A/N: Sorry for the wait but here's the chapter! 🎉
Thank you to everyone who has followed, favourited and commented on this story.
—
Amelia's POV
Within the Fortress, Morgana and Amelia sit upon their thrones with Mordred standing beside them. Amelia is still feeling tense around her sister since Mordred's reveal when it comes to Merlin and Anne as there is still some disbelief on Morgana's part that Amelia did not know about it. Other than that, Amelia's sister has been in quite a good mood ever since she found out Merlin and Anne's long-guarded secrets. Amelia can see a new confidence in her sister than she has before but there's still tension in her shoulders; the threat is not gone yet. The thought causes Amelia to grip the arms of her chair as she thinks of her vision of Merlin killing her sister.
But now is not the time for that as now they have a war to win. Morgana has a plan so that they can do just that. It is quite the devilish plan for Merlin and Anne, one she is completely sure cannot fail. But like many good plans, they need someone to test it on, so they summoned forth a guinea pig.
Amelia watches as said guinea pig walks towards wearing a hooded cloak enters and stands before them.
"What a pleasure it is to see you again, Ari." Morgana greets pleasantly.
Ari pushes his hood back, his Druid symbol clear on his neck. "The honour is all mine, My Ladies."
Amelia clears her throat, sending him a small smile; she hates this, knowing what's to come but knows it's necessary. "Your arrival has been keenly anticipated, I can assure you." She glances at Mordred. Ari bows his head, accepting the compliment. "We have boasted of your powers though not all believe."
Ari is unfazed. "People may believe as they wish."
"Then you wouldn't mind displaying some proof of your talents. After all, seeing is believing. Is it not?"
"I'm not an entertainer, My Lady," Ari argues.
"Of course not." Morgana lets out a small huff of laughter before turning serious. "Think of it more as a demonstration. Extinguish those flames."
"My Ladies, I must protest."
"Indulge us."
Ari sighs, giving in. "Forp fleoge!" The fires in the braziers lining the room go out leaving them all being lit by the moon only.
"Impressive, indeed. Who here now could deny your powers." Amelia compliments.
A Guard brings out a wooden box and places it in front of the Dias that Amelia and Morgana sit upon. Ari recognises the symbol on it and steps backwards into the Guard's arms, who hold him fast, forcing him to still.
Morgana smiles gleefully. "Sister?"
Amelia blinks in surprise before quickly standing, wanting to please her sister, kneeling before the box. "Aweax thu metethearfenda! Thicge thu thone drycraeft the thinan deorcan mode gefylth."
As she chants, she can hear Ari continue to beg and struggle but the Guards force him down to the ground. Amelia stops chanting and a slug-like creature slithers its way up the box. It leaps at Ari and attaches itself to his face, completely smothering him. Ari falls backwards to the floor and writhes around, unable to remove it. Amelia stands and goes back to her seat. The creature then slithers away leaving Ari lying on the ground.
"Well done, sister." Morgana compliments. Amelia perks up, pleased.
"Is he dead?" Mordred questions softly. Amelia's heart warms at his misplaced kindness.
"If I had wanted him dead, I would have put a sword in his gut." Morgana retorts harshly. At that moment, Ari lets out a deep breath before the Guards drag him back onto his feat. "Don't despair, Ari, we're nearly done. If you'd do me the favour of relighting those fires."
"You know… I cannot." Ari replies desperately.
"For the benefit of my friends." Morgana retorts.
Ari jerks his arms free from the iron grasp of their Guards. "I will not humiliate myself before you."
Amelia straightens her back, and tenses in anticipation. "You will if you want to see your family alive." She speaks.
On hearing this, Ari's face crumples. He looks down at the braziers on either side of him. "Bael onbryne!"
Nothing.
"Again!" Amelia flinches at her sister's harsh screech. Tears prickling in her eyes as Morgana calms. "If you please."
Ari's betrayed and devastated. His voice is choked up as he chants, "Bael onbryne!"
When nothing happens again, Ari begins to cry. Morgana motions for the Guards to take him away dismissively.
"He was a loyal Soldier, and robbing him of his magic you've lost yourself a powerful ally." Mordred warns.
Morgana shrugs. "Perhaps. But now we know the war can be won. For Arthur is nothing without Emrys and Emrys is nothing without magic." She smirks darkly. "Which means Tarian is done for."
Amelia swallows tightly at her words, annoyed and embarrassed at the wave of worry she still feels at the mention of the two traitors. You would think she'd be stronger now.
—
Anne's POV
The atmosphere of the night had been a good one to start, the children had gone to bed early, which left Gwen and Anne time to bond and talk in the Queen's chambers, while Merlin and Arthur went to the tavern with the Knights. At first, Merlin had acted as if he didn't want to go, but Anne knew better. A night out with Arthur and the others wouldn't hurt him and she knew how much he would enjoy some time off. That meant that Anne was alone with her children the entire evening and she was perfectly alright with that. She had bathed and fed Euwen and Faye herself and had later put them to bed. However, one of the maids, Jean, who'd been watching over the children came running in, alerting Anne that Faye had had a nightmare.
Anne hurries to the Nursery and finds Faye sitting upright in her bed. At the sight of her mother, she breaks down in more tears. Anne immediately lifts the girl in her arms and Faye eagerly returns the warm embrace. She buries her head in Anne's shoulder and continues to sob while Anne gently and comfortingly strokes her back in a way to soothe her. She softly shushes her daughter as they pass through the room, hoping that Euwen won't wake as well, but the boy remains quiet.
Anne sits down on a chair near the window. "What happened, darling?" She asks softly. "Did you have a bad dream?"
Faye's sobs only grow louder. "Uncle Arthur died."
That answer surprises Anne a little, but she doesn't show it. She wraps her arms tighter around Faye. "There's nothing to worry about, sweetheart. It was only a bad dream. Arthur is very much alive and no harm will come to him." She reassures her.
Faye is still shaking. "Really?" She asks, unsure. "But I saw Mordred kill him."
That makes Anne's blood run cold. She breathes deeply so as to not frighten her daughter. "Really, sweetheart." She confirms.
Anne continues to sit there with her daughter, her tiny arms wrapped around her mother. It doesn't take long until Faye has a change in her breathing and falls asleep. Anne simply smiles at that while she watches them in the dark room.
She frowns then as she gazes upon her daughter. Anne can't help but think that it's a coincidence that Faye has had that dream now that the prophecy about Arthur is coming true. Could her daughter be a seer? She's still so young. Anne then recalls that Amelia hadn't started having her dreams until she was ten but then again, Amelia's mother was never Emrys and her father, Odin (Anne was shocked to hear this), has no magic at all as far as they are aware. Her heart clenches at the thought of her friend. If her daughter's powers are really developing that way then Amelia is one of the few people who would understand and know what to do.
As Anne sits there by herself, she feels her eyelids becoming heavy. As more time dreads on, Anne can't longer fight it and drifts asleep.
—
Anne wakes up again when someone nudges her arm. She looks to see that it's Jean who tells her Merlin has returned to their Chambers with an amused smile on her face. Anne doesn't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing. She leaves her children in the maid's care and returns to her and Merlin's Chambers. Just outside she hears the sound of something crashing in the room. Oh dear.
Anne walks in to find Merlin lying in the centre of their room. He had tripped over a chair. Anne approaches him and Merlin only grins sheepishly as she kneels before him.
"Hi, beautiful." He says, his words are almost a slur. It is obvious to her that he is intoxicated. Merlin somehow leans over and manages to kiss her, but it is messy and sloppy. Anne can taste the mead on his lips, which isn't a taste that she prefers.
She pulls back her head and stares down at him. "Hi, darling. How much did you drink?" She asks him instead.
He laughs softly. "Enough. I won from Arthur during another game." He answers.
Anne smiles at that. "You mean that you used your magic to win?" She guesses.
"I did." Merlin chuckles. He is clutching onto her dress. "Why weren't you in bed?"
"Come on. Let's get you to bed." Anne doesn't want to tell him what Faye had dreamed about until he's sobered up. She will talk to him about this in the morning.
Merlin doesn't argue with her as Anne lifts him onto his feet. He is pretty much draped all over her while she leads him towards their bed. As she gets him undressed, she notices her husband smirking at her and looking at her with dark eyes but she ignores it and carries on with her task. Her hands are fumbling with the waistband of his breeches when Merlin's lips are on her again. Clearly, he has misinterpreted this situation entirely…
"Merlin." Anne pretty much gasps as he kisses her neck. "We can't do this now. We have to stop."
Slowly, he pulls back his head and stares down at her. He is looking a bit hurt.
"It's not that I don't want you, but you're not yourself right now. We'll continue this another time when you're not drunk." Anne carefully explains. He remains silent while she picks up his nightshirt and pulls it over his head. "We're just going to try and get some sleep now. It's late and we have another busy day tomorrow. Is that alright with you?"
He pauses, licking his lips then he nods. "Yes." He still doesn't look too pleased with her actions.
Anne helps him in the bed and joins him as he whines about a headache. Anne chuckles at him. She leans forwards to bring their mouths together for a brief moment. They break apart in shock when they hear a hissing noise. They sit up and look around the room to see where it is coming from. It is then that a long, slimy creature pounces at Merlin and knocks him down onto the bed. Anne cries out in shock as Merlin grabs at it as he falls to the floor. Somehow he manages to pull it off his face and throws it against the wall, struggling to breathe. The creature starts to move towards him again. As it is about to leap, Anne steps forward and stabs it with a dagger that she had picked up from the nightstand. The creature shudders and dies easily.
Anne then goes to Merlin, to check up on him. "Merlin. Please, Merlin." She pleads desperately.
Merlin is still struggling with his breathing. His blue eyes slowly look up at her. His hand goes to her face and gently touches her cheekbone. "Thank you." He says with a weak voice before he falls unconscious.
Anne hurriedly opens the door and rushes out in search of someone. She then finds a nearby Guard. "Get Gaius! Now!" She orders him. The Guard immediately hurries away.
—
It takes about ten minutes until Gaius arrives. Together they lift Merlin into the bed and make him comfortable. Anne tells him what had happened while they examine the strange creature in the corner of the room before she moves to sit next to her husband, wiping his forehead with a cloth, praying he'll come round soon. Thankfully, she doesn't have to wait long for Merlin to open his eyes.
"Merlin." Anne gasps in relief. Gaius hurries over to them, smiling in relief.
"What happened?" Merlin asks. "What was that thing?"
"Morgana and Amelia's work, that's for sure." Gaius declares. "Mordred would of told Morgana of your powers by now, Merlin. It was only a matter of time before they struck out. We can only be grateful that they failed."
Gaius moves away. Merlin slumps on the bed, he turns and looks at the cup that Anne had placed on the bedside table earlier. He reaches his arm out but it's just out of reach. Anne rises to grab it for him but then Merlin chants, "Strangath." But nothing happens. Anne frowns. He lifts his head up and tries again. "Strangath." Again nothing happens. Merlin stares at the cup, he looks scared. He tries again. "Strangath."
Anne sits down again and grabs Merlin's hands when she realises what this means. "Gaius!" She calls the Physician over. "I don't think they failed."
Gaius is confused. "Whatever do you mean?"
"I've lost my magic," Merlin says, his voice breaking. Gaius recoils, disturbed by this news. Anne has tears in her eyes as she looks at Merlin, knowing he's lost a part of himself.
—
The three of them have made it to the Physician Chambers. The box that housed the creature is sitting on a table. Gaius and Anne are flipping frantically through some books to look for an answer. Merlin is gazing out of the window.
"Look. Here." Gaius says after a while. Merlin comes over to him to see what he has found and Anne also peers over his shoulder. "It is the sign of the Gean Canach."
"Gean Canach?" Merlin questions.
"That sounds like the Old Religion language," Anne remarks.
"Indeed it is," Gaius confirms. Merlin crouches down next to Gaius and Anne. "The Gean Canach is a fearsome creature by the tears of the earth mother Nenamed. It devourers the magic of them. Draining them of their power."
"I thought all such creatures were destroyed in the Great Purge," Merlin says with a low voice, looking haunted.
"All but one it would seem," Anne murmurs solemnly. She reaches out and takes Merlin's hand, squeezing it tightly in her own.
—
Amelia's POV
Amelia smiles slightly as the heat flames of the alight Garrison brush against her face. Their biggest threat, Merlin, Emrys, has been subdued and her sister is now safe. Amelia feels like she's able to breathe for the first time in a while since her dreams of Merlin killing Morgana had started.
Amelia and Morgana watch from a distance as their men attack the Garrison. Amelia hears someone walking up to them. She smiles softly when she sees Mordred.
"The Garrison is surrounded, My Ladies." He informs them.
Morgana smirks. "Good. Are you ready?"
Amelia nods assuredly, sharing a determined look with Mordred. "We're ready."
Morgana holds out her hands, Mordred takes one and Amelia the other. They lower their heads and start to chant, "Thurh minum gewealde ond thinum maegen... geclippath we thone lieg the ealla awestath."
They lift their heads and their eyes glow. A fireball shoots toward the Garrison. When it crashes, Amelia can hear people's frantic screams, and the desperation of the Camelot Soldiers as they try to hold back the Saxons but it's futile. She grins happily as they flee with the Saxons chasing after them. Their first strike has been successful and it's only the beginning.
—
Anne's POV
The next morning brought awful news, a sign of a steadily growing worse situation. Fort Stowell, one of Camelot's northern outposts, was attacked and conquered by Morgana, Amelia and their forces. Troops from a garrison in the north had returned to Camelot. Gaius is quickly summoned to tend to the injured. They litter the corridors because his rooms are already filled. The worst news is about the townspeople — only one had survived and she is now safe in Camelot. And it is just the beginning. With Mordred at their side, Morgana and Amelia are more determined to take over and things are only going to get worse.
Merlin had stood there, looking at the injured, with eyes filled with hurt and fear in them. It doesn't help that Anne has also told Merlin about Faye's dream and shared her concerns. Such a specific dream of the future and now this… Amelia, Morgana and Mordred have struck when Merlin is at his weakest.
Anne, knowing her husband was feeling powerless, encouraged him to focus on what he could do. He still knows plenty about medicine and joined Gaius and Anne in assisting the sick and injured from the battle. She wishes she could do more, give him her magic maybe, but all she can do is try and pull him through this as they work out what can be done.
In the Council Chambers, Arthur, Leon, Gwen, Percival and Gwaine meet to discuss strategy. Anne and Merlin stand in the background, watching. Maps are spread out over the table.
As Arthur references a particular place, he points it out on the map. "To reach Camelot, Morgana and Amelia will have no choice but to cross the White Mountains." He sets down and unrolls a smaller, more detailed map. "Now, the pass that gives passage to an army that size, is here." He points to the spot.
At an earlier Council meeting at the Round Table, Arthur had decided that he would rather go out and meet Morgana and Amelia than stay in Camelot and defend the Citadel like he'd been advised to.
"I know it well," Percival says. "The path leads a valley by cliffs on the other side." He points to said spot.
"That's where we meet them. Now we may be outnumbered but if we don't let them outflank us then we can hold the pass." Arthur decides.
"How long?" Leon asks. "Amelia and Morgana have no care for the lives of their men."
Anne winces at his callous mention of Amelia. She hates how everyone talks about her, like they've given up hope but Anne can't, even now.
"They can't supply for an army that size indefinitely. Not isolated by the mountains. If we can hold out long enough they'll be forced to retreat." Arthur argues before turning to the man who's still Amelia's husband. "Percival, at what point is the pass at its narrowest."
"Here, Sire." He points.
"What do they call this place?"
"Camlann, Sire."
Merlin and Anne freeze. Anne knows both of them are immediately fearing the worst when they hear the mention of that place. It's the place in the prophecy where Arthur is suppose to meet his end.
"Then it is at Camlann, that we make our stand."
She feels how Merlin squeezes her hand tightly.
Shortly afterwards, it is decided that Anne and Merlin can no longer sit around. Arthur is heading for Camlann and Anne will not be able to protect him on her own. Merlin must regain his magic. They know the only place where it's possible, the birthplace of magic itself, The Crystal Cave. However, knowing the dangers of the Valley of The Fallen Kings, they decide they need extra insurance for their safety so Gwaine joins them. Eira, the only survivor of the Fort Stowell attack, had waved them off. Anne immediately teases Gwaine, knowing the two of them have grown close.
They need to stop Faye's dream from coming true.
—
Amelia's POV
"Without Emrys and Tarian's protection, Arthur's helpless before us." Morgana grins gleefully as she, Amelia and Mordred strategise the next day, a little away from their Saxon army. After establishing their base at Stowell on the northern Camelot border, they have been making their progress towards the Citadel itself. Tents, horses, fires, and their people are carefully hidden under the transparent golden dome of Amelia and Morgana'sprotective spell, and no one, except perhaps Emrys, could break it. And now they have ensured that he can't.
"I do not doubt it."
Amelia immediately notices his uncertain tone. She looks at him worriedly. "Do not forget what we're fighting for, Mordred. We're fighting for freedom, from fear and prejudice." She warns.
Mordred rounds on her, clenched teeth, causing Amelia to flinch slightly. "I have not forgotten." He calms and turns away. "But I wonder if war is the only answer."
Amelia relaxes marginally, forgiving Mordred's outburst but still worried about his statement.
"You cannot reason with a man like Arthur. You found that out to your cost." Morgana harshly reminds him.
"He may yet change." He turns to them. "I believe there is goodness in him."
Amelia frowns, feeling conflicted. Her heart breaks at the hopefulness on Mordred's face. Her mind recalls had proven himself susceptible to change. When Merlin was poisoned by Nimueh, Arthur was determined to go out with Amelia, despite his father's wishes, to save a lowly servant. When Gwen was kidnapped by Hengist, Arthur did the same thing. Again when Cenred had taken Elyan.
"Are you not forgetting something Mordred?" Morgana growls angrily. "You buried Kara not ten days passed. What compassion did Arthur show her? So I ask you for the last time, are you with us or not?"
Mordred's face contorts in pain. Morgana's words are harsh but her sister is right. Amelia is reminded of how, despite promising to be different when faced with the spirit of the Druid boy possessing Elyan, what has been done? Nothing. And, when faced by the Triple Goddess to change his ways, Arthur refused. Then poor Kara, who just wanted to be free. Arthur Pendragon is the enemy of magic, just like his father.
Mordred thinks for a moment, closes his eyes and turns determinedly to them. "I am with you."
Morgana smirks, pleased. "Good cause I have something for you."
Amelia grins happily, recalling what it is. Glancing at the simple iron sword that Mordred adjusts on his sword belt.
—
Mordred tries several times to ask them what surprise they have prepared for him, but Morgana and Amelia smile silently as they venture deeper into the woods, the world around them becoming darker under the cover of tall old trees.
They bring him to a small overgrown ravine. Mordred hesitates as the two sisters walk towards the sheltered Cave opening.
Morgana looks back at him. "Come closer, Mordred." She encourages and then quietly calls out, "Aithusa! It's us."
Amelia sees the horror on Mordred's face as the White Dragon emerges from the shelter. Aithusa blinks her pale eyes in confusion, huddling at Amelia and Morgana's feet, who gently stroke her head.
"Don't be afraid. She sees that you're with me. This is Mordred, Aithusa. Do you remember him?" Amelia speaks gently.
Mordred nervously swallows and takes a step forward. "Aithusa."
Aithusa raises her head and looks at Mordred. She makes a gentle movement towards him, emitting a soft melodic sound and Mordred approaches, kneeling before her and touching her cheek. The White Dragon nuzzles against his arm, purring quietly.
"She likes you," Amelia notes with a satisfied smile, watching them with a soft gaze. The fact that Aithusa approves of Mordred is a good sign.
Mordred strokes the dragon's head again — his previous fear has completely disappeared. "I like her too. But what... happened?"
Amelia flinches at the reminder of why Aithusa is small and mute and Morgana's face, which had previously been soft and gentle, darkens as a shadow passes over.
"Lord Sarrum." Morgana clenches her jaw, an evil glimpse in her eyes. "But that's in the past, they won't reach us anymore. And now — a surprise."
Mordred stands up and Morgana stretches her hands forward. "Give me your sword, Mordred."
"Why?" He places his hand on the hilt.
"For the great battle, you need great weapons," Amelia explains. "You're not just a Knight, but a Druid one, and only a magical sword is worthy of our proudest warrior."
Mordred unsheathes his sword and gives it to Morgana.
"Aithusa, I ask you to sanctify this sword with your flame." She asks their friend. "Give us your magic."
The Dragon nods. Amelia watches with admiration as a stream of pure magical fire tempers, forges, and transforms the sword in Morgana's hands. Once the flames have withdrawn, Morgana inspects the blade before holding it out towards Mordred. The simple, ordinary sword has been transformed completely. The shining steel blade is covered in witch runes of blackened silver.
"Your blade, Mordred." Morgana holds it out to him. "Forged in a Dragon's breath. A weapon worthy of our proudest warrior."
Mordred takes the blade and holds it up in front of him. He smiles slightly, studying the sword.
"Then I shall wield it in victory, and with honour." He says. The sisters smile, pleased at his words.
"Nothing is older than Dragon magic. This sword is immortal, Mordred; it knows no defeat and nothing can survive its touch." Amelia tells him.
"This is the best thing I have ever seen." Mordred breathes. "Thank you." He slowly sheathes the sword.
—
Amelia, Morgana and Mordred hide in the shadows as a girl steps into the clearing, looking around. Mordred steps out behind her and puts his sword to her throat. The girl freezes turning around. It's Eira, the girl they'd placed in Camelot as a spy.
"Gently, Mordred. Can't speak with her throat cut out can she?" Amelia gently admonishes as she and Morgana walk up and stand beside Mordred. Mordred puts the sword away.
"So, Eira, I trust Sir Gwaine has found your company to his satisfaction?" Morgana asks, smirking.
"I like to think so." Eira smugly replies.
Amelia scoffs. "He can't help himself. That hasn't changed."
"Has he been forthcoming about Arthur's plans?" Morgana eagerly asks.
"He's kept no secrets from me."
"Well?" Amelia urges. "Does the King intend to ride out and meet us?"
"He does, My Lady. The King and his men depart from Camelot as we speak." Eira proudly reports.
Morgana beans, pleased. "Then it is as we have anticipated. Thank you, Eira. You've been most informative." Morgana hands her a pouch with gold.
Eira starts to leave then pauses, turning back. "Something else. The Knight said he was taking Merlin and Anne somewhere. The Valley of The Fallen Kings, I think."
She leaves and Amelia and Morgana share looks of concern.
"Why would they leave Arthur now?" Amelia questions, unsettled by this news. She knows this can't be anything good.
Mordred shrugs with a smirk. "Why shouldn't they? Merlin is of no further use to his King after all and Anne's magic is useless without Merlin's."
"Perhaps. Why The Valley of The Fallen Kings?" Morgana wonders anxiously.
Mordred lowers his head. Amelia turns towards him, noticing the thoughtful look on his face. "What is it Mordred?"
"When I was a boy the Druids told me of this special place, a place where magic itself was born," Mordred explains. "It was said to lie within The Valley. They call it The Crystal Cave."
Amelia feels her stomach drop. The Crystal Cave… Merlin had been there before.
"This can mean only one thing, Emrys means to get his powers back." Morgana realises.
Well, that just wouldn't do.
They have to stop him before such work can be done.
—
The wind bites at Amelia's cheeks as she frantically rides through the Valley of the Fallen Kings, determined to get to the Crystal Cave. She needs to do this for herself, for her sister and for the future where they're free to be themselves.
Amelia is relieved to see that Anne and Merlin haven't arrived at the Caves yet when she enters. She waits patiently before moving back into the shadows a few moments before Merlin and Anne come into view, carrying an alight torch.
She lets them get into part of the Cave that leads to the Crystals, before snuffing out the flame torch. Smirking slightly when they stop, tensing up. Amelia can tell they're listening for a threat.
Best not to let them down.
"Emrys." She calls out, trying not to chuckle when they finally react and turn to look for her. She uses her magic to cloak herself as she moves herself and her voice around the Cave, creating an echoing sound. "Tarian."
It's almost teasing sounding when she says, "Over here", holding back a snort when Merlin pulls out a sword and whirls around once more. What he thinks that thing will do is beyond her, the last she knew he couldn't use a sword to save his life!
She moves away from them this time as they carefully turn in a circle.
"We see you, Amelia," Anne says in a low, warning tone, making Amelia raise an eyebrow.
"You couldn't keep your secret well enough, could you?" She says, her voice once again teasing sounding, when in reality she has a sneer on her face. She allows the cloak to fall away as she returns across the Cave, watching from behind them as they turn to where she just was, but at the same time, seemingly listening to wherever she will be next. "Who's to say you will keep your King safe for long now?" She practically spits the word King, because how dare they protect Uther Pendragon's son and not their own people!
"You had gotten rid of one monster and replaced him with another." Morgana would always say.
They look towards her, just as she's pulled up her cloak once more and so is faced with nothing.
"Yet you knew and never told her. Why's that Amelia?" Anne remarks tauntingly.
Amelia growls angrily at her words, trying to ignore the true meaning of them. Trying to ignore what she's been thinking for the past few years. Why has she never told Morgana the truth about Merlin and Anne? Was she a coward? Or could she never betray her friends no matter what she felt about them?
"I don't know why you bother." Amelia taunts instead as she moves around them. "You'll never have magic again."
She can see in their eyes that she has them cornered and that is making them grow jumpy, exactly what she wanted.
"Face us." Merlin growls, actually growls at her!
Amelia can't help but smirk at the fact that he thinks he's getting out of here alive, that he thinks that even now, without his magic, he still has some sort of power over her.
"But you cannot help your King now. Poor Annie, you cannot even help your own husband." She says, watching as they tense.
She moves out of the room, but keeping her voice as loud and clear as it has been all along, wanting them to continue guessing for as long as possible whilst she finally stalks her prey at long last.
"Please Amelia, we can find a way to stop Morgana together. Let us save you." Anne pleads.
Amelia flinches at her words. No, no, no…
"I have to do this." She murmurs quietly before shaking herself out of it, scoffing at them. "Save me?" Amelia laughs almost deliriously, still not showing herself. "I don't need saving."
"But you do, Amelia." Anne pleads. "Morgana has poisoned your mind with lies and half-truths. Yes what Uther did as King was a horrible atrocity, but you shouldn't make Arthur or Camelot suffer for his crimes against our kind. Arthur has proven time and time again that he is not Uther. Please just let us help you."
Amelia materialises through the doorway behind them. Anne and Merlin quickly turn to face her.
Amelia glares at them. "Help me!? You want to help me!? You betrayed your own kind for someone who despises us. You betrayed my sister, tricking me into betraying her as well. You could've helped us all be free! All of this is your fault and I will make sure you suffer for it."
Merlin stares at her, looking as if his heart has shattered. "I am so sorry Amelia. But Morgana isn't who she used to be. And I let Morgause corrupt her. I thought I was doing the right thing at the time. I see now that I was wrong. If I could go back and change it, I would. But it's too late for that. Destiny must play out as it was always meant to happen."
Destiny…
Amelia's mind flashes to her vision where she had watched Merlin drive a sword into her stomach. This man is her sister's destiny and doom.
"Destiny?!" Amelia screeches. "Destiny is my sister sitting on the throne of Camelot. Not Arthur. Not Guinevere. No one but her." She looks over at Anne and smiles. "You must understand Anne. We'll be free. Join us."
Amelia tries to not show her heartbreak at the sight of her old friend backing away from her. "I can't Amelia. I was born to protect the Once and Future King and Emrys. Morgana has already lost. Please make the right choice."
"How dare you speak to me that way? My sister and I are High Priestesses. You don't tell me that we will lose!" Amelia exclaims as her eyes glow gold, throwing Anne against a Cavern wall.
Merlin reacts to her attack by charging and slashing her with his sword. Amelia cries out in surprise as she feels the sword create a deep cut in her arm. She holds it close, before letting out a peel of laughter. The mighty Emrys had just stabbed her with a mortal sword!
"Your mortal weapon cannot kill me." Amelia taunts as she backs away. Merlin walks toward her. "I will protect my sister from you, Emrys." She spits harshly, sounding amused once more.
Once through the doorway, Amelia begins to chant, "Stanas ahreosath!"
"NOOOO!" Merlin screams but it is too late as the air is filled with dust and several stray rocks.
The last Amelia sees of him is his look of horror before the rockslide blocks their only exit.
She can hear the way he scrambles at the rocks, trying to find a way out, before trying to tear it apart with his bare hands. He continues scrambling for purchase and trying to dig himself out for quite awhile before he eventually quietens.
And with that, Amelia leaves.
—
Amelia rushes back to inform Mordred and Morgana of her success. Amelia feels a surge of satisfaction as she reflects on the task she's just completed. She can't help but feel a sense of pride — not only has she successfully fulfilled her duty, but now Morgana's safety is secured. The war will be won.
Morgana rushes over as soon as Amelia reaches their camp. "Did you find the Cave?" She eagerly asks. Mordred solemnly lingers behind her.
"It was simple enough." Amelia smugly replies, dismounting her horse.
"And Merlin and Anne?" Mordred asks.
"They were there as you suspected. And there they shall remain."
Morgana squeals happily, wrapping her sister into a tight hug. "This is cause for celebration!"
And they celebrate.
When Amelia returned from the Caves with her news, it was barely noticeable, but Morgana had become different. She has become calmer and more satisfied; her destiny and doom have been conquered. The whole camp celebrates the victory of their Ladies. Amelia is by her side, taking a cup of young wine from her hands and responding with a smile to her smile. They sit close to each other; sisters united.
Yet, beneath the triumph, there's a lingering ache. The thought of having to betray Anne and Merlin stings her, and a part of her wonders if she'll ever be able to forgive herself. But in the end, her desperate desire to please Morgana — to protect her sister at all costs — overrides the guilt.
Morgana will be safe. And in that moment, Amelia knows that nothing matters more than that. Tomorrow they will continue on their journey, to meet Camelot's army and this war will finally be over.
—
Percival's POV
Percival and Leon watch from behind a rock up above as the opposing Saxon army marches through a pass leading to Camlann. Arthur had sent them ahead to gather information. A long swathe of flaming torches held by the Saxons flicker in the night like a river of fire.
Percival's jaw tightens, but he says nothing. He glances over at Leon, who is still focused ahead. The silence between them stretches, heavy with the knowledge of what is at stake. But Percival is lost in his thoughts.
Amelia is down there. Percival thinks. Amelia... His wife.
The woman he once loved, still loves he has to admit. His heart aches when he thinks of the betrayal, of how she – and Mordred – has aligned herself with Morgana, the very force they fought to destroy. But even in the midst of that pain, Percival still feels a part of him longing to protect her. He can't help but worry for her, even as he stands on the verge of battle, ready to fight against the very woman he once called his wife.
He recalls the warmth of their past, the dreams they had of raising a family, of a peaceful future. He hasn't even met their daughter—because of the gulf between them now. And yet, a part of him hopes that one day, they might reunite, when the dust has settled, and the war is over.
In his heart, he knows he's fighting not only to protect Camelot but to protect Amelia from the darkness she has become a part of. Anne had always been sure that Morgana's manipulations had surely poisoned her mind, twisting everything she once stood for and that they could get Amelia back.
How has it come to this?
"Send word to the King. The enemy will reach Camlann by sundown tomorrow and we underestimated their forces. They outnumber us 5 to 1." Leon declares.
Percival's eyes flicker momentarily, his mind racing back to Anne and Merlin, who set out on their quest to the Crystal Cave to reclaim Merlin's magic. They'd left with hope—hope that Merlin's power would be the key to turning the tide of the war. Where are they?
—
Amelia's POV
From a ledge in the White Mountains that overlooks the camp, Morgana and Amelia watch their Saxon army prepare themselves for the final battle that will soon take place. They'd arrived not too long ago after marching all day. Mordred then joins them on the mountain ledge.
"Have the outriders returned?" Morgana asks.
"Arthur has made camp at Camlann." Mordred reports.
"And the path? Did you find it?" Amelia questions.
Mordred nods his head. "It was well concealed."
"If Arthur imagines we can't outflank, he's in for an unpleasant surprise." Amelia wants to almost scoff at her cousin's stupidity. "Send a 100 warriors. Good ones."
"I'll choose them myself."
"And prepare the army, we attack tonight." Morgana declares. Mordred nods his head and leaves. Morgana grins at Amelia, gripping her hand. "This is it, sister. All our hard work has led to this."
The celebrations are long over, now it's time to finish this once and for all. This time, they will not fail.
—
Anne's POV
Anne's eyes open slowly, a sharp pain in her head making her wince as the world around her comes into focus. The ground beneath her head is cold, rough stone and there's an ethereal blue glow filling the space. As she turns her head slightly, she sees Merlin kneeling beside her, his hands hovering above her forehead, an unnatural warmth wrapping around her like a warm blanket. She feels the aching in her head beginning to soothe.
"Merlin?" She whispers, her voice hoarse. She tries to move, but a weakness lingers in her limbs, a side effect of the blow Amelia had struck her with.
Merlin's head snaps up at the sound of her voice, his expression immediately softening with relief. "Anne…" He breathes, in relief. "You're awake. I was starting to worry."
Anne immediately notices, as she takes in the sight of her husband, that there's a certain ease and certainty about Merlin that hadn't been there before.
"You're magic…" She realises. "It's back. How?"
"Here." Merlin stands, offering her a hand to help her up. Anne stands, her legs still unsteady but growing stronger. "The spirit of my father came to me." He says, his voice filled with emotion. "He told me to believe. To believe in what my heart knew to be true."
Anne looks at him, her heart swelling with both understanding and wonder. Her eyes widen as she takes in the strange, shimmering surroundings. They're no longer in the same Cave she remembers; this one is bathed in an ethereal glow, the walls lined with glittering Crystals that pulse with a soft light. The Crystals are everywhere—large and small, some towering above them, others small enough to fit in the palm of her hand, all emitting a faint, otherworldly hum.
"The Crystal Cave…" She murmurs, her voice filled with awe. She runs her hand over one of the Crystals nearby, marvelling at how it glows with a warmth that seems alive. "We made it. But how…? I thought—"
Merlin smiles. "I know. I almost gave up hope." He meets her gaze, his eyes dark with emotion but steady. She watches him, her heart beating faster as she senses the weight of what he's about to say.
Merlin's voice grows more urgent. "And I know what we need to do next. I saw it in the Crystals. Morgana and Amelia's army—they're planning on taking Arthur by surprise. We need to warn him, Anne. Time is running out before they strike."
Anne's heart drops at the mention of Arthur's name, her mind instantly rushing to the images of their friend, their King, in danger. "Then what are you waiting for?!" She cries immediately, her voice sharp with urgency.
He stands up and finds a Crystal, thrusting out his arm. Anne watches as Merlin's expression shifts from calm to intense concentration. The air around him hums, and the Crystal pulses with a light that grows brighter, and sharper. Images start to flash through the Crystal surrounded by a swirl of fire. Merlin jolts his arm away in shock.
"You can do this, Merlin." Anne encourages.
Merlin nods, and his breath quickens as he tries again. Rapid snapshots of past moments blur across the surface. Then, Mordred leading the Saxons through the wetlands. Other images flash through quickly as Merlin leans closer to the crystal before returning to the Saxon army marching once more, a sea of boots and armour marching along a path to attack.
"Arthur, where are you?" Merlin's voice cracks with urgency.
Merlin pushes forward, forcing the Crystal to show him more. Images come quickly once more until one image suddenly grabs hold—Arthur and Gwen sleeping in their tent at Camlann.
"Arthur." Merlin breathes in relief before leaning in once more, his voice takes on a desperate tone as he speaks through the crystal. "Arthur, I'm sorry I had to leave you. I didn't want to. I hope one day you'll understand why. Your plan is a good one, and you may yet save this Kingdom, but you must beware." His eyes are ablaze and his words grow more urgent, more frantic. "Your army's flank is vulnerable. There's an old path over the ridge of Camlann, and Amelia and Morgana know of it. They mean to trap you, Arthur. Find the path or the battle will be over before it's begun. Find the path!"
Anne and Merlin watch as Arthur suddenly wakes up in his tent, visibly confused. Gwen, startled, tries to comfort him, insisting it's just a dream, but Arthur disagrees, throwing off the covers and rushing out. Gwen calls after him in shock.
Arthur quickly issues commands to Leon to prepare the men and instructs Gwaine and Percival to find the secret path.
In full armour, Arthur stands before his army, delivering an inspiring speech to rally them for the final battle. Anne feels a surge of pride as she watches, noting that none of the men seem fearful, though she understands why fear would be natural in such a moment.
With his eyes glinting with determination, Arthur raises Excalibur high, declaring, "For the love of Camelot!"
The men echo the cry, and Anne sighs in relief, knowing the battle is now inevitable.
—
Amelia's POV
Black clouds drift across a full moon. In a narrow, rocky gorge, two opposing armies stand ready for battle, surrounded by towering cliffs. Black clouds move across a full moon as the fate of Camelot is set to be decided at Camlann. With no escape for Arthur's army, the battle is a deadly trap. Morgana and Amelia observe from a cliff edge, watching the two seas of flaming torches separated by a short distance, preparing for the final confrontation.
"On me!" Arthur's cry breaks through.
Both armies surge forward, confined in the narrow Gorge. They clash as the battle begins. All Amelia can hear is the sounds of metal crashing together mixed with cries of anger and pain.
At first, it's difficult to tell any soldier apart, but soon Amelia catches sight of Mordred amongst it all. She watches him with a worried eye but sees he's doing well. He fights with tenacity, cutting down every enemy he engages with. Amelia allows herself a smile of satisfaction.
But her relief is short-lived. Her eyes begin scanning the chaos, searching for another familiar figure—Percival. Her estranged husband. He should be here, among the Camelot knights. Her chest tightens as her gaze darts desperately from one face to another, but she can't find him.
Her heart pounds faster. Where is he? She wonders, dread creeping into her veins. He should be on the front lines, but he is nowhere in sight. She keeps searching the battlefield, her eyes sweeping over the clashing bodies and glinting swords, but Percival is nowhere to be seen. The fear coils tighter in her chest.
She frantically looks for other familiar faces and spots Arthur. Her cousin moves like a force of nature, his sword flashing through the air with terrifying grace, cutting down Saxon after Saxon with effortless precision.
Her breath catches in her throat. She remembers Kilgharrah's prophecy. Arthur is destined to die at the hands of Mordred.
Amelia hates the dread that builds in the pits of her stomach.
Shewantsto hate him. She wants to look at him and feel only the bitterness that has festered for so long. Instead, all she feels is fear—fear for him, fear of the prophecy, fear that, despite everything, she still cares.
"I know you'll see the light." Finna had whispered during her dying breaths before dying in Amelia's arms.
Amelia clenches her jaw, pushing the memory away. Now is not the time. It can't be.
—
A/N: Please leave comments on how you're enjoying this story and what you think.