AM I THE ONE? | Arthur Pendragon [1]

The Living and the Dead

*Annabelle's P.O.V.*

    It was now very late and dark as Merlin and I made our way to the outside of the castle, where the Black Knight was standing ever since the end of the duel. He didn't move an inch, still holding his torn flag with his crest, looking up at the castle. Merlin and I shared a glance before stopping by the gate that led out of the Citadel, seeing as we were now at the outer part of the castle grounds. I nodded to Merlin, and he nodded back, swallowing nervously, before raising his hand and positioning his palm in the wraith's direction.
    Merlin and I had a talk earlier. He told me that he is the one who is supposed to do this, as it is his destiny to protect Arthur. I told him that it is also my destiny, but he insisted that my destiny is to not only protect Arthur, but the whole of Camelot, while his destiny is to protect Arthur at all costs, and only help me protect Camelot. I started to object, but Merlin finally put what he wanted to say as blunt as possible; he told me that I am his responsibility, his younger sister, and that using immortal magic is incredibly dangerous. And he wants to be the one to do it in order to protect me from any harm. After hearing all these touching words, I decided to let him do what he wanted to do, but under one condition; I was to go with him.
"Cume her fyrbryne." Merlin's eyes flashed gold, and a trail of fire formed at our feet before traveling down towards the wraith and forming a circle around it, similar to the one Edwin conjured when he tried to kill Gaius. The Knight was now int he very middle of the circle, and the flames grew higher, entirely engulfing him. However, he didn't even twitch. Nothing. Merlin and I shared a shocked and a slightly panicked look, as the flames started to die down, until they were completely gone, and the Black Knight still unharmed.
"Oh, my God." I whispered in shock and fear, knowing that Arthur will have to fight that thing tomorrow. I don't know if the wraith heard me, or if it already knew that we were there simply because of the fire that Merlin conjured, but its head snapped to look at us. I didn't even have time to comprehend what actually happened, before Merlin grabbed my hand and pulled me behind him, running back to the Citadel.

*25 minutes later*

"It didn't work." I said as I sat next to Gaius, waiting for Merlin to come back, seeing as he went to Arthur to try to convince him to withdraw. "Nothing. He didn't even react, and that was fire, Gaius."
"Wraiths don't feel physical pain." Gaius looked at me with a solemn gaze. "Because they are not alive, they do not feel." I sighed, and covered my face with my hands.
"How is Arthur supposed to fight a thing that can't be killed? He may be the greatest warrior in Camelot, but he will grow tired eventually. And the wraith will only wait for an opportunity to drive his sword through him." Gaius opened his mouth to speak, but was interrupted by the doors opening with a loud noise as they slammed against the wall, and Merlin running in, nearly out of breath.
"I know what to do." Was all he said, before grabbing my hand and nearly dragging me off the bench and out the door.
"Merlin, where are we going?" I asked as we ran through the hallways.
"I went to the library, and Geoffrey told me that there was once a sword that could kill both the living and the dead." Merlin started explaining as he finally slowed down enough in order for us to walk instead of running. "That sword had to be forged in a dragon's breath." He lowered his voice, and looked at me with a small smile.
"We already have a Dragon." I also smiled. "All we need is a sword." Merlin nodded.
"Which is why we're going to visit your friend." He said as we arrived in front of the doors that led to the room in the castle that Gwen was staying in for some nights in case she wanted to be close by if Morgana had more nightmares, seeing as Gaius's head quarters war fairly far away, and my and Merlin's room was even a little further away, and I wouldn't be able to hear if Morgana was having a nightmare. To make sure that Gwen didn't trouble herself too much, we would take turns in watching over Morgana; she would stay close one week, and I would take her place the next week. If, although it happened very rarely, Morgana had any sleep without nightmares, Gwen and I would take the opportunity to take a break and sleep in our own beds for a night or two, before going back to watching over our best friend and making sure she is alright.
    I noticed Merlin hesitating, and saw him lift his fist up in order to knock before dropping it back to his side at least five times, before I sighed in irritation.
"Stop being a coward." I teased. "It's Gwen; she won't bite." I then knocked on the door quietly, not wanting to disturb anyone else, seeing as it was late and many people in the castle were already sleeping.
"Merlin." Gwen immediately smiled as she opened the door. "Anna. What are you two doing here?"
"We've come to ask a favor." I started.
"Yes?" She smiled, and Merlin stepped forward after clearing his throat nervously.
"I'm not sure how to ask you it." He said, and Gwen's brows furrowed for a second before she smiled at him softly.
"Ask, Merlin. You know I'd grant you anything." She said kindly, and Merlin nodded as he looked down nervously. I noticed that these two were about to have a small moment, so I quietly took a few steps back. "I mean... Not anything. Obviously not anything." Gwen chuckled, and Merlin smiled nervously before leaning closer to her. "What is it you want?"
"I've come to ask for a sword." He whispered. "The strongest sword your father's ever made."
"What for?" Gwen also whispered, curiously.
"To save Arthur." I finally stepped forward, which seemed to startle them. If it were any other circumstances, I would have smiled and chuckled, thinking it was sweet that these two were so entranced with each other that they forgot anyone else around them, but this situation was incredibly urgent and I didn't have time for anything like this.
    Gwen must have heard the urgency in my voice, and nodded.
"Alright. Come with me." She said as she walked out of the room and closed the door, before leading us through the hallway.
"Actually," I stopped, making them stop as well. "Merlin, why don't you go? There's something I have to do." I wasn't lying, but at the same time I wanted my brother and friend to spend some time together; on their own.
"Alright." Merlin gave me a questioning look, but seemed happy that he got the chance to be alone with Gwen, and nodded before following Gwen, while I turned in the direction of Arthur's chambers.

*Third Person's P.O.V.*

"Come in!" Arthur called in a monotone voice, still staring at the Black Knight that was standing outside his window. He heard the door open, and close a moment later. Then, he heard light footsteps coming his way, which made him eventually tear his gaze away from the window. "Annabelle." He smiled a small smile, his eyes lighting up.
"How are you feeling?" She inquired kindly, and Arthur sighed before smiling at her.
"As can be expected." He answered, and she smiled a small understanding smile before walking over to him and sitting on the window seat next to him.
"Arthur, I-"
"Don't say you think I shouldn't fight tomorrow." He interrupted her. "I've heard it all evening. First from my father, then your brother, and then Morgana. I don't think I would be able to take any more."
"Alright." Annabelle nodded with a small smile. "Then I won't tell you what I was originally going to say." Arthur sighed in relief, but froze as he felt her soft hand cover his, before feeling himself relax at her touch. "But I am going to tell you to be careful. You are the Crown Prince of Camelot, Arthur. And we cannot afford to loose you." She took a deep breath before looking into his beautiful blue eyes. "I cannot loose you." Arthur took a deep breath, realizing that she truly mean what she was saying. "And although I honestly would prefer you to withdraw... I understand that you indeed have no choice but to fight."
"It is my duty to my kingdom." Arthur nodded, glad beyond belief that someone finally understood. "To my People."
"I understand." Annabelle nodded, before standing up, Arthur following suit. "All I'm asking of you, is that you be careful. That you live, and come out victorious. Don't let the anger and sorrow of loosing your Knights take over your mind, because then you won't be able to concentrate. And you will loose." Arthur smiled at her, before taking her hand in his gently.
"I can promise you that I will not go down without a fight." He said, but smiled softly as he saw tears glisten in her eyes. "And I will achieve victory. For you." Annabelle smiled through her tears, before getting a hold of herself and nodding her head.
"I know you will. I believe in you." After a second or two of just looking into each other's eyes, Annabelle reminded herself that she had to meet with Merlin. "I, um... I have to go." She nearly whispered.
"Of course." Arthur nodded, disappointment filling him. But he didn't let it show. He didn't show how much he loved spending time with her. Instead, he kissed her hand, and she curtsied before walking out.