The Girl With the Shadows

Chapter 2

Merlin's POV:

I walked into Arthur's chambers. "Merlin, haven't you ever heard of knocking?" He asked. "Yes, and I do it all the time, just not for you." I said, annoyed. "What's wrong now?" He asked. "Why didn't you help Madison?" I asked. "You heard. We're in the middle of a war, and I can't waste precious resources." Arthur replied. "You wouldn't be wasting them." I said. Arthur sighed and got up. "Look, I want to help her, but I just can't. I have to do what I believe to be right, and we need all we can get to fight Morgana and her men." He said. "Please, Arthur. Reconsider. Surely we can spare a few men to help find the man who did this to her family." I said. "My answer is no, Merlin. I'm sorry." He said. He went back to his desk going over plans. I walked out, closing the door behind me.

I met Madison at the steps of the castle. She stood up when she saw me. I shook my head. "I'm sorry. I tried, but he's resolute." I said. She sighed. "It's alright, you did all you could. Thank you." She said. "Where will you go?" I asked, feeling sorry for her. "I don't know." She replied. "I wish I could help." I said. "You've done enough for me, thank you." She said. I nodded. She left to pack her things for the tavern. I sighed and went back to Gaius. "Where have you been?" He asked. "I was trying to help a girl; Madison. Her family was killed by a man, and she wanted Arthur's help to find him, but he refused." I told him. "Why did Arthur refuse?" Gaius asked.

"He said that we were in the middle of a war, and he couldn't waste precious resources." I replied, annoyed. "Merlin, Arthur has good reason. He is the king, and he is only trying to do what he feels is right for the kingdom. We may need all the resources we can get if we're to stand a chance against Morgana and her army." Gaius said. "Gaius, her family was taken from her, from a man she doesn't know." I said. "I'm sorry, Merlin. Morgana's army is a bit more important than this girl's problems. If we use up resources many people will die." Gaius said. I walked past him and shut the door to my room.

Madison's POV:

I walked to the tavern, going up to my room, and collecting my things. I was walking back down, when I heard a voice. "You're leaving." The voice said. I turned around facing Gwaine. "Yes." I replied. "Will you be returning?" He asked. "Maybe one day." I said. "Well, goodbye." He said. "Goodbye, Gwaine." I replied. I could feel him watching me as I walked out of the tavern door, but not before returning the key to the bartender. I walked out of the gates and into the forest. I looked back at Camelot, and continued my journey.

Arthur's POV:

"MERLIN!" I shouted. "Yes, sire?" He asked, coming in. "What's this?" I asked, holding the shirt up. "What?" He asked. "There is a hole in my shirt, Merlin. I told you to get it mended days ago!" I said, angrily. "Sorry." He said, taking the shirt from my hands. "Fetch me another." I said. I went behind my changing room. He threw another shirt over the changing room board. I took it, putting it on. "Do you really think we can win this war?" I heard Merlin ask. I sighed and came out from behind the changing room. "I don't know, but we have to try. I can't just sit here and do nothing." I replied. "She has magic on her side." Merlin said. "Yes, but we have the finest knights in the realm. Her men do not have magic, it is only her." I said. I looked at him, he looked worried. "Maybe if we used magic," He started but I cut him off. "I lost both my parents to magic, it is not an option. And even if it is, who's magic could we possibly use?" I asked him, slightly annoyed. He was silent for a while. "I don't know." He said quietly. "Exactly. I don't even know why you suggested such a thing." I replied. "Is there anything else you need, sire?" He asked. I shook my head. "That'll be all, Merlin." I said. He nodded, and left, shutting the door behind him. I sighed.

Madison's POV:

I woke up, and knew that it was first light. I gathered my things, and stuffed out the campfire. I heard a branch break. I stopped, listening intently for any other noises. I slung my bag over my shoulder, walking slowly towards the sound. "Are your men ready to depart for Camelot?" I heard a female's voice say. I looked over a hill and saw them. There was a woman dressed in all black, and a man. They were talking. "Yes, Morgana. They should arrive to Camelot at first light tomorrow morning." The man said. Morgana smiled. "Arthur will be in for a surprise. He will not anticipate an army to be at Camelot so soon. You have done well. Now go, tell your men to prepare." Morgana said. "My lady." The man said, bowing. He left, and Morgana went in the opposite direction. I gasped. The king had no knowledge that his kingdom would soon be attacked. I had to warn him. I ran for Camelot, which was maybe four miles from me. If I was lucky I would arrive by the evening.