Days had passed since the events of Ealdor. Eowyn struggled quite a bit in focusing on her work, her mind could not help but wander back to Will. It was difficult to accept the fact she would never see him again. Guilt had remained in her heart ever since they had returned to Camelot. He was right when he said that she should have used magic to save them all. On spell would have defeated all the enemies yet she let her fear to get the best of her and she refused to do so. She let the villagers die, she sent Will to his death. She had done the same thing that got his father killed and now, Will was no longer alive as well. He had not even gotten the chance to live long. He was young and had a life ahead of him. It was not the case anymore.
When Hunith had asked her to return home in a year for her birthday, Eowyn had already seen herself celebrating it with her mom, Will, and Merlin if he could have gotten Arthur to give him a few days free. But now, Will had disappeared from this possibility. And she could not help but regret not having spent enough time with him when she had been back to defend the village. No matter how much one spends time with their loved one when this same loved one dies, they will always regret not having spent time with them enough time. It was universal.
Should she start taking magic seriously? Should she study it like Merlin? But she only knew wind magic, could it barely make a difference? There was no way she could learn seidr without understanding Old Norse. Was she truly helpless? Could she truly do nothing at all? If her skills as a physician and her skills as an Elf are useless, why was she here? Was she really destined to do great things as Kilgharrah said? Could she truly stand beside Arthur? How was it possible when she had failed to save a friend?
Eowyn shut her book close. She had left for the forest where she believed she could find peace and perhaps learn a few things from the Ljosalfar Book. Perhaps spells were written inside. But she could not focus on a single thing. She had been staring at the same page since she got here. She let out a heavy sigh. She had believed she had found a purpose but now everything was questioned all over again.
Again, she let out a sigh. Eowyn put the book back into her pouch and stood up. Going to the forest had served nothing so there was no use in staying here.
A twig broke.
She froze. She looked back. There was no one. Although, she could perceive the sounds of footsteps. Eowyn held the strap of her pouch tighter and took a few steps back. The wind had not warned her of any danger so she assumed that she would not face any hazard. Still, she was not entirely reassured. What if she had been surveilled? What if someone had seen her with the Ljosalfar Book? What if she would be reported to King?
But her worries immediately vanished when her eyes landed on the magnificent creature before her. She beheld in pure awe the immaculate mane of the horse whose head was adorned with a beautiful equally immaculate horn. The stunning unicorn stared at Eowyn whose lips gently curled up into a smile. She had read a lot about unicorns, the purest creatures in the world. Slaying it was the greatest crime and those who committed it were to face grave consequences. But those who dare drink its blood, the moment the liquid would touch their lips, they would live a half-life. A cursed life. Of course, this was nothing but a legend. But if unicorns do exist, then the legend must have a base of truth.
Slowly, Eowyn walked closer to the wonderful creature. The sight of it was enough to appease her heart and calm the storm that had been ravaging her head. The unicorn neighed. It advanced a foot and bowed. Eowyn let out a melodious chuckle. She grasped the skirt of her dress and slightly lifted it as she bowed as well. The smile on her lips grew wider as the unicorn began moving closer to her. Gently rested her palm on its head and began petting its beautiful mane that was the softest material she had ever touched in her lies.
"You are so beautiful... tell me, what are you doing here? Is it your home?" she asked. The unicorn softly neighed. "Oh, I see. I'm sorry, I did not mean to trespass"
The unicorn neighed again and pressed its head further into her palm. She laughed again.
"You don't mind me here? You're so kind,"
The unicorn bowed its head as if thanking her for the compliment. Unicorns were more than rare. Eowyn was well aware of the chance she had to have beheld such a sight, let alone having a conversation with one. Hence the importance of enjoying and cherishing this moment. Who knows when would be the next time she would encounter one or if she would ever encounter one? Some spend their whole life looking for a unicorn, others are contented with the simple dream of it.
"Winnie?"
Looking behind, Eowyn was quite surprised to see her brother. Merlin dropped the spear he had in his hand the moment he, too, caught sight of the unicorn. He marveled at its beauty and the purity it exuded. Amazed by the sight, Merlin slowly approached the creature as well. However, when he finally reached it, his smile slightly withered.
"Arthur and the knights are not far. We came for a hunting trip," it did not need much for Eowyn to understand the urgency of the situation. If Merlin was there, it meant that Arthur had sent him as a lookout for the unicorn. "Go, go," Merlin tried to shoo the unicorn away who only neighed.
"Please, go. They're going to kill you," Eowyn urged as well as she tried to lead the creature away, but it refused to move.
And before she could utter another thing, all she could hear was Merlin's exclamation as an arrow pierced the unicorn. Eowyn gasped, her heartbreaking, as she watched in horror the beautiful creature fall onto the ground. At once, she and Merlin kneeled beside it. Its breath was labored and getting shorter and shorter. The arrow had been well-aimed and had hit a vital area. All Eowyn could do was watch as the unicorn took its last breath.
"Ha ha, a unicorn!" Arthur cheered as he finally reached them. He stopped a moment when he caught sight of Eowyn whom he had no idea had gone on a trip in the forest as well. "Eowyn, what are-"
"What have you done?!" she shouted. "How could you be so stupid?! Have you got no heart to slay such a pure being?!"
It startled Arthur to see Eowyn so upset. No, so angry. She, the calmest and most composed woman he knew, never let her anger burst out. Even Merlin was quite surprised by his sister's vehement reaction and at her tearful eyes.
"What's he ever done to you that you should chase him about?!"
"We're hunting, Eowyn. That's what's done,"
"Just because it's what's done doesn't mean it's what should be done!"
Arthur paused for a second. However, the rest of the knights arrived which brought him back quickly from his shock. They began cheering the moment they saw the dead unicorn on the ground and advised the prince to cut the horn off its head. Not wishing to witness such barbarian and heartless doing, Eowyn stormed off and returned to the town. It was unknown to her how one could find joy in slaying a unicorn.
When Eowyn returned to the Physician's chambers, she immediately went to her room and remained for the rest of the day. She did not work, she did not talk to anyone, and she simply slept until the new day came. She always had been close to nature. She had always liked strolling in the forest or observing the wild animals which was the reason she had never gone hunting. She could not bear to take the life of the innocent. It all made sense to her now because she was an elf and elves were close to nature, akin to the druids. So to witness the murder of such a beautiful and pure being, it saddened her greatly.
The next day, Eowyn woke up quite late. It had been the case since the return from Ealdor weeks prior. Though the reason was morbid, she appreciated the fact that it put a momentary stop to her dreams. She doubted she could have handled grief and odd dreams all at once.
When Eowyn was done getting ready, she left her room. Gaius was doing some experiments with Merlin observing him, which was not usual.
"Any ideas what caused the crops to die?" Merlin asked.
"I'm here to complete all the tests," Gaius said. "No disease I have heard of could spread through the entire kingdom in a single night.,"
Eowyn frowned as she walked up to them, listening to the conversation.
"What could kill all the plants other than a disease?" Merlin asked again.
"It is not killing all the plants. The trees and hedges around the crop fields are unharmed. Unfortunately, you can't eat trees and hedges," Gaius poured a liquid into a small vial containing soil and slightly shook.
"It's only killing plants we can eat?"
"It appears so,"
"If it's not a disease, it must be magic,"
"The unicorn," Eowyn said as she sat down at the table. They both looked at her. "You know the legends. Misfortune is to come to those who slay a creature as pure as a unicorn. One night after Arthur has killed a unicorn the crops are dead. It's not a coincidence,"
"We can't assume that," Gaius said as he put the vial down. "Perhaps there is something in the soil and water that can explain it. I can't tell the King it's caused by sorcery until I'm completely certain,"
Gaius spent the rest of the day trying to find a scientific explanation for the sudden dead crops. As a result of the fields dying and the soil becoming infertile, the King had ordered distributing rations to the people as food and water were now scarce. This was only a temporary solution as the castle's resources were not infinite. And if the situation was not grave enough, the water also got affected. Instead of water, the water pump was now pouring sand. If this was not dealt with rapidly enough, starvation would soon plague the whole kingdom.
It appeared to Eowyn that this feeling of uselessness had settled in her heart. She could not do magic like Merlin and could not even fathom the possibility of helping him for that she was simply incapable of it. If she recalled well, Ulric had told her the first elves who had settled in Albion had turned infertile lands into fertile ones. But even if it was in her blood, she did not master this type of magic and did not know how. She could do nothing. Again.
So in an attempt to feel at least a little practical, Eowyn spent most of her day in the lower town to help those who were struggling the most with the scarcity. She focused especially on the children who would be the most affected, but unless a solution regarding the crops was found, she could not do more.
Before the night had fallen, Eowyn had to return home. A curfew had been imposed and she would be thrown to jail if she was seen outside. Back at the Physician's chambers, she noticed that Gaius had fetched their rations, three bags as they were a household of three. In her room, Eowyn divided hers as much as she could into smaller bags that she put in her pouch.
At dawn, Eowyn had woken up earlier. She got ready rapidly and left her room. Merlin and Gaius were sat at the table eating breakfast, a very small plate of porridge.
"What are you talking about?" Eowyn asked.
"Anhora," Merlin said and took a bite of his dish which was almost half of its content.
"An-what?"
"Anhora," Merlin repeated. "Arthur and I met him yesterday. He was roaming in the castle. He said he was the guardian of the unicorn and that by killing it, Arthur had unleashed a curse. For it to be revoked, he needs to make amends by passing tests,"
"What kind of test?" Eowyn leaned onto the table.
Merlin shrugged. "Anhora didn't say," Eowyn was about to reach for a cup of tea when Merlin quickly stopped her. She looked at him, confused. "I wouldn't do that if I were you. Trust me,"
Eowyn did not answer anything and took a look at the tea. It had indeed a strange color and she was not sure she wanted to know where the water came from.
"What does Arthur think about the curse?" Gaius then asked.
Merlin scoffed. "He doesn't believe it's his fault. He's convinced Anhora's responsible for it,"
"Not surprised," Eowyn rolled her eyes.
"If you do not wish to drink bath water, you better make sure Arthur sees sense,"
"Bathwater?" Eowyn repeated. She then looked at the cup of tea and refrained a gag. She then hung her pouch on her shoulder and began heading out of the room. "I'll be in the lower town if you need me,"
"Wait, you haven't eaten breakfast," Merlin said.
"You can have it. I'm not hungry,"
And before Merlin could answer anything, Eowyn was already gone.
In the lower town, Eowyn distributed her ration that she had divided to the children and elderly. She had also distributed all the edible flowers she owned that she had first gotten for remedies. But at the moment, feeding the people was a priority. She also advised everyone to make juice with fruits of their own so they could stay hydrated and she distributed bottles of fruit juice.
When Eowyn ran out of supplies, she began walking back to the Physician's chambers. Now that she could not directly help the people, she had to find a way to be useful. She wanted to study the Ljosalfar Book. Perhaps she could find a way to make the soil fertile, though she doubted it would work. Even though she does find something, as the misfortune that was attacking Camelot was caused by the unicorn's death, she doubted that anything she would do would affect anything.
"Eowyn," she heard Arthur call from behind.
She kept walking.
"Eowyn," His voice was closer.
She kept walking.
"Eowyn!" he grabbed her arm. She sighed and looked at him, blankly. She remained silent and only listened. Arthur felt a little disoriented by Eowyn's obvious coldness toward him. It was a sudden and sharp contrast to the brief moment of closeness they had shared in Ealdor. He had believed that he had gotten closer to her but every time he made a step forward, it was then followed by two steps backward. "Er... Merlin has told me that he saw a sorcerer in the forest yesterday morning and as you were there as well, I was wondering if you have seen him too,"
"No,"
Eowyn was about to leave when Arthur spoke again. "Are you certain?"
"Yes," Eowyn then began walking away. "I doubt arresting Anhora will solve anything,"
Arthur walked after her. "He's a sorcerer. He's the one responsible for killing the crops and turning the water into sand,"
"That happened because you killed the unicorn,"
Arthur scoffed. "You think I'm responsible for that?"
"Yes!" she looked at him. "Actions have consequences, especially when you slay what should not be slayed,"
This time, she definitely left. And Arthur felt his heart hurt a little.
If Eowyn had wanted to study the Ljosalfar Book, now she had lost any desire to do so. Hunger was also a big reason for this. She had never felt her stomach so empty before nor her mouth so dry. When not aiding in the lower town, all her mind could think of was the void in her tummy and the craving for food. At least, her mind was not thinking about Will's death anymore. At least it was a progress. Or, perhaps, the illusion was the most suitable word choice.
The next day, Eowyn, with the help of Gwen, had managed to sneak out some bread in a basket out of the palace. They could not have taken too many or it would have been noticed. And although the water had returned, the situation for the people had worsened. The queue in front of the grain store had gotten longer. People from outlying villages had come to ask for food as well, but the royal city barely had enough for those already living in town. It was a matter of time only before they all ran out of grain.
Eowyn and Gwen spent most of the morning distributing bread to the children and old people, but unfortunately, it was a minor help. Bread would be able to silence the hunger for a very short amount of time only and without the necessity of nutriment, no one will last long enough.
Eowyn let out a heavy sigh as she sat on the bottom steps of the main Square stairs. She closed her eyes. She was starting to feel the effect of the lack of nutriment. She felt weak and exhausted, her body was heavy and her hands trembling occasionally. Carrying things sometimes becomes an ordeal so much her strength has decreased. Perhaps she should return to Ealdor and ask her mom for a portion of the harvest. No. Food was already scarce there as well and after what had happened with Kanen, she did not want to bring more concerns to them.
"Are you alright?"
Eowyn opened her eyes. Arthur standing in front of her. He had seen her on the stairs and though he wished to give her space since their encounter of the previous day did not exactly end well, he could not help but worry for her. She seemed paler and extremely tired.
"I'm just resting," her answer was short but this time, it was not due to anger but rather, due to fatigue.
"You look like you're on the verge of fainting,"
"I'm fine," Eowyn stood up. "I'll be in the lower time if anyone asks for me,"
She was about to leave when Arthur grabbed her arm. "When's the last time you have eaten?"
"I said I was fine-"
"When?" he insisted.
Eowyn remained silent for a moment and eventually sighed. She truly did not have the strength to handle an argument.
"I haven't eaten for the past two days," she quietly admitted.
Arthur let out a disapproving sigh. He then took her hand and led her inside the castle.
"What are you doing? We should be helping the people as much as we can!"
"You won't help anyone if you can stand up," Arthur pushed open the door of his chambers. He had little food left but it was still enough for one person. So he took a plate and put fruits and bread on it before pulling the chair out. "Eat,"
"Arthur-"
"I won't let you leave these chambers until you've eaten,"
From the way he had crossed his arms and from the seriousness of his eyes, Eowyn knew he meant his word. So she gave in and sat in his chair. It was quite embarrassing to be treated this way but she surely deserved it. And it did make her feel quite awful to see him act so kindly to her when she had been acting in such a mean way to him.
"Thank you," she said as she began eating the bread. Arthur said nothing. "And I'm sorry,"
His eyes, which had been avoiding her gaze, looked at her a little startled. She was now the one unable to look at him.
"I have been acting rudely to you lately. It was disrespectful of me, I apologize,"
"I know that... what happened with the unicorn upset you a lot," he leaned on the table as Eowyn began eating the fruits. She was already feeling better.
Eowyn paused a moment. "It's not just the unicorn," she admitted. Arthur slightly tilted his head to the side, curious. "I still... can't really accept that Will's dead,"
"It's the first time you've lost someone?"
She nodded. Eowyn had never lived death so personally in any kind of way. She had never lost someone, and certainly not in the way she had lost will. Murder. Brutally taken away. Helpless.
"If I don't work, every time I close my eyes... I see him taking his last breath... and I think: I should have done something. I should've done more. I could've done more. But I didn't. And if I had, perhaps he would still be alive. Perhaps his death would have been prevented. Why can I do the things that I can if I can't use them to protect the people I care for? It's not fair...,"
Arthur who was used to going into battle, and sadly, had already witnessed several deaths of knights he had grown up with. It, of course, affected him but not like the very first time he had lost a man in battle. It had been a defining moment of his life, the moment he had sworn to put everyone's life before his. It had taken him weeks to regain a hold of himself and even now, he still remembers this moment. He knew how marking this was. But he also knew that, for Eowyn who was no soldier, it must be worse. It was worse. She had lost a friend. He should have expected that it would affect her.
"What happened to Will is not your fault," Arthur quietly said. "And even if you had done things differently, perhaps the outcomes would have still been the same... Will's dead. But now you must live for him. So his death has not been in vain,"
Eowyn remained silent for a second, seemingly thinking about what he had said. It did bring her comfort though the doubts had not vanished.
"What do you do when you lose a knight?" She then asked.
Arthur inhaled and crossed his arms as he thought of the best way to phrase his thoughts. Losing someone was never easy but the aftermath may be worse. But not insurmountable.
"I don't give up. I try my best," he said. "I hold on to the things I care for,"
Arthur had lost several men in battle and the fact that he was commanding them must add another layer of guilt. But he knew that if he perished too, many people would suffer from it. He was the future king of Camelot, the one and only heir. If he falls, Camelot is doomed. And his duty to the people keeps him going in the face of adversity. And Eowyn must do the same. She was destined to do great things. And if she perished now, many would suffer from it. And Will would also certainly hate seeing her so sorrowful.
So she straightened up. She must try her best. She had failed to stop death from taking a friend, now she must work hard to never let that happen again.
"Thank you, Arthur," she gently smiled. "And I'm sure you'll find a solution for the crops,"
He let out a chuckle, though the smile on his face gradually faded. "Do you really believe I'm responsible for the curse?"
"Honesty or comfort?"
"Honesty,"
"Then, yes," Eowyn solemnly said. "You're the one who killed the unicorn. But it doesn't mean that you cannot undo it. You're not evil, it's not that simple. And the fact that you're trying your best to save your people shows that,"
If Arthur had first believed the curse to have been done by Anhora, he would have been doubting more and more. And seeing his people suffering and starving made him consider that, maybe, it was indeed his doing. The day after the unicorn was killed, the crops and water were rendered unusable. If it really was his fault, he had to do something.
"You called me stupid, though," he then remembered.
Eowyn finished her plate and stood up, dusting off her dress. "I didn't,"
"You surely did. You shouted it, in fact," he specified with an entertained smirk.
"I would never dare call the Crown Prince of Camelot stupid. He'd throw me in jail for that,"
Arthur laughed at the false offense in her voice. "I'd never throw you in jail,"
A soft smile garnished her lips, and it did bring Arthur great joy. She had not been herself lately and seeing that she was already doing better reassured him a great deal.
"Well, I have to go now," she bowed. "Thank you. For the food and, er, the talk,"
Arthur only smiled and nodded, not exactly knowing how to answer, and Eowyn left.
Arthur may commit mistakes, but he always does his best to correct them. And it was what rendered him quite compelling and incredible. He was indeed always trying his best and learning to be a better person. He was always trying to do what was right. Being a good man and a good king at once was not easy, but Eowyn was not too worried for Arthur. There was no doubt in saying that he would be a better king than Uther.
The image Eowyn had of the prince had drastically changed from her first impressions of him. Of course, he had flaws, but they were minor compared to the great person he was. He was not a heartless, selfish prince who had no consideration for his people and only wished to rule for power. No, he was benevolent and dutiful, a man who put his people's well-being first on his priority list. Arthur truly was honorable. And charming.
At night, Merlin had left with Arthur for the forest in search of Anhora. But, the next day, as the grains had rotten and the number of people asking for rations had risen, Eowyn knew that the search had not been very successful. And to make things worse, Uther wished to stop distributing rations.
"So there's nothing we can't do now?" Eowyn asked. She and Merlin were in their room, both sitting on their respective beds, conversing. "If Uther truly stops the distributions, it's only a matter of time before the people die of starvation. Or worse, riots could break out around the kingdom. It'd be chaos,"
"I know... I sought Anhora and I asked him to give Arthur one last chance,"
"And?"
"And he said that he has to go to the Labyrinth of Gedref to face a final test. But he hasn't said what exactly,"
Eowyn thought a second. "I read about the labyrinth. It's a hedge maze and the Great Seas of Meador are nearby. Nothing much was said about it,"
"Do you think it's a trap?"
"No, Anhora only wants to see what's in Arthur's heart. I don't think he will do anything implied. But it doesn't mean that it's safe either,"
"I have to go with him," Merlin stood up. "To make sure he doesn't die,"
"I'll come with you," Eowyn stood up as well but Merlin shook his head.
"No, you must stay here. The people need you more,"
Eowyn was not entirely comfortable with the thought of letting her brother go on an unknown mission that could lead to his potential death. But he was very capable and he did have a point, she had to stay and try to maintain the people's health stable.
"Alright," she gave in. "Don't do anything stupid,"
"How can I? You're taking all the stupid with you,"
A chuckle left her lips as she hugged her brother.
After Arthur and Merlin left (though the prince had no idea the servant was coming), Eowyn and Gwen smuggled the last few pieces of bread they had found in the castle and distributed them to the people again. However, if Arthur does not pass the test, nothing else can be done afterward. The food in the palace was barely enough to sustain its owners. This morning alone, she walked into Gaius and Merlin eating scarabs. They had spared her once but she had refused to eat it. That insect would never come into contact with her palate. And if for a very brief moment, she did consider letting her hunger speak, seeing the disgust on Merlin's face when he ate it made her very grateful for having waited for them to eat first and spare her taste buds.
When Eowyn and Gwen were done distributing bread, the apprentice remained in the lower time to examine people. The elderly were especially affected and most of them had to stay home, too frail and fragile to move. Eowyn would therefore bring them their rations, but as all edible plants were dead which also included medicinal herbs, she could not brew concoctions and potions to aid them more. The fate of the kingdom was in Arthur's hands and depended on whether or not he would pass his test.
Eowyn must admit, she was quite worried for him. She had grown to appreciate him and she did not wish for him to die. This thought alone brings pain to her heart.
The sound of the cheers coming from the town's gate attracted her attention. She followed the directions of the joyous effusions and a luminous smile adorned her lips as she saw the many farmers finally bringing in the harvests. The market was already full of people buying as much food as they could.
Eowyn also began buying vegetables, potatoes, and fish before bringing them to those who could not leave their house. On the way, she saw Gaius heading to the market as well with a basket, with a smile of relief.
When Eowyn returned to the town's gate to offer her help, she softly smiled when she caught sight of Merlin and Arthur dismounting their horses.
"Merlin, Arthur," she called as walked up to them. "You did it! The crops are growing once again! They are bringing in the harvest! I suppose that the test went well,"
"Yeah, very worrisome at first, but no one died, so," Merlin shrugged as they all began to head back inside the town.
Uther, accompanied by a few guards, had gone to witness the good news with his own two eyes. "Is this your doing? Is the sorcerer dead?" He asked Arthur.
"He won't be troubling us anymore," the Prince kept it vague.
"Good. Make sure the grain reserves are re-stocked," Uther patted his son's shoulder who seemed to appreciate the fatherly gesture (which also suggested that it was not a regular doing from the king).
"I'll see to it," Arthur nodded. The king began walking back to the castle as the prince took a look at the farmers and the harvest. He seemed to realize how close they all were to losing everything, so her turned to both Eowyn and Merlin. "There's something we must do first,"
The siblings shared a curious look before following after the prince. In the castle, Arthur had recovered the unicorn horn. He wished to bury it and pay his respects to the fallen creature as a sign of regret. And as Eowyn and Merlin had been there when the unicorn had died and as they had been particularly upset with its passing, Arthur wanted them to come along (well, Merlin was his servant so he had to come anyway).
The three of them took horses from the stables and rode to the forest until they had found the exact location where the unicorn was killed. Arthur built a grave; he took stones and arranged them in a way that resembled a casket. He laid a red cloth inside and rested the horn on it.
"I should never have ended your life. I'm sorry," he quietly said.
A gentle smile garnished Eowyn's lips as she watched him. Arthur truly regretted his actions and had learned from his mistakes. He was honest. Not all princes or kings would have done that.
She and Merlin helped him lay stones over the grave. But as she was doing so, Eowyn froze. Looking past them, a grin again stretched her lips.
"Arthur...," she called.
When he looked at her, she nodded to the other side of the location. Following her line of sight, he stared in awe at the unicorn standing and gazing back at them. If the one who kills a unicorn proves themselves to be pure of heart, the unicorn will live again.