Merlin POV

Despite being thrown back into the cell we were joined by a small roll of bread each. Most of us teared the loaf in half - to save for later - but Gwaine had already wolfed his down.

Arthur sighed with dejection, "I've never felt so helpless."

"I know Princess, it sucks." Grumbled Gwaine, his face vacant. I swallowed the piece of bread i was chewing on, "these cuffs have dampened my magic - it's still there, i can feel it - but it's almost like it's being choked." I announced, not aiming the statement at anyone, the silence was just so stifling. 

"I can feel it too, although mine seem to have less carvings than yours." Answered Mordred. Gaius shuffled over slowly and inspected the cuffs. "These flowers here," he began, motioning to the engraved plants, "are monkshood." 

I saw Arthur nod in agreement, concluding, "or commonly known as Wolfsbane."

I saw Lancelot stiffen at the words, he looked up at me - "Had a nasty encounter with some wolfsbane. I am confused though; Wolfsbane works almost instantly, even in the smallest of doses." warned Lancelot.

"Monkshood can be enchanted to act differently, i fear Merlin may not be able to transform, not of his own volition, whilst these cuffs stay on your wrists." explained Gaius

"And my magic?" i questioned, which was far more important to me, "i can see some runes carved into the metal - Old Religion?" I suggested as Gaius peered in closer

"Yes, i believe so. That is what is blocking your magic."

I sighed: will there ever be a simple year at Camelot? " It appears that this is a reinforced enchantment, unlike Mordred who seems to have the original form of the enchantment.

"Morgana hasn't seemed to take as many precautions with you." frowned Elyan

"I believe she still sees me as the young child she befriended - when she was good. We still have a connection, one i can't quite sever." replied Mordred thoughtfully.

"It would help if we knew what Morgana was really planning... why would she want to go out 'hunting'?" grimaced Gwen.

"I don't know Gwen, and i don't like not knowing." muttered Arthur to the floor.

"Why can't we just rip the door of their hinges!" suggested Leon, face lighting up with the hope of escape.

"Oh yeah," Gwaine snorted, "the quiet approach."

"Well you haven't provided many ideas." Retorted Leon, nerves beginning to stretch past their limit. Gwaine stood up angrily, but he couldn't go too far.

"Calm down, arguments are the last thing that we need," I warned, stepping inbetween the both of them, "what we need to do is think of a fool proof plan to get us all out of here."

"It would be so easy." gritted Leon

"I know that but -," i lowered my voice slightly, "if she carries on thinking only I am a wolf then she'll never suspect any of you and we'll have the element of surprise."

Leon glared at me, "since when did you make the orders?" he replied. Leon's wolf was beginning to take control of his senses, this small cell didn't help.

"Leon i don't think this is necessary." Interjected Arthur, rising to his feet. It didn't seem to matter to Leon,

"You're not the alpha Merlin so do me a favour: don't act like one."

I turned away and muttered lightly "you're not exactly acting like one."

"What did you say?" he questioned and took a couple of steps forward. I stood firm and looked him in the eye. He raised a fist but Lancelot shot up at this movement and roared defensively, eyes glowing an angry yellow. Leon turned and roared at Lancelot, eyes flashing the dangerous red with the primal noise making Gwen jump. Lancelot withdrew, unable to go against his alpha. 

"What did you say, Merlin?" repeated Leon until we were face to face - noses almost touching. He placed a hand on my chest and pushed me, i stumbled slightly but regained my balance

"Leon! Stop!" shouted Arthur, standing up strode into the small gap between us both. Even Leon couldn't resist the glare from the King of Camelot. With a final flash of red, he returned to the dark corner to brood. I nodded at Arthur and he nodded back.

"I think you all might want to see this." Mentioned Lancelot. Everyone turned towards him, in his hands was a horn. The knights seemed to recognise it.

"Is that?-" started Gwaine

"Yes." answered Lancelot, a trace of hope in his voice. 

He scanned over the horn for damage and the passed it to me. As it entered my hands, a small piece of parchment floated down onto my lap. I opened it, many sets of eager eyes staring at it. It was blank except for a solitary line in the middle of the parchment. 

"A secret to only those in the pack." 

As i recited those words more appeared.

I gave this horn to you, Knights, in the hope that it would read Merlin's hands. If this is being read then all has gone to plan. This is for the whole pack: Arthur, Gaius and Gwen, I hope you already knew you were included.

I lied about the horn; it won't call me but summon someone else. Use this paper to write a message to Tunstall, leader of the South Mercia pack. They'll help you and explain this further Once you have written the message, you all need to drop a pinprick of blood onto the parchment, once everyone has the parchment will reach Tunstall undetected. You'll know when the time is right. 

Kilgharrah.

Like that, a strip of charcoal dropped form the parchment once the last words had slipped from my tongue.

"Kilgharrah speaks true, Tunstall is an honourable wolf and despite difficulties within Mercia, our loyalty has always been strong." informed Leon, shooting me an apologetic look.

"Well, i feel like the time is now, wouldn't you all agree?" spoke Gwaine, the twinkle returning to his eye.

There's hope for this pack yet...

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Sorry for it taking almost a year, i apologise!

Hopefully this will make up slightly for it, i have a notebook with the complete plan so updating should be more frequent. Sometimes it can be quite difficult for inspiration as there are no new episodes for me to take inspiration from. 4 years since it has finished! Still can't believe it.

Hope everyone has a good New Year :)