It was dark and dreary outside; the winter months had set in and Camelot was cold and wet. Commoners shivered in the moonlight as they raced to their dry homes, and many looked upon the castle with jealous longing. For while outside was far from comfortable, inside Camelot's home for the royal family was warm and joyful, candles lighted and chattering nobles smiling at one another from across the chambers. Arthur, their eldest prince, stood stiff and anxious at the doors, dressed in his formal clothes, his younger brother behind him. They were waiting only for one person: the king.
Tonight was one of Arthur's most important nights in his life. The crowning of the heir. To show the kingdom their prince was no longer. He would be crown prince after this night.
Merlin nudged Arthur, and he scowled.
"Don't look so angry, Arthur, your features might permanently freeze. Though it wouldn't be much of a difference, honestly."
"Merlin!"
"Are you nervous?"
Arthur didn't answer, opting to stare directly at the heavy wood doors.
Merlin rolled his eyes. The youngest prince was wearing a gold tunic that rounded up to his neck, with blue trousers, brown knee high boots, and Camelot's red cloak buttoned simply around his collarbone. His dark hair was curled messily around his ears."You'll be fine. You have me."
"Yes, thank you Merlin. That is entirely comforting."
Merlin grinned.
Way down beneath the warm glow of the castle, a tall woman crept among graves and the dead. She too, grinned, a glint in her eyes that could only be described as evil.
Tonight would be a night to remember.
"Do you solemnly swear to govern the people of this kingdom and its dominions according to its customs, laws and scriptures laid down by your forebears?"
The king stood on the dais in the throne room, towering over Arthur, who was kneeling in front of his father. Morgana and Merlin stood behind Uther, watching Arthur intently.
"I do, sire." Arthur's strong voice carried throughout the room, and Merlin smiled. He would make a fine king. A strong build and a strong voice could do a lot.
"Do you promise to exercise mercy and justice in your deeds and judgments?"
"I do, sire."
Uther's hand, hiding under his cloak, suddenly appeared, holding the scepter. "And do you swear allegiance to Camelot, now and for as long as you shall live?"
Arthur grabbed the hand of the rod. His eyes flitted to Merlin's only for a second and Merlin grinned. Arthur had spoken to Merlin the night before about possibly missing the rod, and Merlin had simply laughed at him.
"I, Arthur Pendragon, do pledge life and limb to your service and to the protection of this kingdom and its peoples."
Merlin, in his head, had said every word. Though he was the youngest prince and would never (hopefully) have to say the words out loud, Arthur had repeated them over and over to commit them to memory that Merlin knew them by heart.
Arthur was smiling slightly, and the youngest prince knew that Uther had to have given him an approving smile. The king stepped back to pick up the round circlet that a servant carried on a pillow.
"Now, being of age and the heir apparent, from henceforth, you shall be Crown Prince of Camelot." Uther laid the jeweled crown on Arthur's head, and Merlin started clapping, breaking out into a smile as Arthur rose and turned around to face the people.
"So, how does it feel to be the brother of the Crown Prince of Camelot?" Morgana asked, grinning knowingly.
"He will be even more insufferable." Merlin griped, rolling his eyes.
"You're proud of him, really. Even though you complain about him constantly."
"I am not. And you aren't excused from his pratness either."
"You are, I can see it in your face. I just know how to handle him."
Merlin faced her, offended, but a sudden loud crash caused him to spin the other way. Merlin's mouth opened soundlessly. A black horse with a fully armored knight had just leapt through the large stained glass window. Everyone screamed, but Merlin froze as his eyes landed on the knight's crest. Black, with a white eagle-like-creature sown in. Merlin recognized it, but he didn't know where. A soft shing caught Merlin's attention, and he turned back to see Arthur in front of their father, his sword out, along with all the knights lining the room.
No one moved as the wind whistled through the hole in the wall. The horse bearing the strange knight pranced closer, and Merlin followed him closely, lifting his hands subtly in case he needed to use magic. The horse didn't stop until he was directly in front of Uther. Without a word the man tore off his gauntlet and threw it on the ground before Arthur. Merlin withheld his flinch. A duel? Right after Arthur's crowning? Who could possibly hate him that much to ruin the crown prince's night?
Everyone stared at the gauntlet, and Merlin begged himself to move, do something before Arthur could pick up the glove. There was something wrong with this man. It was like a bad smell, something emanated from the black knight that made Merlin's senses wrinkle in disgust. Arthur sheathed his sword in one smooth motion, and Merlin's heart stopped as he bent down to pick up the gauntlet, but a young knight swooped in and grabbed it instead.
"I, Sir Owain, accept your challenge."
Arthur looked incredulously at the knight, then looked to the man upon his horse, waiting to see what he would do. Obviously having challenged Arthur, would he accept or demand Arthur to fight? After a moment of silence, the black knight gave a nod. "Single combat, noon tomorrow to the death." With that, the knight pulled the horse's reins, and they strode out the hall.
Merlin stood against a column in Arthur's room, thinking. "Have you ever seen this black knight before?" He asked his brother, who was sitting in front of the fire, one hand holding his chin.
"No."
"You didn't recognize his crest?"
"No."
"So you don't know what house he's from?"
"No, Merlin."
"What? He's not someone you forget in a hurry."
"No." Arthur said stiffly.
Merlin sighed and pushed off the column to join Arthur, collapsing on the ground next to him. "So…you don't think he's from around here?"
"No, likely not."
Merlin spread out his arms. "Then what's he doing here?"
Arthur groaned, letting his hand fall and slouching down in his chair. "Merlin, I know you're simply thinking aloud but I'm actually not an all-knowing being."
"Then why do you act like you are?" Merlin said under his breath, rolling his eyes.
Arthur glared at him, somehow managing to hear his quip.
"Am I interrupting something?"
Both princes turned to see Morgana slipping through the door.
"Just Merlin being a pain in the ass."
Merlin scowled.
"Well," Morgana stepped over to them. "Obviously you're upset. What is it?"
Arthur didn't say a word.
"Arthur." Morgana prodded. "I'd like to know."
The eldest prince scowled and suddenly stood up. "You don't need to know everything, Morgana."
"I think I do, if you're this upset."
"It's probably because the knight broke the stained glass window. Arthur loves his stained glass."
Arthur spun to face Merlin. "Ha ha. You're hilarious."
"It's about your young knight, isn't it."
"He shouldn't have picked up the gauntlet." Arthur hissed.
Ah. There it was. Arthur was very possessive of his knights.
"So put an end to it." Suggested Morgana.
Arthur shook his head. "The challenge has been taken. The fight cannot be stopped."
Morgana pursed her lips. "Then fight in his stead."
Merlin gave her a stare. Morgana didn't look.
Arthur blew out a breath. "I can't."
Their sister scoffed. "Why not? You're a knight, and the original one challenged."
Arthur sighed, and Merlin answered before Arthur could start ranting. "Owain picked up the gauntlet, so Owain is the one who must fight. That's the Knight's Code. It can't be changed."
Arthur nodded. "He knew that."
"But it's a fight to the death!" Morgana insisted.
Arthur paused to look over his shoulder. "I know."
Merlin and Morgana met each other's eyes, and the younger prince shrugged.
Merlin stood next to Morgana the next day, waiting for the king to arrive to watch the tournament.
"Why are you so worried for Owain? I've never known you to care so deeply about a knight."
Morgana stared ahead. "I know Owain. He would play with me as a child before Uther declared me as his ward. He was always so kind. He dreamed of being a knight, and he achieved it. Now he might die before he sees his twenty-fifth summer."
Merlin turned to her and put a hand on his shoulder. "All it takes to kill a man is one well-aimed blow. He'll be fine, Morgana. I've heard Arthur mention how brave he is."
"Being brave doesn't save you."
Merlin had no response to that, and luckily didn't need to, for his father had arrived. The youngest prince dipped his head in respect, and Uther gave him a tight smile.
As Uther sat down, Merlin and Morgana followed. The Black Knight was standing in the arena, facing the royals.
Arthur came into the arena, Owain in tow. The young man did not look frightened, he looked so sure of himself, determined.
Merlin hoped with all his heart that the man would not be killed.
Arthur placed himself in between the two challengers, who each faced the other, the Black Knight not moving the sword he had dug into the ground between his feet.
"The fight shall be to the knight's rules and to the death." Said Arthur, before giving one last glance at Owain, and going through the opening to the seats. Owain's servant took off his cloak and placed the helmet in the knight's hands, who placed it on his head, not breaking contact with his challenger.
Merlin smiled quickly at his brother as he took his seat, but Arthur didn't notice. He was too focused on the men. As soon as the crown prince saw they were ready, he shouted, "Let battle commence!"
And it started.
The knight struck first. With a heavy blow the sword landed on Owains shield, and he stumbled back as the Black Knight continued to strike ferociously. Owain held up his shield, and Merlin winced. Owain needed to get his footing. For the next few seconds Owain desperately held up his shield attempting to simply survive the attack.
Then he seemed to get the upper hand. Swiping at his opponent, Owain held his ground, forcing the Black Knight back. Merlin grinned. Surely Owain was skilled enough to kill him, he was trained by Arthur himself.
The ground Owain held was gone in a second as the knight kicked the younger in the stomach, sending him to the ground.
Arthur clenched his hand and leaned forward, spitting, "One well-aimed blow!" at Owain.
It seemed that the young knight had heard, for in the next strike, he thrust his sword toward the Black Knight, piercing it deep into his abdomen.
"Yes!" Merlin cheered, glancing at Arthur, but he was frowning. The next second Merlin's face followed. The sword had gone in, he was sure of it. But if it had, then why did the knight not collapse? Why was he striking at Owain harder than in the beginning? With one smooth blow, the knight stuck Owain down to the ground, and then lifted his sword high, his gloved finger tight around the hilt and brought it down harshly. Arthur flinched, and Merlin started with wide eyes. Morgana looked grief-stricken, and Merlin quickly turned away from her. He knew from experience she hated vulnerability.
The Black Knight slowly faced Arthur, the sword still in the position he used to kill Owain.
"Who will face my challenge?" He threw his glove to the ground and dove the tip of the sword into the pebble. Arthur jumped up, and both Merlin and the king grabbed onto his arm. Arthur stilled, turning in disbelief when another knight jumped over the railing, picking up the glove in one smooth sweep.
"I, Sir Pellinor, take up your challenge."
The knight was silent for a moment before saying darkly, "So be it."
Merlin watched, eyes narrowed, as the Black Knight stared at Arthur, and then walked away ominously. Merlin turned his attention back to his brother. Arthur was breathing hard, his face twisted in barely concealed anger as he threw their father's hand off his arm. This was not going to be fun.
"Why did you stop me?"
Merlin winced from where he followed Uther and Arthur into the throne room. Arthur's angry bellow could probably be heard from the servant wing.
"We had to give our knights the chance to prove themselves." Uther answered calmly.
"Have you seen how this stranger fights?"
"And Sir Pellionr is more than a match for him."
"He's not recovered from the wounds he suffered at Othaden!"
Uther stopped abruptly at the edge of the room. "I can't help that."
Arthur's face was still twisted in anger, his fists clenched at his side, demanding an answer. No one could doubt Arthur cared for his knights, that was sure.
"So you send him to his death?"
Uther whirled around. "It was his choice to take up the gauntlet. I am not to blame."
Arthur stared after the retreating figure of his father, his teeth gritted.
Merlin stayed where he was, at the end of the table. Arthur turned, and when he saw him, his eyes narrowed. "Merlin. I still cannot believe you tried to stop me."
"Arthur." Merlin hissed. "I am not about to let you duel that man, for a good reason. Can we talk in your room? With Morgana?"
Arthur's eyes swept over him suspiciously. Merlin rolled his eyes. "Come on,"
"Are you sure we should be doing this?" Morgana asked, her voice echoing in the cold wind.
"You're not scared, are you?" Arthur asked, as the three started down the steps.
Morgana scowled at him. "No, I love old crypts."
Merlin rolled his eyes. "You wouldn't be seen dead anywhere else."
"Merlin, what exactly are we doing?"
Before the prince could answer a loud boom reverberated through the stone, and the three looked behind them to see darkness settle over them. "Must have been a gust of wind." Arthur said, not sounding like he believed it.
The three stood for a second in the darkness before Morgana muttered, "We should have brought a torch."
Merlin raised an eyebrow before turning to the dry torch next to him. Lifting a hand, he muttered an incantation, and the torch burst into flames. He picked it up and gave it to Morgana, smiling.
"Huh." She said, "Handy."
"Yes," Merlin agreed, grinning.
Arthur scoffed, continuing down the steps. Morgana and Merlin followed.
"What are we looking for?" Morgana asked as they stepped into the chamber full of sarcophagi, cobwebs and dust, concealing the carved images.
Merlin stepped forward. The chamber was dark, the torch being the only light, and it smelled musty and damp.
I would not want to be buried here. Merlin thought with distaste. So far down, never seeing the sun, forgotten by all.
Perhaps someone else had not wanted to remain down here either.
Stepping over to a certain part of the chamber, thankfully not far in, Merlin stopped where the books had said this grave would be.
"Bring the torch over here," he commanded.
The two obeyed. "We're breaking into someone's grave?" Arthur asked, his tone a mix of outrage and disgust.
Merlin drew in a breath at what the light revealed, and Morgana gasped behind him.
"We're too late." Merlin murmured. "Somebody already broke out."
The grave in front of him was empty, the stone encasing broken from the inside, cracked and crumbling in the middle of the carved image of the person who had, until now, remained dead inside of it.
"Merlin." Arthur said softly. "What are you saying?"
The prince shook his head, turning to look them solemnly in the eye. "Not here."
"Alright Merlin, spill. Bringing us to the creepy crypts and waiting to explain? We've waited long enough now, please tell us what the heck is going on."
Merlin sighed, striding to his table where he picked up a heavy book. "Tristan de Bois was the brother of Ygraine, our mother." He said with a heavily significant look to Arthur. "According to the books and to Gaius, he blamed Uther for Mother's death. He came to the gates of Camelot and challenged him."
"To a single combat?" Morgana asked.
Merlin nodded. "Father won, but in his dying breath, our uncle cursed Camelot to one suffer his return."
Both Arthur and Morgana drew in a breath, their eyes thoughtful.
"Gaius said it was the ramblings of a dying man."
"Dead men don't rise up from the dead though, no matter how angry they are." Morgana pointed out.
Merlin nodded, and flipped his book so they could see. It was a picture of a thin skeleton being, with fog misted around it. "I'm guessing that it's a wraith."
"A wraith?" Arthur said, disbelieving. "Surely you don't believe all those fairytales we were told, Merlin."
"Arthur, those stories had an element of truth in them. All stories do. They are spirits of a dead man conjured from the grave."
"How do you know this? You didn't get taught this, I'm certain."
Merlin shrugged. "I read a lot of books. I mainly asked Gaius though."
"So this is the work of a sorcerer?" Arthur asked carefully, his hand to his chin.
Merlin nodded, taking the book and reading out, "Powerful magic can harness the grief and rage of a demented soul and make it live it again."
"Can you do that?" Morgana asked curiously.
"How do we stop it?" Arthur demanded grimly, and Merlin's condescending look at Morgana turned into a serious one at his brother's question. "We can't. Because it's not alive, no mortal weapon can kill it. Well, at least that's what Gaius said."
"Surely there must be something?" Morgana grabbed the book from Merlin's hands. He didn't stop her, hoping there could be something she could find that he missed.
"Nothing can stop it until it achieves what it came for." he looked at Arthur. "So it's not you it's been targeting, but Father and Camelot itself. It wants revenge."
"What does that mean for Sir Pellior?"
Merlin shook his head silently.
"Maybe you were wrong." Morgana said to Merlin, grinning as Sir Pellinor rained down striked on the Black Knight.
"I hope so." Merlin responded, watching them carefully. The two were a close match, and the whole crowd was tense, waiting to see who would be victorious. Sir Pellinor shielded a blow, and before the Black Knight could react, had thrust his sword through his middle.
Merlin grinned. That had to have done something.
And yet. No blood soaked through the tunic, the knight did not sway or stumble, he simply stood there, his sword at the ready.
"It went in, I'm sure of it." Morgana said, her voice breathless.
"I saw it too." Gwen agreed beside her.
Merlin stared on in horror. He knew Gaius could be right but still…to think that such a demented thing could really be in their world.
It only took seconds for the Knight to take advantage of the Sir Pellionors confusion, and Arthur looked down in anger and disappointment as another of his knights was killed.
There was a sudden wind and a creak, and Merlin looked up just in time to see his father desperately grab at Arthur, but he was too late. The crown prince had thrown his gauntlet to the ground.
"I, Arthur Pendragon, challenge you."
There was a heavy silence before the knights deep voice responded."So be it."
Merlin was frozen. Thoroughly, completely, solid through. He could not move, the ice in his veins holding him down.
"Single combat, noon tomorrow." Arthur continued.
All eyes followed the Black Knight as he left the arena, and Merlin used the opportunity to punch his brother in the arm, hard.
"Arthur, you knew, you know what that thing is, and you still challenged him? What were you thinking? Father is going to take your head off if I don't, and you won't even get the chance to fight our uncle. Why, Arthur?"
The crown prince remained stoic, standing at the head of the table in the joined family dining room. Merlin wanted to throttle his brother, shake some sense into him. He didn't get the opportunity, as the door opened and Uther marched in, his face red with rage.
"How could you be so stupid? I'll revoke the challenge."
"No." Arthur said forcefully. "The Knights code must be upheld. That's what you told me."
Uther glared at his son. "This is different."
Arthur continued. "Once a challenge has been laid down, it cannot be rescinded."
Why must Arthur follow the rules now of all times?
"You are crown prince."
Arthur didn't move. "There cannot be one rule for me and one for all the rest. Make Merlin crown prince if I do not survive, he deserves it."
Merlin glared at his brother.
Uther stared at his eldest son. "I forbid you to fight."
"You want me to prove that I am worthy of the throne. I cannot do that while being a coward."
Uther's rage had slowly leaked out, leaving sadness and knowledge. Knowledge of what his son would say, knowledge of what would happen if Arthur went through with him.
"No, Arthur, it would be your death."
Arthur held his fathers eyes for a moment before looking away and shifting. "I'm sorry that you have such little faith in me, Father." He unfolded his arms and started to walk away, toward his rooms.
"Arthur." Uther called after him, but the prince didn't listen, and was gone in the next second. The king's gaze went to Merlin, who was about to disappear after him. "Merlin, talk some sense into that brother of yours."
Merlin simply shrugged.
Merlin charged into Arthur's room, and his brother barely looked up from where he was staring into his fire.
"Arthur, if you fight that thing, you will die." Merlin didn't mince his words, they were sharp and to the point.
"I'm Camelot's strongest warrior, I'm sure I can defeat him."
"Did you not hear me earlier? No mortal weapon can kill it."
Arthur finally looked up. "Which means we have to find a way to defeat the wraith ourselves."
Merlin stole a confused look at him. "Wait, you're not going to convince me to just let it go?"
"You said that the wraith could not be destroyed until it fulfills its purpose. I will not be having innocent knights fall when he will either kill me and fulfill its purpose, or we manage to find a way to kill it. Either way, it dies and no more innocent people get killed."
Merlin nodded, surprised by his older brother's thoughtfulness. "Never thought I'd see the day when you're actually logical."
Arthur rolled his eyes and was about to retort when Morgana's voice floated to them. "How do we kill it?"
They both turned to her. She joined them at the fireplace, fire in her eyes. "Well Merlin and I certainly aren't letting you just go fight this thing, so how do we kill it?"
Merlin thrust out his hand, and a second later his book of magic appeared in it.
"Right…" Merlin murmured, flicking through its pages. "Let's try…fire, anyone?"
In the darkness of the conjoined royal family room, Uther paced the floors, his robe making a soft shft on the cold stone floors. The King looked up as the doors suddenly opened, and the old physician walked through.
"Good evening, sire."
"Gaius," Uther returned.
"There is a matter of great urgency I must discuss with you."
"Then spit it out."
"Tristan's tomb is empty."
Uther looked up at Gaius in disbelief, and the physician continued. "I believe he has been conjured from the dead."
"How is this possible?" Uther asked, his voice thin.
"I believe he's a wraith."
Uther took a step forward. "A spirit?"
"He has come to take vengeance for Ygraine's death."
Uther stepped forward again, his eyes narrowed defensively. "It was magic that killed her, not I."
Gaius was not deterred. "Nevertheless, it's you he blamed." Gaius moved forward, closer to the king. "You must not allow Arthur to fight." He said earnestly. "No weapon forged by man can kill a wraith. It will stop at nothing until it achieves what it came for."
Uther leaned against the pillar, knees suddenly weak. This was worse than he could ever imagine.
"Arthur cannot win, he will die."
"He will not listen to me."
Gaius stood a bit straighter. "Then you must tell Arthur the truth, from your lips."
"No." Uther demanded without hesitation.
Gaius simply shook his head. "You cannot hide the truth forever."
"I am the king." Uther spoke sharply. "You will not tell me what I can and cannot do."
Gaius seemed to retreat, saying softly, "That is your choice, sire - you tell him, or let him go to his death."
"No one, but you and I, will ever know the secret of Arthur's infant years."
Gaius stared at the king. "The boy is of age, he should know."
"Never." Uther snarled. "You made an oath, I warn you not to break it."
A moment passed, the King staring heavily at Gaius, who lifted his head and took a step back. "Very well, sire."
Uther turned around. "Leave me."
Gaius did so.
I can't decide if this mist is helpful or not. Merlin thought grimly as he snuck through it to where the Black Knight was standing as still as stone, staring at Arthur's chambers.
The prince and ward had not let Merlin go easily, but as the only one with magic, the younger prince had convinced them to stay in their rooms.
Taking a deep breath, Merlin stared at the knight, and grabbing hold of that golden power deep in his core, muttered, "Cume her fyrbryne."
A stream of fire erupted from the ground and quickly surrounded the knight in growing flames. Merlin smiled to himself. Surely this magic would kill the wraith. The flames grew higher, encasing the knight completely. And then, as if a sudden gust of wind had come, the flames lowered, and died in one second. The night grew cold and dark again.
Merlin shivered as he stared at the knight, a cold flow of air, icy and slow, washed over him, and the Black Knight turned and stared at the prince.
Merlin fled. He was not going to be combusted today.
Merlin burst into Arthur's room, panting as he interrupted his brother's mock sword fight with the air.
"Merlin, you know that conversation we had about knocking?"
Merlin strode right up to Arthur and stared into his eyes, conveying how serious he was about this. "You have to pull out."
"Just because the fire didn't work doesn't mean-"
"Arthur, that was the old religion. I just used the oldest and non-mortal thing I could think of, and he just - poof!- blew it off."
Arthur looked at him out of the side of his eye before turning to place the sword back on the table.
"You are not just a warrior, you are also the crown prince. Nobody will care if you pull out, nobody wants to see you die over some stupid challenge, least of all me! You're a prince, a future king, and I am not going to be handed the kingdom because you decide you can better magic."
Arthur shook his head. "It's not that simple Merlin. You can't convince me. I'm not backing down."
Merlin tipped his head back in frustration, before swiftly walking toward the door.
"Merlin," Arthur called, "I know I can't stop you from trying to save me, but please, don't do anything stupid. Don't leave Father without any sons."
Merlin glowered at his brother before shutting the door. There was no way in this good world that Merlin would decide to be careful, now of all times.
The wine in his cup was red. Red like blood, like the blood of all living things. Tomorrow, the red blood could be on the ground along with his son. Uther shook himself and gulped the wine down. His eyes suddenly went to the candles which blew out in one short moment. A cold draft shifted through the room, and Uther stiffened. He'd felt that draft before. Behind him.
Uther turned sharply, and there she was. Dressed in a tattered red dress that did nothing to subdue her beauty, Nimueh stood smirking at him.
"I should have known." Uther said stonily. Of course, this had her mark all over it.
"It is more than I'd hoped for, Uther."
Her voice grated him, so familiar and sly.
"Soon Arthur will be slain," she continued, "You will have sent him to his death."
"Haven't you tired of revenge?" Uther asked, not able to bear her haughty words.
"Haven't you?" Nimueh returned. "You started this war when you threw me from the court and slaughtered all of my kind."
"You brought it on yourself. You practiced evil."
"I was your friend, Uther." And oh, he couldn't bear the betrayal in her eyes. "You welcomed me here."
"You betrayed that friendship."
"I did as you asked." Nimueh hissed. "I used the magic you so despised to heal your deathly ill son, as ill as his mother."
"Don't speak of her that way." Uther ordered, his voice tight with memories. "She was my heart, my soul. And you took her from me."
"She died giving her health to your son. It was not my choice. That is the law of magic. To create magic, there had to be a death, the balance of the world had to be repaid." Nimueh's anguished words made Uther's heart pound with anger. How could she look so grief-stricken when she was the one to kill Ygraine?
"You knew it would kill her." Uther accused, his eyes cold.
"No, you're wrong." She denied. "If I had foreseen her death and the terrible retribution you would seek, I would never have granted your wish."
Uther looked down, admitting softly, "I wish you hadn't."
"You wish Merlin was an only child?" Nimueh asked incredulously. "Well, your wish will come true tomorrow."
Uther looked up. "I will not let you take him." He said determinedly. He could not lose Arthur, who Ygraine died for.
"I have watched so many people die at your hands, Uther Pendragon. Now it is your turn."
And she was gone. Uther groaned. He needed to come up with something. Fast.
Merlin set the scroll down on the round table, disappointed. It had told him nothing. How hard could it be to find something about wraiths? Searching the bookshelf, Merlin almost jumped when a hard voice said, "How did you get in here?"
Merlin turned around. It was Geoffrey, the book keeper.
"It's me, Geoffrey."
The librarian's eyes grew wide as the dim light showed Merlin's face. "Sire, I did not expect you to be here so late."
That was a lie, really, Merlin had stayed in the library late many, many, days, but what Geoffrey meant was that he expected Merlin to be trying to convince Arthur to step down from the challenge.
"Well, I'm looking for a book…for Gaius. He thinks the Black Knight is a wraith."
Geoffrey was very good friends with Gaius, hopefully he would be interested enough to help, and not ask too many questions.
"Then Arthur is in grave peril," Geoffrey responded.
"Which is why I'm here." Merlin stacked the book he had grabbed onto the table. "I need to find a weapon that will kill something that's already dead."
Geoffrey's face creased with thought as he shuffled closer. "Well, I have read of such things in the ancient chronicles."
"Really?" Merlin asked hopefully. "What did they say?"
"Well, several fables speak of ancient swords."
"That can kill the dead?"
"The sword the fables speak of could destroy anything, alive or dead."
Merlin grinned. This was perfect. "Can you show me one of these fables?"
Geoffrey thought for a moment. "Yes, sire." He then turned to the shelf and started shuffling some books. Merlin let him have a minute before saying, "I'm sort of in a hurry."
Geoffrey made a dissatisfied noise. "Yes, you young people always are."
It was twenty minutes later that Geoffrey had finally found what he was looking for. His head on his arms, Merlin watched as the librarian suddenly looked up, holding a large, dusty book.
"This is the chronicle of Beltane. Now then. Ah, here we are."
Merlin lifted his head, squinting to look at the picture and words on the page Geoffrey had turned to.
"Sir Marhaus looked upon the great sword, begotten in the dragon's breath and found it passing good."
"What did you say?" Merlin asked quickly, unsure if he heard it correctly.
Geoffrey looked up. "Sir Marhaus looked-"
"No, no, no, not about him." Merlin eyes were wide. "The dragon."
"The great sword begotten in the dragon's breath."
Without a word Merlin left, knowing exactly what he had to do.
Gwen opened her door to find Merlin, standing there with a cloak over his head.
"Sire," Gwen said warmly. "What are you doing here?"
Merlin swayed on one foot, unsure. "I've come to ask for a favor."
"Yes?"
"It might be a strange thing for a prince to ask, but I have money to pay for it."
"Ask, Merlin, you know I would grant you anything."
Merlin nodded, then registered what she said and looked at her a bit queerly.
Gwen realized what she said and amended quickly, "I mean, not anything. Obviously not anything."
The two just stared at each other for a second before Gwen shook herself and asked, "What did you want?"
"I've come to ask for a sword, the strongest sword your father's ever made."
Gwen looked confused. "What for? Don't you have the entire armory?"
"I need a special sword, to save Arthur."
Gaius looked up, surprised when his door slowly creaked open, and the king himself slipped through.
"I'm sorry." Uther said. "You knew that one day this business would come back to haunt me."
Gaius wiped his hands on a cloth. "Not quite so literally."
"I should have listened to you. You said that no good would come of using witchcraft to heal Arthur."
"You wanted to save your son. You thought it was the only way." Gaius reassured his old friend.
"Nimueh told me there would be a price to pay." Uther continued, the guild evident in his spoken words.
"You weren't to know that the price would be Ygraine's life."
Uther was quiet for a moment, then stepped closer to the physician. "I cannot let Arthur die." He said earnestly.
"Then you must stop the fight."
Uther held eye contact and said steadily, "No. I will take his place."
Gaius saw the determination in Uthers cold face. "Do you know what you're saying?
"Ygriane gave up her life for him. So must I."
This was the king Gaius knew him as. "Uther."
"I have no other choice."
Indeed, Gaius could think of no other way to save Arthur. Merlin might try, but what could he possibly do in the short time given to them?
And yet… "There must be another way." Gaius argued.
Uther stayed firm. "My death will stop the wraith, and Arthur will live." Uther took a breath. "But it means that you are the only person left who knows the truth about Arthur."
Gaius looked down, already knowing what Uther would say.
"I want you to swear to me that you will keep your oath."
Gaius swallowed. In the future, it could mean death if things did not go accordingly tomorrow. But here was Uther, an old friend, a king, a father.
"I will take it to my grave." Gaius promised after a moment of hesitation.
Uther looked relieved, and he put a gloved hand on Gaius' shoulder. "You have always been a good friend, despite my temper." Uther gave a small smile.
Gaius gave one in return. "I always thought that would be the death of you."
Uther smiled genuinely at the quip, and slapped the shoulder his hand was on. "I have one other favor to ask."
Gaius looked up, wondering what it would be now.
Gwen's voice was muffled as she knelt under a bed in her house. "My father's been saving this." She pulled out a long shape wrapped in cloth, and laid it on the bed. Merlin leaned forward. "He's always said it was the best sword he's ever made."
Merlin picked it up. "It's perfect." It was. The balance was extraordinary, and the silver gleamed like sunlight was shining on it.
Gwen stared at it, her head resting on her arms. "He'll kill me if he finds I've taken it."
Merlin reached into his cloak and handed a small bag full of gold coins to her. "This should be more than enough. If not…he'll understand. You did it for Arthur."
Gwen took the bag in wonder. "No, Merlin, I don't need this. Use the sword as a favor."
Merlin shook his head. "No, Gwen, I have more than enough money, and your father can use it to make another one if he desires. Keep it. Arthur will thank you in the end."
Gwen smiled, then said softly, "I knew you were proud of him, really."
Merlin just gave a small quirk of the lips, then re-wrapped the sword and jumped up, opening the door. "Thanks Gwen," and he was gone.
Merlin did not quite jog, but he did not walk either. He had limited time if he wanted to save his brother, and the faster this was done, the more his heart could rest.
The way to the cave under the castle was long, and the minutes ticked by, seeming like hours. Finally, he reached the stairs, and using a quick spell, lit a torch. When he entered the cave, the dragon was already sitting on his perch.
"Merlin." The dragon said at once.
"Do you know why I'm here?"
The dragon slowly blinked. "It may surprise you, Merlin, but my knowledge of your life is not universal."
Merlin ignored the sass. "It's to do with Arthur. His life's in danger. He will die, unless I can make a weapon that will kill the dead."
The younger prince knelt, placing the sword on the ground and carefully unwrapped it.
The dragon's voice was less amused. "So what do you come to ask of me?"
Merlin didn't respond, for it seemed, despite the question, that the dragon already knew. With a flash, the sword rose in the air until it was in front of the great beast.
"Will you burnish it to save Arthur?"
"The dead do not return without reason. Who has he come for?"
Merlin narrowed his eyes. "My father." He said carefully.
The dragon snorted. "Then let him take his vengeance and the wraith will die without my aid."
Merlin's eyes flashed, but he drew in his anger, knowing that the dragon had every right to be so hateful of the king.
"But it's Arthur who's going to fight him. You have to save him." He said instead.
The beast lifted his head. "That is your destiny, young warlock. Not mine."
"But if Arthur fights the wraith and dies, Camelot will have no heir. I will have no destiny."
The dragon looked unamused. "Do you forget there is one other Pendragon?"
Merlin stared at him before realizing what he was saying. "No! I have no interest in becoming king. You said it is my destiny to protect Arthur, you can't go back on that now."
The dragon sighed. "A weapon forged with my assistance will have great power."
"I know." Merlin said firmly.
"You do not know. You can only guess. You have not seen what I have seen. If you had, perhaps you would not ask this of me."
Merlin's face was the essence of confusion. "What do you mean?"
"In the wrong hands, this sword could do great evil. It must be wielded by Arthur and him alone."
Despite Merlin's confusion, the order that the sword could only be Arthur's was clear. "I understand."
The dragon lifted his head high. "You must do more than understand. You must promise."
Merlin hesitated for a second, knowing what promises could do, before saying, "I promise."
The dragon wasted no time. Drawing himself up, he seemed bigger than ever before, Merlin stepped back toward the stairs, hoping he wouldn't get himself killed.
The fire that emitted from the dragon's mouth only touched the sword, and Merlin soon dropped his cloak that he had raised to protect himself to stare at the sword instead. The magic that burst from the sword was overwhelming, and Merlin almost lost himself in it. Finally the dragon stepped back, and the sword hanging in the air glowed a brilliant gold. Merlin could not stop staring. He could almost make out the magic that flowed from it, the gold and silver mixing to form the most beautiful color. The young prince was barely aware that he stepped closer to it until the dragon spoke, pulling him abruptly out of whatever daze he had been in.
"Heed my words. The sword was forged for Arthur and him alone."
Merlin nodded slowly.
Gaius knocked on Arthur's door and then let himself in. Arthur was standing at the window, encased in the dark blue light of the knight. He turned.
"I've brought you something that might help you sleep."
Arthur shook his head, walking toward the physician. "I'm fine. I don't need it."
Probably because the foolish boy didn't want to sleep. Gaius held out the bottle. "Here. It'll relax you, take the edge off your nerves."
Arthur sighed, but took the bottle and raised it to his lips, and drank it all in one gulp. He coughed, and handed it back to Gaius. "I wouldn't drink it for pleasure," He said hoarsely.
Gaius smiled bitterly. "Why don't you sit down for a moment." He suggested.
Arthur didn't argue, swaying over to his bed as the drug began to work in his blood.
"Mind you, if you forget about the taste, the after effect is quite pleasurable."
The dazed look in his eyes told him Arthur was ready to succumb. Gaius took hold of the prince's shoulder. "Just lie back."
It took another thirty seconds for Arthur to sink into his bed, and then he was in a restful drugged sleep, sure to not wake up until noon the next day.
Dusty light flitted around Merlin as he stood in the small royal armory. The prince slowly once again unwrapped the golden sword, transfixed by the magic still emanating from it. Distantly in the back of his mind Merlin registered that if the king or any other could feel this magic, it wouldn't turn out so good, but Merlin ignored it, his eyes roaming the sword as he lifted it gently, the silver flashing when it caught a ray of sunlight.
"That's a fine blade." The voice almost made Merlin drop it, and his heart pounded as he faced the voice.
"Father! Uh, yes, it's for Arthur."
The king stood, dressed in Camelot's armor, and then walked closer to his son. "He won't be needing it today."
Merlin's heart dropped. Surely he didn't mean…
"I will be taking your brother's place."
"But, Father-"
"Prepare me for battle." The king interrupted.
"Arthur should be the one that fights today. The knights code-"
"The grievance is with me. The fight is mine."
Merlin inwardly panicked. The dragon had made him promise that Arthur was the only one to use the sword, and yet if the king did not use it, he would die, and no matter his crimes, Merlin did not wish death upon the man.
"I don't have your armor." Merlin tried.
Uther gestured to Arthur's. "That will do. It's likely to make little difference."
Merlin turned to the armor, and when Uther's hand reached for the sword, Merlin quickly placed his hand on it, saying, "I'll get you your sword."
Uther ignored him. "This one will be fine."
"No, Father, you don't understand. That one was made specifically for Arthur."
Uther lifted the sword, admiring it. "Who made it?"
"Uh, Tom the blacksmith." Merlin said, wondering what the heck he was going to do as he placed the shoulder pauldron on the king.
"It's worthy of a king," Uther murmured, still holding the blade.
"You would be better off with a sword you trusted," Merlin said again. What would happen if Uther used the sword? Would it be worse than his father dying when Merlin could have prevented it?
"No. It has an almost perfect balance." Uther swiped it in the air, and the magic that swirled in the air almost made Merlin wince. "Tom is not the royal swordsmith." Uther continued. "I'm surprised Arthur went to him."
Merlin shook his head as he tightened the armor. "That was me."
Uther turned to look at him in question.
"I felt he needed a better sword." Merlin provided.
"I thought you didn't like the knights and swords."
Merlin shrugged. "Arthur's my brother." He finished with the armor and picked up the shield, giving it to the king.
"Indeed." Uther held Merlin's eyes. "Look after him, Merlin. He's going to need you."
Uther put a hand on his son's shoulder, smiled, and then began to walk out.
"Father," Merlin called. Uther turned back. "Good luck."
Only the slightest bit of guilt plagued Merlin as the king walked out. Yes, he had broken his promise, but it was to save his father. What was he supposed to do?
Merlin was the only one sitting in the royal booth. Of course Arthur wouldn't be there, his father must have drugged him to stop him from participating. Morgana sat to the left of him, along with Gwen. He gave them a quick, anxious smile before there was a collective gasp.
Uther had walked in the arena.
"You can have what you came for." The knight turned to face him, and Uther continued, "The father, not the son."
With that, the king's cloak came off and the sword rose in his hand. With a beat of the drum, it began. The swords clashed together, and the two brothers, one alive, one dead, though for how long that would stay, Merlin couldn't be sure, danced in a fatal battle.
Again and again the swords clashed against each other, and Uther narrowly avoided a swipe to the stomach. The fighting was intense, more so than any other of the fights.
"Come on, Father." Merlin murmured, one hand clenching the chair and the other on his cheek. With one punch, the Black Knights helmet came off, and Merlin knew he had been right. The knight was not human, anyone could see that. It was gray, and wrinkly, more skull and skeleton-like than remotely human.
The wraith roared at Uther, who's eyes had widened between the slits of his helmet.
With sudden vengeance, the wraith beat against Uther's shield, pushing him down to the hard ground. The sword went flying, and Uther was left all but defenseless, with the shield as the only way to protect himself against the wraith's attacks. With one heavy strike, the sword of the wraith buried itself into the king's shield. With one large pull, the wraith grabbed the sword still attached to the shield and staggered back. Uther, in one smooth motion, rolled, grabbed Arthur's sword, and ran the wraith through.
Merlin held his breath, aware that everyone else followed. A large gust of smoke blew Uther to the ground, and he along with Merlin and his subjects, watched as the wraith jerked, then burst into flames and disintegrated. Merlin's heart stopped, and then he grinned as he realized it had worked. The wraith was dead, and his father and Arthur safe. Everyone jumped up and cheered, Merlin the loudest of them all, slightly wincing however, when the king threw the sword down on the ground.
Back in the castle, Gaius and Uther stood around the table.
"I thought you said a wraith couldn't be killed." Uther said.
"Yes, it was remarkable. Is that a new sword, sire?"
Uther picked it up. "It's the best I've ever fought with."
"May I have a look?" Gaius asked.
Uther handed it to him, then commented, "I was intrigued by those markings."
"On one side it says, 'take me up,' and on the the other 'cast me away.'"
"What does that mean?" Uther questioned.
"May I ask who made it, sire?"
"Merlin gave it to me. It was forged for Arthur."
As if Arthur had heard his name, the doors opened and the crown prince walked in, Merlin on his heels. Gaius quickly set down the sword, knowing Arthur was about to explode. "That should heal pretty quickly. I'll redress it tomorrow." He said, packing everything up.
"Thank you, Gaius. Thank you for everything." Uther responded.
Arthur wasted no time. "You had Gaius drug me. I was meant to fight him." He growled angrily.
Uther didn't turn around. "No, you weren't."
"But the knight's code-"
"Does not matter. I believed you would die. And that was a risk I could not take. You are too precious to me. You and Merlin mean more to me than anything I know, more than his entire kingdom, and certainly more than my own life."
Arthur stared at him, before his face twisted in confusion. "I've always thought.."
"What?"
"That I was a big disappointment to you."
Uther spoke softer. "Well, that is my fault and not yours." Uther turned to Merlin, who was standing slightly farther away. "Did you feel that too?"
Merlin shrugged. Uther sighed, and gestured to him to come closer. He did, stepping beside Arthur.
The king laid his hands on his son's shoulders, and said sincerely. "You are my only sons, and I wouldn't wish for others."
Arthur stared at his father, but Merlin looked down, knowing that if the king knew he really was, there would be a different discussion going on, probably something involving death.
Arthur cleared his throat. "I heard you fought pretty well."
Uther grinned. "Thanks." He sat down, wincing. "Thanks to Merlin, mostly."
Arthur spared a confused glance at his brother before quipping, "You should join us for training, sort out your footwork."
Merlin laughed, and Uther set a mock glare at him before saying, "I'll show you footwork." and lunged at his sons. Arthur leaped away and grabbed Merlin's wrist, dragging him out the room.
Uther smiled after them, leaning against the chair.
"So. Brother."
Merlin looked innocently up at Arthur. "Yes?"
"How did you exactly help Father? Give him a good old pep talk?"
Merlin scowled, sprawling onto Arthur's bed. "No. I gave him a sword."
Arthur raised an eyebrow. "A sword?"
"Yeah. Meant for you."
Arthur face creased. "You made me a sword?"
"Yes, Arthur."
Arthur sat down next to Merlin. "Well, it must have been a powerful sword to kill the dead. Did you enchant it?"
"No, I didn't."
Arthur poked Merlin, electing a cry from him. "Well, who did then?"
Merlin turned to face him. "Wasn't me."
Arthur was quiet for a moment. "Shame. It saved the king's life. I'd have been very proud of you."
Merlin's face brightened. "Well-"
Arthur shook his head and laid back against the pillows. "Never mind."
Merlin stared at his brother before Arthur's lips twitched, and he grinned. Merlin sighed exasperatedly.
Merlin jolted up in bed later that night. He had heard his name, he was sure.
"Merlin."
It was the dragon. Heart heavy, Merlin thundered down the stairs to the cave, knowing this would not be pleasant.
The dragon was waiting for him. "So does Arthur live?" it asked him.
"Yes," Merlin responded. "The sword worked. It was incredible, amazing."
"As I promised."
Merlin winced inwardly and then said, "But…"
"Yes?" And there was something glinting in the dragon's eyes that suggested he knew already.
Merlin hesitated. "Things didn't quite go according to plan. I mean, they did, except it wasn't Arthur who wielded the sword. It was Uther."
The dragon roared, and Merlin stepped back, saying desperately, "I tried, but he just took it. Uther the king, not to mention my father, I couldn't let him die, or try to stop him."
"The sword was born of the Old Magic." The dragon sounded furious. "You have no idea of its power. In the hands of Uther it will only bring evil."
Merlin's heart twisted at the words, but he knew it to be true. Despite the king's tender words to his sons, all that would be thrown away as soon as he realized what Merlin was, what he had done. "I'll get it back." Merlin promised urgently.
The dragon's gold eyes were cold. "You have betrayed me. You are not ready to trusted."
Merlin's eyes were wide. "I'll bring it to you. You can destroy it."
The young prince's efforts were in vain. "What is made cannot be unmade." The dragon said curtly.
"So what do you want me to do?" Merlin asked, sarcasm rising to the surface. What else was there to do?
The Great Dragon was ready with an answer. "Take the sword far from here and place it where no mortal man can ever find it."
Distantly Merlin wondered at the 'mortal man' part, but with those words, the dragon lifted his wings and flew up, the air swirling around him.
Merlin left only a little bit later. Rising early, he strode to the armory and carefully took out the sword, the tingle of magic once again surrounding the air. It was so beautiful, so golden. It seemed to sing in Merlin's hands, and he wondered what would happen if he were to ever use it. Quickly burying the sword in a cloak, he did the same to his thoughts. He had made a promise to the dragon, and though he had broken it, he was determined not to let it fall in any other hands.
The sun was just rising as he sent for his horse. The morning was cold, and Merlin shivered as he rode, knowing exactly where a 'place no mortal man can ever find it' would be.
The lake was clear and silent, the wind nowhere to be found as if scared away. Standing on the edge, Merlin looked down on the wrapped sword, and slowly uncovered it, keeping his mind firmly on the fabric. And then, with strength he had earned from harsh practice with Arthur, he threw the sword across the lake as far as it would go. It fell with a splash, sinking under, and soon the surface became smooth and clear again. The sword was buried, only to be recovered when needed most, whenever that would be.
A/N: I hope i did this episode justice, it really is a great episode. So, a few days ago i completed two thirds of this while i was on a road trip and had it saved since i was offline. However the computer shut down, and when I was back online, it hadn't saved a thing. I was so frustrated I threw the computer down and didn't dare think about it for a few days. Those few days later (today) I open up my doc and behold...it was all there. So I have no idea what happened but I am so thankful for it.
I NEED YOU GUYS HELP. So, the next episode is going to be COMPLICATED. I watched again so I know what I'm doing and there are a lot of kinks to work out.
Here are the points I will reveal to y'all.
- Hunith is not Merlin's mother
-Will cannot hate Arthur because he has been with Merlin for five years and knows what Arthurs like.
SOOOOOO...if anyone has any ideas how I can make it work pleaseeeeeeeeeee tell me. I may not use it, but anything at this point will help. So...the next chapter prob won't be out for a while, especially since its my last term for school, and things are going to get BUSY. I'm also away for a month in the summer, so I'm not really hopeful that many chapters will come out, unfortunately.
Also, some may notice that a few words or sentences or ideas are similar to the story I got inspired by, Prince of Magic, by Tallshadow72. THIS WAS NOT MY INTENTION. I read her chapter on this after I wrote this and noticed we have very similar words. I know that for now the story is almost exactly like hers, but hopefully you will be able to tell that this will go in a completely different direction.
Anyway, thank you so much for reading! Have a great day! (or night...)