Le Morte 'd Arthur

(MERLIN'S POV)

_____________________

"So tell me again why we must be up at the crack of dawn?" I asked saddling the prince's horse as I held back a mighty yawn.

"Because Merlin we have received reports from the people of a magical creature attacking anyone who goes into the forest. As the crown prince it is my duty to investigate these sightings." He stated not even gracing me with a glance as he checked on his knights waiting to leave.

"Yeah but does it have to be so early?" I whined finishing his stirups and mounting my own horse.

"Shut up Merlin." Arthur sighed exasperated pulling himself into his horses saddle.

"Lets move out. I won't to be home before dark." Arthur called waving every one forward. Rolling my eyes and softly nudging my horse into a light canter. I followed the prat out the gates.  We have only been out searching for half an hour when the first calls of the creature are heard. Sending our horses into a blind panic and bucking us off. Its a miracle non of us are badly hurt as we watch our horse speed away toward Camelot.

"Well thats bloody terrific." Arthur mutters getting to his feet and brushing himself off. The others quickly following. Pushing myself to my feet

I

wearily scan our surroundings for the creature. That call sounded close by.

"Well might as well start heading back to camelot. Can't do anything with our gear still tied to our..." Arthurs words were drowned out by the creatures cry. Expect this time it sounded so much closer. Nervously we all glance to the right only to gasp in horror at the giant snake like creature charging toward us.

"RUN!!" No one had to tell me twice. With in seconds we were all booking it through the forest. Hearts pounding as our terror increased. I yelped in fright as my foot tangled with a fallen branch. Sending me plummeting to the ground. Groaning and turning over I stare in fright as the beast charges toward me. I attempt to rise only to cry out in pain as my ankle refuses my weight. I am certain this is the end, but before it can take a bite out of me Arthur is there. Scooping me into his arms and racing away with me.

Making it to the clearing. The creature no where in sight we sigh in relief. Relieved grins adorning everyone's faces as we rejoiced in surviving another day. That relief disappears in an instant though when we realize. There's one missing.

"Where is sir baldwin?" Arthur worriedly demands.  His question is soon anwsered as a scream of pure pain filled terror rends the sinlence of the forest. Unconsciously Arthur pulls me closer to his chest as he cradles me still in his arms. We may have survived but at the cost of our comrade.

_______________

"Giaus what do you make of this creature? Have you ever heard of such a beast?" Uther enquires leaning forward in his throne to rest his elbows on his knees as his chin rests on his hands.

"Aye sire. It is known as a questing beast. Legends say that it only appears as a warning of a great upheaval or terrible event soon to take place. Its bite is supposedly fatal to all that recieves it. There is no cure." Gauis solemnly replies as I stand watching from the shadows.

As soon as Arthur and I had returned. The prince had carried me to Gauis where he shoed the prince away. As soon as the door had closed on the prince I had used my magic to heal my ankle. Earning me a wack from Gauis. Thankfully Arthur bought Gauis lie that it was just bruised and would be right as rain tomorrow morning.  Otherwise Gauis might have murdered me if Arthur had figured out my magic by that display.

"Is there any way to kill it?" Uther asks making me want to roll my eyes at him. He always asks that but never listens to Gauis anwser.

"No mortal weapon can kill it. So as of right now I have no ideas on how to face the creature."

"There must be a way. Arthur you will take your men out tomorrow morning and slay the beast."

"Sire I must protest this action. The knights swords won't be able to kill it. Its a suicide mission to go out there after narrowly escaping today." Once again Uthers pride shones through as he waves off Gauis concern. Rolling his eyes.  As usual.

"None sense I am sure the one's who tried before weren't nearly as skilled as my son." Uther chuckled causing Arthur to puff out his chest in pride at the praise.

"Now enough of this. This meeting is over. You all are dismissed." Uther stated leaving the room. Gauis sighing in exasperation, and scrubbing a hand over his weary face, soon followed.  Tomorrow is going to be a long day.

_____________

"NO ARTHUR YOU CANNOT GO!! NOOO!!" Morgana screamed racing down the palace stairs in her night gown. Her hair a mess, eyes wild as she raced to the bewildered prince. Arthur stepping forward caught her trembling form in his arms. Her own arms rising to secure themselves around his neck.

"Please don't go. Not safe." Morgana begged sobbing hysterically into his chest. Arthur gently pushing her away tilted her head up so he was looking into her eyes.

"Morgana what ever is the matter?" Arthur asked confused.

"I saw you die. You were bitten and you died." Arthurs face instantly cleared at that. Understanding lighting his eyes. Morgana seeing this scowled through her tears pushing away and stomping her foot.

"Its not just another nightmare. Its a vision.  I saw it. If you go today you will die."

"Guards please escort Morgana to Gauis. Tell him she is in need of another tonic for a nightmare." Arthur calmly stated no longer addressing the hysterical princess. 

"No Arthur. You can't go. Please." She screamed fighting against the guards as she was dragged away. Arthur nodding approvingly and deciding the conversation was over turned away. Swinging himself onto his horse beside me before kicking his horse into a canter. Me on the other hand. Couldn't help but feel a sense of foreboding at her warning. Morganas nightmares rarely ard just nightmares.

____________

"GAUIS!!" I screamed bursting through the physicans door as the knights followed with Arthurs limp body. Uther hot on our trail.

"Lay him here. What happened?" Gauis demanded fussing over the barely breathing prince.

"The questing beast. It bit him right before Arthur landed the killing blow." I stated leaving out the part where I used my magic to destroy it after everyone was knocked out. Gauis grimaced at that. His hands shaking as he took a step back. Sorrow in his eyes as he glanced up at the worried king behind me.

"I am sorry sire but there is nothing I can do. There is no cure for the Questing beasts bite."

"No there has to be something.  He can't... no there has to be a way." Uther demanded repeating himself in his growing horror.

"I'm sorry tgere is nothing more I can do." The room fell silent at that. After a moment the king stepped forward. Gathering Arthur into his arms before leaving the room.

"I will take him back to his room. Keep looking for a cure." Uther snapped before disappearing from view. Once gone I immediately turn to Gauis.

"Is there anything I can do. A magical way to cure him prehaps?" Gauis merely shakes his eyes. Tears gathering in his eyes.

"No my dear. I am afraid even magic can't help Arthur this time." Gauis sighed turning away from me and exiting the room. No doubt to camp out in the library looking for a cure. Well if Gauis can't help me I know someone who can.

______________

"No Merlin. There is no cure for the Questing beasts bite." Kilgharrah stated watching me stomp my foot in agrivation.

"There has to be something I can do. His destiny can't just end here."

"Once bitten by the questing beast a life will be taken. 100%, but there is a way to save him. So long as you are willing to accept the price."

"I'll do anything.  What do I have to do." I begged hope flaring to life once more.

"You must first promise when the time comes you will release me from my prision and than I will tell you." He stated waiting for my response.

"Yes yes I promise. Now what is it?" I promised off handedly. He looked like he doubted my promise but still he told me.

"The cup of life can revive anyone on the brink of death. You can find it at the isle of the blest guarded by the high priestest. There is a catch though. To save a life, a life must be given in exchange. To save Arthur another must die in his place." Kilgharrah warned.

"I understand. I will offer my life in exchange. Tell me how to get to the isle."

___________

"You!!" I gasped freezing in place. My eyes widening at the sight of the priestest waiting for me.

"Hello again Merlin." Nimueh laughed. Eyes dancing in mirth as she regarded me.

"But you tried to kill Arthur and I. How can you be the high priestest the dragon spoke of." She rolled her eyes at that.

"I did not realize your importance before. Besides it is not Arthur's destiny to die by my hand. You came here for another than to yell at me I presume." She asked raising an eyebrow. Swallowing my reservations. I steeled my resolve.

"Yes Arthur was bit by the Questing beast. I came here for the cup of life." I replied watching warily as she began to circle me where I stood.

"Hmm and are you prepared?"

"I know a life must be taken in exchange. I willingly offer mine in exchange for Arthur's." She paused at that. His smile widening into a wicked grin as she walked to a raised dias. Only than did I notice the golden cup sitting a top it. Raising her hand I flinched as rain fell from the sky. Filling the cup with water. Clearing away the clouds she brought the cup over to me. Placing it in my hands a grin on her lips.

"Very well. Have Arthur drink this and he shall live." With that she waved her hand transporting me inside my bedroom in seconds. Blinking away my shock at suddenly being home I hurried toward Arthur's chambers. Bursting inside. I ignored the curious stares of Gauis and Gwen. Pouring the liquid down Arthurs throat. Gauis who had moved closer while I worked paled at the markings on the cup. He remained silent as Gwen was still in the room. Though I had no doubt he would flay my butt latter for my recklessness. 

"What did you just give him Merlin." Gwen curiously inquired moving closer. Gauis and I shared a brief glance before replying.

"I sent Merlin to gather ingredients for an ancient tonic I found in my research. We hope it will cure the Questing beast bite." Gauis came up with on the spot. Gwen seeming satified turned her attention to the rag in her hand. Using it to wipe the sweat from Arthurs brow as Gauis and I left the room.

"What did you do?" Gauis hissed rounding on me the moment we were alone.

"What I had to do." I calmly replied not even blinking an eye.

"Do you have any idea the consequences of using that cup?" Instead of answering. I merely smiled sadly at him. My eyes filled with pain.

"Oh Merlin." Gauis sighed drawing me into a bone crushing hug.

__________

Gaze trained upon my bedroom ceiling. I found sleep eluding me as I waited to die. I wonder if it will hurt. Or will I just fall asleep and never wake up again. Will Arthur miss me. I felt my heart twinge painfully at that.

After seeing Arthur laying there so close to death. I realized something.  Something that I never believed in a million years would happen.  I am in love with the prat. I just wished I could have told him before dying. Oh well. I doubt he will notice my absence much anyway. I yawned closing my eyes as I finally drifted off to sleep.

Blinking open my eyes the next day I frowned in confusion as I woke up alive. I didn't even feel sick. In fact I felt better than ever. Getting up and dressing myself. I rushed out my room to tell Gauis the good news. Only to freeze in place. Staring in horror at the sight before me. My mother laying on a cot covered in welts. Looking like death itself. I knew instantly what had happened.  I didn't see Gauis but at the moment my thoughts were else as I raced from the room. Heading toward the dungeons. Upon reaching the cave. I shouted angrilly into the darkness.

"Kilgharrah!!!"

"Young witch whatever is the matter." He asked. Calmly landing upon his rock in front of me.

"You know bloody well whats wrong. You lied to me." I spat balling my shaking hands into fists.

"I did not lie. Merely did not tell you whose life would be taken."

"You knew they wouldn't accept my life. You knew and said nothing."

"Yes I knew. Yours and Arthur's destiny is too important for the exchange to work on you. You are unable to be taken so the old religion chose another. One whose death wouldn't affect the balance."

"My Mother is lying dying on a cot and all you can say is her death won't affect anyone."

"I did not say that. It may effect you but it won't affect the balance." I fumed at that. Furious at his lack of concern.

"I never should have trusted you. You are nothing but a cranky over grown lizard who is only concerned with his freedom. Well let me tell you this. I will never free you. You can stay down here and rot for all I care."

"MERLIN." He shouted straining against his chains as I began to walk away. Stopping and looking hatefully over my shoulder. I addressed him one last time.

"You shouldn't have kept this from me. Goodbye Kilgharrah." With that I left. Determination brewing in my mind.

____________

"Arthur." I softly called stepping into the room. A smile on my face as his beautiful blue eyes trained on me from his desk.

"Shouldn't you be resting?" I teased noticing him doing some paperwork.

"Shouldn't you be mucking the stalls?" He threw back. I merely laughed enjoying hearing his voice once more.

"Arthur I need to talk to you." I announced wiping away my smile in seconds.

"Merlin haven't you realized yet. I decide when we talk." He teased trying but failing to lighten the mood. Smiling sadly at my prince I shook my head.

"Not this time." He rolled his eyes at that. Setting down his quill he focused his attention on me.

"Alright Merlin. What is so important that you are interrupting my work."

"I just wanted to say its been an honor serving you. I am proud to be your maidservant. And until the day I die I will gladly serve you." He frowned at that. Eyebrows crinkling in concern.

"Your not quitting are you?" He asked worry tinting his voice.

"No of course not. I will serve you until the day I die. You are a wonderful prince, and I know one day you will make an extraordinary kimg. Just ... don't be a prat, and I l... I will always be loyal to you." I finished unable to find the courage to confess my feelings. Smiling one last time at the concerned prince. I left before he could respond. Now to say bye to Gauis.

Yet as I walked into our home I found only my dying mother present. A note on the table. Picking it up. I pale as I skim over the words.

"Merlin,

It has been a joy having you in my home. Over this past year I have come to see you as a daughter. I am grateful for the time we have spent together but this is goodbye. I know after seeing your mother you will want to try again, but you still have so much life a head of you my dear. I am just a feeble old man with one foot in the grave. Honor an old mans dying wish and let me give you this last gift. Goodluck my dear and goodbye.

Gauis." No no. He can't. No. Gauis! I mentally screamed racing from the room and praying I am not to late.

___________

"Nimueh!!" I yelled marching into the isle of the blest. Eyes blazing in anger.

"Merlin my dear. Lovely seeing you again." The witch sang stepping cheerfully from the shadows.

"Where's Gauis?" I demanded glaring at her. Instead of answering. She merely smiled pointing at something behind me. A sense of foreboding filling my heart I slowly turned. Gasping in shock and racing foreward as Gauis limp form came into view.

"Gauis!" I yelled falling to my knees and feeling for a pulse. I breathed a sigh of relief when I felt one. It was weak and barely there, bit it was there. Rising once more to my feet I scowled at the priestest smirking at me.

"You were supposed to take me. Not my mother, and not Gauis!" I spat earning me an eyeroll.

"Oh come now Emrys. Your destiny is too important to throw away. The old religion would never have accepted your sacrifice in the first place." She laughed grinning.

"You didn't tell me that."

"And why would I tell you when your misery is the best thing I've seen all day." She sang unaware of the quickly darking sky and the howling wind.

"I may not have known it would take that donkey of a woman but I can't say i am not pleased. Now the world is one waste of space les..." Thunder cracked menacingly over head as my power shone brightly in my eyes. Letting instict take control I lifted my hand before bringing it swiftly back to my side. A bolt of lightning zipping from the sky and incengrating Nimueh where she stood in seconds.

Sparing one last glance at the ash quickly blowing away in the wind. I turned away. Hurrying toward Gauis who was still lying motionless on the ground. Gathering him into my arms. I gently shook him. Terrified that I would lose him too. Nearly cried with joy as Gauis eyes finally blinked open. Before they found me. A small smile playing on his tired face as I held him close.

"Don't ever scare me like that again." I whispered nuzzling my face into his shoulder.

____________

"Merlin there you are I need your opinion on something. " Arthur called. Stopping me on my way to do his laundry. It had been a week since Arthurs recovery and already he was strutting around like a newly hatched peacock. Turning to him I readjusted the basket in my arms as I waited for him to speak.

"What kind of things do girls like?" I froze at that. My heart thumping painfully within me as dread began to haunt me.

"Well. It depends on the girl. Who is it your trying to woe?" I playfully asked. Focing my voice to remain light as I plastered a smile on my face.

"Gwen. I realized after I woke up to her nursing me back to health. That she is just the kind of woman I want by myside. She is kind, patient, considerate. Soft spoken, and beautiful." Arthur listed not noticing my struggle to hold back tears as he listed everything I was not.

"Very true in deed. Well Gwen is very big on sentimental things. Maybe you should take her on a picnic. I am sure she would love that." I weakly offered.

"Thats a perfect idea. Thanks Merlin I knew I could count on you." He laughed patting my shoulder as he walked away. Oblivious to my heart shattering into pieces. Tears welling up in my crystal blue eyes. Racing to the empty laundry room. I threw the basket down. Before sliding to the ground against a wall. Wrapping my arms around my legs. I buried my head in my knees cried.