I've Got The Magic (BBC Merlin)HOLD

Chapter two part one: Of Magic and Mystery

Morgana's heels clicked on the tile, she stared intensely at King Uther, waiting for a response. The king pursed his lips, eyes narrowed in anger. No one else in the room dared to say anything.

"This doesn't give me any pleasure, you know, us fighting." Uther comments.

Morgana stood her ground, "I know perfectly well.  I do not wish to fight. My question is this, how many will have to suffer? How many will be persecuted for their magical abilities? That man did not do any harm to any of us, you know that as well as I do. What did he do that was so wrong for him to deserve death?"

"Sorcery is punishable by death." The king booms, and Merlin shivers, reminded of what would happen to him if his secret was found out.

"Come on now, let us not ruin the evening because of this." Uther takes a sip out of his goblet. "We have much to celebrate."

"No, thanks. I think I will retire." Morgana bowed her head in respect, "Goodnight." She stepped out of the room. Silence followed, the air in the room remained a little tense.

Arianne mumbled something under her breath, sneaking a glance around the room to read everyone's expression. Arianne and Morgana shared the same view on the topic but Morgana just voiced her opinion more. Sorcerer's weren't evil just because they had magic, it was what they did with their magic. Their choices. Why punish them for being born magical if their actions aren't wicked? It all seemed pointless to her.

*

Arianne stared out at the lake, deep in thought. The wind blew freely around her, slightly messing up her hair. Her maidservant, Katrina, who was not too far behind her, had fallen asleep.

The quiet peacefulness was a great escape from the hectic castle. She found it easier to think out there.

Her attention shifted as she looked behind her, finding her brother riding towards her. Merlin, who was carrying a couple bags, was struggling to keep up behind him.

"Urgent news, Ari." Arthur's face was solemn and his tone of voice no better. "There have been reports of a beast in Camelot. Father has sent me to ride at once."

"Yes, otherwise the big, bad, prat will get us." Merlin interrupts,  grinning as he set down the bags next to the horses. Arthur's horse sniffed the bag, then must have decided it was nothing important since the horse started to munch on the grass.

"Merlin." Arthur says, putting the extra emphasis on his name. "Did I ask you to set those bags down?" His expression was serious, that of someone not to be messed around with. 

There goes servant number....thirteen? Fourteen? Whatever, I have lost count. She stands up, stretching.

"No." Was Merlin's only response, but his eyes were bright and mischievous.

Arthur, however, was not amused. "Then pick them up," he commands.

"But we're just sitting here," Merlin groans, "talking to your sister. Plus, do you even know how much those bags weigh?"

Ignoring his servant, Arthur continues on, "That isn't all. Rumors of a sorcerer being spotted in neighboring lands also has father worried. If we are right, his next target is Camelot. They say he is known as Alistair."

"Alistair." Arianne repeated. She wracked her brain for some reason as to why the name sounded somewhat familiar.

"I am confident I shall see you in a few days to a fortnight then. Knowing you, you will not fail." The princess responded, gazing at her brother. In Arthur's eyes she could see his doubt although he did not question her.

"Prince Arthur, Princess Arianne," A voice calls, shifting everyone's attention. Katrina bowed her head, "excuse my interruption. I think it would be wise for the princess to head back. Her father will be wanting to see her."

 Nodding, Arthur saddled his horse, "Of course."

"Good luck," Katrina smiled, not bothering to hide her attraction to the prince. Arianne refrained from snickering; this behavior wasn't that uncommon. In fact, she had a couple of people attempting to pursue her as well. Merlin chuckled. When Arthur gazed at him, he immediately started to carry the bags.

"I'm coming, don't worry." Merlin grumbles, struggling to keep up with Arthur's pace.

*

Leaning forward slightly, Arianne pressed her ear to the door. Nothing. Slowly, she opened the door, silently walking as carefully as she could through the room. There was only one other person in the castle besides the night guards who would be up; Morgana.

Lighting a lamp, she glanced over at the bed.  Morgana's eyes swiftly opened, her forehead was dripping with sweat.

"Are you okay? Was it another nightmare?" Her own eyes were wide, she knew Morgana's look all too well.

"It's him." Morgana whispered, "It's Alistair."