Lady of the Court

IV

Creatures start attacking Camelot. Ava hurries to grab some sort of weapon. Right now all she can say is screw the promise she made. She grabs the last remaining crossbow and darts before going to joining the knights outside the castle walls. They are trying to get any innocent soul back inside for shelter. She fires at one, barely leaving a scratch. It just dives down to attack her instead.

Arthur throws a sword, which she uses to block the monster. It backs off, so Ava throws the blade back to the prince. The knights join this coordinated dance and they attempt to keep the monsters at bay. Once all the villagers are inside, they slip in. Morgana and Gwen are assisting Gaius with taking care of those injured. Ava's eyes scan the crowds as she swings the crossbow and bag of darts over her shoulder.

"Where's Merlin?" She asks Arthur.

"I put him in a cell after he fought Cedric. Should have known he was just trying to protect us."

"When did this happen?"

"Earlier today."

She rolls her eyes, shaking her head. Last night, Merlin had informed her everything he knew. Maybe this Sigan sorceror possessed Cedric. It would explain the creatures. Ava hurries over to Gaius, pulling him to the side.

"I have to ask... a special friend for help," she tells him. "Merlin has been locked up. If you can get him out, send him my way."

"Merlin claimed him and the special friend had a falling out."

"I know. But I'm not letting this kingdom fall."

Before the healer could argue, she hurries down towards the secret cavern. The area is completely abbandoned, making it easier to move about. Her feet guide her along the familiar path towards the massive cell. She stops just short of the cliff, preparing to face the beast that inhabits the area.

"Dragon," she calls out. The creature flies up before gracefully landing before her. "I need you to help me stop the attack on Camelot."

"I can not do that," he responds.

"Why not? You claim you want Arthur to rule, but that won't happen if there is no Camelot."

"Not because I do not want to, but because you are not strong enough. You are still not fully trained in magic."

"Then who is?"

"I am," another voice answers. She turns to see Merlin walking down the set of stairs. The young couple hug each other, both grateful the other is safe. He turns towards the dragon, staring him down. "What do I need to do?"

The dragon stiffens, almost like he's prepared to pounce.

"You told me you wish to never see me again."

"I was wrong. Just please, allow to help Arthur."

"You must promise me you will set me free after Arthur's king."

Merlin tenses, slightly squeezing Ava's hand. He looks at her, then turns back towards the creature in front of them.

"I promise."

The dragon blows air on the young man.

"There. You have been granted the knowledge needed."

Merlin nods his head, linking his fingers with Ava's. The two hurry up the passage way, Merlin practically dragging her. Soon they arrive on the upper levels. They go searching for Arthur. That's when a scream pierces the quiet chaos.

"You go help Arthur," Ava orders, running in the direction the scream came from. She loads the crossbow, ready to fire at a moment's notice. Even if she can't hurt the creatures, she can distract them. She comes across a young girl trying to use a pitch fork in order to defend herself. The girl could be no more than six. Across the way is a torn apart body, probably the girl's parent.

Ava fires at the creature, drawing its attention. It flies towards her, claws out. She slides on the slick ground, avoiding being mauled to death. Though the stoney claws scratch her shoulder, drawing blood and pain to the surface. She picks up the young girl and take off towards the caatle. She quickly gets diverted as another flies towards the two. She gets them in the stables, tossing the young girl on top of the snowy mare.

"Hold onto the mane," Ava orders, hopping on behind her. She kicks the sides of the horse, sending them flying through the doors. They ride past the creatures who continue to chase them. She keeps pushing the horse to go faster. The door comes into view, and Gwen pushes it open. The maiden moves to allow the horse and its riders in before closing the door. Gwen helps the young girl down and Gaius comes to check Ava's shoulder.

"It's not too deep," he mutters, looking at the bloody gap.

"Help others first."

"I have. Now its your turn."

He pulls her over to a cot where no one is, moving down her bloody sleeve. Morgana hurries over with a bowl of water and cloth. Gaius cleans up the wound. Running through the crowds is Merlin.

"You okay?" He asks, looking at the gash.

"Yeah. Did you succeed?"

A smile grows on his face as he pulls out a blue, heart shaped jewel.

"Good work," Gaius sighs. "Go put that away and I'll dress Ava's wounds. Then the lady should get some rest."

She nods her head, looking to see Gwen walking over with the young girl. Ava stands up and walks over to them. Now she can get a good look at the girl. She has frizzy black hair and soft brown eyes.

"What's your name?" Ava asks.

"Titania," she mutters.

"Can you find either of your parents?"

She shakes her head. She tells Gwen to look for her parents, and if there is no one, bring her to Ava's chambers. With that, she lets Gaius finally dress her wounds.