Lady of the Court

IX

Ava listens to Uther give out orders. He believes Morgana had been attacked and now wants every magical suspect to be arrested. This is not good. Ava and Merlin look each other in the eye. Taking a deep breath, Ava steps forward.

"I will look for the Druids," she volunteers. "I know the woods and villages pretty well."

"We'll arrange several escorts-"

"I apologize my lord, but that would make it much more difficult to catch the, if I have a knight tailing me. I do know how to defend myself."

The king contemplates this. He soon agrees and dismisses Ava from the hall, ordering her fo leave at once. She quickly moves to her chambers, preparing to pack. Once clothes were in a bag, she grabs an outfit and go to change. Just a dusty rose coloured top and black pants. As she finishes, her door open and close. Peaking her head around, she sees Merlin.

"Why did you offer to go?" He asks as he closes the door.

"It buys them time. If I'm looking for them, it might gain them time. Plus I can warn them."

She slides on her belt and boots. Merlin hands her a sword, which she attaches to her belt.

"How long will you be gone?"

"I don't know."

He nods his head, contemplating her decision. Grabbing her bag, she wishes the sorceror goodbye. The lady hurries down the halls, mind set on the stables. A hand wraps around her arm, stopping her. She turns to see the crown prince.

"What are you doing?" He snaps.

"Helping protect the king's ward."

"You're not the one who volunteers to hunt Druids. I think you would try defend them."

"Morgana maybe in danger and I will not let that stand."

She pulls away and continues towards the stables. Morgana goes to stop her, but she shakes her head. The ladies seem to communicate between each other without any words. The two wishing for the others to be safe. The red head ends up finally at where she is meant to be. The stable boy has already prepared the white stead for the maiden. She thanks him before flinging herself on the creature.

Ava rides off, out of the city and towards the woods. Leaning forward, she urges the horse to move faster. Branches try to knock her off, yet she avoids them. She keeps going. As the sun starts to set, smoke becomes more visible.

Ava hurries to get to the camp. Druids are milling around, trying to work with what they have. A few were startled by the sudden horse. As a familiar woman calms the horse, Ava slides down. Ava quickly realizes who the woman is.

"Have you found your boy?" The red head asks.

"I did. Though, he is not my son. Just someone I looked out for."

"Looked?"

The lady motions towards a young boy with dark hair and Aglain. It has been awhile since she's seen the leader of the group. He spots the young lady and walks over.

"Have you done what I had asked of you?" He questions.

"I did find Emrys," she states. "He was... helpful when it comes to control."

The boy stares her down with piercing blue eyes. Honestly he seems as if he is on edge. As if there is some weight on him. Aglain takes a cloak off of a rope and hands it to the maiden. She puts on the old brown cloak, blending in with the group.

"Why are you here?" He asks her. "Surely not to just visit."

"Sadly, no. Uther thinks I'm hunting the group down. He is on a rampage against magic."

"So you felt you needed to protect us? Just like your parents before?"

She nods her head and the two enter one of the tents. It doesn't provide much coverage, but it was the best they can do. Aglain tells her to get rest before leading the child out. She moves blankets around and attempt to fall asleep. Hopefully she can sleep tonight.