Amelia's Story (BBC Merlin Story)

Chapter 67: The Kindness of Strangers

A/N: Apologies for the wait but here's the chapter!!!

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Amelia's POV

They find Alator during his attempt to make a pilgrimage to the graves of his friends and kin. The woods are dark and gloomy despite the bright moonlight illuminating them all. Amelia and Morgana's men are giving chase while the two sisters watch.

"Hmm..." Morgana sighs, throwing a smirk in Amelia's direction. "Let's spice it up, shall we?"

Amelia gives her sister a curious look but, instead of explaining herself, Morgana turns to where they can see Alator in the distance. Her eyes flash gold and bursts of flame emit from the trees and the ground causing Alator to tumble and eventually fall to the ground. As he's brought roughly to his knees, Amelia and Morgana stand over him.

"I was hoping for more of a challenge." Morgana remarks, shaky her head in mocking disappointment. "There was a time when the name Alator struck fear even into the most courageous. Your skills of torture were unparalleled, did you know that?"

"That was nothing to be proud of." Alator retorts. His piercing gaze unnerving Amelia. It's almost accusing as if he's wondering how dare she betray them. Doesn't he know they all betrayed her first?

Morgana is unmoved by his gaze and words. "What was it you used to say? The victim always talks... eventually."

"What do you want from me?" Alator spits. He clearly knows what they really came for.

"I thought that was obvious. I want you to tell me where Emrys and Tarian are."

Alator's gaze cuts to Amelia briefly, likely wondering why she herself hasn't said anything, before replying, "I told you before, never."

Morgana smirks. "I was rather hoping you'd say that."

——

As soon as they return to the Castle, Morgana gives orders for Alator to be taken to the Throne room to begin the 'interrogation'. Amelia moves to follow her but a servant appears at her elbow.

"Mistress, your daughter calls for you."

Amelia quickly follows and enters her daughter's room to see Ella sitting up in bed and clasping her covers tightly. She relaxes when she spots her mother.

"Mama!"

"Ella, my darling." Amelia sits on the bed and gathers her up in her arms. "What are you doing awake?"

"I was scared. There was lots of noise." She stares up at her mother with wide-eyed curiosity.

"It's alright, it's okay. All will be well." Amelia strokes her daughter's hair affectionately.

"You promise?"

She shouldn't. Not with those trustful eyes but Amelia nods. "I promise."

With her mother's assurance, Ella leans against her and soon dozes off. In the quiet of the room, Amelia feels the guilt eat at her. Was she right to follow through with this plan? Should she not have simply told Morgana the truth instead of letting her torture Alator to get to the bottom of this?

No, she can't tell Morgana the truth. Not now. She knows that if she tells Morgana now, after all this time she'll have to face Morgana's anger. She's already on probation after what happened with Gwen.

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Anne's POV

Arthur, Gwen, Anne and Merlin make their way through the woods on horseback. They're having a picnic. Anne's welcoming the break from, well, everything.