A/N: Yeah, two chapters in one day. You might think I'm superhuman, but trust me, I'm not. I didn't write this chapter. This special chapter is brought to you by the Author of the original fanfiction himself Greymon Leader Batx Flashpoint. They asked if they could do a chapter for this story and I was all in for it, since they've been a huge help in making this story possible. So big shout out to them.
Let's begin, I do not own Batman or Merlin. They are works of DC Comics and BBC.
Lathered Brutes
The months pressed forward from the latest calamity that had befallen Camelot as Merlin entered his second year in the palace's servitude. Lord Freeze, the most recent threat that befell the kingdom had been ultimately stopped. Yet, the repercussions from his frozen assault couldn't have been more impactful in terms of the kingdom's future.
King Uther, to his council's surprise. Demanded to create a peace treaty with his long-time enemy King Bayard Langstrom the Fifth. The current ruling monarch of Mercia and the first rival Uther had gained upon taking Camelot's throne. You see, to Merlin's surprise through a quick history lesson from Sir Geoffory, it turned out Bayard was a semi-decent of the former dynasty that ruled Camelot before Uther had seized control. Exactly 152 years ago an arranged marriage was proposed between Mercia's royal family and the old dynasty. A Camelot princess was married to Merci's King to-be at the time Misel the Second.
Due to his decency and the former monarchy's downfall. Bayard attempted to pilfer the throne from Uther and be king and master of both nations. Claiming he was now the rightful heir and Uther was simply an unlawful usurper. The two men never saw eye to eye for many years. While never going to war the feud always found a way to creep out during any meet-up in the other kingdoms. Tournaments, card games, marriages, whenever dealing with an invading force beyond Albion (The few times which caused the realm's kingdoms to unite together) the two crude kings always found an excuse to try and one-up the other.
So why was Merlin dressed in a series of ridiculous garments holding a wine jug watching the former men drink and clap like old buddies leaving the school inn? They almost reminded Merlin about his pre-ten-year-old days with Will seeing how chummy they were.
The hall had been decorated wondrously. The Pendragon and Langstrom banners proudly striding down the great hall's walls. Mightily glowing out their power and pride. Three tables, filled and brimmed with the most succulent foods made Merlin's belly cry out for. Roast pig dipped in barbecued gravy, stuffed pumpkin with a gorgeous stuffing of rice, fennel, apple, pomegranate seeds, and pecans. Finished with a zingy tahini dressing, a Chicken pasta bake concocted with gooey cheese and seared chicken, and a Teriyaki salmon bowl laced with salmon, tuna, avocado, and fresh edamame.
All gentry alike gathered in their crowds around the tables. Laughing and chattering in merriment. sipping their red wines and cherry vodka from dizzied cups obviously succumbing to the beverage's alcoholic effects.
Merlin sighed, he shouldn't have felt envious seeing the joy around him. After all this celebration was a good thing. Camelot had lost another enemy and in turn, gained a new ally. Which was the whole purpose of this party. After dealing with and surviving Freeze's constructed ice aging of Camelot, Uther believed a stronger security for his kingdom was required. (Rather, protection which didn't require the people to rely on the Bat Warlock's aid) So, he struck a deal with Bayard. Bayard would forfeit his grudge and claim and accept Uther as Camelot's rightful king and lend a large number of troops to his armies in case a threat at Freeze's and Scarecrow's level would arise. In turn, Uther would surrender two farming villages into Mercia's jurisdiction, to take Bayard's youngest son as a squire and find him a good marriage from the highest families in Camelot's aristocracy. Giving the Langstroms a new strong point in the country.
Bayard had tried to gain a marriage proposal for Arthur or Morgana. Even he, now a widower tried to sway his hand for a betrothal between him and Morgana. Always needs new heirs and she is very young and ripe to produce new babes.
Recalling the council meeting Merlin attended when such an arrangement was proposed, Uther gave an awkward laugh before making a stern and almost intimidating hint for his new friend to drop this suggestion.
One of the few times Merlin finds himself fully supporting Uther.
The royal families exchanged various extravagant presents. Arthur received a gem-crusted lance for his hunting. Morgana had a whole collection of expensive jewellery and dresses, handcrafted by Mercie's finest and Uther well looking back to his chambers. The king was fully loitered with mountains filled with unimaginable gifts which kept coming hourly.
Merlin would be lying if he didn't feel a tang of jealousy at the nobles for their celebration and delicacies. Worst, he felt a little bitter he wasn't allowed to attend as the Court Physician but as only Arthur's manservant. Normally, the Court Physician would be allowed to attend being a member of the king's council. When asking Arthur why he couldn't attend as a guest. Arthur reminded him he was in the role until Uther found an official replacement. Until then Merlin was still officially a servant and at best the physician role was a side job.
Merlin grunted from their previous conversation. It had been two years now and no such person had yet to be found. At this point, he was pretty much the Court Physician. This wasn't a need to feed Merlin's vanity. Why the hell couldn't the king just give him the role officially? His life would be so much easier. He would be allowed to live in Gaius's chambers without worry of being turned out from the castle. He could finally stop being Arthur's manservant and be able to work with him both in and out of costume on the council.
But no, like the night Gaius died. He was reminded of where he stood in the food chain. Dealing with those who favored that aspect instead of his welfare. As the Bat Warlock, he was justice and security incarnate, but as Merlin, he was simply protecting his alter ego and life from the axeman. He had no right to be selfish. When he took this life he knew it would never be an easy ride. He would get the worst parts of the deal. But for once, just for once, he would like at least one thing to go his way and allow some concern to be lifted from his shoulders.
He just wanted some stability after all the crap he dealt with.
Gwen came behind him and tapped his shoulder. "You okay?" She asked with a sweet but affecting smile. "You seem a bit out of it." She asked.
Merlin rubbed his eyes. "Oh, its nothing."
Gwen nudged him "It's okay to feel left out."
Merlin shook his head. "It's stupid Gwen." The lad confessed.
"You deserve to be there." Gwen sympathized. "After everything you have done during the plagues. You of all people should be there. Ever since Gaius died you've done nothing but made him proud." She reassured.
"As Merlin or Bat Warlock." Merlin mentally asked his friend. "It's fine Gwen. This is simply another…."
"May I have your attention!" Uther called out tapping his goblet to cause silence amongst the chatters. Every single person freezing and creasing their idle good time. Listening vigorously to what their majesty had to say. Calming himself down Uther wiped his eyes finding the words he needed to express himself.
Finally, the great Uther began to speak. "As you well know. Today is the first day of this year's Autumn. I can understand you may find it strange I am making time to talk about a season among our current festivities. But for some of you who don't know today marks a special but unfortunate time for me."
Arthur and Morgana looked at their guardian softly. Especially Arthur. Knowing fully well what his father was about to discuss. Placing a hand on his heart. Feeling the knife wound he never received but nonetheless felt the guilt still carved the could have been wound in his gut. If it had not been for one man.
"On this very day." Uther began to sputter. "My dear friend. A dear friend to us all. Died today." The last word made Merlin's heart ache uglily. His breathing became harder recalling his brave Uncle's final moments before the knife stabbed him and took him from the mortal world, from Merlin's life.
Gwen coupled her soft arm into Merlin's. An action Merlin was so grateful for. Words could express how eased he was to feel his friends' candor as he watched the king continue his speech. "If he were alive today. I know he couldn't have been more prouder to know the kingdom he so faithfully served has made this new leap in her new chapters." Uther felt Bayard pat his arm to show his support.
Uther nodded grateful for the gesture despite their rocky past. "Since, his death for the last two years. I as both a king and a man have been struggling or perhaps brushing off the need for an official replacement so I wouldn't feel I was leaving my friend behind more but now I must say I have finally decided on who will replace Gaius as this kingdom's physician."
If it were possible. Merlin's mouth gaped so hard his lower jaw would have landed on the ground. Gwen eyeing her friend excitedly and concerningly. Moments ago Merlin prayed for some ease to make his work balance easier to handle now fate decided to give him a small reward for his work in two jobs and a second life.
"Someone, who has demonstrated his knowledge in the arts of healing. Beginning from a mere novice but growing into what I can only describe as the finest medic throughout Albion." Merlin's eyes widened. Okay, now he had asked himself if today was "WE LOVE MERLIN" Day. Never had Uther complimented in such a way. Okay, this was now legitimately turning into the best night in his life at Camelot.
"One so young. Who has undergone so much struggle so early in his lifetime but has risen up from such tragic beginnings into someone I would call a true knight if there ever was." Merlin felt his heart skip a beat. He never knew the king had valued him so much. At least as Merlin. Perhaps, there really was hope for Uther Afterall. In the last two years, the Pendragon king really saw the value in others. He no longer uses rank to dismiss those below his status.
Morgana gazed at Merlin and Gwen. She herself felt the excitement from her guardian's speech. Finally, Merlin would get his rewards for his hard work. She was a tad disappointed she would no longer have the possibility to make him her manservant when he was made official court physician but she didn't mind. She wanted him to be happy. Ever since she met him he had a good soul. He showed it to her whenever she found doubt in something. He reminded her why she could still maintain her faith when it was almost unfeasible to do.
Arthur in his confoundedness. Surprisingly gave a respectful nod towards his servant well now ex servant's direction. Arthur at first didn't believe Merlin would be able to keep hold of his second job given the high levelled responsibility it held. Considering how bad Merlin was as a servant he somehow was the reversal when it came to being a physician. Uther was right. Merlin had grown in that field. He would always be an idiot in Arthur's eyes but he was an idiot who ultimately honoured Gaius. The lad deserved this.
"Now, Without any further delays. I will reveal the successor to one of Camelot's most loyal servants." Uther raised his hand and implored Merlin to join the other royals at the table. Merlin felt Gwen's hand slip away from his arm and give him a slow push towards the king. "I now present you."
"Here it comes." Merlin excitedly thought as he began to make his grand entrance to the royals and be recognized.
"Sir Kirk Langstrom!" Uther finally announced triggering a roaring applause, stopping a brain-punched Merlin in his tracks. Uther skilfully showcased with his left hand a hunched man between his late forties and early fifties, with whiteish curled hair, plane greyish skin from lack of sun exposure from the sun, two mahogany red eyes, a short height being 5.3 FT and a blue leathered robe. What caught some attention was his right foot. The man seemed to be slightly handicapped. Relying on a wooden stick to help him reach the royal's dining table. His foot was covered in weak spoiled metal and nairoviral strappings.
Despite the newbie's grand entrance, the very sight of him made Merlin's heart deflate. The excitement and bust the secret outlaw previously felt had evaporated in his very eyes and soul. A sentiment shared between Gwen, Morgana and Arthur who looked equally shocked and dismayed by the recent event. Ignoring the claps around them the three couldn't deter the sad dejected look on Merlin's face. Each one really wanted to come to their friend's side and help him through this regretful shock.
Gwen being the closet placed her comforting hand on Merlin. Crutching her fingers tightly and protectively on his red servants' cape "Merlin?" She feebly asked. "Merlin, are you okay?"
Taking off the Polish hat from his forehead. Stroking the lovely peacock feather deleteriously. Merlin gave his answer.
"I'm really an idiot. Aren't I Gwen?"
Uther's Chambers – One Hour After The Party Ended.
"How could you be so selfish!" Morgana accused her guardian in a yell which would have made the most eerie of banshees back away in fear as she entered her foster father's bedroom.
Unfortunately for Morgana, her guardian couldn't have cared less about her fury. Sitting on his desk and slurping another sip from his cup "Morgana, I don't understand why you are at odds with me over this matter. You know perfectly well the boy was always to be replaced."
Since the feast ended Arthur and Morgana had jumped into Uther's room to convince the king to revert his settlement about the physician's posting and give the job to Merlin. Well, Morgana was at least. The ward intended to make her views on the situation quite clear. "Every day, Merlin has been scraping and manging desperately both his employments diligently and in turn, you kick him out like a worn-out donkey you didn't want anymore."
Uther causally placed his goblet down "Precisely what he is." The king fluently reacted. Treating Morgana's insult as the perfect answer. "The boy is a servant, his whole purpose is to serve. Now that he has done his duty we can pass the responsibilities onto someone who truly is well-versed in the practices of medicine."
"But Merlin is well versed in medicine!" Morgana defiantly mocked her guardian refusing to back down from her case. "He spent hours reading over Gaius's books. Going morning after morning collecting herbs for his remedies. Visiting patients to fully understand their conditions. Doing all that and still being the Prince's manservant. All he ever has done is show how reliable he is."
A small unintended chuckle escaped Arhtur's mouth when Morgana said reliable. Not a word he would use to describe his servant. Which didn't go unnoticed as Morgana stared daggers at the prince "Don't you have something to say? He's your servant. Your responsibility!" She accused.
Arthur sighed knowing Morgana was right. Preparing himself for a new tongue-lashing from his old man. Sighing Arthur got on with it "Father." Arthur calmly began to explain. "Merlin... Merlin is probably the worst employee I ever had." Uther's expression agreed with his son and Morgana's deadly eyes on him "But he does have merit in this vocation." Putting his hands up in defense to be spared Morgana's ire.
Uther rolled his eyes. "For god sake Arthur you're talking to him like he's your friend. He's your property." Uther shooed his son "The boy came from a pig village, Sir Kirk has travelled throughout Albion and beyond. Gaining knowledge and skills even Gaius wasn't able to achieve. So much so that he was knighted for his feats. Why on earth would I keep on your manservant over someone so high level."
"Father, with all due respect you're the one who gave him the job in the first place." Arthur reminded his father. "When Lady Scarecrow was infecting people with her disease. Both me and the council urged you to send the word out to the neighboring kingdoms for a new practitioner." The prince recalled his father's blazon behavior that day. "You didn't want to look weak in front of our enemies and allies with such a request. So put Merlin on the spot with the threat of death if he failed."
The prince placed his hands behind his back "I believe despite the strange odds he had proven himself worthy of the role. Especially under such circumstances. Yes, it was through an emergency but he manned up and took it one headstrong. I firmly believe he should have been chosen over Sir Kirk. Camelot couldn't have asked for a more worthier candidate" Arthur delicately but firmly explained his case.
Morgana couldn't help but be impressed by Arthur's admission. While not high-strung as her argument, the Prince truly did speak in Merlin's defense. Arthur may be losing a Servant but Camelot would be gaining a new megastar in her aid. She just wished Uther could see that.
But per usual the king dismissed the arguments. "Arthur the decision is final." Slamming his cup down effectively "Sir Kirk is Bayard's fourth cousin. While from a weaker branch of their family still royalty nonetheless. His undertaking would be another step in securing peace with Mercia."
"Father, you gave the man two villages and a marriage prospect for his son. I'm pretty sure his desire for peace has been satisfied." Arthur cumbrously tried to explain. "What about Gaius? Merlin was his nephew. We both know he would have wanted him to succeed him."
Uther sighed, "Gaius would have respected my choice. Besides I already helped the boy enough given who he is." Uther sharply justified.
"What does that supposed to mean?" Morgana asked, not liking where her guardian was going with replies.
Uther exhaled tiredly. "Gaius was a peasant. A great councilman and loyal servant but still from the peasantry. His services to me during the purge were why I kept him on after my armies took down the last sorcerous king. Having a peasant on the council was unconventional but I do not regret such a choice. He was my friend despite his background"
"But to have a bastard on the council." Uther exclaimed, "That would be an entirely different embarrassment." The king unable to hide his nastiness "A peasant's bastard in such a role. The outer kingdoms would laugh at us. A mockery we could allow such an object in a nobbled position. It would be the equivalent of promoting the kennel dogs into guards. Camelot can never have such a stain. Our family cannot be seen sympathizing with mongrels and god's rejects. We would been seen just as badly as the fools who spawned the bastard."
If Morgana had any words she wanted to scream out at the king's revolting speech. She chooses to keep to herself. Instead, she grabbed her skirts and marched furiously out of the king's chambers without daring to look at him a moment more without becoming sick from the sight of him.
Even Arthur, who was normally in his father's defense couldn't push away the shock from the monarch's viewpoint. He never asked his father about his views on the illegitimate and now he wished more so this personal information was kept away from his ears. Following Morgana's stride Arthur made his way to the doorway only to be stopped by one final command from Uther that night.
"When you find your servant. Tell him to seek other accommodations for this evening. I desire Sir Kirk to become more familiar with his new wing. The boy can take his personal belongings in the morning. Until then I want him out. Understood." The king slyly ordered. Not caring if Arthur was facing him.
"As you wish father." The disdained tone was unable to hide itself from Arthur's teeth as he left the room.
The Hallway
"I'm sorry." Arthur expressed this to Merlin and Gwen. Finding them in the hallway. "I tried my best but it wasn't good enough. My father has made his feelings clear. He won't relent on his selection."
"Why not!" Gwen cried out.
"Gwen." Merlin attempted to temper.
"No!" The handmaiden silenced. "After everything he has done. Merlin gets shafted." Gwen preached.
Arthur downcast his pupils shamefully. If it had been anyone else talking to him in such a manner he would had them spend a fortnight in the stocks. Yet Guinevere was Morgana's handmaiden and the Prince would not risk such punishment from the ward/surrogate sister.
That and he completely agreed with the serving girl.
Arthur turned to face Merlin. "At best, I can buy you a room in the Inn for a few nights."
"No." Merlin defiantly declined the prince's offer. "I can't have you do that."
"I wasn't offering." Arthur dismissed "I'm telling you. You are getting a room."
"For a few nights." Merlin reasoned. "Your father isn't stupid. His accountants will keep him informed how much money you are spending on me."
"I hate it when he's right" Arthur coolly fumed. "Though considering how bad he was in his job he should be the one paying me really." The prince cheekily thought.
"You can stay with me." Gwen offered with a smile. "My father needs an extra hand with the forge. Help with a few orders now and then and you can stay for free."
Merlin blinked his eyes. Recalling the first time he met Gwen in stocks. Once more she reminded him she really was a precious jewel in Camelot's roughness. "Are you sure Gwen?"
"You saved my life when Uther thought I was a witch. It's the least I can do for you." She vowed.
"Gwen I–" Merlin was about to say.
"Ahh. So you're the one who kept my seat warm." The three friends turned to see the new enterer of their conversation. Sir Kirk creakily stumbled to the group. His stick-making pattered clangs with each step he made.
"My lord," Merlin answered both he and Gwen bowing their heads in respect.
"Oh please don't." Sir Kirk gesticulated his free hand apologetically. "I'm not one for such recognition."
"Well, at least he's humble." Merlin thought standing up. His second person's senses took over him as he silently examined the new man before him.
Sir Kirk smiled and made his way to the balcony. To view the blue-lit moon dangling from the night sky. Prince Arthur nervously pursued small talk with the new healer "Are the room's to your liking, my lord."
"Oh, they are my prince." Sir Kirk confirmed not taking his eye off the view-pointed scenery. "I must say the stories about your kingdom Prince Arthur don't do it justice. Day or night this metropolis looks stunning."
Prince Arthur nodded thankfully "I apricate your praise my lord but I am sure Mercia's lands are just as wonderful if not even better than what Camelot has to offer in glamour."
"Do not feel the need to flatter me, my prince." The hunched medic clarified and twirled around. "In truth, I rarely visited my family's castles."
"But aren't you the king's cousin?" Gwen questioned freely. Forgetting about her rank.
"Fourth cousin my dear lady." Sir Kirk complimented making Gwen blush slightly. "I stem from a holdfast near a Mecia fishing village. My Great-Grandfather Prince Neal Langstrom married a washer woman below his station. While his father didn't disown him he didn't reward him either cutting him financially off. Ever since then my branch of the family has been on rather the poorer end of Mecia's society. I only got accepted by King Bayard due to my medical skills. Before then I don't think his family actually remembered mine."
Now Merlin was surprised. A poor royal. A descendant of Kings but lived the life of a commoner. "Arthur would hate such a life." Merlin couldn't help but dig "He couldn't go a day without spending at least 100 coins on some posh expenses."
"How did your family survive?" Arthur inquired sharing Merlin's curiosity and some scepticalness about the Poor royal.
Kirk entertainingly paraded his arms. "You see due to the disownment, my family could no longer rely on their royal blood to sustain themselves. They became people of substance. Marketing and investing whatever they could for a profitable business. Eventually becoming entrepreneurs."
"Wow." Merlin wistfully awed. He couldn't believe it. The whole story represented the life style he hoped one day Camelot would evolve into. Not relying on blood and titles but rather the human spirit and the desire to become something great without status damming you into a profession beneath one's skills and intelligence. Simply because a person wasn't born into the right family. Sir Kirk's family may have started small but they had the ambition and goals to reach heights the richest lordlings would be envious of.
"What happened to your foot?" Gwen dozily asked. When the words left her mouth the former amazement left the group's atmosphere. Gwen shamefully placed a hand on her mouth "I am so sorry, my lord I wasn't thinking I."
"No need my dear." Kirk smiled waving whatever concern away. Using his stick to tap his sealed injury. "Ah yes, old footie." He cooed. "Like all young lords. We want to show our brawn and bravery. Be a knight, a hero my kingdom would need one day."
"Tell me about." Arthur concurred. Recollecting his seven-year-old days when he aspired for his knighthood. Playing with his wooden sword and pony. Making his chambers into a makeshift warzone. One of the few times his father was supportive of him.
Kirk's exterior dwindled "Sadly, like many things it was not meant to be. I was offered a squire hood from Lord Damdara. I was ever so excited. Things were going well for me. I did well in sword combat, archery, and hunting. My career in knighthood seemed to be a real thing….that was until I took up a horse."
Sir Kirk's face filled with livid sorrow "As I got on my steed. One of the practice dummies fell loose. The impact spooked my horse horribly from the startled vibrations. She panicked and shoved me off her back. I landed on a few rocks. My foot getting the worse from the injury. I could never use it again."
"I'm so sorry." Arthur commiserated silently with them. Arthur loved being a knight, loved being a warrior. If such a senseless accident made him unable to continue to be a knight. He really didn't know what he would do. He prayed he would never know.
"Still, when one path ends another opens. I was inspired by my injury to become a healer. Using my family fortune, I have traveled throughout all of Albion and beyond this land's seas. Discovering so many new archipelagos. Learning healing crafts I doubt I would ever have gained if I stayed in Mercia. In a twisted way, this injury was the best thing that ever happened to me."
"Dam it." Merlin cursed himself. He liked him. He really liked this fixed man. He didn't allow his handicap to define him. He grew up and found a new vocation. Exploring every peninsula he could find and making the most of his time and experiences on each island. Merlin conceded this man deserved the job. Gaius couldn't have had a more worthier successor. A man like Kirk Langstrom was what the new Camelot needed.
"So why do I feel so bitter." Merlin disgracefully concluded.
"Now my prince, if you or your company mind. I shall take leave for the evening." Sir Kirk humbled taking the stick into his hand. Before going into his new chambers he stopped to have a final word with Merlin "Do not worry about your belongings, young man. I will make sure your possessions are left alone until you come to collect them." Finally, Sir Kirk left the trio for the night.
Until Gwen peeked up a last question "Don't you want to see the Bat Warlock? He sometimes comes out in the night."
Merlin once more swore to himself. Amidst the night's events, he totally forgot about his patrol. Looking at Arthur who didn't seem happy Gwen had spotted the question about his rival. Sir Kirk quenched the lots interridge with his retort "Oh no." He chuckled. "I'm not really interested in a man like that. After what I have seen he comes off as quite mediocre. I can live without bumping into him." The conversation finished he retreated to his quarters.
Now was Arthur's turn to bid his friends goodnight. "Alright Merlin, new accommodations aside. I expect you early next morning to help clean up the hall. Then I need you to get my breakfast. Remember to tell the cook no black pudding, one added sausage and my eggs need five more minutes. Then I need to you get me the new armour for the cadets and lastly sharpen my arrows for the hunt the day after."
Gwen chuckled nimbly and an impassive Merlin nodded "Anything else?"
Arthur mused rechecking his mental list "No, no nothing else." Merlin sighed ready to head to the forge with Gwen. "For now." Arthur craftily warned before walking down to his own chambers.
"Ehh. One of these days Gwen."
Gwen bumped his shoulder expressively "Come on, we both know you enjoy it deep down. Not the cleaning but finding new ways to keep him on his toes."
Merlin smirked "Thinking and plotting all the time Gwenivere. How to annoy a prat….should write a book about it. Already can see it being a best seller."
Gwen laughed taking Merlin's hand as the duo left the castle for the evening.
Tom's Forge
Merlin was forever grateful to Tom for giving him a place to stay. Being, roomies with Gwen was a seriously great deal. Why not bunk up with your bestie? Free food and living rent-free. This move couldn't have been any more sweater.
Merlin would have stated he had gained the most idealistic home in Camelot. Well, he would almost say that if his room wasn't the forge's outhouse. Merlin gruffly woke up in a very awkward position. A position he forced himself into to comfortably fit inside. His right arm was high up, his main body smudged into a ball and his left leg doing it's best not to dip into the pee hole.
Merlin gasped in hoping not to intake the disgusting smell bogging his new room. He was meant to stay in the guest room but since he was the first guest Tom and Gwen had in quite a while they allowed the room to become a storage room and it was so late in the night Merlin didn't have the heart to order the two to clean it out for him to sleep him. So he opted for the outhouse the most putrid capacity in the home.
Merlin semi-prayed there would be a day when both Gwen and her father would be out for the day. So he could use his magic to clean the spare room. Until then he was Merlin of the outhouse.
"God help me." He prayed. A hard knock banged the swampy wooden door. "Perhaps he heard me."
"Merlin you up yet?" Tom bawled hitting the door harder. Irritating Merlin, making him far wider awake than he was pleased to be. "I got to use the privy mate! Come on get a move on."
"Perhaps going to work won't be such a fatality after all." The exiled ghost debunked despondency as he weary-sided down his chair unreservedly.
Seven Hours Later At Camelot's Castle
Merlin gave a tired yawn which made a dying old lion look ferocious in comparison. Holding, Arthur's lousy arrows in his bag. The day was almost over and Merlin was still bloody tired from his urine socked bedsit. He was just glad this was his last task for the day. After delivering the new arrows to the inside of the armory. He could go back have a few winks and go on patrol.
Arthur, in a few moments he wasn't a clod pole allowed him the night off as a somewhat apology for not getting the physician's job. Merlin didn't mind. Yeah, he would be missing a moment in history when Uther and Bayard signed the accords but he had more pressing matters than watching a piece of parchment be written on. He seriously needed to make up for missing the night before.
Not long Merlin found the armory and dumped the arrows for the Master of Arms to deal with. Merlin satisfied left the barracks and headed towards the dragon's cave to get sleep and get changed. One would wonder why Merlin didn't move into the Dragon's cave full-time. The outlaw's reasons were quite simple. Pretense, it would be fishy if he was going to the castle's baths in the dead at night as he did when he lived in Gaius's chambers when he no longer lived here. Plus, he didn't want to risk the chance a guard came down to visit the dragon to make sure the beast was still alive and found him napping next to Kilgharrah.
Staying at the forge wasn't comfortable so far but it was suitable to maintain the illusion he wasn't the Bat Warlock and didn't have a secret lair in Camelot's underground. So while it stunk and farted Merlin would make do until the guest room was cleaned out.
Speaking of his former chambers. Merlin found himself passing his late uncle's quarters. One day had passed and Merlin's heart still yearned for his old home. It wasn't the most spectacular or even spacious area within Camelot's walls but it had been his home no matter how much Merlin tried to tell himself otherwise. He couldn't pretend he didn't miss his snatched holdings.
Shaking his head Merlin went inside. Uther and Sir Kirk had given their permission to come in to gather the remainder of his belongings. Now was as good a time as any to do so. Turning the wobbly door knob, with a light push Merlin entered his old room. From Merlin's standpoint, he could see nothing changed. Understandably as Sir Kirk was still new to the accommodations had yet to fully embed his personal touches. Finding a small ruffled duffel bag. The secret outlaw advanced to his former bedroom to collect his old personal items before Uther ordered them to be thrown out.
Yet, before he even reached the first step on the cranky staircase, Merlin's attention was drawn to the one new item Sir Kirk had added to the chambers. Swirling his head, Merlin gazed at a strange shadowy titan-steeled box. Strapped with gold wraps and a blood-red lock.
Merlin knew he shouldn't pry into Sir Kirk's personal property. He wasn't Lord Luther. Quite the opposite in fact. Still, Merlin couldn't deter from the vampiric aura it was emitting. A darkness, which Merlin had not felt since undergoing his ritual which granted him the skills and talents he uses as the Bat Warlock.
That was the first warning sign. Merlin replayed the images on the day the Bat Warlock had been birthed. He always thought back to that day. Once a second each day it would find a way to his mind. But the old memory had never been as powerful or intoxicating as it had been now.
Merlin needed to open the box. He needed to know why his magical senses were going so erratic over the unearthly casket. Merlin raced down to the rock feeling his heart pound faster and faster the nearer he got. The beating soon degenerated into a fireball leveled with anxiety. The feeling, warned him once he unlocked this secret treasure. Whatever was in it, he would not be able to rewrap it after he opened it.
"Do or die." Merlin thought distastefully. "Huṇa tālā tōṛō" Merlin finally cast his charm and opened the morish chest.
Finally peeking inside the container. Merlin shockingly understood why his powers were severely warning him about Sir Kirk's coffer. Inside was him! The other him. The Bat Warlock. A whole horde filled with Bat Warlock memorabilia. Wanted posters, straw dolls he once sore being sold in Essetir, and artillery similar to his when he was on patrol. Tattered velvet that was similar to what his costume was made from. What else caught Merlin's eye were papers filled with various notes about him. What spells he used, what fighting style he worked with, and how his missions operated. Research and homework, all dedicated to his alter ego.
"I'm not really interested in a man like that. After what I have seen he comes off as quite mediocre. I can live without bumping into him." Sir Kirk's false words rang through Merlin's ear drums.
"Bull crap." Merlin slandered the liar. The doctored knight couldn't have been any more obsessed with him.
"Language now." Merlin's eyes shot up hearing his stalker's voice behind his back. Merlin got up and saw Sir Kirk standing spitefully in the doorway. "Uther complains about having a bat problem perhaps I should mention Camelot has a rat one as well. Stinking, seeking rats crawling through his castle's walls." The faker spreads out his threat like a madman's lullaby. A whole switch around from his previous gentlemanly attitude from the night before.
Merlin wasn't going to be intimated. He had fought worse than this liar. "For some who claim they never had an interest in the Bat Warlock. You sure have quite the collection." Merlin snapped throwing the papers at the new physician.
"My dear Merlin. A small country dimwit like you could never understand the full complexity of my work." Sir Kirk smugly answered as went closer to his chest. "I wasn't entirely lying to you yesterday about my travels."
"Try me." Merlin irked an eyebrow. "What do your travels have to do with the Bat Warlock?"
An icy chuckle left Sir Kirk's lips. "At first nothing, but then everything. Life is funny in that regard." Sir Kirk comprised bizarrely. "You see my dear Merlin, after my accident." Sir Kirk tapped his damaged foot with his walking stick "I was at my lowest, my worst. I, a glorious knight in the making. My destiny was destroyed. I never thought I would amount to anything. Cursed to be another forgettable corpse in Merica. I knew humbleness wouldn't get me to reach my goals so I found a new weapon…fear." Saying the last word with such feralness. "During my travels, I found my answer in the Arkham Isles."
"Merlin!" Kilgharrah cried out through telekinesis, snapping the young man from his confrontation. "Kill him now! Now boy!"
"Kilgharrah?" Merlin yawped back "What is he talking about? What the hell are the Arkham Isles?"
"A place of great and repulsive evil. Even we dragons fear those islands. The truly repugnant of our kind shelter there. Dark magic floats through those lands like air. Extraordinary evil is born there and extraordinary evil leaves there. You must do away with him now!"
Hearing the normal cryptic dragon give such a straight answer for once, only seemed to make it more apparent to the young warlock how dangerous these isles were.
"I spent three decades on the isles." Sir Kirk grinned manically. "Learning and adapting to their way of life. I a lowly cripple living and taming the isles. A feat that Braggard Bayward never could achieve. Thirty years' worth of brewing and studying and I finally developed the remedy to end all those who dismissed and laughed at me for my handicap. My only problem is I didn't have the inspiration to finalize my invention. That was until the Bat Warlock appeared in Camelot. I finally found my muse to give me the superior-hood I always wanted to have."
"You wanted to become a vigilante?" Merlin quizzed.
"No, you fool." Sir Kirk shook his head. "I WANTED TO BE FEARED!" Sir Kirk then proceeded to remove his long sapphire coat allowing the clothing to drop off his flesh uncaringly. Merlin could now see what attire the madman had underneath. A dark purpled chest armour and cleaves. Not a lot of armor but was enough for the man to be flexible than he normally would be when fully dressed.
"Now, after years of mockery from my so-called betters. Thanks to the Bat Warlock and the Arkham Isles." Sir Kirk took a small vile and popped its cork out "I will finally have my revenge. I will finally remind them who is the mightier survivor." His final warning given, the lunatic drank from his vial. Brushing his dirty mouth with his wrist, Sir Kirk aggressively threw the empty glass at the wall shattering it into broken pieces.
"Merlin run now." The dragon begged. "Run!"
Sir Kirk coughed. Followed by another cough and a harsher one next. The man began to jitter violently making Merlin wonder if he was having a stroke. Suddenly and abruptly Sir Kirk howled a mammoth-styled roar far greater than his human vocal cords could ever naturally produce. Banging and smashing his body around the chambers. Merlin could only watch in horror as Sir Kirk grew bigger, and hairier, each second his humanity leaving him, yielding his senses away. Merlin backed away from the creature now encased in its shadow.
A final roar lashed out and the transformation was complete. Wings spawned out his left and right lower arms, his feet now each sporting three claws instead of give toes. White silverish hair coated his entire flesh. His eyes blood red filled with nothing but the desire to kill. Teeth which could give any steeled sword a challenge. Finally a beastly carnivorous bat head predatorily studying the pray before him.
Merlin gaped at this creature, this Man-Bat, this War Bat. No more the human but an unnatural ginmours bat stood took the room's precedence and Merlin had no idea what to do.
"Sir Kirk?" Merlin questions attempting to appeal to any remainder of War Bat's humaneness. The creature merely blinked at Merlin's now alienated vocalization "Sir Kirk are you in there?"
Having enough War Bat craved into his hungered appetites and the young morsel before him was ripe. "SKEEEHEHEHEHEHEHHEHEH!" War Bat released his demised screech and leaped at the unexacted Merlin!
"Payta kallpawan kutichinanpaq!" Merlin cast his spell, trying to use his magic to send the War Bat back but to no avail. To Merlin's shock, his magic did not affect the creature!
"His armor Merlin!" The dragon warned. "It is made out of a special mineral from the Arkham Isles. So long as he wears it he is resistant to your magic!"
Merlin grunted cautiously. He quickly tried an alternative attack plan. "Gị abụọ oche kụrụ ya ugbu!" Merlin's eyes flashed gold and a workbench and table soared through the air and pummelled the unholy beast down, earning another monstrous scream from War Bat.
"He may be immune to magic, but he isn't immune to brute force." Merlin triumphantly concluded as he ran out of the chambers and locked the wooden door behind him. He didn't bother to use his magic to harden the door's latch. Seeing firsthand War Bat's unnatural strength Merlin knew it would be a matter of time before the creature broke free. Until War Bat did Merlin needed to be ready for their eventual undesired duel.
"Yiri uwe m ugbu a!" Merlin commanded powerfully. Feeling the dark fire clench his entire body. Simmering down the manservant now sported his Bat Warlock armor. Prime and ready for his pet-hated clash.
"You shouldn't waste your stamina with such spells!" Kilgharrah criticized.
"I didn't have time to change in the cave." Merlin reasoned taking his faithful sword Tenebrae out. Hearing and seeing the door being ripped apart violently ahead of him. "It won't be long before he gets out."
"Before careful young warlock. This will be one of your most challenging tests. The creature will not stop until you're dead."
War Bat flung the last clunk of wood away with his teeth. Utterly destroying the commodious blockade between the two demonic bats. Now the lathered brutes were at a stand-off. Eyeing down intensely on which one would make the first move.
"EHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEH!" War Bat yowled flapping his skeletal wings and charged at his adversary.
"BRING IT ON!" Bat Warlock beckoned to his adversary and bounced on the enemy's back. The two demons travelled through the air scratching and stabbing the other. Wrestling in flight through Camelot's halls in a madding skirmish.
The Great Hall
"I King Uther of House Pendragon, First of my name, Seventeenth ruler of Camelot and defender of Albion."
"I King Bayard of House Langstrom, Fifth of name, Eleventh Ruler Of Merica and defender of Albion."
"Have come here today." The kings continued their grand speech in unison. "To sign the peace accords between our two nations and end the feud which has been consuming our kingdoms."
Geoffrey of Monmouth placed a subtle smoothed parchment for the two rulers to sign. The crowds waiting in anticipation. Seeing the jet black ink be scribbled in and the kings stamping their red royal seals on the degree's end. Finishing whatever was left. Uther and Bayard proudly lifted the treaty for all to see. Which earned the two monarchs a massive round of applause.
Uther and Bayard faked kissing the other on the cheek as a sign of friendship and homage. Bayard took the floor "Now, to celebrate our land's new unity. Let the feast begin!" The lords and ladies gave one final clap and returned to their delicious meals.
"Ah, good music and good food." Bayard complimented devouring a roasted chicken leg. "Not to mention good wine. May I ask you Uther is it the 39?"
"Actually my friend it's the 52. My personal stock of course" Uther glamorously corrected.
"My you spoil me." The Mercia king flattered his former rival.
Uther licked his tongue "I wouldn't mind sending you a few barrels if you favor the taste that much."
Bayard raised his hand to stop Uther's offer "No Uther, no this case is all I need. Perhaps I can offer you something more in our arrangement."
Uther scoured the party before him. Seeing Arthur conversing with Leon and Morgana making idle small talk with Bayard's youngest Prince Pierre and his new fiancé Lady Argyll. "I'm grateful for all you're offering me already Bayard. There is only one thing I desire and hopefully, your additional forces could help me finally attain." Uther grimly confessed.
"You're talking about that outlaw of yours," Bayard replied understanding exactly what and who his ally was referring to. "Don't worry Uther. With another kingdom in Camelot's alliance, I doubt the rat will ever dare show his face again with your new strengthened might."
"I wish I could believe you, Bayard." Uther stonily granted. "I wouldn't be surprised if the coward was right here right now in this party. Watching us, finding new ways to harm us. So typical of people like him." The king disdainfully established taking a sip of his port.
"Ah, don't worry Uther. The scum couldn't be that foolhardy." Bayard tried to commiserate his friend's troubles. "What he is going to do? Break in and wreck the party?"
On cue, the great hall's doors burst open, silencing and shocking the attendees. The crowds stared open-mouthed as they saw the Bat Warlock manhandling a humanoid bat creature. The outlaw crawled on the creature's top head bashing and punching the foul thing into submission but the War Bat refused to relent.
"Mother of god," Arthur whispered unbelievingly at watching the alarming sight. It was not before the crowds screamed in fear and flocked out of the great hall with the palace guards protecting covering their tracks. Arthur, Uther, Bayard, and Pierre took their swords out with Arthur jumping over the table.
The War Bat ignored the chaos around his person. His only concern was the rival he was currently trying to knap off. War Bat springs on higher, headbutted Bat Warlock's back on the ceiling's surface. The Exiled Ghost groaned feeling the pain ache through his backside as he crushingly decanted to the floor.
Seeing his chance to finally do away with him. War Bat launched piercingly downwards. The Bat Warlock despite his recent injury was sound enough to see the upcoming attack. "Oğan tamaqtı laqtır!" Cakes, pastries, and pies flipped from the tables on their master's command and bombarded the War Bat in the air. Covering the mad creature in jelly and cream but don't this as an act of humiliation. If anything the projectile food made the War Bat more frightful being covered in the messed cuisine.
The War Bat stopped down to wipe his eyes free from the jelly. A guard came from behind to stab the monster with his sword. Unfortunately, the War Bat's smell was heightened enough to detect his would-be attacker. War Bat easily slapped the guard away and took his sword into his mouth. Snapping down the blade in two with ease as the two steeled fragments fell from his jaws.
Bat Warlock jumped onto the creature's back. War Bat felt him roughly backflipped flipping Merlin to his front. War Bat hissed crunched down at the Bat Warlock pushing the outlaw to the floor. Using his weight to entrap the Bat Warlock on the ground. The Bat Warlock grabbed the creature's ears to keep its feisty devouring mouth from eating him.
Arthur seeing his chance tapped Leon's shoulder to make their move. Fingering some of the other knights to follow their lead. Moving forward stealthily the Prince was his troops would launch their secret back attack to kill the War Bat and arrest the Bat Warlock.
Regrettably, like before the War Bat heard the faint footsteps. Pausing his munching on the Bat Warlock the monster shot out stiffed muddy balls from his mouth. Leon, blocked with his sword but once the slime was on his weapon. The mud solidified and weighted down his weapon making Leon drop his blade from the surprisingly added heaviness.
"GET OUT NOW!" The Bat Warlock demanded trying to desperately pry the War Bat off him.
"You don't give the orders around here!" Arthur remarked not taking his eyes from the creature.
"You can't fight him! Get the kings out now before he turns his fangs on them!" Bat Warlock warned still wretchedly keeping War Bat's mouth from taking a bite of his body.
Arthur didn't want to take an order from his enemy, again. Especially in front of Bayard's family, but as much as he hated to agree with the Exiled Ghost he was ultimately right. The outlaw was currently the only one who possessed the ability to handle the War Bat and Arthur would never forgive himself if something happened to his father or Morgana.
"Leon, get the guards and the royals, we need to evacuate the entire hall now!" He ordered. Arthur returned to his father's turned-down table. Finding the attentats hiding and planning their next assault. "We need to use the secret entrance, Father. It's our only chance to survive." The prince declared from the side.
"Arthur have you taken leave of your senses!" Uther chastised his son standing up. "You want us to retreat? In front of a neighboring kingdom no less! No, I will not have our brave men cower away from the Bat Warlock again and this monster he has created." Uther bitterly rebuked.
If Bat Warlock was or wasn't responsible for this War Bat's creation Arthur didn't know nor currently cared. What he did know was they were dealing with a force beyond their means and had a taste for human flesh. "I'm not requesting father. I'm telling you we need to leave now!"
Uther's face scrunched angrily "I am the King, Arthur! You are the prince! My honor will not be besmirched in such a…."
"Look out!" Morgana shouted out. Pushing her guardian away from another mud attack. Uther was saved but Morgana was not so fortunate as the green tar encased her arms, chest, and stomach. Immobilising her upper body making it impossible to stand back up.
"Morgana!" Uther cried out for. Taking a dagger out to chip her free from her constraints but the War Bat beat him to her. Finding easier prey the War Bat fled off the Bat Warlock and grabbed the ward in his clawed feet flew her to the ends of the room and threw her down.
"Get away from me!" Morgana challenged savagery. The War Bat growled not taking the threat lightly and shot another mud ball at Morgana's mouth silencing her. Flexing his claws and saliva dripping down his teeth he went in for the kill but was stopped at the last moment.
A grapple had entrapped the behemoth's hand claw. War Bat could now see the Bat Warlock using his arrows shot out from his cross-bowed gauntest. Struggling and tripping to maintain the grapple rope to keep his advisory from breaking loose and killing Morgana.
"I won't let you hurt her!" The Bat Warlock vowed. "Your fight is with me! Not her! If you want her, or anyone else, you got to go through me!"
The War Bat took on the challenge. Flapping away from Morgana heading towards the hall's glass-stained window. Merlin comprehended the War Bat was planning to spring his terror into the rest of the city. Something the Bat Warlock would not allow. This thing was dangerous enough in the castle he would be dammed to unleash his chaos on the other Camelot inhabitants.
The Bat Warlock shot another arrow grapple from his free arm and had the rope tie around the collum. Making himself an anchor for the War Bat. Yet the War Bat didn't relent and his strength seemed to intensify the more Merlin kept the winged beast at bay.
"Dèan an ròp làidir mas e do thoil e!" Merlin's spell tightened the rope. Making the grapple far more inviolable than it ever had been designed to be. Still, even with almost titanium leveled trappings the War Bat was still winning their tug of war. The Bat Warlock could feel his metal sleeves slowly crack, even his arm sockets felt they were beginning to poke out.
Finally, a small snipping noise came from the rope. A tig and tang sounds could be heard as the rope was giving into the pressure and was slowly starting to rupture.
"Oh shi…." Merlin didn't finish his curse word as the collum's grapple snapped vehemently and the Bat Warlock was forcibly dragged away going airborne. The two bats now taking their battle to the outer skies of Camelot's city.
Uther and Leon rushed to Morgana's side. Arthur had taken Bayard's family back to their quarters for protection. Leon chipped away the fossilized muck off Morgana releasing her at long last. "Morgana." Uther sighed with relief taking his beloved ward into his arms.
His kingly duties soon took over him. "Take her back to her chambers." He told Leon. "Find Arthur and launch a manhunt for those abominations. I want those lathered brutes dead before morning." The King commanded taking his leave to make sure King Bayard and his family were reassured and secured.
Leon took Morgana into his arms bridal style. Before he left the hall Morgana whimpered some snored words.
"My lady?" Leon asked seeing the air return to her face "Morgana can you hear me?"
Morgana dazedly opened her eyes to see the messed up hall. The fanatical feast is now in ruins. She sighed, today was meant to be a good day for Camelot with the peace accords finalized instead people would remember another unimaginable villain attacked Camelot.
"My lady." Leon pressed her shoulder hoping she wouldn't lose conciseness.
Despite the recent chaos. Morgana could at least think of one thing that came out from today. "One bat tried to kill me today Leon, but another one saved me."
Camelot's Outer City
The Bat Warlock tried to keep his grip while he and his opponent were soaring through the various buildings of the majestic kingdom. Feeling, less like an outlaw and more a yoyo for the War Bat as the winged creature wagged and thrashed Merlin unendingly.
The Bat Warlock was thumped and smacked into each building the War Bat could knock his tied nemesis into. The Exiled Ghost attempted to use his magic to heal his new wounds but the War Bat's glided strides made it impossible for Merlin to cast a spell. Even his unspoken magic he didn't have enough time to concentrate to perform.
Another vile yell comes from the War Bat howls, slapping the Bat Warlock directly through a chimney in the lower towns. That last abuse caused the Bat Warlow's cross-bowed damaged glove to break off. The disconnection shook the outlaw both mentally and physically as he bounced and rolled in the air pitifully. Crashing down into an empty donkey pen.
Merlin drained from the entire descent. Using his now exposed hand to heal his wounds. Before he could eventually use a healing spell the War Bat smacked down on Merlin's back. Striking and clawing the outlaw menacingly. War Bat then proceeded to toss the Bat Warlock to the side. Merlin tried to take out his sword but War Bat was quicker and smacked the last bladed defense out of his weary hand.
Clutching the Bat Warlock in his terrifying clawed grip. The monster peered one final time at the one who had created him. The mortal who chose to be a bat in the night. A champion of fear. Now reduced to a beaten down old wreck.
War Bat wolf downed on Merlin's shoulder. Biting down, impaling his razor-sharp teeth into the Bat Warlock's shoulder.
"AHAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH" The Bat Warlock bawled. Kicking and yelling for the pain to stop. Feeling the blood leave his body, sliver down his arm from the two teeth marks made in his skin, being sucked out of his system. Praying this horror would just stop.
"Hey!" A newly discovered voice made his way into the fray. War Bat paused his torment and the creature swiftly twitched his head to see Gwen's father. The Black Smith Tom in the pen holding Tenebrae bravely. "Get your stinking paws off him right this minute!"
War Bat released his hold and threw the Bat Warlock away like trash not caring where he landed. "Gaahahaha." The War Bat howled.
"Yeah, yeah. Not one for a lot of words are you?" Tom insulted feeling the sweat come down his bro. "Don't worry even if you could talk. I doubt it would be anything worthwhile."
"GAH!" War Bat crawled on the urine-stained hay. Pouring closer towards Tom slowly but effectively.
Tom, didn't run away. He wouldn't run away. "You think I'm scared of you? Get over yourself. I would call you a rat with wings but I wouldn't want to offend the cap there." He nudged to where the Bat Warlock was lying. "No, you're something even more sadder. You're just a bully. Another nasty ugly bully the world doesn't need."
"AGGAGAH" War Bat rose more than ready to pull apart this dumb morsal.
"Things like you are what is wrong with Camelot!" Tom accused. "Who attacked the weak, who think their tragedy is a free card to act like a thug. I don't know what the hell happened to you to make you so pathetic. I don't care. I only care about people like him." Once more indicating to the Bat Warlock. "People like my daughter, my son. People who want to protect this world from sad and evil things like you."
Steam now could be seen coming out of the War Bat's mouth. Tom knew the last bout was coming. "Well, then come on." He thrusted Tenebris ahead pointing sharply at his vow. War Bat roared and pounced insanely towards the Blacksmith.
Tom didn't see the enemy coming at him. Rather he saw things he wished he had a chance to relive. The day his old grampa had taken him to see his first tourney back in Leodegrance. He remembered his first kiss with his wife Medb. He remembered Eylan and Gwen playing with Sir Leon in the meadows on a warm summer's day. They were just a scratch of the wonderous he experienced in his lifetime. So much more he wanted to relive. So much he wished he could do more.
"In brightest day, in darkest night. Let no evil escape my sight!" Tom's cheered out his battle cry and thrust Tenebrae into War Bat's skull triumphantly.
A few minutes later.
The rain came in and the Bat Warlock groggily awoke feeling the wet taps bounce on his suit. "Ahh!" Merlin wailed feeling the previous pain surge through his insides. Lifting his hand, he muttered the first healing spell his foggy mind could come to. "Hampiway hunt'asqata hampiway." The enchanted wave coursed through over the outlaw's injured body. Sweet relief befell him as he breathed clemently. His body now adjusted, the Bat Warlock popped up ignoring the heavy rain around him.
Looked over the pen to his astoundment. The Bat Warlock saw Sir Kirk return to his human body and his own sword sticking out of his now-dead head. The miserable human was nothing more than another utterly dead corpse. Another threat Camelot no longer needed to contend with.
Yet, how did he become so? From what Merlin could recall. He was pretty sure he was losing the fight with the insane man. His magic was powerful but not so much it could act while he was comatose.
"Ehhh." A weak groan caught the outlaw's attention. Sadly, the Exiled Ghost would soon have his answer. Turning to face the weakened cry the Bat Warlock's heart dropped tremendously down. Tom, Gwen's father was down, struggling to breathe and holding his belly from the stab wounds from the War Bat's claws. Blood leaving his stomach and mouth.
Without question, the Bat Warlock came to his landlord's side. "Don't worry I can help you I can."
"No….I…..don't….don't have enough…time." Tom reasoned. The Blacksmith was no expert in the dark arts or medicine but even he could tell his time was up. Tom had seen dead men before. He knew he only had seconds left before the magic could take effect.
"No!" The Bat Warlock snapped "I won't let you die! I will not let you die! I–"
Tom grabbed the Bat Warlock's bare hand. The kind blacksmith was now giving the outlaw an expression that would have even made Uther quake away in fear. Allowing the blood to leave his mouth Tom made his words "Tell Gwen and Eylan… I'm… sorry… tell them… I..." He allowed a tear to come down his cheek "Tell… them… how much I love them… please… please..." Tom stammered in his final words.
"Look after her, look after all of them."
Hearing the desperate pleas of a dying man, the Exiled Ghost only had one response. "I swear."
Tom's eyes rolled up and his final breath left his mouth. His head fell backward and the rain and blood sprayed his now dead corpse. Merlin, Merlin couldn't breathe. He couldn't inhale what had transpired. "Tom?" The Bat Warlock sobbed. "Tom?"
Dog growls and guard boots were heard in Pen's alleyway. The Bat Warlock would need to make his escape to prevent being captured. "Talavāra mērē kōla vāpasa parata ā'ī" The vigilante hurled out his spell making his sword sling back to him from Sir Kirk's head. The Bat Warlock gave one last sorrowful look at his dead landlord and shot into the sky.
Using his grapple arrows to swing him up onto the palace's bell tower. The Exiled Ghost waited. Counting, visualizing the upcoming heartbreaking theatre.
The steps of each person who would be at the crime scene. First Arthur and Leon being the knight heads. They would find Sir Kirk's body and with his armour, they would put together he was War Bat. One guard would call out after finding Tom's dead body. Sir Leon would mostly be shocked in the group due to his past with Gwen's family. Then coming from the passageway is a trail of thin footprints. A young girl after a hard day's graft, survived a deadly battle during her job. Scared, she races home to see her father. To feel his warmth. She can get through any hardship so long as he's there to give her a loving hug. To let her know everything will be alright. Tonight will be different for her. She finds the Prince and his knights in her neighbor's donkey pen. Sir Leon tries but fails to smooth her concerns. One guard is not in the right place to hide his spec. The girl sees the spec on what they are concealing. When she sees...
"FATHER!" Gwen's horrific agony is heard throughout the kingdom. Not one person's ear is spared her despair and grief. Merlin surrendered to his heartbreak. Shame and guilt ate away his flesh as the tears fell down his mask and the snot dripped from his nose.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH" The lathered brute released his anguish. Collapsing on the roof panels. Rain and tears his only to exhale his torment over his good friend's anguish.
"Gwen. I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry. This is my fault. I created him. I created your father's killer." The Bat Warlock wretched his heart sickness "I'm sorry your heart. Paid for my darkness."
Camelot's Throne Room
Arthur waited patiently for his father to address him. So far the king was currently eagle eyeing Bayard and his congregation leaving Camelot's main gates. After last night's catastrophe and finding out Bayard's own kin was in fact the monstrous War-Bat. Uther had demanded Bayard and his family surrender for questioning encase they were apart of the magical scheming. To appear the better man Bayard allowed the search to go ahead. Arthur and his troops could confirm Sir Kirk was acting alone without his Fourth cousin's knowledge or intervention.
Still, Uther didn't allow his former enemy off so lightly. Finding a new opportunity to get one over the man. Uther felt some compensation was owed to him. Uther was able to coax Bayard into returning his two farming villages back to Camelot's proprietorship. Arthur could still recall Bayard's silent indignation in rewriting the treaty's new settlement.
Now, with the Langstrom family and their court gone. Arthur was left alone with his father. To discuss the recent mad duel between Camelot's infamous bats.
"Bayard didn't seem too pleased with the new treaty." The heir recollected, trying to jump-start a conversation with his old man.
"Hmmm." Uther moodily agreed. "I believe some reimbursement was owed Camelot. We need Bayard's men, but he needs our influence more." Uther concluded, "I only regret I didn't charge him for the great hall's damages."
"What of Morgana's handmaiden? What about Guinevere?" Arthur asked.
"What of her?" Uther repeated leaving the window.
Arthur's face befuddled. "The poor girl has just lost her father and her mother has long since passed. She is a complete orphan now." The prince tried to explain to his father. "Surly, we can do something for her."
Uther frowned "I agree. The girl's loss was unfortunate." The King admitted shadowing his voice with downheartedness. Which lasted a handful of seconds before his feelings warped his voice to one of ingenuity "Yet, despite her loss, her father's death was an ordained solution."
"Solution?" Arthur questioned his father uneasily. "What are you talking about father?"
"Think about it, Arthur." The King educated his son on his plan. "The people have been looking at the Bat Warlock as a hero. Even a few of our knights have been starting to slowly waver to his misplaced popularity. What a perfect way to deter his support by showing his actions only harm Camelot rather than aid the kingdom. This War Bat is our perfect weapon to use against him. A murderous devil influenced by their so-called savior."
Arthur's mouth opened flabbergasted by what his father was proposing. "Father, you wish to use the blacksmith's death to help with….. help with your propaganda?"
"Not propaganda son. Honesty in her truest form." Uther concluded taking his place on the throne. "I even have had these new posters created to sport our new assault on the pretender." Uther nodded to a servant to pass Arthur the new poster.
Unrolling the paper, Arthur's face scrunched despairingly. A crud cartoonish picture of a giant Bat Warlock and War Bat eating and zapping Camelot's stronghold. Destroying the peasantry and gentry alike. The words "Beware the leathered brutes! Reward 100,000 gold coins."
Uther chuckled. "I must admit, while I do not normally entertain such childish designs. But I must concede I found it humorous to see that arrogant outlaw be taken down a peg."
Arthur gave the new wanted poster back to the servant. Unbelievability taking over his soul. "Father, I go back to my previous question. What can we do for Morgana's maid?"
"Arthur. I don't see why you are so invested in the girl. She is allowed to keep her job and her father's forge." Uther quaintly concluded.
Arthur had been unbearably tolerant when his father didn't make Merlin the official court physician. Mainly as he reinstated the boy back into the acting role after Sir Kirk's death. Arthur seemingly felt forgiving towards the king. Believing his father was doing a small kindness to make up for his former mistake.
Oh boy, had he been wrong.
"THIS GIRL HAS LOST HER FATHER!" The Prince lashed out vehemently. "SHE HAS SERVED OUR FAMILY SINCE SHE WAS ONLY EIGHT YEARS OLD! SHE NEEDS US, NEEDS OUR CHARITY AND ALL YOU CAN THINK ABOUT IS HOW TO USE HER FATHER'S MURDER TO PROMOTE YOUR OWN AGENDAS!"
"HOW DARE YOU!" Uther rose with a hellish fury. "I am your father, Arthur, you will show me respect!"
"Respect?!" The prince retorted mockingly back. "What about Gwen and her family's respect?! This is perverted Father! It's evil and I fear if you go down this direction the people will turn on you."
"Arthur." Uther wagging his finger reproachfully. "Do not say something you may regret." Uther's cold ire was beaming wrathfully at his young son.
But Arthur wouldn't stop. God help him for what he was about to say but he could not hold his next words in anymore. "You're no better than the Laughing King."
"ENOUGH!" Uther quietly but adamantly grabbed his son by his collar. "You will spread these new posters. You will indorse the real fact it was the Bat Warlock's own selfish actions that led to the Blacksmith's death. You will not question my ruling again." Uther finished pushing Arthur away from him. "You still have a lot to learn about being King Arthur. In our destinies, the first rule we must follow is understanding what it means to be the survival of the fittest. I intend to win this fight for our family and our kingdom."
Arthur lowered his head backing away from the throne and Constantine Pendragon's offspring. Being the good sonly lapdog he was he went towards the doorway to proceed with his father's orders.
"One more thing Arthur."
"I always hated when he does that." The Prince was dejected seeing Uther stride towards his son and show him another item that caught the prince's discouraged gaze.
The Bat Warlock's broken cross-bowed gauntlet. Uther smiled smugly. "A parting gift from the War Bat. The knight's found it wrapped around Langstrom's arm. It seems the outlaw isn't as invincible as he likes us to believe he is." Uther thrust the grapple into Arthur's unexpecting two hands. "Take it to the treasury. I want to savor our first victory over the vigilante. The time he showed everyone he could be killed. He is vulnerable like any other man. That for all his self-importance he is nothing remarkable." Arthur stared at the king like he had never seen before.
"Yes, Father."
The Blacksmith's forge.
Gwen settled timidly into her nightdress. A simple white dress with see-through green short velveted sleeves with red roses imprinted on. She carried her small candle to her gentle bed melancholy.
Today had been absolutely horrible. Morgana was still recovering from being suffocated by the War Bat's muck. Merlin had left to return to Gaius's chamber meaning she would be alone in the forge for the foreseeable future. Her father's body was not yet released from the morgue as Uther wished it to be cross-examined in case the War Bat had left any viruses.
She hated this. She had written to her brother about their father's passing but so far no word had come back to her regarding Elyon's feelings or plans about the funeral.
Gwen placed the candle down on her table. She struggled all day not to cry. Not because it would affect her job. Morgana would give her the all month off is she were conscious. Gwen needed to work to keep her mind off from returning to an empty home.
The handmaiden sat on her white blanket bed. Stroking the soft fabric. Recalling her childhood, when her father would tuck her in and sing her a tale from old. Doing funny voices to keep her laughing and amused. Willing to work at night for the sake of his little girl could get a good night's sleep.
God how she missed him.
Blowing out the candle, Gwen lowered herself and entered her mattress. Curling into her blanket and laying her head on the soft cushion. Gwen closed her eyes and prepared to let sleep take her.
A prompt gush of wind treaded over her figure causing the hand maiden eyes to shoot up. "I wonder when you would be coming."
Before her, the Bat Warlock sat neutrally on her father's stool. A new grapple gauntlet suited on his hand replacing the one he lost in his last battle. The outlaw remained sat undemandingly and passionlessly "You got good senses then."
Gwen, sat up covering her body with her blanket. This was the second time she had a one-on-one conversation with the outlaw. This time though was different. The first time he was an avenging demon who saved her from a couple of rapists. She had never been more scared of a person in her lifetime when she witnessed his raw power and brutality at full.
Here, his mood. He seemed more non-resistant than Gwen recalled. One could argue it was an act. He gained a reputation for such tactics during his patrols but here he seemed more genuine. She couldn't place why she felt this way but seeing him as he was right now.
He felt so empty.
"What do you want?" Gwen interrogated.
"I need to know."
"Know what?"
"Do you blame me?" The Bat Warlock came out. "Do you think it is my fault your father died?"
Gwen sighed bitterly. She should have expected such a question would be given to her. She thought Morgana or someone else would ask her. She never thought for one second the question would come from the bat's mouth.
"You want the honest answer?"
"Yes."
"No."
"Dam it!" The Bat Warlock lashed out and punched the wall making a hole. Gwen was startled and tried to back away. "Wait!" The Bat Warlock begged. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have acted that way."
The outlaw flushed down back to his stool, wiping his jaw anxiously. Now Gwen was surprised. The most feared being Camelot. Well known for his darkness and threatening demeanour was now so deflated. So lost. A divine purpose edged out from his existence.
"I'm sorry." The Bat Warlock apologized getting up "This was a mistake." Making his way to go.
"Please don't go!" Gwen begged reaching her hand out, stopping the outlaw by his elbow, "I want you to stay."
"No one else does and they're right." The Bat Warlock admitted. "Two years I tried to make Camelot safe. Now I learn I have been a beacon for more monsters to join this kingdom's madness." Bat Warlock shook his head shamefully. "Uther was right, they were all right. I did this. I was Langstrom's dam stimulus." Saying the last word sickeningly.
"You poor soul." Gwen recited. "You're a warrior of vengeance. Your sole purpose is to stop those who would harm the innocent. So when someone you are protecting is harmed by you or through you, it kills you deep down. You're taking revenge on yourself. You want me to hate you. You want to be punished as you feel you would be doing right by me."
"Not going to happen, mate," Gwen swore. "Get here. Get here now!" Bat Warlock strode to her bedsit. Gwen firmly clasped his armoured hand "It is not your fault." The Bat Warlock tried to get away but Gwen wasn't having it "It's not your fault."
"Let go." The demon demanded.
"It's not your fault." She continued. Tears started to come down his mask. "It's not your fault." She repeated. "It is not your fault."
"AHHHHHHHH!" The Bat Warlock cried out and collapsed heartbrokenly down. Burring his head into Gwen's white blanket allowing the hot fresh tears to leave him. Gwen cuddled his head into her hands. She didn't remove his mask. That was not her right to do. It was only his right to allow her. Until that time she would allow him his privacy.
She kissed the crying hero's forehead. She kissed it again. She kept kissing his masked forehead until he knew how much she believed in him. How he was the hero Camelot would always be thankful to have. Now and forever.
A/N: I hope you enjoyed this chapter.