Hey guys, thanks for reading. And thanks for all the great reviews and encouragement. To the-perpetual-middle glad to hear you like the story… Sorry about the cliffhanger.

Chapter 8

Probably about 2 hours after Arthur stormed out of the Physicians quarters. AKA, just before dawn.

Merlin came awake panicked and suffocating. Setting bolt upright, listening to the sounds of his own ragged breathing. He frantically looks around in the almost pitch black room. From the little bit of moon light streaming through the small window high in the wall; it would appear he's back in his room in Camelot. With the word "Byurne" and a thought he ignites all the candles. Looking around "Yes this is my room… But how did I get here?" he looks down at the blanket covering him. "Where did this come from? the last I remember…. Arthur… I told Arthur about my magic and then he…. Oh…god… And then Arthur saying my name and I… I use my magic on him… No no… What have I done? How could I have been so stupid! How did I get back here? Arthur must have brought me back… But why? Because he wouldn't just murder me. He'd want me to stand trial first. Well, maybe not want me to but with his reaction…" Merlin turns out of bed grabs his rucksack and begins piling his meager possessions in it. "Arthur's not going to understand I can't let them put me on trial…. Someone's got to protect Arthur and Camelot from Morgana. I can't do that if I'm in the dungeon. Why didn't I keep my mouth shut? What am I going to do?" with his vision so blurry from his heartbreak and disgust with himself. It isn't until he's putting the last of his possessions into his rucksack that Merlin looks down at himself and realizes for the first time that he's not wearing his own clothes. "What is this?" Merlin goes to his closet pulling out a set of his own clothes. Then removing the garment he's wearing… "This is one of Arthur's dressing gowns…. Why?" laying the garment on the bed. Shaking his head Merlin puts on his own clothes. Merlin picks up the dressing down confused bringing it close to his face… Yes it definitely smells of Arthur. with the thought that it may be the last remembrance of his friend he'll ever have Merlin stuffs the garment and his rucksack not quite sure why. Just as he's about to leave his quarters…" I better leave a note for Gaius it's not fair to leave for good without at least leaving a note. I wish I could talk to him first but he would just try and stop me." Quickly looking around Merlin finds some ink a quill and a bit of parchment.

Dear Gaius,

I'm writing this with a heavy heart.

I've made a grave mistake, the night before

At the disir's cave I revealed my magic

To Arthur he did not take it well to say the least.

I do not blame him for his reaction.

It was foolish of me to expect otherwise.

At this time, it was just that once again;

He asked me for my opinion on magic.

And I could not bring myself to lie to him.

I don't remember all that happened.

But I know that he attacked me,

I don't blame him, but I also remember

Using my magic to repel him.

I don't think I meant to do it.

But there's no way he's going to forgive it.

I'm not exactly sure how I ended up;

Back in Camelot. I can only guess

That Arthur couldn't kill me out right.

For that I am grateful, but I cannot allow myself;

To be put on trial. Because I cannot protect Arthur;

Or Camelot from the dungeon or the pyre.

As long as I'm in Camelot, Arthur will have to choose;

Between ignoring what he knows which obviously;

He isn't ready to accept. Or violating his own laws.

I will not ask him to do that so I must leave.

Do not worry as I leave Camelot I will place spells.

That will let me know of any magical attacks;

Perpetrated by Morgana. I will still do my best to defend Camelot and Arthur.

For I still believe that he his

The once and future king.

And I hope with all my heart that someday somehow

I'll be welcome back in Camelot. Until then take care my friend, my father…

And please look out for Arthur.

Love,

Your faithful apprentice and servant.

Merlin.

PS. Arthur if you see this… If our friendship ever meant anything… Please know that I'm sorry I betrayed you.

And also I'm begging you please don't torment my mother. You have my word, if it counts for anything I'm not going to Ealdor it's safer if I don't.

Rolling up the parchment and sealing it with a bit of wax. Merlin quietly places the letter on the workbench where Gaius is sure to find it first thing in the morning. As he approaches the main door the chamber Merlin turns around for one last look at the place that's been his happiest home for the last few years. Then adjusting his bag across his shoulders and wiping, his eyes he walks out of the Physicians quarters for what he believes to be the last time.

An unholy bright light assaults his senses. "aggh why did I have to drink so much? Oh… Yeah I was disturbed by you! You would think after everything I did last night you would let one of us sleep in!" Arthur moans into the pillow he's clutching to his face.

"I do apologize your majesty. I was just told that you had an early council meeting today. When I was asked to see to your preparations."

Upon hearing a proper polished response of a servant. Instead of the witty retort he was expecting Arthur threw off the pillow and set up as if he been struck by lightning.

Which indeed left him a little dizzy given his hung over state. It did nothing to improve his mood to find George the ever proper servant from hell. Staring back at him instead of Merlin." where the hell was Merlin? Arthur started to get a cold feeling in the center of his gut… He probably hasn't woke up from his sleep yet… That's OK I wouldn't mind sleeping a little more myself." "George inform the council that today's meetings will be postponed a bit. And then go away Merlin can tend to me when he rises." "Umm umm your majesty…mmm"

"WHAT George?!"

"ummuh it's… It's just ummm"

"Umm what George?" Arthur asked his bad feeling getting worse with every stutter.

"M-M-Merlin won't be coming to serve you. Your majesty." At this there was definitely ice starting to form in Arthur's veins. But since he's always been stubborn why change now?" don't be ridiculous of Corse Merlin will be coming he's my manservant not you!"

"I-I-I I thought his majesty knew M-M-Merlin asked me to take over his duties be-"

"HE WHAT? WHEN? WHY?" at this Arthur was out of the bed and towering over poor George. Just then Gwen enters the room. Taking in the scene Arthur freshly rumpled from bed. And poor George cowering before him. It was a scene that she didn't think she'd ever seen before. At least not since Merlin had become Arthur's manservant.

Feeling pity for George she tries to find out what's going on. "Arthur? What's the matter love?" Gwen asks calmly. At that Arthur seems to relax a little. "George here was just trying to explain to me why he is here trying to perform Merlin's duties." At this George drops to one knee and looks imploringly up to the queen." It's okay George just explain what you know about why you're here instead of Merlin." With a head bob George begins in a rush."As I was telling his majesty Merlin came to me…. Very early this morning h-he asks me if I could take over his duties with the king because I had filled them a couple times before…H-h-he I-I-I-A-asked him why a—and for how long and he said for the foreseeable future because he had to leave Camelot immediately and he did not know if he would be able to return…" "Aggggh" Arthur uttered a very guttural noise and punched the bed frame so hard it shook, causing both Gwen and George to jump. "Arthur! What is the matter?" Arthur looked at George "tunic, trousers and boots now!" "Arthur! What is going on?" Gwen asked again. "I'm sorry Gwen, love but I can't talk about it just now. I must see Gaius! Alone!" as Arthur finely gets his tunic trousers and boots on he starts to rush out of the room. When he was annoyingly called back by George. "SIRE forgive me! " You do have a council meeting in two minutes you don't have time to see the Physician." With a guttural sound of utter annoyance Arthur turned on his heel marched back to Gwen and taking the royal seal from around his neck he loops it over her head. She just looked at him and shock "Arthur what—"

"You are my queen please could you do me a favor go to the council deal with today's problems. Unless there's an imminent attack by Morgana at our gates. Notify the council that you have my permission to act in my stead. Also notify Sir Leon, that he has my permission to handle any disciplinary issues according to the laws at least for the next few days. Can you do this for me?" "Yes of course Arthur b—" before Gwen could finish her sentence. Arthur was out the door presumably to the Physicians quarters. Arthur made his way to Gaius's chambers each step causing his chest to get tighter and tighter dreading what he might find… So once he reached the corridor he started yelling "MERLIN! MERLIN!" his yelling and his hope died as soon as he stepped into the chambers and seen Gaius sitting at the end of the big worktable holding a letter in his hands. The look on his face was enough. "No…No… Where is he Gaius?" Gaius looks up at Arthur. Taking a deep breath he answers. "I don't know sire." "I don't have time for your lies Gaius. I don't want to hear he's off getting herbs. Or whatever other Lame story. I want to know where he is and I want to know now! Camelot needs him back here! I NEED him back here!"

"I swear to you, sire I truly do not know where Merlin is this time." Says Gaius, coming around the table holding the letter out to Arthur, that he had been reading when Arthur first entered the room. "It appears that he left before I awoke this morning. I found this letter just before you arrived sire." Arthur takes the letter from Gaius and begins to read. As he comes to;

Do not worry as I leave Camelot I will place spells.

That will let me know of any magical attacks;

Perpetrated by Morgana. I will still do my best to defend Camelot and Arthur.

For I still believe that he his

The once and future king.

And I hope with all my heart that someday somehow

I'll be welcome back in Camelot. Until then take care my friend, my father… And please look out for Arthur.

He can no longer hold his emotions in check. Sinking to his knees …"oh Merlin! You silly halfwit …how could you think? Well I know how after what I did... but surely you fool you could see that if I meant you harm you would have been in the dungeons…not wearing my clothes and under royal bedding. A-and even thinking I meant to kill or imprison you. Still you worry about the safety of myself and the kingdom…!"

Releasing a guttural sob of frustration, shame and loss Arthur starts to pound his fists into the stone floor repeatedly, leaving stains behind heedless of Gaius's protests.

Until, he felt strong arms lifting him from the floor and setting him in a chair. The shock of being moved brought him back to himself. It's then that he notices Gwaine on one side and Mordred on the other. Looking at him, their faces full of concern. "Sire? Are you ok? Has something happened… to Merlin?" Gwaine asks at the mention of Merlin's name Arthur involuntarily stiffens. He tries to cover the reaction by pulling himself straighter and wiping his face. For he is very uncomfortable that any of his knight's see him in such a state. The two knights' exchange worried glances… Then not having gotten a response from Arthur Gwaine turns to Gaius. "Merlin… he's alright? Is he not?" "Yes… he's fine." Gaius replies. Mordred is still staring intently at the king… who finally meets his gaze…Mordred is slightly confused by the look the king is giving him suddenly it's almost calculating, curious. There both drawn out of their mutual contemplation. By Gwaine's enthusiastic "can we see him?" "No… No you can't at the moment. Merlin's not in Camelot right now …"answers Gaius. "What?" Both knights ask in unison.

At this Arthur and Mordred lock eyes once more. "Yes he left early this morning. Sometimes he does that when he feels ill. He says that the fresh air helps. I usually don't mind; because more often than not he comes back with fresh herbs." Said Gaius.

"Now, I thank you gentleman for your help. Now though I must ask you to excuse us. As there are some very private and important matters I must discuss with the king."

"Yes of course Gaius please pardon us." Says Mordred. Turning to leave and dragging Gwaine with him. "Wait!" Arthur calls. "Sire?" asks Mordred.

"Well, first I wanted to say that I'm glad to see you're feeling better Mordred." "Thank you Sire." Arthur looks at Gaius "Would the Druids know?" This time it was Mordred's turn to stiffen. In his case at the word Druid. "Would the Druids know what sire?"

In answer Arthur gives Gaius a very pointed look. "It's possible but Sire-" Arthur cuts Gaius off. "Gwaine do me a favor round up all the knights that could do with some extra training and have them on the field I am especially in the mood to spar..." "uh oh poor bastards … that is, yes sire." Gwaine says with his usual mocking tone and smile. "Mordred…" "Yes sire?" says Mordred watching Arthur closely. "Can you find the Druids and get them a message for me?" Mordred drops to one knee beside Arthur's chair. "I am a loyal knight of Camelot now."

"I know that. I am not questioning your loyalty to Camelot. But you and I both know what your birthright is."

Gwaine was looking back and forth between the king and Mordred. Seeing Gwaine's confusion. "Nothing that is about to be said is to leave this room. Is that clear Gwaine? You must tell no one. Not the other knights not even the queen unless I give you express leave to do so. Lives may depend upon it." Gwaine nods "You have my oath sire." Arthur turns his attention back to Mordred.

After a brief pause "You know you have my oath as well sire. Hopefully the origins of my birth…. As you mentioned earlier… I pray sire that you will still trust the honor of my oath…?" the sound of Mordred's voice… As he posed that particular question was enough to tear Arthur's heart. It reminded him of Merlin's words.

Maybe he was being overly sensitive feeling guilty for what happened? That he could hear the hope, pleading and yet fear of rejection in Mordred's timid question… "Am I really that big of a monster?" Arthur asked. Both Mordred and Gwaine utter a shocked "excuse me sire" in Unison Arthur quickly waves the question away.

"Don't be ridiculous Mordred I have no doubt of your honor. If it were otherwise you would not be a knight of Camelot, as you are… And yet not just any knight but also part of the inner circle. I only brought up your birth origins because they put you in a unique position hopefully to be able to understand and assist me."

"I see" said Mordred cautiously. Arthur just shook his head sadly at the slight tone of fear in Mordred's answer. Gaius finely chimed in after so long that Arthur almost forgot he was there. "With respect sire you think this is wise?"

"I must do something Gaius… And I will not be revealing anything that Mordred does not already know. And as for Gwaine he has sworn not to break the secrecy of this room. To do so would mean death. That being said, before I go any further Mordred please rise… And someone fetch a servant to bring some refreshments and some more chairs please." "Uh-oh" Gwaine says with a grin his royal-ness just said please are you sure he's not sick Gaius?" "GWAINE!" both Mordred and Gaius said exasperated. The humor on Gwaine's face quickly died as instead of Arthur threatening to make him polish all the boots and weapons in the armory; his facial expression became very distant. With the arrival of the refreshments and chairs. Once everyone was seated Arthur looked directly at Mordred and began.

"First, things are very complicated right now. I had no intention of discussing any of this with any one yet well except for Merlin. I can see now though after having brought your druid origins—" "Mordred's a druid well I'll be damned! Hey, do you have magic? Are you the sorcerer that Morgana thinks is helping us? The one she's so afraid of? Because that would make sense. You knew about this Arthur when you made him a knight. Because you said earlier you knew—" Arthur took pity on Mordred calling Gwaine to order. Although watching Mordred's rigid body posture and landed fish facial expressions; before he got himself under control made Arthur wonder. He knew Mordred wasn't the sorcerer; but could he possibly have magic? "GWAINE!" Arthur bellowed banging the table. "You don't mind do you, if the king that's me by the way finishes a sentence?"

"Oh, go ahead" Gwaine said quite seriously. Arthur scowls deeply at Gaius who is stifling a chuckle. Gaius puts his hands up. "Apologies sire." "No, Gwaine Mordred is not that sorcerer… the one who has been helping us is called Emerys…" Arthur said. At those words Mordred froze eyes locked on the king. All the color draining from his face. "So now you know." Mordred said in a voice barely above a whisper. "Yes, I am ashamed to say. I didn't take it well at first." Arthur looks away from Mordred's searching stare. "I see" said Mordred.

Arthur shakes his head. "No, you don't. I lost my temper when he first told me. I didn't understand. And then Tailisen showed me everything. But he was already under the healing spell. So he doesn't know… That it doesn't matter to me. That I know the truth now and I want him back here. I intend to make changes. But I need his help just like the prophecy says. There's no way we can defend Camelot without him. And more to the point probably the most important point he is my friend." wait says Gwaine "I'm confused."

"I know you are Gwaine. I'm not going into detail here and now until a talk to the person in question first. But the fact is, the sorcerer Emerys has done more for the good and safety of this kingdom then I can put into words now." Said Arthur.

"OK, what does that have to do with Mordred's being a druid?"

"I acted stupidly when I found out the true identity of Emerys. I lost my temper because after Morgana and then Agravaine I felt betrayed because the truth was kept from me. And I fear I have made Emerys afraid to return to Camelot. I need for him to know that he will always be welcome here. The druids have always revered Emerys because of the prophecy. Before you ask I'm not discussing the prophecy now. Later if and when I find him. The point is if anyone can get a message to him letting him know that it's safe to return to Camelot as far as I'm concerned, it would be the druids."

"I still don't understand sire, the way you talk about this sorcerer. Why would you of all people trust a sorcerer?" Gwaine asked. Seeing Mordred's stunned expression. Gwaine didn't think Mordred was conscious of the tears on his face.

Because Gwaine, You, I and all of Camelot owe our lives to him already. The Druids name him the most powerful sorcerer to walk the earth in centuries Arthur looks at Mordred for confirmation. Mordred nods. "Yes, Druids have been taught since the time of the great purge. That the time of Emerys would come. Together he and the Once and future king… would unite the peoples and bring about Albion…. Merlin believed…I wanted to after you saved me…that's why I became a knight."

Wait! Gwaine cuts in. "What does Merlin have to do with any of this?" Mordred looks to Arthur who just stares at Gwaine. "Merlin is not off picking herbs is he sire?" Gwaine asks slowly. Arthur looks down at the floor then back to Gwaine "No…" suddenly Gwaine was on his feet.

"There were no Bandits last night … you did that to him you BASTERD!"

GWAINE! That is your king! Both Gaius and Mordred yell. Gwaine scoffs. "Some king there is no person more loyal to his royal-ness here then Merlin and this is how he repays that just because, he gets the wild idea that Merlin is… what this big bad wizard Emerys!" Arthur Holds up a hand to stifle any further protest from Gaius and Mordred. "You're right Gwaine." not expecting a response of agreement. Gwaine is stunned into silence.

Arthur continues, looking first at Gwaine then Mordred. "Look out of all of my actions there is nothing in my life I have done that I am more ashamed of then last night. And that was before my encounter with Tailisen…and what he had to show me at the crystal cave…"

Mordred interrupts voice filled with awe… "You say Tailisen took you to the crystal cave?" at Arthurs nod Mordred drops to his knees again. "Merlin was right. Whatever you need of me. Just ask my life is yours my lord Arthur." Gwaine looks at Mordred dumbfounded. "All because some mysterious guy takes the princess to a cave and you forget that he said he beat Merlin your friend."

"If my lord did I'm sure he felt he had reason" replied Mordred. "

"WHAT!?" exclaims Gwaine

Arthur just shakes his head. "First, Mordred please return to your seat. I do not deserve that. Second, there is no excuse for what I did to Merlin last night."

With a heavy sigh Arthur continues. "I had no intention of speaking of any of this until I had a chance to speak to Merlin first. There are some things that I still will not speak of yet. Though I need you both to understand what has happened. You Gwaine because you are his closest friend here in Camelot; and you Mordred because the druids are my only hope of getting a message to him." Mordred nods. "Yes my lord."

Cringing at the obvious new subservient tone in Mordred's address Arthur turns his attention directly to Gwaine.

"You are right Gwaine I am a bastard" at this Gwaine cocks an eyebrow and smirks.

"we were outside the disir's cave they had given me an ultimatum having to do with allowing magic and its people to be free. They gave me 24 hours to decide. So we decided to make camp. I had asked Merlin his opinion." Arthur had to stop and clear his throat before he could continue. "He became very agitated of course now I understand why but then it was just annoying. I thought it first it was because he wanted to say I should bring back magic. Which I assumed was because of how close he was with Gaius and his obvious fondness for the druids. I said as much I told him not to worry that he could be honest because we're friends even though I couldn't always show it in Camelot."

"HA some friend" Gwaine burst out. Then receiving a hard kick to the shin from Mordred and a disapproving look from Gaius Gwaine says. "Sorry continue please sire" The sarcasm was not lost on anyone.

"I meant what I said, Merlin is my friend there's no one in this Kingdom I Trust more and that includes Gwen. But when he said he had magic and then showed me the dragon of flames dancing around our fire… I snapped I couldn't hear his words of explanation. The things he'd done for me for this kingdom. The reasons why he couldn't tell me. All I could feel was the betrayal of Agravaine of Morgana that Merlin had lied to me the one person I thought I knew." Everyone in the room is stunned beyond words. As they listen to the king and see the tears on his face." After, after I calm down. I decided that in my heart I know that Merlin is not evil. Therefore, that left only one decision to be made. I went back into the disir's cave. To inform them that people who have magic will no longer be hunted simply for having magic by those in my kingdom." At this Mordred stifles his own sob. And Arthur laid a hand on his shoulder and squeezes.

"I still wasn't sure about everything. But I knew I wasn't going to be forced to order Merlin's execution. Until I had a chance to speak to him calmly. That is if he will ever speak to me again. At this time… I had no idea of just what he had done and sacrificed for this kingdom. I was still angry that he lied. But when I came out of the cave and saw Tailisen standing over Merlin I can't explain it."

"Two souls entwined" Mordred says.

"It would appear so." Arthur says with a nod to Mordred

"What?" Gwaine asks looking between the two men.

Arthur waves the question away. "Tailisen took me to the Crystal Cave and showed me all that Emerys has done. I now know that I owe him more than just my life and my kingdom. "There's nothing I can do that will ever repay what he has given me. I would like the chance to start trying though. I also know that without Emerys we will never be free of Morgana. Unfortunately, all he knows is that I was angry; given his disappearance this morning I fear he believes he is not welcome in Camelot."

"Do you truly mean it my lord? That people with magic will no longer be persecuted just for having magic?" Mordred asks.

"I do, but I need Merlin back here at my side not just because he's my friend, and our only defense against Morgana apparently; but also, after more than 20 years of magic users being persecuted in the kingdom. Under my father's reign I will need Merlin's help to show the council and the people that it's not magic that is evil itself; but the person using the magic. Especially after all that Morgana has done. A lot of people in the kingdom trust Merlin the transition will go much better with his help. Also new laws will have to be made fitting the crime for those that do abuse their powers…"

Mordred and Gaius both nod at the sense of that. Suddenly, Gwaine burst into laughter. At this they all turn to look questioningly at him. "That's a good one sire. Merlin a sorcerer not only that but the one that Morgana fears. Ha Ha"

Arthur just looks at Gwaine lips twitching "I am aware of how it sounds. I reacted the same way until I saw him conjure that dragon made of flame. Remember?"

"Ok" Gwaine says. "So he has a little magic, but Merlin this all powerful sorcerer that Morgana fears no way…"

Arthur just looks at Gaius and then Mordred for assistance. "I'm afraid it's true. Gwaine he saved my life with his magic the day he came to stay with me. And he needed no incantation."

"So, what does that prove?" asked Gwaine.

"It proves that he is indeed Emerys any other magic user must use incantation to perform the simplest task Merlin does not. I have personally felt him using power I have no doubt he is Emerys. Take it from someone raised with magic and its users." Said Mordred then realizing what he just said his eyes shoot to Arthur who just nods.

"Well I'll be damned. Though, that does explain a few things I guess" Gwaine says.

"Well, back to the point of this impromptu gathering Mordred will you contact the Druids and see if they can let Merlin know he's welcome here. Discretely of course?"

"Yes, Of course m'lord right away" answered Mordred.

"Why discretely? If you're going to change the laws why swear us to all this secrecy?" Gwaine asked.

"Well the biggest reason right now is Merlin's safety until we defeat Morgana. He is the only serious threat to her. I learned last night that she is out to assonate him. So far she has been unsuccessful. Due largely to the fact that she does not know he's true identity."

"Oh my god, he's out there alone! We have to find him! Exclaims Gwaine. Arthur nods.

"There is also the fact that it's not going to be that simple to change laws my father has had in place so long. There's going to be more to it than me just issuing a decree. I want Merlin's advice before revealing his secret. Lastly, it's his life and secret it's not my place to reveal it without speaking to him." Arthur finished. "Now Gentlemen, I think we are done here. Yes?"

All three men nod in agreement.

"I will set off to do as you ask Immediately M'lord" said Mordred

"Thank you" says Arthur. Grasping Mordred's forearm.

"Come on Gwaine let's get to that training."

"Oh boy." says Gwaine.

After two days of terrorizing George, want to be knights and destroying training dummies followed by drinking himself to sleep with no word from Mordred. Arthur is in his chambers contemplating what he would do if Merlin never returned. When there is a knock on the door.

Arthur tried to ignore it but it became more insistent with each passing second.

"What is it? Come in" Arthur bellows.

Sir Leon hesitantly opens the door.

"Sire?" "What is it Leon?" Arthur asks.

"Sire I need to talk to you about what the patrols found earlier."

"Morgana?"

"No, sire but—"

"Then deal with it and get out!"

"Yes sire" says Leon bowing and exiting the chamber.

Meanwhile, Gwen and Gwaine decide to consult Gaius.

"Gaius you must have some ideas where he is. I don't know what happened between them. Arthur refuses to speak of it with me." Gwen says. Gaius gives Gwaine a look over Gwen's shoulder. Gwaine just shrugs. "please Gaius" Gwen begs." You must have some idea where we can find Merlin. Arthur hasn't been the same since Merlin left. He refuses to go to council meetings the nobles are starting to talk. He's completely horrible to George. He's a nightmare on the training ground. All the servants are becoming terrified of him. He works himself to exhaustion on the training dummies and whatever poor servants available. He won't listen to patrol reports. I've tried talking to him he won't hear me. When he's not terrorizing the training ground. He's in our chambers just staring out the window and drinking until he passes out. He's been having nightmares. I hear mumbling and calling out to Merlin in his sleep. We have to find Merlin and convince him to come back Arthur needs him."

"I know Gwen" says Gaius "I just don't know…. Well come to think of it there's one place." Gaius says looking meaningfully at Gwaine. "A while back Uther sent Arthur and Merlin to find the last dragon lord Balanor. He was hiding an in a set of caves between Cenred's and Camelot's borders. Balanor died before he could return to Camelot but I remember Merlin saying how much he liked the caves."

"So, you think Merlin might be there?" Gwen asks.

"I do not know. That is why I haven't mentioned it to Arthur. Seeing how upset he is already I don't want to get his hopes up falsely." Answered Gaius.

"I see, but you know where these caves are you could show us on a map?" asked Gwen. Gaius nods and sifting around in the piles of papers strewn about the room he plucks one up and hands it to Gwen. "The caves are marked on there." Gwen beams at Gaius "thank you" she says, giving Gaius a kiss on the cheek.

Then turning on her heel "c'mon Gwaine you and I shall leave right away." Gaius is shocked "Gwen surely you don't need to make the journey yourself?" Gwen looks back over her shoulder. "Yes, I do Arthur is the man I love. Merlin is my best friend. It's very clear that for whatever reason Arthur needs Merlin and so does this kingdom so I have a duty as both wife and queen to try and fix this mess. So if there's a chance that Merlin might be there I'm going." Gwen chuckles ruefully "I can only hope that Merlin will be less stubborn then Arthur."

Gaius just nods with a smile." Than good luck! Your majesty." With that Gwen and Gwaine head off to make preparations for their trip. Just as Gwen and Gwaine were mounting their horses. Mordred comes riding in for a moment Gwaine was relieved to see him until he saw the look of disappointment on his face. Gwaine begged a moment to speak with Mordred. "It's good that you have returned Mordred" was Gwaine's greeting. Shocked by Gwaine's tone Mordred is brought up short. Finally noticing the activity in the courtyard. "What's going on? Are those pyres their building?" Mordred asked. "Yes." Gwaine answers gravely. Mordred eyes go round and shock. "Why are they building pyres?" "Because one of the patrols discovered a druid camp and-"

"Arthur said he wasn't going to allow the raids on the druids anymore!" Mordred said becoming more agitated. "Arthur doesn't know about it. He's pretty much locked himself and his chambers waiting on word from you or any other concerning Merlin. He put Leon in charge of the patrols and disciplinary issues. Leon says he tried to speak to the king, but Arthur would not see him. I doubt he told the king what it was about. Now the lords are calling for Leon to follow the law exactly."

Just then Gwen calls to Gwaine to hurry up. Mordred just notices the queen. "Where are you headed?" Asks Mordred "Gaius told Gwen of a place we might find Merlin. She is eager to check it out." Said Gwaine. Mordred nods. "Good luck, I must speak to the king I'm sure he will stop this madness." Gwaine heads out with the queen. While Mordred decides to speak with Leon and then the prisoners before approaching Arthur.

"Excuse me Sir Leon?"

"Yes, Mordred?"

"Well I just returned from an errand for the king and I couldn't help noticing the pyres being built."

"Yes" Leon said regretfully.

"A Druid camp was discovered by one of the patrols this morning. Luckily … I mean unfortunately they all got away except an old woman and a young girl with an injured leg. The old one passed away just a few minutes ago. Gaius said heart attack. Probably the stress of capture. The king told the Lords I was in charge of upholding the laws… They're demanding I do exactly that. I tried to speak to the king; but he … didn't give a chance to explain…"

"I see, may I speak to the prisoner?" Asked Mordred.

"I don't see why not." Says Leon with a shrug.

With a nod Mordred heads to the cells. He thought he might stop breathing as he realizes just who "the girl" is. Mordred Approaches the cell slowly hoping he is mistaken.

"Kara, is that you?" Mordred asked.

The girl jerked and moved toward the bars at the sound of her given name.

"Mordred? Is that you? What are you doing here? We've been so worried about you!" Says the girl. Then she sees his dress. "Oh, Mordred a knight of Camelot. How could you? How could you serve a man that would mindlessly slaughter your people?"

"That was Uther. Arthur is not like that he doesn't want the Druids destroyed. He wants peace with magic and its users." Mordred said.

"Yes, sure he does. That's why our camp was raided by knights of Camelot; and now I'm in here waiting to be executed." Said Kara.

"The raid was a mistake, as is your being in here. Things have been complicated. You'll see I'll speak to the king and he'll free you." Said Mordred.

With that, he turned to go speak with the king.

Mordred knocked on the door to the kings chambers.

Receiving a rather annoyed, "what? Whatever it is it better be important."

"It's Mordred my lord." An answer the chamber door was jerked open and Mordred was pulled inside. Mordred is so shocked at this and by the Kings disheveled appearance. It took him a few minutes to remember why he was there. Before he could say anything Arthur asks. "Did you find him? Do they know where he is?"

"No sire, but I left your message. If their paths cross they have promised to give it to him."

"I see" with those two words Mordred watched as what little excitement there was when he answered the door quickly left Arthur's features.

"My lord?" began Mordred cautiously. "There is another matter of which I feel I must speak to you. Are you aware that there was a raid on a druid camp early this morning?"

"No, I ordered no raid. I told you I was no longer going to uphold that." Said Arthur.

"Well it was not a planned raid. My lord but one of the patrols came upon a druid camp. They all got away except for one young girl. And as you left Sir Leon in charge of upholding the laws exactly; the lords are demanding that the girl be burned." Said Mordred.

"That must've been what Leon was here about earlier. Let me guess this girl has done nothing? Except that she is a druid correct?" said Arthur, with his head in his hands.

"That is correct. My lord according to what both Sir Leon and the girl have told me. In the interest of truth I think I should tell you, the girl is my betrothed." At that Arthur's head snapped up. "Is she now? While then we can't let her burn can we? Gather the lords and council in the chambers and have the girl brought."

"Yes my Lord." Says Mordred with a nod and slight smile.

About 20 minutes later Arthur found himself on his throne in the council chambers. Surrounded by disgruntled lords. Not happy at having been summoned to an unscheduled meeting. They were even less happy as the druid girl was led forward in shackles to stand in front of him. Arthur notices the girl's eyes flitting around the room until she settles on Mordred who was standing off to the right with the rest of the knights. Arthur doesn't fail to notice the looks that pass between them and the slight smile on Mordred's face. Bringing his attention back to the purpose of this gathering. Arthur then looks at the girl she can't be more than seventeen. He just shakes his head.

"What is your name child?"

"Kara"

One of her escort knocks her viciously in the back of the legs forcing her to her knees. "That's Kara your majesty witch! He sneers." Some of the lords cheer.

Arthur bellows. "THAT IS ENOUGH! YOU ARE RELEAVED OF DUTY DO NOT EVER LET ME SEE ANY OF YOU DO ANYTHING LIKE THAT AGAIN!"

The whole room is stunned silent by their king's outburst. Until the guard in question finally realized just what the kings words meant. Then he starts yelling. "You can't do this to me I'm from a good family. You can't sac me over some witch! Your father would have never stood for this!"

Arthur nods for some other guards to restrain the protesting one. "Two things you need to remember, one I AM NOT MY FATHER! And two I don't need a reason to fire you that's what the YOUR MAJESTY means. Now, take him to the cells out of my sight" with that they drug him off.

With that Arthur turns his attention back to the girl.

"Sir Leon"

"Yes Sire?" says Sir Leon stepping forward.

"Is this girl Kara set to be executed?"

"Yes, Sire." Said Leon fidgeting.

"I see and on what grounds?"

"Well sire, she was found in the company of Druids and she has their markings."

"Did she attack you or your men?" asked Arthur.

"Well No Sire…" says Leon.

"She offered you no violence of any kind yet she's scheduled for the pyre? Is that right" asked Arthur.

"Well she is a Druid Sire and the law states that any Druid found in Camelot must be executed."

"So her being a Druid is the sole reason for her imprisonment?"

"Well, yes sire." says Leon this time a little puzzled.

"It's a good thing I'm the king then. Unshackle her. Kara you're free to go!" Arthur says with a smile. As Kara's shackles are removed Arthur raises I hand to silence protests in the room. He steps down from the throne to help her to her feet. Barely hearing what she whispers.

"I would gladly die in service to my lady. They said kill the servant; but the death of the pretender is so much better. Long live Morgana the rightful heir!"

Before Arthur could react to her words. He felt the pain of the blade sliding into his flesh…..

Oh! NO! What will happen next?

Thanks for reading as always comments and reviews welcome!

^v^ Ldy. J. ^v^