never make it."
"I won't leave my father to die here alone." Arthur turned to the others to give his orders. "Gwaine, Elyan, take Gaius and make your way to the woods beyond the castle. I hope we meet again."
The men nodded and clasped arms. Gwaine, Elyan, and Gaius left Arthur and Merlin in the physician's chambers.
"Gaius, where's Marian?" Gwaine asked more forcefully this time.
"Marian is still somewhere out there. She went out to fetch water when they attacked, and I haven't seen her since."
Gwaine nodded. It was as he'd feared. All hell was breaking loose, and Marian was out there, somewhere in the middle of it. "Go with Elyan," he said. "We'll meet in the Darkling Woods. Don't worry, Gaius, I'll find her."
Gwaine took off down the stairs, searching every shadowed corner and dark alcove, looking for Marian. Careful not to get caught, he snuck down the stairs to the kitchens.
There was no trace of her anywhere. He was beginning to panic when he heard a muffled crash and a scream coming from the kitchens. When he leaned in toward the door, he heard the distinct kring of a sword fight. He'd been itching for a fight of late, and grinning, Gwaine drew his sword, running into the fray. He threw the door open and was stunned by what he saw.
Marian was fighting one of the enemy invaders. She held a tall iron candlestick high as she blocked an attack and then swung her weapon at him.
The soldier blocked her and began pushing her back. Before Gwaine could get to them, Marian opened a cupboard door and shoved the man inside, locking it.
"Marian?" Gwaine said, startling her.
She turned, her candlestick held high, and smacked him in the arm.
"It's me! It's me!" he cried out in a panic.
"Gwaine?" She dropped the candlestick with a loud clatter and rushed forward, pulling him into a tight hug. "Oh fuck, I'm so sorry! Did I hurt you?"
"I'll live," he said, holding the back of her head and brushing his cheek against her hair. A sigh escaped him as he squeezed her against his chest. The thoughts going through his head when she wasn't with Gaius were enough to scare him to death.
Letting go, he held her at arm's length to get a good look at her. Marian's eyes were wild, and her dress had been torn at the seams. Her hair was down and sticking up in all directions. She looked like she had been through hell and back.
He stooped to her level so he could see her better. "What about you, beautiful? Are you alright? Did he hurt you?"
"No, I'm fine. Gwaine, how did you get—"
A bang from inside the cupboard interrupted her question.
"Here, help me move this," he said, pointing to a small wooden cabinet.
They hurriedly moved it in front of the cupboard door and left. Staying hidden in the shadows, they made their way through the corridors. A quiet scratching sound made him stop just as they were about to go around a corner.
Motioning for Marian to keep quiet, he pulled his sword and snuck around the corner. He raised his blade, ready to attack, when he saw a rat scurrying along the wall. They both sighed in relief. Gwaine chuckled as he sheathed his sword. "We need to get outside and head for the Darkling Woods."
She nodded and took his hand. "This way."
Once they were outside, they ran to the forest behind the castle.
"How did you find me? Where's Gaius? Where are Merlin and Arthur? How are you even here?" Marian blurted out at once.
"I came across Merlin and Arthur in Essetir a few days ago. They went to find the king, and… the rest should be here by now…" he trailed off as he looked around.
Out of nowhere, one of the enemy soldiers emerged from behind a tree, swinging his sword. Gwaine's reflexes were quick, pushing her out of harm's way while he drew his blade.
She stood and watched as Gwaine swung his sword. Heart beating fast, her breath hitched in her chest at the intensity of his movements. She tried to concentrate on the fight. Looking for a way in would have been a good start. But instead, all she could do was stare at his fit and captivating body as he lunged and attacked.
The thought of the hard muscles hidden beneath his tunic and trousers rippling with every motion sent her into fits of desire. She bit her lip as she imagined doing all sorts of naughty things to the seductive rogue. Where her hands might roam, and what he might grab while she pressed against his body, sweaty and lustful.
This isn't the time!
When the soldier stepped close with a thrust of his sword, Gwaine turned to block. The rogue grabbed the blade of his enemy's sword and raised his weapon to hit the man with the hilt. He took another swing at the soldier, only to be blocked. Gwaine slid his blade down the other sword, pushing it out of the way and leaving room for him to attack.
Gwaine yelled in frustration as he fruitlessly stabbed the soldier in the gut. The man smiled as he pulled Gwaine's blade from his body and continued forward to attack the rogue.
Marian was knocked from her thoughts when the fight neared. Useless, she backed up and tripped over a large, solid tree branch. Realizing that she could use it to help Gwaine, she sprang to her feet and hefted it up over her head. As soon as the soldier moved to her, Marian dropped the branch onto his head, knocking him to the ground.
"Thanks!" Gwaine said, out of breath.
With neither sure how long the man would be unconscious, they didn't waste any time escaping. Marian walked several paces behind Gwaine, silent and honestly pretty embarrassed. She'd spent more than half of that altercation ogling Gwaine rather than lending a hand. What if he'd been injured or, worse, killed? What good would she have been to him then?
Gwaine heard quiet sniffling behind him and turned around. He was caught off guard by the look on her face. "What's the matter, beautiful? Are you injured?"
Marian shook her head. "No, I… it's stupid."
"What's stupid?"
"You could have been killed back there, and all I did was stand there, ogling you."
"Ogling me?" Gwaine asked with a smirk.
"Oh, you know what I mean."
"I assure you, love, I don't," Gwaine said, his grin widening.
Blushing, Marian tried to backtrack. "You… You fight well. That's all."
"So you're tearful because…?"
"I'm just ashamed that I didn't help. I watched." She looked away quickly. "If you had died, and all I did was stand there like an idiot—"
"On the contrary, Marian. If it wasn't for your quick thinking with that tree branch, I'd probably still be fighting him. They're immortal, and thanks to you, we got away," he said, unable to keep the fondness from his voice as he cupped her cheek.
Marian touched his hand. His warm, calloused hand.
"Gwaine! Marian!"
They quickly moved apart and turned to see Arthur and Merlin approaching them. Merlin had a huge smile on his face, pleased to see them alive and well. Arthur, however, had never looked so beaten.
"Merlin!" Marian ran to Merlin and embraced him.
"I'm glad you're okay," Merlin said, returning her hug. "When you weren't with Gaius… I'm just relieved that Gwaine rescued you."
"No, our fair healer rescued herself. I just followed Marian out of the castle," Gwaine said, smiling.
"Where's the king?"
"Not coming," Arthur said shortly as he continued to storm past them.
"It was Morgana," Merlin said. "She took over Cenred's army, and she's taken the throne and locked Uther in the dungeon."
"Morgana? Why would she do that?" Gwaine asked, confused.
"She's Uther's daughter."
Elyan and Gaius joined them as Arthur led everyone to a secret cave deep in the Darkling Woods. With a water source nearby and thick brush to keep them hidden, they would be able to stay there for weeks if need be.
As they were preparing for their first night, Merlin told the others what had transpired in the throne room of Camelot. "Morgana is Uther's daughter. And Morgause is her half-sister."
"Did she know? Morgana? Did she know about Uther?" Elyan asked.
"I suspect Morgana has known for quite some time about her sister. I believe it was Morgause that helped her to control her magic," Gaius said, a fleeting look of guilt passing over his face.
And this is the moment when Marian felt torn. Though she loved Gaius, she found his handling of Morgana and her magic to be disappointing. Maybe, just maybe, if Morgana hadn't felt so alone, she wouldn't have so much hate building inside her. Merlin had the luxury of family and friends to help him get through it. Morgana had no one until Morgause showed up.
"And now she's going to take the throne," Gwaine said, throwing a small stick into the flames.
Arthur drew further into himself as he listened. His father had lied. Morgana, who was always like a sister to him, had taken the kingdom from their father. Their father. Arthur barked out a bitter laugh. Given Uther's intense loathing for anything related to magic, it comes as no surprise that Morgana harbored a deep disdain for him. Their father had driven it into them both. Magic was evil, and no good could come from it. How right he'd been.
What Arthur didn't understand was why Morgana hated him. Sure, he'd done things he wasn't proud of, followed his father's orders long ago. But he was a different man now. Arthur thought for himself and tried to temper his father's prejudices. But all Morgana saw when she looked at Arthur was Uther's hatred. And now she threatened to destroy everything they'd both loved and cherished. How could someone who had been so kind and soft-hearted turn so ruthless and evil?
Worst of all, Arthur felt like he'd let his people down. So many had perished without him to protect them. His knights and his father were imprisoned by his sister. There was no way Arthur could retake the kingdom, especially since Morgana and Morgause had an immortal army at her disposal.
Consumed by hopelessness, Arthur secluded himself from the others, hiding in the dark and wallowing in misery.
That evening, Merlin cooked supper using what meager ingredients he could find. Everyone else was around the fire, eating silently, as Merlin took a helping of roasted meat to Arthur.
He sighed as he held out the bowl to him. "It's rat."
The others stopped eating and looked over at Merlin in disbelief. Marian gagged, and Elyan pushed his bowl away. Even Gaius lost his appetite. Gwaine, however, continued to eat.
"Beggars can't be choosers," he said, chewing a mouthful of roasted rodent. "A bit stringy, though."
"Oh, believe me, you've eaten far worse," Merlin said, trying to get Arthur to take his supper. "I mean, I've definitely served you things I would never have touched, but you wolfed them down, no problem."
"Merlin, for once, leave me in peace, please."
"I understand. Your father lied to you about Morgana. I don't know why. I'm sure he had his reasons, but now is not the time for that. He's still your father. He needs you. Camelot needs you."
"I've known her all my life. How could she do this to us?" Arthur looked to Merlin for answers that even he couldn't find.
Merlin shook his head. "I can't answer that, but you have a duty to your father, to your people. You can't give up on them now."
"You cannot defeat an immortal army."
"We don't know until we try."
Marian was washing as best she could from a small bowl, feeling useless. She wished there was something more she could do to help. Something that would help encourage Arthur, to get him to understand the true importance he held to Camelot. Hell, she'd settle for just being able to find something other than rat to eat.
As she finished washing her face, she turned to see Gwaine approaching her.
"You alright, beautiful?" he asked, laying a hand on her shoulder. "You look tired."
"Not tired, I just feel…" she sighed, not knowing what to say.
"Hopeless?"
"You too?"
Gwaine nodded.
"If we can't rally Arthur, I don't know how we'll ever take the kingdom back," Marian said.
"You don't think we can do it without him, then?"
"No, I don't. He doesn't understand that Camelot needs him, Gwaine. We need him. Arthur will be a great king, the greatest the world has ever known, but we need him to lead us now."
"You believe in him that much, eh?"
"I do. I know he'll be great."
"How? Don't get me wrong, beautiful. I think he's a good man and a capable leader, but if he doesn't even believe in himself…"
"Then we have to rouse him from this fog of depression he's settled in. For himself. For Camelot."
Gwaine chuckled. "You'd do anything for your friends, wouldn't you?"
"Anything."
Arthur sat just around the cave wall, listening to Marian and Gwaine. He felt humbled by Marian's faith in him, but he doubted his ability to lead anyone anymore. He didn't feel like the leader Camelot deserved.
Arthur lay down and tried to go to sleep, Merlin's advice and Marian's faithfulness on his mind.
Merlin, Gaius, and Marian went off to the back of the cave to figure out how to defeat Morgana's army.
"We need to act before Morgana gets any stronger," Merlin whispered.
"Have you sent word to Lancelot yet?" Gaius asked.
"I sent a letter to Haldor days ago. He's probably moved on."
"Give it time."
"We don't have time. We need to act now."
"We need to give Arthur a kick in the pants. I get that he feels betrayed by both Uther and Morgana, but the lives of the people are at stake," Marian said, crossing her arms over her chest.
"Have either of you tried talking to him?" Gaius asked, looking between them.
Merlin nodded. "Didn't do any good, I'm afraid."
Gaius sighed. "Then what shall we do?"
"There was an immortal army before. How was it defeated?" Merlin asked.
Gaius looked up, trying to remember. "The Cup of Life had to be emptied of the blood it contained. Once that had happened, the enchantment no longer held."
"Then that's what I have to do."
"How, Merlin?" Marian asked. "You can't just waltz in there and knock her army down. They'll run you through."
"Magic, of course," Merlin replied, his grin spreading wide.
Gaius rolled his eyes. "They're immortal, Merlin. You don't have the power to defeat a soldier, never mind an army."
"Then I guess I'd better use this," he said, pulling out a large vial of blue-tinted water from his jacket pocket.
"What is that?" Marian asked as she leaned in to get a closer look.
Merlin held the vial up, looking at it in awe. "When I met the Fisher King, he gave me this. It's water from the Lake of Avalon. He told me, in Camelot's darkest hour, when all seems lost, it would show me the way."
"Yes. But how?"
"That's what I've got to find out."
Marian went back to the main chamber of the cave to settle down for the night. She sat next to one of the small fires and leaned up against the cave wall, lost in her thoughts.
"We'll find a way, Marian," Gwaine said as he sat next to her. "If anything, we can find shelter in another kingdom until we can raise an army."
"I don't think Camelot has that much time. Besides, who do you think will take us in? Morgana has proved herself to be formidable. No one will want to cross her."
He thought for a moment. "We can live off the land. Travel. Go village to village if we have to."
She chuckled with bitterness. That was his life, wandering aimlessly. In a way, that was her life too, only she didn't go from village to village. Marian wandered through time.
When Gwaine saw her shiver, he took his jacket off and draped it over her shoulders.
"You can't solve the world's problems with little to no sleep, love. Get some rest, and we'll tackle Morgana's army tomorrow."
Marian looked up at him and smiled softly. "Thank you, Gwaine," she said as she laid her hand on his arm.
He watched her as she stretched out by the fire, covering herself with his jacket.
"Goodnight, beautiful," he sighed as he got up to keep watch near the mouth of the cave.
Merlin stayed up most of the night trying to figure out what to do with the vial of water the Fisher King had given him. When the vial broke by accident, the water from the Lake of Avalon flowed into a shining puddle. Much to Merlin's surprise, the Lady of the Lake—once his living, breathing friend Freya—appeared to offer her advice.
She was just as happy to see Merlin as he was to see her. Repaying him for his kindness to her before she died, the Lady of the Lake told Merlin how to defeat the immortal army.
There was only one weapon that could kill someone who was already dead. When Merlin reminded her that the army was immortal, not dead, Freya explained they were the living dead, having paid a heavy price by pouring their blood into the Cup of Life.
Once their short reunion was over, Merlin snuck out of the cave to summon the Great Dragon to help him to the Lake of Avalon to retrieve Excalibur.
Exhausted by the time the sun came up, Merlin hid the sword in a blanket.
"Having a little lie-down, Merlin?"
Startled, Merlin turned to face Arthur. "No."
"Good. Because the time for sleeping's over."
When Merlin looked up at him, Arthur stretched to his full height and put his hands on his hips. He looked like a different man. A confident man.
"You seem better."
"You're hopeless at a lot of things, Merlin," Arthur said as Merlin rolled his eyes. "Well, most things, in fact. But very occasionally, quite by accident, you say something useful."
Merlin raised his eyebrows. "Really?"
"Yesterday, amongst all your gibberish, you said something that, if I didn't know you, I'd be completely fooled into thinking you were…"
"What?"
"Wise."
Merlin scrunched up his nose. "Nah."
There was a sudden noise outside, somewhere in the distance. Drawing his sword, Arthur motioned for Merlin to follow.
Gwaine and Marian had also heard someone outside and walked behind Arthur, ready to take on the enemy. Gwaine gave Marian a dagger to defend herself, pushing her behind him just in case, and they waited by the ledge that concealed the cave.
Arthur started forward to attack and grabbed the assailant, only to let go.
"Guinevere!" Arthur lowered his sword and pulled Gwen into a tight embrace. Letting her go, his gaze lingered a little longer than he'd meant.
"Sir Leon," Arthur said as he clasped arms with the knight, relieved to see that they'd escaped Morgana's clutches.
"We've been found! They're almost upon us!" Elyan yelled in warning as he jumped down a hill.
"We need to get out of here. Run!" Arthur shouted.
Everyone left the cave behind as Morgana's soldiers gave chase, dodging brush and squeezing through tight ravines. They were cut off by enemy soldiers as they reached a narrow gorge. Seeing no way out, Gwaine pushed Marian and Gwen back to Gaius. Rather than staying back, Merlin was right beside him, ready to fight. Gwaine stared at Merlin's sword. He'd never seen a weapon like it, with a gold inlay etched with runes in the blade and a shining gold hilt. If Gwaine hadn't known better, he'd have thought the sword was singing.
"Look out!" someone ahead shouted.
Several large boulders and rocks tumbled from the ravine's edge and blocked the soldiers' path.
Arthur squinted as he looked at the top of the cliff. "Who's that?"
"Don't know, but I'm liking him already!" Gwaine said.
An enormous man with bulging arm muscles came out of the trees, and next to him, Lancelot looked over the edge and smiled.
"Lancelot!" Gwen said as her breath caught.
Lancelot gazed tenderly at Gwen. "We need to hurry."
There was a small path that led to the top of the ravine. Lancelot and his well-built companion stood at the trail's head, helping the others up the steep hill.
Marian's foot kept getting caught on her skirts and she slipped several times as she climbed. Gwaine stayed behind and caught her when she slipped, grinning at her lack of grace.
"Sorry," she said to him the last time she had nearly fallen.
"No worries, beautiful. Just enjoying the view."
"The view? Hey!"
"Can't blame a man for looking."
Marian was caught off guard when someone lifted her from where she stood and set her down on her feet at the top of the ledge.
"Why hello, big fella," she smiled at Lancelot's friend when he released her.
Blushing, he bent forward and offered his arm to Gwaine. "I'm Percival."
"Gwaine. This is Marian. Pleasure to meet you, for sure!" Gwaine said as they clasped arms.
"Lancelot said Prince Arthur was in danger."
Gwaine nodded. "He was. He's the bloke over there."
At Percival's hesitation, Marian touched his arm and smiled softly. "The prince is a good man, Percival. There's no need to be cautious around him."
Percival nodded his thanks and joined Lancelot and Arthur.
"Well done, beautiful. I wonder what could scare a man so large?"
"With Morgana and Morgause attacking Camelot, there's no telling what Percival has seen."
Marian started to walk to Gwen, seated nearby on a log when her foot caught on a root, and she stumbled.
Gwaine caught her before she tumbled back down the ravine. "Sometimes, I wonder if you're doing that on purpose just to get me to hold you," he teased as he held her to his side.
Marian smacked his arm playfully. "Oh shut up, Gwaine."
Gwaine grinned when she stalked off. She wasn't upset with him. Progress.
"You alright, Gwen?" Marian asked as she sat on the log.
"What? Oh, yes, thank you. Just winded," Gwen replied, wringing her hands.
"No, Gwen, I mean about…" she left it unsaid but nodded toward Arthur and Lancelot.
"Oh, that. I can't deny that I'm feeling something for Lancelot. But… I believe that only Arthur still has a hold on my heart."
Marian raised an eyebrow. "Things have developed that far with Arthur, then?"
Gwen nodded. She turned away from the men and looked at her friend.
"Oh, Marian, what am I to do?"
"If it were me," Marian started, looking around to make sure no one was eavesdropping, "I would wait until this ordeal is over, and then see which one makes your heart flutter and your stomach do flips."
"What about you, though? Have you found anyone who flutters your heart and flips your stomach?" Gwen asked, already guessing at the answer.
Marian looked back at Gwaine and watched as he laughed at something Elyan said. He did make her stomach flip. Or did he make it turn? No, it was undeniably a pleasant feeling. And her heart raced when Gwaine was around. Was it because he annoyed her, or was it because she found him charming and pleasant? Yes, it was definitely the charm. And something… more. It seemed that her feelings had changed from near-constant irritation to complete affection.
"I don't know. Maybe…"
Ancient ruins stood off in the distance. The safety of staying the night in the ruins versus out in the open was undeniable. Exhausted, everyone agreed to spend the night in the crumbling stone castle.
The main chamber was still intact and dusty, full of cobwebs and dirt. The room contained aged furniture, concealed by cloth, and a handful of weapons, likely discarded by bandits.
Leon and Merlin went to look for wood for a fire to roast the rabbits that Lancelot and Percival had brought with them. Gwaine cheered when Merlin slid the meat on a spit and set it above the fire. The brace of coneys would make a fine meal after the week of rat.
While their supper was roasting, Arthur pulled a large cloth from a round table and beckoned the rest to join him. Once everyone had seated themselves, he stood up and addressed them.
"This table belonged to the ancient kings of Camelot. A round table afforded no one man more importance than any other. They believed in equality in all things."
Marian got goosebumps all over her body. She couldn't believe that she was sitting at the Round Table. So, this is how it all began, she thought. Legends in the flesh finally coming together.
"So, it seems fitting that we revive this tradition now," Arthur continued. "Without each of you, we would not be here. My father has languished in prison for too long. Tomorrow, I make my bid to rescue him. Are there any around this table who will join me?"
Lancelot stood. "You taught me the values of being a knight. The code by which a man should live his life. To fight with honor for justice, freedom, and all that's good." Lancelot glanced at Gwen, his meaning clear. "I believe in the world that you will build."
Elyan then stood and faced Arthur. "Even though I was a commoner, a nobody, you were willing to lay down your life for me, Arthur. It is now my turn to repay you," he said as he bowed his head.
Leon stood next, holding his head high, proud to be a Knight of Camelot. "I have fought alongside you many times. There is no one that I would rather die for."
"I think we've no chance," Gwaine said, everyone at the table looking at him in disbelief. He stood and smiled. "But I wouldn't miss it for the world."
Marian shook her head and chuckled, smiling at him.
"Your enemies are my enemies," Percival said as he stood.
"If you need an old man." Though he believed himself too old to fight, Gaius pledged his life.
The chair screeched on the stone floor as Marian rose. She looked over to Gwaine, who gave her a small encouraging nod. "You took me in when I had nowhere else to go. You all are my family now and Camelot is my home. I'll fight to protect it."
Gwen stood. "You know the answer."
The room was silent for the longest of moments.
Arthur sighed. "Merlin?"
"No, don't really fancy it."
"You don't have a choice, Merlin," Arthur said before smiling at him.
"Okay," Merlin said, beaming at Arthur as he stood.
Arthur looked around the table with pride at his friends, his brothers—and sisters—in arms and the bravest people he could ever ask for. "I want to thank you all for staying loyal to me in Camelot's hour of need. I'll do something that my father won't approve of."
Arthur stepped away from the table. "Lancelot, Gwaine, Percival, Elyan. Line up before me."
The warm firelight flickered across the men as they stood before the prince.
"Kneel."
Arthur drew his sword to dub each of them into Camelot's finest army.
"Arise, Sir Lancelot, Knight of Camelot."
"Arise, Sir Gwaine, Knight of Camelot."
Gwaine gave Marian an intense, yet small, smile, with his eyes on fire with emotion. He wanted her to understand what it meant to him that she was there to share one of the most important moments of his life—when he would pledge loyalty to a noble, to a prince. It was something he never thought he'd do, and it was because of her that he wanted to be a better man. A man with purpose.
"Arise, Sir Percival, Knight of Camelot."
"Arise, Sir Elyan, Knight of Camelot."
Arthur looked at his new knights, men who weren't of noble blood, but who were some of the noblest of men he'd ever met. "Tomorrow, when you fight, you can stand proud, knowing you are members of the most noble army the world has ever known."
Everyone broke and congratulated each other. Leon, Merlin, and Gaius grasped arms with Lancelot and Percival, while Gwen went over to Elyan, embracing him in a tight hug. Marian looked around for Gwaine, hoping to be the first to congratulate him, but didn't see him anywhere.
She walked around the room to the other knights. "You deserve this, Lancelot," Marian said as she grasped his arm.
Lancelot smiled softly, embarrassed by the praise. "I did nothing any decent man would not do."
"And that's why you deserve this." She finally saw Gwaine and let go of Lancelot's arm. "Excuse me for a moment."
Gwaine was by the fire, watching the flames dance and lost in thought.
"Gwaine?" Marian asked as she came up behind him.
"This isn't what I wanted," he breathed, his eyes shining in the firelight.
"What do you mean?"
He turned to her with a dismal look on his face.
"Before, when I was free and drinking my way around the kingdom. I'd have died before becoming a knight. And now…"
"Well, people change, Gwaine."
"Have you?" he asked her, a passion igniting in his eyes. The question burning in his mind was whether Marian had changed toward him, but he chickened out at the last minute. he didn't think he could bear it if she hadn't come to at least like him.
"I suppose I have," Marian sighed. "More than I'd like to admit. Do you regret being knighted?"
"No." There was no hesitation in his answer as he turned back to the fire. "I just don't know what the future has to offer, and that scares me."
"It shouldn't. You're a skilled warrior and a good man, Gwaine."
"What if I fail Arthur? What if I fail you?"
Marian was taken aback. She could understand his worry about letting Arthur down, but why was he worried about failing her? The man just didn't understand how important he was to Camelot and the future, and she couldn't even tell him.
"You won't. Great things are in store for you. And if it matters, I'm immensely proud of you, Sir Gwaine."
He wanted to tell her about his father. How a small part of him was fearful that his fate would be the same, dying only to leave his family destitute. Gwaine trusted Arthur, but he'd always have that nagging feeling in the back of his mind—the what-ifs.
Instead, Gwaine turned to her, and his heart swelled with affection as she beamed at him. She didn't know just how much her words, and her presence, affected him. Finally, feeling happier than he had in a long time, he gathered her into his arms and held her close.
She yelped when he picked her up, spinning her around the room. "Oh, put me down, you fiendish knight!" she cried out, laughing playfully.
He set her back on her feet, grinning like a fool, but still held her between his arms. He wanted to say something to her, to tell her how much she meant to him, but he couldn't think of the right words.
She leaned in closer to him, her hands on his arms and an unreadable look on her face.
He bent lower, his eyes drawn to her lips and back up.
Her tongue darted out of her mouth, licking her bottom lip.
His hand left her waist and traveled up to her neck, his fingers touching her hair, as his other hand squeezed her hip, pulling her closer.
She held her breath, her eyes trying to focus on his face as he neared.
His lips parted, his hand tangled in her hair.
Her eyes fluttered and closed.
"Rabbit's done if any of you are hungry," Merlin called out.
She jumped, and Gwaine let her go. "Food!" he exclaimed, covering his disappointment in abandoning their kiss. "I'm as hungry as a horse!"
She couldn't believe what they had almost done, but the look of regret on Gwaine's face broke her heart, and she didn't even understand why.
After supper, everyone spread around the main room, ready to sleep for the night, some finding blankets to lie on and others preferring the cold floor.
Marian followed Merlin into the small alcove where he'd hidden Excalibur.
"Is that it?" she asked, her voice wavering.
A wide grin broke out over his face as he nodded. "Forged in a dragon's breath."
"My god, Merlin. Do you realize what this sword is?"
"Let me guess, there's a legend?"
She nodded, her eyes fixed on the blade. "It's Excalibur. The sword is almost as famous as you and Arthur."
She reached out her fingers to stroke the blade. Despite being exposed to the crisp air, it radiated warmth and vibrated beneath her fingers.
"There are several legends about it and where it came from, but this is the sword that makes Arthur king. The Sword in the Stone, it's called. Or even the sword that the Lady of the Lake gifts to Arthur."
Merlin grinned at her excitement. It still amazed him that their tales, the missions and quests, and stories about the people survived over a millennium. If the sword was destined to make Arthur king, then now was not the time to reveal its magic.
"I've got to keep it hidden from Arthur, for now. It's the only thing that can kill Morgana's soldiers. Please, Marian, don't say anything."
"You have my word."
After Marian finished admiring Excalibur, she sneaked back into the main chamber and sat against the wall next to the fire. The legends were unfolding before her eyes. Arthur, Merlin, Guinevere, the Knights of the Round Table…Excalibur. Marian just had to ensure that their end was not as it was in the legend. She was sure she was destined to somehow save Merlin, King Arthur, and Camelot's knights, but she had no idea how.
"Everything alright?" Gwaine asked, sitting down next to her, their shoulders touching.
"Hmm?" Marian asked, knocked from her thoughts.
"You and Merlin. Everything alright?"
"Oh, yeah. We were just trying to figure out what should be done tomorrow. A tactical plan of sorts."
"And did you come up with anything?" He chuckled. Neither of them were warriors, and yet they were ready to take on the world.
She looked down at her lap. The only plan they'd come up with was that Merlin was to use Excalibur to vanquish Morgana's army. Gaius had told the warlock that emptying the Cup of Life should break the spell. Merlin and Marian couldn't figure out how, though.
"I'm sure we'll have a plan by the morning," he reassured her, mistaking her pensiveness for hopelessness. "Did you happen to see the sword Merlin was carrying?"
"What?" Marian asked, surprised that he'd noticed it.
"If you get a chance before the battle tomorrow, you should. It's beautiful."
"Is it?"
"I could've sworn it was singing."
Marian laughed nervously. "Swords can't sing, can they?" Though she'd given Merlin her word to keep it a secret, she couldn't bring herself to lie to Gwaine. Her best bet was to just play dumb and hope he didn't catch on.
"Not a normal sword, no. But a magic sword? I've seen stranger things," Gwaine said. "You don't think Merlin is using magic, do you?"
"I saw you found more weapons around. Any other swords?" Marian asked quickly. "I think I'll need one for tomorrow."
Gwaine smiled gently at her not-too-subtle change of topic. Marian knew something but wouldn't say. It was fine by him. She could keep her secrets.
"I think so," he said, shrugging. He abruptly sobered and turned to face her. "Marian, I need to tell you… about tomorrow… if it goes wrong—"
"Don't," she said, the sharpness in her voice biting.
"Please, I have to tell you—"
"I don't want to hear it," Marian said, laying her head on his shoulder and folding her hands in her lap. "I can't hear it. You won't… none of you will die, do you hear me? Not a scratch."
"But Marian…"
"No, Gwaine. Please. Talk about something else. Anything else."
Gwaine settled back against the wall and did as she asked. "Did I ever tell you about the time I was in Nemeth during the spring?"
"Does this have to do with a tavern? And a brawl, perhaps?"
"Maybe…"
"Good. I could use a funny story."
He went on telling his tale until he saw the hands in her lap go limp and felt the weight of her head pressing down on his shoulder. Looking over at her, he smiled as she slept on him. With a slight turn, he gently placed a small kiss on the top of her head. He'd live tomorrow. He had to. For her.
Gwaine jolted awake when he felt a nudge on his foot. As he opened his eyes, he saw Merlin walking by, a big, stupid grin on his face. He couldn't figure out what Merlin was smiling at until the soft hair beneath his cheek registered in his mind. Marian. They cuddled together, with her head on his shoulder and his head on hers.
Wearing a big, stupid grin of his own, he gently grabbed her hand and gave it a shake. "Wake up, beautiful. It's morning," he mumbled.
"Hmm?" Marian woke up and, lifting her head, was surprised at the sudden closeness of Gwaine."Sorry, I must've fallen asleep during your story."
Gwaine smirked at her. "You did."
"Why didn't you wake me to move off of you?" she asked as she sat up. "You couldn't have been comfortable."
Nothing could be further from the truth. He was perfectly comfortable next to the beautiful healer. He'd give anything to wake up like that every morning, sore neck and all. "You were so peaceful, I couldn't bring myself to. Besides, your little snores were adorable."
"I don't snore."
"Of course you don't."
Marian was looking through the spare weapons they'd found, picking each one up and testing its weight. A few would be easy for her to wield. She just needed to decide which one to take.
Arthur came up behind her. "No, Marian, you're to stay here with Gwen and Gaius."
"The hell I am, Arthur. I'm coming with you. I'm not going to be left behind to do nothing while everyone else risks their lives. I'm tired of feeling useless."
"It'll be too dangerous," he sighed.
The argument was becoming all too familiar. Arthur would command Marian to stay behind because of the danger, and she would argue that she needed to go in case they needed backup. It was laughable, really. A healer, a woman no less, thinking she could help a knight in battle. But Marian usually won the argument and proved him wrong. Not this time, though. This wasn't a band of thugs or bandits. Magic was involved. It wasn't safe for any of them, of course, but it was his duty to protect his people. Marian would stay. And that was that.
She crossed her arms over her chest and cocked her eyebrow at the prince. "And what will you do if the king is injured? Who will take care of him?" When Arthur didn't answer, she dropped her arms and went back to the weapons on the table. "No, I'm going."
"Marian, there's enough to be done as it is. I don't want anyone distracted trying to keep you from harm."
"I can hold my own, Arthur," she said, louder this time, turning to face him with her hands on her hips. "Or are you saying your sword lessons have been less than adequate?"
"She's got you there, Arthur," Gwaine chuckled as he walked up to the pair and clapped the prince on the back. As much as he wanted to protect Marian from, well, everything, even he knew better than to get between the feisty healer and a fight.
Arthur sighed again. One of these days, he was going to win an argument with her. But clearly, today was not that day. "Fine, but no heroics."
"Right," she nodded and went back to the abandoned weapons. She found a light short sword, and examining it, she swung it around, testing how it felt in her hand. Pleased that she could handle the weapon, she sheathed it before buckling its belt around her hips.
Gwaine and Arthur shared a look as she passed them to speak with Merlin and Gaius. "Watch her, Gwaine. She's got more confidence than skill, I'm afraid."
"You don't believe she can handle herself, Arthur?" Gwaine couldn't keep his eyes off her. "She seemed pretty adept with the iron candlestick she was using last week. When I found her, she was fighting off one of Morgana's soldiers all on her own in the kitchens."
Arthur looked over at Gwaine, surprised. "Really? Well, I guess my lessons are paying off after all. Still though. Just keep an eye on her. I'd never hear the end of it if she were injured."
"You don't even have to ask."
Everyone gathered around the table, map spread out, as Arthur detailed the plan of attack.
"There's a tunnel under the northern ramparts that brings us only a few paces from the entrance to the dungeons. It'll be well guarded. So, if we're going to break everyone out, we must remain unobserved. We cannot let them raise the alarm."
"We need to take out the warning bell," Lancelot said, glancing at Merlin. "That way, the warriors have no means of communication."
Arthur nodded. "Good idea."
"I'll need someone with me who knows the castle," Lancelot said, this time giving Merlin a longer, pointed look.
Merlin deliberately avoided looking at Gaius, determined not to see the disapproving look on his face. "I'll go."
"Alright. Let's get ready," Arthur said, dismissing them.
Marian sped by the knights, going straight to Merlin and Gaius.
"You need to be careful," Gaius said.
Merlin smiled with a forced grin. "I've got the easy bit. The warning bell is nothing compared to the cells. You should be worrying about Marian."
"I overheard you, Merlin. If Morgause catches you, she'll kill you."
"Wait, overheard what? What are you planning, Merlin?" Marian whispered.
"We're going to find the cup and empty it."
"But Merlin, there'll be dozens of Morgana's men between you and that cup," she hissed. "Even with Lancelot and armed with Excalibur, how will you get through all those soldiers?"
"I have no choice."
"Do you need more help? Want me to come with you?"
Merlin shook his head. "It'll be easier with just two. Besides, I'm hoping they'll be too distracted by what Arthur is doing in the cells to catch us. You need to stay with him in case the king needs you."
Gaius looked at them both with pride and just a bit of fear. "I remember the bumbling idiot and the frightened, naïve girl that came charging into my chambers all those years ago. Who would believe it now?"
They found the hidden tunnel beneath the northern ramparts, just as Arthur had said, and snuck into the dungeons.
"Be careful," Marian whispered to Merlin and Lancelot as they parted ways.
Arthur started forward but quickly held back for a brief moment. "Remember, Morgana's men can't die."
"So we'll need to trap them," Leon said.
"Exactly. Percival, you and Gwaine take Marian and go that way," Arthur said, pointing down the corridor on the left. "The vaults should prove impenetrable."
Gwaine smirked. "I have a few ideas."
"Leon, you and Elyan go that way," Arthur pointed to the other corridor. "I'll look for my father and the other knights."
Marian took one last look at the others as they split up. Biting her lip, she turned to Gwaine and Percival. "Ready?"
"Do either of you know where the vaults are?" Percival asked.
Marian nodded. "I've been there before."
Gwaine grabbed her arm and pulled her against a wall in the shadows just as a soldier walked by.
"Close call," Percival said, grinning.
"Marian, is there a cell or something that we can lure them into easily?"
"There's one that's a pass-through. Would that work?"
"Beautifully."
When they arrived, Percival hid on one side of the pass-through while Marian hid by the other, waiting to spring their trap.
Gwaine taunted a couple of the soldiers into chasing after him. Given his knack for being as irritating as possible, it didn't take much to get them to follow. He sped down the corridor and ran past Percival to the other side of the pass-through.
As soon as the soldiers followed Gwaine through, Percival shut the cell door on his side. When Gwaine went through the last door, Marian slammed it shut, locking the soldiers in.
"That's how you do it!" Gwaine cheered. "You're a genius!" he said as he pulled her close and kissed the top of her head. Marian bounced away when he let her go, shocked and pleased, a grin spreading across her face.
Gwaine grabbed her hand, and they ran off to meet Percival on the other side.
"There's two more," Gwaine said when they met up with Percival.
"Lead the way."
They ran to the antechamber where two soldiers stood, guarding the dungeon entrance.
"Any ideas?" Gwaine asked.
Percival glanced around the room and then looked up and smiled. He pointed to a large wooden candelabrum hanging above the soldiers' heads.
Gwaine followed his gaze.
"Good idea," he said, tracking the end of the rope that held it to the ceiling and anchored close to their hiding place. "Do you still have that dagger I gave you?" Gwaine asked, turning to Marian.
She nodded and pulled the blade from her dress pocket.
"Cover me," Gwaine said as he snuck over to the rope to cut it.
Percival and Marian charged the guards when they noticed Gwaine, intending to keep them under the candelabrum.
"Watch out!" Gwaine yelled as the rope suddenly snapped.
Percival grabbed Marian by the waist and spun her out of danger. The fixture fell on top of the soldiers, trapping them under the heavy wood. Percival and Marian ran into the dungeon after Gwaine.
Stopping at the cells, Gwaine handed his dagger to Marian.
She shook her head as she reluctantly took the blade. "But it's yours."
A shout resounded from the entrance before he could reply. Gwaine held out his arms and pushed Marian and Percival against the wall as Leon and Elyan ran past, soldiers on their heels.
"Shut the door!" Leon yelled.
Gwaine slammed the dungeon door, effectively locking them in.
Arthur came from the other side, looking for the dungeon keys. After finding them, he removed one and threw the remaining keys to the waiting hands of the knights, who were locked in the cells.
Arthur grabbed Marian's arm and pulled her with him. "I found my father. Hold them off until I can release the king," he said to the others.
They froze when Arthur opened the door to Uther's cell. He was a hollow shell of himself, crouched on the dirty floor, catatonic, with his eyes red and unfocused.
Arthur knelt beside him. "Father, we have to hurry."
Uther looked at his son. "I'm sorry," he said softly as his voice cracked.
Marian actually felt pity for Uther as he cowered on the dirty floor. It surprised her to feel this way. Uther had been cruel at times and had so many innocent people killed. But seeing him like a broken child made her pity him, more than anything else. He was a pathetic broken once-king.
"Please, father. Now isn't the time," Arthur said as he pulled Uther's arm over his shoulder.
Marian rushed to his other side to help carry him, and they walked him out of the cell.
As they released the king in a small alcove behind the knights, Uther slid to the floor and curled in on himself.
Arthur turned to her, his eyes pleading. "Watch after him, Marian. Please?"
"Of course, sire." She said as she drew her sword and stood in front of the king. Like so many today, she would do it for Arthur, not for Uther.
When Arthur left to join the others, Marian knelt beside Uther. She placed a comforting hand on his arm, surprised by the look of resignation on his face, almost pleading for her to make it better.
"It will be alright, Your Majesty. Arthur will save Camelot."
He nodded and then shielded his head with his arms.
She stood and waited for the battle to come to her. She would protect the king, for Camelot, for Arthur.
Sword clashed with sword as the knights fought, forcing Morgana's soldiers to retreat from Marian and Uther. It was chaos, Arthur and the knights taking turns fighting off the enemy. Elyan was slashed on his arm but did not back away. Gwaine, Percival, and Leon pushed forward, trying to move the battle further away from the king.
The warning bells rang out, and more of Morgana's soldiers quickly made their way down to the dungeon. There was no hope. No matter how much the knights fought or how many times they ran their foes through, they could not win. But nothing would deter Arthur from fighting for his kingdom. He wasn't raised to quit. He was taught to fight, to give his last full measure of devotion to Camelot.
"If we're going to go down, we'll go down fighting! For the love of Camelot!" Arthur yelled, rallying his men and charging their enemy.
"Camelot!" the knights yelled as they followed Arthur further into the fray.
Marian watched the battle, trying to keep her eye on each of them in case they needed her. However, she didn't notice when one of the soldiers snuck his way between them. The man was going after Uther, and she was all that stood in his way.
As he stared her down, Marian raised her sword. "You can't have him," she spat.
The soldier lifted his sword and attacked. With each of his swings, Marian matched his intensity. She couldn't go on the offensive, but she would do her damnedest to defend herself and the king. Marian had miscalculated only once, the soldier's blade cutting the top of her hand. But Marian was determined and carried on until all of a sudden the soldier burst into ash, his sword clamoring to the floor.
Shocked, she looked around. The rest of Morgana's army had disappeared in bursts of ash around the knights.
Merlin emptied the Cup of Life, breaking Morgause's spell. They had won.
Arthur knelt beside his father, hefting him to his feet, while Marian looked around to make sure her friends, her family, had made it through safely.
"Where's Gwaine?" Elyan asked.
Marian's heart stopped. Gwaine wasn't anywhere to be seen. "Gwaine?" she asked, panicked.
"Gwaine? You still alive?" Elyan called out a little louder.
The few seconds of silence were an eternity. Bile rose in her throat. She held her breath, waiting for an answer, and prayed to any god that would listen that he was alive.
"What do you think?" Gwaine's voice echoed. He stepped out of an alcove, looking the worse for wear. "And that's Sir Gwaine to you," he said as he looked around in disbelief. His face was shining with sweat and his hair was disheveled. He leaned against the wall and blew out a haggard breath as the other knights chuckled at his response.
Marian dropped her sword and rushed to him, throwing herself into his arms and hugging him tightly.
He smirked as he returned her embrace, holding her close. "Worried about me, eh?"
"Maybe. A little." She released Gwaine and turned to see the others watching and grinning. Embarrassed, she started forward, only to be pulled back when Gwaine caught sight of the gash on her hand.
"I see you didn't get away from the battle unharmed," he said as he examined her wound. "Does it hurt?"
"Not much."
"Most women wouldn't even be in battle, much less fight injured."
She pulled her hand from his grasp and shrugged. "He was going after the king. I had no choice."
"It wasn't a criticism. I'm impressed. You fought bravely, beautiful." Gwaine smiled. "Arthur, I believe you owe our healer an apology," Gwaine said as they met up with the rest. "She handled herself admirably, I'd say."
"Yes, I do," he said as he left his father to Leon. Placing a hand on her shoulder, he smiled in that weird I'm proud of you, but I don't want to show it way. "I'm sorry I ever doubted you, Marian. You are the bravest woman I know, and I thank you for protecting my father."
"It was nothing, sire," she said, beaming.
With the battle ended and Morgana and Morgause missing, Camelot's citizens began the long and arduous task of healing and rebuilding.
Marian went to the physician's chambers. "Gaius?"
"I see you made it through unscathed," he said, grinning.
She held her hand up. "Well, almost unscathed."
Gaius gestured to the seat beside his work table and went to the cupboard for some bandages.
"What did I say about being careful?" he asked, raising his eyebrows.
"And I could say the same about you!" She smiled up at him as he cleaned her wound. "Merlin told me what you did. We would have all died if it hadn't been for you, Gaius. Thank you."
Gaius wrapped her hand in a bandage and grinned. "Go on now. There's a hot bath waiting in your chambers."
"How did you—"
"Courtesy of Merlin."
Marian stepped into the warmest, most relaxing bath she'd ever had. It may have been more due to the fact that she was wearing at least a week's worth of grime and a hard battle's worth of sweat than anything else. She scrubbed her skin and her scalp hard enough to leave red marks. After, Marian just floated in the water, reliving the past week.
It wasn't so much of a surprise that Morgana had turned bad, but more of a disappointment. It seemed that everyone failed Morgana, even Morgana herself. This was it, though. There was no turning back for her. Morgana had made herself an enemy of Camelot and its allies. God help them all.
She spent the rest of her bath recalling every detail of her time with Gwaine. She grinned when she remembered how he came to rescue her, but she rescued herself. He didn't even seem put out by it, rather, he was proud of her. A soft blush crept up her neck and face when she thought of how he'd spun her around in his arms and was so close to kissing her. It should never happen. She could never indulge any feelings for him, but she could entertain the fantasy, couldn't she?
She and Gwaine believed they would never see each other again, but now he was a Knight of Camelot. An excited little laugh bubbled up. Gwaine could live in Camelot. He could live near her.
When she was done, Marian dried and dressed herself in clean clothes. Despite it only being her second-best dress, she enjoyed the soft linen against her skin. She went outside to the stone courtyard, looking for the knights.
"Where is everyone?" she asked as she sat down on the palace steps next to Merlin and Arthur.
"They went to fetch Gwen for Arthur." Merlin grinned. "His Royal Highness couldn't even do it himself. So much for being equals."
Marian chuckled when Arthur pushed Merlin. "They volunteered, Merlin. Besides, how would it look if I left in the middle of all this right now?" Arthur gestured at the fallen stones and debris.
"All of them, though?" Marian asked.
"Probably want to make a big show of it," Merlin said. "You know, for the ladies."
Marian couldn't say anything, unable to hide her blush.
Arthur reached over Merlin and brought Marian's hand closer.
"Gaius treated me. It should heal soon," she said.
"I want to thank you, Marian," Arthur said, letting her hand go. "I meant it. You were incredibly brave. I only wish I could reward you the same as I did the rest, but to knight a woman… it's just not done."
"That's alright, Arthur. I appreciate everything you've done for me over the years. It's my honor to serve you and Cam… elot…"
Arthur and Merlin followed her gaze to the knights and Gwen arriving on horseback. They were wearing their shiny new armor and bright red cloaks, embroidered with the gold Pendragon crest. While all the knights looked hot in their armor, it was Gwaine that caught her eye. Seated on a white stallion, he swaggered with each step. She was so busy ogling him that she didn't notice when she skipped a step on her way down and she fell onto her backside.
Gwaine jumped down from his horse and held out his hand to help her stand. "It's a fine evening, milady," he said as he bent low and kissed the top of her hand.
Marian laughed and curtseyed. "That it is, Sir Gwaine."
He stood straight and pulled her hand through the crook of his arm, leading her up the palace steps. "So, beautiful, it seems you'll be seeing much more of me now."
"I'd like that. Truly, I would."
Surprised, Gwaine grinned, his eyebrows raised. "Are we becoming friends now?"
Marian chuckled and shook her head. "No, Gwaine."
His grin faltered, hurt passing over his face.
"I think we already were friends," she said, beaming at him as she placed a quick kiss on his cheek.