NEW STORY

THE RISE OF EMRYS - PART 2 (a sequel)

Author's Note: This chapter begins a new story. Like "The Rise of Emrys", this new story takes place before the start of Series 5 and goes in its' own direction. (I suppose we might call it an alternative to series 5.) As this new story develops, it will be given a title and perhaps moved into its' own space on the Fanfiction website. We'll keep you posted. Expect short chapters and frequent updates. Feel free to review, as it certainly helps to fuel the writer's enthusiasm. Cheers.

"What?" Morgana stared at her dirty-faced minion in disbelief. "What did you say?"

"Emrys has been in Camelot all along. It was the king's servant - the one called Merlin."

Morgana laughed at the dual absurdity/stupidity in the man's statement for a moment. But the laughter echoing through the filthy ruined fortress died out rather quickly. Without warning she slapped the man hard on the face. She didn't know why she was slapping him, but it felt necessary. Then she began to laugh again as the man scrambled away from her and pitifully sought to shield himself from further abuse.

She continued laughing, and she felt tears on her cheeks. She felt a bit like shrieking. One of her hands began unconsciously to grasp her hair at the scalp and to pull violently.

Merlin.

Suddenly she felt like retching. She still hated Merlin so very much, and now this hearsay about him made her dizzy. She hated him on every level that she could comprehend. This hatred (along with a couple of choice familial grievances) had long fueled her mind like a fire that could not be put out. Merlin, who had chosen Arthur over her. Merlin, who had tried to kill her. Merlin, whom she had once loved as a trusted friend, but whom had returned her trust with betrayal, poison, and a despicable pretense of regret.

Morgana shook herself and focused her eyes on the messenger of this news. "Where did you hear this?"

The man, cowering in the corner, stammered out a response. "I first heard it in the market at South Turn. I heard it from several merchants, for it was spoken of by many there. Yesterday I inquired from an innkeeper in Cowford who said it was true - he'd heard the story himself from a Camelot knight. So I hurried right to you, as I remembered you'd promised a reward for news of Emrys, my lady."

Morgana was speechless. She gripped her hair a little tighter, unconsciously using the pain to help her focus on the words ringing in her ears. It was hard to think properly.

Merlin was Emrys? Had he always been Emrys? Had he pretended with her from the very start? She felt dizzy and weary all at once. Could this be believed?

Suddenly, the man in front of her irritated her with his very presence. "Leave me," she said very softly, not looking at him. If this man asks me for money now, she half-thought, I will enjoy killing him.

Perhaps the informant sensed the danger, for he turned and fled.