Chapter Twenty-One, Morgana's Birthday

For the first time Merlyn didn't mind having to work at a feast, serving drunken Lords, Knights and other such people of high standing as this feast was for Morgana and she could keep a close eye on her if she was working. She changed out of her green dress and into a mauve coloured one with a white underdress, brushed and re-plait her hair once again. When she was finally finished she left her room to join Gwaine and Gaius in the main room who were waiting for her.
"Are you working tonight?" Gwaine asked with a frown, as Merlyn came down the steps.
"Morgana requested it and of course Uther can't say no to her. Even if Arthur didn't want me to beat her and rushed, his father would see her as she is." Merlyn replied, rolling her eyes as she kissed her Uncle's cheek and then kissed Gwaine's cheek.

"Uther changes his mind like the wind, Gwaine." Gaius said, as he finished off the last of his work. He didn't feel the same way for his old friend anymore, not since nothing was done to the thugs who had hurt his niece. Whether they were posing as Knights or not. "It's best to bear that in mind."
"I'll do that." Gwaine replied with a scowl upon his face. "How're you feeling Merlyn bird?"
"Better. Arthur isn't getting Morgana what I saw in the Crystal so-" Merlyn said happily.
"So you can relax." Gaius interrupted. "Right we better get going. Wouldn't do to be late." Gaius said, putting down his work and linking his arms with his niece as she did with Gwaine making her giggle at the two.

As they entered the banquet hall upbeat music was playing and the hall was decorated in lovely bright colours, and flower ornaments covered the long tables that the Knights, Lords and Ladies were sitting with Uther sat at the top table with Arthur and Morgana sat on either side of him.
"I'll see you later." Merlyn said, kissing Gaius's cheek and Gwaine's cheek softly, before she went over to Gwen and the other servants, gathering platters of food and jugs of ale, wine and mead to place on the long table. Once everyone's cups were full, everyone of the high standing stood up and made a toast to Morgana; Gaius and Gwaine doing so reluctantly, not that anyone noticed except for Merlyn obviously.

As Merlyn went up the table refilling drinks she kept a subtle eye on what presents Morgana received, especially when Arthur gave her a loving look before he nodded to a Knight heading towards Morgana with a sumptuous chest. As Morgana opened the chest and pulled out the very dagger she had seen in the Crystals: everything seemed to freeze as Merlyn's heartbeat increased rapidly. And causing Arthur to frown as that wasn't what he had ordered and bright for Morgana's birthday! What the hell was going on!?

Merlyn didn't know what was happening. She didn't know if she and Arthur were causing the future to happen by trying to stop it or if what Gaius said was wrong: that this particular future was in fact set in stone and nothing she could do or say could stop it. She felt adrift as if she was lost out at sea that lay to the East; everything was a white noise that seemed to blur together. She couldn't hear the music nor anyone talking; all she could hear was a ringing in her ears and her rising heartbeat that felt like it was trying to drum its way out of her chest, as the visions played over and over in her mind as if stuck on repeat. Until she felt a hand clap her on the back startling her so much that her eyes flickered gold for a moment but thankfully nobody noticed.
"I don't know what happened, Merlyn. That isn't what I brought her." Arthur exclaimed, confused. "Are you alright?" He asked concerned, noticing her paler than normal complexion.

"I... I don't feel well. Can I leave? That's the dagger. The dagger she kills Uther with." Merlyn asked. Arthur frowned as he looked over his best friend, his love, in concern. Never once has he heard her ask to leave especially when it was plainly obvious she was sick, and that fact she just did made his concern for her skyrocket. Looking over to Gaius who was talking to Geoffrey Mormont and Gwaine who was talking to Leon, he nodded at Merlyn with a desperate look on his face which they thankfully understood. Excusing themselves they quickly made their way over to them; once they had joined them Arthur whispered to them about Merlyn, the surprise dagger and what she just said, while she remained oblivious, stuck in her own mind. She barely noticed when Gaius and Gwaine started leading back to her chambers she shared with Gaius, inciting worry amongst her friends who watched them leave with their own looks of concern.

"What is it, Merlyn?" Gaius asked concerned, he and Gwaine sitting on either side of her. The familiar surroundings seemed to have brought Merlyn out of her own mind as she told them everything.
"Don't you see? It's started. It's coming true." Merlyn exclaimed, once she'd finished explaining.

"Merlyn, I know this is frightening for you but we can't be certain about that." Gaius said soothingly.
"We have to stop her." Merlyn exclaimed. "You know it'll destroy Arthur if she succeeds. Even if he's angry at his father for his Uther treats me. He still loves him."
"How?" Gwaine asked, he'd always support her no matter what. She was like a sister to him.
"Merlyn, we don't know when this is going to happen. We don't even know if it will." Gaius tried again.

"I'll watch her." Merlyn decided.
"Night and day?" Gaius demanded.
"I was shown those visions for a reason." Merlyn argued.
"This is madness." Gaius complained. "Gwaine, talk to her. She might listen to you."
"Merlyn bird, maybe Gaius is right. You can't watch her night and day. You'll wear yourself into the ground." Gwaine said carefully.
"We'll take it in turns. I'll watch her first. She can't be left alone." Merlyn rattled off, before running out of the room leaving behind Gwaine and Gaius who both felt rather stumped and concerned.

A few hours later a tearful Merlyn returned to the rooms with Gaius, Gwen and Arthur who was carrying an unconscious Morgana, laying her on the table Gwaine and Gaius cleared off, as Gwen set about getting some water and bandages that Gaius asked for.
"And yarrow — we need to stop the bleeding." Gaius added. "She's having problems breathing."
"Dianthus?" Merlyn asked.
"Yes, and a preparation of pulmonaria. Quarter of an ounce, ground fine and mixed with violet." Gaius requested, while also continuing Merlyn's physician lessons.
"How could this have happened?" Arthur asked, playing along while Gwen was in the room.
"Arthur, I need room here." Gaius demanded.
"Yes, of course." Arthur said, as he backed away. "Anything you need, just tell me." He said, leaving the room.
"Will she be alright?" Gwen asked anxiously, as Gaius stitched up the cut on her head.

"We've done the best we can. It's down to her now." Gaius replied, setting down the tools.
"It's not your fault, little sister." Gwaine whispered, kissing Merlyn's temple as he held her close to his chest. But Merlyn didn't answer as guilt ate away at her something fierce, if only she had listened to what Gaius and Gwaine had been telling her then none of this would have happened; she never meant for Morgana to get hurt. She had only hoped to stop her from committing Regicide. Each time Gaius spoke made Merlyn's stomach churn and her heart break, especially when he said her skull was broken. She's essentially killed her. She's a murderer.
"Hey!" Gwaine whispered sternly, as if he knew what his sister was thinking. "It's not your fault, Merlyn. You were trying to stop her committing Regicide. You are not a murderer."
"Doesn't make this right. No matter what she's done she doesn't deserve this." Merlyn said hoarsely.

"Oh Merlyn." Gwaine said sadly, pulling her close to his chest. "You are too kind for your own good sometimes."
Seeing his sister so upset was killing him and there was nothing he could do to make things right, and he knew Gaius felt the same way by the look on his face.
"Come here, dear girl." Gaius said his arms open, once Gwen had fallen asleep. Immediately Merlyn rushed into his arms like a small girl would seek her father for comfort. "It's not your fault, Merlyn." Gaius said sternly but softly, as he felt tears wet his clothes.
"I never meant for this, Gaius, I swear. I wish it never happened like this." Merlyn sobbed.
"I know. I know. You averted something worse from happening but it wasn't your fault you don't have a bad bone in your body." Gaius said, pulling back and wiping away her tears.

"Go get some rest." Once Merlyn was in her room he turned to Gwaine who was watching her go sadly. "Watch over her." He ordered.
"Of course." Gwaine agreed, racing up the steps to Merlyn's small bedroom and sitting beside her on the bed, holding her tight in his arms once she'd come out from behind the screen. It was a long night for all of them.

***

Over the next day Merlyn couldn't bear to watch her friends suffering because of her. If she could take it all back she would without a second thought. After finishing with Arthur's armour, Merlyn headed back towards her room while Uther sat with Morgana. She was lost in her own thoughts debating whether she should ask Kilgharrah for help, when something Uther said caught her attention.
"I cannot watch her die, Gaius." Uther said heartbrokenly.
"I wish there was something I could do." Gaius said, disconcerted.
"No you don't understand." Uther snapped. "I cannot lose her. No matter what happens, she cannot die."
"I will do everything I can, Sire." Gaius assured, looking towards Merlyn's door when he heard the floor creak. Behind the door Merlyn had risen from her bed and crept closer to the door to be able to hear better.

"No, Gaius, whatever it takes — whatever, I don't care." Uther snapped causing Merlyn's eyes to widen at what Uther was implying. "You must save her."
"If I knew a way-"
"You're not understanding me, Gaius. Cure her. I don't care what remedy you use. In all these books there must be something. Something in the old religion?"
"Are you suggesting—" Gaius trailed off feeling as shocked as Merlyn felt. Although, in truth Merlyn wasn't all that shocked: Uther would go to any lengths to save himself, Arthur and Morgana, even to the extent of using magic but if someone else did the same thing they'd be burnt at the stake. 
"Sorcery, yes." Uther replied, sounding almost deranged.
"I know she's dear to you, Sire, but surely you're not going to risk everything for Morgana." Gaius said softly, trying to talk him out of it.

"Gaius, you don't understand. Or maybe you do. I know Merlyn is your niece but she's more like a daughter to you. You would do anything for her. But there's something... something you should know... something I've never told to any living soul." Uther started uncertainty, as if it was hard to spill his darkest secrets or show his emotions; unbeknownst to them Morgana was starting to come slowly back into awareness as her fingers twitched. She could hear everything they were saying.
"Morgana is my daughter." Uther finally spat out, turning to face a stumped Gaius and completely missing Morgana blink as anger consumed her like no other. To Merlyn, everything was starting to make sense: Morgana and Uther had always been too alike, especially their anger and hatred.
"It was while Gorlois was away." Uther continued, turning back towards Morgana, leaving Gaius to stare at the King in shock that he had an illegitimate daughter.

"He was fighting on the northern plains. Her mother Vivian grew lonely."
"I understand, Sire." Gaius whispered, not needing any further explanation.
"I've said enough." Uther said, suddenly jumping to his feet. "The people must never know who Morgana really is, for Arthur's sake." Uther threatened, causing the fire to burn more brightly in Morgana. As she lay there slowly waking up but not quite able to, the deep burning, hot anger that had once only been directed at Uther, was now also directed at all of Camelot and Arthur.
"I assure you, Sire, the secret is safe with me." Gaius assured. Uther stared hard at Gaius for a moment before nodding and leaving the chambers.

Once Gaius was sure he was gone he went up to Merlyn's room, both of them sharing a look of shock but also of confirmation; as it now confirmed why they were so alike, more than Arthur and Uther were, but also why he kept her so close and treated her sometimes better than Arthur.
"That explains everything. No wonder he spent a year looking for her." Merlyn whispered. "Why they clash so much and where she gets her anger and hatred from."
"Now we know why she can do no wrong." Gaius agreed. "I've made a potion you need to take to Uther, it'll help ease his mind." He said, pulling a blue bottle out of his apron pocket. Sighing, Merlyn took the small vile and headed off to deliver the vile.

Taking a steadying breath Merlyn knocked on the door before she entered.
"Sire, Gaius has made a potion that will help ease your mind. It should help you sleep better tonight." Merlyn explained, placing the small bottle on the chest besides Uther who stood staring out the window. When she got no reply Merlyn curtsied and went to leave the room when Uther finally spoke.
"You are Gaius's girl." He stated.
"He is my mother's uncle and my guardian." Merlyn replied.
"You're like a daughter to him."
"Yes."
"I see the way he cares for you. You feel your child's every joy and their pain. You watch their failings and see your own. All you want is for their happiness. For them to escape the sufferings of life. Why has this happened?" Uther sobbed.

Which only increased Merlyn's guilt as she felt nothing but pity for him as tears filled her eyes once again as she looked at the pitiful sight the cruel King made.
"I - I don't know, Sire." Merlyn said apologetically.
"I would - I would do anything. Any —" he succumbed to his sobs and Merlyn didn't know what to do. If it was Arthur she could comfort him, but Uther? She wasn't afraid to admit that even in his state, even though she felt pity for him she was still terrified of him. Of what he could do to her, her mother, Gaius, Arthur, Lancelot and to Gwaine. Anyone who could possibly know her secret. If he chased her father to Ealdor: what could he do to her?
"I'm sorry." Merlyn apologised, before leaving the chambers. She couldn't take this anymore; she had to do something.

Later that night after she was sure both Gwaine and Gaius were asleep, she raced towards the field where she met with Kilgharrah and summoned him. Climbing off her horse she stood in the middle of the open field and threw her head back and roared to the skies.
"O drakon, emale so ftengometta tesd'hup'anankes!" She waited a few minutes, then she heard the sound of large wings flapping above her head. As Kilgharrah landed the earth trembled a little but Merlyn managed to keep her balance, as she stood face to face with her Kin.
"You summoned me, young Mage?" He asked, as he bowed his head. "What do I owe the pleasure this time?"
"I've been to the Crystal Cave and met Taliesin. I saw many things, but I saw Morgana make an attempt on Uther's life."

"It does not surprise me." Kilgharrah replied, not the least bit shocked at that news. "Now, what else is that matter?" Kilgharrah asked.
"I stopped Morgana."
"To change the future is no simple matter, Merlyn. To do so is fraught with danger." Kilgharrah warned.
"I know, and as a result, Morgana is dying. I don't want to be a murderer because of my actions." Merlyn said, troubled.
"Then you should rejoice." Kilgharrah laughed in a dragon type way. "Don't tell me you want to save her! Have you learnt nothing?" He said reproachfully.
"I didn't want to kill her! I only wanted to stop Camelot being torn apart by Morgana killing Uther." Merlyn argued.

"I will not cure her!" Kilgharrah argued hotly.
"She is Uther's daughter."
"Yes." Kilgharrah confirmed. Merlyn scoffed before laughing wearily and monotonously.
'It just seems to get better and better, doesn't it?' She thought sardonically. 

"You knew? Why didn't you tell me?" Merlyn snapped.
"It makes no difference." Kilgharrah said dismissively. "The witch must die as she should've done long ago. I will not cure her."
"Please I don't want anyone to suffer. Although Arthur knows her true nature it's still tearing him apart. Please help me save her." Merlyn begged. Kilgharrah seemed to sigh and remained silent for a moment as he thought over everything.
"You have a too kind heart, Merlyn, and if you are not careful it will be your undoing. I warn you, the evil that will follow will be of your doing, and yours alone." He took a deep breath and breathed hot air on Merlyn as he blessed her with the knowledge and power to heal Morgana.
"Thank you." Merlyn said gratefully.
"I just hope you know what you're doing, Merlyn." Kilgharrah said, before he took off.

With no time to waste Merlyn climbed back on to her horse and took off for Camelot; shocking the guards as she tore through the courtyard, almost knocking one of them over. As she was running up the stairs to get to her chambers she was stopped by an extremely worried Gwaine. 
"Merlyn!" He cried, pulling her into his arms. "Gaius and I have been worried sick! Where have you been?!"
"I summoned Kilgharrah, he's given me the power and knowledge to heal her. I couldn't take everyone being upset when this is my fault!" Merlyn exclaimed in a whisper.

"Are you sure?" Gwaine asked. "With what you told me earlier, if she heard there may be some serious consequences, but you know I'll always support you no matter what, Merlyn bird."
"Thank you Gwaine." Merlyn said gratefully, before they took off for her chambers once again.
Upon entering the chambers they noticed Gwen was sat besides Morgana and could barely keep her eyes open.
"Gwen, why don't you go and get some sleep? You can barely keep your eyes open. I'll sit with her." Merlyn said softly.
"If she wakes up —"

"We'll call you." Gwaine promised.
"Thank you." Gwen said gratefully, stifling a yawn as she left the chambers for home. Once the door was shut Merlyn sat besides Morgana but she started to concern Gwaine as she looked like she was having a seizure. As he was about to call Gaius; she put a hand over Morgana's forehead speaking in a deep, guttural voice that sounded almost like a dragon.
"Ic pe purhhaele pinu licsar mid pam sundorcraeft paere ealdan ae!" She put a second hand over the first as her eyes flashed gold. Suddenly Morgana took in a deep breath: finally able to breathe properly, and slept more easily and peacefully now.
Merlyn sat back with a sigh as if coming back to herself.
"Are you alright?" Gwaine asked, crouching down besides Merlyn.
"Yeah, just a little drained." Merlyn replied with a tired smile.

***

The next morning as Gaius came back from his rounds he was shocked to see Uther sat holding a very much alive Morgana.
"I never thought — it's truly a miracle." Uther muttered relieved. "Gaius, can I have a word?" He asked, as they stepped out into the hall. After making sure no one was around he shook Gaius's hand gratefully.
"Thank you Gaius, I knew you would not fail me." He said gratefully, a wide smile upon his face that looked sort of deranged.
"I assure you, Sire, I did nothing." Gaius protested.
"Of course, I understand, Gaius and I will not ask questions but I certainly won't forget this." Uther promised as he left.

With Morgana healed everything seemed to go on as normal, although Merlyn had a terrible gut feeling which was not helped by Gaius's warning. It seemed later that night that Merlyn's feelings were right as Morgause snuck inside the castle and knocked out a servant causing him to land in the puddle of spilt wine that dripped off his fingers like blood. As Morgana stood on a balcony unaware of what was happening in other parts of the castle for the time being; lost in her own thoughts. She had to get away from everyone after being rejected by Uther. When she was suddenly brought out of her thoughts by the appearance of her older sister.
"Morgause?" Morgana asked, shocked and confused, on why she was here.

"Sister, I waited for you the other night. What happened?" Morgause asked with a resemblance of concern. "Something is wrong." She realised, peering at her sister closely.
"There is much to tell you, Morgause." Morgana replied, troubled.
"What is it?" She asked intrigued, ignoring her sister's troubled tone.
"I overheard Uther. He is my father!" Morgana said with disgust dripping off her tongue.
"Uther?" Morgause questioned, barely hiding her excitement.
"I am his daughter and he's been lying to me all these years. He deceived me and who I thought was my father." Morgana said hurt.

"But this is glorious news." Morgause said, thinking of her plan to take Camelot rather than her hurt and upset sister.
"Glorious news? He disowned me! He wants the people to think that he's the perfect King. It's more important to him than his own flesh and blood!" Morgana says bitterly.
"This is wonderful you have a legitimate claim to his throne." Morgause continued, as if she didn't hear sister.
"No sister." Morgana disagreed. "He must pay for this." She hissed, when the warning bell suddenly sounded.
"You need to go. I don't want you to get caught."

"No, I don't want to leave you like this." Morgause argued.
"Please, you must!" Morgana begged.
"Do not do anything rash, Morgana, promise me." Morgause implored. "We must bide our time." With one last look, Morgause left. In the other part of the castle Arthur, Gaius and Merlyn found the servant who had been attacked by Morgause. Much like when Merlyn saw the dagger: her heartbeat increased rapidly as a white noise filled her ears.
"Merlyn, what's the matter?" Gaius and Arthur asked, noticing her frightened expression.
"That was the next image I saw in the Crystals." Merlyn stuttered. "I haven't stopped anything!" She exclaimed loudly before taking off.

***

"What the hell are you doing here!" Morgana snarled, as Merlyn burst into her chambers.
"Arthur sent me. He was worried about the intruder." Merlyn explained while blocking the doorway.
"I don't need you!" Morgana snarled. "Get out of my way!" She shouted, her eyes burning a dark, dirty, gold colour; throwing Merlyn into a wall knocking her out in the process as well as knocking over a candle stand which started a fire as it fell on the drapes.
Smirking as Merlyn was no longer in her way, and would soon never be in her way again, she left her chambers as no one could stop her now as she stalked off to kill Uther.

A little while later, Merlyn awoke surrounded by fire with no escape. Coughing as her lungs filled with smoke; she let out a scream. Her magic acted to her will and created a path, allowing her to escape the rapidly spreading fire in Morgana's chambers. Once she was free and stopped coughing she raced off after the witch. Merlyn seemed to have only just got there in time as when she finally barged into Uther's chambers she saw Morgana standing above Uther's slumbering form with the dagger raised, prepared to kill. If she could kill Uther this easily, what about Arthur? Looking for a way to stop her as Morgana prepared to bring the dagger down with a malicious smirk on her face as she seemed to be enjoying this moment, Merlyn used her magic to blow the windows in just as the thunder struck. Wind, rain and glass showered across the room waking Uther with a start and throwing Morgana away from the bed causing her to drop the dagger, which fell to the floor with a clatter.

Merlyn breathed a sigh of relief and headed back to her chambers where Gaius and Gwaine were waiting for her.
"You saved the King's life." Gaius praised.
"Only just. I thought I could alter the future, but instead, I caused it. I made it happen." Merlyn sighed, shaking her head and running a hand down her face. Gwaine wrapped an arm around her shoulders, comforting her.
"What you did was dangerous, even for someone as gifted as you. But what's done is done. There are more important things for us to worry about. I fear that Morgana knows the truth." Gaius said grimly.
"About what?" asked Gwaine.

"She knows the King is her father. That explains why she acted so suddenly. Arthur must be careful, you must be careful Merlyn." Gaius said firmly.
"Why? What do you think will happen?" Gwaine asked, pulling Merlyn closer to him as if to reassure himself she was alright. That she was safe.
"Morgana is of royal blood. If Uther were to die, Arthur is all that stands between her and the throne of Camelot. And Merlyn is the Once and Future Queen." Gaius explained.
"Well, this just got complicated." Gwaine stated, sharing a concerned look with Gaius and Merlyn. 

Spells:

*Spell: O drakon, emale so ftengometta tesd'hup'anankes!"
*Meaning: O dragon, permit the appeal for an audience to speak here, fierce, wise-minded one.
*Spells: Ic pe purhhaele pinu licsar mid pam sundorcraeft paere ealdan ae!
*Meaning: I heal you thoroughly from your mortal wound with those special powers that are ancient! Oh!