Twin Brothers

23

"I really thought I'd have the pleasure of watching Merlin get what he deserved," Morgana spoke out loud, "but alas some things never change."

I took a deep breath and tried to stand as tall as I could as I faced her. Despite the pain I felt running all over my body, my only thoughts were on Arthur. He need my protection.

He accidentally let go of my arm but ended up grabbing my other arm just as fast without a single glance at me. He pulled me behind him and held his sword up against Morgana. She laughed, but there was no humor in it.

"Put away your sword, brother," she said through a smile, "no mortal sword can harm me."

"We'll see about that," Arthur replied. He was scared. It wasn't hidden well, but he acted brave. Morgana seemed to overlook this. She turned to me.

"You know, it's truly unfortunate my spell wore off," she sneered, "it's like your own body was fighting against it faster than it normally should have. I'll admit I saw it coming. Down in the caves. You couldn't stop hesitating. You've never been able to stop hesitating. Marcus warned me, but I wouldn't listen. The opportunity felt too good to be true. I fell too deep into it. That one's on me. But if only, you hadn't rejected it. He would be dead too." She glared at Arthur.

"You should have listened to the warnings. Arthur's destiny is more important than you'll ever know. It's my job to make sure it comes true," I replied.

"Arthur's destiny?"

"As the Once and Future King," I stated. Arthur glanced back at me before fixing his gaze on Morgana once more.

"No... No, that's impossible," she sneered, "Lies. You're nothing but a liar."

"So, you've heard of it? The Once and Future King who will unite all of Albion?"

"Of course I've heard of it. The Druids spoke on it once. But it can't possibly be Arthur. He's too much like his father to do such a thing," Morgana was turning red with anger.

"You're confusing fantasy and reality, Morgana. He's nothing like him... You, on the other hand, are more like Uther than you realize," I responded, "you let your hate consume you. Therefore, you seek nothing but pain and destruction against innocent people."

"You're wrong!"

"Merlin, stop talking," Arthur muttered under his breath.

"I'm trying to help my people unlike you who cower under the protection of someone who could never accept your true identity! Someone who will always follow in his fathers footsteps. Killing every last magic user he finds. That is the true definition of evil. You think he will listen to you? After all that you've done? After finding out your secret? No, Emrys. It's not I who's confused fantasy and reality... We could have done so much good together, but you've chose your path."

"Merlin, run," Arthur let go of his grip and gently pushed me back. He took a step back without lowering his sword at Morgana.

"No, brother," she turned to Arthur, "this is the final battle. No more running. No more games. This ends now."

Arthur turned and pushed me forward. We both took off at a run. I hadn't taken two clumsy steps before a force pushed me in the back so hard I fell to the ground. My face met the ground in the most unpleasant ways. I gasped for air and forced myself to stand. Arthur was by my side helping me get up. He held onto my arm as we ran.

If only my magic wasn't so weak, I'd be able to actually fight Morgana. However, I could barely stand straight even with Arthur's help. I was useless. I tried throwing something at Morgana to slow her down at least. Every attempt failed miserably. We just had to outrun her and dodge her magic blasts as best we could. However, that seemed to become difficult to manage. I refused to turn around, but I could sense her getting closer.

Before we knew it, we were blocked by a large brown horse. I nearly got whiplash from how fast it appeared. It was the horse Arthur left behind. I hadn't actually seen it since before Arthur found me. It was quite the surprise. Arthur sheathed his sword, jumped up in his saddle, and pulled me up to sit behind him. I held on tight as his horse sped away from the witch. She let out one final blast of magic. Powerful enough to bend the trees. We were out of there before it reach us, but I could still feel a strong wind blow through my clothes.

We got away. Arthur was safe from Morgana for now. Morgana didn't get what she wanted tonight, and as long as I'm still alive, she will never get what she wants.