Chapter 11

By the time Mordred and Merlin led the exhausted party into the outskirts of Landez, the afternoon was drawing to a close. The sun was disappearing into the clouds, and the sky had a menacing look about it. Their journey had been for the most part uneventful save for a brief stop when Merlin realised Sian's pulse was a lot weaker. With the help of Nina, he had managed to stabilize her, but Merlin knew only emergency action would help the girl now.

The desperation of the situation, seemed to spread tension among a group that had already been traumatised, by what they'd been put through. Mordred could sense the underlying feeling of sadness and maybe even fear, for what might yet happen. At one stage he had tried to cheer everyone up, but his words had a feel of bravado even to his ears. In the end he concentrated on keeping the party moving to its target. He could see how they were flagging physically from the journey, so he kept them moving at a pace, which was manageable for them all.

Mordred had agreed with Merlin that the whole party should head straight to Landez. Merlin had his medical supplies there, and the rest of the party could be put up for the night, getting some well- earned rest. Mordred wondered how they would cope with the sudden freedom, he tried to put himself in their shoes. He realised it would seem very strange to them, and he wished he could have taken them back to their families right away. But he knew Sian had to come first for now, while they tried to save her.

He wondered how he could face her mother, if they lost her now. He remembered Elsie's words about just wanting her daughter back, even if she was dead. But how hollow would everything now seem, he wondered if they failed to save her? To have come so close, and then to lose her at the end, Mordred knew he would struggle with that outcome. He shuddered, and turned around to check on the party.

Nina was sitting on the horse he was leading with Nael in front of her yawning away. Nael had once again withdrawn, and Mordred wondered how they would reach him. He hoped being with his family again would at least help him, but he feared the experience would continue to haunt the young boy, for a good while yet.

Merlin was on the other horse with supporting Sian, he'd been very quiet on the journey back obviously pre-occupied with Sian's state. It was only in this minute that Mordred noticed the tired rings around Merlin's eyes. He knew it would be a good few hours before Merlin or he got any sleep.

Noticing how slow and quiet the rest of the party was now, Mordred decided to try and cheer them up.

"We're almost there now. If you look over there you can see the road, then we can all get some food and rest." Mordred smiled, trying to sound upbeat and positive.

"Will they be able to put us all up?" Della asked, in a quiet and worried tone.

Mordred turned around to face her, moved by the look of worry on her young face.

"I'm sure it won't be a problem at all Della. If they can put the Knights of Camelot up, I dare say they can find some room for you."

"I hope so." She smiled shyly back at him.

As they battled on a cold easterly chill hit them making Mordred shudder inwardly. He knew it was imperative that they arrived at their base as soon as possible. He sensed the weather was beginning to change and for a second it took him back to his childhood. Back then in the Druid camps he could sense a storm approaching hours before anyone else could. They called him the "rhyfedd bachgen" (the strange boy) because of his instinctive powers. It used to make him feel quite insecure, as if they were something to be afraid of. But in time he learnt to trust the senses he had deep within him. He knew at least a couple of times it had saved Merlin and him on the quest.

He continued to encourage them along until they eventually came to the road. The sight of it seemed to energise the party. All of a sudden there was some haste in their steps, not only that but a man Mordred recognised from the village called out to them. To Mordred's relief he came back with a cart. He helped the children get up onto it, then helped Merlin lower Sian, Merlin got in beside her. Mordred took Merlin's horse and led him following the cart as it moved off.

Before they knew it, they were entering the village. As they did so people came out of the huts shouting out to them. It wasn't long before Nael was being reunited with his loved ones. Mordred watched with emotion as they began to hug one another. Presently he saw Elsie, his eyes met her then she realised her daughter was lying in Merlin's lap.

"Sian, oh my lovely Sian," she cried out.

Mordred called out to her, putting his hand on her arm to comfort her. "Merlin will do everything he can to help her Elsie," He assured her. "Why don't we go and sit somewhere while he sees to her,"

"Please, can I stay with her?" she begged them.

Mordred looked at Merlin, he saw Merlin consider things, "Okay you can stay,"

"Thank you," she replied, following Merlin into the barn.

Mordred decided to leave them to it and go and check on the children. He saw a hut had been made up with some rough beds. He went inside and to his relief found that they were all being looked after and fed.

He decided to go and see how Merlin was getting on with Sian. All seemed very quiet as he edged his way in through the door.

"How is she?" he enquired.

"Well, we have done everything we can for her, now it's just a matter of seeing if the potion does it's job. Elsie will stay with her through the night,"

Mordred bent down next to Elsie, "Is there anything I can get you?"

"Thank you, you have both been so kind. I have everything I need here. With luck the Gods will let my daughter live. Please don't stay on my account, you must both be tired,"

"I must admit I could do with a rest," Merlin admitted, "I will only be next door, so if there is anything you need don't hesitate to ask,"

Elsie nodded. Merlin motioned to Mordred to leave with him, Mordred followed him to the door then paused. Elsie was stroking her daughter's forehead gently, how he wished he could bring her back to life for Elsie's sake. But all he could do was hope she would get the good news she longed for.

He quietly closed the door about to follow Merlin into their hut, but a shadow crossed him, turning around he noticed Nina.

"Nina, I hope you've had something to eat and have somewhere to sleep,"

"Yes, thank you the villagers have been very kind we have a hut to ourselves. We will be leaving for our home village early tomorrow,"

"It'll be lovely for you to see your families once more," Mordred smiled.

"It will I have longed for this moment for a long time, now thanks to you I will be granted my wish. How is Sian?" Nina asked, looking towards the hut where Sian was sleeping.

"Merlin has done everything he can for her. Now all we can do is pray the morning brings us the news we all hope for," Mordred said, sadly.

"I wish I could do more to help," Nina sighed, "It would be so tragic for her to die now,"

"Let us see what morning brings," Mordred said.

"Oh, before I go. I wanted to give you this," Nina said, getting something out of her pocket. She gave him a stone. It was small and orange in colour with a tint of many other colours interwoven together.

Mordred looked at it, "It is lovely," he said feeling how smooth and soothing it was to touch.

"It comes from my village," Nina explained, "It keeps you safe from danger. Maybe you will take it on your next quest it will protect you,"

"Thank you for this. I will keep it with me and think about you," Mordred smiled.

Nina smiled, "Goodbye Mordred, thank you for giving me my life back please thank Merlin as well,"

"I will do. I am just glad we could bring some of you home," Mordred replied,

"You did all you could, we all did. I had better go, please take care," she said,

"And you as well. Goodbye," Mordred replied, watching her going back into the hut.

He decided then to try and get some sleep, though his mind was still active and worried over whether Sian would make it. He hated the idea of having gone through everything they had, only to find out that the young girl would still die regardless. He could still sense the old monastery in his head even now. The haunted hall, the endless corridors, the creature which had almost wiped them out, was still vividly in his mind.

He wondered how much it had taken out of Merlin. The sorcerer had looked exhausted and Mordred hoped he was at least able to find some sleep. He quietly eased himself into the hut, noticing Merlin was flaked out on the bed, his breathing even. Mordred carefully lay down and closed his eyes. He was desperate to empty his mind of everything that had gone before them. But the drama was still playing out in his mind even now.

In the end, he just remained stretched out watching the shadows on the ceiling and willing sleep to take over his tired body. Eventually he drifted off, only to be woken a few hours later by a noisy cockerel outside. He yawned and sat up, realising that Merlin too was on the verge of waking up.

"Did you sleep?" Mordred asked,

"In the circumstance, I did quite well. I have only just woken up now." Merlin admitted, "What about you?"

"I managed a couple of hours, that's all," Mordred replied, "My mind is too full at the moment,"

"I suggest you try and get a couple more hours now," Merlin said, "If all goes well, we need to make an early start back to Camelot,"

"Let me know about Sian then," Mordred replied,

"Don't worry, I will," Merlin said, throwing water over his face.

Mordred heard the door shut behind Merlin, and he curled up onto the bed pulling the blanket over him. By now his eyes were struggling to stay open, he relaxed and before he knew it, sleep engulfed him.

Merlin headed straight for the hut containing Sian and her mother Elsie. He had everything crossed that the young girl had made a recovery. He knew there wasn't much else he could give her if not. She had looked quite weak when they'd rescued her and he worried that they had not arrived soon enough. He took a deep breath before he opened the door and walked inside. As he did so, he was greeted by a smile on Elsie's face.

"I was hoping you'd arrive soon, my daughter is back," Elsie smiled,

Merlin came over to the bed and saw Sian with her eyes open, looking exhausted but very much alive.

"That is a good sight," Merlin smiled, "May I check her over?"

"Of course, I will leave you to do that," Elsie replied, "I'll be back soon Sian,"

"Okay mother," Sian looked at Merlin, "I hear I owe my life to you and Mordred,"

"I would say Nina too, as she has looked after you very well," Merlin replied, "Can you sit up for me?"

Sian pulled herself up slowly, winching as she did.

"This won't take long, then you can have a long rest," Merlin promised her,

Sian nodded. "Is he really gone, that wizard?"

"Very much so, he won't be taking anyone again," Merlin said,

"I think about the people who won't be returning to their families, we couldn't do anything for them," she said, softly.

"That's not your fault, so don't feel bad about it. You need to concentrate on getting better now," Merlin said, "I know you all did what you could, that's the only thing that matters,"

Feeling satisfied that she appeared to be on the road to recovery Merlin helped her to lie back down again. "I have some potion for you that you must continue to take. It will help you recover your strength. It will take a bit of time I'm afraid but you are young and strong so you will fully recover,"

Sian smiled, "Thank you, Merlin for all your help. Will you be returning to Camelot today?"

"I would think so, now you seem to be recovering, the Knights have completed their tasks in the village. Arthur will be awaiting our return now," Merlin explained.

"I hope you have a safe journey back, give my thanks to your companion," Sian replied, closing her eyes.

Merlin watched her for a couple of seconds checking that everything was okay. Then feeling satisfied he took out the rest of the potions and put them in a little cupboard. He suddenly felt hungry and realised he hadn't eaten, for a while. Taking one last look at Sian, he quietly closed the door behind him. Seeing Elsie, he went over to her.

"Sian is fine now. I have left a month's supply of potions in the little cupboard. She must have one a day over the next month. She needs plenty of rest in between, I would suggest her staying in bed for another couple of weeks. Then you can gradually let her stay up," Merlin explained,

"Thank you for everything you and Mordred have done, we are in your debt,"

"We're only glad we could help, you know where I am should you need me," Merlin said, shaking her hand.

Merlin headed straight for the food hut his stomach by now grumbling. He noticed a group of Knights over in the corner already tucking in. After filling his bowl with porridge, he joined them, eating ravenously. Never had a bowl of porridge tasted so good to him. Just as he was finishing, he noticed Mordred coming over a bowl in his hand.

"Could you not sleep?" Merlin asked,

"For a little while, it's too light now though," Mordred complained,

"The wind will be behind us on our way home, so that should hasten our journey," Merlin said, "Elsie said thanks, Sian is fine now,"

"Yes, I saw her before," Mordred smiled, "It's as good an ending as we could hope for,"

Merlin nodded, "You've done well in this quest Mordred. I want to you to know that,"

"I have learnt a lot from you," Mordred admitted, "It seems we can work as a team,"

"It would appear so," Merlin smiled, "I'll have a word with the Elder, then we'll be on our way home,"

"Back to Camelot," Mordred smiled, "It will be good to see those white towers once again,"

"Good to be back on a decent bed as well," Merlin grinned, getting up and walking away.

Within an hour Merlin, Mordred and the Knights were leaving the village behind and were into the forest, their horses hooves thundering away. As he rode on Mordred thought about Nina and the children returning to their own villages. He hoped they would all recover emotionally from their experiences. He suspected it would take a while for them to come to terms with what they'd been through. He knew from his own life, that traumas could take a while to get over. But he was pretty sure that it would make them stronger people in the long run.

He also thought back to the beginning of the quest, when he had failed to be truthful to Merlin. It had taught him a lesson the truth should never be a casualty in any situation. He was determined to learn from it and put it to good use. Pretty soon they would be back in Camelot, he vowed to take every chance that life had now offered him. For the sake of Nina, Sian and the other children, he would make the most of the opportunity.

After a couple more, hours riding the sorcerers and Knights saw Camelot's tall white towers greeting them over the horizon. Their horses seemed to increase their speed as if by magic, before they knew it, they were being cheered back into the court yard, with Arthur awaiting their arrival. Mordred and Merlin exchanged smiles and prepared to greet their King.

The End.