Within Your Heart

Ok because i'm so nice to you all i've decided to post the last two chapters together so you don't have to wait!

-x-

Uther rode into the square on his white stallion and smiled in satisfaction. The usually quiet centre was filled with men brandishing various weapons and farm tools all muttering amongst themselves. A few had horses of their own and were trying to keep the animals calm. Nearly every man from the town was present. A few women were also present, giving their love and luck and to wave them off. Valiant looked up at Uther with a smirk.

“All these men here are willing to follow you, there is no way we can fail in this task.” Uther nodded the smirk still firmly in place, “do you know where we are heading?”

“Edwin informed me that there is in fact a castle in the depths of the forest. He said he believed it was called Camelot and used to be a thriving community until something happened.” His smirk became a frown, “Obviously this monster drove everyone away. The least we can do is kill it.” Uther’s men cheered. Uther raised his voice to the crowd.

“Good people of Ealdor. Tonight we have a duty to our friends and families, to this town, to this country. Together we will slay this beast and bring back its head!” A loud cheer thundered through the crowd. “Who’s with me?” Another cheer. “Then follow me. Before this night is done we will rest easy knowing this creature no longer lives.” He turned his horse and led the way.

-x-

It would have been a tough walk but the town’s folk were driven by anger and a thirst for blood. They reached the castle gates well before day break. The noise they made upon their arrival alerted the enchanted objects inside.

“What in the name of all that’s holy is going on out there?” Gaius asked the two beside the window. Gwen appeared to be fidgeting nervously and Lancelot turned towards the vial.

“I think we are under attack.”

“Attack? Preposterous! How could we be…?” Gaius looked out of the window to see the people filling the courtyard and trying to storm the castle, “but- but- but- we must warn the master immediately.” Gaius was almost speechless. It had been many years since anyone had visited the castle, not counting Merlin and his mother, and now here they were being invaded. Gaius quickly decided it wasn’t a good day. The three objects noticed the man that led them and Gwen gasped as she recognised what he was holding.

“That’s the master’s magic mirror. He must have given it to Merlin, but that would mean… oh they couldn’t… could they?” She turned fear filled eyes to Lance who was looking down at the mob angrily.

“I don’t know, Gwen. I really don’t know.” He hoped that Gwen’s fears were not proven to be true and that Merlin was alright.

“What are we going to do then?” Panic was steadily rising in her voice and she began to jump nervously.

“I suggest that you two find everyone in the castle and try your best to hold them back. I will go and warn his highness.” Gwen and Lancelot nodded. Lancelot thought for a moment.

“I think I might have a plan,” the sword murmured thoughtfully.

“Good luck,” Gaius muttered before they all moved out of the room as quickly as they could manage.

-x-

“My lord,” Gaius panted, out of breath from his haste. Arthur was in the south wing. The rose was on the table looking exceedingly fragile; the vial winced at seeing it. It reflected the state of the prince that stood behind it. Gaius had never seen him look more broken, not even when the enchantment had first been cast.

“Leave me alone.” Arthur stared out of the window blankly, not seeing anything in front of him.

“But your highness, the castle is under attack,” Gaius pleaded. Sounds from below were starting to filter through the castle; Arthur continued to stare out of the window as if there was nothing better to do.

“I don’t care. Let them come. Nothing matters anymore.”

“But sire-”

“Leave, old man!” the interruption was almost a shout, but it was not filled with the usual emotion. It was the sound of defeat. Gaius sighed heavily; there was nothing else he could do.

-x-

“What are you going to do, Merlin?” Hunith asked anxiously, seeing the look of determination on her son’s face. He pushed himself up off the floor, still wincing at the pain in his side. He carefully moved over to the door and pushed against it, just in case. The bar was across and the bolt was locked. No easy way out. He looked around himself and spotted a piece of fabric hanging on a nearby peg. He shuffled over to it, working out the best way to move without causing too much pain, grabbed it and held it up. Merlin grinned before pulling on the spare shirt. He picked up the neckerchief that went with it. He thanked himself for leaving his things around. He turned to Morgana who was shifting restlessly in her stable. He ran gentle fingers down her nose and she nuzzled him back.

“There’s a good girl.” In the same calm tone of voice he spoke to Hunith, “Can you look after her?” Hunith’s eyes narrowed as she watched Merlin tie the neckerchief behind Morgana’s ears so it fell over her eyes and effectively blinded her. After looking at the horse he reconsidered his plan and said a few words in Morgana’s ear. The horse shook her head slightly.

“What’s wrong with her?” Hunith asked, confused by the horse’s behaviour.

“I’ve muffled her hearing. What I’m about to do might really scare her otherwise.” The woman looked really worried for a moment.

“Merlin…” He gave her a crooked smile.

“Just soothe her, ok?” Hunith nodded and started petting Morgana. Merlin faced the door that prevented him from getting to Arthur. His eyes narrowed with concentration as he raised his hand, “Ábrecan!” His eyes flashed gold as he felt the magic leave his hand. The bolted door exploded outwards in a shower of splinters. Hunith simply stared at her son. “I’ve been, uh, studying,” Merlin shrugged. Hunith silently nodded.

Saying the spell to reverse Morgana’s hearing he removed her blindfold and tied the fabric around his own neck. He started to saddle Morgana back up.

“I’m coming with you,” Hunith told him. Merlin sighed deeply and shook his head. He turned to his mother and kissed her on her forehead.

“I appreciate it, but you can’t. You need to stay here and get better. I’ve got to do this.”

“But Uther-”

“Will pay for this,” he interrupted firmly. “I need to save Arthur.” Hunith nodded but looked up at him with pleading eyes; she rested a cold palm against his cheek.

“You’ve grown up so much,” she told him sadly, “Please be careful.”

“I’ll try.” He turned away and finished readying Morgana who was stomping her foot impatiently. Merlin practically jumped into the saddle. “Come on Morgana, Arthur needs us.” He dug in his heels and Morgana hurried out of the stable as if she knew exactly what was going on.

The men finally broke through the door. It didn’t hold out for as long as they had thought as the wood had rotted. Uther led them through the castle, held high so that they could see into any dark corners where the monster might be hiding. They reached a grand staircase and still nothing had been found. All around them now however, there appeared to be a large collection of items. There seemed to be no reason for their being there. Uther looked around wearily.

“It’s clear that the monster stole these things. Take what you will. I will continue the search.” After a moment’s hesitation he decided to climb the stairs leaving everyone behind him. The men all looked at each other and grinned before rooting through the items.

One of the men suddenly fell over.

“What the hell? Why did you trip me?” He yelled to the man he was standing next to.

“I didn’t, I-” Another man fell over. He shrugged from the floor. They all looked around at each other anxiously, not really sure what was going on. The objects seized the moment. Each one jumped to life and launched themselves at the nearest attacker.

The rugs shifted from underneath them, making a few fall over. A table kicked out like a horse sending two more to their knees in agony. Gwen was perched on the hand rail of the staircase along with as many pots, pans, goblets and vases as she could find and all were filled with boiling oil, despite the fact she knew they would be cleaning themselves for weeks. At her command, they all tipped themselves on the scurrying men below sending theirs screams echoing through the castle.

Will had somehow managed to escape his room at hearing the excitement and decided he wasn’t going to be left out. He practically fell over the banister in his hurry, much to Gwen’s horror, and landed, laughing on one of the men. Managing to get back upright he shouted at the few men who had stopped to stare at him.

“Anyone up for wardrobe wrestling?” all of the men screamed and ran for the doors with Will running after them laughing hysterically. Only Uther’s closest remained behind, believing it was all some trick and having a tougher exterior than many of the common townsfolk.

Lance, after tripping up one of the men earlier, had thrown himself at a few of them and then decided it wasn’t practical. Instead he jumped into the hand of one of the suits of armour, which then began to swing him around like the knight it was. Valiant, Kanan and Tauren all turned to see the armour brandishing the sword, swinging it around like a trained fighter. All three knew they couldn’t compete against such swordsmanship and looked at each other in panic. When the helmet of the suit fell off and they could see clearly there was no one wearing it, they all screamed ‘ghosts’ and ran in the direction of the door, not caring about Uther whatsoever. When they heard a loud yell of charge, they all turned to see the wardrobe hurtling towards them on its front, sliding along the ground with what appeared to be a manic grin. The three all fell over themselves trying to escape from the crazy piece of furniture, screaming like young maidens.

Mordred, who had been dragged along, was sitting huddled in a corner, hidden by the shadows.

The objects watched as the mob ran away. They cheered happily believing they had saved their home, not knowing what was going on above them.

-x-

The castle was larger than Uther had expected, he wasn’t sure how much of it he had actually searched. The creature still hadn’t been found and he was getting more and more frustrated. He was slowly making his way down a darkened corridor; he had noticed it wasn’t as well kept as the rest of the castle. There were broken ornaments and tattered fabric, shattered mirrors and useless furniture. Uther ignored it all, more intent on finding his prey. The sound of movement ahead alerted him and made him ready his bow. As he shifted around the door he spotted his quarry and smiled before releasing the arrow.

Arthur roared but did little else as the head sank into his shoulder. He gave a cursory look at his attacker and turned back to the window. He didn’t care anymore, he had no reason too. Not even facing death could bring about any change. He was confused however to who this man was. Why was he attacking the castle? Why did he want to kill him?

“Don’t you dare ignore me!” Uther yelled and threw himself bodily at Arthur. Not prepared for the attack, both of them fell through the window onto the wide balcony outside. The wide curve of stone protruded from the side of the castle, offering the best views of the land. It was edged with pillars upon which a gargoyle stood on each surveying the world in front of it. The small walls that ran from each pillar stood at chest height to not obscure the view. The prince used it on sunnier days so that he could look out at the world and wish that he could belong there. Arthur’s sanctuary had become a battle ground.

Above them a storm was gathering, dark clouds swirling around the turrets of the castle, sucking the light from the sky and a low rumble of thunder echoed menacingly. Arthur remained lying on the cold, stone ground, and not bothering to move. Uther got up off of the floor himself and looked down at the monster before him. He was far from impressed. “Pathetic. I don’t understand what even possessed him.” He drew his sword from the scabbard on his hip, raising the blade and preparing to finish his quarry, when a voice drifted up from below.

“Arthur! Don’t let him!” Arthur’s eyes opened in wonder, a glimpse of light at the end of a dark tunnel. A flash of lightning split through the clouds above and the wind began to howl, an eerie imitation of the wolves in the forest.

“Merlin!” Arthur breathed in amazement. Uther’s sword swung down on nothing. Uther smiled at the creature that now stood before him, breathing heavily.

“Fight me, you monster, or are you to weak, too soft and gentle? You think you love him, don’t you? Do you honestly think that he would stay with you when he could have me?” So that was it was it. Uther thought he could have Merlin. The prince wouldn’t stand for that. If Merlin belonged to anyone it was to Arthur. The beast snarled and leapt at Uther, all claws and teeth. Uther swung the sword, barely avoiding the attack. Arthur tried to claw him but was only met with the blade. Arthur pushed him away. “Face it, beast, Merlin is mine.”

“Never!” Arthur snarled back. Uther laughed, the thunder mimicking the laugh and increasing the volume. Rain started to spit down, the heavens slowly starting to release their tears.

“Stop this!” They both turned to see Merlin walk out of Arthur’s room and into the rain. He strode over the broken glass, barely paying any attention to it. His eyes were wide with worry despite the fact that his body language suggested confidence. Neither Arthur nor Uther asked how he had gotten there so quickly. Uther grinned in a way that suggested madness.

“Merlin, so glad you could join us as I am about to kill your friend.” Uther took another swing only to miss completely.

“Just go home Uther. No one need die here,” Merlin told him firmly, his voice remained calm but he could feel his body shaking. It would not take much for either of them to snap and the last thing Merlin wanted was for either to die. He doubted he could face himself thinking there would be blood on his hands. As much as he hated Uther, he didn’t deserve to die. Merlin was giving him his chance.

“You can’t order me around, boy.” Uther marched over to him, ignoring Arthur, and swung his fist, connecting firmly with a cheek bone. Merlin flew back through the broken window into the room and landed on the small table, sending the glass dome that sat upon it, crashing to the floor. The rose landed next to Uther’s feet. He picked it up, just as Arthur was about to attack. The prince halted his movement, afraid to damage his lifeline that was now being held in dangerous fingers. Arthur inched around him not wanting to anger the man.

“What a pretty thing, for a creature like you to have.” Uther laughed and tucked it into his belt. “Perhaps I’ll give it to Merlin when I have your head.” Arthur snarled at him then knelt down beside Merlin, who only just began to stir. Cradling his head tenderly Arthur helped the sorcerer to sit up slowly. Merlin tentatively touched his fingers to his cheek, another bruise to add to his ever growing list.

“Are you alright?” Arthur murmured, concern thickening his voice. Merlin’s eyes grew wide.

“Look out!” Uther stabbed into Arthur’s back between his wings with a curved hunting knife. The prince stumbled back outside in pain, trying to reach the blade embedded in his back. Merlin got up off the floor, ignoring the shards of glass that he could feel sticking into him, and stumbled back out on to the balcony to try and help Arthur. Before he got near enough to touch the prince, Uther grabbed his arm and pulled it around his back painfully. He pulled Merlin close, running a gloved hand down his bruised cheek and following it with a kiss, smirking at Arthur who glared back with a promise of death.

“Let. Him. Go.” The beast’s voice was low and promised death. Uther’s smirk turned into a full grin.

“I don’t think so. While I have him, you won’t touch me. I’m not that stupid. Now, you can be a good beast and die.” Arthur looked helplessly at Merlin as he saw Uther backing away with him, closer to the edge of the balcony, closer to an edge that Arthur knew led to a long drop that no man could survive. Panic filled him and he reached forward to attempt to grab Merlin. He was brought up short. He frowned and his paw faltered, as he noticed his lover was smiling. The prince watched as the bright blue eyes that he loved, turned into molten gold and turned skywards.

The rain grew heavy, the wind pushed against them trying to pull them down into the abyss below, the lightning flashed wildly as if sharing Arthur’s panic. Merlin raised his gaze to the sky and a bolt of lightning struck the ground behind Uther and weakened it. The hunter stumbled, losing his balance as the ground beneath him gave way. He fell back, taking Merlin with him.

“No!” Arthur roared and jumped to the edge where he could just see a few white fingers holding on tightly. Merlin looked up at him with blue eyes once more and only a hint of fear. There was no sign of Uther. Arthur grasped hold of Merlin’s wrists and pulled him up, depositing him gracelessly on the solid balcony.

“Idiot!” Arthur puffed. Merlin smiled, despite being as white as snow. Arthur, after giving Merlin a quick glance over, slumped to the floor. Merlin’s smile faded and panic replaced it. Down by his feet and going completely unheeded, were the remains of the rose, crushed between he and Uther, when he had been grabbed.