Merthur - Love in the Time of War

Chapter 23 - The Fall

Merlin's POV

I wake with a start. I bolt up into a sitting position on the bed, startling a tired Gaius by my side.

"Merlin!" He says with a smile before giving me a warm hug. I can see Lancelot, Morgana, Mordred and Gwaine standing around me, a look or relief on all their faces.

"Um... what happened?" I ask, one hand pressed against my head to ease the slight throb that still persists.

"You collapsed during training. You gave everyone there a huge fright," Gwaine says with a small small, trying his best to hide the worry from his expression.

"How are you feeling my boy? Any pain?" Gaius asks.

I shake my head. "I'm feeling better then before. My head still aches but it'll pass," I reassure him with a smile.

Gaius smiles in return. "That is good to hear but I suggest you rest for the duration of the day. Wouldn't want you passing out again."

I frown. I still have duties to attend to. "But-"

"No buts, Merlin. Your health comes first. I'm sure Balinor will understand."

"Besides," Gwaine interjects, slumping down beside me on the bed and slinging an arm over my shoulder, "everything's been quiet for sometime now. You can take a day off. Relax, drink some mead with your old pal Gwaine."

"I don't think Merlin needs a hangover in addition to that headache," Lancelot points out, pulling Gwaine to his feet. "And, we're are going to be extra busy in order to fill in for Merlin's absence. I don't think you'll have time to drink."

"There's always time for mead, Lance."

Morgana rolls her eyes. "I'm surprised Merlin or Balinor hasn't sacked you yet," she says, receiving a chuckle from Mordred.

"It's my charm. Very hard to resist if I do say so myself." He wiggles his brows at Morgana who backs away slightly towards the door.

She rolls her eyes and leaves the room. Mordred gives me a small wave before jogging after her.

"Come on Gwaine. We best get going as well. Merlin needs his rest," Lancelot says, dragging Gwaine from the room.

The door shuts behind them, leaving me alone with a busy Gaius to ponder my thoughts about my encounter with the Disir.

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Arthur's POV

I race out of the cavern and mount my horse. I turn it to face, what I hope, is the direction to the Resistance village. My horse gallops across the forest swiftly, weaving between trees with expert grace. My cloak billows behind me in a blur of blue, while snow swirls around me. I ride as fast as I can. I need to find my father and stop him before it's too late.

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It's dark now. The sun set an hour ago and I'm now riding through complete darkness. After a while longer of bolting around trees I manage to see a large castle come into view. It was smaller then the citadel in Camelot, of course, but grand nonetheless. Three, snowcapped spires can be seen protrude from the base of the castle. A large courtyard surrounds the area which leads to a lower town. A wall stretches around its perimeter. Even from this distance, I can see many guards that are patrolling the walls crying out in panic at the army at their gates. A large army. I can see the distinct red of Camelot banners spread out among the masses. Torches are held aloft while campfires burn bright, revealing the group of armed men surrounding the town.

I race down to the army as quickly as possible. Forcing my horse to continue its gallop for just a while longer. I can hear a few shouts sound as I approach. A few knights appear in front of me, swords brandished in a threatening gesture. "Declare yourself!" The guard in the lead shouts, driving the point of his sword closer towards me.