"Over the beast doomed to the fire this is the chant, scatter of wits, frenzy and fear, hurting the heart, song of the Furies binding brain and blighting blood in its stringless melody."

-Aeschylus

The Furies flew down from on high, writhing snakes in place of their hair and blood falling from their weeping eyes, with only one thing on their minds.

Vengeance.

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HOUSE RHYL

The Shades of Beladur

Gustaf Skarsgard 

as 

Aneirin Rhyl

"Beladur is in ruins, and I am its King."

Michelle Ryan 

as 

Nimueh Rhyl

"Uther Pendragon will pay for his crimes, of that you can be certain."

Basil Eidenbenz 

as 

Osian Rhyl

"I bear the scars of this war, and I will not rest till all those guilty bear them too."

Synnove Karlsen 

as 

Mairead Rhyl 

"For centuries, my ancestors understood the power of mercy, but there is no room for forgiveness in my heart, only revenge."

Jessica Brown Findlay 

as 

Caitrin Rhyl

"I want to help, truly, but I'm not even sure what it is we're fighting for."

Raffey Cassidy 

as 

Alys Rhyl

"What was it like before it all began to burn?"

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The Kingdom of Beladur sits in ruins, and House Rhyl is its guardian. 

What was once a haven for the magical beings of Albion is no more. Instead, it's a vestige of a near-forgotten age, razed by the forces of Camelot during the Great Purge. The majesty of the once great land now exists only in memories, destined to fade away as the old generation returns to dust and a new age takes their place. 

But those who remember, who can still recall a time when they were free of persecution, will not let those days pass so quietly. Some hold onto the past, so scarred by time they can't live in the present. Others wield it like a blade, unwilling to move on till their thirst for vengeance is slaked. 

Aneirin Rhyl finds himself trapped in his grief, swallowed whole by the guilt he carries. King of Beladur and all its people, Aneirin, could not protect them; worst of all, he could not protect the one he loved the most. So instead, he wanders the decrepit palace of his family, halfway between life and death. 

Nimueh Rhyl can not find it in herself to follow her brother's path. Instead, she plans. Revenge will not bring back her people or return her home to its former state, but it will honor the thousands of innocents Uther slaughtered in his rage. It was her actions that Uther used to justify his genocide, and for his failure to kill her, Nimueh will inflict the same pain he sowed across the kingdoms onto House Pendragon. 

Osian Rhyl was supposed to inherit the throne of Beladur, leading his people to lives of peace and prosperity. But fate is cruel. The population of Beladur is lost to time and distance. For the future that was taken from him, Osian seeks justice. In his mind, it is the purpose chosen for him. As a child of six, when Camelot's forces sacked his home, Osian was old enough to understand the truth. Even if the memories began to fade, his face alone was a stark reminder. Scarred by the blades of Pendragon soldiers, Osian was marked by fate, destined to be the champion of his people if he could not be their king.

Mairead Rhyl was not raised to hate. She was brought up to heal, taught to help those in need, and never raise a hand against another living being. But how can Mairead live a life of peace when her people are persecuted? How is she supposed to hold hope and kindness in her heart when all she feels is anger? There is a fire burning in Mairead, one she dares not douse, even if it threatens to consume her.

Caitrin Rhyl wishes she could be like her sister or brother, firm in their convictions, unwavering and absolute. But she is none of those things. Caitrin is not a warrior or a healer; she has no great skill with magic or a blade. All that Caitrin knows is how to be invisible, fading away till not even a trace is left. Every day, Caitrin wishes to be useful, not just the forgotten child but someone of importance. 

Alys Rhyl, the youngest of her family, has no recollection of the grandeur her people once enjoyed. She also can't remember a time her family was whole. All Alys knows is Mairead and Osian in place of her parents, nurturing and loving her the way a mother and father should. Often left to her own devices, Alys finds herself deep in her people's histories, desperate to discover what her family aches to return to. 

The members of House Rhyl are fractured, haunted by the spirits of the past. Uther Pendragon has torn them asunder, and the furies have set their eyes on Camelot's King. Like the tales of old, those left behind will raze House Pendragon to the ground, leaving none behind. But fate is a fickle mistress who enjoys her games; even the wisest cannot foretell her great designs. When she sets her eyes on the hearts of a Pendragon son and Rhyl daughter, the world as they know it shifts. Hatred fades, and hearts soften, washing away decades of blood. But fate is not the only player. Death will have his way in the end, no matter what fate has planned, and true love is his favorite bond to break. 

AUTHORS NOTE

Why am I posting yet another story? Because I'm seasonally depressed and have no impulse control. 

But in truth, I'm really excited for this because I finally get to write some enemies to lovers. Also, I love game of thrones, but I need a break from writing just that. I love Merlin so much, and this is actually just a grand scheme for me to rewatch the show (just kidding, not really though). I'm so excited to write this because it will be very different than what I'm writing right now.

The Rhyl family is my favorite murderous family ever, they deserve the world! Mairead and Osian are going to be causing our favorite sorcerer some trouble, so be prepared for hijinks and chaos to ensue. This accidentally became extremely influenced by Greek myth, specifically Greek tragedies. I ended up playing a lot into the idea of revenge, and the main story I found influence from was The Eumenides. This book will also follow the rough structure of a Greek Tragedy. By that, I mean it's going to have 5 acts. So essentially, each season is its own act. I know that is a lot, but I promise it will make sense. Keep an eye out for that.

Also, this goes without saying, but I will not be accepting any Gwen slander, especially when it's clearly just poorly veiled racism. I respect your ships, whatever they may be (even Merthur), but that doesn't give you the right to be a racist a-hole. I'm hoping that everyone who stumbles upon this book is kind and thoughtful, but if any stray Gwen haters show up, then be aware this is not the space for you!

Final note, Merlin and all the characters do not belong to me, but the Rhyls and their storylines do. Please don't steal anything or try to pass it off as your own. Thank you in advance. 

Now that my PSA is done, please enjoy and leave a vote and comment!