MERLIN'S POV
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"MERLIN, YOU HAVE TO HELP ME!" I jumped in alarm as the physicians door burst open. Gwen’s curly black hair a blur as her tear stained face collided into my chest. Her heartbreaking sobs piercing the tense silence created at her entrance.
"Gwen what is it? What has happened?" I urgently asked my arms tight around her trembling frame. With a sniffle and blurry tear filled eyes she gazed up at me from within my arms. Her lip trembling as she finally revealed the issue.
"It’s my dad. He has been arrested for treason."
"What? Why?"
"Remember that man I told you about a few days ago? The one my dad was working for and had given a bed to?"
"You mean the one that made you uncomfortable? What about him? I thought Arthur was looking into him because you were worried?"
"I wish I hadn't involved Arthur. Uther found out about Arthur's investigations and looked into him, himself. He is a sorcerer, Merlin. His name is Tauren. Apparently, he was plotting to kill the king. He escaped when Uther sent the guards after him, but now my dad has been accused of being his accomplice. He is innocent. He didn't know the man was plotting against the king, or that he had magic. He didn't." Gwen sobbed burying her face once more in my shoulder.
I felt my heart break at the news. Gwen has already been through so much. Being accused of being a witch and nearly burned at the stake, and now this. Will her troubles never end?
"Oh, Gwen I'm so sorry." I sighed tightening my arms around her and holding her close as she sobbed.
"It’s just not fair. Why'd it has to be him. He doesn't even have magic."
"I don't know. I just don..." I was cut off as once more the door banged open revealing a distort Arthur and furious Morgana. Gaius is not going to be happy when he comes back from his rounds to find a hole in his wall from the door.
"Gwen I am so sorry. I tried to talk him out of arresting Tom. I.."
"Just shut up. If you hadn't mentioned, it to the king about my concerns than maybe my dad wouldn't be awaiting execution." Gwen snapped pushing away from me and glaring at the apologetic prince.
"I didn't know he would arrest Tom for this. Don't worry though. Its obvious Tom isn't involved. I am sure my dad will realize that and let him go." Morgana scoffed at Arthur's ignorance. Brushing past him to embrace a trembling Gwen.
"When pigs fly will he let Tom go. The moment that man hears the word magic he loses all reason. He doesn't care that Tom is innocent. All he cares is that Tom gave a sorcerer a bed for the night. In his eyes that makes Tom just as guilty as Tauren." She spat holding her sobbing maidservant as she exhausted herself.
"That’s not true. He is the king I am sure when the time comes, he will make the right decision." Arthur confidently stated though I could see a hint of doubt lingering in her ocean eyes.
"You are so naive Arthur. When has Uther ever made the right decision when it came to sorcery. If it weren't for us forcing Uther to release Gwen, he would have killed her. He wanted to kill her even with the proof that she wasn't in fact a witch. If it weren't for you threatening to relinquish your crown, he would have still burned her at the stake." I gasped at that. I knew Arthur and Morgana had a big part in Gwen's release, but I had no idea Arthur threatened his right to the throne. I thought they just showed him the proof and he agreed she was innocent. Makes me shudder to think what he would have done if Arthur hadn't insisted.
"Yeah but..."
"But what Arthur. Just admit Uther isn't the benevolent king you thought he was." Morgana impatiently snapped lifting a now unconscious Gwen in her arms. Poor girl tuckered herself out crying. With one last glare and scowl Morgana swept past us. Gwen tucked safely in her arms as she exited the room.
Glancing back at the defeated prince I frowned as I noticed his shoulders shaking a little as he turned away from me. Arms crossed protectively over his chest as he left the room without another word.
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"You can't do this. Tom is innocent. He wasn't aware of Tauren magic when he helped him. He does not deserve to die." Morgana roared during dinner that night. It had been hours since Toms arrest and Morgana hasn't let up arguing with the king since. Especially now during dinner. Creeping silently forward, head down, I refill both Morgana's and Arthur's cup before returning to my position in the shadows. Gwen of course was in no fit state to serve the princess during dinner, so I volunteered to cover both her and my duties.
"Aware or not he consorted with a known sorcerer. For that he will die in the morning. Be grateful I am not having him burn like the law dictates for traitors." Uther huffed eyes glued firmly to his dinner.
"So just because he gave a man a bed for the night he is to be punished. Wow bravo. I applaud your leader ship. What’s next will I be killed next for seeing a sorcerer. What about Arthur might as well kill him for all the druids that dared to touch his arm. I..."
"THAT IS ENOUGH! I WILL NOT SIT HERE AND BE QUESTIONED BY MY WARD! GUARDS ARREST MORGANA AND THROW HER IN THE CELLS! SHE IS TO RECEIVE 10 LASHES FOR HER DISRESPECT! SINCE YOU ARE SO SYMPATHETIC TO THESE CREATURES MAYBE LIVING LIKE ONE WILL TEACH YOU SOME RESPECT!" Uther roared stunning everyone present into silence. I watched in horror as the guards dragged Morgana kicking and screaming from the room. One glance at the prince confirmed that he was just as horrified as me.
"Father you can't possibly..."
"I am the king! I can do what I want, and It would do well for you to remember this before you share her fate!" Uther spat rising and leaving the table anger glinting in his burning g
Green eyes.
That night the alarm bells rang as Tom made his great escape. Apparently, a few of the guards who felt sorry for Tom let him out during their shift. Uther killed them on the spot. A hunt was conducted as I watched horrified from my window as the knights cornered and killed Gwen’s dad in cold blood. I shuddered in dread as I watched Toms lifeless body hit the ground. Blood pooling around him as the knights cheered in victory. What a horrible thing to celebrate. Shortly after that Morgana was released into Gaius care where her painful new cuts were treated.
Yet as I smeared the paste onto her throbbing lashes my eyes met hers. It was as i stared into her haunted green eyes that I realized. The lashes were the least of the wounds inflicted upon this young woman. It was in that moment as her cold green eyes bore into my soul that Kilgharrah warning of Morgana's fate actually made sense. For there was no love in her heart for a king who kills innocent people.
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(MORGANA POV)
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"Are you sure you’re alright Gwen?" I hesitantly asked watching in silence as she packed a small bag. After being released from the cell and having my wounds treated. Gwen and I had decided that neither of us should be alone tonight. Gwen with her grief, and me with my anger with the king.
Which brings us to now. Gwen packing a small bag of essentials for the next few days sleeping in my anti chamber. For the most part she seemed to be holding it together pretty well, but I knew it was only a matter of time before she burst.
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"Honestly I'm not sure. I know I should be devastated over what happened, and I am, but I just... I guess I am just in shock. I don't know yet how to feel. How am I going to go on without him.”? Gwen sighed lovingly fingering her dads quilt.
"Oh Gwen." I whispered my heart aching for the pain she no doubt is feeling.
"But whether I like it or not he is gone, and I must go on. Time waits for no one after all. Anyway, I have my bag so let’s go." She cheerfully stated forcing a smile. I knew she was only pretending to be happy so as to block out the pain, but I didn’t have the heart to stop her. Better for her to be happy, (even if its fake), for a little bit than to be miserable.
I was just about to follow her out when I noticed something glinting on the stone floor. Frowning and walking over to it. I pick it up to reveal a beautiful orange gem. I could just feel the power radiating off of it. Whatever it is can't be good. I was just about to leave with it in hand. When suddenly I gasped as a blade was placed against my throat.
"I believe that is mine missy. If you would kindly return it to me." A gravelly voice whispered in my ear. Most people in my position would be terrified to be held at knife point by a known sorcerer. Me all I felt was numb. Along with a wicked plan forming in my mind.
"Tauren, I presume. You are welcome to take the stone. I have no use for it, but how would you feel about a team up. One that will result in Uther pendragons death." He hummed in thought withdrawing the knife as I tossed him the stone. After a moment of thought he smirked, eyes sparkling dangerously.
"I'm listening. What do you have in mind little missy?"
"It’s not safe to speak here. To many witnesses. Meet me in the woods tonight at sunset. I will tell you my plan than." I whispered glancing wearily at the open door. Smirk widening, he nodded bowing mockingly as he grabbed my hand kissing it playfully.
"I look forward to hearing of this plan my lady. Until then." With that he vanished in a puff of smoke. Leaving me standing alone in the middle of Gwen’s home. Fixing my wind swept hair I smirk an evil glint in my eye. The king messed with the wrong princess.
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(MERLIN'S POV)
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Yawning tiredly, I slowly made my way back to Gaius’s. It had been a long trying day. The prat consumed with guilt over Toms fate decided to mask his emotions behind a bunch of ridiculous orders that kept me hopping all day long.
I can't remember the last time I was this exhausted. Welp at least now I can go to... I paused in my thoughts. Darting behind a pillar as the nervous form of the lady Morgana crept silently from her chambers. Her snake green eyes darting from left to right as she scanned for witnesses. Making my magic tingle suspiciously within me. Deciding to follow her I moved from pillar to pillar to bush as she made her way out of the castle and into the woods.
"Where are you going." I murmured quietly darting behind a tree as she finally stops in a clearing. I have to suppress a gasp as Tauren steps out of the shadows. A smirk playing on his lips as he approached the princess.
"So, my lady what’s this about a plan to kill the king." He asks making my eyes widen in horror as I realized what was going on.
"The king has gone too far this time. Not only has he killed an innocent man, but he had me whipped and imprisoned for daring to question him on it. He has to go. Tomorrow is the anniversary of my dad’s death. I will convince Uther to accompany me to Gloris grave where you and your men will be lying in wait. Once he is distracted that’s when you strike him down. I will run home claiming to be the only survivor. Arthur will become king, and you will no longer be hunted by a tyrant. Everyone wins." Morgana suggested not a hint of remorse present in her deadened voice.
"Hmm that could work but I am going to need a little more incentive. After all it is the king, I will be killing." I rolled my eyes at that. I could imagine Morgana was doing much the same. Like Tauren wasn't actually going to take the job. The gold digger is just looking for more money.
"Fine how about 10 bags of gold. Will that suffice." I stared around the tree in surprise. 10 bags of gold that’s a lot of money. I never realized how much she hated her adopted dad. Then again, it’s hard for anyone to like that man.
"Hmm that should do it. Alright my men will be hiding in wait around the grave tomorrow morning. Just make sure he is there." She scoffed at that rolling her eyes as she crossed her arms over her cloaked chest.
"Who do you take me for of course I will have him there. You will get your gold once the deed is done." Knowing the conversation was coming to an end I decided to make my escape. It was time to talk to a cranky old lizard.
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"Kilgharrah, I need your help." I desperately called into the darkened cave. The rattling of chains followed by giant wings flapping could be heard echoing off the walls. Before a giant dragon form perched upon a nearby stone.
"Young witch whatever is the matter?" He tiredly asked yawning as his beady yellow eyes watched me in the darkness.
"It’s Tauren. Him and Morgana are planning to kill the King. I don't know what to do."
"Do nothing. The witch was always going to go down the path of darkness and now she has. Though now you have the chance to finally end a reign that has been over for many years. Uther’s time has long since passed. He is living off borrowed time. So, my advice does nothing. Let him die and let a new age led by the once and future king begin." He proposed watching my stunned expression as if it’s the most interesting thing in the world.
"But what if this is the choice the druids spoke of?" He raised an eye brow at that. A look of confusion momentarily crossing his scaly face.
"Choice? What choice do you speak of young one?"
"The druids, as well as others have told me of a choice I will be forced to make. One that could either make or break my destiny with Arthur. They said if I choose wrong Abilons will never come to pass. What if this is the choice they spoke of.”? I stated nervously licking my lips as I gazed up at his silent form.
"Hmm I am unaware of this choice you speak of, but I don't think this is the choice they spoke of. Normally when a choice that could change destiny is given the person its given to is aware. In other words, you will know when the time to choose comes. That being said my advice still stands. Let Uther die. With that I leave you till next time. Goodbye young witch."
"Wait!" I Frantically called watching him fly away. After a moment of silence, I sighed retreating back up to the castle. So lost in thought I was that I didn't notice the shadow coming around the corner until it was too late. I barely managed to keep myself and the figure i ran into from falling before I could figure out who i bumped into. Looking up i frown in confusion at who is standing before me.
"Gwen? What are you doing up?" She smiled at me her eyes falling away from me to stare out the window beside us.
"I just had a lot on my mind so came out here to clear it. I was hoping some fresh air would help." She sighed pulling her shawl closer around her.
"But what are you doing out so late Merlin? Surely Arthur didn't keep you this late?"
"Mm I guess I am out here for the same reason. A lot to think about. Hey Gwen question for you. If you had the chance to end the kings life, would you? If per say you knew of a threat against his life, would you stand back and let it happen?" She frowned in concern at my question before hesitantly answering.
"Merlin what’s this about do you know about a threat against the king?"
"No of course not. I just curious. After all he did murder hundreds of innocent people including your dad. What would you do if that happened? Would you save him or let him die.”? She answered this with no hesitation this time.
"I would save him of course. I may not like the man but if I stood by and did nothing I would be just as bad as him. Are you sure you’re alright?"
"Y... yeah I'm just tired. Thanks for talking to me Gwen. See you later." With that I quickly scurried away before she could respond heading to bed. I had a lot to think over. Do i let him die tomorrow or do I stop Morgana from succeeding.
It felt like I had only just laid my head down when I was snapping my eyes open in alarm as I realized how late it was. Morgana and Uther would have already left. Doubts from yesterday forgotten I sprang from my bed. Racing out the door and through the courtyard only to stop dead at the sight of Morgana and Uther dismounting their horses. Uther cloak was torn and had a bleeding gash on his head and arm, but he was very much alive. Morgana pressed a quick kiss to Uther’s cheek before heading my way. Upon spotting me she smiled a sad glint in her eye.
"Hello Merlin."
"Morgana but I..."
"What you thought I would be coming back with the body of the king? Gwen told me about your question. I realized after she told me that you must have over heard my plans." She sighed folding her arms over her chest as we walked into the castle together.
"And yet he is still alive?"
"Yes, I was all set to go through with my plan but then when we got there and knelt in front of the grave. Uther apologized. He apologized with tears in his eyes for killing Tom and whipping me. It was in that moment as Tauren crept up behind him with a sword raised to kill him that I realized. I couldn't do it. He may be a horrible king, but he still raised me. Took me in when my dad was killed. I may hate the things he does, but I still love him. So, I will wait and see if his apology was merely words in the breeze or if he actually meant what he said. That being said I have to apologize. I know I probably worried you and put you in a horrible position. I am just grateful that i haven't lost you because of my foolish choices. I'm sorry Merlin can you forgive me." I felt my heart lighten at that. A relieved smile gracing my lips. Maybe the dragon is wrong. Maybe there is still hope for this wayward witch after all.
"It’s ok Morgana. I'm just glad you made the right choice in the end. That’s what truly matters." She smiled softly at that placing a gentle hand on my shoulder before retreating to her chambers. Maybe Morgana can be saved after all.