Shadows and Stone, Chapter 10
Summary: Taulard nears Camelot.
Characters/Pairings: Arthur/Gwen; Elena, Elyan, Lancelot, Leon, Merlin, Morgana, Morgause, Vivian, Accolon (OC), Blanchefleur (OC), Cerys (OC), Dorin (OC), Mary (OC), Philippa (OC), Taulard (OC), Urien (OC)
Rating: PG
Word Count: 2252
Spoilers/Warnings: Begins shortly after 3x13 ends.
Disclaimer: The show Merlin is property of its respective rights-holders, including the BBC, Shine, and Fremantle Media. We neither have nor claim affiliation with any official entity related to the show, and make no profit from this fan venture.
Previous Chapter
~10~
Morgana was pleased to see Morgause holding her seat so well. Urien had offered to have a special saddle rigged, yet Morgause had refused it or any other special conveyance. While Morgana understood, she still did not entirely believe it to be a good idea. So, not only did it ease her mind to see Morgause riding decently, it also made her more confident about her sister's recovery. While the Stone brought Morgause back as Accolon had promised, Morgana had expected it to be a complete cure. That did not prove to be the case, however, so Morgana was worried that she had taken the wrong course of action. Morgause regaining strength was a reassurance, a sign that things could be well again.
Morgana would feel more reassured at that very moment if Accolon's horse was not immediately behind hers. Without looking, she was certain that she could feel that eerie gaze fixated on her.
"This plan was a good one." Urien smiled at Morgause, which annoyed Morgana. Indeed, it had been Morgause's idea to call forth the giant, but Morgana had done all the work leading up to it. She had transported herself and her sister from Camelot, she had brought them both to Dinrheged and seen to it that they were taken in, she had arranged for the Stone to be found and brought to them along with an offering for Taulard… and it was Morgause whom Urien praised.
Well, she did not care. Morgause had thanked her upon awakening, and that was enough. She did not need the praise of some lovesick king and his repulsive lapdog.
"It has worked to this point," agreed Morgause. "We are as yet far from successful."
Gesturing at the swathe of destruction they were following, Urien said, "I would call this a successful beginning of a campaign."
The corners of Morgause's lips curved upward, and she dipped her chin in acknowledgment.
Morgana turned her head and found that Accolon did, indeed, have his weird eyes trained on her. He gave her a smile that may have been an attempt at being friendly, but it made her skin crawl. "Let us make certain that we have a successful ending to our campaign, as well," she said irritably, spurring her mount forward and leaving them- and the army at their rear- to follow.
* * *
While it was slightly less frightening not to be alone, Gwen still had the feeling that she should have tried harder to prevent the capture of the women who now surrounded her. That was not to say that she had a clue what she could have done, but being that Taulard had told her what he had in mind and then gone forth and done it, Gwen was frustrated that she had been unable to act at all. Now, it was not just she who was clinging to the carved, wooden bars. Dorin's girl, Cerys, was nearby, as were Princess Elena and her maid Blanchefeur, nabbed as they passed Gawant. He had grabbed a pretty young woman called Philippa from a village a bit further on, and rounded out his "collection" with a noblewoman's entourage that had been unfortunate enough to cross their path. Nor was it just any noblewoman- it was the Lady Vivian and a handmaiden of hers named Mary.
Gwen could not believe that turn of luck, although she was now wondering if it was a more fortunate happenstance than she first believed, for Lady Vivian was irritating Taulard to no end. It was satisfying to see someone finally getting under his skin, since nothing that Gwen or any of the others had said or done seemed to matter to him. On the other hand, though, Gwen was concerned that annoying Taulard would end badly for Vivian, and while Gwen did not like her much, she did not want her dead.
After a spirited string of verbal abuse from Vivian had left the giant looking particularly cross, Gwen said softly, "My lady, it might be wise not to anger our captor."
Vivian glared scornfully at her. "And just whom do you think you are, to be giving me orders?" Peering at her a little more closely, she said, "You're that servant from Camelot. What are you doing here?" The question was asked in such a way that it sounded as if Vivian did not feel that a maid was worthy of being trapped in a cage.
"She is a close, personal friend of Prince Arthur, and a recent friend of my own," Elena said sharply. "I would advise you to watch your tongue with her."
Vivian looked about ready to retort, when she froze. "Did you say she is a friend of Prince Arthur?" Without waiting for a reply, she looked back at Gwen. "Are you?"
Gwen groaned inwardly. She truly did not need this, on top of everything that was already going on. "I suppose so-"
"How fares my love?" Vivian asked, a wide smile spreading over her face.
"Your love?" repeated Elena.
"Prince Arthur- my love, my all. How I have missed his eyes as I stared into them, his voice as he declared his undying love for me, his lips on mine, his arms around me…"
Elena glanced at Gwen in bafflement, but Gwen was too unhappy due to what Vivian was saying to explain. She knew what had happened; she did not care to hear it listed like that, no matter that it was an enchantment which had led Arthur to do and say all of those things. Unenlightened, Elena said to Vivian, "What on earth are you on about?"
"It has been too long since I have been in the presence of my love," Vivian informed her archly. "I have been living on nothing but memories, which do not get me through the nights very easily, I might add." Gwen could have lived without hearing that, and Elena's mouth opened in surprise.
"I am acquainted with Prince Arthur's love, and you are not she," Cerys suddenly blurted. Everyone stared at her in astonishment, even Philippa and Mary, who had no clue what was going on. The edges of Blanchefleur's mouth turned up as she looked at Gwen.
Gwen's eyebrows went up slightly at the same time that Vivian turned her ire on Cerys. "If anyone should be holding her tongue, it is you. How dare you spread such lies!"
"It is the truth," Elena confirmed. "Is it not, Gwen?"
"Yes, ask the maid; she knows where Arthur's heart lies," Vivian agreed.
"I do know where his heart lies," Gwen said, feeling her own thudding at this confrontation, and in such an unlikely place. Each of them was clinging to the wooden bars in order not to get thrown into one another, and here they were, on the precipice of a squabble over Arthur. The thing was, as much as she would be glad to have Lady Vivian know the truth, she also knew it would mean nothing. The woman was enchanted and therefore less rational than she was ever capable of being. "I do not feel that this is the right time or place for such a discussion. We should be figuring out a means of escape, and then how we intend to stop the giant before he takes anyone else or reaches Camelot."
"Please," Philippa said pleadingly. "I want to go home, and I'll do whatever it takes to make that happen."
"Good." Gwen gave her an approving nod.
"I will do what I can," Elena chimed in.
"As will I," Mary declared, earning her a disapproving glare from her mistress.
"And I," said Cerys.
Blanchefleur began to reply, but they all had to grab hold suddenly when Taulard swung them around. Once she had her feet again, she said, "My brother was squire to a knight and taught me to fight. If we can get a weapon, I will do what I can with it."
Vivian gave them a haughty expression. "If you expect me to rescue myself, think again. That is why Father has knights."
"I do not see any knights," Elena remarked.
"I would not wish to see a knight," Mary said quietly, her pale blue eyes sad. "The ones I have known have been less than pleasant."
"How dare you speak of Father's army in such a way!" Vivian huffed. "I'll have you know that they are some of the finest, most perfect men who ever took up arms. After Prince Arthur, of course." Her expression made Gwen wonder exactly how fine and perfect Vivian had found them. "Consider yourself no longer in my employ."
Mary's chin raised a notch. "Thank you, my lady."
Not sure what to make of that exchange, Philippa asked, "Does anyone have a plan for getting out of here?"
"Not yet," Gwen admitted. "We need to keep our eyes open."
* * *
Preparations in Camelot were well underway for a possible attack when Merlin, Lancelot, and Elyan returned- without Guinevere or Cerys, but with Dorin in tow. As soon as Arthur saw the man walking with them, he was seized by the urge to greet him with a fist to the face. It was certainly an option, but he knew that his reason was not the best: it was personal, because Dorin had taken Gwen, rather than due to the political implications of his having betrayed Camelot. He had to handle this properly, as befit his position as regent, and not like a man in love.
His visit that morning with his father had served as a reminder of that position, with Uther having an off day again, barely communicative or even aware of his surroundings. Apparently, he had been more lucid whilst Arthur was away, but that was actually a problem, since he had been tremendously difficult with his nurse and she was on the verge of walking out. Arthur did not know how he could find another nurse whom he was certain he could trust. It had been difficult enough to find the ones he had already hired- who had all quit due to Uther's treatment of them.
"We have a problem," Lancelot said as Arthur strode over to the party dismounting in the courtyard.
"I can see that," Arthur said coldly, pinning Dorin with a stare designed to strike fear into the man's heart.
"That's not it." Lancelot gave a shake of his head, although the expression seemed to have some effect on the captive.
Elyan crossed his arms. "Not most of it, anyway."
Behind them, Arthur saw Merlin making his way in the direction of Gauis's chambers.
Lancelot leaned forward and lowered his voice, so that they would not be overheard. "There is a giant headed this way. He has Guinevere."
Arthur drew back, trying not to let his reaction show on his face. Gwaine and Percival's suspicions about Nimueh might have been on the mark.
"I honestly have no idea how we got here first," Lancelot continued. "He must not have taken a direct route."
Arthur let out a breath, allowing himself to accept that at least some of what the sorceress had told him was fact. "I suspect that Urien's army is behind. Morgana and probably Morgause will be along, as well." His mind whirling with possibilities and protocols as he considered ways to defend against a giant as well as an army, Arthur said, "Have everyone from the lower town brought into the citadel." Residents of the outlying villages were already being settled in, but they would have to move faster to accommodate the extra people.
With a nod, Lancelot went to see to those orders. Elyan remained behind, just looking at Arthur.
"What is it?" Arthur asked.
Elyan paused. "May I speak freely?"
"Of course."
The knight glanced aside for a moment, then met Arthur's gaze again. "You know that Gwen was taken because of you."
Arthur's jaw set. While he was aware of that fact, he did not want to hear it. "I do."
"And before, she and I were both taken to lure you into a trap."
Arthur frowned; he did not have time for this. "What are you getting at, Elyan?"
Elyan let out a breath. "Morgana knows what Gwen means to you, and word is spreading- she may become a target to others, as well. But as long as she is simply the former handmaiden to Lady Morgana, the attentions you give her are only going to hurt her. People will not support you going off to save her or using the knights to do so if she is taken again."
"She is taken now," Arthur pointed out testily.
"In a situation that affects everyone," agreed Elyan. "Rescuing her will be a result of saving the kingdom, not our only goal in fighting."
"Your point?"
"I think you know." When Arthur eyed him, Elyan shook his head slightly. "If I did not respect you as much as I do, I would be far less friendly about this."
Arthur frowned and looked away. If it were anyone else putting Gwen in this kind of position, he would personally hurt them, yet her brother had an actual right to do so. "We need to get her back before this matters, anyway."
"Then let's get her back."
Arthur gave him a nod. He hardly needed one more thing on his mind just then, but at least thoughts of Guinevere were welcome.
First, though, he had to see to Camelot. Surveying the scene, Arthur got back to work.
Next Chapter
*
Characters/Pairings: Arthur/Gwen; Elena, Elyan, Lancelot, Leon, Merlin, Morgana, Morgause, Vivian, Accolon (OC), Blanchefleur (OC), Cerys (OC), Dorin (OC), Mary (OC), Philippa (OC), Taulard (OC), Urien (OC)
Rating: PG
Word Count: 2252
Spoilers/Warnings: Begins shortly after 3x13 ends.
Disclaimer: The show Merlin is property of its respective rights-holders, including the BBC, Shine, and Fremantle Media. We neither have nor claim affiliation with any official entity related to the show, and make no profit from this fan venture.
Previous Chapter
~10~
Morgana was pleased to see Morgause holding her seat so well. Urien had offered to have a special saddle rigged, yet Morgause had refused it or any other special conveyance. While Morgana understood, she still did not entirely believe it to be a good idea. So, not only did it ease her mind to see Morgause riding decently, it also made her more confident about her sister's recovery. While the Stone brought Morgause back as Accolon had promised, Morgana had expected it to be a complete cure. That did not prove to be the case, however, so Morgana was worried that she had taken the wrong course of action. Morgause regaining strength was a reassurance, a sign that things could be well again.
Morgana would feel more reassured at that very moment if Accolon's horse was not immediately behind hers. Without looking, she was certain that she could feel that eerie gaze fixated on her.
"This plan was a good one." Urien smiled at Morgause, which annoyed Morgana. Indeed, it had been Morgause's idea to call forth the giant, but Morgana had done all the work leading up to it. She had transported herself and her sister from Camelot, she had brought them both to Dinrheged and seen to it that they were taken in, she had arranged for the Stone to be found and brought to them along with an offering for Taulard… and it was Morgause whom Urien praised.
Well, she did not care. Morgause had thanked her upon awakening, and that was enough. She did not need the praise of some lovesick king and his repulsive lapdog.
"It has worked to this point," agreed Morgause. "We are as yet far from successful."
Gesturing at the swathe of destruction they were following, Urien said, "I would call this a successful beginning of a campaign."
The corners of Morgause's lips curved upward, and she dipped her chin in acknowledgment.
Morgana turned her head and found that Accolon did, indeed, have his weird eyes trained on her. He gave her a smile that may have been an attempt at being friendly, but it made her skin crawl. "Let us make certain that we have a successful ending to our campaign, as well," she said irritably, spurring her mount forward and leaving them- and the army at their rear- to follow.
* * *
While it was slightly less frightening not to be alone, Gwen still had the feeling that she should have tried harder to prevent the capture of the women who now surrounded her. That was not to say that she had a clue what she could have done, but being that Taulard had told her what he had in mind and then gone forth and done it, Gwen was frustrated that she had been unable to act at all. Now, it was not just she who was clinging to the carved, wooden bars. Dorin's girl, Cerys, was nearby, as were Princess Elena and her maid Blanchefeur, nabbed as they passed Gawant. He had grabbed a pretty young woman called Philippa from a village a bit further on, and rounded out his "collection" with a noblewoman's entourage that had been unfortunate enough to cross their path. Nor was it just any noblewoman- it was the Lady Vivian and a handmaiden of hers named Mary.
Gwen could not believe that turn of luck, although she was now wondering if it was a more fortunate happenstance than she first believed, for Lady Vivian was irritating Taulard to no end. It was satisfying to see someone finally getting under his skin, since nothing that Gwen or any of the others had said or done seemed to matter to him. On the other hand, though, Gwen was concerned that annoying Taulard would end badly for Vivian, and while Gwen did not like her much, she did not want her dead.
After a spirited string of verbal abuse from Vivian had left the giant looking particularly cross, Gwen said softly, "My lady, it might be wise not to anger our captor."
Vivian glared scornfully at her. "And just whom do you think you are, to be giving me orders?" Peering at her a little more closely, she said, "You're that servant from Camelot. What are you doing here?" The question was asked in such a way that it sounded as if Vivian did not feel that a maid was worthy of being trapped in a cage.
"She is a close, personal friend of Prince Arthur, and a recent friend of my own," Elena said sharply. "I would advise you to watch your tongue with her."
Vivian looked about ready to retort, when she froze. "Did you say she is a friend of Prince Arthur?" Without waiting for a reply, she looked back at Gwen. "Are you?"
Gwen groaned inwardly. She truly did not need this, on top of everything that was already going on. "I suppose so-"
"How fares my love?" Vivian asked, a wide smile spreading over her face.
"Your love?" repeated Elena.
"Prince Arthur- my love, my all. How I have missed his eyes as I stared into them, his voice as he declared his undying love for me, his lips on mine, his arms around me…"
Elena glanced at Gwen in bafflement, but Gwen was too unhappy due to what Vivian was saying to explain. She knew what had happened; she did not care to hear it listed like that, no matter that it was an enchantment which had led Arthur to do and say all of those things. Unenlightened, Elena said to Vivian, "What on earth are you on about?"
"It has been too long since I have been in the presence of my love," Vivian informed her archly. "I have been living on nothing but memories, which do not get me through the nights very easily, I might add." Gwen could have lived without hearing that, and Elena's mouth opened in surprise.
"I am acquainted with Prince Arthur's love, and you are not she," Cerys suddenly blurted. Everyone stared at her in astonishment, even Philippa and Mary, who had no clue what was going on. The edges of Blanchefleur's mouth turned up as she looked at Gwen.
Gwen's eyebrows went up slightly at the same time that Vivian turned her ire on Cerys. "If anyone should be holding her tongue, it is you. How dare you spread such lies!"
"It is the truth," Elena confirmed. "Is it not, Gwen?"
"Yes, ask the maid; she knows where Arthur's heart lies," Vivian agreed.
"I do know where his heart lies," Gwen said, feeling her own thudding at this confrontation, and in such an unlikely place. Each of them was clinging to the wooden bars in order not to get thrown into one another, and here they were, on the precipice of a squabble over Arthur. The thing was, as much as she would be glad to have Lady Vivian know the truth, she also knew it would mean nothing. The woman was enchanted and therefore less rational than she was ever capable of being. "I do not feel that this is the right time or place for such a discussion. We should be figuring out a means of escape, and then how we intend to stop the giant before he takes anyone else or reaches Camelot."
"Please," Philippa said pleadingly. "I want to go home, and I'll do whatever it takes to make that happen."
"Good." Gwen gave her an approving nod.
"I will do what I can," Elena chimed in.
"As will I," Mary declared, earning her a disapproving glare from her mistress.
"And I," said Cerys.
Blanchefleur began to reply, but they all had to grab hold suddenly when Taulard swung them around. Once she had her feet again, she said, "My brother was squire to a knight and taught me to fight. If we can get a weapon, I will do what I can with it."
Vivian gave them a haughty expression. "If you expect me to rescue myself, think again. That is why Father has knights."
"I do not see any knights," Elena remarked.
"I would not wish to see a knight," Mary said quietly, her pale blue eyes sad. "The ones I have known have been less than pleasant."
"How dare you speak of Father's army in such a way!" Vivian huffed. "I'll have you know that they are some of the finest, most perfect men who ever took up arms. After Prince Arthur, of course." Her expression made Gwen wonder exactly how fine and perfect Vivian had found them. "Consider yourself no longer in my employ."
Mary's chin raised a notch. "Thank you, my lady."
Not sure what to make of that exchange, Philippa asked, "Does anyone have a plan for getting out of here?"
"Not yet," Gwen admitted. "We need to keep our eyes open."
* * *
Preparations in Camelot were well underway for a possible attack when Merlin, Lancelot, and Elyan returned- without Guinevere or Cerys, but with Dorin in tow. As soon as Arthur saw the man walking with them, he was seized by the urge to greet him with a fist to the face. It was certainly an option, but he knew that his reason was not the best: it was personal, because Dorin had taken Gwen, rather than due to the political implications of his having betrayed Camelot. He had to handle this properly, as befit his position as regent, and not like a man in love.
His visit that morning with his father had served as a reminder of that position, with Uther having an off day again, barely communicative or even aware of his surroundings. Apparently, he had been more lucid whilst Arthur was away, but that was actually a problem, since he had been tremendously difficult with his nurse and she was on the verge of walking out. Arthur did not know how he could find another nurse whom he was certain he could trust. It had been difficult enough to find the ones he had already hired- who had all quit due to Uther's treatment of them.
"We have a problem," Lancelot said as Arthur strode over to the party dismounting in the courtyard.
"I can see that," Arthur said coldly, pinning Dorin with a stare designed to strike fear into the man's heart.
"That's not it." Lancelot gave a shake of his head, although the expression seemed to have some effect on the captive.
Elyan crossed his arms. "Not most of it, anyway."
Behind them, Arthur saw Merlin making his way in the direction of Gauis's chambers.
Lancelot leaned forward and lowered his voice, so that they would not be overheard. "There is a giant headed this way. He has Guinevere."
Arthur drew back, trying not to let his reaction show on his face. Gwaine and Percival's suspicions about Nimueh might have been on the mark.
"I honestly have no idea how we got here first," Lancelot continued. "He must not have taken a direct route."
Arthur let out a breath, allowing himself to accept that at least some of what the sorceress had told him was fact. "I suspect that Urien's army is behind. Morgana and probably Morgause will be along, as well." His mind whirling with possibilities and protocols as he considered ways to defend against a giant as well as an army, Arthur said, "Have everyone from the lower town brought into the citadel." Residents of the outlying villages were already being settled in, but they would have to move faster to accommodate the extra people.
With a nod, Lancelot went to see to those orders. Elyan remained behind, just looking at Arthur.
"What is it?" Arthur asked.
Elyan paused. "May I speak freely?"
"Of course."
The knight glanced aside for a moment, then met Arthur's gaze again. "You know that Gwen was taken because of you."
Arthur's jaw set. While he was aware of that fact, he did not want to hear it. "I do."
"And before, she and I were both taken to lure you into a trap."
Arthur frowned; he did not have time for this. "What are you getting at, Elyan?"
Elyan let out a breath. "Morgana knows what Gwen means to you, and word is spreading- she may become a target to others, as well. But as long as she is simply the former handmaiden to Lady Morgana, the attentions you give her are only going to hurt her. People will not support you going off to save her or using the knights to do so if she is taken again."
"She is taken now," Arthur pointed out testily.
"In a situation that affects everyone," agreed Elyan. "Rescuing her will be a result of saving the kingdom, not our only goal in fighting."
"Your point?"
"I think you know." When Arthur eyed him, Elyan shook his head slightly. "If I did not respect you as much as I do, I would be far less friendly about this."
Arthur frowned and looked away. If it were anyone else putting Gwen in this kind of position, he would personally hurt them, yet her brother had an actual right to do so. "We need to get her back before this matters, anyway."
"Then let's get her back."
Arthur gave him a nod. He hardly needed one more thing on his mind just then, but at least thoughts of Guinevere were welcome.
First, though, he had to see to Camelot. Surveying the scene, Arthur got back to work.
Next Chapter
*