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Pains Of The Heart	By : queenofthediamonddogs Category: M through R > Merlin (BBC) > Merlin (BBC) Views: 1731 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own BBC Merlin and any recognisable characters. I am not making any money from this story

Chapter List
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Chapter Four: Fighting

Uther and Arthur were planning their form of attack on Sir Marcus' invading army. Neither of them were going to let Elaine go and were most certainly not going to let Camelot fall to the hands of a mere jealous knight. The Kingdom of Camelot had been giving their last warning to return Elaine to Sir Marcus or they were to face the consequences. “We cannot simply give up Elaine.” Uther grumbled as he and Arthur poured over maps. “We will have to go and fight them.”

“But their numbers are too great.” Arthur protested as he stood up straight and looked at the door as it opened. “Sir Leon?”

“They are approaching the city your Majesty. Numbers are vast. At least 250 men.” Leon approached his King and Prince, bowing quickly before standing before them. “Are we to fight?” He asked curiously.

“We most certainly are. They will not take my Kingdom, my brother's Kingdom nor my niece.” Uther announced angrily and slamming his fist onto the wooden table. “Arthur?”

“I am ready, father.” Arthur nodded and gestured to the Knights of Camelot to follow him out of the Grand Hall and out to meet Sir Marcus' army in a battle of dominance over power. Arthur rode at the head of the column with his vast army behind him along with his faithful knights. Arthur would do anything for his father, his people and most definitely for his family. Though it was small, he still fought hard for them.

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Gwen sat with Elaine as they listened to the army leaving the castle. “Prince Arthur will defeat Sir Marcus, my Lady. He is a very skilled fighter.”

Elaine gave a nervous laugh. “You have not seen me and him fight have you?” Laughing again as she watched Lancelot, who was stood at her window. “Have they all left?”

“Yes my Lady.” He nodded slowly, not moving his eyes from the window as he answered her. He watched as Arthur rode further out of Camelot. Once he was completely out of sight, the young man turned to face the two women; Elaine was sat up in bed and Gwen in a chair next to Elaine. “I should leave. I cannot be here any longer.” Moving from the window towards her bed to sit in the vacant chair next to the still pale woman. “Uther will not wish for me to be here any longer. Especially in your company, my Lady.”

Elaine gave another nervous laugh as she reached forward and held her hand over his own, holding it tightly in her smaller one. “I do not wish for you to leave. It is dangerous outside of these walls. So I insist that you wait until Arthur has defeated Marcus and has returned to Camelot alive and well.”

He gave a smile and placed his other hand over Elaine's. “I shall not deny my Lady's wishes.” Smiling still until the door opened and he immediately removed his hands from her own in case it was Uther. He stood up quickly when the Lady Morgana entered the room. “My Lady.” Lancelot bowed politely to the dark haired woman and he moved away from the empty chair for her to sit next to Elaine.

“Morgana!” Elaine exclaimed in shock and joy. Morgana laughed as she sat next to Elaine on the bed and the two hugged. “Oh my dear friend!” Elaine laughed with her as they embraced each other before Morgana parted from her, leaving her hands on the younger woman's shoulders.

“Oh my dear Elaine! I am glad you are well.” Morgana removed her hands from Elaine's shoulders and sat on the bed comfortably. “I am glad you are safe. The King has been terribly worried about you.” Holding Elaine's hands in her own. “But now he is afraid for Arthur.”

“I am also.” Elaine shook her head slightly. “I pray he is returned to us safely.” Glancing past Morgana, towards Lancelot, who was once again stood by the window. “I know he will.” Elaine tried to smile widely but the smile was half-hearted and the emotion would not reach her eyes. Both Gwen and Morgana saw it in her eyes. She was a young woman who knew so little about the world and know her whole world was collapsing around her. She had lost her home and now her father. Now she could lose her faithful and loving cousin. “I wish my father were here.” She whispered softly and looked down at her hands in her lap, which were still in between Morgana's.

“We all do Elaine.” Morgana said softly as she gently rubbed Elaine's hands in her own. “You get some rest. You still need it.” Elaine shook her head silently as she looked between them all, her gaze resting on Lancelot more often than the others. “Sleep Elaine or you will become ill again.” Still rubbing the blonde girl's hands.

Reluctantly Elaine lay back with one hand still in between Morgana's. She didn't realise how exhausted she was until her eyes began to droop. As they closed, she kept her gaze fixed on Lancelot, who was still looking out of her chamber windows.

“She doesn't need all of this.” Morgana spoke quietly to Gwen. “She's only young and knows nothing of the world.” Her fingers running over the back of Elaine's hand. “Gwen, will you watch over her? I need to see if the King is in need of anything.”

“Of course, my Lady.” Gwen nodded to Morgana, who had already stood up and was leaving the room as Gwen spoke. Gwen watched her leave before returning her attention to Elaine, who was fast asleep and sleeping peacefully. Occasionally she would turn to look at Lancelot, who was still watching out of the window. “Have they returned yet?”

Lancelot gave a small laugh. “They have only just left Gwen.” Turning from the window and walking slowly to his previous seat. “I wish they were returning now.” He turned his gaze from Gwen to Elaine but he found it hard to look at either of them. His heart yearned to look at Gwen but he also found his mind wandering to the blonde woman in the bed. They were both beautiful but in their own way. Gwen had a beautiful heart and Elaine was naturally beautiful in appearance. “I best leave. Uther will not want me here any longer.”

Gwen's heart sank as he stood up once again. “But the Lady Elaine insisted you stay until Arthur has returned.” Standing up also but remained next to the bed. Elaine stirred lightly but remained asleep. The two held their breath and positions, so they would not disturb the recovering woman. Lancelot watched her and his heart broke at the troubles she was going through. Her father dying and a man fighting to force her to be his wife. “Lancelot?” Gwen whispered gently to bring him out of his thoughts.

“I cannot stay Gwen.” He moved in the direction of the door. “Uther does not want me here. Yes I know I rescued Lady Elaine but I am still unwelcome in Camelot. I have been banished.” Running a hand over his stubble chin. “I have to leave, Gwen. I cannot stay here.” He shook his head to silence her before she argued with him again. “I will see you again Gwen. I know I shall.” Giving her a small nod and looking over her shoulder at Elaine, who was still fast asleep. “Do not tell her I left before she told me to.” Gwen gave a nod and he left the chambers without another word and without looking behind him at the two women.

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“HOLD! HOLD!” Arthur shouted to his men behind him. They were fighting the opposing fighters just outside of the city. They had managed to keep the enemy out of the city and in the outlying grounds of Camelot. “GET READY!” He shouted loudly, his eyes focused on the enemy. Adrenaline ran through his veins as he gripped his sword tightly. “NOW!” He screamed and they lunged forward, attacking the approaching army. Shields and steel clashed together, causing a great amount of noise.

The adrenaline continued to run through Arthur as he cut down man after man. He was going to find Sir Marcus and force him to surrender but he had not found him.

Marcus was watching from the trees. He sat atop of his horse with his second-in-command and watched as his army fought hard against the very well-trained Knights of Camelot. “They're good.” He spoke followed by a nervous laugh. “Will we be able to get into the castle for the girl?”

“I don't think so my Lord. Their defences are too great. Even with Arthur and the majority of his knights fighting outside of the castle, there is no possible way for any of the men to infiltrate the castle.” Sir Jasper spoke gruffly as he too watched the men try to defeat the Knights of Camelot but it seemed a lost cause. “My Lord, I believe it should be best to retreat. The men are being slaughtered.” Marcus gave a silent nod and Jasper made it his duty to inform the men to retreat.

The enemy army, the remainder of the enemy army, began to retreat as soon as the signal was given. Arthur and his Knights remained firm and strong. They were weary about the sudden retreat and held their ground in case of a surprise attack from a cavalry or even a larger army. “Keep your positions!” Arthur announced as he and the Knights watched the dark forest. “Steady men!” Gripping his sword tightly in his hand. “Wait! It could be a diversion. Don't move!” His eyes scanning the dark trees.

“ARTHUR PENDRAGON!” A voice shouted loudly from the trees in front of them. “I WANT ELAINE RETURNED TO ME OR THERE WILL BE DISASTERIOUS CONSEQUENCES FOR THE GREAT KINGDOM OF CAMELOT! YOU HAVE TWO DAYS!” His voice echoed around the area, giving a terrifying feel to the Knights, who held their positions; shields and swords at the ready.

Arthur waited at least 10 minutes before he and his Knights moved around the battlefield in search of survivors from both sides and also to return the dead Knights to Camelot. They lost a few but the number of injured knights was greater. Arthur helped to return the injured and the dead back into Camelot and the enemy soldiers into the dungeons. He knew he needed to speak with his father but the interrogation of the enemy soldiers was much more important. He needed to find Sir Marcus' camp was in order to make an attack on the camp and imprison the usurper. There were only 4 enemy soldiers who were fit enough to talk, the others were seriously injured and being treated.

After three long hours of questioning every surviving soldier, Arthur had no clue to where Marcus had his camp. It was obvious that Marcus had not returned to Corbenic castle as the journey was too far. Tired and dirty, Arthur slowly moved to his own chambers to change and wash before he gave an account of the battle to his father and the repeating demands of Marcus.

Once he had washed and changed into more comfortable and warmer clothing. He immediately sent Merlin to work by ordering him to clean his chain mail and boots, he wanted to be prepared in case he had to go back into battle soon. He had the urge to visit his cousin but she needed her rest and plus he did not wish to worry her about the earlier battle, even though she would be able to see it from her chambers. The Prince held too many worries on his shoulders but he made no complaint and continued with his life as the crown Prince of Camelot. That was how he was brought up.

Approaching the doors to the Great Hall, he walked in to find his father sitting calm on his throne. “Sire.” Arthur bowed respectfully to his father and advanced forward. “The small army was defeated but Marcus is still demanding Elaine be returned to him.” Keeping his position in front of his father, who sat listening to his son and then sat thinking about what their next move could be. “He gives us two days to return Elaine to him and he will attack Camelot again.”

“How many are injured?” Asked Uther.

“A dozen but they will make full recoveries.”

“And our losses?”

“Five men lost their lives tonight.” Arthur said with great pain. Whenever he lost a single Knight, he felt the pain of their death. “They will be honoured for their bravery.” Uther agreed as he watched his son. “Shall we prepare for another battle?”

Uther nodded slowly. “Yes. We should prepare for battle. You and your Knights need to rest first.”

“Yes Sire.” Arthur nodded and bowed before turning to face the door but stopped when they opened. He smiled as he hid the person from the view. “Father, I have a small surprise for you.” Stepping aside and revealing Elaine.

Uther stood up with a shocked expression as he watched his niece slowly walked towards him. “Elaine...” He whispered gently as he took in her appearance and slowly stood up from his throne. She was looking so much better than he had last saw her. She was no longer pale and sickly but looked as if she had never been ill. Elaine gave her uncle a wide smile as she slowly moved forward towards him but she couldn't wait any longer. Uther moved towards her with a wide smile and the two met in the middle in a tight hug. “Oh beautiful girl.” He whispered softly as he held her close to him. “I'm glad you are safe and well.”

Elaine gave a small bubble of laughter but she silently cried on his shoulder. “Thank you uncle.” She whispered gently as the two stepped back from each other.

He cupped her pale cheek, sweeping her his gloved thumb over her cheek to wipe away her tear. “You are welcome to stay here as long as you need to. That's what your father would have wanted.” Removing his hand from her cheek and moving it to hold both her hands in his hands. “Come. I think that you need to hear about what has been happening ever since you have arrived.” Holding one of her hand in his and leading her to his throne, letting her sit in Morgana's position on Uther's left. Elaine sat in the chair as comfortably as she could and turned to face her uncle, who was looking at her as if he were surprised she was there.

“Uncle, where is Lancelot? He asked him to stay. I felt safe with him around.” Her eyes pleading with her uncle.

“I am sorry, Elaine. He left earlier. He is banished from Camelot. He will never be allowed in this kingdom ever again.” Uther spoke sternly to his niece but not too sternly to upset her. “You are safe here. We will never let you go and we most certainly will not let that rogue take you from us.” Reaching over to her and gently squeezing her hand.

“Thank you.” She smiled gently as she was comforted by his emotional gesture. Relaxing into her seat a little more as she turned to face Arthur, who was watching his father and cousin with a small smile. “Thank you Arthur.”

“You're welcome cousin. You can pay me back when this is over.” He gave her a smirk before bowing to his father and leaving the Great Hall.

Elaine remained silent as Uther spoke with his council. She was wearing one of Morgana's dresses, which was very beautiful but it didn't feel right. She missed her own clothes. Morgana was slightly shorter than Elaine and the hem of the dress came to her ankles. Her hands twisted in her lap as her uncle turned the conversation to the dangers of Elaine being in Camelot. “I cannot go, uncle. I don't think I will be safe anywhere else. Please let me remain hidden in Camelot.”

“I know you will feel safer in here but think of the possibilities of one of the enemy soldiers making it into the castle and finding you. I'd never live with myself if you were taken from us.” Uther once again reached over and placed his hand over Elaine's right hand, which rested on the arm rest of her chair. “No. We will get you out of the castle.”

“No!” Elaine shouted stubbornly. “I will not go!” Not caring that the hall was filled with nobles and servants. This was something she had to express. She did not want to leave Camelot. “Sire, I do not think I should leave Camelot.” Speaking politely but she was obviously annoyed and upset with her uncle making decisions for her.

“Elaine, you will do as I ask with no arguments.” Uther spoke sternly to his niece. “You will leave Camelot tomorrow before the planned attack.”

Elaine gave a frustrated sigh as she leant back against her chair and listened in anger at the plans to get her out of the castle and other plans to protect the people of the lower town. A million of ideas ran through Elaine's mind to stop her from leaving Camelot. Her uncle thought it would be a good idea to leave the true safe place of the castle. She needed to be somewhere, where no one would suspect to hide. Her uncle's chambers? No. They would search for the King there. Arthur's chambers? No. They would be searched Arthur's chambers for a place to hide Elaine. She could disguise herself as a maid but every person in the enemy army knew what Elaine looked like. The idea soon hit her. The dungeons. No one would suspect her to be in the dungeons but there was the problem of the captured soldiers. It was slightly perfect and she would be safe. She didn't announce it to her uncle in the public eye of his nobles. She knew that her uncle trusted them but if one of them was a rogue and get the information to the opposition, Elaine would be discovered. “Excuse me Uncle.” Elaine stood up from the chair, curtseyed and moved quickly through the Great Hall.

“I want two scouts sent out to discover the enemy camp.” Arthur's voice floated through the corridor as he shouted orders to the guards and the knights. Elaine moved in the direction of his voice. She knew that she could trust Arthur with her idea and he would probably agree with her. She found him at the top of the stone steps that led out into the courtyard. He spotted her before she could call his name. “Elaine! Get inside now!” He ordered her angrily.

“I needed to speak to you urgently.” Jerking her head towards a quiet place on the courtyard.

Arthur turned to Sir Leon. “Make sure everything is prepared in case they lie and will attack tonight. Better to be safe than sorry.”
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Pains Of The Heart