Amelia's Story (BBC Merlin Story)

Chapter 43: The Coming of Arthur Part One

A/N: Thank you to everyone that has voted on chapters and added this story to their reading lists.

——

Amelia's POV

Uther holds a Camelot Knight's cape that is blood stained and torn in the Council Chambers. Everyone is gathered.

"It was Cenred who did this, you're certain of it?" Uther questions his son as they stand opposite each other. Amelia watches sombrely from her seat next to Morgana.

Arthur nods in much the same way as Amelia is feeling. "Yes, My Lord. His messenger has only this minute departed Camelot. Cenred said that the patrol trespassed on his land and an example had to be made."

"How many dead?"

"All of them, Sire. Every last man." Amelia's stomach drops.

Uther is in shock. "The Knights?"

"All lost. Edric, Oldof, Osric, and Sir Leon."

Everyone stares at each other in horror and surprise, the atmosphere is gloomy.

——

In a turn of events, Arthur is welcoming Sir Leon in the Council Chambers a couple of nights later.

"We thought you were dead for sure." Arthur tells him happily as he steps back from giving the Knight a weird arm hug.

"I was dead, or as good as, until the Druids found me." Leon explains. This causes everyone to pause.

Uther freezes. "Druids?"

Leon nods. "Yes, My Lord. I owe them my life."

"How did they heal you? You were as good as dead, you said." Uther wonders.

"I don't know." Leon responds.

"Did they use magic?" Uther demands to know. Amelia watches curiously from her seat.

Leon hesitates. "Well, I..."

"Yes or no, it's a simple enough question." Uther tells him impatiently.

"I only know that I drank from some kind of cup, Sire—" Leon finally answers.

Uther cuts him off. "Cup?"

"It was extraordinary, My Lord." Leon explains. "I have known nothing like it. From the moment it touched my lips, I could feel my life return to me."

In the room, people look puzzled, concerned and inquisitive.

Uther seems to want to say more but realises he's in public and stops himself. "Well, your trials have left you weary, I'm sure. We must let him rest."

Amelia knows Uther is suspicious. Amelia is herself. It sounds awfully similar.

——

Morgana had noticed Arthur heading towards a secluded corridor and decided that they needed to have a listen in. She must've noticed something going on like Amelia had. Not good.

They stop and stand behind a pillar as they listen to father and son.

"You called for me, Father?" Amelia hears Arthur say. She can't see them.

"Cenred is our sworn enemy. We cannot risk him getting his hands on the Cup of Life." The Cup of Life?! That makes sense with how well Leon is.

"I know, Father."

"You must retrieve it. Your mission must remain secret; you can speak to no one of this." Uther orders. Amelia really doesn't think this is wise. Morgana knows about it, she'll want to tell Morgause and they'll now find out where it is now that Arthur will move it.