The Sorcerer of Prophecy(Merlin Fan-Fiction)

The Poisoned Chalice I

In a Land of Myth and a Time of Magic,the Destiny of a Great Kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young boy.His name...Merlin.

The colors of blood red and deep blue flashed against the room.Camelot's and Mercia's capes waved as they met in the centre of the huge hall.Sun light filled the atmosphere from the glass windows,making the cold aura a little warmer.Camelot's King and the knights along with the prince approached them in a triangle.They say the way you approach it's the way you fight.

Isabella stood next to Merlin,back straight and her hand on the hilt of her sword.Her red tunic matched the capes of Camelot while the long mane of brown hair was tangled in a braid that fell on her shoulder.Even though he didn't show it the King felt great gratitude for her.Ever since the incident with Knight Valiant he sometimes asked for her opinion when a council was held,or let her take decisions about matters of the kingdom.She felt proud of herself.

After a moment of silence between the rulers,Uther spoke up."Camelot welcomes you,Lord Bayard of Mercia.The treaty we are singing today marks an end to war and the beginning to a new friendship between our people."He extended his arm towards him and with his turn Lord Bayard thanked him with the way of a knight.Camelot was making a huge step by signing peace with such a big city,they were definitely on the right path.

After all those traditional ways of welcoming the people from Mercia everyone was let free.Though the servants started to prepare for the banquet and the day of the signing.A huge celebration was ahead of them.

Isabella walked down the hall as she rolled her shoulders back.The early training she did really made her bones hurt.She made a mental note to never train before the sun comes out, becomes way too tiring.She rounded a corner and saw Merlin and Gaius talking with each other.As she reached them she heard Gaius say,"It's character building.It's how the old proverb says hard work breeds...a harder soul."

"What?"Isabella asked with a confused expression as she looked at the old physician while rubbing the back of her neck."My thoughts exactly."Merlin mumbled quietly at her."There is no way that's a proverb.You just made that out."

"I didn't."The playful side of Gaius wasn't a new side Isabella hadn't seen before.In fact she was getting quite irrited by it.Old people really needed to work on their humor.Suddenly a handmaiden a few paces behind them lost her balance and fell on the floor."Sorry."she said quietly.Isabella's eyebrows furrowed for a slight second as she turned to see.She knew this voice but where?She couldn't pin point.Even her face seemed quite familiar.From her point of view she could see that she was wearing a blue and red dress that fell to her ankles along with a blue turbant on her head,two dark brown strands of hair framed her bright face.She had a pair of radiating blue eyes and very deep red lips along with a sharp nose.Familiar.

"It's alright."Merlin said as he looked down at her."Excuse me."she said as she put all her things together.Merlin shoot a look at Gaius."Let me give you a hand with that."he said as he kneeled to help her.Their eyes connected,or more likely Isabella noticed that she did it on purpose to get his attention.Merlin looked back at her awestrucked."Hi,I'm Merlin."he introduced himself as both of them got up.

"Cara."the girl introduced herself as well,they shook hands before she continued."You're Arthur's servant,it must be such an honor."her voice was laced with such sweetness Isabella felt like gagging.She crossed her arms as she threw a sideways look at Gaius.She just had found a way to keep her feelings under control and yet there was another girl already flirting with him.This was tiring.

"Oh yeah,it is.Well,someone has to keep the place running."Merlin replied as he tried to show off that he was handling Arthur well.Literally"Thank you Merlin."Isabella turned her head on the side and mouthed the same words while mocking her.Gaius held himself from laughing out loud.She chose not to listen to the rest of their conversation until the handmaiden had walked away.

Gaius finally spoke up."Shouldn't you be busy running the place?"he gave him a short laugh as he walked away.Isabella shook her head,men would always remain men.From behind her Guinevere walked up to her,bowing ever so slightly."Lady Isabella?Lady Morgana wants to see you."

***
"You asked to see me my lady?"
Isabella gave a big bow as she entered Morgana's room.The design of it resembled perfectly her own room.Though hers had a bit of a more feminine tone to it.

A sweet toothy smile crept on her lips as she got up from her vanity and towards her."Isabella it's nice to see you again."she started as she finished patting her hair in place."Indeed I wanted to see how are you.With so many events happening I don't get to see you at all."she continued, motioning her to sit on the table along with her."Indeed my lady."Isabella replied as she gave her one of her own smiles.She took a sit always careful not to knock anything with her sword.

"So I was wondering if you would join us to Bayard's feast tonight.The treaty for our kingdom is a very important one."Morgana said a glimmer on her green eyes as she took a sip from her silver goblet."I have to agree with you.I have heard of all those bloody wars that have been happening between the two cities.But yes my lady I'm going to join I will be there with Merlin and Gaius.May I ask why you're so interested in me joining?"

After placing her goblet down, Morgana clapped her hands and gave her another bright smile."Excellent!And to answer your question I heard Merlin is going to wear the royal robes of servants-"

"Does that even exist?"Isabella raised a dark eyebrow at her as her eyes followed her when she got up and went to retreat something from her cupboards."If we are talking about Arthur then yes it does.But!Since he is going to be dressed more formal than usual I thought you would do the same."she returned with a well ironed and folded maroon fabric.Isabella's eyebrows shot up in surprise.Morgana's smile didn't flutter."I mean you always wear those tunics and breeches,way too manly.I bet you will look lovely with a dress.Besides I bet this one will look much more fitting to you than me."

"My lady I couldn't really."Isabella said as she got up from her seat as well."Plus this is your dress."

"Nonsense,"she waved her hand."Let's say it's a gift from me to you for protecting me at all times.Besides I didn't get to thank you so please accept this as my thank you."she said as she extended her arms with the dress on them.Isabella hesitated for a minute.It had been so long since she had last wore a dress.She was twelve when she was so well dressed up and it was a small feast that the Druids had held for spring.She could still remember the beautiful white floral design on it.

Morgana still had a smile on her face as she held the dress for her.A sigh escaped her lips as Isabella took it from her hands."Alright,but I warn you I'm not a big fan of dresses and I have to wear one since I was very young."she pointed at her as she looked down at the maroon material."But I do need to thank you as well for this."she pointed her chin at the dress.

"You're always welcome Isabella.Now go rest up you will definitely need it."Morgana threw a wink at her as she maneuvered herself around the room.Something told her that this wink wasn't a good sign.Morgana knew something more.

"Thank you.Well,I will see you at tonight's feast,my lady."Isabella bowed at her one last time before exiting the room.As she moved down the hall she inspected the dress closely from all sides before unfolding it.Her eyes widened and her mouth fell open as the long dress fell before her eyes."You must be joking."