The cave was dark, but both could see where they were. Merlin looked across at his companion Perceval “You should leave, if she should find you here all our plans would be undone.”
Perceval, in reality Peri, shook her head. “I swore myself to your side Merlin, I cannot abandon you now.” Although her true visage was hidden by a masking screen Merlin could always see her true visage and she hoped that her fear was not showing now.
Merlin chuckled. “I remember when we first met, you were the clumsiest wench at Arthur’s table. However when I trained you and introduced you as Sir Perceval you quickly showed even the King just how valuable you were in his service.”
Peri nodded. “The Queen thought it funny when I spilt a whole pitcher of wine on her husband’s head. I’m thankful she persuaded him to spare my life.”
“Enough of this foolish sentiment.” Morgaine stood in the entrance way to the cave, her son Mordred at her side as always. “Where have you hidden my Arthur’s body?”
“Come now Merlin.” Mordred said to the gaudily clothed magician. “Where’s my father’s body? My mother would look upon his dead features.”
“We do not know he’s dead my son.” Morgaine corrected her son. “My scouts swore on their lives that he was carried off to Avalon.”
Merlin looked at Morgaine. “Where are these scouts of yours?”
“As I said, they swore on their lives.” She glared at Merlin. “Where is my Arthur at?”
“Where you will never find him.”
“Then for as long as I am without the comfort of seeing my beloved then you shall remain inside this cave.”
Peri stood in front of Merlin and raised her sword. “You’ll have to go through me first witch.”
Morgaine laughed at the feeble display. “Sir Perceval the Pure? Always hiding behind children Merlin, we know you of old.” With a spell she threw Peri to one side.
Merlin lashed out in anger at Morgaine, a spell of flames to punish his old student with. “You didn’t have to hurt her.”
Morgaine looked at Perceval? “Her? This one hides behind one of your enchantments?” With a wave of her hand the gruff image of Perceval vanished to show Peri’s true face. “She is the serving girl who spilt wine on Arthur’s head. I shall spare her life for that amusement. Mordred, hold the child so that she can’t do anything foolish.”
Peri struggled as her sworn enemy Mordred held her in his arms.
“Let us finish this Morgaine.”
“Now we know why Perceval was so pure and never lay with a woman. Tell me girl, why don’t we go somewhere quieter?”
Merlin caused a peel of thunder to sound in the cave and waggled a finger at Mordred. “Leave her be or even Morgaine will be unable to piece all the parts of you back together for a burial.”
Morgaine let loose destructive energies at Merlin and he countered them with a powerful shield. “I am stronger than thee Merlin, you were a teacher but the student is far more able.”
Merlin reversed the flow of power and sent the energies back at Morgaine but she stopped them just in time. “I’ve lived a dozen lifetimes Morgaine, I’ve done more terrible things than you can possibly know. You still have much to learn.”
Mordred put a knife to Peri’s throat. “Enough Merlin, resist my mother anymore and I shall kill the girl.”
“My life is nought Merlin, slay them both.” Peri was silenced by Mordred’s gauntlet over her mouth.
Merlin looked at Mordred eyes and saw the look of a killer in them. “Enough Morgaine, there will be no killing here.” Maybe there was one last trick to play before Morgaine could act.
Morgaine nodded. “Release her Mordred.”
Merlin stood still as Mordred cast one final spell at him.
Peri screamed as Merlin was sealed within a large block of ice. “Release him!” She broke free of Mordred and slashed at the ice with her sword but it was in vain, as her sword broke upon the magical ice.
Morgaine put her hand on Peri’s shoulder. “Merlin is no more, I suggest that you lay down your hatred of my son and become his consort.”
“Get out of here.” Peri spat in anger. “I swore myself to Merlin’s side and I’ll never leave him, never.”
Mordred laughed. “You are a fool girl, very well we’ll leave you to your wait. Know this though, should you grow lonely my bed will always be warm for you. I’m sure Mother would welcome any grandchildren you could give her.
Morgaine looked at Peri sadly before turning to leave. “Come my son, we have much work to do if we wish to trace the course to Avalon.” With a flash of brilliant bluish white light, the two were gone leaving Peri alone with the body of Merlin.