A/N: this chapter contains some text from the first episode of Merlin (which doesn't belong to me), and will be indicated in bold

Chapter 1

At the sight of the stunning citadel, Merlin couldn't help but gasp. He'd heard of Camelot's grandeur, but to see it in person was impressive, to say the least. He shook himself out of his surprise. He needed to get to Gaius' chambers at a reasonable time, and he had no doubt he would get lost in the process.

Trekking into the citadel, Merlin was practically overwhelmed. He could barely focus on where he was going. There were so many people, their voices combining into a clamor. So many new smells assaulted his nose, no doubt coming from the various vendors lined up along the streets. He had a hard time keeping his eyes in front of him, too busy observing his new surroundings.

Walking into the castle courtyard, Merlin's curiosity was piqued by the sound of trumpets. The people around him were all going in one direction, so he followed them. The crowd was gathered in a circle and Merlin rose up on his tiptoes to try to get a better vantage point. However, his curiosity was washed away by the sound of heavy drums, and replaced by a feeling of anxiety. His fear spiked when he watched two guards escort a man to the center of the square and onto what Merlin could see now was a raised stage with a block in the middle. An executioner's block.

He jumped when he heard a strong voice call out from the balcony above the courtyard, "Let this serve as a lesson to all." The man was brought up onto the platform. "This man, Thomas James Collins, is adjudged guilty of conspiring to use enchantments and magic. And pursuant to the laws of Camelot, I, Uther Pendragon, have decreed that such practices are banned on penalty of death." The realization of what was about to happen finally dawned on him. He gulped. "I pride myself as a fair and just king," the man declared, "But for the crime of sorcery, there is but one sentence I can pass."

Merlin saw the King nod to the guards, who then brought the man, one of his kin, to his knees. A wave of terror washed over him, but there was nothing he could do. The King lifted his hand and then dropped it. The sound of the drums couldn't cover up the sound of the ax being brought down. Merlin had to close his eyes, but he opened them when he heard the King start talking once more.

"When I came to this land, this kingdom was mired in chaos, but with the people's help, magic was driven from the realm. So I declare a festival to celebrate 20 years since the great dragon was captured and Camelot freed from the evil of sorcery." Merlin knew then and there, that the image of King Uther, hands raised as he declares his satisfaction at the death of one of his kin, would be burned into his head forever.

"Let the celebrations begin." The King turned his back on the crowd as he went to leave. The crowd around him began to whisper to themselves. However, everything went quiet again, at the sound of a painful wail. The King turned back to the crowd as he realized that the woman who cried out was addressing him. Merlin barely managed to hide his gasp when the woman continued on to threaten the King and his son. He looked on in shock as the old woman then disappeared in a whirlwind. He watched as the King sped off the balcony and out of sight. The crowd began to disperse, and Merlin decided he needed to get to Gaius as soon as possible.

Uther walked as quickly as would be acceptable for a king down the corridor. He had to get to Gaius' chambers. This new threat was unacceptable. He hoped Gaius would have some idea of how to find the witch, or at the very least keep her away from Arthur. He finally reached the staircase leading to his old friend's rooms when he heard Gaius cry out along with the sound of wood shattering. He raced up the stairs. The door was wide open and he was about to charge in, but he stopped himself in shock.

A young man with black hair, who was standing in the middle of the room, seemed to stop time itself. Gaius was frozen in midair. The boy then looked at a bed on the other side of the room and moved it under Gaius. Uther moved out of the doorway. That boy had used magic. Granted he used it to save his friend, but magic was magic, and no forms of it would be accepted in his kingdom. Uther went to call for the guards but stopped himself once again at the sound of Gaius' voice.

Gaius was asking the youth about his magic. The boy was doing everything he could to deny his sorcery but Gaius insisted. Uther scowled. He knew that Gaius had an affinity for magic and its practitioners, but by the gods, he should be calling out for the guards right now. A thought dawned on him. Was Gaius betraying him? He listened once more and was bewildered when he heard the boy claim he was born with magic. As if such a thing was possible. He felt slightly satisfied when he heard Gaius mirror his response.

Uther's mind was made up. He would continue to listen, to see if his friend was indeed betraying him and his kingdom. And if Gaius was found guilty of treason, he frowned, then they would both burn. He once again focused his attention on the conversation happening behind him. The boy, Merlin, was introducing himself to Gaius. His friend proceeded to tell the boy that he wouldn't tell anyone about the magic. And that was all the proof he needed. He stormed away, making sure he wasn't seen. He could've called the guards and arrested them right then and there, but no. He needed to find out just how far Gaius was going to go in his deception. And then, he would have their heads.

End of Chapter 1

A/N: So what do you guys think? Tell me if you'd like to read more of this story, and what you think is going to happen next. The story will be titled after a few chapters, once I come up with one :) and as always, thanks for reading!