Eater of Souls (part four)
Title: Eater of Souls (part four)
Word Count: 4269
Rating: R (violence and Merlin tends to swear, a lot)
Disclaimer: Owned by Shine, BBC, with a nod to Tolkien Estates and apologies to George Lucas. Please don’t sue me, I’m only playing!
Warnings/spoilers: none in this bit.
Summary: The boys strive to overcome hardship and save worlds from destruction
Back stories and previous chapters (with all the links) can be found here http://welshinnit.livejournal.com/2011/04/22/
4.
He is holding you back, making a mockery of the relationship of the one you call Sophia. He is juvenile where you are a man. He is perverse where you have realised that you are normal. An embarrassment, a cancer, something to be cut out from your life. Oh, you love him as one would be fond of a pet, but is it any deeper than that? Just one slip of the hand and he will be out of your life forever. Just open that hand of yours and you can begin your life anew. Do it!
“Shut up. Get out of my head!”
Cynan held his left hand and looked at him with puzzlement. “Do not listen to the whispers, my lord prince,” the elf said softly. “I only wish I did not have to endure it on the way to your world.”
Arthur nodded, but sweat stung his eyes and he looked wildly about him, anywhere but at the one on his right. Merlin.
Merlin has forever hurt you, warping your mind, your life into a mockery of what is normal. He clings to you and sucks out what is good from your existence, dragging you down, holding you back. At last you have the chance to be free of him forever. Take it. Have a full relationship with this Sophia. She makes you feel like a proper man and you love her deeply, do you not? I see the memories you have of her, of the love you hold for her, of the coupling you have had and that you savoured. Let go of this parasite. Let go.
Arthur let his hand open and he saw the panic in the art student’s eyes. Arthur was doing the right thing, letting go of his past, letting go of that which held him back. This was the right thing to do.
Merlin’s screams were cut off by hands made entirely of shadows that grabbed his face and body, but the last thing that Arthur registered from his one time lover was the look of betrayal in his eyes.
Then it hit him. “What have I done?” he whispered to himself.
“Oh my God, Arthur,” Lance accused, “what have you done?”
Arthur turned savagely to Cynan as his anger sought out anything for its focus rather than himself. “Let go of me you bastard.” He struggled and beat against the hand that held him in a bone crunching grip, but the elf stoically held firm, his face passionless but his grey eyes were full of accusation. “Let go of me, please.”
“You have made your choice,” was his only answer and Cynan averted his gaze. Tears rolled down the elf’s cheeks that matched the blonde’s. Arthur dared not look at the faces of his other companions as they drifted through the darkness and, all the while, a mocking chuckle echoed in his mind.
* * *
Mani and the twins found themselves in a large room with metallic walls and tables that had flashing lights on them. A young man shot up from a chair and pointed a short metallic grey instrument at the three. The blonde captain responded by unsheathing his sword. “Who are you? Where are we?”
The stranger (there were several others who had stood in alarm and also pointed the short metallic grey things at them) cocked his head as a disembodied voice said; “Language assimilated. Conversation is now possible.”
“I don’t know how you came upon my bridge,” said the young stranger with a cold command to his voice, “but I will know who you are.”
Mani trusted his instincts and sheathed his weapon and he sensed Fenrey and Fenryck do the same. “I am Manawydan, of late captain of Théoden’s court and these are my fellows; Captain Fenryck of Bree and his brother, Fenrey, champion of that same town. We are of the Buckland Brewers and mean you no harm.”
The lead stranger did not relax. “You arrive passed our defences and appear on the bridge of Caerllion. I am Captain Lancelot and, until I know you are not a danger to my crew, you will be put in the brig. Sir Leon_”
Mani heard another disembodied voice cut off the stranger called Lance.
“Captain Morgana to the fleet. I have a child by the name of Bobdin that has just appeared on my ship and, so help us all, he is with an elf.”
Lance’s face lit up at the last word, but Mani could only think of the name mentioned. “Master Bobdin? He is a friend of mine, also of the Brewers.”
The young stranger sheathed the metallic tool he held (a weapon of some kind?) and gave a short bow. “If you are associated with the fabled elves, then I am remiss. Still, until I can find out what is happening to the fleet then you must be confined to quarters that will be assigned to you. Leon?”
A rangy, tall man gave a smile and led them to a small room and, when the doors closed, Mani felt his stomach lurch and he knew they travelled at a fast pace. When the doors opened he saw a corridor before him. Leon led them down it to a room with two bunk beds and little else.
“You will be comfortable here until we know what is going on,” said Leon. “If you are associated with an elf, then I will see you soon,” he finished with another smile. A metallic door was slid shut and the three men were left alone.
The twin called Fenrey (Mani knew this because he was the one that carried two swords) sighed and paced the small room. “Let’s be thankful that Bobdin appeared with an elf, for it goes well with us.”
“Indeed,” answered Mani, “though I would like to know who the elf is.” He thought of Gilladrin or his fair sister, Myfanwy. “Whatever happens, be on your guard. This is not Middle Earth and the friendliest face can be an enemy.”
It was Fenryck who answered. “I feel that we are among noble people. What troubles me is why.”
Mani nodded in agreement and, when he unbuckled his sword belt, took one of the top bunks.
* * *
“Lord Aneirin, they seem like good folk, especially the sweet dark haired lady. Also, welcome good sir,” said the hobbit with a bow.
The elf warrior raised an eyebrow and ruffled his hair. “Indeed Master Bobdin, they seem noble, but stay close to me and I will protect you.”
Bobdin bristled at that good naturedly as the one called Morgana brought over two slim glasses filled with a blood red wine. “’Tis I who will look after you, methinks.”
Aneirin ruffled his hair again and the hobbit could sense the unease underneath the guardian’s stance and so remained on his guard.
“I am captain of the Moray so have certain responsibilities towards my crew. How did you appear on my ship and where do you come from, good elf?”
Bobdin looked up at his hero and saw the usual grim face soften slightly.
“My lady, as to how we came here I cannot explain, but from where is simple enough. We two are from Arda of the kinship called the Buckland Brewers, charged by the Grey Pilgrim himself to protect Eriador as the Enemy’s plans of dominion draw to a close.”
The beautiful woman (for a tall folk that is) nodded slightly in assent and took a sip of the liquid. Bobdin did the same and found it tasted of strawberries. He liked strawberries. “I am not too surprised. I have had a dream of a battle and I saw you two in it, amongst others of similar attire. I tried to tell my brother, but he’s an arrogant idiot. I hope he listens now.” She smiled and Bobdin thought of the Lady Anharadeth in one of her reflective moods. He missed the lore master and he knew Aneirin felt the same. “It seems there are more of you on the Caerllion and you can all meet up when we dock at the Kelsard Asteroid Station. I look forward to showing off an elf.”
Aneirin raised his eyebrows in question, but Bobdin thought it obvious; elves were awesome creatures after all. In explanation Captain Morgana continued.
“The elves are a fabled race. We thought the last of their kind were annihilated in the last battle I fought in. It was just after Arthur had destroyed the soul eater of the Dark Emperor. I was there when the elves sacrificed their world ships to allow the rebel fleet to escape. I cried at the time, I freely admit it.” She said the last with such emotion that the hobbit put out a hand and rested it on her knee in comfort. She wiped away a tear with the sleeve of her tunic and smiled at him. “I don’t know of this ship called Arda, but I’m glad some elves survived.” Before the elf or the hobbit could speak, she stood and beckoned them to do the same. “Come, I’ll show you to our guest quarters and will come for you when the time is ready.”
In silence they followed her. Bobdin, nor Aneirin it seemed, had the heart to tell this version of Morgana that they came from a world and not a ship.
* * *
Dugnar readied his axe and he sensed Narthri do the same with his mace behind him. They were surrounded by red clothed warriors who pointed small metal objects at them. They had appeared out of the dark mists into a metallic large room that was obviously some sort of dining hall. The standoff was broken by the appearance of a dark skinned petite woman dressed in sand coloured clothes.
“At ease,” she commanded and the warriors put their weapons away. The dwarves did not. “We wish you no harm. Indeed, we approach the neutral Kelsard Asteroid so you will be with your own race soon. What I want to know is how you transported onto my ship while we are in a middle of hyper space. And who are you, of course.” She said the last with such the sweetest smile that Narthri put away his mace and bowed low.
Dugnar shook his head at his younger cousin, but followed his example anyway. “I’ll give you our names if you will give yours first, madam.”
Her smile did not waver. “I am Captain Gwen of the SS Ealdor.”
Dugnar raised an eyebrow at that. Lord Merlin had mentioned that name while they had travelled through the Ettenmoors. Was he on that young lore master’s world then? He bowed again. “Forgive my manners, Gwen, for these are dark times and enemies have a habit of smiling. One cannot be too careful!” She laughed and nodded her head in agreement. The dwarf decided then that he liked this captain. “Dugnar at your disposal,” he said with another bow, “and this be my younger cousin, Narthri.”
“Well, there’s a story here and we are in the canteen. Perhaps some food and drink while I listen to your tale?”
The old dwarf grinned at that. “I’ll leave the storytelling to Narthri here, he is a fine minstrel. Myself? Eating and drinking is my skill.”
They all laughed at that and the young captain asked for the meals to be prepared.
* * *
They landed on a black, metallic floor beside a small space ship, or so it seemed to Arthur. He hardly noticed; the sheer emotion of what he had done forced him to his knees and he openly wept into his hands.
“What are you doing on the SS Excalibur?” Arthur let his hands drop and he saw a tall, stocky man with shaved head and muscular arms. The young man was dressed in sand coloured, tightly fitted clothes and the blonde was reminded of jedi knights in the films of his teens. He looked like the vampire Bedwyr, but without the shaggy beard or hair. “Arthur?” said the man uncertainly. He touched a small broach on his chest made of red metal and in shape of a dragon and spoke to the air. “Percival to the bridge; I have elves and a shape shifter impersonating the captain here in the shuttle bay.”
Arthur’s tinny voice came to their ears. “The other ships are reporting something similar, Perce. Keep them there, I’m on my way. Merlin, meet me in the shuttle bay.”
Arthur at first felt elated. Was this his Merlin? With Gilladrin’s help he got to his feet and waited with the others. “I’m sorry,” he said weakly to his companions.
“You_” Gawain cleared his throat and tried again. “You weren’t yourself.”
“Indeed, my lord, it is as Sir Gawain says. We will find Merlin, our fellow Brewer, do not fear.” Celimdol gave a small smile and Arthur was glad for it.
A long haired version of himself, similarly dressed as Perce, came into the bay and was flanked by two red garbed security officers. Behind them was a short haired Merlin and, although Arthur was glad to see the familiar smile and big ears, the raw wound in his heart made his breath hitch.
“He’s real,” said Merlin after a flash of gold had appeared in his eyes. “So are the elves,” he finally said with a beaming grin.
The new Arthur, it seemed, paid him no heed. “I am captain of this ship and leader of the Albion section of the rebel alliance. Who speaks for you?” The long haired blonde addressed Gilladrin, but the elf looked to Arthur.
“Here is Prince Arthur Pendragon, Third Officer of the Buckland Brewers. He speaks for us.”
Arthur felt inadequate of the title and trust that his friend had bestowed upon him, but he stepped forward all the same. His voice was hoarse with emotion, but he squared his shoulders and addressed the captain of the Excalibur. “As to why we’re here, Lord Cynan here can give some explanation. To the how, then that is a long story and I still don’t know what evil is behind it. We have recently lost someone very close to us and…” his voice broke then and he tried to swallow pass the lump in his throat. It was Merlin that came to his rescue.
“Captain, Art, they’ve just lost a version of me, I can feel it. Introductions can wait.”
Captain Arthur gave an exasperated sigh, but the beginnings of a warm smile twitched the corners of his mouth. “As my chief engineer says, full introductions can wait. Lord Cynan and Prince Arthur will come to my bridge quarters; the rest are to be quartered on deck two.”
The blonde extended his hand for Cynan and Arthur to go first down a brightly lit corridor and, as Merlin started to follow, he raised an eyebrow. “Chief Engineer Merl, you have warp engines to maintain.
Merlin rolled his eyes and, as he gave a mocking bow, went in the other direction. Arthur followed his movements until he was out of sight. This version of Merlin was too much like his own and he fought his own emotions, determined not to let fresh tears fall.
Captain Art glanced at him, his look a barely concealed challenge.
“I…I know he’s not mine. It just hurts looking at him.”
The captain nodded once and placed a hand on Arthur’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze. Arthur felt strange at being comforted by a version of himself, but he was comforted nevertheless.
Once seated in comfortable chairs and with warm drinks in their hands, Cynan told of how Myfanwy had visions of the future, of a great battle where many would fall, of two Princes of Light that the elf hunter would help. The captain frowned when he heard that Excalibur would rise from the ashes, but he kept his own counsel until the elf had finished.
Then Arthur, without looking up from the tall glass of warm wine told of him meeting the girlfriend of his teens and how he had broken his relationship with Merlin. He knew that she had bewitched him somehow, but the blonde blamed himself anyway. He did not have to mention the hurtful past, but he ploughed on for his own sake if not for the others. He spoke of his previous journeys to other worlds, of the battles he had fought, of Oakhaven and Tarrion.
At the mention of the last name, Captain Art broke into his story. “I know of the Staffwielder. He helped protect my ship as I destroyed a soul eater, a monstrosity constructed to suck out the life force of a planet. It was a time of triumph and sadness, for the last of the elf world ships was destroyed.” He looked at Cynan then, his eyes full of sorrow. “At first I thought that there were some left in this galaxy when I saw you and your fellows. I now know that you are not from this part of the cosmos.”
Cynan took a sip of his wine and gave a rare smile. “My lord prince, although saddened I am of their end, it is good to know they made a good accounting of themselves. Forever it has been that free peoples would give their lives for the benefit of others, something that our enemies cannot understand. That will be their downfall.”
Art smiled in return and Arthur agreed in his heart. He was reminded of similar words spoken by Cynan’s brother at the funeral of the young silver dragon called Petros. His thoughts turned to Myfanwy and Gilladrin and he realised that his life and Merlin’s had been enriched by knowing members of that noble race. Arthur was sure that he and his counterpart knew why the elves of this world sacrificed themselves for the greater good and he hoped that he would be able to do the same if he had to. Without Merlin, there was little else to live for but for leading the Brewers and making sure they survived for what was about to come. He drained the last of the warm liquid and Art refilled his glass.
“Forgive me, I interrupted your story.”
Arthur breathed in deeply. “There’s not much else to tell. Some evil is manipulating the Brewers and has dragged you into this mess. It’s taken my Merlin away…” he closed his eyes at that to shut out the pain and he felt his shoulder squeezed again in comfort. When he opened them he was surprised to see Cynan was the one holding him, a look of deep concern in his eyes. “I’ll be okay, thanks.” He cleared his throat and continued. “All we know is that this evil is very powerful to do what it has done so far, but why all this is happening I really don’t know.”
“Well, we’ve got a secret weapon,” said Captain Art with a grin. “Merl, you’ve been listening in?”
At the surprised word “Freck!” Arthur matched his counterpart’s grin. He imagined the look on the engineer’s face at being caught out. “Er, yeah, er, I mean no. I wasn’t listening in, you prat, er, captain. Freck!”
“Stop swearing and give me your thoughts.”
The three heard the door to the captain’s living quarters slide open and in walked Merl sheepishly. As the door slid shut, Arthur could see a few of the grinning crew on the bridge. The blonde realised that their banter was a regular thing and he forlornly thought of the similar pattern in his own relationship to his Merlin.
“I’d say the only power who could do this sort of thing is a Staffwielder and the only one I know besides Tarrion is…”
“The Dark Emperor,” finished the captain.
Merl looked a bit put out. “Er, you wanted my thoughts, remember?” Art rolled his eyes but let his chief engineer continue. “Yeah, well, as I was saying, it might be that bastard. Oh, and I’ve been scanning this quadrant since our guests arrived. For a brief moment I sensed another version of me, the one we met when the Host was gathering. He was there, then wasn’t. Not that he died or anything, just that my powers were blocked. I think Staffwielder Koshgren detected my snooping and he’s fucking close.”
Both Arthur’s sprang from their seats and Cynan followed them more slowly. “My Merlin is still alive?”
Art spoke over him. “Battle stations and send word to the fleet.” Before the captain left his quarters he turned to Arthur. “We’ll find him and get him back.” Blue orbs stared at each other and an understanding was reached. Both of them would lay down their lives for Merlin, any version of him.
* * *
He woke up slowly, a harsh white light behind his eyelids. His arms were held above him and they ached nearly unbearably. Merlin opened his eyes and squinted against the light, which came from a thin strip that went right around the room. The walls, ceiling and floor seemed to be made of opaque black glass and were cold against his bare feet. He was naked.
He looked at his hands and saw that his wrists were fastened to the ceiling by a thick gold cord. He also noticed that his silver bracelet and the ring of Math were absent. After he had struggled to break his restraint for many minutes, the teen finally gave up and caught his breath. His thoughts turned inwards.
“Why did you do it Arthur?” he asked in a whisper, but he knew the answer to that one. That bitch Sophia had captured his lover’s mind and heart, but the betrayal still stung. “I hope you’re free of her now, prat, although the price is fucking high.”
Merlin’s self pity was interrupted as a section of the wall in front of him slid aside to allow a visitor in. The door closed silently behind a tall figure robed in grey and cowled so that only the lower half of the face could be seen. This was coloured a deep red and small fangs protruded over a black lower lip. A red, mottled hand held a tall staff made of smooth black wood. This was topped by a large diamond of a similar colour. The stranger chuckled.
“I want my clothes, bracelet and ring back, arsehole. I don’t like hanging around,” said Merlin with more bravado than he felt.
“Bask said that you were foul of mouth. He is not pleased that your one time lover destroyed his avatar. Be assured, young warlock that such a thing will not happen to me.”
Merlin gulped. Was the ancient power of black scaled dragons behind all this? He dismissed the thought as soon as it had entered his head. No, he faced the bastard who had manipulated them all, but for what reason?
“Why am I here and what do you want with the Buckland Brewers?”
The figure chuckled again. Much like Oakhaven’s, it started to grate on the teen’s nerves. “So many questions from one so weak. Very well, it will do no harm for you to know your fate. Be assured that you will not die, yet, but your friends will and, in doing so, will open up permanent portals to worlds that are closed to me. My empire will span the multiverse.” The cowled head tilted slightly to one side. “Ah, we have entered the Mercea system. Witness the power of my second soul eater.”
A ball of light hovered between them and above their heads. In it Merlin could see a green world. So he was in space then. A space ship in shape similar to a squid, its rigid tentacles pointed towards the planet, came into view. A plethora of ships from the world swarmed up to meet the threat, but they were answered by dark, wedge shaped cruisers that protected the main ship, the soul eater. Suddenly, grey lights shot from each tentacle and struck the globe and within moments the green world turned to grey. The black diamond on top of the staff glowed briefly in a similar light. The defending ships were soon destroyed by superior forces.
“And so I am fed once more,” chuckled the being in front of him as the image winked out.
“You fucking bastard!”
Pain started in his hands and soon engulfed his whole body. He twisted and turned as if his very skin felt as if it was on fire and he tasted blood in his mouth for he had bitten down hard on his inner cheek. Urine and faeces mingled with his own sweat on the smooth floor. The pain did not let up but intensified until Merlin thought he would pass out. Only then did it stop and throughout the ordeal the stranger stood still as it observed.
“Why?” Merlin eventually gasped.
“It amuses me. Now, as to the question of your trinkets…” the stranger’s other hand showed itself from among the robes and in it Merlin saw his prized possessions. The silver bracelet that Oakhaven had given him to protect his dreams floated up into the air and the ring suddenly followed and shot through the middle of it. Both disappeared in a flash of light. “There, that will bring an end to the Druid’s meddlesome ways.”
The stranger left the room and the pain started up again. No one could hear the apprentice mage’s agonised screams, but he did it anyway.
Word Count: 4269
Rating: R (violence and Merlin tends to swear, a lot)
Disclaimer: Owned by Shine, BBC, with a nod to Tolkien Estates and apologies to George Lucas. Please don’t sue me, I’m only playing!
Warnings/spoilers: none in this bit.
Summary: The boys strive to overcome hardship and save worlds from destruction
Back stories and previous chapters (with all the links) can be found here http://welshinnit.livejournal.com/2011/04/22/
4.
He is holding you back, making a mockery of the relationship of the one you call Sophia. He is juvenile where you are a man. He is perverse where you have realised that you are normal. An embarrassment, a cancer, something to be cut out from your life. Oh, you love him as one would be fond of a pet, but is it any deeper than that? Just one slip of the hand and he will be out of your life forever. Just open that hand of yours and you can begin your life anew. Do it!
“Shut up. Get out of my head!”
Cynan held his left hand and looked at him with puzzlement. “Do not listen to the whispers, my lord prince,” the elf said softly. “I only wish I did not have to endure it on the way to your world.”
Arthur nodded, but sweat stung his eyes and he looked wildly about him, anywhere but at the one on his right. Merlin.
Merlin has forever hurt you, warping your mind, your life into a mockery of what is normal. He clings to you and sucks out what is good from your existence, dragging you down, holding you back. At last you have the chance to be free of him forever. Take it. Have a full relationship with this Sophia. She makes you feel like a proper man and you love her deeply, do you not? I see the memories you have of her, of the love you hold for her, of the coupling you have had and that you savoured. Let go of this parasite. Let go.
Arthur let his hand open and he saw the panic in the art student’s eyes. Arthur was doing the right thing, letting go of his past, letting go of that which held him back. This was the right thing to do.
Merlin’s screams were cut off by hands made entirely of shadows that grabbed his face and body, but the last thing that Arthur registered from his one time lover was the look of betrayal in his eyes.
Then it hit him. “What have I done?” he whispered to himself.
“Oh my God, Arthur,” Lance accused, “what have you done?”
Arthur turned savagely to Cynan as his anger sought out anything for its focus rather than himself. “Let go of me you bastard.” He struggled and beat against the hand that held him in a bone crunching grip, but the elf stoically held firm, his face passionless but his grey eyes were full of accusation. “Let go of me, please.”
“You have made your choice,” was his only answer and Cynan averted his gaze. Tears rolled down the elf’s cheeks that matched the blonde’s. Arthur dared not look at the faces of his other companions as they drifted through the darkness and, all the while, a mocking chuckle echoed in his mind.
* * *
Mani and the twins found themselves in a large room with metallic walls and tables that had flashing lights on them. A young man shot up from a chair and pointed a short metallic grey instrument at the three. The blonde captain responded by unsheathing his sword. “Who are you? Where are we?”
The stranger (there were several others who had stood in alarm and also pointed the short metallic grey things at them) cocked his head as a disembodied voice said; “Language assimilated. Conversation is now possible.”
“I don’t know how you came upon my bridge,” said the young stranger with a cold command to his voice, “but I will know who you are.”
Mani trusted his instincts and sheathed his weapon and he sensed Fenrey and Fenryck do the same. “I am Manawydan, of late captain of Théoden’s court and these are my fellows; Captain Fenryck of Bree and his brother, Fenrey, champion of that same town. We are of the Buckland Brewers and mean you no harm.”
The lead stranger did not relax. “You arrive passed our defences and appear on the bridge of Caerllion. I am Captain Lancelot and, until I know you are not a danger to my crew, you will be put in the brig. Sir Leon_”
Mani heard another disembodied voice cut off the stranger called Lance.
“Captain Morgana to the fleet. I have a child by the name of Bobdin that has just appeared on my ship and, so help us all, he is with an elf.”
Lance’s face lit up at the last word, but Mani could only think of the name mentioned. “Master Bobdin? He is a friend of mine, also of the Brewers.”
The young stranger sheathed the metallic tool he held (a weapon of some kind?) and gave a short bow. “If you are associated with the fabled elves, then I am remiss. Still, until I can find out what is happening to the fleet then you must be confined to quarters that will be assigned to you. Leon?”
A rangy, tall man gave a smile and led them to a small room and, when the doors closed, Mani felt his stomach lurch and he knew they travelled at a fast pace. When the doors opened he saw a corridor before him. Leon led them down it to a room with two bunk beds and little else.
“You will be comfortable here until we know what is going on,” said Leon. “If you are associated with an elf, then I will see you soon,” he finished with another smile. A metallic door was slid shut and the three men were left alone.
The twin called Fenrey (Mani knew this because he was the one that carried two swords) sighed and paced the small room. “Let’s be thankful that Bobdin appeared with an elf, for it goes well with us.”
“Indeed,” answered Mani, “though I would like to know who the elf is.” He thought of Gilladrin or his fair sister, Myfanwy. “Whatever happens, be on your guard. This is not Middle Earth and the friendliest face can be an enemy.”
It was Fenryck who answered. “I feel that we are among noble people. What troubles me is why.”
Mani nodded in agreement and, when he unbuckled his sword belt, took one of the top bunks.
* * *
“Lord Aneirin, they seem like good folk, especially the sweet dark haired lady. Also, welcome good sir,” said the hobbit with a bow.
The elf warrior raised an eyebrow and ruffled his hair. “Indeed Master Bobdin, they seem noble, but stay close to me and I will protect you.”
Bobdin bristled at that good naturedly as the one called Morgana brought over two slim glasses filled with a blood red wine. “’Tis I who will look after you, methinks.”
Aneirin ruffled his hair again and the hobbit could sense the unease underneath the guardian’s stance and so remained on his guard.
“I am captain of the Moray so have certain responsibilities towards my crew. How did you appear on my ship and where do you come from, good elf?”
Bobdin looked up at his hero and saw the usual grim face soften slightly.
“My lady, as to how we came here I cannot explain, but from where is simple enough. We two are from Arda of the kinship called the Buckland Brewers, charged by the Grey Pilgrim himself to protect Eriador as the Enemy’s plans of dominion draw to a close.”
The beautiful woman (for a tall folk that is) nodded slightly in assent and took a sip of the liquid. Bobdin did the same and found it tasted of strawberries. He liked strawberries. “I am not too surprised. I have had a dream of a battle and I saw you two in it, amongst others of similar attire. I tried to tell my brother, but he’s an arrogant idiot. I hope he listens now.” She smiled and Bobdin thought of the Lady Anharadeth in one of her reflective moods. He missed the lore master and he knew Aneirin felt the same. “It seems there are more of you on the Caerllion and you can all meet up when we dock at the Kelsard Asteroid Station. I look forward to showing off an elf.”
Aneirin raised his eyebrows in question, but Bobdin thought it obvious; elves were awesome creatures after all. In explanation Captain Morgana continued.
“The elves are a fabled race. We thought the last of their kind were annihilated in the last battle I fought in. It was just after Arthur had destroyed the soul eater of the Dark Emperor. I was there when the elves sacrificed their world ships to allow the rebel fleet to escape. I cried at the time, I freely admit it.” She said the last with such emotion that the hobbit put out a hand and rested it on her knee in comfort. She wiped away a tear with the sleeve of her tunic and smiled at him. “I don’t know of this ship called Arda, but I’m glad some elves survived.” Before the elf or the hobbit could speak, she stood and beckoned them to do the same. “Come, I’ll show you to our guest quarters and will come for you when the time is ready.”
In silence they followed her. Bobdin, nor Aneirin it seemed, had the heart to tell this version of Morgana that they came from a world and not a ship.
* * *
Dugnar readied his axe and he sensed Narthri do the same with his mace behind him. They were surrounded by red clothed warriors who pointed small metal objects at them. They had appeared out of the dark mists into a metallic large room that was obviously some sort of dining hall. The standoff was broken by the appearance of a dark skinned petite woman dressed in sand coloured clothes.
“At ease,” she commanded and the warriors put their weapons away. The dwarves did not. “We wish you no harm. Indeed, we approach the neutral Kelsard Asteroid so you will be with your own race soon. What I want to know is how you transported onto my ship while we are in a middle of hyper space. And who are you, of course.” She said the last with such the sweetest smile that Narthri put away his mace and bowed low.
Dugnar shook his head at his younger cousin, but followed his example anyway. “I’ll give you our names if you will give yours first, madam.”
Her smile did not waver. “I am Captain Gwen of the SS Ealdor.”
Dugnar raised an eyebrow at that. Lord Merlin had mentioned that name while they had travelled through the Ettenmoors. Was he on that young lore master’s world then? He bowed again. “Forgive my manners, Gwen, for these are dark times and enemies have a habit of smiling. One cannot be too careful!” She laughed and nodded her head in agreement. The dwarf decided then that he liked this captain. “Dugnar at your disposal,” he said with another bow, “and this be my younger cousin, Narthri.”
“Well, there’s a story here and we are in the canteen. Perhaps some food and drink while I listen to your tale?”
The old dwarf grinned at that. “I’ll leave the storytelling to Narthri here, he is a fine minstrel. Myself? Eating and drinking is my skill.”
They all laughed at that and the young captain asked for the meals to be prepared.
* * *
They landed on a black, metallic floor beside a small space ship, or so it seemed to Arthur. He hardly noticed; the sheer emotion of what he had done forced him to his knees and he openly wept into his hands.
“What are you doing on the SS Excalibur?” Arthur let his hands drop and he saw a tall, stocky man with shaved head and muscular arms. The young man was dressed in sand coloured, tightly fitted clothes and the blonde was reminded of jedi knights in the films of his teens. He looked like the vampire Bedwyr, but without the shaggy beard or hair. “Arthur?” said the man uncertainly. He touched a small broach on his chest made of red metal and in shape of a dragon and spoke to the air. “Percival to the bridge; I have elves and a shape shifter impersonating the captain here in the shuttle bay.”
Arthur’s tinny voice came to their ears. “The other ships are reporting something similar, Perce. Keep them there, I’m on my way. Merlin, meet me in the shuttle bay.”
Arthur at first felt elated. Was this his Merlin? With Gilladrin’s help he got to his feet and waited with the others. “I’m sorry,” he said weakly to his companions.
“You_” Gawain cleared his throat and tried again. “You weren’t yourself.”
“Indeed, my lord, it is as Sir Gawain says. We will find Merlin, our fellow Brewer, do not fear.” Celimdol gave a small smile and Arthur was glad for it.
A long haired version of himself, similarly dressed as Perce, came into the bay and was flanked by two red garbed security officers. Behind them was a short haired Merlin and, although Arthur was glad to see the familiar smile and big ears, the raw wound in his heart made his breath hitch.
“He’s real,” said Merlin after a flash of gold had appeared in his eyes. “So are the elves,” he finally said with a beaming grin.
The new Arthur, it seemed, paid him no heed. “I am captain of this ship and leader of the Albion section of the rebel alliance. Who speaks for you?” The long haired blonde addressed Gilladrin, but the elf looked to Arthur.
“Here is Prince Arthur Pendragon, Third Officer of the Buckland Brewers. He speaks for us.”
Arthur felt inadequate of the title and trust that his friend had bestowed upon him, but he stepped forward all the same. His voice was hoarse with emotion, but he squared his shoulders and addressed the captain of the Excalibur. “As to why we’re here, Lord Cynan here can give some explanation. To the how, then that is a long story and I still don’t know what evil is behind it. We have recently lost someone very close to us and…” his voice broke then and he tried to swallow pass the lump in his throat. It was Merlin that came to his rescue.
“Captain, Art, they’ve just lost a version of me, I can feel it. Introductions can wait.”
Captain Arthur gave an exasperated sigh, but the beginnings of a warm smile twitched the corners of his mouth. “As my chief engineer says, full introductions can wait. Lord Cynan and Prince Arthur will come to my bridge quarters; the rest are to be quartered on deck two.”
The blonde extended his hand for Cynan and Arthur to go first down a brightly lit corridor and, as Merlin started to follow, he raised an eyebrow. “Chief Engineer Merl, you have warp engines to maintain.
Merlin rolled his eyes and, as he gave a mocking bow, went in the other direction. Arthur followed his movements until he was out of sight. This version of Merlin was too much like his own and he fought his own emotions, determined not to let fresh tears fall.
Captain Art glanced at him, his look a barely concealed challenge.
“I…I know he’s not mine. It just hurts looking at him.”
The captain nodded once and placed a hand on Arthur’s shoulder and gave it a squeeze. Arthur felt strange at being comforted by a version of himself, but he was comforted nevertheless.
Once seated in comfortable chairs and with warm drinks in their hands, Cynan told of how Myfanwy had visions of the future, of a great battle where many would fall, of two Princes of Light that the elf hunter would help. The captain frowned when he heard that Excalibur would rise from the ashes, but he kept his own counsel until the elf had finished.
Then Arthur, without looking up from the tall glass of warm wine told of him meeting the girlfriend of his teens and how he had broken his relationship with Merlin. He knew that she had bewitched him somehow, but the blonde blamed himself anyway. He did not have to mention the hurtful past, but he ploughed on for his own sake if not for the others. He spoke of his previous journeys to other worlds, of the battles he had fought, of Oakhaven and Tarrion.
At the mention of the last name, Captain Art broke into his story. “I know of the Staffwielder. He helped protect my ship as I destroyed a soul eater, a monstrosity constructed to suck out the life force of a planet. It was a time of triumph and sadness, for the last of the elf world ships was destroyed.” He looked at Cynan then, his eyes full of sorrow. “At first I thought that there were some left in this galaxy when I saw you and your fellows. I now know that you are not from this part of the cosmos.”
Cynan took a sip of his wine and gave a rare smile. “My lord prince, although saddened I am of their end, it is good to know they made a good accounting of themselves. Forever it has been that free peoples would give their lives for the benefit of others, something that our enemies cannot understand. That will be their downfall.”
Art smiled in return and Arthur agreed in his heart. He was reminded of similar words spoken by Cynan’s brother at the funeral of the young silver dragon called Petros. His thoughts turned to Myfanwy and Gilladrin and he realised that his life and Merlin’s had been enriched by knowing members of that noble race. Arthur was sure that he and his counterpart knew why the elves of this world sacrificed themselves for the greater good and he hoped that he would be able to do the same if he had to. Without Merlin, there was little else to live for but for leading the Brewers and making sure they survived for what was about to come. He drained the last of the warm liquid and Art refilled his glass.
“Forgive me, I interrupted your story.”
Arthur breathed in deeply. “There’s not much else to tell. Some evil is manipulating the Brewers and has dragged you into this mess. It’s taken my Merlin away…” he closed his eyes at that to shut out the pain and he felt his shoulder squeezed again in comfort. When he opened them he was surprised to see Cynan was the one holding him, a look of deep concern in his eyes. “I’ll be okay, thanks.” He cleared his throat and continued. “All we know is that this evil is very powerful to do what it has done so far, but why all this is happening I really don’t know.”
“Well, we’ve got a secret weapon,” said Captain Art with a grin. “Merl, you’ve been listening in?”
At the surprised word “Freck!” Arthur matched his counterpart’s grin. He imagined the look on the engineer’s face at being caught out. “Er, yeah, er, I mean no. I wasn’t listening in, you prat, er, captain. Freck!”
“Stop swearing and give me your thoughts.”
The three heard the door to the captain’s living quarters slide open and in walked Merl sheepishly. As the door slid shut, Arthur could see a few of the grinning crew on the bridge. The blonde realised that their banter was a regular thing and he forlornly thought of the similar pattern in his own relationship to his Merlin.
“I’d say the only power who could do this sort of thing is a Staffwielder and the only one I know besides Tarrion is…”
“The Dark Emperor,” finished the captain.
Merl looked a bit put out. “Er, you wanted my thoughts, remember?” Art rolled his eyes but let his chief engineer continue. “Yeah, well, as I was saying, it might be that bastard. Oh, and I’ve been scanning this quadrant since our guests arrived. For a brief moment I sensed another version of me, the one we met when the Host was gathering. He was there, then wasn’t. Not that he died or anything, just that my powers were blocked. I think Staffwielder Koshgren detected my snooping and he’s fucking close.”
Both Arthur’s sprang from their seats and Cynan followed them more slowly. “My Merlin is still alive?”
Art spoke over him. “Battle stations and send word to the fleet.” Before the captain left his quarters he turned to Arthur. “We’ll find him and get him back.” Blue orbs stared at each other and an understanding was reached. Both of them would lay down their lives for Merlin, any version of him.
* * *
He woke up slowly, a harsh white light behind his eyelids. His arms were held above him and they ached nearly unbearably. Merlin opened his eyes and squinted against the light, which came from a thin strip that went right around the room. The walls, ceiling and floor seemed to be made of opaque black glass and were cold against his bare feet. He was naked.
He looked at his hands and saw that his wrists were fastened to the ceiling by a thick gold cord. He also noticed that his silver bracelet and the ring of Math were absent. After he had struggled to break his restraint for many minutes, the teen finally gave up and caught his breath. His thoughts turned inwards.
“Why did you do it Arthur?” he asked in a whisper, but he knew the answer to that one. That bitch Sophia had captured his lover’s mind and heart, but the betrayal still stung. “I hope you’re free of her now, prat, although the price is fucking high.”
Merlin’s self pity was interrupted as a section of the wall in front of him slid aside to allow a visitor in. The door closed silently behind a tall figure robed in grey and cowled so that only the lower half of the face could be seen. This was coloured a deep red and small fangs protruded over a black lower lip. A red, mottled hand held a tall staff made of smooth black wood. This was topped by a large diamond of a similar colour. The stranger chuckled.
“I want my clothes, bracelet and ring back, arsehole. I don’t like hanging around,” said Merlin with more bravado than he felt.
“Bask said that you were foul of mouth. He is not pleased that your one time lover destroyed his avatar. Be assured, young warlock that such a thing will not happen to me.”
Merlin gulped. Was the ancient power of black scaled dragons behind all this? He dismissed the thought as soon as it had entered his head. No, he faced the bastard who had manipulated them all, but for what reason?
“Why am I here and what do you want with the Buckland Brewers?”
The figure chuckled again. Much like Oakhaven’s, it started to grate on the teen’s nerves. “So many questions from one so weak. Very well, it will do no harm for you to know your fate. Be assured that you will not die, yet, but your friends will and, in doing so, will open up permanent portals to worlds that are closed to me. My empire will span the multiverse.” The cowled head tilted slightly to one side. “Ah, we have entered the Mercea system. Witness the power of my second soul eater.”
A ball of light hovered between them and above their heads. In it Merlin could see a green world. So he was in space then. A space ship in shape similar to a squid, its rigid tentacles pointed towards the planet, came into view. A plethora of ships from the world swarmed up to meet the threat, but they were answered by dark, wedge shaped cruisers that protected the main ship, the soul eater. Suddenly, grey lights shot from each tentacle and struck the globe and within moments the green world turned to grey. The black diamond on top of the staff glowed briefly in a similar light. The defending ships were soon destroyed by superior forces.
“And so I am fed once more,” chuckled the being in front of him as the image winked out.
“You fucking bastard!”
Pain started in his hands and soon engulfed his whole body. He twisted and turned as if his very skin felt as if it was on fire and he tasted blood in his mouth for he had bitten down hard on his inner cheek. Urine and faeces mingled with his own sweat on the smooth floor. The pain did not let up but intensified until Merlin thought he would pass out. Only then did it stop and throughout the ordeal the stranger stood still as it observed.
“Why?” Merlin eventually gasped.
“It amuses me. Now, as to the question of your trinkets…” the stranger’s other hand showed itself from among the robes and in it Merlin saw his prized possessions. The silver bracelet that Oakhaven had given him to protect his dreams floated up into the air and the ring suddenly followed and shot through the middle of it. Both disappeared in a flash of light. “There, that will bring an end to the Druid’s meddlesome ways.”
The stranger left the room and the pain started up again. No one could hear the apprentice mage’s agonised screams, but he did it anyway.