AN: I have changed some of the actual episode to go with my story just so ya know. Sorry I haven't posted in a few weeks I had exams then I just needed time for myself. This has taken a few days to write so there is that too. I will try to update as much as I can but at the minute I do have a lot of school work as it is my final year so I am stressing a little bit so please work with me. Anyways...
THIS TIME: MORGANA'S TRECHERY IS REVEALED. THE RACE TO GET THE CUP OF LIFE BEGINS. ARTHUR HAS TO WORK WITH SOMEONE HE HAD LEARNT NOT TO TRUST.
Chapter 5: Traitor to the Kingdom
It had been a few weeks since Merlin was nearly executed for magic to save Gwen, then a young sorcerer joined the tournament and tried to kill Uther. All was well. For now. Sir Leon had taken some knights out and they were attacked all dead except Sir Leon all because of the Druids and the cup. The Cup of Life. The knight told the court of these events and Gaius knew instantly what Leon was talking about and of course, Uther wanted to find it - as did Morgana for her to use on Cenred's army. Merlin decided it might be a good idea to consult Kilgarrah or Morgause. He decided Morgause and the dragon. At least then he has two people on his side and just in case Morgause decides to betray him. To his surprise, however, the blonde sorcerer hadn't turned on him. Yet.
"O drakon, e mala so ftengometta tesd'hup'anakes!" Merlin called to the dragon as he ran through the trees to the clearing. Tonight was supposed to be his magic lesson with Morgause so he expected she would either be already there or at least nearly at the clearing. As he approached the clearing there was no sign of the High Priestess but he could hear the wings of his friend flapping in the distance coming closer until he finally landed a few metres away from the warlock.
"Hello, young warlock." The Dragon said. "What is the reason that you summon me this time?"
"The Cup of Life." Merlin stated.
"What about it?"
"Uther wants Arthur to retrieve it from the Druids outside of Camelot. I think Morgana will be planning to get hold of it before Arthur can get to it."
"Then you must make sure that you get it before Morgana." Kilgarrah was about to say something else when they heard Morgause come into the clearing.
"Is everything ok? What must you get before Morgana?" The blonde asked, obviously she had heard that part of the conversation.
"The Cup of Life." Merlin stated.
"Why are you going after the Cup anyway? It should stay with the Druids where I left it after Nimueh died." Morgause replied angrily. She had put it there for a reason, not for Uther to have. (AN: I know this isn't in the show but I wanted to add it in because who else could've taken the cup after Merlin kills Nimueh on the Isle of the Blest. Anyways...)
"Uther found out about it after the Druids helped heal Sir Leon. Arthur thought it best the Druids kept it as they were doing no harm with it but Uther wants it because he's afraid they'll use it against him." Merlin answered grimly.
"Well we should stop them both from getting it. Neither can get hold of it, I gave it to the Druids for a reason."
"We can't stop both of them. We just have to make sure Morgana can't get it as she will know how to use it compared to Uther, he'll just want it as some kind of trophy." Merlin reasoned.
"Morgause, why don't you go with Arthur and Merlin to find the Cup. After all you will know where it is." Kilgarrah suggested.
"Fine. I'll meet you tomorrow at the border of Camelot. You need to head east." Morgause said before nodding at Kilgarrah and leaving through the forest. The warlock and Dragon staying behind.
As soon as they knew she was far enough away they begun talking again. "Can I trust Morgause?" Merlin blurted out. He was torn, she had done nothing to betray him but neither had Morgana until she came back.
"I don't know. Her destiny is uncertain. On one path she will help Morgana which would result in her death causing something horrific. And on another path, her loyalty stands with you. Let her lead you to the Cup of Life, but keep an eye on her and the Cup. When Camelot is at it's more desperate hour, that is when you will know if you can trust the sister of the Witch." Kilgarrah answered sombrely. Merlin nodded in thanks before saying goodbye and walking back to Camelot.
Merlin went to Arthur's chambers at first light as he was asked much to Arthur's surprise the only time Merlin is actually on time. They set off towards where the Druid camp was said to be by Leon just beyond the border of Camelot. As they reached the border between Camelot and Cenred's kingdom before they could get to Morgause (unbeknownst to Arthur) they were shot with sleeping darts.
Merlin awoke to see two familiar faces and more unfamiliar faces looking down at him. "Come on Merlin, get up." Arthur said to him, rolling his eyes. Gwaine was amongst the sea of faces as Merlin got himself up. This was not a good situation to be in as they were captured by the slave trader, Jarl. The young warlock couldn't help but think about Morgause waiting for them. Will she think I've betrayed her? Will she now betray me? Merlin couldn't keep these thoughts out of his mind. His thoughts were interrupted by Jarl as he came for an opponent against his 'champion'. Unfortunately, he picked Merlin but Arthur decided to step in and they then knew that it was Gwaine who was the champion.
The fight between Arthur and Gwaine didn't go all dandy as they had wanted instead it went sideways leading to a fire - caused by Merlin - which thankfully lead to their escape. As they were coming out and walking through the woods, Morgause appeared. "I heard you was taken by Jarl." She said but before she could continue, Arthur cut her off.
"What are you doing here?" Arthur demanded drawing his sword.
"I mean you no harm, Arthur. I am here to help you get to the Druid camp as luckily for us, I know where it is." Morgause told them.
"How do you know where the Druid camp is?" Arthur asked wearily.
"I was the one who gave the Druids the Cup of Life in the first place. I had hoped no one would find it or steal it. It can be very dangerous in the wrong hands, at least with the Druids I knew it would be in safer hands then it would be on the Isle of the Blest where Mor- my sister could find it or Uther." Morgause told him angrily, nearly slipping up with telling him about Morgana. Luckily, neither Gwaine nor Arthur noticed. Merlin, of course, noticed by cringing a bit at the near mention of her name.
"And what? We're just supposed to trust you? You're a sorcerer. All I know you will kill us within the first chance." Morgause rolled her eyes.
"I won't try to kill you or your friends. You have my word. I would not betray Emrys. I was in fact coming to save you from Jarl but looks like a fire was started which helped you escape." Merlin could see the slight amusement on her face pointed at him as she said this.
"Fine. But try anything and I will kill you." Arthur answered reluctantly.
"Thank you. Just a little comfort for you though is if I did try anything you have your friends to defend you."
"I think Merlin might the easiest target to be honest." Arthur said lightly. He had to at least try and be nice to her, maybe she might not double cross them. Maybe Uther was wrong about magic after all. They all slightly laughed at that except Merlin who just rolled his eyes.
Once they reached the Druid cave Morgause stopped them. "Let me do the talking, they will only give it to me. You have my word I will give it straight to you, just let me get it myself. You can come in but I will do the talking."
"How do we know we can trust you?" Arthur asked. Morgause went to answer but Merlin got there first.
"She did let us go at the Castle of Fyrien and she's led us here and there has been no traps. We can trust her."
"She's a sorcerer, Merlin." Arthur answered quickly.
"My friend Will was a sorcerer and he saved your life." Merlin replied back quickly. "Let's go." Merlin and Morgause led the way slightly ahead of Arthur and Gwaine.
"Thank you." Morgause whispered quietly to him so the two behind them couldn't hear.
"Don't mention it." Merlin replied.
They managed to find the leader of the Druids quite quickly and was surrounded by Druids. "What do you want Morgause? The last time I saw you your sister killed our kind. I see she is not with you today." He said but only Merlin and Morgause could hear what he said. The warlock looked between the Druid leader and the High Priestess. He did not know that.
"I'm here to collect the cup." Morgause said aloud.
"Very well. You may take it back. Just remember why you left it with us in the first place." The man gave the cup to the blonde. As she was about to turn away the Druid grabbed her wrist. "Make sure the Lady Morgana does not get her hands on it." He let go of her as he nodded. "The cup is in your hands now Emrys. Look after it." He said to Merlin in his head.
As they walked out of the cave Morgause gave Arthur the cup. "What did he mean in there? To make sure Morgana doesn't get her hands on it?" Arthur asked as he took the cup. Merlin looked alarmingly at Morgause who mirrored the expression. They thought the Druid had spoke to them through their mind, not out loud. "And why do you Merlin, look like you've been the one caught doing something you shouldn't?"
So that little bit about Will in season 1, I know he wasn't actually a sorcerer he was just covering for Merlin but Arthur doesn't know that and I feel like that gets forgotten in the series. To be honest though this story will use the storylines but I am just changing some details to fit this fic. Also, just a little thank you to those who have reviewed, followed my story and favourited it. Thank you guys so much!
NEXT TIME: ARTHUR, MERLIN, MORGAUSE AND GWAINE HEAD BACK TO CAMELOT WITHOUT THE CUP. MORGANA BECOMES QUEEN AND STARTS HER FRIGHTENING REIGN OF TERROR ON THE PEOPLE OF CAMELOT. ALL HOPE IS LOST AS CAMELOT REACHES ITS DARKEST HOUR.
