Camelot
August, 506 AD
Merlin and I had to practically drag a catatonic Arthur away from the scene of Morgana's tyrannical coronation.
'Heartbroken' can't begin to describe how I felt every time I stole a glance at his defeated expression. His eyes were dark and emotionless and they appeared to look through me, his shoulders were slumped, and his mind seemed worlds away.
"They're distracted with the whole… y'know," I told Merlin in a whisper once we reached my room, where we decided to hide for a moment so we could plan an escape. "We can make a run for it."
I took the opportunity to pack some more supplies into a duffel bag: a box of Oreos, a lighter, toiletries, a bag of Sour Patch Kids, a change of clothes, four blankets, my thermos (which was half-filled with water), and a small notebook and pen. I also grabbed an extra sword I keep in my closet. It's not much, but it's what I have within reach.
"Not with his leg the way it is," Merlin noted while glancing at Arthur, who now lay on my bed with his gaze fixed on the ceiling. I sighed and bit my bottom lip. He's right, we would never get anywhere trying to carry him. Our backs would crack before we could even make it to the staircase.
Darn him for being so well-muscled.
Suddenly, my eyes jumped to my Castiel Funko Pop and I quirked an eyebrow. Merlin's eyes widened as he discreetly shook his head. "Do you have a better idea?!" I whispered as I moved to stand right beside him, not wanting Arthur to hear.
He sighed, "Fine," and he moved to peek out of the room.
I grabbed my Spider-Man mug – which I refuse to keep in the kitchen lest someone breaks it – and filled it with a little water. I kept my back turned towards Arthur so that he wouldn't see the modern prescription bottle while I crushed half of a painkiller and mixed it into the water. Then I hid the medicine again and moved to sit next to the Prince. I gently tapped his side to get him to sit up.
"Drink this. One quick gulp, don't stop to taste it. It'll help with the pain," I instructed him. He obeyed almost robotically and he dropped back down. "No! You'll get sleepy!" I scolded while pulling him back into a sitting position. He grunted and dropped his forehead to rest against my shoulder instead, his back hunching. I let out a shaky sigh and brought a hand up to his hair, gently running my fingers through it.
"We have to go. Now," Merlin said sternly.
I gulped and mumbled, "Right." I grabbed the Prince's arm and ordered, "Up." He sighed and stood up, stumbling a little. I steadied him and then let him go when he seemed okay to stand on his own.
I moved next to my best friend and peeked out of the room, too. There was no one in the corridor, which is a good sign that the enemies are still caught up with Morgana's playtime.
"Maybe I can take a quick look around? See if I can find Gwen?" I suggested. The thought of leaving my good friend alone in the witches' claws makes my stomach twist.
"No, it's too risky. We have to get Arthur out of here and regroup," Merlin replied. I could see the pain in his eyes, but I didn't argue. He's right yet again.
"Art? Ya' feeling better?" I asked softly as I slipped my hand into his. He simply nodded.
We snuck out of the room and I rapidly locked it – 'cause I really don't want to find out what would happen if Morgana or her minions came across my electronic devices – before we started to walk down the corridor.
To my relief, Arthur seemed to be having a much better time moving, even though he still limped slightly.
I peeked around a corner and noticed two guards standing at the staircase that leads to a back exit to the castle.
"I can take 'em," I whispered and lunged out of hiding to attack the men before either boy could protest.
I kicked a man in his special place, making him stumble to his butt, and I stabbed the other one through the stomach. Then I held the sword to the first man's throat, but I froze and gulped when he looked up at me with fear in his eyes.
What if he has a wife? Children? A sick parent?
The decision was made for me as Arthur appeared at my side and stabbed him without a second thought. I looked up at him in slight alarm.
"Come on," he whispered softly and he grabbed my hand again.
Merlin followed us as we climbed down the stairs.
Thanks to the dark cloudy night extending above us, it was easy to sneak out of the castle and make it to the woods undetected.
We reunited with Gwaine, Elyan and Gaius, and we found a fairly decent hiding place inside a spacious cave that isn't too far away from the castle, which allows us to somewhat keep an eye on things. It's definitely not the kind of place anyone would live in willingly, but it's good enough for Arthur to rest his leg. Thankfully, he finally allowed the physician to treat it properly.
"Y'know, it occurs to me that we might need a team..." I told Merlin in a hushed whisper while we all dined on Oreos and half-bad cheese. He turned to me with a questioning look. "Like the Avengers… Team Free Will… the Nine-Nine… Scott McCall and his pack…" I listed with a growing grin.
"Who do you have in mind?" he inquired as a faint smile appeared on his lips, too.
"Well, have ya' written to Lancey recently?"
"That is an excellent idea, Astra!" he whispered excitedly with a beaming smile. "He was in Haldor last I heard."
"Great! Let's write to 'em!" I said while tapping my knees in anticipation.
Merlin's face dropped. "We do not have paper or ink."
"Yes we do!" I chirped and I rushed to get my notebook and pen from my bag.
Early in the morning, Merlin and Elyan snuck into the lower town to take the letter to the post office while Gwaine went to get us some more food. I would've gone with them, but Arthur refused to let me go. Literally. He had me firmly anchored to his side and protested if I so much as dared to go outside for half-a-minute to empty my bladder in private.
His attitude was entirely gut-churning. He barely said a word and, when he did, he was monotonous and dry. I wouldn't know where to even begin trying to put myself in his shoes, but I still did my best to show support, even if that meant simply sitting in silence with him.
However, the tasks to ensure we all remained alive until we could come up with some sort of plan got more complicated with each passing day, so I eventually had to join the team's efforts to keep us fed, watered, and undiscovered; much to the Prince's dismay.
My notebook proved to be an invaluable tool in helping us to keep track of what we have and what we need, as well as map the area to locate resources.
"I thought you said the coast was clear!" I yelled at Merlin on a strangely warm afternoon as we blazed through the woods with five (likely) immortal soldiers on our tail.
"That was before you alerted them of our presence!"
"It was an accident!"
He grabbed my hand and pulled me forwards as I began to fall slightly behind, my petite legs not quite able to keep up with his long, cheetah-like strides.
We zig-zagged among the trees, jumped over a log, and dropped to the ground behind a large rock.
I held my free hand over my mouth, trying to muffle the involuntary panting sounds that my lungs were producing. The soldiers ran past us and disappeared into the forest.
Once they were out of sight, Merlin and I ran out of hiding and sprinted towards the cave, which thankfully wasn't a long distance.
Gwaine greeted us at the entrance with a hug. "Are you all right?" he asked as he held my upper arms and scanned me up and down. He frowned when his eyes fell upon the splashes of watermelon that stained my white Hollister hoodie.
"She tripped over a crate of watermelons and some soldiers saw us," Merlin answered for me.
I smiled sheepishly up at Gwaine. He let out a breathy chuckle and released my arms while shaking his head.
"We got the stupid magic root, though!" I announced as we fully entered the cave. Gaius gave me a pointed look, but said nothing. I retrieved the small piece of Turmeric from my bag and handed it to him.
"And honey," Merlin added while handing him a jar.
He was quick to thank us with a warm smile.
Arthur still isn't fully healed from the arrow and Gaius had run out of supplies, so Merlin and I took the risk of going to a little farmer's market in a nearby village, where we had hoped to draw less attention than we would've if we'd gone to the town outside the castle. But, obviously, it didn't go very well.
Merlin reached for a canteen on a 'table' (which is a big flat rock) and went to drink some water, but only a couple of drops came out. I huffed at the sight while I plopped down on the ground next to Arthur in his little corner of the cave.
I got my thermos from my duffel bag and found that it was also empty. Not that I would let anyone drink from it other than maybe Arthur.
"I will get some more," Elyan offered while reaching for the canteen.
"It is too dangerous," Merlin warned with a shake of his head.
Elyan sighed in resignation and sat down on a log as his shoulders slumped. Gwaine joined him with the bag of Sour Patch Kids that I got from my room in his hands. He stole it from me at some point over the past week and has been keeping it under careful watch.
I closed my eyes as I tried to ignore the dryness in my mouth while still breathing heavily from the marathon that Merlin and I unwillingly participated in.
We should've bought some of the watermelons. Then at least we'd have some refreshment. I remember when Aunt Kelly used to make popsicles out of every fruit imaginable to help me, my cousins, Uncle, and even the animals to endure the unbearable Texas heat.
I shook the thought out of my head when it caused the dryness in my mouth to increase.
"Are you hurt?" Arthur asked, his voice barely above a whisper. I opened my eyes to look at him and winced when his fingers touched the damp red stains on my sweatshirt. I must have some sort of bruise from where I landed on the crate.
"That's just watermelon juice," I told him with a small shrug. Then I stood up and went to another, vacant corner of the cave so that I could inspect my ribs without anyone seeing the ugly scar on my abdomen.
I lifted my hoodie and shirt. I jolted when Arthur called my name in a panic. In a flash, he was standing right behind me and forcing my clothes back down as he glanced around the room with widened eyes. I shoved him away while mentally praying he didn't notice anything.
"Chill, dude! I'm just checkin' for bruises, not strip-teasing!"
He gave me a grumpy look and turned around to face the rest of the cave, shielding me from view with his large frame. I rolled my eyes and turned my back to him before lifting my clothes again. Sure enough, I had an angry dark red line running slightly diagonally down the left side of my ribs, about ten centimetres long.
"Oops," I mumbled before letting my shirt fall. "Pops – do you have any arnica left?" I called out. Gaius turned to me with a worried look. "Turns out I am hurt," I explained sheepishly.
"I will get it," Merlin announced and stood up from his seat next to Elyan, dashing towards a satchel bag on the ground
"Thanks, bestie," I told him with a sweet grin when he handed me the ointment. Then I shooed him away and turned around so that I could safely raise my hoodie and shirt again, and I spread the yellow cream over the bruise.
Once I was done, Arthur and I returned to our little corner and I lay down on the ground. He sat beside me and carefully moved my head to rest it on his lap. I grabbed his hand and pressed a kiss to his knuckles.
"Are you feeling any better?" I asked in a whisper.
"I am not sure how I am feeling," he mumbled.
I gave him a small smile and reached up to remove a rebellious blond lock that had fallen in front of his left eye, then I let my hand linger on the side of his face while tracing his cheekbone with my thumb. "We'll figure it out, Artie," I assured him.
He forced a smile and nodded, though his stormy eyes told a story of disbelief.
I dropped my hand from his face and turned onto my side, taking a deep breath and letting my eyes rest for a moment. He gallantly draped my Avengers blanket over my body and then he let his free hand rest over my waist.
I was just about to fall asleep, enjoying the soft circles that Arthur was rubbing over my hip-bone, when I heard footsteps approaching. I opened my eyes and found Merlin coming our way with two plates of food. One only had potatoes on it, while the other one had potatoes and a piece of some kind of meat. I sat up and thanked him as I grabbed the plate with just the potatoes, then I watched in amusement as the Prince frowned down at the meat.
"It is rat," Merlin announced with a cheeky grin.
I snorted at the recollection of the time when he prepared a rat stew to prank Arthur, but it backfired.
The Prince's face contorted in disgust and he made no motions to grab the plate.
"Oh, believe me, you have eaten far worse. I mean, I have definitely served you things I would never have touched, but you wolfed them down no problem," Merlin rambled.
"Merlin, for once, leave me in peace. Please," Arthur grumbled in response.
My friend and I shared a sad look. Then he laid down the plate beside the Prince and turned to return to the rest of the party, but he halted a moment later.
"I understand. Your father lied to you about Morgana. I do not know why. I am sure he had his reasons, but now is not the time for that," he wisely told Arthur. "He is still your father. He needs you. Camelot needs you."
"We need you," I added softly.
"I have known her all my life. How could she do this to us?" Arthur questioned in a whisper.
I bit down on my bottom lip and shared another troubled look with Merlin. I wish we'd said something sooner…
Merlin sighed and responded, "I cannot answer that. But you have a duty to your father, to your people. You cannot give up on them now."
"We cannot defeat an immortal army," Arthur pointed out gruffly.
"We will not know until we try," my best friend countered.
"Yeah. We'll throw a whole country on top of 'em if we have to," I added in a terrible attempt to lighten the mood while referencing 'Avengers: Age Of Ultron'.
Merlin sighed when Arthur didn't say anything else and we shared one last look before he returned to his seat near the campfire.
I resumed eating my potatoes, and I felt my lips curve upwards when the Prince reached for his own plate and hesitantly began to eat.
My eyes surveyed the rest of our companions while they, too, ate their dinner. Unsurprisingly, they all appeared exhausted and defeated. Well, except for Gwaine. He seems content as long as he has access to Sour Patch Kids. But he's running dangerously low and I only have two or three more packets left in my room. I don't know how I will ever have the heart to tell him that that's all I brought with me from Texas – but I mentally promised to give him the last packets if we survive all this.
Then my gaze moved on towards Elyan, who seemed worlds away in thought. I can only imagine he's thinking about his sister, making up a million scenarios in his head as he ponders where she could be, and in what state.
My brain spit out an image of Dallas and I felt a chill run down my spine, my hunger suddenly dissipating. I've been keeping busy and I haven't really had time to worry too much about him. My heart-rate started to rise and I bit down on my bottom lip.
I can't deal with this right now. I need a distraction.
A stupid idea came to me as I thought of a way to boost the team's morale and I smirked while setting aside my plate.
Two slaps on the knees, one clap. Two slaps on the knees, one clap.
Merlin began to follow the rhythm instantly while shooting me an amused look.
Two slaps on the knees, one clap.
Arthur looked at me as if I'd grown a second head.
Two slaps on the knees, one clap.
Gwaine shrugged and joined us with an entertained look as he stared at me.
Two slaps on the knees, one clap. Two slaps on the knees, one clap.
Elyan jumped in.
Two slaps on the knees, one clap. Two slaps on the knees, one clap.
And that's the story of how I got a bunch of medievals to rock along to Queen's 'We Will Rock You'. Only, I cut myself off after the second verse because I bursted out laughing and slid down the wall while clutching my stomach. The situation is just too insane not to laugh!
"Just a lil' higher!" I argued with a grunt as I pulled myself onto a higher branch.
"Trae – that is a big fall!" Gwaine warned, eyeing me warily while remaining unmoving some four metres below me.
"I'm not gonna fall! I did this all the time when I was a child!" I shot back, ignoring his concerns as I climbed a bit further up.
The two of us had been on a supply run to get water when some of Morgana's minions spotted us. We ran for a while, but then I got the brilliant idea of hiding up on a tree, knowing that they would lose sight of us and give up eventually. Gwaine agreed to that, so we climbed onto the first sturdy pine we found, sitting some eight metres above the ground. Then I realised that climbing higher might give me a good bird's-eye-view of Camelot, and perhaps I might be able to spot some strategic places that aren't yet marked on the map we've put together. Places where we could hide or gather resources from.
Secretly, I was also hoping that maybe, by some miracle, I might see Dallas somewhere.
My friend obviously wasn't too happy with the second part of the plan, but I was already too far up for him to reach and stop me.
"Do you see anything helpful?" he called out.
I tilted my head as I looked around, now sitting on a thick branch with a leg dangling from either side of it. Trees, trees, trees, castle, town, trees, trees, a ruined castle, trees – wait!
"Is there anything on the map about an old fortress?" I inquired as I glanced down to make eye contact.
Gwaine frowned and pulled out the map. "On which side?"
"Uh..." I took a moment to analyse the sun's position. "Northwest of the castle."
He was silent for a few seconds while he analysed the map. "No, I do not think so."
I nodded in understanding and didn't say anything else as I looked around for a few more minutes while mentally praying to spot a cream-coloured patch among the trees somewhere. But I was ultimately disappointed. With a huff, I began to climb back down.
"Y'know, I bet the fortress is abandoned–" I gasped as my foot almost slipped, but I acted as if it didn't happen and ignored Gwaine's wary stare. "It'd probably make a nicer hiding spot than the cave."
"We can go when Arthur has healed, then," he responded with a small grin.
I nodded and sat on a branch diagonally from him, not much further up anymore, and rested my back against the trunk of the tree.
It's unlikely that the soldiers are still near, but I want to enjoy the rawness of nature for a few more minutes before I have to return to real life.
The late summer sun feels warmer when one doesn't have so many trees hovering above. And, if I close my eyes, the light breeze that hits my face reminds me of the many afternoons I used to spend sitting on the porch of my Uncle's farmhouse, overlooking the horse paddocks and enjoying a cup of coffee while reading a classic novel. Part of me wishes that I could be back there with homework as my only concern, instead of hiding in the woods because some witches want to kill me and my friends.
But hey, at least I have friends now!
"Do you ever wish you'd never met us?" I suddenly asked Gwaine, the words leaving my mouth before I could think them through. "Art, Merls n' I?"
His head snapped towards me, eyes squinting.
"I mean, maybe you'd be enjoying a nice drink with a pretty lady instead of hiding in a tree because there are immortal soldiers runnin' around looking to kill ya'," I pointed out.
Gwaine chuckled and shook his head. "Meeting you and Merlin has been one of the greatest things that have happened in my life. I would not trade that for endless glasses of ale," he claimed. I smiled as a fuzzy warmth spread through my chest. "Now, Arthur… eh. He is all right."
I giggled, though I couldn't fight the need to jump to the Prince's defence, "Hey, c'mon, he's great."
"Do you ever wish you had never met them?" he turned the question around.
"Sometimes," I confessed with a shrug. "There are moments when I wish I'd stayed in America… But if I had to do everything all over again, I don't think I would change a thing."
Not much more time passed before we climbed down and returned to the cave without any further incidents.
"Merls?" I mumbled in a sleepy whisper as I watched my best friend sneak out of the cave at night.
Frowning, I carefully removed Arthur's arm from around my waist, making sure not to wake him, and I quickly put on my runners before dashing after Merlin.
"What're you doin'?" I asked when I caught up to him, grabbing his sleeve.
"Astra!" he exclaimed with a jump. I gave him an apologetic smile, but said nothing as I awaited a response. "I, uh… I used the gift that the Fisher King gave me and discovered what I need to do to beat the immortal soldiers," he quickly explained in a hushed tone.
"What's that?" I inquired, following him as he continued to power-walk away from the cave.
"Remember the sword that Uther used to beat the Black Knight?"
"Yeah, the one Kilgharrah made."
"Well, that can kill the soldiers. So I am going to get it."
"You mean we are," I corrected.
He smiled. "Yes, of course."
Merlin led me towards a clearing, where he finally stopped and said some magic words. A few minutes later, the great dragon appeared in the sky and descended onto the ground. I noticed that his skin was a bit darker than I remembered. Maybe he's been going to the beach!
"Hey, big buddy!" I greeted him, and he seemed to smile in response.
"We have to cross twenty leagues of hostile territory. I need you to take us," Merlin instructed firmly.
"I am not a horse, Merlin!" Kilgharrah protested.
"If you do not, then Morgana will have won," Merlin reminded him. "Unless that's what you want."
"My allegiance has never been with the witch," the dragon stated.
"I know," Merlin nodded. "But is it with us?"
Kilgharrah bowed his head. "Yes, young warlock. It is with you."
"Okay, cool!" I chirped and I didn't waste another second as I rushed to mount the dragon.
A huge smile formed on my face as we flew over the city of Camelot. The clear, starry sky allowed us a great view of it and I felt my heart surge with a revitalising energy. Modern cities could never compare to the wonder of it! The castle is always a marvel to behold, and the charming little townhouses, illuminated by strategically placed torches, are a peace-inducing sight. When they're not being invaded by the enemy, that is.
But even better is the sight that greeted us at the Lake of Avalon.
A thin layer of mist covered the waters, giving them a mystic look. It's surrounded by tall, abundant pine trees, which are in turn surrounded by tall peaked mountains with snowed tops. It's even more beautiful than I remembered from the time when some evil fairies tried to sacrifice Arthur! I sat in awe as I stared at the landscape, allowing myself a minute or two to take it in. No human can ever replicate the wonders of nature…
Merlin jumped off Kilgharrah and he chivalrously helped me down.
"I warned you before that, in the wrong hands, this sword can do great evil," Kilgharrah said gravely. "You must promise me, Merlin, that once its task is done, you will place it where none can wield it."
"I promise," Merlin responded.
Place it somewhere like in a stone, perhaps?
Merlin approached the lake with cautious steps and I followed closely. Mostly because I wanted some of his body warmth, seeing as the atmosphere was way colder than it'd been at the cave.
His attention darted towards something by the shore and I followed his line of sight to find something wooden that was half-covered by branches. A little row boat!
I helped him to get it out from under the bushes and we climbed inside. Merlin used magic to get it moving and a stronger chill ran through me at the feeling of the cool breeze from the water hitting my skin. But I ignored the sensation and simply gazed at the majestic scene surrounding me, enjoying the peace and quiet before the storm as I was reminded of the time when I visited Lake Louise with my uncle Gustab and my cousin Oliver.
"Shift!" I cried with a jolt when a sword suddenly emerged out of the water, held by a pale arm. "I-Is that a mermaid?!" I asked while scooting away from the thing until my back was pressed against Merlin's side and I couldn't go any further.
I watched the Discovery Channel mockumentary. I don't wanna face one of those ghastly creatures.
"No. I think it is Freya," Merlin replied in a soft voice. I turned to him in confusion and my heart twisted when I saw that his eyes were teary. "She appeared to me. When I used the Fisher King's gift," he explained quickly. I gave him a small grin and hugged him.
Merlin cautiously grabbed the weapon and the hand let it go before disappearing back underwater.
I reached towards the sword as my soul filled with wonder. It's a thing of beauty. A long silver blade with a golden plate running along the middle that has a runic inscription. I can't read it, despite all those nights I spent translating the language, but I'm sure it says something cool. The hilt is covered in a soft brown leather and secured by golden threads, giving it a powerful and elegant aura. It's fit for a great king…
"Wow," I whispered as I ran my fingers down the blade. Another chill went down my spine, but not due to the cold. Something about the sword just gives me a surge of energy that I can't explain. Probably due to the legend I associate it with.
Man, I'm so lucky to be here!
Kilgharrah took us back to the field near the cave. I was about to follow Merlin towards our hiding spot when a thought crossed my mind and I turned to the dragon once more. "Have you, by any chance, seen our horses?" I asked shyly.
"Yes. They are safe, I assure you," he responded with a dragon-y grin. "Your horse will return to you when the time is right."
I breathed out a sigh of relief. "Thanks, buddy. I'll see ya' around."