Queen of Camelot ~~~ON HIATUS~~~

Chapter Twenty One (VIII)

"Hey. There he is! Alert the rest of the guards!" A guard shouts to his teammates. Merlin bits his lip taking the boy's hand and racing into the castle. They raced up the stairs as quick as the little boy could manage.

--

Guards bustled back and forth, Morgana watched from her window curious as to what they were searching for. She sighed, she wouldn't get answers here. Or maybe she would, her door slammed open in racing a panicked Merlin. "Have you forgotten how to knock, Merlin?!" Morgana snapped, grateful she hadn't been changing or anything.

Merlin closed the door gesturing to a small injured kid. "The guards are after him. I didn't know what to do." Morgana looked at the boy her heart softened.

Before she could respond someone knocked on her door. In a different situation she would have made a side remark about at least some people have manners. "My Lady? " A guard called. Morgana looked to both Merlin and the boy she quickly ushered them into her closest. "My Lady?" The guard repeats.

Morgana races over to the door quickly fixing her hair pulling the door open with a bright smile. "I'm sorry to disturb you, My Lady." Morgana dismissed him.

"What can I do for you?" She asked charmingly as always.

The guard looks around the room briefly before answering. "We're searching for a young Druid boy. We believe he came this way."

Morgana acted surprised, shaking her head. "I haven't seen anyone. It's just me and my maid."

Sir Leon pushed forwards before the guards pressed more questions. "Best keep the door locked till we find him." Sir Leon suggested. Morgana nodded in agreement.

"Of course. Thank you." Morgana pulled the door closed, locking it behind her. She waited a couple seconds before racing over to Merlin. Merlin cradled the boy keeping pressure on the wound. Morgana looked around reaching for one of her older dresses and tearing away the bottom layer.

"Morga..." Merlin began to protest, but Morgana gave him a sharp look. She gestured for him to move his hand before she tied up the boy's arm.

--

Artura walked into the council room making a beeline for her father. "The Druid was only in Camelot to collect supplies. He meant no harm." She protested. Her father was undoubtedly paranoid. "Is it necessary to execute him?"

Uther sighed, Artura just didn't understand the evil magic possessed. "Absolutely necessary. Those who use magic cannot be tolerated." He reminded her.

Artura frowned, the druids had always been an anti-violent people, she knew from experience. The Druids hadn't done anything, they weren't even doing anything illegal. "The Druids are a peaceful people."

Uther stared down at his daughter, shaking his head. They couldn't be sure. "Given the chance, they would return magic to the kingdom. They preach peace, but conspire against me. We cannot appear weak."

"Weak," Artura muttered under her breath. "Showing mercy can be a sign of strength." She argued. Mercy and kindness wasn't always a weakness often it was a show of strength.

Uther seemed to understand the world better, or he thought he knew better. Artura lived in the world and was with the people more that Uther ever had. Decisions that come from the heart weren't weak. These 'weak' actions can create some of the strongest allies. "Our enemies will not see it that way. We have a responsibility to protect this kingdom. Executing the Druid will send out a clear message. Find the boy. Search every inch of the city."