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.
One thing's for sure, this journey would end in magic one way or another.
***
Later that day, Morgana returned to her bed chambers, set on completing the spell she was performing the previous night before Guinevere interrupted. "Gwen?" she called out to see if her servant was still there. She waited and when she got no response she assumed that Gwen wasn't there and made her way over to one of her dressers and pulled out the box from earlier. And then walked over and set it on the table.
Once she had done that she opened it up and concentrated on letting her magic flow through her. When she reopened her eyes, they glowed the same hellish yellow as before and the ashes of Arthur's likeness caught flames once again.
She smiled for she thought that her plan would come to fruition and no one would suspect anything. Little did she know Gwen had hidden herself behind one the walls with metal grate windows and witnessed the whole thing.
***
The Phoenix eye was glowing extremely bright now and Arthur fell to his knees clutching a nearby branch and panting heavily. He was trying to continue forward, but he knew that he wasn't going to last much longer if he kept pushing himself. However, if he wanted to prove himself to his kingdom he had to press forward, regardless of how he felt. So, the prince got to his feet and wobbled, then he stumbled onward towards the tower.
Unluckily for him, right as it seemed he would be able to keep walking he tripped and slid into quicksand. Struggling to grab something, anything to help pull himself out of the muck, Arthur used whatever remaining energy he could muster in order to get free. However, his struggling caused him to sink faster and for the bracelet to drain his life force until he lost consciousness.
Back at the edge of the forest, Gwaine and Merlin snuck quietly up to the bridge aware that someone was guarding it. Then the bearded man faced his friend and gestured for him to go straight, while he went around from behind. Once the older man was out of sight, the warlock came out from behind the bushes and cautiously approached the bridge only to find nobody there. Merlin swept his eyes over the area and let his gaze return to the bridge and, to his surprise, a man standing in front of him.
"So Magic has arrived," Grettir announced. Merlin gave him a look of confusion and shock. "What?" Grettir raised his arms in surrender, still with a grin on his face. "There is nothing to be afraid of," he said. "Your presence is essential if Arthur is to succeed on his quest." Merlin felt a wave of worry and protectiveness wash over him. "How do you know Arthur? Who are you?" Merlin raised his head. Grettir just gestured as if it were obvious.
"I'm the Keeper of the Bridge."
Merlin furrowed his brow suspiciously. "I only wish to see the Fisher King's lands restored and prosperity reign again," the dwarf admitted.
Unbeknownst to the two of them, Gwaine was hiding behind a large bush and was listening to the conversation. 'Merlin? With Magic.' Gwaine thought. But that couldn't be right. Merlin would've said something if that were the case. Then again, magic is outlawed in Camelot. And if he didn't know, chances are neither did Arthur. 'Be that as it may, he should have at least told me!' Gwaine scoffed inwardly.
Back on the bridge, Grettir explained to Merlin that the Perilous Lands would remain as they were if he didn't succeed on the mission. "It's not my mission. It's Arthur's," Merlin denied. "If that's what you choose to believe," Grettir shrugged. "It's not an accident that Arthur chose this path or you chose to follow him." That's when Gwaine came out of his thoughts and jumped out from behind the bushes and bound towards the two of them.
