CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE
THE SINS OF THE FATHER ( ii. )

Gaius stares blankly for a moment, his eyes overcome with uncertainty. Unsure of how to proceed, he glances to the worn book on his table. Calliope will not leave this room without solid answers. She's been in the dark for too long, plagued by unknowns which haunt her dreams. There will be no more deflecting, no more brushing off dreaded conversations or acting oblivious to the truth. Something is connecting her to these symbols—to the dark presence looming day and night. The answers may not be anything she wants to hear, but Calliope has faced demons before and is all to familiar with the hell they call home.

"Where did you find this?"

"It doesn't matter, and I won't ask for answers again, Gaius."

As he shifts his weight, Gaius glances to his workbench, a heaving sigh drifting past his lips, as if it could carry him away from this conversation. He sits, motioning for the assassin to do the same. She crosses the room in two quick strides, trying to calm the racing of her heart. She wipes her sweaty palms on her trousers and raises her eyebrows expectantly.

The physician begins flipping through the worn pages, but it's as if he's read them before. He stops on the page detailing the Fall of Sheolta. His fingers trace the words she couldn't translate until they reach the the moon symbol.

"This book is hundreds, if not thousands of years old. Sheer magic itself holds the pages together against the ware of time," Gaius says. "It's one of the most ancient books of the old religion."

"Then why does Uther have it?"

"Right before the purge, he confiscated as many books on magic as possible to try and figure out how to gain the upper hand against sorcerers—how to find the most powerful ones. He executed a priestess who had this on her at the time," Gaius looks up at Calliope. "These pages discuss a very dark time for these lands. When sorcerers fought sorcerers in a brutal civil war that claimed many lives and unleashed all kinds of evil magic into the world. Some of the most vile creatures found their origin in this war."

Calliope nods, "So, what does the moon symbol have to do with this war?"

"I'm not entirely sure about the symbol, but I do know that in order to gain the upper hand in the war, a group of priestesses of the old religion came together to open a doorway to hell. They used their power to create creatures made of the darkest magic imaginable, and that's how they won the war," Gaius says, glancing to her necklace. "They ruled these lands with evil for a long time. Magic corrupts easily. The ability to wield such power allows for horrid actions to take place, and that's why I can be so hard on Merlin. I never want him to succumb to the darker side of his powers," Gaius closes the book. "There's good and evil in everyone, Cal, and you get to decide which parts you let take control."

She releases a heavy breath, "So, you truly have no idea what connects me to all this?"

The assassin searches his face for any sign of lies, but there's nothing to make her doubt his answer, "I do not."

"Then why have you never told me any of this?"

"Because what occurred hundreds of years ago—the events outlined in this book—was some of the most vile, horrendous displays of magic to ever be seen on this earth. It is best to not speak of at all, and it is best to just forget," Gaius stands up. "Let this one go, Calliope, please. I'm afraid of the path it might lead you down."

With that, he leaves her alone in his chambers to ponder everything she just learned. Calliope bites on her lip, not able to figure out how anything happening now is connected with this book or the war. It's as if she's missing the biggest piece of this puzzle, but she has no idea where to even start searching.

Calliope runs a hand through her hair, and decides to put a pin in this. Right now, she needs to make sure Morgause doesn't hurt Arthur, and his duel with her is fast approaching.

Sleep won't come to her at all tonight. She's already aware her body will stay alert until morning, so Calliope treks across the castle until she's in the hallway that leads to the guest room Morgause is staying in. The assassin spots a shadow dancing on the floor, seeping out through the small flickers of light under the door, along with light footsteps. Relief passes through her that the woman is in her room. Calliope presses her back against the wall of cool stone, sinking down to the floor.

In this hideaway, cloaked in expanding darkness and just shy away from any candlelight, she can watch the door. With her favorite dagger in hand, she stares ahead and listens for any alarming signs. Here, she can make sure this newcomer stays away from Arthur until the duel.

Here, the assassin can protect her Prince.

♛ ♛ ♛

It seems almost every citizen of Camelot has come to see this duel take place. This is the first time a woman has ever challenged Prince Arthur in the arena, and despite every chance Arthur gave Morgause to withdraw—even sending Merlin one last time to talk her out of it—this warrior has not backed down. This fight will be to the death, and Calliope only hopes Arthur won't hold back. Morgause is the one who challenged him. She's had every opportunity to walk away from this fight, but Arthur's good conscious could be his downfall. If he hesitates, she'll exploit that. Calliope would know better than anyone.

She stands outside the arena, awaiting his arrival. Nerves tug at her stomach when she sees him walking towards her, his head held as high as ever, but the assassin catches the dread in his blue eyes.

Calliope takes a few steps to meet him halfway, then matches his pace to the arena, "You can't hesitate. No matter what."

"I know."

"I'm serious," she snaps. "Don't let the fact that she's a woman hold you back. You have to treat this like any other fight, or you could end up dead."

"Well, not everyone has a magic switch to turn off their remorse like you do, Cal," she sighs, grabbing his arm to stop him.

"It's called knowing how to survive, Arthur," his eyes meet hers as they stand a few steps away from the entrance, the crowd roaring at the sight of their Prince. "Not everything has to be a big moral dilemma, especially when your life is on the line."

It's her last words to him as he enters the arena, where Morgause is already waiting. Calliope can only stand and watch, thumbs twiddling near the sheath of her sword. She feels Uther's eyes glancing to her every so often, as if raising the command, 'kill her before she can kill him'. Calliope nods subtly without hesitation. Damn the rules and damn this duel. She'll kill Morgause before the woman can even blink.

Calliope reaches to her belt, where a skinny, wooden cylinder rests. Another reason she didn't sleep last night: she was preparing a very handy weapon coated in hemlock. A tiny dart that just has to penetrate the skin. A clean, quick death. Untraceable, and no one will question it because no one wants to see the Prince of Camelot slain.

"The fight is by the knight's rules and to the death," Uther says from his throne.

The Prince walks closer to his challenger, "I'm offering you one final chance to withdraw. I suggest you take it." He's only met with a determined stare. "Then you leave me no choice."

They face each other, and Morgause is quick to strike first. Sword meets sword in a loud clash, sunlight reflecting from the silver metal. Both swordsman are coordinated and agile, and Calliope holds her breath. Arthur avoids a deadly attack near his stomach and retaliates, but Morgause blocks his every attempt until he adds more strength to his swings.

With a strong blow, his blade catches the skin of her arm, causing her to drop her sword and widen her eyes. Calliope slaps her forehead when Arthur backs away and allows her to grab her weapon again, "You honorable idiot," she murmurs under her breath.

Morgause doesn't let up, fighting with even more vigor. She ducks and dodges until Arthur has her closed in against the wall of the arena, His sword clashes with the wood, and she maneuvers out of the way at the perfect angle to kick in his knee. The Prince falls, his helmet clattering off. He's at the mercy of her blade, and Calliope has the hemlock dart ready to fire as Morgause takes off her helmet, but doesn't inflict the killing blow.

She's saying something to him, but Calliope can't hear anything, but then, Morgause offers the Prince her hand, and helps him to his feet.

The warrior walks in front of Uther, bows her head, and leaves the arena.

King Uther's fear has been replaced by disappointment in his son's loss. Not long after the warrior's departure, the King leaves his throne, without even a second look to his son, who he could have lost moments ago.

Calliope's own fear has settled, but Arthur looks too ashamed to face anyone.

He's one of the best fighters in the Five Kingdoms, but Calliope knows that if he's not careful, his merciful nature could one day be his downfall. The harsh reality is that the good men are easier to prey on. It's why so many honorable warriors fall while the selfish get away without a scratch. Looking out for yourself is the best way to survive.

But Prince Arthur always looks out for himself last.

♛ ♛ ♛

"That was so embarrassing."

Calliope chuckles as she presses a warm cloth to an angry bruise on Arthur's shoulder. She sits behind him on his bed, her touch soft against the bare skin on his back.

The assassin quirks an eyebrow, "Why didn't you just pretend you were fighting me?"

"Well, I don't exactly want to kill you, Calliope."

"But you do want to beat me." Arthur winces as he rolls his shoulder a few times, the assassin walking to the bowl of water in the room to replace the cloth, "What did she say to you at the end?"

"She wants me to meet her at an unknown location for some unknown challenge I must complete," Calliope looks over her shoulder, eyebrows raised. "Don't give me that look. I know how it sounds, but I must do this. I swore to her as she spared my life."

Calliope has learned by now that it's useless to argue with Arthur when his honor is involved. Although, her eyebrows pinch together as she stares down at the bowl of spiraling water. It doesn't make since for Morgause to spare him just so she can lure him away to kill him, but there definitely is some ulterior motive at play that makes the assassin uneasy. She doesn't even notice how tightly she's gripping the cloth until Arthur rises and walks over to her.

The Prince places his hand over her own, causing her to drop the cloth back into the bowl, "I know you're concerned, but I'll be fine."

Her shoulders drop, "This isn't a good idea, Arthur. You have no idea what you're walking into." She twists around, their chests almost touching. "Let me come with you."

He brushes a strand of hair behind her ear, his blue eyes catching her own, "It's so cute how you're worried about me."

Calliope shoves his chest playfully, "Shut up. I'm serious. This definitely sounds like a trap, and if it comes down to having to fight Morgause again, you can't hesitate to kill her," he turns around, scoffing. "I saw you during the duel. You had a perfect opening—twice—to do it—"

"So, what are you saying? You should come along because you don't hesitate to kill people?"

"I'm saying, you have a good and generous heart, and sometimes, people will take advantage of that," the assassin leans back against the wall, looking to the floor. "It's your greatest strength and weakness."

The Prince ponders her words, nodding, a flicker of something in his eyes that causes Calliope to swallow heavily. She's seen that look before. It's like he's analyzing a predator. The risks, the chances of survival. Like he sometimes forgets just how dangerous the girl before him really is.

"I think it's best if I take this journey alone, and I want you to respect my decision, Cal."

"Even if it's a stupid one?" He gives her a pointed look, and she rolls her eyes. "Fine, but if you get yourself killed, Arthur Pendragon, I will find a way to resurrect you just to say I told you so."

He crosses the room to plant a quick kiss on her lips, pulling away just far enough to look into her eyes, "I'll see you soon."

There's a chill in the air when he leaves. It climbs up Calliope's spine as she stands alone in Arthur's room. His father will forbid him to go, but that won't stop him. He'll find a way to sneak out, probably with the help of Merlin, and the two idiots will be on their way to this obvious trap. Calliope fiddles with her necklace, tapping her foot anxiously as she tries to let herself think this will all be okay.

Out of the corner of her eye, something dark flashes, and Calliope instinctively pulls out her sword. She glances around the room to find that she's still alone. Probably just a trick of the light, but then a shadow appears on the wall. A shadow that isn't her own. It stands right beside hers in the candlelight.

Calliope snaps her head to the side and almost yells when the warrior from her dream of the destroyed castle is right there next to her. A cloaked woman who doesn't look real. Her figure sways, as if she is fighting against some otherworldly force to stay planted in this realm. Calliope backs away a few paces, sword outstretched, even though she has no idea how to fight a ghost.

"Why are you here?"

"The Wolf is searching," the woman says, her eyes wide.

"Yeah, yeah, just talk in riddles again," the assassin shakes her head. "I have no fucking clue what any of this means, so if you aren't going to give me any answers, just go back to the afterlife and leave me the hell alone!"

"Calliope," the woman says her name so clearly this time. It echoes in her bones. "That isn't the proper way to greet family."

"F-family?"

The woman nods, "You never knew me, how could you? I walked this earths hundreds of years before you were even born, but our bloodline is the same."

"What bloodline?" Calliope asks loudly. "What are you?"

"We are nothing more than the product of dark, forbidden magic," the woman's figure is clearer than in the dream. Her midnight armor is made of pure, dark steel. A crescent moon carved into the breastplate. Blood is splattered all over the axes strapped to her back, still whispering the names of each slain victim. "We're cursed to be killers, forever."

"The priestesses, they're the ones who cursed you, aren't they?"

The warrior nods, gripping her necklace, "Why do you think being an assassin came so easy to you, Calliope? It's what you were created for. To take life from the world. To serve Death as long as you may walk in this realm. No matter what you do, you'll always be pulled back to the darkness. You cannot walk in the light. Your true nature will win every time."

The assassin shakes her head, "No, I don't believe you—I've been doing better, I've found a way to control my anger. I'm doing good things here."

"It will not last. If you aren't careful, you will destroy Camelot. If you embrace your full power, no one will be able to save you from yourself. Not even your Prince. You will be his downfall."

Calliope inhales sharply, "That won't happen. It can't because.... I...I" I love him.

"Your foolish to think love could ever save either of you," the warrior's eyes look distant, haunted. "I too found someone. I thought she could change things for me because everyone says love is the most powerful form of magic, but they're wrong. There is something far more powerful than love," the ghost snaps her eyes back to Calliope, her gaze hardening. "Death."

♛ ♛ ♛

Merlin sits next to Arthur around their small campfire. The Prince's gaze is glued to the cracking flames, his thoughts far away from this forest and what lies ahead of them. The young sorcerer can always tell when Arthur is thinking of Calliope. He gets this look on his face that's so easy to pinpoint.

The two of them are such an unlikely match. An assassin and a Prince. Merlin always thought Arthur liked girls who had good manners. Who addressed him properly, showed him respect, and thought he was the greatest man to ever walk on this earth. Or, at least girls who weren't crude, blunt, and could slice your head off in less than a second. Of course, Merlin had known from the beginning Arthur thought Calliope was very beautiful and intriguing, but he could have never imagined the Prince actually falling in love with her.

At first, Merlin was on board. Arthur seemed to bring out a special side of Calliope no one else could. The soft, human side of her. The parts she tried to deny and hide and shove away.

And Calliope put Arthur in his place when his pride got the best of him. Literally. It was amusing to watch. The two of them dancing around each other for over a year, being too stubborn to admit their feelings. Merlin wanted them to end up together.

Until, the dragon told him something unthinkable. That Calliope will be the downfall of Arthur and all of Camelot. That she's cursed to kill, and no matter what she tries to do to change, she'll always revert back to her origin. You have to stop her before she realizes her true power, Merlin squeezes his eyes shut. It's the only way to save Arthur. Their love is doomed.

"Do you ever find it concerning that the most dangerous assassin in the world is a trusted ally of Camelot?" Arthur finally asks as he throws a stick into the fire.

"Cal?" Merlin releases a shaky breath.

"Yeah, do you ever get scared she'll just...snap?"

He nods, "Sometimes."

"She's come so far, and I know she's left that part of her life behind. I trust her with my life, and she's the greatest fighter I've ever seen..."

"But?"

Arthur looks to his servant, "But, when someone she cares about is hurt or in danger, she'll kill anyone who gets in her way, without even blinking. It's just so easy for her." he shakes his head. "The way she kills is just so...so..."

"Terrifying," Merlin finishes.

"Yeah, I've never seen anything like it."

"Me either," Merlin chews on his lip. "I definitely would never want to be on her bad side."

Arthur scoffs, "That's an understatement."

"What are you going to do?" The Prince raises his eyebrows for an explanation. "With Victoria and Cal, I mean. Are you really going to get married and still try to have a relationship with Cal? I just think it's better for both of you to maybe...realize it might not work out."

"I'm not going to marry Lady Victoria."

"Wait, what?"

Arthur nods, "I decided a while ago. I've just been trying to figure out the best way to end the engagement without ruining the alliance with Thera. Their resources are invaluable to my father, and the Duke is a proud man. He won't appreciate me breaking his daughter's heart. It will have to be a mutual decision between both me and Victoria, and I just don't know how to make that happen. She'll know it's because of Calliope."

"But, the wedding is weeks away."

"I know," Arthur sighs, "so, we have to figure this out fast."

♛ ♛ ♛

Calliope is still reeling from her encounter with the ghost, who she apparently, is related to. Also, she's cursed to be a killer forever, and her true power could destroy Camelot. Anything else she's forgetting? Oh, yeah she could be the downfall of Prince Arthur.

The first thing she did was tell Gaius everything, and she's never seen the physician look so concerned. Is this the information Merlin has known all along? And if so, why didn't he tell her? She can understand it's not exactly good news, but she still deserved to know.

There has to be more to this story. Some priestesses from hundreds of years ago can't decide her destiny, or the choices she makes. Whatever curse is lurking in Calliope's bloodline has to have a cure, and someone out there has to have answers.

The Wolf is searching. Let him find you.

Yes, start there. Whoever the Wolf is might be able to help.

When Calliope hears that Merlin and Arthur have returned from her trip, she walks quick and determined to the courtyard to confront the sorcerer about hiding this revelation from her, however, when she arrives Arthur storms right past her, ascending the steps to the castle. With a look of puzzlement, the assassin turns to Merlin.

"What happened out there?"

"Arthur found out Uther is responsible for his mother's death."

Calliope exhales, "Shit."

She exchanges a quick look with Merlin as Gaius enters the courtyard.

"Arthur was born of magic," Merlin says quietly to the physician. "Wasn't he?" Gaius can only look down to the cobblestone. "Uther used magic."

"Merlin—"

"All those people he's executed. He's as guilty as they are. He sacrificed Arthur's mother! He as good as murdered her."

The realization makes Calliope sick, and her hatred for the King grows even more.

Gaius can't deny it as Merlin paces, "People should know the truth about what he's done. How could you not tell me?" Well, Merlin, Gaius isn't the only one who's been withholding information lately.

"I feared what Arthur would do if he ever found out."

"Well, he's found out now."

Would Arthur really kill his own father? Merlin seems to think so because he sprints up the stairs to the castle, and Calliope quickly follows after him.

They run through the corridors, and as they get closer to the council chambers, Calliope can hear the echoing of colliding steel.

When they arrive, Sir Leon is standing guard outside the door. Merlin tries to break past him, but the knight shoves him back into the wall.

"The King has forbidden anyone to enter!"

"They're going to kill each other—!"

"Let us through the fucking door, Leon!"

As Leon finally releases his hold on Merlin, Calliope kicks the double doors open, and Merlin bursts into the room, finding the King pinned down to a chair, and Arthur has the tip of his sword pressed right against the King's chest.

"Arthur, don't! I know you don't want to do this."

"My mother is dead because of him!"

Arthur's eyes are full of more rage and hatred than Calliope has ever seen.

"Killing your father won't bring her back. You've lost one parent. Do you really want to lose another?"

The King's eyes are closed as he awaits his son's blow, "Listen to him, Arthur."

As Arthur presses the sword harder against the King's chest, Calliope pleads with him, "Arthur, please. You won't be able to live with yourself if you do this, trust me."

Merlin nods, "Put the sword down."

"You heard what my mother said! After everything he has done, do you really believe he deserves to live? This is justice. You of all people should understand that, Calliope. He executes those who use magic and yet he has used it himself!" Arthur hand is trembling with rage as his eyes drill into the King. "You have caused so much suffering and pain. I will put an end to that—"

"Morgause is lying!" Calliope snaps her head to Merlin as he steps forward. "She's an enchantress. She tricked you. That was not your mother you saw. That was an illusion." Merlin's words appear to be working as some of the rage fades from the Prince's eyes. "Everything—everything your mother said to you...those were Morgause's words."

"You don't know that!"

"This has been her plan all along! To turn you against your father, and if you kill him, the kingdom will be destroyed. This is what she wants!"

As Arthur breathes heavily, slowly letting up the pressure of his blade, the King nods, "Listen to him. He's speaking the truth."

"Swear to me!" Arthur exclaims. "Swear to me it isn't true. You are not responsible for my mother's death! Give me your word!"

"I swear on my life, I loved your mother. There isn't a day that passes that I don't wish she was still alive. I could never have done anything to hurt her."

Calliope's chest twists with how easily Uther lies to his son, but it's the only way to save himself. As tears fall from the Prince's eyes, he drops his sword and collapses to his knees. He falls forward into his father's embrace.

"My son. You mean more to me than anything."

"I'm sorry," Arthur says in a quiet breath.

"You are not to blame."

The assassin watches their exchange, the sorrows and apologies and the bond between father and son. But it's all a lie.

Her eyes catch Merlin's from across the room. She motions for him to follow her into the hall, leaving Arthur and his father alone to repair the damage which has been done. Once they're alone, Merlin raises his eyebrows, and Calliope runs a hand through her hair.

She faces him, narrowing her eyes, "I know why you've been acting so strangely around me, Merlin. The dragon told you about the curse, didn't he?" Merlin looks down. "Didn't he?"

"How long have you known?"

"I think that's a question I should be asking you, wizard boy," Calliope replies.

"I thought it was better if you didn't know. That if you were in the dark, it would be less likely to happen."

She takes a step closer, "It won't happen, you hear me?"

"But, the dragon said—"

"I don't give a shit about what the dragon said, Merlin. I decide my own destiny, not some big scaly lizard or ancient priestess," Calliope insists. "And from now on, we tell each other everything, got it? No matter how bad it may seem."

Merlin nods, "Okay, yeah, you're right, Cal. I'm sorry. I was just trying to protect you."

Her gaze softens, as does the anger in her chest. It fades until all that's left is fondness for her best friend.

"We'll protect each other," Calliope puts a hand on his shoulder. "We're a powerful sorcerer and a badass assassin. We can kick anyone's ass, and we can find a way to overcome this curse, but we can only do it if we stick together."

Without warning, Merlin catches the assassin in a tight embrace, which she returns without hesitation.

"You'll always be my best friend, Cal."

The assassin smiles, squeezing her eyes shut as she hugs Merlin, "Always."

♛ ♛ ♛

oh my god, guys, i am SO sorry for how long this took. my life had some unexpected turns lately. i went through a break up and i've had to pick up more hours at work, so i have not been in the mood to write haha. but i've finally started doing better mentally, and i decided to write this chapter today when i woke up. i wrote it all in one sitting, and there are probably mistakes, but i was finally excited to get back to this story again, and i really want to finish it this summer. there are only 12 chapters left, so i think it's totally possible for me!

anyway, there are still some plot twists in store, and i can't wait to hear your reactions to it all! until next time, remember to vote and leave your thoughts in the comments. i <3 you guys :)