Lady of Magic

II

Ava walks down the hallway, waiting for the others to return. There had been an attack on an outer village. So Arthur wanted to investigate. Screams fill the hallway. She looks around, but doesn't see anyone. The screams come again and a specter flies towards her. She tries to use a spell, but it doesn't work. So she ducks out of the way last second. As it turns around to attack again, she grabs the closest thing to her. Which happens to be a lit torch. She swings it, scaring the ghost off. She looks around, her adrenaline pumping. 

The red head hurries down the stairs, clutching the torch. The creatures are flying everywhere in the city, attacking the citizens. Arthur and the knights start arriving with lit torches. All of them, including Ava, go to attack the spirits. Anyone it touches forms ice crystals on them and die.

 Percival grabs a bunch of kids and take off. Elyan goes to protect them. The group keep going through this multiple times. Every person Ava sees, she orders for them to light something for protection. Once daylight breaks and the spirits have left, Ava sits on the ground, leaning against some house. Arthur sits next to her.

"Well that was a mess," she yawns.

"I agree," he responds, looking out. "This maybe a nightly occurrence until we find a way to stop them."

"I feel this will be an issue in any dark place. So I think we need to issue an order to keep some form of light source throughout Camelot."

"Have to agree. Get that sent out in a bit. We probably should get some rest soon."

The two siblings help each other up and start walking back into the castle. On the way, they talk about the need to go and end this. 

~~~

Ava throws a bag onto her horse saddle as the others get ready. Magic doesn't work against them and Gaius says a sacrifice must be made at the Isle of the Blessed to close the gate. So now the Pendragon siblings, Merlin, and the most trusted knights are embarking on a quest. No one will discuss who is to be sacrificed, but it is clear all of them would give their lives for the kingdom. Ava pulls herself on to the saddle, riding along side with the others. 

Gwaine, Percival, Leon, Lancelot, and Elyan are all quiet, which is odd for them. They all know the danger of this mission and what is at stake. But no one would turn it down since everyone would lay their lives down for the kingdom and the other members of the traveling party. Her and Merlin ride near the front with Arthur. Everyone's eyes are pealed in case Morgana tries to stop them from reaching the Isle of the Blessed. But it is a bit quiet while the sun is out.

"You don't have to come along," Arthur eventually tells Merlin.

"I know."

"You're just quiet over there. Probably scared."

"Just cold. Not all of us have enough fat to keep us warm."

"Well at least not all of us are clotpoles."

"That's my word."

Ava chuckles softly as they ride through the forest. Soon they come to the ruins of an old home as the sun starts to set. Everyone dismounts their horses, tying the creatures up to a tree. The group start to wander the grounds of the old home as Ava realizes where she is. She finds a charred cloth peaking out of dirt from a few years worth of build up. She pulls it out to reveal a faded green banner with a partial silver snake on it. A hand rests on her shoulder. She turns to see her brother there.

"I remember the times we had here," he states. He looks at the few structural pieces remaining. "I think this is where use to hide once we stole pastries from the kitchen."

She chuckles before start picking up any flammable pieces near her. There needs to be a source of light before it fully becomes dark. Arthur goes to help the others while Merlin arrives with a lit torch.

"So this is where you grew up?" he asks.

"Yeah. Use to be a bit more before the attack."

He nods his head. The screams can be heard all around them. The couple look at each other before hurrying off to meet with the others. The group work together to build the fire. They lay the lit ends of the two torches by the flames. Ava and Merlin sit together, close enough for him to wrap his arm around her waist. The others just glance at them, but go with it. It's not much of a secret any more the princess and the servant have fallen for each other when it comes to this group. The creams fill the night air around them. The flames are starting to die down some, making everyone edgy.

"We need to get more wood," Percival states. The brave knights of Camelot look among each other is fear.

"I'll do it," Arthur offers.

"I'll go," Merlin adds. The group looks at him in shock. "Well none of you know how to collect wood."

With that, the two leave the knights and the princess by the fire. Ava pulls out her dagger, looking at it reflecting the fire light. 

"What is that?" Gwaine asks, pointing at the green cloth laying by Ava. 

"Just a the pass," she says before tossing it into the fire. She looks around, not seeing and sign of Arthur and Merlin. With the screaming still going on, she doesn't like it. She grabs the other torch standing up.

"Where are you going?" Lancelot asks, standing up with her.

"Going to find the other two. You are more than welcomed to come."

The other knights rise and the group moves through the stone structure that remains. Everyone staying close to the light. Soon they come across one of the specters going for the two that were separated earlier. Merlin leaps in front of Arthur, being attacked himself. 

Lancelot snatches the torch from Ava, driving off the creature. Ava rushes over to Merlin, who is laying on his side. She carefully rolls him over to see ice crystals formed around him. Somehow he is still alive. She takes off her cloak, wrapping it around him to at least warm him up some. 

"We need to get him to Camelot," the prince states. 

"He won't-" Elyan starts.

"If there is a chance, he can live, we need to take it."

Ava wipes away some tears before turning to the others. 

"I'll take him," Lancelot offers. "If I go through the Field of the Fallen Kings to cut the time."

Percival goes to carry Merlin out of the burned ruins and to a horse. Lancelot stops Ava just before they follow the others.

"Watch over Arthur," he requests. "Don't let your brother be an idiot."

"Save Merlin."

The two agree to this. They hurry out to see Arthur strapping Merlin to his horse. She rushes over to him. She places her forehead against his freezing one, whispering a spell. But to others look like she is just spending a moment with him.

"You better get better," she orders before backing up. The six watch the two leave before continuing themselves.