Merthur - Love in the Time of War

Chapter 14 - A Coward

Morgana's POV

I stealthily make my way into the ruined castle. I give a small gasp when I enter. The palace is indeed extravagant if not for the fact that it's in complete disrepair. Cobwebs line the walls, indicating that no one has entered the ruins in years. The ceiling and walls are crumbling, causing debris to be scattered across the palace floor. After gazing in awe at the room for awhile longer I make my way slowly towards the dungeons of the citadel.

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When I finally reach my destination I let a devious smile slip past my lips at the sight of the seven Knights standing around an empty hearth. They remain motionless as I enter the room, their faces covered with what looks to be stone masks. There are cobwebs covering the men, indicating they must have not moved for many years. Let's hope this works or this would be a waste of precious time.

I begin to chant as I circle the seven knights. I can feel the magic boil up inside me, filling me with adrenaline. Just before the last word spills forth from my lips I turn to face the hearth. It erupts into flames when the word leaves my mouth. I grin when I hear the statuesque Knights begin to creak to life. I smirk. Perfect.

"Now, I have two simple orders for you," I say, causing the Knights heads to turn in my direction. "I want you to find Merlin, bring him to me unharmed and also... I want you to kill Uther Pendragon."

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Merlin's POV

The second I shut the door behind me my smile drops. My shoulders slump and my eyes stare down at the ground. I sigh, rubbing at my forehead with my free hand. Well, so much for sneaking out a window.

I turn and head down the corridor, quietly. A few servants look at me curiously when I pass. Some skirt away slightly, most likely weary of the unfamiliar face.

I gaze around at the white columns of the castle in slight awe as I wander about in search of the exit. I have to admit, Camelot's citadel is truly a beautiful place. The entire palace is in pristine condition. There's hardly a dent in the wall. I never had the proper chance to examine the place when I was here last. After all, it was late at night and I had a dragon waiting for my arrival.

After a few more minutes of turning down the various halls of the citadel I conclude that I'm hopelessly lost. I groan, frustrated and tired. How does anyone find anything in this place? I glance around in hopes to find someone I could ask for directions when a group of knights turn the corner at the end of the hall. I'm about to hide myself in an alcove on instinct when one of them calls out to me.

"Hey! Wait up!" The voice says, forcing me to stop in my tracks. I turn around hesitantly, afraid they'll question me about why I'm here. My shoulders relax slightly though when I see them coming at me with bright and welcoming smiles.

"There you are! We were just about to go see you in the physicians chambers," one of them, a curly haired blonde with a beard, says with a smile.

"Oh um... alright?" I say, unsure of why they were so friendly. I didn't know them. Perhaps they mistakend me for someone else?

This time a rather large man with even larger muscles chuckles. "Ah, we forgot to introduce ourselves. I'm Percival, he's Leon," the large man, Percival, points towards the curly haired blonde who gives a small wave,
"And he's Elyan," Percival gestures to a black man who gives a nod of his head and a warm smile. "We just wanted to thank you for saving our, and the prince's, life yesterday from the Griffin."