Not Even Magic

The Feast

I enter the hall in silence, yet everyone notices my presence. They become silent and watch me closely. The Great Hall is well lit by the numerous, dim candles and the silvery moonlight shining through the windows on the east side. I walk past the many tables full of food and my senses are overcome with joy as I see Merlin and Gaius in the middle of the room.

Arthur is currently telling a few knights a joke or story that I'm sure is 'Hilarious'. He must have noticed the silence because he turns slowly in my direction. He sees me and his jaw becomes slack which his face reflects due to the clear look of shock. I turn my gaze to the floor as a surge of nerves and embarrassment run through me. I feel everyone's eyes on me and I feel a blush rise on my cheeks as I walk past Merlin and Gaius, almost certain the young man is staring at me.

"You don't look half bad, not like usual at least." I hear Arthur to my left, turning so I can glare him down.

"And you don't brush up too badly yourself brother." He scoffs and steps back, brushing his crimson cloak then holding out his arms.

"I think I look pretty amazing actually, so." We laugh and talk about our day's encounters.

At the sound of the horns we all go to stand in front of our chairs, Arthur and I sit either side of our father's seat. He enters calmly and stops in the middle of the room.

"We have enjoyed twenty years of peace and prosperity, it has brought the kingdom and myself great pleasures. Few can compare to the honour of introducing Lady Helen of Moira." We all applaud and my father joins us at the table. He sits, giving us all silent permission to sit as well. Music starts immediately, she sings in a language I cannot understand, but she sings it beautifully. After she takes about five steps forwards, still singing, I feel my eyelids get heavy and start to droop. Instinctively I pull my hands over my ears and look around. Everyone is slumped over the tables, even my father and Arthur. I look over to my right, delighted to at least see Merlin covering his ears too. Looking back at all of the guests once more, I see cobwebs growing and engulfing them. I let some cobwebs cover me, thinking it will not give away my conscious state. Eyes set on my brother, she moves closer to our table. She then pulls out a dagger that she had hidden in her sleeve. I wrap my hand around the handle of my sword, I cannot let her kill Arthur. I jump up and run at her, ready to attack with my sword. But just as quick as I attacked, she threw me against the wall with just a few words.

"No!!" I hear Merlin shout from the other side of the room. I feel my consciousness slipping away slowly.

I see the chandelier fall, knocking her to the ground and, seemingly killing her. Merlin removes his hands from his ears and looks over to me concerned, ready to run over. My father and brother move and start brushing away the silky nets that are draped over them. The king stands and looks at who everyone believed was Lady Helen just moments ago. An old lady lays in her place, she pushes her torso up and throws the dagger at Arthur with all her remaining strength. I scream and the world slows around me, the dagger is moving at half the speed it was. Merlin runs towards him, grabs his arm and pulls him back just in time. The dagger buries itself deep in the wooden chair where Arthur was standing only seconds before. My father rushes to Arthur, while I am still on the floor by the wall slowly drifting away. I stare at Merlin in admiration and he rushes to my side with my father following just as my eyes close. I hear my father calling to guards before I fully submerge into deep slumber.

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"Lady Serena?" I twist my head to the side at the sudden harsh noise. Then a cold wet fabric is placed against my forehead and I open my eyes slightly. It's Merlin.

"Gaius, she's awake!" Gaius runs in and looks at me happily.

"I shall go and tell the king. Medicate her and keep her warm." Merlin nods and Gaius scurries out of the room.