At dusk, Arthur, Merlin and the knights made camp. Arthur and the knights were joking and laughing but Merlin was not. Arthur gave him a questioning look but said nothing.

After supper was cleared up the men took to there bed rolls while Lancelot stood watch as arranged.

As soon as Merlin heard Arthur's familiar snore, he sat up and put on his boots. He looked around to make sure everyone was asleep before moving from his bedroll. He gave Lancelot a nod then headed off into the woods.

Merlin walked along the edge of a stream until he felt he was far enough away from the camp and Arthur. He found a fallen log to sit on while he waited for his visitor.

Merlin waited for awhile and the moon was already high in the sky. He felt a tap on his shoulder and turned quickly to see who it was. He expected Arthur or one of the knights to be standing there but Death was there instead with a smile on her face.

“I see that you're still hiding from your king.” She tapped his chin with her bare bone finger. “Do you not trust him?”

“He will have no choice but to kill me for my magick. I won't let that happen.” Merlin looked at her then looked at the ground. “Where is my visitor? Or is it just you come to tease me?”

Death laughed. “Is my visage frightening to you, Emrys? I can change it if you like.”

Merlin raised his head and stood. He glared at her in silence.

“Much better!” Death looked at the moon. “Your visitor comes. I will see you….shortly.” She faded into nothing.

“Hello Merlin.”

Merlin drew in a breath and turned around. “Freya!”

She was dressed in a gown of blue and white with gold embroidery around the neckline. She looked like a queen.

Merlin stepped close to her and took her hand in his. He was surprised when it was warm to the touch. “I miss you so much but why are you here?”

“I've come to give you a warning.” Freya looked at him with love in her eyes. “Please hear me. By this time next year, one of the Round Table will fall. You must be on guard. Arthur will want to be the sacrifice but you must not let it be.”

Merlin smiled. “You know I will protect Arthur with my very life.”

“Do not take his place.” Freya reached up and stroked his cheek. “If you do many lives will be lost. Do you understand? You must let the knight fall or all will be lost. It is his fate.”

“Which knight?” Merlin asked.

“I cannot tell you that. I'm not allowed.” Freya sighed. “I must return. Remember me fondly, Merlin, as I remember you.” She let go of his hand and stepped back before she disappeared.

Merlin closed his eyes and clenched his jaw. One of the Round Table? He looked in the direction of camp. He realized she meant the knights of the stone round table in the castle of the ancient kings. All of which were in camp right now. He wiped his hand over his face and groaned.

“What is it Emrys? Is the burden of your magick too great?” Death whispered in his ear.

“Those men are my friends.” Merlin moved away from her. “I can handle my magick just fine.”

Death smiled. “I'm pleased. For you are about to receive one more gift this Samhain Eve. Take my hand.” She held out her bare bones to him.

Merlin took her hand and looked her in the eye. “What do you have to give me? I already have the power over life and death.”

“I give you the gift of the Seer’s Eye. From this day forward, you will see the fate of all others … except your own. Not even I can give you that.” She pulled him to her and kissed his lips.

Merlin pulled his hand away and jumped back.

“Did you not enjoy my kiss?” Death laughed. “Shame. I truly enjoyed it. See you again soon, Emrys.” She faded away.

Merlin wiped his mouth and shuddered. “Now that was frightening.”