Camelot
August, 505 AD
The alarm I'd set rang at 3:00 and I scrambled to get out of bed, get dressed, tidy up my appearance, and sneak out of the castle and towards the equestrian facilities. I sighed in relief when I found that Cinderella was still in her paddock with Dallas, which meant that Morgana hadn't left with the crystal yet. I hid in the hay storage shed and curled up atop a stack while I waited for the Lady to eventually show up.
I'm not entirely sure of what prompted my decision to follow her to wherever she'll be going to deliver the stolen object. Maybe it's because I'm wary that someone else in the castle might follow her and alert the King. Maybe it's concern for what the druids could do to her if they turn out to be a violent bunch. I doubt that Mordred would let her be harmed, but I don't trust the man he'd been with. After all, he endangered a child by breaking into the castle, and he endangered Morgana by having her steal this crystal. Maybe it's simply because I'm curious.
About an hour later, a cloaked Morgana finally appeared on the scene and I watched, staying hidden, while she led Ella out of her paddock, groomed her, saddled her, and mounted her before they took off at a fast trot.
Once they were out of sight, I hurried to ready Dallas and we followed after them. I was cautious to keep enough distance between us so that she wouldn't realise that she wasn't alone. I could only pray that the mare wouldn't give her any signs.
The landscape we rode across was nothing short of magical. Fog covered the coniferous forest below us as we trotted along a hill, the dazzling autumn colours faintly beginning to show as September approached. If nothing else, the view made the whole journey worth my while.
The sun was fully visible in the sky by the time Morgana and Ella went into a forest. I smiled as my senses were flooded with the sounds of chirping birds, and swooshing leafs, and creaking branches.
Some minutes later, the Lady stopped her mare and hopped off, leaving her to graze as she continued on foot. Reluctantly, I also dismounted my horse and I asked him to stay before I followed Morgana, making sure to remain crouched and to shield myself behind some bushes. I don't think that she or the druids would mind my presence, but why risk it?
Soon I could see some makeshift establishment in the near distance and I went around it to avoid being spotted. Then I climbed some metres up a tree and made sure to remain hidden among the leaves and branches as I looked down at the scene.
"Morgana!" I heard Mordred exclaim a second before he ran out of a tent and rushed to hug the Lady. I let myself grin just a little at the sight. Their bond is so precious!
The sus man appeared just behind the kid, and the woman readily retrieved the crystal from a satchel bag she carried. The man gave a lopsided grin that sent chills up my spine as he looked over the crystal. "It is my hope that, with time, Mordred will master the crystal," he commented. "And when he does, we will strike down Uther. Uther and all who serve him."
And so drops the other shoe…
From this distance, I couldn't hear a reply from Morgana. Then the man said, "If we are to win this war, there can be no half measures."
So, what? He just wants to burn Camelot to ashes?! The druids absolutely deserve justice for everything they've been made to suffer, but killing everyone who's close to Uther isn't the answer! I'm close to Uther and I disagree with his views. Merlin is close to Uther and he's magic. And Arthur… I mean, I guess he agrees with his father's beliefs, but only because he's been brainwashed into doing so, y'know?
"I see this troubles you," the man noted. Morgana turned to look him in the eyes, but she must've responded in a whisper because I still couldn't hear her. "My Lady, we fight for our very survival, as do you," he assured her. "The boy… He told me you have magic. You need not be afraid."
My lungs froze for a moment. Oh, crap, is he gonna try to turn her against Camelot?! Surely she won't see innocents be punished for Uther's trauma-based hatred?!
Morgana and the man exchanged some smiles, and then he placed a hand on her arm; which caused an uneasy sensation to settle in my stomach. They had a quieter exchange that I couldn't hear and I bit down on my bottom lip as I watched them, wondering if I should just climb off and make my presence known. Maybe give them a piece of my mind? Try to convince the man to find a non-violent solution?
I don't want anyone to die!
He scooted closer to her and I narrowed my eyes. He's definitely trying to win her over to their side. That's not a bad thing, obviously, as long as she doesn't agree that exterminating Camelot is the answer to their problems. By that logic, I should've burnt down my high-school…
"You are not alone," I was finally able to make out some of the man's words again and I felt a pang in my chest. Perhaps I could just talk directly to Morgana once we get back? Explicitly tell her that I'm not against magic and that I'll happily give her a shoulder to lean on, for whatever it's worth? Maybe Merlin will eventually change his mind and reveal his secret to her. "You are here, with us. You need never be alone again."
Morgana leaned closer to the man and my eyes widened at the thought that they might kiss. Then she seemed to remember herself and she straightened up.
She said something else that I couldn't catch, and then she stood up, casting a final smile towards the man before walking away.
I sighed and promptly climbed off the tree, knowing that I needed to get going as well before she could figure out that Dallas and I were there. This is not the time and place for a deep conversation. I'll find a moment once we're back home. But first, I need to think of a way to ensure that no one gets hurt by the darned crystal.
I spent most of the rest of the day locked in my room and watching movies so that I could avoid having to potentially lie to people. Also, I hoped that I might be able to extract an idea on how to deal with the druid situation from a movie, but nothing seemed to be clicking.
At around 19:00, Uther called for a council meeting and I was, unfortunately, forced to attend. I knew that the subject would most likely be the crystal, and I could only pray that no one would ask me any questions.
I rested my shoulder against a column while nibbling on my bottom lip, my brain hyper-aware of Arthur's presence just two metres away from me as he leant over the back of his fancy prince chair. I had no doubt that a single hug from him would make me feel so much better, but I very well couldn't ask for that in front of the King, so I shoved my hands into the pockets of my hoodie and swallowed the need to reach for him.
I tilted my head when Gaius took centre stage as he addressed Uther, "Sire, I obtained some information on where the crystal has been taken."
My eyes widened and I glanced towards Morgana, who seemed incredibly tense all of a sudden.
"You know the whereabouts of the crystal?" the King asked.
"I believe so, Sire," the physician replied.
Maybe his intel is wrong?
"I see," Uther hummed. "How did you come by this information?"
"In my capacity as physician I have dealings with many people. They hear things, Sire, and they see things," he explained. "Last night I was confronted by one such man who told me that the crystal had been stolen by a band of renegades led by a man called Alvarr."
Now, I don't know what the name of the man Morgana dealt with is but, by the way in which the fear on her face intensified, I'm willing to be that's him. This can't be happening! Uther will kill them all if he finds them! Even little Mordred!
"Who exactly was this informant?" Uther questioned.
"I think it would only be fair to protect their identity, Sire," Gaius responded. "If news of the betrayal were to reach the renegades, it could indeed endanger their life."
Uther sighed, "Very well."
Arthur stepped around his chair and approached Gaius as he asked, "Where is this Alvarr hiding?"
My heart-rate began to accelerate and my palms began to get sweaty. This is bad! It's very bad! He could get hurt!
"He was last seen in the Valley of Chemary, Sire," the physician answered.
I vaguely remember that name being mentioned on the night when this 'Alvarr' dude gave instructions to Morgana… So the intel must be right.
"Summon the guards, Arthur. I want this matter investigated without delay," Uther promptly ordered.
"Yes, Sire," the Prince mumbled and he left the room.
I winced as I accidentally bit too hard on my lip and the taste of blood began to flood my mouth.
Morgana stood up while Gaius and Uther continued to chat and she discreetly moved along a wall until she reached the door to the room. I followed, wanting to confirm that Gaius's information is correct. If it is, we're gonna have to come up with a way to warn the druids. Even if all the adults in that community are corrupted, we have to at least protect Mordred, right?
I exited the room to find the Lady talking to Arthur as they walked down the corridor, so I jogged to catch up and fell into stride with them.
"…I am going on this mission," the Prince replied to something she'd said.
"But you are chasing nothing but a rumour," she argued.
"True," he conceded, "but, for now, it is the only lead we have to go on."
"I doubt the druids are dumb enough to stay in one place for too long. Especially after they stole something so important," I countered.
Morgana sent me a small grin before adding, "You would be wasting your time, Arthur, I assure you."
Suddenly, he wrapped an arm around my shoulders and pulled me closer to him. His free hand was placed on Morgana's shoulder and he glanced between us with a smug smile. "You two are very sweet," he stated.
"What do you mean?" Morgana asked while narrowing her eyes at him.
"I can look after myself, you know?" he responded condescendingly. "It is a combination of raw talent and hard training that makes me–"
"Yes, I know," she cut him off. "That makes you so utterly obnoxious."
"Burn!" I chirped while smirking up at Arthur. He rolled his eyes and sent Morgana a sarcastic smile, which she sharply mirrored. Then he kissed the top of my head and walked away.
Before I could blink, Morgana grabbed my arm and dragged me into a room. "Astra, we have to do something! We cannot let Uther kill Alvarr!" she cried in a whisper.
I nodded, "I'll run ahead n' warn 'em in advance."
"I will come with you," she stated.
"No," I shook my head, causing her to frown. "Dallas is way faster than Ella. We can get there much quicker on our own."
"What if Arthur catches you?" she questioned.
What if Arthur catches me?! He'll dump me in a hot second if he realises that I support magic! I mean, he knows how I feel about the druids, to a certain extent… Maybe he wouldn't be so angry… But what if someone else catches me and reports me to Uther! I'd lose my head! Unless…
"I'll ask him to let me join, he'll say no, and then, if he catches me, he'll think that I snuck out to go with them anyways!" I explained my brilliant plan in a single breath.
A smile formed on the Lady's lips. "You are cunning," she praised.
"I know," I responded with a wink. "We'll save 'em, you'll see," I assured her before racing out of the room and going in search of Arthur again.
I found the handsome Prince in his room as he unrolled a big paper parchment on top of his desk. I knocked on the door to make my presence known and offered a little grin when he looked up at me, "Hi, Artie."
"Astraea," he responded, returning the grin. "Come in, close the door."
I promptly complied and then slowly moved closer to him, trying to appear nonchalant as I discreetly surveyed the map on his desk. I was following Morgana earlier and didn't really pay attention to the trajectory, so Ι need to learn the path to this Valley of Chemary if I am to stand a chance of getting there before Arthur and his knights do.
"You understand why I have to go, do you not?" he asked softly while gently placing his hands on my waist. I bit down on my bottom lip and nodded. "They stole something that could be dangerous. We cannot take any chances."
"I know, that's why I'm coming with you," I asserted.
His eyes widened in an instant and he shook his head, "No, Astraea. I will not put you in harm's way."
"But what if they hurt you!? There's strength in numbers!" I protested.
He raised a hand to cup the side of my face and I leaned into his touch while trying to ignore the guilt that clawed at my chest from how I was playing him. "We are knights, darling, we can protect ourselves," he responded.
"I'm good with a bow," I countered.
"And if they get their hands on you?" Arthur questioned. I sighed and looked down while holding back a smirk at the fact that everything was going according to plan. He rubbed his thumb against my cheek and I returned my eyes to his. Damn it, I hate lying to him! "I cannot bear the thought of you getting hurt, Astra."
"I don't want you to get hurt, either," I responded in a whisper.
"I will be fine," he claimed while leaning his forehead against mine.
"You promise?"
"I promise."
"Okay, I'll stay," I finally 'relented'.
"Good," he said before pressing his lips against mine, instantly causing a short circuit in my nervous system as I melted in his arms while responding to the kiss with a smile. A glimpse into heaven before I go to hell for lying.
Arthur and his party left at about 6:00 the next morning and Dallas and I galloped out of the castle as soon as they disappeared along the treeline, taking an alternate path as we circled around them and easily overtook them.
My mighty Thoroughbred blazed over the faintly marked trail, his powerful strides gliding over the dirt as he stretched to full capacity. My shorter-than-usual stirrups made it really easy to keep my butt off the saddle and I simply let my hands rest on either side of his withers, keeping a loose hold on the neck-rope so that he wouldn't feel at all restrained. Lucky for me, he's always enjoyed running as much as I do, and I knew that he wouldn't slow down unless I asked him to… which can be a double-edged sword because I need to make sure he doesn't overexert himself.
Even with my faulty navigation skills, we managed to reach the druid camp before Arthur and his minions. I couldn't help the proud smile that formed on my lips as I moved Dallas to the centre of the makeshift settlement.
"Hey! Wake up!" I called out.
Moments later, the druids began to groggily stumble out of their tents, most of them looking reasonably wary as they stared at me. Of course, their dealings were with Morgana, so I doubt they know who I am. I soon had a bunch of swords pointed at me and I froze and gulped. I should've taken that into consideration when planning this…
"At ease!" the man from before – Alvarr – ordered, and all weapons were promptly put down. Then he turned to me, "Lady Astraea, what brought you here?"
"Prince Arthur knows where y'all are. He's on his way and he can't be too far behind me," I quickly responded in between pants – which were the result of both the physical strain from my journey, and the fear of having freaking swords drawn at me.
I gasped when Alvarr drew his own sword as he asked through gritted teeth "How did this happen?" Then he made a gesture to his men, who quickly began to spread out around the settlement.
"I-I dunno. S-someone told the physician," I replied shakily. I mean, I'm sure that Dallas can get away easily if they try something against me, but it's still scary, y'know?
"How much time do we have?" he questioned.
"M-maybe an hour?" I responded.
"Then we must be prepared for them," the man stated while putting his sword away again and glancing around his camp. I noticed a group of three women huddled together in a corner, looking terrified. There was a girl not much older than myself holding a baby as she hung behind whom I assume is her husband. And there was an elderly couple.
My eyes widened and I shook my head, "You can't take 'em, you've gotta leave."
"They will never stop chasing us!" Alvarr responded, raising his voice a little. "This ends today."
"Dude, they'll slaughter you!" I argued. "Women n' children included!"
"We will protect them," he replied through gritted teeth.
"They have the numbers, and the training, and the weapons!" I countered.
"We have magic," he stated.
"And what d'ya think will happen if you kill Uther's son, huh?" I questioned. "He'll hunt ya' down to the end of the world and make all of you suffer! If you leave now n' cover your tracks, you'll have a better chance."
"I will not allow Uther's tyranny to continue!" Alvarr roared.
"I wish things were different as well, and I'd do anything to change them, but the best I can do right now is warn you – so run!" I raised my voice, now, too.
Alvarr clenched his jaw and shook his head. "You are the one who should leave before the Prince finds you here," he grumbled before walking away towards a group of men.
I gulped as I looked around at the vulnerable people again. How can they accept this? For their leader to place them in harm's way like this, so carelessly? Like he did with Mordred some moons ago? I mean, of course I get where he's coming from. Uther is ruthless in his dealings with the druids and I know that none of this is fair. But answering violence with violence is only going to breed – gasp! – more violence.
With a shaky sigh, I dismounted Dallas and made sure that Alvarr was still distracted before walking over to the elderly couple. They seemed slightly apprehensive as I got closer, so I halted and raised my arms in surrender as I promised, "'S all right, I'm on your side." They eased up a little and the man nodded. "You guys…" I glanced at the huddled women and at the young couple with the baby, "all of you should pack your stuff and leave."
"Will they not come after us?" the elderly man questioned.
"Arthur's after the crystal so… if he gets it, I doubt he will chase you down just to kill you," I replied and winced at my own words. This is so messed up!
"Very well," the man agreed and he shared a nod with his wife.
"They're riding from the north, so go anywhere but there," I instructed. "Get as far away as you can, maybe find a new group?"
"W-what about Mordred?" one of the huddled women asked. "H-he is special… Alvarr will not let him leave."
I frowned and glanced around, realising that I hadn't seen the boy. I finally spotted him beside a rough-looking man, who had him restrained by an arm. He looked spooked. I can only imagine how he must feel, thinking that he might die at Arthur's hand when he saved him once.
I caught the boy's eyes and he gulped. I let out a shaky breath and gave him a reassuring nod. I can get him on Dallas and whisk him away. I just need to find the right moment.
"I'll take care of him," I assured the woman who'd asked. "You guys should get going."
So, while that bunch discreetly hurried to pack, I moved over to Dallas and tried to keep a nonchalant attitude as I ran my fingers through his mane while ignoring the glares that Alvarr kept sending my way. I'm sure that he's wondering what the heck I'm still doing here. I doubt he's gonna like the answer when he gets it.
I watched from the corner of my eye as the vulnerable people silently walked away from the camp and I smiled to myself. As long as the rest remain distracted by their war strategies, or whatever, they will be fine.
My stomach dropped when I heard multiple faint jingling sounds in the distance and I gulped. Time's up.
Praying that the people had managed to get a fair distance ahead, I swiftly mounted Dallas and directed him towards Mordred at a fast-paced trot. I let him use his body to shove the man who had been holding the kid, and then I helped the latter to climb behind me on the saddle.
"Go!" I told my horse, and he didn't need to hear it twice as he took off in a gallop. I let out a shaky breath as I heard Alvarr's men protesting with loud shouts and I momentarily glanced down at Mordred with a smirk, earning a small grin in response.
I was about to ask if he was okay, when a sharp pain ripped through my shoulder, coupled by the sound of something slashing through the air. I heard Mordred gasp. An arrow embedded itself on a tree just in front of us. I clucked at Dallas to get him to go faster and he obeyed without hesitation. I looked down and found some blood trailing down my arm.
Darn bastards shot me!
I shook my head and decided to power through the pain. The arrow only grazed me. I'll live.
After a minute or two, we finally reached the rest of the people who had escaped. I slowed my horse into a fast walk. "C'mon, we gotta get as far away from here as possible," I told them. They picked up their pace and were able to match Dallas's speed as I led them through the foggy forest.
I could tell that they were all exhausted and frightened, but at least they got to keep their lives. I can't be entirely certain that Alvarr will lose to Arthur (which I kinda hope he does… for selfish reasons…), but I know that these people wouldn't have stood a chance before a knight of Camelot. I've seen them train, y'know?
How I went from cowering in the hallways of my old high-school while trying to make myself invisible to helping a bunch of druids escape a bunch of knights, I'll never comprehend. Life is really something crazy.
I stuck with the group for about an hour until I determined that they'd be safe on their own. I need to get back to the castle soon, preferably before Arthur does so that I won't get in trouble.
"You should be safe for now, just keep movin' south and you'll get out of Camelot eventually," I told them. "I wish I could do more for you, but…" I trailed off with a shaky sigh that came out of nowhere.
"You have done more than enough, my Lady," the elderly man claimed. "You saved our lives."
"Thank you, truly," his wife added with a gentle look.
I waved them off, "It was the decent thing to do."
I hopped off Dallas and helped Mordred to slide off. "I shall never forget this, Astraea," he said in a soft tone. I reached to ruffle his hair, but the action was interrupted by the reminder of the wound in my shoulder and I winced. "Allow me to heal you," the kid stated.
My eyes widened as I watched him take a step closer and he moved a hand to let it hover over the injury. He closed his eyes and whispered something unintelligible, and then the pain disappeared completely, leaving only the rip on my white hoodie, a scar, and the blood stain.
"Thanks," I told him, feeling a bit stunned at how easily he'd helped me. "Stay safe, all right?" I begged all of the druids, but mostly the kid. He's really sweet, and I can only pray he doesn't fall into the wrong group again.
A chorus of 'thank you' followed and I shot everyone a grin before climbing back on Dallas and nudging him into a canter. He's certainly earned some days off work, a generous treat, and a massage once we get home!
"I'm sorry, I tried," I whispered to Morgana through a lump in my throat.
Arthur and the knights had managed to capture Alvarr, who was quickly put on trial and charged with treason, meaning that he'll be beheaded tomorrow. Granted, the man kinda brought this upon himself… but he was, in a slightly misguided way, only trying to protect his community.
"You did your best, Astra," she responded. I sighed and nodded. "Uther is the only one to blame," she added bitterly.
"Yeah," I breathed out. He's the one that waged war on magic, and he's the one who mercilessly persecutes sorcerers, and druids, and the like. I really hope that they get the justice they deserve, eventually. Maybe they'll manage to overthrow him one day… in a non-violent way… which, now that I say it, is only wishful thinking… Maybe when Arthur is king he can do things differently…
Still, though; as much as I hate Uther's treatment of magic people, I can't help but feel sympathetic towards him. He was traumatised by the loss of his wife, right? I can only imagine what the pain of losing her was – is – like for him. I think about the loss of my parents, and Galileah, and Skylo… It's a wonder I still have some sanity left…
"I hate him," Morgana suddenly snapped, breaking me out of my thoughts. "I want him to pay for everything that he has done."
"Yeah…" I whispered.
"I want him dead," she claimed.
My eyes widened and I gulped, but I didn't say anything. I don't think I'd say I want him dead… I want him to get some therapy and change his ways. I doubt she means it, anyways. She's practically, like, his daughter, in a way. She's just emotional right now, and for good reason.
"Thank you for your help," Morgana told me after a few moments.
"It was the decent thing to do," I responded, shooting her a forced grin. "And y'know I have your back."