Royal in Hiding

Chapter 17: Crucible

In times of need and war, there are times of an foreshadowing silence. When the world seens to stop and go silent. The weight of the war and everything that goes with it finally makes itself known, like a blanket that encaptures your body. Do not be mistaken, this is not a blanket of fear and suffering, but instead  resigned acceptance and renewed determination.

It was dawn when the blanket of tranquility fell upon each camp. The starving camp of the False King, and the weary camp of the Immortal Magician. The cloak covered the small, innocent animals grazing on the greenery in the woods.

Merlin, who was only just woken, sighed at the calm serendipity that covered the world as he made his way towards his spot a little bit away from the camp. Staring off into the sunrise, he smiled contently.

Then, the serendipity ended. For him at least.

A sudden flash sent him reeling as images of a strange, shadowy creature flit across his vision. He felt cold with fear as he realized what the shapeshifting thing was, what exactly had happened last night.

Then it got worse. So. Much. Worse.

He saw her. She was a light in the dark cell that she was kept in. Tear tracks were fresh on her face, along with a large bruise on her cheek. She was a gamechanger.

She was Joetta, and Merlin knew that as long as she was in danger, he would not strike.

"Damn." He muttered in pain as he slowly rose from his kneeling position.

"It doesn't have to be like this, you know." A familiar voice cooed. Merlin turned to see a replica of Joetta, as beautiful as ever, standing there with a sly smirk and red eyes. "You can save her, keep her from pain." She enticed.

Merlin pondered the thought but shot it down. "In return for what? Ten years before I hear howling and feel your dog's claws tear my flesh?"

The Joetta copy looked hurt as she moved towards Merlin. "No, of course not. What I offer you is much sweeter. I simply need you to end your Uncles reign. In return, your love will be returned to you. No soul trading, no hounds, no hell."

This caused the king to stop. It was not a bad deal, to do what he was planning to already, he got Joetta back. "She is not to be hurt, in anyway." Merlin added softly.

The woman smiled. "Of course, I will ensure it myself."
Merlin turned on his heel and nodded. "Deal." He muttered.
"Seal it with a kiss." She ordered. "Don't worry," she reassured when she saw the King's hesitancy, "Joetta will not mind one little kiss to save her life."

Merlin, still slightly hesitant, nodded before pressing his lips to hers in a chaste peck of a kiss. No emotion, no meaning, just a touch.

"I will be waiting." She stated before disappearing from view.

Merlin felt sick, however, he put on a inpassive mask and made his way to the camp.

Arthur, Morgana, and the Knights were all awake by this time, sitting in a circle with grub warm in their hands as they chatted. Morgana saw Merlin's approach first. She watched as he briskly made his way towards them, determination set in his eyes. Arthur noticed the subject of his sisters gaze next, straightening his back as he saw Merlin's serious expression. The knights didn't see Merlin, but the Larcenian Knights sensed his magic crackling with worry and determination. The Camelotian Knights knew from the body expression of their King that Merlin was approaching.

"It's time. They are weak and Draegan is desperate. We strike as soon as possible." Merlin informed as he sat down next to Arthur.
"How do we want to go about it?" Arthur asked, his mind focused in on the battle now.
"I'm going to go with a small group of Knights into the city. There, we will take down Draegan from the inside." The King proposed. "I need you to stay here and pose as enough distraction so that his focus will be on the army instead of me." He continued, directing his demands towards Arrhur, who nodded in agreement. "Morgana, I need you to stay in the camp, perform magic against the enemy army. Stay out of sight, they must think that you are me or my mission will be short lived." He finished.