Work Text:
Merlin woke from an unnatural slumber, his mind partially clouded. The flow of energy here was different from back at home, plus he could feel that he was tied securely to a chair with ropes strengthened by magic. His hands were free, but that wouldn't help without tools or magic.
"Ah, Merlin, so we meet at last. I apologize for your unwanted nap, but capturing you was vital for the war. Tell me, do you recognize me?"
Merlin tried tapping into energy wells, but with no luck. Someone -- undoubtedly the man in front of him -- blocked him from using them. "Judging by your thick beard, curly red hair, and the flow of your magic, I see only two real choices. It's not cold enough for this to be Fadatuath's home, nor does the energy match the mountainous north, so you must be Gorbrisio."
"Excellent! You're just as talented as I expected you to be. Now, I'm sure you're wondering why Britannia's greatest wizard is here in Wessex and not back in Logres."
"Obviously it's so I can't support King Drian Pendragon in his war against your king, Beortric. You do, of course, realize that Nimue can still match any of Wessex's wizards."
"Ah, but that's only half the story. You'll be my guest for some time, though, so how about a game of Chess?"
"Why not? I'm not about to get up and leave."
"Hah! Since this is my home, surely you won't begrudge giving me the white pieces."
With a couple swirls of Gorbrisio's fingers, a table slid between them followed by a chess board and thirty-two pieces arranging themselves on top.
"You know, Merlin, wizards like us located chess in a distant land. Without us, it could be centuries before chess reached Britannia. And yet, we remain so limited."
"Oh?"
"We still haven't found a way around water. Although we draw our power in a direct line from energy wells, even sixty feet of water -- such as any decent-sized river -- is enough to block it."
"If only there was a way to loop around a river instead of needing a straight line! I'm surprised you picked a spot mostly surrounded by a river's curve."
"Why not? I still have full access to two energy wells and, despite smaller rivers, limited access to six more. I would know right away if someone tried to use them, as you tried when you woke up, which is why the city's minor wizards require my permission. Furthermore, the river's curve protects me from stronger wizards such as yourself."
"As do these ropes!"
"That too, of course. At least you're unharmed, unlike the chess knight I just captured!"
"You should've targeted the other one, as it's about to slide past your defenses. Check!"
Gorbrisio frowned. "Clever, very clever. Sadly, it won't help you with your predicament. I've been studying your magic over the past couple decades, and I WILL figure out how to get past the river limitation."
"Any progress, dare I ask?"
"Some, but of course, it will speed up with your help. After all, it's been two and a half centuries since you served King Arthur, and you've undoubtedly gotten stronger since them."
With a flourish, one of Merlin's bishops took another pawn. "How do you know I won't just outplay you?"
Gorbrisio's eyes narrowed. "In case you forgot, I cut you off from every energy well you can reach. You won't even stand up if I don't want you to. I would hate to have to use force, so please don't force my hand."
"Very well; I suppose I can give you some assistance, but I'd need access -- even limited access -- to an energy well to do so."
"Nice try, Merlin, but I'm sure you can give some ideas without it."
"Fine. Hydrogigatransporters disseminate dynamo-exertions, but intermediary arcano-reflections circumvent predesignated unsatisfactory interruption."
"That... you... I have a headache just thinking about what you just said!"
Merlin smiled and slid his rook. "And that's why I won't be able to help you without any magic. Also, check."
Gorbrisio scowled and moved his king. "I suppose I can give you SOME access." Gorbrisio waved his hand and muttered. "There. You have limited access to an energy well about twelve miles west of us, assuming you can handle the river."
Merlin reached out. It was a weaker well, and it was limited by the river, but was certainly usable. "Picked the weakest of the eight wells you could reach?"
"Why not? We're on opposite sides, and we both know you're stronger than me, so I'm not foolish enough to give you anywhere near full power."
"A wise decision."
"So show me what you can do to help me."
"As I said -- double check, by the way -- you need an arcano-reflection to circumvent unsatisfa-"
Gorbrisio pushed his king forward. "Less words, Merlin, and more progress."
"As you wish." Merlin waved his hand, and to Gorbrisio's horror, Merlin's ropes crumbled away. "Satisfied?"
Wide-eyed, Gorbrisio fearfully threw a fireball at Merlin, who blocked it effortlessly. "HOW!? How are you doing this? You only had access to one of Wessex's weakest pools! The ropes should have been impenetrable!"
As Merlin stood up, Gorbrisio cast a dozen lightning bolts, all of them deflected.
"Oh, that's easy." Merlin crooked a finger, and knife of energy slammed into Gorbrisio's chest. "All I had to do was bounce a line from well to well until it reached an energy well back in Logres."
Gorbrisio slumped over. "Then you... you..."
"... have no problem reaching around rivers." Merlin slid his rook forward. "Checkmate."
As Gorbrisio expired, Merlin sauntered out the door.