Epic Book-Movie

Chapter 2 part 2 (Lord of the Rings parody)

"I still want to destroy the ring." I say after we're back in the daylight.

Merlin stays silent as I walk along, careful to keep in the shadows. "You don't have to come with me. I can do it myself. But..." I bite my lip. "I'd appreciate the company."

Merlin groans. "Arthur thinks I spend enough time at the tavern already. But fine, I'll accompany you. Meet me in the woods beside the castle at midnight. By then, I'll have created the diversion and asked Morgana about a maid."

"A... maid?" I ask hesitantly. "Does it have to be a..."

"It's the best way to protect them." Merlin says. "I didn't like the idea anymore than you did, but it is the best way to protect him. Yes, he treats me like dirt, and sometimes I'd just like a 'thank you' every now and then for saving his sorry hide, but we've grown rather fond of each other, I think."

"MERLIN!" A voice shouts. "Where in heaven's name are you?!"

"See? Worried about me as usual." Merlin flashes me a smile.

"MERLiN! Get out of the tavern you lazy loafer! When I find you I'm going to break every bone in your body and then..." His voice trails off as it goes out of range.

"Uhuh..." I nod. "Friends indeed. Have fun. I'll see you at midnight."

Merlin grins. "Fine, until then. I'll also get a map to this place."

***

I trudge through the woods waiting for Merlin. It's been a long time since I've had a friend, and right now, Merlin is one of the best friends I've ever had. Well, he did save me from being burnt at the stake, so that's a plus. I don't want to be this 'Morgana's' maid, but at least it will be a new life for me, one that I can cope with. A fresh start.

I start to traverse down a steep hill when I hear a shout at the bottom. I look down to see a young woman surrounded by what look like bandits, and a few people that look like guards are scattered around, dead.

They're harrassing her for money, and without even thinking about aything, I run down, drawing the tiny sword that I've always carried. A few of them laugh, and then about three of them surround me. I fight off all of their thrusts, then without even knowing how it happens, two of the guy's weapons fly out of their hands. Then somehow I manage to stab the one with a sword, and then face the other two. I'm not good with a sword, but this 'force' thing actually works when I want it to most. Soon enough, I've disarmed the other two, and they flee into the woods.  "That was me!" I realize. Then I remember about how the king hates magic, so I clear my throat nervously and help her up. 

"My lands! You fight like nothing I've ever seen!" Morgana says sweetly. "You saved my life!"

"It was nothing." I say, a little embarassed.

"Nonsense!" She hands the rope of another horse to me. "You must come back with me to the castle. "I'm sure that the king will not overlook this favour."

"But..." I'm wondering if she remembers yesterday, how I freed the prisoner. "My lady... I..."

"I won't take no for an answer." She smiles, turning around. "Usually my maid Gwen accompanies me, but her father was ill today, so I let her have the day off. You two could take care of my affairs together."

"Ugh." She brushes off her rumpled dress. "I'm fine. But my guards weren't so lucky." 

"Those bandits won't worry you now, anyway." I say.

"Thanks to you." She smiles. "You must ride back with me to Camelot - and I'm sure the king will give you an important role  in the kingdom." 

I nod, not willing to disobey the King's ward, and follow her. We're back at Camelot when it's nearing nightfall, and the King rushes out anxiously.

"Oh my dear Morgana! I could not have forgiven myself if anything had happened to you. We were worried." 

"I'm sorry, my Lord. You mustn't blame the guards, they did everything they could. We were attacked by bandits, and Belle here, saved my life."

The king looks at me with a grateful smile, and shows no sign that he remembers me. This is weirder by the moment!

"I insist that she come and work for me, my Lord." Morgana continues. "Gwen has been overloaded lately, and with her ill father, it will be a wecome break for her."

"Very well." The king nods. "You begin right away."

They leave me standing in the courtyard, open-mouthed. The king is either a dummy, or he REALLY doesn't recognise me. I want to keep my apointment with Merlin, so I hurry back into the woods and get there with seconds to spare. I see him waiting and run up to him.

"I'm sorry I'm late!" I pant.

"Well, no reason for you to be late. You were just hanging in the woods all day." He grins good-naturedly.

"And what were you doing?" I ask indignantly.

"Oh, you know, running around after Arthur, getting his bath water ready and cleaning his clothes." He makes a face. "I ESPECIALLY hate it when he throws his dirty laundry at me."

"Well, I managed to get a job as Morgana's maid." I say.

"Really?" He sounds impressed. "And I managed to frame my old friendly wizard for doing what you did."

"Ooh." Understanding suddenly comes over me. "So that's why the king pretended not to know me. He was going to execute an innocent person."

I explain quickly and he nods. "The king... doesn't often apologise. Never mind that, let's go get rid of your ring." 

I nod.

***

As we're nearing the fire, the heat and the stench of ashis almost overwhelming. I pull my coat over my head and cough into it. "Remind me whose idea this was?" I turn to Merlin.

He shrugs and huffs.

We near the fire, and then Merlin pulls me up the last step. Down below is a bubbling, lava pit filled with rolling fire. The heat is so intense that it's almost unbearable. I look over the edge and take off the necklace. It dangles above the lava pit, swining back and fourth.

"What are you waiting for?! Throw it in!" Merlin says impatiently, his face red from the heat. I hesitate. Something is making me hold onto this ring, and I don't know what.

"No!" I say, bringing it back to me. "I can't destroy it!"

"I thought you said you weren't power hungry!" Merlin jokes.

I frown. "I'm not."

"So what's stopping you?"

"I DON'T KNOW!" I say. But I can't do it. I can't throw that ring over the edge.