Albion: The Beginning of the End (A Merlin fanfic) - Book 2

New Generations (Part 2)

Axel passed the busyness of the hallways as he headed towards his destination.

Being a knight was a dream come true for him and he took pride in every mission whether it was saving a girl or a kingdom. He watched as the servants and guards cleaned up the palace, some of them dragging the bodies of the dead out of the hallways or wiping off the blood that had splattered on the walls and floors.

Axel's heart was filled with both sadness and anger at how his father had conducted himself, how his father had such a flippant view of human life. Even after Arthur relayed the news that his father was dead, Axel felt no grief over this man. He was just angry at what his father had done.

However, deep down in his heart, the young knight held a speck of pity for his deceased father, for he knew that his father was led astray long ago. The knight knew, according to his maid, that his father was always looking for more. More power to become known and respected. But in his search for great power he forgot the purpose of it and how it was meant to be used. Thus Axel could not do much except let him go, which he did.

Axel came to the dungeons, retrieving the keys that hung on the nearby wall and taking a torch from its sconces, he started his search through the cells.

There were no guards or soldiers to be seen and Axel assumed it was due to the defeat that befell the enemy.

After going through all the cells his mission was in vain until he remembered the deep cell that held only the most vile and dangerous traitors of Camelot. He headed towards that cell.

The knight looked through the small opening that allowed him to see into the holding cell and there lying on the straw covered floor was a black lump huddled underneath the fading light of the sun.

He didn't waste time as he placed the torch on the floor, unlocked the cell's door and hurried over to the person.

The person appeared to be sleeping so he gently shook them.

"Wake up," he whispered, careful not to frighten them. The figure let out a weak moan. From the discolouring around their eyes as well as the bags underneath, it was clear that this person was exhausted. Their pale skin showed that they were not in a very good condition.

"Come on, wake up. I need to get you out of here but I need you to get up so I can help you," Axel said, still whispering.

The person moved over slightly, a lock of blond hair escaping from the hood. Axel took the opportunity to remove the hood and saw a girl. He gently moved her face so that he could properly see her. Suddenly he released her, his face revealing the shock and surprise that was coursing through his heart.

"Cecilia?" he asked in utter bewilderment.

At the mention of her name her eyes opened. It had been a while since she heard someone using her name.

"Yes?" the girl answered weakly. Then her eyes went wide for a brief second before she closed them again due to the amount of energy she was exerting, her mind filling with the image of the face that she had just seen; the face that she never forgot.

"How-" Axel was still in shock at the revelation that came upon him but then he realised that he had to get her out of there and treat her.

"Come on, Cecilia. Let's go," he said.

The girl murmured in agreement as the weakness came over her again.

The knight supported her back as he helped her to sit up and then ever so carefully he braced her under the arms and legs, carrying her out of the cell and towards the exit.