Bound

Chapter 9

The door swung open and once again a few guards walked in. Merlin curled himself into the corner tightly, expecting the worst. Instead they went to the door of the knights' cell.

"Arthur Pendragon?"
Arthur met eyes with the man.
"You're coming with us. Don't try any funny business. One of my man has the abilities to take care of that real quick."

Confused, Arthur got up a walked to the cell door.

"Wait, what are you doing? Why are you taking him?" Merlin panicked.

"It'll be fine, Merlin. I'll be back."

"But... that doesn't make sense. It's supposed to be me!"

Arthur had his mind made up. If Merlin was safe, then whatever he's walking into will be fine.

"I'll be okay. Just get some rest, and I'll be back. Trust me."

With that, Arthur left being escorted by the three guards.

When he arrived at the throne room Edith was there sitting in 'her throne.'

"Ah, Arthur Pendragon. How good of you to come!"

"Did I have a choice?"

"Not really, no. But still, I must give His Majesty a warm greeting mustn't I?"

He gave a grunt in return. He looked around examining his surroundings, trying to gather information.

"What do you think?" She gestured around her.

"Not really my style of throne room. It's rather bare."

"Well, not everyone grows up to be king of Camelot."

"Hmm. Enough small talk. Why am I here?"

"Well you're simply here because of your little friend. However, today you are here because I believe I have something you might want."

"Really? And what would that be?"

"Information. About your past. About your mother actually."

Arthur paused, shaken by this information.

"My mother?"

"Yes, about how she died," she paused for a moment then continued,
"Your father was desperate for an heir, so he sought out Nimueh to give him one. To give life a life must be taken. He made a deal with Nimueh knowing that someone would have to die for your birth."

"No," Arthur racked his brain for information.
"No, I've heard this before. It- it was a trick. My father... even Merlin said that it wasn't true."

"But it is. See for yourself."

Edith's eyes flashed gold as the scene was laid out before Arthur. His father was there with a woman who looked vaguely familiar. Arthur gathered that this must be Nimueh. Arthur listened as the two were speaking to one another.

"Sire, I understand that you want an heir, but to give a life a life must be taken. That it is the cost. Are you really willing to risk-?"

"I will risk anything! This dynasty will not end with me. Whatever the cost is, I will gladly pay it."

"I understand, sire. I just want to be sure that you know of the powers you are dealing with."

"I'm well aware. Give me a son Nimueh, and you will have whatever you ask for."

Nimueh bowes before the king.

"As you wish, sire."

The memory faded, leaving Arthur in pain and confusion.

"It can't be," he whispered.

"It is. How likely is it that two different people gave you the same story of how your mother died?"

It had to be true. That's the only thing that made sense. But, Merlin had magic at that time. He said that it was a trick! He knew. He knew that it was all true. Merlin let him believe that he had been tricked by this sorceress.

"He lied..." Arthur whispered under his breath.

"That's what he does," Edith replied.
"All these years he's been lying to you. And all of those things he said this morning that you had no idea about, he kept them from you."

Arthur could feel his mind and emotions conflicting with themselves. Merlin is his friend. But he lied. Over and over and over again. He kept this important truth from him. Arthur had the right to know!

"Your majesty, this is the only bit of clarity I can give you today. But from now on you will have a room, so you can reflect in solitude. Guards, please lead this man to his new chambers."

Arthur left with them, his heart once again beginning to harden. Behind him, still in the throne room, Edith smiled at her success.