Friends to Be Feared

Chapter 12: Camelot

The knights were all silent as we walked. The storm had abated though it hadn't entirely dissipated. However we couldn't wait in that cave any longer. I looked around at my loyal knights. I was proud of them, the trials of the past few days had been rough on all of them.

It was one thing to lose Merlin. That alone was enough to make us despondent. But losing Percival as well, he was a brother to us, to all of us.

Now he was a traitor.

Finally the shining turrets of Camelot's castle came into view. Their beauty never failed to take my breath away and this time was no different despite the circumstances.

We all stopped and stared.

It was a reminder, a reminder that we made it. That even though we'd experienced considerable hardship in our time away we always had a place to welcome us home.

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It took us another hour to finish walking to the gates. Soaking wet, weary, and two members short we walked through the lower town. People stopped to not-so-subtly gape and whispers followed us all the way to the citadel.

Though not even the sight of my beautiful Gwenivere could bring a smile to my face.

Her and Gauis were standing to the side of the stairs as they usually do, trying to at least be a little inconspicuous as they scanned the group. My gut twisted.

I didn't even think about how they would react, especially Gaius. He was like a father to Merlin, and he would be devastated. Gwen smiled as I walked up but Gaius' face remained set in barely concealed worry.

It seems Gwen couldn't contain herself any longer and ran forward to throw her arms around Elyan before turning to me.

My heart gave a little flutter as she smiled at me, for a moment I forgot all that had happened. The betrayal and the pain were momentarily absent as I looked into her fierce brown eyes.

"Where's Merlin?" My heart gave another pang as the feeling returned in full force and I felt a prickle of tears. No, Kings did not cry.

"Arthur, where is he?" She stepped back, looking at the other knights.

"Where's Percival?" The knights all looked down, it was up to me to explain what happened. I glanced at Gaius.

And immediately wished I hadn't. It almost made it too hard, watching his wrinkled hands shake. Watching him trying to maintain a schooled and expression. I forced my mouth to move, to form the dreaded words.

"Merlin," I choked a bit on his name, "is a sorcerer." I didn't look at Gwen or Gaius, keeping my gaze on a broken stone laying on the ground near the wall.

"We were caught in a cave when the storm hit with the prisoner. Eventually Morgana came and took the prisoner." I took a breath. "Sir Percival aided the witch and traitor then all three disappeared with the aid of magic."

As I was talking Gwen had slowly been backing up, shaking her head. I couldn't help but glance at Gaius again.

And promptly wish I hadn't. Gwen had backed up so she was standing next to him, her mouth opening and closing as if lost for words.

Gaius...Gaius was leaning against the wall for support, his face ashen. He also seemed to be at a lose for words. His expression ranging from shock to fear to anger to sadness before going back to that cool physicians exterior.

"Sire." The physician bowed before turning and walking in the direction of his quarters. Gwen remained rooted to the spot, her face a mix of such heart wrenching emotion that I couldn't help but take a step toward her.

"No." Her voice was hard, fierce. I stopped. That was a Queens voice. She straightened and looked around at us all. Then, without saying another word, turned her back and walked toward the retreating Physician.

The sound of footsteps came from the right. We all turned. I knew those footsteps.

"Hello Mates."

Authors Note: I finally updated!!! And oh my gosh, 1k views! You guys I'm so excited! This story has become much more popular than I ever thought it would be! I know this chapter is kinda short but I was having trouble writing the return. So I've left you with two cliffhangers now. (Insert Evil laugh) im kidding, I'm really excited! Hope you all had a lovely time and I promise to update soon! :~)