𝕭𝖔𝖔𝖐 𝕿𝖍𝖗𝖊𝖊
𝔖𝔲𝔪𝔪𝔞𝔯𝔶: The fate of an entire kingdom rests upon the shoulders of a young woman, the love of her life, and their best friend. Will they be able to find the strength to beat the hardships that come with that responsibility...
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📍 Ealdor
⏳November, 507 AD
By some heavenly miracle, we managed to reach the mouth of the cave without any incidents and Merlin hurried everyone inside. "I will cover our tracks, you keep going!" he called out. I hung back with him and drew my bow.
"Astraea! Come on!" Arthur yelled.
"Go, we'll catch up!" I replied.
"I am not leaving without you!"
"Sorry, Sire. It's my knightly duty to protect you."
"Astraea!"
Merlin placed a hand on my shoulder and leaned down to whisper, "Go. I cannot summon Kilgharrah if he is watching." I gave him a wary look, dreading what could happen to him if I don't stick by his side – even if the idea is irrational because he's basically a superhero with powers and all. "I'll be fine. Go."
"Fine," I grumbled and gave him a quick hug before running towards Arthur, who promptly grabbed my hand as we took off sprinting through the narrow tunnel.
I slid to a stop after about a minute, unwilling to keep moving until my brother caught up.
"Why are you stopping?" Tristan asked, looking concerned as his gaze darted between Arthur and I.
"Y'all can keep going if you want. I'm waitin' for Merls," I responded, fixing my eyes on the dark passage behind me.
I heard faint footsteps and drew my bow again as I took a deep breath.
To my relief, Merlin emerged from the shadows, panting slightly but sporting a small grin. I lowered my weapon and ran to hug him. He squeezed me tightly for a moment before we let go and continued walking.
"Did you lose them?" Arthur asked.
My brother nodded. "It's safe."
"Are you sure?"
"Do I look like an idiot?"
"Yes."
"You're supposed to say 'thank you'," I told the King in a mumble while sending him a semi-playful glare. He really could've learned more from his simpleton self.
He nudged my side gently and slipped his hand into mine.
Some four minutes later, we found a fork in the path.
"Which way now?" Arthur inquired.
I watched my brother as he hesitantly looked between the two paths, a pensive frown forming upon his features.
"I thought you said you grew up in these tunnels," the King pressed.
"I did!" Merlin quickly replied. "It's just... it could be that way..." he nodded towards the left.
