A Warrior's Heart ( A Merlin fanfiction )

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"Her breathing became really soft." I told Arthur, who rushed immediately to the Princess's side. I do not want to tell anyone about the water banks of the western borders that Mithian had told me, with Morgana on the loose.

But I have to tell Merlin.

As everyone parted to prepare Mithian's burial, I quickly nudged Merlin out of the crowd and behind a wall. "Merlin, the princess told me to go to the Western borders before her death. She told me to drink from the pure water banks. She said that it could restore my memory and revive me from the last death." I explained.

He looked at me strangely, "You have to go," he said.

I nodded, "Yes, but how? With everything happening here in Camelot so fast, and with Morgana on the loose, I do not know how I can get there by dusk today."

He looked around before saying, "I'll come with you. Gwen will cover for us."
"Will she? She has other duties as Queen." I told him.

Merlin nodded, "You can trust Gwen. Come on, we have to get there by dusk. I'll prepare the horses. You go tell Guinevere about this."

Both of us rushed opposite directions of each other. I immediately spotted Guinevere talking to a random chef, but once she is done speaking, I pulled her out of the way and quickly filled her in on what is happening.

"Merlin says that you can cover for us while we are gone. Will you?" I asked worriedly, anxiously waiting for her decision.

"I will do whatever I can. Please, be safe." Gwen answered.

"Oh and, please don't tell anybody else except Gauis. Not even Sir Leon," I whispered in a voice that only the both of us could hear and not the passer-bys.

She nodded, and urged me to go join Merlin immediately whilst she takes care of things here.

-

I rushed past Gwaine and Leon in the corridor on my way to the stables. They already noticed my anxious expression. "Captain! Something wrong?" Gwaine called.

"Nope!" I called back, continueing my run down the hallway down the stairs to the stables.
I stopped to catch my breath once I had arrived in the stables, thanks to Merlin, he already had Javelin saddled and reined. All I have to do is climb on.

"Shall we leave? We are to arrive by the western borders by noon, and drink the water before dusk." Merlin says. I had to agree. I swung myself on the saddle and gripped the reins tightly, "I already told Gwen. Let's go."

I told him to lead the way, because he is the magical type of person. And he said he knew the western borders very well. I only have to trust him.
I kicked Javelin into a canter out of the stables, and then slowed for Merlin to lead the way.

"We can pass by Annis's on the way. She can grant us safe passage through the borders." I said as our horses galloped all the way until the meadows where we slowed into a walk.

-

Javelin stopped in front of the gates to Annis's kingdom, where we are granted permission to enter because of me. I asked Merlin to take care of the horses while I seek Annis's help.

Most of her servants or warriors were passing by, and I was greeted by their friendly and familiar faces. The guards stationed in front of the throne room shot me an odd look, which I totally ignored.

"Is Queen Annis in?" I asked them politely.

One of the guards shook his head, "I'm afraid not, Captain. The queen is in her chambers, she has fallen entirely ill." He answered.

Obviously, I was horrified at the thought that Annis is ill. She has been treating me like a real daughter. I wonder, though, who is leading her kingdom now?

"May I please see her?" I asked.

The guards nodded, one of them leading the way towards Annis's chambers. I timidly entered the room, and was greeted by a stern, annoyed and haughty voice, "Leave me alone."

I closed the door behind me, and stepped forward, "Queen Annis? It's me, Aurora. I was wondering if you would grant my friend and I permission through the western borders?"

The voice softened, "Aurora? You're back?"

I made my way to the side of the bed where Annis looked pale and sickly, "Yes. I am alright now. A lot has been happening in Camelot. A friend says that the only way to restore my memory is to drink the water from the banks of the border. But I do not know where the banks are." I explained.

"Go straight into the Valley of the Fallen Kings. Through there, you will find the guardian of the rivers and streams." Annis told me. "But you must hurry. By dusk, if you are not to drink, you will die."

"Come with me to the banks. We can drink the waters together." I urged her, shaking her arm lightly.
Annis shook her head, "I am too weak to make the long journey. I know you can make it, now go, and leave me."

I looked at her worriedly, I do not want two funerals in one day. I have to save myself, I thought, "Stay alive for me, Annis. You are like a mother to me." I told her, before leaving the room.