Lady of Magic

XI

Ava is walking around with Gwen, the two discussing current issues around the kingdom. Arthur, Merlin, and the Knights had left to deal with border intrusion once again. So Gwen and Ava work on keeping the kingdom running with the Council. Not all the time does the men truly understand what is going on. So Ava uses what Gwen tells her to keep everything moving in a direction of change. 

Also she thinks if there is a chance Gwen and Arthur will be together, the future queen should know the politics of the country. Horses enter in the citadel with the king leading. The women hurry to meet them at the steps. Ava's smile falter a bit as she sees who they are missing.

"Where's Merlin?" she asks. 

"He was separated from us when we were attacked. We circled back but we couldn't find him."

Emotions start mixing in her mind. She snatches the reigns from Gwaine, getting ready to ride off.

"Where are you going?"

"To find him."

"Ava you can't just leave."

Knowing the straps are tightened enough, she swings herself onto the saddle.

"Watch me." 

Leon grabs the reigns, glaring at her.

"You can't go rampaging around the woods with no weapons, supplies, and in a dress," he states.

"Every moment we waste is a moment he is missing."

"Then stop arguing and go change. I'll go with you to look."

"Are you sure Leon?" Arthur asks. "We just got back."

"Obviously someone leaked our route. I will not stand for anyone to be hurt because a cowardly traitor."

This is one of the moments that reminds everyone why Leon is a knight. He will give his life for anyone in this kingdom, especially his friends. The other knights agree to also go. Arthur motions for Ava to change while he sets up the search party. The princess quickly hurries to change into appropriate clothing to ride and weapons, she throws on her cloak and hurry out. Moving down the hallways quickly, she ties her hair up with a ribbon so it is mostly out of her face. 

Waiting passed the steps outside is Leon, Gwaine, and three steeds. The princess pulls herself onto the saddle and they ride off into the woods. She rides behind the two men as they go where they had lost Merlin. There is a pile of stones that would have blocked people. Merlin probably purposely knocked them over. She looks around and sees a bunch of footprints heading into a direction.

"We should follow the path," Ava concludes. "It may lead us to him."

The two agree and they head in the direction. Soon the sun is starting to set.

"We should make camp," Leon tells them.

"But we are so close," the princess responds. "We can't let them get further ahead of us as is."

"Ava, there is nothing we can do if we are tired."

"We need to help Merlin."

"Gwaine," both of them shout, looking at the other knight. 

"Don't look at me," the dark hair knight responds. "But personally think we should set up camp."

Ava mutters different things as she dismounts the steed. The two men start working on setting up camp while she gathers firewood. She returns to the others, piling it up in order to start the fire. Once the flames are starting to fly upward, Leon starts heating up some of the food. Gwaine takes off his socks and lay them near the the fire.

"Make sure they don't catch on fire again," Ava tells him. "The smell just gets worse."

Leon snickers a bit as he hands the two each a bowl, which she quickly eats. Gwaine moves the socks away from the flames before quickly eating his food. The red head keeps looking out towards the dark woods, surrounding them. Some sign of Merlin would make her feel better honestly. She lays down, staring up at the night sky. Hopefully where ever Merlin is, he can see the stars as well. The idea gives her some sense of hope honestly.

~~~

Merlin wakes up as water splashes him. His hands are tied above his head and standing before him is Morgana. They are in some tiny hut.

"Long time, Merlin," the witch smirks. "Last time I saw you, you had  disfigured my sister, slowly killing her."

"What do you want?" he asks. "Cause I would sooner wind up dead than betray Arthur and Ava."

"You are loyal, aren't you? Even if Arthur sees you as a mere servant."

He chuckles, shaking his head.

"Mere servant? I have saved him more times than I can count. Fought off bandits, saved Gwen, stopped evil from taking over Camelot. All while doing my job as the King's servant."

"And getting engaged to his sister from what I've heard. It would be a shame if something happened while you aren't there." He tries to lunge at her, causing her to laugh. "She is out there, looking for you right now. But don't worry, her getting hurt isn't part of my plans. Actually quite the opposite at the time being."

Morgana smiles at him before walking off, leaving him there.