After riding none stop for hours, Merlin dismounted from the horse and tied the reins to a tree branch. Sitting down with his back against a tree as he rubbed his arms to warm himself up. He debated on eating some of the bread that Guise had packed for him, but he retrained himself knowing that he may have to evacuate his current location of Camelot knights or bandits were to discover his location.
Merlin gazed up at the sky, watching the clear night sky as he tried to figure out the time. By the positioning of the moon and the colour of the sky he concluded that it must have just passed midnight. A very risky time to be wandering around a forest.
The sound of a thing snapping caused his attention to move to focus on the area that surrounded him. His eyes turning gold as he used magic to pull a stolen oak branch towards him, preparing to use it a weapon if the situation were to require it. The crisp sound of leaves being stepped on alerted Merlin to the person who was stood behind the tree behind him. Moving to stand with his back to the tree, Merlin prepared himself with his weapon of circumstance in hand.
With a cry to scare away any enemies, Merlin spun around whilst swinging the tree branch. His eyes widening when he saw the sword that he had polished thousands of times and the distinctive golden blond hair of Arthur.
"Remind me to get you a sword" Arthur stated as he lowered his swords, placing it in the sheath. Pulling Merlin into a hug "Are you alright?"
"No" Merlin shook his head, holding onto Arthur as the prince embraced him.
Arthur pulled back from the hug but in the light of his torch, he noticed that there was blood on Merlin's shirt "You're hurt?"
Merlin followed Arthur's gaze and pulled his shirt up check his stomach "Some of the guards wanted to take justice into their own hands" he stated as he examined the gash on his abdomen, sitting down to get a better look.
"Let me help you" Arthur insisted, kneeling in front of Merlin.
"No need" Merlin said before his eyes flashed gold "purhhaele dolgbenn."
Arthur watched in amazement as the wound m healed right before his eyes "Did you ever use magic to heal my wounds?"
Merlin rolled his skirt back down and nodded "All of the time, you just didn't notice because I did it before you noticed you were injured" he answered as he pulled his cloak around his arms to keep warm "I used magic to send an orb to guide you when I was poisoned".
Arthur sighed, stroking back Merlin's hair "Stay here, i will go and get some wood for the fire". He pulled a dagger out from his belt and handed it to Merlin."I know that you probably don't need it, but just hold onto it for my sake. Please?"
Merlin took the dagger and sighed "Be careful".
"You too" Arthur stated, kissing Merlin before jogging into the trees.
As Merlin waited for Arthur to return, his mind wandered to the pressing matter of Morgana. He thought of countless ways to defeat her, but every idea seemed to lead to more problems. If he used powerful magic, it could corrupt him or draw unwanted attention from other enemies. If he tried to outwit her, she might anticipate his moves and retaliate even more fiercely. The weight of these thoughts pressed heavily on him, and he felt as though his head was going to combust.
Just as the cold began to seep through his cloak, Merlin heard the crunch of leaves and looked up to see Arthur emerging from the trees, carrying a bundle of sticks. Merlin jumped when he felt another cloak being wrapped around his body, smiling when he saw that Arthur had returned and offered his cloak to keep Merlin warm.
"Can you light the fire?" Arthur asked, placing the wood in a small pile.
Merlin's eyes flashed gold before the flame ignited and Arthur smiled gently "We can't keep the fire going all night. It could lead bandits or knights straight to us."
"I know but you need to warm up, so we'll have to make do for a few minutes" Arthur stated, sitting next to Merlin.
The warlock moved his arm, wrapping the cloak around Arthur's shoulders before resting his head against Arthur's shoulder.
Arthur sighed, wrapping his arm around Merlin's waist and pulling him close "I'm sorry that all of this has happened to you. I'm sorry that I didn't prevent this from happening - ".
"Do not apologise for other people's actions" Merlin interrupted the prince "You are not at fault for any of what has happened. Do not take on the guilty of other people".
Arthur smiled slightly "When did you become so wise?"
Merlin chuckled "I have always been wise, you just never listened".
Arthur laughed before pressing a kiss to Merlin's head. His gaze turning to the fire as he watched the flames dance in the night, "Can you show me some magic?"
Merlin's eyes flashed gold, small golden dragons and butterflies began to fly around them; their wings sparkling as the graced the night in a wonderful display.
"You are incredible" Arthur complimented, rubbing Merlin's arm.
Merlin smiled softly at Arthur's compliment; his heart warmed by the prince's genuine admiration. The golden creatures continued their dance around them, casting a gentle glow that illuminated the night.
As the magical display began to fade, Merlin leaned more heavily against Arthur, feeling the warmth and safety in his embrace. Arthur tightened his hold around Merlin, his own eyes growing heavy with the fatigue of the day's events.
"Rest now, Merlin," Arthur murmured, his voice gentle and soothing "We'll need our strength for the morning."
Merlin nodded, his eyelids already drooping "Goodnight, Arthur."
"Goodnight, Merlin," Arthur whispered back, pressing another kiss to the top of Merlin's head.
Together, they drifted off to sleep, their breaths falling into a synchronised rhythm. The fire burned low, its embers glowing softly as the night wore on. The forest around them was quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves and distant hoot of an owl.
In the early hours of dawn, the first light of sunrise began to filter through the trees, casting a golden hue over the two figures huddled together. Arthur and Merlin slept peacefully, holding each other close, finding solace in each other's presence. The world around them continued to turn, but for those few serene hours, all was well.
That was until Merlin's mind began to wonder.
All the warlock could think of is how his absence had left Camelot practically defenceless. Yes the freedom he had was exhilarating, and having Arthur with him was a dream come true, but he knew that his dreams would have to wait as the matter at hand was dire. He needed to come up with a plan, and fast.
"You look like the weight of the world is on your shoulders" a gentle voice stated.
Merlin looked to his side and smiled briefly when he saw that Arthur was awake "You could say that".
Arthur sighed as he sat up, leaning his back against the tree that they had slept behind "We don't have to go back".
"You and I both know that we don't have a choice. I don't have a choice" Merlin stated, looking up at Arthur "We might need to break out of prison again" he joked.
Arthur chuckled "I don't think that I could pull that off again. I nearly didn't get you out of the kingdom".
Merlin chuckled as he sat up, stretching his arms and legs "You can do anything that you want with your life. Don't let anyone or anything hold you back from being the person you want to be".
"It's because of you that I'm the man I am" Arthur stated.
Merlin shook his head "No,I just kept you long enough to stop acting like a prat".
Arthur laughed, nudging Merlin with his elbow.
"Come on, let's get moving," Merlin said, standing up and dusting off his clothes. "Camelot won't save itself."
Arthur nodded, gathering his belongings and extinguishing the small fire they had used the night before. The morning air was crisp, and the forest was just beginning to wake up around them as they quickly packed up their camp, knowing that time was of the essence. The time soon came for them to begrudgingly journey back to Camelot, the mood growing more serious with each step. Thoughts of what awaited them filled their minds, but neither of them voiced these concerns.
The day was bright as they ventured through the forest, birds tweeting and deer grazing as the forest remained tranquil. Arthur could not help but let his mind wander to a dream he had often entertained: running away from Camelot and building a life with Merlin. He imagined them owning a small farm, tending to the land, and living free from the restraints of being a prince. It was a dream where they could simply be themselves, where titles and responsibilities held no sway over their lives.
Arthur smiled wistfully at the thought, but the weight of their current mission quickly pulled him back to reality. 'We need to stay focused,' he reminded himself, though the idea of a simpler life with Merlin lingered in his mind, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the uncertainty.
As they journeyed back to Camelot, the mood grew more serious with each step. Thoughts of what awaited them filled their minds, but neither of them voiced these concerns.
After hours of travel, they reached the outskirts of Camelot. The sight of the castle in the distance sent a rush of determination through them both. Arthur stopped and turned to Merlin.
"This is where we part ways. If I come with you, I'll be arrested on sight. All the attention will be on you, and that's our best chance." Merlin stated
Arthur clenched his jaw but knew Merlin was right. "I'll find another way in and meet you at the usual spot," he said, trying to sound more confident than he felt.
Merlin placed a firm hand on Arthur's shoulder. "Be careful."
Arthur nodded, giving Merlin a reassuring smile. "You too. Don't get yourself killed."
With a determined nod, Merlin turned and made his way towards the hidden passages, while Arthur rode towards the kingdom gates. The prince was confident that Merlin would easily blend into the shadows as he navigated through the familiar terrain. The fate of Camelot depended on the success of their separate missions, and both knew failure was not an option.
The atmosphere seemed to shift as Arthur approached the large iron gates, particularly unsure of his decision whilst also being determined to clear Merlin's name. His heart was heavy with apprehension, yet his resolve was unyielding. He knew that the path he had chosen was fraught with danger, but he also understood that it was the only way to ensure justice and protect the ones he loved. The closer he got to the gates, the more his mind raced with thoughts of what lay ahead.
"It's the prince!" A knight yelled before the large gates slowly began to open, allowing Arthur to enter the kingdom.
Arthur ensured that he kept a straight face as he rode through the kingdom, ignoring the stares and whispers of the civilians and knights. However, his gaze soon met that of Morgana as she watched from her balcony. A furious look on her face before she disappeared into the safety of her chambers 'Enjoy freedom whilst it lasts, Morgana. I'm going to clear Merlin's name, even if it kills me' he thought to himself, determined to protect the man he loved, regardless of the consequences. His thoughts soon turned to the group of his fathers knights as they ambushed him, surrounding him and his horse as they prepared for him to put up a fight. A part of Arthur's ego assured him that if a fight were to happen, he could easily take the group of knights. However, a thought soon crossed his mind which caused a streak of worry to shoot through him. Where were his knights?
Arthur was swiftly dismounted and escorted by the knights through the winding corridors of the castle, his heart pounding fiercely in his chest. The gravity of the situation settled heavily upon him, knowing that any misstep could lead to dire consequences.
Upon reaching the grand doors of the throne room, they were flung open, revealing Uther sitting on his throne, his expression a mask of stern authority. At his side stood Leon and Lancelot, both looking grave but resolute. Arthur's eyes quickly scanned the room, noting the absence of Elyan, Gwaine, and Percival. A sinking feeling in his stomach confirmed his worst fears.
Uther's voice boomed through the hall, commanding Arthur's attention. "Arthur, do you know why you have been brought here?"
Arthur straightened his posture, his voice unwavering "I can only assume it has something to do with Merlin."
"Indeed. Elyan, Gwaine, and Percival have been arrested on suspicion of aiding Merlin in his escape." Uther declared, his eyes boring into Arthur's.
Arthur's heart clenched at the news, but he maintained his composure. "And what of Leon and Lancelot?" he dared to ask, his gaze flickering to the two knights standing guard.
"Leon and Lancelot are here under my command," Uther responded tersely. "They had no part in this treachery, it seems."
A wave of relief washed over Arthur, thankful that Lancelot had not been implicated as well. He knew their situation was precarious, but having Lancelot and Leon on his side gave him a glimmer of hope. Arthur took a deep breath, steeling himself for the challenge ahead.
Uther's eyes narrowed, scrutinising his son. "I hope for your sake, Arthur, that you speak the truth. Your loyalty to Camelot will be tested in the days to come."
Arthur nodded, his resolve unwavering. The stakes had never been higher, but he was determined to see this through, for Merlin, for his friends, and for the future of Camelot.
"What on gods earth were you thinking, Arthur?" Uther asked, his voice exasperated as he paced the grand hall. "Why would you forsake everything I have worked for? Do you have any idea what I have done to protect this kingdom and you for evil forces?"
Arthur held his head up in a defiant posture, not taking his eyes off Uther "My reasons are my own. You are wrong about the world. Not all magic is evil, and I was too blind to see that what you had done had devastated this kingdom and the surrounding lands".
"You do not understand the monstrous events that have been deliberately caused by magic! Even you were easily enchanted with a love spell!" Uther raised his voice.
"Merlin did not enchant me! We fell in love!" Arthur began to shout, frustration and anger clear in his voice "Merlin would never harm me, he has protected me a countless number of times! If you knew about half of what he has gone through just to protect me, then maybe you might show him a little bit of gratitude!"
"Gratitude!" Uther shouted as he marched towards Arthur.
"Merlin has been to hell and back just to keep me and Camelot safe. It is because of him that I was not poisoned, he saved us from the unicorn keeper, he protected us from traitors and invaders, he saved everyone's lives, and he saved you from marrying a troll!"
"I could have your tongue for that!" Uther snarled, embarrassed by the troll comment.
Suddenly the large wooden doors were thrown open by a large gust of wind, everyone turned around only to watch as Merlin strode into the room. Eyes gold as his cloak flowed behind him. "Do not threaten him again" Merlin warned, coming to stand ten feet away from Uther, ready to defend Arthur with any means necessary.
Arthur hurried over to stand beside Merlin "You were meant to wait."
"I am not just going to stand by as someone threatens you." Merin stated, eyes still beaming gold as he kept his guard up.
Arthur could not help but briefly smile as he placed a hand on Merlin's hip, pulling him closer in his own way of protecting Merlin.
"This is sinful!" Uther shouted as he drew his sword. Soon followed by his knights who began to run towards Merlin.
Merlin reacted quickly and held his hands up, using magic to throw the knights back.
Uther stared at Merlin, a look of fear and anger in his eyes as he raised his sword "How dare you attack the royal family of Camelot!" He shouted before he charged at Merlin.
Arthur was quick to put himself in front of Merlin, drawing his own sword and using it to block Uther's weapon "Father, please!" He pleaded before he pushed the king back "Merlin is not the villain here!"
"All magic is evil!" Uther shouted.
Merlin's eyes flashed gold and a cloud of smoke appeared in the centre of the room. He kept his eyes on Uther as the smoke cleared, revealing Morgana as she glanced around in a panic. His eyes flashed gold seconds before Morgana's eyes turned gold, revealing her true form for everyone to see "I don't need to make a poultice for my magic, but sorceress's usually prefer it, as it is discreet method."
Uther stared at Morgana with a look of horror as she glared at Merlin, her irises still golden as he held power over her "Morgana?"
Morgana's face twisted in fury as she let out a piercing scream. "You will pay for this, Merlin!" she shouted, her voice echoing through the chamber. With a swift motion, she conjured a blazing fireball in her hand and hurled it towards the warlock.
Merlin's eyes flashed gold once more as he effortlessly raised his hand, creating a shimmering barrier that absorbed the fireball's impact. The flames dissipated harmlessly, leaving Merlin unscathed and resolute.
"Morgana framed Merlin in order to gain power over the kingdom. She knew that without Merlin here, Camelot and the throne would be at risk" Arthur stated, hoping that Uther would listen to reason.
Morgana's fury reached new heights as she chanted an incantation, summoning dark knights from the shadows. These spectral warriors, clad in black armour, emerged from the ground with an aura of malevolence and invulnerability. The dark knights advanced, their eyes glowing with an eerie light, and clashed with the forces of Camelot.
Arthur, Uther, the knights, along with Leon and Lancelot engaged in a desperate battle against the formidable opponents. The dark knights proved to be nearly indestructible, shrugging off every blow and countering with devastating force. Merlin's eyes flashed gold, casting a forcefield over Arthur and their friends, before turning his attention back to Morgana as she began to throw a series of fire and glass at him. The warlock effortless deflected each attack as he concentrated on protecting Arthur, however, the amount of power he was using was causing him to grow weary.
"Don't go up against me, Morgana" Merlin warned as a orb of lightening grew in his hands.
"Hah, like a pathetic excuse of a servant like you stands a chance against me!" Morgana laughed.
Merlin's eyes flashed gold as iron chains clasped around Morgana's ankles, preventing her from escaping as Merlin prepared to throw the lightening at her".
Amidst the chaos, Uther's gaze locked onto Merlin with a burning hatred. Seizing the moment, he broke away from the fight and charged towards the warlock, dagger in hand. With a fierce tackle, Uther pinned Merlin to the ground and held his dagger up.
Merlin's concentration broke, as he was forced to use all of his physical strength to try and push Uther's arm back. Freeing Morgana from her magical restraints and allowing her to plan her next move. Gritting his teeth as he desperately tried to defend himself from the king, Merlin's eyes glancing towards Morgana as the sorceress closed in on them.
Uther let out a roar of anger as slowly pushed the dagger into Merlin's shoulder, pride filling him at the sound of Merlin's agonising scream echoed through the grand hall. Utter felt a cold sense of achievement, hungry for blood and revenge on Merlin for turning Arthur away from the ideologies that Uther had ingrained into his brain. He was intent on causing damage, no longer caring for the carnage that was surrounding him. All he wanted was to punish Merlin.
"Argh!" Merlin cried out in pain as Uther twisted the dagger, alerting Arthur to the situation.
"Merlin!" Arthur yelled, seeing his father's assault on Merlin, he sprang into action. Sprinting away from the dark knights as he rushed to Merlin's aid, ignoring how the Morgana's knight were advancing towards him, and with a powerful lunge, he pulled Uther off of Merlin, trying to wrench the dagger from his father's grasp "Father, leave him alone! Listen to me!" He yelled as he pulled Uther off of Merlin, allowing the warlock to scramble to his feet as he gasped in pain. Arthur's mind was racing as he held the king away from Merlin, whilst also continuing to fight with Morgana's summoned army. His concern for Merlin growing as the warlock stumbled, blood pooling on his shirt as he tried to use magic to help Leon, who was surrounded by Morgana's army.
But Morgana, sensing her opportunity, moved with lethal grace. She approached Uther from behind, her own dagger gleaming ominously. Without hesitation, she plunged the blade into Uther's back. Uther gasped in shock, his eyes widening as he realised the betrayal. Morgana's face twisted into a cruel smile as she whispered, "Your reign ends here, Uther."
Arthur's eyes widened as his father collapsed into his side, time seemed to slow down as the king fell to the floor, gasping in pain as a pool of blood began to grow under him "Father!"
Merlin's attention snapped towards the direction of Arthur cries and his eyes widened when he saw that Morgana was looming over the prince and the king. Dagger growing into a sword before she brought it down towards Arthur "NO!" He shouted as his eyes flashed gold and Morgana was thrown back, her sword clattering against the floor as her army disappeared into a cloud of smoke.
Morgana growled in pain as she pushed herself up into a sitting position, glaring at Merlin as he used magic, the sudden sensation of her neck restricting as he walked towards her "I- w-i-ll… be back… for you!" She gasped for air before her eyes flashed gold and she disappeared into a cloud of smoke.
Merlin's eyes returned to their normal colour once Morgana had vanished, his attention quickly shifting back to Arthur as he rushed over to kneel beside the prince as Arthur tried to aid Uther "Hold him still!" He instructed as his eyes flashed gold "Þurhhæle dolgbenn".
Arthur glanced towards Merlin, a desperation in his eyes before he looked back at his father "Hold on, father. Merlin will help you!"
Merlin continued to utter more healing spells, his vision becoming blurry as his own wound stung him. His clothes were now soaked with blood but he pushed his own pain aside, determined to save Uther. He moved to lean over the king as he placed a hand on his forehead for the spell, but he was caught off guard as a dagger was plunged into his stomach "Ugh!" He gasped in pain as Uther twisted the blade.
"Nnnooo!" Arthur yelled, his heart dropping into his gut when he saw what Uther had done.
"Mark my.. words…" Uther gasped in pain continuing to glare at Merlin "I will- have – my – re-revenge…" he rasped before his eyes finally went dull, his arm falling to his side. The dagger being wretched from Merlin's stomach as Uther's arm fell limp, still clutching the bloody weapon.
"Merlin!" Arthur yelled as Merlin fell to the ground, landing on his side as he gasped in pain "No no no, Merlin!" He frantically placed a hand on Merlin's wound, applying pressure to it "Heal yourself. Come on, Merlin!"
Merlin gasped in pain, wincing before his eyes flashed gold. His heart sinking when he realised that Uther had died, before the healing spells had intervened. The guilt that the warlock felt overpowered the pain, he felt as though he had let Arthur, Gaius and everyone else in Camelot down. It felt as though he had failed to fulfil his destiny.
However, Merlin was pulled out of his thoughts as he coughed and hissed in pain. His wounds were soon the only thing that he could think about. Well almost.
Merlin found himself gazing up at Arthur, whilst the prince was pleading for someone to help Merlin. The prince's eyes were frantic and terrified of the situation that lay before him, his voice full of desperation as he continued to talk to Merlin. Time seemed to slow down for Merlin, every sound around him blurring together as he stared up at the prince. A strange feeling of comfort warming his chest, as Arthur talked to him and held him in his arms.
"I'm going to get Gaius!" Lancelot stated as he hurried out of the grand hall.
Arthur's eyes filled with tears as he held Merlin in his arms "Please, Merlin. Please don't leave me!" He pleaded, his heart breaking at the loss of his father and the critical condition that Merlin was now in "Please, Merlin. Please hold on".
…