Merlin reached out with his magic to sense Morgana. He knew she was there as she wanted to kill Arthur herself. He was probably high on that list as well. He took his place next to Arthur, gripping a short sword as Arthur didn't trust him with a proper one, believing he would kill himself or one of the knights before an enemy. Because most people thought of him as just a servant, he was usually ignored, swatted away like an irritating insect. But in defense of his king, his friend, his sting could be dangerous.

He looked over at Leon. The knight was in his trained stance, prepared to strike to protect his king as he was sworn to do. He, even more so than Merlin, had seen Arthur grow from a green youth into a mature, caring man. He was never far away and it was only right that he was the one at Arthur's side at this moment.

Merlin was pulled from his musings by an almighty roar as Morgana's forces started their attack. Once all eyes were on the enemy and he knew he would be unnoticed, he "arranged" for a few accidents to befall the Saxons. His personal favorite was making some fall and then others would trip over them. It was a simple delay that didn't truly hurt anyone. Then the Saxons were upon them and Merlin was too busy using a sword to defend himself. If his opponents suddenly found their weapon too heavy or too hot, thus giving Merlin an advantage, it was all part of war, right?

He briefly looked up and couldn't see Arthur. He should have been aware of his position at all times. Merlin's eyes searched until he spotted the familiar blond head. Arthur was fighting two at the same time. That was nothing new but it was the one coming from behind that had him worried. He reached out a hand, not caring who would see, but was knocked to the ground by the fighting around him. He sat up to see the third Saxon fall, an arrow sticking from his back.

Alan lowered the longbow. Guess it's a good thing I decided I needed a weapon up here he thought to Merlin.

Thank you! I got knocked to the ground before I could do anything.

Glad to be of service. Alan ended the connection with the warlock and checked on the others. Elyan and Percival were holding their own but Gwaine and Mordred looked like they could use some help. He picked up a sword and teleported down. A few of the Saxons were surprised by his sudden appearance but not for long. After a short hesitation they charged him with swords. Alan felt invigorated. He loved hand-to-hand over something remote like magic or even as a fighter pilot. He found it more of a challenge seeing the enemy's face.

He was somewhat disappointed when the Saxons showed no finesse or art with their swordplay. It was basic thrust and hack. No need for him to use fancy moves or magic. Mordred might have employed a few "Merlin" tricks but it seemed he was holding his own with just the sword. Gwaine was in his element but then he always seemed to take great joy in a fight. It definitely was an adrenaline rush.

Once the odds had evened out and reinforcements had arrived, Alan took his leave and returned to his perch. Back from helping Mordred and Gwaine he sent Merlin. Have you seen Morgana yet?

No, it's very unlike her. Unless…

Unless?

She's after Gwen. This is a distraction.

Could she be planting some enchanted object? Aside from Gwen, there's you and Arthur on her list.

Didn't think of that.

I'll check on Gwen and Gaius and then see if I can find Morgana.

Thanks.

With a thought, Alan teleported to the infirmary.

During a brief respite, Arthur sought out Merlin. The look on his face seemed more distant than usual. He made his way over to his friend. "Alan contacted you, didn't he?"

Merlin turned to him. "Hm? Oh, yes. He just helped Gwaine and Mordred."

"Well, that's a good thing. Why do you look so puzzled?"

"He asked if I'd seen Morgana yet. I realized it was unlike her as she wants us both dead. What if this is just a distraction? She could have gotten into the castle."

"What could she do there? As you said, she wants to kill me herself."

"There is someone else she wants dead."

As Merlin looked at him, Arthur knew there was a third person his sister hated. "Gwen. Merlin, you have to go to her. I trust you with her care. Should anything happen…"

"Alan is going there now. I'll go meet him and make sure both she and Gaius are safe."

Arthur looked at Merlin's earnest face. He meant every word. Even though he hadn't said it, Arthur knew Merlin would give his life for her. He couldn't voice his gratitude, so he just nodded. Merlin hared off, dodging around the battle. He really could be nimble when it counted.

Merlin raced to the infirmary once again wishing he could teleport like Alan. He dodged a few skirmishes in the courtyard and if a few Saxons happened to slip as he ran by… Well, he did have a tendency towards clumsiness.

He reached the infirmary panting heavily. He saw Alan handing Gwen a short sword. He could already see a dagger slipped into her belt. Regular weapons weren't a very good defense against magic, but Morgana could still be wounded given the right opportunity.

"Merlin!" Gaius declared upon seeing him. "What are you doing here? Why aren't you with Arthur?"

"After Arthur's communication, he sent me here to help."

"He wanted you to protect me, didn't he?" questioned Gwen. "He knows I can defend myself."

"It's Morgana. You can't fight against her magic."

"And you can?" she countered.

Merlin shrugged and held his tongue.

"With enough of us, maybe we can distract or overpower her," commented Alan.

"But you have magic," said Gwen. "Can't you fight her?"

"Thanks for your confidence, Gwen, but I am nowhere near powerful enough to beat her. I only know a few spells anyway. But if she does concentrate on me, Merlin should be able to get you away."

"Maybe we should find an easier place to defend away from the wounded." Merlin suggested. "Gaius, will you be all right?"

"I'll be fine. Once Morgana sees Gwen isn't here, she'll move on."

"After questioning you for our location."

"If I don't know, I can't tell her. Go now. You're wasting time."

"I'll come find you when it's over."

"You had better, my boy."

The three of them hurried from the infirmary. Once they were a good distance away, they stopped to figure out where they should go without running into Morgana.

"Can't you do that thing?" Merlin asked. "You know, go into her head? Find out where she is?"

"As I said before, she would sense me right away. If we spot one of her soldiers, I might be able to go into him like when we were imprisoned."

"Then we'd better find a safe spot."

Gwen looked at the two of them and Merlin explained as they followed Alan through the corridors. They kept silent, not knowing what they might find. Merlin was impressed with how Alan navigated the halls, striding without hesitation.

The other man stopped suddenly. "This is just stupid."

"What?" asked Gwen.

Alan stood in front of them and put a hand on a shoulder each.

Merlin knew what was coming. "Do we have-" A moment of lightheadedness found him in the tower room Alan had been using. "—to?"

"Where are we?" asked Gwen. "What just happened?"

"This is where Alan positioned himself to watch over everything." He walked around the room making it look like he was inspecting when he was quietly setting wards to protect them.

"All right," stated Alan, "if Morgana can't find Gwen, what will she do instead?"

"She believes she should rule, not Arthur," said Gwen. "She'd go to the throne room. She has before."

Merlin finished his circuit. "Will you take us there the same way?"

"It would be the quickest and would bypass the soldiers that would be guarding her."

Gwen brandished her sword. "Then we had best be prepared when we arrive."

"Gwen, I know you can have me locked up or put in the pillory, but Arthur would have my head if anything happened to you." Merlin laid it on thick and played-up the puppy-dog eyes.

Gwen looked like she wanted to protest but gave in. "True." She lowered the sword. "You will just have to owe me."

"Gladly." He grinned until he felt Alan's hand on his shoulder. Not again.