Within Your Heart

“Mother? Are you alright?” Merlin called through the black smoke that filled the kitchen. Coughing slightly, he made his way through the room until he found Hunith glaring at a blackened pie on top of the oven. Her cheeks were coated in flour, her apron dirty with other food stuffs. It looked like she had run her hands over her hair as well as Merlin could definitely see white streaks across the dark brown strands.

“A simple pie and I can’t even get that right!”

“Mother,” Merlin said softly, touching the top of her arm gently. She turned to look at him, her frown sliding off her face.

“Oh Merlin, why do I even bother doing this?” She looked close to tears. Merlin pulled her to him and gave her a hug.

“Because when you don’t get flustered, you are a great cook and you enjoy it.” Hunith smiled into her son’s shoulder. When had he grown so tall? Not so much her little boy anymore. It saddened her to think that he could leave her soon, off to be with a loving partner. That was what he deserved after all. To have someone love him, care for him the way he did for her. It was Merlin’s time to move on. He couldn’t be a mummy’s boy any longer, as much as she loved having him around. It would be cruel. She knew he wanted to escape this life. But it didn’t hurt any less.

“Oh you’re just saying that,” she sighed. Merlin smiled, resting his head against hers, nuzzling slightly against her hair,

“No, I mean it. And tomorrow you will go to that fair, sell lots of pies and things and get your name known. You will bring home lots of money and you can finally make this house into what you want.” Hunith closed her eyes. A touch of a smile on her lips.

“Do you honestly believe that? You have so much faith in me; I just don’t want to disappoint you.” Merlin pulled back and held his hand against his mother’s cheek, ignoring the dusting of flour.

“I have always believed that and always will.” He leant forward and kissed her forehead. “And you will never disappoint me.” He grinned. Hunith smiled back.

“I don’t know what I will do without you.” Merlin gave her a narrowed look but said nothing. “Oh well I suppose I should get on if I intend to sell anything tomorrow.” Merlin nodded and sat down to watch; offering his help in case his mother needed it. He watched her as she rolled out a new batch of pastry.

“Do you think I’m odd?” Hunith looked up and brushed an escaping wisp of hair back, coating herself with more flour.

“Odd? What do you mean odd?”

“I went into Ealdor today; I was given a magic book.” He opened his satchel and showed Hunith his gift. “But every time I go, I can hear whispers. They don’t like me.”

“You’re not odd, my love, you’re… special.” Merlin rolled his eyes.

“That makes me feel so much better.” Hunith returned to rolling the pastry,

“Well, that Uther seems to like you. He’s a powerful and rich man. Why not him?” Merlin nearly jumped in his chair.

“Mother, how can you say that? He just wants to get into my pants.” He felt his ears glow bright red. Hunith paused in her work once more.

“Well, I don’t mind if you like boys more.” Merlin went completely red, his mouth hanging open slightly, eyes wide. “Oh don’t look like that Merlin. It doesn’t suit you. I always hoped that you would settle down with a nice girl, but if it’s a nice boy… well I can live with that.” Merlin was speechless.

“I never-”

“Oh don’t be silly. I have thought that for a while. When you weren’t looking at the pretty girls but the handsome shepherd boys instead, I knew. And before you start, you can’t help that as much as you can’t help your magic. And no, you will never disappoint me either. I love you too much.” Merlin stood and walked around the table. He took his mother in his arms once more, closing his eyes, he whispered against her hair,

“I love you too.”

-x-

Merlin hitched Morgana up to the small trap. He patted the beautiful ebony horse. He still couldn’t understand how they had such a beautiful mare. Her coat shone almost blue, apart from the white stripe from her ears to her nose and each foot wore a white sock. She always held her head high, almost like she was a princess. Merlin sometimes called her that. He offered her a sugar cube for behaving herself while he had hitched her up.

“Now, Morgana. Be a good girl and look after Mother for me.” Morgana nuzzled into him, trying to nibble on an ear. Merlin chuckled. “Come on now, behave.” He stroked her velvet soft nose and she snorted happily. Finally his Mother appeared.

“If I didn’t know any better I would say you were in love with Morgana.” Merlin was about to whine at her when he saw the bright smile. He couldn’t help but smile back.

“I may as well be. She’s my best option around here.” He helped his mother into the trap. “Please be careful.” He couldn’t help the look of worry that crossed his face.

“I’ll be fine.” She kissed the top of his head. “Now, stop worrying about me and enjoy the alone time you will get.” He smiled once more, nodded, and then waved her off.

-x-

The day was pleasantly warm and the trap rocked lazily. It didn’t take much for Hunith to doze off. She had had a long night. Morgana was used to a light touch on the reins so carried on regardless.

It was only when there was a cold chill and a splattering of rain that Hunith woke up once more. She looked around her. None of the area was recognisable. It was dark and the gnarled trees entwined their black branches overhead. Hunith felt very vulnerable all of a sudden.

“Where are we, Morgana? Where have you taken us?” Even her voice sounded nervous. The horse shook her mane slightly. They came to a fork in the road. The sign post was old and worn, one side having gone completely, the other dirty and weathered. Hunith was just able to make out ‘Came-’. The rest of the sign had broken off. She sighed sadly and rubbed her face.

On the left the road seemed more open and flat, but the other began to steadily rise. Hunith decided that at least that way there had to be a village or something or it wouldn’t be sign posted. She encouraged Morgana that way. The horse shook her head and tried pulling the other way, clearly preferring the other route.

“Come on girl. Trust me.” With a harder pull on the reins, Hunith turned the horse once more to the upward slope. It didn’t go unnoticed that the horse was becoming uncomfortable. The rain fell heavier.

The road seemed to finally level out and made for easier going and Morgana settled down a little until there was a noise. A loud howl to the left. Hunith held her breath and looked through the darkness but could not see anything. Morgana stopped completely. Hunith clicked her on but was ignored. She tried again, but the horse still would not move.

There was another howl, this time to their right. Morgana stamped her hoof and snorted nervously. Hunith could see the horse’s eyes going wild. She snapped the reins and tried again to encourage the horse to move forward.

“If you don’t move Morgana, they will get you.” Hunith was impatient, but was feeling as nervous as the horse. Another howl. Morgana whinnied in fear. Hunith got down from the trap and walked to the horse. She ran a hand down the horse’s muzzle and gently held the reins by her neck.

“Come on girl,” she encouraged. The horse’s reluctance was making her own heart race. They couldn’t stay here, it wasn’t safe. If only Merlin had been there. Perhaps he could have used his magic to protect them, or at least given them some light. He had a knack with the horse too; perhaps he could have led her. Hunith was sure she had never missed her son more. Morgana was getting worse. Her nostrils flared and she fidgeted. Her eyes were roaming madly.

It was only when Hunith heard a growl nearby that she knew they were really in danger. She could see yellow eyes shining in the limited light. The wolves had found them.

“Morgana please!” She tried again, but the horse began whinnying. Hunith held on and tried to ignore the wolf only to hear another low growl behind her. Another wolf. She looked around; they had become surrounded by the blood hungry animals. She didn’t know what to do. Morgana reared up, throwing Hunith away. The black horse bolted, back the way they had come. Some of the wolves followed. Hunith took a moment in their distraction to scramble from the road. She glanced ahead and was certain she could see gates. She made her decision.

She ran as fast as she could manage, her heart in her throat making it difficult to breathe. She risked a quick look behind her. The wolves had realised Morgana was too much effort and had turned their golden eyes on Hunith. In her panicked mind it reminded her briefly of her son. But he never had that hunger in his eyes. She stumbled and ran forwards again. The wolves were quickly catching up.

She reached the gates and fell through them. She turned and used her foot to slam them shut, just as a wolf was about to snap its jaws around her ankle. The wolves growled as they still tried to reach Hunith. She crawled back away from the gates and the jaws that cried for her blood. She fell onto her back, closed her eyes and took deep breaths, knowing she had just had a lucky escape. When she opened them again she looked around her. She rolled over, taking in the world at the right angle. She appeared to be in a courtyard. Ahead and above her there was a castle, and a rather impressive one at that. She slowly got to her feet once more and started making her way to the castle. She didn’t notice her hat had fallen off and her hair was escaping its ties. She was drenched through with rain and was starting to shiver.

“Hello. Is there anyone there?” she called out to the courtyard, but it remained silent. There didn’t appear to be movement anywhere. She wandered across the cobbles, looking around for any signs of life. The silence was unnerving. Hunith couldn’t understand it. Surely this place should be swarming with people, even this time of day. It could have been deserted she supposed, but it seemed too well kept for that. There were no leaves or debris, everything seemed… clean. It just felt… dull somehow. There was a feeling in the air though. It crawled up her arms and down her spine, similar to goose bumps, it was a feeling she got when Merlin did magic. Was this place magic then? She couldn’t say. It just didn’t make any sense to her.

She finally reached the main door. It reminded her of the signpost she had passed, worn and weathered. She knocked on it anyway using the large gargoyle knocker. When the door opened she stepped inside. She didn’t see the knocker’s eyes follow her with interest.

“Hello. Uh, I got lost in the woods and got chased by wolves. I’m, um, stuck here. Can someone help me?” She paused, letting her voice echo. She pulled her sodden shawl tighter around her and moved further into the castle.

There were candles lit down the hall way giving limited light which suggested someone was still around. Nearby was a table with a sword resting against it and a glass vial with a handle on either side, filled with a blue liquid, sitting on it. Again, proof that someone had to be around. Hunith had the strange feeling that someone was watching her, but couldn’t see anyone.

The sword righted itself carefully and stretched its cross guard. Eyes blinked open on the pommel and just below on the grip, a mouth yawned. It whispered.

“Lost in the woods? What do you think?” The vial bubbled slightly,

“Don’t. Move. Maybe she’ll leave.” Hunith looked around,

“Hello. Is there anyone there?” The vial shifted slightly as if it was uncomfortable, the rim raised slightly at one point.

“Not a word Lancelot or I’ll-”

“I don’t want to impose on you, but I’m lost. I don’t even know where I am.” Lancelot turned slightly so that his eyes could look at the vial. Big brown eyes that looked far too hopeful,

“Please Gaius. She is a lady in distress. My code of chivalry demands I help.” The rim of the vial rose higher.

“Chivalry indeed.” The wide eyes narrowed.

“Don’t make me poke you.” Gaius turned away, the glass handles detached from their lowest point and crossed. Lancelot raised his voice, “Of course, my lady, make yourself at home.”

“Who said that?” Hunith spun around, eyes wide with shock.

“I did.” Hunith turned again, still seeing no one,

“Where?” She turned to face the table which where the voice seemed to come from.

“Here.” Lancelot stood upright on his blade and waved his cross guard. “Hello.” Hunith took a moment to realise that it was actually the sword talking to her.

“Oh.” Her eyes widened. “Oh!” She smiled brightly. “How amazing. A sword that can talk. Now I’ve seen everything and I thought it was only my Merlin who could surprise me like that.”

“Well you’ve done it now.” a grumpy voice interrupted. Hunith looked up at the vial that had turned to look at her. Well, she thought it was looking at her. She moved over to the table. “You know the rules and- arrggh!” Gaius’ rant was cut short as he was picked up by an inquisitive hand. Fingers ran across his stopper and rim and down his handles. Hunith began swirling the blue liquid that was held inside. “I insist you stop doing that madam, it is making me feel quite unwell.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.” She quickly put the vial back down again. “It’s just I’ve never seen anything like-” She sneezed.

“My lady, it seems you have caught a chill out there. Please come this way.” Lancelot took her hand by one side of his cross guard and hopped through to another room. “Here, warm yourself by the fire.” He showed her into a chair where she sat down while admiring the room. She was sure her house would fit inside the room, it was that large. It appeared grand but seemed a little dilapidated. The warmth of the fire was enough to start taking the chill off her bones and relaxed her from her shock.

“This is not a good idea. Lancelot, please listen. That’s his majesty’s chair, if he sees he’ll-”

“Oh a guest!” Another bright voice almost squealed. Hunith turned to see a rather elegant pitcher hop towards her followed by a goblet. “My name’s Guinevere but you can call me Gwen, I’m the maid. You look chilled to death, have some wine.” The pitcher leaned itself and poured into the goblet, which then managed to hop up to Hunith’s hand.

“That’s very kind of you,” she smiled at the pitcher.

“I don’t believe it. This has to stop. Right now. I insist.” Gaius’ disproving tone filled the room once more but went unheeded.

“So, how did you come to Came-” Gwen was cut short as the door suddenly slammed open. The fire and candles died out leaving the room in shadow. The objects around Hunith backed away slowly, leaving her sitting on her own. Her heart began to race and panic started to build once more. She could hear heavy breathing, like an animal.

“There’s someone here that doesn’t belong!” the voice growled, low and rough.

“My Lord, let me explain. The lady was lost we were only-” Lancelot’s explanation was cut off by a roar that seemed to shake the room. Hunith felt herself sinking into the chair, she could hardly breathe. Gaius hopped forward slightly.

“Sire, I would like to take this opportunity to say that I objected from the start-”

“Shut up, you old fool!” Another loud snarl and Gaius visibly slumped. Hunith realised the breathing had gotten closer. She turned to look one way and saw nothing but darkness. When she looked the other, she screamed with surprise.

“What are you doing here?” She could feel the growl through her chest. She backed away from the creature that filled her vision as best she could.

“I- I got lost in the forest.” She couldn’t help her fear which kept her eyes locked widely on the monster.

“What are you staring at?” A snarl showing sharp teeth.

“I’m not- I- I don’t know.” She moved out of the chair and tried to head for the doors. She wanted to escape, run away, even if it meant facing the wolves again. She would rather take her chances with them. The creature reared up in front of her, blocking her exit.

“Come to stare at me! Mock me!” Hunith backed away slightly, shaking her head wildly.

“No! Please, I was lost. I didn’t know anyone was here. I just needed a place to stay.” She was begging now, afraid for her life. She managed to hold back the tears that were threatening.

“A place to stay! Fine! I’ll give you a place to stay!” A large hand that Hunith quickly realised was more like a paw, grabbed her and lifted her.

“No please!” Cold blue eyes glared at her, a strange mouth gave a snide smile and she was carried away, leaving the strange objects to look sadly after her.