A/N:
Hello! A little late but still here and even with more Mel and Art adorableness.
Enjoy!
Ilandrae
Disclaimer: Surprise, surprise… still don't own Merlin.
CHAPTER 32 – WRONG PLACE, WRONG TIME
Camelot Arena – Merlin
Silence had found its way into the Camelot arena. Silence as the fighting paused. Silence as everyone stood and stared in wonder. Stared at their prince beaming at them atop the stage from where he'd just used his magic to save them.
From his spot on the arena floor Merlin looked up at his apprentice with pride. The magic had been beautifully executed, each magically waylaid bolt finding its mark. Art's eyes sought his and Merlin returned the prince's smile with an equally wide one of his own giving him a nod of approval. He dared anyone to question Art's magic now. Dared anyone to question magic's place in this new forming Camelot.
A movement next to him drew his attention and he turned to narrowly avoid being bowled over by a fleeing enemy soldier. Apparently the few that remain had come to the correct conclusion that they'd have better luck elsewhere. As more and more Dieran soldiers attempted to flee, Merlin remembered the last time he'd let enemies escape. And Ameldry had paid the price.
"Marcus," he ordered softly to the young sorcerer whose head whipped around instantly. "Stop them."
The teen smiled wickedly. "Of course, Emrys." He whispered a few short sentences under his breath, his eyes flaring at the end.
Merlin didn't know what illusions the soldiers saw as they tried to flee the arena. But when the stories of this day were told for years to come, it was said their screams were heard for miles. Within moments every single one was sprinting back inside to throw down their weapons and kneel at the foot of the stage.
Art looked at them in shock and Marcus strode up to bow extravagantly. "A gift my Prince," he lifted his head to grin at Art, "at the order of your Master. Excellent use of magic by the way. Just what we'd expect from the apprentice of the Great Emrys."
Art ducked his head to look at the ground, all confidence from moments before gone.
Luckily the Queen stepped up for her son. "Thank you, defenders of Camelot. These invaders have tried-"
But Merlin's attention was on Art as he slipped out the back of the stage and out of sight.
Quietly ordering Marcus and Lancelot to handle the situation he hurried around through the tunnels in the arena to behind the stage and found Art staring at Mel with wide eyes while she danced around him shouting, "We did it! We showed them! No one dies but those that threaten us! Yes!"
Merlin couldn't help but smile as the girl stopped her prancing to turn and grab Art's hands. "You were amazing Art!"
Art stared at their joined hands blankly. "I just did magic in front of all of Camelot." But then he beamed. "It was amazing!"
"Indeed, it was my apprentice," Merlin said.
"Merlin!"
"Emrys!"
The two children started talking over the top of each other both trying to tell Merlin everything that happened. After eventually figuring out most of the story and hearing where the rest of the knights and soldiers were, he mentally dispatched Marcus to go and check them. This whole event was not going to help Leon's wounded pride but looking at Mel and Art as they shouted over each other he couldn't have been prouder.
He couldn't stop seeing it. Mel deflecting that fireball before handing the prince's their defeat. And Art, no hesitation as he cast that spell, tall and proud in front of his people. Finally standing before them as his true self.
He'd just managed to calm the two of them down when Gwen approached, finished with whatever she was saying to the crowd, approached them.
"That was much more eventful than I was hoping for this year."
"Mother!" Art said. "Did you see me! I did it! I protected them!"
Gwen smiled. "No Art, you didn't just protect them. You saved them. Each and every one of those people. You saved them with your magic, and you'll never have to hide it from them again."
Art's eyes went wide, and he stared at his mother in disbelief. "But the council?"
"Toss the council!" Gwen waved her hand. "They can't exactly argue after what you just showed to everyone."
"Indeed," Merlin agreed. "Just let them try and argue that Camelot's beloved crown prince's magic is evil after saving two dozen citizen's from death. What did you tell everyone there anyway?" he asked Gwen.
Gwen shrugged. "The truth."
The Queen had told them that Art had been born with magic and had been studying with Merlin since his return. And that any further information would have to wait until they'd dealt with the current threat. Or more accurately the former threat that was the two foreign Princes that had severely underestimated Camelot's own. Then the queen turned to Mel who had once again glued herself to Merlin's side.
"Melisandrae come here."
Mel hesitated until Merlin gave her a gentle shove forward. He grinned as she scowled back at him before walking up to the Queen slowly, hands fiddling with the sides of her skirt. Gwen smiled at her nervousness before kneeling down.
"Your magest-" Mel objected.
But Gwen stopped her. "Mel. This is the least I can do. Don't think that I will ever forget that you saved my son's life. So, thank you."
"Mother..." Art protested.
"Let me thank your friend Art. Besides, I wasn't the only one that saw. I think your dreams may have come a step closer Little Griff."
Mel looked a little awestruck at the praise and she stood frozen for a moment. Seeming to remember she was talking to a Queen she stumbled into an awkward curtsy that Merlin had to hold back his laughter at. He didn't think he'd seen her curtsy for anyone before. She was more likely to punch people. It just went to show how much she respected the Queen of Camelot.
Gwen stood. "I'll speak to Leon. And I expect to see both you and Art on time for your morning training with the knights."
Mel couldn't hold back her scream.
The Dark Tower – Elyon
It was dark. And cold.
Just like when he'd died.
An evil seemed to hang heavy in the room. He was scared.
Just like when he'd died.
But his sister was safe.
Gwen was safe.
She was waiting for him.
They all were.
And he was alive.
Elyon peeled his eyes open, pushing himself of the ancient wooden floor. He looked around.
The Dark Tower.
After ten years the darkness had not faded from its walls. He had to get out. Before it trapped him there.
Forcing his newly revived body to its feet he staggered from the room, nearly falling down the stairs as he rushed down. And down. And down. Down the tower, breath ragged and limbs already sore.
But he reached the door. Flung it open and collapsed on the ground outside.
"I see we were just in time," a young, lilting voice said. "If you were any slower Ceador, we would've missed him."
Elyon's stomach dropped as he looked into the eyes of the child that stood before him. Dark hair, petite, a smattering of freckles across her nose and a dark burning anger in her eyes.
Time to sleep Knight the voice echoed in his mind I'll put my questions to you soon enough. And you'll tell me why you've been revived.
A/N:
Gosh I love them. Heads up next fortnight's chapter might be delayed a week because of life.
Thanks
I ;)