When I first began this story, it was suppose to be a one-shot. I guess I got carried away with the idea of it. I guess I wanted a little payback for Gwen in regard to Morgana. Also, I've always thought she could be stronger, if even she didn't believe she could be. Or at least as it's written on the show. Anyhow, I hoped you enjoyed it as much as I did writing it. Thanks for all the comments and reviews.

In Dreams

Ch. 5

Gwen sat, crouched against the stone wall. A sheen of sweat held rivets of her hair to the nape of her neck. One of the guards handed her some water, which she drank greedily. Another stood patrol at the other end of a long corridor. They were awaiting Gwaine's returned. He'd gone to reconnoiter the citadel. They had discovered through one of the captured intruders that Morgana had infiltrated into Camelot with at least trained twenty men. Her plan had been to kill Gwen and take the young prince as ransom to us Gaenor e against Arthur. Gwen suspected as much. She pressed her finger against the little amulet that hung from her neck and wondered if she should not have given it to her son for protection. She silently prayed that Miriam was taking good care of him.

"Here he is milady," the guard said pointing to the approaching figure.

Gwaine came back, with several other guards in tow. He looked exhausted. It had been several hours since Morgana's first struck. Her trained assassins killed many of the Camelot guards. Gwaine was spectacular as he fended off attacker after attacker.

He knelt by her side.

"Word has gone out to Arthur. I've dispatched several riders. I don't know if or when, Arthur can come back in time. We will avoid them as long as we can." He said with steely eyes. Gwen nodded and struggled to get up. She was tired. Gwaine placed a hand on her shoulder, encouraging her to stay seated.

"Rest, you done well," he said softly. "Arthur would be proud."

"Milady saved me, in the heat of battle when I was attacked from behind," one of the guards said. His grateful expression warmed Gwen's heart. She'd asked him his name, when the fight was over.

"Malik, if we should survive this, I will give the king your name to commend you," she'd said to him. The young soldier seemed extremely pleased with this.

"Yes, she is our warrior queen," Gwaine said with a smile.

"I'm ready," Gwen said and stood up.

"We will take you to the throne room. We can hold up there. It's one of the strongest areas in the castle. With enough guards, we can hold off Morgana forever."

Gwen nodded in agreement. It was also the opposite direction she had sent Miriam and her son. She would be the decoy and all of Morgana's attackers would be on her and away from her baby. She needed time for Miriam to get away. If she died at Morgana's hands, then what chance would her son have?

"Which way should we go," Malik asked.

"Morgana knows this castle. She will have her men at every entrance toward the throne room. We will have to fight our way through them," a resolute Gwaine said. "Let's go."

Gwen was about to follow when she stopped. Gwaine noticed immediately and turned to her.

"What's wrong?" He'd asked, coming to her side again.

Gwen thought long and hard before she answered. She raised her sword for all to see and stared at the men surrounding her. They were there to protect her. She didn't need protection she needed soldiers.

"Morgana hunts us like rabbits. I say, lets pursue her like the fox?" Gwen said her voice clear and unwavering.

"It's too dangerous," Gwaine insisted.

"No more dangerous than being hunted in a maze. I say no more." Anger tinged Gwen's voice. "I say, Camelot will never be hers. I say, I am Queen of Camelot, and it will never be hers. We had suffered so long because of her hatred. She means to take my son and use him against his father. I will cut out her heart before I allow that." The word bit and felt true.

Maybe it was something in the way she said it, the conviction of her words. It made Gwaine take a long, steady breath. Maybe for the first time, the woman before him wasn't just his friend. Somehow, she had become his Queens, as well. She stood, dirty with grime, bloody by the wounds of her fallen enemies. She was no longer someone to protect, but someone to follow.

"For my king and Camelot," she said solemnly and held out her hand. Gwaine covered it with his, as did the other soldiers. They all swore to the king and their country.

The plan was straightforward. She would be the bait. Gwaine didn't like it, but she refused to see reason. She fashioned a small bundle from a decorative vase wrapped in a blanket. She cradled it in her arms like a baby. Her cloak hid her sword. The plan was to make for the stable, drawing out the assassins from their hiding place. Only one of the guards would accompany her, Malik. Gwen knew if Morgana believed she was trying to escape from Camelot and into the nearby woods, she could hide there until Arthur's return. Morgana didn't have enough men to pursue her.

"Arthur will kill me when he finds out?" Gwaine complained. Gwen gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek and smiled.

"I will be there to protect you Sir Gwaine," she said. She left with Malik.

It didn't take long before the first attack came. Two men emerged from a hallway, blocked their way. One demanded the child. The other raised his sword to strike Malik. Gwaine called out, and both Malik and Gwen dropped to the ground as arrows flew by them and embedded into the chest of Morgana's men. Gwen stood up and examined their look of shock as they lay dying. She put the bundle aside and knelt down beside one of the men as they groaned in pain.

"I hope she has paid you enough for this," she said with disgust. Gwen took the bow and quiver from an approaching Gwaine as they continued on down a narrow corridor.

They separated into three parties. Malik remained by her side as Gwaine, and his men flanked her at a distance. This drew in two more intruders, and they were immediately dispatched. When they came across a group of soldiers in a heated battle, they joined in. With the added men, the attackers were quickly overwhelmed.

For over an hour, they slowly made their way to the outer courtyard. Gwen had given up the tactic of carrying the wrapped vase. She strode through the castle and hunted. Along the way, soldiers gathered around her as Gwen's strength of will carried them along. They were gaining the upper hand until they got to the open courtyard. There she found Morgana with the last of her men. Deranged and defiant, her husband's sister glared at her with such hatred and evil, Gwen almost didn't recognize the once beautiful face of her former friend. Sitting atop of a dark horse, she towered over them.

The look of smug satisfaction on Morgana's face grated on Gwen, but she held her ground. They had fought all night and the dawn slowly crept along the horizon. The morning air was damp and chilly, and Gwen saw her frosted exhalations as she finally faced off with the witch.

She should be afraid, she thought. However, the only emotion that took residence in her was rage. Her face flushed with it, her muscles gained strength from it, and she focused it on the woman dressed in black before her.

"Little, dear Gwen," Morgana said dripping with sarcasm. "Your Arthur fell for my trap and left you all alone."

Gwen slowly shook her head. "I am not alone."

The several dozen men behind her lifted up their swords and spears and cheered. Malik yelled her named, and the other's joined in. The reaction on Morgana's face was priceless. It contorted in disgust and horror as the men of Camelot showed their alliances to their Queen."

"They dare to call you Queen," Morgana almost screamed.

Gwen held up her hand to stop the men's chanting her named. They obeyed immediately.

"I would die for them, would you?" Gwen said.

Morgana's mouth twisted in disgust. "You will all die." Her attention turned to Gwaine, who stood by Gwen's side.

"I might save you for later," she said and smiled at him. "But before I do, where is that creature of yours, hidden away? Is he under a bed or a table?"

"You think I would ever tell you," Gwen shouted.

"If you don't I'll kill everyone who stands in my way just to get to him," Morgana said. Then her face softened. "I will guarantee you this. If you hand over the child to me, I will make yours and Arthur's death merciful. I will allow the creature to live. Maybe I'll give him to a maid or merchant's wife to raise as their own. Is that not kind of me?"

"There is no compassion in you Morgana. It has been all but burnt away. To think that I once thought you were my friend," Gwen said, with sadness in her voice.

"Enough of this prattle and kill her." Morgana commanded coldly as her few remaining men advanced on the large group. Gwen's men laughed at the absurdity of the mismatched forces.

"Let's end this," Gwaine commanded and was about to charge when Morgana began speaking an incantation. The wind began to pick up, tossing about debris as her words grew louder. Gwen realized that Gwaine had stopped his advances. A frozen shock look played across his face as it did with the other soldiers behind her. Morgana had enchanted them. They were unmoving.

"Where are your big words now?" Morgana cackled as her men approached Gwen. Gwen stood frozen for a moment, realizing what was happening. She waited a heartbeat and then another, before she pulled up her bow and drew an arrow. She did the action without thinking, as muscle memory took over. She held her breath and let the first arrow fly into the leg of one of the approaching men.

They stopped in their advance, shocked at Gwen's ability to move. By then, she pulled another arrow and aimed again. The next arrow made a swooshing sound as it buried itself into the neck of another man. He fell like a doll. The other men stopped and turned to Morgana, who confusion at Gwen's ability to move stunned her. This gave Gwen time; she pulled another arrow and aimed it at Morgana's heart. She slowed down her breathing as her own heart raced. She would end this here and now.

In the split second when Morgana realized what Gwen was about to do, she reared the horse back. Before Gwen had a chance to stop herself and adjust the arrow's flight, it had flown hitting Morgana in the left shoulder, nearly knocking her off her mount. She screamed in pain as she clutched at the arrow and pulled it free. A large black bird flying about them cawed. Gwen drew another arrow and advanced. Morgana pulled at the horse's reins and yanked the mighty beast around. Slamming her heels into the horse, she forced it in to a gallop. Gwen's arrow whizzed by Morgana's head as she ducked. Gwen cursed as Morgana sprinted away.

From behind her, a sudden noise caught her attention as she spun around and saw her soldiers overwhelm the men Morgana had abandon. She turned back to see Morgana was gone. She'd failed. Gwen walked to the men, dejected. Her eyes suddenly filled with tears. Gwaine came to her side and held her by the arm, as she seemed to falter a bit. Unsteady, she fell to her knees sobbing.

"Are you hurt," he asked. She shook her head.

"She escaped Gwaine." She said between sobs. He laughed and forcibly lifted her up to face him and the men she led.

"You've defended your castle and the people in it. You've protected your son and the house of Pendragon. You have made Morgana know that you are as strong as Arthur. You have not failed, Gwen." He took a step away from her; sure, she could stand on her own. He joined the line of soldiers that faced her and slowly bowed.

"Our Queen Gwen," he said smiling. The soldiers behind him knelt. She saw the smile on Malik's face. He'd survived the night at her side, and she was happy for that.

She didn't feel like a Queen, covered in dust, sweat and blood. Her hair had come undone from its braid. It hung in wild waves, slick from sweat. Her limbs ached, and she was tired. All she wanted was sleep. There would be no time for sleep until one more thing was done. She gathered her strength and took a deep breath.

"Malik with me," she commanded. "Gwaine, insure all of Morgana's men are captured."

"Where are you going?" Gwaine asked as she nearly ran passed him.

"To find my son," she said. She quickly picked up her pace and dashed back into the castle. Malik fell along side her, silent and dutiful. She'd given up her bow but kept her sword. As she and the young guard ran through the castle to a destination only Gwen knew. Many people emerged from their havens of safety. The all-clear bell had been ringing, and it was safe once again in the citadel. As she passed people she had seen a hundred times, they stepped aside, clearing a path, bowing slightly. They began to whisper and murmur as she went. She could catch a hint of it. The news of Morgana's defeat. Her name was spoken, as was Gwaine and the bravery of the men who followed her.

The place was dark as if someone had intentionally put out all the torches and lamps. Gwen commanded Malik to light one as they made their way down into the chamber. Gwen looked around, silence enveloping her as she and Malik were surrounded by the dead kings and queens of Camelot encased in their tombs. She'd asked Miriam to hide here with the child. Gwen only prayed none of Morgana's men had trapped her down here, alone and unguarded. She had taken a chance no one follow and escaping kitchen staff and a child. Then she heard the sound - weeping. It was soft and low and barely audible.

Gwen took the torch from Malik and asked him to wait. She entered slowly and headed toward the resting place of the statue of Queen Gaenor. Miriam was to hide inside the alcove, but instead, Gwen found her by the tomb that had been made for Uther.

The young girl looked up at her, her face streaked with dried tears. In one hand she gently rocked the baby, who lay asleep in her arm. In the other hand, she held a long, slim blade. Gwen had seen it many times in the kitchen when the cook sliced meat. Miriam must have gone through the kitchens on her way to the tombs.

As Gwen brought the torch closer, she saw the still body of a man at Miriam's feet. Clad in black and twice the size of the young girl. When she held the light next to the man, she saw the large wound in his side, several, in fact. It must have been a fierce struggle. Gwen turned back to Miriam, whose tears began to flow again.

"You've done well, child." Gwen said softly as he knelt down next to her. She gently pulled the knife from the girl's hand and stroked her cheek.

"He wanted the baby mistress," her words broke into sob. "I told him, he is in my charge, and I could not give him up. I told him that."

"I know," Gwen said and wrapped the girl into her arms. "You are so brave."

She kissed the girl on the cheek and helped her stand up. She called Malik to assist them. When they emerged from the dark space into the light of morning, Gwen held her son close to her. They were almost to the council chamber when Gwaine and several guards found them. He peered down as the sleeping child.

"Just like him to sleep through it all," Gwaine teased. Gwen could only smile.

"His job was already done," she said knowingly and went to the council chamber. There she addressed the members council and the people. Camelot and the young prince were safe again. When that was done, she'd sleep.

And dream.

Arthur found his wife and son, asleep in their large bed. He'd ridden hard two days straight at the news of the attack reached him. He cursed himself for being easily tricked by Morgana. She had expertly lured him away from Camelot, leaving Gwen and their son vulnerable. He stared down at her, and beneath the thin linen sleeping garment she wore, there was evidence of the assault. She would have scars. Yet her face remained unchanged and beautiful, serene in the presence of their sleeping child. He watched the rise and fall of her chest and felt wonderful at the sight of it. He knelt beside the bed. He captured strands of her hair in his fingers. Freshly washed and smelling of flowers, he lingered on the scent. His love and fear for her seemed equally measured. His son lay nestled in against her safe, peaceful in his repose. They were dreaming, he thought, and he envied them. His eyes burned from the sudden tears that drained away.

"They are safe," Merlin reassured as he quietly entered the room and stared down at his friend and King.

"Gwaine said she fought like a true knight of Camelot. He said he would ride into battle with her anywhere," Arthur said clearing his throat.

"Morgana will think twice before she tries again," Merlin said.

"How could anyone doubt that she would not make a great Queen," Arthur looked up at Merlin.

"They have no doubts now. Even Morgana knows not to take Gwen lightly. We should let them sleep." Merlin suggested. "There is still much to do." Arthur agreed and gently kissed his sleeping wife and son.

"Do you know this young soldier called Malik?" Arthur questioned. "Gwaine wishes me to speak with him. Maybe make him one of the Gwen's permanent guards. Anyway, he said Gwen really likes him."

The men drifted out of the room and left the queen and the young prince to their dreaming.

"You have done well mother," Gwydre said.

They sat on a stone bench overlooking an empty courtyard. Gwen brushed a wayward strand of hair from his face. He was handsome. She saw much of herself in him, but he carried himself like his father, proud.

"I think I will have the statue of Queen Gaenor placed here, where all can see her. She deserves her rightful place in the light, don't you think?" she asked.

Gwydre nodded.

"You have come so very far mother," his tone was wistful. He stared at his mother and marveled at her youthful face.

"Have I done well with you?" she asked. It took Gwydre a moment to realize it was a question about their future.

"Yes mother, you, and father have done well with me," he smiled.

"Why do I sense I will never see you this way again," the look of concern etched across her face.

Gwydre sighed.

"I came because you needed me. You no longer do. You've become the Queen you were meant to be. In time, no one will remember you as the blacksmith's daughter. Time and history will know you only as Guinevere, Queen of Camelot," he said.

"I don't know if I like that. There was nothing wrong with being a blacksmith's daughter," she said slightly protesting.

"True mother, it has made you a better Queen. Because you are the stuff of steel," he said and leaned over and kissed her gently on the cheek. "I must go."

"Must you?"

He stood up and bowed slightly.

"Sweet dreams mother."

The End

Thanks all and dream sweetly.