Prologue

A/N - This story is co-wrote with Morgana1992. We hope you enjoy it.

Arthur was running through the forest. A huge, bird-like beast was chasing him; its giant wings causing a permanent wind and its red eyes burning like embers. The bodies of fallen men lay around but the beast merely trampled on them. Arthur turned back to look at the rampaging beast and tripped over a tree root. His face was a picture of terror as the beast landed on top of him, slashing him mercilessly with its claws. It flew away, leaving Arthur lying with blood pooling around him.

At the scream, Gwen rushed into Morgana's chambers with a candle.

"Arthur, Arthur," yelled Morgana, frantically trying to get out of her tangled sheets before shooting up.

"It's alright, Morgana. I'm here now," said Gwen softly, pulling Morgana to her and rocking her gently.

"Arthur, I need to get to Arthur," continued Morgana, attempting to get out of Gwen's embrace.

"You're safe, Morgana. Arthur is out hunting with the other knights," Gwen tried to tell her.

"It was so real, Gwen. He's in danger. The beast killed him," insisted Morgana, gulping in air "I saw him die Gwen."

"It's only a dream," continued Gwen, as Morgana started to cry.

Morgana was relentless. She wriggled out of Gwen's arms, her hair sticking to her forehead with sweat. She got up and instantly made to her wardrobe. She rummaged through, looking for suitable clothes. All she succeeded in finding was a pair of breeches and a shirt that were slightly small. Oh, well – they'd have to do.

As fast as she could, she went behind the screen and threw off her nightdress, pulling on the clothes.

"Morgana, you'll get yourself killed," said Gwen, worriedly.

"Don't worry about me," replied Morgana, finally calming down.

"You can't go out and fight alone," continued Gwen.

"I will just go to the Forest of Ascetir and warn Arthur," replied Morgana "If I leave now, I should just make it."

"Tell the king, he'll send as many knights as needed," said Gwen.

"And what am I to say. My lord, I saw Arthur die in a vision; you must send guards," said Morgana, tartly "I think that if I foresaw Arthur's death, he won't just let it slide. He'll have me burnt at the stake at dawn."

"Of course he will, my lady. I'm sorry," said Gwen.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Gwen," apologized Morgana "I know you're only trying to help, but I must do this, or Arthur will die."

"Ok, but keep yourself safe," replied Gwen.

Morgana hugged Gwen and then opened her door a fraction and slipped out. She ran down the corridors, pressing her body into the shadows as several guards marched past. If anyone seen her dressed in her riding clothes with her sword, they'd inform Uther straight away.

In the stables, she hurriedly saddled her white mare and then rode out of the city. She no longer cared if anyone saw her. The time it took them to get their own horse, she'd be long gone. She only prayed she wasn't too late.