Chapter 24.

Merlin and Morgana walked into the Great Hall where Arthur was in the middle of debating with his council as to what they should do about Mordred. “Merlin what is the meaning of this? Why is she not in the cells?” Arthur asked as Merlin drew closer to the table with Morgana behind him.

“Trust me Arthur. She’s not going to do anything that will risk endangering her life.” Merlin replied. Arthur grabbed him by the shoulder and led him off to the side of the hall. “How can you be so sure?” he asked.

“Because what she doesn’t know is that I have put an enchantment on her. So that if she tried to leave the castle to warn Mordred she will instantly die. Same thing will happen if she tries to ruin any of our plans.” Merlin muttered solemnly. Arthur looked at him in shock. “I didn’t want to have to use that spell but desperate times call for desperate measures.” He added.

“Merlin. You genius.” Arthur whispered before heading back to the table with the giant map with showed the borders of each land. “How about if we lead him into a trap at the passage of Cearidan?”

“Mordred’s clever. He’s not going to enter a place that he doesn’t know that well. The best chance that we will have is if we set a trap in Ilosin.” Morgana said. “It’s near to his home so he’d know that area. He would never dream that anyone would know about that secret. Let alone anyone setting a trap in that area for him.”

Arthur stared at his sister in shock. “What?” Morgana said, “You’ve just got to learn to listen to what other people are telling you brother.”

Arthur repressed a shiver of disgust. He hated being referred to as Morgana’s brother especially after all she had done. He sent a glance towards Merlin and Merlin sent him a small nod. “Okay. To Ilosin it is.” He announced.

“You had better be right about all this Merlin.” Arthur said.

“I am.” Merlin replied confidently. Arthur nodded before dismissing his court and leaving the Great Hall.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------“Arthur? What’s wrong?”Guinevere asked as she entered the royal chambers, embracing Arthur.

“Merlin says to trust Morgana as he says he has put a spell on her and I want to believe that she has changed I really do. It’s just I don’t see how she could have in such a short time.” Arthur said.

“Do you trust Merlin?” Guinevere asked.

“Yes of course. But don’t tell him that whatever you do. Or I’ll never hear the end of it.” Arthur said.

“Then believes what he says as the truth and go through with the plan to stop Mordred.” Guinevere said. Arthur turned to face her.

“My beautiful queen is right as always.” He said with a smile as he kissed Guinevere passionately. “I must go train my men.” He added when they broke apart. Guinevere smiled as he left the room.