"Gaius, we've been searching for two hours and every minute we spend looking here, the less time we have to help Arthur. We need to hurry!" Merlin's agitated plea broke through the sound of shuffling papers.
"I know, Merlin, but we need to find a way to defeat a shapeshifter otherwise we'd be of no use to Arthur," Gaius replied.
They continued to look for a way to defeat the unexpected creature by looking through the physician's numerous books of ancient knowledge and science.
"Aha!" Gaius said triumphantly.
"Did you find it?" Merlin asked, rushing over to the old man's side.
"Take a look at this," Gaius said, pointing to the ancient scribbles.
They peered at the old stiff pages taking in as much information as they could.
"We'll need Arthur, Gaius. He's able to do this," Merlin said.
"Yes, but at what cost to his life, Merlin? Arthur may be skilled in sword fighting, but his ability as a warrior won't be enough to keep him," said Gaius worriedly.
"I know," Merlin replied. "But I'll be by his side as I always am."
Gaius nodded in agreement feeling proud of the man in front of him.
"Come on. Let's go find Arth-" but Merlin's sentence was cut off by a darkness that enveloped the castle. Merlin looked out the window and saw a black cloud roll over the sun causing it to become as dark as night.
"What is that?" Merlin asked.
"That is powerful magic," Gaius said, a slight tremor in his voice. "A shapeshifter doesn't possess such power. I can only think of one that does."
Both men locked gazes in disbelief.
"No. No it can't be," Merlin breathed out. "We have to get to Arthur."
Merlin and Gaius found Arthur fighting in the main square. The king and his knights were fighting off the soldiers and men that were under Lord Murrin's power.
The people of Camelot were fleeing for their lives, ducking and dodging debris or any flying object that could harm them while the king fought to protect them.
"Arthur!" Merlin yelled as he ran up to the king, the physician following closely.
He saw Arthur fight two more men and then head towards him. Merlin saw the anxiety in his friend's face and he felt guilty that he would be adding more to his worries.
"Merlin! What are you doing here? We don't have much time, you need to find Murrin and stop him otherwise we won't make it," Arthur said, panting for breath.
"I know," Merlin said. "But there's something you need to know. Murrin's a shapeshifter."
"A shapeshifter?" Arthur asked.
"There isn't time to explain, but I'll need your help," Merlin replied.
"Okay, but first I need to make sure Guinevere is safe. I don't want to risk anything happening to her while I'm occupied," Arthur said, turning to leave with the warlock.
"Sire, leave that to me," said the old physician.
"Thank you, Gaius," Arthur replied. At that moment, he saw Axel fighting off some men.
"Axel!" the king shouted.
The knight pulled his sword out of an enemy soldier. He wiped his brow with his gloved hand and jogged towards the king.
YOU ARE READING
Albion: The Beginning of the End (A Merlin fanfic) - Book 2
Fanfiction"The adventure continues..." ****** In the midst of darkness, in the midst of distress and despair, the King of Camelot and Warlock rise up to defeat the evil that has taken over the kingdom. In saving their people, the duo discover some hidden trut...
