Merlin's magic (Oneshots) 1

The crystal of Prodos

"You are people of the kingdom of Prodos, you said?" Arthur looked down from his throne at the four guests that had arrived at the castle in the middle of the night.
They were carrying some kind of object that was hidden by black cloaks.
And they had introduced this object as a peace offering.
Arthur didn't dare trust them. Not to mention he barely had any time to gather his armor, while Merlin was – as usual – getting drunk in the tavern.

"Yes, your majesty. Our king – Lord Eric has sent us to present this – gift – to you.
He is certain that a present like this may ease your mind about his intentions and builds a path for both our futures in peace and prosperity."
The man – a lanky old man with a very distracting missing teeth – bowed to him.

"If your kings intentions are as pure as you say – how come he isn't here then?"

"Our majesty just recently inherited his father's throne, Sire. You see, his father is sick with an incurable illness. And it is his last wish to make amends with your kingdom.
Lord Periad does not wish his son to inherit wars that he started. Especially since both parties, namely your father king Uther and him are no longer ruling the kingdoms.

His majesty, king Eric is young, though strong in his own will.
He shares his fathers opinions about magic, and even though he knows it differs strongly from yours, he intends to listen to his fathers last wishes."
The man bowed once more.

Arthur looked at him strangely. "Prodos is a land of magic. What can your king offer to me – that would want me to come to a truce with him?"

The man gave him a smile. "He respects your decision to keep magic banned in your kingdom. It is a grave sacrifice for his men to gift this to you. For it is a tool for you to get Camelot rid of magic and sorcerers. All he asks in return is a way of trading between our lands."

Arthur glanced between him and the cloak in disbelieve.
"What would king Eric want to trade with me? As far as I know his kingdom flourishes on it's own quite well. What would he want from me?"

The man took another deep breath. "He wants to – There still are sorcerers in your kingdom. He wants to offer them a safe haven in his kingdom. If they cannot live here -"

"You are asking for weapons.", Arthur hissed through gritted teeth. Causing the man to step back in shock and defense.
"Not at all Sire. Not at all. This Crystal -" , another man uncovered a great bluish glowing ball underneath the cloaks.
"It is a Crystal that feels the presence of Sorcerers and uses their own magic against them.
A sorcerer with weak magic may only suffer from a nasty headache from it. A stronger one – like Morgana for instance, would faint as soon as it enters it's radius.
The more powerful the opponent is – the more it will hurt the sorcerer. Black dots will appear on their Body. The stronger the magic – the bigger the spots."

Arthur's eyes widened.
"King Eric would give me a shield – a – a weapon of sorts – that would stop himself from attacking this kingdom?"

The man smiled. "I knew you would understand. We have heard only kind things about you, Sire."

"How do I know it would even work?"

The man's smile faltered. But he held out his own arm.
"Sire, I myself have practiced magic before. I am not strong, as you will see.", he lifted the sleeve, revealing nothing but a slightly big black mole.
"I am lucky that a special tea cures my headache. Others are not as lucky. This orb has been hidden in the vaults of our kingdom since the war started. Pain and misery has been threatening the kingdom. Which is another reason to grand it to you.
This truce will be beneficial to both these countries...."