One Of Us Is Lying - Merlin Apply Fic

Chapter 5 - Evidence

^^ me trying to write this story and being drowned by paper 😜

So yeah, sorry I've been super busy recently but this chapter is for the evidence!

I hope to get PMs from you all soon, don't forget to accuse people, it gives me something to write about! Obviously if you're a sorcerer don't accuse other sorcerers, but you could try to mess things up for the others hehe!

Idk for best comment, any suggestions?

Enjoy and I hope the writing quality is still ok!

"And do we know where this poison was sourced?" Uther Pendragon sat straighter in his chair as he spoke. He had the air of a man who felt threatened, a man who needed to make a powerful impression. It was clear to all gathered in the hall that the attempt on his life had shaken him, despite his futile efforts to hide it.

His eyes darted like fleeting shadows across the throne room. He sat straight and tall on his throne, muscles tensed, chin raised. His posture was a warning to whoever dared threaten him again.

Stay away! It seemed to scream as the king beheld his subjects. Leave me alone, don't you dare threaten me again!

Because surely they would try if they weren't stopped. Uther could not let that happen, Camelot could not be made to look weak, it must be unconquerable, and for that to happen the assassin amongst them must be found.

Sighing impatiently, he repeated the question. His tone was disbelieving and frustrated, although with underlying tones of cruelty and paranoia. "Does nobody know?"

To his surprise, it was Gaius who stepped forward to speak. "I'm afraid I do Sire. I am led to believe that the poison was taken from my chambers not long before your... poisoning." He bowed his head. "Although I cannot fathom who, I'm afraid."

Uther was nodding. "I should have known." His eyes narrowed as he addressed the room. "Make a list of anyone seen entering or leaving the physician's chambers, and question them until you are sure that they are not responsible for this. Then bring all your suspects straight to me." Several guards departed to do their king's bidding as he continued. "I'm sure you're all aware by now that there is a traitor among us. Let it be known to all that any who dare to challenge my authority or the strength of Camelot will be sentenced to death." Uther paused to let his words sink in. "Painfully."

Several murmurs arose from the assembly. "Meanwhile, track down the bottle of wine. I want anyone who even saw it brought to the palace immediately. Whoever is responsible for this will be caught, and soon."

What the court members didn't hear were his next words, accompanied by his expression darkening to a frown.

"I hope."

———

The huge, monstrous double doors swung open with an ominous groan, their hinges protesting angrily as if the movement pained them greatly. Amber's shoes clacked against the cold stone floor, echoes resounding loudly throughout the cavernous room as it swallowed her small figure. Blood-red banners swirled and rustled uneasily in an unknown breath of wind, not unlike that of a dying man, as the heavy doors were barred behind her. For a second, the Lady felt claustrophobia building inside of her, but dispersed it quickly. Now was not the time to panic. If she was going to convince these people that she was innocent, she needed to keep a cool head.

The 'questioner', as Uther has appointed him, was a large brute of a man. He was tall and well-muscled, with a face that seemed to have a deep frown permanently etched onto his features. He wore fine leather clothing and expensive cloths, he even had fur adorning his shoulders. Amber was under no false impressions; this was a powerful man who she was sure would do anything to get the answers he wanted. You're innocent. She reminded herself. They can't kill you for that.