Merlin: Fate Be Changed

The Eye of the Phoenix, Part 4

  Still trudging through the woods, Merlin and Gwaine had made it a fair distance away from Mercia by now and we're nearing the Perilous Lands. "Why were those men so angry?" Merlin asked. "It's always the way in gambling," Gwaine chuckled. "You make a man a fool, he calls you a thief. How'd you find me?" "It wasn't easy. I've been to almost every tavern in Engard," Merlin scoffed. "So have I," Gwaine smirked. They both laughed shortly at Gwaine's comment.

  Meanwhile, deep within the Perilous Lands, Arthur stumbled his way through the desert wasteland. However, because the Phoenix eye had drained so much of his energy by this time, he was barely mustering up enough strength to stand let alone walk. Yet, the brave warrior continued his journey ahead unaware of what was happening to him.

  Back at Camelot, Guinevere was helping Morgana get dressed and ready for the day in silence. As she was still remembering what had transpired the night before and didn't speak out of fear of irking Morgana again. They seemed to continue that silence until Morgana said, "You're so good to me, Gwen. Thank you." "It's nothing," Gwen said absently. "You're upset with me," Morgana stated the obvious. Gwen gave her a look behind her back, but said nothing. Morgana apparently took that as a sign of confirmation and continued, "I know. I shouted at you last night."

  Again, Gwen said nothing and continued to finish braiding Morgana's hair. When she had finished, she pulled the braid to one side of Morgana's neck and the king's ward turned around and smiled at her. Guinevere nodded and smiled tightly. "I'm sorry," Morgana apologized. Gwen shook her head gently, still with a thin smile on her face. Still, the witch pressed on with her "apology," saying, "What could I do to make it up?" "It's forgotten," Gwen smiled reassuringly.

  Morgana paused and thought for a moment before suggesting that her servant take some time off. Guinevere hesitated. "Don't look at me like that. I'm sure I can look after myself for one night," Morgana assured her. And suddenly Gwen was confronted with a very sinister feeling in Morgana's presence. But she quickly concealed it and thanked Morgana. The witch smiled, "I'm glad we're friends again."

  As Morgana made for the door, Gwen called out after her saying she would prepare everything for her return. Morgana looked back at Gwen and said, "That's sweet, but don't stay too late." Then she looked back ahead and left. Gwen watched her leave and once she was gone the fake smile plastered on her face quickly evaporated as she set to work preparing the room like she said she would.

***

At long last, Merlin and Gwaine had reached the hill near the edge of the forest overlooking the Perilous Lands. Merlin took in the sight with a look of astonishment and fear. "This is it," he swallowed. "On the other side of the forest lie the Perilous Lands," Gwaine announced. "Doesn't look too friendly," Merlin groaned sarcastically. "That's because it's not. Believe me, it's wretched," Gwaine scowled. Merlin continued to stare out into the distant wasteland even as he retorted with, "How do you know? You've never been there."

  "I've traveled to many places, Merlin."

  Merlin shook his head in disbelief. "Not the Perilous Lands. I know that," he chimed. Gwaine arched an eyebrow at his friend. "Oh, really? Why?"

  "Two words: no taverns," Merlin quipped. Gwaine barked with laughter. "As I said, wretched place," he recovered from his fit of laughter.

  After looking into the distance once more, they continued to travel onward. But Merlin felt an even greater urge than before to rescue Arthur and a strange eagerness to venture into the Realm of the Fisher King even if it's not for the purpose of saving the Royal Prat. But at the same time, he felt an overwhelming sense of terror that something terrible was going to happen and that using magic would be the only way through it.