(no subject)
Title: To Fall Like Lightning
Author: ArthurMerlinPairing: Arthur/Merlin
Rating: R
Spoilers: Merlin Series 4, especially Episodes 9 and 10.
Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin or any of the characters, stories, places etc associated with Merlin. This work is fanfiction and not to be used for any form of commercial usage.
Summary: Elyan's body has been invaded by an evil spirit, who puts everything Arthur and Merlin hold dear at terrible risk.
Notes: You need to have watched 4x10 for this fic to make sense. Needless to say, then, it contains major spoilers. The story begins with an actual quote from the episode, and then moves off in a different direction; the way I would have loved to have seen it go! Please also see the notes at the top of the entry on my journal.
I actually wrote this as I was watching the episode; it is rushed, and probably full of mistakes. But hopefully there's the beginnings of a good idea here!
WARNING: This fic includes extracts from the actual Rite of Exorcism according to the Roman Ritual. This is an official rite of the Church and is not to be used aloud by any except those properly trained and commissioned for such work.
To Fall Like Lightning
“Then I fear you have no choice but to kill him,” Gaius said gravely. Merlin turned to Arthur, looking to his lover for his response, but Arthur said nothing.
“No, you must not kill him.”
The three men span round to see a young man stood in the doorway to the Great Hall; he was dressed in a brown woollen robe with fingerless gloves and wore sandals on his feet. His mousy hair hung naturally just above his shoulders. His eyes were hazel; large and penetrating, and his clean-shaven face bore a startlingly warm smile.
“Identify yourself,” Arthur commanded in his regal tone.
The mysterious figure bowed in respect, and as he rose moved his right hand to his forehead, then down to his chest, and across to each shoulder in the shape of a cross; “my name is Father John, your Majesty, I am a Priest.”
“What do you know of Elyan?” Arthur asked, his hand resting on the pommel of his sword.
“Your loyal and noble knight, Sir Percival, is one of my parishioners, Sire, and he came to me to explain this sorry situation. Sir, I believe Elyan is indeed possessed, but not by the spirit of a deceased human being. No human spirit can possess the body of another; such a thing is impossible due to the inseparability of body and soul. No, Elyan is possessed by a demonic spirit; a being that exists solely as spirit, but has the ability to invade the body of a human being.”
As he spoke, he walked into the room, closer to the King and his friends.
“And you can help him?” Merlin asked from behind Arthur.
“No, not I,” Fr John replied shaking his head, “but the Lord, whom I serve, is well able. During His ministry on Earth, He cast out many such demons, and passed on authority to do the same to His disciples.”
Arthur nodded as he mulled over this new information, but Fr. John continued: “however, I am not empowered to perform the necessary prayers until I am entirely confident that he is suffering from such a possession. From what you have told me, I strongly suspect this to be the case, but I cannot make a firm diagnosis until I can see him personally. The Rite of Exorcism can be damaging to the mind of a patient if it is used in a case where possession is not actually occurring.”
“You can guarantee a cure for Elyan?” Arthur enquired.
“No, Sire, at least not immediately; it may take some time for the Rite to be effective; the variables include the strength of the possessing spirit, the strength of its hold over Elyan, and the strength of my own faith. But I give you my word, Sire, I will do everything in my power to liberate Elyan.”
Arthur nodded, “Gaius?”
Gaius’ eyebrow rose, “I would like to speak to our guest, my lord, before I give my blessing to this course of action. I am not familiar with anything he has said.”
“Very well, Fr. John, go with Gaius. When Elyan is found, I will see he is unharmed.”
....
Merlin walked into Arthur’s chambers that evening with the King’s evening meal and set it down on the table before him. He wanted to reach out and touch Arthur, but he knew that he was still suffering from Gwen’s departure.
The truth was that Gwen had discovered Arthur’s relationship with Merlin; it was one of the reasons she had been driven into Lancelot’s arms. Merlin had found a bracelet in the dungeons, and assumed it had been used to bewitch Gwen into succumbing to Lancelot’s advances; but Merlin had studied it and found it to be little more than a placebo.
Arthur had loved Gwen, and felt the sting of her betrayal as keenly as Gwen must have felt it when she discovered Arthur’s relationship with Merlin. In the wake of her banishment, Merlin was unsure if Arthur would continue their relationship, or if his own ‘betrayal’ would become repulsive too him in the light of being betrayed himself.
Merlin’s fears were pushed aside as Arthur stood from the table and drew Merlin into a hug. The King nuzzled his beloved’s neck, and whispered: “I love you, Merlin”.
Merlin put his arms around Arthur and delighted in his lover’s warmth.
....
Arthur awoke the next morning to Merlin next to him in bed. He smiled and brushed a hand through the young man’s black hair.
As he did so, the warning bells rang, startling Merlin awake. Arthur leant down and kissed his lover before leaping out of bed and throwing on some clothes.
....
The King swept into the Great Hall to find Agravaine standing beside a number of guardsmen holding Elyan.
“He was found attempting to enter the castle, Sire.” Agravaine stated, “I will have him executed imm...”
“No!” Arthur said authoritatively with a raise of his hand to silence his uncle, “send for the priest.”
....
Fr. John arrived in the Hall with Gaius and began to study Elyan’s condition, asking him questions and testing his reactions to various objects. Over an hour and a half he examined Elyan, during which time he checked things with Gaius, trying to rule out any medical explanation.
Arthur stood with Merlin on the other side of the room, waiting for the verdict.
Eventually, Fr. John nodded to Gaius and they walked over to the King.
“Sire,” the priest said with a bow, “I conclude that demonic possession is indeed the most plausible explanation for Sir Elyan’s behaviour, and with that in mind am prepared to perform an Exorcism to deliver him from this affliction. However, I require the possessed person’s consent. Sir Elyan is unable to provide that consent as he is too far under the demon’s control, is there a relative who can offer permission on his behalf?”
Arthur’s eyes looked sadly at the ground as he thought of Gwen.
“No, he has no family in Camelot. But I, as his King and as his friend, give consent for an Exorcism on his behalf.”
Fr. John bowed; “very good, your Majesty. Please leave me to prepare the room, I require at least a few hours. During which time please do not send me any food; I must fast and pray, to prepare myself.”
“Yes, of course,” Arthur agreed and ushered everybody out of the room.
....
“Arthur, are you sure this is a good idea? We know nothing about this priest, how can we trust him?” Merlin asked Arthur, as they sat on the bed together in Arthur’s chambers.
Arthur ran his hand up and down Merlin’s forearm as he replied, “what other choice do we have? Execute Elyan?”
Merlin had no response to that, so he said nothing. Arthur smiled and leaned in to kiss him.
A few hours later, around 3 in the afternoon, there was a knock at Arthur’s door... Fr. John was ready.
....
Arthur walked into the room accompanied by Merlin; they saw Elyan strapped to Arthur’s throne, as it was the only chair large enough for Fr. John to feel comfortable that it could hold him, and positioned nearby a small table with a white lace cloth over it. On the table was positioned a few small bottles, a handful of books, and a purple scarf-like cloth.
Fr. John smiled at them and nodded his head in deference to the King, before walking over to the table and picking up the purple cloth. He kissed it and placed it over his head so that the two ends hung down either side of his chest.
“I need somebody to help me with the ritual,” Fr. John said turning to face Arthur and Merlin, “and another to pray for us all.”
Arthur gently grabbed Merlin’s hand and squeezed it, rubbing his thumb lightly over the silky skin on the back of Merlin’s hand. Merlin looked into Arthur’s eyes and smiled; a smile which Arthur readily returned. The King then took a step forward, jutted out his chin in a regal fashion, and said: “I will assist you with the ritual.”
The young priest nodded solemnly, picked up a book from the table, opened it to a particular page and held it out for Arthur.
“You will see that some of the words are written in red. They are your responses, please follow what I am saying and respond with those words at the appropriate times. Merlin,” he said, turning to face the young warlock, “if you feel able and comfortable to do so, please pray using any devotions you wish, or in your own words, for strength for both Arthur and I, and heavenly aid for Elyan.”
Fr. John moved in front of Elyan, who sat silently with his eyes closed.
“Listen to me very carefully, both of you; you must do whatever I ask...” he looked squarely at Arthur, “... without question. We will not be dealing with Elyan tonight; do not pay any attention to what it says, and do not ask it any questions. Do you understand?”
Arthur nodded and looked at Merlin, who smiled his acknowledgement. Satisfied, Fr. John turned back to the table and lit a candle at either end. He picked up another book, one with expensive gold leaf on the edges of the paper, and opened it to a page marked with a red ribbon. He moved in front of Elyan once more, and began the ritual.
“Holy Lord, almighty Father, everlasting God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who once and for all consigned that fallen and apostate tyrant to the flames of hell, who sent your only-begotten Son into the world to crush that roaring lion; hasten to our call for help and snatch from ruination and from the clutches of the noonday devil this human being made in your image and likeness.” Fr. John placed his hand on Elyan’s head, and he writhed, his eyes flying open, “Strike terror, Lord, into the beast now laying waste your vineyard. Fill your servants with courage to fight manfully against that reprobate dragon, lest he despise those who put their trust in you, and say with Pharaoh of old: "I know not God, nor will I set Israel free." Let your mighty hand cast him out of your servant, Elyan, so he may no longer hold captive this person whom it pleased you to make in your image, and to redeem through your Son; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.”
Elyan suddenly stilled, and a feral laugh began to bubble up from within him. Elyan’s lips did not move, but still the sound grew louder and echoed around the hall; it was like it was pulsating from him. It sent shivers down Merlin’s spine as he looked on, waiting for the time when he might need to interject with his magic.
“I command you, unclean spirit, whoever you are, along with all your minions now attacking this servant of God, by the mysteries of the incarnation, passion, resurrection, and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ. I command you, moreover, to obey me to the letter, I who am a minister of God despite my unworthiness; nor shall you be emboldened to harm in any way this creature of God, or the bystanders.”
Elyan’s eyes rolled back so that they appeared purely white, and the laugh died away as he opened his mouth to speak: “obey you?! Obey you?!”
The sound was guttural, and again he began to laugh.
“The Lord be with you,”
A few seconds of silence followed before Fr. John turned to Arthur and repeated: “The Lord be with you,”
Arthur, transfixed by what was transpiring before him, jumped and looked down at his book: “oh... uh... and with your spirit.”
Fr. John signed himself with small crosses on his head, lips, and breast as he said: “A Lesson from the Holy Gospel according to St. Luke.”
“Glory to you, O Lord,” Arthur replied as Fr. John reached out his hand and made the same three crosses on Arthur, then on Merlin, and lastly on Elyan; who went rigidly still once more, and began to groan loudly.
Fr. John read in a solemn loud voice, speaking over the dreadful groaning, “And the seventy-two returned with joy, saying: Lord, the devils also are subject to us in thy name. And he said to them: I saw Satan like lightning falling from heaven. Behold, I have given you power to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and upon all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall hurt you. But yet rejoice not in this, that spirits are subject unto you; but rejoice in this, that your names are written in heaven.”
Elyan suddenly surged up, straining against his restraints! Arthur and Merlin both jumped, and Arthur instinctively reached for his sword. Fr. John swiftly grabbed Arthur’s wrist as he wrapped his hand around the sword’s pommel and said, “peace!” Arthur relaxed his grip as Fr. John turned back to Elyan, who was again laughing and staring straight at Arthur.
“Pendragon... Pendragon... Pendragon... you want to kill me, don’t you? I know you do, I can feel your anger! It’s deliciously sweet, dripping off you like honey just waiting to be lapped up!”
Fr. John grabbed a metal crucifix from the table and thrust it before Elyan’s face, shouting out in a loud voice: “See the cross of the Lord; begone, you hostile powers!”
Elyan fell back against the throne breathing heavily, and Fr. John whipped round to Arthur and pointed to his line from the text. Arthur released his sword and said: “The stem of David, the lion of Judah's tribe has conquered.”
Fr. John placed his hand on Arthur’s shoulder: “the Lord be with you,”
“And with your spirit.”
“Let us pray...” Fr. John closed his eyes and kept his hand on Arthur’s shoulder as he prayed in a quiet voice: “God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, I appeal to your holy name, humbly begging your kindness, that you graciously grant me help against this and every unclean spirit now tormenting this creature of yours; through Christ our Lord.”
Arthur answered: “Amen.”
The young priest turned once more to Elyan and spoke in a commanding voice: “I cast you out, unclean spirit, along with every Satanic power of the enemy, every spectre from hell, and all your fell companions; in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Begone and stay far from this creature of God. For it is He who commands you, He who flung you headlong from the heights of heaven into the depths of hell. Hearken, therefore, and tremble in fear, Satan, you enemy of the faith, you foe of the human race; seducer of men, betrayer of the nations. Why, then, do you stand and resist, knowing as you must that Christ the Lord brings your plans to nothing? Fear Him, who in Isaac was offered in sacrifice, in Joseph sold into bondage, slain as the paschal lamb, crucified as man, yet triumphed over the powers of hell.”
Fr. John moved up to Elyan and, as he spoke, made crosses on his forehead: “Begone, then, in the name of the Father, + and of the Son, + and of the Holy + Spirit. Give place to the Holy Spirit by this sign of the holy + cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.”
Elyan didn’t react at all, but Fr. John continued: “God, Creator and defender of the human race, who made man in your own image, look down in pity on this your servant, Elyan, now in the toils of the unclean spirit. Repel, O Lord, the devil's power, break asunder his snares and traps, put the unholy tempter to flight. By the sign of your name, let your servant be protected in mind and body.”
At these words, Elyan began to writhe once more and to cry out “no! No! No!” over and over, but still the priest continued, raising his voice with each petition.
“Keep watch over the inmost recesses of his heart! Rule over his emotions! Strengthen his will! Graciously grant, O Lord, as we call on your holy name, that the evil spirit, who hitherto terrorized over us, may himself retreat in terror and defeat, so that this servant of yours may sincerely and steadfastly render you the service which is your due; through Christ our Lord.”
Arthur swallowed and replied: “Amen.”
Elyan’s eyes opened and fixed on Merlin, and again Elyan spoke: “I know your secret, boy! Don’t think I don’t know. Whatever would dear Arthur say if he found out?! Arthur, dear, I have a tiny little secret to tell you about your lovely Merlin!”
Merlin’s eyes widened in panic, and he was unable to restrain himself from shouting: “shut up! Shut up! Arthur, don’t listen...”
Fr. John was on Merlin in a second, placing his hand on his shoulder and saying, “do not acknowledge it! Merlin, do not speak to it!” His voice was firm, but comforting, and Merlin relaxed a little.
“Interfering priest!” Elyan spat, “I’ll watch you burn, you rotten scum!”
“Silence!” Fr. John commanded, and flicked holy water from an aspergillum onto Elyan’s face. The demon within screamed, and continued to struggle against his bonds.
“It burns me! Why do you burn me?!” Elyan cried, but the cries soon subsided, and his eyes settled once more on Arthur.
As Fr. John turned pages in his book, looking for the right prayers, Elyan spoke again: “your father is here Arthur, he wants me to say hello.”
“My father?” Arthur whispered, too quietly for Fr. John to hear.
“Oh yes, he’s quite at home amongst the flames, although he is taking a while to get used to all the blood that drips from him; you see, he has a lot of blood on his hands, literally!” Elyan threw his head back and laughed deeply, “he sees everything now Arthur; even what you get up to with Merlin when you think nobody is watching. I can’t tell you how disgusted he is with you Arthur, if he were alive now Merlin would be on the executioner’s block before his feet could touch the ground.”
“Pay no attention to it, Arthur, it’s goading you.” Fr. John said sternly, before again flicking Elyan with holy water.
“I adjure you every unclean spirit, every spectre from hell, every satanic power, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, who was led into the desert after His baptism by John to vanquish you in your citadel, to cease your assaults against the creature whom He has formed from the slime of the earth for His own honour and glory; to quail before wretched man, seeing in him the image of almighty God, rather than his state of human frailty. Yield then to God, who, by the singing of holy canticles on the part of David, His faithful servant, banished you from the heart of King Saul.”
Elyan screamed and struggled in the chair as Fr. John continued his prayers, and with each petition and flick of holy water, Elyan’s struggling increased and his screams grew louder:
“Yield to God, who condemned you in the person of Judas Iscariot, the traitor. He in whose sight you and your legions once cried out: "What have we to do with you, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Have you come to torture us before the time?" Now He is driving you back into the everlasting fire, He who at the end of time will say to the wicked: "Depart from me, you accursed, into the everlasting fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels." For you, O evil one, and for your followers there will be worms that never die. An unquenchable fire stands ready for you and for your minions, you prince of accursed murderers, inventor of every obscenity. Depart then!”
And with that, Elyan screamed but one sentence: “Merlin, I will reveal your secret before I am driven out!”
His words rang and echoed in the Hall, and then he sank still in the throne. His breathing steadied out, and his head fell forward to lull on his chest. Fr. John closed his book and allowed his posture to sag slightly.
Arthur stepped forward, “is it over?”
The priest reached out his hand and placed it on Elyan’s forehead. After closing his eyes and wordlessly moving his lips in silent prayer for a moment, he turned to Arthur and shook his head; “it has only just begun.”