A Heart For A Heart

The Labyrinth of Gedref Part 1

"Merlin, you look so sad. What's on your mind?"

He sighed rubbing his eyes, "Arthur killed an unicorn and gave its horn to Uther as a present." I gasped and Gaius's eyes buldged.

"You mean to tell me you have seen an unicorn!" I exclaimed. "What was it like?"

Merlin sadly smiled at my excitement, "The unicorn glowed in a sense. Its fur was white along with its mane. The horn was a pearl color and was the source of magic that I felt in my bones."

"But?" Gaius questioned knowing Merlin was hiding something.

"I saw an old man cloaked in grey. He said he cursed Arthur for killing the unicorn."

I sighed looking out the window, "Great another issue. I'll read and see if I find anything about a cloaked guardian of unicorns." I looked to Gaius to see if he had any knowledge to add, but he just shrugged his shoulders.

The next morning the King and prince ventured into the outskirts where the crops lay dead. The farmers had no explanation. Merlin had said that he found rat droppings in Arthur's room. I stifled a laugh. I mean imagine getting cursed by a magician and one curse is a rat invasion. The King ordered Gaius to experiment on the crops to find a scientific solution even though the three of us knew that only magic could kill tons of crops overnight. The kingdom's food has been rationed and now there are looters. The King has ordered a curfew and that any looters will be executed. Next, the well was filled with sand. Gwen was trying to pump water into her bucket when she discovered the sand. Arthur and his men checked the underground reservoir. The King connected the dots and counseled Gaius. They agreed that magic was at fault. However, I knew Arthur was at fault. Killing innocents whether they are mythical creatures or humans has a price to be paid. Arthur and I stared at the sand-filled bucket. Picking up a handful, I felt the pain of the unicorn. It was clear this was the curse. I gazed up at Arthur.

"Speak your mind. I trust your observances even if I don't like them," he spoke.

"Arthur, I know you don't trust magic, but 'this' is the price for killing the unicorn. A curse bestowed on what you love most. I have seen magic good and bad in my time. This is no different."

"You and Merlin both think it was a mistake, yet in my father's eyes it is glory. Hunting is in our blood."

"If your father wanted me dead and ordered you to hunt me, would you?"

"Of course not," he dismissed the question as if I was crazy.

"If hunting is in your blood, then the answer is clear. You would kill me, so why is it different when it comes to the unicorn? For magic folk, the unicorn represents innocence and peace just as you following your father's orders brings peace."

"Will you help me then, understand?" He said placing his hands on the stone platform in front of us.

"I know how much this kingdom means to you. I'll help you, but you have to be willing to listen." I placed my hand on his. He gazed down at me. I wanted to stay angry with him for causing this new issue, but I couldn't. I couldn't when I knew he was like that portrait. He has been shaped to hate magic and those made of it.

"I have a message," an old man spoke. Arthur and I spun around startled. The man appeared with a staff and he was draped in a grey cloak. This is who Merlin was referring to.

Immediately Arthur's demeanor changed and his body stiffened, "And who is this message for?"

The old man croaked out, "It's for you, Arthur Pendragon."

The prince pointed his finger, "So you're the one responsible for the curse."

The man shook his head disagreeingly, "Only you are responsible for the mayhem bestowed on Camelot; you killed the unicorn."

"You will lift the curse or you'll pay with your life," Arthur threatened. Quickly, I placed my hand on his bicep pulling him back slightly.

"Only you can lift the curse. You will be tested," the wizard warned. The prince rolled his eyes and attempted to arrest the hag, however, the man evaporated from his spot. His voice could still be heard causing Arthur and I to turn in the direction of an alley. The man continued his warning, "If you fail any of these tests, Camelot will be damned for all eternity." He disappeared for good this time.

I turned to Arthur seriousness lacing my voice, "You must be patient and listen. The man said you will be tested and you must be ready. You can't fail because I know Camelot's importance to you. Don't let your father's pride get in the way." I left Arthur by the well and returned to the physician's chambers. I retold my account of what just happened to Gaius and Merlin.

"So what does Arthur think about the curse?" Gaius inquired.

"He thinks that it the Anhora's fault and won't accept the blame," I stated sorely.

"If you don't want to drink bath water, then I suggest you two convince him otherwise," Gaius warned. At the same time, Merlin and I spat the tea back into our cups.

"Who's bathwater is this?" Merlin puzzlingly asked.

"Yours," Gaius answered. I gagged and scratched at my tongue.

The next day had passed leaving Camelot hungry and thirsty as ever. Arthur still wouldn't see the truth. Merlin and Arthur were going to hunt the Anhora down. I'm not quite sure how that would work because the man can disappear out of thin air.