The Adventures of Merlin

The Aftermath of War

    The knights were preparing their horses as the sun rose over Camelot. Arthur was in full chain mail with everything he needed for battle. He had grabbed an extra sword and walked over to Merlin who was about to mount his horse. "Merlin," Arthur said, "This isn't like our ordinary trips, where we might fight some bandits. This is war. Are you sure you want to come with?" Merlin smiled, "Arthur, look I know you don't understand how I feel," Merlin would always be there to protect Arthur, "But I care a hell of a lot about that armor. I'm not gonna let you mess it up." They both laughed. Arthur grabbed the extra sword and handed it to Merlin, "Here." Merlin nodded. They looked into each others eyes, reassuring themselves that they would be all right. The army soon rode off for Cenred's kingdom.

    Merlin and Arthur talked the whole time they were riding, about many things, mostly about how well Merlin would fight. Arthur joked that Merlin wouldn't last five minutes, but in all reality Arthur was extremely worried about Merlin. The knights stopped for the night, they would reach Cenred the next day. They gathered around fires, laughing and eating. Merlin was alone, off to the side, picking at the grass. He couldn't stop worrying about Morgana. Arthur went over and sat next to Merlin.

    "What's wrong?" Arthur asked. "Nothing." Merlin replied looking at Arthur. "Look, I understand if you're scared-" Arthur started, but Merlin interrupted,  "I'm not scared." Merlin brought up his knees and rested his arms on them, "I know we will win this battle. You are destined to be the greatest ruler this land has ever known and with you leading us we will win."  The look of surety on Merlin's face was comforting. Arthur smiled softly, "For an idiot, you are very... I don't know what it is. I don't want to say wise." Arthur looked into Merlin's eyes,  they looked so old. "But yes. That's what it is." Merlin chuckled as a big smile spread across his face."Oh don't look so pleased with yourself, the rest of the time you're a complete idiot." Arthur looked away hiding a smile.  He turned back to Merlin and met his gaze. They sat lost in each others eyes for quite some time.

    Arthur shook his head, "Uhm," He stood up, "You should join us by the fire. Instead of sitting by yourself." Arthur cleared his throat and nodded before walking away. Merlin stayed back a moment looking down before he decided to go sit with the others. They all chatted and had fun before one by one they went off to sleep. Merlin put out the fire once the last knight had walked away. He stared at the embers, he had a strong urge to enchant them into something like the dragon. He started feeling extremely sad when he thought about why he couldn't. All he wanted was to make something simple and beautiful, but he could be killed for it. With a heavy heart he too went to sleep, tomorrow they would fight. The battle would be easily won, Cenred relied on mostly bandits and mercenaries. Camelot had more men that were braver and loyal.

    The next morning the men were much less cheerful than the previous night. They were off to battle. There was less banter on the journey to Cenred's Castle. Merlin and Arthur would often glance to each other, each worried about the others well being. It was late afternoon by the time the army had arrived just before the land bridge that led to the castle "Today we fight for honor!" Arthur yelled to his knights, "We fight for our home! We fight for Camelot!" The men cheered and unsheathed their swords, "For the love of Camelot!" Arthur pulled out his sword and started riding for the Castle. "For the love of Camelot!" The knights started riding off, surrounding the castle. Merlin followed Arthur, sword in hand. They entered the court yards killing the guards with ease. Some fought while others scurried away to alert others. Arthur, Merlin and some other knights unmounted and started going into the actual castle. They were trying to get Cenred. Uther wanted him forced to sign a peace treat and give over some of his land.

   Merlin suggested they try the throne room. Arthur agreed and led them all through the castle. They only encountered 4 guards that Sir Leon helped Arthur deal with. Arthur pushed open a big door leading to the room where Cenred sat on a throne with a drink in his hand. He stood up with a smile, "Prince Arthur! Such a pleasure." He took a sip from his cup, "What brings you here." Cenred said cheerfully. Arthur looked around confused, "This is a siege, did you not know you were under attack yet?" Arthur was taking a few steps closer. "Of course I do!" Cenred's voice was more irritated, "I have a window and ears!" He set his cup down, "So you just barge into my kingdom unannounced and attack me? I thought Camelot was above that." "You're not." Arthur was in the middle of the room as he spoke. Merlin and the knights were still in the doorway watching carefully. "We know you were conspiring with Morgause." Arthur had gotten more serious as well. Cenred scoffed, "Do you know? What proof do you have?" "Absolutely none whatsoever." Arthur got in more of an attack stance, "Enough of this, I am to take you prisoner." Cenred smirked, "Good luck with that." He unsheathed the two swords from his back and swung at Arthur.