Change of Plans

Morgana stormed off down the hall and once she knew she was out of sight she took a deep breath and sank to the floor as a piercing pain shot through her arms. She began feeling dizzy and nauseous. Hearing someone approaching from down the hall Morgana stood up and slid behind a long tapestry that hung on the wall behind her. Peeking out from behind the heavy cloth Morgana watched as the Patrol Guards rounded the corner and walked pass her.
One of the Guard’s belt buckles caught Morgana’s attention, and as she focused in on what it was the sharp pains that were shooting up her arm sped up and caused her to break out in a sweat. Her vision went blurry and she felt a warming sensation travel through her body. In that same moment the guard’s belt snapped. Morgana caught her breath as the guard reached down to pick up the sword. Once he had secured the belt around his waist the two guards continued down the hall, but Morgana stood behind the tapestry stunned. All the things that Morgause told her about magic came rushing back. Morgana had magic and whether she wanted to admit it or not her power was going to find a way out.
Back in her chambers Morgana began tossing pillows around and looking behind curtains, “Where are you?” She called out into the sky. “If you know so much about magic then where are you?”
“I am here. You do not need to shout. I have been keeping an eye on you since your parents died, and even though you dismissed my help before I knew it would just be a matter of time before you requested my help.” Morgause explained calmly to Morgana. She stood in front of Morgana in a long blue cloak and her long blonde hair draped over her shoulder.
“I do not want your help… I want to know the truth. What exactly happened to my parents? Why did I not die in the fire with them? What is happening to me?” Morgana was overwhelmed and out of breath.
Morgause led her to a chair and poured her a cup of tea. Morgana cautiously took the tea and let it rest on her lap.
“Do not be frightened. It is normal tea, I will have a cup too. It is made from the honey tree just outside of the castle grounds. It will help keep your dreams at bay so you can have a restful night’s sleep.” Morgause smiled a friendly smile and took a sip of tea. “ I know this is all a bit overwhelming, and maybe I should have explained things a bit more clearly the other day so that you would not be so frightened of this change that is occurring.”
Morgana lifted up the tea and took a small sip. She was not sure if she could really trust Morgause, but she did not have much of a choice. Morgause was obviously telling the truth about having worked for Morgana’s parents, so she must have been telling the truth when she said that Morgana’s mother also had magic.
“Morgana, it is like I told you the other day. Magic is power. There are some people who embrace their power and others who cower in front of it. Power is not a bad thing, but it is something that needs to be nurtured and protected. King Uther is frightened by the power magic gives people. He is frightened that someday someone will become powerful enough to overthrow him. So he banned the use of magic and the old religion. Anyone who is found practicing magic will be hung… know this already.” Morgause said nodding towards Morgana as she paused to take another sip of her tea. “Even with Uther’s law many people still practiced magic, some people could not help it. It is like growing up, it is a natural process that cannot be controlled. Uther does not see it that way. All he can see with his greedy eyes is that his people are becoming more powerful than him. The laws became more strict and Uther declared that the land be purified of all who practice magic. This caused many people to go into hiding until the purge was over.”
“So that is when you claim Uther killed my parents?” Morgana asked, unsure if she really wanted to know the answer.
“No, Uther started with the poor common folk then realized that even the greatest Lords of the land practiced magic. When he discovered your mother was a natural born Priestess Uther was outraged. He claimed that she and your father had betrayed him. Uther ordered that your parents stop using magic, but like you… it was something your mother could not control. The power inside of her needed to be released. Without another thought Uther ordered that your home be burned to the ground. Many of the town’s people were shocked and whispers of rebel groups being formed surfaced. So in order to safe face in front of his people Uther made it seem as though the fire was an accident. Then he learned of your survival so he took you in and raised you as his own. This made him seem like a kind and compassionate man to the people. Once they saw him acting as a father to a poor orphaned girl the rumors of a rebellion died off.” Morgause explained. She looked at Morgana who was looking down at the empty tea cup in her lap. “My dear, I know it is a lot to process, and I know that none of it seems true because in your eyes Uther has always been kind. I wish it weren’t true. I wish you could go on living your life as you planned. Without the fear of being killed by someone you consider to be family, but I swear every word I have told you tonight is true.”