A/N: Apologies for the wait but here's the chapter!
—
Amelia's POV
They find Alator during his attempt to make a pilgrimage to the graves of his friends and kin. The woods are dark and gloomy despite the bright moonlight illuminating them all. Amelia and Morgana's men are giving chase while the two sisters watch.
"Hmm…" Morgana sighs, throwing a smirk in Amelia's direction. "Let's spice it up, shall we?"
Amelia gives her sister a curious look but, instead of explaining herself, Morgana turns to where they can see Alator in the distance. Her eyes flash gold and bursts of flame emit from the trees and the ground causing Alator to tumble and eventually fall to the ground. As he's brought roughly to his knees, Amelia and Morgana stand over him.
"I was hoping for more of a challenge." Morgana remarks, shaky her head in mocking disappointment. "There was a time when the name Alator struck fear even into the most courageous. Your skills of torture were unparalleled, did you know that?"
"That was nothing to be proud of." Alator retorts. His piercing gaze unnerving Amelia. It's almost accusing as if he's wondering how dare she betray them. Doesn't he know they all betrayed her first?
Morgana is unmoved by his gaze and words. "What was it you used to say? The victim always talks… eventually."
"What do you want from me?" Alator spits. He clearly knows what they really came for.
"I thought that was obvious. I want you to tell me where Emrys and Tarian are."
Alator's gaze cuts to Amelia briefly, likely wondering why she herself hasn't said anything, before replying, "I told you before, never."
Morgana smirks. "I was rather hoping you'd say that."
—
As soon as they return to the Castle, Morgana gives orders for Alator to be taken to the Throne room to begin the 'interrogation'. Amelia moves to follow her but a servant appears at her elbow.
"Mistress, your daughter calls for you."
Amelia quickly follows and enters her daughter's room to see Ella sitting up in bed and clasping her covers tightly. She relaxes when she spots her mother.
"Mama!"
"Ella, my darling." Amelia sits on the bed and gathers her up in her arms. "What are you doing awake?"
"I was scared. There was lots of noise." She stares up at her mother with wide-eyed curiosity.
"It's alright, it's okay. All will be well." Amelia strokes her daughter's hair affectionately.
"You promise?"
She shouldn't. Not with those trustful eyes but Amelia nods. "I promise."
With her mother's assurance, Ella leans against her and soon dozes off. In the quiet of the room, Amelia feels the guilt eat at her. Was she right to follow through with this plan? Should she not have simply told Morgana the truth instead of letting her torture Alator to get to the bottom of this?
No, she can't tell Morgana the truth. Not now. She knows that if she tells Morgana now, after all this time she'll have to face Morgana's anger. She's already on probation after what happened with Gwen.
—
Anne's POV
Arthur, Gwen, Anne and Merlin make their way through the woods on horseback. They're having a picnic. Anne's welcoming the break from, well, everything.
Arthur comes to a stop in a small clearing, climbing off the horse as he says, "This really is the most perfect spot is it not?"
"It is, My Lord." Gwen agrees as Merlin and Anne climb off their own horses, gathering the supplies.
"Sometimes I forget how beautiful Camelot is," he pauses, slightly smirking as he turns to Gwen, "but never how beautiful my Queen is."
Gwen giggles. Anne smiles, happy to see her friend smiling. Gwen had confided in Anne privately that she still has nightmares of it all, of killing Tyr especially. Arthur, thankfully, is there with her, he'd wake and he'd comfort her no matter what.
Before then, Anne had been keeping her distance. She knew her friend was back but it was difficult adjusting to trusting her again once more. Gwen's confession had helped break the barrier, helped her understand that it wasn't really her, to know the pain Gwen feels to have stabbed him in the stomach and have him die thinking she was a traitor.
Gwen still feels so guilty over what she'd done. Anne wishes they could cast a spell on her, make her forget what she'd nearly done to Camelot, how she'd nearly betrayed them all. It isn't possible but Anne hopes it is something to be learned from and something that would make her stronger in the future. Gwen has promised she'd make up for it.
Merlin snorts at the King's comment, drawing Arthur's attention.
"Was that you Merlin?"
"It was the horse," Merlin argues causing Anne to giggle slightly, sharing an amused look with Gwen as the Queen climbs down from her horse.
"Because if you were mocking the King..." Arthur warns, striding over.
"I wasn't. I wouldn't."
"There is a special punishment preserved for such impudence." Arthur continues, apparently very serious and for a second it seems Merlin is believing this too before Arthur suddenly laughs, slapping Merlin on the shoulder. "You're too easy Merlin. Every time. How about here, Guinevere?"
"Yes, that looks perfect," Gwen replies.
"Then here it shall be."
Gwen walks forward, looking for a suitable spot. "Over here?"
"Perfect." Anne agrees.
While Arthur stays by the horses, the rest of them begin to set up the picnic.
"I haven't seen him this happy in a long time." Merlin remarks.
"Yes, he has changed hasn't he?" Gwen agrees, taking a seat on the blanket now placed on the floor.
"Yeah, yeah I think he has."
Well, he had until the King then decides to throw the water skin at the back of Merlin's head.
"Sorry, pick that up will you, Merlin?" Arthur asks innocently.
Anne tries not to laugh at Merlin's disgruntled face as she quips, "Well perhaps he hasn't totally changed."
Gwen sniggers at her friends.
"And this one too are you ready?" Arthur throws the water skin too far, flying over Merlin's outstretched hand. "I think my dog can catch better than you."
"Possibly because you treat him better." Merlin retorts as he stands up to go after the thrown object.
Anne laughs quietly, sitting down. "Our husbands, hey? What are we going to do with them?"
Gwen dramatically sighs. "Run away together? Leave them to drive each other mad?"
Anne laughs again, louder this time as Arthur comes over to join them. "What's so funny?" He asks.
"Nothing, nothing," Gwen reassures him fondly.
Arthur pouts like a child at the response. He diverts his attention to Merlin who appears to be taking his time to get back to the group.
"Are you blind, Merlin?" Arthur calls.
"Something happened here," Merlin replies.
"Stags marking their territory," Arthur argues.
"No, this was caused by magic." Merlin counters.
Anne perks up at this. She looks towards her husband but is unable to see anything from where she is sitting.
"Merlin, who knows more about hunting me or you?" Arthur retorts. "It's rotting season, half the trees in the forest look like that. Come on. Your King awaits."
Anne keeps quiet but does mentally tell Merlin they'll need to discuss this later when they're no longer in the company of the King and Queen as he returns to them.
—
However, when they return to Camelot, they find dozens of people, some injured, gathered in the Main Square being taken care of by the Knights and servants. Leon had quickly come over to them, explaining that these people had sought sanctuary at the western Garrison in Ashwick's after having fled over the borders from Odin's land.
Immediately, the Council is assembled in the Council Chambers for a meeting. Anne and Merlin stand to the side while Gwen sits on her throne as Arthur paces in front of the Knights lined up in front of him.
"Two days ago the City of Helva was attacked. Only a handful of people managed to escape." Leon informs them.
"Who is responsible?" Arthur asks.
"At first we assumed it was the Saxons. They've been active in that area before, but the refugees tell a different story. They say magic was involved."
Anne's heart drops. Again, people using magic for violence. She shares a worried look with Merlin.
"Morgana and Amelia." Arthur realises solemnly.
Oh, Amelia… why?
"The evidence suggests so, Sire," Leon replies.
"Strengthen the Garrison. Double the patrol on the border." Arthur instructs.
Leon nods and leaves along with the other Knights. Anne and Merlin move over to Arthur.
"Why would Morgana and Amelia attack Helva?" Merlin wonders.
"They must have their reasons," Arthur argues.
"But why? It's one of the few places where magic is practised freely." Anne points out. "Why would they attack their own?"
"Exactly." Merlin agrees. "It makes no sense."
—
Merlin pulls Anne aside, explaining the damaged tree he had seen earlier had definitely been magic and he's also found something, the medallion that Gaius is now studying in his Chambers.
"The workmanship is undeniable," Gaius observes. "See how the pattern repeats itself. It's from Helva."
"Anything else? A name? A date?" Merlin presses.
"Not that I can see. It's a fine piece. No one would part with it willingly, perhaps one of the refugees dropped it." Gaius suggests.
Merlin looks unconvinced. "Perhaps." He stands, going up to his old room where he still keeps some things, fiddling with a travelling bag.
"Merlin?" Anne questions. "What are you doing?"
"I'm going back to where I found it," Merlin replies.
"I doubt the owner will still be there," Gaius argues.
"Something terrible happened there. Something only the strongest magic could do. I could feel it." Merlin counters.
"Which can only mean that Amelia and Morgana have been within the Camelot's borders." Anne realises.
"Are you sure?" Gaius questions.
"Strong magic. Mysterious goings on. Who else could it be?" Anne responds.
"Don't go, Merlin. Not on your own." Gaius pleads as Merlin emerges with his bag.
"I'll be fine."
"I'll go with him." Anne declares.
"You can't remember? Gwen had asked for your help with preparing for a meeting. Agriculture, wasn't it?" Merlin reminds her.
Anne huffs, reluctantly realising he's right. "Fine, but be careful."
"I'm always careful." He gives her a quick peck before leaving.
"How does he always know the right thing to say to unnerve me?" She asks.
"A special talent." Gaius quips.
—
Amelia's POV
Amelia grimaces, closing her eyes at the sound of one of their men beating Alator as she and Morgana enter the Throne room where Alator is chained to a pillar.
"Enough," Morgana instructs, putting an end to the beating. "Hello again, Alator." She greets conversationally, mockingly.
Amelia looks down, avoiding the man's gaze. She's worried she'll face his accusatory gaze piercing her soul if worse, his pity.
"You are wasting your time Morgana. I will not tell you who Emrys and Tarian are." Alator declares strongly even though he's spitting out blood.
"We both know that's not true," Morgana remarks dismissively. "Otherwise, why would I have spared your life?"
"I am a Catha. Trained from birth to master all physical pain. To rise above the..."
Morgana rolls her eyes. "Yes, yes, you can resist any physical torture. Separate your mind from your body. It's all very impressive Alator. But you see it's not your body I'm interested in. Not even you can separate your mind from your mind."
Morgana nods to one of their men who retrieves a wooden box. The wooden box.
"Morgana, are sure? Isn't it a bit—" Amelia tries to argue.
"A bit what?" Morgana cuts in sharply, her eyes narrowing dangerously. "Do not tell me you're going to let me down by being weak. I thought you were better than that, dear sister. Or should I place you in one of the Cells as well? Don't make me do that to you."
Amelia widens her eyes and quickly shakes her head. "N-no, no, of course not. I'll never let you down again."
"Good." Morgana turns to Alator smirking. She opens the box and a Nathair emerges. "Do you recognise this?"
Its jet-black skin and hisses cause Amelia to shiver. She remembers all too well the many times Morgana has used this on different prisoners. Their screams haunting her dreams. She always felt like it was an unspoken warning to her from Morgana.
Alator flinches at the sight of it. Morgana smirks. "I see that you do."
"A Nathair." Alator murmurs in a hushed tone.
"That's right, Alator. A Nathair." Morgana responds. "Can cause the most exquisite pain, not in the body of the victim, but in his very soul. So I ask you again, where are Emrys and Tarian?"
—
Anne's POV
While Anne had been with Gwen, Merlin had returned to report what he'd found to Gaius. At the spot where he's found the medallion, Merlin also finds a broken carriage and some papers. The writing has been in Catha and Gaius had deciphered it, revealing that their owner was Alator.
When they later inform Anne, it now all makes sense, that's why Helva had been attacked. Anne's heart almost warms slightly, not at the risk that Morgana may find out that Anne and Merlin are indeed Emrys and Tarian, but the fact that Amelia has clearly not betrayed them by revealing their true identity to her sister. Is there still hope?
The next day, in Gaius' Chambers, Merlin draws a picture of a tattoo. It belongs to a woman who'd approached Merlin while he'd been in the woods just out the Castle walls.
"If it is what I think it is, this is the mark of the Bendrui," Gaius observes.
"Bendrui?" Anne prompts.
"Before the time of the Great Purge, girls would be chosen at birth for the Priesthood. They would be taken away from their families and brought up as initiates in the Old Religion." Gaius explains.
"I thought Morgana and Amelia were the only High Priestesses left."
"Many tried, few succeeded. For ordinary gifts were not enough." Gaius answers. "Only those possessed with exceptional magical power could ever hope to be one of the nine. But do not underestimate this woman's abilities. All Bendrui are practised in potent magic."
"She said "Arthur's enemies were closer than I thought."" Merlin tells them. "Now, who else could she mean, but Mordred?"
"If she meant Mordred, why not say so?" Anne asks. She's still unsure about Mordred, unsure whether to truly trust the boy.
"We were interrupted."
"She's drawing you in, Merlin. It's a trap." Merlin warns. "She knew your real name. There's only one explanation for that. Alator told Morgana who you really are and she has sent this woman to lure you to her."
"But I looked into her eyes. She meant no harm." Merlin argues.
"You think a Sorceress of her power couldn't feign any look she wishes?" Gaius counters.
"He might have a point, Merlin," Anne says.
"Well, I was there. You two were not." Merlin retorts, standing up.
"You mustn't go to her Merlin." Gaius insists.
"She can help me protect Arthur. Do I have a choice?" Merlin retorts.
Anne hesitates, knowing he has a good point.
"Don't you understand? If something happened to you we would all be lost." Gaius argues.
"If she can truly help me protect Arthur from Mordred, and I refuse to go, would all not be lost then too?" Merlin counters.
"Merlin. It was I who told Alator of yours and Anne's true identities." Gaius reminds them shamefully.
"You mustn't blame yourself. You had no choice." Anne quickly reassures.
"But I cannot let that destroy either of you." Gaius insists. "Merlin, if ever you held me in any regard, please, do not do this."
"You know I'd never do anything to hurt you, Gaius." Merlin declares.
"Thank you."
Merlin and Gaius clasp hands then Merlin walks out of the room. Anne watches after him worriedly.
—
In the end, despite his promise to Gaius, Merlin convinces Anne that they should at least go to see what this woman has to say.
They arrive in the Darkling Woods, near the ruined Temple of Earu, and spot a cloaked figure through the thick mist.
Anne tentatively follows Merlin as he approaches them. They turn and it's a woman, must be Finna. She drops to her knees and bows.
"Great ones!"
"Please, that's not necessary," Merlin argues, helping her to her feet.
"It is an honour to meet you, Emrys and Tarian." She declares earnestly. Anne gets why Merlin had believed her to be honest. That earnest attitude is difficult to fake.
"How did you know our names?" Anne questions.
"From my master, Alator of the Catha," Finna replies. "He sends you greetings, but also a warning. The great battle nears, the fate of Camelot rests in the balance. Only you, great Emrys and Tarian, can ensure the great triumph of the Once and Future King."
"How do we do that?" Merlin asks.
Before Finna can answer, the sound of people approaching reaches their ears.
Finna grabs Anne's arm and she pulls them to one of the pillars. "Quickly!"
"Seize them!" Mordred yells as Anne, Merlin and Finna flee the temple and go into the woods with the Knights on their tail.
They stop behind a tree and Merlin turns to Finna. "Go!"
"I cannot leave you!" Finna argues.
Anne sees a Camelot Knight coming a bit too close and raises her hand towards him. Her eyes flash hold and he falls.
"We'll find you, you have our word." Anne insists. "Go!"
Finna does as she's told and runs while Merlin and Anne stay behind. The rest of the Knights come into view. Merlin looks over his shoulder one more time before he says, "Ligfyr."
Flames spring up between them and the Knights, blocking their path. Anne and Merlin take this chance to make their own escape.
—
Amelia's POV
Merlin launches forward and stabs her. Morgana gasps as she starts to feel the effect of the blade. Her knees buckle and Merlin wraps his arm around her, holding her.
"No!"
Amelia looks on in horror as Merlin lowers Morgana to the ground and withdraws the sword. Amelia wants to run to her sister but she can't.
Merlin, Emrys, had just murdered her sister!
Suddenly, a hand clasps her arm and she turns to see Anne.
"Amelia, please. You cannot tell Morgana who we really are." She pleads. "You've betrayed me enough already, please don't again."
Amelia wants to retaliate, to argue that Anne betrayed her first by not coming to find her when the Sarrum had kidnapped her but she still feels some sort of affection for her old friend and knows she will not be able to do this.
Finally, Amelia startles awake, sits up and breathes rapidly and shakily. She breathes heavily as she thinks over her dream, thrumming her bracelet.
She looks down at her healing bracelet in horror. This is meant to stop her dreams but if she has had one, that can only mean one thing.
She remembers Morgause's words.
"There are some dreams that are so powerful your healing bracelets will not stop them. It is a prophecy."
Was it a vision or was it simply her guilty conscience? She hasn't been honest with her sister and has instead lied about what she knows of Emrys and Tarian but if she tells, she's betraying her old friends once more.
—
Amelia watches as Alator continues to be tortured, his face bloodied and bruised. She swallows down the bile in her throat and crouches down next to him.
"You continue to waste your time, Amelia. I'm a Catha Priest." Alator speaks.
Amelia glares at him. Her dream last night has put her on edge and Alator only reminds her of her dilemma. Why can't he just confess?
"You think that will protect you?" She sneers.
"No matter what you and your sister do, you cannot break me."
"So it would seem. In which case my sister has no further use for you." Amelia threatens.
"You think I fear death?" Alator retorts.
"Shall I let you into a secret, Alator?" Amelia quips sarcastically. "I'm no longer interested in what you think or what you fear."
"Then why do you not tell your sister what you really know?" Amelia flinches at his words. "Emrys is your sister's destiny and her doom."
Amelia slaps him hard. Her hand shakes and his eyes well up with tears. How dare he? How dare he?
"Mistress!" Beroun interrupts.
"What now?" Amelia responds impatiently.
"We found a letter in his Cell."
Amelia's head snaps up. "Show me." She stands and Beroun hands her the slip of paper.
Do not fear Alator. I have found Emrys and Tarian. Our sacred mission continues. Your faithful servant, Finna.
Amelia sighs heavily as she reads those words. She gives Alator a disappointed look. "You do realise I need to show my sister this? What do you think she'll do to Finna? She will break her Alator. Break her like a twig. How does it feel to know all your resistance is for nothing?"
"Please, Amelia." Alator begs. "Don't let her do this. She does not love you. She's not your sister."
Amelia tries to stride away from him, shaking her head, tears streaming down her face. Her hands grip her head, trying to block out his words and keeps muttering "You don't understand" to herself.
She's overwhelmed, she's crying but he keeps trying to talk to her. It makes her want to scream.
"Amelia, please—"
Finally, she cannot take and she lashes out. She turns around suddenly and funnels all her hurt and anger into one single action. She doesn't realise what she's done until Alator lies there, dead with his neck broken.
She breathes heavily as she stares at his limp body. How could she let her emotions get the better of her like that?
Beroun's voice breaks through the haze. "Mistress?"
She senses he's behind her, awkwardly hovering, not knowing what to do.
"Yes?" Amelia flinches at how her voice breaks.
"Your sister?"
"Of course." She nods in a numb daze, striding out of the room without a glance at the body.
—
Morgana had been dismissive of what had happened to Alator and was instead gleeful about the new lead in finding Emrys and Tarian to Amelia's relief and worry. The hounds had picked up a trail but by the next morning, they hadn't found this Finna.
Their men stop ahead causing both Amelia and Morgana to dismount their horses and walk over to Beroun.
"We've lost the trail. She could've gone anywhere." He informs them. He turns to the other men. "Fan out!"
Amelia looks about her, trying to find a clue as their Soldiers disperse. She wonders if Anne and Merlin have caught wind of Morgana's hunt and if they're they're lurking nearby. Then she spots a strange marking on one of the trees.
"Wait!" She cries.
Everyone freezes and Morgana hurries over.
"What is it, sister?" She queries.
"That." Amelia points at the marking. It seems to be two vertical lines and each line is stacked with multiple arrows. Definitely not natural.
Morgana smiles with dark glee and strides up to the marking, touching it. "Neosie þu þa swaþu..." She turns her head towards some trees, seeing ahead. She stops and smirks, turning to the rest of them. "This way."
—
They approach a clearing where a fire smoulders but instead of finding Finna, their men's bodies, the ones they'd sent ahead, lie dead.
Beroun turns to them. "There are no wounds."
Amelia almost scoffs. "She has magic, there wouldn't be."
Morgana kneels and takes off a glove, reaching for something amongst the leaves. Amelia crouches next to her and recognises it to be blood. Morgana turns to Amelia with a beaming grin.
"She's wounded, sister." She strokes the blood on her fingers with her thumb.
She, as in Finna, or someone else…
Amelia shakes her thoughts from her head, standing up and turning to Beroun. "She's been hit, bring your men."
Beroun nods and orders the men as Morgana and Amelia stride forward.
They approach a turns to the men.
"I want her taken alive. Do you understand? Alive!"She orders.
They rush forward with Amelia and Morgana following. Amelia looks around suspiciously, knowing Merlin and Anne must be here. Somewhere.
—
Anne's POV
Gaius had told Arthur about Finna, that's why the Knights had been chasing them. Arthur is now frustrated they didn't catch her and is now sending out a second patrol as well as sealing off the Ford at Greinten and alerting the border Garrisons.
Anne and Merlin quickly packed, readying themselves to find Finna, keep her safe and find out what the message from Alator is. They had been following the magical markings Finna had left on the trees but they ended up being caught themselves by the patrol.
At night, Merlin and Anne had tried to sneak out, but Mordred had caught them. The young Knight has let them go and promised not to give them away. Once again, Anne is left conflicted about how she should really feel about Mordred.
They find Finna safe and well but they get attacked by Morgana and Amelia's men which results in Merlin getting injured in his side. Finna and Anne help Merlin climb the steps of an old watchtower that the former knows of. Anne panics as she hears dogs barking in the distance.
"Hurry!" She cries as she and Finna give Merlin one last push and stumble into a room.
Finna bolts the door as Merlin falls to the floor with Anne trying to cushion his fall.
"Why are you doing this for us?" Anne asks, trying to distract herself from her husband who lies weakly on the floor looking clammy and exhausted.
"Without you, Tarian, and you, Emrys, Arthur cannot build the new world we all long for," Finna explains, kneeling next to them.
"I don't understand." Merlin huffs out.
"For hundreds of years, the Catha have guarded their ancient knowledge. But now the time has come to pass it on to you, Emrys and Tarian." Finna informs them. "For only you can carry their hopes into the great battle itself."
"How can we do that?"
Finna passes Anne a small wooden box. "Here. Guard it carefully. It will help you in the dark days to come."
Anne nods earnestly. "Thank you."
"There's something else." Finna continues. "Something Alator himself wanted me to tell you. Do not make the same mistake as Arthur. Do not trust the Druid boy."
This breaks Anne's heart. "But you don't truly know—"
Her voice cuts off when they hear crashing outside the room they hide in. Anne and Finna hurriedly help Merlin up and they make their way up another winding stairwell into another room.
"You must go on," Finna tells them.
"There is nowhere else to go." Anne gasps as she tries to keep Merlin upright on his left while Merlin uses the sword in his right hand to keep him up.
"There is a roof. You will be safe there." Finna tells them, pressing her back against the door.
"How?" Merlin gasps out.
"They think I am alone. Once they have me they will go."
Anne looks at Finna, horrified. "We won't leave you Finna. We'll fight them together."
"No," Finna argues. "If they see us together they will know who you are. That must never happen."
"Finna please..." Merlin begs.
"It is my destiny, Emrys and Tarian, to serve you until the end. I could wish for nothing more." Finna declares. "Grant me one favour."
Anne feels tears in her eyes. "Anything."
"Leave me your sword."
Merlin passes his sword to Finna. She bows her head as he squeezes her shoulder then turns to the steps that lead to the roof. As Anne helps him, Anne looks back at Finna.
"It has been a privilege to know you, Emrys and Tarian."
Anne and Merlin tearfully nod then continue to the roof.
—
Amelia's POV
The men break into one Chamber but no one is there. Amelia feels somewhat relieved but then Morgana spots another winding staircase which she races up with Amelia following.
The sisters enter an upper Chamber to find an older woman standing before them with a sword in her hand.
Morgana smirks. "Finna, at last. I'm impressed. At your age, it's very spirited."
"Stay away!" Finna threatens.
"But with age comes wisdom." Morgana continues as if she hadn't heard her. "It's over. Tell me who Emrys and Tarian are."
Finna laughs. "Never."
Amelia gasps as Finna turns the sword in herself and pushes it in. Amelia rushes forward and catches the woman as she falls. Finna reaches up to touch Amelia's cheek.
"I know you'll see the light." She whispers before taking a last breath and dies in Amelia's arms.
Amelia feels tears roll down her cheeks as she hears their Soldiers burst in, searching through Finna's belongings.
"Burn the body. Get the horses!" Morgana snaps furiously.
Morgana strides past her but Amelia stays still. Eyes flicking around the room, looking for any sign that Merlin or Anne are here.
"Amelia!" Morgana calls sharply.
Amelia flinches at her sister's tone. She finally lets go of Finna's body, before hurriedly leaving.
As she catches up with her sister, Morgana speaks, "It's time."
Amelia blinks out of her daze and her brow furrows. "Sister?"
"This. All this. It cannot go on, Arthur needs to die." Morgana turns to Amelia, smirking. "It's time to declare war."
Amelia's stomach drops at her words.
—
Anne's POV
Anne stares down at the parchment as she sits in her and Merlin's Chambers back inside Camelot's walls. It's the parchment that Finna had given them; it's written in Catha but Anne still recalls Gaius' translation.
"Let loose the hounds of war. Let the dreadfire of the last Priestesses rain down from angry skies. For brother will slaughter brother. For friend will murder friend. As the great horn sounds a cold dawn at Camlann. The prophets do not lie. There Arthur will meet his end, upon that mighty plain."
And now they're at war.
Anne had been horrified when the Knights had brought in another Knight lying on a stretcher, the man's face a blank canvas of skin. It had grown across his face until he suffocated.
"Amelia and Morgana have declared war."
That's what Gaius had said.
Anne is now at war with her best friend. She can't believe it, she can't have lost Amelia completely. There must still be hope.