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Chapter Text

To my dear readers,

Welcome to this new fanfiction of mine! This Merlin fanfiction has been inspired to use characters from werewolf stories I studied during my Master's thesis. I hope you enjoy the story but given how some of these characters are relatively unknown in the vast array of Arthuriana that is extant, I feel it is only appropriate that you are given some quick background on some of the major characters in this story.

Ganieda

In Geoffrey of Monmouth's Vita Merlini, Ganieda was the sister of Merlin and was the wife of King Rodarch of Cumbria. She was blessed with powers of a Seeress and after her brother fled to live in the wilderness for a while, she made the decision to join him. There she built a house with seventy doors and seventy windows for them to live in. The legendary bard Taliesin later came to live with them for a bit. Ganieda's visions were often rather violent, centred around death and destruction in Albion.

Marrok

Sir Marrok is a lesser known Knight of the Round Table, mentioned twice in Thomas Mallory's Le Morte d'Arthur, and acted as a bodyguard to King Arthur in the King's war with Emperor Lucius. Marrok is amongst the knights who attempt to heal Sir Urre of Hungary after he is cursed by a Spanish duchess for killing her son. Mallory describes Marrok as "the good knight, that was betrayed by his wife, for she made him a werewolf for seven years". This was because the wife had stolen his clothes and hidden them for seven years; like a lot chivalric werewolves of the time, Marrok could only turn back into human form if he donned his human clothing.

Biclarel

Like Sir Marrok, Sir Biclarel is a lesser known Knight of the Round Table who also acted as bodyguard to King Arthur during his war with Emperor Lucius and appears even more sporadically in the Arthuriana than Marrok. Sir Biclarel underwent a similar fate to Sir Marrok; he was a werewolf who was imprisoned in his wolf form because his clothes were stolen.

Melion

The Breton Lai de Melion is written in Old French by an anonymous author between 1190-1204. Leslie Sconduto theorises that the author was likely a wandering minstrel from the Picard region in northern France, since the Lais was written in that dialect. The Lai de Melion follows the eponymous character and his life at the court of King Arthur as one of the king's knights.

Like every knight of Camelot, Melion had to make a vow and the vow he chose was: "I would never love a maiden no matter how nice or beautiful she is that has loved another man, or has spoken of another man." This vow facilitates his exile from Camelot, during which time he meets his wife, an Irish princess. For a few years there were no issues in the marriage until the pair came across a giant stag on a hunting trip. The wife was desperate to taste the flesh of the stag, which prompted Melion to confess to her his lupine secret. Using a magic ring, Melion transforms and kills the stag.

However, his wife becomes afraid and takes the ring, the clothes he removed and Melion's squire as her lover, and flees to Ireland. Enraged, Melion follows her, obtains a wolf pack and wages war against the people of Ireland until his pack gets killed. Soon after, King Arthur visits Ireland and Melion ingratiates himself with his liege lord while still in wolf form. As Melion predicted, Arthur takes him along to the Court of the Irish princess's family where Melion tries to attack the princess and his squire but fails. It is because of this act that the truth comes out, the King of Ireland orders his daughter to return the ring and Melion regains his human form. He wants to turn his former wife into a werewolf using the ring but Arthur vetoes that immediately.

Long story short, Melion's pride still blinds him at the end of the story.

Gorlagon

Gorlagon was a werewolf from an anonymously written tale, codified probably in the late fourteenth century in Latin. The tale, generally translated into Latin as Arthur et Gorlagon, is part of a small collection of works and is not as much studied as other Latin Arthurian romances. It survives in a single Insular fourteenth century manuscript; Rawlinson MS. B. 149 at the Bodleian Library in Oxford.

The story begins during a feast, held by Arthur during Pentecost, when King Arthur kissed his queen in front of the whole court, rather exuberantly. Shocked, Guinevere demanded Arthur explain why he would kiss her in such a manner and so publicly. Arthur's answer, "because nothing of my treasure delights me more, and of all my pleasures nothing is sweeter than you", did not please Guinevere. During the ensuing conversation, Arthur believed he knew Guinevere's heart, but she stated, "you reveal that you have never understood the nature or the mind of a woman."

Because of this, Arthur swore that he would not eat as long as he did not know the heart, nature and thinking of women. Together with Kay and Gwaine, two Knights of the Round Table, Arthur saddled a horse in order to visit King Gorgol, who was famous for his wisdom. However, Gorgol immediately referred Arthur to his older and wiser brother, Gorleil, who in turn referred Arthur to their oldest brother, Gorlagon, as of the three brothers, Gorlagon had experience with the nature and mind of a woman. Gorlagon convinces Arthur to eat with him while he tells his story: the story of the Werewolf King.

How he had been betrayed by his wife, turned into a wolf with a magic sapling that had been tied to him from birth, and had sought revenge against her. Gorlagon, in wolf form, eventually arrives at his brother Gorleil's kingdom and lives there for a bit. Like Gorlagon, Gorleil's queen is unfaithful and Gorlagon witnesses her affair. He attacks her lover and in order to try and get him into trouble, the queen hides her son and pretends that the wolf has also killed her son when Gorleil returns. Gorleil though smells something fishy and Gorlagon proves his innocence by taking his brother to his child. From here, Gorleil realises the wolf isn't normal and helps Gorlagon get his human form back. Once Gorlagon does, he takes his kingdom back from his former wife, executes her lover, marries another woman and still keeps his ex around. He forces her to kiss the decapitated head of her lover every time he kisses his new wife – no, this is not a joke!

I have a few actors in mind for each of the characters already. Gadiena I can see being played by Georgie Henley. Marrok I had in my mind being played by Joseph Morgan. Biclarel's actor I struggled with but I settled on William Moseley. Melion was another one I struggled with but I eventually thought that perhaps Alex Høgh Andersen could be a good for the more vengeful werewolf. King Gorlagon I had several ideas but I thought Ralph Fiennes would be a good fit.

If you wish to know more about my research, you can send me a private message and I will answer any and all questions. I really am disappointed that not many people know about these werewolves and Gadiena; I really think they deserve to be known by more people.

OK, let's get on with the story!

Kingmaker'sUmbreon

Chapter Text

Long live the Queen. Long live the Queen.

The words that normally Merlin would have uttered happily now made his blood boil with rage as he began to wake up, his nose catching the whiff of breakfast being cooked by Gaius. He had barely recovered from the events from the day before and this time, the young warlock's usually forgiving nature had really been pushed to the absolute limits. Merlin squinted his eyes as the light of the new day hit them.

I swear this bed was placed in direct sunlight just to bully the occupant of the room further, Merlin grumbled internally.

The young warlock sat up on his bed groggily, wincing in pain from all the aches, scrapes and fresh bruises he earned himself two nights ago during his little save-Arthur-from-his-murderous-wife escapade, and took a moment to have a good long think. How easily the enchanted Guinevere had accused him of poisoning the King – this should not have surprised him. But, what did surprise him, was how none of his so-called friends – Leon, Gwaine, Percival – had questioned the absurdity of the accusation. There had been a look of doubt in the eyes of Mordred, Caradoc and Bedivere, but they had not done or said anything to dissuade the Queen either. It had been Leon and Percival who had put him in that dark, danky cell that stunk of old human waste and left him there. They hadn't been gentle either, causing him to get a few more scrapes and bruises. Not once did any of them try to visit him, which stung Merlin more than he dared to admit.

Then there was Gwaine, the man whom Merlin saw as the closest friend he had since Lancelot – except of course, Gwaine didn't know that Merlin had magic. The man had not tried to visit Merlin or stood up for him either. Like he truly believed that Merlin would wish Arthur harm! At least the knight had the decency to come with Gaius yesterday morning to release him from the cell. Gaius had looked at Merlin with an amused look, the secret shared victory between the two of them dancing in his eyes. Merlin could admit that he did not try to hide his own glee of having foiled the plans of Morgana once more. As for Gwaine, he too had a grin on his face, but Merlin was rather pleased to note that it was awkward and expressed some guilt.

Good, it serves him right, Merlin thought. He also knew this was all he was going to get from the man who once said to him that Merlin was his only friend. Now that Gwaine was a knight, this was no longer the case and Merlin's importance had sunk.

It really was ironic. Gwaine had hated nobles, who treated people lower than them pretty poorly, and now he was almost acting like the very men he despised. Not that Merlin had the guts to call the man out on his behaviour; quietly, the warlock wondered what had happened to his ability to not care that he was speaking to nobleman.

He had insulted Prince Arthur on his first day in Camelot, for the love of the gods, without any fear for the consequences of his actions!

Merlin frowned to himself. What stopped him from doing so again? It wasn't like Gwaine, Leon, Percival or any other Knight amongst them didn't deserve it. Will and Ganieda would not have stood for this kind of behaviour.

Merlin scoffed to himself. The both of them would be ringing his ears if they knew. Will was likely shouting at him from the Otherworld and Ganieda was … wherever she was. It had been years since the warlock last saw his cousin-who-was-like-a-sister to him. Like him, she was all but driven out of the village because she was as different as he was. But because Ganieda was a woman, the villagers viewed her as cursed.

It was at this precise moment that the scent of breakfast really wafted into the room through the cracks in Merlin's door and his stomach began to rumble. The young warlock huffed; he didn't have much appetite the day before but now, he could eat King Arthur's horse and Gwaine's horse in one go.

Forcing himself up out of his bed, quickly dressing, Merlin went to join Gaius for breakfast. It was porridge again, but at present, it looked like ambrosia and nectar to the young warlock's eyes. The Court physician was making the tea when he noticed his young apprentice come in. "Good morning, Merlin," he stated warmly.

"Is it?" had left Merlin's mouth before he even realised what had happened.

Gaius flinched a little but he quickly composed himself. "I know you are still angry, Merlin. You have every right to be. But there is nothing we can do to open Arthur's eyes to Gwen's treason without sufficient proof."

"Yes, I know," Merlin answered coldly as he took his seat and sipped his tea. "That is what you also said about Agravaine and Morgana, and look what happened."

Gaius sighed deeply. "Indeed," he concurred quietly.

Merlin began poking his porridge with his spoon. "Do you mind if I help you with some errands today?" he asked casually, trying to switch the subject to something a little more pleasant.

The Court physician looked at him in surprise. "Of course, but won't you be busy looking after Arthur today?"

Merlin scoffed. "I will do his morning chores and make sure everything is prepared for his training session today; he will barely notice I am gone. Besides, he also has a lot of Council meetings that he needs to attend to, which he doesn't need a manservant for."

"We both know that isn't true," Gaius resist the urge to roll his eyes.

"Perhaps," Merlin gave a small shrug. "But a limit has been reached with me, Gaius, and I just want some distance from him and … the others for a bit. Until I can look at them without wanting to begin shouting at them. Besides, I think it will do King Prat some good to have some distance from me – I may be his manservant but he doesn't get to command my attention twenty-four hours a day."

"I think you will find he can," Gaius' eyes sparkled with amusement as he tucked into his own porridge. "Or at least, he will definitely try, as he has been doing all these years."

Merlin allowed himself to genuinely chuckle in over twenty four hours and tucked into his breakfast, but not with so much gusto that he would risk another hiccupping fit. Once he was done, Merlin went to begin his chores, starting with collecting the Royal Family's breakfast and prepare the King's clothes. The young warlock greeted the guards close to the physician's quarters, as always, and greeted fellow servants on the way to the kitchen.

Two of them were George, and Ettare, one of Queen Guinevere's new maidservants. Though Merlin was not as close to Ettare as he had been to Sefa, the girl was a hard worker, fun to talk to and could sing some of the birds around Camelot under the table. Ever since George had given those Arthur-mandated servant classes to Merlin, the pair had spoken a whole lot more. Though George still did not approve of Merlin's impertinence, he was seemingly close to accepting that it was just part of Merlin's character and that if the King did not mind, he did not either.

"Morning you two!" Merlin called jovially.

George and Ettare turned and stopped for a moment to allow Merlin to catch up.

"Morning, Merlin!" Ettare answered just as brightly. "Ready for a new day?"

"Ready as ever," Merlin reassured with a grin.

"Just remember to give the King something a little more substantial for breakfast today, Merlin," George sighed. "I heard from Daegal that you gave the King another muffin as breakfast yesterday."

"What? He is losing weight!" Merlin protested. "How is the Royal dollophead supposed to fit into his armour with a round belly?"

Ettare giggled at his audacity while George rolled his eyes and shook his head derisively at Merlin.

"All I ask is that you give him something more than just a muffin today," George stated with a tone that was ever so slightly pleading, which startled Merlin. George was the epitome of stoicism and keeping everything – including one's voice – neutral.

"Oh very well," Merlin huffed. "I will do it for your sake, Georgie."

"Do not call me that."

Merlin smirked to himself but held his tongue. Ettare chuckled away at their antics. Soon they came to the kitchens, where the three servants split up. Ettare went to collect the wash, George collected the breakfast for one of the nobles and Merlin of course collected the food for the King and Queen.

Cook was in her usual militant mood. "What are you doing – that was supposed to be sent to the Lady Cyneburga twenty minutes ago! Wake up! No, no, no, those are not meant for Lord Egbert, those are meant to go to Lord Hiroc! … Merlin, make sure you actually take something substantial to the King today! Yes, those sausages specifically!"

Merlin bowed his head dramatically in acknowledgement, getting a good chuckle from the rest of the servants and an eyeroll from Cook. He did as he was told, compiling a tray with one plate that had sausages and veggies and the other had a selection of fruits. He filled a jug with watered down wine and went to wake up the Royals – after the plates had been inspected by both Cook and George.

On the way to King Prat's chambers, Merlin found himself singing an old song his mother and Gadiena used to sing. He was even more impressed with himself that he managed to expertly dodge bustling servants left, right and centre who came precariously close to bumping into him.

What soured the young warlock's mood a little, was who he bumped into next. Just as he rounded the corner down to the King's bed chambers, Merlin had to make another expert manoeuvre in order to avoid colliding with Leon and Gwaine.

"Whoa, slow down there, Merlin!" Gwaine chuckled good-naturedly, as always. "You don't want to spill the King's breakfast right outside his door!"

"No," Merlin readily agreed with a short chuckle.

He made a move to try and go past Gwaine, but the Knight didn't let him pass that easily. "Ah, I see you are actually giving Arthur some proper breakfast. Let me guess – George gave you an earful," Gwaine joked.

"Not really an earful," Merlin contradicted easily. "If you will excuse me, I have a dollophead to feed."

There was a momentary look of concern in Gwaine's eyes but he complied nonetheless, though he did look like he wanted to say something. Whatever it was, Leon beat him to it. "We will see you at the training grounds later, then."

"Actually, I will only be polishing Arthur's armour today," Merlin informed, turning around for a moment. "I will be helping Gaius for the rest of the day."

A look of surprise carved itself onto the faces of both the Knights. "What? Why?" Gwaine demanded.

"Because I am also the physician's assistant," Merlin reminded coolly. "I know that is what everyone forgets because they all see me as Arthur's servant first."

Gwaine and Leon stood gorgonised to the spot; they had gotten that implication in about two seconds flat. This gave the King's manservant enough time to make his escape.

"Merlin, wait-"

"Merlin, what-"

Merlin closed the door to the King's chambers rather firmly behind him, taking a deep breath as he did so. The stirring in the Royal bed distracted Merlin for a moment from his lingering hurt. He forced himself to approach the four-poster bed.

"Mmmm … too early …" Arthur muttered.

"Sun is up … so it isn't …" was Guinevere's equally sleepy answer.

"Breakfast!" Merlin announced, causing the pair to sit up quite quickly. Had Merlin been in any other mood than the one he was in now, he would have laughed at the almost childish antics of the King and Queen. He placed the tray down in front of the pair, bowed and turned to start preparing Arthur's clothes for the day.

"Mmm, looks delicious – at least you forwent the muffin today," Arthur joked as he began tucking into his sausages.

"Well, I for one approve of Merlin giving you a muffin as a more austere option," Guinevere stated lightly, almost sounding like her usual normal self. "An overindulgent king is not a good one."

"I am not overindulgent, my Lady!" Arthur protested.

"Indeed not, because Merlin makes sure that you are not," Guinevere countered easily. "Although he does not always manage the task at banquets."

"His job is to pour drinks and add more soup to bowls, not to monitor my eating habits," Arthur shot back with a laugh.

"Well, perhaps we should change that?" the Queen suggested.

"What do you say, Merlin?" the King asked, clearly expecting to be backed up.

Merlin did not look away from his task. "I think I have enough on my plate, my Lord."

"In…deed," Arthur answered in shock. He cleared his throat. "We will be focusing on quarterstaff training today, Merlin. I would like you-"

"Forgive me, my Lord, but I have duties to attend to with Gaius this afternoon," Merlin answered as diplomatically as he could manage, standing back from the outfit he had prepared.

"Excuse me?" Arthur could barely believe his ears.

"Well, I am the physician's assistant and apprentice. I have duties that need to be performed now and again," Merlin replied as he turned around. "I will polish your armour and mop your floors before I leave. I will muck out your horses tonight."

Both the King, and the enchanted Queen, blinked in shock. They were in such a state that they almost did not notice Merlin bowing and leaving the room.

"Did … did that just happen?" Arthur really could not wrap his head around it. "He wasn't insulting me or laughing at us or taking your side … and now he is not coming to training?"

"Merlin does have a lot on his plate, Arthur," Guinevere pointed out with a smile. "Don't worry. I am sure that tomorrow, he will be back to his usual self and that he will be more than happy to help you knock your knights about."

"Yes … yes, you are absolutely right," Arthur sighed and smiled. "Of course you are."

As for Merlin, he was rather grateful for the peace and quiet in the armoury as he worked, once more humming the old tune his mother and cousin used to sing. He was pretty sure he was forgetting a line or two but Merlin was certain he had the tune mostly down. The young warlock allowed himself to get lost in his work and the song. But because he did, Merlin did not notice someone had come in until they had cleared their throat.

Merlin looked up quite sharply to see Percival and Mordred standing in the doorway.

"Didn't know you could sing, Merlin," Percival commented with a small smile.

"I can't," Merlin answered civilly as he turned back onto his work.

"Didn't sound that bad to us," Mordred informed him candidly. "Are there any more hidden talents that you have?"

Merlin very nearly smiled at the knowing, teasing undertone to the young Druid Knight's voice. "None," he readily assured.

"I doubt that," Percival stated bluntly.

"May I ask why you are here?" Merlin inquired.

"Well, we are Knights, Merlin. We need to make sure we can train with proper weapons," Mordred answered lightly.

"And Leon and Gwaine told us that you are not coming to training today," Percival added. "Said you need to help Gaius."

"I do," Merlin confirmed readily.

"Merlin, is something the matter?" Percival asked bluntly, which was not something the gentle giant usually did. "Did something happen?"

"You could say that," Merlin found himself agreeing with a slightly icy undertone.

"What is it?" Percival pressed. "I am sure that whatever it is, the King will-"

"Arthur is not going to be able to solve this issue," Merlin cut across rather sharply, regarding the Knight coolly. "Besides, I am only his servant."

"We all know that isn't true," Mordred contradicted easily.

"Isn't it?" Merlin shot back. "Because if that was the case, Percival would never have flung me into a dungeon cell like I was a sack of rotten vegetables."

That blunt comment knocked the wind out of both Percival and Mordred. The former was whiter than freshly fallen snow in about five seconds flat. "Did … did I hurt you?" he whispered eventually when he managed to recover the ability to speak.

"In more ways than one," Merlin found he had no issue confirming as he checked his handiwork. He nodded approvingly to himself and gathered up the King's armour. "Now, if you excuse me, I still have one more chore to finish before I meet with Gaius."

"Merlin, wait!" Percival pleaded.

The young warlock forced himself onto his feet, ignoring the knight and heading for the door.

Emrys, Mordred tried a different approach. Please wait.

I don't want to hear it, Mordred. Not now, Merlin warned, shooting him a look before leaving.

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Gaius hated it when Merlin was quiet. It either meant that the young warlock was planning on doing something rather foolish, was feeling the weight of his destiny on his shoulders once again, or was in a general depressive mood. Despite being a very skilled physician, it was the human mind that Gaius had not found a remedy for to deal with the dark thoughts that some people were sometimes plagued by. Indeed, Gaius was certain that there was no fixed or true cure for it – not even with magic.

Currently, his nephew and apprentice was dutifully helping him collect the supplies from the merchants and suppliers around town, a pensive look in those blue-green eyes. Merlin had plastered a smile onto his face for the suppliers and merchants, striking up casual conversation, only to fall silent once more when he and Gaius continued on their way.

"How long are you going to keep this up?" Gaius finally asked after they had collected a few more pots from the potter.

"Keep what up?" Merlin fired back almost instinctively.

"Making yourself and your friends miserable," Gaius responded candidly.

"A limit has been reached, Gaius," Merlin simply stated back.

"I know that," the old physician sighed. "I am not telling you to forgive them. I am telling you not to avoid them like a bunch of petulant children. You are older, and better, than that."

Merlin huffed. "I hate it when you're right."

Gaius chuckled. "Children always do."

"I am not a child!" Merlin huffed.

"Arthur would definitely disagree with that statement," Gaius chuckled.

"Yes, well, His Royal Pratness can hardly talk," Merlin laughed. "He has to have me to dress him."

"That is your job," Gaius reminded him with an amused smile.

"I am aware. Because if I didn't do it, Camelot would have a king who didn't know how to tuck his own shirt into his belt or into his trousers," Merlin smirked.

Gaius rolled his eyes at that. Merlin sobered. "I take it we need to check in on the new blacksmith?"

"Indeed," Gaius confirmed. "I suspect he is showing early symptoms of scofula-"

It was at this point that the Court Physician was interrupted by shouting. "Gaius, Merlin! Gaius, Merlin! By the gods, you two are even more deaf than I thought!"

Both Gaius and Merlin whirled around and their faces lit up almost immediately. Coming towards them, hurrying through the streets with two rather large leather bags over her shoulders, was Ganieda, of all people.

"GANIEDA!" Merlin exclaimed excitedly.

"COUSIN!" Gadiena squealed right back.

Gaius rolled his eyes and watched in amusement as his niece and nephew embraced, Merlin actually managing to lift Ganieda a little during their hug, causing her to laugh even more, causing more of a scene. People were already giving the pair odd and amused looks, some of the guards stopping for a moment to take in the sight of the King's manservant embrace a woman in public before continuing on their way.

It gave Gaius a moment to take in the appearance of the niece he had not seen since she was three. He noted immediately that she was almost an exact copy of her mother Narah, other than the eyes. Ganieda's eyes were a grey-blue colour that sometimes appeared darker or lighter than they were, depending on how the light hit them. Her chestnut brown hair was free as usual; Ganieda never let Hunith or her own mother mess with her hair. Much to the shock of many, the strange young woman was also dressed more like a man than a woman, and had a sword strapped to her side.

"Oh my gods!" Merlin laughed as he finally let his kin go. "Why did you not let us know you were coming?"

"Oh and give you enough time to create a fuss about me coming?" Ganieda teased, beaming away. "I don't think so!"

Merlin pouted a little. "I haven't seen you in years; you should let me make a fuss."

"Nope!" Ganieda then turned her attention onto Gaius. "Uncle! I still cannot believe that your heart hasn't given out, given the stories I have been hearing from Aunt Hunith," she stated jovially as she embraced him fiercely.

Gaius laughed. "You are just as exuberant as you once were, child. And a whole lot stronger – be careful with my back!"

 Ganieda chuckled. "Yep, still same old Uncle Gaius," she then took in their appearances. "Collecting supplies and pots?" she wagered, looking at how much stuff they were carrying.

"As you can see," Merlin grinned. "Would you mind lifting a hand?"

"Oh I do have some space in one of my bags. You can put some pots and herbs in there," Ganieda answered brightly, taking off one of her bags. Gaius and Merlin happily complied. "So, there! Now, where are we of to?"

"To see the blacksmith. He might have scofula," Merlin informed.

"Oooo, nasty," Ganieda commented as she followed her family down the street, all of them ignoring the gawking looks they were receiving. "Let's go and see what we can do for him then."

"You haven't become squeamish, I taken it then, cousin?" Merlin teased.

"Are you kidding me? Do you remember that I had to help Aunt Hunith and the alderman's wife tending to Old Man Simmons' nasty foot fungus? I am telling you, there is nothing nastier than that man's feet!" Ganieda pulled a face. "Plus, I tended to this woman in one of the villages that I stayed in with pussy boils on her arms and one of them exploded in my face. Give me scofula any day over that! Or even one of those noxious stools that I had to examine-"

"Yes, yes, all right, Ganieda. Half of Camelot does not need to hear that," Gaius huffed.

Merlin laughed while Gaius shook his head derisively, and realised he had now got his hands doubly full. Merlin and Ganieda in one place: Camelot was not going to know what hit it.

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"I still cannot believe Merlin chose to help Gaius with errands rather than come to training," Gwaine huffed indignantly as he countered an attack from Leon.

"I can," Percival commented as he and Mordred circled each other, his expression sad. "We hurt him and now he wants space away from us."

"You and Leon were a little rough with him when you threw him in that godforsaken dungeon," Gwaine stated, shooting Percival an accusatory look as Leon's sword clashed with his shield.

"It's not just the manhandling he's upset about," Mordred countered, shaking his head in disbelief that Merlin's friends were this dense. "The Queen accused him of a crime that no one in their right mind could think Merlin capable of, and none of us stopped for a moment to point out the utter absurdity of it."

"She's the Queen, Mordred," Leon reminded him.

"And Merlin is the King's most devoted servant and friend. The only one who is the most loyal, besides the Knights," Mordred shot back just as easily. "But no – that counted for nothing then, did it?"

"What are you saying, Mordred?" Gwaine demanded, sensing an undertone to the young knight's voice.

"This isn't the first time Merlin has been hurt by you, or falsely accused," Mordred answered simply. "You almost abandoned him at Ismere, you hurt him because of a spell but hurt him nonetheless-"

"You are really bringing the Lamia into this?" Gwaine paled, Leon and Percival also turning whiter than snow.

"Yes," Mordred answered simply. "I am. Because at every turn, Merlin is expected to brush it off because of the fact he is a servant and you are not. This time, I don't think he will be in any mood to forgive you unless you actually apologise and attempt to make it up to him."

By this point, all four Knights had stopped with their assigned training and Arthur had noticed.

"Gentlemen, why have you stopped?" the King frowned, seeing the guilty, saddened and determined – in the case of Mordred – faces suddenly bowing their heads to him. "What is going on?"

"Nothing, Sire. Mordred was just … giving us a reality check," Leon eventually confessed.

"Oh? Is that so?" Arthur raised an expectant eyebrow. "About what, pray?"

"About their behaviour towards Merlin," Mordred was all too happy to answer.

The King's neutral countenance suddenly darkened at hearing this. "Are you the reason that my own manservant refused to come and join me for training, as he normally does?" he demanded.

"Yes, Sire," Percival gulped. "We did not mean to – it was not intentional-"

"Out with it, Percival," the King ordered, tone full of authority.

"We may have been rougher with him than intended when we … threw him in the dungeons," Leon looked incredibly sheepish at this point. "We also didn't … advocate for his innocence."

Anger flashed in the eyes of Arthur at hearing that. "Oh? And why not?" his voice was dangerously quiet and calm. "What could have possibly possessed you into thinking that Merlin could ever wish me harm?"

Leon, Gwaine and Percival had the decency to gulp at this point. The rest of the Knights had by this point also stopped what they were doing in order to watch the King's three favourites getting the dressing down of their lives.

"Did you apologise?" was the next demand out of Arthur's mouth. Once more, the guilt on Gwaine, Percival and Leon's countenances etched themselves deeper. Arthur scoffed. "You will apologise to him – this is not up for discussion. I don't care for whatever reason you did what you did. There is nothing that can excuse your behaviour!"

"Mordred, Bedivere and Caradoc didn't say anything either!" Gwaine protested. "They were there when the Queen accused Merlin-"

"Then they will have to apologise as well. It is as simple as that," Arthur stated.

"Yes, Sire," Mordred answered immediately.

"Yes, my Lord," Bedivere and Caradoc, who had been standing nearby, added, bowing their heads.

Arthur scoffed and shook his head at his men. "I cannot believe that I even have to say this. You have all disappointed me."

The Knights all flinched at hearing this.

"All right, we will do some mace work and then you are off for the rest of the day," the King continued. "Perhaps this will knock some sense into all of you!"

The Knights knew better than to complain. By the end of the session, all of them were sore, bruised, battered and well and truly cowed. Precisely what Arthur was aiming for, in all likelihood. Gwaine, Percival, Leon and Mordred went back to their chambers to have a quick soak, change and find Merlin to offer their apologies. However, when they finally found him – coming out of the house of Tyr the stable hand's old house – they saw he wasn't alone.

Gaius of course was with him, as was a young woman. One they did not recognise, but could see that she and Merlin were extremely familiar with each other, judging how much they were laughing and joking together. Gaius was clearly used to this girl as well because he was fatherly to the pair of them. All four Knights quietly tried to suppress the blooming bud of jealousy that was taking route inside of their stomachs as they approached.

"You are absolutely right, Merlin. Arnulfa's pies are to die for!" the girl gushed.

"Don't tell that to Cook or she will try and chase you with a spoon!" Merlin answered, through chuckles.

"OK, duly noted."

"Merlin!" Gwaine could not help but calling as the four Knights approached. Upon seeing them, Merlin sobered a little, which made a pang of hurt hit Gwaine in the gut but he kept his smile on his face. "I did not know you had a lady friend! Are you going to introduce us? Does the King know?"

"Gwaine!" Leon, Percival and Mordred hissed in unison before smiling awkwardly at the girl, who was regarding them with amusement and interest.

"Does the King know what?"

Arthur, together with Gwen and their guards, had joined the group. Apparently they too had noticed the girl with Merlin and Gaius and had gone to investigate. It was at this point that Merlin looked like he wished that the ground would swallow him whole.

"Nothing, Arthur, Gwaine was just jumping to conclusions," Merlin replied, red in the face. He took a deep breath. "Everyone, this is my cousin Ganieda. The daughter of my mother's younger sister, Narah. Ganieda, these are my … friends. Gwaine, Percival, Leon, Mordred, Arthur and Gwen."

Whilst Mordred was quietly elated at being called Emrys' friend, Gwaine, Percival and Leon bowed to Ganieda. Arthur and Gwen too bowed their heads to her, which made Ganieda positively blanche in shock.

"Errrr, Merlin. Did the King and Queen of Camelot just bow to me?" she stated in shock.

"Yes?" Merlin grinned.

"OK, I was just checking to make sure that I am not seeing things."

Everyone chuckled. Arthur quickly composed himself. "Welcome to Camelot, Ganieda. How long will you be staying, if I may ask?"

"As long as Uncle Gaius doesn't feel like flinging me out of the window," the second secret warlock in Camelot answered candidly, causing Gaius to give her a pointed look. Merlin smirked. Ganieda was never one for deference and that had not changed it seemed!

"I see we have a contender to Merlin's title of Camelot's Most Blunt Person already," Gwen stated, smiling but her eyes dancing with something else.

"For that she would need to challenge you or Arthur to a duel and win, my Lady," Leon pointed out, chuckling.

"Fair point," Arthur agreed, looking disgruntled.

"Yes, I did hear something about that," Ganieda gave Merlin a pointed look, which made the manservant look as innocently as he could manage, to the amusement of his friends. "I always wagered it would be Will who got himself into trouble with Royalty, but no – it ended up being my hot-headed cousin!"

"You are not much better!" Merlin protested immediately. "You were all but ready to march into Cenred's court and demand that he pay Will's family what they were due after Will's father died."

"Yes, for good reason – picking a fight because a prince is being an arrogant, spoilt pig isn't one of them," Ganieda huffed.

Arthur spluttered in indignation, his Queen giggling away. "Hang on! Merlin, what have you been telling her?"

"Too much already for my liking," was Gaius' honest answer.

"Yes, well, you know both Merlin and I run away with our mouths, Uncle," Ganieda pointed out. She repositioned her bags on her shoulders. "Hey, I do not mean to sound utterly pathetic, but can we get a move on so I can just drop these bags?"

"Yes, of course," Gaius stated and bowed to his Sovereign, Merlin following suit. "Sire, my Lady."

 Ganieda dipped a small curtsey before following her family back to the castle. Arthur, Gwen and the Knights could not help but watch them head back, Merlin taking one of his cousin's bags for her as they went.

"So … did any of you know Merlin had a cousin?" Percival asked uncertainly.

"I didn't," Leon deflated.

"I … never really asked about his family. Other than his father," Gwaine admitted. "I always thought that asking about Merlin's family was not really a subject that was meant to be broached."

"He doesn't mind talking about his mother," Arthur informed with a frown. "I didn't even know Merlin had an aunt, let alone a cousin."

"Well, I would say a lesson has been learned," Gwen stated serenely. "We need to take a little bit more of an interest in Merlin's life and actually ask him about it – whether he wants to talk about it or not, is up to him."

"Indeed," the King agreed, flushing a little in embarrassment. He always felt like he knew Merlin the best. Meeting Ganieda, that just proved to Arthur that he knew very little about the man he called his best friend.

The Knights were also quietly ashamed of themselves. As they headed towards the tavern, the four of them promised themselves that they would not only apologise to Merlin, but they would make more of an effort to try and get to know him – and perhaps Ganieda too, since she was clearly important to him.

#######################################################################################################################3#############################################################

"I am sorry about that. It is typical Gwaine – when he sees a pretty woman, he just has to make himself known to her," Merlin huffed as soon as he had closed the door to his tiny room. Ganieda happily threw her bags in a corner and flopped on his bed, feeling the bumpy mattress with a look of sheer delight.

"It's quite all right, Merlin," Ganieda reassured easily. "Your friends – they clearly care about you a lot."

"When it suits them," Merlin couldn't help but grumble.

Ganieda frowned but didn't press him on the matter. She already knew it would not do much good at present. Merlin sat in the chair in front of his tiny desk and regarded her. "Why are you here, cousin? Truly? Because I doubt that you have merely upped and decided to come and see me because you feel like it. It's not how you work."

 Ganieda smiled softly at that and fumbled with the iron ring on her finger that Merlin just noticed. "No," she eventually agreed quietly. "You are right. I do have a motive for coming now."

"What is it? Is it Mother?" Merlin asked urgently.

"No, Aunt Hunith is perfectly all right," Ganieda reassured with a smile. "She gave me a good scolding when I visited so I know she is."

Merlin laughed shortly. "Yeah, you were not going to escape that."

"No," Ganieda agreed. "I practically left without saying goodbye."

"Yeah," Merlin answered coldly. "You did. You didn't even come back after we sent you word about Will."

"Will and I were only friends due to you," Ganieda replied softly. "We did not get on most of the time. I doubt he would have wanted me there at all."

"Ealdor was in danger! Did you not know anything? Did your … powers tell you nothing?" Merlin demanded.

There was a moment of tense silence in the room.

"They did," Ganieda eventually whispered. "But there was nothing I could do, because I had my own supernatural problem to deal with. In Helva."

"Helva?" Merlin repeated, eyes widened. "You have been in Helva all this time?"

"And in Nemeth – I have been all over the place. Except for the Sarrum's lands, for obvious reasons," Ganieda's lips curled into a sneer at this point. "But Helva gave me time and space and freedom to hone my powers without fear of persecution." Ganieda then shot Merlin a pointed look. "Why in the name of everything good and holy did Aunt Hunith get it into her head to send you here? Magic is outlawed! How the hell have you been practising?"

"With some help from Gaius," Merlin responded, looking slightly sheepish.

"You don't say," Ganieda drawled. "Questing Beasts, sieges, immortal sorcerers come back from the dead – just things that I have been hearing that were going on during your time here and things I have been Seeing. How do you still have your head on your shoulders?!"

"I ask myself that question quite a bit," Merlin admitted with a deep sigh. He looked to her. "I could have used your help, cousin."

 Ganieda scoffed. "My magic was never as powerful as yours. I doubt I would have been much help."

"I doubt that," Merlin contradicted easily. "So … what visions have you been having?"

"More threats to Camelot, and to you," Ganieda answered simply. "Ones that I simply could no longer simply allow you to deal with completely alone."

"What kind of threats?" Merlin immediately wanted to know, jumping to his feet. "Will someone try and kill Arthur?"

 Ganieda snorted. "The King of Camelot has more than enough foes. But this particular threat is not directed at him, well not directly anyway."

"Tell me," Merlin demanded.

His cousin gave him a pointed look before obliging. "I saw a sapling – one blessed by Mother Earth with extraordinary powers. As part of a Blood Curse, it was tied to the King of a northern country – the House of the Wolf. The darkness at the heart of that court will use the sapling to turn the King into the beast of his House. A war will be waged lest three wolves and two Chosen put a stop to the darkness's plans."

Merlin's eyes widened. "Three wolves and two Chosen … wait … chosen by the Triple Goddess? You and me?"

"I assumed so," Ganieda confirmed softly. "Which is why I am here. In case the vision comes to pass. I know Uncle Gaius is versed in magic but I doubt his rusty magic will do against whatever threat lurks up north."

"Hey, Gaius' magic has saved me more times than I can count," Merlin bristled a little but he settled down rather quickly. "I … I am glad that you are here, Ganieda. I missed you."

"Missed you too," Ganieda smiled brightly. "Hey, shall we ask those guards if they want some dinner?"

Merlin laughed.

"What? They have to stand there the whole night and they don't get food? It's a bit rude."

The warlock held up his hands in mock surrender. "I am not stopping you, cousin! Go right ahead."

 Ganieda was out of the room in a flash, leaving Merlin to gather this thoughts in relative peace and quiet.

###################################################################################################################################################################################################

Slipping in and out of the castle was much easier for Gwen then some of the previous times that she had to leave in order to meet with Morgana. This particular night was rather silent, save for the hooting of owls and the winds rustling the leaves in the trees above. Morgana was already waiting for her at their meadow, dressed in black and hooded.

"What news do you bring that could not be sent with a raven?" the High Priestess asked curiously as the Queen drew near.

"I could have," Gwen agreed readily. "However, I thought you might want to hear this first-hand."

"Oh?" Morgana cocked her head a little. "And what is that, Gwen?"

"Merlin's cousin has come to Camelot," was the answer that Morgana had not been expecting, judging from her widening eyes.

"His cousin?" Morgana repeated in disbelief. She frowned. "Did you know that Merlin had a cousin, Gwen?"

"No, none. He never mentioned her," Gwen replied. "Come to think of it, neither did Hunith."

"Her?" Morgana pressed.

"Yes. Her name is Ganieda, and she is as impertinent as Merlin is," Gwen chuckled mirthlessly. "Already has Gwaine falling for her, but that is not surprising to anyone."

"Indeed," Morgana agreed with a cold smile. "You did well to bring this to my attention, Gwen. Keep an eye on this Ganieda. We need to see if she is as irritatingly meddlesome as her cousin is. Two of them could pose a problem to us in the future."

Gwen nodded curtly in agreement before raising her own hood again and began making the journey back to her own bed before she attracted anymore suspicion. Morgana was left to ponder what her little puppet had told her. Merlin had a cousin, she was in Camelot and Merlin had never said a word about her existence.

Morgana felt her jaw clench. Yet another lie …

Well, Morgana was not going to allow Merlin nor this Ganieda to interfere in her next scheme. She would bury them both alive before that!

Chapter Text

Ganieda was momentarily surprised to wake up in a bed the following morning until she groggily remembered that Merlin had offered her the use of his room. By this point she had gotten used to sleeping on hard surfaces or on forest floors, or up in trees. It made for a rather pleasant change. Ganieda did squint her eyes as the sunlight hit her face directly, causing her to shield her eyes. Curiosity killing the cat, the young warlock got out of bed and padded over to the chair and desk and carefully used them to boost her up so she could open the window and have a look at the view her cousin enjoyed.

Ganieda hated to admit it, but it was one to die for. She could hear everything from bird song to distant hustle and bustle to horses neighing to guards complaining about their rather erratic schedules ever since the recent attempt on King Arthur's life. It seems that keeping voices down was not really a thing in Camelot.

Out of the corner of her eye, the warlock noticed a raven watching her intently. She smiled goofily at the bird and, following her more juvenile and playful nature, decided to sing an aria to the bird to see how it would react. The corvid was perplexed to say the least but then it recovered and cawed right back at her, attempting to hit the same notes as she did, only failing miserably. Ganieda didn't mind – the raven was trying its best. Ganieda tried again, this time with a bit of a lower tune. Once more, the raven attempted to copy her and actually managed to do it quite well this time.

"Well done, Mr. Raven," Ganieda giggled, clapping.

The corvid squawked indignantly at that, which surprised the warlock quite a bit. Fortunately, Ganieda had spent enough time with animals to know why the bird was upset. "Sorry. Mrs. Raven," she amended.

Ganieda was so preoccupied with the bird that she did not notice the door to the bedroom opening. "Cousin!"

"Daaaaaiiii! Merlin!" Ganieda huffed, jumping five feet into the air, practically out of her skin. "Haven't you learned to knock yet?"

"I usually remember," Merlin reassured with his infuriatingly bright grin.

"Well, please remember with me," Ganieda stated, folding her arms indignantly.

"Been singing to the birds again, cousin?" Merlin continued teasing.

"A raven. I think she wants singing lessons," Ganieda grinned.

"Well, maybe if you have time today you can tell me what the horses want," Merlin joked.

"The same as any horse I wager: give me food, change my bed, brush me and 'for the love of the gods change my shoes'!" Ganieda answered.

Merlin snorted.

Ganieda then frowned. "Why did you burst in here, cousin? Is there a fire?"

"Huh? Oh! No, Gaius has breakfast ready," Merlin's beaming grin was back. "After that, we will dress and you will shadow me for the day. Is that OK?"

"Absolutely!" Ganieda lit up. "Will I meet some of your servant friends as well as your Knight friends? Not that I don't want to see them today; they looked like a really nice bunch of people yesterday. Never thought I would say that about Knights of Camelot!"

"I think you will meet most of my friends today," Merlin reassured lightly as they joined Gaius at the breakfast table. It was pickled herring, cheese and bread for breakfast today as well as an apple each.

"Ah, so Ganieda will join you today," Gaius smiled brightly. "Just be sure to warn her if Arthur is in one of his moods."

"I will," Merlin reassured, shaking his head.

Ganieda's eyes widened a little. "His moods?" she repeated apprehensively.

"He likes to throw things when he gets stroppy," Merlin answered bluntly, looking exceedingly happy to spill the beans. "Mostly his pillows but he will also throw cups and pots and whatnot, so just make sure to dodge."

"Wonderful," Ganieda commented with a hint of sarcasm in her tone. "Does the Queen have any bad habits I should be warned about as well? Other than the fact she has some seriously dark energy around her?"

This made Gaius and Merlin exchange a look, and one that Ganieda more than recognised. After popping some cheese into her mouth, she leant back in her chair. "All right, out with it. What is going on with the Queen of Camelot, and don't you dare lie to me."

There was another look shared between her uncle and cousin before they turned towards her more fully.

"Not too long ago, Gwen was kidnapped by Morgana," Merlin began. "Do you know who Morgana is?"

"Obviously. She was the talk of Helva and everywhere else I went," Ganieda answered bluntly. "Some supported her but others fiercely condemn what she has been doing. Why?"

"Well, Morgana took Gwen to the Dark Tower," Merlin continued and Ganieda's eyes bugged out once more. "There, Morgana … she did something to Gwen. We have no idea what – we don't even know what kind of spell or ritual was used – but whatever it did, it has taken hold of Gwen's mind."

"The Queen is a puppet to one of the last High Priestess left," Ganieda summarised for herself in shock. "And why in the name of everything good and holy are we not taking this information to the King?"

"Because it is our word against hers," Gaius answered gently. "Plus, we have no proof."

"People here only care about proof when it comes to those of high rank," Merlin informed with a slight tone of hurt and bitterness. "Anyone else can be flung into a dungeon and left to rot with no evidence."

"Merlin!" Gaius stated warningly, shooting him a look.

"I am going to dress," Merlin shot to his feet, took his bread and cheese with him and escaped to his room, Ganieda watching him with a look of concern.

She turned back around when her cousin slammed the door. "What was that about?"

Gaius sighed. "Because of Morgana's enchantment, Gwen poisoned the King," Ganieda gaped at this, "and blamed it all on Merlin."

"What?!" the warlock scoffed. "And people actually believed that stupid accusation?"

"Yes," Gaius nodded his head, looking grave. "A limit has been reached with Merlin."

"Surprising no one!" Ganieda commented, shaking her head. "Or at least, it shouldn't."

"Indeed, although it has to be said that the Knights are … not always aware of how Merlin is actually feeling, or even take it into account at the time," Gaius confessed. "They do care for him, a great deal. That isn't in doubt but they are-"

"-as thick as three piles of planks when it comes to empathy?" Ganieda finished bluntly.

Gaius gave her a pointed look but, crucially, did not argue that point. It was at this point Merlin returned fully dressed. Ganieda was secretly rather thankful that she had been given a moment to ponder some things for herself as she changed out of her nightwear into one of her work dresses. It wasn't anything too special, after all she did make it herself and her sewing skills were not that good, but it would do. Merlin had even left a neck scarf out for her, which made Ganieda grin. Back in Ealdor, she and Merlin were well-known for wearing them; it had become their unofficial family moniker.

"OK, first order of business for the day: get breakfast to King Prat before he wakes up too cranky," Merlin stated as the pair left the physician's quarters.

"And starts throwing things," Ganieda added.

"Exactly. Morning Sir Escanor, Sir Gaheris!" Merlin stated brightly as they passed the two guards standing guard by the entrance.

"Good morning, Merlin," both guards answered, both smiling softly as they did so.

Ganieda regarded her cousin with a look of amusement as they walked across the square, earning nods of greeting from passing patrols and 'good mornings' from other servants. "Do you know all the guards by their names?" she could not help but ask.

"A few. Mostly the ones who are stationed outside the quarters on a regular basis," Merlin grinned. "Escanor and Gaheris are there most often."

"I see," Ganieda grinned.

"Why that tone?" Merlin inquired with a slight nervous chuckle.

"No reason! I just … find it funny that you put so much effort into knowing the guards who stand outside the physician quarters," Ganieda answered simply. "It doesn't surprise me, because it is who you are, but I still find it funny."

"And I find it funny that you sing to plants and animals – now we are even," Merlin could not help but quip.

Ganieda mock-scowled at him but didn't argue. Her cousin was soon distracted by another boy dressed in a very similar style to Merlin and a serving girl with her blonde hair up and wearing a pretty blue dress. "George, Ettare! Wait for us!" Merlin called as he and Ganieda hurried to catch up to them.

George and Ettare slowed their pace. While Ettare greeted Merlin with a bright smile, George maintained a neutral expression, though Ganieda saw a sliver of a smile on his lips.

"Good morning, Merlin!" Ettare greeted brightly. She turned her attention onto Ganieda. "So this must be the cousin I have been hearing about?"

"Ganieda," the warlock gave a small bow of the head. "Pleasure to meet you."

"I am Ettare, and this is George," the girl introduced, pointing to herself and the boy, who bowed his head curtly to Gadiena in greeting. "So, you will be joining Merlin in his duties while you are here?"

"For today. We will see if Uncle Gaius needs me tomorrow," Ganieda replied as the group set off.

"Well, if he doesn't I may ask to borrow you. How well do you sew?" Ettare wanted to know.

Ganieda flushed. "Not very well…"

Merlin scoffed. "No, that is not true. You were responsible for making my clothes, Mother's clothes and your own!"

Ettare lit up. Ganieda huffed. "I swear every time I pick up a piece of cloth, I prick my fingers; I am not a seamstress! Needles hate me."

"I'll only bring one or two garments," Ettare bargained. "Please? Pretty please?"

Ganieda grumbled internally as began to cave under the maidservant's attempt at a puppy dog face. "Urgh. Fine! One or two I can survive."

"Thank you!" Ettare exclaimed in elation, looking set to hug Ganieda in relief.

"Ettare, compose yourself," George stated as he noted them receiving looks from servants, guards and nobles alike. "You are attracting attention."

"Pffft, lighten up, George," Ettare replied dismissively. "We're friends with Merlin; we should be used to odd looks now and again!"

"Hey!" Merlin snorted.

Ganieda chuckled at his expense. "I take it that my cousin has made quite the impression at Camelot then?"

"Oh my dear, you don't know that half of it!" George actually exclaimed dramatically. "We shall start with the fact that your cousin thinks it is appropriate to feed the King a muffin and nothing else as breakfast and has to be instructed to give His Highness a proper breakfast!"

"He was gaining too much weight!" came Merlin's swift defence. "The diet has been working."

"Shouldn't you have given him at least an apple to go with his muffin?" Gadiena asked, eyes dancing with amusement.

"I suppose I could have but most of the time it didn't even cross my mind," Merlin readily admitted with a grin.

George and Ettare shook their heads at him; though George was giving a pointed look, Ganieda could also see fondness on the stoic servant's face. Ettare was so obvious that Ganieda barely paid it too much mind.

The fondness for her cousin wasn't just something shared between these two particular servants. It was a sentiment also shared by the kitchen staff, including the stern and militant Cook. Everyone's faces brightened when they saw Merlin and happily gave him – and Ganieda – a morning greeting.

"Who are you then? I don't recognise you," Cook had stated rather bluntly as Ganieda helped Merlin make the Royal breakfast tray.

"This is Ganieda," Merlin introduced with a smile. "She-"

"-is Merlin's cousin!" piped up one servant.

"-is staying for a bit in Camelot!" added another.

"-might have to kick Sir Gwaine in the shins to stop him flirting with her!" was another rather blunt answer.

Ganieda had flushed bright red. She really had not been expected to be the talk of the entire city, let alone the palace!

Cook gave her a once over before narrowing her eyes a little. "Yes, I thought I heard something like that. Ever cooked before?" she asked curiously. "We may have a banquet coming up soon and I could use an extra pair of hands if that happens."

Ganieda flushed. "Yes, I can cook. Had to, given I grew up in a small village with my aunt and Merlin."

Cook nodded approvingly. "Good to know! Welcome to Camelot."

"Thank you, ma'am," Ganieda replied politely as she followed Merlin out of the kitchen.

Cook barked a laugh. "Ma'am! Now that is more like it. I like her already!"

The two warlocks hurried through the corridors towards the Royal quarters. Ganieda had not the foggiest idea where she was going – she was following Merlin on blind faith – and was astounded that her cousin even knew which paths to take. The place was labyrinthine to the girl who had spent most of her time in small houses or in the woods. She would have laughed at the guards dodging out of their way had she not been focused on making sure that she was keeping up with Merlin.

Ganieda knew she would not live it down if she was late with the Queen's breakfast!

"OK, after we have the King fed, I will pick his clothes. I am sure Ettare would appreciate it if you picked an outfit for the Queen already – Ettare never knows what to pick because all Gwen's dresses are so stunning. Then we need to clean His Royal Pratness' rooms-"

"I can hear you, Merlin! You're not being very subtle!" came the disgruntled, slightly woozy call from inside the room.

"-after that we polish his armour. We may have to join him for a training session-"

"Yes, you do!" came the firm confirmation from the King as Merlin opened the door with an amused grin. "Gaius and his errands be damned! You are not missing a second day, especially when we have new Knights to test."

"New Knights?" Ganieda repeated and immediately grimaced to herself when she noted that she spoke out of turn.

However neither the King nor the Queen reprimanded her for it; the King simply answered her. "Indeed. Some good ones, if I do say so myself. They will be put through the final test to see if they are ready to take the oath," the King grinned. He lit up as Merlin and Ganieda put the breakfast trays down. "Ah! No mere muffin again! Wonderful! Is this your doing, Ganieda?"

"I think it was more to do with the fact Cook was watching him," Ganieda confessed with a grin.

"Yes, that would do it," the Queen giggled. "No one wants to test Cook's temper."

Merlin and Ganieda set to work preparing the Royal outfits for the day. Ganieda quietly could understand why Ettare had such a hassle picking a good dress for the Queen: there were many of them, all as stunning as the last, and would suit Her Highness very well. Ganieda eventually settled for the deep red velvet one.

"Ganieda, why don't you tell us a little bit about yourself?" was not the statement she had been expecting from the King.

It took her aback so Ganieda spent a moment processing that the King of Camelot was showing an interest in a mere peasant girl. "Erm … I do not know what you would like to know. I am just … me."

"Anything will do," the Queen answered with a sweet smile.

"Well, OK. I grew up with my Aunt Hunith and Merlin in Ealdor. My mother lived elsewhere in Cenred's kingdom but she gave birth to me under Aunt Hunith's roof – when my mother died giving me life, Aunt Hunith raised me as her own," Ganieda pursed her lips for a moment. "I like to sing. I love music. I love animals and nature. I can cook a little – don't ever ask me to sew unless you want to hear me swear for a good few hours. I … am rather ordinary."

"I am sorry about your mother," the King stated sincerely, sympathy in his eyes and voice. He then perked up a little. "How are your skills with a sword? I noticed you had one yesterday."

"I am decent, but I am sure your Knights would put me on behind quite quickly, Sire," Ganieda answered honestly.

"Well, I for one would love to see how well you do against a few of them," the King informed with a bright grin. "Merlin isn't half bad with a sword when he isn't hiding behind a tree on the battlefield."

Merlin rolled his eyes at that statement while Guinevere giggled. Ganieda had honestly no idea how to react; it was probably a good thing that Merlin dragged her along to move onto the next task for the day. Which meant getting buckets of water and some cloths.

"I see what Aunt Hunith said about him liking you," Ganieda found herself bluntly stating. "Your relationship with the King is definitely not a normal one."

"You can definitely say that again," Merlin chuckled.

"He cares about you," Ganieda continued, regarding her cousin closely. "I don't think he would have wanted to know anything about me if I were not your family."

"Arthur cares for all his people," Merlin tried to dismiss.

"You most of all," Ganieda wasn't fooled.

"He wouldn't if he … knew," Merlin sighed.

Ganieda scoffed. "You don't know that!"

Merlin looked set to answer when there came a call from behind them. "Ah! Would you look at that? Just my lucky day! I run into Merlin and who I wager is the girl everyone has been talking about."

As if Ganieda still had the ability to be surprised, a different Knight of Camelot suddenly walked in step with the pair of them. He was handsome, quite a bit older than herself and Merlin, with blonde hair and eyes that held a sadness in them that was unmistakeable. Lines and scars marred his face but didn't make him an eyesore.

"Hello, Tristan," Merlin greeted with a bright smile. "Ganieda, this is Sir Tristan. He is a former smuggler turned Knight who helped us retake Camelot from Morgana during one of her attempts to take the throne. Tristan, this is my cousin, as you might have heard."

"I have. Gwaine likes to talk," Tristan stated with a sigh. He then smirked a little. "Will you be going to training today or will you be doing another physician's errand?"

"We are joining the training," Ganieda answered. "King's orders."

"Pity. I would have offered the pair of you to come with me to Isolde's grave. I am taking some time off to visit her," the Knight stated.

"So you will not be attending the final test for the new Knights?" Merlin guessed with a wry smile.

"Watching the King and some of the Knights of the Round Table knocking a couple of young bucks about who have no idea what life is actually like is not high on my priority list," Sir Tristan answered bluntly. "Don't worry. The King knows I won't be attending."

Ganieda regarded him with silent fascination.

"Will you be back in time for dinner?" Merlin wanted to know. "Offer to join Gaius, Ganieda and me still stands, you know."

"I think I might take you up on that," the Knight smiled wryly. "Thank you, Merlin."

The Knight splintered from them when two other Knights called him over. Ganieda could not help but chuckle to herself in disbelief. "How does a smuggler become a bloody Knight of Camelot?" she voiced out loud.

"Through learning that not all nobles think that their servants are dispensable and that some actually have earned the loyalty of their people," Merlin answered with a nostalgic smile, which turned sad quite quickly. "It came at a cost though. His beloved, Isolde, lost her life saving Arthur from being cut down by Helios, Morgana's lieutenant. You would have liked her, I think. She was a tough nut."

Ganieda watched Tristan's retreating figure before following Merlin down towards the well in the citadel square.

#################################################################################################################################################################3##################################

Merlin had been more than a little relieved that he and Ganieda had finished cleaning King Prat's chambers in record time between them, and without the use of any magic! It meant that they had more than enough time to polish Arthur's armour and then prepare the training ground for the Knights' final test. Merlin hoped that Arthur had not put these Knights through the same set of tests as he had done with Lancelot. True, Arthur had been suspicious of Lancelot being a nobleman but that was beside the point.

The two warlocks soon found themselves humming the same tune in their heads, which soon spiralled into singing.

# There once was a Wolf and a Raven,
They say one was never without the other,
Though preferring the shadows, they were not craven,
Indeed, they mostly went unnoticed, ignored.

When bored, they would talk,
"How long do you think it has been, Raven?"
"Long enough for the rivers to change course and the forest to disappear."
"Do you think they have forgotten us yet?"
"They have for now. Until the time comes when they suddenly remember."

Wolf and Raven,
Never one without the other,
Though most try to forget, they are soon reminded,
Wolf and Raven,
Never one without the other

"They always try to run."
"Let them, Raven – it gives us all the more fun!"

#

Wrapped in their song and their work, the two cousins didn't notice that people had entered the armoury. They were only knocked back down to Earth by the sound of clapping; Merlin and Ganieda's heads shot up in unison to see three Knights – well, they assumed since they were dressed in chain mail – who were observing them with fascination. Well, they assumed at least with two of them; the third, who was the youngest, had been the one to clap with a wolfish grin on his face.

The Knight on the left looked a little older than Merlin and Ganieda. He had dark blonde hair and some startlingly dark eyes that made both warlocks feel a little uneasy. The middle Knight was perhaps around their age, had blonde hair and blue eyes that appeared grey in certain light and green in others. Ganieda audibly gulped at this, but it was the third Knight who really put her and Merlin into fight-or-flight mode. The Knight was perhaps their age or a little younger but he was by no means docile looking – those piercing blue eyes danced with a ruthlessness that Merlin had seen in the eyes of Sauthrons.

Instinctively, Merlin and Ganieda sensed that these three Knights had something off about them.

Cousin, who are they? Ganieda telepathically asked urgently.

Not a clue, came the answer Merlin did not want to give.

"I have never heard servants singing before," the third Knight commented in a musical lilt that sent a chill up the spine of the warlocks. "You must really like polishing!"

Neither Merlin nor Ganieda made any effort to answer him. Their apprehension was clearly noted by the other two Knights because the one on the left gave his compatriot a stern look. "Melion, behave yourself."

"Oh, I am sorry, are you used to hearing your servants sing, Marrok?" the Knight, Melion, quipped with a smirk.

"Well, I have never heard that song before," the middle Knight stated calmly and he turned to the two warlocks with a kind smile. "Is that a Camelot classic?"

"No, it is a family song," Merlin was the one who was brave enough to answer as he and Ganieda exchanged a quick look. "It was a song we sang regularly as children. My mother taught it to us."

"Was she a former bard?" Melion asked with interest – at least, it seemed – as he cocked his head to one side.

"No," Merlin answered simply.

"Well it is certainly unique, and the pair of you do have good voices. Are you the King's bards?" Marrok inquired curiously.

For whatever reason, that made Ganieda inadvertently snort with laughter but she quickly composed herself and pretended to cough. Merlin also had to bite the inside of his cheek. Did these Knights genuinely have no idea who he was, and who she was?

The answer was yes, because all three started frowning. Well, Marrok and middle Knight frowned – Melion scowled at them.

"What's so funny?" Melion demanded, eyes flashing dangerously.

"We are not the King's bards," Ganieda plucked up the courage to answer.

"No? What are you then?" the middle Knight wanted to know.

The answer came in the form of Arthur Pendragon himself. "Merlin!" came the echo of the King's shouting.

Merlin couldn't help but grin widely. "That's me, Merlin! I am the King's manservant, and this is Ganieda. My cousin," he gestured to her with his head. "She is staying with me for a while."

The offense and the hostility in the three Knights dampened a little as they physically relaxed.

"Have to make sure he doesn't get too many jugs thrown at him or becomes more doo-lally than he already is," Ganieda had found her courage.

"Jugs thrown at him?" Marrok repeated with a tone of amusement.

"He likes to use me as target practise when he is angry," Merlin clarified.

"MEEEEERRRLLLIIIIIIN!"

"Like now," Ganieda stated with a sigh.

"Indeed," Merlin agreed also with a deep sigh.

Marrok, Melion and their compatriot all blinked in shock while the two warlocks got to their feet and gathered the Royal armour together.

"We must be late with the armour. The King is holding the final exam for some new Knights," Ganieda stated as she strained a little with the pieces of armour she had been working on.

"Oh, really?" the unknown Knight's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Well, we had best not keep you then. Good luck!"

"Hope you don't get too much thrown at you!" Melion added as they left.

Merlin and Ganieda shot him a quick smile before making their escape. As soon as they were out of earshot of the armoury, both warlocks let out a huge sigh of relief.

"Those three are terrifying," Ganieda stated bluntly.

"You sensed it too?" Merlin exhaled sharply. "I thought it was just me!"

"Are you kidding? They stink of magic and problems," Ganieda shook her head. "There is something off about them."

"Agreed," Merlin pursed his lips. "I say we keep an eye on them."

"I thought that was already a given."

Chapter Text

"Well, one thing is for certain: that was actually an interesting introduction …"

"You sensed it too?"

"Biclarel, the stench of secrets was there along with the apprehension," Melion rolled his eyes as the trio continued to watch the training grounds continued to fill with Knights of Camelot and Knights of the Round Table, all chatting and enjoying the midday sun. The three Knights were quietly preparing for their test while at the same time keeping an eye open for the two strange young servants.

Merlin and Ganieda.

Neither Melion, Marrok or Biclarel could easily remember the names of any of their own servants, or even their faces, most of the time but those two had immediately caught their attention. It was not just the unusual song – one that sounded so eerie and yet so jaunty at the same time – but it was also the borderline impertinence as well as the sense that they got from the pair. The cousins were not ordinary. The question was: were they stuck with the same kind of … problem as Melion, Marrok and Biclarel were, or was it an entirely different secret?

"I think we should worry about our own, instead of theirs," Marrok stated crisply. "Unless you both wish to be skinned."

Melion scoffed. "My father and grandfather fooled King Uther their entire lives. Fooling the new one will be just as easy."

"Careful, Melion," Biclarel warned with a pointed look. "Letting one's pride blind one can lead straight to the gallows or the chopping block."

"If you're lucky," Marrok added with a small growl.

"Everything in order?"

The three Knights sharply looked to one of the youngest Knights of the Round Table – Sir Mordred, they heard him being called – who had come over to them, smiling a soft, friendly smile. Melion gave him an assessing look while Marrok and Biclarel returned the smile.

"Yes, thank you. Everything is in order on our end," Biclarel reassured. His brow furrowed a little. "Just wondering when the King will arrive."

"It should not be too long now," Sir Mordred replied, looking over his shoulder at the entrance to the training grounds.

"How did you find the test, if I may ask?" Melion questioned, hoping to get an idea of what they were very likely to face.

Sir Mordred flush a little. "I … well … I didn't have to face this test," he admitted whilst kicking the ground a little.

"What? Why?" Melion demanded with a scowl.

"Melion, tone," Marrok chided.

"Because I saved the King's life," the young Knight confessed with a short, slightly mirthless laugh.

"How?" Melion pressed further. "On the battlefield?"

"No, I … stabbed Morgana in the back when she was about to kill him."

Mordred flushed even more in embarrassment as these three noble Knights gaped at him in awe and shock. It was for once fortuitous that they were quickly joined by the resident blabbermouth Gwaine. "What has happened? Wait, don't tell me. Has Mordred finally found a lady friend?"

"Gwaine!" Mordred hissed, now positively strawberry red in the face.

Gwaine, of course, ignored his friend and turned to the three young nobles with a grin. "We keep attempting to get Sir Mordred's head turned by any young damsel but so far we have not gotten a hit! I am Sir Gwaine, by the way," he held out his hand.

Marrok was the first to take it. "My name's Marrok, son of Meliant. My friends are Biclarel, son of Lucan and Melion, heir to the House of Tanas," he introduced as Biclarel and Melion too shook the Knight's hand.

"Ah! The new ones!" Gwaine lit up. "I thought I didn't recognise you – apparently for good reason."

"Worried that you were still hung over?" Mordred quipped easily.

"Oh, very funny!" Gwaine huffed. He then took a closer look at the coats of arms that the three men wore. "Hey! You all have wolves on your arms! Even a three headed one," he gestured to Melion's coat of arms. "That is unique."

"The wolf is important to our families," Biclarel answered civilly whilst Marrok and Melion shifted a little. Melion had been the one to take up kicking the ground with his heel.

"You don't say," Gwaine grinned. "Do you know, before he died, my father's personal coat of arms was a two headed eagle. I have no idea why he picked that – my mother never told me either – but it was something I always remember seeing around the house I grew up in."

"How did your father die?" Melion asked.

"Melion," Biclarel sighed.

"What? You are just as curious," Melion huffed.

Gwaine smiled sadly. "He was killed, fighting for King Caerleon's army when I was seven."

Marrok and Biclarel shot Melion a cold look, causing their friend to turn a little sheepish and contrite. At this precise moment that all the Knights stood to attention as the King, followed by Merlin and Ganieda, arrived at the training grounds. Marrok, Biclarel and Melion sobered and each took a deep breath.

"We all know why we are here: to test and welcome three potential new brothers-in-arms to our ranks!" King Arthur stated proudly. "For those of you who have not been introduced, they are Marrok, son of Meliant; Biclarel, son of Lucan; and Melion of House Tanas."

The three bowed their heads and murmurs of greeting rippled around the Knights. The King turned to address them. "All three of you will face two of my Knights and then myself. At the end, I will decide whether you are fit to join the ranks of the Knights of Camelot. Understood?"

"Yes, Sire," the three of them chorused obediently.

"Good! Prepare yourselves – Merlin, Ganieda, check if they have everything they need," the King ordered, though barely noticed that his manservant and the new comer were one step ahead of him and had gone over to the three nobles the moment 'prepare yourselves' had left the King's mouth.

As Merlin and Ganieda approached, Melion could not help but grin. "Not much opportunity to sing this time, I'm afraid, you two!" he could not help teasing.

"There never is here," Merlin answered with a small smile as he and his cousin went about checking their armour, chainmail and whether the swords had been sharpened properly. "Arthur likes to keep everyone on their toes."

"You can say that again!" Gwaine agreed with a laugh.

"Should you really be calling the King by his given name?" Biclarel questioned, a slight tension to his tone. Marrok and Melion had also tensed up visibly.

"Camelot has a lot of things that are done differently to most kingdoms," Mordred stated coolly but civilly. "Including a King who enjoys it when his servants are a little bit more informal than what he is used to."

"And Knights who do consider some servants their friends," Gwaine added, giving Biclarel a pointed look that was very quickly turning slightly hostile. Sensing the danger, Mordred steered his friend away and marched him back to a blonde Knight and a Knight with some very impressive muscles.

Ganieda quickly followed them, leaving Merlin with the three nobles. Marrok frowned when he noticed a lot of tension suddenly alleviate from the young servant. "We are not offended," he tried to reassure. "Nor, at least I think, did Biclarel mean to offend anyone. We are just … surprised."

Merlin chuckled. "You didn't offend – none of you did."

"Then why do you look like you're afraid that we're about to hit you?" Melion inquired bluntly, folding his arms.

"It isn't you," the young man reassured with a soft smile. "Let's just say that I am a little … angry with my friends for something that happened a couple of days ago."

"What happened?" Biclarel wanted to know, brow furrowing as the three of them looked towards the group of Knights of the Round Table, who were eyeing them with a look of irritation and – shockingly enough – envy. Ganieda quickly distracted the giant of a Knight, Gwaine, the blonde one and Mordred with asking whether or not their swords had already been sharpened.

Merlin considered for a moment or two, and then shook his head. "It's stupid. Don't worry about it. Just focus on throwing the Royal dollophead into the mud."

Marrok, Biclarel and Melion were once again left blinking in shock and almost gaping at the natural, flippant impertinence exhibited by Merlin, but they recovered rather quickly. It was just something they needed to get used to, they realised.

"Marrok, son of Meliant, you are first!" the King stated clearly.

"Good luck," Merlin shot the noble a kind smile.

"Thank you," Marrok found himself saying before he stepped onto the field, opposite the blonde knight who had been amongst the group of Gwaine and Mordred's friends.

"So, he is up against Leon," Merlin muttered out loud. "This should be interesting."

"Why is that?" Melion could not resist asking.

"Leon has an orthodox fighting style; it's effective but also makes him predictable. Take him by surprise, and you do have an advantage," Merlin explained. "I don't really blame Leon for it though. He is one of Arthur's most long-standing knights, personally trained by him. Things are bound to rub off."

"You know what you're talking about," Melion smirked a little.

"I have seen them train and see them on the battlefield. I would be as useless as most people think I am if I didn't notice," Merlin informed bluntly with a small smile of his own.

Biclarel frowned. "Who thinks that you're useless?" he wanted to know.

Merlin chuckled softly. "Sorry. Ignore that. It's just me being … well, guess I am still a little bitter. Oooo Marrok got a good hit in there! Leon was almost knocked off his feet!"

Melion and Biclarel decided to oblige the servant and allow him to change the subject.

"Marrok is one of the best," Melion agreed proudly. "Our families are all close and Marrok wiped the floor with all of his combat masters, and all of ours as well! He has taught us so much."

"He is fast too," Biclarel continued. "Always been kind of jealous of how he makes chainmail seem so weightless. He moves like it doesn't weigh you down."

"Well, it explains why Leon is barely blinking right now," Merlin chuckled, eyes on Marrok and Leon, who were both circling each other like lions who were fighting for pride and territory. "He could definitely learn a thing or two from Marrok in training – they all could."

"You want us to succeed?" Melion could not keep the surprise from his tone.

"We haven't had new Knights in quite a long while. Arthur might be less judgemental than his father but he still has some very high standards," Merlin responded. "We need some new blood or things will become stale. Besides," he grinned sunnily, "my friends could do with some healthy competition."

Both nobles involuntarily snorted. They had to compose themselves when Marrok had knocked Leon to the ground with his shield, sending the Knight of the Round Table into the mud. Merlin too had to bite into his cheek but quickly allowed himself to chuckle.

################################################################################################################################################################################################

"Bedivere is next?! The King might as well hand that noble the win right now!" Gwaine huffed indignantly, folding his arms. "Arthur should have let me at him. Actually give him some proper competition!"

Percival hummed shortly in agreement while Mordred looked like he was trying to supress an eyeroll. Ganieda shot the Knight a pointed look. "Don't be such a child. Just because Merlin is trying to make them feel welcome and included – it really isn't a good reason to act like jilted lover!"

Gwaine spluttered while Percival and Mordred started splitting their sides laughing. Eavesdropping Knights also started chuckling at that. "I am not acting like a jilted lover!" Gwaine protested indignantly.

"Oh please! You were worse than wolves during mating season," Ganieda responded, shaking her head at him. "I don't know why this should be spelled out for you, but all you have to do to make it up to my cousin, is to actually apologise and mean it! Spend some time with him when you can. He told me you were one of the first friends he ever made in a Camelot outsider since Lancelot!"

Gwaine flushed with embarrassment. "Yeah," he agreed quietly.

"He told me that you hated nobles, precisely for how your King used to treat your family," Ganieda continued. "And look at you now – you are acting just like him!"

Percival and Mordred stiffened a little. Gwaine's jaw clenched at hearing that. "Watch yourself, girl," he growled in a warning tone.

"Why? Don't like it when the wool is taken from your eyes?" Ganieda did not back down. "You didn't defend your friend when you knew he would never do anything to hurt the King. He threw him in the dungeons and never looked back. Never came to check on him." She scoffed. "I wonder, would you actually have stood by and let him get executed, or would you have tried to save him from the axe?"

Gwaine looked like he had been punched in the gut at this point. Mordred had visibly wilted too, as did Percival. Ganieda shook her head at the three of them. "Did you know that Merlin invites another Knight to dinner with him and Uncle Gaius? Tristan, I think his name is." The name made all three look up quite sharply; they clearly knew him. "If you actually are serious about making it up to Merlin, I suggest you three try coming to dinner. Just tell him you're interested in joining him for an evening – something! Merlin is not going to make it easy on you, and frankly I support him in that."

"We … didn't think he would want us to disturb him during the evenings," Mordred flushed. "Especially me. He … doesn't really like me."

"Which I still think is nonsense," Gwaine insisted.

"I will work my magic on him – oh wait, magic is illegal here!" Ganieda joked, causing all three Knights to snort a little. "In any case, I will talk to him about what it is. From what I can tell, and I admit I haven't been here long enough to make a proper analysis, but you seem nice enough to me."

Mordred looked pretty pleased at that, flushing a little.

"May I ask you something?" Percival asked.

"Fire away," Ganieda answered as Leon joined them, looking extremely disgruntled.

"Mordred and I heard Merlin hum a song not too long ago," Percival began. "One I certainly have never heard of before and I was wondering if you know what it could be."

Ganieda grinned. "Well, in all likelihood it is our favourite family song," she answered. "It's called The Wolf and The Raven. It's a song about the Familiars of Death."

"Really?" Mordred's eyes widened in surprise. "But it sounded so happy …"

"Yes," Ganieda agreed. "Because there comes a moment when their arrival is a happy one."

No one had a good answer to that. Clashing of swords drew their eyes back onto Marrok's test; they had missed the potential Knight's fight with Bedivere and they were now watching him take on Arthur. The King and Marrok exchanged many even blows, countering each other to perfection.

"What do you make of them? The new ones?" Leon inquired.

Ganieda smiled softly. "I don't think I make anything of them yet. Marrok is a graceful fighter, Biclarel – I think – is quite soft spoken and Melion, well he has a youthful pride. More than that I really can't say, given our brief acquaintance."

Leon nodded along to what she was saying.

"You seem to know your way around armour," Mordred could not help but point out. "You knew exactly what to look for with those three."

"I picked up many odd jobs on my travels in order to earn some money. I mostly disguised myself as a man in order to protect myself," Ganieda replied truthfully. "One of them was with a blacksmith in one of the towns I stayed in. I picked up the basics quite quickly because I had quite the harsh taskmaster in my boss."

"And your ring?" Gwaine noted the piece. "Did you make it yourself? It's quite good!"

Ganieda flushed a little as she fiddled with the iron ring on her finger. "Thank you, but your compliments are wasted on me. I didn't make this ring – another blacksmith did. This ring was my mother's wedding ring; it's one of the only things I have left of her."

"Oh. I am so sorry," Gwaine deflated a little. His friends shook their heads at him derisively.

"You couldn't have known," Ganieda gave him a soft smile.

"What about your father? Is he also …" Gwaine simply could not help himself.

"My father is a mystery to me," Ganieda sighed. "From what I know from Aunt Hunith, Mother refused to divulge who it was. I don't know anything about him, so for all I know he is dead. But he could also be alive."

"Sounds indeed like a mystery," Leon agreed. "Have you tried finding him yourself?"

Ganieda snorted. "I know not to bother. The only thing I am certain of, is that my father does not wish to be found or known by me."

"But how do you know?" Percival frowned.

"Merlin is prone to funny feelings, right? Well, so am I," Ganieda chuckled. She then laughed out loud. "Oh gods! Did you see that?! Marrok perfectly countered that highland attack!"

The Knights didn't say anything but chuckled at Ganieda's enthusiasm.

"Did you ever get to meet your uncle before he died? Merlin's father, I mean," Gwaine wanted to know.

"Unfortunately not," Ganieda sighed. "I only got a letter from Uncle Gaius about what happened and who he was … I would have liked to have met him at least once, though. Merlin always wanted to meet his father because the village children always said horrible things to him about not having a father and being born out-of-wedlock … demon's child, they called him."

"What?" Leon voiced the indignation but the faces of the Knights all quickly turned thunderous.

"Yes," Ganieda confirmed with a dark tone. "They said that an incubus slept with his mother because she was "easy" to take. They only stopped when I whacked each and every one of them with my stick. Will helped me a bunch of times, but I did most of the whacking."

"That's just disgusting – not your behaviour, but theirs," Percival stated, shaking his head.

"Welcome to living in a backwater with judgemental people all around you," Ganieda laughed mirthlessly. "I got something similar, but less than Merlin because I was seen as genuinely useful to the village, given my healing skills. Merlin and Will loved to cause mischief so …" The warlock lit up. "Now, enough about me for now. Time for all of you to tell me something about yourselves. Gwaine, since you like to talk, you first!"

Gwaine brightened. "What would you like to know?"

"Anything: where you have been, how you met my cousin and the King, how you failed to flirt with the Queen-"

"She wasn't the Queen then!" Gwaine paled as his friends laughed at his expense.

"Details, details," Ganieda teased. "Come on, start spilling!"

"Well, I don't know what Merlin has or hasn't told you, but it all started with a tavern fight," Gwaine grinned.

#############################################################################################################################################################################################

Merlin was on one hand a little miffed that Ganieda preferred to engage some of his friends in conversation rather than helping him in keeping an eye on the newcomers, as she had agreed to do, but on the other hand, was rather relieved that his cousin was making an effort to get to know them and that they were welcoming to her. Arthur had refused to allow Ganieda help him with his armour, since she was not officially a servant, but still allowed her to come to the test and help out. The Knights were cordial and respectful; Gwaine was at least keeping his hands to himself and not flirting with Ganieda.

Merlin already felt like giving Gwaine a good whack around the head; he didn't fancy the feeling turning to wanting to deck his friend, no matter how angry or not Merlin was with him.

As for Marrok, Biclarel and Melion, despite being nobles, Merlin found that they didn't strut about like Bedivere, Caradoc or some of the other Knights tended to, especially if they had noble blood in their veins. As for their fighting styles, the warlock could readily admit that they had more than enough talent. Marrok was not only lethal, but he was graceful – it was odd to even try to describe a Knight like that but Merlin found the adjective rather fitting. Each move he made was methodical, well thought out, and it was perfect counter to his opponent almost every single time.

Merlin was not surprised Marrok could best Arthur at all, and the King had not even been all that annoyed at losing, for once. In fact the King had beamed at his opponent. "You really must show me how to pull of some of those moves you do! Splendid display! Oh yes, you are ready, all right."

"Thank you, Sire," Marrok had grinned as he bowed and then reassumed his place with his friends and Merlin.

"Well done," Merlin had stated almost immediately.

Marrok had nodded to him before turning his attention to Biclarel, who was called up next. With Biclarel, Merlin noted that the style of fighting was not as graceful as Marrok's but he was extremely quick on his feet. Biclarel combined speed with an orthodox fighting style, which against Percival and Kay, was very handy indeed. Against Arthur, Biclarel was evenly matched and relied on finding the weak points in his opponent's moves. Merlin could not help but be fascinated. The noble was like a scout on a reconnaissance mission while not yielding to Arthur at all. Eventually Biclarel found the weakness and the opening, and managed to disarm Arthur swiftly and elegantly.

Arthur had chuckled. "I heard from my father about how Lucan could fight. It seems you have inherited his talents, Biclarel."

"That is very kind, my Lord," Biclarel answered with a bowed head.

Melion, undoubtedly, had the more aggressive style of the three of them. Not for a single moment did the young Knight give a quarter to his opponents, which in this case were Mordred and Sir Geraint. Mordred's own skill and aggressive fighting style was a good match for the noble but Geraint found himself quickly overwhelmed by Melion. Arthur, though, had no issues keeping up with Melion, even dodging certain attacks with ease that were less coordinated than others.

Melion's duel with the King ended in a draw, much to the annoyance of the former. Merlin noted that Marrok and Biclarel visibly deflated with relief, which made his brow furrow. The King, though, chuckled. "You actually got me to put some effort in. If we hone your attacks even more, you could be a force to be reckoned with."

"Yes, Sire," Melion responded obediently, although he did look slightly irritated.

"Well, good news is I have more than enough of an idea of your strengths, talents and also your weaknesses. I personally think all three of you would make fine additions to our ranks so – congratulations! The Knighting Ceremony will be this evening," Arthur stopped as applause and whooping ensued amongst the Knights. He then turned to his trusted friend. "Merlin, would you come here a moment?"

Though confused, Merlin obeyed, wondering what Arthur could want to discuss with him. "My Lord?"

"Have Gwaine and the others apologised to you yet?" was the first question out of the King's mouth.

Merlin blinked in surprise for a moment before shaking his head.

"Right," Arthur did not look too happy. He then gestured with his head to his three new Knights. "What do you make of our new brothers-in-arms?"

Merlin looked back at the three new Knights, who were bantering with some of the other Knights. "I am not sure yet. They are all three skilled fighters, and they are nice enough," he answered truthfully. "If I have to be honest, Melion seems to be a bit of a prideful hothead, but I know one or two of those."

Arthur rolled his eyes at this and gave Merlin a playful whack around the head for that comment.

"You don't think I am rushing into my decision?"

"No, Sire."

"Good," Arthur sighed in relief. He then grinned. "I suppose I should dismiss you and Ganieda for now. You do have other chores to do before the Knighting Ceremony."

Merlin smirked a little before pretending to look confused. "Do we? No, I don't think we do, unless Ganieda gets saddled with some sewing work from Ettare."

Arthur snorted. "Of course, leave my horses living in a pile of filth!"

"They're too spoilt. A bit like their owner."

"You take that back!"

"I am not taking back the truth! To suggest such a thing is very ungallant, Sire."

"Ungallant?! Right, that is it!"

What followed was a sight that the Knights of the Round Table and Camelot were used to by now, but completely took Marrok, Biclarel and Melion by surprise: the King of Camelot was chasing his manservant about the training grounds with a giant hammer while Merlin was running for his life, while laughing. Ganieda was splitting her sides at the sight of the King trying to catch her cousin. She laughed even more when Merlin raced towards her shouting, "Ganieda, let's get out of here before King Prat turns me into a pancake!"

"What on Earth …?" Melion shook his head in disbelief as they all stared after the fast retreating figures of Merlin and Gadiena. "Did that just happen?"

"You'll get used to it," Sir Kay answered with a smirk.

"Quicker than you ever expected to," Sir Bedivere added with a hearty chuckle. "When Merlin first became the King's servant it took us about a month or so to get used to it. None of us ever dared to question it, though, after Merlin took poison for him when he was still Prince Arthur."

"What?!" Marrok's eyes almost bugged out of his sockets. Biclarel paled considerably.

"Yes, when Lord Bayard of Mercia came to Camelot for a peace treaty," Sir Caradoc informed. "One of the chalices was last with poison from some kind of flower. Merlin discovered the plot, took the poison on Arthur's behalf. Very nearly died from it too but Arthur and Gaius saved his life."

"Bloody hell," Melion commented, gaping.

"Yes, welcome to Camelot," Sir Geraint grinned.

Meanwhile, Merlin and Gadiena had gone to deal with Arthur's horses. Merlin did all the mucky work while Ganieda kept the horses occupied with chit-chat about their riders and whether or not they were getting enough exercise. After a while, Ganieda turned to look at her cousin while he continued his backbreaking work.

"Are you sure I can't take over for a moment?" she asked again.

"I think it is best that only one of us needs a stiff bath later. Gaius doesn't like wasting water," Merlin answered as he pricked fresh hay onto his fork. "Besides, Arthur wouldn't want you to do all my work or he will start calling me lazy, as he normally does."

"Which he only means in jest," Ganieda grinned.

"I know. It still hurts a little, though," Merlin admitted.

"Understandable, considering everything that you do for him. Even the things he doesn't know about," Gadiena agreed. "I talked with your friends."

"I saw. What about?"

"Everything – about them, about how they all met you," Ganieda smiled softly. "I probably shouldn't have started with Gwaine because he spoke very enthusiastically about your adventures together. The others barely got a word in!"

"Yes, that is Gwaine," Merlin chuckled fondly.

"I also told them to try and make some more time for you," Ganieda continued. "Because if Sir Tristan can find the time, I don't see why they can't either, especially dinner. Mordred has readily agreed to it, as did Percival, Leon and Gwaine."

"I see," Merlin's brow furrowed a little. "Well, I will believe it when I see it."

"Fair enough," Ganieda scoffed quietly. "I never thought I would see the day that I act as mediator between my cousin and his friends, who happen to be Knights of the Round Table!"

Merlin chuckled. "It's how legends are made!"

"In most cases," Ganieda agreed, her countenance saddening a little. "Though mine will be decidedly different from yours."

Merlin regarded her for a moment with an assessing look before turning back to finish his work. Once everything was in order, the cousins headed back with Ganieda now and again holding her nose because of the poo smell coming from her cousin's clothes. When they got back to the physician's quarters, the family only had around an hour to prepare for the Knighting Ceremony. Ganieda went first because she didn't need to take that long, and then Merlin did because he was in dire need of one. Both of them then dressed in some of their best clothes and neck scarves, and then headed down to the Ceremonial Chamber, where Knightings, banquets and envoy meetings were held.

"OK, anything I should know before I embarrass myself?" Ganieda wanted to know as she followed Merlin through the labyrinth of corridors.

"We don't have a particular function – we will wait on the King and Queen, mostly, and keep our mouths shut unless spoken to," Merlin answered. "Then after this we will have dinner with Gaius and just enjoy the rest of our evening."

"Don't you need to help the King get ready for bed?" Ganieda questioned.

"The Queen mostly does that job for me these days," Merlin flushed.

Ganieda snorted at that.

The two warlocks filed into the Ceremony Chamber after a group of nobles and quickly took their place at the front a few paces behind where Arthur was standing. The King, dressed in his own armour and for once crowned, gave them both a once over and nodded in approval, which made Ganieda relax considerably. Queen Guinevere too smiled serenely from her throne. She had perhaps thought her blue and red gown was a bit much for the occasion but apparently not. The cousins stood to attention as the rest of the nobility and the Privy Council filed in. Not too long after, Marrok, Biclarel and Melion were led into the room by Leon and Percival, who bowed to the King before stepping to the side and joining Merlin and Ganieda.

Marrok, Biclarel and Melion knelt before the King, their heads slightly bowed. Arthur stepped forth, addressing the assembly. "Loyal friends, today we welcome three new Knights into our ranks. They have passed their tests and have sworn to uphold the Knight's Code. From this day forth, they will be your protectors," Arthur then drew Excalibur and proceeded with the ceremony. "Arise, Sir Marrok, Knight of Camelot. Arise, Sir Biclarel, Knight of Camelot. Arise, Sir Melion, Knight of Camelot. May you never forget the sacred covenant you have made."

All three Knights arose as applause echoed around the room. Marrok and Biclarel looked more embarrassed that anything else but Melion had no issue basking in the applause.

"Well, that was quick," Ganieda could not help but comment to Merlin.

"They usually are," Merlin reassured. "Unless of course someone decides to barge in and ruin the party. Had that happen more than a couple of times!"

"Indeed. Be glad this one is rather boring. It is preferable," Leon added.

"Camelot is a magnet for excitement," Percival agreed. "Enjoy the peace while you can, Ganieda."

"Speaking of which, I don't think we should be keeping Gaius for dinner," Merlin stated with a small smile. "Come on, cousin."

Percival visibly deflated while Leon gaped a little. "Merlin, please wait! We-"

"See you tomorrow!" Merlin called over his shoulder, Ganieda following reluctantly.

Once the pair were out of earshot, Ganieda rounded on her cousin. "Well, that was rude! You didn't even say good night to the King or the new Knights! How are they supposed to try and make it up to you if you're not going to even give them the chance?" she exploded. "Maybe you should take your own room and I will take the other bed in Uncle Gaius' chambers because apparently you need a better night's sleep!"

Merlin had the decency to look a little sheepish. "Why do you have to be right?"

"You know what? Tomorrow I am going to invite all your friends and those new Knights to dinner and you're going to be civil and hear them out," Ganieda stated with a tone full of authority. "Is that understood?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Good."

Dinner passed without too must hassle. Tristan had taken up Merlin's offer and had actually joined them this time. The Knight absorbed all the gossip Merlin and Ganieda could give him about Marrok, Biclarel and Melion – except of course for the funny feelings they had about him. The rest of the evening passed quietly, with Ganieda helping Gaius with the preparation of medicines while Merlin continued to read his grimoire. Eventually, the physician's chambers fell silent too as Gaius and Ganieda soon fell asleep. Merlin was still awake at eleven, pondering his cousin's words.

When the warlock finally managed to still his mind enough to get some sleep, he could hear the sound of howling wolves as he drifted into a deep slumber.

Chapter Text

The kingdom of Rheged in the Old North was one of the kingdoms on the Isle that very few wanted to deal with, whether it be as allies or enemies. Not even Odin, Bayard or the Sarrum, though they would never admit to themselves, dared to rile the King who ruled the rather mysterious kingdom of Rheged. The previous King, Gorleil, had been a shrewd political operator and had a ruthless streak from a mile off. The story goes, he had his first Queen killed after discovering that she was having an affair with a squire, though no one – not even the spies belonging to other Monarchs – could ever prove it.

But, apparently, someone in the Queen's family felt like they didn't need hard evidence to convict the King of his crime. Though King Gorleil never found out who, the vengeance they wrought, was brought upon the head of the only son he had with his deceased wife: Gorlagon. Tapping into an old family cursed that languished in the blood of Gorleil's line, the unknown sorcerer tied Gorlagon's humanity to a magical sapling. With the correct wording of the curse, Gorlagon's human body and human mind would be replaced by the body and mind of a wolf.

This secret was kept extraordinarily tight-lipped by the Royal family, including Gorleil's second Queen and the children the couple had together. Gorleil trusted his second wife with the secret. However, as many believed, Gorlagon did not trust his stepmother or his half-siblings for one minute. When his father died and he took the throne, the first act Gorlagon did was to fortify the sapling at his Royal Court at Strathclyde. After that, the new King started to marry off his three sisters very quickly and then sending his two half-brothers off into battles that they frankly could not win, hoping they would fall in battle.

Eventually, they did.

There was none who dared to challenge the King on any matter, and the Monarchs of the other kingdoms were left with the ugly truth that they had to deal with Rheged's King because he controlled some of the most lucrative ore mines, had the best fishing and had access to the best furs. To anger Gorlagon could cost them very dearly indeed.

There was one who risked the King's ire, unbeknownst to most: his Queen, Accolon. The couple were odd to most people. While Gorlagon was of a more mature age, though not old by any means or considered undesirable, his wife was young in comparison. Though she played the role of the doting wife to her husband in public, and was mother to his two children, Queen Accolon hid several secrets from Gorlagon. One of which, was that she hated the husband her father forced her to marry, in order to further their own family's standing at Court.

The Queen had grown accustomed to certain oddities in the behaviour of her husband, such as his obsession with a certain sapling in their garden that was walled off, but on one particular occasion, she found the King pacing up and down in his chambers, not looking too happy.

Accolon put on her best sugary smile. "Whatever is the matter, my love? Was the Council being unreasonable again?"

"Our harvest has been terrible this year," the King growled in reply. "If we do not do something soon, our people will starve and then they will be at our gates, baying for blood."

The Queen put on her best look of sympathy. "I am sure that it is not as bad as-"

"It absolutely is, wife!" Gorlagon snapped. "It has gotten to the point that the Council have advised me that we have no choice but turn to one of the kingdom's in the south for their wheat supplies. And there is only one kingdom with enough wheat to help us: Camelot."

Accolon allowed her smile to falter. Camelot could pose more than a problem to her; it was literally the last place, save for the Sarrum's kingdom, that she would want relations with. She swallowed a little. "And what do your oh so wise Councillors suggest, my Lord?" she inquired cautiously.

"What do you think?" the King snarled. "They advise us to offer a formal alliance with wheat exportation being one of the main clauses. That means I have to send an envoy to that whelp who calls himself King!"

"That is less than ideal," Accolon was forced to agree. "Then again, desperate times call for desperate measures, my Lord. The people need to be fed – that cannot be avoided or circumvented in any way."

"I know," Gorlagon answered coldly. "It is embarrassing, to ask that child King for help! Plus it will mean having to arrange proper travel routes for my sapling as well as our children in addition to our retinues."

Accolon froze for a moment. "You wish … to take that stupid sapling along?"

Gorlagon glowered at her. "Yes. It is imperative that is comes along. I will not leave that sapling here! I refuse to take any chances with it."

"My dear, it is just a sapling; it will be taken care of," the Queen's brow furrowed a little.

"No!" the King snapped, whirling around, anger and fear bathed in his eyes. "It will come with us and that is that. Not one more word about it, Accolon, do you understand me?"

The Queen scowled. Her jaw set for a moment but she quickly relaxed. "Yes, my Lord."

"Good. Now leave me. I still have some important matters that need attending to," Gorlagon stated dismissively as he went back to his desk and sat down, picking up his quill.

Accolon's jaw clenched again and for once she didn't attempt to disguise her irritation. "When are you ever going to tell me why you are so protective over that blasted plant?"

"That is none of your concern, my Lady," the King answered steely, looking at her with a cold stare. "What is your concern is that our children will need some new travel garments for the journey we are soon to take. That should occupy you more than sufficiently."

Gorlagon looked down once more, and Accolon scoffed quietly. "Very well."

The Queen turned and swept from the room, slamming the door as she left, making herself a promise. She would know the secret of that sapling one way or the other! Even if it meant using the idiot King of Camelot to get it!

##########################################################################################################################################################################################

Ganieda noted that the peace at Camelot managed to last for two whole days, following the Knighting Ceremony of the three odd new Knights. In those two days, Ganieda had helped Ettare with some sewing work, accompanied Gaius on his rounds, delivered medicine to some of the nobles and mucked out the horses for Merlin, much to the surprise of some of the Knights and guards.

On one occasion when Ganieda had already started mucking out the horses, she had just managed to clear out the last of the poop-covered hay and was making a start on getting the fresh hay in, when someone cleared their throat. She hadn't meant to nearly jump out of her skin, but she did – much to Ganieda's own embarrassment.

The warlock looked up and glowered at a chuckling Sir Melion, eyes dancing with amusement.

"Apologies, Miss Ganieda. I did not mean to startle you," he stated.

Ganieda recovered quite quickly, and could not help but scowl at him. "Sir Melion," she greeted coolly but civilly. "I assume you have a good reason for being here?"

"I just wanted to see if the rumours were true. That a girl who isn't even a servant is mucking out the King's horses for no pay," the young Knight answered, leaning against the open door of the stable.

Ganieda raised an eyebrow. "I do not see why that is worthy of coming to gawk at me, Sir Melion," the warlock stated as she continued her work. "My cousin has enough on his plate at the moment so if I can help alleviate it a little, I will."

"You really are a strange creature, miss," Melion replied slyly. "You and your cousin both."

The warlock really did not like the Knight's tone at this point.

"I could say the same about you," she retorted easily, straightening ever so slightly, making direct eye contact. "And about your two friends as well."

The jovial expression in the Knight's face diminished somewhat and the tension in the stables suddenly spiked.

"Is that so?" Melion purred.

Ganieda swallowed. Me and my big mouth, she internally kicked herself.

The Knight took a few steps into the stable, eyes on her unblinkingly. "Please. Enlighten me."

Ganieda felt her heart rate spike and her magic began to hum at the unspoken threat that she detected. Before the warlock could do anything stupid in an effort to protect herself, someone else entered the stables.

"What is going on here?" Much to Ganieda's relief, it was Sir Tristan, looking none too happy.

Melion's jaw clenched slightly as he turned around and forced a smile on his face. "Sir Tristan. I was just asking Miss Ganieda here why she is doing a chore that she doesn't even need to do for no reward," he replied silkily.

Tristan ignored him and looked straight at Ganieda. "Everything all right, Ganieda?" he wanted to know.

"Yes," Ganieda kicked herself for sounding more than a little stiff and nervous.

"Are you sure?" Tristan frowned.

Ganieda nodded her head twice, holding onto her fork for extra support. Fortunately for the warlock, Tristan wasn't a complete idiot and he turned to give an accusatory look at Melion, who was still glaring back at him as well.

"Is that all, Sir Tristan?" Melion inquired with a false polite tone.

"Not quite, Sir Melion. Your friends, Sirs Marrok and Biclarel, are looking for you. Apparently they have a training session planned. I suggest you go and meet them, and leave others to their own business," Tristan answered coolly, his tone not offering any room for argumentation.

The young Knight continued to scowl and shoot a dark look at Tristan but did as he was told. Ganieda felt herself able to let go of the breath that she didn't even realise that she had been holding in. Again, Tristan noticed her reaction.

"He didn't do anything?" he wanted to know.

"No," Ganieda reassured.

"If he tries anything, tell me," Tristan told her firmly. "Or tell Merlin so he can tell Arthur."

Ganieda nodded but then she frowned. "I … don't think he wanted to hurt me."

"Perhaps," Tristan's jaw clenched a little. "Either way, I advise you be wary of him, Ganieda. That boy's head is too big for his shoulders and his family is an old noble one. They often think they can get away with anything they do."

Ganieda didn't reply; she concentrated on finishing her work. Tristan insisted on escorting her back to the physician's quarters afterwards and only left once he was certain Gaius or Merlin was there with her. It had shocked her – none had ever shown her that much kindness or concern, except her family. It had stayed with her even during dinner with Gaius, Merlin, and Percival, who had tentatively asked the family if he could join them.

After dinner, Merlin excused himself and Ganieda on the excuse that he needed her help with doing the laundry. However, as soon as the door to Merlin's room was closed, the warlock rounded on his cousin.

"What happened?" Merlin demanded.

"What are you talking about?" Ganieda frowned.

"Tristan. He looked set to duel someone. What happened?" Merlin repeated the question.

Ganieda huffed and shook her head. "Melion … he came to see me while I was mucking out the King's stables. I think he is trying to figure us out."

Merlin caught onto what she was suggesting immediately. "Did he try anything with you?"

"No. Tristan didn't give him the chance," Ganieda answered.

"Good," Merlin sighed in relief. "Next time, if you feel unsafe, get one of the horses to kick him or something," he grinned.

Ganieda scoffed and then chuckled. "Come on. Let's actually get some laundry done before Uncle Gaius asks too many questions."

The morning of the third day after the new Knights' arrival, it started the same as the two previous days for Merlin and Ganieda: get up, have breakfast, get dressed and get breakfast to the King and Queen. However, the rest of the day did not go as neither Ganieda, nor Merlin, predicted. The cousins had just prepared the Royal couple's outfits and their bath, with the King and Queen planning on taking a morning ride in the woods, when there was suddenly a knock at the door.

Immediately, all four inhabitants of the room stood to attention.

"Come in!" the King ordered. The door opened quite quickly, and in came Sir Leon and Sir Mordred, both of them looking worried, followed by Ettare. The King noticed this immediately because he frowned at them. "Whatever is the matter? What has happened?"

"Sire, an envoy has come," Sir Leon informed. "From the Court of Strathclyde."

This made Arthur's face drain rather quickly; the cousins exchanged a quick look of surprise. "Did he say what he wanted?" he demanded.

"He wishes to deliver a message from his King to you, Sire," Sir Mordred replied. "Further than that he would not say."

Ganieda felt herself tense. No … no! No!

Cousin? She felt Merlin's voice in her mind.

It's started, was all Ganieda felt comfortable to answer.

Food and watered wine almost went flying as the King jumped out of his bed. Ganieda, Leon and Mordred soon found themselves evicted from the Royal bedchambers and awaiting the King and Queen while they both got dressed in a hurry. Only Merlin and Ettare were allowed to remain.

"Well, there goes the peace," Ganieda found herself commenting.

"Indeed," Leon wryly agreed.

Arthur and Guinevere soon emerged from their chambers with Merlin and Ettare in hot pursuit.

"Arthur, I still don't understand what has gotten you so worked up!" Merlin was blabbing as the servants and Knights followed their King and Queen. "We get sent envoys all the time and in all those cases you act as though you're about to face another of Geoffrey's history lessons. What has gotten into you?"

"Merlin, this envoy is not any old envoy," Arthur stated firmly as he ensured they all kept maintaining a very brisk march. "This envoy is sent from King Gorlagon."

"Am I supposed to know who that is?" Merlin questioned.

"He is the King of Rheged, Merlin. A kingdom that, truthfully, yes, we would prefer not to have dealings with considering Gorlagon's … temperament," Arthur swallowed. "Not even my father dared to cross him or his father. But most of our good ores and fish come from Rheged, so we have little choice in the matter."

"Do you have any idea what the King could want?" was Merlin's next question.

"No, Merlin, I do not, which is why I am more than a little apprehensive!"

"You mean, scared?"

"I am not scared, Merlin!"

"So we are running for no reason then?"

"We are not running!"

"Oh no, we are just walking very, very quickly like we're getting chased by angry wild boars," Merlin could not resist sassing.

Arthur turned quite red in the face. "Merlin!"

"Cousin, I do not think you should be testing the King unnecessarily," Ganieda decided to intervene when it looked as though there was a possibility that the King could faint because of stress.

"Indeed," the Queen concurred readily with a serene smile. "You can tease the King to your heart's content later, Merlin. For now, we have business to attend to. Unpleasant as it likely may be."

The matter was dropped rather quickly. The Royal family, their servants, Leon and Mordred entered the Throne Room where the nobility, the Knights of the Round Table, Gaius and Knights of Camelot, including Marrok, Biclarel, Melion and Tristan had already gathered. Kneeling already before the dais was a young man dressed in the colours of the kingdom of Rheged. Merlin and Ganieda joined Gaius as the King and Queen stepped up to their thrones, Leon, Mordred and Ettare joining them.

"I hear that you have a message for me from your King," Arthur stated, as he turned to address the envoy.

"That I do, Sire," the young man confirmed, still not looking up. "His Highness, King Gorlagon, sends you, Arthur Pendragon, his warmest greetings. He wishes for me to extend to you his admiration about how well you and Camelot have managed to weather all manners of adversaries and hope that relations between your kingdom and his will improve."

"What does His Highness propose?" Arthur demanded, clearly impatient to get straight to the point.

"His Highness wishes to visit you here in order to discuss an alliance," the envoy looked up for the first time. "Though there was a peace between his father and yours, His Highness wishes to make his and yours more official. For the sake of both of your kingdoms."

"Your king … wishes to come here?" Queen Guinevere was in disbelief, as was many of the Court. "Your king hasn't left his kingdom in years!"

"That much is indeed true, my Lady," the envoy confirmed easily. "But His Highness has seen fit to make an exception on this occasion."

This sent murmurs rippling around the room. Merlin and Ganieda exchanged a look for a moment and then one with Gaius. Arthur kept himself suitably composed. "You must rest here a while before you return. I assure you that Camelot is thrilled at the prospect of hosting your king here."

The envoy bowed as he rose to his feet. "Your Highness is too kind."

"Well, this is highly unusual," Leon muttered.

"King Gorlagon must be after something," Mordred agreed in a low tone.

"The question is, what?" Merlin wondered out loud.

"And why now?" Ganieda added with a frown.

"Indeed," Gaius concurred people filed out of the Throne Room.

"Do you have any idea what King Gorlagon could want, Uncle Gaius?" Ganieda inquired eagerly.

"I'm afraid I don't," the physician replied. "I suppose the answer will come soon enough."

"Can you believe this is happening? Another tedious state visit!" Gwaine exclaimed, joining the group, smirking. "I can already feel the boredom set in because we are required to be on our best behaviour, so who is up for a spot of training before we are forced to put up with the Rhegedian knights as well?"

"I am up for that!" Leon grinned.

"Me too!" Mordred added.

"Always," Percival put in. He then turned to the two covert warlocks. "You two coming as well?"

You up for it, cousin? Merlin asked.

Could be rather fun to show your friends what we are actually capable of, Gadiena answered, smirking a little.

"Sure, we'll come," Merlin answered out loud, causing his friends to light up.

"May we come too?" Marrok asked as he, Biclarel and a rather sulky, irritated Melion joined the group as well.

"Of course! We want to learn all your tricks," Gwaine answered with a chuckle.

I doubt you would be able to, Ganieda found herself thinking. Those three have a trick that they likely want no one to find out.

Much like us, Merlin pointed out.

#####################################################################################################################################################################################

Now that there was a great possibility that his cousin's vision was about to come into fruition, Merlin decided it was best to gauge whether or not Marrok, Biclarel and Melion were truly on Camelot's side, or if there was perhaps something that could make them a potential threat to Arthur and to Camelot. He knew that Melion at least suspect both him and Ganieda of something, and Merlin needed to know how he could suspect anything at all.

There was a possibility that the three Knights were merely observant, but Merlin doubted that it was the case, especially after both he and Ganieda sensed something more than off about those Knights and given that Melion actually had the temerity to confront Ganieda practically in public, Merlin knew to take those three seriously.

While Ganieda conversed with Leon and Tristan, who had also decided to show up for once, Merlin plucked up his courage and approached the three new Knights of Camelot. As he approached, the three nobles immediately stood to attention.

"You sure you want to do this? The guys tend to show no mercy with these training sessions," Merlin stated casually.

"Thank you for your concern, Merlin," Marrok answered with a warm smile, "but we do want to do this. It will give us a chance to try and get to know everyone a little better."

"We live here now. We may as well put in some effort to assimilate properly and get used to everything and everyone," Biclarel added.

"Including Gwaine's chatter?" Merlin grinned.

"Yes, we have been hearing that can get quite irritating," Marrok chuckled. "We have noticed little of it. Admittedly, we have been mostly keeping to ourselves and not inserting ourselves where we have not been asked to join."

"The Knights will warm to you eventually," Merlin reassured easily. "If not off the battlefield, then certainly on."

Melion harrumphed at that, but didn't say anything else, earning himself another look from his two friends. Merlin frowned in confusion. "You do not agree, Sir Melion?"

"They will only tolerate us for the King's sake," came the blunt reply as the Knight started to remove his leather gloves from his hands. "We are the new blood, interlopers practically. They wouldn't want us to mess with their established circles. I have seen it enough times at my father's Court."

"People aren't as judgemental here," Merlin started to reassure. Then, suddenly, he got hit with a wave of warmth and he heard a humming and thrumming in his head. That meant only one thing: the presence of a magical entity – sentient or not, he did not know just yet. The warlock looked automatically in the direction the wave had come from and his eyes lay themselves on a ring on Melion's right hand.

The ring was a fine piece, as one would expect for a ring belonging to a nobleman. It was made of silver with some intricate detailing. Merlin could not tell what symbols or motifs they were but that was not what was drawing his attention. His eyes were on a white jewel and a red jewel, each set in the eye of what looked like a wolf. The warlock had no idea what kind of powers this ring possessed, but whatever it was there was some extremely potent magic embedded in those stones.

The Knights had noticed him study the piece, and Melion smirked a little. "Stunning craftsmanship, don't you think? It was created by one of the best silver smiths we know for my grandfather's coming off age," the young Knight informed proudly. "It was passed onto my father at the same age, and now it is mine."

"It is very beautiful," Merlin readily agreed. He swallowed a little. "Certainly not like any ring I have ever seen."

This was also true. Not even Arthur or Gwen had a ring that was comparable to this.

"Yes, the House of Tanas enjoy showing off their wealth," Biclarel spoke up, chuckling softly. "Mostly opting to put most of that wealth into jewellery or finery."

"As if yours doesn't!" Melion huffed.

"Not as much as your family, you have to admit," Marrok had to concur with Biclarel.

Before Melion could retort, Percival and Mordred approached, causing the three new Knights to compose themselves rather quickly. Merlin found himself smiling; it was actually rather adorable to see these three nobles wanting to fit in with the odd mixture of commoners and nobles that made up the Knights.

"Pairings have been made. Marrok, you're with me and Biclarel, you're with Mordred. Melion, you will be facing Gwaine, apparently," Percival informed with a wry smile.

Merlin could not resist snorting at that. "Typical Gwaine!"

"Quite," Mordred agreed with a soft smile.

"Why is that typical?" Melion wanted to know.

"Gwaine wants to see for yourself what your tricks are," Merlin explained. "He likes studying people up close and pushing their buttons, so just try and keep your head cool."

"I am sure I can manage that," Melion replied coolly.

"Melion," Biclarel sighed. "Merlin is just offering some helpful advice. Don't take it so personally."

The young Knight rolled his eyes as he put his leather gloves back on and unsheathed his sword. Gwaine was waving him over with a grin. "Come on, Sir Melion! Let us not stand here all day. One can never know when it starts raining, and training in the rain is awful, I can tell you!"

"Your friend has a rather big mouth," Mordred noted candidly as they watched Melion join Gwaine.

"Yes," Marrok readily agreed. "I do apologise for his rudeness. Melion often doesn't realise the impact of his actions or words on other people."

"Well, if he doesn't learn soon, the King might teach him that lesson," Percival warned. He then turned his attention onto Merlin. "Speaking of which, I don't think I have said this yet, Merlin, but I really am sorry for what I did. And for what I didn't do – of course, I don't believe you could ever harm Arthur and I wouldn't have just sat back and watched you die. I … I don't know why I just kept my mouth shut and did what I was told."

Merlin shrugged. "You're a Knight, Percival. It's what you're there for," Merlin almost winced at his own words but for once he wasn't going to be sorry for speaking his mind, no matter how much it may hurt.

Hurt did flash across Percival's face. "It is no excuse for not standing up for a friend. And you are my friend, Merlin, and a good one at that." The gentle giant sighed. "I will find a way to make it up to you."

"I know you will," Merlin replied softly, looking down at the ground for a moment to avoid making eye contact with anyone. He still was not used to getting an apology from anyone, and it was making him feel stupidly awkward.

Unfortunately for him, it wasn't just Percival who wanted to make their apologies.

"I am sorry too, Merlin," Mordred put in with a serious look in his eyes. "I should have said something – come to visit to make sure you were all right, comfortable even. What we all did in inexcusable; the Queen had not forbidden any of us from visiting you. That was on us."

"It is all right, Mordred," Merlin tried to sound as cool as he normally did with the Druid boy, but found that he couldn't muster the energy to do so.

"No, it isn't," Mordred insisted. "I too will make it up to you somehow."

No matter, what you say about this, it will not change my mind, Emrys, the Druid Knight added telepathically.

The warlock sighed. "Very well. I will not be able to stop you, anyway."

Mordred fully grinned at this, causing Merlin to flush when he noticed how bright it was.

Marrok and Biclarel had watched this in stunned silence and could still hardly believe what they had witnessed as they followed Percival and Mordred onto the training ground. Knights had apologised to a servant – Camelot really was a place where things were done very differently!

Then again, the Queen had been a commoner not too long ago. It shouldn't have surprised them all too much. This made Merlin grin to himself a little.

"What are you smiling about?"

Merlin was knocked back out of his head by his cousin, who was carrying two swords and a mischievous grin on her countenance. Merlin shrugged and answered brightly. "Just happy that my life at Camelot is as interesting as the kingdom itself is."

"You can say that again!" Ganieda chuckled as she held out one of the swords to him. "Come on. Let's show these knights that some commoners also know how to handle themselves in combat."

Merlin smirked as he took the sword. "Sounds like fun."

#######################################################################################################################################################################################

Guinevere could hardly wait to meet with Morgana that evening. Indeed, the Queen found that she could barely get to sleep, but resisted the urge to toss and turn in her sleep in case it would wake the King. Guinevere did not want to have to pretend to reassure her foolish husband that everything was well and then find some excuse to leave the bedchambers without him becoming suspicious.

The Queen managed to slip out of her chambers and the castle, though shivered when the wind picked up and she could hear the howls of wolves in the distance. There had not been wolves near Camelot for a good number of years now, but Guinevere shoved it from her mind. There were more important matters to attend to.

As usual, the High Priestess was waiting by their usual tree, quietly wondering what it was that her puppet had to report this time.

Morgana forced herself to smile. "Well, my Lady, what news do you bring this time?"

"An envoy came to Court today," the Queen answered, shaking her head in disbelief. "Many believed it was perhaps one from Lord Godwin or from King Olaf, but as it turned out, the envoy was from the last person anyone expected: King Gorlagon."

This had Morgana's attention in seconds. The High Priestess paled quite considerably, her jaw clenching slightly. This could make her plans a whole lot more difficult. It would seem that they would need adapting, and quickly.

"And you are certain that it was an envoy from Rheged?" the High Priestess wanted to know.

"Absolutely. The envoy was dressed in Rhegedian colours," Guinevere answered obediently.

Morgana felt herself beginning to pace. "And what demands did King Gorlagon make of my dear brother?"

"That was left annoyingly vague," Guinevere responded with irritation embedded in her voice. "The King wishes to visit Camelot in order to discuss a formal alliance but further than that the envoy did not say."

"Of course he didn't," Morgana sneered. "Because King Gorlagon doesn't make a habit of telling anyone what his true intentions are until it is too late. What did Arthur say?"

"King Gorlagon and his retinue are welcome at Camelot," Guinevere scoffed. "Which means, the castle will play host to at least five hundred more guests and I will have no safe way in order to give you any updates."

"Fret not, Gwen, leave that to me," the High Priestess reassured. "What really concerns me is that now my plans have to be changed ever so slightly."

"Plans?" Guinevere repeated with a small frown. "What plans?"

Morgana smirked. "Everyone has their secrets, Gwen, you know this. Unfortunately for both the King and Queen of Rheged, I know theirs, especially the King's."

The Queen's brow furrowed further. "What secrets are they guarding?"

"You will know soon enough," Morgana promised. "I first have some work to do. If I have succeeded, I will let you know and send you further instructions on what you must do. If everything goes according to plan, Rheged will soon find itself without a king with an ally Queen as Regent."

The Queen of Camelot found herself smiling. "That should remove a potential problem from the chess board."

"Indeed," Morgana agreed silkily. "So, I will be in touch as soon as everything is prepared."

Guinevere nodded. She had to trust that her friend knew what she was doing, despite having some serious reservations about how much they could actually trust Gorlagon's wife could be turned to their cause. The Queen turned to return back to the castle. She did pause for a moment when she heard several twigs and branches snap. Guinevere turned around and saw that no one was there.

Pushing it from her mind, the Queen continued on her way.

Meanwhile, Morgana was trying not to curse her usual bad luck and prayed to the Triple Goddess that for once her plans would actually go smoothly. She could not rely on the idiocy of Alined, or Bayard or any of the other kings and queens to do this properly – besides, none of them had the particular requirements that Gorlagon did.

The sound of twigs snapping, rustling in the undergrowth and growling knocked Morgana back down to earth. She turned around carefully and her blue-green gaze met three pairs of glowing eyes. One pair was silver, another yellow and the last a startling amber. The creatures had their canines bared at her, and Morgana smirked a little.

"In your territory, am I?" she asked the wolves silkily.

The wolves growled again.

"I will take that as a yes," the High Priestess stated in amusement. "Don't worry. I was just leaving."

Within a blink of an eye, Morgana Pendragon did as she promised and disappeared.

###############################################################################################################################################################################################

"You should have let me rip the witch's throat out!" Melion was still fuming by the time they had gotten back to their chambers, slamming the door shut behind him.

Marrok rounded on him immediately. "Melion, she would have turned you into a nice fur coat! We are in no position to take her on, not just the three of us."

"Would you two keep your bloody voices down?" Biclarel snarled as he washed his hands and face in what was left of their bath water. It was a bloody miracle that no patrols had met them and that no one had noticed that their hands and faces were covered in dirt. "We don't want to alert the rest of Camelot to what we are now do we?"

"Oh, I' m sorry? Am I the only one who is concerned that not only did we just let Morgana Pendragon slip between our jaws, but we also saw the Queen conspiring with that witch?" Melion demanded as he started pacing up and down while Marrok too began to wash himself. "I don't know about the two of you, but this is not something we can just simply ignore!"

"And how do you propose we explain what we were doing out there?" Biclarel retorted, shooting to his feet, eyes blazing. "What good excuse would we have to be out there, at night? Melion, we cannot breathe a word. Not only because it is the Queen's words against ours, but we all three have a secret to guard with our lives!"

"Biclarel is right. We have no tangible evidence that would make anyone listen to us," Marrok agreed. "No one is going to believe us."

Melion growled in frustration but he couldn't argue with that.

"Besides, you are walking on thin ice with some people already," Marrok continued. "You need to start curbing your instincts and your pride, Melion, before you get all three of us into trouble. What did you think you were doing, confronting Ganieda in such a way that Sir Tristan thought you were going to do something to her?"

Melion scoffed. "We all three know there is something off about Merlin and Ganieda! I wanted to see if I could get her scent, see if she has a wolf or any other creature. I didn't get anything, other than a faint humming in my head."

"It was foolish!" Biclarel scolded. "You are lucky those two are forgiving. I doubt Sir Tristan or any of their friends would be so lenient."

"We need to know if those two are a threat," Melion folded his arms petulantly.

"I may not have been here for long, but I can already tell you that Merlin and Ganieda are not the threat we need to worry about," Marrok stated. "I think what we saw tonight has shown us we have much bigger problems to worry about."

A tense silence descended on the three werewolf knights as they regarded each other.

"What do we do?" Melion eventually inquired.

"The only thing we can do," Marrok answered. "We watch, we wait, we keep an eye on the Queen and we make sure that the King is protected. No matter what."

"And what of Morgana's plan?" Melion pressed.

"We try and stop it, of course," Biclarel responded simply. "Before anyone gets hurt and there is a pretext for a war between Rheged and Camelot!"

Chapter Text

Ever since she was a child, Queen Accolon was used to hiding secrets – hers was one that she definitely needed to keep under wraps or risk losing her head – but if there was one secret that she was desperate to discover for herself, it was the secret of that gods be damned sapling her husband guarded more jealously than the Royal vault. She had spent her entire married life to a man she feared and hated, trying to earn his trust enough to be let in on the secret, but the King was naturally suspicious. Even of his own wife, irritatingly enough.

The day before she, her husband and their retinue were due to set off to Camelot, Accolon watched some of Gorlagon's most trusted men secure that sapling in a special box, jaw set and eyes boring into that accursed flora with an unblinking stare. That same evening the Queen took a stroll around her gardens, pondering about how she would be able to maintain her countenance through this insipid trip.

The last thing Queen Accolon was looking forward to, was to fake smile at Uther's son and pretend that she did not despise Queen Guinevere for rising well above her social station. A servant girl for Queen! It was utterly obscene. And yet, for the sake of diplomacy, Accolon was expected to treat this woman as though she were her equal. It was all that Accolon could do to not physically vomit at the prospect of it already.

Suddenly, the winds died down around her and Accolon felt a strange sense creep up her spine. It had been a long while since it happened, but the Queen knew exactly what it meant. There was a powerful magical presence in her garden – more importantly, it was right behind her. Accolon came to a halt and she turned around to see a young, pale woman in a black lace gown with her hood up. Jade eyes bathed with determination and power regarded her unblinkingly. There was a small smile on the woman's countenance. Though she had never met this woman, Accolon had a feeling she knew exactly who this was from all the reports she had heard from spies and envoys.

This surprise visitor was none other than Morgana Pendragon. Daughter of Uther Pendragon and the High Priestess Vivienne; the last High Priestess of the Triple Goddess. Her name had been a hot topic in many Council meetings.

"Good evening, my Lady," the witch greeted with a warm tone that made Accolon incredibly suspicious.

"Morgana Pendragon," Queen Accolon responded coolly. "Skulking about my garden in the dead of night? You are incredibly bold to do so. I could have you arrested and sent to your brother as a gift."

The smile quickly turned into a smirk. "Yes, I suppose you could, my Lady," she agreed in a nonchalant, almost playful tone. "However, I think you and I both know you will do no such thing. Especially since we could be of benefit to each other."

Accolon found herself scoffing. "And how could you be of benefit to me in any way, save for a good bargaining tool with Camelot?"

The smirk on Morgana's countenance only grew at this point. "Because I know a few things about your husband, of course. Things about that sapling he holds so dear – things that you have attempted to discover. Also, I know one or two things about you that are rather interesting," she grinned. "Does your husband know you have magic, Accolon?"

The Queen froze in fear. It had been a while since anyone acknowledged her darkest secret to her face, years in fact. Not since her true beloved … If Morgana somehow figured it out, that meant someone knew. Someone who was likely in her husband's Court. Accolon found herself swallowing. "What do you want, Morgana?" she demanded lowly.

"Me? I simply wish to be of assistance to you," the High Priestess tried to sound as innocent as she could manage. "After all, we are of a kind, my Lady." Something shone in her eyes at this point. "More to the point, I think it is perhaps time Rheged had a … change in administration."

Accolon's eyes widened. "If you are suggesting that I murder my husband-"

"Oh I am not suggesting that at all, my Lady," Morgana seemed like she was enjoying herself. "Indeed, you will not need to spill his blood and you will see your son on the throne with you as Regent."

Accolon knew this sounded too good to be true. She shook her head derisively. "How?" she demanded.

"With the power of that sapling, of course," the High Priestess answered silkily. "I know how you have wondered and sleuthed to the answer of why Gorlagon is so obsessively protective of that insignificant little plant. Issue is, for him, that plant holds the key to his humanity."

"His humanity?" Accolon repeated in disbelief. "How so?"

Morgana hummed as she started to pace. "Oh dear. You really have not heard the rumours," she clicked her tongue teasingly. "You see, Gorlagon and his family have a habit of vexing those with magic. One such sorceress was a family member of Gorlagon's mother. She took matters into her own hands and put a Blood Curse on the family. She tied Gorlagon's human body and human mind to the sapling. Should one hit the King on his head and say the magic words properly, he would lose his human form and human mind, and become a wolf."

"A wolf," Accolon blinked a few times and scoffed. "My husband can turn into a wolf … Wait a minute … you mean to tell me that the sapling is magical?"

"Only to Gorlagon and his line. It unlocks the beast within them," Morgana smirked. "It does nothing to everyone else. Now, I am not so sure about you, but I don't think a wolf would make a good king, do you?"

Accolon pursed her lips. If what Morgana said was true, then this could be her chance to rid herself off Gorlagon without having to actually rob her children of their father. But on the other hand, this was Morgana Pendragon. The daughter of a king who had her eyes on the throne of Camelot. Accolon knew she would be a fool indeed if she simply took the High Priestess at her word.

"How do I know you are not lying to me?" Accolon demanded.

The High Priestess smiled serenely. "Pray tell me, why would I come to your home to tell you a falsehood for which you could so easily have me executed for, Your Majesty? I have no reason to lie to you; after all, as I said before, you and I are of a kind. That means something to me, as you know."

"Does it?" Accolon looked at her fellow witch with an accusatory look. "That is not what I have heard. I heard that you care very little whether you hurt a Druid, a practitioner or someone without magic – just as long as you get what you wish."

Irritatingly enough, Morgana kept her countenance suitably composed at the accusation. "Nothing in war is ever easily won – there are always casualties," she answered silkily, keeping her unblinking gaze on the Queen. "A lesson you will need to learn quickly, my Lady, if you wish to be Regent for your son and keep both your heads."

Accolon's lip curled into a sneer. "You have told me something that is, theoretically, useful to my plight. But tell me – what could you possibly believe that I could give you in return for this information?" she demanded, attempting to wriggle loose anything out of Morgana that spelled out what the High Priestess truly wanted.

But it seemed that the witch finally had tired of playing games. "I think you are clever enough to know the answer to that question, my Lady. When you become Regent, you also gain command over your husband's men. They will follow you in the name of your son. I need an army to take back what is rightfully mine, after all…"

Accolon should not have been as surprised as she was, in hindsight. "My men? You want my men?"

"And an alliance with the Queen Regent, of course," Morgana added smoothly. "So, what do you say, my Lady? Will you accept my offer?"

The Queen of Rheged did not answer immediately. She was wise enough to consider what she was going to say next. Though Accolon dreamed of ridding herself of her husband, her hate did not entirely cloud her own judgement. She was not as weak as Queen Annis was in that regard. The offer was tempting – plus, if a hunter happened to kill Gorlagon in wolf form it would be the best outcome.

Accolon closed her eyes and took a fortifying breath. "I accept your offer," the words came out of her mouth before she could change her mind.

There was a sharp gust of wind and the Queen whirled around to see that the High Priestess, had disappeared into thin air. Accolon's heart started to beat twice as fast as it had done before.

What have I done …? the thought did cross her mind.

You have secured your son's future, came the internal answer.

That thought settled the Queen only a little more. A smile etched itself onto her countenance as she looked up at the star-dotted sky. An alliance with Morgana Pendragon was a small price to pay for her son's rights …

"Your Highness."

The sound of her maid-in-waiting arriving knocked Accolon out of her thought process and made her compose herself immediately. "Yes? What is it, Esla?"

"The Prince and Princess are asking for you. And the King wished for me to tell you that the King and Queen of Camelot have agreed to the visit."

Accolon nodded curtly in acknowledgement and headed back to the castle, while thinking of a manner in which she could get to the sapling and find the opportune moment to strike her husband with the magical plant.

#################################################################################################################################################################################################

The three days that followed the announcement that King Gorlagon would be coming on a state visit, were hectic for both Merlin and Ganieda's standards. They could barely find a moment to help Gaius with his rounds, let alone breathe, while they were rushing from one task to the other. As the King's manservant, Merlin also had to ensure that Arthur had something appropriate to wear and help with the gnarly politics of the seating arrangement as well as helping with decorating the castle and doing his daily chores. This was actually a lot more energy consuming to Merlin because George, who had been put in charge of the decorating, was an unabashed perfectionist.

As for Ganieda, the Cook had held her to her promise to help with banquets and roped Merlin's cousin into the kitchens, especially when Cook knew that Ganieda could make one or two Rhegedian recipes. Ganieda had to take a moment or two to get used to the militant way Cook ran her kitchen, but she knew better than to make a comment on it, or complain. Cook had enough stress as it was!

Ironically, the only times the pair could catch a breath was training sessions with Arthur and of course the evenings. At one point, George had attempted to bother Merlin after dinner about a 'decorating emergency'. Merlin had been tempted to turn his friend into a bunny rabbit out of sheer frustration and exhaustion; Ganieda had sensed the danger and had sacrificed herself to two hours of George in hysterics about wreaths with 'the wrong flowers'.

By the time she had managed to escape, Ganieda had been fully drained and had gone to sleep the moment she had touched her bed. Gaius had to be the one to make sure Merlin and Ganieda woke up on time to get dressed, eat and then fetch the Royal Family their breakfast. Both warlocks looked exhausted but after they had some food, they had a spring in their step that put some pep back into their fellow servants at the sight.

Arthur was as happy as ever to see Merlin and Ganieda bring in the breakfast; Guinevere wore a sickly smile that made both warlocks feel incredibly uneasy.

"Ah, Merlin! Ganieda! Right on time!" Arthur rubbed his hands together, eager for his food. "He has not skipped out on the sausages and cheese, Ganieda?"

"No, Sire," Ganieda answered with a grin, slowly getting used to the King's familiar manner of address to her.

"She did not give me the chance," Merlin gave her a look of faux irritation as his cousin settled the breakfast tray on the Queen's lap.

"Wonderful!" the King looked very pleased.

"Really, Arthur," Guinevere stated fondly, nigh on rolling her eyes. "Your diet has taken a halt thanks to Ganieda. You don't need to keep checking!"

"You never know that Merlin gives a sausage to my dog! He's done it before."

Merlin grimaced ever so slightly while Ganieda giggled.

"Is everything prepared for our guests?" Arthur asked, donning his kinglier voice.

"Everything is prepared from the rooms, to the servants assigned to attend the guests to the menu for the banquets," Merlin reassured him. "Cook has also requested there be an extra hunt in order to make sure she has enough boar meat."

"Done!" the King was more than happy to hear that. "I have heard from my ambassadors that the King loves to hunt so that will hopefully put him in a good mood. You will come as well, Merlin."

"When do I not?" Merlin grumbled, really not happy at the idea of attending more Royal hunts.

Arthur ignored his manservant and turned to Ganieda, who was already brushing down Guinevere's light blue velvet gown for the day. "Do you hunt, Ganieda?" he asked kindly. "If so, you are welcome to join us as well."

Ganieda really had to keep her countenance at the idea of joining the hunt. "You are very kind to offer, my Lord, but I will not attend the hunt. Killing for sport is not something I enjoy."

"Ah! A family trait!" Guinevere commented lightly. She turned to her husband. "Arthur, it is one thing to make Merlin attend but do not force the girl. She is technically not even our servant. We should be grateful that Ganieda is kind enough to help out."

"I had no such intention," Arthur reassured as he tucked into breakfast.

Merlin rolled his eyes after exchanging a look with the Queen. It was almost easy to forget that she was currently under a powerful Dark enchantment at times like these, but Merlin was very good at keeping his wits about him. She had tried to have him killed once – she could do it again.

Merlin and Ganieda continued their other duties – preparing Arthur's armour, the Queen's bath and papers for the Council; Ettare soon took over for Ganieda with a grateful smile. As Arthur inspected Merlin's handiwork on his armour and nodded approvingly, Merlin found himself grinning. The King would not compliment him in front of too many witnesses, but sometimes Arthur's body language was enough.

"We will be doing spears and crossbows today," Arthur informed the two warlocks. "I want to train the Knights with moving targets."

That made Merlin's heart sink a little. Ganieda frowned in confusion.

"It means I am wearing the target," Merlin explained to her.

Ganieda's eyes widened a little at that. "… Oh," was all she managed to say.

"Do not fret, Ganieda, the King will not make you do the same unless you volunteer," the Queen immediately reassured before giving Arthur cold pointed looks. Arthur huffed a little.

"Of course, my dear."

My back is going to kill me after this, Merlin stated dryly.

Just let me know when you need a break and I will take over, Ganieda reassured.

Merlin gave her a look. They will not go easy on you, cousin.

They didn't go easy on me with a sword, so I didn't expect it to be different with a spear or a crossbow.

She had a point there.

Straight after breakfast, the warlocks followed the King down to the training grounds, collecting spears and crossbows from the Armoury. The Knights had ever so slightly been surprised that they would be training with spears and crossbows.

"Concerned that we're out of practise before the Royal hunts with King Gorlagon, princess?" Gwaine had teased as the Knights all picked their poison. He had picked up one of the spears, right before Sir Melion could get his hands on it, much to the irritation of the new Knight.

"I am concerned with your aiming abilities in general, Gwaine," the King answered dryly. "If you do not train it every once in a while, Merlin will end up aiming better than all of you!"

A few snickers ran around the Knights. Mordred and Percival were amongst the ones who didn't; Biclarel, Marrok and Melion also did not see the amusement in it. Merlin simply shot Arthur a sassy look as he went to mount the target onto his back. This did make the new Knights from in confusion.

The King saw their looks. "I prefer to make sure training with accuracy is done with moving targets. After all, your query will not always be conveniently asleep. Hence, Merlin is going to run with the target. Don't worry – he has done it before."

"What about Ganieda?" Melion found himself asking.

"I will take over if Merlin tires," the warlock answered before the King could. "And if I tire, he will take over again. We will keep swapping until the King wishes to switch to a different weapon."

Melion snorted at that, Biclarel and Marrok shooting him warning looks that he chose to ignore. "Which means your poor cousin is not going to get much rest."

Mordred, Percival, Tristan and Leon joined Biclarel and Marrok in glaring at Melion. While some of the other Knights seemed to agree with their new brother-in-arms, they were wise enough not to get involved. Arthur himself did not look amused.

"Sir Melion, I would advise you to keep your thoughts to yourself," the King stated warningly.

Melion bowed his head in deference, but looked thunderous.

Ganieda, though, smirked a little. Merlin too. "We shall see, Sir Melion," she answered angelically as she and Merlin exchanged a knowing look.

I hope you know what you are doing, Ganieda heard Mordred comment in her mind, which made her grin.

Don't you trust me, Sir Mordred? Ganieda could not help but tease.

As much as I do Merlin.

Ganieda grinned even more; Merlin had to duck his head to hide the blush of embarrassment. Neither dared to look back at the Druid Knight, who was attempting to hide his own amusement.

Meanwhile, Sir Tristan took a pot shot at Melion. "Do not underestimate women, Sir Melion. I made that mistake once with my late wife; you might not want to rile Ganieda lest you wake up with your eyebrows shaven off."

Melion looked scandalised while everyone laughed heartily at the image of both Sir Tristan and Sir Melion with their eyebrows missing. Arthur chuckled too before regaining order and getting all the Knights with spears to line up first.

Merlin took his starting space, mentally preparing himself.

Once Arthur called for training to begin, Merlin instinctively took off, immediately starting to dart and weave. One spear fell short behind him, another barely managed to hit the target and the third narrowly missed the bullseye. The warlock grinned to himself as he heard some of the few frustrated grumbles from the Knights – it seemed that dodging Arthur's temper tantrums had given Merlin free practise!

Who would have thought that they could actually come in handy?

Finally, one of the spears hit the bullseye, even after Merlin made a complicated manoeuvre.

You are not going easy on us, Emrys, Mordred teased. It was his spear that had hit.

Did you expect me to? Merlin found himself teasing back.

Absolutely not.

Merlin was true to his word. He continued to speed up his running pace, pulling ever more complicated moves in an attempt to throw the Knights off. Those who were a little bit more used to Merlin's moves – such as Leon, Percival and Gwaine – had a little more luck when it came to hitting the target. Surprisingly, Arthur had to time himself before letting a spear fly because even he could not truly gauge where Merlin would go. Biclarel and Marrok too took their time before letting loose their spear and bolt respectively.

Both of them made respectable shots because of it.

Melion, though, grew increasingly agitated by the unpredictable movements from the warlock. He secretly tried to use his lupine eye sight to narrow in on the target but for some reason, that hardly helped. As such, Melion's bolt had missed the target, by a hair. Merlin had been quite impressed that the prideful young Knight had almost hit the target regardless.

When everyone had their turn, Merlin came back, red faced and perspiring, so everyone could retrieve their bolts and spears from the target. He handed back the weapons that had missed too. Ganieda looked tempted to take over but Merlin insisted that he could do one more round. The second round, Arthur was already getting happier as the Knights' aim steadily improved, with more spears and bolts hitting their marks. However, it did mean Merlin's back was taking much more of a pummelling and the warlock was really having to work a little more to keep them all on their toes, which meant that he was getting close to exhaustion.

Merlin was more than happy for Ganieda to take over for round three. The King decided they would switch to mace practise after round three; though he would never admit it, Merlin suspected Arthur did not want to strain Ganieda too much, which made Merlin grin to himself. Arthur was too much of a dollophead to admit it out loud to anyone, but the warlock knew the King pretty well.

Arthur was not the only one concerned about her welfare.

Are you sure about this, Ganieda?

I am flattered that you're so concerned, Sir Mordred, but I assure you, I am not as frail as I look, the warlock reassured with a grin. I have never been a lady and I don't intend to start now. Why do boys get all the fun?

Mordred did not expect that answer; Merlin grinned at the blatant shock on the Druid Knight's countenance. You … find this fun?

Try and hit the target and find out, Ganieda challenged.

Yes, ma'am.

Ganieda was determined to give the King and the Knights a run for their money. Merlin had given them only a sliver of speed; the one thing that she always had over her cousin, was that she was faster. Whenever she, Merlin and Will would race around the village, Ganieda won each time, which had earned her many mud baths and pies in the face but it was worth it each time. Now, there was a slight extra element of danger involved, which just excited the warlock even more.

Merlin sat back and watched in entertainment as the first few spears – thrown by Leon, Bedivere and Kay – missed cleanly as Ganieda nimbly dodged. Percival's spear only managed to lodge narrowly on the outer ring. Gwaine's spear missed the target and Ganieda entirely. Merlin did get the impression that Tristan really did not put any effort into his attempt at all, as if he deliberately did not want to hit the target. When Mordred stepped up, the warlock tensed – readying his magic just in case – but the young Knight threw the spear with some intent but not much power, thus it only joined Percival's spear in the outer ring.

Well, I did manage to hit it, Merlin heard Mordred state with pride.

Next time, I won't go easy on you, Ganieda teased back easily.

Merlin let out a sigh of relief. That relief was a little dulled as he watched Biclarel step up. The warlock tensed even further; though the new Knight was amiable enough, the fact that there was something off about him and his friends made him very wary. Merlin trusted Mordred more than those three, and even he surprised himself at that fact. He watched Biclarel try to gauge Ganieda's speed and her running pattern before letting the spear fly.

Surprisingly, the spear managed to hit one of the inner rings before Ganieda had time to dodge.

Damn! That one hit hard, Merlin smirked a little at Ganieda's internal comment, ignoring some of the claps from the Knights that someone had finally managed to actually land a relatively clean hit on the target.

Marrok was up next.

This time, Ganieda played a little dirtier than normal. She stopped dead in her tracks and stopped moving, hoping that it would throw Marrok off and lull him into a false sense of security. Merlin watched the Knight intently, wondering if he would fall for one of his cousin's favourite tricks.

Incidentally, Marrok did. He raised his crossbow and fired. Merlin grinned with excitement as at the last minute, Ganieda dived to the side, the bolt whizzing past her. The Knight blinked in absolute surprise; Merlin chuckled out loud. Marrok flushed a little in embarrassment but didn't say anything as he joined the other Knights who had their turn.

Up next, was Melion, who gave the warlock a cold look.

"Your cousin is making a mockery of our training," he growled as he loaded his crossbow. Ganieda was already preparing herself, steeling herself when she saw her already least favourite Knight was next.

"You don't like a challenge, Sir Melion?" Merlin shot back smoothly.

"You both treat this as a game," the Knight accused.

"The King wanted you to practise with moving targets," Merlin reminded him as civilly as he could manage. "Unfortunately, you don't get to decide how your target moves."

Melion's scowl deepened; he looked like he wanted to scold Merlin for his backchat but restrained himself. He turned back and readied his crossbow. The warlock looked away from Melion when he felt eyes on him and exchanged a look with Mordred.

Shall we teach him a lesson, Emrys?

A sliver of a smile etched onto Merlin's countenance.

I think we should, Mordred.

Mordred returned the smile covertly.

Merlin's attention returned to the prideful young Knight as he raised his crossbow and took a few deep breaths. The warlock waited; Melion finally pushed the trigger. Merlin did not miss a beat and incanted a Stunning spell in his mind, eyes bleeding gold. As expected, the bolt veered to the right quite sharply and lodged itself into an unattended shield.

There was a stunned silence. Melion blinked in shock at the bolt before he reloaded the crossbow. Mordred, Ganieda and Merlin both tried not to laugh.

Melion then fired his second bolt. Mordred's eyes bled gold and the second bolt veered off to thr left and lodged itself into one of the nearby tents. Ganieda stood there with her arms folded and tapped her foot in mock impatience. This time, it caused verbal uproar.

"Come on, Melion, wakey, wakey!" Gwaine teased.

"Are you tired, Melion? Your aim has gotten worse!" Kay added.

A few guffaws ran around the Knights; Melion got angrier and angrier by the second, which made Biclarel and Marrok extremely nervous. Arthur sensed it too, and decided to nip it in the bud before the flower of vexation could come into full bloom. The King clapped his hands together a few times.

"Mace next, gentlemen!" he announced. "Merlin, put some armour on! Ganieda, thank you so much. I really appreciate your help."

Merlin rolled his eyes but did as he was told, preparing himself for a good battering. Ganieda brought back the target, looking rather pleased with herself.

I pity poor Bedivere. Melion is going to use him as a punching bag, Ganieda commented as she watched a fuming Melion fetch his mace, glaring at Sir Bedivere, who smiled back charmingly.

Bedivere can handle the hothead, Merlin reassured her easily.

Messing with Melion was definitely worth it, Mordred added. The Druid Knight had been rather amused at being partnered with Marrok.

Ganieda and Merlin more than agreed. Mace practise went on longer than spears and crossbow – by the end, Merlin could feel every battering he had received that morning burning through his arm. Ganieda was in a much better state as she had sat out on it and eventually was summoned to help buy some new material for Queen Guinevere's new dresses. Merlin returned home alone; Gaius was busy brewing when he came in groaning.

"Another training session?" Gaius gauged.

"Yep. Arthur did not hold back, nor did Gwaine," Merlin confirmed as he sunk down on the nearest bench. He strained a little.

"Where is Gadiena?"

"Gone to help with a dress emergency. She helped during spear and crossbow training," Merlin informed wryly. "Melion was his usual oh-so pleasant self today. Mordred and I taught him a bit of a lesson."

Gaius frowned a little. "Sir Melion?"

"One of the new Knights. The one who has a ring that radiates magic," Merlin informed his guardian with a pointed look. "There is also something off about him that we just can't lay our fingers on."

"Oh?" the physician raised an eyebrow. "A magic ring? Are you certain?"

"Positive! I am forced to ignore the incessant humming," Merlin informed him. "And there is something else. His friends – Sir Biclarel and Sir Marrok – all feel weird too. Plus, all of them have wolves in their House arms. I don't know why, but I feel like that is significant."

"Interesting …"

Merlin knew that tone all too well by now, and knew the current facial expression on Gaius's face. "Oh no. I do not like the sound of that," he groaned. "Please tell me that we are not dealing with more young sorcerers. Gili nearly gave me silver hairs!"

Gaius gave him a pointed look for that comment. Merlin smiled angelically. "I am not sure yet what I think," the physician answered truthfully as the gears in his head already started to turn.

Merlin rolled his eyes and huffed. He got to his feet. "Well, when you know what you think, please let me know. I have to get this armour off and start on the chores before King Prat decides to give me more agility training!"

Gaius nodded, continuing to brew, and continuing to mull over his already growing suspicions.

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"What the hell was that?!"

Melion threw his armour into a corner; Biclarel shut the door to his friend's chambers quite firmly. "Are you trying to make us outcasts amongst our new brothers? Because if so, please continue the way you are going!" he snarled. "Your behaviour has got to the stop, Melion!"

Melion's eyes flashed dangerously as he whirled to face his fuming friends. "They are hiding something! We practically smell it on them, and given what we have witnessed yesterday, I don't think we can assume those two aren't a threat!"

"Oh, they are a threat – just not to the King!" Biclarel hissed.

Both Marrok and Melion regarded their friend for a moment.

"You know something," Marrok stated simply. "What is it? Don't keep us in suspense."

For a moment, Biclarel did not answer. He took a sudden interest in his shoes before lifting his head. "I cannot be certain, but for a moment, I thought I saw Merlin's eyes turn gold."

Marrok and Melion's eyes widened in seconds.

"Are you certain?" Marrok went rather pale.

"I only glimpsed it for a moment. I could have been mistaken," Biclarel shook his head.

"No. Your eyes are faster than any of ours combined," Melion argued, scoffing. "It would also explain why we felt drawn to them in the first place. The King's servant, a sorcerer. Which stands to reason that there is perhaps something not quite as natural about Gadiena either."

"Two of them?!" Marrok went even paler. He started pacing up and down. "Why in the hell would two sorcerers risk their lives and live in Camelot?"

"That same question could be posed about us," Biclarel pointed out easily.

"I think the most important question is, are they a threat to the King?" Melion growled, his eyes flashing dangerously.

That made Marrok snort. "Melion, in the time we have been here, we have heard stories of the King's funny relationship with his servant. I think if Merlin was truly a threat to the King, he could have betrayed him years ago. No – sorcerer or not, Merlin is not the problem, and neither is Gadiena. No matter how much she and Merlin hurt your pride."

Melion scowled at his friend for that.

"Indeed, we know what the real problem is," Biclarel agreed. "And how on Earth we are going to find a way to tell the King his wife is in league with his sister."

A thought just sprung into Marrok's head. "I wonder …" he mused out loud. "I wonder if our two sorcerers know about the enchanted Queen."

"And if not, maybe be the ones to tell them, and get two allies who can be near the Queen without suspicion," Melion added with a smirk.

"Then, we will simply have to start gaining their trust," Biclarel pointed out and shot Melion a look again. "Which means curbing any inclination to start petulant and childish fights for no good reason."

Melion rolled his eyes and gave a lopsided smirk. "I will behave myself, brother," he reassured, and this time he meant every word.

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The retinue of King Gorlagon arrived in the early evening, just before Ganieda was set to take a well-earned bath and Merlin had finished helping Gaius with another anti-scofula treatment. Ganieda had complained about having to be in the presence of royalty while smelling worse than Arthur's horses but quickly got dressed nonetheless.

The Court physician and his family joined the welcome party outside, standing onside and at the ready with George, Ettare and a couple of other servants. Ganieda took a moment to study everyone; King Arthur was standing on the middle stairs with Leon, Percival, Gwaine and Mordred on his left side and Geraint, Kay, Bedivere and Caradoc on his right. Gadiena almost snorted with laughter at the King's choice of crown. It was big, bronze and utterly absurd! Up on the stone balcony overlooking the courtyard was Queen Guinevere, looking extremely composed.

Tristan, Biclarel, Marrok and Melion were the closest to the servants, their faces impassive.

Everyone watched as the Knights of Rheged trotted into the courtyard, the sound of hooves echoing all around them. The sound of wheels from the only carriage was just as deafening. Merlin and Ganieda both spied the infamous King quite easily; he rode in front of the carriage on an elegant black steed with a white mark on its face. The King had perfect posture and carried himself with an air of natural arrogance that most nobles had. His handsome, though aged, countenance had a look of sternness. When the retinue came to a halt, King Gorlagon regarded Arthur with a look of undisguised judgement.

"Camelot welcomes you, King Gorlagon," Arthur stated diplomatically.

"So I see," came the emotionless, smooth reply. Merlin and Ganieda both noted that there wasn't a natural loudness to King Gorlagon's voice, but that it was absolutely not necessary for him to raise his voice at all. There was an already underlying menace to his voice that they could not place. "I am very much looking forward to seeing whether or not my bards were telling tall tales or not."

Arthur kept himself suitably composed. "Did you have a pleasant journey, my Lord?"

"Other than three foolhardy bandit attacks, it was pleasant enough," the King responded coolly as he dismounted from his horse and the carriage door opened.

Almost all eyes were drawn to the cute young boy of eleven with dark curls, his auburn-haired sister and the woman who was quite clearly the Queen. Ganieda's eyes almost bugged out of her head. Gorlagon's wife had dark auburn curls with a gold circlet fixed in her hair. She wore a dress of dark purple and green that made her look paler than she already was. Once one looked into those blue eyes, it was difficult to look away. Ganieda was even more surprised to see the Queen carry her own baby, wrapped in cloth of silver.

"May I introduce my family? This is my wife, Accolon, and our three children: Clarion, Caelia and Aneurin," the King introduced; Queen Accolon and their two eldest children curtseyed and bowed to Arthur.

The King smiled and gallantly kissed the knuckles of Queen Accolon. "My Lady, welcome to Camelot."

The Queen answered his smile with a sunny one of her own. "Thank you, Your Highness. I am already happy to see that the bards were not exaggerating when they sang of your looks. Or that of your Queen."

"You are very kind, my Lady," Arthur bowed his head.

King Gorlagon cleared his throat a little. "May we request a bath and something to eat? We have lacked a few creature comforts these past few days. The children have been especially fussy."

"Of course. George, Ettare, Merlin, Ganieda!"

The four summoned were there in seconds. Arthur continued. "They will guide you to your chambers and help you to settle."

Merlin and George bowed in sync; Ettare and Ganieda curtsied elegantly. Gorlagon looked absolutely unimpressed and bored while Accolon beamed at them. Prince Clarion took an interest in Merlin while Princess Caelia already took Ganieda's hand and pulled her towards the carriage.

"I have one trunk, it should not be too heavy!" the young Royal told the utterly perplexed warlock as she followed, chuckles running around the courtyard at the princess's antics.

"Oh no, the trunk is very heavy," Prince Clarion confessed to Merlin in a conspiratorial whisper. "Caelia packed more toys in secret."

"Did she, Your Highness?" Merlin whispered back; the young prince nodded emphatically. "Well, we are good with heavy luggage, though we may not look it. Is your trunk heavy?"

"Very! But I didn't sneak toys in it."

"Not a problem, Your Highness. Leave it to me."

The warlocks happily took the luggage of the children and headed into the castle with the heir and his sister close behind, chatting excitedly about their journey, two Knights of Rheged behind them. George was in charge of King Gorlagon's luggage and Ettare was helping the Queen's maid with Accolon's travelling trunks.

Merlin knew that George would be swanning around for the next couple of days!

However, it was worth it, because Merlin actually found himself having fun helping the young Prince Clarion to unpack, not at all minding taking orders from an eleven-year-old while the Royal child sat primly on the bed. Taking orders from a child was much less irritating than from an uppity noble.

"Merlin!" he heard George call from the King of Rheged's chambers opposite.

"Yes?" Merlin called as he arranged the prince's shoes neatly.

"There is still one more piece of luggage for His Highness. Could you go and get it?"

Before Merlin could answer, the King snapped. "No! My own men will fetch it. No one else will touch it."

There was a cold silence for a moment. Merlin had at first flinched at the dulcet tones and had then frowned when George was dismissed so sharply. The warlock frowned; he did not like how his friend had been treated at all. Another King with an attitude … it seemed that Merlin would need to bite into his cheek again!

It was Prince Clarion who broke the silence. "I hope that you or George won't judge Father too much. He is just very, very, very protective of his favourite plant."

"Favourite plant?" Merlin repeated, turning back to his young charge. "What kind of plant is it, my young Lord?"

"No idea. I never saw it," Clarion admitted. "But Father loves it so much that it has its own guards and everything! No one is allowed near it, not even Mother."

Strange, Merlin commented to himself. Very strange.

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As the night claimed the kingdom in sleep, Gaius watched and waited, listening to the soft snoozing of Ganieda and the slightly louder snoring from Merlin to make sure that his two apprentices were fast asleep. The old physician had made the excuse after dinner that he had to stay up a little longer to work on some more potions and do some research.

Half of those words were true.

When he was certain that most of the castle would be asleep, Gaius snuck out of his tower and carefully made his way through the castle towards the library in the hope that Geoffrey too would still be awake, given the excitement of that day.

Gaius quietly thanked the gods when he found that the Royal library was indeed still open and Geoffrey of Monmouth was to be found behind his desk, brow furrowed deeply while reading a set of old records codified on scrolls. When he heard footsteps approach, Geoffrey's head immediately turned to face Gaius.

"Gaius. This is a surprise," the Archivist greeted. "How may I help you at this time of night?"

"I have a hunch, old friend. One that I simply cannot ignore," the physician answered truthfully. "I once again need to borrow your compendium of noble Houses."

Geoffrey eyed him slyly. "You have not asked for it since the return of Tristan de Bois," he commented, clearly remembering the terror and panic the Black Knight wraith had caused all those years ago. Only Gaius had been cleared-headed enough to suspect who it was. "I assume you need it under slightly better circumstances?"

"It has nothing to do with ghosts from the past," Gaius reassured. "I assume you have heard of Sirs Biclarel, Marrok and Melion? The son of Meliant, son of Lucan and the heir of House Tanas."

Gaius did not need to say more. A knowing look had entered the wizened eyes of Geoffrey at those names; he had indeed heard of them, and the families they were scions of. Without so much as asking any further questions, the Archivist rose to his feet and headed to one of his many bookcases. Geoffrey lifted down the tome in question and brought it back to the physician with a grave expression.

"Thank you, old friend," Gaius gingerly took the book that he had hoped that he would not need again.

Geoffrey hummed noncommittedly but his expression spoke louder than his words could have. Let's hope your hunch is incorrect …

Quietly, the physician hoped the same but what Merlin had told him made him fear that his hunch was on point. After all, it had been with Tristan de Bois and the fake Lady Catrina. Plus, Gaius remembered Meliant and Lucan all too well, and had heard the rumours about them. Uther had fortunately not listened to many of them, because of how close allies there were. But, Gaius always wondered if there were some truth to what was being said. Thus, while waging an internal battle, Gaius settled himself down for a night of serious reading.

Chapter Text

Though they had not plotted this together, Merlin and Ganieda soon reminded Gaius that they were family. Both warlocks were up, washed and dressed before their uncle, in order to make sure that the physician could not make any excuse as to not give them answers they wanted and needed. It probably should not have taken Gaius by surprise as much as it did when he groggily sat up and yawned, only to almost fall out of bed when he saw that his sisters' children were making breakfast and looking at him rather expectantly.

Gaius gave a resigned sigh as soon as he saw their faces, shaking his head despondently but fondly. "You are not even going to wait until after breakfast, are you?"

"I take it that means you have had some suspicions confirmed, Gaius," Merlin stated knowingly as he bought over some tea for his guardian. "So, come on – don't be shy, Gaius, hold nothing back. Who are our three new Knights and should we be worried about them?"

For a moment, Gaius considered not conceding and insisting they have some breakfast first. But as he sipped his tea and continued to study his niece and nephew, he knew that with their determined faces, he would not be able to get away with half-baked excuses. But that did not mean he could not buy himself some time.

Gaius sipped his tea a couple of more times, sitting up, before he answered them. "I remember Lord Meliant, Lord Lucan and Lord Wulfric Tanas rather well, during their time at Uther's court. They had been amongst Uther's inner circle from the beginning, since he conquered Camelot and won it out of the hands of King Vortigern. All three were impressive men, in their own ways. Meliant secured alliances in Welsh territories for Uther. Lord Lucan introduced Uther to Lord Godwin. As for Wulfric Tanas, he was a skilled warrior. All three of them were remarkably jealous of the former King's friendship with Gorlois too. Though their loyalty to the Crown was never questioned, there had been … rumours."

Gaius knew he was pausing for dramatic effect; Ganieda immediately took her uncle's bait.

"What kind of rumours?" she pressed eagerly.

"Nothing that could ever be proven. However, there were strange occurrences. Sightings of wolves close to Camelot, when most wolves never dared to come near the citadel walls. Stags and boars that appeared in the Royal kitchens with no explanation," Gaius answered carefully. "Also, they were stronger than most people, faster than most people and had, seemingly, enhanced senses."

The cousins exchanged a look between them.

"How is this significant, Gaius?" Merlin continued.

Gaius looked at Merlin with a knowing look the warlock knew all too well. "Do you remember Edwin?"

Merlin scoffed. The man with half his face burned as a child after he tried to rescue his parents from the flames and had spent his entire life plotting revenge on Uther. The man who had tried to sway him to the Dark. Edwin was a man Merlin would not forget in a hurry.

"Of course I do. Why? What has Edwin got to do with them?"

"Do you remember that Uther killed his parents and I turned a blind eye? Well, I was not the person who handed Gregor and Jaden's names to Uther. They were simply put on the same list as Alice was. It was Lord Tanas who was put in charge of that list and found out his parents," Gaius revealed, Merlin raising his eyebrows in surprise. "He found them by claiming he could 'smell the black magic in them'."

"Smell the black magic?" Ganieda repeated in disbelief. "Is that even possible or was Lord Tanas using some sort of metaphor?"

"That is what everyone else said and thought," Gaius continued carefully.

"But you were not convinced?" Merlin guessed quite quickly, judging from Gaius's tone.

"No, I wasn't," Gaius agreed. "But I did not dare say anything to Uther about his favourites. After all, my word counted very little back then."

"He would not have believed you anyway," Merlin stated. His eyes narrowed a little and a small grin started to etch on his face. "So, what did you think they were, Gaius?"

Gaius did not immediately answer. He gave his apprentice a pointed look. "You must promise me not to do anything foolish."

"Me?" Merlin attempted to look and sound innocent. "When have I done anything foolish…?"

Gaius really did give him a pointed look at this point. "I mean it, Merlin, these boys' families are not to be trifled with."

"Gaius, I am not going to do anything to them unless they are a threat to Arthur," Merlin reassured, really fighting the urge to roll his eyes. "Ganieda and I can take their teasing and pathetic attempts at intimidation."

Gaius sighed. "Very well," he answered softly. "Though there was never any tangible evidence, I always harboured a suspicion that they are werewolves."

For a moment, one could have heard a feather drop to the floor. Ganieda almost burned breakfast in her shock.

"Sorry … Werewolves …?" Merlin repeated almost in a squeak. "Gaius, if that is a joke, what did I say about making jokes, because that isn't funny."

"I take it that you had that suspicion confirmed last night?" Ganieda added as she poured the porridge into bowls.

"That, and what you have been telling me," Gaius confirmed. The physician started to get out of bed. "Werewolves are creatures of magic, people who are able to assume the shape of a wolf due to a spell, or a magical artefact. Some transformations have been known to be linked to the Moon, but not all."

"How dangerous are they?" Merlin immediately wanted to know. "As dangerous as a Bastet?"

He really did not want a repeat of what happened with Freya …

"No, far less. Unless they are controlled by a sorcerer with malicious intent, or under the influence of the disease known as Lunar Mania, werewolves are able to retain their human wits and know right from wrong," Gaius informed, revealing an entry in his bestiary to the two eager warlocks. "They have heightened physiology and senses-"

"-which explains the strength, the speed and the ability to smell magic," Ganieda immediately deduced. Then, realisation hit her. "Good gods, that is why Biclarel, Marrok and Melion felt so weird to us and took such an interest in us! They sense the magic in us, and our magic senses the curse in them!"

Merlin's gears had been whirring at the exact same time. "And I am willing to bet a few tankards of mead that the thing that binds Melion's wolf form, is his ring! That is why I could hear it humming."

Both warlocks looked a little bit too giddy for Gaius's liking.

"Be that as it may, continue to be wary of them," he warned his niece and nephew. "Those three may not be enemies of Camelot but werewolves can have a very nasty temper, whether they are in possession of their human mind or not. They do have the ability to transmit their curse to another; do not vex them more than you have been already."

Merlin and Ganieda huffed in sync, feeling already chastised before they could even cause any chaos. The warlocks decided to concentrate on breakfast; a good thing too because soon there was knocking at the door.

"Merlin, I hope you have eaten because the princess demands your presence!" Gwaine's annoyingly jovial tones ran around the room. "His Stroppiness is making me late for patrol and if I am late again, Leon will have my backside for breakfast!"

"Ganieda, Queen Accolon requires your presence!" Mordred added.

Please hurry; Ettare is set to have a bit of a meltdown, the Druid Knight confessed telepathically.

The warlocks were up on their feet in seconds, exchanging a look, while Gaius watched on in amusement.

I swear, if Arthur is stuck in his shirt again, I will kick him, Merlin grumbled, causing Mordred and Ganieda to both snort.

Merlin, he is the King, Mordred tried to point out.

Yes. King Cabbage Head who gets stuck in his clothes!

Merlin!

You cannot say that I am wrong, Mordred.

The Knight did not argue. As Merlin and Ganieda rushed to do their duties, Gaius watched them leave with a fond look, hoping to the gods that three werewolves in Camelot would not put the two warlocks in danger.

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"I can't believe we are stuck on patrol!"

"Melion, quit your whinging and keep your eyes open. We have potential bandits, Saxons and Morgana supporters to watch out for," Marrok pointed out crisply as he continued to survey the trees above.

"As if any of them would be actually stupid enough to come close enough to Camelot's walls in broad daylight," Melion sneered.

"It needs to be done. One can never say never," Biclarel answered primly.

This was the three Werewolf Knights' first patrol, and Melion had been in a rather stroppy mood since Sir Leon knocked on their doors. Indeed, the young knight had to be effectively dragged out of bed by his old friends the make him get a move on and not get Melion into trouble with the king. It was not all that surprising, considering the fact that Melion had always hated going on patrols with his father and their men.

Melion was not a morning knight, but with Gorlagon in Camelot, Arthur did not need any extra stress.

Melion huffed; even his horse Argantha gave him an unimpressed look now and again. "I don't like this, given … everything."

"Neither do I, but we have other duties to uphold, as you fully well know," Biclarel remarked in a tone full of authority. "Besides, it is good to have some fresh air. Gives one a bit more perspective; enjoying the beauty of nature while fulfilling one's duty!"

"Always the bloody poet, Biclarel," Melion commented jovially.

"Well, you have to have more than simple good looks to court the ladies," Biclarel reminded him playfully.

"What is needed to court ladies?!"

The three Werewolf Knights chuckled softly as Gwaine pulled up his horse alongside them with a grin. Of course Camelot's resident womaniser overheard them!

"Nothing you know not already, Sir Gwaine," Biclarel responded with a grin. "I was just giving Melion some much needed pointers on how to get on a lady's good side."

Gwaine lit up even more. "So, someone has caught your eyes already, Sir Melion? That was quick. Who is it? Oh, don't tell me it's Ganieda! I would mind your words around Merlin in the future then."

Melion blanched at the suggestion while Marrok, Biclarel and a few eavesdropping knights started to chuckle at his expense. However, once he had recovered from his shock, Melion's lips curled into a rather unpleasant sneer. "Why would my head be turned by a simple peasant girl with nothing to her name, Sir Gwaine?"

The usual jovial knight's countenance more than darkened a little. Marrok pinched the bridge of his nose while Biclarel cuffed Melion around the head. Quite hard.
Melion was soon rubbing the back of his head, glaring at his friend.

"Careful, Sir Melion, before your not-so-charming pride ensures no other noblewoman will want you either," Gwaine warned in a tone that was more menacing than anything that his fellow knights had ever heard. Tristan too looked visibly annoyed. Bedivere, Kai and Percival's eyes were kind of bugging out of their sockets. "They would sooner go for Percival or Mordred before considering you, otherwise."

"They would even go for Merlin," Caradoc could not resist adding.

Percival did not particularly like the tone of his fellow knight. "Would you like to learn to fly, Caradoc?"

"Dear brother of mine, I meant nothing by it!" the knight quickly reassured. "Merlin is friendly, loyal, generous, has a brilliant sense of humour and has a lot of courage. He is noble in all but name and status. I am not besmirching him; indeed, I am more surprised that he has not been snapped up yet!"

"Merlin has never been with a girl?" Marrok did sound rather surprised. He too had assumed that the King's manservant would have the pick of any commoner.

"Not that we know of. Gwaine tries to get him to catch the eye of the ladies on the rare occasion Merlin does come to the tavern, but it doesn't seem like he is interested," Kai could not help but dish out a little gossip.

"I always thought that perhaps Merlin did have someone and his heart simply has not healed properly yet," Bedivere added. "I saw that look in my cousin once. Merlin's eyes remind me of him."

Biclarel and Marrok exchanged a look between them. It seemed that their hidden warlock was a man of many mysteries, and his own friends liked to theorise about him and his private life behind his back! Little wonder that Merlin's patience with them had run out.

Leon was starting to become a little irritated by his brothers-in-arms' behaviour as well. "I think that is enough surmising about Merlin and we should all start concentrating a little more on the duty at hand."

Gwaine practically rolled his eyes at him. "Come on, Leon. You know as well as I do that you are just as curious about Merlin's lack of love life as I am! Who knows – maybe the arrival of his cousin will change that. I don't think Ganieda likes the idea of her cousin being alone in the world."

"Oh Gwaine, stop being so dramatic," Kai snorted. "Merlin isn't alone. He has Gaius, Arthur, Guinevere and us. Ganieda arriving in Camelot only adds to the numbers."

"Kai, that is not what I meant and you know it!"

Leon's jaw clenched even more. "That is enough! The next one to bring up inappropriate topics surrounding Merlin, Ganieda or anyone else will be helping them to muck out the stables!"

A few of the brazen ones – Kai, Caradoc, Gwaine – looked set to back-chat; fortunately, in the eyes of Biclarel and Marrok, the Knights of Camelot were soon distracted. The relief did not last long, however, considering what soon had them distracted.

"Found something!"

"Leon, over here!"

The Knights froze and hurried in the direction of the calls from the guards they had sent out to fan the area. Swords had been drawn and crossbows had been readied, prepared for some kind of confrontation. However, they were soon all rather disappointed when they came into a small clearing, to find the guards around a boar carcass.

A rather familiar boar carcass to Biclarel, Marrok and Melion; all three froze momentarily when they saw it. Bugger; it seemed that they had been hunting a little too close to Camelot last night. Fortunately for them, their reactions were not noted in the slightest by the other Knights, because they were too busy shaking their heads at the guards.

"A dead boar? Really, Marcus?" Gwaine chuckled. "On how many hunts have you been exactly? You think that the King has one less piggy to hunt with his guest is worth noting? This is nothing-"

"Not the boar, Gwaine!" the guard snapped, flushing a little under his helmet. He was pointing his spear at something in the earth. "That!"

The Knights all looked down; the Werewolf Knights were cursing their own recklessness. Paw prints, more than one set of very distinct lupine paw prints. The other Knights all frowned and shook their head in disbelief.

"Either we are dealing with some very big dogs, or these were made by wolves," Percival commented, sounding rather grave.

"Morgana?" Gwaine immediately guessed, much to the surprise of Biclarel, Marrok and Melion.

"Why would it be Morgana?" Marrok asked with genuine curiosity.

"Because Morgana had wolves. She used them to find us and capture us when we went to Ismere," Gwaine replied, his eyes and tone turning quite dark. "The buggers were quite nasty. Enhanced with magic."

"Yep, but I can't say for certain if these were made by Morgana's wolves. These paw prints – they're bigger than normal," Percival pointed out.

"Maybe Morgana grew wolves with magic?" Melion attempted to joke.

Tristan did not find it that funny. He gave the young knight a cold look. "It won't be so amusing when you find yourself standing in front of that witch, Melion. Her powers are not to be trifled with. The King himself will attest to it."

"Of course," Melion responded coolly. "Sorry. Silly joke."

Leon regained authority with a cough to clear his throat. "We will inform Arthur that there have been wolves in the area. Until we have further evidence, we will not say Morgana is involved. Am I clear?"

"Yes, sir," came the chorus from the rest of the Knights. They were more than happy to not bring up that dangerous topic that was the last High Priestess unless they were given no other option.

Biclarel, Marrok and Melion felt relief flood them; they exchanged a look between them as they silently promised to be a whole lot more careful in the future when it came to their nightly hunts and runs. Especially now that they knew that the King's half-sister had magical wolves under her command.

########################################################################################################################################################################################################################

Ganieda had made an internal vow by the late morning to make Merlin a very nice bath that evening. She had thought that she had finally understood why Merlin sometimes sounded so exhausted and agitated in his letters when it came to his duties, but now Ganieda realised that her cousin had been rather gracious in his descriptions and underselling just how taxing it was to look after some of Camelot's most high-profile guests.

She had desperately wanted to be jealous when Merlin, after getting Arthur and Guinevere ready for a set of undoubtedly heated negotiations with Gorlagon and then accompanying the Kings on a rather extensive city tour, got to spend time being the servant for the young princes and princess. But seeing Merlin give the young visiting Royals horse-back rides, pretending to be a dragon for them to slay and juggling for them, made Ganieda – and any other witnesses – smile so much that she could not muster up any envy.

If anyone deserved to look after the easiest guests at Camelot, it was Merlin.

But the warlock did find herself wanting to silence Cook for a few hours and find a quiet corner of the castle to sleep before Queen Accolon required her presence instead of Ettare again. Ganieda had nothing inherently against Gorlagon's wife, except for the fact that the Queen made Ganieda's fortress go up by an extra fifty to one hundred bricks.

The moment the woman entered a room, the warlock felt her magic hum as though preparing to protect her from some kind of threat. Not that the Queen seemed to notice anything. She always had that serene, gracious smile on her face. One that was eerily reminiscent of Queen Guinevere's smile.

Almost too nice to be genuine.

It was one of the reasons Ganieda was more than happy to run those silly herb errands Cook made her run when she wasn't told to dice, slice, stir or keep an eye on the laundry that was sometimes precariously placed near the food. But that did not mean a limit had not been reached. After all, she was not entirely accustomed to servant life, and it seemed that people forgot that in their haste.

Currently Ganieda was carrying the fresh sheets, cloak and a few dresses belonging to Queen Accolon and the fresh sheets for King Gorlagon's room, already planning on sneaking away to the physician's chambers until she was missed. Already, the warlock thought she could feel the bones in her body scream for some kind of mercy.

First, she dealt with the Queen's laundry since that would require the most sorting and work, and then she went to the King's chambers to change the sheets. That was when Ganieda wished she had gone to take her nap a whole lot earlier. Because the moment the warlock walked into the room, she sensed that there was something supernatural going on. The source of it – a plant.

No doubt the same plant Merlin had tried to unpack and apparently got barked at by King Gorlagon. Ganieda frowned, trying to ignore the mad humming that her magic was doing as she approached the boxed-up plant. She could not help but wonder what kind it was, and more importantly, what kind of magic was attached to it?

Because it had to be one powerful enchantment to immediately call to the magic inside her and Merlin.

Now and again, Ganieda looked over her shoulder and kept her ears perked for the sound of any footsteps heading towards the chambers. The warlock edged closer and closer to this quite literal forbidden fruit as the humming only got louder. Her ears were practically ringing as she quietly, carefully unhatched the top of the strange wooden crate that stood close to King Gorlagon's bed. With the sound of her heartbeat growing louder than the humming of the magic, Ganieda lifted the top of and peered inside.

To her disbelief, inside nestled a box full of dirt and soil. Growing from it was a strange plant; one that not even Ganieda had ever seen before and her knowledge of botany rivalled that of Gaius. It was vibrant green with orange and purple flowers and the humming from it was overbearing but not for a single moment could Ganieda look away from it.

The warlock tentatively reached out her hand, intended on trying to get a read from this mysterious fauna.

"I would not do that, if I were you."

Internally cursing, Ganieda whirled around and soon stood there with her eyes wide and feeling like a deer caught in the crossfires of a hunting party. All the while, Queen Accolon stood there with a small smile. The warlock really had no idea if she was about to find herself in the stocks or not.

"M-my Lady," she curtsied as soon as she was able to shake herself out of her stupor. "F-forgive me, I was just changing the King's sheets and I saw the crate-"

"-and got curious. Yes, I am afraid that is an affliction we all share," the Queen finished with a deceptively calm tone. Her eyes turned slightly cold as it turned onto the plant. "I should have you punished for your presumption, but considering you have managed to do what few have dared to endeavour, and I have an admiration for those with audacity, I should really give you the rest of the day off."

"My Lady?" Ganieda really had no idea what to think right now.

A look of amusement danced in Accolon's eyes.

"Very few have laid eyes on my husband's greatest treasure. Indeed, that plant has more guards than even our eldest son does and he is heir to the throne!" the Queen explained, her jovial tone rather strained. "I am sure you heard that he had some rather dulcet tones for your cousin when he tried to free the plant from its home."

"He … he did not really mention it, my Lady," the warlock answered truthfully. "Merlin is not really one to report the behaviour of the King's guests unless they really do something offensive or illegal."

"So, he is the honourable sort," the Queen chuckled softly and then regarded Ganieda a little more curiously. "What sort are you, Ganieda?"

Why do I have a feeling that I am being assessed…?

Ganieda really tried not to gulp. "I am the honest sort," was her rather blunt answer. "My Lady," she quickly added in case she sounded a little too impertinent.

The Queen, however, did not seem to be too offended. She simply nodded thoughtfully. "Well, that does not surprise me," she stated softly. "Now, I think it best that we do not exercise too much honesty in this case and do not say a word to my husband about this minor transgression. I would rather not cause a diplomatic incident between Gorlagon and Arthur, but I will have to order you never to touch this plant again, Ganieda."

"Yes, my Lady," Ganieda was all too happy to comply. Anything to get her out of the room.

"And you have the rest of the day to yourself," the Queen added before the warlock could entirely escape the room. "Your friend Ettare can look after me tonight."

"Thank you, my Lady."

"Enjoy your evening, Ganieda."

Amused; the Queen sounded very amused as Ganieda nigh on bolted out of the room. All the while, the warlock's ears had been ringing with the hum of magic and for some reason, Ganieda knew that it wasn't just because of the plant. Her magic did not like Queen Accolon either.

Queen Accolon … was it possible …

No, surely not …

Had Gorlagon married a witch?

Ganieda? What's the matter?

The warlock slowed down when she heard Mordred's voice in her head. Ganieda had not realised in her haste that she had been legging from one corridor to the other, and people were concerned. She turned around to see Mordred coming through the doorway she had just legged through, concern etched all over his young countenance.

I need to talk to Merlin, she answered honestly.

Emrys is not back with the children yet. What's going on?

Funny business. Magical funny business.

This answer made the Druidic Knight frown even more. Ganieda sighed to herself.

King Gorlagon's forbidden crate? It has a plant in it; one that is enchanted.

Mordred's eyes widened. Are you certain?

I know magic when I sense it. My head was pounding with the sensation. And there is something else. Something that may get me landed in the cells.

Mordred's countenance took on a look that Ganieda was all too familiar with, thanks to Hunith. Resignation.

What have you done?

It is nothing I have done, Sir Mordred. It is something I suspect.

Ganieda swallowed a little. Queen Accolon is one of our kind.

Ganieda was quietly concerned for Mordred's eyes as they more than bugged out of his sockets.

Are you certain, Ganieda?

My magic doesn't normally start humming for no reason, Sir Mordred!

Mordred flushed in embarrassment. Indeed. Sorry. I had to ask; I would not know as I have not been near her all too long, but I believe you.

You're forgiven. Come on, we are finding Merlin. Now.

I do not think that he wants me there …

Nonsense. Do not let my cousin intimidate you, Mordred. Merlin is sometimes a bit of a grumpy pants.

And has a habit of listening to certain meddling dragon's way of doing things too much for Ganieda's liking! Mordred smiled at Ganieda gratefully for that comment, which she already considered a win. The warlock and the Druid Knight hurried the rest of the way down into the courtyard, just as Merlin was returning with Gorlagon's children, the youngest prince on his back while the Crown Prince and his sister duelled.

"I will be the one to rescue our brother!"

"I have always been better with the sword, Clarion!"

Ganieda could not force the smile off her countenance at seeing the happy Royal children and Merlin looking so paternal. Mordred, however, gave her a gentle nudge, reminding her that she needed to stay focused. She shot him a grateful look before opening the Link between her and her cousin.

Merlin, you are probably going to hate me for this but I know for certain that my visions may have been right.

That caught Merlin's attention immediately. His attention shifted immediately away from Clarion and Caelia and he met Ganieda's gaze full on.

Please tell me you did not do something stupid …

Who? Me?

Ganieda could not help but answer with the characteristically jovial tone that practically ran in the family. I did not mean to do it – I was just doing the last of my chores. I wanted to nap … But my magic couldn't ignore Gorlagon's little secret.

Merlin's eyes widened. You got near it?

One better. I got a good look at the plant itself. It is nothing like I have ever seen before, and it's enchanted.

Enchanted? Are you sure?

Ganieda gave him a very unimpressed look. I want to kick you.

Sorry, Merlin flushed in embarrassment, which actually made Mordred grin a little at seeing this all-powerful sorcerer look sheepish at doubting his cousin. But it would explain why King Gorlagon does not want anyone near it. Especially here. Arthur would not like that plant here at all.

There is something else,

Ganieda continued and sighed. I am pretty certain the Queen has magic.

Merlin pinched the bridge of his nose at this point. Of course she did; it was just Camelot's luck to get a visiting King with a magical plant and a sorceress for a wife! Merlin was a little more than tempted to actually go to the tavern tonight and get himself a rather stiff drink. Judging from Mordred's face, the Druid already knew everything.

Damn it.

Ganieda, I am going to ask you to do something you definitely won't like.

Judging by her countenance, said warlock already did not like where this was going.

Leave this to me.

Oh boy.

Merlin …

No. You will have to trust me on this, you as well, Mordred.

Merlin looked and sounded more serious than either of them had heard. You will not put yourselves in unnecessary danger; I will look into the plant and Queen Accolon and get back to both of you. Arthur and Camelot's safety is my responsibility, whether you like it or not.

Ganieda could not argue; Mordred looked like he wanted to but decided not to fight Emrys on this just yet. It was not usual for the warlock to dish out any kind of order. Plus, with the arrival of Leon's patrol there was no room for any further debate, because Merlin, Ganieda and Mordred were joined quickly by Leon, Gwaine, Percival and Tristan.

"Merlin! Ganieda! Mordred! Did you come to welcome us home?" Gwaine called jovially with a beaming smile as he dismounted his horse.

"Of course! We were utterly melancholy without you," Ganieda shot back with a grin, causing the Knights to chuckle. Gwaine smirked.

"How was patrol?" Mordred quickly moved the subject on as Percival took over Merlin's job at entertaining the children.

"No sign of any Saxons, nor any overt sign of Morgana," Leon reported and then sighed, "but we did find presence of wolves. We do not know whether they are just normal wolves, or if they are perhaps Morgana's."

Merlin and Ganieda shot each other a covet glance before their eyes landed on the Werewolf Knights, who were watching the group of Knights and secret warlocks with mixed glances. It seemed that those three had not been all that careful recently …

"I wouldn't tell Arthur about the wolves unless it is absolutely necessary," Merlin commented. "If Arthur thinks Morgana is here to ruin peace talks with Rheged then it may hamper his hunt with King Gorlagon, and we all know how the King likes his hunts."

"That is what we thought too," Tristan nodded in agreement.

"Though, I would make sure that there are more Knights and guards on the hunt," Ganieda pointed out. "Given the times we live in, I do not think the King nor King Gorlagon could protest at further efforts to protect them both."

Leon brightened considerably at that. "Quick thinking, Ganieda. I will add some extra men to the hunt immediately."

Ganieda could not help but grin, pleased that the Knight had taken her suggestion.

"Sooooo … Merlin, Ganieda … will you both join us at the tavern? For some food and drink?" Gwaine asked cautiously, nervously. "We all would love to have you there and spend some time trying to grovel to Merlin a little more."

The warlocks snorted in unison. Merlin looked to Ganieda for some strength, but he could already see the answer in her eyes. Put them out of their misery, just a little bit. Especially since the Knights had truly been making an effort to show that they were really sorry this time, and were likely not going to make the same mistake again.

"OK," the words left Merlin's mouth before he could stop himself. The Knights all lit up in seconds, which made Ganieda coo softly. Prince Clarion and Princess Caelia were watching the interaction with fascination from Percival's arms; they had just been "captured by the giant".

"Really?" Gwaine looked like he could barely believe his luck.

"Really," Merlin confirmed, almost rolling his eyes.

"Great! We will pick you both up at eight," Leon stated with a wry grin.

"Sir Percival, are you sure that Merlin is a servant?" they all heard Princess Caelia attempt to whisper to her captor.

"Yes, Your Highness. Why do you ask?" Percival asked warmly.

"Because the Knights are acting like shy suitors trying to court a princess," came the rather blunt answer from the young Royal.

That sent more than half of the Knights into guffaws and protests. Percival nigh on roared with laughter while Merlin turned beetroot in the face. The Werewolf Knights had no idea how to react to the scene before them.

Prince Clarion shook his head at his sister. "Look at what you have done now, Caelia! You have killed the Knights of Camelot. Now King Arthur will be angry! Father is going to curb your privileges."

Caelia pouted, looking ever so slightly worried at that prospect.

Indeed, it was this scene that both Arthur and Gorlagon came across; while the King of Camelot looked like a father who was on the verge of scolding his unruly children, there was a rare look of perplexion and then amusement that spread across the countenance of the stern King of Rheged.

Especially when his children tried to explain the situation.

########################################################################################################################################################################################################################

Queen Guinevere had felt her patience truly tested ever since the arrival of King Gorlagon and Queen Accolon. Though her fool of her husband and the cursed man who neurotically guarded his precious plant spent most of their waking moments together, debating and discussing and conversing, leaving her with enough moments to herself, Guinevere could not seem to find a moment alone with Accolon at all.

It was almost as though the Queen of Rheged enjoyed appearing and disappearing into thin air and she could not be found unless she wished it. It was most inconvenient and Guinevere felt her jaws clench on more than one occasion. Not even Ettare gave her any useful information on the visiting Queen.

Guinevere had contemplated interrogating Ganieda but decided against it, just in case if the girl proved to be as troublingly sharp as Merlin and would tell him or Gaius or anyone of the Queen's odd questions. No, Guinevere knew that a much more cunning hand was needed in this case.

Therefore, Guinevere kept as close of an eye as she was able to on the Rhegedian Royal heirs. After all, Accolon was a mother; she probably did not get to spend much time as Queen with her children and thus Guinevere assumed that Accolon would pop up around the precocious little brats.

Funnily enough, she did not. The princes and the princess were only in the company of either Merlin or George, who really did struggle to keep up with them. It would have amused Guinevere to witness in any other context. However, there was too much at stake in this case and thus it did not.

What kind of mother avoids her own children? Guinevere could not help but think for a moment.

Perhaps she is avoiding you and Arthur …?

It would explain why Accolon took most of her dinners in her chambers. Why the Queen of Rheged never seemed to be too comfortable near her or Arthur. After all, many still only saw her as a servant who had no right to sit on the throne …

It made Guinevere scoff to herself coldly.

As Mother Night blanketed Camelot in her cloak and the stars came out once more, Guinevere put on her favourite cloak and decided to take a walk. Arthur did not protest when she had told him of her intentions. Indeed, he seemed rather relieved that he could simply get an early night's sleep and not perform his marital duties first.

Guinevere had been relieved too; she was getting tired of having to pretend to enjoy it.

The Queen forced herself to focus on the problem at hand and find a solution on how to corner the visiting Queen and get her to do what Morgana wanted her to do. Because deals were always made, but traitors blow hot and cold. Guinevere was not simply content to sit back and watch and wait for Accolon to get rid of her husband.

I think Morgana may have over-estimated the ambition of this one, Guinevere found herself grumbling.

However, it seemed that perhaps the Triple Goddess was on her side this evening. For when the Queen of Camelot turned right in order to leave the Royal wing and join the main body of the castle, she really had to restrain her jubilation at seeing the figure of Queen Accolon, heading her way. The visiting Queen Consort was dressed for bed, with a shawl around her and her countenance was contorted in thought.

Well, here is your chance …

Guinevere maintained her mask of indifference as she headed towards Accolon. The Queen of Rheged did not seem to notice that she was heading in the direction of the woman she had been so desperate to avoid and Guinevere was rather determined to make sure that Her Highness would only realise until it was too late, and could not escape so easily this time.

"Nice evening for a walk, is it not?"

The Queen of Camelot timed her greeting perfectly. Accolon was far enough away from her to not arouse suspicion, but most importantly, the Queen of Rheged was close enough that she could not simply snub Guinevere's presence or ignore her, no matter how much Accolon may wish to do so.

And the secret witch Queen herself knew it, and internally kicked herself when she realised that she had indeed ran into King Arthur's common born Consort and could not simply make an excuse to escape from her presence so easily. Accolon had spied several guards who could see them, and would be able to report to King Arthur any uncourteous and treasonous behaviour.

Accolon had already seen enough of the King to know that he was not Uther Pendragon, but she really did not wish to draw unnecessary attention onto herself.

"Queen Guinevere," Queen Accolon forced herself to greet the former servant graciously, dipping only a miniscule curtsey. "Yes, it is. The evenings in Camelot are far warmer than the ones back home so I thought I would make the most of it."

"Well, I am a strong advocate for a good walk, no matter what the weather. Though, in colder temperatures and with snow, I do recommend boots and gloves," Guinevere joked lightly as she prowled a little closer to Accolon.

The Queen of Rheged took two steps back as she did so.

"Indeed," Accolon responded coolly, her eyes not so subtly sizing the other Queen up. "I cannot go for long ones, however. My Lord Husband always expects me back at a certain time. Speaking of which-"

Guinevere knew an excuse to escape when she saw one; her lips turned up into a little sneer.

"Speaking of which, why have you not taken up the advice of our mutual friend yet?" she asked with venomous sweetness. At her words, Accolon turned grey and her eyes widened. Guinevere smirked ever so slightly. "Had I been in your position, I would have acted already."

At those words, Accolon's jaws set and her eyes turned cold. "You have little right to judge me," she sneered back. "After all, what would a serving girl know what it takes to be Queen? You haven't even produced an heir for your Kingdom."

Guinevere sneered. "I would, if it would further the cause," she hissed. "But it does not, so I see no point in giving my dear husband another obstacle to put in the way of the rightful Queen."

Accolon could hardly believe her ears. She had heard the sickening tales of how the King of Camelot snubbed noble and Royal women alike, only to settle for a servant girl who at one point had been banished for betraying him. And here the same peasant girl was, plotting with Morgana against her own husband.

Though, there was something in the Queen of Camelot's eyes that made the Royal witch frown. Something that she saw regularly in her own eyes – cold, calculated hatred and determination. Not something Accolon had expected to see in the eyes of Guinevere Pendragon. But there was something … not right about the hatred. It was almost, not natural. Not like Accolon's own.

No … the hatred, the treason and the determination had been put inside Guinevere by something else, and Accolon already had a suspicion as to what it was. It seemed that Morgana was far more powerful than the Queen of Rheged already knew. Powerful enough to perform one of the Old Religion's most Dark and dangerous rites.

Accolon found herself smirking at the puppet Queen. "You are not loyal to husband, my Lady?"

"I am as loyal to mine as you are," Guinevere sneered with a sickeningly sweet smile. "Our mutual friend gave you a way to deal with your particular problem, my Lady. Do not waste it."

Accolon raised an eyebrow. "How much do you know?" she demanded suspiciously.

"I know enough," Guinevere responded simply, shrugging rather elegantly. She cocked her head at the Queen of Rheged. "Enough to know that our husbands' dealings are almost concluded and their treaty will be sealed imminently."

Accolon hummed. "Yes. It is a pity that Rheged needs Camelot's charity."

"But does Rheged need its current king?" Guinevere could not help but push at the other Queen's buttons a little more. Accolon tried to keep her countenance throughout the Queen's stoking of her internal fires. "Is it not time for a regime change? With a king who is much more … manageable than the old, moody Gorlagon?"

The Queen of Rheged was clever enough not to give any overt signs that she concurred wholeheartedly with Morgana's puppet. She simply gave Guinevere an aloof look before she continued on her way, not even bothering to give the enchanted Queen so much as a respectful head bow. Guinevere turned to watch Accolon leave with a dark look in her eyes, burrow furrowed deeply.

Neither of them noticed, however, that they indeed had been watched, minutely. Biclarel, Marrok and Melion – all three who had also been invited to join Merlin, Ganieda and their fellow Knights at the local tavern – had been on their way to have an evening off to try and make a better relationship with the Knights and two strange servants. Seeing the Queen of Camelot and the Queen of Rheged together in a clearly not so friendly confrontation, had stopped the three Werewolf Knights in their tracks.
They had kept themselves away in the shadows and had dared not draw too close to the Queens, but their super-heightened hearing caught enough of the conversation for all three of them to be extremely concerned.

"Can we now agree that we may have enough to go to the King with?" Melion hissed as they made their escape.

"You do realise we would have to explain why we were there, how we were able to hear anything or even how we even know that the Queens are in league with Morgana?" Marrok reminded him, giving him a pointed look. "We might just hand ourselves over to be turned into nice fur coats!"

"We cannot be as reckless as our fathers were," Biclarel agreed. "We need to handle this much more carefully. Without incriminating what we are. We need cast iron proof of treason and sedition. Something that cannot be denied by anyone."

"Brilliant," Melion sighed, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "How do you propose we do that?"

"I am not entirely sure," Biclarel admitted, "but I think it is time we had a conversation with Merlin and Ganieda ourselves."

Marrok and Melion knew what that meant; they exchanged a look of anticipation but a hint of excitement.

########################################################################################################################################################################################################################

Accolon would never admit it to herself, but Guinevere's words unearthed the rest of her growing need to be rid of her husband. She supposed she was indeed lucky; Accolon had at her disposal a means to get rid of Gorlagon without the need to spend too much blood. After all, the hunting party would do that job for her. The Queen of Rheged finished the rest of her evening stroll, two sides of her battling for supremacy over her will.

When she returned, she saw George and Ettare attending to her children – Merlin and Ganieda had been given a well-deserved night off and apparently had gone to the tavern with some of the Knights of Camelot. When Accolon had been told about this earlier that evening, she had expected herself to grimace at the idea of nobility and the peasantry fraternising with each other but instead, she smiled.

In her mind, at least, Merlin and Ganieda were exceptions to the rule.

After watching the children read to George and Ettare before bed, Accolon noticed the door to Gorlagon's chambers was ajar and that her husband had not retired yet. This made the Queen frown a little, and dare to enter his rooms without so much as knocking. The King barely registered her presence, as always.

He was too preoccupied with his stupid plant, caressing its petals and leaves with a tenderness Accolon never had from him. This made her jaws set for a moment before the Queen forced herself to smile.

"You are not retired yet, my Lord."

"Clearly," came the usual cold, sardonic answer from Gorlagon. He did not even turn around to acknowledge her. Accolon found her anger beginning to rise. "For what reason do you disturb me, wife? Do you wish for me to return to your bed? You made it abundantly clear after an heir and a spare, you do not wish for my presence."

Accolon stepped closer, the door closing behind her. The Queen's eyes did not leave the plant for a single moment.

"I always thought I would be humiliated by whomever you took as a mistress," the Queen truly started to voice what was on her mind for the first time in years. She paid no interest to her husband as she prowled forward towards the offending fauna. "But instead, I find myself always playing second fiddle … to a stupid plant."

Gorlagon bristled at her words, his eyes darkening dangerously. "Be careful, Accolon, before I lose my temper," he growled.

Accolon's cold smile only carved itself further onto her countenance. She felt everything had now reached an inevitable point of no return, and the Queen knew she could not falter now. "That might have frightened me once upon a time, husband. But alas, that time has long been gone, and I will no longer stand for this humiliation."

The King saw red. Gorlagon raised his hand to strike his lippy Queen, but Accolon was not going to allow him to hit his mark. With a flash of gold in her eyes, the Queen sent her husband flying back. Gorlagon went flying back and landed with a nasty thud against a nearby wall. The King was stunned, groaning in pain, gripping his head. Accolon giggled coldly as she turned to the plant and hewed a thick root from the accursed plant of which she had been jealous.

"It seems you never really took the trouble to get to know your own wife, my Lord," she stated silkily as she prowled forward, root dancing between her fingers.

"You … you have magic …" Gorlagon could only growl in reply.

"Yes, I do," Accolon smirked. "How lonely it is, to hide yourself away from a man who would have you killed for something you are born with, and then has a secret of his own that he has to hide from everyone else, lest they turn him into a fur coat."

These words made the King of Rheged pale considerably, his eyes widening in disbelief at what he was hearing. "No," he whispered. "No, tis impossible! You cannot know-"

"Oh but I do, my love," Accolon hissed. "Because your secret is not as closely guarded as you think. But I think we have had a long enough conversation. Tis time to give you exactly what you deserve, Gorlagon."

Taking full advantage of her husband's dazed state, the Queen struck her husband over the head a total of seven to nine times, chanting as she did so. The problem was, in her eagerness and own blind rage, Accolon made a rather crucial mistake. She had meant to say, "turn into a wolf with the mind of a wolf." That was not what came out of the Queen's mouth. No; she commanded the magic to turn Gorlagon "into a wolf with the mind of a man."

Gorlagon could feel his ire burn bright as the magic he so feared cocooned itself around him and awoke the curse embedded in his being. As the King of Rheged felt his bones break and change, a snout growing from his face, his skin sprout jet black fur, his hands and feet turning into claws and his eyes turning lupine, he was surprised when he felt his mind remain as clear as it had always been.

Very soon, Accolon found herself in the presence of an enormous, intimidating wolf that was glaring at her with undisguised hatred, accompanied clearly by vengeance. Before the Werewolf King could seize his moment to attempt to rip his Queen's throat out for her treason, the door to the chambers suddenly flew open.

"My Lady, Sire, is everything all right-"

Ettare had come in, concerned about the noises she had heard coming from the Royal chambers and had risked her neck and job to check on the King and Queen. A risk the servant would soon pay the price for. Ettare's eyes widened at seeing the giant wolf in the room with no King Gorlagon in sight and the Queen boxing the lupine creature in.

For a moment, Gorlagon smirked at Accolon in triumph. There was surely no possible way that she could talk her way out of this. However, his witch wife was far more cunning and vindictive than Gorlagon could ever have imagined. Before he or the serving girl could react, Accolon's eyes bled gold once more and Ettare went flying back, slamming her head and neck back in a way that made Gorlagon wince. He watched as the Queen used her magic to simulate wolf claw marks on the girl and then started to scream at the top of her lungs.

"HEEEEEELP! HEEEEELP MEEEE! WOLF! WOOOOLF! GUARDS!"

Gorlagon's eyes widened in horror as well as anger. With a growl, the Werewolf King – who had finally gotten control of his senses and his movements – fled out of his chambers, desperately fleeing from the cacophony of plated footsteps that he knew would spell his doom. Especially since he could not argue for himself. The King of Rheged fled through the corridors of the labyrinthine palace hiding in empty rooms in regular intervals as he was forced to descend deeper into the darker depths of the castle.

Meanwhile, as her husband was fleeing for his life, Accolon executed the second stage of her plan while Rhegedian knights as well as the Knights of Camelot were rushing left, right and centre to try and find a wolf that had broken into the castle, somehow without being detected. The damn fools …

The Queen of Rheged entered the chambers of her children. George, who had been dutifully tucking each Royal into bed, straightened as soon as he noticed her presence, eyes widening considerably. The normally composed young man swallowed. "My Lady? Is all well? What is this about a wolf?" he asked, voice edged with concern.

Accolon almost smiled apologetically. "The Knights will handle the matter," she answered in an eerily controlled tone. "I wish for you to take my children and hide them. Hide them in a place where they cannot be tracked so easily. I will not have my children mauled in their beds."

Something really did not sit right with George, nor did it with the children. Clarion and Caelia exchanged a look between them, while their youngest brother just looked between the adults with confusion. George, for the first time in his life, contemplated questioning the Queen of Rheged – it seemed that Merlin's influence really was starting to get to him – but the dutiful servant won out. George gathered up the youngest prince while Clarion and Caelia wrapped themselves in their blankets and followed him out of their chambers.

Clarion and Caelia looked back at their mother a couple of times in fear and anxiety before turning back to George.

"Where are you taking us?" Princess Caelia wanted to know.

"The kitchens. Very few dare to venture down there. If that is not safe enough, the crypts," George replied, swallowing nervously, keeping a sharp eye out for anything that looked remotely huge, hairy and wolf-like.

"Can you even fight?" Clarion asked incredulously, taking in George's rather scrawny appearance.

George sniffed a little. "I will do what I need to in order to protect you, Your Highness. You can count on that."

"How did the wolf even get into Camelot? Surely it would have been seen?" Caelia continued to muse out loud.

"One would think so, Your Highness. Perhaps the guards have been drinking too much," George huffed. It would not be the first time that had occurred.

None of the children dared to answer. By the time George had found them a good place inside of the castle cellar where the food and drink reserves were kept, the warning bell was tolling, waking up the castle residents and causing a considerable degree of alarm in Merlin, Ganieda, Marrok, Biclarel and Melion.

When the news spread of a giant wolf inside the walls of Camelot, the warlocks and the Werewolf Knights found their eyes meeting during the chaos. A silent agreement passed between them – they needed to talk sooner rather than later.

Chapter Text

"Of all the nights the warning bell has to go off, it is tonight!" Gwaine grumbled loudly as he, Leon, Percival, Mordred, Merlin, Ganieda and the three new Knights of Camelot hurried back towards the citadel at almost a run. Guards from all over the city were rushing back, also trying to pull themselves together. Quite a number of them looked like they had been dragged out of bed, which was likely indeed the case. "I did not even get to finish that tankard and that damn innkeeper still charged me!"

"Oh, come on, Gwaine! We have plenty of nights where you can womanise in peace," Percival commented with a grin. "I'm sure the girls at the tavern are grateful from a night off escaping you!"

"Oh, ha, ha, ha, very funny," Gwaine shot back with a mock scowl as his friends took great pleasure in laughing at his expense. "As much as they are beautiful, Maela and Jura were not my focus for tonight. Merlin is – was."

Mordred, surprisingly, could not supress an amused snort at this point. "I see now why Princess Caelia thought you were trying to court Merlin," he could not help tease a little, while Merlin turned rather red in the face while Gwaine cuffed Mordred playfully around the head.

Before Merlin could utter a protest of any kind, Arthur hurried up to them. The King was barely dressed, still in his white cotton night shirt and his breeches, sword in hand and looking rather grave, which made every Knight shape up and Merlin forget his embarrassment in about five seconds.

"Arthur, what is going on?" Merlin asked, brow furrowed. "Has someone escaped from the dungeons again? Is it some kind of intruder?"

I really cannot deal with some kind of assassin right now, was a stray thought that ran through the warlock's head.

"An intruder of some kind," the King replied, still looking a little bit in disbelief. "It's Queen Accolon. She claims that a wolf has broken into the castle and attacked King Gorlagon. Both he and the creature are missing, and she is now currently in hysterics about her children going missing. Guinevere is with her at the moment; our task is to find that wolf, the children and the King."

Merlin's eyes automatically turned to look at Ganieda, whose gaze met his in an instant.

Something smells like fish, his cousin commented wryly.

Indeed, Merlin could only concur heavily.

Arthur continued. "I have already promised Queen Accolon that I will take responsibility for finding her husband. Leon, Gwaine, Percival – you will join me if the three of you are not too tipsy."

Gwaine spluttered in mock offense. "Excuse me, princess, but there are some of us who can actually hold our mead! We are not all like Percival."

"Hey!" Percival nigh on pouted at that.

Arthur chuckled and then turned to look at Merlin with a grin. "Would you like a little lie-down, Merlin, or are you up for making yourself useful?" he teased lightly.
Merlin scoffed and shook his head. "I really did not have that much to drink, Arthur. I will be fine."

"We kept him away from the barmaid's apron. He didn't get a whiff," Leon grinned a little.

"Good! Then you can help find the wolf," the King stated brightly, before Merlin could protest. "Sir Mordred, Sir Marrok, Sir Biclarel, Sir Melion, look after him, would you? Hunting and tracking are not his forté."

Merlin looked set to call the King every name under the Sun while the Knights bowed in acquiescence; Ganieda piped up, "I will go with them, Your Highness. I am rather good with animals."

Arthur looked momentarily surprised; he had clearly not expected Ganieda to volunteer herself for such a dangerous task. For a moment, the warlock feared the King would try to stop her so she decided to put some extra incentive on top.

"Furthermore, if the Queen's children are missing, it is my duty to find them. After all, I have been looking after her for the duration of her stay."

Merlin smirked a little as he watched the gears in Arthur's head whirr. The King eventually nodded despondently. "You're right, of course. Merlin, you will help find the wolf. Ganieda, find the princes and the princess. As quickly as you can. Leon, Gwaine, Percival – with me. We have little time to lose!"

Gwaine, Leon and Percival followed their King, but not without giving Merlin a look that promised a raincheck on tonight. Very soon, the warlocks, the Druid Knight and the Werewolf Knights were left alone in each other's company and it was safe to say that a blanket of uneasy tension arose between the group, with Merlin, Ganieda and Mordred facing the three Knights with steely expressions.

"Well, it seems we finally have a moment alone," Sir Marrok commented as he looked between his fellow Knight and the two warlocks. "How fortuitous."

"You think so?" Merlin shot back while keeping his unblinking gaze on all three suspected werewolves.

"Well, how else are we supposed to explain ourselves?" Biclarel joined in. He took a fortifying sigh; he really was not used to having to explain himself to anyone, let alone a servant.

A servant, he had to remind himself, with a powerful secret.

"Let's not beat about the bush much longer. You know what we are, do you not?" Biclarel decided to throw caution to the wind while Marrok and Melion kept their eyes fixed intently on the faces of Merlin and Ganieda, choosing to ignore Mordred for the time being.

"We suspect," Merlin decided to answer carefully.

"And what is it, that you suspect?" Melion pushed silkily. "You're the first to suspect anything in decades, so please, enlighten us."

"Melion," Biclarel chided coldly. He did not wish to risk losing potential new allies because of his friend's lack of manners or inability to control his tone of voice.

It was Ganieda who spoke next. "Werewolves," she replied simply; Mordred's eyes bugged out of his sockets at hearing this. The Druid Knight swallowed. He too had suspected that there was something untoward about the three new Knights, but even he had never imagined that they were ... what they were.

Melion grinned rather toothily at the answer. Biclarel spoke up before his friend could bring them into any more trouble. "Yes," he confirmed simply. "We were not newly cursed, however. Each of us is born what we are."

"Your fathers were loyal to Uther," Merlin commented, remembering Gaius's short story rather clearly.

"They were, and now we are loyal to Arthur. As our family oaths dictate," Marrok confirmed. "Our nature demands we are loyal to someone. In our case, our liege lord. So, now that you know what we are ... are you going to hand us over to Arthur?"

Merlin almost wanted to chuckle at that. "If you were a threat to Arthur, I would have dealt with you myself a long time ago," he answered easily and truthfully. "So no, none of you have anything to fear of us."

Melion scoffed at the idea of Merlin being able to do anything to them. "You sound very confident of yourself," he sneered. "What makes you think that you could do anything to harm us? You're puny-"

Before the Werewolf Knight could even finish his insult, it was Ganieda who frankly had enough of his insolence. Risking exposure, the warlock allowed her eyes to bleed fully golden and in seconds she had sent Melion flying backwards because of a powerful Stunning spell. Melion was soon spluttering and coughing on his back.

"My cousin's magic is more potent than mine. That was just a taste of what he could do to you," Ganieda stated crisply.

"He is Emrys. The most powerful sorcerer to ever have lived," Mordred was all too happy to join in, causing Merlin to turn rather beetroot at the praise. "You should show him more respect, Sir Melion."

The werewolf did not answer as he fished himself off the floor, glaring at the warlocks and the Druid as he did so. Marrok and Biclarel, on the other hand, looked suitably impressed. Marrok was soon more amused than anything else while Biclarel stared at Merlin in near reverence.

"So, it's true. You both have magic ... I must say that I did not see Sir Mordred factoring into this," he confessed softly.

"I was born a Druid. Magic is part of who I am," the Druid Knight stated simply.

"And we too were born with our magic," Merlin added, finding his ability to speak. "Mine were given to protect Camelot, to protect Arthur, who will one day unite the land of Albion and see a return of a day when all of our kinds will be able to live openly again and be respected."

Neither of the three Werewolf Knights knew precisely what to answer to that. It was Marrok who managed to regain his ability to speak.

"You're truly content to be Arthur's servant despite ... all of it? The power you wield?"

"Not despite of it. Because of it," Merlin responded easily.

The Knights nodded in understanding. Marrok suddenly grinned. "Well then, all of your secrets are safe with us," he reassured. "In the mean time, we have a wolf to find – and three Royal children. Fortunately, our noses are rather sharp when it comes to scents. We will find them."

"Where do we start?" Mordred questioned.

"Well, first we need their scents. So, we need to take a quick detour to the children's chambers and where the wolf was last seen," Biclarel answered as they set off to do as Arthur asked of them.

Ganieda pulled a bit of a face. "Your big plan is to sniff the children's beds?" she asked incredulously.

"No!" Melion looked a little affronted at that. "The room is enough. Or an item of clothing."

"That is going to be fun to explain," Ganieda commented wryly. "'Don't worry, Your Highness, there is a perfectly reasonable explanation for sniffing your children's clothes'-"

"Oh shut up," Melion growled. "As if you have better excuses!"

"I have some good ones, but I did not need them until now. Merlin has better ones," Ganieda answered brightly.

"Had plenty of practise making them up," Merlin replied modestly, while leading the way back to the children's bedchambers. He had a suspicion that was the last place they were seen; it had been long past their bed time and George was with them. His friend was after all a stickler for punctuality, even when it came to the bed time of young Royals.

Plus, Merlin could not shake this funny feeling that was precisely where they should start their search.

"I just have one question," Mordred spoke up. "How did a wolf take King Gorlagon without anyone seeing a whole lot of blood?"

No one answered him, mainly because they had finally arrived at the rooms where the Royal family of Rheged had been staying. As Merlin had already suspected, there were now at least three guards on every door – those belonging to the children certainly – and there was a whole lot of bawling coming from the King's chambers. The group exchanged a look between them before they carefully approached, making sure to stay right outside the door.

Inside Gorlagon's chambers, was Queen Accolon, face buried in her hands while Queen Guinevere was passively rubbing Accolon's back. They saw Gaius bent over the lifeless body of Ettare, which made Merlin and Ganieda's eyes widen in seconds when they recognised the boots sticking out over the blanket.

Did the wolf get Ettare?

If so, where was the King? His body was not there. Did it also get George and the children?

"-it c-c-came out of nowhere ... m-m-my husband ... m-m-my c-c-children ... f-f-find them ... p-p-please ..."

"The King will do what he can, Your Highness. I swear it..."

Merlin and Ganieda exchanged a look between them and then with Mordred. They silently agreed that there was something very odd going on and they were going to find out precisely what. Then, they looked at the three Werewolf Knights and were surprised to see a rather ugly sneer almost too overtly on the faces of Biclarel, Marrok and Melion.

Merlin felt his brow furrow and he wanted to question them about why they had such a sour face between them, but this was neither the place nor the time. He decided to distract them by turning and heading to the children's chambers. The guards did not so much as attempt to stop him, which surprised the Knights only a little. Marrok, Biclarel and Melion forgot their contempt for the treasonous Queens for a moment and turned their minds on finding the children's scents. The werewolves went about the chambers in a manner that appeared to be more investigative to the naked eye but when they were certain no unwanted witnesses walked by the chambers, they pressed a doll, a pillow or a cloak to their noses and registered the princes' and princess's scent.

"It's odd ... if the wolf attacked the children, one would expect more of a mess and blood," Ganieda mused out loud. "How did it even get in the castle without being seen?"
"Something is not right here," Mordred stated simply, shaking his head. "I just can't put my finger on what exactly."

"Well, we know one thing. The wolf didn't attack them," Melion stood up after he had been studying the younger prince's cot. "There is no blood – at all, not even a whiff. In fact, there is no other scent in here except for Their Highnesses, and George. There is also Ettare in here, and Merlin."

"Indeed," Marrok confirmed after he had taken another deep whiff of the surrounding area. "There is no foreign scent, nor any evidence of blood."

Merlin frowned at that. "Things just get curiouser and curiouser," he grumbled.

His head then turned with quite a bit of determination back to Gorlagon's rooms.

We need the scents from inside that goddamn room...

Throwing all caution and good sense to the wind, Merlin beckoned Melion to follow him and, much to everyone's surprise, the werewolf followed him without a single complaint. It seemed that being knocked on his derrière by Ganieda might have inadvertently knocked some respect for the hidden warlocks into the prideful Knight. Quietly, Merlin was glad Melion had followed him because the moment he had stepped into the chambers, Guinevere rounded on him.

"Merlin," she spoke through that faux sweet smile that Merlin truly despised. "What are you doing here?"

"Arthur sent me," Merlin answered in his best civil tone, the one he used with Morgana after he discovered her treason but could never reveal it. "He wants me to find the wolf and Ganieda to find Queen Accolon's children. I thought it best to start where it happened."

Guinevere looked set to question him further but it was Accolon who put a stopper to it. She looked up from her sob fest gratefully; Merlin found himself feeling a little uncomfortable at how tear-stained the Queen's face was but he kept himself composed.

"Oh, thank you! Thank you! Oh, Guinevere, you and Arthur are truly blessed to have such brave and loyal servants," the Queen of Rheged sniffled. "Please be careful, though, Merlin. The beast attacked Ettare ... Poor girl ... She came in to check on us and this was her reward. To be brutally mauled!"

Gaius's head turned to look at the Queen with an unreadable expression; Merlin noted it and made sure to remind himself to question the physician about that look. Meanwhile, Melion started his rounds about the room, this time being a whole lot more subtle about taking the scents in. Merlin decided to keep the Queens occupied a little while longer while the Knight did his thing.

"How did it get in, my Lady?" Merlin questioned carefully. "Where were your guards?"

The Queen sniffed. "My husband had sent them away. He does that every time he wishes to lavish affection onto his beloved plant. I came to bid him good night and we ... argued. I had been jealous of his precious plant and it turned into a bit of a tiff. We did not see it ... until it was too late ... Ettare heard the noise ... She came in and when it saw her, it attacked her ..."

Even as Queen Accolon spoke, Merlin felt his funny feeling begin singing at the top of its lungs. Quite loudly. The wolf would have needed to get past at least twelve guards patrolling at any time on the ground floor of the citadel alone. The first and second floors had even more guards at any given moment. Someone would have seen and intercepted the creature before it could pose any kind of threat to Arthur, Guinevere or their Royal guests. Hell, even he, Ganieda and Gaius would have been safe since the physician's tower had four guards, two at each entrance!

The Queen of Rheged was lying to his face, and Merlin wanted to know why.

Melion cleared his throat. Merlin's eyes went to the Werewolf Knight and saw Melion shake his head a little.

No wolf scent. Interesting.

Merlin kept his countenance and bowed low to Accolon. "Thank you, my Lady. Did you happen to see which way the creature went?"

"No, I didn't ... I'm so sorry ..."

"It is not your fault, my Lady," Merlin lied smoothly. He gave her a bright smile. "We will find him, don't worry."

Queen Accolon made a good show of nodding gratefully, while Merlin turned and headed for the door. He exchanged a look with Gaius, who kept his own countenance neutral, and together with Melion, rejoined Ganieda, Mordred, Marrok and Biclarel outside. Biclarel and Marrok already set off down the left-hand corridor, clearly following the scent of the children. As soon as they were fairly certain they were out of earshot of any eavesdroppers, Melion dropped the curveball.

"There is no wolf," he stated.

"What?" Mordred paled within seconds.

"Are you certain?" Marrok frowned.

"I was in that room, you were not, and my nose is as good as yours!" Melion frowned. "The scent in that room is perfumed by magic because of the plant but the rest of the scents are clearly human. Ettare's was in there, Ganieda's as well – obviously, since they are servants – but there are only two others. Queen Accolon and King Gorlagon himself. No one else."

"Plus, the story Queen Accolon just told me does not make a lick of sense at all," Merlin added. "Apparently, they were arguing so much about that plant of the King's that they didn't notice a wolf enter? I mean, how is that possible? You can barely go anywhere in the castle without bumping into Knights and guards. Someone would have seen it."

"I believe you. I mean, the manner of the so-called attacks feels weird," Ganieda felt confident to confess. "Wolves don't attack in this kind of manner. They hunt in packs with a strategy planned out. Even how they eat is orderly and precise. Plus, there is the fact that ... the Queen has magic ..."

"You must be joking!" Biclarel exclaimed.

"Is that why she felt strange?" Melion paled.

He, Marrok and Melion looked panicked. They held their tongues as groups of guards suddenly rushed by, shouting orders at each other as they went.

"So," Mordred was the first to speak once they were in the clear, "are we really going with the theory that the Queen may be involved in this so-called wolf attack?"

"King Gorlagon is missing, the children are missing but unharmed, there is no wolf and we know that plant is magical," Ganieda started to list. "I am fairly certain I am not involved, unless I have been sleep-spelling again; Merlin would not do this and I am certain you would not either. Plus, I doubt Morgana has the guts to come here without a disguise so yes, Sir Mordred, I think it's safe to say the Queen is involved."

Mordred flushed a little with embarrassment. Merlin found his jaw clenching in irritation.

"I think we need to split up," he stated. "That way we can find them all much quicker."

"I have King Gorlagon's scent. I will come with you and lead you," Melion stated firmly.

"I will come with you too," Biclarel added. "Just in case an extra sword is needed. I do not wish to countenance it, but if the King is one of us and he is not in his human mind, an extra sword will be needed."

Merlin nodded at him gratefully and shot them both a winning smile. "I am not used to having this much help," he admitted. "But we need to find Gorlagon before Arthur does. Lead the way."

"Good luck!" Ganieda called after the three of them as they hurried away and she, Mordred and Marrok continued to follow the children's scents.

####################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################################

Gaius had seen quite a lot in his very long life – even more so ever since Merlin entered his life – but he could say with quite a high degree of certainty that the body of Ettare was a unique case that the physician was very unlikely to forget any time soon. Once he finally managed to get the poor girl's cadaver back to his chambers for her autopsy, he realised just how odd and confusing this case really was.

On the face of it, Ettare had indeed been clawed and attack by a wolf. Gaius had seen enough bodies of people who had indeed come across a wolf in a very bad mood and had lost their lives to it to know what a wolf's claw mark or bite mark looked like. But, once the physician truly started the autopsy, he quickly noted that the marks were not embedded into her body.

The marks looked like they went through every layer of the epidermis but they didn't; they simply seemed to sit shallowly on the top of her skin. Gaius had blinked a couple of times when he noted this before sighing and shaking his head despondently.
Ettare's body had been staged, very effectively for those who did not look closely enough. More importantly, Gaius quickly suspected that magic had been used to do this to the girl's body. It was the only explanation for the evidence of the wolf marks.
Soon, he found the actual cause of death.

A broken neck.

Gaius shook his head in disbelief. For a moment, he had feared one of the Werewolf Knights had lost control of themselves. Now, it was clear that a sorcerer did a half-baked job of trying to frame a wolf. He really hoped that Merlin had read his look correctly and would come to see him soon,

The sound of the door to his chambers opening knocked Gaius out of his thoughts and he turned around to see Sir Galahad stick his head around the door. "Gaius, can I get you anything? It is shift change soon but I do not feel comfortable leaving you entirely undefended with that wolf in the castle."

The physician smiled kindly. "No thank you, Galahad, but that is very kind of you."

"You're welcome. Oh, and the King would like to come in and ask if the girl was killed by the wolf."

Gaius chuckled at that. He could already see Arthur's rather indignant look at being made to wait outside, but Galahad always did take guard duty extremely seriously. Whether it was guarding the Royal family or guarding the physician and his family. True to Gaius's hypothesis, Arthur came striding in after being given permission by his own Knight to enter the physician's chambers, looking quite miffed. Leon, Percival and Gwaine all looked like they were trying not to laugh at the expense of their King.

"Gaius, I am assuming that Ettare was the wolf victim I have been hearing about," Arthur stated rather imperiously and impatiently.

"Indeed, Sire, though I fear the case is actually more complex than a simple wolf attack," Gaius confessed grimly with ease.

"What do you mean?" Arthur's brow furrowed and his arms crossed, an expectant look on his countenance.

Already, Leon, Percival and Gwaine looked just as grim, exchanging a fearful, knowing look between them.

"Have a look at the marks," Gaius donned his grandfatherly, teacher voice, gesturing to Ettare's lifeless body. Arthur's frown did not fade but he did as he was told. "On the surface, it appears to be a simple case of a wolf attack, does it not?"

"Get to the point, Gaius," the King huffed impatiently.

"Look closely at the wounds, Sire. They are barely surface level. Definitely not enough to kill the girl. Furthermore, there was no blood at the scene and wolves do not usually kill by breaking their prey's neck. They prefer to win out using exhaustion and blood loss."

Arthur pinched the bridge of his nose at this point. "Are you saying ... that something else killed Ettare, attacked King Gorlagon, attacked the children and made it look like a wolf attack?" he grumbled.

"Something, or someone," Gaius confirmed.

"With magic?" Arthur pressed further, looking rather regretful as soon as he did.

"I do not like to jump to conclusions, Sire, but I suspect so," Gaius replied diplomatically.

It was at this point that Leon stepped forward, despite Percival and Gwaine looking as though they wanted to restrain him. "Sire, there is something you need to know," the First Knight of Camelot confessed with a nervous swallow as his King turned his unamused cerulean stare onto him.

"What is it, Sir Leon?" he demanded.

Percival and Gwaine looked as though they were praying internally to the gods to have mercy on them all as Leon cleared his throat. "This morning, on patrol, we discovered the carcass of a dead boar. Normally, it would not have been a cause for concern but ... Sire, it was killed by a wolf."

"A wolf? Are you certain?" Arthur pressed.

"Yes, one that was bigger than normal. Since there have been no wolf packs living so close to Camelot in years, theories started to rise amongst the men. That perhaps these wolves are not normal ones."

"In what way?" Arthur demanded.

"Magical ones, Sire. Ones like ... Morgana uses," Gwaine spoke up, not wanting Leon to bear the brunt of Arthur's inevitable anger alone. "But if what Gaius says is true then-"

"You suspected that my sister had sent her wolves here and you did not think to tell me?" Arthur really was not in the mood to let his men off so easily. His eyes had darkened considerably, causing Leon, Percival and Gwaine to brace themselves. The King shook his head at them in anger. "You should have told me."

"Sire, we did not want to worry you unnecessarily," Percival tried to explain.

"Oh, really, Sir Percival? Tell me, since you appear to believe you know what is best for me, what would I rather have? My men being honest with me, or my men leaving me in the dark until something bad happens within these very walls?!"

All three Knights winced at his tone while Gaius wisely kept his mouth shut.

The King glared between the three of them. "I will think of your punishments later. For now, we find the King, the children and the sorcerer who did this." That made Arthur pause and think; soon the King was turning whiter than snow. "Merlin ..." he whispered, fear embedded in his tone. "He thinks he's looking for a wolf ..."

Before the physician or the Knights could stop him, Arthur had legged it out of the physician's chambers, Leon, Percival and Gwaine scrambling to keep up with him. Gaius watched them hurry out, looking ever so slightly amused.

Young people, he commented to himself internally before turning back to the young life that had been snuffed out and was now lying on the table in front of him. Gaius sighed to himself and whispered, "who did this to you, Ettare ...?"

Of course, no answer came from the girl. Nor would it. Gaius abhorred necromancy and after what Morgana had done to Lancelot, even more so. No, he would trust that Merlin together with Ganieda and their friends would figure this out.

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Ganieda had never been afraid of the dark, or darkened rooms, but she had now decided that she really despised the torch-lit corridors leading down towards the palace kitchens, which was where Marrok was leading her and Mordred towards. According to their new werewolf friend, the children's scents plus George's were leading them straight towards the kitchens.

Ganieda really hoped to the gods that Cook had long gone to bed, because she really did not fancy having to explain as to why she and two Knights were skulking about in her domain. The warlock had neither the energy nor the will to do any kind of battle with that formidable battleaxe at present.

Maybe I could knock her out with a spell, if necessary? Ganieda found herself plotting quietly.

Now, now, Ganieda, that is a bit much. Just leave Cook to me and my charms.

Ah, Mordred had overheard her. The warlock felt her cheeks warm up while the Druid Knight chuckled softly.

"What are you laughing about, Sir Mordred?" Marrok questioned, shooting the pair a grin.

"Oh nothing. Just had an amusing thought," Mordred attempted to dismiss to save what was left of Ganieda's dignity.

Marrok looked like he was about to press to be let in on the joke when suddenly Sir Trsitan stepped in their path, causing Mordred to jump and Ganieda was soon mentally kicking herself because she ended up five feet in the air and screaming while Marrok gave his fellow Knight a pointed look.

"Evening," Tristan commented, looking rather pleased with himself that he had managed to catch two out of the three off-guard. "There is quite the kerfuffle going on – something about a wolf loose in the castle and here I find the three of you going for a midnight snack. Care to explain why you're all going to the kitchens? Surely it is not to hide."

Mordred and Marrok both looked more than a little affronted at the insinuation that they were being cowardly. Ganieda decided to step in before someone started a fist fight over pride. "King Arthur tasked us to find King Gorlagon and Queen Accolon's children. They have gone missing. We are going to search the kitchens for them," she replied smoothly.

Tristan raised an eyebrow. "Really? Why the kitchens first?"

"Because that is what Merlin and I used to do when we got scared of storms when we were little," the words had left Ganieda's mouth before she stopped herself. None of the Knights had expected that answer, but their expressions told her that they were going to archive that piece of information.

It got Tristan to hold his tongue and simply follow the group; no one protested to his presence. It would have made him even more suspicious, which was not what anyone needed at present and all three magical creatures agreed to have an extra sword and body on hand was never a bad thing.

When the party of four got to the kitchens, Marrok cautiously and carefully opened the door, doing a quick scan before entering the room, canvasing around for any path of the scents belonging to George and the children. Mordred followed, going left towards the washing bay and the stoves. Ganieda and Tristian followed at a sedated pace, carefully scanning the area. Tristan eventually turned around to keep an eye on the door.

Mordred spent most of his time on his knees, checking under the stoves, cookers and bays for any sign of the children or George while Marrok went around the room erratically, looking increasingly frustrated.

Must be the myriads of scents left in the room, Ganieda realised. The amount of people that had been in this place, embedding their scents in it plus the food, was likely playing havoc with Marrok's nose.

Useful in the case of hiding from a werewolf attack, but not when it came to tracking down important people.

Then, just as Ganieda herself was starting to despair a little, she heard a noise coming from the left and her head swivelled immediately towards the door that led to the pantry. She frowned and looked towards Marrok, Mordred and Tristan, all of whom were also looking in the direction of the pantry.

Marrok and Mordred quickly made their way to join her, Tristan also closely behind.

"George!" Ganieda called out experimentally. "George, are you in there?"

For a moment there was no sound or further movement. Marrok inched closer towards the door, clearly intent on investigating it for any trace of George or the children's scents. Tristan and Mordred started to draw their swords. Ganieda felt her heart race as she too edged towards the door, her magic starting to hum under her skin, ready to strike a threat.

"George?" she tried again.

"... Ganieda?" came the weak answer that was definitely George's voice. Tristan and Mordred relaxed in an instant, putting their swords away. Ganieda herself let out a sigh of relief.

"Yes! Are you all right in there? Where are the princes? The Princess Caelia?"

"We are all in here. We are perfectly fine."

Now that was an answer that none of them had expected. The Knights and the warlock exchanged a look between them.

"You're perfectly fine?" Ganieda repeated. "You weren't attacked by a wolf?"

"No! There was a wolf but it ran away. The Queen of Rheged ordered me to get her children to safety. Said she did not want to see them mauled in their beds," George responded dutifully.

Of course ... the Queen, Ganieda sighed to herself. How her Sight did not See this coming she had no idea. The Fates must be having a lot of laughs at her expense at present.

So your hunch was correct about Queen Accolon, Mordred commented grimly.

I really wish I wasn't.

"George, tis Tristan here. Did you barricade the door in any way?" Tristan asked loudly.

"No, but one of Cook's heavy supply crates fell onto my legs. I can't move," came the rather sheepish answer.

Tristan smirked and looked at Ganieda. "Which way does the door open?" he asked.

Oh boy.

Ganieda already did not like whatever plan the Knight was coming up with but she knew that he would not be dissuaded from it. "It goes inward," was all she stated with a resigned sigh.

As she had predicted, Tristan proceeded to try and break the door down by throwing his body against the door. The Knight did so about four times before the door decided to give way. Tristan gave a triumphant cry but soon he was screaming for help as – much to the amusement of everyone except George – Prince Clarion had jumped out of his hiding spot with one of Cook's smaller pans and had proceeded to hit Sir Tristan quite forcefully over his body.

One good gut whack and Sir Tristan crumpled to floor with George shouting, "Prince Clarion, enough! That is Sir Tristan! He is not a threat! Your Highness!"

Princess Caelia came rushing out, carrying her younger brother as best as she could. Ganieda rushed forth and took the young prince from the girl. "Ganieda! I am sorry about Sir Tristan! Clarion is a little zealous! George told him to hit anything and anyone that comes through that door."

"It is quite all right, Your Highness. Sir Tristan will live," Ganieda reassured with a beaming smile.

"Tell that to my ribs!" came the weak answer from inside the pantry.

"Sir Tristan, quit your whining and get up," Marrok answered brightly as he went into the pantry to get the crate off George's leg; the werewolf used only one hand to lift it right off, allowing George to shuffle out from under it, straining a little with the pain.

Prince Clarion himself looked extremely contrite. "I am sorry, sir. I thought you were a big, bad wolf."

"Oh, I am," Sir Tristan replied weakly as he slowly picked himself off the floor. "But I am on your side, Your Highness."

"Does that mean the wolf is gone now? We can go back to our own chambers?" the Prince asked excitedly.

"The wolf has not been found yet. Until then, we need to get you to somewhere safer and let the King know we have found you," Marrok stated as he helped George up.

"King Arthur? He's worried about us?" Princess Caelia looked more than a little confused. "But it was Lady Mother who told us to hide ... Did she not tell him?"

The adults exchanged a look between them.

"No, Your Highness, she did not," it was Ganieda who decided to tell the princess the truth. "But I am sure she had a very good reason for not telling him."

Yes, incriminating oneself in a crime is never a good idea.

"So, where will we hide now?" Prince Clarion asked, putting his pan back on a nearby stove as best as he could manage.

The Knights exchanged a comical look of panic that nearly made Ganieda laugh. She kept her countenance and looked at the young Royals with her best reassuring smile.

"Wolves do not climb towers easily. So how about we hide you in Merlin's room for now?"

The children lit up at this but then looked concerned.

"Won't Merlin get angry? Father says it's rude to enter someone else's chambers without permission," Princess Caelia stated primly.

"When I tell him the reason, he will not, Your Highness. He would rather have you safe," Ganieda responded kindly.

The Prince and Princess nodded, still looking a little nervous. Ganieda turned to the Knights, Tristan still clutching his side, Marrok finishing George's check-up and Mordred looking like he could use an early night already.

"I think someone should tell the King that Their Highnesses have been found."

And also tell the King that Queen Accolon lied to his face ...

"Agreed. I will do it," Tristan volunteered while wincing a little. "Pretty certain His Highness is in a bad mood right now so maybe my current state might cheer him up."

Marrok and Mordred chuckled; Ganieda snorted while Clarion turned bright red in embarrassment.

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"Why does my life always involve dark, scary and creepy crypts?" Merlin grumbled out loud as he lit his and Melion's torches before heading down into the catacombs beneath the castle. He, Biclarel and Melion had followed Gorlagon's scent all over the palace and eventually, the scent led them to the broken entrance to the crypts and catacombs.

"Are you scared of the dark?" Melion could not help but tease a little. "Don't worry, Merlin. We will protect you from the shadows and ghosts."

Biclarel gave his friend a pointed look but Merlin only chuckled. After all, Arthur dished out much worse.

"Let's just say nothing good has ever come out of these crypts," Merlin confessed. "We have had to deal with a wraith and an entire army of the dead that came out of these graves."

That made the two Werewolf Knights very nearly stumble over their own feet in shock.

"A wraith?" Melion repeated.

"A tormented soul called back into this life by a sorcerer. They can't die until they accomplish the thing that they most desire to accomplish," Merlin explained slowly. "The only way to kill them is with a sword, forged in a dragon's breath."

Gods, this feels weird... Telling someone the truth ...

"Do I want to know how you know that?" Biclarel found himself grinning.

Merlin gave the Werewolf Knight a knowing look but did not confirm verbally. Suddenly, he heard some loud shuffling from bones in one of the graves, which turned out to be a family of rats, which made him grumble internally at himself.

I really hate this place, the warlock sighed.

"Breathe, Merlin. We need you alive," Biclarel tried to keep his own amusement out of his voice.

"Yes, I need to know who managed to summon an entire army of the dead," Melion added with a smirk.

Merlin nearly rolled his eyes. "It was Morgana. She allied herself with her sister Morgause and King Cenred to launch a siege on Camelot to try and topple Uther from the throne. Morgana used a special staff to raise skeleton soldiers. I was forced to stop her ..."

The memory sent a wave of sadness through Merlin, one that he did not allow himself feel all too often. The guilt of not being there for Morgana more, for not being more honest with her about not being alone when it comes to hiding magic under Uther's nose ... Merlin often wondered what would have happened if he had truly trusted her.

It was one of the major things Merlin still disagreed on with Kilgharrah.

"You took on Morgana?" Merlin nearly laughed at the disbelief in Melion's voice. "You're powerful enough to take on a High Priestess? That's insane!"

"She was not a High Priestess back then. Morgana fought me with her sword and almost won. I had to use my magic against her," Merlin explained, feeling ever so slightly uncomfortable and embarrassed.

Biclarel chuckled softly. "You really are too modest for your own good, aren't you?" he commented.

"I do not do what I do for credit," Merlin answered simply. "I do what I have to in order to protect Camelot. That is it."

Neither Biclarel nor Melion answered him. They simply stared at him again, as they once more had their world-view shaken to its core and needed to recalibrate a little. True, they had already learned how dutiful Merlin was but now, the Werewolf Knights realised that Merlin was completely selfless. He had such power and yet every part of the young man with them was good and pure.

Little wonder so many people loved the warlock.

Both Biclarel and Melion looked like they wanted to say something, but they were silenced when the sounds of heavy padding reached their ears. In seconds, the Knights drew their swords and tensed, their heightened hearing becoming more alert. Merlin took in his new allies' stances and coiled too, his magic starting to hum underneath his skin.

His eyes started to look about the crypt far more carefully.

"Hello? Is someone there?" Merlin called out experimentally. "If you're a rat again, please just stay away."

The padding continued and was soon joined by a noise that all three of the magical creatures recognised as growling. Merlin cursed to himself internally. Suddenly, his forehead felt ever so slightly clammy.

"It's him," Melion whispered to Merlin. "The King ... His scent is closer ..."

Merlin put two and two together in an instant and closed his eyes. Gorlagon ... was a werewolf. Of course he was! Camelot never really had one normal guest, did she? Merlin sighed before steeling himself.

"Your Highness, we mean you no harm," he called out experimentally. "I am Merlin, King Arthur's man servant. I have been serving your family on occasion during your stay."

It seemed that Merlin's words were indeed having some effect, because seconds later, from behind one of the grand tombs, stepped out a giant black wolf with impressive, angry grey eyes and a sneer carved across its maw. Merlin tried not to show any fear as he bowed experimentally and respectfully towards the giant creature.

If I die, at least the story will entertain Arthur for the rest of his days, Merlin found himself dryly commenting to himself.

But the giant wolf, he barely moved. Indeed, he cocked his head at Merlin for a moment, looking more amused than anything else before his intelligent eyes took in Biclarel and Melion. The wolf carefully padded closer to take in their scents a little better, stopping in shock when he smelled something heavier in the two Knights. Even the manservant – Merlin – smelled odd.

Lighter and fruitier than any other human scent.

"Your Majesty," Merlin stated in greeting.

Gorlagon's sneer turned more into a smile and he barked in affirmation. Merlin sighed in relief and frowned in confusion. "Wait ... You can understand me?"

Gorlagon's expression turned into something akin to clearly-I-do-you-stupid-boy and he nodded.

OK, this is definitely one of the most unique things I have ever seen, and I have a dragon as a friend, Merlin could not help but comment to himself.

The warlock swallowed a little. "Who did this to you, Sire?"

The wolf immediately started barking quite vehemently and quite loudly; clearly, King Gorlagon was absolutely furious and had dived into a rant. A rant, that unfortunately Merlin could not understand a single word of and it made him wish that he had brought Ganieda along for translating. However, it was at this point that the warlock learned something new about werewolves.

"He says that this is all his wife's fault," Biclarel translated. "Apparently, the Queen came to see him and chided him for negligent behaviour. The King got angry and then got thrown back by the Queen's magic. She used the magical plant that binds his curse to his blood line to turn him into a wolf, but forgot to curse his mind. He still has his human faculties – Sire, I am not translating that! You can look at me angrily all you wish – anyway, Ettare had heard the noises, came to check on them and then the Queen killed her, attempting to frame the King for the girl's death. After that, he fled."

Merlin blinked in surprise and looked between the Werewolf King and the Werewolf Knight. "Wait ... You can still understand everything he says?" he asked in disbelief. "How?"

Melion looked like he wanted to stop Biclarel from giving away one of their kind's most closely guarded secrets but Biclarel ignored his friend. According to the latter, Merlin had trusted them with his family's closely guarded secret; it was only honourable to return the favour.

"I can hear his mind," Biclarel explained. "It's something our kind can do whether in human form or wolf form. It makes communicating much easier than simple barks and howls. I mean, howling is efficient but it doesn't effectively communicate everything. It is more of a signal that someone is in trouble."

So, werewolves had a Link too. Merlin definitely took note of that immediately. Gorlagon was looking between the Knights and the servant in sheer bewilderment. Of all the things the King of Rheged expected to find out during his trip to Camelot, it certainly wasn't the discovery that King Arthur had at least two of his own kind as his Knights and that his servant was eerily calm around magical creatures.

It seemed that the stories he had heard held some truth to them. Nothing normal ever happened in Camelot!

Merlin turned back to the King. "How do we turn you back?"

Gorlagon barked twice; Biclarel was more than happy to translate. "We need a twig from the plant and strike him three times, telling him to return to human form."

The very same room that Accolon and Guinevere are in ... Great ... Merlin grumbled internally. And if the Queen really is behind it, she might be trying to get rid of that plant!

The warlock pinched the bridge of his nose for a moment before looking from King Gorlagon to Biclarel to Melion. "Leave the plant to me," he stated. "First, we can't leave His Highness down here. Arthur will eventually search down here and we can't risk him finding the King."

"What if we just tell him what happened?" Melion suggested with a frown.

"And how do you propose you explain how we know what happened?" Merlin immediately pointed out. "There is no logical explanation without making up an excuse that is too fantastical. No – we need to hide the King somewhere else before anyone finds him. Especially the Queens."

Biclarel and Melion caught on to the last bit immediately and exchanged a look within milliseconds. Merlin caught the look between them and kicked himself internally, but decided to pretend that nothing untoward happened.

"So, where do we hide the King?" Biclarel decided to also side-step the subject for now.

"We need to put him in a place no one would ever think to look," Merlin stated simply, regarding the giant Werewolf King thoughtfully. "Somewhere that neither Arthur nor any of the other Knights would search ..."

"One of our chambers?" Melion immediately suggested. "I mean, the last place anyone would look is the bedchamber of a Knight. Or maybe yours? How many guards would be searching the chamber of the physician and his family?"

A face-splitting grin carved itself onto Merlin's countenance in about five seconds after Melion's suggestion. "Sir Melion, you are a genius ... except for the fact we have four guards at both entrances to the physician tower," the warlock's excitement was muted in less than two seconds when he remembered that ever since all the nonsense of witch hunters, false accusations, kidnappings and illnesses centred around the tower, both Uther and Arthur had put extra guard detail on the physician tower.

"Leave the guards to us," Biclarel reassured with a grin.

"You will also have to hope that Gaius isn't up there, because I really do not fancy being put onto leech tank duty again!" Merlin added, shuddering.

"Leech tank duty?" Melion repeated incredulously.

"Gaius makes me clean his revolting leech tank whenever he is really disappointed in me," Merlin explained. "It's always vile and I always end with leeches all over my face-"

"All right, we will distract Gaius too, if necessary," Biclarel shuddered at that particularly gnarly image.

King Gorlagon watched them debate with a look of disbelief and discombobulation. Even he had no idea how they were going to pull this insane plan off. There was a high likelihood of failure; surely the guards and the Knights would not be so stupid?

"All right, Your Highness," Merlin turned back to the Werewolf King, looking a bit too bright and mischievous for the King's liking. "Let's go!"

Gorlagon was tempted to protest, but there was something in the servant's eyes that he did not want to disappoint. He could only bark in affirmation, and pad after Merlin, Sir Biclarel and Sir Melion as they led the way back to the back entrance of the catacombs.

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"Well, you certainly know how to rid yourself of a problem, my Lady," Queen Guinevere commented in cold amusement as she watched guards and Knights rush about on the square below the window she was staring out of, indistinctly shouting orders and information at each other. "I must say, even I could not have imagined the solution you came up with. One that is rather elegant."

"Save your compliments; I have no need of them, nor do I wish to have them," Queen Accolon replied coldly, her eyes boring into the plant that had refused to die to her cutting spells and to her burning spells that she had flung at it in order to try and rid herself of this offensive fauna once and for all.

"And yet, you are still deserving of them," Queen Guinevere continued serenely, ignoring the Queen of Rheged's icy tone. "The Knights of Rheged and Camelot are hunting a King without knowing it, and will be responsible for putting his son onto his throne, without knowing it! Morgana will be pleased."

The plant went up into flames again quite quickly as Accolon's eyes flashed golden in anger. Her jaw clenched as she watched the fire attempt to consume her great nemesis once more but once again failed.

"I assure you, Guinevere, I did this for no one save myself," the Queen stated through clenched teeth.

The flames on the plant once more petered out pathetically, just as the door to Gorlagon's chambers burst open and King Arthur hurried in with Leon, Percival and Gwaine right behind him. Immediately, Accolon whirled around, making sure to shield the view of her husband's darling away from the intruders. Immediately, Guinevere's faux smile returned.

"Arthur! Has the creature been found?" she asked with almost believable concern.

"No, not yet. Guinevere, have you seen Merlin?" Arthur asked urgently.

"He was here about an hour ago," Guinevere replied with a dark frown. "He wanted to know what had happened. He said you had ordered him and Ganieda to find the wolf and Accolon's children."

"Indeed, I did," Arthur confirmed, looking extremely regretful. "And I might have been responsible for luring him into a trap."

That made both Queens frown in genuine confusion.

"A trap?" Queen Accolon repeated incredulously. "Whatever do you mean?"

"I have no time to explain at present, my Lady. The both of you will just have to trust me, but I need to find Merlin and quickly," the King answered rather urgently. "Where did he go after he was here?"

"Well, he was in the presence of Sir Melion," Guinevere responded simply. "After that, they left. I do not know where."
Arthur did not like that answer one bit. Worry flashed across his countenance once more as he nodded. "Thank you, Guinevere. If either of you see Merlin or Melion-"

"We will send word immediately," Accolon promised easily.

"Thank you, my Lady," Arthur bowed his head to the Queen of Rheged before hurrying out, his three most loyal Knights hot on his heels. Accolon watched them with slight disbelief. She had seen for herself that the King of Camelot had an odd relationship with his manservant but this ... went beyond anything she had ever seen before.

"Extraordinary," she whispered. "The King truly cares about Merlin and his well being."

"Arthur has always cared more about the life of his people and his men more than his own," Guinevere commented coldly. "It's what makes him so blind and stupid. His heart makes him weak."

Though the Queen was fairly certain that Guinevere's words were not her own and simply those of Morgana, they still irked Accolon greatly. The Queen of Rheged pursed her lips and turned her own steely gaze upon the Queen of Camelot. "I have seen the example of Kings who care not for their people or their men, and see them as nothing more than a nuisance. Their selfishness and greed made them blind and stupid also. Your husband may be a lot of things, my Lady, but he is most certainly not weak."

Guinevere sneered a little. "You give him far too much credit," she stated dismissively. "Also, you had better hope that your husband does find Merlin before Arthur does. Otherwise, your Regency will be killed in its infancy."

Accolon frowned. "Whatever do you mean? How could a simple serving boy pose a problem to me? His word does not hold power over mine."

"It does with Arthur," Guinevere scoffed as she started pacing. "Moreover, he has a habit of meddling in affairs that do not concern him. I myself tried to rid this world of both my darling husband and that interfering gnat of his, but in both cases my plan was foiled. How and by whom, I still have no idea." She stopped in her tracks and looked at Accolon. "If I were you, I would not underestimate Merlin in any sort of way. The boy has more lives than a damn cat!"

Guinevere's words ran through Accolon's head. She hated that they were having any kind of effect on her, but the Queen of Rheged knew that the enchanted Queen spoke the truth. More to the point, Ganieda herself said that Merlin was the honourable sort. He only ever betrayed a guest if something illegal was done.

How many of Camelot's guests had plotted within her walls and their plans had somehow been foiled? Accolon had heard from Gorlagon about King Alined's plans to cause war throughout the Isle of the Mighty had failed. No one knew precisely what happened, but now Accolon was willing to bet that Merlin had something to do with it.

Judging from Guinevere's words, even Morgana herself had issues with Merlin! How could one serving boy be so troublesome? Well, Accolon was not intent on finding out.
First, she needed to get rid of the dread plant before anyone could perhaps put two and two together and figure out what had happened.

"Send word to Morgana," the words had left Accolon's mouth before she could stop herself. "Tell her I need help with some evidence disposal."

"Consider it done," Guinevere could not keep the glee out of her voice.

Accolon closed her eyes, delivering a silent prayer to the gods; hoping that all would be well in the end. Her husband would remain gone in wolf form, her son would rule in his place and she in his name until his sixteenth birthday, when he would be off-age.

It was her right, after all she had endured.

Chapter Text

 To say that King Gorlagon was flabbergasted that Merlin, Sir Biclarel and Sir Melion’s half-witted plan that they had quickly come up with actually worked, would not be an understatement. They had opted to hide him under a giant tapestry – to say that Gorlagon was set to protest at the idiocy was not an understatement but it did not stop his fellow werewolves and the servant. If he thought this was the end of it, Gorlagon was soon proven wrong.

The King of Rheged was nigh on dazed that the Knights had managed to lure away the extra guards away from the physician’s tower with the lie that they had come to relieve Sir Galahad and Sir Lanval of their duty. The two guards in question had not even considered that their brothers-in-arms could be lying!

Well, that was not entirely true. Galahad had given both Biclarel and Melion an assessing look, as though he was trying to decide if they were capable enough to guard the physician and his family. If Gorlagon had not known any better, he would have thought that the Knight was guarding an extension of the Royal Family.

Biclarel and Melion had given the Knight their best confident smiles and had not flinched under Galahad’s silent interrogation. It was Lanval who pulled his comrade away, grumbling about ‘over-intense nonsense’.

To make matters worse, they had walked by the strange, tapestry-covered, wolf-sized object that had been beside Sir Biclarel without so much as giving Gorlagon a sideways glance. They had not been the first and the King continued to dwell in his disbelief at how easily blind-sided King Arthur’s Knights really were.

It was a miracle that no assassins had managed to slip into Camelot as of late! Gorlagon knew it had not been for a lack of effort, though. The closest one had come had been Myror; the supposedly deadliest assassin the whole Isle of the Mighty. He had been hired by King Odin to avenge the death of his eldest son and heir. And his favourite.

After all, the fool had two other sons, but Pelleas could practically turn everything to gold with a simple touch according to Odin. It had always been rather laughable to Gorlagon at how blind Odin was to his grief. Pelleas had challenged a man who even by reputation was more talented with a sword than he could ever be, and had made a challenge to the death just for the sake of his pride.

He had died an honourable death, according to the Knights’ Code and his father was making enemies left, right and centre due to a temper tantrum. Odin was a pathetic excuse for a King and Gorlagon was very much looking forward to the day that he could dethrone him. It mattered very little to the King of Rheged that Arthur and Odin had settled their differences with a rather tenuous truce.

What Odin did to King Rodor of Nemeth, who was twice the commander and twice the King Odin could ever be, Gorlagon could never forgive.

That, and the King of Rheged was going to advise the King of Camelot to sharpen his men’s wits because this was utter madness!    

The Werewolf King sighed as Biclarel and Melion beckoned him to follow and he trudged after them, making sure that the tapestry was over him.

This is most undignified; he could not help but grumble to himself.

Dignity does not come into survival, Your Highness.

Gorlagon really had to get used to the fact that someone could actually hear him through his dormant Link. Sir Biclarel gave him an apologetic smile. But all three werewolves soon hit a bit of a snag: the physician’s tower was not unoccupied. Both Knights nigh on skidded to a halt when they realised that Ganieda was there, entertaining Prince Clarion and Princess Caelia with some of Gaius’s potion books while little Prince Aneurin napped on Gaius’s bed.

Ganieda’s head had shot up immediately at the door opening, and was now looking at them with slightly furrowed brows.

“Sir Biclarel, Sir Melion – where is Merlin?” the warlock asked with undisguised concern.

“He is safe,” Melion reassured her immediately. “He has gone to find the King.”

Ganieda nodded in understanding and then soon spied the giant, tapestry-covered shape behind the werewolves and she frowned even more. For a moment, her mind raced all over the place, trying to find a reasonable explanation for what she was seeing only for a look of tired resignation to pull itself onto her countenance.

“You didn’t,” was all she stated.

Biclarel and Melion attempted to look innocent, which did not really work very well.

“What?” Biclarel sounded even less innocent which made Gorlagon want to put his face into his paw.  

Ganieda did not answer verbally. She rose to her feet and marched over to them with a sense of purpose, causing both Werewolf Knights to tense ever so slightly. Gorlagon stayed stock still but it was no good. None of them knew that Ganieda’s strongest magic was related to animals, hence the warlock was not so easily bamboozled.

“How stupid do you think I am?” Ganieda shook her head in disbelief. “This is one of my cousin’s plans?”

“Well,” Melion grinned wryly. “We managed to fool everyone up until now.”

Ganieda put her face into her hands in disbelief. She shook her head despondently before raising her head.

“The King was enchanted by the plant?” was all Ganieda asked further.

This caused Clarion and Caelia to look up from the books they were reading.

“I’m afraid so,” Biclarel confirmed to her easily. “And the Queen …”

He was about to confirm everything that Ganieda had feared but he tailed off when he noticed that the young Crown Prince and his sister were watching them unblinkingly. He didn’t need to continue because Ganieda knew enough. She had already suspected the answer; her eyes fell closed for a moment.

“Take His Highness to Merlin’s room,” Ganieda made the call before common sense returned to her. “No one in their right mind would search in there.

Biclarel and Melion hurried the still-blanketed Werewolf King towards the wooden door at the end of the chambers, Gorlagon once more huffing as he was marched towards a room that was most certainly not fit for a King. Ganieda followed closely behind, still baffled at the audacity of Merlin and the Knights.

Once the door to Merlin’s room was firmly shut, the warlock wasted no time in getting rid of the sheets over the giant wolf. Ganieda studied the Werewolf King closely; the wolf was twice the size of any normal wolf and the haughtiness of the nobility as well as unadulterated rage swam in the eyes of Gorlagon.

“I am sorry this happened to you, Sire,” Ganieda stated sincerely.

For a moment, Gorlagon didn’t answer, but soon he growled back. “You and me both, girl.”

Biclarel was about to translate for the King when Ganieda chuckled. “Your Queen caught you off-guard, didn’t she?”

Stunned, all three werewolves openly gaped at the hidden warlock. Ganieda really could not help but grin herself at this point.

“You … You understand him?” Melion whispered in disbelief. “How …?”

Ganieda did not answer; she simply smiled knowingly at the Knight.

Is she like me too? Or is she a witch …? The thought crossed Gorlagon’s mind easily. For a moment he wanted to growl, but then the King paused. The differences between this peasant girl and his wife were stark. Accolon was vindictive and envious while Ganieda – from what the King observed – had barely an ill bone in her body and had a sweet, kind disposition that he saw within her cousin.

That alone earned her the benefit of the doubt.

“Yes, she did. A mistake I will not allow to happen again,” Gorlagon reassured through barks and growls. “If I see her, I will rip her throat out for this treason!”

Ganieda gave him an empathetic look. “The entire castle is on high alert. They will try to kill you on sight. You have to stay hidden.”

Gorlagon’s lips curled into a sneer. “You need not point out the obvious, girl.”

Melion stepped into the conversation at this point. “How do we turn you back into human form, Your Highness?” he wanted to know.

“My plant,” Gorlagon growled. “You will need my plant.”

Before the King could continue, there were several knocks on the door from two sets of different knuckles. The adults in the room all took a fortifying breath.

“Ganieda? What is going on in there?” Princess Caelia called.

“We heard growling! Is it the wolf? May we see it? Please?” Prince Clarion added.

“Please don’t kill it! I am sure it didn’t mean any harm,” his sister quickly put in. “Maybe it was hungry and thought Ettare was food!”

Ganieda, Biclarel and Melion exchanged a look between them, all of their eyes starting to bug out of their sockets. A silent debate ensued for a little while before Melion completely lost his patience.

“Don’t do! Children do not know how to keep a secret for the life of them!” he hissed.

“But these are more precocious than most their age,” Ganieda argued back just as softly.

“Are you mad? All the King has to do is look at them sternly and they will cave,” Melion retorted back just as easily.

Gorlagon forgot decorum for a moment and snorted, letting out a wolfish chuckle. The two Werewolf Knights and the warlock looked to the Werewolf King in bewilderment. “Not even I could get my own children to confess their deeds, even when they got caught. I am always rather impressed with their cunning, though I advise you not to tell them that. It will only encourage them.”

Biclarel grinned and looked at his old friend. “I think that statement is overwhelmingly in their Highnesses’ favours.”

Melion looked set to protest once more but Ganieda was already heading to the bedroom door. “Sorry, Melion, you have been overruled!” she stated brightly.

“Overruled? My word counts more than yours!” the Knight scowled and his jaw clenched.

“Prideful, isn’t he?” Gorlagon commented wryly to Biclarel, giving the Knight a look of commiseration. Melion this time could definitely not say a word; his jaw simply clenched even more as chuckles at his expense continued to rise.

Ganieda opened the door; Prince Clarion and Princess Caelia looked rather stern for their doing.

“The wolf is not hurt, is he?” Princess Caelia immediately wanted to know.

Ganieda smiled reassuringly. “Would you like to see for yourself, Your Highness?”

The warlock opened the bedroom door wider so that the young Royals could poke their head around the door frame and look into Merlin’s tiny room. The children looked with fascination around for a moment, as though they could not believe their eyes at how someone was able to live in such small a chamber. Then, the Crown Prince and his sister looked upon the form of their father, in full wolf form. For a moment, both children tensed up and could only blink. Then, very slowly, as though they were afraid of agitating the giant creature, the Royals approached their father, who was looking on in undisguised amusement. Once they were close but at a safe enough distance, both children reached out to pat the snout of their father.

Ganieda hid her amusement behind her hand while Biclarel’s grin turned into a full smile. Melion simply shook his head in disbelief at how trusting the Prince and Princess really were.

“He’s beautiful,” Caelia commented in awe.

Gorlagon grinned unabashedly at his daughter’s compliment.

“His eyes look a bit like Father’s,” Clarion’s sharp observation caught everyone off-guard soon enough.

The King of Rheged had not expected his son and heir to be that blunt, because he started gaping at the child that he rarely spent much time with. Indeed, the only time Gorlagon paid much attention to his eldest son was when his tutors and martial instructors gave the King reports on Clarion’s progress.

“What makes you say that, Your Highness?” Ganieda asked carefully, but curiously.   

“They’re the same colour, and Father gets this hard look in his eyes whenever he gets angry or has pressing matters of state,” Clarion explained, not looking away from his lupine father. The young boy seemed to consider something for a moment and let his hand fall away from the wolf before turning to the two Knights of Camelot and Merlin’s cousin. “It’s Father, isn’t it? The wolf?”

Now that question had everyone stumped, including Princess Caelia, who stopped mid pat and just stared her father into his grey eyes with bewilderment. Once more, Biclarel, Melion and Ganieda exchanged looks in a silent debate, this time arguing the case of whether or not they should lie to the Crown Prince of Rheged’s face. This time, there was overt internal conflict in all three of them.

It was one thing to admit that there was a wolf. It was entirely another to admit to the children of the Werewolf King that their father was the wolf.

The tension was palpable, and Gorlagon could not take the suspense anymore. Indeed, it was the first time that the King of Rheged truly felt any sense of trepidation. The idea of his own children fearing or despising him, it was almost too much for him to bear. In a rare act of genuine affection, Gorlagon leaned in and gave his children each tentative lick-kisses, which made both Prince Clarion and Princess Caelia giggle.

“Papa, stop, that tickles!” Caelia managed to say through giggles.

One might have reasonably expected the King to stop at this point, but in typical fatherly fashion, Gorlagon gave his eldest children a lick each before stopping, letting out a growly chuckle.

However, the good mood was quickly replaced by surprising seriousness. The Prince and the Princess looked at the adults and gave them – all three – a pointed look. “Who did this to our father?” it was Clarion who decided to ask the question on both their minds.

Oh bloody hell, Gorlagon clearly heard Biclarel and Melion curse internally at the exact same time. The King looked on in overt amusement, clearly wanting to see how exactly the servant and the two Knights were going to answer that blunt question.

“Your Highness, it isn’t easy to explain,” Ganieda started off carefully.

As she already had gauged, the children were not phased by this in the slightest.

“That is not an answer, Ganieda!” Princess Caelia scolded.

The warlock cursed internally. For once, Ganieda felt herself put her head in her hands, trying to gather patience before she raised her head and looked at them with deadly seriousness. “Your father is enchanted, by his plant. Magic was used to turn him into a wolf.”

You could have heard a feather drop to the ground.

Clarion and Caelia both blinked in surprise, almost in perfect unison, before their serious expressions returned.

“Who did this?” was the predictable next question that Ganieda dreaded.

This time, none of the adults offered any kind of direct answer. Magic was easy to confess to, in comparison to the revelation that their mother was responsible for what happened.

“If you do not know, that is fine,” Prince Clarion reassured quickly. “We just want to know if you know.”

Biclarel decided to step up this time. “We do not have any evidence but … we have our suspicions.”

Before the children could press the matter further, everyone’s ears pricked up when they heard the door to the physician’s tower open and they heard Gaius come in, muttering under his breath. It was in that moment that Ganieda felt her heart skip several beats.

Uh oh.

How in the name of the gods were they going to hide Gorlagon from Gaius?!


######################################################################################################################################################


“Will I never be rid of you?” Queen Accolon spat with undisguised vitriol after her long-standing rival had the audacity to survive yet another attempt of setting the magical plant on fire. Already the plant had withstood five blazes plus the Queen’s fireplace.

Ever since the mention of evidence disposal, the Queen of Rheged had been hard at work ever since she had sent all of her guards away to help the Knights of Camelot in their quest to find the lupine intruder, trying to dispose of the evidence of her crime and the only instrument that could be used to turn her husband back into his human form. The problem was, the stubborn plant was literally refusing to die.

It was immune to being cut in any lethal way; it was immune to being torn from the ground; and burning it only seemed to make it thrive! With each murder attempt that it survived, Accolon became increasingly more agitated. By this point, she had disregarded everything in the world around her in exchange for focus on her buried rage.

It would have been amusing to Guinevere, who was witnessing the entire pathetic display, had it not been so petty and juvenile. The Queen of Camelot knew that the judgemental, snobby Queen had her issues – but even she could not have waged the depths that the Queen of Rheged hated one gods-be-damned plant! Guinevere had not folded her arms in such a long time, but now she did find herself taking the stance of a disapproving mother.

This could pose a problem for Morgana’s plans; the High Priestess needed to be informed of this sooner, rather than later.

I think Morgana might have misjudged the Queen somewhat, Guinevere sneered to herself. She needs to know about this. If one plant is going to pose this much of a problem, some more powerful magic may be needed.

Suddenly quite adamant, Guinevere left the Queen of Rheged’s chambers, not that the latter seemed to register or even care. Guinevere found the journey back to her chambers almost too easy. Once there, the Queen rushed to the desk she shared with the King and sat down to quickly quill a note to Morgana.

Morgana,

I do not wish to cause undue alarm, but we may have a situation regarding Queen Accolon. Her hatred for one plant is almost all-consuming and I fear she may entirely lose her mind and thus lose her usefulness.

How would you like me to proceed? 

Also, King Gorlagon has not been found yet.

Guinevere

The Queen of Camelot rolled up the tiny scroll and hid it in one of her rings. Then, she headed towards the Bird Master’s quarters to request one of his messenger birds. Of course, all the while Guinevere was preparing a believable excuse, just in case the Bird Master asked any potentially awkward questions. After all, she had been borrowing quite a few birds lately; no excuses were needed this time because the Bird Master was not in his quarters.

Guinevere could hardly believe her luck as she sent the bird off. So far, almost everything had gone to plan.

She would have likely felt apprehension and relief at the exact same time had she known that her concerns were shared by Morgana. The High Priestess had gone down to the lake with Aithusa to bathe when her puppet’s bird had arrived. At first, Morgana had been rather irritated that Guinevere had bothered her with this, but then Morgana considered the ramifications of Accolon’s obsessive hatred.

None of them bode well for Morgana’s plans. The Isle of the Mighty relied on good trade with Rheged; take that away, and soon all the Kingdoms would bow before her, begging for mercy. Morgana felt her jaw clench.

It would seem that once more, a disguise was needed. One that was even better than the Hilda persona she had crafted. One that no one could look through.

######################################################################################################################################################

Merlin could easily admit that he had more than enough experience with running from one end of the castle to the other, whether it was for an errand, a job of Arthur’s or it was to save Arthur’s life but it was on this occasion that the warlock surprised himself by almost breaking his own running record. Merlin dodged guards, panicked servants and apprehensive Knights of Camelot and Rheged in his bid to get to the guest chambers and get a twig of that plant before the Queen could destroy it.

However, Merlin could also count how many times people had gotten in his way, whether they were friends, colleagues or enemies. He could also say how many of those times occurred during life and death moments, and of course – it seemed that the Sisters of Fate were determined to add one more to that rather extensive list.

“Merlin? Merlin! There you are! Slow down!”

“Merlin, the King wants to see you!”

“Merlin, go easy on us, would you?”

The warlock reluctantly slowed down and turned to look at Percival, Mordred and Tristan; the latter was clutching his sides from some reason. Merlin could only guess at why.

“What does Arthur want?” Merlin tried not to sound agitated. “If he is upset that I haven’t found the King yet, I have a lead-”

“Merlin, there is no wolf,” Percival cut across his friend, looking slightly apologetic as he did so. “It’s a trick; Arthur is worried about you.”

“Though he did not use those words exactly,” Tristan added. “But he did send us to find you when he saw Ganieda bring the Royal children back safely.”

Merlin stayed silent for a moment to process this information. Arthur actually knew the wolf was a trick? How? The fact that Arthur was almost openly worried about him made the warlock smirk only a little bit.

“Well, you can go back to Arthur and assure him that I haven’t been mauled,” Merlin stated a little too brightly for the taste of the three Knights, even doing a little playful twirl for the three of them. “Now, if you don’t mind-”

“Merlin, where are Biclarel and Melion?” Tristan wanted to know, frowning. “Ganieda said they went with you.”

“They did,” Merlin confirmed easily, almost shrugging nonchalantly as he spoke. This was not the first time that he had to lie on his feet. “I sent them to relieve Galahad and his partner from guard duty.”

This took Tristan by surprise and made Mordred’s eyes narrow.

“And they listened to you?” Tristan could barely believe his ears.

“I was as surprised as you are! But apparently, they are trying to make amends for their recent behaviour,” Merlin lied smoothly.

You found King Gorlagon, didn’t you?

Of course, Mordred saw right through his idol’s rather weak attempt at smoke and mirrors. This made Merlin’s eyes turn steely for a moment before he answered.

It is as suspected. The wolf is the King and the one responsible for this circle, is Queen Accolon. The plant was used to enchant him – apparently it is the anchor for his Blood Curse. To turn the King back, we need that plant.

Mordred nodded in understanding.

“Be that as it may,” Percival pulled all the attention back onto him, “we need to get you back to Arthur before he sends another search party to find you.”

Of all times the cabbage head gets worried about me … Merlin grumbled to himself.

It was rather endearing to witness; Mordred could not help but comment through a grin.

The warlock could not keep the irritation off his countenance, regardless, judging by the contrite smile Percival gave him. Merlin knew that he was not going to be able to weasel his way out of this summons and thus, reluctantly followed his friends back to where Arthur was waiting, in the council chambers, surrounded by panicked courtiers. Gwaine, Leon, Marrok, Kay and Bedivere were standing at each entrance of the council chambers, all of them looking equally annoyed as each other by the behaviour of the Court.   

Currently, the King was attempting to quell their concerns.

“All Knights and guards are on duty; they have searched this castle from top to toe and they cannot find the wolf.”

“How did the creature get into the city in the first place?” came the umpteenth demand from one of the women.

“A better question is, why?” sniffed one of the old guard from Uther’s days. “Really, Sire, we had nothing like this when your father-”

“How it got in, we are investigating,” it was Leon who cut the pompous Baron off with a cold tone. “As for why, we have a theory that it may have caught whiff of food from just outside the citadel and decided to investigate. It is true that Camelot has had no wolves for a good many years, but they live all over the country. You cannot fault an animal for doing what is only natural, and travelling if food is scarce elsewhere.”

“If it will make you all sleep easier tonight, I will ensure that there are more guards placed at the entrance to your chambers and the entrance to your corridors,” Arthur added through his very well-practised Kingly smile.

Merlin found himself grinning rather proudly at how his friend was handling this impossible situation.

For now, the courtiers settled. Judging from their facial expressions, not all were convinced that this would be enough to pass a more peaceful night, but none dared to object to their King. Leon made the most of their silence and called forth some guards to escort the nobles back to their chambers and make sure that they would stay there. Once they were dealt with, Arthur raised his eyes to meet those of his best friend, a wry smile spreading on his countenance.

“Percival, Mordred, Tristan; thank you kindly. Did you find him hiding in a broom cupboard?” Arthur could not help but tease as he approached.

Merlin rolled his eyes while the Knights chuckled softly. “You wished to see me, Sire?” Merlin asked dutifully. “If so, I have to tell you that I haven’t found King Gorlagon yet, nor the wolf-”

“Merlin, there is no wolf. At least, not a wild one.”

The warlock felt his brain literally stop working for a single second. Merlin had his mouth open to lie again but soon felt his mouth close in absolute shock. All he felt able to do, was blink.

What?

“Do you need to clean your ears out, Merlin?”

Did I say that out loud?  

“Yes, you did, Merlin,” Arthur’s amusement continued. “And I should be offended that you are so surprised – I am not a complete idiot, you know.”

Merlin suddenly regained his senses and his brain started to work again. “Well you do have your moments,” the warlock could not help but sass. “So, it would stand to reason you have your clever moments now and again.”

The Knights chuckled softly while the King gave his friend a playful whack around the head. Merlin was the first to get the conversation back on track.

“So, there is no wolf? How do you know?”

“I saw Ettare’s body,” Arthur answered solemnly. “Gaius ran me through the autopsy. Someone made it look like the girl was attacked by a wolf, possibly using magic. Then, Leon told me that on patrol, they found the carcass of a boar. It had been mauled by wolves; except they were bigger than normal. More akin to the magical kind.”  

Merlin blatantly refused to look in Marrok’s direction at this point. It seemed that he would need to have a word with the werewolves about where were actually the best hunting spots, away from the citadel!

“And this is important?” Merlin once more played the role of the fool.

“Yes, Merlin, it is,” Arthur looked like he really wanted to roll his eyes. “Because Morgana has wolves too, remember?”

Ah yes. Ismere – how could Merlin forget?

The answer was never, because Ismere was one of the few places that actually still haunted Merlin’s nightmares.

“I remember,” Merlin reassured coolly. “She has a dragon and a pack of wolves, which you think she has sent here?”

“Not the dragon – just the wolves,” Gwaine responded whilst trying to keep the amusement out of his voice, and failing quite overtly.

“For what reason? To kill Arthur?” the warlock continued to play dumb as best as he could manage. “If that is the case, why did it go to King Gorlagon’s chambers?”

“We don’t think they were here to kill Arthur,” Leon informed him truthfully. “We think Morgana is prioritising the treaty with Rheged above Arthur’s life right now, because with Gorlagon as an ally, the throne would be more difficult to obtain.”

“After all, Gorlagon really is not friendly to anyone with magic,” Percival added grimly.

“He would be more than happy to help Camelot put that witch back in her place,” Tristan smirked.

“So, where is the wolf and where is the King?” Merlin questioned innocently.

“Well, we don’t know – you have not found him yet,” Arthur pointed out, shaking his head. “Really, Merlin, I am surprised you can find your own backside sometimes!”

“Well, I was busy doing what you told me to do when I got escorted here,” the warlock took great pleasure in sassing the King back.

“Shut up, Merlin,” came Arthur’s rather predictable answer.

“You know that I am right,” Merlin did not even try to hide the smugness in his voice. “Speaking of missing Royals, have the children been found yet?”

“Of course. They are with Ganieda at the physician’s tower. They are perfectly safe,” Marrok reassured him with a lopsided grin. “Tristan did end up with a bump and a bruise though, courtesy of the Crown Prince!”

Tristan huffed as snickers rippled around the room and Merlin turned to him with a grin. “I am never going to live this down, am I?”

“You got beaten by a child?” Merlin really had to bite into his cheek.

“His Royal Highness took his guard duty seriously,” Tristan grumbled.

“He got whacked by a pan,” Mordred supplied Merlin happily with the information.

“Oh boy! Shouldn’t we take him to see Gaius? Those pans are no joke!” Merlin could attest to that; he had to dodge enough of those pans when Cook was in one of her moods.

Tristan glowered at him. “I will be fine!”

“Prince Clarion may have actually knocked some sense into him, instead of out,” Gwaine could not help but tease his comrade further.

“I’ll knock some sense into you if you don’t watch it!” Tristan shot back.

It was at this point that the King decided to rein his Knights back in. “Enough. We still have a job to do. Forget Morgana’s wolf; find King Gorlagon. Merlin, I cannot believe that I am actually going to say this, but you have the night off.”

Those words were music to Merlin’s ears. That meant he could get back to Ganieda, the Royal children and … wait …

Ganieda and the children were back home? Where he had sent Melion and Biclarel to with …

Oh no.

The realisation hit Merlin but the warlock kept his countenance as he bowed to Arthur and quickly made his escape, his friends chuckling because they interpreted his behaviour as excitement. In reality, the warlock could feel his heart pounding even in his ears as he raced back home.

Emrys, where’s the fire? Mordred’s teasing question drifted into his head.

Melion and Biclarel took Gorlagon to my home!

Oh …

Merlin was more than a little relieved when he saw that Galahad was no longer on duty. He would have no doubt gotten a lecture about running in the corridor, as the Knight tended to do because he was concerned about the potential ‘unsafe situations’ it could cause. As much as Merlin loved the mother hen, he could not deal with Galahad’s fussing at present. Hence, there was no one to stop him from charging through the door.

“Merlin, really! How many times do we have to have this discussion?” Gaius chastised him as he continued cooking an extremely late dinner, the Royal children giggling at the fact one of their favourite Camelot servants was getting told off by his guardian. Ganieda, who was sitting between them with Prince Aneurin on her lap, grinned at her cousin. Biclarel and Melion, funnily enough, were sitting on the doorsteps to Merlin’s room.

Noting this, Merlin’s eyes narrowed a little.

Had they …?

No … surely not …?

“Did the King let you off for the night?” Ganieda asked jovially.

“Yes, he did. I think he took a bigger blow to the head than Tristan did,” Merlin joked back. Prince Clarion flushed in embarrassment as the adults chuckled.

“Well, that means you are for once early for dinner,” Gaius stated brightly. “I assume Arthur is going to keep up the search for King Gorlagon?”

A quick look was exchanged between the cousins. The children also became more tight-lipped.

“He is,” Merlin confirmed, clearing his throat.  

“Well, let us hope they find him soon. If these patrols continue into tomorrow, I will have to get up early in order to complete my rounds on time,” Gaius sighed. “Ganieda, would you like to come with me?”

“Of course, Uncle,” Ganieda replied brightly.

“What kind of rounds are you going on?” Princess Caelia asked curiously.

“Oh, it’s all very boring,” the court physician smiled kindly. “We need to collect herbs from the woods and from traders. Then we need to do a routine check on some patients who are still recovering.”

“Oh. Our court physician could learn from you. All he does is wait for the traders to come to him and sends his assistants to do all the hard jobs,” Prince Clarion pulled a face. “He even sings to his leeches!”

“I just think it is because he’s lonely but Clarion thinks he’s strange,” Caelia explained.

Gaius chuckled. “It is a little strange. But I think you may be onto something, Your Highness. I used to do some strange things too before Merlin came to live with me. After that, I did not have much cause to be lonely.”

“You never had children?”

“No. Nor a wife, though I was engaged once,” the physician answered truthfully as he started plating. Merlin settled next to the young Princess. “Ganieda and Merlin are my sisters’ children, but I have also considered them as mine for a while.”

“You have been more than a father to us,” Merlin was all too happy to confirm, Ganieda nodding in agreement.

It was during dinner that Merlin had gotten the answer to the question of Where in the Name of the Gods was King Gorlagon?   

Gaius had made extra chicken stew to accommodate the extra dinner guests. Biclarel and Melion had come to get some food, which took Merlin by surprise; then, Biclarel headed towards Merlin’s room. Naturally, this was noted.

“Sir Biclarel, where are you going? We have more benches!” Gaius called.

The Werewolf Knight slowed his pace and Merlin saw the thoughts whir in Biclarel’s head. Clearly, the Knight was trying to come up with some kind of excuse. It was Melion who stepped in.

“Biclarel doesn’t like people watching him eat,” the Knight quickly explained. “It’s why he barely touches a morsel at banquets.”

Biclarel looked rather pink at this point; Merlin bit into his cheek to stop himself from laughing. But importantly, Gaius bought the fib because he gestured to the Knight to go into Merlin’s room. As soon as the Knight was inside, Merlin turned to his own dinner as he opened the Link with his cousin.

You hid the King in my room, didn’t you?

No, we hid him in the broom cupboard – yes of course we did! You should be glad Uncle Gaius wasn’t here because the scene was ridiculous.

Ganieda was more than happy to vent.

What do you mean?

What do you mean?! Merlin, Biclarel and Melion came in with a walking tapestry! How in the name of the gods did you manage to keep your head on your shoulders for so long if this is the level of ridiculousness is normal?!

No one noticed-

I noticed, Merlin! The children noticed!

Wait … they know?

Yes, they know! Of course they know. They are not stupid!

Merlin could not argue there.

So – I have a werewolf in my room.

A werewolf King, but yes.

Merlin found himself grinning as he tucked into his stew. We are not winning the fight for the bed, you know that, right?

Ganieda had to use every ounce of self-control to not snort into her own food. I was not intending to fight His Majesty in the first place. I am sleeping on a bench tonight. You will have to make some excuse to Gaius about why we have swapped beds.

Why do I have to deal with Gorlagon? Merlin nigh on pouted.

Because I am not sleeping with a Royal werewolf in my bed! If Aunt Hunith ever found out, she will have a fit.

And she won’t if it’s me?!

Less. You don’t have to deal with the ‘there is a strange Royal werewolf in a lady’s bed’ nonsense!

Merlin wished that he had a good rebuke to that, but he really did not. He knew that his mother – and Gaius – would indeed faint if they ever discovered that Ganieda had slept with a King in wolf form in her bed, even if nothing untoward had happened. Merlin knew just how hypocritical it was, as did Ganieda; the problem was, the times they lived in were not the most open-minded, and Ganieda knew it was not going to be so for the most part for the coming one thousand years and more. Though even with her Sight, Ganieda knew it would be a toss-up between the people who would have found their current situation funny and which would have a fit.

You’re right. I’ll take the bed tonight and hedge my bets that the King won’t chew my face off in his sleep.

Merlin!

Both cousins at this point were chortling into their food, which caused the Royal children and Gaius to give them both disapproving looks.

“Merlin, Ganieda!” Gaius chided. “Mind your table manners.”

“Sorry, Gaius,” both chorused once they were able to and had swallowed their mouthful, not looking all that contrite, which made the elderly physician fold his arms rather sternly.

“You are not setting a good example to the children,” he continued to scold.  

Both warlocks were unable to answer on the account of having their hands against their fists while trying not to start laughing, which would inevitably lead to a spray of stew into Gaius’s face since they had both just taken another spoonful.

Princess Caelia was most indignant on Gaius’s behalf. “You clearly were not struck by your governess enough. Our governesses give us a good strike on our knuckles if we misbehave.”

That statement seemed to give her brothers an idea because both Clarion and young Prince Aneurin used their wooden spoons to sharply tap Ganieda on the knuckles. Princess Caelia then followed her own advice and struck Merlin once. Both warlocks yelped, jumped about two feet into the air and were soon rubbing their knuckles, looking wounded.

“Owwwww!” Merlin complained. “What was that for?”

“Boys, really?” Ganieda scowled down at the Royal princes. “That hurt!”

Gaius could only chuckle, looking quite smug.

“Now I see why Tristan was bruised,” Merlin added dramatically.

“I didn’t hit you that hard,” Caelia protested, pouting a little.

Merlin then smirked as another juvenile idea sprung into his head. “No, you didn’t,” he agreed. “But you did hit me hard enough to turn me into the Tickle Monster!”

“Nooooooooo! Not the Tickle Monster!”

Gaius had to put one finger in each ear at the princess’s squealing but was soon chuckling away as Merlin chased the rambunctious princess around the physician’s chambers while her brothers giggled. To say that Melion watched the proceedings slightly shellshocked, would be an understatement. Naturally, all of Gaius’s attempts to get them both to settle went completely unheeded.

“Merlin, stop that!”

“Merlin, be careful before the princess collides into my potion bench!”

Not only that but Biclarel and Gorlagon risked exposure by opening Merlin’s door slightly and peeping out through the crack in the door to see what was going on. King Gorlagon did let out a rather loud bark of laughter that Melion had to cover up as his own burst of loud laughing, which only sent the children into more floods of giggles.

It was safe to say that all three nobles were thinking the exact same thing.

Only in Camelot could the image of a princess being chased by a servant calling himself the Tickle Monster be absolutely hilarious.  

The sound of her father’s barking laughter did pull Caelia back down to earth and the princess allowed Merlin the Tickle Monster to grab her and give her two tickles before marching her back to her seat and to finish her food. Just in time too, because soon George, who was now sufficiently recovered after a nap but still walking with a limp, had come to collect the Royal children whilst armed with a knife from the kitchens.

Just in case.

Merlin could not lie, but the sight of his uppity friend with a weapon was slightly amusing, especially after knowing that George had lost a sight with a crate. But apparently, George had orders from both the Queen of Camelot and the Queen of Rheged to fetch the children, put them to bed as best as he could and stay with them for the rest of the night until morning. Clarion, Caelia and Aneurin pouted but with the promise from Merlin and Ganieda that they would come and see them in the morning or the afternoon, they complied and went quietly with their still swollen protector.

Not soon after that, Galahad and Lanval had returned – still confused as to why they had been relieved in the first place – to take over from Biclarel and Melion. Though the Werewolf Knights had been most reluctant to leave, a silent, reassuring glance from the warlocks was enough to allow them to find Marrok.

Which soon meant that Camelot’s resident sorcerers and one hidden werewolf were left to their own devices for the evening. Gaius went straight to bed while Ganieda stayed up a little while longer to read up on transformation magic. As for Merlin, he had made a bath, though not for himself. Gorlagon was face with yet another surprise when the brass tub was brought into the small room and then filled with a good few buckets of warm water, and then Merlin gestured silently for him to enter the tub.

At first, the Werewolf King was most reluctant. He was only used to bathing with his manservant around, not another King’s; but Sir Biclarel had a point. Dignity really did not come into play when it came to surviving. Plus, he was covered by fur, so there was no need to be bashful. Gorlagon quietly padded over to the tub and dipped one paw into the water to check the temperature before carefully climbing in.

Bathing in wolf form really was dreadfully inconvenient! Especially due to his lupine size and weight, he did slosh quiet a bit of the water on the floor, which Merlin immediately started to mop up a little. As best as he was able to, Gorlagon washed his fur and muzzle before leaping out of the tub and – perhaps giving slightly into his more wolfish instincts – shook himself dry, sending water flying.

It was all that Merlin could do to not scold the Werewolf King as though he were one of Arthur’s hunting hounds.

Merlin did catch some of the brunt of the water droplets, which made Gorlagon smirk a little and the warlock faux-scowl back at him. As he watched the strange servant work, the King of Rheged could not help but wonder why Merlin was not simply using his magic to do all the work.

After all, if Ganieda had magic, surely Merlin did as well? Or did magic run in only one side of the family? Gorlagon read at some point that such a phenomenon did occur.

The warlock finished moping and drying the mess in his room as best as he could manage, he then turned to the thing he had for once been dreading to face the most: his bed. Merlin stared at it as though it were some dangerous mythical creature he was meant to slay to protect Camelot, and then turned to look at the lupine King of Rheged, who was watching him with haughty concern.

What are you doing? You can’t make a King sleep on the floor, Merlin scolded himself. Werewolf or not.

Merlin sighed deeply to himself and then looked at Gorlagon before silently gesturing to his bed with his head. The King blinked in shock at him; Merlin for a moment thought that the King had not understood what he meant but the shake of the lupine head in the negative soon told Merlin Gorlagon had but refused.

For a moment, the servant wanted to pinch the bridge of his nose. He did not have the energy to have an argument with a werewolf about who was going to take the bed. So, against his better judgement – no doubt blinded by fatigue – Merlin’s eyes bled golden and with one move of his hand, his telekinesis picked Gorlagon up by the scruff of his neck and plonked him firmly down onto Merlin’s less-than-royal bed.

It had all happened so fast that Gorlagon had not had any time to make a whine of protest or even wrap his head around what had just occurred. By the time that the King of Rheged had gotten his bearings, Merlin had settled on the floor, near the door, using his scarf as a pillow and his jacket as blanket.

Now, a sight such as this was not uncommon. Gorlagon had at least two servants sleeping in the ante chamber next to his chambers back home and they did not have a bed. But it was the sight of Merlin on the floor that shocked the Werewolf King. He had just seen first-hand a sorcerer – a man who Gorlagon would normally believe could not feel an ounce of human empathy – not only lift him onto his bed, but he was willingly lying on the floor with barely anything to cover him.

The King of Rheged made a decision and acted on it before he could reconsider it. Just as Merlin’s magic had done, Gorlagon carefully picked up the servant by the scruff of his neck, lifted the lightweight servant up with very little effort and plonked him down before Merlin could get his bearings and curled up on the small, stiff bed and closed his eyes, feeling pleased with himself.

Merlin indeed had not expected the King to turn the tables on him. For a moment, the warlock blinked at the giant wolf in his bed in sheer confusion, before he chuckled softly and curled up on bed with the Werewolf King snoozing against his back.   

######################################################################################################################################################

“What happened to the two of you? You seem … troubled?”

Marrok could normally read his friends; both Biclarel and Melion were normally open books when it came to the expression on their countenances. But this look was one that Marrok had never seen before, especially on Melion’s face. Disbelief, confusion, amusement and emotional exhaustion all blended together in an odd mix. It was one of those nights where Marrok knew a hunt would help his friends.

But considering everything at present, he knew that a hunt was out of the question.

Biclarel and Melion looked like they could have used it; most likely they were going to go to bed instead now. If they could even get some sleep before morning, it would be a miracle.

“Merlin is odd, and I don’t think his magic has anything to do with it,” Melion sighed as he collapsed into one of the chairs in Marrok’s chambers, starting to stare into the fire.

Marrok frowned in confusion and turned to Biclarel for an explanation.

Biclarel smiled softly. “Melion is struggling to get used to Camelot culture,” he explained simply. “As am I but …”

“So, what happened?” Marrok pressed.

“Merlin chased Princess Caelia as the Tickle Monster,” was not the answer Marrok expected to come out of Melion’s mouth. Dryly.

Marrok did not even try to disguise his confusion. “I see …” he cleared his throat. “I take it you three did find the King then?”

“We did,” Melion confirmed, amusement laced clearly in his tone. “We hid him under a tapestry.”

Again, not the answer Marrok expected.

“And hid him in Merlin’s rooms.”

Marrok pinched the bridge of his nose in sheer disbelief before looking up and looking at Biclarel, hoping to see any sign of levity in his friend’s eyes. Alas, he found none. His friends were being serious. Marrok could not help himself – he started chortling with laughter.

It seems the Camelot madness has already gotten to us … he thought to himself.

“And you didn’t get caught?” Marrok managed to ask eventually.

“Somehow,” Biclarel was shaking his head despondently. “I still do not know how we managed to pull that one off.”

“Indeed. Though, at least we now know the Queen of Rheged is indeed a traitor,” Marrok pointed out. “If we can transform the King back and bring him before Arthur, we can foil Morgana and both the Queens’ plan, whatever it may be.”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Melion sneered as he turned to look at them from his chair, eyes shining dangerously. “Morgana wants her brother’s throne but doesn’t have the numbers to do it. The majority of the Kingdoms are either friendly to Camelot, allied, or neutral. Only King Alined holds any animosity but he’s a fool and Morgana would not want to debase herself to make an alliance with him. So, what better than to ally herself with a Queen Regent who rules a Kingdom on behalf of her son until he is off-age?”

Marrok and Biclarel exchanged a look.

“You think that is the motive?” Biclarel was in disbelief.

“It’s what I would do if I despised my husband and knew his secret. The son would be easier to control and for a while, the Queen would have real power,” Melion answered easily. “It became obvious ever since the King told us what had happened.”

“So, what do you think their next move will be then?” Marrok asked curiously.

“One of two things,” Melion sounded dower at this point. “The Queen will try to renegotiate the treaty to be more favourable to Rheged …”

“Or?” Biclarel pressed.

“Or, she will be so consumed with trying to get rid of the evidence that she will lose sight of everything else and Morgana … will have to intervene.”

Marrok and Biclarel exchanged a look. They really did not like the sound of that.

“Which would mean, Morgana is coming to Camelot,” Marrok stated gravely.

“Indeed,” Melion growled. “And when she does, we will be ready for her this time.”

“So, what do we do with the plant?” Biclarel asked. “Merlin said he would deal with it.”

“And so, we let him,” Melion responded simply. “After all, I don’t think a plant is a match for the most powerful sorcerer to have ever lived.”