|The Beginning of The End|

A/N - So life got hectic which meant that I honestly didn't have any time to write. This has taken me quite a while but if your reading this it means that I finished all of the chapters of series 1. My life has gotten back to normal and I'll probably go back to writing now. So if you have an episode request then tell me and if I have the time/if I think it has potential then I'll do it.

And if you prefer the "writing style," of this chapter/it being more detailed then tell me and I'll improve the previous ones as re-reading them I'm not all too happy with them. This chapter has less humor than previous ones because it was quite a serious episode where the main focus was to stop Uther executing a child.

Also just for context, writing the first 8 minutes of the story takes about an hour...so..

Summary - Merlin and the knights go on a hunting trip and of course it's bound to go wrong. When they are captured by Morgana, Merlin is forced to reveal his magic to Arthur (Reveal!Fic , Characters watching the show)

Disclaimer - I don't own Merlin.

This is my longest chapter so far.

. . .

The lower town of Camelot was full of life, it's citizens all hurrying around carrying out their day to day lives. Stalls were scattered around by the sides of the cobbled walkways and people were begging and bartering over the merchants wares. In the midst of the crowd there were two hooded figures, an older man with a rugged beard and curled hair and a young boy barely half his size with dark curled locks of hair and bright cerulean eyes.

Arthur felt a jolt of recognition surge through him at the sight of the boy, "Mordred?" He turned his questioning gaze onto Merlin who slowly, almost hesitantly, nodded.

"You know the lad?" Gwaine frowned and tilted his head slightly.

Arthur and Merlin shared a look and Merlin gestured for Arthur to be the one to explain, "The boy was taken in by Morgana and she, with the aid of Gwen and Merlin and the reluctant assistance of Gaius managed to save the boy from being executed." He paused, "I smuggled him out into the woods and the boy told me his name."

Leon didn't even try to hide his surprise, "You aided a druid sire?" His tone held no judgement, only curiosity.

They made their way through the crowds towards a middle aged man standing behind a stall, numerous herbs and items were spread on the table and a pouch of gold hung at his hip. He eyed up the two nervously and his eyes flicked towards the guards stood at their posts, the weight of what he was about to do weighing on his mind.

"Do you have my supplies ready? We must leave the city without delay." The man questioned, putting a protective arm around his young ward's shoulders, pulling the boy closer to him.

The stallholder nodded and retrieved a pouch full of herbs and handed it towards the man, "Everything you asked for, it's all here." His gaze focused on the guards behind the duo that were approaching and he shot them both an apologetic look, "I'm sorry..." The man turned around to see the guards approaching, swords and pikes at the ready, he made a split second decision and pulled Mordred under the stallholder's table with him as they ran for their lives.

Percival stared at the stallholder with what looked like contempt, an almost alien expression on the normally gentle man's face. His brow creased and he frowned, "Did he really sell them out?"

Merlin shifted his weight uncomfortably from foot to foot, "Yes but he probably felt like he had no other choice..not that I agree with his choice but had it been discovered that he knew they were druids, or it was even suspected that he knew as such then he would be executed and his family would be placed under suspicion."

"He was a good man." Arthur interjected, "Name's Lucan or at least it was Lucan, he ran an Apothecary on the outskirts of town and had a wife and three children."

Leon shot Arthur a sad look, being one of the few in the room to know the fate of the man whilst Gwaine and Percival both looked confused.

"Had?" Elyan questioned, "That's past tense Arthur."

"He died." Arthur explained, "During the attack on Camelot, it was when Morgana took control and fired into the crowds...he was one of the bystanders and was shot whilst his wife and two of his children died when the veil was torn." Leon winced at Arthur's statement, he had been the Knight to lead that rebellion it was meant to have been a show of their loyalty to the King and the oaths that they had taken.

Instead innocents had died because of their stubbornness. And it wasn't the first time people had died because of him, either directly or indirectly and looking back Leon was certain that barring Merlin and Arthur he had more blood on his hands than anyone in the Round Table.

To Mordred the guards seemed like monsters and as he ran he couldn't help but think the sound of the guards shouting sounded all too similar to the sound of the wolves in the forests howling as they hunted down and tore apart their prey. He whimpered and tried to keep up.

"Stop them! Seize them!"

A guard caught up to them and managed to slash Mordred's arm with his sword, the boy cried out and his mentor's eyes flared gold as he called out a spell and send the guard crashing into the stacks of hay lying next to the citadel's gates.

The man looked between his ward and the gates, then the guards, then his eyes clouded over and he slouched slightly kneeling down to the boy's level. Unbeknownst to his ward the man had just accepted his fate.

"Abannan átí." The man's eyes flared and the gates started to close, he turned his attention to the boy, "Run! Run! Run!"

Mordred reluctantly fled towards the gates leaving his mentor behind, the gates came to a close and the last thing Mordred saw was his friend being apprehended by the Knights of Camelot.

"Poor child," Gaius murmured, "Far too many have seen their families die because of the war on magic."

Arthur shot Gaius what he hoped was a comforting smile and sighed, his expression making him look ancient, "Hopefully, after this, we can put an end to that." Arthur didn't miss the way Merlin lit up at that statement, at the confirmation that things were going to change - that Arthur was going to change them for the better.

Merlin was making his way through the corridors of the Castle, he froze with shock as a voice rang out in his mind 'Help!' Frowning he looked around the corridor, tensing slightly when he realised no-one was there.

The voice called out again and he followed it, heading towards where he thought it was, and he was led out to the Square. He scanned the Square for the source of the voice, it was a boy. A child that couldn't have been more than eleven years old.

The boy met Merlin's gaze, 'Help me! Please!'

Merlin looked at the boy hiding behind the stone ledge, 'Please you have to help me!' The boys' eyes darted around wildly and Merlin caught on to what he was looking at.

A group of Camelot's guards were searching the courtyard, "You search there! Take the other side!" He paused to approach a man, "Did you see a boy run through here?"

'They're searching for me.' The boy replied, Merlin frowned at the implication.

'Why are they after you?' Merlin questioned, uneasy about the situation.

"How did you know how to do it?" Elyan questioned, "The mind talk thing.."

Merlin paused thoughtfully, "I had used it briefly with Kilgharrah before as that was how he reached out to me but it was more instinctual, I just knew how to."

"It's how the druids communicate Elyan," Gaius explained, "Merlin is, strictly speaking, seen as a leader or symbol to the druids and because he is Emrys and magic itself then most of his magic is instinctual as opposed to learned and the telepathy goes alongside that."

'They're going to kill me.' The boy pleaded, his eyes wide. He was clearly terrified.

Merlin thought for a second before nodding at the boy, the guards were still searching and he just hoped that he wouldn't go on to regret this. Making his way to a side entrance he gestured for the boy to come to him. 'This way! Run. Run!' His instructions grew more urgent as he heard the guards call out, "Hey! There is is! Alert the rest of the guards!"

Merling grabbed the boy's hand and pulled him up the stairway, the sound of the guards calling out behind them could be heard "In there! Quick! Down there! We've got him!"

"I'm torn between being proud of you for saving the boy and being frustrated at your lack of any sort of self-preservation instinct." Gaius muttered although he regretted his words when he saw the way his ward winced. Mordred was still a sore topic for them both. Merlin was glad he saved the boy but the implications of the fact that the boy was alive and how large a part Morgana had played in his life seemed to be nothing but a bad omen. Kilgharrah's warning echoing in his head.

Gwaine clapped Merlin on the back, "Well I'm proud of you mate! Did I ever tell you about the time I saved a Princess' life using only a wooden sword and some rope?"

Everyone groaned simultaneously, all used to Gwaine's stories by now. They still didn't know whether to believe anything that came out of his mouth but they were also just grateful it wasn't Gwaine detailing his time with the many women that he had met on his travels - some things should really stay private.

Merlin knew that there was only one place nearby that he could be safe, that he and the boy could hide in. Rushing to the door he just hoped he wasn't making a mistake, bursting into Morgana's chambers he just hoped that she would be willing to help him.

"Have you forgotten how to knock Merlin!?" Her protests died on her lips as she saw the boy Merlin had with him, shooting him a panicked and questioning look she waited for him to explain.

Pulling the boy closer to him he explained, "The guards are after him...I didn't know what to do." Silently he pleaded with Morgana to understand, if she handed the boy over then she would be signing both of their death warrants.

The sound of guards knocking at the door seemed to break Morgana out of her trance, "In there." She pointed behind her changing screen and waited until the pair were hidden to answer the door.

"She saved our lives." Merlin looked at the scene with a grief-stricken expression, "She saved us all so many times and now she wants us dead, if what she said in the caves was true then she's no longer above hurting druids to do it."

Elyan sighed, "I knew her when she was a child...briefly...through Gwen but it's strange seeing how she used to be." He shrugged, "She seems like she had been kind, good like you Arthur and now.."

"Now she's as twisted as Uther." Merlin finished for him.

"I'm sorry to disturb you My Lady," The guard inclined his head respectfully, "But we are searching for a young druid boy that we believe may have came this way."

Shooting the guard her practiced smile, one so often used on various members of the court, "I haven't seen anyone..it's just me and my maid."

The guard nodded, "Best keep the door locked until we find him Mi'lady."

"Of course." She smiled, "Thank you." Morgana closed the door and hurried over to where Merlin and the druid boy were, the boy had collapsed onto Merlin and his skin was pale and clammy.

Merlin and Morgana shared twin looks of horror when they realised that Merlin's hand was coated in the young boy's blood.

. . .

The scene changed to show Arthur, Uther and various council members inside the Council Chambers, Arthur was trying to reason with his Father "The druid was only in Camelot to collect supplies, he meant no harm, is it really necessary to execute him?"

"Absolutely necessary." Uther replied without hesitation, "Those who use magic cannot be tolerated."

"So we shouldn't tolerate you then..." Merlin muttered to himself.

Arthur tried to reason with his Father once again, clearly not feeling the same hatred and anger towards the druid as his Father, "The druids are a peaceful people."

"Given the chance, they would return magic to the kingdom." He intoned, "They preach peace, but conspire against me. We cannot appear weak."

Arthur let out a hollow chuckle, "That was one of the first things he taught me as a child...do not appear weak, two children...they must have been some noble's sons had said something about my Mother and I had cried." He ran a hand through his hair, "When my Father found me rather than punshing the boys or offering support he merely told me to stop crying as it made me and by extension him appear weak." He sighed, "The next time I found them I didn't cry and I punched one of the boy's instead...he had told me he was proud of me for it."

"Because violence is always the answer." Percival muttered dryly, although he could understand where Arthur and perhaps even Uther had came from. His own, original, motivations for helping Arthur were purely selfish - he had wanted a chance to get revenge on those who had raided his village and killed everyone he loved. That's what he had been doing when he had found Lancelot, making Cenred's life as hard as possible.

"An eye for an eye makes the world go blind." Gwaine intoned proudly, clearly pleased with himself for that answer.

Leon chuckled, "I believe I'm the one who taught you that phrase Gwaine."

"Showing mercy can be a sign of strength." Arthur offered, trying one more time to stop his Father killing the man.

"And that is why you will always be a better King than he Arthur." Merlin commented with a small, proud smile.

Uther shook his head, "Our enemies will not see it that way, we have a responsibility to protect this Kingdom and executing the druid will send a clear message..." he turned his attention back to the guards who were awaiting his instructions, "Find the boy...search every inch of the city."

Gwaine rolled his eyes, "Because god forbid a child survives...the great and all'mighty Uther Pendragon afraid to let a child life."

. . .

The boy was lying in Morgana's chambers, breathing shallowly whilst Merlin and Morgana looked out upon the Square where the druid is waiting to be executed. Uther and Arthur were stood on the balcony.

Uther addressed the crowd that had gathered, "People of Camelot, the man before you is guilty of using enchantments and magic. Under our law, the sentence for this crime is death. We're still searching for his accomplice. Anyone found harboring the boy is guilty of conspiracy, and will be executed as a traitor. Let this serve as a warning to your people."

Merlin and Morgana shared a nervous look at the declaration, if they were caught then they would be executed as traitors.

The druid met Uther's stony gaze, "You have let your fear of magic turn to hate. I pity you."

Gaius looked at the man with respect, "It takes a lot to pity the man sentencing you to death."

"I suppose that was just how the druids were." Leon commented ruefully, "Peaceful and wiser than any of us." Gwaine clapped Leon on the back in the hopes of comforting the man whilst Arthur just placed a hand on his shoulder.

Morgana turned away from her window, her voice brimming with emotion and her eyes full of unshed tears, "I can't watch this." She moved to the floor and cradled Mordred.

Uther signaled for the man to be executed and as the axe fell the boy's voice rang out in the minds of Merlin and Morgana, a gut-wrenching cry "No!" That caused Morgana's mirror to break into pieces.

Merlin gazed at the boy with a mixture of sympathy and fear, he hadn't seen anyone like that before.

"He was powerful then." Leon commented, gesturing to the mirror.

Merlin nodded, "He probably felt the man die...that kind of trauma mixed with magic and emotion...we're lucky all he did was break a mirror."

. . .

The scene changed to Merlin and Gaius inside the Physician's chambers, Merlin turned to Gaius with a curious expression "Do you know much about the Druids?" Merlin absently stirred his metal spoon around in the bowl, whilst Gaius was writing something on his parchment.

Gaius shook his head, "Very little. They're very secretive people. Especially now they're being hunted by Uther." He frowned and turned to Merlin with an exasperated and panicked gaze, "Merlin, please tell me you haven't got yourself mixed up in this." He pointed his quill threateningly at his ward, hoping that for once he hadn't gotten himself in danger.

"Me?" Merlin questioned, feigning innocence, "No. Mixed up in what?" His voice rose an ovctave, giving away the lie.

Sighing Gaius looked at his ward with a tired expression, "For someone with such a big secret, you are a terrible liar."

"I know right!?" Gwaine exclaimed, "I've said it before and I'll say it again...we are the most unobservant people in Camelot as he..." pointing an accusing finger at Merlin, "Seems to be a terrible liar."

Elyan chuckled, "Or at least he was then...that is on Arthur and Leon, it's not our fault if he got better at it by the time we arrived."

Merlin kept up the act, "Well, I haven't done anything."

"Merlin…" Gaius warned, waiting for his ward to tell him the truth, certain that this boy was going to be the death of him.

Merlin finally cracked, "I heard the boy calling out." His expression was sad as he explained what had happened. "He was nowhere to be seen, but I could hear him… like he was inside my mind." Merlin gestured to his temple and looked to Gaius for an explanation, clearly confused by the events.

"Yes, I've heard of this ability." Sighing he elaborated, "The Druids look for children with such gifts to serve as apprentices. While they're searching for this boy, you must be especially careful otherwise it'll be your head on the chopping block."

"So not every child can do it?" Gwen asked.

Gaius shook his head, "No...most can but not all druids are magic and the boy was especially powerful and competent at it for someone his age."

Merlin shot Gaius his trademark smile, "I'm always careful. You know me."

"Yes, Merlin, unfortunately I do." Gaius retorted without a smile, clearly not reassured by his ward's confidence.

. . .

Merlin entered Morgana's chambers and shot the boy a worried look, he had a bundle of supplies tucked under his arm. "How is he?"

"He's sleeping." Morgana replied quietly, her expression was one of concern, "He's very pale. I worry he may have lost a lot of blood." They made their way over to the curtain, Merlin placed the supplies on the table before joining Morgana where she was.

Merlin sighed and looked back towards the boy, "Has he said anything at all?"

"Nothing." Morgana looked at the boy sadly, wishing that he would talk to her and that this hadn't happened. That he hadn't been caught and forced to hear his mentor's execution. "He won't even tell me his name."

The two stood in a somber silence before Merlin broke it, shooting Morgana an awkward smile "You know, er, for a moment there earlier, I- I thought you were going to hand us over to the guards." He confessed, scratching at his head nervously.

Morgana rolled her eyes and shot him an unimpressed look, "I'm glad you have so much faith in me, Merlin." She commented dryly, hurt by his comment.

"Great job there mate!" Gwaine called out, "Insult the woman who is helping you hide the person everyone in Camelot is searching for!"

Merlin went bright red and tried to stammer out an explanation, "No, no, sorry. Erm, I meant, you're the King's ward. You're taking a huge risk helping the boy."

"I wouldn't see an innocent child executed." She retorted, clearly repulsed by the fact people did. "What harm has he ever done anyone?"

Merlin hesitated before continuing, "Uther believes he has magic, and that makes him guilty."

"Uther's wrong." Morgana didn't miss a beat before replying, she did not share Uther's beliefs or ideals.

"You believe that?" He asked, clearly surprised.

"What if magic isn't something you choose? What if it chooses you?" Morgana questioned, her gaze making it look as if she was talking to herself. Her brow furrowed at Merlin's expression, something akin to hope had flashed across Merlin's features and his eyes were full of emotion, "Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Nothing." He replied automatically, tearing his gaze away from her and back to the boy.

Morgana eyed Merlin with curiosity, "Why are you helping him?" Her head tilted in an almost silent challenge, daring him to disagree with her.

Merlin let out a small chuckle, "It was a spur of the moment decision." He didn't elaborate and before Morgana could question him further he changed the topic, "What do you think we should do with him? He can't stay here."

"We have to find a way to get him back to his people." She told him, already trying to work out how they were going to do it.

Arthur turned to see Merlin looking emotional, for lack of a better word, "You alright?"

Merlin gulped and nodded, "Yeah...yes..it's just hard...I could have told her...I could have said I agreed with her but I was too much of a coward." His tone turned bitter towards the end, Merlin tried to school his features. This was one of the moments that he regretted, he remembered what he had done later on in the name of destiny and whilst he had fixed it it didn't make him regret it any less. And seeing Morgana be so open with him, watching them interact and knowing that he was hiding from her and she trusted him and knowing what he would go on to do.

Well it was just hard for him to watch.

. . .

The scene changed to show Morgana and Uther dining in the Great Hall, Uther shot Morgana a look of concern "You seem troubled, Morgana. Is something wrong?" She had been quiet all evening and it was starting to worry him.

Morgana took a sip of her goblet and shook her head and shot him an apologetic smile, "No, My Lord. I'm sorry I'm not better company."

"I'm merely concerned for your welfare, that's all."

Morgana smiled and tried to reassure him, schooling her features to mask her worry, "Thank you, My Lord. All is well."

"See!" Gwaine crowed, "That's how you lie!"

Their exchange was cut short when the sound of the doors opening signalled Arthur's arrival, Uther immediately turned his attention to his son and the current manhunt going on throughout the city, "What news of the hunt for the Druid boy?"

Arthur sighed and leaned on one of the chairs in the hall, facing his Father, "We have conducted an extensive search. The boy is nowhere to be found."

Uther stiffened and leaned back in his chair, shooting Arthur a challenging look, "You mean you failed to find him?"

"Perhaps he's already left the city." Arthur reasoned, trying to get his Father to call off the search.

Uther scoffed as he took a drink from his goblet, "You're telling me that a wounded boy is able to evade the guards and escape the city?" He raised his eyebrows and smirked at Arthur's lack of response, "Nonsense, someone's hiding him. I want him found."

Arthur gestured helplessly, "He's just a boy. What harm can he do?"

Gwen gently squeezed Arthur's arm, a silent gesture to show that she was proud of him and what he had done.

"He is a Druid, and that makes him dangerous." Uther growled, clearly annoyed by his son's willingness to allow the boy to escape.

Morgana chose that moment to intervene, "The Druids would see your father's kingdom destroyed." She said with a confident nod towards Uther, hoping it would be enough to evade suspicion.

Arthur looked at Morgana and glared at her, surprised by her comment and angry at the fact she was helping his Father rationalise the murder of an innocent boy, "I had no idea you were such an authority on Druids."

Uther cut Arthur off, his tone leaving no room for a challenge, "Morgana is right. Double your efforts."

"Yes, father." Arthur replied automatically, his tone blank. He exited the Dining Hall with a frustrated expression.

Uther called out at Arthur as he left, "Keep searching until you find him."

. . .

The scene changed to show Merlin entering Morgana's chambers where a worried looking Morgana was waiting for him, the boy's skin was clammy and he seemed to be feverish.

Merlin felt his brow and his expression became serious, "He's burning up. How long has he been like this?"

"Since early this morning." Morgana bit her lip anxiously and eyed up the bandaged wound, "I think his wound may be infected. We need Gaius before it gets any worse."

"No." Merlin muttered, before she could protest he explained "We can't involve Gaius. It's too dangerous. Besides, if he finds out about this, he'll execute me himself."

"I was tempted..." Gaius commented, "Although I couldn't decide between hanging or beheading."

Morgana looked at him helplessly, "We need to get him out of Camelot, and we can't do that while he's sick. We need a physician."

"I'll treat him." Merlin declared, sounding much braver than he actually felt.

Morgana shot him a skeptical expression, "Merlin, do you know how to treat an infected wound?"

"Not exactly, but I'm a fast learner." He smiled grimly, knowing that they didn't really have much of a choice.

The sound of booted footsteps outside the chambers and knocking at Morgana's door caused the pair to jump in alarm, Morgana hurriedly pulled the curtain shut whilst Merlin stayed with Mordred. Schooling her expression she opened the door and was greeted by Arthur and his guards.

"Arthur!" She called out in mock jubilation, "To what do I owe this pleasure?" She questioned sarcastically, hoping that he would leave.

Arthur rolled his eyes, "Don't get all excited. It's not a social call. I'm looking for the Druid boy. I'm afraid I'm going to have to search your chambers."

"You're not searching my chambers." Morgana said, sounding outraged.

Arthur entered her room, disregarding her protest "Don't take it personally. I have to search the entire castle. Only take a few minutes."

"I'm not having you mess up my things." She tried again, sounding annoyed, hovering as Arthur made his way around her room.

Arthur sighed, "I'm not interested in your things, I'm just looking for any evidence that the Druid boy's in the castle." At that statement Merlin noticed the boy's books sitting out in the open, in plain sight, panicking he tried to come up with a plan - knowing that those boots would be all the proof Arthur needed.

"Perhaps the Druid boy's hiding in your chambers. They're usually such a mess, you'd never know." Morgana retorted childishly, hoping to get a rise out of Arthur so that he'd just up and leave.

Arthur looked offended, "It's hardly my fault I have such a lazy idiot for a servant."

"Offended." Merlin said with mock-hurt, "It's hardly my fault that I have to spend so much time saving your Prattish backside."

"Bestepe 'scós." Merlin whispered from behind the curtain, his eyes flared gold and the boots seemed to come to life. Tiptoeing towards Merlin.

Morgana scoffed, "If you can't even find your own servant, what hope do you have of finding the boy?"

"Gestælle scós." He whispered as Arthur was about to turn around, letting out a small sigh of relief when they hid behind a column.

"Really, I'm touched by the confidence you have in my abilities." Arthur retorted sarcastically, "And, as much as I'd love to stay and talk, the sooner we get started, the sooner we'll be finished."

"Ástýre scós." Merlin whispered again, the boots hurrying to and making it behind the curtain. He practically collapsed with relief.

Morgana smirked, "Well, I'll save you the trouble-"

"Trust me, if I could find him, I would."

"The Druid boy's hiding behind the screen. I'm sure your father would love to know how you wasted your time by rifling through my things. Go on." Morgana smiled, hoping he would fall for her bluff, she was practically radiating confidence and her eyebrow was raised in a silent challenge.

Gwaine crowed with delight, "Oh! Imagine if you'd actually looked...instead she told you where it was and refused to even look...a true stroke of genius!"

Arthur groaned, "I remember how I felt when she revealed he had been there the entire time, seeing it like this just makes it all that worse." He became a bit more sober, "Although I am happy that I didn't catch him."

Merlin's eyes went wide as he tried to work out what kind of game Morgana was playing.

"So you can have the satisfaction of making me look a fool?" Arthur commented dryly.

Morgana shot him a teasing smile, "In my experience, you don't need any help looking like a fool. What are you waiting for? Take a look." She walked towards the curtain and waited for him to pull it open.

Letting out an exasperated sigh, Arthur pouted and shot a childish glare at Morgana "Why don't you go back to brushing your hair, or whatever it is that you do all day?" He walked out of her chambers with an annoyed expression.

"Bye Arthur!" Morgana called out happily, "Good luck with the search!"

"I think I'm in love." Gwaine declared with a mock-swoon.

Percival shot his friend a disbelieving expression, "She tried to kill us." He reminded him, placing an emphasis on every word.

"Nobody's perfect!" Gwaine replied, "Wouldn't be the first time a woman has tried to kill me...I was in a tavern with a woman named Rosa...god the things she could do-" Everyone cut him off with a loud groan and Leon and Percival both hit him and placed hands over his mouth.

. . .

Merlin was sat inside the Physician's chambers, scanning through a book of Anatomy and medical treatments. It was massive and took up the entirtety of the small wooden bench that Merlin had placed it on, he mumbled to himself as he read it "Bites, bruises, burns, wounds… Infections…" He read the page and hurried towards a rack of bottles and herbs, taking those he needed and placing them into a small cotton pouch.

Gaius entered the room and looked up at his ward, "Ah, there you are. I need you to pick some heather for me."

"Er, can I do it later?" Merlin questioned hopefully, gesturing towards the door "I was just going out."

Gaius turned his attention towards the book that was lying on his bench, "Who set this book out?"

"It was me. I was doing some reading." Merlin said, ignoring Gaius' look of surprise.

"Oh?" Gaius questioned disbelivingly, raising his eyebrows in true Gaius fashion, "I'd given up hoping you might take more of an interest in my work."

Merlin shook his head and grinned at Gaius, hoping the man would let him go "No. It's fascinating."

Gaius looked at Merlin with disbelief, "Merlin, you are riddle wrapped up in a mystery."

"That's me." Merlin chuckled and gestured to his pouch, "I was just getting some cleaning supplies. Arthur's been complaining about the state of his chambers." He made a move to leave out of the chambers but Gaius' voice cut him off.

Gaius looked baffled, "I think Arthur's chambers can wait. I'm not missing the chance to begin your education."

"Really. I should go." Merlin protested weakly, already beginning to regret opening his mouth.

"Did you believe him or was that all just an elaborate way to punish him for getting involved with the druid boy and lying to you?" Gwen questioned curiously, smiling at Gaius.

The older man shrugged but there was a twinkle in his eye, "If it was true then I wasn't going to waste the chance to pass on all of my knowledge and begin his education and if it wasn't then I think it would have been a suitable way to deter Merlin from lying to me again."

"I'd never lie to you if that was the price I had to pay." Gwaine offered.

Arthur mock-shuddered, "I remember having to read your notes whilst searching your chambers, I couldn't understand any of it."

"That would probably be because you are a clotpole sire," Merlin chimed in, "It's not your fault if your all brawn and no brain."

"Sit! We'll start with some basic anatomy…" Gaius placed a giant medical textbook on the table of his Chambers, Merlin's face was one full of apprehension and regret.

Gaius raised his eyebrows at Merlin, "I seem to remember you being rather lost when I explained the anatomical and humoral aspects of our bodies?"

Merlin at least had the decency to go red at his mentor's statement.

. . .

By the time Merlin made it to Morgana's chambers it was night. He entered her chambers and was greeted by an anxious and frazzled looking Morgana, "What took you so long?"

Merlin sighed, "Sorry. Once Gaius gets talking about anatomy, there's no stopping him." Merlin made his way over to Mordred and started to treat Mordred, making a paste out of various herbs and water and applying it to Mordred's wound.

"Are you sure you know what you're doing?" Morgana questioned eyeing up Merlin's work and Mordred's wound uncertainly.

Merlin shook his head, "I'm doing my best."

"I'll get you some more water." Morgana offered, shooting Merlin a grateful and apologetic look.

'Thank you, Emrys.' The boy called out causing Merlin to jerk up slightly in surprise, he met the boy's gaze and frowned 'Emrys? Why do you call me that?'

The boy's voice seemed to reflect his condition as it grew fainter and more raspy with each word, 'Among my people, that is your name.'

Merlin's eyes widened at the implication, 'You know who I am. How?' The boy's eyes rolled, showing Merlin the whites of his eye. He repeated his question, the frustration causing him to speak out-loud "Speak to me."

Morgana came back just in time to hear Merlin speak, she shot the boy a sad look full of concern, "I don't know if he can't speak, or… he's just too scared to."

. . .

Merlin was hurrying through the tunnel towards the cave where Kilgharrah was being held captive, "Hello?" He called out once he reached the cave - "Hello!?" He called out again, looking into the darkness for any sign of the Great Dragon.

The dragon flew out from a corner, the chains groaning as the Dragon pulls on them, he let out a loud roar as he perched on the rock in front of Merlin.

"The Great Dragon of Riddles and jumpscares." Gwaine muttered.

Sighing Merlin looked at the Dragon with a tired expression, "Do you have to do that? You scared the life out of me."

Kilgharrah inclined his head at the young warlock, "The young warlock. No doubt you're here about the Druid boy." The Dragon intoned wisely, clearly knowledgeable about the events happening in Camelot.

Merlin looked surprised, "How did you know?"

"Like you, I hear him speak." Kilgharrah looked almost amused by Merlin's surprise.

Merlin nodded to himself before asking another question, "Why does he call me Emrys?"

"Because that is your name." Kilgharrah replied as if it was the most obvious question in the world.

Merlin frowned and shook his head, "I'm pretty sure my name's Merlin, always has been." he replied dumbly.

"You have many names." The Dragon intoned.

"Do I?" Merlin questioned, his brow furrowed as he tried to work out what the Dragon was talking about and how the druid boy fit into it. "How does the boy know who I am? I've never even met any Druids."

"There is much written about you that you have yet to read." Kilgharrah replied, before the Dragon's tone seemed to grow darker and his eyes harder, "You should not protect this boy."

Elyan frowned, "Surely he'd want you to protect him? He's a creature of magic and you both have magic?"

Merlin's eyes flickered to Arthur before he replied, "The Dragon wanted Albion to happen and he wanted my destiny to be fulfilled...or at least his version of it." He shrugged, "Kilgharrah saw one of the paths I could take and wanted me to stick to it...the boy was a danger to my destiny."

"Like Morgana?" Arthur questioned quietly, barely audible.

Merlin sighed, looking torn, it was a good minute before he could bring himself to reply, "Yes."

Merlin looked almost outraged by the suggestion, "Why? He has magic. He's just like me."

"You and the boy are as different as day and night."

"Love and hate...light and dark." Merlin muttered to himself, thinking back to the Dragon's previous warnings.

Merlin shook his head, squinting at the Dragon "What do you mean?"

Kilgharrah ignored the boy's question, "Heed my words, Merlin."

"He'd probably 'heed them' a hell of a lot better if you explained why you vague overgrown lizard!" Gwaine commented, at the others looks he chuckled and shrugged, "I'm seeing all of this for the first time...I'm getting drawn into it alright."

Merlin raised his voice as the Dragon flew off, "Why shouldn't I protect him!"

The Dragon flew back into the darkness without a reply, leaving Merlin at the entrance to the cave alone.

. . .

The scene changed to show Morgana and Gwen in Morgana's chambers, Morgana was tending to the boy who was becoming feverish. Gwen watched her with concern, "Let me care for him for a while. You need to sleep. You'll make yourself sick if you go on like this."

"His fever's getting worse." Morgana murmured, ignoring Gwen's offer.

The boy looked at Morgana with wide eyes, his breathing shallow "Morgana."

Morgana's head snapped up at the sound and she frowned at the boy in confusion, turning to Gwen she questioned her "Did you hear that?"

Gwen shook her head at the statement, clearly confused by the question "What?"

"He said my name." Morgana replied, focus on the boy.

Gwen looked surprised and turned her attention to the boy, "Did he? I didn't hear anything."

The sound of the door knocking caused them both to freeze momentarily until a voice called out, "It's Merlin." Gwen hurried over and opened the door, letting Merlin inside "How is he?"

Morgana looked upset, "He's getting weaker. Whatever you did yesterday, it hasn't worked. We have to ask Gaius for his help. After all you've done, you can't give up now! Please! If he doesn't receive treatment, he'll die!" Her voice grew louder and more emotional as Merlin hesitated, scratching at his head uncertianly.

Merlin debated with himself for a couple of seconds before sighing in defeat, "Okay."

. . .

The scene changed to show Merlin and Gaius in the Physician's chambers, "The search for this Druid boy is becoming a real nuisance. With all the extra security around the castle, it's taking me twice as long to do my round." Gaius complained as he loaded herbs into his pack, "Is that everything?"

"Morgana's hiding the Druid boy in her chambers." Merlin burst out.

Gaius sighed, "When you say that Morgana's hiding the Druid boy, I take that means that you're helping her?"

Merlin shot him an apologetic look, looking more like a chastised child than anything else, "Sort of."

"Merlin, you promised me that you wouldn't get involved."

Merlin winced at the older man's tone, "I know. I'm sorry. I had no choice."

"Every guard in Camelot is searching for this boy, and you're harbouring him under their very noses. Can't you see how dangerous that is? What were you thinking of?" Gaius questioned, once again wondering about his ward's sanity.

Merlin shrugged helplessly, "Was I supposed to hand him over to the guards to be executed?"

"You think you can save this boy? What happens if you're caught? Who's going to save you?" Gaius pressed, trying to make Merlin see it from his point of view and understand how reckless what he was doing was.

Merlin quirked his eyebrow up at that with a small smirk, "You're saying it's wrong to harbour a young magician?"

"Ohh!" Gwaine called out, "Because you were harboring Merlin!"

Gaius looked at Gwaine with a disbelieving expression, "How you have survived so long I will never know." Although they all knew that he was joking, since the events with Morgana and how Gwaine had fought for Gaius and Elyan, the Physician had had a soft spot for the brash Knight.

Gaius shook his head, "The difference is, Merlin, that your magic is still secret. Though it's a wonder how, considering how careless you are."

"We don't understand how he kept it a secret either!" Gwaine chimed in.

Elyan nodded in agreement, "You really weren't good at lying back then, you were a worse one than Gwen."

Merlin shot Gaius a pleading look, "The boy's hurt. He's really sick. I've tried to treat him. We need your help."

"So, now you want me to risk my neck, too?" Gaius looked at Merlin with a frustrated expression, "I wish the boy no harm, but it's too dangerous."

That was enough for Merlin to finally lose it, "But if you don't, we may as well hand him over to the guards, because he'll die anyway. You didn't turn your back on me. Please don't turn your back on him."

. . .

The scene changed to show Gaius, Gwen, Morgana, Merlin and Mordred all gathered inside Morgana's chambers, Gaius was examining the boy whilst Merlin, Morgana and Gwen hovered around him anxiously. Watching as he examined the boy's wounds, sighing he turned his gaze to the three of them "I will treat the boy, but as soon as he's well, you must get him out of Camelot. And woe betide anyone caught helping him." He unwrapped the dressing on the boy's arm and chuckled dryly, "Well, one thing we know for certain."

"What's that?" Merlin looked at the wound with curiosity.

Gaius met his ward's gaze, "You're no physician."

"I'd like to think that I've gotten better." Merlin muttered.

Gaius shot his ward a proud smile, "And you have."

. . .

The scene changed to show Morgana, Gwen and Merlin all gathered in the Lower Town of Camelot, watching as the guards stopped and searched anyone who tried to leave Camelot through the gates. The guard called out to a man pulling a cart of Hay, "You there! Halt!" He poked a pike through the hay, checking to see if there was a figure concealed within. After a couple of seconds he nodded at the man and signaled that he could leave.

Gwen sighed, "The guards are searching everyone leaving the town."

"There is another way out." Merlin said hopefully, if they tried to go through the gates then they had no chance. "There's a secret door in the armoury. It leads to the lower town. I'll take the boy out that way."

Morgana shook her head, "No. It's too dangerous. I'll do it."

"But I–I'm good with secret doors and things." Merlin protested weakly, not wanting to admit to his magic outloud.

"What you actually meant was 'I can use my magic to escape undetected." Gwen commented, "You know if you'd told us then it would have been much easier to smuggle the boy out of Camelot."

Morgana couldn't be persuaded, "If you are caught, Uther will execute you. The boy's my responsibility. I'll smuggle him out of the castle."

"Well, you'll need a key for the door." Merlin told her reluctantly.

Morgana waited for Merlin to elaborate and when he didn't she raised her eyebrows expectantly, "Who has it?"

Merlin sighed, "Arthur."

"So you decided to steal it from me?" Arthur asked, looking somewhat offended.

Merlin shrugged apologetically, "I didn't know how you felt towards the boy...Morgana didn't tell us about your outbursts so as far as we knew you would have reported us to your Father...that would have gotten me and Gwen killed."

"But I tried to help you save Gwen." Arthur reasoned.

"We couldn't risk it." Merlin muttered, although he saw Arthur's point.

. . .

The scene changed to show Merlin serving Arthur his evening meal inside of his Chambers, Arthur was sat at his table eating his soup - it was one of the rare occasions where Merlin hadn't been late with it so the man was relishing his hot meal knowing that with Merlin as a servant having it pipping hot the first time he was given it was a rarity.

"Inbringe, cume mec." Merlin whispered from behind Arthur, his eyes flaring the usual molten gold. The keys on Arthur's belt seemed to move of their own accord and unhooked themselves from his belt.

Arthur turned to Merlin, "Is there any bread?" He frowned as he heard a sound from behind his head, "What was that?"

Merlin stood there for a second, frozen at the sight of the keys hiding behind Arthur's head and ultimately decided to play ignorant, "What was what?" He questioned with a furrowed brow, giving the Prince a confused look.

"There was a sound."

Merlin's eyebrows raised in surprise, "Was there?" He kept his focus on the keys and made sure they remained behind Arthur's head even when the Prince moved. After a couple of seconds Arthur jumped up and started to search for the sound.

"What is that? Can't you hear it?!" Arthur questioned, growing exasperated with the sound and his servant.

Merlin shook his head, "I can't hear anything."

"That!" Gwaine yelled, "Is how you lie...Merlin I think your improving."

Arthur's eyes practically bulged out of his head, "Are you deaf? It's like a…jangling sound." He walked towards Merlin.

"There!" Merlin called out, pointing wildly behind Arthur.

Arthur turned to look where his servant had pointed and shook his head in confusion, "What?"

"I thought I saw something." Merlin said, squinting in the direction he had pointed.

Arthur moved towards where Merlin had pointed and tried to find the source of the noise and whatever Merlin had saw. With Arthur's back turned Merlin's eyes flared and the keys dropped into the soup.

"What was that?" Arthur spun around wildly, his eyes darting around the room as he tried to find the source of the noise.

Merlin frowned and shook his head, "What was what?"

"A different sound, like a…like a splash." Arthur gestured around wildly.

"I knew I could hear something!" Arthur muttered, "I went to Gaius later that day to inquire about it...I thought I was going crazy Merlin!"

Merlin smiled apologetically, "It was all for a good cause sire."

Merlin picked up some bread from the table and held it out towards Arthur, "Bread?" He offered innocently.

A very confused looking Arthur made his way out of his Chambers, patting his ears and checking his hearing as he went.

. . .

The scene changed to show Morgana and Gwen inside Morgana's chambers, Morgana was dressing herself in Gwen's clothes and putting on her cloak. She looked at her apperance in the mirror and sighed, "It'll have to do." She turned to Gwen with an apologetic expression, "I feel I've put you in danger without ever stopping to ask how you feel about it. I'm sorry."

Gwen shook her head in reassurance, "I know how it feels to face the threat of execution. And I wouldn't wish that on anyone."

The sound of someone knocking on the door signalled that it was time, "It's Merlin." Gwen hurried over to let Merlin inside whilst Morgana headed over towards Mordred and crouched down to his level.

"We're going to get you out of Camelot. I won't let anything bad happen to you. I promise." She smiled at him and took his hand.

Merlin looked at the pair, "Are you ready?"

Morgana nodded, "Did you get the keys?"

"Yeah." Merlin fumbled for a second before handing her the keys, "Er, the door is behind the shield at the far end of the armoury."

Gwen smiled at both of them, "I'll pack you some food and water for the journey." Her expression grew more solemn, "Be careful."

. . .

The scene changed to show Morgana and Mordred sneaking through the Castle, Morgana eyed up the spiral stairway before descending it - pulling Mordred alongside her. Unbeknownst to them a serving girl caught a glimpse of them sneaking into the armoury, the girl gasped and hurried to find the guards.

"So they got caught then." Elyan muttered sounding defeated.

Morgana and Mordred sneaked out through the hidden door in the armoury.

. . .

The scene changed to the Lower Town where Gwen and Merlin were waiting for Mordred and Morgana, Gwen anxiously packed some travel supplies into a small sack, "I hope they're OK. Morgana really cares about the boy. I've never seen her this way with anyone." Her tone and inquisitive look at Merlin suggested she thought there was more to it than what Morgana was saying.

"I'm sure she just wants to protect him." Merlin replied absentmindedly, attention focused on the door where Morgana and Mordred would be coming through.

Gwen chuckled, "I knew something else was going on...Morgana was kindhearted but her affection for the boy seemed to be something else."

"She was just discovering her magic and I guess she connected with him, they both had magic and it was the first time she had a chance at saving someone instead of being forced to stand by and watch as they were executed...I don't think she ever agreed with how Uther persecuted sorcerers even before she realised she had magic." Merlin explained, a thoughtful expression on his face.

"Well one things for certain," Gwaine commented, "Gwen is a hell of a lot more observant than most of us."

Gwen didn't seem convinced, "Hmm."

. . .

Arthur and a Guard walked through the armoury. The Guard turned to Arthur, "A servant saw someone entering. They had a boy with them." The two made their way through the armoury to the hidden door, that was current wide open - frowning Arthur checked his key ring and realised his key was missing.

"Sound the warning bell." Arthur ordered

. . .

The scene changed back to Gwen's home, Merlin saw Mordred and Morgana approaching, "They're coming." They entered both looking anxious, they were all hoping that things would go smoothly and that Mordred and Morgana would get away smoothly.

Gwen handed them her sack, "There's enough food for three days."

"Your horse is fed and watered." Merlin told her and moved to leave the House, "I'll take you to it."

Morgana shook her head and put a hand on his arm, causing him to stop "No." She sighed, "There's no point in all of us risking our lives."

"What about you?"

Morgana let out a dry chuckle, "I'm the King's ward. I'll take my chances."

"Morgana!" Gwen called out, not wanting her friend to risk it.

Morgana couldn't be persuaded, "I couldn't live with myself if anything happened to either of you." She looked to Mordred, "We must go."

'Goodbye, Emrys.' Mordred called out solemnly, Merlin nodded in reply.

"That's still kind of spooky," Gwaine muttered, "Don't do that to me Merlin."

. . .

The scene changed to the lower town, it was practically dead - the only figures moving around was Morgana and Mordred and the Guards who were trying to find the Druid Boy and his accomplice. Morgana and Mordred looked at their exit and realised that they wouldn't be able to make it out that way as the Guards closed in on it.

Arthur gestured to the Guards and pointed in different directions, "Fan out."

Morgana and Mordred ran to a nearby building and hid inside, Mordred's eyes darting around anxiously and Morgana absentmindedly stroking his hair to try and soothe the boy - she sighed and realised they didn't have any other option than to try and make a break for it. Desperately she ran and pulled Modred alongside her.

The guards came around the corner forcing them to retreat but Morgana froze as she felt a sword press against her back, she pulled Mordred in closer and placed her arms around him protectively.

Arthur didn't lower his sword, "Halt, or I'll run you through." He called out to Morgana, unaware it was her he was threatening, "Show yourself."

"Let him go." Morgana pleaded as she met Arthur's shocked gaze, she was tearful and Arthur had never seen her so desperate "I beg you. He's just a child."

Arthur froze, Mordred staring up at him with a pleading expression, he knew he couldn't let them go. There were too many witnesses and the Guards would surely report him to his Father or think him a traitor.

Reluctantly he turned to the guards and ordered them in a flat tone, refusing to meet Morgana or Mordred's gaze "Restrain them."

. . .

The scene changed to the Council Chambers, Morgana was stood in front of Uther who looked ready to run her through right then and there, "All this time, you've been hiding the boy in my own palace." He shook his head, looking disgusted "How could you betray me like this?"

Morgana met his gaze, "I would not see him executed."

"I've treated you like a daughter." Uther growled out, "Is this how you repay me?"

Morgana raised her head proudly, refusing to back down "I did what I thought was right."

"You think it's right to conspire with my enemies against me?"

She shook her head and scoffed disbelievingly, "How can this child be your enemy? He's just a boy."

"He is a Druid." Uther retorted, not missing a beat, clearly convinced that his answer explained everything.

Morgana raised her eyebrows, "Is that such a crime?"

"His kind would see me dead and this kingdom returned to anarchy and you would help them." Uther sounded betrayed, his anger growing.

Morgana quietened slightly, her voice taking on a pleading edge "Then punish me… but spare the boy. I beg you."

"Make arrangements for the boy to be executed tomorrow morning." Uther said as he turned to Arthur who was waiting behind him with a carefully blank expression, ignoring Morgana's pleads and cries for her to spare the boy.

"No!" Morgana cried out, "Please! He's done nothing wrong!"

Uther turned to her, his expression cold, "Let this be a lesson to you."

"You don't have to do this." Morgana begged, trying to find some sort of humanity from Uther.

Uther turned back to Arthur "Do you hear me? I want him executed at dawn."

"Yes, Father." He replied blankly, not wanting to anger his Father any futher.

Morgana shook her head, her anger beginning to match Uther's as she thought about Mordred, "What have these people done to you? Why are you so full of hate?" She couldn't believe he could be so cold and inhumane, Mordred was just a boy. She marched towards Uther and grabbed his arm, hoping to make him see reason.

Uther spun around at the physical contact and pushed her against one of the wooden chairs, his hand around her throat causing her protests to die on her lips as she struggled and whimpered slightly under the force, "Enough! I will not hear another word! Do not speak to me until you are ready to apologise for what you've done." He released Morgana and she slumped against the chair, gasping for breath, shocked that he had done that to her.

"I'd never seen him that angry." Arthur muttered staring at the old Morgana with sympathy and regret, "He'd been harsh and violent before but that was something else...to choke her like that..."

Arthur followed Uther out of the Council Chambers, not looking back at Morgana.

. . .

The scene changed to show Merlin and Morgana inside Morgana's chambers where Morgana paced her room tearfully, "I promised that I wouldn't let anything bad happen." She couldn't believe that she'd gotten caught, that she'd gotten Mordred caught.

"You can't blame yourself." Merlin tried to reassure her, shooting her a sympathetic smile he placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, "You tried your best."

Morgana shook her head and all but growled in frustration, "It's not enough."

"He's in jail now." Merlin told her, seemingly having given up, "There's nothing more we can do."

Morgana refused to let that be the end of it, refused to abandon Mordred "I will not let him die." She declared before turning back to Merlin, "Can I count on your help?"

Merlin nodded although he was pretty sure he'd regret it later.

"Thank you."

. . .

The scene changed to show Arthur following his Father through a corridor. Arthur tried to reason with his Father, making sure to keep his tone polite and respectful, Perhaps imprisonment is a more suitable punishment for the boy." Sighing, "I mean, he's so young."

Uther shook his head, not willing to allow the boy to have a chance to strike against him, "It would allow him to grow more powerful, more dangerous, until he strikes against us."

"We don't know he's gonna strike against us." Arthur replied, "He's yet to do anything."

Uther disagreed, "It is enough that his people conspire to overthrow me." He turned to Arthur, "This is harsh, but necessary. I take no pleasure in killing the boy."

"You could of have me fooled." Gwaine muttered.

"Well, then spare him for Morgana's sake." Arthur pleaded, "She's clearly grown attached to the boy, and if you execute him I fear she will never forgive you." Judging by the way Uther's face clouded over and the anger returned, Arthur thought that might have been the wrong thing to say.

Gwaine sighed, "And it was going so well."

Uther froze in his tracks and quickly rounded on Arthur, "I do not seek her forgiveness!" He yelled, "She has betrayed me!"

"Yet you're sparing her." Arthur pointed out, not convinced.

Uther scoffed, "She has the promise I made her father to thank for that, the boy enjoys no such privilege." His expression turned to stone, "He will be executed at dawn. Is that clear?"

Arthur nodded, clearly not happy with his Father's decision.

. . .

The scene changed to show Arthur entering his chambers where an emotional Morgana was sat waiting for him, he raised his eyebrows at her "Make yourself at home." He commented dryly, placing his sword down at the tabe.

Morgana jumped up as soon as he entered and pleaded with him, "You can't let your father execute the boy."

"You're lucky he's not executing you." Arthur retorted before pausing and frowning in thought, he turned to Morgana with a frustrated expression and pointed an accusing finger in her direction, "Are you telling me he really was behind the screen when I came to search your chambers?"

Morgana nodded, if it had been any other situation she would have laughed at the expression on Arthur's face, "I know you believe your father's wrong to execute him."

"What I believe doesn't matter." Arthur muttered, "My father's made up his mind, he won't be talked out of it." Seeing that Morgana was about to speak again he sighed, "I tried."

That didn't seem to discourage her, "Then the time for talking is over."

Arthur recognised that tone, it was the same one she'd use as a child whenever she was scheming, "Whatever you're thinking, it's not going to happen."

"We have to get the boy back to his people." Morgana declared.

Arthur shook his head warningly, "No. Forget it."

"I can't believe you'd let an innocent child die!" Morgana yelled.

Arthur had the decency to look sorry, "It's too late, he's been caught." Sighing he turned away from her, "I have no choice."

"And is this how you will rule when you are King?" Morgana said with a scoff before her tone became softer, "You're not like your father."

Arthur didn't back down, "I will not betray him."

"If I know you at all, you won't stand by and let this happen." Morgana said before her tone became a pleading one, "Please, if you won't do this for the boy, then do it for me."

. . .

The scene changed to show Merlin walking back through the Lower Town later that night, he passed through the Main Square and watched as the executioner sharpened his axe. He shook his head, disgusted at the idea of that little boy being murdered because he was a druid - he had likely been born into it and hadn't had a choice. But the weight of Kilgharrah's words were weighing on him, he shook his head and tried to forget about the fate about to befall the young druid.

He needed to know what Kilgharrah had meant.

. . .

The scene changed to show Merlin entering Arthur's chambers where Morgana and Arthur seemed to have been engaged in coversation, they both went silent when Merlin walked in and he looked between the two of them with uncertainty, "Sorry." He shot them an apologetic smile, "Was I interrupting something?"

"Nothing you need concern yourself with." Arthur replied coldly, not wanting to risk Merlin overhearing their plans, "Go make yourself useful, muck out my horses."

"I trust Merlin." Morgana declared, she and Arthur shared a look before Arthur gestured for Merlin to enter and close the door behind him.

"Why hadn't Morgana already told him that you had helped her before?" Elyan questioned quietly.

Gwen answered before Merlin could, "She wouldn't have wanted to implicate us any further...wouldn't wanted to have risked letting anyone know that we helped...Arthur was safe because he was the Prince and she was the Kings Ward...no one would think twice about executing either one of us." She explained, thinking back to the time she herself had nearly been executed for sorcery.

Arthur met Merlin's inquiring gaze, "We're going to break the Druid boy out of the dungeons." He told him bluntly, carefully watching the man to see his expression.

Merlin's eyes went wide and he violently shook his head, "You can't do that."

Morgana looked surprised at Merlin's change of heart, "We have to. Uther's going to execute him at dawn."

"I mean… it's too dangerous." Merlin tried again, "You've already been caught once, and if the King catches you a second time he'll never forgive you."

"Is that because of the Dragon?" Percival questioned, "You had been ready to help him before but now you seemed content to let him die."

Merlin shrugged, not entirely comfortable with the line of questioning, "If I hadn't helped him before then it would have been on me...but if I hadn't helped them I could rationalize it in the sense that I'd tried and failed and it wasn't my fault Uther sought to execute him."

"You must have known that was wrong." Gwen murmured.

Morgana scoffed, "I'm not worried for myself."

Arthur however seemed to be listening to Merlin, nodding his head along with Merlins' speech he turned to Morgana, "Merlin's right. When my father finds out the boy's escaped, he will suspect you being involved."

"It's suicide." Merlin said, nodding in agreement with Arthur.

Arthur thought out his plan, "You must go to my father and apologise. Dine with him, he cannot hold you responsible if you're with him when the boy escapes."

Morgana frowned and shook her head, "You need me if the plan's to work. You can't do this on your own."

"Merlin will take your place." Arthur said with a small smirk, ignoring Merlin's protest.

"Me?" Merlin questioned indignantly.

Arthur continued explaining the plan, as if Merlin hadn't spoke "I'm going to take the boy out through the burial vaults. There's a tunnel that leads beyond the city walls. Get my horse from the stables and meet me there. There's a grate that covers the entrance to the tunnel. Bring a rope and a grappling hook to pull it off."

Merlin shook his head, "No– no, I can't…"

Arthur sighed and met Merlin's gaze, "Merlin. Do you understand? If you're not there to meet us, we'll surely be caught."

Reluctantly Merlin nodded.

. . .

The scene changed to show Merlin in the Dragon's Cave, Merlin called out to the dragon, torch in hand, "I need to know why you told me not to protect the boy."

A roar signaled that the Great Dragon had heard him and Merlin watched as he flew down and perched on a rock, "You seek my counsel and yet you choose to ignore it." Kilgharrah commented, referring to previous times Merlin had gone against his advice during his time at Camelot.

Merlin sighed, tired of all of the riddles, "Just tell me why."

"If the boy lives, you cannot fulfill your destiny." Kilgharrah intoned gravely.

Merlin frowned, "What's he got to do with my destiny?" He shook his head, "You said it's my destiny to protect Arthur."

"Then you have the answer you seek."

Merlin froze as he came to the chilling realization, he shook his head as he fought interally with himself - refusing to believe it, "You're telling me that little boy is going to kill Arthur?"

"What!?" Arthur yelled, shocked by the revelation, "Merlin...explain...now!"

Sighing Merlin shared a look with Gaius, "I said before everyone here has their destiny...a part to play...that's Mordred's...apparently...it's his destiny to ultimately kill you or die trying."

"And you didn't think to tell me!?" Arthur retorted.

"Because that would have gone so well!" He changed his voice to be an imitation of the higher pitched one he had back then, "Oh hello, Arthur! You know that Druid Boy who hasn't done anything wrong that your Father wants to kill...yeah you should let him be executed despite Morgana's protests because the Dragon that lives underneath the city told me he's destined to kill you! Oh...no he talks to me because I have magic! No I'm not braindead and this isn't me being delusion...don't suppose you could keep this between us?"

Kilgharrah tilted his head at the young warlock, "It seems that is up to you."

"No." Merlin shook his head, thinking back to what the Dragon had said about Morgana, "You can't know that for certain."

"You have it in your power to prevent a great evil." Kilgharrah told the young warlock, uncaring of the burden he was placing on Merlin.

Merlin couldn't believe it, "There must be another way! The future isn't set in stone!" He sounded as if he was begging the Great Dragon to give him another answer, provide an alternative to the horrific one he was presenting him with.

Kilgharrah shook his head and started to fly off, "You must let the boy die."

. . .

The scene changed to show the Physician's chambers, Gaius looked at his ward who was sat at their wooden table, his hands were clenched in front of him and his frow was furrowed in thought as he tried to work out if he should follow the Dragon's advice, Gaius noticed his troubled expression. "I assume it's the plight of the Druid boy that's causing your forehead to wrinkle like a lizard's elbow." Gaius commented, waiting for Merlin to explain.

Merlin opened and closed his mouth a couple of times, seemingly hesitant to speak, he debated with himself for a couple of seconds before turning to Gaius with a desperate expression, "Would you let something terrible happen if it meant you'd stop something even worse happening in the future?"

"I suppose it depends on what the 'terrible' and 'even worse' things were." Gaius replied with a concerned expression, wondering what was troubling his ward.

Merlin's leg bounced up and down anxiously against the table as he replied, "One of them's bad, really bad." He let out a shaky breath, "And the other, it's…unthinkable."

Gaius looked at Merlin with a saddened expression, knowing that his Ward had burdens placed on his shoulders that he was too young to have to bare, "It sounds as if you've already made your decision. You can only do what you believe to be right, Merlin. I just hope it doesn't involve you putting yourself in terrible danger."

Merlin let out a dry and hollow chuckle that was far from reassuring, "For once, you don't have to worry." Clenching his fists he made up his mind, "I'm going to do nothing."

"I had wondered what you were talking about." Gaius said, "I hated that Dragon...I felt pity for him and sympathy and even remorse over his fate but I hated how much he placed onto you...you were just a boy," He stared at Merlin sadly, "In many ways you still are."

. . .

The scene changed to show Morgana's Chambers where Gwen was helping Morgana get ready. "Thank you." Morgana said as Gwen tied the clasp on her dress, she turned around and saw Gwen's troubled expression, "What is it? What's wrong?"

Gwen bit her lip anxiously, "You're risking so much for this boy." She sighed and elaborated, hoping not to cause offence but she needed to know why this was so important to her, "You don't know anything about him. You don't even know his name."

Morgana paused before replying, "There's a bond between us."

"She was right, Morgana and Mordred's destinies are intertwined." Merlin murmured.

Gwen looked surprised at the answer, "Stronger than the bond you have with Uther?"

"It's like nothing I've ever felt before." Morgana mused thoughtfully, "Perhaps I was always meant to help him."

Gwen frowned, not understanding where Morgana was going, "How can that be?"

"I don't know." Morgana shrugged, "I can't explain it." She noticed how Gwen sighed and shook her head at her mistresses vague answer. "I must go to Uther." She commented, breaking the silence.

Gwen shot Morgana a small smile, "Good luck." She said sincerely.

. . .

The scene changed to show a tearful Morgana entering Uther's chambers, "I have come to apologise, My Lord. You have been generous and kind and fair. And I owe you everything. I truly don't know what came over me. I acted without thinking of the consequence. My behaviour was unforgivable." She cut herself off with a tearful gasp, seemingly overcome with remorse.

"She's good." Gwaine whistled, "I would have believed her myself."

"You'd believe anyone with a pretty face." Percival joked, earning a playful punch in the arm from Gwaine who pouted when it barely affected the giant.

Uther smiled softly at her, "I am glad you've seen sense. Dine with me. Let's put this" he cleared his throat, "Unfortunate incident behind us."

. . .

The scene changed to show Arthur descending the Wrought Iron Stairway that led to the Castle Dundgeons, he stopped halfway down and dropped a smoking bag down to the ground. The Guards started to cough and eventually pass out, Arthur placed a rag over his mouth and ran towards them and stole their keys before heading over to Mordred's cell and opening it eyeing up the small boy with relief.

"Who needs magic when you've got Arthur's smoking bag of mystery." Gwaine called out with a mock-cheer, "Nicely done mate."

Arthur held a hand out to the boy, "Don't be scared...I've sent word to your people, I'm taking you to them." He looked around nervously, "You must come with me."

Mordred took Arthur's hand and allowed himself to be led out of his cell, Arthur held out a torch in front of him and made his way through the tunnels, "This way."

. . .

The scene changed to show Arthur and Modred coming to the end of the tunnels, Arthur's eyes widened in panic as he noticed the grate was still in place, anxiously he called out into the darkness, "Merlin! Merlin!"

He turned to face Mordred and shot the boy what he could only hope was a reassuring smile, "Don't worry, he'll be here." Arthur didn't know whether he was trying to convince Mordred or himself.

. . .

The scene changed to show Merlin inside his chambers sitting on his bed as the warning bell sounded, he looked alarmed and regret flashed across his features. He quickly shook his head in an attempt to shake away the guilt, wanting it all just to end. He knew how terrible what he was doing was and that Arthur would probably never forgive him if he found out but he couldn't let Mordred kill him.

. . .

The scene changed to show Morgana and Uther dining in the Council Chambers, he was taking a sip of his goblet when the warning bell sounded, he frowned and called out "Guard!" A Guard entered and looked at Uther expectantly, "Find out why they've sounded the warning bell." Uther ordered.

The guard nodded and went to leave the Hall, "Yes, My Lord."

. . .

The scene changed to show Arthur and Mordred moving through the tunnels, they reached the grate where Merlin was supposed to be waiting for them, Arthur pulled on the grate but it didn't move, "Damn it, Merlin!" He muttered, cursing the fact that his servant hadn't shown up and hadn't done what they had asked him to.

Mordred and Arthur froze at the sound of a door opening at the other end of the tunnel, Arthur quickly put out his torch - hoping Merlin woudn't be much longer. The sound of a guard calling out could be heard, "I think they went that way."

. . .

The scene changed to show Mordred and Arthur in the tunnels waiting for Merlin whilst Merlin sat in his chambers - clearly torn about his decision. Mordred cried out anxiously, as they waited for Merlin to pull off the grate, 'Emrys. Emrys. Where are you, Emrys? Emrys. Help us. Please! They're coming.'

A Guard's voice called out and echoed through the tunnel, "Look over there. Look over there. Check in there."

"Yes, sir."

The sound of another Guard's voice joining the previous one echoed through the tunnels, Arthur pulled Mordred closer to him and looked out into the darkness - desperately searching for any sign of Merlin.

Sighing he drew his sword and placed Mordred behind him, so the boy was facing the grate and turned to face the direction the guards would approach from - bracing himself for a fight.

Mordred's cries for help echoed throughout his head, he sounded so young, so terrified. Mordred begged for help, not understanding why the man who was supposed to be a savior of the druids seemed to be leaving him to die 'I'm scared, Emrys! They will kill me. Don't do this. Don't ignore me. I know you can hear me. I thought you were my friend. We're the same. I don't want to die! Emrys! Emrys! Emrys!'

Merlin desperately tried to block them out, to ignore them, clasping his hands over his hears desperately.

"You had actually been about to let us die." Arthur muttered, clearly shocked, "That little boy could have died because of you!"

Merlin's eyes darkened slightly and his posture stiffened, "And what if he does kill you Arthur? How am I meant to live with that? Live with the fact that you died because of me!?" He scoffed, "It's not that black and white Arthur...the things I've done to other people in the name of destiny and in an attempt to save you..." He trailed off, closing his eyes to try and block out the memories.

"I never asked you to." Arthur murmured.

Merlin shrugged, "You didn't have to...I stand by what I said...I'm your servant till the day I die Arthur."

. . .

The scene changed to show Merlin sneaking out past the Guards at the drawbridge in and out of the city, Merlin made his way past them and through the woods to the Grate where an anxious Mordred and Arthur were waiting for him. Merlin waved at them, "Hey!" he called out, sounding out of breath.

"And see, I did save him." Merlin commented.

Arthur's eyes went wide and he didn't know whether to be relieved that Merlin showed up or furious that he had been so late, "Where the hell have you been?!"

"I had trouble getting out of the castle." Merlin explained as he pulled out the grappling hook.

"I knew that hadn't been the truth!" Arthur declared, seemingly proud of himself.

Arthur narrowed his eyes suspiciously at Merlin before nodding and gesturing towards the grate, "Well, get this grate off, they're coming!" He ordered, making sure to keep his voice low.

Merlin attached the grappling hook and pulled the grate off of it's hinges, allowing Arthur and Mordred to escape.

Arthur nodded his thanks at Merlin as he started to ride away towards the Forrest, he hoped that he would be able to return Mordred to his own kind, his kin, his people. If he could then all of this would have been for something, an innocent life would have been saved. "If my father asks where I am, I've gone on a hunting trip. You'd better make yourself scarce, or they'll execute you in his place."

Mordred shot a small, shy smile at Merlin, 'Goodbye, Emrys. I know that someday we will meet again.'

. . .

The scene changed to show Morgana and Uther dining in the Great Hall.

"My Lord. I regret to report that the Druid boy has escaped from the dungeon." A guard offered nervously.

Uther practically screamed at the guard, "What!? How?"

"My Lord, he was assisted by some accomplices. The guards are searching Camelot as we speak."

Uther practically growled at the guard, a bloodthirsty expression flashing across his face "Find him and his accomplices and kill them."

The guard bowed his head, "Yes, My Lord." before exiting the Hall to resume the hunt for the boy.

Uther turned to Morgana, "If I discover that you were somehow involved in freeing this boy, the consequences will be extremely severe."

Morgana bowed her head respectfully, "My Lord, you know I respect you too much to ever betray you like that."

Uther scowled, not believing her "I made a promise to your father that I would protect you. But if you cross me again, I will break that promise without a second thought." He left the Hall with a scowl etched onto his face.

"Such a great man!" Gwaine called out, "Let's just go ahead and threaten to murder your daughter! What harm could that do! In the nicest possible way I'm not surprised she wanted him dead...I met the man and he was unpleasant to say the least."

"He exiled you." Merlin added.

Gwaine nodded, "Although who here hasn't been exiled? I heard that he disinherited Arthur which is like a domestic exile...then he tried to kill Gwen...and then he fired Gaius and he exiled Lancelot...I'm surprised he didn't end up firing Merlin...he thought you were a simpleton."

"I mean he wasn't wrong..." Arthur commented with a small smirk

. . .

The scene changed to show Arthur and the druid boy riding through the woods, Mordred was sat in front of Arthur as they made their way through the Forrest towards where a small group of druids was waiting for them. After what felt like a long ride Arthur made his way to a small clearing where he and the boy dismounted, placing a hand on the boy's shoulder he approached the druids.

Three men in blue and red cloaks were gathered waiting for them, Arthur nodded at Mordred and the boy walked towards him.

"We are forever indebted to you, Arthur Pendragon, for returning the boy to us." Iseldir said as Mordred walked towards him, he placed his hands on the boy's shoulders and inclined his head towards Arthur.

Arthur returned the nod before his expression grew solemn, "You must not let it be known that it was I who brought him to you."

"We will tell no one." Iseldir vowed, "You have my word." He shared a look with the others and turned to leave, Mordred shot Arthur a grateful smile before starting to follow them."

"Wait, I don't even know your name! At least tell me your name!" Arthur called out.

Mordred looked to Iseldir, as if asking for permission, the elder man nodded at him, "It's all right."

"My name is Mordred."

Arthur nodded to himself before smiling at the boy, "Good luck, Mordred!"

Mordred shot him a small smile before leaving the clearing with the three druid elders.

A/N - If I've uploaded this then the next chapters have already been written and should be up sometime soon, as in within the next day or two. Have also done 'A Remedy To Cure All Ills' so if you haven't read that one and you would like to it should be listed under the chapter bit. Also was the 'Mordred' bit meant to be a plot-twist? As I hadn't really known anything before watching the show (Mind I was young when it first came out).

I can't believe that 433 people have followed this, that is insane. Thank you to everyone who followed and favourited this!

Review Responses - THANK YOU FOR REVIEWING

Linorein - Glad you liked his commentary, I tried to make it so that he got a bit more of the spotlight as he wasn't used that much in canon or in previous chapters. Happy that it made you smile and that you thought it was a good chapter! Thank you!

Godess Bubbles - Sorry you had to wait so long, hope you enjoyed this chapter!

AndreKI - I went back and made it so that they had reacted and I agree I feel like Gwen lost most of her personality and appeal when she became Queen. It felt like her character had changed completely, or at least it did to me. I didn't like her during Season 5, apart from the episodes where she tried to kill Arthur as they were interesting to watch.

Bogorm123 - Thank you!

WinterWind14 - Sorry...this wasn't exactly soon...like not soon at all and for that I apologise!

RachelLittle - Glad you are enjoying it!

Padfootette - Sorry it wasn't exactly soon but I'm glad you enjoyed it!

lkdaswani - I'll do the BAMF!Merlin scenes in Season 1 but sadly most of those scenes are Season 2 and onwards. Which I may not write as considering how long it's taken to do Series 1 I doubt I'd be able to do all of those. Hence my idea about finishing this and then doing one-shot reactions linked to various episodes that people asked for as it gives me more time/ability to write as I'd be doing episodes I enjoyed and because as of now I don't have the time to continuously write episode after episode.

Itachi - Hopefully you enjoyed this chapter then.

MusicMyEscape - Love the name and I'm glad you like the story, I'm just sorry (this goes to everyone) that it took so long for me to update but the chapters just take forever to write and I would always lose interest if I didn't write it in one go which I never really had the time for.