'Merlin...'

He heard a voice calling to him. A voice with no body, who hid just outside of his reach. Swirling shadows taunted him, twisting themselves around him in confusing, inexplicable drafts. He held his hands up before his face, and all he saw was darkness.

'Merlin...'

The voice grew louder, and a shape formed in the smoky haze. A shape which was too huge to correctly decipher. He lowered his hands from his face, stretching them before him as he stumbled forwards in the darkness obscuring the world around him, reaching out to the voice as it called to him.

'Merlin...'

He woke with a start, his eyes jolting open as his heart thudded against his chest. The voice from the cell, it was calling to him again. He swept aside his bed sheets and hurriedly sat up, swinging his legs out of bed and hastily shoving his feet into his shoes. He stood and grabbed his jacket, before tip toeing down the stairs outside his room, careful in his efforts not to wake Gaius. He pulled on his jacket, and knocked a goblet to the floor, its crash resonating around the room. Merlin held his breath, awaiting the complaints of an old man woken from his slumber, but Gaius merely rolled over and snored louder. Merlin rolled his eyes, and made towards the door. He paused, and slowly walked back to his mentors bed. He watched the old man sleeping for a moment, and then sent a tendril of magic towards him, pulling his blanket up slowly to keep the man warm. He smiled softly. Satisfied, he turned and left through the infirmary door.

'Merlin...'

He hurried through hallways, down stairways and out into the courtyard. He shook his head, knowing only too well that he had no idea where he was going, only that he must go, and he trusted his feet to take him in the right direction. The voice called, and his body obeyed. This meeting was important, he could tell, and he was determined to discover who else in the castle contained such a power within them that they could call to him even from his dreams. He walked briskly into an older part of the castle, where the dust settled heavier, even on the walls. He walked through a high ceiling-ed corridor, before coming to some more stairs. He paused, and felt the air around him with his senses, which told him clearly that he should follow the stairs downwards. His feet slapped the floors hard, as he clattered his way down the stairs, excitement building as he felt himself nearing his destination. He glanced over the railing and hesitated, upon seeing two guards at a small table, playing dice to pass the time. He bit his lip, debating for a moment on the safest path. He narrowed his eyes, deciding that safest and quickest, were close enough to the same thing at this moment. When the guard next rolled the two dice, he willed his magic through the air, snapping the dice away from the table entirely and sending them hurtling across the floor. The guards exchanged a look, before one stood, walking toward the dice and bending to collect them. Merlin tugged at them with air and magic, sending them spinning away from the guard once more. He led the man on a merry dance across the room, then sent them clattering into the adjacent room, which was dark from the lack of a light. Both the guards walked into the darker room, and Merlin did not stop to waste his opportunity. He dashed down the remaining stairs, grabbed an unlit torch and lit it from the blazing sconce beside the wall. He hurried to a wooden gate, and paused only briefly to gather his courage.

'Merlin...'

Knowing in his heart, and the continued callings from below that he was on the right path, Merlin began the long decent into the darkness. He carefully walked down the stairs, trying to calm his wildly beating heart. Not from fear was it that his pulse quickened, but the certain knowledge that he was walking a path meant only for him to walk. At the end of his journey, he would find answers. To what questions, he was not yet sure, but at least he would have the answers ready, for when the time came. At the bottom of the stairs, was a small archway, and he walked steadily through it. He made his way through small piles of rubble, and eventually emerged into a great cavern, deep within the heart of Camelot. His eyes searched everywhere, drinking in the details of the huge, empty space all around him. Quiet laughter reached his ears and he leaned over the edge slightly to look below him, though the caverns floor was as impossible to see at its ceiling. A large rock formation sat smack in the middle of the huge space, a pedestal without its trophy.

'Where are you?' He called calmly, roaming his eyes from one side of the cavern to the other. His host could hear him, he knew, and he did not need to raise his voice. A great gust of air surged from below and Merlin stepped back as it was followed by an enormous beast. It hurriedly turned, swinging itself around to land on the available outcrop across the far side of the cavern.

'I am here...' It said. Merlin stared in amazement and wonder, at the worlds only remaining Dragon. Huge wings folded in upon its back, horns of all sizes adorned the creatures head and claws as big as his entire body gripped tightly to the rocks it sat upon. 'How small you are... For such a great Destiny!' The Dragon mused, examining Merlin, just as thoroughly as Merlin was examining it.

'Why..?' Merlin asked, breathless in the presence of such a magnificent beast. The golden scales reflected the torch flames back at him, in beautiful yet eerie patterns. 'What do you mean? What Destiny..?'

'You're... "Gift," Merlin...' The Dragon said, leaning toward the young warlock so he could examine him better. 'Was given to you for a reason.'

'So, there is a reason?!' Excitement welled up in Merlin, in equal quantities as nervousness. He'd spent his entire life wondering; why him? Why did he have magic? Why was he different? And today, it seemed as if he would finally receive answers to his lifelong questions. The Dragon merely huffed in acquiescence, still studying the young boy intently.

'Arthur,' The Dragon eventually began, 'Is the Once and Future King - who will unite the land of Albion.' Merlin stared at the Dragon, utterly bemused about why the great beast was talking about prat-of-the-year, Arthur.

'Right...' He said uncertainly, wondering how Arthur, of all people, could ever unite his own shirt laces, let alone an entire land.

'But, he faces many threats.' The Dragon continued, either not noticing Merlin's bewilderment or simply choosing to ignore it. 'From friend, and for alike.'

'I don't see what this has to do with me...?' Merlin suddenly interrupted, unable to stand even the thought of Arthur any longer. The heir to Camelot was a prize tool, a bully, and well, several other rather unflattering things which Merlin didn't particularly want to waste time thinking about right now.

'Everything!' The Dragon snapped, clearly disgruntled by Merlin's lack of manners, or respect. Or possibly both. 'Without you, Arthur will never succeed. Without you, there will be, no Albion.' The great beast leaned its head forward, all but a hands reach away. Merlin fought hard with the urge to reach out and stroke the Dragon's nose. He was pretty certain the gesture would not be appreciated, and he had no desire to lose his hand. Or be burned alive by Dragon Fire.

'No.' He said instead, shaking his head in denial. He didn't want to be in the same Kingdom as Arthur if he could help it, let alone be depended upon by his royal-turnip. 'No, you've got this wrong.'

'There is no right, or wrong!' The Dragon said, his mouthful of sharp teeth rather too close for comfort, in Merlin's personal opinion. 'Only what is... and is not.'

'I'm serious!' Merlin said, his voice rising as panic began to rise in him. 'If anyone wants to go and kill him, they can go ahead - In fact, I'll give them a hand!' He spat, hoping against hope that a vehement denial on his behalf, could be enough to change his destiny. He suspected he had not achieved such a thing, when the Dragon began to laugh at his outburst. He had been hoping for fear inspiring, fate changing strength, and judging by the Dragons laughter, had merely gained amusement.

'None of us can choose our Destiny, Merlin...' The great beast said, its tail lashing against the rock it sat upon. Merlin eyed the heavily spiked appendage with some trepidation, before turning his gaze back to meet that of the Dragon. 'And none of us, can escape it...'

'No...' Merlin said again, shaking his head once more, but his forceful denial, was less certain this time. How could he fight a destiny, which was already so definitively mapped out before him? 'No way, no. Nope. There must be, another Arthur, because this ones an idiot!' He said, hoping, rather than believing his own words.

'Perhaps, it is your Destiny, to change that...' The great Dragon mused. Merlin stared at the Dragon as a heavy weight settled in his heart and on his shoulders. The Dragon in turn, continued to scrutinize him for a long moment, before it began to unfurl its wings and bring itself to its feet.

'Wait!' Merlin called, as the great Dragon launched itself upwards, its giant wings creating a wind that almost knocked Merlin off his feet. The great chain around the Dragon's rear foot clanged loudly, as it flew higher into the cavern. 'Wait! Stop!' It did not heed any of his calls, merely flew higher, until it reached another outcrop, and disappeared from Merlin's view entirely. 'I need to know more!' Merlin stood for a long time on the ledge, hoping that the Dragon would return, but he knew in his heart, that for now at least, the Dragon would say no more. He looked around the cavern a final time, and then finally, he turned to leave. He had come here seeking answers, and answers he had received. Granted, they were mostly answers he did not like, but perhaps it was better to know. At least now, he could try to prepare himself. Or, he could deny everything, and hope like hell that he never met Arthur again. It was worth a try.

~*N*~*Y*~*M*~*P*~*H*~*E*~

To say that Gaius was displeased with him that morning, would be bending the truth. Merlin quickly decided against telling the old man about his night time visit with the Dragon which Uther kept as a trophy beneath the castle, instead hurrying to tidy his sleep-magic mess of a room and head out to complete the chores that had been asked of him. He debated only briefly as he exited Gaius's chambers, before deciding that the Lady Morgana was the fitting first choice on his list of activities for the day. He trotted through the castle, looking around at all the goings on as he passed through the hallways and corridors. The servants were in full celebrations mode, decorating the entire castle for the big event that night. Merlin's face twisted briefly as he thought of Lady Helen, but he promptly put aside his feelings of unease as he came to a staircase. He hurried up the stairs and made towards the Lady Morgana's chambers, where he failed to knock before entering. He saw the Kings ward at the mirror, brushing her hair, before she moved away to her changing screen.

'You know, I've been thinking about Arthur.' She said, her back to Merlin. He shook his head slightly, it seemed that Arthur was on everybody's mind today. At least the fair Lady didn't have to worry about stupid things like Destiny, or fate, or stupid-idiot-royal-asses being involved in them when they are so very unwanted. 'I wouldn't touch him with a lance pole!' Merlin smirked, he liked this girls thinking.

'Pass me that dress, will you Gwen?' Merlin's smirk disappeared like the wind, as he realized that the Lady Morgana had mistaken his presence for that of her handmaiden. He looked around the room in a panic, unsure which dress she was referring to, as she had at least six strewn out over various surfaces. 'I mean, the mans a total Jouster.' The Lady continued, unknowing of Merlin's distress as she began to disrobe in preparation for her new gown. The nearest dress to Morgana's gesturing was a deep blue gown, with ethereal long sleeves. He made a guess and collected the dress, carrying across the room and laying it over the changing screen. 'Just because I'm the King's ward, that doesn't mean I have to accompany him to the feast!.. Does it?' Merlin froze, his eyes wide as he imagined the Lady's response if she realized a man was in her room, let alone while she was changing. 'Well, does it?'

'Hm-hm,' Merlin made a vaguely indistinct, as feminine as he could manage sound, and breathed a silent sigh of relief when the Lady did not immediately begin to scream for the guards. Small miracles. He spread his hands and crouched low, as he desperately tried to find a way to escape.

'If he wants me to go, then he should invite me!' She continued, as Merlin slowly tried to make his way back to the doorway. 'And he hasn't...' It was surely his imagination that the Lady sounded almost disappointed by Arthur having not asked her to the feast, after-all, that was certainly a reason to celebrate. He was sure he would celebrate if he didn't have to ever see the Prince again. 'So! Do you know what that means?'

'Hm-hm,' Merlin quickly straightened himself behind a chair, again making a non-committal sound, as femininely as he could manage. He could just make out the top of the Lady Morgana's head over the top of the changing screen.

'Where are you?' The Lady asked, her head beginning to turn towards him. Before she could fully turn, or raise herself on her toes to see over the top of the screen, he grabbed a cloak that had been scattered on the table, and hurried to raise it in front of him, allowing the gown to fall in front of his body. 'It means I'm going by myself.' Morgana continued, turning back to the window in front of her. Merlin peeked around the cloak, and was relieved to find the Lady occupied and again with her back to him. A perfect chance to escape. He hurriedly put down the cloak and made for the doorway. 'I need some help with this fastening...' Merlin spun around again, his eyes closed as he mentally cursed in at least three different languages. What should he do? He could not make it to the door without the Lady noticing, and he could not go closer because she would definitely notice that his hands were not Guinevere's. 'Gwen?' Merlin began to panic, almost able to see his own execution before his eyes.

'I'm here...' Merlin spun around at Gwen's voice beside the door. He felt relief flood him, and a huge grin spread across his face. Gwen was staring at him in disbelief and he hurriedly gestured to the remedy Gaius had bade him to deliver. Understanding warred with amusement, before she took the bottle and set it on the table, before making her way across the room to help her mistress. Her smile spoke loudly of the amusement that she would have at his expense later over this encounter. Merlin took his chance, and darted to the doorway, a goofy grin on his face as she waved him away like a nuisance child. He happily fled to complete the rest of his chores.

~*N*~*Y*~*M*~*P*~*H*~*E*~

Merlin had to admit it, hate it though he might, that the nobility knew how to throw a decent celebration. Well, a gathering perhaps was more the word, because Uther's decidedly not so subtle speech about peace rather spoiled the mood for Merlin. He glanced around, and stifled a grimace as he spotted Arthur. It seemed the young Prince was all but drooling over the Lady Morgana, and while he thought it would be amusing to see the Prince in such an idiotic state, it was actually just kind of, sickening. Merlin watched the King, as he introduced the Lady Helen. It was at times like this, you could almost imagine him being a normal King, as opposed to the magic-blood thirsty tyrant most people thought of him as. He shook away his thoughts, and joined the applause in welcoming the singer, watching as everyone took their seats, rapt attention and excited desire on almost every face in the room.

Lady Helen's voice was renowned throughout the Five Kingdoms, but it was only as Merlin heard her begin to sing that he could understand how so many people fell in love with the woman, for her voice was truly beautiful. Sadness, hope and wonder, all combined within her singing, creating a hauntingly beautiful sound. Merlin listened along with the others in the room, enjoying the sensation of calm that washed over him. By chance, he glanced towards the King's table, and had almost turned back to the Lady Helen again, when he caught sight of Arthur.

The Prince was leaning forward in his chair, seeming to fight his every muscle by doing so. His face seemed sweaty and pale, compared to the jovial and awe-struck expression he had been wearing around the Lady Morgana a short time ago. Merlin watched as Arthur tried to open his mouth and failed, seeming more and more desperate with every passing second. Lady Helen's song drifted into the background, as he continued to watch the Prince struggle against invisible bonds. Arthur's hand twitched on his goblet, apparently trying to release it. Clearly distraught and furious, Arthur's eyes began to search the room desperately. It was only when Arthur's eyes managed to meet his own that Merlin realized the Prince had been looking for him, and the reason why the Prince would look for him specifically was only too obvious. Arthur could sense Magic, and whatever it was, it was stopping him from raising the alarm. Arthur began to lean back in his chair, fighting to keep his eyes locked on Merlin's but also straining to close from the magic that was trying to force him into submission. Merlin glanced around the room, and noticed that as the Lady Helen walked closer to the King's table, everyone in the room was becoming drowsy, and falling asleep where they sat. Sudden clarity rang like a bell; the magic was weaved into the song she sang. Merlin hurriedly clapped his hands over his ears, and the Lady Helen did not notice, as he alone stayed awake among a room full of sleeping innocents. Merlin desperately wanted to help Gaius, stop the old man from hurting himself as he fell to the table he sat at, but to remove his hands from his ears would be to make himself susceptible to the Lady Helen's song, and he could not afford to fall asleep with the rest of the congregation.

Arthur fought the magic valiantly, but eventually it overpowered even him. Merlin could almost laugh at the Prince's expression, torn between a furious glare and exhaustion. Merlin watched as the Prince's eyes finally shut, his head falling back against his chair. He glanced around, and was amazed as both the colour and life seemed to ebb out of the very room itself. Torches which had been burning brightly, began to sputter and fail, following the Lady Helen's progression towards the King's table. Merlin watched as a cobweb began to grow on the candelabrum upon the tables, and then began to spread, like a visible disease. The cobwebs spread quickly, covering everyone present in a thick white blanket, save for Merlin himself. So intent was the Lady Helen on her malicious singing, that she did not notice Merlin's freedom from her spell. Her eyes were fixed, unwavering upon the King. Merlin saw her slip a concealed dagger from her sleeve, and followed her intent gaze, as she lifted the knife, aiming for an immediate kill, with a shot to the head. Except, as she stepped closer to the King's table, Merlin realized her aim was too far to the right to be aiming at the King. It was with a heavy heart, and an immediate surge of panic, that he realized Uther was not who she was aiming for. Her target; was Arthur.

Merlin scrambled for something, anything, he could use to stop the Lady Helen. Her song reached the crescendo, and he knew his already short time, was upon the precipice of being up entirely. He swung his eyes around the room desperately, and happened to glance upward. It was in this split second that he came up with the only plan he could. He concentrated as best he could, and stared hard at the heavy metal chandelier, sending a will of his magic out to break the chain connecting it to the ceiling. With a deafening clang, the chandelier fell, and the Lady Helen, was crushed beneath its weight. Merlin dropped his hands slowly to his side, and glanced around the room, noticing the magically induced slumber had dissipated as soon as the tragic song had been stopped. Countless confused faces awoke to cobwebs, which had to be pulled from hair and clothing alike. The King looked bemusedly around the room, while Arthur immediately sought out Merlin's eyes. The relief was almost a physical aura around the Prince, and Merlin couldn't be entirely certain, but he was almost of the mind that he saw a faint smile on the Prince's lips. He scowled in return and was determined to never admit, even to himself, that Arthur's further chuckle was absolutely adorable.

Uther and Arthur stood, leaning forward to examine the crushed Lady Helen, except, the body that now lay beneath the fallen chandelier was now twisted and grey haired, very unlike the Lady Helen. The old woman raised her head to the King's table, and the scowl on her face was surely imbued with the very essence of hell itself. With what must have been an enormous effort on her part, the old crone managed to raise herself from the floor, so far as the chandelier would allow, and grabbed the dagger in her hand once more.

'A son for a son!' She screamed, flinging the dagger straight for Arthur, who was apparently struck dumb by the entire situation. Merlin saw the dagger leave the old crone's hand, and began to move as one with it. He pushed his magic from himself, using it to slow the daggers journey. He glanced around and realized that he had in fact, slowed everything in the room, but took no time to examine the feat in detail. He flung himself towards the Prince, racing with the slowed blade as it spun through the air. He managed to grab Arthur by the shoulders, and drag him away from the daggers path at the last second, hearing the sickening thud as the blade sank itself into the hard wood of Arthur's chair. He fell alongside the Prince, and they landed beside each other, with Merlin's arms protecting the Prince's fall. They lay panting for a few seconds, before the room burst into noise and movement. Arthur lay on the floor, and turned his head to a heavily panting Merlin, who stared at the Prince in return. A silent exchange that seems to last an eternity, but in reality only lasts seconds, passes between them. Arthur's eyes betray disbelief, amazement, gratitude and exhilaration, though Merlin cannot understand why. He would have done the same, had the situation been reversed, wouldn't he? Did he really think that Merlin would let him die, just because he was the biggest ass he had ever had the (dis)pleasure to have met in his life? Before either of them can say anything, there are hands, everywhere. Merlin actually blushes at some of the places people are grabbing at. Helping them to their feet, a crowd forms around them, and the first to break through to them is King Uther himself.

'You saved my boys life...' The King gushes, staring at him with avid gratitude unfitting of a mere commoner, from a King that is. 'That debt must be repaid!' Uther continues, his steely gaze informing Merlin that 'not necessary,' will not be an accepted response this time. But, ever a creature of stubborn nature, Merlin decided he must at least try to refuse, for a King's idea of a reward is probably not going to match a commoners, and Merlin does not like the glint in Arthur's eyes.

'I-Well, its not-' Of course, actual words, and full sentences would probably be more helpful, but the infernal look that Arthur is giving him is making it incredibly hard to think straight.

'Don't be so modest, you shall be rewarded.' Uther declares.

'No, honestly, you don't have to.' Merlin said, feeling victorious for finally accomplishing full words on his second attempt at refusing the King's reward. He glanced at Arthur, and is almost tempted to scowl at him again. He has a distinctly ominous feeling that Arthur has something which Merlin will not appreciate in mind.

'No, absolutely!' Uther replied, his hand falling on Arthur's shoulder, as if to reassure himself that his son is well and alive still. 'This merits something quite special...'

'What about a position in the Royal household, father?' Arthur's innocent expression immediately fills Merlin with suspicion. He shifts uncomfortably, hoping that Uther will tell his son that he's being ridiculous.

'I couldn't possibly.' He eventually says, staring hard at Arthur as he enunciates each word, but Arthur merely smirks back, his eyes practically glittering with his joy at whatever he has planned.

'I'm in need of a manservant...' Merlin clenched his jaw to keep from releasing a string of very unsuitable words when in presence of the King. He shook his head minutely at Arthur, glaring hard as he mouthed something very improper to say to a prince, but the Prince just smirks at him knowingly.

'Indeed, let it be so!' Uther declares, raising his hands as he turns and addresses the rest of the crowd. 'Merlin shall now be Prince Arthur's manservant, a befitting reward to the boy who has saved my son!' Merlin shifts his weight and turns his eyes to the floor, for fear that he may just try and punch his new master in the jaw. He fumes to himself about the arrogant bastard, wondering briefly if perhaps he should have just let him die, for surely he would not now be saddled with this punishment otherwise. When Uther excuses the crowd, Merlin is one of the first to leave, hurrying down the hall to try and escape.

'Merlin!' With a groan, he comes to a stop, but refuses to turn around and face the Prince. He brings his hands to his face and waits for his royal ass-ness to catch up to him. 'Merlin, I-'

'Couldn't you have just, I don't know, given me a few coins of silver?' He sighs, although really, he's past arguing by this point, his fury is too exhausting to hold onto, especially considering the amount of magic he actually had to call to hand to save Arthur's life. 'Or if you really hate me so much, you could have just killed me.'

'What, and deprived you of my charming company on a daily basis?' Arthur's cocky reply actually does wean an exasperated chuckle from Merlin, loathe though he is to admit it. Arthur stepped around him and put his hand on his shoulder. 'Really Merlin, thankyou. I couldn't sense what she was until she started using magic, and even then, she had me stuck - I couldn't...' Arthur lets his sentence hang unfinished, gnawing his lower lip slightly. Merlin lets him simmer in his memories for a moment, before clearing his throat.

'Well, Royal ass or no, I figured I probably ought to save you - seeing as you sort of saved me.' Arthur cocked an eyebrow, and Merlin rolled his eyes. 'Well you were the one who warned me, you showed me the magic around me and I only managed to not be affected because of your warning. Without it...' Merlin watched as Arthur narrows his eyes and nods, understanding in his face.

'Well, even though your one of the most annoying, most disrespectful, most stupid people I've ever met...' Arthur began, watching Merlin glare at him with interest. 'I'm glad you came to Camelot, Merlin. We work well together.' Merlin couldn't stop the smile from spreading across his face, and when Arthur smiles in return, he cant help but wonder if perhaps, the great Dragon was right about Arthur just needing a little nudge towards change. He clears his throat again, feeling awkward that Arthur hasn't yet removed his hand from his shoulder. As if realizing this at the same moment as Merlin, Arthur suddenly yanks both his hands behind his back. 'Well then!' He said, and Merlin is immediately suspicious of the happy glint in his eyes. 'I suppose you best get some rest! First day as a manservant tomorrow after all!' Merlin watches as Arthur turns on his heel and walks towards his own chambers, with a definite bounce to his step. He hangs his head and groans, already certain that tomorrow, is going to be a day from hell.

A/N:~ Uh, I'm not really sure what happened at the end of this chapter - it just kind of went weird to me... Hopefully it wont seem so to you though, please let me know because if its really awful I would rather change it :)

Anyway, I wanted to say thankyou to everyone who has read this so far, to everyone who has favourite'd it and to everyone who has reviewed it - you're all wonderful and lovely and just, thankyou all so much for your support and... stuff.

If you haven't already noticed, I'm not making much sense, I think I might be a little tired, but it could just be my overwhelming desire to watch Merlin that's starting to cloud my judgement about what to say/not say... anyway...

I hope you enjoyed this second chapter, and I would LIKE to get another chapter up sometime next week, but it probably wont be the 26th as thats my birthday :p

My thanks and love to you all for reading, please review and let me know what you think!