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The Journey of Living at Downton

Chapter 49: August 1925

Masterlist

TW: depictions and discussions of suicide. In no way am I an expert in this matter. I tried to write it the best I could.

——

Emma quietly hums as she rocks and pats the baby in her arms after the early morning feed. Her son gurgles up at Emma as she cradles him in her arms. Emma beams at him, unable to take her eyes off him, eager to watch every action of the month-old baby.

Thankfully Patrick Owen Branson's birth had gone smoothly. After recovering from the shock of labour starting, Tom had quickly snapped into action and called for help to assist Emma up the stairs from the servant area. Thomas had swiftly appeared and the two of them got Emma up the stairs and into the car that still sat outside. After that, the birth happened quickly with Emma having the urge to push soon after they arrived at the Hospital.

Sybbie had turned 5 just over a few weeks later and happily carried around her Auntie Emma and Uncle Tom's new baby with her father anxiously following her, worried about her dropping him. Ivy has taken the role of older sister very seriously when it comes to Patrick while Michael has very little interest in his little sibling as he can't play with him so he happily runs after Teo, Robert's new puppy from Violet.

Mary is still down after what had happened at the races and with Henry. Despite her insistence that she is fine, Emma can see that she has withdrawn slightly and is not laughing as much though holding baby Patrick does bring out warm smiles from her.

Edith is also feeling a mixture of emotions. She had quietly confessed to Emma that Bertie had proposed when they had been up in London but she has not said yes yet as she hasn't confessed to him who Marigold really is. Emma hopes she'll tell him soon as she really doesn't want another Mary and Matthew situation when Matthew had proposed the first time.

Rosamund has also come to stay, apparently because of a cold though Emma has her suspicions that she's hear because of Edith. Not that Emma would complain, she likes Rosamund and Edith is quite close with her aunt so it only makes sense she would have her support.

Not everyone is down in the dumps. Mr Molesley had done well in his exam and has been offered a teaching position at the local School where he'll be doing a couple of lessons a week. Whereas Mrs Patmore's new house in Houghton-Le-Skerne, a little to the north of Downton, on the border with County Durham, has already received its first guests in its function as a bed and breakfast.

——

"A house of ill repute." Emma splutters, trying not to laugh but horrendously failing.

Mary sniggers. "That's what Anna said. Of course we all feel sorry for her."

The two look at each other, trying to keep a straight face before they both splutter with laughter again as they cross the Great Hall to enter the Drawing room.

Mary had told her what Anna had told her. Sargent Willis had come round (again) to inform Mrs Patmore that her first guest had not been as respectable as she first thought. A Mr Ian McKidd and a Mrs Dorris had decided to use Mrs Patmore's bed and breakfast as a little hideaway as they run from Mrs Dorrit's husband who's suing Mr. McKidd for damages related to adultery leading to Mrs Patmore's bed and breakfast gaining the label of a site of a house of ill repute.

Emma sniggers out a laugh as she recalls Anna's hilarious description of a shocked Mrs Patmore. Oh dear, of all the people it should happen to, it had to be the naïve and innocent cook.

Emma stops Mary at the door to the Drawing room. "Now, I know you can't help yourself, but we need to be sombre for Edith's sake, alright?"

Bertie's cousin, Peter Pelham, 6th Marquess of Hexham, had died from malaria while travelling in Tangiers late last month. This only just puts another level of strain on Bertie's proposal to Edith no doubt.

Mary rolls her eyes and huffs, "Who cares? He probably won't have a job now, my romance might not be the only one to come to an untimely end."

"Exactly what I mean, keep your gleefulness to yourself." Emma retorts as they enter the room.

——

They all have assembled ahead of dinner with the addition of Isobel. The only one missing is Edith. The mood is rather subdued.

"Poor Mr Pelham. First that terrible day at the race track, and then to hear his cousin's died." Cora says.

"It does seem very hard." Isobel agrees.

Edith walks in. Robert and Billy rise to stand next to Tom who already stands next to the settee that Emma sits on along with Cora and Mary.

"Did you get hold of him?" Emma asks her, concerned.

"Yes. He's coming tomorrow, on the first leg of his trip to Tangiers. I've asked him here." Edith replies as she moves to stand in front of them all.

"Good." Cora agrees.

"How is he?" Billy asks, concerned.

"Sad." Edith sighs. "He loved his cousin, and it was all so quick. The trouble is they've already buried him. Bertie's not sure what to do."

"Well, that's ordinary in hot countries. It won't mean any disrespect." Isobel reassures her.

"No. But should they leave him there?"

"Surely that decision is down to the new Marquess, not to Bertie?" Mary asks, her tone isn't kind, more irritated.

"Well, that's the thing. He is the new Marquess. Bertie."

There's an astonished silence after Edith's announcement as they take in the news. Emma watches in concern as Mary's face morphs from smugness to annoyed disbelief.

"Bertie Pelham is now the Marquess of Hexham?" Robert asks in a tone of utter disbelief though not out of unkindness, more shock.

"Yes."

"Nonsense. He's having you on. He'd have told you if he was the heir." Mary remarks, almost ready to laugh at the whole situation.

But Edith remains serious and cool. "He did tell me. But his cousin was in his thirties, and they all knew the girl he was going to marry."

"But that's absurd! If Bertie's a marquess, then Edith–"

"Edith would outrank us all. Yes. That's right." Robert says, interrupting Mary and starting to laugh at the whole situation.

Rosamund and Isobel join in his laugh, but Cora and Mary, like Emma, don't, though she knows Cora's reasons are more like Emma's than Mary's.

"Was he a close relation?" Emma cuts in, still surprised as well as concerned. If Edith was unsure about accepting Bertie because of Marigold, what'll this do to the situation?

"Second cousin, once removed. Nobody thought it was possible he would ever inherit. Least of all Bertie." Edith replies.

"Well, he seemed like a nice young man to me." Isobel remarks.

"And getting nicer by the minute." Rosamund quips mischievously causing her and Isobel to let out another giggle. They're having such fun over this.

"With a real love of Brancaster." Tom adds.

"Golly gum drops! What a turn-up!" Robert says gleefully.

The door opens to emit Mr Carson.

Cora takes the cue. "That's dinner." She rises to her feet. "If we're not too distracted to eat."

Isobel, Rosamund, Billy, Robert and Edith walk out first. Cora, Emma, Tom and Mary hang back.

"So we'll all bow and curtsy to Edith. You'll enjoy that, Mary." Tom quips at the disgruntled sister.

"Hardly." Mary scoffs dismissively. "And if Bertie is Lord Hexham, which I still don't believe, he won't want to marry her now."

"Careful, or people will think you're jealous, dear. We don't want that." Cora says gravely as they all file out past Mr Carson.

Emma can't but feel this'll end badly.

——

They're at their after-dinner coffee in the drawing room. Only Robert has gone to bed early again. Cora, Rosamund, Isobel and Edith sit chatting together, laughing. Emma overhears mention of poor Mrs Patmore's situation but she is absorbed in her own private conversation with Tom, Billy and Mary.

"I had a call from Henry earlier." Tom remarks.

Mary looks startled but asks softly, "Henry? Why didn't you say?"

"He's saying it now." Emma says.

"How is he?" Mary asks anxiously.

"Mourning Charlie Rogers. Missing you." Tom answers.

"You're not to ask him to come here." Mary warns him sternly.

"Suppose he just turns up?" Billy remarks, trying and failing to be subtle about it. Emma narrows her eyes at her friend.

"Don't encourage him, Billy. None of you should. I mean it. We'd be wretched long term." Mary declares.

"And you're not wretched now?" Billy asks.

Mary sighs and moves away.

"She's right about one thing, you can't encourage him." Emma says to the two men next to her.

"But you see how sad she's been." Tom argues. "I think Henry needs to come."

"I don't know..."

"Oh, come on Emma." Billy scoffs. "She just needs to see him, to realise maybe she shouldn't have ended things with him."

Emma grimaces. "I just know it'll end badly."

"How?" Her husband questions.

"This is Mary we're talking about. She doesn't like her hand being forced and asking Henry to come will rile her up further than she is already with the Bertie situation." Emma explains her thinking. "She needs to come round to it in her own time."

"You don't know that." Billy says.

Emma rather thinks she does.

——

The next morning, Emma sits on one of the red settees across from Rosamund, who's flicking through a magazine, while Robert is writing at his desk, cradling Patrick in her arms as he has a quiet snooze.

They had received good news the day before, Daisy passed every paper she had taken with high marks. Emma remembers the little girl (one she had always found quite irritating) and is amazed to see her progress.

Cora comes in. "Where is everybody?"

"Mary and Tom are agenting, Billy's at work and Edith's gone to meet Bertie's train." Emma replies as Cora moves to sit next to her, reaching over to softly stroke Patrick's cheek. "I've just come back from being outside with the children. Apparently there was some important bug excavation needing to be done in the grounds."

This causes the adults to all chuckle.

Rosamund is the first to sober up. "Are we going to talk about it? Are we really going to sit by and let this young man's family and future be put at risk from a scandal we are hiding from him?"

"I don't think she has to tell everybody, but I agree. She must tell him. Then it's his choice." Cora answers.

"I agree." Emma declares. "This is the sort of thing you really should not keep secret from your spouse."

"Isn't it up to Edith?" Robert argues.

"From what I've learnt, we really shouldn't leave it up to your daughters." Emma retorts.

Robert looks affronted at this and goes to reply but Rosamund cuts him off, "Robert is scared of Edith loosing a marriage worthy of the name because after Tony Gillingham had gone, he thought none of his daughters would make a marriage worthy of the name. Now there's a chance of one, and he can't bring himself to give it up!"

"You haven't got children. You don't understand these things." Robert retorts dismissively.

"No. I haven't had children, Robert, as you so kindly remind me, but I hope I do have a sense of decency." Rosamund cries angrily.

"How long are you planning to stay? Your cold must have cleared by now." Robert counters. Christ, the two are like children.

"Don't fight. Nothing's going to get better by you two falling out." Cora says in a sharp whisper as the door to the Library opens emitting Edith and Bertie, who walk in through the Small Library. The others rise to greet them.

Cora approaches them first. "Hello, Mr Pelham. I mean..."

"I'm going to stay Mr Pelham until the service." Bertie says, saving her the embarrassment. "But I wish you'd call me Bertie, anyway."

"Of course, hello Bertie." Emma greets warmly. "I don't believe you've met Patrick?"

"Er no." He accepts the baby, rocking him slightly and looking softly down at Patrick, who's just woken, staring at the unknown person in wonder.

"What sort of service will it be?" Robert asks.

"Not a funeral. I've decided not to disturb him." Bertie says, sounding almost choked up. Emma smiles softly as her son reaches and clasps Bertie's finger in a tight grip as if to comfort him. "I'll fetch his things and settle his debts and have a service at home to say goodbye."

"That sounds like a very good plan." Cora says.

"I hope you'll allow me to come." Edith says.

"I want you to come." Bertie says simultaneously warm and desperate.

"You remember my sister?" Robert indicates to Rosamund.

Emma takes Patrick from him so he can greet Edith's aunt properly.

Bertie walks towards the woman. "Of course. Lady Rosamund."

"This must be a strange and unsettling time for you." Rosamund says sympathetically.

"I'll say. My mother's cock-a-hoop," Bertie remarks, "but she doesn't appreciate that I was devoted to Cousin Peter."

"I'm sure she does." Cora assures him.

"Not really. Most people didn't get the point of him. He was... so delicate. But he was as kind to me as any man has ever been."

"Then how pleased he'd be to know that you're his heir." Emma says softly.

"That's so nice of you." Bertie's voice cracks as he begins crying in earnest. Edith puts a comforting hand on his arm. "Goodness. I'm afraid you've made me blub."

"Let me take you upstairs to unpack. Luncheon's not for half an hour." Edith tells him. They walk past the others and out by the other door.

Rosamund, deeply moved, turns to Robert. "And that's the man you want to trick into marriage?"

Robert lets out a huff. "I'm going for a walk." He walks out the other way.

"I agree." Cora says. "But Robert thinks Edith's had so little luck in her life."

"He can't be serious!" Emma scoffs. "Doesn't he know that she'll never be happy with such a secret dangling over her?"

"Exactly. We all know she's making a mistake." Rosamund says.

——

Bertie is more together by the time they all sit down for luncheon, attended by Mr Carson, Thomas, Mr Molesley and Andy. Isobel has joined them and Mary and Tom have returned from their agenting while Billy is still at work though had called earlier to see how Bertie is to which Emma could only tell him that he's in a bad way over his cousin.

"What was it about Tangiers that your cousin enjoyed so much?" Isobel asks Bertie as he sits next to her.

"Who knows?" Bertie replies. "He used to talk of going down to the beach and watching the young fishermen bring in the nets. How the setting sun would make the scene magical until everything was suddenly plunged into darkness."

"Goodness. How... lyrical."

"He was lyrical. He was an artist. In his heart, anyway." Bertie says with a small soft smile.

Emma grins. "I like the sound of him."

"I don't think this family can boast much in the way of artists. Although we did have an aunt who was quite good at macramé." Robert quips. Everyone chuckles politely.

Mary, however, doesn't and speaks up, after having stared at Bertie the whole time with an odd look on her face that's been unnerving Emma, "So, are you here to settle things with Edith before you leave?"

This startles everyone. Everyone either gives shocked looks or frowns in Mary's direction for her being so indelicate. Emma is in the latter category.

"Mary, please." Cora reprimands, astonished.

This doesn't deter Bertie. "I hope so. I hope we can get things settled, but I mustn't jump the gun." He gives Edith a hopeful smile.

"So, Bertie, you mentioned your mother, but what other family do you have?" Emma asks, happy to deter the conversation.

"That's it. My father's dead, obviously, there are no siblings. It's just me and Mother." Bertie answers.

"You were joking when you said she was cock-a-hoop, but she must feel a certain pride." Cora says.

"I wasn't joking," Bertie dissuades, "but judge for yourselves when you meet her."

"You talk as if we should be scared of her." Tom remarks.

"She makes Mr Squeers look like Florence Nightingale." Bertie quips. Everyone chuckles a little awkwardly. Edith looks rather alarmed. Oh, dear.

——

Later in the day, they're all gathered in the Library for tea and a puppet show. Tom and Bertie sit behind the booth and operate the puppets, one of whom is a Punch character who is whacking another character, a policeman, with a slapstick. Billy, Mary, Emma and Edith as well as Ivy, Michael, Sybbie, George and Marigold sit lined up on low stools in front of the booth to watch the show. Nanny Jean is in the background while the other Nanny, Margaret, is in the Nursery with Patrick as he naps. Robert, Cora and Rosamund are watching from the red settees.

"Take that! And that!" Tom as Punch, in a weird, high-pitched voice cries.

"Ow!" Bertie cries as the Policeman.

"Punch is terribly fierce. I don't think he's a good model for marriage in later life." Mary remarks.

"Or relations with the law." Robert says with a chuckle.

"Take that! And that! And that!" Tom says as Punch, still dealing out blows.

"Ouch, you rascal!" Bertie's policeman retorts.

"And that's the way to do it!" Tom makes Punch bow, and the show is over. Everyone claps and laughs.

"Very good!" Billy compliments.

"Whoo, Daddy!" Ivy cheers.

Emma laughs. To think that she herself had watched a couple of Punch and Judy shows when she was a child, over 80 years in the future, and here her children are, in the past, watching a similar show. Funny how life works and things last.

Emma then hears Mr Carson clear his throat. "Er, Mr Talbot."

Wait what?

Emma turns around just as Mary does, both in surprise and alarm. There Henry Talbot is, trailing after the butler as they both come through the Small Library.

Cora rises to greet their guest. "Hello, Mr Talbot. Mary never told me you were coming."

"I didn't know he was." Comes Mary's reply.

Neither did Emma. She gives a sharp look to both Tom and Billy, who both avoid her gaze.

Henry stays near the exit, unsure of his welcome. Mary hasn't got up from her seat. "Well, the thing is, I was driving down from Durham and I suddenly realised I'd almost be passing the gates."

How convenient...

"What were you doing in Durham?" Rosamund asks, still seated and Robert walks up to Henry.

"Oh, I was doing various car things."

"We haven't seen you since that awful day at Brooklands. I hope you're coping with it all." Robert says.

"Well, one doesn't have much choice."

Mary approaches Tom and Billy with Emma trailing after her. "Did you two know about this?" She hisses in an accusing undertone.

"I might have said that if he was coming from Durham, then he'd be driving quite close." Tom says casually.

"Don't think I'm amused! I dislike my hand being forced." Mary retorts.

"Which is exactly what I told them." Emma quips.

"No one's forcing anything." Billy argues.

"Now you're here, I hope you'll stay the night at least." Cora says to Henry, drawing their attention back to the wider conversation.

"Mary?" Henry prompts hopefully.

"Perhaps Mr Talbot is in a hurry to get home?" Mary replies coolly.

"No, no I'm not."

"It's settled then. Carson, will you please tell Mrs Hughes? And ask someone to unpack for Mr Talbot." Cora instructs. Mr Carson sketches a bow and leaves.

Emma in the meantime helps Billy and Edith as they direct the children to Nanny. It's clearly best that they evacuate the area.

"I'm afraid you've missed tea." Robert says.

"Oh, don't worry about that." Henry dismisses.

"I won't." Mary retorts, forcing a cold smile. Mary sits down on one of the red settees, pretending to be interested in a magazine.

While Henry approaches Bertie, Emma turns to Tom. "Pretty sure you and Billy have allowed Henry to make a bad miscalculation." She says as she watches how Mary is still pretending to read her magazine, but she's so nervous and upset that she opens and closes her hands convulsively, which is something they rarely see.

"Don't say that." Tom murmurs.

——

Mary comes walking up the staircase, followed by Tom and Emma.

"This is so precisely not the way to win me over!" Mary snaps.

"Mary, will you just get off your high horse?" Tom retorts as they come to a stop on the landing.

Emma winces that. She'd made the executive decision not to say anything, not wanting Mary's anger to be misplaced towards her, Emma who hadn't done anything.

Mary turns back to him angrily. "Why are you interfering?"

"Because I love you and I want you to be happy."

"Well, you've got a bloody odd way of showing it!" Mary hisses.

"Well, I take it this is me you're fighting about?" Emma turns to see Henry catching up with them.

"Yes, it is. And you can dig yourself out. Because I've had enough." Emma huffs. "With all of you."

Mary scoffs as Emma and Tom walk away, leaving her and Henry alone.

"I told you this wouldn't work." Emma murmurs to her husband.

"You're not helping!" Tom huffs.

——

Robert stands chatting to Bertie near the fireplace in the Drawing room after dinner. "How are you getting to Tangiers? Is there a boat that sails direct?"

"Actually, I'm flying. For the first bit, anyway." Bertie tells him.

Emma perks up in interest at that from where she sits in one of the chairs next to them.

"What?" Robert exclaims incredulously.

Bertie chuckles. "I know. It does seem rather daring."

"And impressive." Emma grins. She knows travel by air in this time is still rather new compared to her time.

"I do not envy you." Rosamund comments from where she sits in an armchair opposite.

"I don't know. Now the commercial airlines are starting to operate, I dare say we'll all be flying hither and thither before too long." Robert remarks.

"I rather doubt that." Rosamund says with a laugh.

Emma watches this all amusedly. "Well, I do. It's quicker and more efficient. People will want that."

On the other side of the room, Billy and Mary are having a conversation of their own. It clearly doesn't end well as Mary's then marching to the door in a huff. Henry walks out after her. Emma watches after them, worried.

——

Emma is giving Patrick the morning feed in the Nursery the next morning. The children are out with the Nannies so Emma has the room to herself for a short while.

Emma is just burping him when the quiet is disrupted by Tom angrily storming in. "I can't believe her!"

Emma helps Patrick do one last belch before pleasing him back in his cot and turns to her husband, "Tom? What's happened?"

"It's Mary. She forced Edith to tell Bertie about Marigold and now he's stormed off." Tom explains, trying to calm down but still breathing heavily out of anger.

Emma's jaw drops. "What?! Why?!"

"Henry's gone. It's all my fault, I should've stopped them from announcing it."

"Announcing what?"

"Edith has said yes to Bertie." Tom explains.

Well, that explains it all.

Emma sighs, coming over to stroke his upper arms. "It's not your fault. This is Mary we're talking about. Edith is happy, she isn't, so she's decided to be horrible."

"I know but I knew, I knew she was suspicious of Marigold. And I invited Henry over. I should've handled it better." Tom grumbles.

Emma presses her lips together, knowing any comments right now will not be helpful.

——

It's gotten worse, Bertie has now asked to be taken to the station. At the front door, a car stands ready with Andy in attendance. Emma stands with Robert and Tom as they wait for Bertie to get in, but he's walked a little way off into the park with Edith.

Tom checks his wristwatch and sighs. "He'll miss his train."

"Let him miss it. He can catch the next one." Robert remarks. "What happened?"

"Apparently, Mary forced Edith to tell him about Marigold." Emma tells him.

"I wouldn't say forced." Tom argues.

Emma rolls her eyes. "It sounds like it to me."

"How did Mary find out?" Robert questions.

"Mary is not stupid." Tom replies.

"No. And she's not always kind, either. Was it really a mistake?"

"What difference does it make?"

They carry on watching Edith and Bertie. Emma wishes it was the opposite but she doesn't blame Bertie for being upset for not being told about Marigold. It isn't long before Bertie touches his hat and moves away, leaving Edith behind.

——

Mary sits in the Estate Agent's office, waiting for Tom to start their day's work. Emma walks in with a face like a thundercloud.

Mary frowns when she sees her. "Where's Tom?"

"Trying to clean up the mess you made, but don't worry, he's failed. Bertie has left for the train, and now Edith won't be the next Marchioness of Hexham." Emma replies hotly.

Mary shrugs calmly. "Well, that's not what I wanted."

Emma narrows her eyes and scoffs. "Isn't it?"

"I still can't believe she'd never told him. How was I to know that?" Mary responds, cool as a cucumber.

"Don't play the innocent with me." Emma warns her. "You should know better."

"I didn't mean it—"

"Don't lie!" Emma shouts at her. "Not to me! You can't stop ruining things! For Edith, for yourself! God, you're a literal child who sees their sibling has a shiny new toy. You'd pull in the sky if you could! Anything to make you feel less frightened and alone!"

"You saw Henry when he was here, high-handed, bullying, unapologetic. Am I expected to lower myself to his level and be grateful I'm allowed to do so? Tom and Billy brought him here. Why are you not yelling at them?" Mary retorts, no longer acting cool and working herself up into quite a passion now.

"Trust me, they've already had a telling off but only because they really should've known what you're like. I mean, just listen to yourself. 'Lower yourself to his level'. You're not a princess in The Prisoner of Zenda!" Emma cries in disbelief.

"I thought you of all people would understand me but you're just like the rest of them." Mary snaps.

"The amount of times I've stood by you, defended you but you've taken it too far!" Emma yells again. "You ruined Edith's life today! How many lives are you going to wreck just to smother your own misery?"

"I refuse to listen!" Mary says furiously, getting up from her chair.

She tries to leave but Emma doesn't move out of her way. Instead, she stares directly into Mary's eyes and calmly states, "You're a coward, Mary. Like all bullies, you're a coward." She marches out having hopefully given Mary a lot to think about.

——

"Christ, I can't– she– urggghhh!" Emma cries, unable to form proper sentences with how angry and frustrated she is. She paces her and Tom's room while her husband sits on the bench at the end of their bed.

"I'm glad you talked to her. I might've throttled her." Tom remarks.

"Don't put yourself down, I was quite close to it myself." Emma huffs. "What are we going to do?"

"I know a way we can sort this. At least partly." Tom tells her.

"How?"

"Violet."

Emma frowns. "Tom, she's somewhere in France. We have no way of contacting her."

"Well, actually. I do." Tom admits.

"Heh?"

He goes to the tallboy in the corner of their room, opens a drawer and pulls out a letter. "She wrote to me. I received it shortly after she'd gone."

He hands it to Emma and she takes it, reading it to see Violet genuinely had written to Tom, detailing where to contact her if need be. Emma grins.

"Why you're smiling?" Tom questions, slightly amused.

"It's funny. She clearly trusts you and to think how to her you were this odd foreigner to her once." Emma remarks.

"'Suppose. But we need to do this quickly." Tom says.

"The nannies usually take the children outside soon. What if we abscond ours and have a trip to the Village. What do you say Mr Branson?" Emma smirks at him.

Tom returns her smirk. "Why Mrs Branson, how clever you are."

——

Emma and Tom are walking through the Village, Emma walks next to Tomas he pushes along Patrick's pram with a letter in hand to drop off at the Post Office. Ivy and Michael are running about just ahead when Miss Baxter, who was rushing past, comes to s sudden stop.

The lady's maid is panting heavily with wide panicked eyes. "Mrs Branson, Emma, you need to come quickly."

"What's happened?" Emma questions, worried for the woman. Ivy and Michael have stopped up ahead, watching them curiously.

"It's Thomas."

That's all Emma needs to hear before her stomach drops to the centre of the Earth.

She looks to Tom, who nods. "Go."

Emma flashes him a thankful smile before turning and beginning to run back to the house with Miss Baxter.

"Mama?" She hears Ivy call.

Not wanting her daughter to panic, Emma smiles calmly over her shoulder, slowing slightly. "Mama just forgotten something sweetheart."

Ivy accepts this and begins tugging Michael along with her to carry on playing.

——

(A/N: This is the suicide part.)

Emma and Miss Baxter hurry through the empty downstairs passage, looking for Thomas. They look in the Servants' Hall, the Boot room – empty. Emma ignores all the odd looks they're getting from the other servants as she has only one thing in mind.

They move on to the stairs, barging past a surprised maid, Lucy, and enter the men's corridor. Andy is just exiting his room, pulling on his tailcoat, when they turn the corner.

"Does Mrs Hughes know you're on the men's side?" He says rather sternly to Miss Baxter before startling when seeing Emma. "Er, Mrs Branson—"

"Where is he?" Emma demands.

"Wha—"

"Mr Barrow. Where is he?"

"Er, he was going in for a bath."

Emma sees all colour leave Miss Baxter's face and she knows that her face has done the same thing.

"Oh, my God." Miss Baxter gasps. "Come with us!"

They rush past him, around a corner and to the door of the bathroom. Andy follows, alarmed.

"Hello!" Emma bangs on the door, Miss Baxter joins her. "Thomas! Are you in there?!" She tries the door handle, but the door is locked or bolted. She rattles it desperately. "Will you open this door?!"

"Get back!" Andy instructs.

Emma and Miss Baxter move back, the former has her hands in her hair, pulling in distress while the latter has her hands clapped to her mouth.

Andy aims a kick at the door, then another one. The second kick tears the bolt off the door frame, and the door bursts open. They rush in.

In the red-tiled room, Thomas has filled the bathtub with water and got into it, still wearing his undershirt and trousers. He's lying in it with his eyes closed, pale and lifeless. The water has a reddish tinge, and there's blood spatter on the sides of the tub, on his arms and on his chest.

"Oh, my God!" Andy gasps, horrified.

Emma goes into nursing mode, running towards him and surveying the damage before she starts tearing her underskirt into ribbons for makeshift bandages.

Miss Baxter turns to Andy. "Fetch Mrs Hughes. Send Anna for the doctor, but tell no one else what you've seen."

Andy runs out and Miss Baxter joins Emma by the bath.

——

Emma and Miss Baxter have lifted Thomas' arms out of the bathtub and bandaged his wrists as best they can with the materials they have and are now cleaning him up, softly dabbing his face and arms with wet towels. In the meantime, Thomas had moved his head slightly but very weakly, which is a relief to see.

Both of them look up in alarm when footsteps approaching are heard and the door opens. But relax when they realise it's only Andy and Mrs Hughes.

Mrs Hughes stands in the doorway for a moment, shocked at the sight, but then recovers quickly, closing the door for privacy. "Anna's gone for Doctor Clarkson."

"Good, we've bandaged his arms for now but we need help in getting him out, changing him out of his wet clothes and get him into bed." Emma tells them.

"I hope he won't mind if we undress him." Miss Baxter says.

"He's past minding if we put him in a shy and threw coconuts." Mrs Hughes remarks. "Now, you two take his feet and Andy and I will take an arm each."

They move to do as she said. Mrs Hughes and Andy each take Thomas under one arm while Emma and Miss Baxter move to the end of the tub.

"Has anyone told Lord Grantham?" Emma asks.

"Mr Carson's seeing to that."

"Right. Here goes." Andy says.

They start pulling Thomas out of the tub. He opens his eyes a fraction and groans. Emma winces at that, her nurse façade falling slightly.

They pause before having a go again.

——

Thomas groans awake.

"Thomas? Thomas?" Emma calls worriedly. They'd been able to get Thomas into his room and change him before Dr Clarkson's arrival. The doctor had been a let o treat him without needing to take him to Hospital.

Mr Carson had suggested the idea of telling everyone that Thomas is ill with influenza rather than what had happened. He doesn't want any more people than those who already do to know what happened. Emma agrees with it. As far as she is aware, suicide is a crime in England right now and will be until the latter half of the century. There's the worry that, because Thomas did not succeed, he risks being imprisoned or taken to the asylum. Though for Mr Carson, it's the additional huge scandal for the family.

Robert and Mr Carson have also oh so graciously allowed Thomas to stay for the time being, to take needing to find a job off his mind, which they should have done or something similar at least in the first place.

Emma watches from where she sits at the edge of the bed as Thomas slowly blinks his eyes open. He frowns when he sees Emma, looking slowly over Dr Clarkson, Miss Baxter and Mrs Hughes, who stand behind her before it dawns on him. He suddenly pales.

"I—" His mouth is dry so Emma brings water to his lips to which he takes a sip.

"Mr Barrow, I was able to stitch you up, though Mrs Branson provided superb aid prior to my arrival, so you will not need to go to Hospital." Dr Clarkson kindly but professionally tells him.

"Thank you, Dr Clarkson." Thomas mournfully replies, refusing to look up any anyone.

"And now you're awake and there's nothing else, I will leave you in the diligent care of Mrs Branson and your colleagues." Dr Clarkson adds.

"I'll take you to the door, Dr Clarkson." Mrs Hughes says. The two of them leave.

Miss Baxter lingers for a bit longer, flashing a small, pitying smile in Thomas' direction. "I glad to you're looking better." She says softly before leaving.

As soon as she's left, Thomas pulls a face. "I don't want her pity." Normally that would come out as a grumble but instead, he says it faintly almost like a ghost.

"She's cares for you so you're going to get it whether you like it or not." Emma quips softly.

"Why did you stop me?" He suddenly asks. He fiddles with his bandages to which Emma gently slaps his hands away.

"What? Other than the fact you're my friend and I don't want you to die?" Emma retorts, trying to keep it light.

"Well, you haven't been acting like my friend recently." Thomas retorts.

Emma's face drops. "Yeah, I know I haven't and I'm sorry but I'm my defence, you can be a real bastard sometimes."

"Yeah, I know." Thomas mumbles but this time there's a slight quirk at the corner of his mouth which isn't much but it's something.

(A/N: End of the main part of TW)

——

Emma continues to stay with him for the rest of the day before Miss Baxter takes over and Emma goes to join the others for dinner, at which she learns they'd also been informed of what had happened.

Edith isn't there and has actually gone up to London. After Emma had left Tom, Edith had asked him if he could drive with her to the Station so he could take the car back to Downton. Apparently, the kids had a lot of fun in the spontaneous car ride.

The next day is largely the same though Anna and Miss Baxter take turns in relieving Emma and helping to look after Thomas. At one point in the day, Mary brings both Ivy and George up to visit with oranges to make him feel better. He's still weak and pale but a tad better on what he was yesterday, physically anyway.

Come Friday, Emma sits in the Library with Tom on her break from looking after Thomas/just generally keeping him company. Their on they're own as ROsmaund, Cora and Robert are getting ready for their tea at Mrs Pamtore's B & B. Rosamund had suggested it, to make a little news story out of it to help with Mrs Patmore regaining the bookings she lost due to the place being deemed a 'house if ill repute'. Emma's glad that's being sorted at least.

Emma is startled out of her musings when Andy comes striding into the room.

Tom looks up from his newspaper. "Andy?"

"The Dowager called, sir. She's returned to the Dowager House and is now making her way to Downton." He hurriedly informs them, a tad out of breath.

Both Emma and Tom's heads snap towards each other at a speed that really should've snapped their heads off.

"That was quick." Emma remarks. "You should go go to the door, Andy. Don't want her in a mood if there's no footman to greet her."

Andy nods and darts out of the room.

Violet's car comes up the drive to the house and halts at the front door. Andy comes out to meet it and opens the rear door for Violet to get out. Tom and Emma come hurrying out of the house to greet her.

"I can't believe you came!" Tom remarks in greeting.

"You made it sound so urgent." Violet retorts.

"Even so, we really appreciate it. Thank you." Emma says. They start moving towards the entrance together. "Was everything all right when you got home?"

"Well no, not really. Spratt has gone away." Violet complains, pulling them to a stop.

Okay, odd.

"Did you tell him you were coming back?" Tom questions.

"A good butler should not need to be told." Emma almost laughs at that but decides not to interrupt Violet as she continues with, "Now, where are they? My broken-hearted granddaughters?"

"It's just Mary. Edith's gone up to London. We didn't know when we wrote." Emma tells her as they continue walking towards the house.

"All the better." Violet says. "Oh, dnd after that's been sorted, I would rather like to meet Patrick."

Emma smiles a that. "Of course."

——

Thankfully, Mary is not mad at Tom or Emma for summoning Violet though in doing so has appears to have worked as Mary is much happier, ready to make peace with Edith as well as having sent a telegram to Henry to come as soon as he can today. If Mary wants him then Emma's happy for her.

By the time of his arrival, Billy has arrived home from work and stands anxiously with Emma, Tom and Mary in the Library as Henry walks in through the Small Library. The atmosphere is not exactly pleasantly relaxed here. Mary is extremely nervous, Henry looks confused and reserved, Tom is cautiously optimistic but not overly optimistic while Billy is reserved but hopeful. To be honest, Emma just feels exhausted and is just wishing for the sweet release of this being over.

"Well. That's it. We'll leave you to it." Tom announces.

Emma and Billy begin to follow him just as Tom moves to leave, but Henry's voice stops them.

"You don't have to go."

"Believe me, we do." Emma remarks.

"Exactly. We've been part of this courtship for quite long enough. It's for you to manage from here." Billy adds.

And they walk out and close the door behind them. Billy and Tom begin walking towards the stairs, crossing the Great Hall but Emma doesn't, slowing down her steps.

Billy's the one who catches what she's doing first. "Emma?"

"Wouldn't be weird for me to impatiently wait outside the door until I find out whether there'll be a wedding or not?" Emma tries to say it conversationally but instead, it's awkward and she's cringing.

The two men share a grin and Tom turns to her and says, "Weird but we won't stop you." And they both leave, chuckling.

Emma rolls her eyes and plonks herself on the closest chair by the door.

A short time later Mr Carson emerges from the door that leads to the servants' quarters at the corner of the Hall and moves to the door leading to the Library. He startles but recovers quite efficiently when he spots Emma.

"Mrs Branson?"

"Er, don't mind me Mr Carson. You just get on with your work." Emma says, trying to not act like she's just been caught red handed spying. Well, not spying but something close to that.

The butler looks at her baffled but does just that. Emma doesn't see what happens but she can tell he's startled at what he sees and then very quietly and discreetly moves back out of the room and closes the door again.

"I take it by you're expression it's good news?" Emma asks, grinning at the almost scandalised look on the man's face. She lets out a few quiet sniggers.

Just then, Mr Molesley arrives with tea on a tray.

Mr Carson outs up a hand to stop the footman when he reaches them. "Uh, give it a moment, Mr Molesley. Better give it a moment."

He gives Mr Molesley a very significant look, which Mr Molesley answers with a soundless "Ooooh!" when the penny drops.

To be honest this sends Emma from quietly sniggering to full-out laughter.

——

"What is it with men Mary is marrying making both you and Billy their best men?" Emma remarks as Tom shrugs on his mourning coat while Emma does his tie.

It's Saturday 22nd of August 1925 and it's the day Lady Mary Crawley and Mr Henry Talbot get married. Apparently, the two aren't hanging about. The last time he was here, Henry had brought a marriage licence nod conveniently, his uncle is a bishop which means they're able to marry at the earliest convenience which is this Saturday.

They're a little late getting ready and are moving at double the speed than they would've done if they hadn't gotten, er um, busy this morning.

Tom laughs. "It is strange that both of us will have been the best man at both if her weddings."

"Funnier things have happened," Emma remarks as she steps away from him and turns to her dresser to slip on her earrings and pull on her gloves. "Did you know Mr Carson had Henry have breakfast in bed so that there would be no chance of either Henry or Mary catching a glimpse of one another?"

"This is Mr Carson we're talking about. He wouldn't take any chances with Mary's happiness." Tom chuckles, as he places the flowers in his lapel and Emma hands him his hat.

Emma steps back to look at him but not before stroking his lapels to make sure there are no creases. "There. You're all set and now you really must go."

Tom flashes her a grin and gives her a quick peck before he leaves the room to meet with Henry and Billy and make their way to the Church.

——

Emma had arrived in time to watch Anna do Mary's hair and put the finishing touches to Mary's wedding dress along with Cora and Rosamund. It's an altogether less romantic, more modern affair than at her wedding with Matthew, but still very elegant, because come on, it's Mary.

The door opens. Edith comes in, still in her travelling clothes. She looks unsure and reserved.

"What? I don't believe it! Why didn't you say to expect you?" Cora exclaims in surprise as she, Rosamund and Emma all rise from their seats.

"Because I wasn't sure until I got on the train." Edith replies.

"How are you feeling?"

"Fine. Can you not ask me that for the rest of the day?"

Mary turns to Emma, Cora and Rosamund. "Could you leave us for a moment?"

"Of course." Her mother says.

Emma, Cora, Rosamund and Anna move towards the door. Anna opens it for the ladies. Cora pauses at Edith's side to stroke her arm encouragingly.

Emma gives her a warm smile. "I'll see to the children."

"We'll wait for you downstairs." Rosamund adds before they all finally leave. Hopefully, there'll be no blood to mop up or a body to hide.

——

Thankfully neither is true and they all arrive at the Church in one piece. The wedding goes swimmingly and they all soon find themselves emerging from the Church after the newly married Mr Henry Talbot and Lady Mary Talbot to applause and people showering the newly married couple with flower petals. They pause to kiss, to more cheering, then move on.

There's a horse-drawn carriage that Mary and Henry take their seat in before it moves off towards the Abbey.

"Better than ours do you think?" Tom asks after they finish waving it off.

"Nah, no wedding will beat ours, I'm certain." She flashes him a warm loving grin to which he kisses her. They pull apart and Emma adds, "Now, only one more Crawley sister to sought out."

Tom sighs. "Hopefully that won't take long."

Emma looks over to see Edith standing in the churchyard, watching Ivy, Marigold, Michael, Sybbie and George with a loving look on her face. The children are running and laughing and playing tag around Sybil's large stone tomb.

Emma rather thinks it'll all turn out fine in the end. With any luck.

——

A/N: Can't believe I started this story just over two years ago and now I'm here with only one more TV episode to go and then it'll be the movies!!! Where does the time go?

Some facts that I thought might be useful:

Tallboy = tall cabinet

'Punch and Judy' is a traditional British puppet show played from a booth, featuring Mr. Punch and his wife Judy as the main characters. Punch is a clownish creature, a jester and a trickster and most of the comedy comes from the other characters falling victim to Punch's slapstick. Punch speaks in a trademark squawky voice, which is traditionally achieved by the performer speaking through a squazzle, but with less discerning audiences like here, any silly voice alteration will do.

Although suicide itself is no longer a criminal act, under section 2 of the Suicide Act 1961 it remains a criminal offence for a third party to assist or encourage another to commit suicide.

Please leave comments on how you're enjoying this story and what you think.

#doctor who

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legends-of-time · 27 days

Text

Thorn Bush (Doctor Who Story)

Chapter 42: Demons of the Punjab Part One

Masterlist

A/N: A little snippet of 6x01 then we're jumping to 11x06!

——

A classic World War II escape is in progress. A light brunette woman lies squished against a fellow escapee as both of them lie on their stomachs. Both are rather filthy, covered in dirt and wearing worn clothing. They lie on a wooden board as they stare up towards the large hole above them. The woman stares up at the hole with less anxious features as the man holds. She actually appears rather bored as she leans her chin against the palm of her hand, looking at the hole as if waiting for the real fun to begin.

"Doctor?" The man, Simmons, calls up quietly to the hole. "Doctor, what can you see?"

The Eleventh Doctor's face suddenly pops down the hole at the top of the tunnel. He wears similar dirt and clothing as the rest of them. He smiles somewhat nervously.

"Is the Commandant's office painted a sort of green colour with a big flag on the wall?" He asks them. Lights and alarms appeared from above him. They can hear dogs beginning to bark.

"Does that answer your question?" The woman, Kathy, responds with a humorous tone, giving the Doctor a playful smirk.

"Yep. I think that's probably a 'yes'." The Doctor replies. He gives a quick grin before hurriedly disappearing again.

Kathy smirks cheekily. "And you're an idiot!" She calls out to him.

"And proud of it!" The Doctor cheers happily. They hear him laughing loudly as people shout above and gunfire rings out.

——

August 1947

"I am not saying I'm grateful you're here, helping out with the wedding..." Prem remarks as he and Kathy rumble along the empty dirt road in the cart which is being led by an Ox.

Kathy turns from where she had turned back to look at the flowers, checking they're still there, to the man next to her. "But? I can hear a 'but' coming!" She jokes, squinting at him through the sun's rays.

He side eyes her, a smirk dancing on his lips. "It's just, you said it yourself this isn't the safest of times and that it's only going to get worse."

"It's the British bit you're most concerned about, isn't it?" Kathy quips.

"Yes, maybe." He sighs. "Is your brother really okay with this?"

She purses her lips awkwardly. Kathy's brother, i.e. her son Carlyle though she often introduces him as the former to avoid questions, had almost too gleefully shooed her off when she announced her trip to India.

"He's fine." Kathy says shortly. "Anyway, it was my friends in America that insisted I take the time away."

"Ah, the ones with the baby?" Prem laughs. "Getting under their feet weren't you."

Kathy scoffs. "Please, Amy and Rory are thankful for my help with Anthony!"

She had been thrilled when the Ponds had announced their wish to adopt. God knows they deserve it as, no matter how strong their relationship is with River, they had never been able to raise their daughter (in the traditional sense anyway), they deserve it. River had been involved too, being with her parents to meet her baby brother. Kathy had tried to keep her distance, to let them have family time but all three had insisted that she is family. Suppose that's what happens when you go through a lot with someone, as Kathy imagines they will, and she's only seen some of it.

Prem laughs even more before he suddenly startles, yanking the Ox's reigns to divert it from hitting, what Kathy realises to be, the Thirteenth Doctor, Yaz, Graham and Ryan. She hadn't noticed them or sensed the Doctor through their mental link. However the latter may be due to the mental onslaught that the Doctor is currently experiencing.

"Hey! Get out the road!" Prem yells at them.

The companions jump out of the way while a disoriented Doctor is a tad slower. Kathy knows she would've had her first vision of the Thijarians. She watches them closely, knowing this'll be the earliest in their timeline she's met them.

"Really sorry, bit of a wobble." The Doctor says, recovering.

While Ryan turns to the Doctor, questioning her on what'd happened, Yaz is startled when she clocks Kathy.

"Kathy?" Her remark draws the others' attention and they exclaim surprised hellos. Kathy feels her mental link with the Doctor snaps back into place.

Kathy flashes a grin. "Hiya. Glad you made it."

"Sorry, to you both." Graham apologises to Prem. "Just getting our bearings. We're not from round here."

"No kidding. Your Punjabi's not bad for foreigners though." Prem comments to which Kathy presses her lips together in amusement. "You need to be careful. These roads aren't safe right now."

"We're actually looking for a woman by the name of Umbreen." Yaz says. Kathy kind of finds it funny how they had so easily and unintentionally found Yaz's grandmother's fiancée so quickly as well.

"Right... Umbreen. What for?"

"We're her family." and "We're her friends." come out of Yaz and Ryan simultaneously causing Prem to look at them oddly and Kathy to wince.

Thankfully, Graham is on hand to come to the rescue with a, "Family friends," while the Doctor flashes an almost too bright smile.

"We are on our way to say hello. Bit of a surprise." Yaz hurriedly adds.

"And you're right in time! She'll be shocked." Kathy quips.

Prem looks at her in disbelief. "But Kathy, you know we agreed – urgh, OK, get in!"

The gang clambers into the cart.

"So what you a flower merchant?" Graham questions conversationally, taking note of all the flowers.

"Yep! His dream job, ever since he was small." Kathy answers cheekily.

Prem rolls his eyes at her. "Ignore her. It's only temporary. Kathy insisted on helping."

"'Course she did." Ryan quips.

Kathy flashes him a half-hearted glare. "Oi! What's wrong with helping? Plus history's taking place."

"History?" Yaz questions.

"Why isn't it safe on the roads?" The Doctor cuts in, plonking herself onto the cart. Kathy takes comfort in the familiar telepathic link she has with the Doctor gently pulls in her mind.

"Running transport now, Prem?" They all look around to see Bhakti, a Hindu holy man, who stands on the opposite side of the road, grinning, calling over.

"Want to ride with us, Sadhu? We can take one more." Kathy offers softly, feeling sad seeing the kind man, knowing what'll become of him soon. An innocent caught in the conflict.

"What's wrong with your feet? You young people, always such a rush." Bhakti retorts. "Walking's served me all my life. I'll be there, don't you worry."

"We'll be ready." Prem replies respectfully before murmuring, "I'm late. Umbreen's going to kill me." He snaps the ox's reigns. The cart pulls away.

Kathy looks back to see Bhakti watching them leave. Her eyes connect with Bhakti's gentle, spiritual gaze, as they head off on the move. Her insides twist, knowing what'll happen to him.

——

The cart pulls to a stop in front of a shabby, rural barn. A few metres beyond it, we can see a small mud hut. Adjacent to the barn and the hut is a wheat field. In the distance, another small mud hut and a forest beyond that. It's serene, giving you the false feeling that everything will be okay.

Prem jumps off the cart and is confronted by the angry face of his fiancé, Umbreen, and also the younger version of Yaz's grandmother.

"You're late!" She cries before spotting the gang climbing out. "And who are they?!"

"They are your family, Umbreen!" Prem remarks before scurrying off.

"What?!"

Kathy quickly darts behind the cart, busying herself with collecting the flowers and gesturing for Graham and Ryan to help, which they're only happy to do as a way to avoid the awkwardness, as Yaz jumps down from the cart and hurries over to her grandmother.

"Oh my God. You're Umbreen. You look amazing! What are you doing here?" She rattles off.

Umbreen looks at her granddaughter in complete bafflement. "I live here."

"On a farm? But I thought– doesn't matter, I am so happy to see you!" Yaz grabs Umbreen for a massive hug. Umbreen freezes turning her head towards Prem, who grins at her clear discomfort.

Kathy grimaces. "I always hate this bit." She murmurs as the Doctor runs over, quickly urging Yaz to explain who they are.

"What?" Ryan questions.

"The usual companion awkwardness of going to the past, particularly a family member." Kathy answers. "It's amazing how the relative just goes with it."

Yaz finishes explaining how she is some relative of a Uncle Malik before turning to introduce Ryan, Graham and the Doctor.

The Doctor and Ryan greet with simple a "Hello" and "Hi" while Graham feels the need to add, "All the way from England."

Kathy grimaces, shaking her head. "Don't say that around here."

Graham's confused. "Why—"

Umbreen, unsure but ready to relent, cuts him off, "Right, it's just we weren't expecting you. Or anyone. Uncle Malik's not coming to the wedding as well, is he?"

"There's a wedding—" Yaz begins to blurt out.

"—which is why we're here! Kathy invited us!" The Doctor quickly slips in with. Kathy receives a sharp look from Umbreen but Kathy looks down, having found some absolutely fascinating petals. "Bringing wedding best wishes! Um, when's the big day again?"

"Tomorrow." Umbreen grins happily, clearly ready to forgive and forget the weirdness going on around her.

"Amazing. Can't wait to meet the groom!" Yaz continues to dig the hole.

Umbreen's confused. She nods at Prem saying, "Er, you already have."

"Remember me? Cart. Flowers. Marrying Umbreen. Unable to get rid of a certain English girl." Prem says conversationally.

Wait...

"Oi!" Kathy cries with a grin.

Yaz vocalises her confusion, "No. You can't be– you're not– Kathy, why didn't you—"

The Doctor once again distracts. "Wedding in the Punjab, bring it on! We love a wedding, don't we boys!"

"Oh yeah I could go to a wedding every day if I could." Ryan quickly adds.

"D'you need a singer? I know all the classics—" Graham then catches himself, "—or latest hits, to you."

"Don't ever let him sing—" Ryan rebuffs.

Kathy smiles at them slightly. This was one of her favourite things about season 11, watching how Ryan and Graham's relationship develops and how they interact.

"We won't stay long, anyway – just wanted to convey our best wishes," the Doctor turns to Yaz and pointedly adds, "And then head off."

Manish strides in from the field. Shy, skinny, curious, twinkly eyes but Kathy knows there's hatred and contorted world views brewing underneath.

"Hi! Thought I saw people on the cart. Sorry about his driving?" Manish greets cheekily.

"My baby brother thinks he can do everything better than me." Prem scoffs. He ruffles Manish's hair and as he does, on Prem's wrist, clear as day, the watch Yaz's Nani had given to her but not smashed.

Manish introduces himself as Kathy sees the look shared between Yaz and the Doctor.

Umbreen's mother, Hasna, the energised matriarch, a combination of excitement and worry, calls out from the barn, "Come! All of you! It's being announced!"

"Coming Mum!" Umbreen replies. She and Prem follow her mother into the barn.

"What's happening?" The Doctor asks.

"Everyone's waiting for the announcement. But I've got advanced information." Manish boasts. He heads off to behind the barn, as Yaz turns to the others.

"OK. Number one. The man Umbreen is about to marry is not my grandad." Yaz tells them.

"Defo? Totally sure?" Graham presses.

"Absolutely defo." Kathy replies with an amused tilt in her voice as she finds the words he'd used kinda funny.

Ryan pulls a face. "You two should never say that ever again."

"Oi!" and "Hey!" come from Kathy and Graham respectively.

"Yes!" Yaz responds to Graham's earlier question, ignoring the other comments made. Kathy doesn't blame her. "For starters, Prem's a Hindu name. We're Muslim. And he doesn't look anything like the photos. It's not him."

"But that Umbreen is your nan, right?" Ryan double-checks.

"Yeah. She does look like the photo."

"But Prem's wearing the watch your Nani gave you in the future." The Doctor points out.

"So what? She had a secret Hindu first husband?"

Graham checks his watch. "Doc I reckon hour's nearly up."

"We can't go. I came here for answers. All I've got is more questions." Yaz pleads.

"I knew this would happen." The Doctor grumbles.

Manish runs out with two sets of poles, tied with rope. "Anyone help me with this?" He grins, embarrassed, super-endearing. It breaks Kathy's heart.

"I'll help. I'm Yaz." Yaz immediately answers causing the Doctor to pull a frustrated look.

"Great, thanks Yaz. Big moment. You won't forget this in a hurry."

"You're right there." Yaz remarks as they head off.

Shouldn't have come. I'm too nice. This is what happens when you try and be nice." The Doctor grumbles. "Kathy, please tell me—"

"You're fine though you really should've expected, given your track record." Kathy answers. "The important thing to note is that are you really going to stand out here instead of going in there to find out what they're listening to?"

Graham, Ryan and the Doctor exclaim their agreement and follow Kathy into the barn.

——

Kathy, the Doctor, Graham and Ryan run into the unkempt barn, crumbling pillars holding up the ceiling and a second level, buttressed by farming equipment, wooden storage crates, and all half-decorated with flowers, as Hasna, Umbreen and Prem crowd around a radio.

A calm, clipped, upper-class Indian newsreader's voice comes through, "After much delay and amid escalating communal violence, Lord Mountbatten has finally released the specific details or the borders which will separate the two countries."

"What borders are they talking about?" Ryan questions.

Kathy can see the cogs whirring in the Doctor's mind.

"Pakistan." Hasna tells him. "Today, India is officially cut into pieces."

"It's the 17th of August." The Doctor realises.

"And still you want to go ahead?" Hasna questions Umbreen.

Here we go again...

"Nothing changes, Mum. We knew this was coming." Umbreen retorts.

"It's the Partition. The Partition of India. This is when the borders of India are divided." Kathy explains, saving time on strange questions.

"And we're in the middle of it." The Doctor finishes.

——

Manish and Yaz stand by a variety of poles that have been down into the ground, fifty steps apart. There are two little fabric flags on each pole - one green, one orange. Rope between the poles.

Manish straightens up, a boyish grin on his face as others stride over, behind him – Prem, Hasna, Umbreen, Kathy, the Doctor, Ryan and Graham.

"Welcome to the border," Manish announces proudly to a shocked Yaz, "where India ends, and our future begins!"

"Manish, what're you doing?" Prem demands of his brother. Hasna and Umbreen follow him while Kathy, the Doctor, Ryan and Graham hurry over to a baffled Yaz.

"Yaz. Hi. Quick sidebar, August 1947. Partition. The borders have just been announced." The Doctor quickly summarises for the companion.

Manish to one side of the rope. "India." Then the other side of the rope. "Pakistan."

"And it's not just land getting divided but people too. Riots, tens of millions of people about to be displaced, more than a million about to die." Kathy continues on from the Doctor's statement.

"Look meanwhile her nan's about to get married. But not to her grandad." Graham adds.

"I'm thinking, the hour's well up now." Ryan worries.

"You can't yet, there's something—" Kathy tries to say, worried they'll go before they should but they're by Umbreen, Hasna and Prem raising their voices as they argue with Manish.

"You can't know the border, it's only just been announced." Umbreen protests.

"The maps were leaked weeks ago. I got one from my sources." Manish counters.

"Your sources must be wrong. Because you've just put my house in Pakistan!" Hasna retorts.

"With the other Muslims." Manish says cheerfully. Kathy kinda wants to punch him for that.

There's a pause as Hasna, Prem and Manish look at Manish in disbelief, confusion and hurt.

"What? You get a fresh start."

"Manish, you need to slow down—" Prem tries.

"Pakistan is somewhere for Muslims, if they want to go." Umbreen argues.

"And I'm not saying you have to go." Manish says. "But, Pakistan is being created for Muslims. Hindus have India. And we both feel safe."

"Don't reduce it to that, brother, it's not that simple." Prem says almost pleadingly.

"But I get you have a hard decision. If you're married." Manish quips to Prem and Umbreen.

Kathy can see the time travellers next to her clocking all this simmering tension playing out here.

Prem ignores his brother's comment. "The land belongs to everyone. Has done for centuries. One day doesn't change that."

"I love you brother. But you're wrong."

The Doctor then suddenly stumbles in pain. "Ahh."

Then Hasna gasps, drawing everyone's attention to what she's looking at, terrified. "Look. Demons."

They all look, through the heat haze, in the distance, at the edge of the forest lining, is the Thijarian. Kathy knows Prem is also recognising them.

The Doctor quickly whips out her sonic. Kathy grips hers in her pocket, not feeling the need to use it just yet.

Half in shadow, half in light, it's clear to see two elongated faces with very few features, hooked fangs rising up out of their lower jaws and back ears and multiple small eyes on the sides of their faces. They stand with arms outstretched, palms upward as if summoning something from the ground. No wonder the Doctor mistook the Thijarian as still being the assassins they were known for if they've kept that look.

"I told you this would happen. I told you these days were cursed." Hasna cries, panicked, to Umbreen and Prem.

Then with a jagged, physical 'wham', the creatures vanish.

"It's gone." Umbreen says.

"Not far. We'll deal with this. Come on!" The Doctor cries, reading her sonic, and running off with Kathy, Graham, Ryan and Yaz towards the forest leaving a bewildered Manish, Prem, Hasna and Umbreen behind.

——

The Doctor pelts through the forest, sonic out. Kathy, Ryan, Graham and Yaz are behind her though Kathy is closer to the Time Lord than the others.

"Find the signal it didn't go far—" And as the Doctor says that, she and Kathy, as they're both in front, are hit with a strong force causing them to stagger back.

Kathy's head throbs as all she hears is this loud whining. She spins and sees two Thijarians with their hands on the head of Bhakti. He's slumped down against a tree, dead.

She doesn't have time to dwell on it as then the Thijarian cries, forcibly in her mind, "Stay away. The Prophet should know not to intervene."

Then another pulse hits the whole group this time causing all five of them to bend over in pain, covering their ears.

Then there's a crack of a gunshot. A millisecond before the shot, the Thijarians disappear with a twisted jagged flash. And then silence. Stillness.

Kathy straightens herself, turning back to see Prem as she had expected. He's looking past her, to where the Thijarians were, dazed.

"Did I get them?" He asks, moving towards the tree.

"I don't think so. They moved faster than your bullet." The Doctor replies. She seems to be in shock. Likely from the mental onslaught and being properly confused.

"What were they?" Ryan questions as they all run over to the holy man's body.

Prem reaches the body. "Bhakti..." He checks the body, stunned. "They killed him."

Kathy swallows heavily. It was a bad idea coming here early, perhaps, as now she looks on at Bhakti. "We can't know that for sure. We didn't see it."

'It' being this poor man's death.

"He was your man on the road." Graham realises.

"He's a holy man, a Sadhu. Everyone knows him as Bhakti." Prem explains. "Umbreen and I asked him to bless our marriage.

The Doctor sonics the body and then looks at Prem, suspicious. "You just saw something not of this world, and you took it right in your stride. Why's that, Prem?"

A haunted look crosses Prem's face. "I've seen them before."

"Where have you seen them before?" Yaz asks.

Prem pauses, mind filled with old memories, before he turns suspiciously to them. "Who are you? You say you're Umbreen's family, but clearly you are not. And you ran at those demons, like you didn't care. And what did Kathy mean when she questioned if they'd killed Bhakti?"

"That would be spoilers." Kathy says.

"Hint?" The Doctor asks.

"It's not what you think or appears to be."

The Doctor nods, turning back to Prem to answer his question. "I don't think they're demons."

"Why should I trust what you think?" Prem demands to know.

"Then trust me Prem when I say you can trust them. They're my friends." Kathy pleads.

"And because we've got experience with impossible creatures." The Doctor adds. "And because we ask questions like: what is this substance on his body?"

They all look. Fine, purple dust on Bhakti's clothing, face and body. As they watch, it begins to dissolve into nothing.

"And, things are getting even weirder." Ryan remarks.

"Think that's what they used to kill him? Some sort of fast dissolving, poisonous dust." Graham wonders.

The Doctor checks her sonic. "Doesn't read like he was poisoned." She peers closer at the body. "I don't understand..."

Yaz takes control, asking, "So what're we gonna tell the others back there?"

As Prem dismisses telling Umbreen, Hasna and Manish the truth as well as worrying about Manish's more recent behaviour, Kathy stays quiet during the whole exchange. Running this episode over in her head. Trying to work out how much she can change and what the consequences are such as, does she risk letting the gang in early on what's really going on?

Graham looks back to Bhakti. "This fella needs to be laid to rest."

"Why don't we go and get the others to help. But not let on what happened." Yaz suggests to Graham.

Kathy nods. "Good idea. No need to cause panic unless we know the whole truth."

Graham and Yaz start walking away to do just that while the Doctor sonics the air. "Ah! Kordian waves! Which could mean a dormant octonic engine nearby..." she rambles.

"What's she saying?" Prem questions.

"Eh, my advice is to just nod along." Kathy says.

"But if I had to guess, I think we're going demon hunting." Ryan adds.

"Gold star for Ryan!" The Doctor cries before frowning. "Oh wait, or was I awarding points? Ahh, I forgot about the points!"

"I prefer stickers." Kathy remarks.

"Katherine Davis, you read my mind!"

"I'm coming with you." Prem declares.

"No." The Doctor asserts.

"I know this forest. I can help."

The Doctor looks to Kathy who gives a reassuring nod. The Doctor sighs and nods. "Okay." She runs after Yaz, quickly warning her of the danger she herself is in and to be careful before the Doctor, Kathy, Ryan and Prem split off on their own task.

——

Kathy, Ryan and the Doctor march through the forest, Prem with the rifle at the ready. The Doctor holds the sonic out in front of her. It beeps solidly.

"I don't like this. Traipsing through the forests alongside the British, looking for the enemy. I've done enough of that." Prem tells them before his tone turns accusatory. "Although maybe you're my enemy now, for the mess you've just made of my country. Carving it up slapdash, in six weeks. Going to run off home now, are you?"

"Technically it's the British government doing the carving, not us, but fair point." Kathy responds.

"Though I'll make a note of your thoughts and pass them on to Mountbatten if I ever bump into him again." The Doctor quips.

Ryan turns to the Doctor and Kathy as they move slightly ahead of Prem. "These demon things, you seen 'em before? D'you reckon they're here cos of the Partition?"

"Open mind, Ryan! Open mind." Kathy quips, her eyes focused on the ground looking for the transmat that'll lead them to the Hive.

The sonic beeps ferociously, catching Prem's attention. "What's your demon tracker saying?"

"It's saying..." the Doctor catches sight of something in the dirt, "hello!" She runs down the slight slope towards it with the rest of them behind her. The transmat is a large disk that's dull, and metallic.

"What is that?" Prem wonders.

The Doctor discretely sonics the transmat causing it to judder. Kathy watches, mentally preparing herself for the teleportation that'll occur any moment now.

"Seems like a transm—" The Doctor begins to say but then they vanish—

——

—and appear in a circular, dark space. The Thijarian Hive. Shiny obsidian walls with metallic detailing - like the inside of a zoetrope. No controls. A dais in the middle. Threatening, ominous atmosphere. Again, they're really not helping themselves.

"—at doorway." The Doctor finishes.

Prem immediately cocks his gun, aiming it in preparation for the threat. Frozen in terror.

"Nice! That was cool." Ryan gasps in surprise.

"What. Just. Happened?" Prem questions shakily. "We were in the forest. And now we're... really not."

"Short answer: we got dragged through a doorway. Into—" The Doctor begins to explain.

"—the demons' lair." Prem finishes.

"Not demons," Kathy corrects, "but yeah."

"Spaceship, though, right?" Ryan asks.

"Yep. Gold star, 10 points etc."

The Doctor tries sonic on surfaces. "Can't get a read on anything." She says, frustrated.

Prem looks around, wide-eyed. "It's beautiful."

And the Doctor stops and takes it in. "Yeah. You're right. It really is. They can surprise you, demons."

"Again, not demons." Kathy quips.

"Hey d'you think they're here?" Ryan questions.

Kathy pulls out her scanner. "Not getting any life signals."

"Maybe they're out. Shopping. Catching a movie. Bowling. Some races like bowling, I'm talking to cover up my latent worry." The Doctor rambles.

"I know. Got that now." Ryan remarks.

The Doctor fiddles with the settings on her sonic. "Come on, one of these settings must unlock it." She mutters to herself before having a final go by pointing it at the central dais.

Alien chittering, a cacophony of noises, and a hologram of moving alien script appears in the middle of the Hive.

"What is it?" Prem questions.

The Doctor walks up close, through and around the moving alien script. "Exactly what I wanted – craft spec, species data, bio-ID." And she lets out a soft gasp-breath, and goes very still, staring at the info.

"What. What've you seen? Doctor." Ryan urgently calls.

The Doctor is processing some information, unsure of whether to reveal it or not as well as cold dread. "This is a Thijarian Hive."

"Is that good thing or bad thing?"

"Thijarians are assassins."

"Right. So, that's basically a bad thing then." Ryan quips.

"I've heard about them, but never come across them. One of the ancient species, they evolved themselves into the deadliest assassins in the known universe." The Doctor explains, tone filled with dread.

"Doctor, please remember it's not what you think." Kathy reminds the Doctor. Maybe she really should move the get Doctor to talk with the Thijarians sooner further forward? But first, she needs to allow them to further explore the ship.

The Doctor sonics the hologram and another hologram appears behind her. The face of Bhakti.

"He was their target?" Ryan wonders.

"But Kathy said it's not what we think. Maybe she's got a point, why would the Thijarians be targeting a holy man in the 1940s?" The Doctor turns to Prem. "Wait – you said you'd seen them before. Where?"

"I don't want to talk about that." Prem protests.

"It could be important." Kathy pleads. Come on, please tell them, explain.

"I don't want any of this, I'm supposed to be married tomorrow."

"Mate, the Doctor and Kathy are right. We can help you. But you have to trust us." Ryan pleads kindly. "Where did you see them?"

"In Singapore. Our section had found a boat to escape on. But I'd signed up with Kunal. I wasn't going to leave without him at my side. That's where I saw the demons. Standing over my older brother's dead body.I lost them in the haze, as the evacuation sounded. Left his body there." Prem is gutted and stoic. "I couldn't save him." He looks to them all, shaken. "Why are they here? How did we bring demons on ourselves?"

Kathy sighs. "Listen, my friends will help to work out what's wrong. And we'll protect you. All of you." She's given up on correcting the demon naming.

"What if you can't?" Prem asks, still shaken.

"Hey, hey look at this." Ryan is pointing at a container of purple dust that had risen within the central dais. "That was the stuff that was on the holy man's body."

Okay, right she can stop the Doctor from grabbing it, stay for longer so that the Thijarians can explain what's going on but probably get Prem out as—

The Doctor grabs the container. An alarm starts to blare. Great.

"OK, over-keen, should've thought about that." The Doctor mutters.

"You think!" Kathy retorts.

And on the other side of the Hive, the two Thijarians slam into existence. One on either side of the Hive. And that terrible noise again! So impactful, and it warps the physics all around, juddering the air. Kathy, the Doctor, Ryan and Prem recoil in pain.

"They're here!" Prem cries.

As the four back off, the Doctor in front, turns to face both Thijarians, keeping an eye on both.

And the words of Kisar, one of the Thijarians, thunder in their heads. Their head angled as they speak, "You have desecrated the Hive! The Hive is sacred!"

"D'you have to push your words into our heads like that, cause it really hurts! And no, we haven't actually – it's you who are desecrating this planet. I know who you are. I know what you do. And it's not happening here. So leave these people alone. They're under my protection now." The Doctor declares.

"Doctor! That's not what they—"

Almak, the other Thijarian, cuts Kathy off by crying, "You cannot prevent this!"

The four of them are on the transmat spot now. The Doctor smirks at the Thijarians. "You just watch me."

And she presses her sonic.

——

Kathy, Ryan, Prem and the Doctor reappear in the forest.

"Get out the forest!" Kathy cries to Ryan and Prem. She knows they'll get teleported out and away from this and she can use it to plead with the Doctor to listen.

Ryan and Prem run ahead and then, just as it happened in the show, there's a high-pitched whine and then flash - they disappear in front of Kathy and the Doctor.

The Doctor skids to a halt. "What?!" She cries. She spots a circular, metallic device on a tree, which has teleported Prem and Ryan.

She moves to grab it but Kathy grabs her arm and stops her. "Don't."

The Doctor turns to Kathy, baffled. "Wha— Kathy, they're trying to catch us, we need to get away!"

The Thijarians slam into existence across the way.

"See, Kathy, we need to—"

"Haven't you been listening to a word I said?!" Kathy questions, determined. "What happened to keeping an open mind?"

"I know, I know but they're assassins, Kathy! They're ambition is to desiccate this planet." The Doctor retorts, rocking on her feet, anxious to get away but Kathy won't let her.

"And look at you being all prejudice. Don't run, Doctor, listen to what they have to say." Kathy argues.

The Thijarians slam in right in front of them. The Doctor jumps, wrapping her arms protectively around the container.

"You disrupt our work!" Kisar screeches in anger, their words bursting into the Doctor's and Kathy's heads painfully.

"I know. We're sorry." Kathy quickly, but sincerely, apologises. "There's just been some mild confusion. Let us come with you and you can explain everything."

"Kathy, we can't. We need to back to Umbreen's and— " The Doctor tries to protest.

"No, we don't." Kathy counters. She knows she shouldn't take the Doctor's doubt personally. The Time Lord has been taught the complete opposite and for many years, the Thijarians have done just that, be assassins, the opposite of what they are now. Difficult to comprehend.

"If we don't protect Umbreen, what happens to Yaz? Don't you want to protect her?" The Doctor demands to know, frantically.

"I am protecting her!" Kathy snaps. "If we try to stop them, they'll try to fight back and we can't have that."

"The Prophet knows who we are, our purpose. She knows what's coming." Almak realises.

Kathy nods. "I do. And I won't stop you but we need the Doctor to understand. She won't stop you if you explain. Doctor?"

The Doctor scrunches up her face before sighing in defeat. "Firstly, I much prefer it when you're not making that threatening sound. Secondly, fine, yeah, let's go."

One Thijarian places their hand on each of the Doctor's shoulders while the other does the same to Kathy.

One second they're in the forest and the next second, they're gone.

——

A/N: Decided to switch things up here! It didn't make sense for Kathy to not step in sooner particularly as nothing disastrous will happen if she does. So next chap will be having cannon moments but shifted around.

Please leave comments on how you're enjoying this story and what you think.

#doctor who

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legends-of-time · 28 days

Text

The Strength of a High and Noble Hill (Outlander)

Chapter 44: Misunderstandings

Masterlist

Brian grips his bridle tightly, trying not to alert his horse to his nerves. This is all becoming increasingly too real for him. It was one thing to learn about it all in the history books. The distorted story of the victory of the underdog versus the villainous oppressor. But now here he is heading out to Hillsborough to join the militia with the British army to tear down the traitorous regulators and his Da’s own godfather, practically second father.

Brian rides at the head of the militia, along with Fergus and Da, into Hillsborough and is greeted with a less than cordial welcome. First, they are assumed to be part of the Regulators and then can't find any new men to join them. In fact, the residents of Hillsborough are already annoyed because the Red Coats are taking advantage of their hospitality. Brian gets how the third amendment came along.

His initial relief in getting off the streets inside is quickly dashed when he, Fergus, his Da and John Quincy enter the tavern to the sound of a loud thud in the wood before drunken cheering reaches their ears. Brian sees that William Reed's Tavern is full of drunken redcoats throwing knives at a wanted poster. His heart drops when he sees that it’s Lieutenant Knox who had thrown it and his heart drops further when he realises it’s Murtagh that is on the poster, covered in many knife marks.

While Knox removes the knife from the poster, Da pulls a coin out of his pocket and hands the money to John Quincy.

“Go buy a barrel of rum. Let the garrison settle down. And tha’ they drink the whole barrel.” He instructs.

“Don't say more, colonel - your orders suit us.” Quincy says, impatient and happy, before departing.

Da, Brian and Fergus make their way through the crowded tavern to Knox.

The lieutenant sees Da as he plants the knife on the table. He turns to his men, announcing, “Didn't I tell you the colonel would arrive as promised? And before nightfall.”

“And wi’ a few men in reinforcement, lieutenant. About fifty.” Da tells him.

Knox addresses Fergus and Brian in greeting then turns to a red coat lingering at his elbow. “Bring them all beer.”

Da nods to Fergus and Brian. “Go with him. I need a moment alone with Knox.”

Brian is thankful for this and leaves with Fergus and the red coat to the bar. Brian’s eyes flicker nervously around the vividly red tavern, anxious and unnerved by it all. Maybe this is why he doesn’t notice a very familiar man standing right in front of him until it’s too late and collides into him. They quickly right themselves before they tumble to the floor. This causes the red coat and Fergus to stop as well once they notice Brian’s near-floor splatter.

When he looks at the man’s face, he splutters in surprise, “Brynmor?”

Brynmor’s eyes widen in panic before he carefully rearranges them so his face gives nothing away just as quickly but Brian had spotted it. Was it the fact that he’s previously been rather up close and personal with said face?

“Brian.”

Brian forgets that Fergus is right there until he asks, “Do you know him?”

Brian clears his throat. “Er, yes, he was at Ellen and Roger’s wedding.”

“I accompanied Knox.” Brynmor adds. His eyes flicker over to the red coat who was accompanying them to the bar still lingering close enough to hear the conversation.

This admission causes Brian to snap his head to him so violently that he’s surprised it doesn’t fall off. “Oh, you didn’t say that.”

“Well.”

Brian frowns at his… friend (?), rewriting all that he knew about the man in his head. The initial impression he had gotten from him was a patriot, had he been wrong?

At this point, Fergus and the redcoat move onto the bar with the promise of bringing Brian his drink.

Brian shifts uncomfortably, unsure of how to act with Brynmor, particularly in public. “It’s good to see you.” He says awkwardly. “Can we talk? Er, more privately?”

“What about?” Brynmor replies shortly.

Brian frowns once more. Why is Brynmor being shot with him? If anything, Brian should be the angry one as Brysnmor works for Knox, not him.

Brian opens his mouth to speak but gets cut off by Knox announcing to the whole room, “Here, try.”

Brian turns to see Know handing Da the knife. Oh…

Da takes the knife, feeling the weight in his hand. He is in the spotlight, he has no choice. Fergus sidles up next to him, handing him his beer. His brother stands tense as he remains laser-focused on what’s happening.

“Between the eyes, Colonel!” One of the redcoats yells.

Brian’s heart is in his throat as Da aims at Murtagh's poster ten feet away. He steps back and does what looks like an expert throw. But the knife misses its target, and it shoots to the left, on the wall. Grumbling in the room from everyone except Brian and Fergus who both sigh in relief. Brian knows that wasn’t an accidental miss, it can’t have been.

Knox gives him a comforting pat on the back while Da flashes him a forced smile. Well, at least they got through that.

——

Brian should’ve known it wouldn’t be that easy. Knox is miffed because Tryon plans to give the Regulators a full pardon. But Knox does have some good news, or so he thinks. The pardon isn’t being extended to Murtagh and Knox has arranged to receive the rolls of the prisoners at Ardsmuir to see if it will help him find more contacts close to Murtagh to sniff him out. Da is, let's say, less than thrilled at this news.

While his Da is panicking, Brian needs to talk to Brynmor. He needs to understand, clear the air.

When he catches him in the alleyway outside the tavern, Brian yells, “Brynmor!”

Said man turns at the sound of his name being called. When he sees who is calling him, Brynmor shifts on the heels of his feet and turns back to where he was walking but Brian doesn’t give up, not that easily.

“Brynmor!” He runs after the other man to catch him and closes his fingers around his wrist, pulling him in his direction. Brian forcefully turns Brynmor and sees his face up close, his black hair falling on blue eyes. Full lips. He moves his gaze away. “What was that? Why are you being short with me?”

Brynmor shakes off Brian’s hold on him with a flourish and Brian steps back, waiting for Brynmor to speak.

“I wouldn’t have expected this of you. Maybe I should’ve with that English Lord at your sister’s wedding. How could you support them?” He accuses.

Brian almost laughs at the absurdity of it but he sees the anger in Brynmor’s eyes and the right set of his jaw and realises this is no laughing matter.

“That’s not what I’m doing! And you can talk! Why work for Knox?” Brian retorts. Not his best argument admittedly.

“Keeping on the enemy so to speak. I risked exposure for my non-sympathetic about British control here so I was forced to pledge loyalty.” Brynmor explains. “What’s your excuse?”

“We’re being forced to do this—” Brian tries to explain but gets cut off by Brynmor’s scoff.

“What? Your father couldn’t bear to lose his land and the prestige along with it? Sounds like a man without morals to me.”

Brian glares at him for that. “My Da’s not that shallow.”

Brynmor raises a disbelieving eyebrow. “Then why?”

“We’re protecting Murtagh.”

Brynmor’s sceptical look morphs into one of confusion. “Murtagh? The regulator?”

“He’s my Da’s Godfather, he’s like a father to him.” Brian explains, pleased he seems to get through to him and is no longer faced with a ball of anger and disappointment.

Brynmor blinks stupidly, a blush flooding his cheeks. “Oh, well, now I feel embarrassed.”

Brian smiles slightly. “You should. You of all people should know not everything’s so black and white.”

“Fair.”

They go silent. The air around them changes to something else, something Brian doesn’t know how to describe, now that they’re no longer arguing.

“I thought you were mad it me because of, well, you know.” Brian says softly. Not putting a word on it because how could he?

Brynmor smiles tenderly. “No, I could never be mad at you for that. I was mad because I thought you were a loyalist.”

Brian scoffs jovially. “How could you say that? Have not heard about my family? We’re full of revolutionists.” They both chuckle before they quieten. “I’m glad you don’t hate me.”

“No, I rather think I don’t.” Brynmor’s gaze flickers down.

Brian is about to lean in closer when screaming sounds from inside the tavern. The two men jump apart and run out of the alleyway. Brian looks around them and realises smoke is coming from one of the rooms of the tavern, a redcoat leans out of it, holding a handkerchief on his mouth. Then the door opens with a bang and a wave of soldiers and inhabitants spring up.

“Find a doctor!” A red coat cries.

Two soldiers drag Knox's body out of the tavern and spread it on the floor. They cough, suffocate. A crowd begins to gather as a man with a bucket of water enters the tavern.

Brian sees Fergus standing at the end of the street looking at the mess in the street. He runs over to him just as the soldier checks Knox's breathing, then puts an ear on the dead man's chest. He looks at his comrades-in-arms and shakes his head.

“What happened?” Brian asks his brother.

“I don’t know.” The Frenchman admits.

Brian is startled when a pair of hands fall on his and Fergus’ shoulders.

It’s Da.

“Let's Go.” He says.

“Milord, it's Lieutenant Knox.” Fergus protests.

“We cannae do anything for ‘im anymore.” Da replies, urging them away and into the shadows.

“But the militia?” Brian questions.

“Bein’ disbanded. There’s no time te explain.”

He frowns at him. Wondering whether he wants to know but then decides he doesn’t need to hear it. Knox asking for the rolls of the prisoners at Ardsmuir, the man’s death and Da’s sudden need to leave, he can put two and two together – or maybe three and three?

As they flee, Brian looks back. His shoulders slump when he realises he lost Brynmor in the crowd.

——

A/N: Didn’t have Brian involved in the murder of Knox as it didn’t feel in character plus that particular storyline is more Jamie’s story so it falls a bit more into the background.

Please leave comments on how you're enjoying this story and what you think.

#outlander

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legends-of-time · 2 months

Text

The Strength of a High and Noble Hill (Outlander)

Chapter 43: Baggage Weighs You Down

Masterlist

"I never thought you heard," Mama murmurs later on after everything has calmed down and is under control once more.

The Browns were angry when they later realised that Alicia and Isaiah were gone and they were slightly suspicious about the Fraser/Mackenzie involvement in it all but could not do anything, they made their vow.

Brian turns from where he's been staring out into the bustling activity of Brownsville to his mother who sits next to him on the steps of the general store's porch. Everyone's packing. They're leaving, all of them, leaving Brownsville. Their job has been done at Brownsville so they must move on though not all together.

Keziah and Josiah Beardsley are unwell. Tonsillitis. The signs are there. Keziah is experiencing a high fever, and his tongue has the putrid bacterial smell of the infected mucous membranes. Josiah is experiencing an off-and-on again sore throat.

Mama needs to operate on them soon and to do that, she needs to get to the ridge to where Marsali is hopefully waiting with penicillin so the plan is for Mama to leave with the twins and return to the ridge. Roger is to join them for the journey back while Da, Brian and Fergus head to Hillsborough along with the militia.

Brian knows his Da is disappointed with Roger, for how he behaved as Brian's second. He knows that Roger takes this to heart, being sent away to protect a woman who can protect herself, but Brian thinks it's also for the best. Roger's good with comforting people, and telling stories, he'll be good company for the young twins.

"Neither of you were very quiet." He remarks dryly to her as he continues to pack.

Mama winces sympathetically with a layer of shame, reaching out to grasp Brian's hand which he accepts. "I was unhappy but I never wanted you or Ellen to experience it. To feel unloved. He did love you."

Brian wrinkles his nose. "Not truly, not in the way he did with Ellen. I was always another man's child to him."

"He tried, you know he did." Mama argues.

"I think that was the problem." Brian says, thinking how Dad's attempts only ever drove a further divide in their relationship. "It makes me think though."

Mama frowns. "About what?"

"Children. About whether I'd be any good at it, being a father." Brian admits, not daring to look at her, staring straight ahead.

Mama grips his hand more tightly, shaking them just as he knows she's shaking her head. "You don't know that. You'll be an amazing father."

"You don't know that either." He says, turning to look at her. "Dad and I could never build that bond. Da, he– he never got to truly raise any of us and he's only able to be a father to me late in life and he struggles. I don't know example of a father bring up a child successfully. I just can't help but think I carry too much baggage."

Mama opens her mouth to retort before closing it, not knowing what to say then Brian sees what reads to be the Woolam's Creek Gazette clasped in Mama's hands.

"Why do you have that?" He questions. There's something in the way she's clinging to it as if it might disappear if she relaxes her grip.

Mama says nothing and hands it over to him. Brian's eyes are drawn to the familiar words. The title of the article reads 'Dr. Rawlings recommends.' It is there in black and white. Oh God.

"Uh, where did you get this?" He asks as his eyes take in his mother's words written out on the page.

"The Brown women had it." Mama softly replies.

"But, how? I thought it wasn't meant to go any further than the ridge?"

"It was Fergus." Mama then quickly continues when Brian begins to turn, wanting to find his brother, to demand what he was thinking, "The paper he'd sent to the printer, for the militia, this must've been written on the other side. It's the same printer."

Oh.

"I worry it might get them into trouble, but your father's dismissing it for now. Says there's no trouble unless someone comes looking for me." Mama says.

"Maybe he's right?" Brian responds, hopeful.

"Christ, I do hope so."

——

A/N: Please leave comments on how you're enjoying this story and what you think.

#outlander

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legends-of-time · 2 months

Text

The Strength of a High and Noble Hill (Outlander)

Chapter 42: Romeo and Juliet

Masterlist

Brian blinks in surprise when Mama shows him that it is a newborn that she has been rocking in her shawl.

Brian bends over and frowns with curiosity as he takes a closer look. "A baby?"

"Mrs Beardsley's, she left her with us." Mama explains.

Da and Mama had arrived that night with the good news that they'd secured the Beardsleys twins' papers. Josiah wants to continue with the militia, but Jamie insists he's too young and that they should go back to the Ridge tomorrow and provide for all there by hunting.

"But her..." skin is what he meant to say before he stopped himself. He shouldn't be judgemental about it.

"The baby urgently needs milk. Are there any nursing mothers here?"

Before Brian can reply, a voice interrupts them. "Captain Fraser."

It's Richard and Meg Brown who nod in greeting. Brian and his parents do the same.

"Mr Brown. May I introduce my parents, Colonel Jamie Fraser and Claire Fraser." Brian introduces. His parents express their hellos.

"Will you stay the night with us?" Richard asks politely.

"If it's no' a problem." Da replies.

"What kind of man would I be if I let a lady sleep outside in the night and the cold, with militia?" Richard responds.

Mama thanks him for his hospitality.

Meg Brown, looking proud of her husband's hospitality, turns curiously to Claire. "What's this?"

"If it's no trouble. The baby needs milk." Mama tells them, revealing the newborn.

The Browns look on in surprise at the baby's appearance before Meg nods. "Follow me."

——

It is only later on when Brian is able to pull his father aside, does he explain what has happened.

"It looks like ye convinced 'em." Da compliments Brian proudly. Brian smiles happily that he'd made him proud.

"There was a small problem." Brian quietly tells him.

"Wha' this problem?" Da questions, frowning.

"A small misunderstanding when we arrived." Brian explains. "It's Alicia Brown, Lionel Brown's daughter, wants to marry Isaiah Morton."

"And, wha'? He hasna? He dishonoured her? He needs te marry her! Ye ken kno' weel tha' is how we do things around here." Da berates.

"I know!" Brian snaps irritably before calming himself. "I know, I tried but..."

"Wha'?"

"He's already married."

Brian wouldn't be surprised if his Da collapses in shock considering how he stagers back in shock. "I dinna kno' why he's still here? Ye should've sent 'im away!"

"I will, just not yet. I'm helping them escape." Brian retorts, now feeling irritable at being treated as naïve.

"But he has a wife." Da counters in disbelief. "Ye shouldn't let 'im dishonour the girl like tha', how can he stand by her?"

"Because he and his wife are separated, they are not happy, they didn't chose each other." Brian explains.

"How can ye believe 'im—"

"Because I have seen an unhappy marriage!" Brian cries in frustration and now that the dam has broken, he doesn't stop. "I saw Mama and Dad, I could see how unhappy they were with each other. I would often hear them yelling at each other about their unhappiness, that Dad didn't want me when they thought me and Ellen were asleep!"

"Oh..."

Da and Brian soon around to find Mama standing there, shifting uncomfortably and looking hurt.

Brian looks down as Da clears his throat uncontrollably. "Claire?"

"There's something you should know." She tells them quietly.

——

Alicia Brown is pregnant.

It throws a wrench into the works. Not for Brian though but for his Da who has to backtrack on his plan for Isaiah to simply leave and now has to jump on to Brian's original plan, which is to get the two of them out of here.

That night, Brian sneaks into where Isaiah is to tell him the news. Isaiah is stronger than ever in his belief that Alicia is the true love of his life and Brian isn't one to argue.

Early the next morning, Da leads a horse with Alicia and Isaiah on it out of town, while Roger is on the lookout at the other end of the hamlet. Wrapped in a wool plaid, Mama stands in front of the window of the general store, looking down and nervously waiting.

At first, everything is fine. But the horse walks too close to one of the hitchposts. When Isaiah straightens the reins, the horse slides on a big stone and kicks into a pile of empty barrels, which then roll, hitting everything they touch. Brian breathes with difficulty. It's not good. It will wake up all of Brownsville. Roger lunges forward and hastily clears the barrels out of the way. It's no use as Brian can hear murmurings of noise and confusion in the houses around them.

Isaiah and Alicia need to go now.

Da controls the horse and gives it a pat to send Isaiah and Alicia at a gallop before slipping into a neighbouring house. The alarm begins to sound while Lionel and Richard Brown along with the other men emerge, searching, having heard the noise but Brian is prepared. He lets the other horses, about twenty in total, loose to create a distraction. None of Brownsville's men suspect anything as they jostle to catch up with the horses on the left and right, sending the men of Brownsville chasing after them in the opposite direction from the star-crossed lovers. Lionel scratches his head, baffled at how the horses managed to escape from their enclosure. Lucinda Brown, Richard and Meg Brown's daughter-in-law, who had been the one who took in the Beardsley baby since she'd lost a baby herself and has the milk needed, emerges from her home with her husband Hiram to check what is wrong.

In the middle of this chaos, Brian emerges with Da popping up beside him with a goat he holds by some rope. They share a grin, prior argument forgotten, before they call the attention of the Brownsville men.

"This wee demon, while prowlin' around, will ha' scared the horses: they dinna like our wee friends wi' split hooves." Da remarks to them all. He receives a varied amount of baffled, stressed and frustrated.

——

A/N: Please leave comments on how you're enjoying this story and what you think.

#outlander

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legends-of-time · 2 months

Text

Amelia’s Story (BBC Merlin Story)

Chapter 64: A Lesson in Vengeance

Masterlist

Anne’s POV

Anne is happy with Gwen’s return. She is really, but something is still bothering Anne. They'd gotten Gwen out. Morgana and Amelia had held her captive, they had been there, and Merlin was sure of it. Yet he'd not seen them. They'd just let Gwen leave and hadn't tried to stop them. It worries Anne that something much deeper is going on. It had been too easy for them to get Gwen out of there. But there is little Anne can do to find out, ever since her return, Gwen has been in shock, still grieving the loss of her brother and only recently coming out of her shell. Anne doesn’t want to cause any damage if she’s wrong so she decides just to wait and see what happens.

And then something does.

Anne hurries into Gaius’ Chambers when she hears the news that Merlin, Gwen and Arthur had been attacked when they were riding to have their picnic to celebrate Gwen and Arthur’s anniversary.

When Anne bursts in, she is greeted with the sight of Gaius tending to Arthur's wound. Gwen stands by her husband’s side, stroking his arm comfortingly while Merlin stands to the side.

“What happened?” Anne asks, calmer than she was before now that she knows everyone is safe but still feeling anxious.

“Bandits attacked.” Merlin tells her. “Seems they planted a bomb of some sort to spoke the horses, Arthur's threw him and the bandits attacked.”

“You're very fortunate, sire,” Gaius begins as Anne frowns at that, “a fall like that you could have broken your neck.”

“But how did they know?” Anne questions. “How did they know you'd be taking that path?”

“The men that attacked us, have they been questioned?” Arthur asks.

“I'm sorry, sire, the wounds were fatal. We were unable to learn anything from them.” Gaius replies.

“I agree with Anne though.” Merlin remarks. “It can't have been a coincidence that they were there.”

“Maybe they were waiting in trap for others.” Gwen suggests. “Just for anyone who might be going that way.”

“Then they got more than they bargained for.” Anne smiles at Merlin and Arthur for that.

Leon walks in. “Sire, we recovered your saddle from the forest trail. The girth has been unpicked and re-stitched. It was designed to break sire.”

Arthur walks over to have a look. “Perhaps it wasn't all that much of a coincidence then.” He muses. “Someone must have been able to warn the bandits that we would be heading out and they ran ahead to the path we'd chosen.”

——

Anne frowns as she stands beside Merlin and Gaius as well as Yrene, Gwen’s maid, whom Anne has begun to trust a bit more than she had before but there’s still that divide, in the Council Chambers. A young boy, Tyr Seward she recalls, stands before Arthur, Gwen and the Royal Court. The poor boy is terrified, clearly, he is pale and shaking and looks utterly bewildered as to why he is here in the first place. Anne has to admit, she is rather confused as well, she knows the boy. She'd been a servant when he was just starting off as a Stablehand. He'd slowly moved his way up to being in charge of the prince's, now King's Stables. He is a sweet boy, who works to support himself and his mother. She can’t fathom why he'd be here.

“The thread we found at the boy's home matches that used to sabotage your saddle, Sire.” Leon steps forward, handing Arthur a spool of thread to examine.

Anne looks at it closely as Arthur analyses it. She frowns at what looks to be a generic, basic, common thread. This is probably in half the homes in the Kingdom and Leon thought, because the boy has access to the horses, that he had done it?

“Who put you up to this Tyr?” Arthur questions softly.

“No one, no one's put me up to anything Sire.” Tyr replies.

“You're saying you acted alone? Had no help? No accomplice?”

“I don't know anything about these things you're talking about. I've done nothing Sire, save look after your horse and tack like I always do.” Tyr insists.

“The evidence is staring you in the face. You can't deny it.” Arthur points out, clearly reluctant to believe Tyr could have this.

“Sire, I swear on my mother's life...”

“Just give me their name. Why protect them? They can't help you now. Just give me their name.” Arthur pleads.

“I have no name. There's no name to give.” Tyr insists.

“Then you leave me no choice!” Arthur declares. “Though it saddens me greatly to do so I must charge you with treason. Is there anything further you'd like to say?”

“You're my King, sire. I'd never do anything to hurt you. Never.” Tyr tearfully states.

Arthur sighs. “Tyr Seward, by the power vested in me I hereby sentence you to death.”

Percival steps forward and takes Tyr out of the room.

Anne has to stop herself from crying out in shock at what had just happened. It’s clear that Tyr didn’t do it and may know something about who did, but treason? Death?

——

“I can't imagine Tyr wanting Arthur dead, he's a good lad.” Merlin rants later on to Anne in their Chambers.

“I can't either.” Anne agrees. “He holds no grudge against Arthur, or even Uther, he's been a dear the entire time. He loves working with the horses, he's so proud whenever one of his fairs well in a tournament or on a hunt.”

“Arthur respected him as well.” Merlin nods. “Always treated him fairly and well.”

“Someone else had to be involved.” Anne voices out loud. “We just need to find out who they are. With Tyr being held and about to be executed... I fear that they may have purposefully pointed the finger at him. What if they knew the evidence would lead to him?”

“Maybe so, but Arthur was right about one thing Tyr could not have done this alone. Someone else is involved,” Merlin pauses in his movements, a thought crossing his mind, “and unless we find out who they are. What's to stop them from trying it again?”

Anne pauses at that. “And what else would they do to Tyr?”

Merlin turns to the door. “I'm going to speak to Tyr, see if I can reason with him, see if he might have seen something, anything out of the ordinary about the saddle before all this happened.”

Anne nods, taking his hand to tug him closer. “Good luck.” She whispers, kissing him before he runs out of their chambers.

——

Gwen, Arthur, Anne and Merlin all gather in the former couple’s Chambers.

“You went to the Cells to see Tyr.” Arthur states rather than asks when Merlin explains what he did.

But Merlin answers anyway, “Yes.”

Arthur lets out a huff. “We've been over this before, we know what he said. The evidence doesn't lie.”

“No one denies the crime sire, but the only part that Tyr played was to see it done.” Merlin retorts.

Anne perks up at this as Merlin hadn’t explained to her beforehand about what Tyr had said, only pulled her along to speak to Gwen and Arthur.

“He told you this?” She asks.

“Five minutes ago.”

“Then who was it?”

“He won’t say, he's too frightened. They threatened him.”

“I must speak with him, at once.” Arthur declares, walking around Gwen to the door. Merlin turns to follow.

“Arthur surely it can wait. Gaius told you to rest, let your injuries heal.” Gwen rebuffs anxiously.

“I'll be fine Guinevere. I just want to hear what he has to say.” Arthur replies, opening the door.

“And you shall.” Arthur pauses at the door while Anne frowns at Gwen as she talks in confusion. “But Tyr has said everything he is willing to say for now. He's clearly frightened and unsure of what to do-don't push him. Let him think it over and maybe after a night in the Cells he'll be prepared to say more.”

Anne sees Merlin look between Gwen and Arthur, studying them as Arthur takes a moment to decide on what to do. He then shuts the door.

“As always, Guinevere, you're right.” Arthur walks past Gwen to the table by the window.

Merlin and Anne share a glance with Gwen before she turns to follow Arthur. They look at her as she goes before glancing at each other. Anne can see the same suspicion, concern and confusion that she feels written on Merlin’s face.

——

Tyr is dead, had been murdered in his Cell. The Guards had been knocked out by a concoction of clarywort, a soporific, which allowed the person entrance to the chambers. Tyr hadn't stood a chance against whoever it was. He'd been stabbed. The worst is, that it only brings to light the growing fear that the person who had done it is familiar with Camelot. They had gotten in and out and hadn't been caught or spotted by anyone. They knew that Arthur was going to talk to him. Either way, Tyr is dead and they now have a traitor in their midst. The patrols have been doubled as a result. If this person has inside knowledge, then no one is safe.

——

Amelia’s POV

Amelia wrings her hands together anxiously as she waits for Gwen’s arrival near the walls of Camelot. She tries not to think about how close she is to so many people that she used to be close with, that had betrayed her.

Amelia is startled out of her thoughts when she hears someone walking towards her, she turns to see it’s Gwen.

“Guinevere.” She greets, eager for news. Had the plan worked?

“The plan failed. Arthur lives.” Gwen regretfully reports.

Dammit. Merlin had likely intervened.

“Does he suspect you?” Amelia questions, mulling over what she just heard.

“Not yet.” Amelia relaxes at that. “But the Stablehand saw me. He was going to tell them everything.”

This causes Amelia to pause. “Was? You have some good news then?”

“I did what had to be done.”

Poor Tyr…

It's sad that it happened but it had to. Gwen is right, it had to be done.

“With Tyr gone you have to find someone else to take the fall.” Amelia says, a new idea already forming in her mind. “You need to make sure no suspicion falls on you when Arthur dies. You must have support of the Knights, only with their allegiance will your path to the throne be clear.”

“But what good is all this? Arthur’s still alive.” Gwen points out.

“For now.” Amelia feels herself smile slightly when the plan continues to form. It’s a good one that’ll hopefully work. “By tonight you’ll have everything you need to finish the job.”

Gwen shakes her head. “Arthur’s doubled the Guard, and there are patrols night and day. I can’t risk leaving…”

“Gwen. Gwen.” Amelia interrupts, gripping her hands to calm her and reassure her. “We will come to you.”

Gwen looks at her questioningly but before she can ask what Amelia means, the sound of horses whinnying nearby can be heard. A Camelot patrol.

“Go!” Amelia quickly urges.

Gwen pulls her hood up and runs off. Amelia walks the other way. Gwaine turns his horse and goes the way that Gwen went. This causes Amelia to pause, with the speed he’s going, Gwen will be caught in no time. Amelia grips her hand into a fist and pulls it back quickly causing Gwaine to fly off his horse and onto the ground.

Amelia looks at his crumpled, unconscious body with satisfaction. Morgana had entrusted her to meet with Gwen and now Amelia has stopped Gwen from being caught. She hopes Morgana will be proud of her.

——

Anne’s POV

“No broken bones, I’m glad to say.” Gaius declares.

The patrol didn't just count for just inside the Castle, but outside as well, which was why Gwaine is having a checkover under the gaze of Anne, Merlin and Arthur in Arthur’s Chambers while said man questions him. Gwaine'd been on patrol, seen something, seen someone meeting in the woods and tried to get closer, tried to go after them, only to be pulled from his horse.

“Anything else you remember?” Arthur continues to question.

“Nothing. One minute I was pursuing them through the trees. The next I was flat on the ground.” Gwaine admits regretfully.

“You’re sure it was sorcery?”

“Without a doubt. Powerful, too.”

“Morgana?” Anne questions, hoping it’s not Amelia.

“Or Amelia?” Merlin also suggests. He says it pointedly, side-eyeing Anne.

“Either’s possible. But why was one of them there?” Gwaine replies.

Anne hates how he has seemingly set on Amelia having turned dark. She would’ve thought he would have believed others considering what he used to feel for her.

“Maybe they were meeting someone.”

“Why come so close to the Citadel?” Arthur asks.

“Maybe they had to. Maybe whoever one of them was meeting was here in Camelot.” Merlin suggests

“Well, until we have more to go on this is idle speculation.” Arthur declares. He looks at Gaius, Anne and Merlin. “Gaius, Anne, Merlin, see what you can find in the woods. Perhaps there’s something we overlooked.”

“I’ll go with them.” Gwaine starts to stand up but Gaius stops him.

“You’ll do no such thing. You’ll rest, Gwaine. Physician’s orders.”

Gaius gets up and leaves with Arthur as Anne lingers and Merlin moves to sit next to Gwaine.

“I don’t think this is over.” Merlin declares. Anne looks at him questioningly.

“What do you mean?” Gwaine asks.

“Well, whoever’s responsible for the attack on Arthur’s life, what’s to stop them from trying again?”

Anne feels her heart drop to her stomach at that. God, he’s right. This is just the beginning.

“They haven’t a chance, the Citadel’s on full alert.” Gwaine argues. “Every entrance, every exit’s being watched. Trust me, Arthur’s safe as long as he remains in Camelot.”

“That’s just it, what if he’s not safe here?” Anne speaks up, drawing their attention. “Merlin’s right. What if Camelot’s the most dangerous place that he could be? Who could have access to the Stables, who could of known the layout of the Cells? Who knew that Tyr would do anything to protect his mother?”

“Gwaine, you need to stay close to Arthur, and do whatever you can to protect him.” Merlin urges the Knight.

“You have my word on it.”

——

Amelia’s POV

Amelia and Morgana walk along a path to a Hut that is in the middle of some trees. There is a bald man, Sindri, sitting at a desk, who looks up when they enter.

“Who are you?” He questions.

“It matters not who we are, but what we want and whether you can give it to us.” Morgana deflects as they walk through the aisles of shelves upon shelves of different potions.

“And what is it that you want?”

“A tincture. With the power to kill.” Amelia explains calmly. “Not just to kill, but to do so slowly and with the utmost pain.”

“Very particular, what you seek.” Sindri replies with a slight smirk.

“It has a very particular purpose.” Amelia retorts. He looks up at her from a paper that he was looking over.

“Well? Do you possess such a thing?” Morgana urges.

“I do.” He gets up and walks to a shelf that is next to them. He pulls two vials off the shelf. “Here.”

Amelia eyes them curiously. “What are they?”

“Valerian. Two drops will render the victim unconscious. And Henbane. A single drop administered through the ear. Their death will be as prolonged and as unpleasant as could wish for.” Morgana goes to reach for them. “Ah, these are… uncommon things. Hard to come by, hard to prepare…”

Amelia glares at him before handing over some gold and Morgana takes the vials.

Sindri counts the gold. “Very generous, my lady,” he says as they walk away to leave, “more than enough to buy my wares. But not my silence.”

This causes them to pause. They turn and Morgana tosses more coins on the floor.

Once they step out, Amelia turns to Morgana as they walk away from the Hut, “Hopefully this will work.”

“Of course it will, sister.” Morgana reassures, linking her arm with Amelia’s. “You’ve done well.”

Amelia can’t help but perk up at the praise.

——

Anne’s POV

“Gaius, Anne!” Merlin suddenly calls nearby on the forest path, close to Camelot and where Gwaine had been magically yanked from his horse.

Anne and Gaius quickly walk over to see what he had spotted. A vine on a tree that’s unusually shaped.

Gaius goes to examine it. “Yes, that’s certainly not natural.”

“It was Morgana or Amelia, I’m sure of it.” Merlin walks off in the direction Gwaine had said he’d spotted the hooded duo talking.

“Are you sure we’re in the right place?” Gaius questions as they walk

“Gwaine said he spotted them somewhere around here.” Merlin assures.

Anne then notices a piece of cloth on a branch. A clue! “There. On that branch.” She picks it up, showing the other two.

“It’s not much to go on, is it?” Merlin comments as he takes the cloth from Anne to give it a closer look.

“It’s something.” Anne declares.

——

Gaius examines the cloth through a magnifying glass in his Chambers. “Raw imported silk. Traders ask a small fortune for it. Whoever that belongs to is extremely wealthy.”

Merlin takes the glass and cloth from Gaius. Anne peers over his shoulder as he looks at it. “What is that? Some kind of embroidery?”

This causes Anne to freeze then snatches the fabric from Merlin’s hand despite his protests. She recognises it now, now that she’s looking at it properly. It can’t be—

“Indeed. Woven threads of silver and gold. Only those of the highest rank can afford such a thing.”

Merlin’s head snaps towards Anne as the same thought that’s been forming in Anne’s head begins to form in his. Her husband then abruptly takes off running without a word.

“Merlin? Where are you going now?” Gaius calls after him but to no avail so he turns to the woman standing next to his chair. “Anne?”

Anne stands there, frozen as she digests the knowledge she’s just realised. Gwen’s the traitor.

——

Amelia’s POV

Amelia slips into the Lower Town with ease, all the while in her Freya disguise, browsing the stalls. In a way, she kind of misses this, wondering between the Market stalls and the hustle and bustle of the people around her. She often walked these streets with Anne, Gwen or Morgana but then after Morgana’s first take over of Camelot, foiled by Amelia’s betrayal (one of many) of her sisters, Amelia began taking them with Percival. Her eyes well up at the thought of how Amelia used to wait for the Knights’ training to finish before she stole Percival away to spend time with him.

Her heart clenches at the thought before she then places herself at the vendor who sells cloth, browsing the fabrics that used to be so familiar to her, focusing herself on the mission at hand.

She then sees Gwen making her way through the Town as expected. She nods to some Knights who walk past her, smiling pleasantly, playing the role of Queen. She stops at a vendor that sells cloth. Amelia turns around and grabs her hand. Gwen gasps and then calms once realising who it is.

“Just a few drops will ease your troubles, my dear.” Amelia places the vials in Gwen’s hand. “This one first,” she indicates to Valerian, the yellow vial, “and then the other,” she points to Henbane, the clear vial, “for the desired effect. Do you understand?”

Some Guards stop next to them and talk to a woman who is sitting in a chair next to the stall.

“Yes.” Gwen glances at the Guards. “Come on.” She loops her arm with Amelia, to display the act of assisting an old woman so that they can continue to talk without being noticed.

“Are you prepared? Have you found someone to take the fall?” Amelia asks. “Suspicion cannot fall to you.”

“Don’t worry. I have someone in mind.” Gwen reassures, pausing in their walk.

Amelia gives her a pleased smile before departing.

——

Anne’s POV

After the realisation that Gwen’s likely the traitor and Merlin’s departure, Anne had taken the chance to spend time with her children.

Anne smiles as she carries Euwen with her towards the Nursery, Faye walking beside her, holding her hand. They'd gone to see Gwaine. When Faye had found out that her favourite uncle had been hurt, or 'gotten an ouch' as the young girl likes to say, she'd wanted to go see him and make sure he was ok and give him a gift to make him feel better.

Faye had given him a small clay cup she'd made out of her crafting clays. It can’t be used for a drink, but it is thoughtful. Even Euwen had tried to give his uncle a gift, he kept holding up a flower to him and waving it at him till he took it. Then he kept tugging on his hair until he put the flower in it. Which made Euwen giggle and clap and Gwaine proudly wore the flower in his hair the rest of the day.

But now the children are tired and Anne is looking forward to setting them to bed and then going to sleep herself. After lots of cuddles and kisses as well as many “just one more story, Mama”, Anne departs the Nursery in search of her husband to find out what he’s discovered. Instead, she has a frantic Merlin coming charging past her from the Castle’s Kitchens.

“Merlin?”

Merlin doesn’t pause as he yells over his shoulder, “You were right! The fabric matches! We have to warn Arthur!”

Anne’s eyes widen and she immediately bolts after him. They burst into the Chambers, to see they’re too late. Arthur is slouched over, pale and unconscious with Gwen nowhere to be found.

——

Arthur is now on the bed with Gaius examining him. Gwen stands on the other side of the bed facing Gaius with the Knights, Anne and Merlin behind her. Anne glares hotly at the so-called frantic and concerned wife.

“All the evidence suggests that the King has been poisoned.” Gains declares.

“You’re certain, Gaius?” Comes the fake sob.

“Quite certain. The sweating, the corruption of the skin, the traces of tincture around the ear. They all point to the use of henbane.” Gaius assures.

“Is there no hope?”

Anne clenches her jaw as her fist tightens, trying to stop herself from launching herself at her so-called friend. She knew that ever since Gwen returned from the Dark Tower she hadn’t been quite herself but this?!

“The poison is a deadly one, my lady. There may be a way to arrest its course but I cannot guarantee it.”

“One thing I know for certain. That whoever did this lives among us. Whoever did this has betrayed us all.” She turns to look at the Knights then back again as if the thought is only just dawning on her. “Someone who is free to roam the Citadel as they please, someone who has access to the King’s Stables,” Anne thinks she can tell where this is going, “the King’s Prison, even the King’s food. There is only one I know of…” Gwen turns around and looks straight at the person who stands next to Anne. “Merlin.”

——

Despite Anne’s protests, Merlin is thrown in a Cell. Anne yanks herself from Gwaine’s grip, glaring at the Knight as Leon locks the Cell and hands the keys to the overnight Guards. He avoids looking at Merlin and strides over to Gwaine and Percival, who lingers nearby, urging them to leave. The coward doesn’t dare to look at Anne either.

The Knights depart and Anne can’t help herself anymore. She charges after them, catching them at the entrance and calls to the Knight at the end of the group. “Percival, please?”

He stops while Gwaine and Leon continue walking. He turns but avoids her gaze.

“What, Anne?” He sounds completely and utterly resigned, life and energy knocked out of him.

“You can’t seriously believe this. That Merlin would really poison Arthur.” She argues.

“I don’t know what to believe anymore.”

“I can tell you that Merlin wouldn’t have done this.” Anne retorts.

Percival scoffs. “Well, I can tell you that we don’t always know all that there is to know about our spouses.”

“I know one thing about yours is that Amelia wouldn’t allow this to happen.” Anne argues.

Percival to flinches. “Amelia’s gone, Anne. She betrayed us.”

“I think you’re wrong.” Anne retorts, striding over. “It’s Morgana’s influence, we just need to get her away—”

“Anne, please. Stop. I can’t.” And with that, he turns quickly and walks away, fleeing.

“Percival!” She cries after him.

He keeps walking. Anne huffs before looking back towards the Dungeons where she knows her husband is with wet eyes.

——

“You were both right.” Gaius murmurs as the three of them convene to discuss what to do. “Whatever they did in the Dark Tower, they’ve taken control over Gwen and used her to get to Arthur.”

They.

“How could Amelia do this to Gwen?” Anne utters in disbelief.

“We can deal with that later but right now we need to save him.” Merlin speaks. Anne nods, knowing he’s right. He turns to Gaius. “Can you?”

“The poison is too strong, too virulent. Your magic is his only hope.” Gaius replies.

“You need to get me out of here somehow.”

——

While Gaius deposits Merlin the ageing potion, Anne goes to the Royal Chambers to ‘comfort’ Gwen and keep an eye on her until Merlin arrives.

She arrives to find a sobbing Gwen sitting at Arthur’s side with Leon dutifully comforting her.

Anne clenched her fists before speaking, “Gwen.”

“Oh, Anne.” She sniffles. Gwen stands, wiping her eyes. Anne can clearly see she’s faking it, she can tell that Gwen is different.

“I’ll leave you both.” Leon murmurs before quickly leaving.

“How is Arthur?” Anne asks. The King does not look well at all, even worse since she last saw him.

“There is no change.” Gwen says regretfully, looking towards her husband. Anne wonders what her expression is now Anne can’t see her face. “I wonder if there is any hope anymore.”

Anne knows that’s a very non-Gwen thing to say but keeps quiet and says, “Until the King draws his last breath, there is always hope.”

“Yes, you’re right, of course.” Gwen turns to Anne once more. “I know how you much feel about Merlin. You must believe me when I say how sorry I am. But the evidence against him is overwhelming.”

Gwen’s false sympathetic gaze makes her internally cringe and Anne has to swallow heavily before replying. “You did what you had to do, Gwen. You had no choice. I understand that.”

“Thank you.” She grips Anne’s hands in what is meant to be a gesture of warmth and sincerity but all Anne is left with is coldness. “I cannot imagine how betrayed you feel towards your own husband.”

“Yes… it’s difficult to imagine who those closest to you will do. Why anyone would betray the one they promised themselves to.” Anne says.

Gwen nods solemnly but Anne can see her shoulders tensing ever so slightly and tries not to smirk.

——

When the warning bells sound, Anne shares a quick, almost gleeful look with Gaius, who had joined them in their vigil over Arthur, behind Gwen’s back. Anne can hear a great deal of noise and running about in the Main Square below.

Gwaine enters the room. “Are you all right?” He frantically asks.

“Yes...” Gwen answers, confused.

“You haven’t seen anything? Heard anything?”

“Nothing. Why?”

“There’s an intruder within our walls.”

“Here? In the Citadel?” Gwen questions in shock.

“Yes, my lady. We last saw them in the Main Square, then we lost sight of them.” Gwaine answers her.

Anne spots Gaius looking over his shoulder and does the same, just in time to spot a familiar shadowy figure hiding behind the curtains by the window looking out onto the Main Square.

“My lady, you may be in danger.” Anne warns in false concern. Though, to be honest, they do need to keep Gwen safe until they can reverse whatever happened to her. “Gwaine will take you to the Guest Chambers. He’ll ensure no harm comes to you there.”

“Why would anyone wish me harm?” Gwen questions.

“You’re to be our leader, Gwen.” Gaius speaks up. “You are Camelot’s future. Do you imagine our enemies don’t want you dead?”

“I can’t leave Arthur, not now.” Gwen says, acting the worried and frantic wife.

“Gwen, I promise, if there is any change, we’ll fetch you at once.”

“Gaius and Anne are right. Come, my lady. You’re not safe here.” Gwaine says.

Gwen has no choice but to oblige and lets Gwaine lead her out of the room.

Anne turns towards the curtains where Merlin is peeking out. “Do I want to know how you got in here?” She asks.

Merlin pushes the curtain aside. “No, you don’t.” He makes his way to the bed. “How is he?”

“His heart is nearly stopped. I fear he’s close to death.” Gaius answers.

Merlin puts his hand on Arthur’s chest. “The sickness is so deep in him. I don’t know if I have the power to bring him back.” He says regretfully.

“You can do this, Merlin.” Anne encourages. “We know you can.”

Merlin straightens up, wipes his face and takes a few breaths. He places his hands on Arthur’s chest. “Ic the thurhaele thinu licsar mid thamsundorcraeft thaere ealdan ae!”

Merlin backs away so Gaius can step forward to check on Arthur. He grips Anne’s hand tightly as Gaius feels for a pulse. He turns to look at them regretfully. No, no he can’t be—

Arthur moves and makes a face and mumbles, “Gaius…” and rolls over.

Anne almost chokes as she breathes a sigh of relief. “You did it, Merlin!” She and Merlin share a tearful but happy hug.

“Well done, Merlin!” Gaius also hugs him. “Well done.” Merlin laughs wetly. Gaius pulls back. “You’d better get back to the Cells before you’re missed.”

Ah, yes, that.

“But… how? There are Guards on every floor and every stairwell.” Anne splutters.

“Exactly.” Merlin agrees. “How can I get back down there?”

“Well the same way you came up, obviously.” Gaius replies bluntly.

“Obviously.” Merlin deadpans. He turns to Anne, who shrugs helplessly. He sighs, gives Anne a peck then turns toward the window as Gaius makes a shoo motion.

——

Arthur stands before them with Gwen at his left hand and Yrene lingering behind her. Anne and Merlin stand to the right next to a column. An unknown bald man stands before Arthur, flanked by two Guards. It’s the next day, Merlin has thankfully been released but Anne’s joy hadn’t been able to linger as they were all called into a Council meeting to discuss evidence that Gwen had apparently uncovered.

Arthur holds two vials in his hands, showing them to the Court. “The Queen found these vials in my chambers. They bear, as you can see a distinctive mark. Thanks to her tireless effort, she has been able to trace them.” Arthur walks toward the man and holds one of the vials up in front of him. “This is your mark, is it not?”

“It is my mark, yes.” The man admits, not holding the King’s gaze.

Arthur holds up the yellow one. “And what does this vial contain?”

“It… it’s valerian, sire.”

“What does it do?”

“It renders the subject unconscious.”

Arthur holds up the vial filled with clear liquid. “This one?”

“Henbane. It’s poison, my lord.” He barely looks at Arthur as he says this.

Anne’s breath catches.

“A lethal poison.” Arthur says to the Court before gesturing to Gaius. “And it is only thanks to the great skill of my Physician that I am still alive.”

And Merlin.

“I’m sorry, my lord.” The man hurriedly apologises. “I… I supplied it, I must confess. But I did not know that it was intended for you. In truth, I was… um… was too afraid to ask.”

“Too afraid to ask who?”

“They who… procured it.” The man hesitantly admits.

“And did you recognise these people?” Arthur asks.

“Well, I cannot say for certain but I believed it to be Amelia Hallewell and Morgana Pendragon.”

Anne instinctively clutches Merlin’s arm at his words. She sees Percival flinch and Gwaine grip his shoulder reassuringly.

Arthur nods and the Guards take the man away. Arthur walks back to the throne. “Because of the Queen’s diligence, the truth has been uncovered.” Arthur takes Gwen’s hand and leads her forward. “Each and every one of us owes her a great debt. Long live the Queen.”

Anne feels a bile ride in her throat as Gwen stands in front of the room smiling while everyone shouts. She turns in a circle and nods her head a few times. Gwen pauses when her eyes catch on Anne and Merlin. They stare at her showing nothing.

——

Amelia’s POV

Arthur is alive, the plan had not worked.

Amelia flinches as Morgana lets out a scream of frustration, swiping the objects on the table in front of her. Beroun, who delivered the news, swallows heavily but, other than that, remains blank face as one of his mistresses lets out her anger.

“I-I’m sorry, Morgana, it’s my fault.” Amelia quickly tries to reassure her.

Morgana lets out a shaky breath, raining in her anger, before turning to Amelia. “It’s alright, Amelia. You’re lucky Gwen has able to cover her tracks. We will not fail next time.” She reassures her. “Arthur Pendragon must die.”

Amelia nods quickly and barely lets out a flinch as Morgana strides past her and out of the room.

——

A/N: I swear that in the episode, when Morgana buys the vials that the clear one is valerian and the yellow is henbane. But then the two other times we see the bottles, they’re referred to as the other way round? Am I seeing things?

I worry when writing season 5 that Amelia is taking too much of Morgana’s role but then I think that Morgana would like an underling/assistant to do the work for her as well as testing her sister so that she doesn’t betray her. Plus, I want to show that while Amelia has joined her sister, she still at times feels torn, particularly when she thinks of it near Anne and/or Percival.

Please leave comments on how you're enjoying this story and what you think.

#bbc merlin #merlin

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legends-of-time · 2 months

Text

Thorn Bush (Doctor Who Story)

Chapter 41: Captain Jack Harkness

Masterlist

A/N: My first full Torchwood episode! I've only done a few flashback scenes that they've shown of Jack's past but this is the first time Kathy's interacting with someone from Torchwood other than Jack. To try and save confusion, our Jack is simply referred to as Jack but the original one that Jack stole the identity from is Captain Jack.

——

20th January, 1941

Kathy is bouncing her knee up and down anxiously as she sits at the table in The Ritz dance hall, Cardiff, waiting for Tosh and Jack's arrival. She's pretty sure she's got the date right considering that the real Captain Jack Harkness is here, saying goodbye along with comrades before they head off to the mission which will kill the captain and her Jack (past him) will assume his name. Her current Jack is with Estelle Cole in London, the woman who's the old woman that appeared when Torchwood met the fairies and will then go on to be killed by them.

Around her, the dance hall is full. The windows are heavily curtained and the chandeliers are lit as it is night time. A four-piece band Buzzy Taylor's Band plays clarinet, piano, drums and double bass. The song is upbeat Air Express (Ken Mackintosh and his orchestra). There are seats and tables around the dance floor and people on a balcony up above. There is a banner hanging across the entrance that reads 'Kiss the Boys Goodbye' and a good few women obliging making the thirsty soldiers in uniform very happy.

"My love is true and just for you. I would do most anything at any time." The woman on stage sings.

Then there they are, future Jack with Tosh at the bar before George Bridgers (RAF, 24, boorish, thick-set, cheery with a regional accent) grabs Tosh and pulls her out onto the dance floor. Tosh looks incredibly uncomfortable and desperate to get away from him as he quickly twirls her around the dance floor, attracting startled looks from onlookers. They are dancing slightly messily on account of Tosh's inexperience and George's alcohol intake.

"Come to me, my melancholy baby."

Jack goes and taps George on the shoulder. "Do you mind?" Kathy hears him say as she approaches them.

"I'm only borrowing her, mate." George retorts.

"'Her' is standing right there." Kathy snaps as she pops up beside them.

"Kathy!" Tosh exclaims in surprise while Jack flashes an excited grin.

George scoffs. "Listen lady—"

"Hey, hey, the lady said no!" Jack interrupts.

"I didn't hear her."

"Maybe you need your ears unclogged then." Kathy quips back.

George steps forward aggressively causing Jack to quickly shove George back.

Jack turns back to Kathy and Tosh. "Come on, girls."

Kathy spots George rushing over. "Jack—"

George yanks Jack back around and throws a punch. Jack turns away but the blow still glances his chin. This results in a scuffle causing another, rather familiar, American RAF Captain to put a hand on George's shoulder. Kathy keeps back, knowing she doesn't need to be involved here.

"Cut it out, kiddo." He says.

George stops in his tracks, breathing hard. There is a hint of amusement in Captain Jack's eyes as he surveys the scene. He wears a Group Captain's uniform with a USA flash on his arm. He also wears a Distinguished Flying Cross medal.

He turns to Jack. "Sorry about that. The men are a bit lively tonight. It's last day of OTU tomorrow. Apologise to the gentleman, George."

"I was only dancing." George retorts.

"I think it was your fist he didn't like, not your foxtrot." Captain Jack retorts.

George grimaces before turning to Kathy's Jack. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay. You barely got me." Jack replies causing Kathy to roll her eyes. Yeah, like that's going to help.

"I think the lady also deserves an apology."

"I'm sorry."

"Apology accepted." Tosh answers.

"Let's get a drink, George." Captain Jack says before turning back to Jack. "Hey, are you a volunteer too?"

"Yeah."

Kathy watches closely as they shake hands and both begin to speak at the same time, "I'm Captain—"

"You go first." Jack offers.

"I'm Captain Jack Harkness. 133rd Squadron." Captain Jack introduces. Kathy watches how Tosh's face is flooded with shock while the smile freezes on Jack's face.

"Look this way, please." A voice speaks and it's Bilis, the ever-so-camp manager lifting his 1948 Polaroid Land camera. Captain Jack turns to the camera and smiles as Jack continues to stare at him in shock. Bilis takes a photograph of Jack, Kathy, Tosh and Captain Jack.

Kathy grimaces at the sight of him, knowing what this man is up to.

"One more for the record, sir. I insist." Bilis removes the developing polaroid image from the back of the camera, then goes to stand between the two Captains whilst an employee takes the second one. Anachronism alert. "Thank you, gentlemen." Bilis leaves.

"I should be heading out." Jack tells the captain.

"But I didn't catch your names." Captain Jack argues.

Kathy steps forward, sharing a smile and a handshake with the captain. "I'm Katherine Davis and these are my friends, Toshiko Sato and Captain James Harper. 71st."

Captain Jack looks interested. "71st? That's where I'm hoping to be posted. What's your poison?"

"Maybe later." Jack declines. "My friends and I were in the middle of something."

"Sure."

——

"Why does that man have your name?" Tosh immediately questions once they're out of the room and in an empty corridor. "I'm lost enough here without you holding back on me."

Due to Tosh's lack of questioning about how Kathy can be here as she seems to know her in the future, Kathy can only assume that, unlike Jack, Kathy had been (or will be) rather open about who and what she is.

Jack hesitates causing Kathy to sigh and say, "Come on Jack, give her something here."

"It's not my name. It's his. I took his." Jack admits. "But I didn't realise he was so hot." He laughs, then shuts his eyes as he takes in what's happening. He turns to Kathy all accusatory, "Why didn't you tell me?"

Kathy smirks. "Spoilers."

"You even suggested I take his name." Jack retorts.

"You do realise I only do that cause you told me I will?" Kathy counters.

"Jack. Kathy." Tosh hisses.

Jack sighs. "I know too much."

"Then share."

"You wouldn't want that. Trust me." Jack replies before he changes the subject with, "We have to get back. What's in here?" He gestures to her bag.

"I've got half the equation in here. The other half's back at the Hub." Tosh admits. "If I can find some way of getting these figures back to base, then they can combine them and open the Rift and bring us back through."

"I know a place we can do it that will be empty." Kathy tells them, gesturing for them to follow her.

Kathy knows she needs to help them, particularly Tosh, in getting the coordinates back even if they may not fully succeed especially as Owen will activate the rift manipulator due to what happened with Diane. Ianto will try to stop him. Although his choice rescues Jack and Tosh, it will set off a chain of chaotic events leading directly into the story.

——

As they move along the corridor, Tosh suddenly stops, looking back.

"What?" Jack questions.

"I thought I heard my name." Tosh explains, her eyes flickering around the corridor as if trying to find the source.

"That'll be Gwen. They're looking for you both now." Kathy tells them. No harm in giving them a little hope.

"They must've had a rift alert." Tosh says. "I set one up."

"Yeah, anyway, in here." Kathy lets them into Bilis Manger, the Manager's, office. There are distinctive objects in the office a grandfather clock, a drinks cabinet, an ornate lamp, and a selection of antiques all from different periods. There is a portrait of Bilis on the wall. There is also a name sign on the desk which reads BILIS MANGER.

"No-one here. Good." Jack says.

Tosh puts her laptop on Bilis Manger's desk and opens the lid as Jack stands guard at the door. The laptop powers on. "It works."

"Your battery is running low." The machine tells them.

"Brilliant timing." Kathy remarks sarcastically.

"Just take down everything you've got in case it dies." Jack instructs as he fiddles with Bilis' nameplate on his desk.

"Here. I write while you read at the equation." Kathy offers, remembering Tosh's difficulty with the fountain pen.

Tosh hands it to her and they quickly get to work.

"Your battery is running low." The screen is fading whilst the warning message overlays the equation just as Kathy writes the last little bit.

"Your battery." The laptop dies.

"You got everything you need?" Jack asks.

"I just want to get the exact coordinates of the dance hall, so I can integrate them into the waveform equation. Then we need to get the information back to the Hub." Tosh says.

"One step at a time." Kathy says. "First, I know who you can ask about that. He—"

"What are you doing in here? Who are you?" A voice suddenly asks causing them all to spin around to find Bilis standing there. Tosh slams shut the laptop.

"I'm Captain..." Jack pauses a beat, remembering, "...James Harper. And friends Katherine Davis and Toshiko Sato, mathematician." Jack introduces.

"I'm Bilis, the manager. You're not in full uniform, Captain." Bilis remarks. God, he really is creepy.

"On leave. Forty eight hours."

"That's an interesting camera." Tosh observes.

"It takes photographs instantly." Bilis explains.

"Funny, you would've thought that they don't do that yet." Kathy quips.

"And I didn't know they made an attache case out of metal." Bilis retorts. Tosh hugs her laptop. "Where did you get it?"

"London. I'm from there." Tosh explains simply.

"I should go back, dear. They're coming for us now." Bilis warns.

——

"Pearl Harbour." Tosh reminds them as they make their way down the staircase, back to the crowd of people. Upbeat music plays next door in the main dance hall.

"You're in January 1941, Pearl Harbour doesn't happen for another 11 months." Kathy tells her as they come to a stop on the stairs. She knows it's not that much of a reassurance.

"Granddad stayed in London but he was persecuted. If I stay stuck here, what will happen to me?" Tosh questions still panicked. Kathy doesn't blame her.

"We'll take care of you." Jack says.

"This period. You look like you fit in. Like Kathy does. Have you been here before?"

Jack realises that Tosh is truly scared and needs the truth. "Yeah. I can't explain but I served in the war in 1941. I was undercover. I needed a false identity, so I took his name." Jack explains.

The first time anyway, before he became immortal, when he first met Rose and Nine. It's weird to think that, according to Jack, there's another her running around out there.

Jack's second stay is happening with Kathy right now as he waits for the Doctor after becoming immortal.

Captain Jack walks past them in the foyer bar area on the ground below unaware, chatting with those around him.

"Who were you before you took his name?" Tosh asks. She receives no answer so changes her line of questioning. "Why him?"

"Kathy suggested it. Said it was convenient."

"Not yet I haven't." Kathy sing songs, drawing a smile out of Jack.

"But if you chose his identity to steal, then he—" Tosh realises, unable to finish the sentence.

"Dies, in battle." Jack finishes.

"When?"

"Tomorrow." Kathy answers. They look at Captain Jack in the bar below, laughing with his men.

Kathy's eyes catch Tim another RAF who's merely 19 and would be described as a lanky upper-class youth. "Now, he's the one to talk to about the coordinates."

They quietly make their way downstairs just catching the end of George Bridgers' diverting tale, "And I say, look, love, it's raining bombs and fire, so get down that cellar. And she says, I can't, there's rats down there." The men laugh.

Tosh sidles up to them, planting herself next to Tim. "So, who's the best navigator here?"

"Tim." George answers. "He can't fly for toffee, but at least when he goes down, he'll know exactly where he is." George obnoxiously cackles causing Kathy to roll her eyes at him.

"Why don't we chat over here?" Tosh quickly pulls him away. Tim doesn't put up much of a fight, not that Kathy blames him, as George whistles after them as Tosh and Tim head for the corner table and Tim pulls out a chair for Tosh.

"I give the public schoolboy a fortnight." George remarks.

"That boy's come a long way in five weeks." Captain Jack intercedes. "As long as you boys remember your training, you'll be all right." He turns to Jack and Kathy (though Kathy believes it's most definitely the former). "Glad you came. Shall we sit down?"

Kathy glances towards Tosh. Seeing she's alright, Kathy shrugs and joins the group for a drink.

——

There's only so much Kathy can take of those such as George and is thankful when Tosh gestures to her and Jack to come over.

"I've got what I need." Tosh tells them. "Now all I have to do is find a way to leave a message for the team on something that will last across time."

"Okay." Jack answers and they begin to move away but then Audrey of all people blocks their way all flirty and nosey.

"I haven't seen you two here before." She remarks accusingly. "Katherine, are they friends of yours?"

"They are." Kathy answers. "Welcome friends."

"She's after Tim." George unhelpfully adds, sauntering over and drawing more attention to the conversation. "Why else would she let him bore her to death about navigation?

"Maybe she's a spy." Audrey accuses.

"The Chinese are on our side, aren't they?" Another pilot, Smiler (Kathy recalls him standing at the bar, fluffing his beer and watching the pretty women) says. Kathy really not liking how she and Tosh are almost being circled right now.

"I'm Japanese." Tosh corrects.

Audrey scoffs. "You're hardly an ally, then."

"Leave it, Audrey." George interrupts with the most helpful thing he's said all night.

Audrey ignores him. "So, whose side are you on? What's in the bag?"

"If you must now, sknows decoder for the British." Kathy interrupts, remembering Jack's defence. She doesn't want to let this interrogation go on any longer than it has to. "Her work is too secret so I doubt she appreciates you questioning her."

"Without ladies like her, we'd have no way of defending the country." Captain Jack says, handing Kathy and Jack their drinks he has offered to get earlier. "To Toshiko."

"Toshiko." They all cheer.

"I need Bilis's camera." Tosh says, pulling Kathy and Jack to the side. "Photographs last, don't they? Kathy?"

Technically it's only part of the equation that'll be taken but it's better than nothing and they will still get the rest of the equation to the others, even if Bilis scratches out the last few numbers, as nothing will stop Owen with Bilis' timepiece, so Kathy nods.

"I'll go with you." She offers. "Jack, you can stay here."

"Sure you don't want me to come with you?" Jack asks.

Captain Jack hears this. "Oh, you can't run out on me. I've just got you a drink." He says to Jack.

"We're fine. You carry on." Tosh encourages.

Jack glances wordlessly at Kathy. She can see the question in his eyes. She nods. He must stay with him.

——

As Tosh uses Bilis' camera to take a photograph of the piece of paper that now has the latest figures worked out in pencil, Kathy's eyes flicker around the room and that's when she notices the grandfather clock and Bilis' portrait is now missing. She fidgets nervously at that, staring at the blank space.

She's so focused on it that she startles as Tosh does when Bilis says, "Starting to be a habit."

They turn just as the photograph comes out of the camera to which Tosh quickly yanks out. Bilis smiles, taking the camera from her hand.

"We just wanted to try it out." Tosh says.

His eyes take them in. He smiles creepily. "This little beauty is very unusual and rare, not unlike yourselves."

And now this is their chance to just get the hell out of here.

Kathy lets out a fake chuckle. "I didn't know you were such a flirt Bilis. I apologise for our trespassing." She grabs the piece of paper with the equation with one hand and wraps her other hand around Tosh's shoulder, urging her to move forward. "We should join the others. Captain Harper is waiting for us."

They reach the door quickly once Tosh gets her surprised feet moving.

"Of course, but I can think of better things to photograph than numbers, my dear." Bilis calls after them.

This unsettles Tosh, causing her steps to stutter but Kathy swiftly moves her on.

"Do call again!"

——

Kathy helps Tosh place the photograph inside the plastic which held the unwritten birthday card for Tosh's grandad.

Before she places it inside an old disused electricity junction box, Tosh freezes.

"Oh no, Kathy."

Tosh shows her the photograph. Showing that the full equation isn't on there, it's been cut off in the corner. Kathy winces. She knows she should've either taken the photograph or kept an eye out for Bilis and Tosh may have taken a better photograph but Kathy can't risk changing too much, not when dealing with such an anomaly that is Bilis Manger. Making sure everything plays out as it does in the episode, Bilis will be defeated and won't be lying in wait for another go.

"We can get the rest to them, Tosh. They'll see this and keep searching." Kathy reassures her. "But right now I think there's going to be—"

The air raid sirens start and bombs start falling. Kathy grabs Tosh and yanks her towards the entrance where the lights have been turned off. They dive into the dance hall as a bomb lands outside and blows through one of the curtained windows causing screams from the people inside.

Bilis directs them to the basement air raid shelter. Captain Jack stands in the middle of the room, trying to help. Their Jack stands on the staircase going up to the upper floor yelling, "Katherine!" and "Toshiko!" up them.

"We're here!" Kathy yells as they are jostled along by the panicking crowd, making sure not to call him Jack in front of the actual Jack.

Jack saga with relief, hurrying over to them, putting his arms around them, and guiding them towards where everyone else is heading. As Tosh tells Jack about how they weren't wholly successful in their mission, Kathy glances back at Captain Jack who watches them go.

——

The basement is blacked out but some oil lamps have been lit, Kathy grabs one. Couples hug. As they pass them, Kathy sees Smiler pull the "You could be the last girl I ever kiss" with Audrey before the two kiss. Kathy tries to not roll her eyes at that. The key word being tries.

"I've got to finish the message. Pencil will fade. I need something else." Tosh tells them. "Kathy?"

"Blood will be the safest bet. They'll be tins and that over here that'll protect it." Kathy pulls Tosh to the corner of the room. All around them are pools of light, unsteady breathing, some tears, some laughter.

Kathy finds the storage cupboard in the corner and opens it. There are tins of coffee and tea inside. She empties a coffee tin and hands it to Tosh.

Tosh grins. "Airtight. This'll do."

And she gets out her grandfather's unwritten birthday card from her bag. Then she cuts her finger on the rough edge of the tin until it bleeds. Tosh kneels down, dips the pencil in her own blood and starts to write the remaining part of the equation on the card by the light of the oil lamp.

The band player has brought down his clarinet and is playing 'The White Cliffs of Dover'. A woman sings along, her beautiful voice echoing in the near darkness. Some people hum along softly to the song while Tosh continues to write in blood on the card. Captain Jack stands very close to their Jack as they talk quietly to one another as Tosh seals her note in the coffee canister and hides it in the corner.

The all-clear sounds which is rather a good thing as Smiler has his hand inside Audrey's blouse.

"Let the dancing continue!" Bilis cries joyfully causing everyone to cheer.

"I've finished. The rest of the equation is hidden in there." Tosh tells Jack as they emerge from the corner. Her left hand is still bleeding which Tim notices.

"What happened?" He asks, concerned.

"I slipped." Tosh lies.

"I've got a first-aid kit in the van." Tim gently leads her out.

Kathy shares a look with Jack as Captain Jack lingers nearby. She flashes him s small smile before leaving the two alone.

——

Kathy sits with Jack and Tosh at a table at the edge of the largely empty dance floor knowing this is it. The rift will open at any moment and Jack and Tosh will leave. Kathy's sad that they'll have to go, she enjoyed her time with the two but she knows she'll see her current Jack soon and she'll soon see Tosh again in less than a century.

The band strikes up 'A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square'. "That certain night, the night we met, There was magic abroad in the air."

The band plays and the woman sings. Slowly, Captain Jack walks across the dance floor and passes the few couples who are dancing together until he reaches their table.

"There were angels dancing at the Ritz, And a nightingale sang in Berkeley Square... I may be right, I may be wrong."

Jack looks at him in amazement as Captain Jack takes his hand and leads him onto the dance floor.

"But I'm perfectly willing to swear."

The men are shocked as the two dance in each other's arms. The dance floor clears and people stop, mesmerised and transfixed by the beauty of these two men dancing slowly together, cheek to cheek, their eyes shut... Oblivious to anything but each other.

"Who is he? Really?" Tosh asks softly, entranced. "You know him more than any of us."

"Jack's so many things and I don't know all of it yet," Kathy replies. She knows there's time before he became immortal and turned up in 1869 when he knew her as well as this Jack's present in the early 21st century. She knows her current Jack, the one who's waiting to confront Ten for leaving him behind on Satellite Five.

Jack pulls back and they look each other in the eye, searing intensity. Just as the two captains are about to kiss the dance hall door bangs open and a bright white light appears. Kathy and Tosh run over to him, the letter yelling his name and telling them they need to leave. Kathy ignores the people around them and instead focuses on Jack. She can see he doesn't want to go. He wants to be with the Captain.

She grabs his arm to pull his attention to her. "You need to go, they need you." She knows not to make any promises that she'll look after Captain Jack, that they'll be alright because it wouldn't be the truth.

Kathy can practically hear Jack's heart-wrenching as he looks at Captain Jack. "I have to go... It's my duty."

Captain Jack nods. Jack begins to walk away from him while briefly brushing his hand against Kathy in the form of a goodbye though he doesn't look at her, he doesn't look at anyone except the bright light that Tosh anxiously waits by. He's halfway there when he stops then turns and strides towards Captain Jack, pulling him into a passionate kiss. They lose themselves in each other. They pull back and look at each other.

Tosh yells for Jack again. He pulls himself away and walks back over to Tosh. He stands there, looking back at the Captain who salutes him before both Jack and Tosh vanish before them.

Kathy ignores all the stares and the mutters of shock and instead puts her hand on Captain Jack's arm and smiles sympathetically before pulling him out of the room, away from everyone's gaze.

——

"Do you think Kathy's alright?" Tosh asks Jack as the both of them sit in his office after returning from 1941 to their present day. She swirls the glass of brandy that she holds in her hand after toasting to the lost Captain.

Jack's sigh is full of emotion before turning to Tosh and flashing his usual charismatic smile that Tosh, after travelling to the past and learning more about him, sees right through. "Of course she is, you know she's out there right now. It's just been longer for her, she took the long way round."

——

Kathy chews her lips anxiously, gripping the telephone tightly as she waits for the person on the other side to pick up.

"Mom?" Carlyle's voice crackles through the receiver.

Kathy smiles softly as she replies, "Hi Carlyle, I just thought I'd check in, see how you're both doing."

Carlyle clears his throat, speaking in a cheery voice, "Everything's alright, we're fine, you don't need to worry."

Something in his voice makes her feel uncomfortable though can't quite tell what it is.

"I know, I know," Kathy huffs, laughing slightly though it feels forced, "it's just the two of you are always so busy these days, I hardly get to see you both."

"I'm sorry. You know how it is. So many things to see and do." Carlyle replies, continuing to be evasive.

"Of course, it's just..." she hesitates for a moment, "you will tell me if anything's going on, right?"

"Yeah. I would. Of course I would, mom." He assures her.

"Ok." Kathy replies despite feeling the opposite.

——

Carlyle puts down the receiver and lets out a heavy sigh. "I think we should tell her." He says. He stands in his and Ashildr's home, which is a 1500s-style building that's been repaired and renovated many times over with a mishmash of alien tech.

They've been here since the station was built in 1848. They found the alien foxhole and knew they needed to help it, better it. It's been their unofficial home since then. Their house is like the whole street, the place is run-down and grungy but still highly functional: spaceship parts piggyback off tree-house extensions and alien inventions. The street is hidden out of the view of the public due to the Lurkworms creating the telepathic field needed. Existing at the heart of central London. On the street, his wife works as a mayor for their existing refugee camp. They only get pulled away from it to keep up the pretence with Kathy that nothing's going on.

Ashildr scoffs from where she lounges next to the fire. The alien tech they have would mean that the house could easily be heated without needing a fireplace but Carlyle likes the rusticness of it. "Why? She probably knows anyway."

"More the reason to tell her." Carlyle argues.

"Would she approve?" Ashildr retorts, voicing the concern that's always in the back of his mind.

"Why wouldn't she?" Carlyle counters, fighting his doubts. "We're giving a safe haven, a sanctuary for over twenty alien species. Mom would be proud of that."

Ashildr lets out another huff, standing to face him. "Kathy wouldn't be any help to us. How could she be? She's too focused on the characters from that TV show. Always running after with stars in her eyes and that tunnel vision is blinding her from what matters. Things such as our refugee camp."

"She's my mother. It's been nearly a century since we started. I can't continue keeping this from her. She's already getting suspicious." Carlyle persists, feeling tearful.

"Who cares?"

"But–"

"What do you think they'd say if they knew our punishments?" She strokes the striking tattoo that whorls of black ink around her neck and collarbone, representing her alliance with the Quantum Shade. "You know what she's like, her and the Doctor, always that moral high ground yet what do they actually do? Nothing. They judge others. That's not us. We help others like us."

There's a knock on the door and a voice calling, "Mayor Me."

"Yes?"

Rump enters. "We have a group of Sontarans claiming asylum."

"Thank you, we'll be there shortly." He leaves and Ashildr turns to Carlyle, gently stroking both of his upper arms. "I know you think Kathy would be sympathetic but, other than Strax, when has she ever been kind to a Sontaran?"

"You're right." Carlyle admits.

"Of course I'm right. I'm your wife, I'm always right." She grins before pecking him on the cheek. She pulls back. "Remember. This is your anchor, your purpose."

He sighs and nods. She smiles, pleased. She smooths down her hair, straightening her clothes and wrapping the scarf around her neck, readying herself to meet either friend or foe.

He watches after her with pride. All that she's been through and lost, she still stands there as strong as ever and ready to face the world.

Yet, he can't help but feel that this is going to end badly.

——

A/N: It's difficult for Kathy to change the main thread of this story which leads to the finale as she can only change so much but I didn't want her to be just sitting on her hands or make it seem like it so I had her assisting Tosh as Jack is busy with the original Captain Jack.

The scene at the end with Carlyle and Ashildr 👀 Anyone who's familiar with season 9 might know what's going on there.

Please leave comments on how you're enjoying this story and what you think.

#doctor who

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legends-of-time · 2 months

Text

The Journey of Living at Downton

Chapter 48: July 1925

Masterlist

A/N: Again the dates. So the Brooklands race is said to happen on the 9th and Daisy's exams on the 20th and then both events happen on the same day? I decided to go with the 9th partly because it gives more of a gap between this chapter and the next one.

——

A month after the house opening, Cora has settled in well at the Hospital as the new president as they continue with the merger. Emma wishes she could be a part of it more but she can't just walk down to the Village anymore for a quick visit and bringing out the car would just be an inconvenience for everyone.

They are having tea in the Library. Robert is in an armchair, Cora, Emma and Edith are on the red settees while Tom stands nearby. Mary is in a chair close to Robert.

"We'd stay with Rosamund, drive to the track, have lunch, see some racing and come home the following day." Robert argues. "Billy's even agreed to take a few days off work to join us."

Ever since they'd received the invitation from Henry Talbot to come to the races next week that morning, Robert has been desperate to go despite still convalescing.

"It's so unnecessary in your state. And what about Emma?" Cora retorts.

A heavily pregnant Emma pouts at her words. "I'm not an invalid. Plus, if anything happens, we're near London where I can receive the best medical care."

"If Emma says she can, she can. And I'm not in a "state". Unless it's a state of boredom." Robert grumbles causing Emma to chuckle at that. "Please let me."

"It's not my decision." Cora counters.

"If you mean that, then we're going." Robert says gleefully.

"Are you sure about coming?" Cora asks Emma.

"I'll be fine." Emma retorts. "It's only up to London, it's not liking I'm racing or traipsing the highlands like Mary did when she was pregnant with George." She gives a pointed glance to Mary who rolls her eyes but says nothing.

"Tom, what do you say?"

"Nothing if he knows what's good for him." Emma answers before he can. She turns her pointed gaze to Tom, who simply smiles softly at her. Good.

"Edith?" Tom asks, turning away from Emma's gaze.

"Oh, I'm in if Bertie's coming."

Emma smiles approvingly.

"It's a long way for him." Robert comments.

Emma side-eyes him. Please don't ruin this!

"Maybe there's something else for him to do in London." Edith replies breezily.

"Isn't it enough that it's a chance to see you?" Mary asks almost snidely.

"Would it annoy you if it were?" Edith quips. She gives Mary a challenging look over her tea cup.

——

It's next week and they have all left for London and Brooklands for a few days. Before they left, Emma made sure to wish Daisy luck for her exams which will be happening while they're at the race. Mr Molesley as well for his own exam.

That evening, Rosamund hosts dinner for them all – Mary, Emma, Tom, Cora, Billy, Edith and Robert – with her at the head of the table.

"Looking round the table, I wonder if we ought to have opened Grantham House. I feel rather guilty." Robert remarks.

"Oh, don't. I know what a palaver it is." Rosamund dismisses her brother's words.

"More so, now there's no real staff." Robert grumbles.

"Almost everyone we know is selling their London house. But I suppose that's not for me to say." Cora says.

"I went past the site of Devonshire House on my way home. There's something vast going up in its place." Edith tells them.

A footman steps out when the doorbell suddenly rings. Emma watches after him curiously.

"Flats and offices and salerooms." Rosamund explains.

"People don't want vast palaces any more, even if they can afford them." Tom points out.

Emma nods in agreement. "Exactly, the London house isn't used often enough. We keep using Rosamund as a hotel anyway when any of us stay in London."

"They were fun, though. In my youth, all the great hostesses used to have luncheon laid for twenty every day. And if you turned up in time, you just sat down to a lovely feed." Robert says dreamily.

All chuckle. A footman opens the door and Henry Talbot walks in unexpectedly. Emma glances over to see that Mary's reaction is one of shock.

"I'm so sorry, Lady Rosamund, I thought dinner would be finished." Henry apologises.

"And so it should be. We'll go through." Rosamund rises causing the rest of them to do the same. "Unless the boys prefer to stay and talk racing cars."

"I think I'd rather join the ladies."

"Like Lord Byron?" Robert remarks.

Henry chuckles. All the guests move towards the door. Henry shakes Tom and Billy's hands when they come face to face.

"Well done for rounding them all up. I'm very grateful." Henry says to them.

"Don't be. I'm as keen as you are." Tom says.

"While I'm ever more curious." Billy adds.

"Ah, should've known you two had a hand in this." Emma remarks with a grin.

"I hope you do not disapprove, Emma." Henry says, shaking her hand.

"I suppose not. Good to see you again, Henry." Emma leaves the room along with Billy and Tom, leaving Mary and Henry alone.

——

The first thing Emma notices about the racetrack is how strikingly different it is from early 21st century ones. Maybe it's the lack of advertisements everywhere as well as the lack of barriers between the crowds and the actual track, which makes Emma rather glad they'll be in a higher stand away from it and don't get her started on how unsafe these old cars look.

What Emma is very much enjoying is seeing her husband in his element, particularly when she watches him, in his shirtsleeves doing some last minute fiddling with the engine of Henry's car, who's in a white coverall.

When moving to the canopy, which seems to be the VIP section for the spectators, they come across Edith standing with an unknown woman.

"Who's this?" Emma questions with a warm smile, already clocking that this woman seems a bit anxious.

"Laura Edmunds, my editor." Edith introduces. "Laura, this is Emma Branson, her husband Tom Branson, and the man of the hour, Mr Henry Talbot."

"Nice to meet you." Laura says, shaking hands with them all.

Under a canopy, they meet Robert, Cora, Billy and Mary.

Edith continues with her introductions, "My sister Mary. Billy Prior, my brother-in-law. And these are my parents. You can sort them out in your own time."

"Nice to meet you at last." Robert says warmly. He's clearly got used to the whole idea of her.

"Lord Grantham, Lady Grantham." Laura greets respectively.

Charlie Rogers, also in a coverall, has walked up to them, too, so Edith introduces him as well. "This is Charlie Rogers. He drives on Henry's team."

"Henry's team, is it? When I beat him into a cocked hat every time?" Charlie remarks in fake aghast.

"Oh, he's just showing off." Henry rebuffs cheekily. "I'm faster, I'm younger and better."

"But not at driving." Charlie quips back causing everyone to chuckle.

"I wish there was something more I could do to be useful." Tom says eagerly.

"Oh, just cheer, Tom." Henry says.

"He doesn't have to be asked," Billy says with a laugh. Tom rolls his eyes with a grin.

Edith leaves to find Bertie and Mary and Henry move to the small buffet that's been set up, watched over by Miss Baxter, Anna and Mr Bates while Rosamund joins Emma, Tom, Robert, Cora and Billy in the group surrounding Laura Edmunds

"Is it hard to be a woman editor? Fleet Street sounds so very tough." Rosamund questions.

Emma finds it all really that they keep using the prefix 'woman' when talking about Laura Edmunds' job though she supposes she can let them off as it's still very new to them.

"It's hard to be a woman anything if it isn't domestic. But I do my best." Laura smartly answers as Edith and Bertie arrive. Bertie doffs his hat to the assembled group.

Emma grins. "Now that's the spirit."

"I think it's courageous and good." Robert agrees.

"Heavens!" Cora gasps almost mockingly. "Papa's conversion to the modern world is almost complete!"

"Don't be deceived. He'd still like to see us happy wives and mothers, admit it." Edith quips.

"That's not fair. Even leopards can change some of their spots."

"Quite. Now, there's still some food." Robert gestures at the buffet.

Tom guides Emma towards it along with everyone else. Emma can't help but notice that Laura walks side by side with Billy, the two conversing quietly. Interesting…

——

Once Emma has had her food as well as talked with those at the table briefly, the call comes through for the drivers to take their places so everyone moves to their spots to watch the race.

Now the nerves are beginning to hit Emma as the racing cars stand ready, the crowd cheers and claps. It's now hitting her that there's a severe lack of safety around this.

The drivers walk to their cars wearing extremely fetching pieces of headgear (note the sarcasm) and gloves and a Commentator speaks to the crowd. They get into position, outside their cars on the edge of the racetrack – getting into their cars and getting started quickly is part of the race.

"Now, any moment, the flag will fall and the race will begin." The Commentator announces.

The drivers put on their goggles, which makes them all look infinitely more fetching than before. A silence falls, and everyone looks up with bated breath for the starting signal. The flag comes, and the drivers race to their cars as the audience cheers. They jump in, start the engines and drive off.

"Just listen to the roar of those engines, ladies and gentlemen. And they're off. There they go, tearing down the straight and jostling for first position…"

The words of the Commentator become indistinguishable over the roar of the engines and the noise of the audience. Next to her Tom, Edith, Bertie, Billy, Robert and Laura applaud cheerfully in the front row of the spectator stands as the cars as they race around the track. Mary stays silent as her eyes are glued to the cars while Emma anxiously holds onto the railing. Cora and Rosamund watch on as well.

"Here they come!" Robert cries as the cars come back round once more. Henry approaches in his car. He's by no means in the leading position. "Come on, Talbot!"

"I don't think you can shout that. Isn't Talbot the name of a car?" Rosamund questions.

"I can't shout 'Come on, Henry!' They might all be called Henry!"

"Oh, my God, here they are." Mary observes anxiously.

Emma grimaces as they zoom past.

"When will it be over?" Cora asks.

"Not for a while." Mary replies. "They just go round and round."

"Come on! God bless you! Come on!" Tom shouts enthusiastically.

"What's the point? What do they get out of it?" Mary questions in disbelief.

"What do you think? Speed!" Tom says happily.

"The race is going to hot up now because the lead car, car No.6, driven by Sir Patrick Axford, has withdrawn with what looks like radiator trouble. Oh, dear. It looks like Sir Patrick has blown a gasket too!" The Commentator says, drawing attention to the driver on the side of the track who is gesticulating his frustration next to a car whose bonnet has smoke rising from it.

Henry and Charlie are getting very close to each other now. Charlie, in car No. 10, is further ahead than Henry, but Henry is catching up.

"Here they come again!" Billy cries.

"My God, but don't you envy them?" Tom remarks gleefully. Emma looks at her husband in disbelief.

"No, I don't!" Edith shakes her head with a laugh.

"Nor me." Bertie agrees. "Clearly we're going to have to keep an eye on Tom."

"Please tell me you're not getting any ideas." Emma pleads. "I'm anxious enough without you actually racing."

Tom huffs reluctantly.

"There is something gallant and daring in it, even I can see that!" Robert enthuses.

Christ.

——

The race continues. Emma's eyes are focused on the cars as the Commentator's words screech through the speakers. Henry Talbot and Charlie Rogers are now both in the lead, battling for first place. Eventually, Charlie comes out front just as they pass the stands. Next to Emma and Tom, Mary turns away, unable to watch this any longer.

Emma gives her a sympathetic look knowing all sorts must be going through her mind. "Don't worry, it shouldn't be long now."

Mary lets out a shaky huff. "Really? It feels as if we're trapped in some witch's curse for all eternity."

Suddenly, there's a noise of tyres screeching and cars crashing causing everyone to turn around in alarm. Smoke rises from somewhere a little further on from the spectator stands.

"Oh, my God! This is terrible. This is awful!" The Commentator cries as Emma stares at the distant smoke in disbelief and quickly grabs Mary's hand as the look on the woman's face reminds her too much of the day Matthew died.

Tom turns to Emma and Mary, suddenly dead serious. "Stay here. Bertie, Billy, come with me."

The two men nod and all three of them hurry off while the rest of the crowd gasps and shrieks in horror.

"No, it's no good. I can't stay." Mary declares, wrenching her hand from Emma's and runs after the three men.

After a shared look between them, Edith follows, passing Emma who stays where she is, knowing she'll be no help in her state despite wishing to do something. Robert tries too, but Cora holds him back. Emma grasps her stomach as she watches them go, the kick she receives from her baby is her only comfort.

——

Charlie Rogers had been the one to crash. His car had gone up in flames and it was too unsafe and too late for anyone to help him. His car had gone off the track and into the woods. The car had overturned and caught fire. The most heartbreaking moment was when Emma spotted Henry after the ambulance had taken Charlie away. The man's appearance was blackened by smoke and he looked like his whole world had collapsed around. Emma supposed it had after watching his best friend die so horrifically.

Dinner, even with the added guests of Bertie and Laura Edmunds, is a very subdued affair.

"I assume that none of us are going to eat anything else." Rosamund says softly.

"One talks of risk and danger, and it sounds like fun. But of course, the reality behind it is sudden death." Laura says shakily.

"Sudden, stupid, wasteful death." Mary agrees sounding close to tears.

"It was a bloody awful business. A bloody, bloody awful business." Robert says, deeply shaken.

"The English language never lets you down." Rosamund remarks in a rather censorious tone.

Emma can't help but shoot her a glare at that statement. "Oh, do shut up." She spits angrily. Tom reaches down and grasps her hand tightly.

Rosamund looks at her in surprise but remains calm as she turns to the rest of the group. "Shall we go through?"

"You're going to bed." Cora says to Robert pointedly. Her husband doesn't argue as they both rise.

"Me, too. The rest of you can talk into the small hours." Rosamund adds.

"Emma?" Tom prompts, standing up.

Emma lets out a heavy sigh before nodding, taking her husband's offered hand. "Yeah, yeah, I'm going up."

In the background, the telephone can be heard ringing in the Hall. Billy quietly goes to take it.

"Should I say goodbye?" Bertie asks Edith.

"Not yet. Come into the Drawing room for a drink." She replies. The two move away.

Mary remains sitting at the table in a daze. Billy comes back in as Tom and Emma reach the entrance to the Dining room.

"Henry's on the telephone." Billy tells her.

"Tell him to ring tomorrow." Mary responds.

"Mary," Emma says softly, drawing her attention, "you can't leave him waiting on a night like this."

Mary reluctantly nods and follows Emma and Tom out of the Dining room and into the Hall.

Emma can't hear what's being said between them over the telephone as she walks up the stairs but she does hear Mary hang up and begin to sob. She looks over the railing to see Billy wrap her in his arms for a moment before Mary pulls herself away and begins to walk up the stairs. Tom and Emma share a sombre look and move on to their room.

——

They don't linger in London for longer than they need to and return to Downton swiftly. Thomas, Andy and Albert are seeing to the luggage while Mr Carson moves to greet them.

As Tom assists Emma out of the car while Mr Molesley holds open the door, she overhears Mr Carson inform Cora and Robert that Isobel is waiting for them in the Library and has been for some time along with the fact that Mr Spratt, Violet's butler, has been calling to find out when they'll be back from London. Odd.

She joins the curious crowd of Tom, Billy, Mary and Edith as they follow Cora and Robert through the Hall and into the Library where Isobel is waiting and looking rather tense. She gets up from one of the red settees to greet them.

"Isobel, I hope we haven't kept you waiting for hours." Robert greets.

"Not at all, it's entirely my fault. I got here far too early." Isobel reassures. "How was it?"

"Dreadful." Emma replies simply, taking a seat on the settee. More like slumping into it really. She winces as she feels a slight cramp in her lower abdomen.

"But let's not go into that now." Cora declares.

"Oh, I am sorry." Isobel says apologetically. "And, to be quite honest, I feel rather awkward."

"Why, what is it?" Mary asks. Her tone still sounds despondent as it has ever since she had broken up with Henry over the phone.

"I have a letter from Cousin Violet." Isobel approaches Robert and hands it over.

Robert looks baffled but takes it. "Why didn't she bring it herself?"

"Because she's gone away."

Wait, what?

"Gone away? Where?" Edith questions.

"She's on board the 'Paris', headed for the Mediterranean."

"I wouldn't have thought abroad was her preferred destination." Billy quips.

"This is me, isn't it? I've done it. She's furious with me." Cora realises.

"I don't see the point of bringing any of that up now." Isobel replies.

"What does her letter say?" Emma asks Robert.

The man looks up from the letter he's been reading. "Nothing much. She needs a change of air, and Spratt is bringing a present by way of goodbye. That's why he rang."

Mr Carson enters. "Mr Spratt has arrived, My Lord."

"Oh, show him in." Robert says.

Mr Carson hesitates. "Well, that is, he's in the Servants' Hall with a present for Your Lordship, and he doesn't want to bring it up here."

"What's going on?" Robert asks the room.

"He may be right, my Lord."

"Let's go and see what it is." Tom placates.

Robert is unconvinced and grumbles, "If you wish, but it all seems very rum to me." He leads them out of the room.

——

They all come down the stairs and meet Mrs Hughes just outside the Servants' Hall.

"What is it? What's the surprise?" Robert immediately questions her.

Mrs Hughes smiles. "You'll soon see, M'lord, but I think it's a good one."

Mr Spratt appears in the doorway of the Servants' Hall. "Good day, M'lord."

"Spratt, what is this great secret you're about to reveal?" Robert asks impatiently.

"Her Ladyship chose her herself, M'lord. Er, she was most particular."

Mr Spratt leads the way into the Servants' Hall, where they are all gathered around something on the table. They move aside to reveal an unspeakably adorable Labrador puppy in a basket on the table.

Robert's eyes bulge with delight at the sight of her. "Oh! Hello, little one! Oh!" He lifts the puppy into his arms with a happy laugh, in which everyone joins. Cora and Edith, who are closest, start caressing the little dog. "Now, what are we going to call you, eh? Oh, I know, Teo."

Emma grins and steps forward to have her turn at giving the puppy her own scratch behind the ears.

"I thought we always had names from ancient Egypt." Edith points out.

Robert outright huffs in disappointment like a child at his daughter. "Teo was a wife of Amenhotep II and the mother of Thutmosis IV. Don't you know anything?"

Edith huffs amusedly at her father's remark while Teo starts happily licking Robert's face.

"She's not exactly trained yet, M'lord, so we decided against bringing her up to the Library." Mr Spratt says.

"Oh, I don't care about that." Robert dismisses. "You're coming upstairs with me!"

Of course he says that, he's the one who won't have to clean up after her mess.

Robert kisses Teo right back and starts carrying her out of the room, presenting her gleefully to Tom and Billy. "Billy, Tom, what about this, eh?"

The two men offer their compliments as they all gather in a circle as they welcome the new addition.

And it's at that moment Emma feels another cramp in her stomach and a trickle of water leaving her.

"Uh, Tom…" Her voice trembles as she speaks.

Her husband snaps his head towards her as everyone else quietens. They all look at her dampening skirt.

Oh, Lord…

——

A/N: And onto baby number 3!

Please leave comments on how you're enjoying this story and what you think.

Info dump:

Brooklands: A 2.75-mile (4.43 km) motor racing circuit near Weybridge in Surrey, in operation from 1907 - 1939 and the first of its kind. Now a motoring museum.

Fleet Street in the City of London has been the hub of Britain's publishing trade basically since printing was even invented. Being home to many newspapers and other publishing houses, it's still a common metonym for the British national press.

#downton abbey

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legends-of-time · 2 months

Text

Amelia’s Story (BBC Merlin Story)

Chapter 63: The Dark Tower

Masterlist

A/N: Italics = flashbacks.

TW (spoilers): implied physical abuse and emotionally traumatic birth.

——

Amelia's POV

Anger and hurt.

Those are the two primary emotions that Amelia feels these days.

And that is what she feels as she watches Gwen and the Knights as they laugh and chat together while riding back from where Tom, Elyan and Gwen's father, is buried. It hurts to see how happy and well they are without her.

A hand touches her arm. Morgana.

"It's time, sister."

Amelia nods. She can do this. It won't kill them, she knows it won't.

The two of them mount their horses once more and ride to the field where they are to enact the plan.

"Wanne nædran, fram þæs foldan bosme astigaþ ge." They chant, casting their hands over the area in front of them.

They then ride away, hiding to watch and wait until Gwen and the Knights come into the field. Amelia's breath catches and she tries to hold back her emotions as she watches Percival lead the group along with Leon, right into the trap.

Snakes slither up to the horses, frightening them. Leon and Percival are thrown off their horses. Gwaine and Elyan frantically try to regain control of their own horses, trying not to fall as well. The latter cries for his sister to run for it. Gwen listens and gallops away.

Morgana smirks. "You must hurry, sister. Our prey is leaving."

Amelia swallows thickly and nods. She doesn't want to watch what's happening to Percival anymore than she has to.

It is not difficult to cut in front of Gwen. The Queen comes barreling towards her on her horse, coming to a startled stop once her eyes land on Amelia, who stands there, motionless, staring. Gwen quickly turns around her horse and attempts to flee. Amelia clenches her jaw, determined. She raises her hand, coiled into a fist, and sharply draws it back. Gwen comes flying off her horse and lands on the ground unconscious.

Amelia slowly walks over, crouching down to check if she's made any permanent damage. She hasn't thankfully. Morgana won't be disappointed.

——

Amelia and Morgana wait patiently, waiting for Gwen, who still lies on the forest floor, to wake. Gwen's arms have been tied up by rope.

Amelia begins to worry. "She's not waking. What if I—"

Morgana holds up a hand, silencing her. "Be patient, sister. All will be well."

Amelia's throat feels tight as she nods sharply.

Morgana strokes Gwen's cheek. The Queen startles at the sensation causing her to wake and quickly sits up, whipping around to look at who it was that had touched her. A horrified look on her face as she realises her hands are tied.

"Good morning my lady." Morgana greets coolly, smirking.

Gwen's body is tense as she analyses what lies in front of her, her eyes shift suspiciously between the sisters. "What do you want with me?"

Amelia plasters a smirk on her face. She wants to please Morgana to show her that her little sister is powerful and loyal. "Why so suspicious, Your Majesty? I thought you would like to play a game with us."

Gwen's eyes narrow. "A game?" She hopelessly tries to break herself free from her restraints.

"Just to find out how much Arthur loves you," Morgana replies nastily.

"It won't work." Gwen retorts.

Amelia raises a surprised eyebrow. "You would underestimate his feelings? That's quite harsh, Your Majesty." She says mockingly. She knows very well he would do this, he has saved her from nearly impossible danger a couple of times, and he will do it again.

"He's not stupid," Gwen warns.

Morgana shrugs. "We'll see."

"He'll know you've taken me. He'll know it's a trap."

"He will." Amelia's smirk drops. "But he'll still come."

Morgana moves away to get the horses. Amelia moves to follow but a hand grasps her wrist.

"Amelia, please," Gwen begs.

Amelia swallows heavily, her eyes flicking to where Morgana is before turning back to Gwen, face stone cold. "Why are you begging me for? Why so suddenly do you need me?"

"We're your friends, Amelia. We can help." Gwen pleads.

Anger boils up inside Amelia. "Can you? Then where were you? Where were all of you? Nowhere! I needed your help and you weren't there!" She cries tearfully.

"Amelia, I don't - what? What do you mean?"

Amelia frowns. "Sorry? No, you– she said that you knew– no one came–"

Her mind is awash with a multitude of emotions. Morgana always said that they knew what had happened to them, their imprisonment by the Sarrum and had abandoned them. But - but now Gwen is looking up at her with wide concerned eyes.

Morgana steps forward. "Perhaps it's time for us to leave."

Morgana's voice shakes Amelia out of her panicked state. She quickly resolves herself, building up the armour once more and placing on the mask.

——

A longer piece of rope is attached to the bit of rope binding Gwen's wrists and is being dragged along by Morgana on her horse, Amelia on her own horse as they travel to their destination.

Suddenly there's a thud and a rustle of leaves. Amelia turns to find that Gwen, who's heavily breathing, has now collapsed on the floor.

Morgana dismounts and holds out her waterskin in front of Gwen. "Here." Gwen stares at it blankly but does not take it nor says anything. Amelia watches on anxiously, her hands gripping the bridle.

"Is it too good for you now that you are Queen?" Morgana asks mockingly.

"Morgana..." Amelia tries to intervene. The sharp look she receives quickly silences her.

"I don't want anything from you." Gwen retorts still sounding breathless.

"Just my crown..." Morgana sneers before softening slightly and offers the water once more, "drink it. You may need it."

"Why?"

"I would not be in such a hurry to know." Morgana smirks at her before turning her face neutral again and pouring the rest of the water out in front of her.

Morgana mounts the horse again and continues to drag Gwen on their journey. Amelia quickly follows.

Hours and hours pass and there isn't so much as a peep from Gwen, just grunts and groans as she's pulled along. Amelia knows that by now Arthur, Merlin and the Knights are out searching for Gwen. They aren't going to find them for a long time though, the sisters have time.

Amelia and Morgana, along with an exhausted Gwen, make good time in reaching the Dark Tower and emerge out of the forest and into the empty plain that surrounds the tower.

——

Amelia clenches her fist tightly around her cup as she listens to Gwen's screams as she and Morgana eat dinner. Morgana sits next to her calmly nibbling on the food on her plate, unfazed by the cries. The table they sit at is cobweb-filled. Morgana argues there's no need to clean it as they won't be here for long and it adds to their plight when it comes to Gwen.

"It's working." Morgana grins.

She receives a tight smile from Amelia. This needs to be done, Amelia tells herself.

Amelia squeezes her eyes shut when she passes the door after dinner and hears Gwen pleading and begging. Amelia swears she hears Elyan's name.

When Amelia goes to sleep that night, she wraps herself around Aithusa, trying to get some sleep. Gwen's scared cries carry out throughout the night meaning she gets little sleep. Amelia feels like they can be heard from a mile away with the volume and honestly if anything is going to lead Arthur towards Gwen you'd think it would be the screams.

Amelia longs to see Ella again but she'd rather glad her daughter is not here with them and is instead in their usual base, away from the horrors.

——

When Morgana brings Gwen down for something to eat, Amelia can see the effect of spending a long period of time with the Mandrake roots on the supposed Queen of Camelot. Gwen's hair is even more unkempt than it was before, knotting with the lack of brushing. The bags under her eyes protrude and the eyes flicker anxiously around her as she's guided into her seat.

Morgana's nudge gets Amelia moving to grab a plate and place it in front of Gwen before taking the seat on her right while Morgana takes the one on the left. Now the manipulation begins.

"Eat, here, food always makes me feel better. You need to eat... your fading away." Morgana says in a kind tone, sounding genuinely concerned.

"I do not know what cruel trick you are both playing but I will not be broken by you either of you." Gwen retorts suspiciously.

Amelia sighs, reaching forward to touch Gwen's hand but the flinch causes her to retreat it.

"We just thought this would be nice. We know how lonely you must be. All by yourself in that room. At least you're not shackled." She sympathises. "There's daylight. You can move. You can see."

Gwen stares at her in slight confusion before her mask slips on again probably in some vain attempt in trying to keep them from thinking she is scared. Gwen was always bad at hiding her true feelings, besides the Mandrake root would have gotten to anyone by now. It has little care for how strong you are but instead, the painful memories.

"You expect me to be grateful?"

"We too have suffered, Gwen." Morgana speaks. "We spent two years living in darkness. We spent two years chained to a wall in the bottom of a pit..."

The mask has slipped once more and Gwen looks at them in confusion.

"You did not know?" Amelia questions. She had thought—

Shaking her head, Gwen shows her first sign of sympathy.

No doubt Arthur lied to her about what went on, to keep her placid and loyal. Yes, this is manipulation but perhaps this is Amelia's chance to get her old friend to understand.

"We would have sold our souls for someone to show us kindness such as this." Morgana continues. "Do you want us to take you back up there?"

Amelia gazes at Gwen's conflicted expression. The walls are being gradually torn down.

——

Gwen's power lies in her conviction and state of mind. That's what Morgana says. But once they break it, chipping away at it slowly until it makes her vulnerable, and they will be able to take over her mind and soul. Keeping her in that room is just one part of the plan. Another is to appeal to Gwen's sympathy. To show her that they understand her pain and are the only ones she can trust.

This time, it's just Gwen and Amelia eating together. Morgana isn't with them but no doubt Amelia's sister is nearby.

"What do want?" Gwen questions tearfully. The Mandrake roots have clearly done more damage, physically and psychologically.

"Nothing." Amelia remarks calmly, eating her grapes.

Gwen narrows her eyes doubtfully. "Nothing."

Amelia pauses her eating and sits back in her chair, shrugging. "Alright. Not nothing. I just want to tell you a story."

"You've already told me about the Sarrum."

"Yes, but do you know about what he did to my daughter?" Amelia asks. "Surely you've heard about her by now. They can't have lied to you about that as well." Her voice is mocking and spiteful.

Gwen doesn't say anything but Amelia knows she has her attention.

"Now, you were not at Percival and I's wedding for reasons we both know and do not need to go into further discussion." She can't help the slight smirk when Gwen reacts to that. She should be reminded of Arthur's betrayal. "But beforehand, I had learnt I was pregnant. Anne was the only one in the know. But then came Morgana's conquering of Camelot then our kidnapping by the Sarrum and I was never able to tell anyone else."

Amelia's mind drifts away as she thinks of those years under the Sarrum's control."I'm sorry." Gwen says softly.

This snaps Amelia out of it. She turns to Gwen sharply. "Don't be." She snaps. She takes a deep breath to calm her anger. "Now, on with the story..."

A group of men, accompanied by the Sarrum, drag a struggling Amelia by her arms into a room, toward a pile of sheets. Her long brown hair is in disarray and saturated in sweat. A couple of women wait for them. Amelia screams in fright, in terror for her child. Morgana gets pulled in after her. Both of them are in chains to stop them from using their magic, controlling them.

"Get her down on the floor!" One of the men instructs.

"The baby is coming now." One of the women observes.

"Amelia!" Morgana cries. "Let her go!"

The Sarrum grunts in frustration and spins around, promptly backhands Morgana across the face. "Be quiet, witch!"

Amelia fights against the men holding her down. "AHHH! LET ME GO!"

She can hear one of the women telling her to be calm.

"Please don't do this to me." Amelia begs, sobbing. "You've taken so much already."

"She's almost ready!"

"No! NO! You will not take my baby." Amelia chokes out when she has a moment to breathe after a wave of pain.

"You need to stay calm!" One the women says, stroking Amelia's forehead in a failed attempt to calm – or maybe comfort – her.

Amelia cries and shakes her head no as she continues to struggle against her restraints. "No! NO! NO! AAH! AAH!"

One of the women covers Amelia's lower half with a sheet. Amelia screams in agony as her labour progresses.

"One last push! Push! The baby's almost here!"

Amelia hears Morgana screaming in the background.

"No! No!" They can't have her baby. They can't—

"I can see the baby!" One woman says.

"Push! Gently! Gently!" Another urges.

Amelia falls backwards in exhaustion just as the baby is born. Both Amelia and Morgana stop screaming once they see the baby. One of the women helps cut the umbilical cord, and the other wraps the baby in a blanket.

"You have a beautiful baby daughter." The latter tells her, holding the baby up for Amelia to see.

Ella...

Tears well up in Amelia's eyes at the sight of her child. "Please, let me see her."

The woman moves to do just that, but she's stopped by the Sarrum crying out, "Woman, don't! What are you doing?"

The woman gives the baby to one of the men. They leave the room with the baby.

Amelia cries and screams, "No, no, not my baby, please! No, no!"

No one stops Morgana as she crawls over to her, cradling Amelia's face. "No Amelia, I promise she will return to you! I promise!"

Amelia can barely hear her, sobbing uncontrollably. "No, no, please."

Morgana embraces her. "Let her go... let her go Amelia."

Amelia clings desperately to her sister. "I need her, Morgana. I need her."

"Sssh. Do not worry. We'll get her back. You can rely on me. You can always rely on me."

"He took my child from me. I didn't even get to hold her." Amelia says quietly as she finishes her story. She sniffles, whipping away her tears.

"I'm sorry." Gwen murmurs sorrowfully.

Amelia scoffs. "What's the point of your apologies? Where were you, Percival, Anne, Merlin, Gaius, Arthur and everyone else when I needed you? Morgana is the only that's been there for me. Where were all of you?"

"I-I didn't know."

"Maybe not, but I'm sure they did." Amelia retorts.

Gwen stays silent. Amelia lets out a sigh.

"All that is important is that I have her now, I just wish I didn't miss those initial months."

Gwen nods. There's a pause before Gwen seems to reach out to touch Amelia's hand then catching herself and retracting her hand.

Small progress.

——

Gwen's POV

"Don't look you'll be alright..." Gwen cries and whimpers, on the floor crying and clutching her ears, trying to block the screams out, "don't look you'll be alright... d-don't lo-ok... don't look you'll be alright..."

She needs to hold firm against the ones who torment her. They come with masks of kindness, but if she ever dares to trust them, they dash all her hopes. Elyan, Merlin and Arthur. She has learned how to outsmart Amelia and Morgana's tricks. She has learned to... survive.

Morgana came, tried to encourage her, tried to trick Gwen but Gwen held firm, she has to hold on.

Amongst her sobbing, Gwen catches on to an echoing sob. She slowly retracts her hands from her ears, pulling herself up into a sitting position as she glances around the room. Her breath is shaking as she tries to look through the darkness. She tenses, expecting the screaming to start up once again but instead, the sobs continue.

Gwen slowly crawls towards the sound and on the other side of one of the pillars is Amelia curled up in a ball sobbing. This Amelia looks different. The woman of old who had looked like a princess and was kind and helpful. Despite not being solid, her skin looks healthy and her brown hair is less matted.

"Amelia?" She shakily reaches out to her once friend but Amelia flinches back.

Her blue eyes are full of tears and red-rimmed as she looks at Gwen. "You all abandoned me, Gwen. None of you came to look for me. Where were you?"

"No, no," Gwen shakes her head frantically, "we did. We—"

"Where were you?!" Amelia screams, lunging towards Gwen who scrambles back. "Where were you? Where were you?!"

Gwen frantically rounds a pillar to hide from Amelia's fury. Eventually, Amelia's screams dissipate. Gwen closes her eyes, squeezing them to stop the tears from falling, stop the guilt.

She doesn't want to see any more visions... fake as they may be, they still haunt her very soul. What if this place only tells her the truth and this is what they really think of her? Is Morgana right? Or maybe the place wants her to think that so she won't think it is a possibility and she will think it.

This is all so confusing, she can't think straight, why can't she think straight?

When she opens her eyes, she peaks around the pillar to see Amelia is no longer there and slowly steps out.

"Gwen?"

Gwen turns to see Amelia again standing in front of her except this time she's solid. Her skin is paler, her brown hair is no longer properly brushed and the dress has tears in it. She doesn't dare hope it is anything, just another cruel trick.

She closes her eyes and presses her hands to her ears, shaking her head. Maybe it'll go away...

She feels a hand on her shoulder. She opens her eyes and moves her hands away from her ears slowly. Amelia had crouched down in front of her, concern etched all over her face. Gwen doesn't know when she began crouching on the floor again.

Gwen winces, trying to get away. Amelia looks hurt for a moment, and Gwen tries to tell herself it is all an act. She doesn't not feel sorry, feel guilty for all Amelia and Morgana have gone through.

"Gwen, come here." Amelia tries to wrap her in a blanket.

"N-no." She shakes her head though she realises she's shaking. She has to resist, she has to—

"You're cold, please," Amelia argues. "I couldn't bear it if you caught a chill.

Something in her voice causes Gwen not to protest this time and Amelia wraps the blanket tightly around her. When Amelia pulls back, Gwen has a close-up view of her bare forearms as her sleeves have slipped. There are scars on her arms. She lets out a small gasp of shock. Amelia's wrists are just the start of it. Her pale arms are flecked with scars and sores, and Gwen is sure her back is much the same.

"Amelia..." She whispers, gripping Amelia's wrists.

"This is what people do to my kind," Amelia says, emotionless, pulling her wrists away and pulling her sleeves down.

"I'm sorry." That is all she can say. She faintly realises she hasn't heard the screams in a while, no horrific visions.

Amelia looks at her slowly, as if thinking of what to say. "I know."

"What else happened to you?"

And Amelia talks to her, keeping the screams at bay. Gwen listens to her saviour's voice, hears the gentle murmur, the angry fury, the bitterness and despair. Amelia tells her everything and Gwen realises some things.

It is only in Amelia or Morgana's presence that the ghosts go away, it is only with their voices that the screams subside.

Time is meaningless. A million eternities pass, and Amelia shares with her the deepest secrets of her heart and fills her with words.

"I just want to be free Gwen. Will you help me? Will you save me?" Amelia questions earnestly.

"Yes..."

She is Amelia and Morgana's faithful servant, the only ones to understand her, the only ones she trusts.

——

Amelia's POV

Amelia stands watching from the shadows. The band of so-called heroes have arrived to save Gwen and can be heard making their way through the Tower.

Gwen stands in the centre of the room, an enchanted sword hovering in front of her, 'defending' her. The plan to lure Gwen over has gone incredibly well. Morgana had told Amelia how proud of her she was. Amelia is happy to have pleased her sister.

Elyan appears and desperate to save his sister, immediately starts engaging with the sword. He fights for a while then the sword stabs Elyan. But he continues fighting the sword and outwits it by making it go out a window and shutting it. The sword comes flying back but goes into the shutter and is still. Elyan collapses and Gwen rushes over to him.

Amelia watches sombrely as Gwen comforts her dying brother. This is necessary she tells herself. The final break in Gwen's mind, but that doesn't stop Amelia from feeling a little sad for the Knight. Despite him protecting Arthur and all the injustice he stands for as a Knight of Camelot, Elyan isn't one of the bad ones.

——

Gwen was taken back to Camelot, to be paraded as another success for the so-called Knights of the Round Table.

Amelia and Morgana wait in the woods a couple of nights later, waiting for Gwen. A figure in a black cloak soon arrives. The three of them share an embrace.

"How is he?" Amelia questions eagerly.

"Arthur thinks he has won. He has no idea." Gwen tells them proudly.

"Do you understand now who you can trust?" Morgana asks.

"It's both of you. It's only ever been you two." Gwen declares.

"You are not one of them. And you never will be." Amelia says, repeating the words Morgana had always said to remind her of what they needed to do.

"You don't know how much I hate them. All of them." Gwen replies, spite and hatred heavy in her voice.

"You have done well to see past the lies to the real truth. You have an important part to play in the future. Together we will ensure the destruction of everything that Arthur holds dear." Morgana declares.

——

A/N: Please leave comments on how you're enjoying this story and what you think.

#bbc merlin #merlin

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legends-of-time · 2 months

Text

Amelia’s Story (BBC Merlin Story)

Chapter 62: The Disir

Masterlist

Anne's POV

Anne's heart is in her mouth as she watches Mordred strike out towards Arthur who parries his blow. Merlin's words of the vision he had seen swirling around in her mind. The two duel for a few minutes before Arthur knocks Mordred to the ground. Arthur sheaths his sword and applauds.

She watches on as Arthur pulls Mordred up, walking away to further discuss techniques. Anne chews her lip anxiously from the window she's looking out of inside the Castle out towards the Training Grounds.

She knows Mordred has done nothing but be courteous towards Arthur, towards all of them and Anne has done her utmost to be kind and cordial with the young Druid, but she can't ignore Merlin's words, his fearful look whenever Mordred and Arthur are close to one another. She hates it because as of yet, Mordred has done nothing wrong, yes, he was previously misled by Alvarr but he had just been a child back then.

——

"Arthur says he has all the makings of a fine Knight." Merlin remarks to Anne as they sit down to eat in their Chambers.

"Mordred?" Anne questions.

"Mmm..." Merlin hums, taking a sip of his drink.

"You think he's not ready?" Anne questions.

"It's not that. He's an excellent swordsman." Merlin retorts.

"You think he's too young? Too headstrong?"

"He's always been thoughtful and modest." Merlin answers.

"The boy sounds perfect, Merlin." Anne says.

"I can't ignore what I saw. Anne, Mordred is destined to play a part in Arthur's death." Merlin argues.

"I know, I know. Seeing them today in the Training Grounds wasn't reassuring but he's bonding well with Arthur, surely that would mean it is possible that he won't kill Arthur?"

"Maybe." Merlin says reluctantly, he reaches out his hand to grasp hers.

Anne sighs. "Merlin, if Mordred wished Arthur ill, he has had ample opportunity to do so. He's a likeable boy."

"I know. I like him myself, but I can't ignore what I saw."

Anne strokes his hand softly. "Seeing is not the same as knowing. And we must know - for certain - before we act."

——

Leon brings in a report from the east that a rather famed sorcerer, Osgar, had been nearly apprehended by a small patrol in the Forest of Brechfa. Unfortunately, the man had escaped, killing Sir Ranulf in the process.

Arthur deems it necessary for him to join the patrol to avenge him, including Mordred. Merlin is worried about this, but Anne can't help but think this could be a positive, giving Merlin and Mordred some more time to bond on the way.

And so, Anne stands in the Square the next morning, next to Gwen, watching as the Knights prepare to head out, Mordred bright and early and eager to go and prove himself. It is things like this that make Anne feel that Mordred couldn't possibly harm Arthur like the vision Merlin had seen. The boy is so gentle and kind and truly loyal to Arthur. He so wants to be a defender of the realm that imagining him harming Arthur is just something difficult to imagine.

Merlin is talking to Arthur by Arthur's horse, holding Faye in the saddle. The young girl is squirming like she is going to be going along with them.

Percival, Leon, Elyan and Gwaine, all ready, watch Mordred adjusting the saddle on his horse from where they sit on top of their own horses.

"You sure you haven't forgotten anything, Mordred?" Leon calls.

Anne shares a look with Gwen as Mordred looks up, puzzled.

"Do you think so?" The young Knight asks.

"Isn't he missing a dagger?" Gwaine remarks.

"I can't see a water bottle." Elyan shakes his head.

"His boot." Percival quips. "He's missing a boot, I think."

Mordred looks down, confused. He looks back up, even more perplexed.

Anne rolls her eyes at that as the Knights start to laugh. She clears her throat, drawing the Knights' attention. "I'm sure all of you will behave." She gives them a pointed look. "I want the four of you to promise me you'll keep each other safe." They all nod. "And be nice." She adds, fixing a firmer look at them.

Mordred gives her a thankful smile, mounting his horse.

Merlin puts his daughter down and she scurries over to her mother as he mounts his horse along with Arthur.

"Gentlemen!" Arthur calls to them all. Arthur rides out of the Square with the Knights filling behind.

Merlin turns to follow but Gwen calls to him. "Merlin?" Merlin looks up. "You will take care of him?"

Merlin scrunches up his face, disgruntled. "He doesn't always make it easy."

"I know."

"You better look after yourself too." Anne adds pointedly.

"Merlin!" Arthur calls.

Merlin nods and exits. Anne and Gwen watch with concern as the group gallops away.

——

Anne looks down at the Runemark. It essentially looks like a large golden coin but has strange markings on it and the power emanating from it. "Osgar gave Arthur this?"

"He did." Merlin answers.

"What exactly did he say?" Gaius asks. The three of them have convened in his Chambers.

"That it is both judgment and fate by the Disir."

"But let me guess, Arthur is not taking it seriously?" Anne remarks, exasperated.

"No."

"What else did he say, Merlin?" Gaius questions.

"He said the circle of fate begins to close. 'For even as Camelot flowers, the seeds of their destruction are being sown'." Merlin tells them. "I've heard these words before."

Anne frowns. "'Their'?"

"We can only assume that he talks of Morgana and Amelia." Gaius declares.

Anne gapes at them in disbelief, shaking her head. "He can't have meant Amelia."

Merlin sighs, walking over to her, holding her hands. "I know you want to believe that, but you saw how she deceived us. She was ready for Arthur to die, and I didn't see any hesitation."

She can't believe this. "You don't know. None of us know what's happening behind the scenes."

Anne can't believe that Amelia would just so easily turn to the dark side, turn against them all. She worries about what has happened in the intervening years that caused Amelia to join Morgana and go against everything.

——

Merlin brings a reluctant Arthur to Gaius' Chambers so they can hopefully talk some sense into him, to get him to realise he should take this seriously.

"Sire, thank you for coming. Please." Gaius gestures for Arthur to take a seat, which he does, and he takes a seat in the chair on the other side of the table. Gaius holds the Runemark in his hands. Merlin and Anne stand nearby.

"Tell me Merlin's got you two believing his nonsense too." Arthur remarks.

"This is a Runemark, my lord." Gaius explains instead of answering him.

"So, everyone keeps telling me." Arthur comments.

Gaius ignores him. "In times past, this mark aroused great fear. It was given to those found wanting by the Court of the Disir."

"The Disir?" Merlin questions.

"The highest Court of the Old Religion." Gaius answers. "Three women were chosen at birth to be trained as seers and soothsayers. Their only task was to interpret the word of the Triple Goddess. When they sat in judgement, their word was final."

Arthur scoffs. "This worn-out superstition has no relevance now. I don't see how what bearing it has on me or Camelot." Anne almost growls at his careless attitude.

"Because, sire, the Disir saw fit to give you this. This is the judgement of the gods against you." Gaius persists.

"This is... nonsense, surely?" He doesn't sound as confident as before.

"The Old Religion held that the Runemark not only contained a man's guilt but the path that the gods had chosen for him. That is why it is both a judgement and fate."

Arthur stands. "I make my own path." He declares, moving to leave.

"Do you?" Gaius' words stop him in his tracks. "It is said that only the gods can alter a man's fate... And even then, only when he repents and appeases them."

Arthur turns back to him. "You don't believe any of this? Gaius?"

Gaius drops the Runemark on the table. "I am an old man, sire. Old enough to be wary of dismissing other people's beliefs."

Arthur reaches forward, taking the Runemark and stares at it thoughtfully.

——

"You were right to summon me." Kilgharrah says when Anne and Merlin speak to him that night. "The Disir are the mouthpiece of the Triple Goddess. It is she who has decreed Arthur's fate."

"What is it to be?" Anne asks.

"The Runemark predicts Arthur's death."

Anne's breath catches while Merlin remains stone faced, staring steadily at the Dragon as he asks, "When?" Kilgharrah doesn't reply so Merlin presses, "When will Arthur die?"

"The future is never clear, Merlin. You should know that by now." Kilgharrah retorts. "There are many paths. Not all lead to Camelot's ruin."

"But you must know something?" Anne pleads.

"Do they lead to Mordred?" Merlin then asks.

"The Druid boy? His fate and Arthur's are bound together like ivy round a tree." Kilgharrah replies.

"I fear he is dangerous." Merlin says.

"But we haven't actually seen anything that would truly suggest that." Anne points out. She hates how the two of them are so easily turning against the young boy. She likes Mordred, he has only behaved well since his return. "Surely, he's a good ally?"

"The boy cannot be trusted. There is good cause to doubt him." Kilgharrah disagrees.

"I'm sorry, but he's right, we can't know if he can be trusted." Merlin replies sorrowfully. He turns to the Dragon in front of them. "Is there anything we can do?"

"Sometimes...to save the tree, the ivy must be cut. You had a chance to kill the Druid boy once before. If you have another... you must not fail." Kilgharrah declares.

Anne swallows heavily. She doesn't like this at all one bit.

——

Anne and Merlin make it back to bed, hoping to get a few more hours of sleep before the day starts again but are suddenly interrupted by the hammering on the door, startling them from their sleep.

Merlin bolts up, blinking blearily in confusion. "Wha– am I late?"

"It's not yet dawn." Anne grumbles. "Whoever it is, I'm going to kill them." She opens the door to find Arthur still dressed though casually. She glares at him. "Congratulations, your majesty, it's time for you to die by my hand."

"You might not have to worry about that." Arthur mutters. Anne frowns at that.

"Arthur?" Merlin questions from behind her.

"Merlin, get ready within an hour." Arthur orders, striding into their Chambers.

"Why? Where are we going?" Merlin questions.

"To the Disir."

Okay, now Anne is definitely awake. "Is that wise—"

"We're going." Arthur interrupts. "I've made my decision." He looks at his manservant. "Be ready." And with that, he strides off.

Merlin huffs, moving to get ready.

Anne can't help but worry. "Merlin..."

"I have to go, Anne." Merlin says, not pausing.

"I know, just," Anne sighs, "just be careful. I don't know what you'll encounter but the Old Ways will be at their strongest there. This will be a place where the very centre of their powers will concentrate."

"I'll be careful." He picks up his bag, kisses her and off he goes.

——

Anne was right to be worried as when they return, they bring with them a wounded Mordred.

"Merlin is right. This is no ordinary wound. There is magic at play." Gaius tells Arthur as he analyses the young Knight as he lies in the cot in the Physician's Chambers.

"Can you save him?" Arthur anxiously asks.

"I am but a Physician - there are limits to my knowledge." Gaius replies.

"There must be something that can be done."

"Perhaps. I shall do everything in my power, sire."

Arthur stands from the stool he has been sitting in, looking down at Mordred mournfully. "Let me know the moment he improves. Or..." He breathes shakily, not daring to speak the rest of his sentence.

Anne touches his shoulder gently. "Arthur, do not worry. We'll tell you the moment anything happens."

Arthur nods shakily. "Right, of course." He leaves the room.

Anne immediately turns to her husband, who has sat silently on the windowsill ever since they had entered with the wounded Mordred and has not spoken a word. "Merlin, you know your magic can save him, you've had opportunity to and you haven't. Why?"

"You know why." Merlin retorts. "I cannot save the life of a man destined to kill Arthur."

"If Mordred is destined to take the King's life, why has he just saved it?" Gaius argues.

"I cannot ignore what the Dragon said." Merlin counters.

"Yes, you can!" Anne cries. "You can't just write off a young boy's life because of the chance that he may be the one to kill Arthur."

"The possibility is too strong for me to ignore." Merlin stonily replies.

Gaius frowns, leaning back with crossed arms, analysing him. "What happened to the young boy who came into my Chambers just a few years ago?"

"He grew up. And he learned the meaning of duty."

Anne scoffs angrily. "No, he learnt to be heartless. Is really the example you're teaching the children?"

Merlin looks at her sharply. I'm doing this for the children so that they can be free, to be themselves."

"If you say so." Anne huffs.

——

Arthur practically leaps towards them as the group enters his Chambers to report their news, leaving Gwen, who looks to have been comforting him, by the window.

"Is there news?" Arthur questions but the trio stare silently at him in a non-verbal reply. Arthur then continues to say, "I thought that once we'd got him back to Camelot, and your care—"

"The staff that caused his wound was forged using powerful sorcery." Gaius argues.

"All the same..."

"And the poison that runs through his veins is beyond remedy."

"There must be... something you can do!" Arthur pleads.

Anne glances testily towards Merlin, who stares ahead, not daring to look at her.

"I'm afraid not." Gaius admits. "Only the Disir themselves have the power to counteract their own sorcery. I'm afraid we must prepare ourselves for the worst."

"I'll go to them." Arthur decides.

"Sire, I do not think that is—"

"And I beg for mercy." Arthur interrupts, turning to Merlin. "Prepare the horses. We leave at once." Arthur strides to the door, leaving through it with Merlin following.

Anne watches her husband go, hoping he comes to the right decision.

——

Someone's POV

In the darkness of the night, a cloaked figure enters Gaius' Chambers. The room is quiet except for the soft wounded sighs of the young Druid boy who sleeps in the cot in the centre of the room.

The figure lets out a choked sob as they gaze upon his prone body. They move forward quickly, taking the empty chair next to the cot and reaching out with shaking hands towards Mordred. They stroke his cheeks softly, shocked to find that he feels cold to the touch and extremely pale.

"Oh Mordred." They murmur softly. The hood of the cloak is pushed back to reveal its Amelia. Mordred continues to lie unconscious, unresponsive to her.

Through the windows, dawn is breaking. She can't stay, Morgana is only temporarily distracted by their next plan, their boldest yet.

Suddenly he leaps up gasping for breath. "I–I– wha—" He pants frantically.

"Mordred!" Amelia cries in relief, pulling him into a tight hug.

Mordred's hesitancy to return her hug breaks her heart as he slowly hugs back. "A–Amelia?"

Amelia pulls back and strokes his face affectionately. "I thought I'd lost you." She knows tears stain her cheeks.

"What are doing here? Where's Morgana?" Mordred questions, his dart around as if trying to find her sister.

"I slipped away but I cannot stay, I must leave before Morgana realises I'm gone." She stands to leave.

"No!" He grabs her arm, staring at her imploringly. "Please stay."

Amelia weavers for a moment before quickly shaking her head. "I have to." She pulls away and quickly leaves before he has a chance to protest further.

——

Anne's POV

Anne walks back into Gaius' Chambers. She had left Mordred alone for a moment, getting some sleep, seeing to the children and collecting water. She expects to find Mordred in the same prone position in the cot as she had left him but instead, he is sitting, proper up by his elbow, looking expectedly at the door only to deflate when seeing her.

Anne hears the pale of water drop to the floor as she stares at Mordred in shock. "Mordred?"

He gives her a tiny smile. "Hello, Anne." He tries to pull himself into a fully sitting position but lets out a slight groan.

Anne rushes forward. "Here, let me." She sits him up and adjusts the pillow to give him support. She takes a step back. "You're awake..."

"Erm, yes, I, um, what happened?" Mordred splutters. "I–I remember the spear and nothing else..."

"You were badly wounded." Anne replies, reaching out to touch his forehead for a moment, relieved to feel the warmth coming back. "They brought you back to Camelot but there was nothing to be done. We all believed you were going to die."

Mordred frowns. "Even Merlin couldn't do anything?"

Anne hesitates for a moment. "No, no he couldn't. He and Arthur left yesterday to plead with the Disir." She glances over him. "Seems like it worked."

"Seems so..."

What did Merlin do?

——

Arthur and Merlin return later that day. Anne follows Mordred out of the Castle, down the steps towards where Arthur and Merlin stand next to their horses. Arthur beams, pulling Mordred into a hug but Anne is distracted. All she is focused on is the utter despair that flooded Merlin's features as soon as he spotted the young Knight.

Anne soon finds herself standing with Gaius and Merlin, looking out onto the Training Grounds as Mordred and Arthur clash swords. Merlin had explained what happened. Arthur had been faced with two choices: embrace the Old Religion or continue on as he had (essentially). One meant Mordred's survival, the other didn't. Merlin had believed, that to stop Mordred from killing Arthur, he needed to tell Arthur to reject the Old Religion so Mordred wouldn't survive but that clearly didn't happen.

"How could I have been so stupid?" Merlin questions, his voice full of disdain at himself.

"You did what you thought best." Gaius reassures.

Anne keeps quiet, still full of mixed feelings. She hadn't wanted Mordred to die but neither does she want Arthur to die.

"I assumed the best way to protect Arthur was to kill Mordred." Merlin says.

"A perfectly natural assumption." Gaius responds.

"Suppose we know now." Anne speaks up quietly. "Mordred's life is part of the Disir's judgment to punish Arthur for rejecting magic."

Merlin's jaw clenches at her words.

"You mustn't blame yourself." Gaius tells Merlin.

Merlin shakes his head. "But it is my fault. Mordred is alive and well. He's free to play his part in Arthur's death and there is nothing I can do to prevent it."

There are cheers from outside as Mordred succeeds against Arthur. Mordred beams as Arthur lifts him up in celebration.

"Nothing."

——

A/N: Please leave comments on how you're enjoying this story and what you think.

#bbc merlin #merlin

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legends-of-time · 2 months

Text

Amelia’s Story (BBC Merlin Story)

Chapter 61: Another's Sorrow

Masterlist

A/N: Italics = flashbacks.

TW: references to suicide.

——

Vivienne's POV

Vivienne, nee de Bois and wife of Gorlois, smiles sadly as she strokes her heavily pregnant stomach as she sits at her desk in her Chambers, gazing out of the window. A piece of parchment lies out on the table in front of her, pen hanging listlessly in her left hand. Her mind is blank as she tries to think of the right words to say.

"Vivienne?" Vivienne looks up to see it was her brother Agravaine who had called her name.

She smiles softly at the sight of him.

"I betrayed him again, Agravaine." Vivienne begins to sob. "How could I do this?"

She had been on her way to visit her brother, but she had wanted to stop at Dumnonia, Odin's Kingdom to visit his wife, Rhiannon. Vivienne, who was deeply in love with her husband Gorlois, had not wanted to betray him again and had not planned to develop feelings for Odin nor to have an affair with him. They soon had to separate from each other when Vivienne had to continue her journey to Agravaine's.

A few months into her stay, Vivienne learnt that there was a consequence to her actions as she found herself pregnant for the third time. Vivienne, knowing she could not even try to pass this child off as Gorlois' like she had with Morgana, decided to extend her stay with her brother, arguing that she missed her family home.

Agravaine frowns in concern and strides over to his sister, crouching down and placing a reassuring hand on her knee. "Do not blame yourself."

"How could I not?" Vivienne remarks. "I suppose it is only to be expected, I have always been seen as the rebellious child."

"That is not true!"

Vivienne scoffs, her cheeks wet. "Do you really believe that? I'm sure you did when I got pregnant by some blacksmith while unmarried and losing the advantageous marriage mother and father had organised for me. Or maybe it was when you learnt that I had an affair with my own brother-in-law."

"You know Samuel was not some blacksmith."

Vivienne sighs. "No, no he wasn't."

Samuel had been learning the trade when she had met him. She had loved him since she first saw him and whilst she was a lady of high standard and betrothed, that did not stop her from becoming too close to him which ended up costing her everything. She was pregnant and betrothed to someone else who was not the father. Vivienne's father had flown into a rage, beating poor Samuel black and blue and banishing him. Vivienne's betrothed learnt of the news and refused to marry her. Then she met Gorlois, sweet Gorlois who did not care that his wife was carrying a child that was not his, and Vivienne knows that he would have loved Morgause like his own if he was given the chance. But life is cruel and Morgause was taken away.

"Ygraine has written to me. She says her and Uther are now expecting a child." Agravaine tells her softly, almost fearful. "Tristan has gone to visit her."

Of course, he has. Tristan and Ygraine have always been close. Sickenly so. Her sister has always radiated loveliness, loveliness Vivienne has envied since she was a little girl. Everyone always preferred her younger sister. The girl who was and always will be perfect in every way, a good child who did everything she was told and even married a King. Vivienne's raging words would reduce Ygraine to tears as a child when she had aggressively shouted at her little sister for going into her room and messing up her things. But she doesn't hate her sister and would forgive her just as often but there will always be that divide between them. Maybe that's why Vivienne betrayed her sister in the cruellest way.

Her mother could never be proud of her, for sleeping around and bearing children left, right and centre, betraying her husband and living a lie while Ygraine is as pure as winter snow, and as innocent as its white blanket.

Agravaine, realising she is not going to bother to give his news a reply, moves on, "Have you found a family to care for the child?"

Vivienne sniffles as she nods. "Yes, Sir George's wife, Helen, miscarried her child but she despairs the idea of telling her husband, so I offered my own."

"I am sure she will be well loved."

"Yes..."

——

Amelia's POV

The attack on Nemeth had gone extremely well and now it's time for the next step of the plan. Amelia strides into the Throne room of the Castle along with Odin and Morgana to find King Rodor and Princess Mithian on their knees in the centre of the room with Odin's men guarding them. A Guard shoves Mithian forward causing her to catch herself by her arms and hands.

Amelia winces before quickly rearranging her face into a hard and blank mask. She can't let any of them see any weakness.

"King Rodor." Odin gleefully greets as they reach them. "Princess Mithian. You are as beautiful as they say." He leans forward and grasps Mithian chin, so she looks at him.

Mithian wretches her chin away from him, glaring. "You, Odin, are a cold-blooded murderer."

Rodor stands. "Why have you done this?"

Amelia juts her chin out, trying to project confidence. "You should choose your allies more carefully. Any friend of Camelot is an enemy of my sister and I."

Morgana smirks, nodding to the Guards to take father and daughter away.

Mithian protests, turning to Amelia desperately. "Please, Amelia. You can stop this. This is not like you!"

Amelia clenches her fist, trying to stay in control. "You don't know me." She snaps.

Amelia doesn't watch as Mithian and Rodor get dragged out of the room. Morgana moves to the throne, pacing around it.

"So, we divide the spoils as agreed." Odin says to them.

"Take whatever you wish." Amelia says. "We couldn't have done it without you after all."

Odin looks at her, almost longingly, before glancing between the two. "Then, what is your business here?"

Morgana shrugs, walking towards him. "I seek what's rightfully mine. I seek the throne of Camelot. And for that we need an army."

"My army."

Amelia raises an eyebrow. "I believe they've showed their mettle today." She remarks.

"And what do I receive in return for this service?" Odin questions.

"Arthur, to do with as you wish." Morgana replies tightly.

Amelia and Morgana turn to leave.

"Amelia." Odin calls.

She turns to him. "What?" She asks curtly.

Odin finds himself unable to say anything. Amelia frowns at him before turning away. He's always been strange towards her every time they've met, giving her strange looks. Though granted she hasn't been around him often, particularly after Arthur killed his son but Amelia has recently been spending a lot of time with him and it's allowed her to really notice.

Amelia is so deep in her thoughts as she walks away that she doesn't see Morgana giving Odin a sharp look before following her.

——

The plan had been decided way in advance. Rodor will stay with Odin as insurance that Mithian will behave as she travels to Camelot with Morgana and Amelia who are under ageing spells as Hilda and Freya, two faithful servants who had supposedly escaped Odin's invasion with her.

They gallop into the Main Square and dismount. Amelia swallows thickly. She looks around at a Castle she has not seen in over 3 years. The memories here– No. She can't be weak, she can't mess up this plan, she can't let Morgana down. She has to stay firm.

Amelia's breath does not catch at the sight of Leon running out of the Castle, followed by a couple of Guards.

"Show yourselves!" He cries.

Mithian steps around her horse to face him. "Sir Leon. It gladdens my heart to see you." Suddenly, Mithian staggers back and seemingly fainting.

"Princess Mithian." Leon gasps, rushing forward to lift in his arms.

"My Lady!" Morgana (Hilda) cries fearfully. Amelia (Freya) reaches forward in concern. Fake concern, of course, she can't break.

Leon quickly carries Mithian up the Castle steps. "Quickly! We must get her to Gaius!"

——

Leon rushes into a Guest Chambers with Mithian in his arms with Morgana and Amelia slinking along behind him. Amelia is admittedly out of breath by the time they get there. She is totally and completely unaffected by the appearance of Gaius, another person she hasn't seen in so long, who was also nowhere to be seen during her imprisonment.

"Merlin, bring blankets and build a fire. Hurry now! We must keep her warm at all costs." Gaius instructs as Leon places Mithian on the bed.

"Is she gonna be alright?" Leon asks worriedly.

"I fear it's too early to say." Gaius replies. "Thank you, Leon. You've done all you can."

"Of course." Leon responds. He leaves but not before throwing worried glances towards Mithian's immobile form. The old Amelia would definitely start plotting to get them together, just as she had with Anne when it came to Gwen and Arthur—

Merlin touches Amelia's arm gently, who startles at the touch. "I'll have someone show you to your room." He says softly.

He can't— he can't be kind, she—

"We will not leave our mistress." Amelia manages to get out

"She's in safe hands I assure you." Merlin softly reassures.

"She means everything to us." Morgana adds.

"If it were up to me..."

"Please..." Amelia begs, turning to directly face Merlin. They can't leave Mithian on her own.

Merlin turns to the Physician. "Gaius?"

"Very well." Gaius concedes. "Make yourself comfortable. Merlin, give me that blanket."

Suddenly, Anne bursts in at that moment, a baby in her arms. Amelia's breath catches in her throat at the first sight of Anne. Oh God, she can't take this.

Merlin rushes over to her in concern. "Anne, what are doing here? I thought you were putting Euwen down for the night? Where's Faye?"

Amelia knows Anne is replying but she can't hear her, all Amelia can hear is her own thoughts. Anne has a daughter and a son, and she named the daughter a name Amelia had suggested—

Amelia then feels Morgana grab hold of her upper arm, squeezing it. This quickly brings Amelia down to earth again. She looks away when Anne gives them a curious smile but watches when Merlin kisses her before Anne leaves.

Once everyone is gone and the door is locked, Amelia and Morgana can remove their disguise much to Amelia's relief. It's not easy. Amelia gasps in agony, clinging to the table in front of her. She can hear Morgana doing the same as they both turn back to normal. Amelia turns around to look at Mithian, while she rubs her hands, getting rid of the ache in her fingers, to see Mithian watching them both closely.

"Your magic may be strong, but the two of you can't keep this up for long. It's exhausting you." Mithian warns.

Amelia and Morgana look at her sharply.

"Enough!" The latter snaps. "You just concentrate on making sure your friends believe your story."

Mithian swallows shakily.

——

Anne's POV

Anne watches in concern as Merlin assists Mithian in the chair that sits directly opposite Arthur and Gwen's thrones in the Council Chambers. Once she's seated comfortably, Merlin steps off to the side, standing next to Anne amongst members of the Council. Anne glances over to the two elderly women who sit in chairs just behind Mithian. They seem a bit of a mystery, curious companions for Mithian. And strangely familiar...

"They came at night without warning. We were unprepared. We could not hold them." Mithian tells them shakily.

"This was three days ago you say." Arthur prompts softly.

Mithian nods, attempting to hold back tears. "His men, they showed no mercy. Cut us down like corn."

"Odin has no care for the suffering he causes."

"And your father?" Gwen asks.

"He was badly wounded, but we managed to escape." Mithian explains. Okay, some good news.

"Where is he now?" Arthur asks.

"We made it almost as far as the border, but he could not continue any further." Mithian says tearfully, almost choking with emotion. "Odin's men will be searching for us. It's only a matter of time before they find him."

"I see."

Anne watches curiously as Mithian seems to glance at her two companions, before quickly looking away. The two women watch her intently. Strange...

"My father is an old man. He cannot fend for himself. I have no one else to turn to, but you, Arthur. You're my only hope." Mithian pleads.

"Mithian, I understand how you must be feeling, and I will do everything in my power to help you." Arthur promises.

"Thank you, my Lord." Mithian says, tears streaming down her face.

——

Amelia's POV

That evening, Morgana and Amelia, still in their disguises as Hilda and Freya, decide to send a message to Odin, informing him that Arthur has fallen for the bait.

"Cume mec, hræfn wann... bebuge me. Nim bod min þissere nihte." They chant, a raven arrives and sits on the windowsill. Amelia reaches forward and ties the note to the animal's leg. "þinum dryhten. Geðo hit his agendum handum."

Then Amelia sees something move out of the corner of her eye. Mithian.

Morgana and Amelia share a look. They turn the corner to see Mithian bolting towards the door. Morgana raises her hand and yanks it back. Mithian cries out as she flies backwards and lands on the floor, gasping. Amelia walks forward to yank her up when they are interrupted by a knock on the door.

Amelia yanks Mithian up, grasping her arm as if she's helping her stand but she tightens her grip in warning as Morgana opens the door to reveal its Merlin. Amelia tenses. He's the one destined to be her sister's doom.

"Sorry, I did knock." Merlin apologises.

"No need to apologise." Morgana reassures him.

"Gaius sent me. I have a draught for the Princess." He shows them the bottle.

"How thoughtful! Thank you, Merlin." Morgana takes it, closing the door.

Merlin looks at her oddly, eyes flickering to Amelia and Mithian. Not good. If there's someone to catch onto their plan, it's Merlin.

"Good night then." Merlin leaves.

Morgana locks the door and turns sharply to Mithian. "I would not test us if I were you. You would not enjoy the consequences."

——

Anne's POV

Merlin is frowning throughout the time they take to get ready for bed. He's blowing out the candles and closing the curtains when Anne broaches asking him.

"What's wrong, Merlin?" She asks as she slips into bed.

Merlin sighs. "I don't know. There's something not quite right with Mithian."

"What do you mean?"

"It's as if she's frightened of something." Merlin explains as he pulls back the covers and climbs in next to her.

"Well, her Kingdom was attacked, and her father waits for rescue and could be caught at any moment." Anne points out.

Merlin shakes his head, wrapping his arm around Anne who leans into his side. "It's more than that. I can see fear in her eyes. It's not the Mithian I know."

"It was a different time then." Anne reminds him.

"But it's not just Mithian, it's Hilda and Freya." Merlin argues. "There's something not right between them."

Anne sighs. "I know what you mean. There's something off about them. Don't you think there's something familiar about them?"

"What makes you say that?" Merlin asks.

"I don't know." Anne admits. "A feeling. Every time I look at them. It's strange."

They're quiet for a moment before Anne pulls away, sitting up to face Merlin.

"Just come back alright?" She pleads. "I don't care if you've broken all your limbs, all I want is you breathing."

Merlin chuckles softly. "Alright."

They kiss and settle down for the night, hoping they're wrong.

——

Odin's POV

Odin stands in the ancient tomb of King Loath, three leagues from the Camelot border. Odin reads the note sent by Morgana and Amelia. Rodor stands next to him looking worse for wear.

Odin grins, pleased with what he finds.

"It seems your daughter is not just a pretty face, Rodor." Odin remarks. "Arthur is preparing to depart Camelot."

"Seems your daughter is more calculating than I realised." Rodor retorts daringly.

Odin glares at Rodor. How could he know? He turns to the Soldier who brought it in. "Tell the men to make ready." The Soldier leaves.

Odin turns his gaze back to Rodor. "A Tomb fit for a King. A fitting end to Arthur's journey, don't you think?"

"You are leading an honourable man to his death, Odin." Rodor snaps. "You're no King, you're a little more than a common criminal. Amelia is lucky she doesn't—"

Odin slaps him. "Arthur is the criminal. He proved that when he murdered my son."

He can't speak of it. He promised.

——

Amelia's POV

Amelia groans slightly as she wakes. She looks around, confused at what had woken her. Morgana sleeps in the seat opposite, slumped on the table like Amelia was and the candle in front of her flickers because of the open door.

Wait.

Amelia leaps from her chair. She frantically looks to where Mithian should be sleeping to find an empty bed. Oh, no.

She needs to find Mithian. Now. Morgana will not forgive her if she doesn't.

Amelia quickly pulls in her Freya disguise and runs out of the Guest Chambers, her eyes flickering anxiously around her. Mithian will be heading to Arthur's (and Gwen's) Chambers to tell them and warn them. That can't happen but thankfully Amelia knows this Castle all too well.

She uses the hidden passageways and is able to find Mithian, stepping out right in front of her.

Mithian startles, careering to a stop. "I-I was just—"

"Looking for Arthur?"

Mirhian panics. "N-no, Amelia, I just—"

"Mithian don't lie." Amelia rebuts sharply.

"Amelia– o-okay, fine, yes. I was going to Arthur but please," Mithian begs, "you know what Morgana and Odin are planning is wrong—"

Amelia swallows tightly. "I can't let you go."

"Please, Amelia, please. Just let me go." Mithian tearfully begs.

Amelia closes her eyes tightly. "Don't make me."

It's at that moment, Mithian tries to flee again, attempting to dart around her but Amelia quickly enacts the bracelet causing it to burn her skin. Mithian lets out a cry of pain, collapsing onto the floor.

"I can't let you go to Arthur." Amelia reminds her as Mithian whimpers in pain. Amelia tries not to be affected by it.

"You're mistaken. I-I was just..." Mithian sobs.

"If Morgana finds out about this, she'll bury your father alive." Amelia warns. "Don't betray us again. Understand?"

"Yes, yes." Mithian frantically replies. "Please make it stop!"

Amelia stops it and startles when she hears footsteps. She glances over her shoulder to see it's Gwen approaching them.

"Is everything alright?" The ex-maid calls.

Amelia bends down, grasping Mithian by the arms. "Get up. Slowly." She hisses in her ear. Once Mithian is standing, Amelia turns to Gwen, smiling pleasantly. "The Princess was feeling a little faint that's all. We were just getting some air."

"Well, I hope you're feeling better now." Gwen says, concerned.

"Much better. Thank you." Mithian replies softly.

"We won't detain you any further, my lady. Good night." Amelia says, urging Mithian along.

"Good night. Sleep well." Gwen responds.

As they walk back to the Guest Chambers, Amelia tries desperately to ignore the small whimpers Mithian emits. She can't feel guilty. She can't.

——

The next morning, Arthur, the Knights, Gaius, Merlin, Mithian, Morgana and Amelia prepare to leave in the Courtyard. With their Hilda and Freya disguises back on, Morgana and Amelia struggle to get onto their horses. Amelia is startled when Elyan assists her. In a way she's thankful, she doesn't know what she'd have done if it was Gwaine or even Percival.

Once seated, Amelia's gaze lands on Merlin and Anne as they say goodbye. Another mercy is that Anne isn't coming on this trip nor is Gwen. Amelia doesn't know what she would've done if she spends a long period of time with either of them.

The couple kisses. Anne pulls back and catches eyes with Amelia and frowns. Amelia quickly looks away.

They head off but after a while, the group stops for a break. Amelia sighs heavily, thinking of the struggle she'll face getting down again. You have to love being old.

"Would you like some help?" A very familiar voice asks.

Amelia startles. Oh God, Percival. His gentile face gazes at her. She knows she can't say no so she silently nods. He reaches out his arms, offering. Amelia shakily places hers on top and, while she's trying not to think about how this is the first time in over three years that they've had physical contact, lets Percival guide her off her horse.

"You look familiar." Percival remarks.

Her breath catches as she freezes. "I, I do not know what you mean."

Percival frowns. "Are you sure? Your eyes—"

Amelia quickly pulls away. "We do not know each other."

She hurriedly strides away as quickly as she can. It's all getting a bit much. Amelia tries not to cry but she already feels the tears welling up in her eyes and a few escaping down her cheeks. She quickly wipes them away, swallowing thickly as she tries to gather herself.

——

They don't linger long and head out once more, only stopping when they reach the border just as night falls. They set up camp at an abandoned house. Amelia takes the chance to take a seat as everyone settles down, she's been avoiding Percival's gaze all day and she's exhausted, but is startled when she hears Morgana let out a gasp of pain, slumping against the wall.

"Mor– H-Hilda!" Amelia stumbles as she hurries over to Morgana.

"Gaius!" Merlin yells as he joins her, helping Morgana stand while Amelia anxiously hovers. He gives her a suspicious searching look. Amelia worries he caught her slip up.

Gaius appears next to them, looking at Morgana in concern. "It's alright. Just breathe in. That's it." He encourages.

Morgana follows his instructions and is able to get her breathing under control. "I'm fine."

Amelia frowns in concern. "Are you sure? Maybe their Physician should help you?"

Morgana gives her a small, reassuring smile. "I'm fine, Freya."

"Hilda, if you're unwell you must let Gaius help you." Arthur urges. Everyone has gathered behind him.

Morgana realises she can't get out of this and reluctantly nods. "Well, if you insist."

——

Amelia sits next to Morgana, holding her hand anxiously as Gaius inspects Morgana.

"Well, no obvious problems that I can find. You're in excellent health Hilda." Gaius concludes.

"Thank you, Gaius."

"Better shape than me at any rate." Gaius mutters to himself as he leaves.

"You had me worried there." Amelia says to her sister.

Morgana pats her hand that holds Morgana's other one. "There's no need."

"Are you sure you'll be alright?" Amelia questions again.

"It'll be over soon. I'll be fine." Morgana declares.

Amelia doesn't feel reassured. If anything, her throat feels tight. But why? This is what she wants. Isn't it?

——

The next morning, Amelia catches Mithian walking away from the others.

"Going somewhere?" She speaks.

Mithian startles before calmly replying, "I need to wash."

"Do not do anything stupid, Mithian." Amelia warns. "Remember the consequences."

"I need to wash. That's all." Mithian insists.

"Don't be long." Amelia says. She watches suspiciously as the Princess walks away.

——

Had Amelia not caught Mithian earlier, she would've never been suspicious when she watches Mithian asking Merlin to refill her water-skin. Why would she need Merlin to refill her water-skin when she had just been at the river?

Amelia watches as Merlin leaves. She quickly follows, knowing she doesn't have time to discuss with Morgana on what to do. Merlin is a threat and needs to be dealt with.

At first, nothing happens. Merlin just walks over to the river and begins filling Mithian's waterskin but then he glances down the river and freezes. He leaps up and starts to run back to warn the others. Amelia acts by flying him into a tree.

Merlin gasps, turning on his back. He looks at her wide eyed as Amelia strides over to him. She knows she can't give him a chance to use his magic, so she stretches out her hand towards him. "Gesweorc, hine beclyppe!" She brings her fingers closer and closer together causing Merlin to choke and gasp for air just like Uther had, bringing up his hands to his throat.

She begins to think that maybe she should stop, that this could kill him if she doesn't stop. There are two voices in her head. One sounds like Morgana, demanding she finish off their enemy, the thorn in their side but there's another one sounding like Anne, who pleads for Amelia not to kill her husband and that she would never forgive if she does.

But then, thankfully, a voice breaks through. Arthur.

"Merlin?!"

Amelia snaps out of it, quickly dropping her hand. Merlin slumps, blacking out.

She turns to the voice and yells, "Here! He's here."

——

Percival carries Merlin back to the camp. Morgana gives Amelia a searching look as Percival lies Merlin down. Amelia nods and Morgana smirks slightly.

Arthur hurries over, worriedly asking, "What happened?"

"Freya found him." Percival explains.

Everyone turns to Amelia, who nods. "He was down by the river. He must have fallen."

"Gaius?" Arthur calls to the Physician leaning over Merlin, checking him over.

"He's taken a heavy blow to the head." Gaius reports.

"But he'll be alright?"

"He should be fine sire but there is no telling when he will regain consciousness."

"We can't wait for him. Not if we're to stand a chance at reaching Rodor before Odin's men." Arthur decides. "Gwaine stay here with Merlin and Gaius. The rest of us make for Nemeth."

Amelia sighs in relief. She did it, she stopped Merlin.

Everyone moves out. Morgana slides up to Amelia. "Well done, Sister." She murmurs before moving to grab Mithian, murmuring threats into her ear. Amelia preens slightly, happy she's made her sister proud.

She then glances down to where Merlin lies with Gaius and Gwaine by his side, feeling sorry towards him. Wait, no, she can't, she doesn't.

Then why haven't you told Morgana that Merlin is Emrys or that Anne is Tarian? A voice in her head asks. Because Amelia worries about her reaction when she finds out she has known this whole time. She can't lose her sister.

——

Amelia, Morgana, Arthur, Mithian and the Knights walk in the forest towards the tomb.

"The Tomb lies just east of the river." Mithian reports when they reach a ledge, looking across the rest of the forest.

"We're about to cross the Camelot border into Nemeth." Arthur calls to them all. "This is Odin's land now. Stay alert."

They continue on and after a while, they finally reach the tomb.

"Is that it?" Arthur questions as they stop outside.

"Yes. We should find my father inside." Mithian replies.

"Let's go then." Arthur turns to the group. "Leon, Elyan stand watch with the others. Percival you're with me."

Arthur leaves Leon, Elyan, and the other Knights to stand guard outside the Tomb while Mithian leads him and Percival to where her injured father is hidden. Morgana and Amelia follow them into the dark passages of the cavernous Tomb. It is colder than it had been in the sunlit forest outside, but adrenaline keeps Amelia warm. They are so close.

Mithian pauses, looking back. She hesitates for a moment, but Morgana stares her down. Mithian nods to the opening next to her. "The Burial Chamber lies just ahead. At the end of that tunnel." She tells them.

Arthur walks forward, leading the way. Amelia feels her throat constrict as she and Morgana hover near the entrance, not entering the Chamber as Arthur, Percival and Mithian move inside.

Arthur pauses, frowning when he notices Rodor is nowhere to be seen. "I don't understand. Where's your father?"

"He's not here." Mithian replies shakily.

"Then where is he?"

Mithian's expression is guilt-ridden. "Arthur, I ..."

The sound of several armed men approaching from every direction fills the crypt. Arthur draws his sword, but a score of Odin's men file in through the entrances in all four corners of the Chamber.

Arthur and Percival engage the enemy Soldiers, holding their own for several minutes until they are overpowered by sheer numbers. Both men have been disarmed and are being forcibly held by several of Odin's men. Percival is pinned to the crypt, his arms wrenched behind his back.

Forced to his knees, helpless to break free of the three men holding him, Arthur turns his fury on Mithian. "What wrong have I done you?"

Mithian only shakes her head in response, unable to speak, her eyes anguished. She runs to embrace her grey-haired father who has been turned loose by his captors. He has served his purpose as the assurance of Mithian's cooperation.

"Arthur Pendragon. At last." Comes King Odin's vitriolic voice. "I have waited many years for this moment. You killed my son. You took what was most precious from me and now you will pay the forfeit." The depth of his hatred is evident both in his voice and his eyes.

"And not a moment too soon." Morgana speaks as she and Amelia enter, drawing everyone's attention. "You are not alone in having waited for this moment Odin. Appearances can be deceiving, dear brother."

"Morgana." Arthur whispers brokenly.

Morgana smirks, linking hands with Amelia, who watches the scene with a blank look on her face, which causes Arthur to focus on her. His face slacks in shock as he gazes upon Amelia as she stands next to Morgana. His eyes flicker between the two as it finally dawns on him who Mithian's other faithful maid is.

"Amelia..."

Percival isn't looking at them as he's being pressed down on the table in the middle of the Chamber, but he tenses when Arthur says Amelia's name and tries to fight those holding him down to turn. Amelia is thankful that he doesn't succeed, she doesn't think she could survive him looking at her.

"And now, you will pay the forfeit." Odin declares.

"My father's life. That wasn't enough?"

"No."

"So be it. But understand this Odin, you kill me, and you will have all of Camelot to answer to." Arthur warns.

"Camelot is nothing without it's King." Odin retorts.

Arthur almost scoffs. "Then you don't know my Knights. They will hunt you. And they will find you. And they will not rest until they're done."

"I will deal with your Knights soon enough but now your time has come." Odin declares.

——

Amelia and Morgana have taken off their disguises as they watch and wait. Arthur has been placed in the centre of the Chamber.

Amelia holds her breath as Odin raises his sword, ready to strike when suddenly, without warning, the ground begins to shake. Huge chunks of stone fall as the Tomb disintegrates from the forces rocking it to and fro. Amelia is knocked off her feet like everyone else who is standing. There is only one thought in Amelia's mind. Merlin. He shouldn't have woken this quickly.

Arthur jumps up, wasting no time in divesting Odin of his sword and landing a hard blow to his jaw. Arthur uses the blade to strike at one of the Soldiers before tossing the weapon to Percival who has shaken off his own captors. Amelia squints, trying to see the action but she finds it difficult to see with all the dust falling.

Suddenly, she hears Merlin's voice yell, "Hurry this way!"

Amelia realises that it had come from the entrance they had originally walked through into the Burial Chamber. She moves towards the entrance, ready to catch them when Amelia suddenly feels herself flying backwards. Her back hits the wall and everything goes dark.

——

"Amelia? Amelia? Amelia?!"

Amelia gasps awake. "Wha—"

Crouches in front of her is Morgana, forehead furrowed in concern. She looks around to see that they're in the forest, the Tomb looks mostly destroyed and their band of Saxons lingering nearby.

Morgana sighs in relief. "You're alright, I was worried for a moment."

Amelia smiles softly though lets out a slight groan as Morgana helps her stand. "I'm well Morgana, you need not worry."

Morgana scoffs. "It's not you I worry about. It was Emrys and Tarian. I'm sure of it."

Great, guilt is forming. "Oh? What makes you say that?

"It must have been them that causes the earthquake and flew us into the wall." Morgana reaches out and softly strokes Amelia's cheek. "They could've hurt you."

Oh, God, Amelia feels even worse for lying to her sister now.

"My Lady's, it's time to go." Beroun speaks up.

Amelia is thankful for his interruption. She wants to go back to see her daughter again, it's been too long.

——

(A/N: Trigger warning for suicide from this point onwards)

Vivienne's POV

Vivienne unties her horse, climbing on and kicking its ribs, before the creature sets off in a gallop towards the forest, wanting to get away from Gorlois before he can stop her from rushing out in the pouring rain.

The rain soaks her, soaks her to her bones but she need not care, not now. Not as tears soak her cheeks and sobs engulf her. Sorrow becomes the only sore emotion she can feel.

She is leaving everything behind, nothing can change it. The letter will soon reach her sister; the news will soon reach her husband. She will rid herself of the mess she has made, and the moment she is gone the mess will clear itself up, nothing bad will happen and Morgause, Morgana and Amelia will be safe; that is all that matters.

Vivienne runs in the direction of the rain. Not caring that it is chilling her. Not caring that the droplets are battling against her face, soaking her long hair, as well as her horse's mane. Soon it will all be over.

The daylight simmers away, Vivienne has been riding for hours and that's when she decides to stop. Vivienne clambers down from her horse, slapping its hide causing it to trot off and Vivienne moves to place herself into the shrubbery. This is it.

A dagger swung by her belt, and she withdrew it slowly. Vivienne closes her eyes, shuddering at the thought of the pain she will now bring upon herself.

——

Amelia's POV

One month old Amelia, who lies on a blanket outside her home, looks up as a flock of crows fly across the sky. Odd.

A messenger comes riding up, handing a letter to Helen (her supposed mother), who has leaped up out of her chair. She hears Helen screaming her husband's name. Sobbing and crying over Queen Ygraine's early labour induced by the shock of hearing of her sister, Vivienne's, death which led to her own untimely demise.

She doesn't know what she's just lost.

——

A/N: There it is! Odin is Amelia's father which means the son Arthur killed is Amelia's half-brother!

I haven't written a scene like the one at the end before. I hope it wasn't too much for anyone.

I don't know whether you noticed the fact that I made Vivienne left-handed like Amelia is. I haven't made loads of references to Amelia being left-handed (like I am) but the odd few so I think it's nice that she and her mother have that similarity other than their magic.

Also, the ending is a call back to the opening of chapter 3.

Please leave comments on how you're enjoying this story and what you think.

#bbc merlin #merlin

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legends-of-time · 2 months

Text

Amelia’s Story (BBC Merlin Story)

Chapter 60: The Death Song of Uther Pendragon

Masterlist

Anne's POV

It's all been a bit too much recently and Anne as found that both she and Merlin aren't really having much alone time together. After finding out about Amelia and the arrival of Mordred, along with Merlin being busy with working for Arthur and Gaius and Anne with helping Gwen (neither of them could quite trust Yrene, Gwen's new maid after what happened with Sefa) as well as them both looking after the children. And Anne really needs it.

Anne had hoped that they could perhaps have the day together today but then Merlin had to go on a hunting trip with Arthur for a couple of days. But when they return, they come with an interesting object.

Arthur hands Gaius an object wrapped in a cloth as Merlin and Anne watch on in the Physician's Chambers. Gaius unwraps it to reveal a small horn made of bone, with metal detailing.

Gaius analyses it. "The Horn of Cathbhadh. When Uther attacked the Isle of the Blessed, the Horn of Cathbhadh was smuggled to safety before the temple fell. It hasn't been heard of since."

"The old woman said it could be used to open a door to the spirit world." Arthur tells them. Anne frowns curiously at him.

"I have seen it with my own eyes. Long before the time of the Great Purge, I took part in such ceremonies." Gaius explains. "Each year at Beltane, the High Priestesses would gather at the Great Stones of Nemeton and summon the spirits of their ancestors. It holds powerful magic." Gaius returns the Horn to Arthur. "You must keep it safe." Gaius looks knowingly at Merlin.

Arthur stares at the Horn in a daze.

"Arthur?" Anne prompts.

Arthur shakes himself out of it. "I'll make sure it goes into the Vault." He quickly leaves the room.

——

Anne and Merlin still couldn't spend some time alone together because it was the anniversary of Arthur becoming King which calls for the usual feast.

The Banquet Hall is full of Knights and various Courtiers as they feast. There is music, talking, and laughing. Arthur sits next to Gwen, at the top of the table, looking pensive and stoic, in contrast to the jovial atmosphere of the feast. Anne knows why he's like this, it's the anniversary of his father dying not long after Arthur's birthday. Honestly, Anne is relieved and she knows Merlin is too. To not be constantly looking over their shoulders, fearing any misstep will reveal who they are is gone. She wishes Amelia was here to enjoy it.

The only one remotely pulling a similar face to Arthur is Percival who is always subdued at events these days. He had long since stopped helping Anne and Merlin with joining in on the secret Camelot protection team. The man has been mourning the loss of his wife ever since Morgana took her but there had always been this hope that she would come back but now the hope is gone. Anne doesn't know what was said, but she knows that Percival had spoken to Amelia at Ismere and had confessed that he had a daughter but had said nothing else.

Anne is relieved to hear that Amelia and Percival's child is alive. She had worried they had been lost after hearing Gwen and Merlin's descriptions of how badly injured Amelia was.

Leon stands. "To the King!" He toasts.

Everyone stands, joining the toast. "The King!"

This brings out a slight smile from Arthur, who waves them away. They all take their seats once more. Anne watches as Arthur says something to Gwen and leaves the feast.

——

Anne lights the final candle on the table. Gwaine and Elyan volunteered to watch the kids for an evening, and even though the last time she had let any of the Knights babysit, Faye was smacking anything and everyone with a wooden sword for days, Anne knows they can at least handle things for one night.

Anne had spent the whole day making their meal from scratch, even dressing her best. She blows out the match when she hears the door to their Chambers open.

Merlin walks in, and he frowns at the sight of the set-up. He pauses, then holds up a finger. "Did I miss an anniversary?" He asks, an extremely nervous look on his face.

"What? No." Anne hurriedly relies. "I thought it'd be nice to have a fancy meal with just the two of us. We haven't spent much time together recently and I thought it would be nice."

Relieved that he is not in trouble, Merlin picks up a tomato from the salad. "Where are the kids?"

Anne winces. "With Gwaine and Elyan."

He chokes. "You left a baby and a toddler with those two?"

"No one else was available!" Anne defends. "Look, we finally have a night to ourselves. Don't you think we should make the most of it?" She wraps her arms around him, hopeful.

Merlin sighs. "I wish we could, but I can't." He presses a kiss to the corner of her mouth and slides out of her arms. Anne's arms flop to her side as he wanders over to the wardrobe, leaving her standing by the table, dumbfounded. "Arthur needs to go somewhere."

"What?" Anne questions. "Where?"

"I don't know." Merlin replies as he opens the wardrobe. "He wouldn't say." He pulls out some supplies and shuts the doors. "He was acting really secretive about it too."

"Well, you can still sit and eat!" Anne argues. She doesn't want all this hard work to be for nothing.

"Can't, Arthur wants to leave now." Merlin says.

"So, I guess this is all just going to go to waste?" Anne huffs.

Merlin pauses in his frantic packing. "Oh, not to waste, I promise." He reassures her. He shoves everything into the bags, comes over to the table, picks up a piece of chicken, and pops it in his mouth. He chews a few times then offers a thumbs-up before pecking Anne's lips. "It was delicious. I'll see you when I get back."

"Bye..." Anne mumbles as he walks away.

He steps out the door but soon ducks his head back into the room, holding on to the door.

Anne frowns in confusion. "What is it? Did you forget something?"

"Yeah." He says, smiling. "I forgot to tell you that I love you."

His words bring an instant smile to Anne's face. "I love you too."

——

Merlin doesn't explain where he and Arthur had gone but Anne can tell there's something off about the two of them and that Merlin doesn't want to talk about it. She simply accepts the flowers he gives her, knowing if it's big, he'll tell her.

Anne feels off the entire day since their return and the day after. It's almost as if an unnatural presence has entered the Castle. She would find herself walking through the corridors and feel an ominous wind come through, disturbing the candles. Anne would look around, unsettled, but notice nothing.

Apparently, that's not the only strange occurrence that's been happening.

"The doors... burst open on their own?" Anne asks as she pulls a shirt over Faye's head. Anne and Merlin are in the Nursery, helping them get ready for bed. Anne had heard whispers earlier in the day about something strange happening during a meeting today, but she hadn't gotten the full details.

"Yes." Merlin replies as he fights Euwen's wiggly limbs as he tries to dress him for bed.

"Mama, no!" Faye protests, tugging on the tunic.

"You told Mama that you wanted to wear this shirt." Anne reminds her though she wonders why she's arguing with a three-year-old.

Faye shakes her head. "No no no!"

"Come on, darling." Anne pleads. She runs her fingers through her daughter's soft locks. "Just for tonight, okay? Mama's very tired."

"No, no, no!" She whines.

Anne barely represses a groan as she takes Faye's tunic off her and sits her down. "Stay here while Mama gets a new shirt."

Thankfully she obeys and instead watches as Merlin tucks Euwen into his cot. "It wasn't the wind, either. No wind is that powerful."

Anne digs around the drawers, turning every so often to suggest a new tunic to Faye. "I mean, that's not that unusual." She argues. "We've had stranger things happen." Once she finally picks one, Anne moves back to her.

"That's not all." Merlin continues. He leans over and presses a kiss to Euwen's forehead. "The candelabra fell from the ceiling."

Anne is just putting Faye's head through the hole as he says this, and her hands freeze. Merlin comes over and tugs the shirt the rest of the way down.

"That's strange." Anne admits.

"Exactly." Merlin says. He tucks his hands under Faye's arms and picks her up. Anne pulls back the blankets, and Merlin sets her down gently in the bed. They both pull the blanket up to her chin. Anne plants a kiss on Faye's cheek, then goes over and kisses Euwen's forehead.

They say goodnight and blow out the candles before leaving the room. They close the door and wait for a few moments to hear their even breathing before leaving back to their Chambers just around the corner.

Anne turns back to their conversation as they make their way down the hall. "What do you think it was?"

"I have no idea." Merlin says, rubbing his face with his hands.

Anne makes a sympathetic noise rubbing his arm when suddenly they hear a distant cry. They run to the Armoury to find a bleeding Percival clutching his shoulder.

"Percival?!" Anne exclaims worriedly as she and Merlin rush over to him. "What happened?" She notes an axe lying on the ground next to him. A bloody axe.

"An axe fell from the rack in the Armoury." Percival explains, groaning.

Merlin slips straight into training. With a quick murmur of "Forclyccan duguð folcgewinn", the bleeding stops but it's still a bad wound. Merlin grabs a bundle of cloth and ties it tightly around the Knight's wound. "Let's get you to Gaius."

——

Gaius is bandaging Percival's shoulder. "I'm surprised that a falling axe would cause such a deep wound."

"Not as surprised as I was." Percival remarks. "Luckily two sorcerers were nearby to help." He flashes a small grin at the two to which they return. It's nice to have Percival with them once more, bringing back memories of them all plotting and planning in Gaius' Chambers, the only one missing is Amelia.

"It's just lucky that you weren't more seriously injured." Anne says. She takes a seat across from Percival as Merlin steps in to help Gaius.

"It's strange..." Percival murmurs.

"What's that?" Merlin questions.

"Just before it happened. I sensed something, like there was someone there watching me." Percival explains. "I'm sure it was just my mind playing tricks on me."

Gaius finishes wrapping the wound and holds out a poultice to him. "Apply a second poultice in the morning. And no training."

"Thank you, Gaius." Percival says with a slight smile. Merlin helps Percival into his sleeveless gambeson, and he leaves.

It is silent for a bit as Gaius rolls up the remaining gauze while Merlin tidies the Chambers.

Finally, Gaius breaks the silence, "Is there something wrong, Merlin?"

Merlin pauses, then looks over his shoulder at Gaius. When he doesn't say anything, Gaius prompts, "Merlin, I have the distinct impression that there is something you are not telling me.

"No," Merlin scoffs. "Why do you say that?"

Anne winces. "Oh, love even you know that wasn't convincing."

Merlin looks between the two of them and relents. "We went to the Stones of Nemeton."

What?!

Gaius glares at him. "Merlin, I warned you of the dangers..."

"I tried to stop him!" Merlin defends. "He was insistent!"

"Is this what Arthur was being so secretive about?" Anne asks.

"Yes." Merlin replies, but then quickly adds, "But I swear I didn't know where we were going until we got there. He desperately wanted to speak to his father."

Anne sighs. "The anniversary of Arthur's coronation just passed." Anne breathes, putting the pieces together. "He must have missed Uther so much he was desperate to do anything to see him."

"Exactly." Merlin says, but it's clear he wants to say more.

"What is it, Merlin?" Gaius questions.

"It's just, the whole candelabra situation, I in the corridor outside the Council Chambers, I could sense something. It was like Percival said—a presence of some kind." Merlin explains.

Anne's eyes widen in realisation. "I felt that too, multiple times. I have felt like there's something that's entered the Castle ever since the two of you left."

"In the days of the Old Religion, the Priestesses trained for years before entering into the spirit world." Gaius moves to a table to sit down; Anne and Merlin sit across from him. "It was fraught with danger. There was one thing they were schooled never do. As the Veil closed, they were never to look back at the spirit."

"What happened if they did?" Anne questions.

"They'd release the spirit into this world."

"Arthur must have looked back." Merlin realises.

This is not good. "What can we do?" Anne asks.

"You must force Uther's spirit back to the other world before it can do anymore harm." Gaius explains, flicking through his books.

"How do we do that?" Merlin questions.

"You must use the Horn of Cathbhadh to reopen the veil between the worlds. Only then can Uther's spirit pass over." Sounds simple enough.

Merlin shrugs. "Easy. I'll fetch the Horn. I know where Arthur's hidden it."

But Gaius shakes his head. "It's not as simple as that. Only the person who summoned the spirit can force it from this world."

"Arthur..." Anne murmurs.

——

Uther has struck again.

Anne helps Gaius treat an unconscious Gwen, who lies on Merlin's old bed. Merlin and Arthur look on. Gwen had somehow gotten trapped in the Kitchens, and the room was then set on fire. Anne had been walking by when Merlin, who had gone to speak to Arthur, passed by with Gwen in his arms, and Anne followed them the rest of the way to the Gaius' Chambers.

"You know it was Uther." Merlin murmurs to Arthur.

"We don't know what happened." Arthur insists weakly.

"So, Gwen mysteriously ended up locked in the kitchens, which mysteriously caught fire." Merlin states dubiously. "You told yourself Uther disapproved of your marriage to Gwen."

"He wouldn't do that." Arthur persists.

"I know how difficult it is for you." Merlin starts as Anne and Gaius finally draw themselves away from Gwen.

"How is she?" Arthur asks.

"The smoke has entered her lungs, but over time it will heal." Gaius explains. "We gave her a sleeping draught. She was lucky to escape with her life."

Arthur shakes his head in disbelief. "I always knew my father could be cruel, but why would he have done that that Guinevere? He knows how much I love her."

Anne scoffs, tearing her gaze away from Gwen long enough to look at Arthur. "Like Uther's respected your feelings for Gwen in the past." She quirks a brow. "Remember when he tried to have her banished because you dared to love her?"

Arthur's face darkens at her words, and just as Gaius is about to leave the room, Arthur holds out a hand to stop him. "Gaius," with a resolved sigh, he asks, "What do you know about ghosts?"

——

Anne stays behind to help Gaius brew the potion that will allow them to see Uther's spirit.

When Anne and Gaius enter Arthur's Chambers, no one is in the main area. Odd. They move through to find Arthur and Merlin peeking into a cupboard, but they must've been quiet as when Arthur and Merlin both turn, they jump out of their skin at the sight of them.

"Seen any ghosts?" Anne remarks with a grin but she receives some unimpressed looks, and her smile drops. "No?" She awkwardly nods her head over to the table. "Let's get this over with, shall we?"

A moment later, they sit at Arthur's table. Gaius places three vials of potion before them. Anne glances at her own dubiously. This part she's not looking forward to.

"The potion will allow you to see Uther in his spirit form." Gaius tells them. "Once you are in his presence, you must blow the Horn. It's the only way you can force him to go back to the Spirit World."

Arthur examines the potion while Merlin pops the cork and sniffs it, then recoils.

"Is it safe?" The former asks.

Gaius opens his mouth but hesitates, sharing an unsure look with Anne, who grimaces. "I can't say I'm entirely sure."

"Drink and find out." Anne remarks. "That's my motto."

Arthur rolls his eyes at her, but he turns his attention back to Merlin. Anne, Merlin, and Arthur make 'cheers' gestures. Merlin brings the vial to his lips and Anne does the same but they both pause when they notice that Arthur is not doing the same.

"What are you waiting for?" Merlin asks.

"To see if it's safe." The King replies.

"So, if we don't die, you'll take yours."

"Precisely. Get on with it."

Anne downs it and oh god, it's horrific. She quickly swallows it down, her face pinching together to keep herself from outwardly reacting. Anne can see Merlin is holding back a grimace and trying his best not to gag.

Arthur frowns suspiciously as the two of them shrug at him. "Well, at least we know it doesn't kill you instantly." He remarks. He tips his vial into his mouth and immediately moans. "Eurgh!" He spits, setting the vial down. "That– oh. That is the foulest thing I've ever tasted.

"Sorry about that." Anne says with fake pleasantry, coughing and gagging slightly. "Did we forget to tell you about that part?" She laughs, but at Arthur's souring glare, she sobers up.

——

The three of them begin their hunt for Uther. Arthur carries a torch through the dark corridors with Anne and Merlin trailing after him.

Naturally, there are some false starts, one being Merlin mistaking a shadow for the dead King causing Arthur to smack Merlin in the head. The second is that they've come across Leon with no explanation of why there sneaking through the Castle corridors in the middle of the night.

Leon looks startled as he takes them in. "Anne. Arthur. Merlin."

"Leon." The three of them say simultaneously.

"Is everything alright, my lord?" Leon questions.

"It's perfectly fine." Arthur replies awkwardly. "We're... Anne, tell Leon what we're doing."

"Uh, we're, um, we were just... Merlin and I are teaching him some poetry?" Anne splutters out. She's definitely sounded surer in her life.

"Poetry?" Leon questions incredulously.

"I love poetry." Arthur reluctantly replies.

Merlin awkwardly laughs. "We were as surprised as you are. He can't get enough of it!"

"I'll leave you to your poetry, then, my lord." Leon leaves looking back at them strangely.

Once he's gone, Arthur turns on Anne. "Poetry? That's the best you could come up with?"

"What did you want me to say?!" Anne hisses. "You put me on the spot!"

"I don't know. Something that didn't make me sound like a love-struck girl." Arthur retorts. Then his head snaps to something behind Anne and Merlin. They turn and see nothing.

"What was that?" Merlin questions.

"It was my father."

——

Merlin has gone to check the Storeroom while Anne and Arthur continue to slink down the corridors when the ominous wind suddenly gusts around them. Arthur's torch then goes out and Anne hears footsteps approach.

"Merlin? Merlin, is that you?" Anne whispers as loud as she dares, hoping it's her husband and not the spirit of Uther but there's no reply from Merlin.

"Father?" Arthur utters.

Then there's the feeling of someone walking behind them. Anne and Arthur turn but find no one. Arthur tosses aside his now useless torch and takes the bone-carved Horn out of his soft leather belt.

"Where did he go?" Anne whispers as they creep along the corridors, finding themselves outside the Council Chambers.

"I don't know." Arthur whispers back, opening the Council Chambers door. "Maybe in—"

Anne doesn't hear the end of his sentence as Arthur cuts himself off when the doors slam shut behind them and lock. Then she finds herself being sent flying backwards across the room and into the wall causing everything to go black. The last thing she hears is Arthur yelling, "Anne!"

——

Merlin's POV

Merlin, after being able to get himself out of the Storeroom after being trapped, follows the noise to find himself entering the Council Chambers from a back door. He enters to find Uther's spirit looming over the prone bodies of Arthur and Anne.

He feels rage boil up inside him. "Get away from them, Uther." He spits, stopping the spirit in his tracks. "You've caused enough harm. You don't belong here. You must return to the other world."

"This is my Kingdom. You think you can drive me from it?" Uther growls, and he turns around to face Merlin. "You are nothing but a serving boy."

Merlin almost scoffs as he tries to rain in his emotions, speaking a truth he can't believe he's uttering to Uther's face. "I am much more than that."

Uther tosses a bench – which, if it wasn't for the situation, Merlin would laugh at as it's so close to magic – at Merlin, who deflects it using magic. The bench crashes against a wall, then to the floor. Merlin stares at Uther, a challenge.

The look of utter shock and disbelief glitters over Uther's face. "You have magic."

"I was born with it!" Merlin declares almost tearfully.

"I made you Arthur's servant." Uther realises. "You are a sorcerer."

"Even while you were King, there was magic at the heart of Camelot." Merlin declares, feeling almost gleeful.

Uther angrily strides towards him. "I will not allow you and your kind to poison my Kingdom!"

"You're wrong. You're wrong, about so much." Merlin says causing Uther to pause. "Arthur is a better and more worthy King than you ever were."

Uther roars. Merlin quickly uses magic to push him away. Uther goes flying through the door.

——

Anne's POV

Anne feels someone shaking her. "Anne, Anne!"

She groans awake, her body aching. Anne looks up to find Arthur, who has a bruise forming at his temple, looking at her in relief.

"What happened?" She questions. She looks around to find a broken bench lying by a wall and a shield lying not too far away from them.

"My father." Arthur replies shortly as he helps her stand.

There are some loud noises in the distance. Arthur and Anne's heads snap towards it.

"Merlin..." Anne murmurs worriedly.

Arthur and Anne hurriedly go in search of Merlin. They reach the Armoury to find Merlin pinned to the wall by a pair of spears snagging his jacket. Uther stands in front of him with a sword in hand.

"It will give me great pleasure killing you." Uther declares angrily.

Arthur and Anne quickly run in. "Father!" The former yells, raising the Horn above his head.

Uther turns and panics at the sight of the Horn. "Arthur... no. Please. Whatever I have done, I've done for Camelot."

"You've had your turn. Now it's mine." Arthur raises the Horn to his lips, and—

"Merlin has—" Uther tries but it's too late.

Arthur blows the Horn causing Uther to discorporate. Merlin slumps in relief while Arthur looks at the spot where his father once stood, looking upset. Anne ignores this and sprints over to Merlin, wrapping him up in a relieved but awkward hug due to the spears.

——

"I can't believe Uther found out about you." Anne says, linking her arm with Merlin's as they walk back to their Chambers.

"Well, he is dead. I didn't have anything to lose." Merlin shrugs casually but Anne can see that he's happy but also emotionally drained.

"Still." Anne argues. "Do you think Arthur will be alright?"

"He'll be fine. I think he's with Gwen now." Merlin replies.

"At least it looks like he's made peace with Uther's legacy." Anne says as they step into their Chambers. "Who knows how much longer that would have hung over his head."

"I know." Merlin says. He collapses onto their bed with a groan, and Anne giggles as she joins him. Merlin wraps his arm around her and hugs her to his side. Anne sighs in content and nestles herself into his chest, breathing in his scent deeply.

——

Amelia's POV

Amelia watches the two through the water that sits in a basin. She sees how happy and at peace they are. She splashes the water angrily, disrupting the image as tears well up in her eyes. Amelia wipes them away furiously.

She is in her new room in the Fortress where she and Morgana have set up with their Saxons. It's definitely warmer than Ismere was.

"My Lady?"

Amelia turns to see it's Beroun, the leader of the band of Saxons who follow Amelia and Morgana. Amelia smiles slightly at the sight of him. The Saxon had always been nice to her and loyal. While he's loyal to both sisters, he has often helped Amelia sneak this and that past her sister.

"Beroun, what can I do for you?"

"Your sister requests your presence in the Throne room, she needs your thoughts on the final plans for invading Nemeth with." Beroun explains. "King Odin is with her."

Amelia nods. Of course. Another plan to capture Arthur so that Morgana could gain the throne of Camelot. This time by utilising the hatred Odin has for Arthur for killing his son.

"I'll be there shortly."

Beroun nods and leaves. Amelia grabs the basin and tips the water into the unlit fireplace. She should really stop watching her old family and friends, it only causes her pain just like Morgana told her it would. She really needs to leave that world behind. It's not her life anymore, her life is with her daughter and Morgana. They won't betray her.

——

A/N: Please leave comments on how you're enjoying this story and what you think.

#bbc merlin #merlin

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legends-of-time · 2 months

Text

Amelia’s Story (BBC Merlin Story)

Chapter 59: Arthur's Bane Part Two

Masterlist

A/N: Italics = flashbacks.

——

Amelia's POV

Amelia gasps awake, the memories of her imprisonment flicker through her mind making her shake, her breath catch. It's worse than when she dreamt of the future because at least then it was not her own trauma but a possible future that didn't always happen.

She's breathing heavily, panicking as she sits up in bed. Images still flashing through her mind. Amelia then feels something nudge her hand and a small whimper. She turns to see it's Aithusa by her bed looking up at her with those wide eyes. She smiles softly at the creature.

"Aithusa... Come. Come here." Aithusa leans her head forward, letting Amelia stroke her cheek. "Don't worry. We're safe. No harm can come to us now. Our troubles are all in the past, I promise."

Aithusa lets out a soft growling noise before resting her head on the bed next to Amelia's legs. Amelia's heart breaks at the fact that this beautiful creature has been so mistreated that she cannot even speak.

"I don't want to betray them Aithusa," Amelia admits quietly, "but Morgana's the only one other than you who understands what I've been through."

——

Amelia follows quietly after Morgana into the Throne room where Ruadan waits for them.

"There is still no sign of the Diamair. We are running out of time." Morgana snaps as she strides inside.

"Have faith, Morgana." Ruadan says quietly.

"Arthur could be on us in days." Morgana worries. Amelia frowns in sympathy and pats her arm comfortingly. Morgana smiles in thanks.

"Or he could be dead."

Amelia shakes her head. "No. He escaped." Merlin would have made sure of it.

"Then, he'll be in Camelot now." Ruadan says.

"Then, you must speak to your spy, discover what Arthur will do next." Morgana snaps as she takes a seat on her thrown.

"My Lady... Sefa has been arrested. She is sentenced to die."

Amelia's stomach drops at those words. Sefa has always been a lovely girl. "Oh, Ruadan, I am so sorry. It's extremely cruel, I didn't think they would—"

"Why would they not, sister?" Morgana interrupts. "They do not care for the hurt they cause others. You should know that better than most."

Amelia looks down, tearfully.

"I will double the patrols on the border. We will be ready for when Arthur returns." Morgana decides.

"But, surely, we can—" Amelia tries to say.

"There is nothing more that can be done for Sefa." Morgana cuts her off. "We must make sure her sacrifice was not in vain."

Amelia softly nods and leaves the room.

Morgana's POV

Morgana watches her sister leave with a scrutinising gaze.

"Are you sure you can keep your sister on our side?" Ruadan questions.

Morgana smirks. "Don't worry. I know what I'm doing."

——

Amelia's POV

Amelia shifts uncomfortably, trying to get into a more comfortable position which is difficult considering the limited space at the bottom of this pit and the fact that her arms are shackled above her head.

She glances over to see Morgana is also uncomfortably shifting but it's made even more difficult for her as Aithusa is currently using her legs as a pillow.

"I killed him." Amelia suddenly blurts. The guilt, the thoughts of what she had done had been swirling around in her head for so long, that it is a relief to tell someone.

Morgana looks up, frowning in confusion. "Killed who?"

"Uther. I killed Uther." Amelia quietly admits, now feeling less certain in what she's saying but it's too late now.

"Who knows?"

"No one."

There's a pause before Morgana speaks, "Arthur would hate you for it."

Amelia flinches at the prospect. "I know."

"Do not worry, I'll keep your secret."

Amelia doesn't look up, she's too frightened to.

——

Anne's POV

Gaius and Anne sit on either side of Gwen who sits at the head of the table in the Council Chambers when Sefa is brought in by two Guards to plead her case. Anne looks at her sympathetically. The girl is looking worse for wear from her stay in the Cells.

"My Lady." Sefa curtsies.

"Sefa." Gwen greets calmly. "You asked to see me."

"I'm sorry for what I did. It was wrong, I know. It was without thinking. I didn't mean to hurt anyone. I wouldn't." Sefa apologises. "I... All I wanted was to help my father and now I am condemned to death."

"You understand the law, Sefa. I cannot change it."

"Please... I know you have a good heart. A reprieve... I'm begging you." Sefa beseeches.

"Men have died."

"I know. I'm sorry. I'm so..." Sefa chokes tearfully. "I'm so sorry. I did it for my father. It was the only thing he wanted from me. I told him I couldn't, but... I don't know, he... I wanted to make him happy, to please him."

"He used you." Gwen says softly.

"I know. My Lady, I don't want to die."

"There is nothing I can do, Sefa. The sentence stands." Gwen declares. Anne looks at Gwen with alarm and surprise.

"My Lady!"

Gwen nods and the Guards take Sefa away.

As if nothing has happened, Gwen turns to Gaius and calmly asks, "Where is it that I need to sign?"

Anne frowns. "Gwen, maybe you should reconsider the sentence. It is very harsh."

"The law is clear." Gwen replies.

"Sefa was naive and foolish, but she doesn't deserve to die." Gaius argues.

"And she won't. I have no intention of executing her." Gwen says. Anne and Gaius look at her in confusion. "My aim is to catch her father. He is the threat to Camelot, not the girl. I'm hoping her plight will lure him here."

"Why did you not tell us?" Anne questions.

"Her predicament must remain genuine. Ruadan may have more spies here." Gwen argues. "And if he has any inkling of this, he will not come."

"This is a dangerous game, My Lady." Gaius warns her.

"Wars cannot be won without risks. The execution is set."

"But what if Ruadan doesn't appear?" Anne wonders.

"Sefa is his daughter. I have to believe that he will."

——

Anne is with Gwen with the children when the warning bells sound. Euwen lets out a cry of distress. Anne rocks him in her arms, shushing him while Faye clings to Gwen's skirts. Leon enters.

"Is it Ruadan?" Gwen asks.

"Almost certainly."

"Organise the men." Gwen instructs. "And capture him alive."

Leon nods and leaves.

——

Amelia's POV

Amelia stares at the note Morgana had handed to her.

'I bring bad tidings. Arthur did not return to Camelot. He makes his way to Ismere. But you must not despair, Morgana and Amelia. Soon you will have the Diamair and Arthur's Bane will be with you. Soon the Pendragons will be no more...'

This could only mean one thing. Ruadan is dead. Amelia had suspected that Ruadan had left to save his daughter after all due to his sudden departure. He died saving his family.

Amelia knows the feeling of needing to protect your family all too well. Morgana had warned her that Emrys was her destiny, and her doom and Amelia will do all she can to stop him.

——

Anne's POV

Ruadan's body lies out on the table in front of them in Gaius' Chambers with the Physician inspecting it. Gaius finds a scroll inside the necklace around Ruadan's neck.

"What is it?" Gwen questions.

"I believe it's a prayer." Gaius replies, rolling the scroll out to analyse it.

"Can you read it?" Anne asks. The Physician doesn't reply. "Gaius?"

"I am no expert in the Druidic runes..."

Anne and Gwen give Gaius disbelieving glances.

Gwen scoffs. "Please, we know you too well."

"It is a call for victory over the enemies of the Old Religion." Gaius admits.

Anne frowns. "But I thought the Druids were a peaceful people."

"For the most part they are." Gaius replies. "But for some, the Great Purge changed that. Some blame Uther for their suffering."

"But he has long been dead."

"Some believe that Arthur is no different from his father. Sorcery is still outlawed... for them, little has changed." Gaius points out.

"So, Ruadan believed it was his sacred duty to fight my husband." Gwen says.

"More than that. There are those who believe that Arthur is destined to die by a Druid's hand." Gaius warns. "Perhaps Ruadan thought he was that man."

"Well, then, he was mistaken."

——

Amelia's POV

Amelia watches from her window as Ragnor brings in the new slaves. Amelia had argued against the use of slaves, her heart saying it's wrong, but Morgana had argued that they needed every man they could get if they were to achieve their goals.

"Let the Ladies Morgana and Amelia see for themselves! I'll get twice that in the Market at Asgorath." Ragnor is saying, shoving the slaves about but Amelia takes very little notice of him. Instead, her gaze is drawn to the young man who's a part of the gang.

She feels a pull towards him. Like he's familiar. As if Amelia knows him. She does not know if it is because of her memories of the show trying to push through or if she's met him before but that is how she feels all the same.

Amelia has had this feeling before...

She quickly leaves her room and enters the Courtyard where she finds Ragnor talking to the man. The young man locks eyes with her immediately causing Ragnor to turn and notice her.

"My Lady." Ragnor greets. "I am grateful for this opportunity... I have brought you eight of the finest..."

Amelia looks at him sharply, shutting him up and moves towards the young man who is nearby. He watches her carefully as she reaches up and gently touches his face. He smiles at her, and she immediately knows who it is.

"Mordred..." Amelia beams.

——

Amelia is so excited to see Mordred again and eagerly pulls him inside out of the cold and the wind. She brings him inside to the Dinning hall where servants are already putting out food for her and Morgana.

Amelia instructs them to put out a third place before turning back to Mordred, who is smiling tentatively at her.

Amelia grins and steps forward, putting her hands on his upper arms. "You have grown so much since I last saw you, though," she makes a tsk noise as she strokes his arms affectionately, "your clothes are a little loose on you. Have you been eating properly? We need to feed you properly so that you can fill out."

The tips of Mordred's ears turn pink. He gently shrugs out of her grip. "I am no longer a child, Amelia. You don't have to mother me."

Amelia puts her hands on her hips. "You will always be that little boy that came bursting into my Chambers that day. And I'll have you know that I am a mother now, so it's instinct to mother."

He dips his head shyly, and Amelia just giggles before wrapping him up in a hug, resting her chin on his shoulder.

"What's this?" Morgana stands in the doorway watching them curiously, but Amelia can see a dangerous glint in her eyes.

Amelia hurriedly steps back causing Mordred to glance at her curiously. "It's Mordred."

Morgana's eyes widen, her face soft as she murmurs, "Mordred?"

Mordred smiles. "Hello Morgana."

——

Morgana and Amelia watch Mordred intently as he eats.

"We feared you were dead." Morgana murmurs softly. "It is dangerous for those of us with magic."

"It's not been easy." Mordred admits.

"For any of us." Morgana picks up an apple and begins pealing sections with her knife, eating them.

"Sorcery frightens people. Even some of those who claim to support it."

Amelia frowns sympathetically. "You've seen a lot."

"I've learnt to. I've had to." Mordred says, his voice is hard. "If I was not to be burnt at the stake or exploited for another man's gain."

It's difficult for Amelia to swallow the strong urge to protect Mordred, keep him protected from the rest of the world.

"Attitudes will change soon. The Old Religion will reign once more." Morgana grins. "There will be nothing to fear once Arthur and his kind are cleansed from the earth." The way Morgana harshly cuts a new piece of apple unnerves Amelia.

"You know we had Arthur in our grasp?" Mordred admits. Morgana pauses in her cutting, staring at Mordred intently. Amelia shifts uncomfortably. "He escaped."

"You let him go?" Her voice is calm. Amelia grips her cup tightly in fear, knowing Morgana's going to blow at any moment.

"He got away."

"How?" Morgana's voice is sharper. "Who let him go?"

"It was an accident."

That's enough for Morgana. "KILL HIM!" She yells, smacking away her plate, which causes a loud crashing sound when it hits the floor. Amelia flinches and cowers. "That's all they had to do! I am a High Priestess!"

"Morgana." Mordred tries to interrupt, glancing at Amelia in concern.

Morgana ignores him. "I have the power of the heavens in my hand and yet he continues to defy me!"

"Calm yourself."

"I want his annihilation, Mordred. I want to put his head on a spike and watch as the crows feast on his eyes." Morgana spits. The warning bells sound, interrupting her. Morgana grins darkly. "Arthur..."

Amelia's heart feels like it's dropped to the centre of the earth.

——

They immediately begin in the Caverns below as that's where all Arthur's men are. Morgana sends Aithusa ahead in the search for Arthur. Amelia watched after the creature in concern as she lumbers away.

Morgana turns to Amelia as they enter, grabbing her arm. "Just remember, I know what you did. You cannot be weak now Amelia."

Amelia swallows thickly. "I'm not." She declares.

Morgana narrows her eyes but nods. "Good."

"Merlin! Merlin?!" Arthur can be heard yelling in the distance.

Morgana smirks. "Showtime." She strides ahead leaving Amelia and Mordred to follow.

"What does she mean?" Mordred questions.

Amelia tries to be blasé as she replies, "Nothing."

She strides ahead, avoiding looking at Mordred as she knows he doesn't believe her, and she'll break if she looks at him.

——

They emerge around the corner to find Arthur standing in an open space in the Caverns.

"How good of you to save me the trouble of finding you." Morgana remarks. Arthur freezes before immediately turning to grab his sword but it isn't there. "Oh, dear how remiss of you. Your bravery is matched only by your stupidity. What on earth did you think you would achieve by coming here?"

Arthur turns to face them. "I'm here to free my men. Save Amelia."

What? Amelia hates how she feels her resolve weaken slightly.

Morgana narrows her eyes. "What makes you think she needs saving?"

Arthur steps forward. "Amelia..."

Amelia flinches stepping back. Mordred places a comforting hand on her back.

"Fleoge." Morgana magically throws a knife at Arthur, stopping him in his tracks. He tries to grab it, but it stabs him in the shoulder causing him to fall to the floor. The knife hovers at Arthur's back. "You have a lot of audacity to come charging in here, saying you're here to save my sister when you're the one who abandoned her." Morgana harshly spits.

Arthur tries to pull himself up by his arms, using the rocks. "Amelia, please..."

No, she has to stay strong.

"Why should I?" Amelia retorts tearfully. "I waited for you, for all of you. I hoped you would come but you weren't there. Morgana was."

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. Just come home, we'll—"

"Funny that you think you're in a position to bargain with my dagger at your back." Morgana cuts off, grinning spitefully.

Arthur eventually pulls himself up, now able to stand and turns to his sister. "What happened to you, Morgana? As a child, you were so kind, so compassionate..."

Morgana's gaze hardens. "I grew up." Her eyes flash and Arthur is stabbed in the stomach, falling to the ground again but on his back. Morgana grins. "You are right to cower before my hand. I am more powerful than you can imagine."

"And yet with all that, you choose to do nothing but hate." Arthur weakly retorts.

Morgana grins spitefully. "Uther taught me well. Goodbye, Arthur Pendragon."

A yell interrupts them. "Arthur!" Merlin comes charging in. Amelia panics at the sight of him. She can't let him get anywhere near Morgana. She just reacts and with a swipe of her arm, Merlin is thrown in the air and hits the Cavern wall, knocking the wind out of him. That should keep him at bay for now.

"No!" Arthur cries as his friend is flung but is unable to do anything so he turns to Morgana. "Morgana... Please..."

Amelia sees Mordred walking closer in the corner of her eye but focuses on what's in front of her. Her chest is tight as she watches.

Morgana simply knocks Arthur out with a flash of her eyes. "Don't speak, dear brother. It's too late. Hine fordo..."

Amelia lets out a startled gasp as she feels a dagger penetrate her side. Morgana cuts herself, turning around and staring at them in horror. Amelia feels the dagger be pulled out and arms wrap around her as she drops to the floor.

She looks up to see it is Mordred. "Mordred?" She gasps weakly. She hears the hurt that laces her voice. Her left hand clutches her right side.

Amelia looks to Morgana, who's glaring daggers at Mordred. A look of horror comes over Mordred's face and he takes several steps back from her. Morgana reaches out to close her fist on empty air, clenching her fingers as though choking him. The boy pales and drops his weapon to grasp uselessly at his throat.

Even though Mordred had just stabbed her, Amelia can't let this happen and, with the last of her strength, she throws her arm out. Morgana is thrown backwards through the air and smashes against the rock wall of the Cavern. She crumples in a heap on the floor.

Amelia glances at Mordred to see he is now able to breathe properly before everything goes black.

——

Anne's POV

When they all return, Anne is happily reunited with her husband and the Knights that had been saved, but she's caught off guard when Arthur re-introduces her to Mordred and before she knows it, Mordred is being knighted.

As Anne watches the ceremony, she feels conflicted. She feels proud watching Mordred achieve this. She's still got fond memories of him as a child despite everything and he did save Arthur, yet Merlin's words run through her head. Mordred is destined to kill Arthur still; Merlin had seen it in a vision.

"It's been a big day. You must be tired." Anne says as they get into bed, Faye has been settled down and Euwen sleeps peacefully in the cot in their Chambers. Anne had wanted, as she had with Faye, to keep him close in the initial months before he moves to join his sister in the Nursery. Merlin sits silent and pensive as she settles in next to him. "What is it? Is it what you saw in that Cave?"

"I saw Mordred kill Arthur." Merlin murmurs brokenly. "Kilgharrah said Arthur would meet his end at the hands of a Druid."

"He also said that Amelia's path hasn't been determined." Anne points out. "Gaius thinks you should give him the benefit of the doubt."

"Remember when Kilgharrah warned us that the ancient prophecies spoke of an alliance of Amelia, Mordred and Morgana united in evil?" Merlin asks.

Anne winces and quickly shakes her head. "We don't know if that's going to come to pass or not."

"You do." He insists. "You just won't see it because you love Amelia. You might not see it, but we might have lost her already."

Anne feels tears well up in her eyes. "You can't– you can't mean that."

Merlin looks at her sorrowfully. "You didn't see her Anne; Morgana has this hold over her. It won't be easy to break." He warns her.

"Then we must try!" Anne cries.

Merlin shakes his head. "I feel that the die is cast... and that, for good or ill, Albion's great trial has begun."

——

Amelia's POV

Amelia grunts as she pulls herself along, Ella bundled in her arms as Morgana and Aithusa trudge behind her through the snow.

When they had woken in the Cavern, Morgana had thankfully been confused about who had thrown her to which Amelia quickly suggested that it could have been Emrys. She should feel bad for increasing the paranoia in her sister, the fact that her mortal enemy had been so close by, but Amelia is thankful her ire is not directed at her.

Ella lets out a whimper causing Amelia to shake away her thoughts and tighten her arms around her daughter as they trudge along to their destination.

——

A/N: Please leave comments on how you're enjoying this story and what you think.

#bbc merlin #merlin

0 notes

legends-of-time · 2 months

Text

Amelia’s Story (BBC Merlin Story)

Chapter 58: Arthur's Bane Part One

Masterlist

A/N: Italics are flashbacks. This is the season of flashbacks. Some episodes will have some to delve into Amelia's experiences over the last few years.

——

Amelia's POV

Amelia watches from a window in a room in the Fortress of Ismere. She sees Morgana enter the grounds in a sleigh being pulled by wolves. Amelia notes the red cloak and Dragon crest sewn on it. Must be the rest of the Camelot patrol. Morgana and her men have been picking them up recently.

After Amelia had been taken by Morgana, she reluctantly joined her sister in a quest to find the young Dragon. Amelia did it out of thankfulness to the Dragon for saving her but also worry. Why was Aithusa wondering on their own without Kiligharrah?

They find Aithusa but the happiness is short lived when at the same time they had learnt that King Sarrum, ruler of Amata, had kidnapped Aithusa. With the threat of Aithusa being harmed, Morgana and Amelia didn't fight when Sarrum took them prisoner. After which ensued the worst two years of Amelia's life.

The Sarrum is cruel and a sadist. Like Uther, he has a hatred for magic but Amelia's experience with him shows that the Sarrum is more extreme, more ruthless and cruel than Uther was even at his worst. He took pleasure in emotionally torturing Amelia and Morgana by torturing Aithusa. He would also put them through physical torture.

When he was not putting them through physical and emotional torture, he would put them in a pit. This had consequences as Aithusa ran out of room to grow and became twisted and crippled, which broke Amelia's heart and made her cry more than when she herself was hurt. It felt like they were buried in a living grave. However, one day the Sarrum became lax in his imprisonment of the three and Amelia, Morgana and Aithusa found the chance to flee from their captivity.

Due to the trauma, she has gone through, Amelia can't bear to leave the only people who understand her. She feels hurt that in all the time she has been gone, she had not heard a word from Anne, Merlin, Gwen, Gaius, and Arthur. Amelia honestly wonders if they have forgotten or given up on her.

In the time after their escape, they meet a Druid called Ruadan. He informs the two sisters of an ancient prophecy regarding Arthur's bane. The plan is to start looking for the Diamair, the key to all knowledge, that is rumoured to be hidden under the Fortress of Ismere.

Amelia has grown severely attached to Morgana during those traumatic years. She's told her sister nearly everything except one. No matter how much she feels towards her friends, she can't quite tell Morgana who Emrys and Tarion really are as she knows what Morgana will do. She knows what's been prophesied, Morgana's doom, but, in a way, she hopes to prevent it. Pained and hurt by her friends' abandonment and fear of Morgana, Amelia agrees to the plan.

For three months Ruadan, Morgana and Amelia, with the help of a pack of magical wolves under Morgana's control, capture men who venture into the Northern Plains and force them to work in the mines under the Castle. They also recruit Saxon bandits who form a small army under their order. Ruadan's daughter Sefa has been implemented as Gwen's, Queen Guinevere's, maid.

Amelia is brought back from her memories to the present when she hears, "Mama?"

Amelia turns to see a little girl, her daughter Ella, who's nearly three years old. Ella rubs her eyes tiredly as she blinks up at her mother.

Amelia smiles at her softly as she walks over to the little girl, the only light in her life. It's a large part of the reason Amelia was so desperate to find Aithusa and to continue to protect the young Dragon as the creature did not only save Amelia's life but the life of her unborn child.

"What are doing up sweetheart?" Amelia asks as she picks up her daughter, who happily snuggles into her embrace and rests her head on her mother's shoulder.

"Mama read story?" Ella asks hopefully.

Amelia smiles sadly. "Not now darling, Mama's got some important business to do with your Aunt."

Ella pouts but nods. Amelia leaves her station by the window and takes her daughter back to the Nursery before she goes downstairs.

——

Gwaine's POV

Gwaine finds himself being dragged into what looks to be a Throne room by some Saxons. He's dropped to the ground; he pulls himself up and sees who else is in the room. There before him stands Morgana Pendragon with an unknown man.

Gwaine smirks. "Lady Morgana, we really have to stop meeting like this."

One of the Soldiers hits him, knocking him to the floor and gripping his cheek due to the pain.

Morgana looks down at him, unamused. "You're not looking so pretty now, are you, Sir Knight?"

Gwaine opens his mouth to utter a quick remark but then a voice suddenly interrupts. "No need to play around Morgana, there's things to be done."

Gwaine turns to see, to his shock, that it's Amelia. Gwaine grins at the sight of her, relieved to see her again but his smile drops as he looks at her. Something's different, something's wrong. Her face is gaunt, her once lovely brown hair is a mattered mess and there seems to be little light in her blue eyes. They're almost too similar to her sister's.

Morgana smirks. "Of course, sister. You and your men Sir Knight are going to help me find something."

——

Amelia's POV

Morgana tells Amelia she's got something to show her. They go down to the Dungeons and Amelia is surprised to see the familiar figure of her husband.

"Percival..." She murmurs in shock.

Percival looks equally surprised from where he's being held in a knelt position by two Saxon Guards. "Amelia..."

Her eyes harden. "Oh, you remember me do you? You didn't seem to be that worried about me these last few years."

"No, you're wrong! I have been searching for you all this time, I haven't given up." Percival replies desperately.

"Well, no need to worry, as you can see, I'm perfectly fine without you!" Amelia spits.

Percival glances over Amelia's shoulder to where Morgana stands with narrowed eyes. "With Morgana? She doesn't truly care about you! Don't you remember all that she did?"

Amelia hesitates then. Well, she– Morgana isn't–

Morgana speaks, breaking through her spiralling thoughts, "You're wrong. I do care about her, I helped her these last few years, while you were nowhere to be seen!"

"No!"

Amelia shakes her head tearfully. "You all think she's the evil in the world but you are wrong!"

"Please Amelia! Help us!" Percival pleads.

"Help yourselves." Amelia spits, turning to leave.

Percival stops her, "Please, Amelia. I– please tell me, they said you were pregnant. Did you– is the child—"

Amelia looks over her shoulder. "You're staying away from her."

Percival's eyes widen at the confirmation that not only is their child alive but it's a girl.

What Amelia doesn't see when she turns her back is Morgana's face turning dark and she smirks at Percival before ordering the Guards to take him away.

——

Merlin's POV

Screaming, wailing and maybe some curse words emanate from Anne and Merlin's Chambers. The former lies in their bed gripping onto her husband's hand so tightly he wonders if it is broken as Gaius, Gwen, and some servants dart around trying to help her the best she can.

Anne had become with child, again over a couple of years after Faye's birth and is now in the middle of giving birth to their second child.

Anne gives one more scream and suddenly a baby's wail fills the room. Merlin peeks at the child and a wide grin split across his face. He turns, pressing a kiss to Anne's head, whispering in her ear, before he stands, hugging Gwen in relief. The Queen moves forward to wipe Anne's forehead off with a cool cloth. Merlin gives a brief thought to how the Court would react to seeing their Queen do such a task before he rushes out of the room as the baby is cleaned by Gaius

He hurries towards the Nursery where Faye is. Merlin and Anne had tried to argue against moving her there, but Arthur had insisted. When Merlin enters the circular room, he is amused by the great King of Camelot and the Knights on the floor playing with Merlin's daughter

"Faye!" He calls, drawing the group's attention.

"Daddy!" Faye squeals, running over to her father.

Merlin scoops up the girl. "Guess what, big sister?"

"Baby?!" The girl looks at her father, her eyes wide with hope.

"Yes." Merlin nods, looking at Arthur and the Knights that are there with him, Elyan, and Leon. Both men have stayed behind while Gwaine and Percival are on a journey to Ismere, having been gone for some weeks now. It is worrying how long they'd been off.

Gwaine had sworn on the Tavern that he would be back in time for the latest birth, not wanting to miss it. For him to not be there after so many weeks... something is wrong. Arthur had promised that after the birth, he'd send out a patrol to try and find them.

"I have a son." Merlin announces.

Leon and Elyan let out a cheer. Arthur chuckles and slaps Merlin on the shoulder in congratulations.

"What's his name?" Arthur asks.

"Euwen." Merlin says.

"That's a strong name, Merlin." Leon offers.

"Euwen's a strong boy." Merlin nods, tears in his eyes. He looks down at his daughter. "Do you want to meet him?"

Faye nods eagerly, her black, curly locks bobbing with her head. It is amusing, to Merlin, how much she looks like him, her hair, his cheekbones, and smile, but his eyes and build. Faye isn't as gangly as Merlin is, but sturdier, stronger.

Merlin turns and walks back to the Chambers. Arthur, Leon, and Elyan clamber on after him. Merlin smiles softly as he gazes upon his wife, who sits up in the bed, holding their son in her arms, the baby is much louder and fussier than Faye had been. Anne has adapted well to being a mother. Merlin's mother had come to stay in Camelot soon after Faye had been born, to help teach her son and daughter-in-law what to do, before she headed back to Ealdor. Anne had done quite well, though she'd had Gwen to help. And it was good practice for the Queen for when she has children of her own one day.

Merlin carries Faye over, sitting beside Anne and turning her in his arms to look at Euwen, who finally settles and is now squinting and frowning at the world around him.

"Faye," Anne smiles, shifting Euwen in her arms to take Faye's hand, "say hello to your brother, Euwen."

"Uen!" Faye says causing them all to laugh. Close enough.

"All right," Arthur interrupts, "as King, I think it's my turn to hold the baby."

"You say that as if it has any sway over us." Anne remarks with a smirk.

Arthur pouts and Gwen sympathetically pats him on the shoulder. Elyan and Leon snigger.

Merlin smiles at the family that surrounds them. Just a few people missing...

——

Gwaine's POV

Gwaine hits the rock again with his pick axe before taking a breather, glancing over his shoulder to see their Guards are not nearby before turning to Percival.

The other Knight has been largely quiet, focusing on the task at hand. He hasn't said much but Gwaine knows the whole finding Amelia again must be weighing on him.

"Did you find the others?" Gwaine asks him instead.

Percival looks up at him in surprise then quickly nods. "Every last one."

"Do they know what we're searching for?"

"Some kind of key."

"The key to what?"

They pause when a Saxon walks past.

"I don't know." Percival admits. "But the men say Morgana's obsessed. She won't rest until she finds it."

"Let's hope we don't succeed, then." Gwaine remarks.

——

Anne's POV

It's been six weeks and there's still no sign of them. Elyan led a search party but he found no trace of them, it is as if they have vanished from the face of the Ear

Anne stands around the table with a map laid on top of it in Arthur and Gwen's Chambers along with Merlin, Gaius, Gwen, Arthur, Leon, and Elyan.

Elyan points to the map. "We know Gwaine and his men crossed the pass, here, at Isulfor. But beyond that, there was no trace. The trail went cold."

"What of this story that the fortress of Ismere has been occupied once more?" Arthur asks.

"I heard many rumours, Sire. All of them had two names in common..." Elyan pauses, looking at them all hesitantly, "Morgana and Amelia."

Anne feels the breath knocked out of her. "She has Amelia." Finally, after so long.

"We expected as such, we all heard of the rumours." Gaius says solemnly.

"The Sarrum." Arthur utters, he's quiet for a moment, contemplating before quickly clearing his throat and moving on. "Then we have no time to lose."

"What if the rumours are true that Morgana inhabits Ismere, Sire? You may be walking into a trap." Gaius reasons.

"The Knights of Camelot do not abandon their own."

"Morgana knows that. She'll be waiting for you." Merlin reminds him.

"These men have fought for me, bled for me..." Arthur begins to argue.

"May I make a suggestion?" Gwen interrupts. "What if you were to take a different route? Approach Ismere from the West."

That could work...

"Through Annis' lands?"

"It would certainly take Morgana by surprise." Gaius adds.

"Would Annis grant safe passage to so many armed men?" Arthur questions Leon.

"I believe she would, Sire." The Knight replies.

"Dispatch a rider immediately. We'll follow at dawn. Remember, if we're to succeed, no one must know of our intentions." Arthur instructs.

They all nod in agreement.

——

Merlin's POV

Merlin meets with Kilgharrah when the others have fallen asleep. What he saw, what was shown to him by that man in the decimated Village, he can't get those images out of his head. He wishes Anne was here but she'd stayed back in Camelot to help Gwen.

"I need to know about a Druid symbol." Merlin tells him. "A black spiral, within it a thin, yellow coil."

"It is the mark of a Vates. A Druid seer." The Dragon informs him. "Where did you encounter him?"

"On my journey here. He warned me of Arthur's bane."

"His bane?"

Merlin swallows heavily before speaking his next words, "And then he showed me a battle. A terrible battle. Arthur was fighting for his life. I saw him wounded. I saw him fall."

"The Vates' power of prophecy is unrivalled, even by a High Priestess." Kilgharrah explains.

"So, this– this battle will come to pass?" Merlin questions worriedly.

"I do not know, young warlock," Kilgharrah admits, "but one thing is certain... this was no chance meeting."

"You think I should heed his warning?"

"There was a time when the words of a Vates were considered a gift."

"Then why do they feel like a burden?" Merlin asks.

"A wise man is not cowed by knowledge, Merlin. Instead, he uses it to guide him." Kilgharrah advises.

"How?"

"That is something only you can decide. But remember, the Vates singled you out for a reason. Now, more than ever, it is you and you alone that can keep Arthur safe." Kilgharrah tells him.

"One more thing."

"Yes?"

"It's just– Amelia is with Morgana. Does that mean she's chosen her path?" Merlin asks. He hadn't wanted to mention it to Anne, but he has been wondering.

"It is yet to be decided." Kilgharrah replies. "Now, more than ever, she's being tested."

——

Amelia's POV

Amelia pants frantically as she runs. All she can hear is her blood rushing through her ears along with her heart beating and her footsteps pounding along the ground. She knows she can't stop or she won't be able to continue. She glances over her shoulder to see Morgana and Aithusa stumbling after her as the Sarrum's Castle fades further and further into the distance.

"Come on!" Amelia huffs out. She knows they'll notice their disappearance soon if they haven't already and will send out a search party.

"Amelia! We need to stop!" Morgana yells after some time.

Amelia shakes her head frantically. Their treatment under the Sarrum flashes through her mind making her shake in fear. "No, no, we can't. We– we can't."

"Amelia." Morgana grabs Amelia's shoulders, stopping her in her tracks. "We can't go on. We have enough distance for now but to defend ourselves we need rest. Aithusa needs rest."

Amelia looks to Aithusa who whines pleadingly. She sees the creature has been struggling as they ran. Amelia's heart breaks at the sight of how twisted and deformed Aithusa has become and feels a rush of anger towards their captures and Kiligharrah for the direct and indirect harm they have caused to a creature whose name means light.

Her shoulders drop in defeat. "Fine."

Later on, they settle in a Cave that night, checking for any injuries not healed during their ordeal or obtained during the escape.

"I cannot believe they abandoned you." Morgana suddenly utters.

Amelia looks at her sister, who sits across from her, the fire lighting her face, frowning. "What do you mean?"

"Those in Camelot you so willingly betrayed your sisters for." Morgana explains as if it's obvious. Is it? "They've abandoned you."

Amelia shakes her head. "No, n-no. I... they're my friends. They care about me."

"Then where are they? Where were they when that man tortured us? Nowhere."

"I-I-I..."

"But I am here, sister. I have never abandoned you." Morgana continues.

Amelia stares at her sister with wide tearful eyes. She had tried not to think about it but where were they? Where's Percival, Arthur, Gaius, Gwen, Gwaine, Anne and Merlin? What have those she cares for been doing while Amelia had been locked away and tortured? She sniffles.

"Ssh." Morgana whispers as she moves to sit next to Amelia "I'm here. I'm here. I'll protect you from the hurt they have caused. I'll never let them hurt you again."

Amelia curls in Morgana's arms and sobs.

——

Anne's POV

Soon after Gwen became Queen, she quickly appointed Anne as her companion. Anne had offered to become her maidservant but Gwen had refused as they have worked side by side for so long so it would just be weird. Instead, after a good while, Gwen accepted a young girl called Sefa to be her maid.

It had been great to simply spend time together, Anne at Gwen's side as she eased into her new role. It gave Anne something to focus on, along with her new motherhood, since Amelia's disappearance.

It has also become a habit of Anne and Gwen to eat together when their husbands are away, to have some company as well as to try and keep worrisome thoughts away. Anne wishes she could join them, but she can't leave Gwen on her own.

The second night after Arthur and Merlin had left to rescue the Knights, Anne watches curiously out of her window as Sefa leaves the City. What is she doing?

The next morning, Anne watches the maid curiously as she walks around in a daze while dressing Gwen.

Sefa is leaving the room when Gwen clears her throat, stopping her. "Aren't you forgetting something? My papers for the Council?"

Sefa nervously chuckles. "Of course." She goes over to the desk to collect the papers.

Anne narrows her eyes suspiciously at her back. "Is everything all right, Sefa?"

"Yes." Sefa replies unconvincingly.

"You don't seem yourself today." Gwen says, concerned.

"I'm sorry."

"Has this got anything to do with the fact that I saw you leave the City last night?" Anne questions pointedly.

Gwen smiles. "What's this?"

Sefa turns around, looking frightened. Is she worried that she has been discovered? "I, um..."

"Are you seeing someone, Sefa?" Gwen asks.

Sefa frowns in confusion. "My lady?"

"Whoever he is, he's lucky to have you." Gwen says sincerely.

Sefa deflates in relief. "Thank you, my lady. There are so many things to remember."

"I know that better than anyone. You're doing well. Honestly."

"Thank you, my lady." Sefa bows and leaves the room.

Anne throws Gwen a doubtful look. "You sure she's seeing someone?"

"What else could it be? You've become too suspicious Anne." Gwen admonishes.

Anne rolls her eyes. "Can you blame me?"

"Sefa is too sweet to be deceitful."

It's always the ones you least expect.

——

Amelia's POV

Amelia sits with Morgana in the Throne room. Ruadan arrives then, looking flustered and frantic.

"Ruadan? What's wrong?" Amelia asks in concern.

"Arthur is riding for Ismere as we speak." Ruadan informs them.

Amelia and Morgana share a confused look before standing. The former tries to ignore the tightening in her chest at the mention of her cousin's name.

"Impossible. I've had sentries posted on the border for weeks." Morgana replies.

"He's approaching from the West, from Annis' lands."

Amelia frowns. "Why would he do that?"

"He means to cause a surprise. He will be on us in less than a day." He warns them.

Morgana's face hardens. "Prepare for battle. We ride tonight."

Morgana begins to stride off, but Amelia is stuck where she is.

"But—"

Morgana stops and turns to her sharply. "Amelia?"

Fear swells in Amelia's stomach. She doesn't want to invite Morgana's wrath. She glances at Ruadan but it's clear he'll be no help, he usually isn't. "Well, I – I promised Ella I'd be free to read her a book tonight."

"That can wait. You're not doubting me, are you?" Morgana narrows her eyes at her.

"N-no."

"Good." Morgana turns and strides out of the room with Ruadan following, leaving a tearful Amelia behind.

——

It isn't difficult to find the camp. Amelia had reluctantly followed Morgana on horseback and their army of Saxons as they left Ismere. They reach the camp at dawn, just as it seems they all are packing up and getting ready to leave. Morgana signals for the Saxons to surround the camp and move in.

They emerge through the mist as they move closer to the camp and Amelia begins to see all the figures more clearly and her gut clenches when she begins to recognise some of the faces. Leon, Elyan, Merlin...

"Run!" Amelia's breath catches in her throat at the sound of Arthur's voice.

The Knights run, but soon realise they are surrounded by Saxons and have to stand their ground. They then engage in a fierce battle. In all the chaos, Amelia loses sight of them all. It is only when the battle dies down, Camelot Knights lying dead or fleeing does Amelia notice that Arthur and Merlin have both vanished.

Morgana growls in frustration. Amelia flinches at the sound.

——

Anne's POV

Leon and Elyan stand before Gwen, Gaius, and Anne in the Throne room, heavily breathing and looking a bit ragged. They have just entered the room after their sudden appearance back in Camelot.

"We were ambushed." Leon huffs. "Morgana, Amelia and a band of Saxons attacked us as we crossed the border into Ismere."

Anne's insides seize. Amelia wouldn't, would she?

"And what of Arthur?" Gwen questions frantically. Anne reaches over and grips her hand tightly. She knows the worry about your husband all too well.

Elyan hesitates then steps forward. "I tried to protect him..."

Gwen looks at her brother aghast. "What are you saying?"

"We lost him in the battle. We don't know what happened to him," he glances over to Anne and Gaius, "or Merlin."

Anne almost chokes at those words.

"But how? How is this possible? How was it known that Arthur was approaching from that direction?" Gaius questions.

"Someone betrayed us." Gwen realises.

Anne's pretty sure she knows who it is.

"Gwen," Anne speaks, gaining the Queen's attention, "who do we know left Camelot late at night not long after Arthur and Merlin departed?"

Gwen sighs, closing her eyes in defeat and sadness. "Bring her to me."

——

Amelia's POV

Amelia eventually falls asleep after draining herself dry and wakes to hear some strange noises. She pulls herself up, noticing Morgana is no longer beside her.

"Morgana?" Amelia calls.

She realises the sound she's hearing is whimpering, and it seems to be further into the Cave. Amelia follows the sound to find Morgana lying in a heap, shaking and whimpering. She places a hand on her sister's head and finds it burning up. Amelia panics.

How long has she been like this?! Had Amelia been so selfish as to not notice the pain her sister is in?!

"Ic hæle þina þrowunga." She chants.

Nothing.

Amelia tries again. "Gestepe hole! Þurhhæle!"

Nothing.

"Þurhhæle dolgbenn!"

No matter what spell she uses, her magic is too weak as she hasn't used magic for a long time. It's been bound for too long.

Tears blur her vision. "Morgana." She chokes out. "Morgana, please. It can't end like this. You promised you wouldn't leave me alone; you promised you would stay by my side you can't die, Morgana, please! Please." Amelia begs.

Between sobs and hiccups, she repeats the spells. It still doesn't work.

Amelia doesn't know what to do anymore. Morgana is unconscious, her fever is getting worse, and her breaths sound softer than normal.

Amelia lets her head fall on her chest, burying her face in her clothes, and sobs. It is over. She has failed her.

"You promised." Amelia whimpers again. "You can't leave me." Her voice breaks.

Something nuzzles her side and startles her so badly that she almost hits whatever it is. It's Aithusa, looking at her with those wide blue eyes of hers. Those orbs shift to Morgana then, and Amelia doesn't want to hope that the little creature would manage to heal her sister, lest she be disappointed again. But then again, Aithusa had saved her as well as her darling daughter.

Biting her lip, she watches as Aithusa breathes a golden mist over Morgana, whose body begins to glow slightly. Amelia has to close her eyes at the sight.

When she opens them again, it is to find Morgana healed, her paleness receding and giving place to a healthy rosiness. Amelia waits with bated breath and then, after what seems like a century, Morgana opens her eyes.

"Amelia?" Comes Morgana's raspy voice.

Amelia gasps in relief and flings herself at her sister, who chuckles at her reaction.

——

Morgana insists on searching through the night and into the next day. Amelia anxiously watches as her sister becomes more frantic and angrier.

"Don't just stand there. Find them!" Morgana snaps at the Saxons.

"Morgana?" Amelia hesitantly speaks up. "I-I'm sure the men are exhausted. M-maybe we should—"

Morgana snaps her head to Amelia, who cowers under her sister's sharp gaze. "No! Keep looking! I don't care how long it takes!"

——

Anne's POV

Sefa is dragged before Gwen in Court in the Council Chambers by two Guards who deposit her on the ground. Gwen stands in front of the throne while Anne stands at the side next to Gaius and Elyan.

Sefa looks around her, frightened. "What have I done?"

"The night before Arthur set out for Ismere there was a meeting of the King's Privy Council. Did you hear what was said?" Gwen asks.

Sefa shakes her head. "No, my lady."

Gwen frowns disbelievingly at her. "And yet you were standing right outside the door."

"I was bringing your supper."

"Later that night, where did you go?"

"Nowhere."

"Sefa, you have been a servant in this Castle for nearly a year now." Gwen says. "And I have known Anne years." Anne has to swallow thickly when those wide terrified eyes turn to her. "I trust her, as I like to think I trust you as well. But when she tells me that you left the City through the south gate... I believe her. So please. No lies. Did you leave the city?"

Sefa looks down.

"Look at me." Gwen orders causing Sefa to look up. "Do you deny it?"

"No, my lady."

"Who did you see?" Sefa hesitates. Gwen walks closer. "You can tell me."

"You wouldn't understand." Sefa replies.

"Who did you see?!" Gwen snaps angrily.

"My father. I saw my father." Sefa admits

"And you told him what you'd heard?"

"He only wants what's rightfully his." Sefa begs. "Were he a Physician or a warrior, his skills would be revered. But sorcery! He deserves respect like any man."

"Respect is to be earned!" Gwen retorts coldly. "It cannot be bought with blood. Your treachery cost the lives of many good men."

The reality of the consequences of what she'd done hits Sefa. "I di– I didn't mean to..."

"You have admitted your guilt. You leave me no choice, Sefa. By the laws of Camelot, I find you guilty of treason. I sentence you to death." Gwen declares. "Take her to the Cells."

Wait, what?

Anne, Gaius, and Elyan exchange shocked glances. Sefa is pulled away.

——

Merlin's POV

Merlin might have gotten a bit too reckless, too hungry, which lead to both him and Arthur getting trapped in this huge net overnight because he saw some rabbits.

Merlin guesses they had somehow managed to fall asleep in the net because he feels himself start awake the next morning when they fall to the ground, letting out indignant cries. They crash to the ground in a heap, and they both groan at the pain and rude awakening.

"I'm sorry." A voice remarks sarcastically. Merlin looks up through the tangles of the net to see a man, a bunch of lackeys surrounding him. "Did we wake you?"

Arthur immediately pushes the net off him and lunges for his sword, but the man stomps his foot on top of Arthur's hand just as he grabs it.

"Not so fast." The leader says, kicking Arthur's hand away. He picks up the sword and examines the weapon. He lets out a laugh as he turns to regard them. "The King of Camelot. You will fetch a handsome price." He points the sword at Arthur's face. "Alive or dead." He tilts his head to the side. "Any last requests?"

Arthur is silent for a moment before nodding his head at Merlin. "Let my servant go. He has children. He doesn't deserve to die like this."

The leader nods at his lackeys, and one of them moves. Merlin feels a pair of hands on his arms and then his body being lifted off the ground and away from Arthur. Not happening.

"If you're going to kill him." Merlin starts, wrenching his arm away from his captor. "You'll have to kill me first."

Hunger flashes in the leader's eyes as he turns his attention to Merlin.

"Merlin!" Arthur hisses. "Step aside."

"You know I never do as I'm told." Merlin says.

"Stop!" A male voice bellows from the side.

When Merlin looks to see who had intervened, his stomach drops all the way to the pits of the earth. A young boy, nearly a man, steps forward from the trees with bright blue eyes and the blackest of hair.

He is from the Vates' vision. It is him. And there is still something familiar about him. His gait, his curly hair, his nose. Why is he so familiar...

"Shouldn't we leave it to the Lady Morgana to decide their fate?"

The leader considers it for a second before smirking and nodding. He sheathes Arthur's sword and motions for his men to follow him, to lower their weapons, and ready to head out. He chuckles before walking away.

The young man walks over to Arthur and holds out a hand. Merlin feels himself unable to move. Arthur stares at it for a few seconds before accepting his outstretched hand.

He pulls him to his feet, and then says, "You don't remember me, do you?" When Arthur doesn't answer, he continues, "You saved my life once, many years ago." He then looks over at Merlin, and one look into his pale blue eyes, and he knows.

"Mordred." Merlin chokes out, his lower lip quivering and his chest contracting.

Mordred simply smirks and turns back to Merlin's King, his friend, the man that Mordred is supposedly supposed to murder. "Hello, Arthur."

——

A/N: I know some people don't like Morgana's evil, but I love it. Plus, I wanted to give Amelia more of a reason to turn against her friends.

Please leave comments on how you're enjoying this story and what you think.

#bbc merlin #merlin

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