Fireheart (A Merlin Love Story)

Chapter 40, Part 2

Ariella's P. O. V:

The next night, when Leon and the others came back from their search, I sit between Gaius and Arthur in the council chambers. Mira was currently in bed, as it's very late at night.

Once the knights have given their reports, Agravaine states apologetically, "Sire, My Lady, we have scoured the entire forest!"

Slamming my hand on the table and making everyone jump with fright, I demand, "Scour it again!"

I already knew where my husband was: with Morgana in her hovel of a hideout. I'd witnessed through my scrying crystal that Morgana had captured him and healed his wound, though I've no idea why.

"Your Highness," Leon says carefully, knowing full well of my temper, flicking his gaze to me, "there is no sign of Merlin."

"None, but this!" Agravaine says as he comes around to me and Arthur, and slaps something on the table before us. I stare with wide eyes at the piece of brown fabric, burnt around the edges, I know all too well; it's from my husband's jacket.

I could only see the piece of fabric as Agravaine says, "I'm sorry you've lost such a loyal, loving, and—"

I hold up my hand, my fingers pressed tightly together, though my hand trembles, making Agravaine fall silent immediately. I ignore Arthur and the others staring at me as I take the piece of fabric and grip it in my fingers, falling silent once more.

Arthur addresses Leon, "The mercenaries, what news of them?" I clench my fingers into the fabric.

He isn't dead. Somehow, I know he isn't. Why else would that witch heal his wound, only to kill Merlin after?

Leon responds, shifting his weary gaze from me to Arthur, "We found no trace."

Agravaine says as he steps around the table, "Surely sent by that snake, Alinor."

"It can't be! How?!" Arthur exclaims. "Our route was known only to a few within Camelot."

Leon states, "There is only one conclusion we can draw. We have a traitor in our midst."