Lady of Magic

XXVII

Ava sets the basket full of flowers down on the table. They ended up moving into a small home right by the castle. It has only been a couple days, but they moved quick. There is a small room separated by a door is to the side. Arthur wanted to ensure they were comfortable but not too far off. Merlin is putting up the books they have in a small nook he found and clothes on top. The place is almost ready. He gives his wife a kiss before smiling.

"You're going to be late helping Arthur getting ready for the feast," she laughs.

"Can't I just use the excuse of needing to keep my wife happy?"

"No. Considering I have to attend as well. Now go."

He laughs before leaving the small home. Ava changes into appropriate attire, trousers and chainmail with a sword and her family's dagger. She heads straight for the castle and enters the hall. Smallest gathering in there for now. Her brother, husband, and Knights of the Round Table. 

One thing the fools of the Council did not consider is this. She kneels before her brother, head lower. A smile wants to stretch itself on her face. Arthur insisted today is the day. The day of Beltaine, a celebration of light and beginning of the season. A day to usher in a new major change. The blade of the sword lays itself on her shoulder.

"Do you swear to uphold the Knight's Code and protect Camelot?" the young king asks.

"I do."

He taps her other shoulder before removing the blade.

"Rise, Ava Wyllt. Knight of Camelot."

The small group there cheers at the sound of that. She is given a red cape like the others and puts it on. Arthur clasps his hand on his sister's shoulder, smiling.

"Let's feast."

As each knight passes Ava, they pat her shoulder, smiling. Merlin is beaming as they go to the feast. People are buzzing with joy as some start commenting on Ava's new status. She sits by her brother and Leon as they joke around. Some of the other knights go and flirt with the young ladies of the court. Merlin walks over and pours wine in the goblets, except for Ava's.

"Be careful," Merlin jokes. "Don't want to put any more holes in your belt."

Leon chokes on his wine from laughter. Ava holds back a snicker. And Gwaine dies of laughter.

"It is a good thing you're not in charge of keeping any important secrets."

Merlin smiles before going to help others. Ava leans closer to Arthur so only he hears.

"Speaking of which, I should tell the knights before I really start showing."

"Tell us what?" Gwaine asks. The new knight smirks before tilting her goblet enough for him to peer in it.

"Notice how I haven't drank a drop lately."

It takes him a moment before he smiles. Leon and Percival quickly catch on.

"Merlin," Percival calls over. He hurries over.

"No way you finished that already," he laughs.

"No," Leon laughs. "We just heard that there will be little feet moving about."

"Hopefully with their mother's skills over their father's idiocy," Arthur adds, taking a sip from his cup. Merlin lets out a small laugh rolling his eyes.

"And as long as they are not a clotpole like their uncle," he quips back. Everyone but Arthur laughs at that. There is loud bang as the doors fly open. Enemy fighters led by Agravaine starts flooding in, attacking anyone near them. Everyone with a weapon draws it and goes to fight. 

Ava pulls out her sword, leaping over the table. She manages to take down a couple as the come towards her. One she locks swords with, both pushing with all their force. She draws her dagger, stabbing him in the gut. She follows her brother and husband out of the doors and down the hallway. 

"Watch out," Arthur calls, throwing himself between his sister and an attacker. He gets hurt on his side before killing the other.

"Are you okay?" Merlin checks.

"Fine," Arthur snaps before letting out a yelp of pain. "And a few broken ribs."

They hurry to the other side of the castle where many are gathering. While Gaius goes to help the king, Ava helps the other knights barricade the door.

"What happened?" Leon asks. "How did they get in here?"

"Agravaine betrayed us," Elyan answers.

"Are you really shocked?" Ava calls back, putting more wood across the grand doors. "He has tried to sabotage us before when you think about it."

She hurries over to Merlin, handing him her dagger.

"Why are you giving me this?" he asks. "I will be fine."

"I will distract the guards. You get Arthur out of here. You can return this to me where we fought our first real battle together. When that ass stole it."

He kisses his wife before she takes off toward the door. She slips out, killing as many as possible. 

"Come and get me you yellow bellied cowards," she calls. A smirk painted across her face. Anyone that tries to get close just ends up being slaughtered. She runs through the halls with a mass crowd following her. Once she gets to an old, narrow corridor, she glances at the walls briefly. The stones tumble down on her chasers, smashing them. The redhead lets out a sigh of relief before taking off some more. She turns down one corridor to see Morgana standing there, smiling.

"Hello, sister," the high priestess practically sings. Two guards grab Ava's arms. A piece of cloth wraps around her eyes and one around her mouth. "Don't want you causing any mischief, now can I?"

Her heart starts racing as thoughts quickly jumble in her mind. What if she will be forced under that spell again? Could it be dangerous for her child? She takes a deep breath, feeling her power grow some. She lets it roll off of her her in a strong wave, knocking the guards back. She rips off the fabrics on her face before sending Morgana flying back.

"You will never imprison me there again," Ava growls. She hears others running towards them and takes off. She heads straight to the woods on foot. No point in stopping until there is a good distance between the citadel and her. She keeps running and running through the woods. She knows this place like the back of her hand, giving her an advantage. The sun is starting to rise when she takes a second to breathe. She removes the metal coverage. 

It is odd for a female to be wearing trousers. Odder for one being dressed as a knight. She readjusts the belt with her weapon around her waist. She tears off a piece of the red fabric from the cloak and use it to tie her curls back. Sounds of people closing in on her causes the young knight to take off once again. She needs to make it to Merlin's mother's home before the other side finds her.