Boy From The Woods

Merlin And The Witch

Arthur found himself in a large chamber much like the throne room in Camelot. Minimal starlight filtered in through the tinted windows making it necessary to have raging torches mounted on the walls and hanging from the ceiling. Men dressed in dark leather and weathered chainmail stood in attention along the sides of the chamber. At the far end Arthur recognized Cenred and his close attendant, Gailyn. He moved toward them so he could make out their whispers. 

"You're certain he will do it?"

"Yes. He's done it many times, in his head that is. I create a sort of... simulation. Very realistic mind you. I'm confident he will protect you."

"Good... good..." Arthur was surprised to see how nervous Cenred seemed. "Everything is culminating... the reason I recruited that boy in the first place..."

"I know, my Lord, but know that this is only the beginning. The boy is good for much more than just revenge. He's a powerful asset, capable of bringing down a kingdom. I can assure he is yours, Cenred. I can assure he is yours." There was something in his voice, a specific tone perhaps, that Arthur recognized. It was the same voice he used when he was sweet talking Merlin. Arthur shuddered at the sound of his melodious rasp. Who was in control here? Was it the king? or was it his servant?  

Arthur's thought was interrupted by the loud creak of the far door, pushed by a guard who stumbled in. 

"My Lord!" he said. "She's has arrived!"

"Welcome her in," Cenred said in a commanding tone, but Arthur recognized his wavering stance.  

The guard nodded and scurried back out the the large oak doors. 

"Are you ready?" Gailyn asked his king. 

Cenred nodded stiffly. 

The doors burst open as the lone witch sauntered in. She wore a signature deep red dress decorated with silver gems that trailed behind her as she walked. Her sharp features radiated daggers in every direction, most directed at the cowering king. 

"Cenred," she cooed. "I assume you are ready to kneel to my wishes? I have given you a good fortnight to decide. What'll it be? Will you rule with me? or will you fall under me?"

"You have no right to assert power over your king, Morgause," he growled. 

She laughed. "It doesn't matter if I have the right. The matter is that I can. I told you many years ago I would come to call for your assistance. Now I am here. You will help me take over Camelot, or you will die and your kingdom will fall."

"I'm afraid you're wrong, Morgause."

She raised her eyebrows. "Oh? I am?"

Gailyn stepped foward. 

The enchantress laughed. "You think this man can defend you from me? This sorcerer is a mere illusionist, a mere trickster. His petty mind tricks will not fool me!"

"It's not me you have to worry about, my Lady." Gailyn said, trying to sound intimidating. He succeeded. 

Morgause's eyes flitted back to the king. "Cenred, what is your vermin of a sorcerer talking about."

The king didn't answer, only gesturing for Gailyn to begin. Gailyn held out his hand and from behind the king's throne a young boy appeared cautiously, grasping Gailyn's hand. He looked nervously up at the taller man. Arthur was horrified by how young he looked. In most of the memories he'd seen, Merlin had been at least thirteen or older, but here he looked eight or nine at most. His fresh face and eyes peering terrified at the older magic user across the room. Gailyn led him forward to face Morgause.