Merlin Fairytale Series

Chapter 7: I. AM. EMRYS!

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Picture perfectly describes this chapter.
Summary: Time passes. Merlin explains a few things and then finally takes up the challenge of how the princesses get out at night.

     Night had fallen and the princesses were once more with their princes. On this particular night, Merlin had taken Rose aside for an important conversation.
     They were walking through a beautiful garden when Merlin stopped Rose in her tracks and said, "Rose, the time is coming soon when I will solve the mystery that no other can and when that day comes, I will have but one question to ask you." With that, Merlin sank onto one knee. "Rose, my love, will you marry me?"
     Rose smiled and nodded quickly, tears in her eyes. Merlin got to his feet and kissed his beloved princess.
                                * * * * *
     Later on, when the princesses had returned to their prison of a home, Merlin was visited by his brother.
     "I saw your proposal tonight. I'm glad you've finally found her."
     "I am happier than I ever thought I could be, Mordred, but our troubles have not yet vanished." With a quirky smile on his face, Merlin turned to look at his brother. "Why don't you attempt to solve the mystery?"
     "I have no wish to try and, unlike you, dear brother, I refuse to play God."
     "The time is nearly here. If you wish to make your proposal, it should be sometime within these next few days."
     "I'm sure we all will before you leave to take the challenge."
     "Well do so. Meanwhile, there is something I must do before I accept the king's challenge."
                            * * * * *
     More had come to take on the king's challenge, several hundred at least, from every kingdom known to man, and yet not a single one had the answer to how the princesses got out at night. This made Uther both frustrated and bored, a lethal combination. And it didn't help when he learned something that he found very alarming...
                             * * * * *
     Merlin had reached his destination, a wood not too far from Powys, his former home. He'd scarcely arrived when another figure made herself known to him.
     "Cora."
     Cora was a tall woman, dark haired and generally cruel. Most people simply called her "The Witch" but Cora was her real name.
     "Well, I must say, I didn't expect you to ever show your face here again."
     "I've come to negotiate the terms of returning the other six kingdoms to us." Merlin replied patiently.
     "And why do you think I'll do that?"
     "Because the 7 kingdoms must be obtained and under the rule of their rightful kings and queens before the year of jubilee, which is coming soon."
     "So..." Cora began, a mischievous grin on her face, "you have found them after all, even with my curse preventing it from being so?"
     "Yes."
     "Yet I ask again, why should I hand over the kingdoms to you? After all, the 7 kingdoms belong in the hands of those who can change the world."
     Merlin made a face. "You have answered your own question. We shall change everything and bring about a golden era of peace and prosperity."
     "Unfortunately I need proof."
     "Fine. Ask and you shall receive."
     Now, usually it is very unwise to make such a statement as witches are cunning and malicious. However, this witch desired only one thing.
     "I want Uther removed from the throne of Paradise. He brought misery to this land and only when he is removed will I remove your curse and return your lands."
     "Anything else?"
     "Stay noble, Emrys. That's what you've always been good at." This time, Cora genuinely smiled. "And good luck to you."
     Then she disappeared on the spot.
                                * * * * *
     Meanwhile, Uther had figured out that some of the challengers had not met their end. He was angry; no one makes a fool outta the king!
     It was then that he had made his decision. He stormed into the council chambers, where his council was already talking in hushed tones.
     You see...when Uther had originally started his campaign to figure out how his daughters were escaping, Arthur and Uther's counselors became worried that Uther would be responsible for starting another war, so they met to find a way that Uther could be relieved of his throne legally and Arthur made king in his place.
     Luckily, when Uther walked in, he hadn't heard their conversations, for the most part. He immediately declared he had an important announcement to make. He bid his family join him.
     When the princesses, as well as Guinevere, and all Uther's grandchildren finally arrived, Uther announced, "It has come to my attention that some of these challengers have not been executed as agreed. So when this next challenger arrives, I will see to it personally that he does not escape my wrath. Once he is dead, I am moving all of my daughters to separate rooms-"
     At this, the princesses protested strongly as they knew the one room they shared was what allowed them to escape in the first place. "-and," Uther continued, as if he had not been interrupted, "they will kept under 24 hour guard by at least 10 guards and can go nowhere unless I allow it. I'll prevent them from seeing each other again if that is what it takes!"
     Then he stormed out the room, ignoring the protests from everyone else in the room. And Arthur and the counselors went back to finding their answer. It was all the more important now...
                           * * * * *
     Now that Merlin had sorted out all loose ends, including dealing with the witch who started their troubles, he could finally do what he was destined to do.
     With that, he made his way to Paradise.
                          * * * * *
     Uther had another challenger that evening so he made his way to his throne room to find the challenger waiting for him.
     He didn't like the look of this one. He was pale and skinny and his clothes were nothing that would befit royalty. Worst of all, his eyes seemed to enchant and be able to see into your soul. In all, this new challenger put the king on edge.
     "I have come to accept your challenge!" He called in a voice that commanded authority and was saturated in unwavering confidence.
     "Yes, yes." Uther waved him away. "You understand that should you fail to discover the princess' secret in 3 days, you will be executed."
     "Of course."
     Uther didn't like the manner this insolent pup was speaking to him in. Which was why he found it all the more satisfying that this one would meet his end and soon.
     "Very well. We are in agreement. What is your name?"
     He turned back around to face the king and his eyes seemed to glow golden at the intense glare he was shooting at the king and when he spoke, it sounded like the whole world should be shaking.
     "Who am I? I. AM. EMRYS!"
     To be continued....