The Dragonlady (A Merlin fanfiction; sequel to Camelot)

Chapter Ten

My mother held out her hand, but I was reluctant to take it.

What if this was all a trick, and the moment I grabbed her hand, she would drag me back to Helheim with her? What if her plan was to take me to the icy cold ranks of the spirits who failed to die heroically? I wouldn't be able to keep my sanity.

My mother gave me a sad look "Beatrice? Why don't you trust me?"

"I'm just being cautious; I don't want to go to Helheim."

My mother laughed "You think I've gone to Helheim?"

"Well, yes. You didn't die heroically."

"That's where you're wrong. Take my hand; I'll show you."

Reluctantly, I took her hand, and we transported to an early memory of mine.

The time of my mothers death.

"This is a painful memory for me to relive." My mother explained "But we must watch it, for your sake."

"What do you mean 'my sake?'"

"I cannot leave you in the dark forever. Now watch."

We watched the memory from someone else's eyes, for I could see both my mother and myself.

My mother and I were walking hand in hand, as we pet the rabbits, let the butterflies fly into our fingers, and eat the sweet berries straight off of the bush.

We talked, laughed, and played, and it all felt like a dream.

Until we heard the clump clump clump of hooves.

My seven-year-old self jumped with excitement "Ooh, mommy, is that a unicorn we can play with? You said that unicorns exist!"

My mother looked around "It's a horse, yes, but I don't think it's a unicorn."

The sound got even louder, which meant that the horse was getting closer.

"Camelot." My mother gasped "We must run!"

She lifted me into her arms and ran as fast as she could.

But she ran straight into the path of the Camelot Guard.

Except it wasn't a guard. It was-

"Arthur?" My dream self gasped in shock "Arthur killed you?"

My mother nodded "Yes, it was the prince who killed me. Now watch."

"The Runaway Witch." Arthur purred with pleasure "Seems we have finally found you after all these years of hiding."

"I want no trouble with Camelot. If I would've known the consequences for my magic, I never would've healed that man!"

"It doesn't matter. I have been instructed by my father, the King, to kill you on sight, and to bring your head to him as a reward." He drew his sword "And that is what I must do."

"So be it." My mother pulled out a knife.

"You had a knife?!" I exclaimed "How did I not know about this?!"

"You'll see. Now, no more interruptions, please."

Arthur charged, and although my mother's blade was much shorter than his, she fought just fine. She blocked his attacks with ease.