TOAFK - The Greatest Truth
Title: The Once and Future King
Fandom: Merlin
Pairing: Pretty Gen, like The Sword in the Stone, but with eventual (by fan vote) Merlin/Arthur and Gwen/Lancelot. Other pairings will be added as chapters with them are posted.
Rating: PG-13
Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin or its characters in any way, shape, or form.
Warnings/spoilers: up to 3x08
A/N: This is a sequel to The Sword in the Stone, and you should definitely read that before reading this.
Summary: Arthur knows of Merlin's magic, but their destiny has only begun. The journey to uniting the lands of Albion is long and filled with danger. Presented in 14 parts. Click Here for Masterpost.
Chapter Summary: Faced with a terrible prophesy, Morgause sets out to change fate and protecting Arthur places Merlin in the midst of her trap. Without his prophesized sorcerer at his side, who will protect Arthur from Morgause's next attack? Now Morgause has a new and powerful ally against Camelot. It can't be…Merlin?!
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Part II - The Greatest Truth
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Morgause walked calmly down the rickety pier to the boat tied at the end. An old man stood there by the boat, and he held his hand out to her once she approached. Slipping a coin into his palm without a word, Morgause stepped into the boat. The man followed shortly after.
The ride across the misty, dark lake was quiet as death. In front of the boat, in the center of the great lake, a castle loomed, like a herald of darker times. In the past, it had glittered like new hope in the sun, but the sun rarely shone here these days. A winged beast shot into the sky from one of the castle's many towers, crying out, and another call answered it moments later. Morgause paid none of this any heed.
The boat docked again, this time within the castle walls. Morgause stepped out as the man tied his craft to a wooden pole in the water and walked swiftly but silently, even her cloak barely making a noise. Several minutes passed with only the occasional cry of the wyvern far above. Then Morgause came out into an open courtyard.
There were several stone pillars scattered about the edges, proving this used to be a great covered hall. Along one end was a raised stone floor, cracking but solid. This may have been where the highest of the priestesses held important ceremonies or addressed the other keepers of the Old Religion in mass. A small, raised stone basin was just in front of the raised floor, and standing beside it was a woman well known to most of the magical world.
She had golden blonde hair down to the middle of her back and deep green eyes that seemed to shine with an iridescent glow. She wore a simple green dress with sheer sleeves down to her elbows and a thin silver chain necklace. While similar in appearance to Morgause, this woman had an ethereal youth to her that would likely never fade. This was Tethella, the most powerful seer to ever live.
Tethella was waiting for her, her eyes locked on the place where Morgause appeared long before the dark witch finally showed. Morgause walked over to her and stopped on the opposite side of the stone basin.
"You know why I have come," Morgause stated simply.
Tethella nodded. "You need a prophecy, but your sister has returned to her previous alliances, leaving you without a seer."
Morgause frowned. "Yes. I trust that you have not also given yourself to this boy prince?"
"You know better, Morgause," Tethella said as if chastising a young child. "Seers are of no side. We are neither good, nor evil. We may choose to help one group or one person for a time, but our alliances are never so firm that they cannot change."
"So there is hope for my sister?" Morgause asked, unable to keep her joy from seeping into her tone.
Tethella simply stared at Morgause for a long time. Then her eyes lowered to the water in the stone bowl between them. "I have seen the future, Morgause. Your future. You have but to ask, and I will reveal to you its secrets." Her eyes lifted back to Morgause's.
Morgause hesitated. She'd come here for this purpose, but did she truly want to know? Her eyes narrowed. "Tell me."
Tethella ran the fingers of her right hand through the water in an almost idle fashion, her eyes trailing slowly down to stare into its depths. "I will tell you…of your death."
Morgause flinched, but Tethella gave no sign she'd noticed.
"It will come at the hands of a man called Emrys. On this path you have chosen to walk, he walks opposite you. For every darkness you create, so he creates a light. Inevitably, you will meet each other in combat. You will face him in a struggle for life and power…and you will fall."
Morgause forced herself to stand tall. "How long until this day?"
Tethella looked up at Morgause curiously, almost as if she did not understand the question. "A person may live their life in whatever way they choose, and live every day to its fullest, so long as they live in the fear of death."
Morgause narrowed her eyes. "You taunt me with riddles when I came for answers," she accused angrily. Tethella did not react to her hostility. "Tell me who this Emrys is, so I might change my fate," she demanded.
Tethella smiled, but it was ambiguous and foreign to Morgause. It was not a friendly smile, but it was not hostile either. "He is a man whose loyalties will never be questioned. You have right to fear him, Morgause, for you shall not know him until you behold him in all his power. You see, you have met him before, but Emrys is a peculiar sort of sorcerer. Unassuming on the outside," she touched the water with the tip of her finger, creating ripples, "but so very beautiful on the inside."
Morgause sniffed haughtily, something few would dare to do in the face of such a powerful seer. "I will not fall to some shadow of a man," she claimed. "I will grow more powerful, I will gather my forces, and when I face this Emrys, I will make him tremble before me. Watch me change destiny," she challenged.
Tethella gave a genuinely interested smile. "I quite look forward to watching your tries."
Turning, Morgause stalked away, ever graceful and quiet. She would not bend to destiny's will. She would make her own fate, by her own hand. To combat such a force as Emrys, one who was so powerful, she would need her own army. That was where she would start. Camelot had the best army among men, so she would claim it for her own.
However, she reasoned as she once again stepped into the boat to return to the mainland, Camelot was guarded by not one, but two sorcerers. One was her sister, whom she could never harm. The other was Merlin. Morgause was certain she could charm her sister back to her side, but Merlin was a different matter. Through trials and tribulations, he'd remained steadfast at Arthur's side. She would have to take…different measures to procure his loyalties.
…
…
From his seat in the great hall, Uther shook his head in disdain. Arthur sat to his right and Morgana to his left, his two shining beacons of hope. Merlin had been carrying a tray down the hall toward him, upon which was a box full of coins from a noble who wished to pledge fealty to Uther, and Arthur when he became king. How did he know it held coins? Because Merlin had tripped a little over halfway to them and dumped the whole thing onto the floor. He was now bent over and scrabbling to gather the lost coins back into their gem encrusted box. Luckily the lord who had sent the gift was not in attendance, or Merlin may have very well lost his head.
This man was meant to help Arthur rule Albion some day? It seemed impossible.
Arthur had his face in his right hand, mirroring his father's shame and disbelief. "Merlin," Uther heard his son sigh out.
They would have to throw him in the dungeons for the rest of the day, possibly two, to make up for this insult. Uther had come to accept that Merlin generally meant no harm, but the boy was a complete idiot. Why Uther had ever feared an attack by the boy was beyond him.
Finally, the last coin was replaced in the box and Merlin was standing again. His face was redder than a ripe tomato and he kept his eyes on his feet even as he handed the beautiful gift over to Uther.
As a servant should act, Arthur thought, though the deference did not suit Merlin at all. Merlin was meant to stand with his head held high and stare nobility in the face, conceited as that may be, and state his opinion without fear. Someday, he would have a position that fit his personality.
Uther passed the box on to one of his servants, who set it on a table to the side; without dropping it. He then waved Merlin away and the shamed man scurried to stand behind Arthur and just to his right.
"Next," Uther called out.
The doors to the hall opened and Uther lifted his head to greet the next peasant with a grievance into his presence. However, the man outside the doors was lying on the floor in a heap. Every knight was instantly on guard and every noble sat straighter in their seats. For a long moment, nothing happened. Uther began to think that perhaps the man simply fainted while waiting for his turn, but a part of his gut told him something more sinister had occurred.
Finally, a fully armored knight, not of Camelot, stepped into view. Arthur didn't need to wait for the helm to be removed. He recognized this armor. Pulling Excalibur from it sheath, Arthur stood at the ready. "Morgause!" he shouted.
Morgause threw both of her hands out to the sides. The knights of Camelot flew up, over the heads of the gathered nobles, and smashed into the walls with sickening crunches. Morgana had stood from her seat as well by now. As if she had all the time in the world, Morgause removed her helmet. She smiled a crooked smile at them all.
"Everyone is here, I see," she began. Her eyes flicked from Morgana to watch as Merlin stepped closer to Arthur. "Good. I will make this quick, then." Even as she lifted her hand to Arthur, her eyes stayed fixed on Merlin. Only at the last moment did she stare at the prince. "Insegl-" Merlin's eyes widened in panic and he rushed in front of Arthur, raising his own hand. His mouth opened, but Morgause was quicker, "ingemynd."
Her eyes flashed gold and she felt the power shoot forth from her hand toward her intended target. The air seemed to curve in front of her hand and then rush forward, slamming into Merlin's chest, an almost invisible spell. Merlin's mouth dropped open further, jaw slack, as his eyes rolled into the back of his head. He swayed where he stood for a brief moment before collapsing to the hard stone floor.
"Merlin!" Arthur called out. He moved to kneel by his manservant, the rest of the hall staring in shock. What had just happened? It was so fast.
Morgause flicked her hand out and Arthur was thrown back into his great seat.
"Arthur," Uther let out, turning to check on his son. Arthur held his head, his world spinning.
Morgause swept fluidly across the hall. The nobles shrank away as she drew near them, afraid to end up like Arthur and his knights, or worse, like Merlin. Morgana stepped away from her chair instead, closer to Merlin and closer to her sister as she approached.
Morgause paused next to Merlin and sent a sickly smile Morgana's way. "I will return," she promised. Then she knelt on the ground, threw out a spell faster than Morgana could catch it, and she and Merlin vanished from the room in a rush of wind.
Morgana's eyes widened. "No." She took three steps and stood where Merlin and her sister had been only moments before. There was nothing to say they'd ever been here, not now.
Morgana's voice seemed to finally clear Arthur's head, or maybe it was the exit of Morgause. Either way, he suddenly jumped back up, ready to fight, only to find his opponent gone. Not to mention his manservant. Arthur's jaw dropped. "Wha-"
Uther threw his hand out. "Send out the knights at once! Find her! She cannot escape!" The again was left unsaid.
Arthur and Morgana shared a look. They both knew the truth by now. Morgause was long gone, and no one could find her unless she wanted to be found. And now she had Merlin.
…
…
Arthur stepped into his chambers, Morgana a step behind. She shut the door behind her and locked it; the smooth motion conveying years of practice. Arthur walked to the window and stared out at the courtyard, where guards and knights were rushing in practiced lines and groups in every direction, searching for any sign of Morgause. A few men were on horseback and charging out of the city to search the forest around Camelot as well.
With a sigh, Arthur turned and looked at Morgana. "It's a waste of time," he complained.
Morgana gave a minute shrug. "Your father thinks he's doing what's best," she said after a moment. Arthur still didn't know they were related, and she wasn't sure she was ready to tell him.
Arthur locked eyes with her, and his gaze hinted at his worry. "Morgana, do you have any idea where Morgause took him?" He wanted to be out there, finding Merlin, doing something.
All she could do was frown. Arthur let out an aggravated sigh and turned back to the window. "I'm sorry, Arthur. We moved around quite a bit when I was working with her," Morgana explained. "Uther's guard was always searching for us. We couldn't stay still. The only place she had that was stable was a small cave in the Mountains of Isgaro." Arthur looked at her hopefully and Morgana shook her head. "She would know we were after her and would avoid the cave at all costs. There's…really no way of knowing where she is."
A deep frown took over Arthur's face. "Thank you anyway, Morgana," he said quietly. His gaze turned back out the window, slower this time. After several long moments of silence, he spoke again. "Why take Merlin? She was aiming at me. She wanted me. So why take Merlin?"
Morgana shook her head. It wouldn't do for Arthur to somehow blame himself for this. She touched his shoulder gently and he turned to face her. Again, she shook her head. "She wasn't after you."
Arthur's eyebrows knit together. "What do you mean?"
"When Morgause entered that hall, her only target was Merlin. From the moment she walked in, she was taunting him. She threatened you because she knew Merlin would try to save you," Morgana informed him solemnly.
"But why go after Merlin?" Arthur asked again.
Morgana frowned pensively for a brief moment. "She knows of Merlin's magic, as I do. Perhaps she intended to leave you defenseless." Morgana stepped back from Arthur and turned halfway away so she could look at the unlit hearth. "Standing over Merlin in the hall, she looked at me and said 'I will return.' Perhaps she intends to return and take me as well, leaving you with no one to protect you against her magic. Except…"
"Except?" Arthur encouraged when his sister did not continue for several long seconds.
Morgana turned her eyes to Arthur. "Why take him? If she wanted to leave you defenseless, all she needed to do was to kill Merlin. If she'd thrown a killing curse at you and hit Merlin instead, that would have been enough." Arthur flinched and Morgana pretended not to notice. "Instead, she took him with her. He must be alright, then. She wouldn't take a dead body back with her."
That statement, at least, seemed to release some of the tension Arthur carried. Though the only place his relief showed was in a small softening of his mouth and eyes, Morgana saw it. She could understand his feelings, though. She would be miserable if anything happened to Gwen. In fact, she had been inconsolable when Gwen was kidnapped.
Sadly, she had to dampen that relief a bit. "Taking him alive…I'm afraid Merlin might be in for an even worse fate."
…
…
The world came to him in blurs and foggy lights. It shifted and warped before finally he felt he was seeing the true shape of things. There was a stone ceiling, a cave, he reminded himself. Orange and yellow light danced across it, throwing any dip or curve into distorted shadow. And staring down at him with the most worried expression he could remember…was a woman. She had long, curly blonde hair and grey-blue eyes. Her face was that of someone just passing their prime, but still young and strong and capable. The worried expression struck him as odd, like it didn't belong on that face….
He suddenly realized she was speaking. Her lips were moving but he couldn't hear a word. He knit his eyebrows together and she stopped, pursing her lips and her eyes growing a bit harder. He read the words 'Sit up' and she grabbed him by the arm and helped him up. Reaching to the side, the woman picked up a cup and handed it to him. 'Drink.'
He did as told and immediately started to feel better. The throbbing in his head eased away, the aches on his back vanished like nothing, and the world became full of sound. When he was done drinking the strangely sweet liquid, the woman smiled at him again.
"There. All better?" she asked gently.
He nodded. "Yes. Thank you so much." He hated not being able to hear. He furrowed his eyebrows. "I'm sorry but…do I know you?"
Her eyes narrowed. "I thought as much." She motioned to herself in one swift motion and then set her hands on her legs. "My name is Morgause. Your name is Merlin. We're friends."
Something about that seemed off. "Friends?" Merlin asked.
Morgause nodded. "Yes. We work for Camelot. Or," she scowled, "we did." At Merlin's confused expression, she expounded. "We're sorcerers. Magic users. In Camelot, magic is forbidden on pain of death." Merlin flinched and Morgause nodded understandingly. "The King is unrelenting in this and has never spared man nor child if there is even a hint that they might be simply thinking about magic."
"He sounds…terrible," Merlin admitted softly, the cup still in his hands. He looked around himself in the following moment of silence.
There was a small fire creating warmth and light for the little cave they were in. Two horses were tied to a rock and appeared to be sleeping. There was a sleeping mat under Merlin, and another on the other side of the fire, unused. Besides that, the cave was empty save for Merlin and Morgause.
Morgause's voice broke through his observations. "He is. But his son was proving to be more agreeable. Without his father's knowing, he employed three sorcerers; myself, you, and my sister Morgana. We protected the capital city from threats. But behind our backs, the Prince and Morgana conspired against us," she revealed in a dark voice. Merlin's eyes widened. "They attacked us. I assume they intended to betray us to the king to save themselves any blame. Morgana attacked me. Me, her own sister," she said bitterly. "You tried to save me, and Morgana's spell hit you instead."
"Spell?" Merlin repeated worriedly. What sort of spell had he been hit with? Was he a toad? Was he disfigured?
Morgause nodded, looking grave. "I'm sorry. I wished it weren't true. But the moment you woke up I knew it was…She took away your memories."
The truth didn't hit Merlin as hard as he thought it would. In fact, he felt stupid. Obviously! He hadn't even known his own name when he first woke up.
"Why?" Merlin asked. "Why take away my memories?"
"They probably meant to do the same to both of us, so we couldn't reveal their part in our 'treachery.'" Morgause frowned deeply and looked to the fire instead of at Merlin.
She was upset. Merlin could understand where she was coming from. Her own sister had betrayed her. They'd been doing good, or at least he hoped they'd done good. Morgause had said they protected the city, after all. All that work, saving people, and yet they'd been betrayed, attacked. It wasn't right. It just wasn't.
"It's not right," Merlin said aloud, so Morgause could know he was on her side.
For a moment, she continued to stare into the fire. Then she turned a small smile his way. "It's good to know I can count on you, Merlin. As I always have."
Merlin nodded. "We're friends. And they…what they did to us was wrong. What she did to you," he emphasized.
Morgause's smile widened a bit. "I'm glad you think so." She shook her head. "I've felt terrible for this, but…for a long time I've thought that the prince was getting darker. He was turning his back on magic. I feared he would lead Camelot into a darker age and torment the innocent people of the kingdom." Merlin frowned. "This attack proved my fears. As much as I cared for the prince, we cannot let him continue this way. We must stop him."
She stared deep into Merlin's eyes, and he felt he could not look away if his life depended on it.
"Even if it means killing him."
…
…
"Gaius!" Arthur called as he strolled into the physician's chambers like he owned them. He sort of did, he supposed. "I need your help with some magical business," he said in a much quieter, more conspiratorial tone.
Gaius looked up from where he was preparing some form of tonic or another. "Me? What for, sire?" he asked, lifting an eyebrow in confusion. "Why not Merlin?"
Arthur settled a very serious gaze on the old man. "Because Morgause kidnapped Merlin over two hours ago. Didn't you hear the bells?"
The tonic hit the floor. "What?"
A nod from the prince. "I cannot just stay put while Morgause has Merlin," he said. "Morgana and I were talking about what happened in the great hall when Morgause attacked. She thinks she remembers the spell Morgause cast but we need you to tell us what it does."
"Does Morgana not know?" Gaius asked.
"Unfortunately…," Arthur trailed off.
Gaius nodded and moved to his smallest bookshelf. Pulling a book off the shelf, he set it on his worktable and looked to Arthur. "What was the spell?"
Arthur shut his eyes, trying to remember the pronunciation. "Insegle ingermyd…no. Ingemynd. Insengl maybe," he corrected, opening his eyes. Gaius's eyes were wide and Arthur frowned. "Do you know what it does?"
"I'm surprised Morgana didn't know," Gaius admitted, flipping through his book rapidly. "I don't know what the spell does, but the word 'mynd' is a word of the Old Religion. It's used when talking about memory or consciousness. I'll do some research, try to find a spell like the one you mentioned."
"Thank you, Gaius." He smirked. "We may not be able to find Morgause, but we can still outsmart her."
…
…
When Gwen came to check on Arthur a little over four hours later, she found his chamber doors open and the sound of metal upon metal coming from inside. Peeking in, she saw Arthur fighting to put on his own armor.
"What are you doing?" she asked, stepping into the room.
Arthur dropped his arms to his side. Luckily, it seemed he'd just finished fitting his armor on, because it didn't fall loose at all. "Gwen," he let out, turning to face her. He looked really guilty, like a child caught skipping his lessons.
Gwen narrowed her eyes in thought. "Where were you planning to go? To look for Morgause?" she asked, worry tinting her voice. Arthur merely set his jaw and didn't speak. "You know she's too dangerous to face alone, and all your knights are already out searching. You cannot go alone."
Arthur turned to face his bare hearth. "I can't just sit here and wait," he said definitively. "I know finding Morgause is next to impossible. We searched for an entire year and never found where she was living," he admitted. Turning to grab Excalibur from the table beside him, Arthur frowned. "But maybe if I ride out, unguarded…she'll come to me."
Gwen frowned and took several steps until she was next to Arthur. "Arthur, that's crazy."
"I've done far more dangerous things before in my life, and lived to tell the tale. I think I can handle saving Merlin," he assured her with a smile that was only half as cocky as he usually would have worn it.
Gwen lifted her right hand to touch the armor on Arthur's left arm. He kept his eyes on her face. "I want to tell you to stay. We've already lost Merlin. I don't want to lose you too," she said, sounding on the verge of tears. She took a moment to breathe. "But…But I know that he would do the same for you, and that Camelot will not be the same without him. So please….," she took a half step closer so that they were nearly chest to chest, "just be careful."
Arthur nodded. "I will," he promised. "And I'll come back with Merlin."
Gwen stayed in the room as Arthur sheathed his sword and walked out. She looked around the large room, at the reds all around, and prayed that Arthur lived.
…
…
The forest was quiet around him. There was little bird song, and little wind, to mask any noise made by another person or animal. Still, the only outside noise Arthur heard was his own horse's hoof steps. He'd been riding for hours now with no sign of Morgause anywhere.
Just when he was beginning to think this had been a vain idea, that Morgause didn't even know he was out by himself, he got a rude confirmation. Arthur was thrown backwards off his horse, landing hard on the ground and grunting in pain. When he pushed himself up, he saw Morgause standing next to his horse. She gave a wicked smile and then smacked the horse, hard. It whinnied and took off into the woods.
"Morgause," Arthur ground out, jumping to his feet. "I knew you would come for me."
She gave a pitiless laugh. "You would have found me in Camelot had you waited but one more day."
"It is better to face you here, away from innocent people," Arthur said, pulling Excalibur and training it on Morgause. "Now tell me: where is Merlin?"
There was an almost bemused smile on her face. "Where is Merlin?" she asked, as if he were a child. "Merlin is right where he needs to be."
If she wouldn't tell him where Merlin was, then Arthur would have to force it out of her. With a frown, Arthur ran at the witch. She'd bested him once with a sword, but he trained every day. Unless she cheated with magic, he could beat her.
Then he was flying backwards into a tree, with no move at all from Morgause. His head spun but he heard a panting voice say, "You shouldn't get so far ahead of me like that."
"Merlin?" he asked when his head cleared.
It was Merlin. He was standing next to Morgause with the sort of concerned look he usually reserved for when Arthur got knocked down during knight's training. At Arthur's call, he turned and looked at the prince. At first he seemed confused and then he glared. Arthur's eyebrows drew together. What?
"As you can see, Merlin is right where he belongs," Morgause said in a strong voice. "With his own kind. And he will stand against you, on the side of magic users everywhere."
The way she said that, announcing it so boldly as if to dare a rebuke...She couldn't know that Arthur knew about Merlin's magic. Arthur pushed himself up, one hand on the tree for extra support and one hand clasped around the hilt of Excalibur.
"Merlin," he addressed his servant. "You're alright. But why are you siding with her? After-"
"Why wouldn't I side with her?" Merlin interrupted, standing taller. "You've treated me like dirt my entire time in Camelot. You never showed any gratitude for any of the work I've done for you." There was a hurt look in his eyes, and it made Arthur's chest contract. Did Merlin really feel this horribly about his time in Camelot? "I would have died if I stayed in Camelot any longer."
"What?" Arthur shook his head. "Merlin, don't be an idiot. You-"
"I am not an idiot!" Merlin shouted. Arthur half expected an accompanying blast of magic, but it didn't come.
The prince took a step away from the tree, towards Merlin. If he could just talk to Merlin, he could fix this. He hadn't known about the magic before, so of course he treated Merlin like a servant. And actually, he treated Merlin much better than many lords treated their servants. Surely Merlin understood how much their friendship meant to Arthur?
He never got the chance to open his mouth. As soon as he was away from the tree, Morgause sent him flying back down the road, rolling in the dirt. He groaned, sending leaves and dust scattering away from his mouth.
Morgause knelt beside him. "Does it hurt?" she asked in a cruel whisper. "I do not know what words you spoke to my sister to trick her to your side, but know that I will soon reclaim her loyalties. I only hope that you feel the same pain I felt, knowing that your precious Merlin has sided with me instead of you."
Had he sided with Morgause? That certainly seemed to be the case. But it had to be a spell of some sort. Merlin had declared his undying loyalty to Arthur time and again. Simple words couldn't erase all that, could they?
Arthur jumped up, swinging Excalibur at the blonde woman beside him. His hit never landed. A vine came out of nowhere and wrapped around both of Arthur's wrists, pulling his arms back and away from Morgause. They dragged him to a tree, slamming his back into it roughly, and then tied him up. Vines wrapped around the tree, securing his legs and torso to the bark as well as his arms.
Morgause gave a smile, though there was no gratitude or happiness in it, to Merlin. Arthur watched his servant, standing in the same place he'd always been. Merlin nodded to Morgause and then focused on Arthur, where their eyes caught one another, and stopped. Arthur didn't know what Merlin saw in his expression, but he hoped it would break whatever spell Morgause had placed on him.
Spell. 'mynd'. Mind.
Exactly! Oh, Arthur should have seen this coming! Morgause had done something to Merlin's mind, somehow switching their places in his heart. Now Arthur was the terrible enemy and Morgause was the one who commanded his complete loyalty.
"Morgause," Arthur said, turning to the witch again. "You cannot hope to succeed! Not even by use of wicked magic. That spell-"
The blonde witch took the two steps between them and grabbed Arthur by the neck, just tight enough to stop his words. "When you are gone, Arthur Pendragon," she sneered his name and Merlin's eyes opened just a bit wider, "you and your terrible father…Only then can magic reclaim its rightful place. Only then can magic users live in peace and do as they please."
Arthur glared at her as she took a half step back. "If that is what you believe then you had best kill me now, Morgause," he said challengingly. "Because I will never let you win. You can destroy all of Camelot, all of Albion, but as long as there is breath in my body, I will do everything in my power to stop you. You are a curse upon Albion. Letting magic users do as they please? You would have them bow in submission to you. I would sooner die then see that happen."
Morgause smirked at him. "As you wish, foolish prince." She stepped back again, away from Arthur, and lifted her right hand, her fingers splayed as if a net shot from her fingertips would engulf Arthur entirely. "Ábréotan!"
Arthur shut his eyes as Morgause's own eyes gleamed golden, waiting for the end. It would be abrupt, and he would likely not feel a thing, but still he knew the end was coming. So much for being king. So much for destiny.
"Nerung."
There was a sound like metal hitting metal, and the earth shook beneath Arthur's feet. He opened his eyes at Morgause's gasp, but she was looking to Merlin - Merlin, who had his hand raised with gold fading from his eyes.
"Merlin?" Arthur let out, surprised.
"Merlin, why did you do that?" Morgause asked, her tone one of barely concealed anger.
Without a word, Merlin hurried over to stand between Arthur and Morgause. He shook his head. "This isn't right." He glanced back at Arthur, still pinned to the tree, and then faced forward again. "This isn't right."
"What is not right about this? He has persecuted our kind. There is no redemption for the Pendragon line. The only choice we have is-"
"To kill him?" Merlin interrupted. He shook his head again. "I don't think so. I mean, I...I don't remember. He made sure I can't."
Arthur's eyes narrowed. He'd done what?
"But you said...You said to kill him if there was no other way. And there has to be another way," Merlin continued. "I..." He took a deep breath. "I look at him and I see...He's kind. He's confused."
Morgause glared. "After all he's done," she half-spat out. "After everything you've been through-!"
"I don't care!" Merlin shouted to cut her off. She shut her mouth but kept her glare. "Really I don't." Merlin dropped his arm. "I don't even remember it, and it doesn't matter. I know you told me he's bad…but he's still human. Humans can change. If he's gone wrong, then we need to show him what's right."
He was using that voice that he only used during particularly inspirational speeches before death defying situations. It was the voice that always brought Arthur such hope, even in the darkest of times, and it was having that effect on the prince now. He hadn't lost Merlin. No matter Morgause's spell, Merlin was still Merlin.
"But…," Merlin turned a bit so he could look at Arthur again. He stared into Arthur's eyes, which were wide and open. "He's not bad at all." He looked back at Morgause. "When I think of him, even though I can't remember him…I know this is where I'm meant to be."
"Merlin," Arthur breathed out, feeling a weight leave his chest.
Morgause looked livid. Merlin frowned. "And when I look at you…Morgause," he said softly, sadly, "I see only darkness." He shook his head. "I'm sorry. I may not remember the bad things he has done, but I also don't remember anything about you. I can't…trust you. My place is with Arthur."
Morgause took a step backward. Then she threw her arm out fast and said, "Getyrfan!"
A white shot of light leapt from Morgause's hand and rushed toward Merlin. Merlin held up his hand. "Nerung!"
This time it sounded like a sword on another sword. Morgause threw her arm out again and again, more bursts of light flying for Merlin. But he held his arm out like he wore a shield and blocked each attack with his own spell. Then Morgause stopped abruptly. The forest was silent around them, jarring to their ears after all the noise. The witch stared at Merlin for a long moment, then grimaced.
"I suppose I shall have to find another way to rid the world of the Pendragons," she said like a curse. "Merlin, I hope you know which side you have chosen." Then she turned and took off into the trees.
Merlin immediately ran after her. Arthur made to follow as well but the vines kept him in place.
"MERLIN!" he shouted.
The dark haired male stopped just as he stepped into the bushes. Actually, he floundered and fell into the underbrush, but it amounted to the same thing. He jumped back up immediately, but Morgause was already out of sight. Merlin looked around frantically for a few moments but it was no use: she had pulled another vanishing act. When he looked back at Arthur, there was hesitation in his expression.
"Let me out of these, would you?" Arthur asked, and though he tried to make his tone softer than usual it was still more of a demand than a request.
Merlin let out a breath of air saying "Oh, right" and took a few steps back onto the road. He waved his hand toward Arthur, his eyes flashing golden, and the vines retreated into the brush. Arthur stumbled one step forward before he caught himself and stood straight. Then he turned to Merlin, who had his head lowered.
"I am so sorry, my lord," Merlin said. "If you'll forgive me, I'd like to help you protect the kingdom again."
Arthur watched his servant for a few moments but Merlin didn't move. He just stood there, awaiting Arthur's decision. It made something in Arthur's gut clench.
"Who are you?" he half-asked, half-demanded.
Merlin jolted and looked up. "Um...I..."
Arthur put his hands on his hips in a very princely pose. "My manservant, Merlin, is the most annoying, brash, fool of a man that I have ever met. He never lowers his eyes to me unless other lords are present."
Merlin flinched back a step. "Sorry." Why was he apologizing so sincerely?! "I…I don't remember you. I don't know who I am either," he explained.
So Merlin really didn't remember him. Arthur frowned. It seemed fate was playing with them. But Merlin kept his eyes on Arthur's face this time, and that made Arthur feel better, a little at least. Merlin was still Merlin, he reminded himself, though it felt a bit like losing him anyway.
"I don't believe what Morgause told me was true but…I don't have any idea what I'm supposed to do now," Merlin admitted.
Arthur smirked. "Well, you're supposed to do exactly as I say. But you're more the 'do what you want' kind of servant. You make more mistakes than generally accepted, but it's usually while you're trying to do right and you're always so likable that no one holds it against you," he explained. "I'll tell you a better story of who you are later…" He looked around, but could neither hear nor see Morgause anywhere nearby. He made sure Excalibur was held tight in his hand just in case. "But right now I'd like to take you to see Gaius, and maybe Morgana. Maybe they can fix your memory."
Merlin let out a relieved breath. "Oh, thank you."
…
…
The door to Merlin's bedroom shut quietly. Gaius looked from the wood of the door to Arthur's pensive face.
"I'm sorry, Arthur," he apologized.
Arthur blinked and focused on the physician. "It's alright," he said, though it was obviously a lie. He looked at the door again. "At least we got him back."
Gaius frowned deeply. It wasn't enough. He'd found the spell Morgause had cast on Merlin in one of Merlin's own magic books. The spell sealed the memories of a person away, leaving them as a blank slate. To Gaius' distress, there had been no reversal spell, but even if there had been one, he wouldn't have attempted it. His magic was so spotty these days that he might make it worse rather than better.
"He saved my life, Gaius," Arthur interrupted the old man's thoughts. "Morgause told him I was the enemy, had him fight against me, but in the end he saved me instead." Arthur turned his gaze to Gaius, looking only the slightest bit amazed, but it was enough.
Gaius gave a small smile. "Since Merlin arrived in Camelot, all he has done is serve and protect you, my lord. The greatest truth of his life is his destiny with you. Even when things seemed to be falling to pieces, that was the one thing he could keep believing in. And besides all that, he is a gentle soul, a good man. I'm not surprised he chose you over Morgause."
Arthur took a deep breath. "I suppose you're right," he admitted.
…
…
Merlin let out a deep sigh and laid down in bed, hugging himself lightly. Talking to that old man, Gaius, had only confirmed Merlin's thoughts and fears.
Arthur had never ordered Merlin's memory erased. Morgana hadn't been involved. There was no spell to reverse it that they knew. He'd lost his entire life to one vengeful witch.
Still, risking his life to protect the future king? Merlin didn't think that was too bad. Losing his life to help a friend? He could definitely accept that. It might just...take some time.
He could hear Gaius and Arthur talking in the other room, but tried to ignore them. Instead, he stared at the wall in front of him. That didn't do much for his thoughts though. The wall was bland and boring. It didn't offer him any answers or respite.
"There has to be something," he murmured. There had to be some way to get his memories back. It just felt...like there was so much he used to know that was too important to forget.
They had all looked through Merlin's magic book, hidden among other trinkets proving this was definitely his home, but had come up empty handed. None of Gaius's meager spells had had any effect, but the old man had warned that his magic was weak and unlikely to do much. Arthur had no magic and couldn't help except to tell Gaius what had transpired in the woods. There wasn't a book in the masses in Gaius's chambers that had a spell to reverse this. Still...There had to be some way...
"Remember," he said like an order.
The blank wall stared back.
Merlin gave a heavy, frustrated sigh and pushed up off the bed. He spun in a circle, as if debating which way to pace, and then went to the window. He opened it and looked outside. The whole of Camelot was spread out before him, below him. The lights from the late night market and the fires in people's hearths made Merlin feel warm inside. Without a doubt, he knew this was his city. He belonged here.
He frowned. "Remember," he ordered himself, more forcefully this time. He leaned his head on his crossed arms and stared at the city, focused on the tiny people moving about in the streets. "Remember."
There was a rumbling in his head, like a wheezy breath mixed with thunder, and then "Merlin," a voice said, exasperated.
Merlin gasped, clutched his head, and looked around his bedroom. Who said that?! But there was no one there. He was alone. Only the soft sounds of Gaius and Arthur talking drifted through the air to him. And then Merlin understood. He wasn't sure what exactly he suddenly understood, but the word escaped him before he had even thought it.
"Ingemynde," he whispered, and looked out the window again. His eyes focused far beyond Camelot's walls, on something he couldn't actually see. The words breathed out of him, "árǽfan ingemynde."
He heard the faintest jingle of noise, and then power rushed through him. Merlin gasped, the force of the magic coursing through his veins knocking him backwards onto the floor with a soft thump. He didn't even try to get up. Every muscle in his body was tight. He couldn't move if he wanted to. There was a roaring in his ears like a waterfall but a dozen times worse. It hurt. Everything hurt.
"I could never have a friend that could be such an ass."
"Nor I one who could be so stupid."
"I know I'm just a servant, and my word doesn't count for anything...but I wouldn't lie to you."
"Get some rest."
"Arthur...Thank you."
"You show him...the most extraordinary loyalty...Beyond the line of duty."
"I just didn't fit in anymore. I wanted to find somewhere that I did."
"Had any luck?"
"I'm glad you're here, Merlin."
"I willingly give my life for Arthur's."
"I'm happy to be your servant, until the day I die."
"How do I express my feelings?"
"Ah. Right. Feelings...girls..."
"We could dress him like a woman!"
"I don't know what it is to have a son."
"Nor I a father."
"I've traveled to many places, Merlin!"
"Not the Perilous Lands. I know that...There aren't any taverns."
"I told you it was wretched."
"...for Arthur…for the Once and Future King of all Albion, it was a piece of cake."
"Remind me why you're here again, Merlin?"
"Because you'd be lost without me."
"You're a great sorcerer, Merlin. I know you'll do your best."
"I present this sword to you, Arthur Pendragon, and hope that you will use it for the good of your people and that of all Albion…and I pledge my loyalty to you until the end of my days. All my skills are yours to use as you wish, forever. No matter what the future may hold, I will stand by your side evermore, for all eternity…for as long as you will have me."
All at once, every last drop of tension vanished from Merlin's body. He was left gasping on his bedroom floor, his head spinning, unable to even open his eyes. Within moments, though, he began to feel more like his usual self.
Usual self.
Merlin's eyes snapped open. He remembered! He remembered everything! A bright smile took over his face in an instant, and he jumped to his feet. His equilibrium wasn't quite back yet though, and he had to catch hold of the wall to remain upright. As soon as he was able, Merlin hurried to his bedroom door, through which he could still hear Arthur's voice.
…
…
The Isle of the Blessed was a seemingly empty place, but a lone woman stood by a raised stone basin, staring into the water within. She watched as Merlin exited his room. She saw Arthur's raised eyebrows and surprised expressions. She listened as they, and Gaius, spoke to each other with smiles growing on their faces. She saw the future king give in and wrap his servant in a jubilant hug.
With a small, almost insignificant, wave of her hand, the images in the water shifted. Now she saw Morgause riding her horse hard through the woods. Her expression was enraged, her body tense. Tethella smiled.
"I did say I would enjoy watching you try, did I not?" she said conversationally. "You are powerful, Morgause…but he is Emrys. You see, I did not lie to you. I have not allied myself with Arthur." She smiled. "I have chosen to side with Merlin."
…
…
tbc…
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…
Next Time: Merlin's Return
An old friend returns and Camelot is besieged by creatures half human and half bird. Coincidence? When the knights ride out to face this new threat, Merlin finds that his magic is useless! And as the sun sets, there's a flash of silver in the sunlight.
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…
Translations:
Insegl ingemynd = seal memories
Ábréotan = to destroy
Nerung = guard, protection
Getyrfan = to strike
Ingemynde = memories, remembered, in mind
árǽfan ingemynde = set free memories
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I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Please review and let me know what you liked or didn't like!
And it's like OMG am I psychic or something? I wrote this TWO WEEKS before 4x06's preview even showed. Granted, edits by my betas didn't happen on it until this year, but the majority of it was written and done before 4x06.