TSitS - The Legend Begins
Title: The Sword in the Stone Series
Pairing: Pretty Gen. Kind of one-sided Merlin/Arthur, Gwen/Arthur, hinted Gwen/Lancelot. It’s about as gay as the series is, which is pretty gay.
Disclaimer: I do not own BBC’s Merlin. If I did, I’d be pretty happy because I’d know Colin and Bradley personally.
Summary: The legend of Excalibur is not as simple as everyone thinks. Arthur pulls a sword from a stone, beginning a chain of events that will lead him to his destiny and the sorcerer prophesized to stand beside him.
Chapter Summary: Morgause sends an unstoppable enemy to Camelot; a beast no mortal weapon can kill. Morgana foresees a weapon that can bring victory to Arthur in the coming battle and Merlin dreams of someone he once loved and lost that may be more than an idle vision. What do the dreams mean? Is it now? Is now the time for Merlin’s secret to be revealed?
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Part XIV - The Legend Begins
A/N: The final installment in my The Sword in the Stone series. This is what it all leads up to. This is what I read about and what inspired me to write everything else. This is kinda what I'm hoping they actually do in the series.
This is the beast they fight this chapter: image.gameshot.net:8080/gameshot/preview/2001_11/narsillion/couatl.jpg I know it says Couatl, but another version of the basilisk besides the typical giant snake, or the mutated chicken, is a large winged snake…So there you go. A giant winged snake.
…
…
Morgana looked up from her vanity at a soft pecking noise at her window. There was a small white bird perched just outside, tapping on the window. She narrowed her eyes, worry showing on her face, but ignored the bird until it flew away. Once it had stopped pecking and left, Morgana held her face in her hands and shivered.
It was only a matter of time until she found out….
…
…
That night, Morgause stood in the forest clearing where she and Morgana used to meet all the time. On her face sat a deep and pronounced frown. It had been weeks now since Morgana had responded to her calls. Morgana had not said, written, or in any other way given any word to Morgause since the day she had trapped Arthur and Merlin in her Vale.
Her sister had abandoned her.
And tonight was the last night. This was the last chance Morgause would give them; any of them. If things had been personal before, they were definitely personal now.
…
…
Clang! Clung clang!
The knight facing off against Arthur stumbled back three steps and slipped in the mud of the training field, falling on his backside shortly afterward. Arthur sighed.
"Come on, Pellinore, you're not even trying," he complained, flipping his destiny sword around his wrist in a bored fashion. "Attack me like you mean it."
Sir Pellinore stood to his feet and brushed himself off a bit. He was a head taller than Arthur with a full black beard and bushy eyebrows, but had a bald spot on his head that showed his age. He was one of Arthur's oldest knights, though he was barely thirty-five. Still, he had already begun to lose his hair. Arthur had fought him countless times since his youth, but for some time now Pellinore had not been giving his all. It reminded Arthur of the jousting tournament with Leon and made him angry.
There was an obnoxiously loud clap of thunder in the distance that made many of the knights jump in surprise. Arthur was about to scold them for their cowardice when a shaken looking page boy bulleted past the fields, heading for the castle. His jeering died in his throat. "Practice among yourselves," he ordered sternly before sheathing his sword and heading off across the field.
Merlin blinked at him a few times in confusion before jumping up and hurrying after his master. They got to the throne room just as the page caught his breath and began to tell Uther what had happened.
"South…near the Canyon of Balin," he began, and Arthur and Merlin's ears perked. "A woman cast a spell on a snake…It grew larger than a house and sprouted wings, my lord. I watched it move through the trees when it left. They all died when it breathed on them!" The page shuddered. "The woman caught me staring and she told me to come back here and warn you of the beast's arrival. She said in three days, her basilisk would descend upon the gates of Camelot….and that if we didn't want to all die….Prince Arthur must face and defeat it….." He turned to look at Arthur behind him as he spoke, but quickly turned back to look in Uther's direction. "She said if he failed that the basilisk would destroy the castle and the kingdom."
Uther frowned for a long while, and then stood from his throne. "Fetch Gaius," he said to Merlin, who nodded and scurried from the room. Uther dismissed the page with a nod and a wave and the boy ran like his life still depended on it.
"I believe it to be the witch, Morgause," Arthur said. Uther turned his head from where he'd last seen the page to look into Arthur's eyes. "She wants to kill you, but she wants me destroyed in the process. She's tried this before, father."
"Yes," Uther agreed, his lips pulled in a thin line. "But never before with a beast such as this." He shook his head. "You cannot fight it. I forbid it."
"What?" Arthur gasp-shouted, taking a step forward. "But if I don't it'll destroy the kingdom! It's already doing that now on its way here!"
Uther shook his head again and sat back down in his throne. "I don't care, Arthur," he stated coldly. "You are the future king of Camelot, of Albion, and I will not let you throw your life away to some beast because one sorcerer has a vendetta against me."
Arthur stared his father down determinedly, keeping eye contact. "And if I don't fight it, the beast will attack this city and all the lands around us. It will kill everyone it finds. If the kingdom is destroyed, then what am I king of, father?"
Uther glared. "You will be king of all that is left," he said like it was obvious, but in a dark tone of voice.
Arthur gaped at his father until Gaius and Merlin returned, when he turned his attention to the elderly physician instead. "Gaius," he greeted in a rush. "How do you kill a basilisk?"
Uther glared again, at Arthur for continuing his stupid venture against the beast. Gaius frowned. "A basilisk is a creature of magic. The sorcerer who made it must be quite powerful. Basilisk are typically born from magic, not created," he explained, sounding a bit baffled. "To kill a basilisk is quite the feat. You can turn it to stone by making it see its own reflection, but the stone will crumble and the dust it creates is lethal to any who inhale it. I wouldn't think it wise to try this anyhow, if Merlin's told me its size correctly."
"Larger than a house," Arthur added helpfully.
Gaius nodded, clasping his hands in front of himself. "Yes. Basilisk are not usually that big. They're born from chicken's eggs, and most are the size of large snakes or a little bigger. This sorcerer must have enlarged the beast to make it harder to kill. Trying to get a mirror at eye level with this basilisk would be more dangerous than helpful."
"Then how do you kill it?" Uther asked. "Without Arthur fighting it," he clarified. Arthur and Uther shared a glare.
Gaius looked between the two of them, not sure what was going on or if he should hold his tongue. "Well," he began slowly. "It was created by strong magic, sire….I'm not sure how you would kill it. Normal weapons don't work on a basilisk."
Uther frowned deeply, but Arthur pulled his sword from its sheath with a grin. "So this could do it," he stated simply. Gaius shrugged and Arthur gave a half sigh. "I pulled this sword from a stone. It's a sword that validates my destiny. It's saved me from magic before," he revealed. "It should be able to kill a basilisk, no matter the size of the beast."
"Arthur," Uther disagreed.
Arthur glared. "It's the only way."
…
…
A great snake slithered across the land, leaving a thick line of death in its wake. It hissed angrily at the city's walls. Arthur wore full armor and held his shield up, the symbol of the Pendragon line showing proudly in the sun. People were running and screaming as the winged snake let out a gruesome roar of a sound. Arthur ran forward. People lay dead in the streets. Merlin was ankle deep in the water. The sword lay broken on the ground.
"Arthur!"
Arthur pierced the snake through with his sword. Merlin knelt before Arthur's feet. Arthur lay dying on the ground. Gold.
"Until the day I die."
A loud crack of thunder woke Morgana with a gasp. Sweat clung to her skin and her breathing was ragged. She flicked her eyes around the room, looking for the beast in her nightmare, but found nothing. When she was breathing normally again, Morgana slid from her bed and hurried to the window. In the far distance, at the edge of her sight just visible through the pouring rain, Morgana could see something moving across the countryside: The basilisk.
"It's already so close," she breathed out. Her breath created condensation on the window. She took a few deep breaths to calm her nerves. She had to tell Arthur-
The door opened and Morgana gasped, flipping to face the new presence. Gwen stopped three steps inside with wide eyes. In her arms was another blanket.
"Gwen," Morgana gasped out in surprise.
"I…thought you might be cold," Gwen explained, looking unsure of herself. "It's really pouring outside and I didn't want you to suffer through it…."
Morgana pushed her fears to the back of her mind and slid a gentle and thankful smile onto her face. "Thank you, Gwen. You're too kind," she acquiesced. "I was having trouble sleeping tonight."
Gwen smiled in return. "I'm happy to help."
…
…
When Merlin arrived at Arthur's quarters the next morning, the prince wasn't there. Panic shot through him. Where was Arthur? He was about to run back out and search for the wayward prince when he heard the distinct sounds of a sword fight. Moving to the window, Merlin looked out and sighed in relief.
Arthur was fighting his knights.
'Must be practicing for the fight,' Merlin thought. His musing was cut short when the bedroom door opened and Morgana walked in.
She was wearing a fine dress, deep blue in color with flowing sleeves, and a light layer of makeup, but Merlin could tell she was distressed. Her eyes scanned the room, found only Merlin, and she frowned. "Where's Arthur?" she asked.
Merlin nodded toward the window. "Early morning practice with his knights," he explained, glad he'd learned that before she asked him. "Did you need something?"
Morgana shook her head once but stopped, her expression contemplative as she stared at Merlin's face. He tried to keep his expression amicable enough. The last thing he wanted was her feeling he was against her or something. After a long moment, Morgana shut and locked the door behind her and moved across the room to stand before Merlin.
"I had a vision last night in my dreams," she revealed openly. Merlin's eyes widened. "The basilisk will come, and Arthur will face it. I saw him fight it with a sword I've never seen before…..but it pierced the basilisk's skin like paper."
"A magic sword," Merlin let out and Morgana nodded. She looked worried and Merlin bent a bit to get to her height. "What's the matter?"
Morgana frowned and took a deep breath. "I saw Arthur kill the basilisk, Merlin….but I also saw it kill him." She shook her head and shut her eyes. "I know I've tried to kill him in the past and I know that was wrong…but ever since the Vale I've had dreams of a golden age of Camelot and I….I don't know if those are premonitions or just dreams, but I'm not ready to give them up," she whispered.
Merlin nodded and Morgana took the final step between them, wrapping her arms around Merlin in a hug she desperately needed. Merlin's eyes widened in shock. Morgana was hugging him… It took several long moments, but Merlin finally wrapped his arms around Morgana as well and held her tight.
"It'll be alright," he assured her quietly. "I won't let anything happen to him."
Morgana pulled back and nodded. "I know," she breathed. "You're a great sorcerer, Merlin. I know you'll do your best." Merlin's eyes widened again and he stumbled back from her in shock and fear. Morgana's eyebrows came together. "What?" she asked.
"You-," he managed, but couldn't get his mouth to form the right words.
Morgana's eyes widened a bit in understanding and then she frowned curiously. "You…you didn't know I knew?" she asked. Merlin shook his head, still looking like he was a heartbeat from the end of the world. "But…the way you were talking in the Vale….I thought you knew I knew."
"No," Merlin finally got out. "I had no idea. How did you find out?"
"The poison, four months ago?" she asked. Merlin nodded. "It targeted those with magic. You fell ill." Merlin looked aghast that of all the things to give him away, it was that. Morgana gave a little smile. "I'll admit, I was really surprised. I never would have pegged you as being magic," she admitted. "But I'm sort of glad you are." She frowned at Merlin's chest. "Arthur will need you in this battle….more than he knows."
Merlin nodded. "I'll be there."
…
…
It began to rain about halfway through the day, but Arthur didn't stop training. Merlin made him a bath that night and made sure it was just the right temperature to ease all the prince's sore muscles. Arthur barely spoke a word throughout his bath or his dinner or getting ready for bed. Gaius provided a sleeping draught so he could get enough rest, no matter how loud the thunder got during the night. Arthur was out cold within ten seconds of drinking it and Gaius helped Merlin get him all set up in bed for the night.
Merlin slept in the antechamber, just in case.
…
…
"Merlin."
Merlin's eye flickered behind his eyelids.
The boat floated gently out to the center of the lake, flames licking at the plants and body inside. The mountains rose up in the background. Her hair was dark, with eyes to match, and she wore a deep purple dress that fit her beautifully. She stood in the water looking healthier than ever and smiled serenely.
"I can help you now, Merlin," she said, and it drifted on the air as light as a breeze.
The wind made ripples in the water across the pristine still surface of the lake. The girl with dark hair was gone.
"It's time."
Merlin's eyes flashed open, a hint of gold around the blue irises, and he gasped. Outside he could hear the light drizzle of rain water as it slid from the castle roof. He sat up slowly and laid his arms across his knees.
It couldn't be….could it? She couldn't possibly…..Time for what? Help him how?
A tear slid from his right eye and he shut his eyes just as the first rays of light slipped through his window.
…
…
The sky was clear with no sign of rain and Arthur had every knight in his service standing on the practice fields just waiting for their turn to fight him. Sweat was pouring down Arthur's face as he finally knocked Sir Pelleas to the ground.
"I yield," Pelleas called out, loud enough for the other knights to hear.
The other knights clapped obligatorily. They all knew this training was for Arthur alone; so he would be at his best when he faced the basilisk in two days.
Arthur pulled his sword back and helped Pelleas to stand. Once the other knight was on his feet, Arthur clapped him on the shoulder and nodded his thanks before turning to the knights he hadn't yet fought today. He'd already finished beating five of his knights and he looked exhausted, but instead of taking a break he pointed his sword at one of his knights.
"Pellinore," he decided.
Pellinore's eyes widened a bit. He'd just fought Arthur yesterday! But Arthur had other ideas: Pellinore had taken it easy on him yesterday so they would fight again. Instead of asking questions, Pellinore grabbed his sword and moved forward.
Merlin ran up as Pellinore was walking over and handed Arthur a cup of water. Arthur almost ignored it, but Merlin wasn't moving until he drank the water, so he took three gulps and shoved the cup back into Merlin's hands. Merlin hurried out of the way. Arthur got into battle stance and Pellinore followed suit.
For a breath of a moment, they stayed still and simply stared each other down, and then Arthur jumped forward. He jabbed at Pellinore's stomach but Pellinore threw his sword into the attack and knocked it wide to the right. Before Arthur could right himself, Pellinore pulled his sword back across toward Arthur's right side. Arthur took three steps back but Pellinore didn't let up, instead moving forward and swinging high near the left side of Arthur's head. Arthur ducked and swung out at Pellinore's right leg. Pellinore stepped back quickly but Arthur was right with him, slashing at his left shoulder this time.
Pellinore brought his sword up and caught Arthur's attack in a strong parry. Arthur pressed forward, Pellinore pressed back, and for one excruciating moment they were locked in a stalemate, and then Arthur's left leg faltered and Pellinore pushed him back. Arthur stumbled for a heartbeat but regained his footing in the damp grass and lunged forward. Pellinore lifted his sword to block it but Arthur shoved it away and ran his shoulder into Pellinore's chest. Pellinore backed up a step and lifted his sword just as Arthur swung at his own sword at Pellinore's chest.
Their swords caught with sparks and tension. Arthur shifted so their swords came up between them instead of being stuck near their navels. Pellinore pushed forward and Arthur held his ground, not giving an inch. Arthur narrowed his eyes at the sound of metal scrapping metal just before he heard the snap. His eyes flashed to where their swords met in the air and widened as he watched the line creep across his sword. Then, all at once, his sword let out a sad sounding metallic whine and gave in completely; the sword snapping completely in half. Arthur jumped backwards before Pellinore's sword could catch him in the chest and then stopped and stared at the half of a sword lying at Pellinore's feet.
Everyone gathered had wide eyes, disbelief and shock coating their expressions. Arthur turned his attention to the half of the sword still in his hands. His sword, the sword he'd pulled from the stone, was broken. Pellinore dropped his sword into the wet grass and mud and everyone turned their attention to him. He looked absolutely devastated as he lowered himself to his knees.
"My lord…," he forced out. "I….broke the sword of your destiny….I will accept full responsibility for this transgression and accept any punishment you will give." He lowered his head and everyone held their breaths for Arthur's decision.
Arthur looked between the two broken pieces of his sword and Pellinore's bowed head several times and forced himself to keep breathing. He shut his eyes and took a deep breath, his hand clenching around the sword in his hands. After a moment, Arthur opened his eyes and walked from the fields without a word. Merlin watched until Arthur was almost out of sight, and then he ran across the field and grabbed the broken piece of the sword still lying on the ground. He cast Pellinore a sympathetic look before running after the prince.
…
…
"Arthur," Merlin gasped out as he rushed into Arthur's chambers.
Arthur was leaning heavily on his fists on his table, his head lowered and his eyes closed. He didn't even react to Merlin bursting in without knocking. Merlin shut the door gently behind himself and walked over to the table.
"Arthur….," he breathed. He slowly laid the broken piece of sword on the table next to the part still connected to the hilt and Arthur let out a heavy breath.
"What do I do now, Merlin?" he asked, his shoulders sagging. "A basilisk cannot be killed by a normal sword and I've just lost my only magic sword….my only chance to save my people…."
And that's when it hit him. Merlin tilted his head, remembering his dream. "It's time," he muttered under his breath.
"What?" Arthur asked, sounding tired.
Merlin lifted his head upright again and wiped the dazed look from his face, now looking completely serious. He took a deep breath. "You haven't lost your only weapon," he announced softly but assuredly. Arthur lifted his head, curious. Merlin nodded once the prince's eyes were on him. "I know where there's a weapon that can kill the basilisk. It can defeat any foe, no matter what it is."
Arthur's face lit with a hint of hope and he stood straight again. "Where, Merlin? Where is it? What is it?"
Merlin opened his mouth to answer, but the door burst open and Uther walked in. He saw Merlin standing there and frowned. "Leave us."
Merlin shut his mouth and nodded before leaving. Arthur watched him go in distress. "Merlin-" he cut himself off, glancing at his father. Merlin stopped at the door and faced him, his eyes flickering to Uther before finally coming to rest on the prince. "I want you back in here as soon as possible," he ordered, his gaze intense.
Merlin nodded definitively before leaving the room and shutting the door. Uther kept his gaze on Arthur until then, but then he looked down at the broken sword. "So the sword is broken."
Arthur's eyes snapped back down to the table. "Yes. I must have pushed it too hard….," he admitted quietly, but his mind was stuck on what Merlin had said. How could he have another weapon?
"So the witch lied."
Arthur's head shot up. "What?" he asked incredulously.
"This sword was meant to be the sword that proved you were the king of Albion; the sword that helped you rule. Now that sword is broken." Uther touched the hilt of the sword lightly. "How can you trust the prophesy of a liar?" he asked acidic-ly.
Arthur frowned and stood tall. "No. This sword is merely a symbol. She said that herself. The sword that I am to rule with is another sword entirely, a sword I am still waiting to….receive," he trailed off, his mouth forming an 'oh.'
Did Merlin know where his sword was? Did Merlin know where his sorcerer was?
…
…
An hour later, Merlin showed up in Arthur's chambers with a determined look on his face. The sun was beginning to set outside and Arthur looked up from his window when Merlin walked in. He sighed dramatically.
"Finally," he said, pushing away from the window. "What took you so long?" Now that he was thinking about it, Arthur couldn't wait to have Merlin explain himself.
"I was preparing the horses," Merlin explained. Arthur narrowed his eyes in confusion and Merlin shrugged. "You'll need a weapon against the basilisk, and it's not here in Camelot. I figured we could leave tonight so you're father won't stop you."
Arthur smiled. These were the moments he looked forward to with Merlin: the ones where he showed amazing ingenuity. "Nice going, Merlin," he complimented.
Merlin shrugged. "We need to get moving soon, though. It's a bit far."
…
…
Dawn was breaking through the trees and still Arthur sat silent as Merlin led him on horseback through the forest. They were a day's walk from castle. If Merlin didn't stop soon, they wouldn't make it back to the city in time to fight the basilisk.
"Merlin," he called impatiently. "How much farther?"
"Not much," Merlin said, barely loud enough for Arthur to catch. He stopped his horse suddenly, and Arthur nearly ran his own horse into Merlin's horse's butt because of it, and dismounted with a "This is it…"
Arthur hurriedly dismounted as well and followed Merlin on foot. He was about to complain about the distance again when the trees parted and Arthur found himself staring at a simple lake with mountains in the backdrop and lush forest on three sides. His jaw dropped at the beauty before him. Merlin stopped at the edge of the water and turned to Arthur with a sad smile.
"Shortly after I came to Camelot, I asked you not to think differently of me no matter what happened in a battle one day," he began softly, sagely. "A lot has happened since then and I'm not afraid anymore, Arthur."
Arthur frowned pensively. Merlin was acting strange; the kind of strange that came just before some moving and inspired speech or life altering moment...
Merlin looked at the lake. "I screwed up. I let your father use a weapon meant only for you...so I had to hide it where no mortal man could ever find it. Here." He nodded at the water. "But now you need it back."
Before Arthur could say anything, ask a question or make a snarky comment, Merlin began wading into the water. He stopped knee deep in the water and held his right hand out flat over the surface. A familiar presence came to him and Merlin smiled, trying not to cry.
"Freya...," he breathed out. He'd been right.
Arthur gasped when the water in the center of the lake began to bubble and ripple. The movement slowly made its way closer to Merlin and then suddenly Arthur saw a woman's hand protrude from the water holding a gleaming, perfect sword. The arm moved ever closer to Merlin and Arthur watched as a woman's head appeared from the water, and then her body followed. She lowered the sword from the air and held it ceremoniously in front of herself as she seemed to float closer to Merlin in the water. When they were half an arm's length away from each other, the woman stopped and Arthur took her in.
Her hair was long and dark brown, with eyes to match. She wore a deep purple dress that Arthur distinctly remembered seeing Morgana wear once and….was that the one Merlin was carrying that day in the hallway? She smiled shyly at Merlin and Merlin smiled sadly back.
"You saved me, Merlin," Freya whispered. "Now I repay you by protecting this remarkable sword you fashioned." Her voice was soft but carried to Arthur standing on the shore, and he raised his eyebrows. She spoke louder next time and addressed Arthur directly. "Arthur Pendragon." Merlin took a step to the side so they could see each other more directly. "One day, you will become a great king….," she smiled at him, "and a great king deserves a great weapon." She held the sword up a bit higher. "This is Excalibur: made by man's hand and blessed by dragon's fire. It will defeat any enemy it pierces, and as long as your will survives and you hold it in your hand, you cannot be defeated." She turned to Merlin and held out the sword to him.
Merlin accepted it. "Thank you," he breathed out, leaning forward a bit to plant a kiss on her cheek.
Arthur raised an eyebrow at that, but kept quiet. Merlin turned from the now blushing Freya and slowly made his way out of the water and to Arthur. He stopped just in front of Arthur and looked the sword over. It looked just as he remembered it. Merlin knelt before Arthur and Arthur looked taken aback by it.
"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."
He then held the sword up above his bowed head. Arthur reached out slowly and grasped the handle, lifting the sword and feeling its weight in his hand. Merlin slipped backwards and then stood, keeping his head bowed slightly as he watched Arthur take stock in the sword. Arthur spun it experimentally and let out an awed breath.
"It's absolutely perfect….," he murmured, but both Merlin and Freya caught. Arthur looked up at Merlin, who had a small pleased smile on his face, and his pupils got smaller. "This is the sword Tethella told me about….," he began softly. "If this is that sword…..then Merlin-"
"You must hurry," Freya interrupted him. Merlin and Arthur turned to face her and saw the worry on her features. "Your foe will not wait for you and it is a long way to Camelot. You will need every moment."
Merlin rushed back into the water and wrapped his arms around her shoulders in a desperate hug. "I wish things could be different," he whispered to her, and Arthur barely caught it. "I wish-"
Freya pulled back and placed a finger on his lips. "You have done more than enough for me, Merlin. I was dying inside when you rescued me, and you saved my soul. I'm happy to help you….in whatever way I can," she insisted before nodding toward the shore. "Now go. Camelot needs you."
Merlin nodded jerkily and waded back to the shore. He nodded again, to Arthur this time, and they both headed for their horses at a brisk walk. There would be much to talk about later, but for now they had a city to save. Merlin glanced back one last time before the trees blocked his sight, but Freya was gone from the lake. The wind blew across the still surface of the water and Merlin turned away from the sight before he started to cry.
…
…
As soon as they neared Camelot, Merlin knew the basilisk had arrived. The feeling of magic, evil magic, was prevalent in the air and the smell of something nasty was carried toward them on the wind. They came over the crest of the hill and saw the great beast lurking near the outer wall of the city. The land around it was stained black from its poison and Merlin felt sad, knowing that land would take years to recover…if it ever did.
Arthur spurred his horse onward and they hurried into the city and to the castle. "The armory, Merlin," Arthur ordered before they had even stopped their horses.
As Merlin was belting and fastening Arthur's armor five minutes later, Uther entered the armory with a sour look on his face. "Why are you putting on his armor?" he asked Merlin angrily before facing Arthur and looking him in the eyes. "You have no weapon. You're not fighting."
Arthur frowned. "I have a weapon," he stated stiffly, and proceeded to pull Excalibur from where it sat on the table. Merlin frowned when that moved Arthur's chest piece and he had to readjust it once Arthur was standing straight again. "This."
Uther's eyes widened as he took in the sword and his eyes shot to Merlin. Merlin put on his best innocent look and avoided Uther's gaze by walking around to Arthur's other side, thus hiding behind Arthur from his father. Uther looked back up to Arthur. "And you believe this sword will kill the basilisk?" he asked, feigning ignorance.
Arthur nodded, his eyes bright. "I know it will." And there was no arguing with him.
…
…
When Arthur and Merlin rode out to face the basilisk, the beast hissed and turned its attention from the walls to Arthur on his horse. They stopped a good distance away and Arthur dismounted from his horse before handing Merlin the reins. He pat his horse on the side comfortingly and stared at the great winged snake as he said, "Merlin."
"Hm?"
"If I should live," he began, and paused long enough for Merlin to consider smacking him for doubting himself, "we'll have a long talk about what happened at that lake." He turned and locked eyes with Merlin.
Merlin held his gaze for a solid second before nodding in agreement. "Of course, sire."
"Go," Arthur ordered, slapping his gloved hand against the hindquarters of Merlin's horse to make it take off. He waited until Merlin was nearly to the main gate of the city before turning and walking the remaining distance between himself and the basilisk.
The great snake was as tall as a man standing on the roof of a house, and Arthur guessed it would be as long as two of his bedchambers if it laid out flat. It was blue grey in color, but with shades of brown scattered around its body. The wings that were protruding from its back were beautiful, like that of an eagle or a hawk, and matched the body of the snake for color, but they were a bit too small to enable flight for such a large creature. In short: it was three times Arthur's size and ridiculously venomous so he'd better hope he was faster than it was or he'd never even land a hit.
"As long as my will survives," he breathed out as he gripped Excalibur by the hilt in an effort to comfort himself. Saying you would fight a giant poisonous snake and actually standing next to the thing and readying to fight it are two totally different things.
All at once the basilisk shot forward, mouth open and fangs dripping, toward Arthur. Arthur's eyes widened and he leapt to the left and out of the way. The basilisk's fangs sunk into the ground where Arthur used to be standing and the grass around it died immediately. Arthur sank his sword into the flesh of the basilisk's neck not two feet in front of him and the beast let out a strange screech of pain, ripping its teeth from the earth and making a blind grab for Arthur.
Arthur fell to the ground and watched in horror as the basilisk's fangs passed right over him. That was too close. The basilisk flapped its wings and turned before it had finished its last attack to make another attack. Arthur rolled out of the way and jumped up into a defensive stance, sword at the ready. The basilisk turned and glared at him with red eyes, but Arthur was looking at the cut he'd made earlier. The green blood oozing from the wound was killing the grass and plants just as much as the fangs were. Was a basilisk made of pure poison?
There was a hiss and Arthur's head snapped up just as the basilisk shot forward again. He stepped to the side and lifted Excalibur into the air. It passed the basilisk's snakish lips and caught one of the upper fangs right at the base of the tooth; slicing right through with no problems. Arthur took several steps forward, down the basilisk's body, and cut through the base of the basilisk's left wing as well in one fluid motion. The basilisk fell to the ground, writhing in pain, and Arthur took the opportunity to catch his breath.
Where do you strike a snake to end its life? Cutting off its head seemed the best idea; and the safest. Arthur took a step up the wriggling body's left side and raised his sword above where the head ended. Before he could land the blow, the basilisk turned and grabbed Arthur's left arm in a bone crushing grip. Arthur screamed in pain, releasing Excalibur with his left hand and bringing the sword down with his right, right into the basilisk's eye. It released him with a yell of its own and Arthur stumbled back from it, clutching his left arm close to his body with his right arm. He looked down at it and noticed a sickening amount of blood pouring from the wound along with the basilisk's poison coating his armor and, no doubt, his entire arm. There was a hole in his armor and his arm where the fang had pierced Arthur's arm and Arthur forced himself to look away before he got sick.
Basilisk's were lethally poisonous. Gaius hadn't mentioned a cure and even if there was one, there'd be no time to make it. This was it. Forget being king of Camelot. Forget being king of Albion. Forget being king of anything. He would never marry, or have kids, or confront Merlin about the sword, or anything. Destiny was over. His life was over. He was dying.
Arthur yelled at the ground, his eyes shut, angry at the turn things had taken. This wasn't how it was supposed to happen! He opened his eyes in a glare at the basilisk before him and took the two steps it had squirmed away. Jumping up onto it's back, Arthur lifted Excalibur with his right hand and, just as he'd done when he first pulled the sword from the stone and he was angry with his father, Arthur jammed Excalibur down into the basilisk's head above its eyes, right through the brain. The basilisk jerked once and then stilled altogether.
Arthur took several deep breaths, but he couldn't stop the dizzy feeling overtaking him. He gave one tug at Excalibur, but he'd lost a lot of his strength and couldn't pull it out of the basilisk's head with only his right arm. He heard the sound of hoof beats and looked up to see Merlin racing over on horseback. "Merlin," he breathed out, releasing Excalibur. He'd have to get it later….if he had a later.
Suddenly all of Arthur's strength left him and he tumbled down the side of the basilisk and to the ground. Merlin jumped off his horse and ran to Arthur. He caught side of the sickly green blood pooling around the body and killing whatever it touched and grabbed Arthur by the shoulders, hefting him back towards the horse and away from the blood. Arthur let out a short cry of pain as the pulling jostled his wound.
"Merlin," he croaked out. "Merlin."
Merlin laid him down and knelt next to him, looking for wounds. The only one he found was the one in his arm and Merlin's eyes widened. "You've been bitten," he gasped out, his eyes filling with unshed tears, making them look brighter.
Arthur wanted to scold Merlin for the tears. He'd told Merlin that no man was worth his tears. He wanted to grin and tease him about being such a girl. He wanted to ask about the sword and the rain and the dragon and the barghest and tree limbs and just everything, but all that came out was another wheezing "Merlin…."
Merlin shook his head, shutting his eyes. "No. This isn't your destiny. You won't die here."
Arthur managed a weak heave of a laugh. His vision was already going dark and he couldn't feel his body at all. Merlin's voice sounded far away, like something from a dream. He wondered what Morgana would do after he died. Would she kill Uther? Would Merlin let her? And what about Gwen? She'd already lost so much in her short life….Would she cry for him like he knew Merlin would? How long would it take for her to move on and find new love?
From what sounded like a great distance, Arthur heard strange words….but they sounded familiar, like he'd heard something similar before…. "Ábregdan átorcyn innan. Lácnian se ceorl. Ielden déaþ. Please-"
Arthur's vision cleared and he could see the sky above him, the setting of the sun and the clouds being blown south by the wind. His head felt clear and he could breathe normally again. Arthur narrowed his eyes at the sky when he noticed something odd: there was a strange glow coming from….Arthur turned his head so he could see where Merlin sat by his wounded left arm and his eyes widened. Merlin's hands were glowing blue! Arthur looked at Merlin's face and saw his eyes were like Morgana's when she used magic in his chambers: a bright golden color instead of their normal clear blue.
The gold faded and Arthur saw Merlin's chest heave with the effort of the spell. Merlin took a deep breath, kept his hands over the still bleeding wound and half-hissed out, "Remian bánbryce ond flæsc." His eyes flared golden again and Arthur watched as the blood flow stopped and the muscle and skin of his arm repaired itself. The armor still held the large hole from the fang, but his skin showed no sign of the fight at all. Arthur gasped and Merlin's eyes widened in shock and fear. "Arthur!" he practically shouted. Arthur winced and Merlin winced along with him. "Sorry," he whispered.
"Magic," Arthur said, still laying on the ground. "This proves it!" He pushed himself up and was only mildly surprised when he didn't feel any pain from any part of his body at the action. Merlin fell back a bit to give him some space and held himself up on his hands behind him. Arthur got right up in his personal space. "You gave me Excalibur, a magic sword that can kill any enemy. You just used magic to heal me. You're a sorcerer!"
Merlin gulped and kept quiet, but nodded. He'd decided to tell Arthur the truth the moment his other sword broke. He wasn't going to back down now. "Yes," he managed after a long moment.
"You're my sorcerer," Arthur stated like he was laying claim to a prized horse. "You're my sorcerer." He laughed almost bitingly. "My sorcerer." He laughed again. "You're my sorcerer. Merlin! Ha ha ha ha ha!"
Merlin glared at him. "What? What is so funny?"
"Five years," Arthur snickered out, sitting back in his own space and out of Merlin's breathing room. He covered his eyes with his hands. "Five years and I've barely even considered- I mean, sure there were moments but-….A sorcerer….," he breathed out in the end, all laughter gone. He lowered his hand and took in Merlin's concerned expression. "There's something about you, Merlin," Arthur said quietly, his eyes intense but not menacing. "I will never understand you no matter how long I know you."
Merlin gave a hesitant smile. "Well, you've got forever so….you might learn eventually."
Arthur just stared at Merlin for a long while without a word. Merlin could tell from his expression that Arthur was trying to make sense of everything, was trying to adjust to the new information he'd been given, was trying to accept Merlin for who and what he was. After what felt like forever, when the sun was fully set and they could hear the gates opening to release some knights to scout the battlefield, Arthur shut his eyes and let out an easy sigh.
"Yes….I suppose I do."
Fin.
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And that's it. The final installment in my The Sword in the Stone series. I hope you all enjoyed it and thank you for reading all the way to the end.
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Translations:
Ábregdan átorcyn innan. Lácnian se ceorl. Ielden déaþ. = Wrench(pull) poison from within. Heal the noble man (hero). Delay death.
Remian bánbryce ond flæsc. = Mend fractured bone and flesh.
Again, all translations come from online Old English to New English translators and dictionaries: www.oldenglishtranslator.co.uk/ and home.comcast.net/~modean52/oeme_dictionaries.htm
Pairing: Pretty Gen. Kind of one-sided Merlin/Arthur, Gwen/Arthur, hinted Gwen/Lancelot. It’s about as gay as the series is, which is pretty gay.
Disclaimer: I do not own BBC’s Merlin. If I did, I’d be pretty happy because I’d know Colin and Bradley personally.
Summary: The legend of Excalibur is not as simple as everyone thinks. Arthur pulls a sword from a stone, beginning a chain of events that will lead him to his destiny and the sorcerer prophesized to stand beside him.
Chapter Summary: Morgause sends an unstoppable enemy to Camelot; a beast no mortal weapon can kill. Morgana foresees a weapon that can bring victory to Arthur in the coming battle and Merlin dreams of someone he once loved and lost that may be more than an idle vision. What do the dreams mean? Is it now? Is now the time for Merlin’s secret to be revealed?
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Part XIV - The Legend Begins
A/N: The final installment in my The Sword in the Stone series. This is what it all leads up to. This is what I read about and what inspired me to write everything else. This is kinda what I'm hoping they actually do in the series.
This is the beast they fight this chapter: image.gameshot.net:8080/gameshot/preview/2001_11/narsillion/couatl.jpg I know it says Couatl, but another version of the basilisk besides the typical giant snake, or the mutated chicken, is a large winged snake…So there you go. A giant winged snake.
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Morgana looked up from her vanity at a soft pecking noise at her window. There was a small white bird perched just outside, tapping on the window. She narrowed her eyes, worry showing on her face, but ignored the bird until it flew away. Once it had stopped pecking and left, Morgana held her face in her hands and shivered.
It was only a matter of time until she found out….
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That night, Morgause stood in the forest clearing where she and Morgana used to meet all the time. On her face sat a deep and pronounced frown. It had been weeks now since Morgana had responded to her calls. Morgana had not said, written, or in any other way given any word to Morgause since the day she had trapped Arthur and Merlin in her Vale.
Her sister had abandoned her.
And tonight was the last night. This was the last chance Morgause would give them; any of them. If things had been personal before, they were definitely personal now.
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Clang! Clung clang!
The knight facing off against Arthur stumbled back three steps and slipped in the mud of the training field, falling on his backside shortly afterward. Arthur sighed.
"Come on, Pellinore, you're not even trying," he complained, flipping his destiny sword around his wrist in a bored fashion. "Attack me like you mean it."
Sir Pellinore stood to his feet and brushed himself off a bit. He was a head taller than Arthur with a full black beard and bushy eyebrows, but had a bald spot on his head that showed his age. He was one of Arthur's oldest knights, though he was barely thirty-five. Still, he had already begun to lose his hair. Arthur had fought him countless times since his youth, but for some time now Pellinore had not been giving his all. It reminded Arthur of the jousting tournament with Leon and made him angry.
There was an obnoxiously loud clap of thunder in the distance that made many of the knights jump in surprise. Arthur was about to scold them for their cowardice when a shaken looking page boy bulleted past the fields, heading for the castle. His jeering died in his throat. "Practice among yourselves," he ordered sternly before sheathing his sword and heading off across the field.
Merlin blinked at him a few times in confusion before jumping up and hurrying after his master. They got to the throne room just as the page caught his breath and began to tell Uther what had happened.
"South…near the Canyon of Balin," he began, and Arthur and Merlin's ears perked. "A woman cast a spell on a snake…It grew larger than a house and sprouted wings, my lord. I watched it move through the trees when it left. They all died when it breathed on them!" The page shuddered. "The woman caught me staring and she told me to come back here and warn you of the beast's arrival. She said in three days, her basilisk would descend upon the gates of Camelot….and that if we didn't want to all die….Prince Arthur must face and defeat it….." He turned to look at Arthur behind him as he spoke, but quickly turned back to look in Uther's direction. "She said if he failed that the basilisk would destroy the castle and the kingdom."
Uther frowned for a long while, and then stood from his throne. "Fetch Gaius," he said to Merlin, who nodded and scurried from the room. Uther dismissed the page with a nod and a wave and the boy ran like his life still depended on it.
"I believe it to be the witch, Morgause," Arthur said. Uther turned his head from where he'd last seen the page to look into Arthur's eyes. "She wants to kill you, but she wants me destroyed in the process. She's tried this before, father."
"Yes," Uther agreed, his lips pulled in a thin line. "But never before with a beast such as this." He shook his head. "You cannot fight it. I forbid it."
"What?" Arthur gasp-shouted, taking a step forward. "But if I don't it'll destroy the kingdom! It's already doing that now on its way here!"
Uther shook his head again and sat back down in his throne. "I don't care, Arthur," he stated coldly. "You are the future king of Camelot, of Albion, and I will not let you throw your life away to some beast because one sorcerer has a vendetta against me."
Arthur stared his father down determinedly, keeping eye contact. "And if I don't fight it, the beast will attack this city and all the lands around us. It will kill everyone it finds. If the kingdom is destroyed, then what am I king of, father?"
Uther glared. "You will be king of all that is left," he said like it was obvious, but in a dark tone of voice.
Arthur gaped at his father until Gaius and Merlin returned, when he turned his attention to the elderly physician instead. "Gaius," he greeted in a rush. "How do you kill a basilisk?"
Uther glared again, at Arthur for continuing his stupid venture against the beast. Gaius frowned. "A basilisk is a creature of magic. The sorcerer who made it must be quite powerful. Basilisk are typically born from magic, not created," he explained, sounding a bit baffled. "To kill a basilisk is quite the feat. You can turn it to stone by making it see its own reflection, but the stone will crumble and the dust it creates is lethal to any who inhale it. I wouldn't think it wise to try this anyhow, if Merlin's told me its size correctly."
"Larger than a house," Arthur added helpfully.
Gaius nodded, clasping his hands in front of himself. "Yes. Basilisk are not usually that big. They're born from chicken's eggs, and most are the size of large snakes or a little bigger. This sorcerer must have enlarged the beast to make it harder to kill. Trying to get a mirror at eye level with this basilisk would be more dangerous than helpful."
"Then how do you kill it?" Uther asked. "Without Arthur fighting it," he clarified. Arthur and Uther shared a glare.
Gaius looked between the two of them, not sure what was going on or if he should hold his tongue. "Well," he began slowly. "It was created by strong magic, sire….I'm not sure how you would kill it. Normal weapons don't work on a basilisk."
Uther frowned deeply, but Arthur pulled his sword from its sheath with a grin. "So this could do it," he stated simply. Gaius shrugged and Arthur gave a half sigh. "I pulled this sword from a stone. It's a sword that validates my destiny. It's saved me from magic before," he revealed. "It should be able to kill a basilisk, no matter the size of the beast."
"Arthur," Uther disagreed.
Arthur glared. "It's the only way."
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A great snake slithered across the land, leaving a thick line of death in its wake. It hissed angrily at the city's walls. Arthur wore full armor and held his shield up, the symbol of the Pendragon line showing proudly in the sun. People were running and screaming as the winged snake let out a gruesome roar of a sound. Arthur ran forward. People lay dead in the streets. Merlin was ankle deep in the water. The sword lay broken on the ground.
"Arthur!"
Arthur pierced the snake through with his sword. Merlin knelt before Arthur's feet. Arthur lay dying on the ground. Gold.
"Until the day I die."
A loud crack of thunder woke Morgana with a gasp. Sweat clung to her skin and her breathing was ragged. She flicked her eyes around the room, looking for the beast in her nightmare, but found nothing. When she was breathing normally again, Morgana slid from her bed and hurried to the window. In the far distance, at the edge of her sight just visible through the pouring rain, Morgana could see something moving across the countryside: The basilisk.
"It's already so close," she breathed out. Her breath created condensation on the window. She took a few deep breaths to calm her nerves. She had to tell Arthur-
The door opened and Morgana gasped, flipping to face the new presence. Gwen stopped three steps inside with wide eyes. In her arms was another blanket.
"Gwen," Morgana gasped out in surprise.
"I…thought you might be cold," Gwen explained, looking unsure of herself. "It's really pouring outside and I didn't want you to suffer through it…."
Morgana pushed her fears to the back of her mind and slid a gentle and thankful smile onto her face. "Thank you, Gwen. You're too kind," she acquiesced. "I was having trouble sleeping tonight."
Gwen smiled in return. "I'm happy to help."
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When Merlin arrived at Arthur's quarters the next morning, the prince wasn't there. Panic shot through him. Where was Arthur? He was about to run back out and search for the wayward prince when he heard the distinct sounds of a sword fight. Moving to the window, Merlin looked out and sighed in relief.
Arthur was fighting his knights.
'Must be practicing for the fight,' Merlin thought. His musing was cut short when the bedroom door opened and Morgana walked in.
She was wearing a fine dress, deep blue in color with flowing sleeves, and a light layer of makeup, but Merlin could tell she was distressed. Her eyes scanned the room, found only Merlin, and she frowned. "Where's Arthur?" she asked.
Merlin nodded toward the window. "Early morning practice with his knights," he explained, glad he'd learned that before she asked him. "Did you need something?"
Morgana shook her head once but stopped, her expression contemplative as she stared at Merlin's face. He tried to keep his expression amicable enough. The last thing he wanted was her feeling he was against her or something. After a long moment, Morgana shut and locked the door behind her and moved across the room to stand before Merlin.
"I had a vision last night in my dreams," she revealed openly. Merlin's eyes widened. "The basilisk will come, and Arthur will face it. I saw him fight it with a sword I've never seen before…..but it pierced the basilisk's skin like paper."
"A magic sword," Merlin let out and Morgana nodded. She looked worried and Merlin bent a bit to get to her height. "What's the matter?"
Morgana frowned and took a deep breath. "I saw Arthur kill the basilisk, Merlin….but I also saw it kill him." She shook her head and shut her eyes. "I know I've tried to kill him in the past and I know that was wrong…but ever since the Vale I've had dreams of a golden age of Camelot and I….I don't know if those are premonitions or just dreams, but I'm not ready to give them up," she whispered.
Merlin nodded and Morgana took the final step between them, wrapping her arms around Merlin in a hug she desperately needed. Merlin's eyes widened in shock. Morgana was hugging him… It took several long moments, but Merlin finally wrapped his arms around Morgana as well and held her tight.
"It'll be alright," he assured her quietly. "I won't let anything happen to him."
Morgana pulled back and nodded. "I know," she breathed. "You're a great sorcerer, Merlin. I know you'll do your best." Merlin's eyes widened again and he stumbled back from her in shock and fear. Morgana's eyebrows came together. "What?" she asked.
"You-," he managed, but couldn't get his mouth to form the right words.
Morgana's eyes widened a bit in understanding and then she frowned curiously. "You…you didn't know I knew?" she asked. Merlin shook his head, still looking like he was a heartbeat from the end of the world. "But…the way you were talking in the Vale….I thought you knew I knew."
"No," Merlin finally got out. "I had no idea. How did you find out?"
"The poison, four months ago?" she asked. Merlin nodded. "It targeted those with magic. You fell ill." Merlin looked aghast that of all the things to give him away, it was that. Morgana gave a little smile. "I'll admit, I was really surprised. I never would have pegged you as being magic," she admitted. "But I'm sort of glad you are." She frowned at Merlin's chest. "Arthur will need you in this battle….more than he knows."
Merlin nodded. "I'll be there."
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It began to rain about halfway through the day, but Arthur didn't stop training. Merlin made him a bath that night and made sure it was just the right temperature to ease all the prince's sore muscles. Arthur barely spoke a word throughout his bath or his dinner or getting ready for bed. Gaius provided a sleeping draught so he could get enough rest, no matter how loud the thunder got during the night. Arthur was out cold within ten seconds of drinking it and Gaius helped Merlin get him all set up in bed for the night.
Merlin slept in the antechamber, just in case.
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"Merlin."
Merlin's eye flickered behind his eyelids.
The boat floated gently out to the center of the lake, flames licking at the plants and body inside. The mountains rose up in the background. Her hair was dark, with eyes to match, and she wore a deep purple dress that fit her beautifully. She stood in the water looking healthier than ever and smiled serenely.
"I can help you now, Merlin," she said, and it drifted on the air as light as a breeze.
The wind made ripples in the water across the pristine still surface of the lake. The girl with dark hair was gone.
"It's time."
Merlin's eyes flashed open, a hint of gold around the blue irises, and he gasped. Outside he could hear the light drizzle of rain water as it slid from the castle roof. He sat up slowly and laid his arms across his knees.
It couldn't be….could it? She couldn't possibly…..Time for what? Help him how?
A tear slid from his right eye and he shut his eyes just as the first rays of light slipped through his window.
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The sky was clear with no sign of rain and Arthur had every knight in his service standing on the practice fields just waiting for their turn to fight him. Sweat was pouring down Arthur's face as he finally knocked Sir Pelleas to the ground.
"I yield," Pelleas called out, loud enough for the other knights to hear.
The other knights clapped obligatorily. They all knew this training was for Arthur alone; so he would be at his best when he faced the basilisk in two days.
Arthur pulled his sword back and helped Pelleas to stand. Once the other knight was on his feet, Arthur clapped him on the shoulder and nodded his thanks before turning to the knights he hadn't yet fought today. He'd already finished beating five of his knights and he looked exhausted, but instead of taking a break he pointed his sword at one of his knights.
"Pellinore," he decided.
Pellinore's eyes widened a bit. He'd just fought Arthur yesterday! But Arthur had other ideas: Pellinore had taken it easy on him yesterday so they would fight again. Instead of asking questions, Pellinore grabbed his sword and moved forward.
Merlin ran up as Pellinore was walking over and handed Arthur a cup of water. Arthur almost ignored it, but Merlin wasn't moving until he drank the water, so he took three gulps and shoved the cup back into Merlin's hands. Merlin hurried out of the way. Arthur got into battle stance and Pellinore followed suit.
For a breath of a moment, they stayed still and simply stared each other down, and then Arthur jumped forward. He jabbed at Pellinore's stomach but Pellinore threw his sword into the attack and knocked it wide to the right. Before Arthur could right himself, Pellinore pulled his sword back across toward Arthur's right side. Arthur took three steps back but Pellinore didn't let up, instead moving forward and swinging high near the left side of Arthur's head. Arthur ducked and swung out at Pellinore's right leg. Pellinore stepped back quickly but Arthur was right with him, slashing at his left shoulder this time.
Pellinore brought his sword up and caught Arthur's attack in a strong parry. Arthur pressed forward, Pellinore pressed back, and for one excruciating moment they were locked in a stalemate, and then Arthur's left leg faltered and Pellinore pushed him back. Arthur stumbled for a heartbeat but regained his footing in the damp grass and lunged forward. Pellinore lifted his sword to block it but Arthur shoved it away and ran his shoulder into Pellinore's chest. Pellinore backed up a step and lifted his sword just as Arthur swung at his own sword at Pellinore's chest.
Their swords caught with sparks and tension. Arthur shifted so their swords came up between them instead of being stuck near their navels. Pellinore pushed forward and Arthur held his ground, not giving an inch. Arthur narrowed his eyes at the sound of metal scrapping metal just before he heard the snap. His eyes flashed to where their swords met in the air and widened as he watched the line creep across his sword. Then, all at once, his sword let out a sad sounding metallic whine and gave in completely; the sword snapping completely in half. Arthur jumped backwards before Pellinore's sword could catch him in the chest and then stopped and stared at the half of a sword lying at Pellinore's feet.
Everyone gathered had wide eyes, disbelief and shock coating their expressions. Arthur turned his attention to the half of the sword still in his hands. His sword, the sword he'd pulled from the stone, was broken. Pellinore dropped his sword into the wet grass and mud and everyone turned their attention to him. He looked absolutely devastated as he lowered himself to his knees.
"My lord…," he forced out. "I….broke the sword of your destiny….I will accept full responsibility for this transgression and accept any punishment you will give." He lowered his head and everyone held their breaths for Arthur's decision.
Arthur looked between the two broken pieces of his sword and Pellinore's bowed head several times and forced himself to keep breathing. He shut his eyes and took a deep breath, his hand clenching around the sword in his hands. After a moment, Arthur opened his eyes and walked from the fields without a word. Merlin watched until Arthur was almost out of sight, and then he ran across the field and grabbed the broken piece of the sword still lying on the ground. He cast Pellinore a sympathetic look before running after the prince.
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"Arthur," Merlin gasped out as he rushed into Arthur's chambers.
Arthur was leaning heavily on his fists on his table, his head lowered and his eyes closed. He didn't even react to Merlin bursting in without knocking. Merlin shut the door gently behind himself and walked over to the table.
"Arthur….," he breathed. He slowly laid the broken piece of sword on the table next to the part still connected to the hilt and Arthur let out a heavy breath.
"What do I do now, Merlin?" he asked, his shoulders sagging. "A basilisk cannot be killed by a normal sword and I've just lost my only magic sword….my only chance to save my people…."
And that's when it hit him. Merlin tilted his head, remembering his dream. "It's time," he muttered under his breath.
"What?" Arthur asked, sounding tired.
Merlin lifted his head upright again and wiped the dazed look from his face, now looking completely serious. He took a deep breath. "You haven't lost your only weapon," he announced softly but assuredly. Arthur lifted his head, curious. Merlin nodded once the prince's eyes were on him. "I know where there's a weapon that can kill the basilisk. It can defeat any foe, no matter what it is."
Arthur's face lit with a hint of hope and he stood straight again. "Where, Merlin? Where is it? What is it?"
Merlin opened his mouth to answer, but the door burst open and Uther walked in. He saw Merlin standing there and frowned. "Leave us."
Merlin shut his mouth and nodded before leaving. Arthur watched him go in distress. "Merlin-" he cut himself off, glancing at his father. Merlin stopped at the door and faced him, his eyes flickering to Uther before finally coming to rest on the prince. "I want you back in here as soon as possible," he ordered, his gaze intense.
Merlin nodded definitively before leaving the room and shutting the door. Uther kept his gaze on Arthur until then, but then he looked down at the broken sword. "So the sword is broken."
Arthur's eyes snapped back down to the table. "Yes. I must have pushed it too hard….," he admitted quietly, but his mind was stuck on what Merlin had said. How could he have another weapon?
"So the witch lied."
Arthur's head shot up. "What?" he asked incredulously.
"This sword was meant to be the sword that proved you were the king of Albion; the sword that helped you rule. Now that sword is broken." Uther touched the hilt of the sword lightly. "How can you trust the prophesy of a liar?" he asked acidic-ly.
Arthur frowned and stood tall. "No. This sword is merely a symbol. She said that herself. The sword that I am to rule with is another sword entirely, a sword I am still waiting to….receive," he trailed off, his mouth forming an 'oh.'
Did Merlin know where his sword was? Did Merlin know where his sorcerer was?
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An hour later, Merlin showed up in Arthur's chambers with a determined look on his face. The sun was beginning to set outside and Arthur looked up from his window when Merlin walked in. He sighed dramatically.
"Finally," he said, pushing away from the window. "What took you so long?" Now that he was thinking about it, Arthur couldn't wait to have Merlin explain himself.
"I was preparing the horses," Merlin explained. Arthur narrowed his eyes in confusion and Merlin shrugged. "You'll need a weapon against the basilisk, and it's not here in Camelot. I figured we could leave tonight so you're father won't stop you."
Arthur smiled. These were the moments he looked forward to with Merlin: the ones where he showed amazing ingenuity. "Nice going, Merlin," he complimented.
Merlin shrugged. "We need to get moving soon, though. It's a bit far."
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Dawn was breaking through the trees and still Arthur sat silent as Merlin led him on horseback through the forest. They were a day's walk from castle. If Merlin didn't stop soon, they wouldn't make it back to the city in time to fight the basilisk.
"Merlin," he called impatiently. "How much farther?"
"Not much," Merlin said, barely loud enough for Arthur to catch. He stopped his horse suddenly, and Arthur nearly ran his own horse into Merlin's horse's butt because of it, and dismounted with a "This is it…"
Arthur hurriedly dismounted as well and followed Merlin on foot. He was about to complain about the distance again when the trees parted and Arthur found himself staring at a simple lake with mountains in the backdrop and lush forest on three sides. His jaw dropped at the beauty before him. Merlin stopped at the edge of the water and turned to Arthur with a sad smile.
"Shortly after I came to Camelot, I asked you not to think differently of me no matter what happened in a battle one day," he began softly, sagely. "A lot has happened since then and I'm not afraid anymore, Arthur."
Arthur frowned pensively. Merlin was acting strange; the kind of strange that came just before some moving and inspired speech or life altering moment...
Merlin looked at the lake. "I screwed up. I let your father use a weapon meant only for you...so I had to hide it where no mortal man could ever find it. Here." He nodded at the water. "But now you need it back."
Before Arthur could say anything, ask a question or make a snarky comment, Merlin began wading into the water. He stopped knee deep in the water and held his right hand out flat over the surface. A familiar presence came to him and Merlin smiled, trying not to cry.
"Freya...," he breathed out. He'd been right.
Arthur gasped when the water in the center of the lake began to bubble and ripple. The movement slowly made its way closer to Merlin and then suddenly Arthur saw a woman's hand protrude from the water holding a gleaming, perfect sword. The arm moved ever closer to Merlin and Arthur watched as a woman's head appeared from the water, and then her body followed. She lowered the sword from the air and held it ceremoniously in front of herself as she seemed to float closer to Merlin in the water. When they were half an arm's length away from each other, the woman stopped and Arthur took her in.
Her hair was long and dark brown, with eyes to match. She wore a deep purple dress that Arthur distinctly remembered seeing Morgana wear once and….was that the one Merlin was carrying that day in the hallway? She smiled shyly at Merlin and Merlin smiled sadly back.
"You saved me, Merlin," Freya whispered. "Now I repay you by protecting this remarkable sword you fashioned." Her voice was soft but carried to Arthur standing on the shore, and he raised his eyebrows. She spoke louder next time and addressed Arthur directly. "Arthur Pendragon." Merlin took a step to the side so they could see each other more directly. "One day, you will become a great king….," she smiled at him, "and a great king deserves a great weapon." She held the sword up a bit higher. "This is Excalibur: made by man's hand and blessed by dragon's fire. It will defeat any enemy it pierces, and as long as your will survives and you hold it in your hand, you cannot be defeated." She turned to Merlin and held out the sword to him.
Merlin accepted it. "Thank you," he breathed out, leaning forward a bit to plant a kiss on her cheek.
Arthur raised an eyebrow at that, but kept quiet. Merlin turned from the now blushing Freya and slowly made his way out of the water and to Arthur. He stopped just in front of Arthur and looked the sword over. It looked just as he remembered it. Merlin knelt before Arthur and Arthur looked taken aback by it.
"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."
He then held the sword up above his bowed head. Arthur reached out slowly and grasped the handle, lifting the sword and feeling its weight in his hand. Merlin slipped backwards and then stood, keeping his head bowed slightly as he watched Arthur take stock in the sword. Arthur spun it experimentally and let out an awed breath.
"It's absolutely perfect….," he murmured, but both Merlin and Freya caught. Arthur looked up at Merlin, who had a small pleased smile on his face, and his pupils got smaller. "This is the sword Tethella told me about….," he began softly. "If this is that sword…..then Merlin-"
"You must hurry," Freya interrupted him. Merlin and Arthur turned to face her and saw the worry on her features. "Your foe will not wait for you and it is a long way to Camelot. You will need every moment."
Merlin rushed back into the water and wrapped his arms around her shoulders in a desperate hug. "I wish things could be different," he whispered to her, and Arthur barely caught it. "I wish-"
Freya pulled back and placed a finger on his lips. "You have done more than enough for me, Merlin. I was dying inside when you rescued me, and you saved my soul. I'm happy to help you….in whatever way I can," she insisted before nodding toward the shore. "Now go. Camelot needs you."
Merlin nodded jerkily and waded back to the shore. He nodded again, to Arthur this time, and they both headed for their horses at a brisk walk. There would be much to talk about later, but for now they had a city to save. Merlin glanced back one last time before the trees blocked his sight, but Freya was gone from the lake. The wind blew across the still surface of the water and Merlin turned away from the sight before he started to cry.
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As soon as they neared Camelot, Merlin knew the basilisk had arrived. The feeling of magic, evil magic, was prevalent in the air and the smell of something nasty was carried toward them on the wind. They came over the crest of the hill and saw the great beast lurking near the outer wall of the city. The land around it was stained black from its poison and Merlin felt sad, knowing that land would take years to recover…if it ever did.
Arthur spurred his horse onward and they hurried into the city and to the castle. "The armory, Merlin," Arthur ordered before they had even stopped their horses.
As Merlin was belting and fastening Arthur's armor five minutes later, Uther entered the armory with a sour look on his face. "Why are you putting on his armor?" he asked Merlin angrily before facing Arthur and looking him in the eyes. "You have no weapon. You're not fighting."
Arthur frowned. "I have a weapon," he stated stiffly, and proceeded to pull Excalibur from where it sat on the table. Merlin frowned when that moved Arthur's chest piece and he had to readjust it once Arthur was standing straight again. "This."
Uther's eyes widened as he took in the sword and his eyes shot to Merlin. Merlin put on his best innocent look and avoided Uther's gaze by walking around to Arthur's other side, thus hiding behind Arthur from his father. Uther looked back up to Arthur. "And you believe this sword will kill the basilisk?" he asked, feigning ignorance.
Arthur nodded, his eyes bright. "I know it will." And there was no arguing with him.
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When Arthur and Merlin rode out to face the basilisk, the beast hissed and turned its attention from the walls to Arthur on his horse. They stopped a good distance away and Arthur dismounted from his horse before handing Merlin the reins. He pat his horse on the side comfortingly and stared at the great winged snake as he said, "Merlin."
"Hm?"
"If I should live," he began, and paused long enough for Merlin to consider smacking him for doubting himself, "we'll have a long talk about what happened at that lake." He turned and locked eyes with Merlin.
Merlin held his gaze for a solid second before nodding in agreement. "Of course, sire."
"Go," Arthur ordered, slapping his gloved hand against the hindquarters of Merlin's horse to make it take off. He waited until Merlin was nearly to the main gate of the city before turning and walking the remaining distance between himself and the basilisk.
The great snake was as tall as a man standing on the roof of a house, and Arthur guessed it would be as long as two of his bedchambers if it laid out flat. It was blue grey in color, but with shades of brown scattered around its body. The wings that were protruding from its back were beautiful, like that of an eagle or a hawk, and matched the body of the snake for color, but they were a bit too small to enable flight for such a large creature. In short: it was three times Arthur's size and ridiculously venomous so he'd better hope he was faster than it was or he'd never even land a hit.
"As long as my will survives," he breathed out as he gripped Excalibur by the hilt in an effort to comfort himself. Saying you would fight a giant poisonous snake and actually standing next to the thing and readying to fight it are two totally different things.
All at once the basilisk shot forward, mouth open and fangs dripping, toward Arthur. Arthur's eyes widened and he leapt to the left and out of the way. The basilisk's fangs sunk into the ground where Arthur used to be standing and the grass around it died immediately. Arthur sank his sword into the flesh of the basilisk's neck not two feet in front of him and the beast let out a strange screech of pain, ripping its teeth from the earth and making a blind grab for Arthur.
Arthur fell to the ground and watched in horror as the basilisk's fangs passed right over him. That was too close. The basilisk flapped its wings and turned before it had finished its last attack to make another attack. Arthur rolled out of the way and jumped up into a defensive stance, sword at the ready. The basilisk turned and glared at him with red eyes, but Arthur was looking at the cut he'd made earlier. The green blood oozing from the wound was killing the grass and plants just as much as the fangs were. Was a basilisk made of pure poison?
There was a hiss and Arthur's head snapped up just as the basilisk shot forward again. He stepped to the side and lifted Excalibur into the air. It passed the basilisk's snakish lips and caught one of the upper fangs right at the base of the tooth; slicing right through with no problems. Arthur took several steps forward, down the basilisk's body, and cut through the base of the basilisk's left wing as well in one fluid motion. The basilisk fell to the ground, writhing in pain, and Arthur took the opportunity to catch his breath.
Where do you strike a snake to end its life? Cutting off its head seemed the best idea; and the safest. Arthur took a step up the wriggling body's left side and raised his sword above where the head ended. Before he could land the blow, the basilisk turned and grabbed Arthur's left arm in a bone crushing grip. Arthur screamed in pain, releasing Excalibur with his left hand and bringing the sword down with his right, right into the basilisk's eye. It released him with a yell of its own and Arthur stumbled back from it, clutching his left arm close to his body with his right arm. He looked down at it and noticed a sickening amount of blood pouring from the wound along with the basilisk's poison coating his armor and, no doubt, his entire arm. There was a hole in his armor and his arm where the fang had pierced Arthur's arm and Arthur forced himself to look away before he got sick.
Basilisk's were lethally poisonous. Gaius hadn't mentioned a cure and even if there was one, there'd be no time to make it. This was it. Forget being king of Camelot. Forget being king of Albion. Forget being king of anything. He would never marry, or have kids, or confront Merlin about the sword, or anything. Destiny was over. His life was over. He was dying.
Arthur yelled at the ground, his eyes shut, angry at the turn things had taken. This wasn't how it was supposed to happen! He opened his eyes in a glare at the basilisk before him and took the two steps it had squirmed away. Jumping up onto it's back, Arthur lifted Excalibur with his right hand and, just as he'd done when he first pulled the sword from the stone and he was angry with his father, Arthur jammed Excalibur down into the basilisk's head above its eyes, right through the brain. The basilisk jerked once and then stilled altogether.
Arthur took several deep breaths, but he couldn't stop the dizzy feeling overtaking him. He gave one tug at Excalibur, but he'd lost a lot of his strength and couldn't pull it out of the basilisk's head with only his right arm. He heard the sound of hoof beats and looked up to see Merlin racing over on horseback. "Merlin," he breathed out, releasing Excalibur. He'd have to get it later….if he had a later.
Suddenly all of Arthur's strength left him and he tumbled down the side of the basilisk and to the ground. Merlin jumped off his horse and ran to Arthur. He caught side of the sickly green blood pooling around the body and killing whatever it touched and grabbed Arthur by the shoulders, hefting him back towards the horse and away from the blood. Arthur let out a short cry of pain as the pulling jostled his wound.
"Merlin," he croaked out. "Merlin."
Merlin laid him down and knelt next to him, looking for wounds. The only one he found was the one in his arm and Merlin's eyes widened. "You've been bitten," he gasped out, his eyes filling with unshed tears, making them look brighter.
Arthur wanted to scold Merlin for the tears. He'd told Merlin that no man was worth his tears. He wanted to grin and tease him about being such a girl. He wanted to ask about the sword and the rain and the dragon and the barghest and tree limbs and just everything, but all that came out was another wheezing "Merlin…."
Merlin shook his head, shutting his eyes. "No. This isn't your destiny. You won't die here."
Arthur managed a weak heave of a laugh. His vision was already going dark and he couldn't feel his body at all. Merlin's voice sounded far away, like something from a dream. He wondered what Morgana would do after he died. Would she kill Uther? Would Merlin let her? And what about Gwen? She'd already lost so much in her short life….Would she cry for him like he knew Merlin would? How long would it take for her to move on and find new love?
From what sounded like a great distance, Arthur heard strange words….but they sounded familiar, like he'd heard something similar before…. "Ábregdan átorcyn innan. Lácnian se ceorl. Ielden déaþ. Please-"
Arthur's vision cleared and he could see the sky above him, the setting of the sun and the clouds being blown south by the wind. His head felt clear and he could breathe normally again. Arthur narrowed his eyes at the sky when he noticed something odd: there was a strange glow coming from….Arthur turned his head so he could see where Merlin sat by his wounded left arm and his eyes widened. Merlin's hands were glowing blue! Arthur looked at Merlin's face and saw his eyes were like Morgana's when she used magic in his chambers: a bright golden color instead of their normal clear blue.
The gold faded and Arthur saw Merlin's chest heave with the effort of the spell. Merlin took a deep breath, kept his hands over the still bleeding wound and half-hissed out, "Remian bánbryce ond flæsc." His eyes flared golden again and Arthur watched as the blood flow stopped and the muscle and skin of his arm repaired itself. The armor still held the large hole from the fang, but his skin showed no sign of the fight at all. Arthur gasped and Merlin's eyes widened in shock and fear. "Arthur!" he practically shouted. Arthur winced and Merlin winced along with him. "Sorry," he whispered.
"Magic," Arthur said, still laying on the ground. "This proves it!" He pushed himself up and was only mildly surprised when he didn't feel any pain from any part of his body at the action. Merlin fell back a bit to give him some space and held himself up on his hands behind him. Arthur got right up in his personal space. "You gave me Excalibur, a magic sword that can kill any enemy. You just used magic to heal me. You're a sorcerer!"
Merlin gulped and kept quiet, but nodded. He'd decided to tell Arthur the truth the moment his other sword broke. He wasn't going to back down now. "Yes," he managed after a long moment.
"You're my sorcerer," Arthur stated like he was laying claim to a prized horse. "You're my sorcerer." He laughed almost bitingly. "My sorcerer." He laughed again. "You're my sorcerer. Merlin! Ha ha ha ha ha!"
Merlin glared at him. "What? What is so funny?"
"Five years," Arthur snickered out, sitting back in his own space and out of Merlin's breathing room. He covered his eyes with his hands. "Five years and I've barely even considered- I mean, sure there were moments but-….A sorcerer….," he breathed out in the end, all laughter gone. He lowered his hand and took in Merlin's concerned expression. "There's something about you, Merlin," Arthur said quietly, his eyes intense but not menacing. "I will never understand you no matter how long I know you."
Merlin gave a hesitant smile. "Well, you've got forever so….you might learn eventually."
Arthur just stared at Merlin for a long while without a word. Merlin could tell from his expression that Arthur was trying to make sense of everything, was trying to adjust to the new information he'd been given, was trying to accept Merlin for who and what he was. After what felt like forever, when the sun was fully set and they could hear the gates opening to release some knights to scout the battlefield, Arthur shut his eyes and let out an easy sigh.
"Yes….I suppose I do."
Fin.
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And that's it. The final installment in my The Sword in the Stone series. I hope you all enjoyed it and thank you for reading all the way to the end.
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Translations:
Ábregdan átorcyn innan. Lácnian se ceorl. Ielden déaþ. = Wrench(pull) poison from within. Heal the noble man (hero). Delay death.
Remian bánbryce ond flæsc. = Mend fractured bone and flesh.
Again, all translations come from online Old English to New English translators and dictionaries: www.oldenglishtranslator.co.uk/ and home.comcast.net/~modean52/oeme_dictionaries.htm