Chapter Twenty-Five, The Fisher King

Less than half a day ahead of Merlyn and Gwaine, Arthur found himself stuck in a sink hole as he used all his might and energy to pull himself free, up on to the other bank where he promptly collapsed having used up the last of his vastly depleting energy. Of course he didn't think it was the bracelet as he just thought it was the effect of the Perilous Lands and why hardly anyone ever returned from here.

***

Later that night, Gwaine and Merlyn had set up camp which was, unfortunately, out in the open, and were cooking up some of their rations while trying to keep warm by the fire. Merlyn rested her head on Gwaine's shoulder as he broke up some tinder to put on the  fire, when suddenly a screeching sound came from not that far from where they now sat. Gwaine's hand hovered over his sword and Merlyn's eyes flickered gold occasionally. It sounded like a dragon, but not at the same time.

"What was that?" Merlyn asked cautiously, having never heard a creature make that sort of sound before.
"A pheasant." Gwaine replied, trying not to worry his best friend/sister.
"That was not a pheasant!" Merlyn argued, as the creature screeched again, this time it sounded like there was more than one. "Gwaine, what was that?! And don't you say a big pheasant!"
"I was trying not to worry you, Merlyn-bird. It sounds like Wyverns, perhaps more than one. They're distant cousins of the dragons, but more primitive. Nothing like Kilgharrah."

"So, I might be able to control it - appease it." Merlyn mused.
"Well, I hope we don't find out." Gwaine countered, grasping his sword.
"You can go back to Camelot if you want to." Merlyn suggested. Never wanting to have someone to do something they don't want to do.
"And leave you? Never! Besides, I'm not scared of pheasants." Gwaine argued.
"Thank you." Merlyn said, kissing his cheek. "I'm lucky to have you, and Arthur's lucky to have us."

"You, yes. And I'm lucky to have you too, but not Arthur." Gwaine countered.
"I'd do the same for you. Always." Merlyn declared passionately.
"I'd hope so." Gwaine teased. "You were my first friend, still are, you are also my little sister." Gwaine said, hugging her tightly in a brotherly, familial way.
"You better get some sleep. We still have a long journey ahead of us tomorrow." Gwaine said, leading Merlyn to where they had set up their bedrolls.

"Hold on," Merlyn said, a moment later her eyes flashed golden and a shimmery barrier appeared around their campsite. "There. Now, we're protected against the pheasants." Merlyn said, sarcastically saying the last word, causing Gwaine to laugh as he helped her down onto her bedroll and settled behind her holding his sword tightly as precaution.
"Goodnight, Merlyn." Gwaine said, kissing her forehead in a brotherly fashion.
"Night, Gwaine." Merlyn mumbled, as she drifted off to sleep.

***

Back in Camelot Gaius was disturbed from his slumber by a frantic knocking on his door. He was used to this as being the court physician; it happened occasionally. But what he wasn't used to was opening the door to a worried and anxious Gwen.
"I'm sorry to wake you." Gwen apologised, as she entered his chambers and started pacing, ringing her hands anxiously.
"Don't be silly." Gaius chided tiredly, with concern shining in his eyes.
"I'm not sure who else I can talk to." Gwen said upset, stopping her pacing to face Gaius.
"What is it, child?" Gaius asked kindly yet concerned. Gwen took a deep breath and what she said next shook Gaius to his core.
"It's Morgana."

"What's happened?" Gaius asked, his voice brisk and alert.
"S-she had a box, and her eyes- it was like they were on fire." Gwen stuttered upset. She covered her mouth with her hands as tears filled her eyes. "Who do I do, Gaius?" She all but begged, grasping the elderly man's hands. "She's using magic." Gwen exclaimed.
"Everything may not be as it seems, Gwen." Gaius said, and he hated himself for saying it. He just didn't want Gwen involved; it was dangerous- Morgana was dangerous.

Especially as Gwen was her maid, but mainly and maybe a little selfishly, he didn't want Gwen to fear or hate magic because if she did that would mean she would fear and hate Merlyn for how she was born and for keeping it a secret. And Gaius would protect his niece at all costs, even if it was making sure she kept the little group of friends that she had. But unfortunately Gwen was stubborn when would not be deterred.

"No, no. I know what I saw." Gwen argued, turning away from Gaius.
"I've known Morgana for so long I didn't want to believe it. Nor when Merlyn warned me when she was found, but she - she isn't the same person I knew. She's changed, Gaius. I don't think she means well to any of us anymore."
Gaius sighed as he was surrounded by brave but stubborn women, but at the same time he wouldn't change them for the world. He just wished they wouldn't put themselves in harm's way.
"I wish I could say otherwise, dear girl, but I fear you're right." Gaius sighed wearily.

***

The next morning after Gwaine had helped Merlyn climb up the rocky ravine around ten minutes after Arthur had passed through, when they spotted two Wyverns attacking something, before something familiar glinted in the sunlight - a sword. It was Arthur. Realising who it was they took off running trying to close the distance so they could help their friend or lover in Merlyn's case. He was practically a danger magnet.
His resources depleting rapidly with every swing of his sword, Arthur wounded one of the Wyverns, and took off running or rather stumbling towards the Dark Tower and lowered the drawbridge. He was safe-for now. He rested for a moment, trying to gather his strength so he could finish the quest and find the Golden Trident. Meanwhile, Gwaine and Merlyn had arrived at the Tower noticing the two Wyverns were trying to find a way in to get to Arthur.

"Even though they're distant cousins of the dragon, and you're a DragonLord, Merlyn, please be careful. They might not listen." Gwaine begged, as they ran, panting a little.
"I promise." Merlyn swore, casting a weary eye at the two Wyverns. They were completely different from Kilgharrah. They were much smaller, midnight black in colour and had scary red eyes. They barely resembled a dragon. Shaking her head to rid herself of those thoughts she turned to the task at hand.
"Tospringe!" Merlyn muttered, holding her hand out towards the gate as her eyes flashed gold. The next second the gate flew off with a large bang, leaving behind scorch marks on the hinges.

"Nice." Gwaine said, smirking. "Good to know no one will ever keep my sister locked up." He said casually, making Merlyn laugh.
"It'll be quicker if we split up." Merlyn suggested. Gwaine sighed as he thought it over quickly, time was of the essence after all.
"Fine. But be careful." Gwaine asked.
"You need to be careful too, Gwaine." Merlyn begged. Sharing a look that conveyed more than words ever could, they took off running in opposite directions to search for Arthur.

After searching for a little while Merlyn heard the soft chitter of the Wyverns with vague speech intermittent, along with banning and screeching. Both Merlyn and Gwaine took off running towards the sound from different directions. Merlyn got there first, standing on the steps into the chamber as the Wyverns broke down the door heading towards Arthur who was lying unconscious on the floor. Jumping off the bottom step, Merlyn stood in front of the man she loved, both hands out in front of her as she ordered them in the Dragon tongue.
"Nun de ge dei s'eikein kai emois epe'essin hepesthai!" Her voice emitting a dragon- like roar as it stunned the Wyverns.

A moment passed of the three magical beings staring at each before the Wyverns bowed and slowly left the room moaning away at each other. Feeling elated that it had worked, Merlyn quickly whirled around and pulled the bracelet off of Arthur, which stopped glowing once it was no longer in contact with his arm. Noticing Arthur was slowly waking up she slipped it into the small pouch attached to her belt.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Arthur demanded, concerned, as soon as he came too. He was confused, concerned and angry on why Merlyn would be here.

"Why can you never just say thanks?" Merlyn demanded, annoyed. It's not like she raced all the way out here and saved his life or anything!!!
"Thanks?!" Arthur shouted, his voice going a little higher. "What for? For completely ruining the quest?" He demanded, as he propped himself up against the wall. "Not to mention it's dangerous here and I don't want to lose you, Merlyn!"
"Well, it's a good job I was here, otherwise you'd be Wyvern fodder by now. I love you I wasn't about to let you die!" Merlyn argue heatedly.

"I would have figured something out! I'm supposed to be doing this alone!" Arthur argued, Merlyn shook her head at him. She couldn't believe him sometimes.
"Morgana's right! You're too proud to admit you were saved by a girl! Especially by the one you love!" Merlyn hissed, causing Arthur to splutter from where he sat against the wall, trying to come up with something. However, before he could offer a counter - a screech came from behind them, causing them to scuttle back. It was a Wyvern who had snuck back in while they argued. Just as it reared up on its hind legs to attack a sword protruding from its chest, when it was pulled out the Wyvern fell to the floor dead. Revealing Gwaine with his sword in hand.

"Gwaine!" Merlyn cried happily.
"There are more Wyverns on the way." Gwaine informed them. "We need to get out of here."
"I'm not leaving without the Trident!" Arthur snapped, clambering to his feet. Feeling much better now that the bracelet was not on his wrist."It was the whole point of this quest." He muttered, leaving the chamber. 

Merlyn and Gwaine shared a look both their eyebrows raised as they stifled their laughs. Wanting some payback a mischievous look crossed her face.
"What are you up to, Merlyn?" Gwaine asked, as a smirk appeared on his own face.
"Do you want us to help you? Or do you want to do this alone?" Merlyn asked, dragging out the last syllable.
"MERLYN!" Arthur shouted, causing the couple to laugh.

After searching for a while and many towers and spires later - (this place really did live up to its name); Arthur, Merlyn and Gwaine were walking up the steps of yet another tower when Merlyn spotted what looked like a Throne room halfway up the tower.
"Look at this. Looks like a Throne room." She said, peering into the dusty and cobwebbed room.
"Well, let's find the Trident and we can head back to Camelot." Arthur said, his determined look increasing if that were possible. "Are you gonna be alright, Merlyn?" He asked, concerned, as he was feeling guilty for being annoyed.
"I'll be fine." She said softly, taking a step forwards as though in a trance and activating a trigger stone that brought down a wall of stone.

"Merlyn! Watch out!" Gwaine shouted, pushing her into the Throne room and not a moment too soon as the stone slammed into where Merlyn had just been standing with frightening ferocity.
"Merlyn! Merlyn!" Gwaine and Arthur shouted frantically, banging on the stone.
"Merlyn, are you all right?" Arthur shouted, while Gwaine had his ear pressed to the stone in hopes he would hear something, anything. While on the other side of the stone Merlyn was completely unharmed as she called for the two men, but just like they couldn't hear her, she could not hear them.
"There's got to be a way to open this." Gwaine stated, trying to think rationally as he searched all around the archway they were standing in.

Inside the Throne room Merlyn was walking slowly towards the magical presence she could sense from the throne in the middle of the room close to the fireplace, she'd sensed it the moment they entered this tower.
"So, Emrys, you are here at last." An aged voice whispered hoarsely, from the Throne. Merlyn didn't answer as she crept closer, finding a man, no a King - the Fisher King, sat upon the Throne covered in centuries worth of dust and cobwebs. Merlyn bowed her head before she spoke.
"So you are still alive." Merlyn breathed with reverence.
"For now." The Fisher King stated.

Outside the Throne room Arthur, who had joined in the search, thought he'd found a way to release the door.
"Now, I'm sure if we just reach in here..." he said in a strained voice, as he pried a stone away from the wall, only for hundreds of bugs to come pouring out. "We'll be able to find something to release the door." He continued in a deadpanned voice.
"Go on them." Gwaine said, patting his back and causing Arthur to give him a disgusted look. "Don't be such a princess. It's your quest, after all." Gwaine continued, throwing his words back at Arthur. Which he did not appreciate. Glaring at the dark haired man, Arthur pulled his leather gloves on more firmly, hesitating for a moment before stealing his nerve as he would do anything for the woman he loved, he started to reach his hand into the wall. Pulling a face at all the bugs crawling beneath and over his hand.

Back in the Throne room, the Fisher King was giving Merlyn some advice on training her magic and teaching her some new spells, some she'd never even heard of, when a loud rumbling noise came from the stone door.
"That'll be-" Merlyn started.
"Your friends, courage and strength, I know." The Fisher King interrupted. "Without their help, you would not be here."
"What is it you want?" Merlyn asked, fearing what it may be. 
"I want an end to my suffering." He replied, his voice tired and upset.
"You want to die." Merlyn realised with a start, feeling sorry for the old King.

"I have been waiting all these years for the arrival of a new time, the time of The Once and Future King." He explained.
"I've heard these words before." Merlyn whispered more to herself than to the King before her but he heard her anyway.
"And you will hear them again, for that time is dawning. And my time finally can come to an end. This is why you were brought here for this is not Arthur's quest; it is yours. Arthur thinks the prize is the Trident." He said, casting a glance to the Trident held in his left hand; before opening his stiff fingers and letting it fall to the flagstone floor with a loud clang. "But the real prize is something far greater." He said, as a large vial full of shimmering water appeared in his hand, the vial was held within a small wooden crate.

"Water... from the Lake of Avalon. I've kept it safe all these years, waiting for the right person to claim it. And that is you, Emrys. You are the one chosen."
"What do you mean?" Merlyn asked, trepidation in her voice.
"Albion's time of need is near, and in that dark hour, you must be strong, for you alone can save her. Your powers are great, but you will need help. And that is what I am giving you." He said, holding out the vial.
"Thank you." Merlyn whispered, accepting the gift and carefully slipping it into her pouch.
"When all seems lost, this will show you the way. I have given you a gift. Now, you must give me one in return."

"I only have the Phoenix Eye bracelet." Merlyn said in an apologetic tone.
"That will do perfectly." He said, groaning as he pushed himself up into his feet and held out his hand.
"If I give you this, you will die." Merlyn stated, wanting to make sure this was what he wanted before she gave it.
"End my suffering Emrys, please." The Fisher King asked. Merlyn nodded and got down on one knee, tears in her eyes, as she slipped the bracelet onto his right wrist. The Eye glowed brightly as soon as it came into contact with his arm, a ringing sound coming from it. Suddenly, a howling wind formed at the King's feet and spread upwards, causing Merlyn to turn her head away and close her eyes. 

The wind continued to grow and pick up speed until the Fisher King was taken away. His suffering was over; he was finally at peace.
"Thank you." He said gratefully, just as the stone door opened and Arthur and Gwaine rolled into the room - Merlyn quickly clambered to her feet.
"Merlyn!" Arthur sighed, grateful that she seemed to be unharmed. Striding forwards with purpose he pulled her into his arms into a tight hug. "Are you all right, love?" He asked, concerned.
"I'm fine." Merlyn assured, smiling at him.
"Good." Arthur said relief coating his tone, he surged forwards and kissed her tenderly. Holding her tenderly and relishing the feeling of her safe in his arms once again.

Merlyn was shocked for all but a moment before she kissed him back. When they pulled Arthur smiled tenderly at her before he released her just as Gwaine rushed towards Merlyn, sweeping her off her feet and into his arms. A relieved laugh passing his lips, he pressed a kiss to her temple and closed his eyes, like Arthur, Gwaine relished the feeling of his sister safe in his arms once again.
"Don't ever scare me like that again, Merlyn." Gwaine admonished.
"I'm sorry." Merlyn apologised.

"Ooh. Look what I found." Arthur exclaimed happily, picking up the Golden Trident and effectively breaking the moment between Merlyn and Gwaine.
"Dollophead." Merlyn sighed under her breath, so only Gwaine could hear and he had to bite his lip to keep from laughing, while trying to hide his smirk from Arthur who was looking at him suspiciously, as if he knew Gwaine wanted to smirk at him.
"Okay, let's go home. I'm tired, hungry." Merlyn said, leaving the Throne room. She was so tired she could sleep for days if not a week. She gave both Arthur and Gwaine a look that said, 'she'll tell them what had happened in the Throne room when they were with Gaius'. Gwaine and Arthur nodded as they both wanted to get back to Camelot as quickly as possible as they could see how tired Merlyn was and they didn't want her to have to explain it twice, for whatever had happened while they were separated was deeply troubling her.

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Magic translations:

phonetic spelling: Tospringe.
Literal translation: Burst open/spring asunder.
Possible meaning: Open quickly.

phonetic spelling: Nun de ge dei s'eikein kai emois epe'essin hepesthai!
Possible meaning: Now you must (it's necessary that you) obey (give way) and you must follow towards [...]!