A spark of hope

There was still a lot to be done before that however. Hope alone would not save them, Merlin knew. He had pushed the thought away until now but since the cave he had known that this time, he would not be able to sneak into the castle to plant the poppet to block Morgana's magic. The aging spell alone required all of his strength and power when he was at his best. Remembering how closely he had managed to avoid capture last time, he knew that he did not stand a chance injured as he was now, even though the wound was healing all right. He shuddered at the thought of having to face Morgana in full command of her powers. They had barely defeated her without them. Especially since she had help now from the druids.

The knights who had managed to escape when Camelot fell were gathered in Arthur's tent in the refugee camp. They were discussing what their next steps should be.

"You've been scouting out the city? How bad is it?" Arthur asked.

"From what we could ascertain on our scouting missions, the castle and city are well guarded. Anybody who wants to enter or leave is thoroughly checked. There appear to also be patrols throughout the city, particularly at night. Anyone found outside after sunset is lucky to get away alive," Percival replied.

"How many are under Morgana's command?"

"The druids have their camps outside the city walls in the eastern parts of the surrounding forests. Their number has been dwindling since the initial attack because some tribes have deserted her. But we estimate that there are still maybe five or six dozen of them and we are uncertain what the extent of their powers is. Inside the city, her remaining army is massive as well. Most of them are mercenaries. Morgana is losing their support as well. The supply situation is not great and moral among them seems low. Still, she has access to a considerable number. The worst part, however, is that even if we somehow manage to get past them, she still has her well-trained and extremely devoted guard. Morgana never goes anywhere without at least a dozen of them. Some of them possess magic and all of them are extremely loyal to her and Alvarr," Leon responded.

"There has to be a way in. We have not come this far to fail now. Our friends in Morgana's dungeons and the people of Camelot depend on it. What about the secret tunnel under the northern ramparts? Morgana doesn't know about them, I don't think, and it should lead us right to the dungeons."

"And then? You have seen what Morgana is capable of now. We all have. How can we stand a chance against her magic with our swords?" Leon asked. His voice was ringing with fear and worry.

"I… I don't know," Arthur admitted meekly. "But we have to try. We have defeated her before. We have to believe that we can do it again."

"Refusing your offer has cost Morgana a majority of the druids' support, Sire," Lancelot interjected. "Most of them fought with her because they were desperate, not because they actually support her. If you were to consider it, an alliance with them would strengthen us immensely."

"You think the druids would turn against her and fight with me? After what my father did to them? I have trouble believing that," Arthur sounded skeptical.

Merlin looked at Arthur. Maybe this was it. Maybe Arthur was ready now to accept magic and lift the ban. Maybe this was their chance to appease the Goddess. Clearing his throat, Merlin stepped forward. "You are not your father, though. Some have already deserted Morgana. If you truly are prepared to honour what you offered Morgana… If you truly are prepared to lift the ban on magic…"

Arthur lowered his gaze and avoided looking anyone in the eye. He remained silent for a painfully long time.

"My father was convinced that magic was evil and had to be rooted out. For most of my life, I have tended to agree. But I also meant what I said to Morgana. His war against magic only created more enemies to fight. He did not win. Maybe it is time to try another way" After another pregnant pause, he continued: "I hope this is the right thing to do but we don't have a lot of options."

Lancelot exchanged a glance with Merlin who nodded slightly. "It would probably be best if perhaps Merlin and I were to go alone. Two people can keep out of sight more easily."

"I agree. The fewer people we send the better, but I am going to come with you. The future of my kingdom depends on persuading the druids to help us. They need to see that I am serious about my offer."

Merlin knew Arthur was probably right but it also could get complicated if the druids knew who he was or if they were wrong and had to fight the druids. But they did not have a lot of options left.

The knights nodded in agreement.

Arthur then continued: "It's the best plan we have. We prepare until nightfall and then make our way to the druid camp."

The sun had set and night was spreading through the forest as Arthur, Merlin, and Lancelot carefully made their way east. Merlin was nervous. He could feel his heart beating faster in his chest as he thought about what they were about to do. It was scary to think about what this could mean for anyone with magic powers. He tried to not get ahead of himself but the momentousness of what they could be able to accomplish here sent shivers down his spine.

"We are not too far now. We should be at their camp any…" Lancelot broke off as a hooded figure stepped out from behind a tree to face them. Two more followed, weapons drawn.

Merlin and Lancelot stopped in their tracks and immediately raised their arms in surrender.

"We come in peace. We seek an audience with your leaders," Arthur said calmly. Probably more calmly than he felt, Merlin mused.

"Indeed. Our seers have had forebodings of your coming, Arthur Pendragon," the first druid replied. "I am Keeper Breanadan. We have a lot to discuss."