We can't start this legend at the very beginning for the very beginning is lost in the void beyond memory- So, we start with a Warlock...

A man born with tragedy in his blood- after all, he was the one who lived...

Reckless Decision

"Merlin," Arthur hollered from across his bed chambers. "Merlin!" Arthur huffed. "Where are you?"

There was a loud thunk from under Arthur's bed. "Yeah," a muffled voice replied. "Yes, I'm here." Merlin crawled out from under the bed.

"What are you doing under there?" Arthur asked bewildered.

"Cleaning," Merlin frowned. "Why else would I be under you bed?"

Arthur's eyes shine with humour as he pointed at Merlin. "You, um, got some dust in your hair." Arthur pointed out.

Merlin shook his hair out with several agitated jerks of his head. A small cloud of dust haloed him. "Do you know how dirty it is under there?" Merlin coughed. "It's like an entire world all its own."

Arthur's lip twitched. He couldn't help but laugh. Merlin glared at Arthur.

"That is not funny." Merlin snapped. "It would be entirely different if you were the one under that monstrous bed. I'm sure that were you in my position, and cleaning my chamber's, you would feel much the same way. if not more so. You know," Merlin paused. "Well, I guess you don't."

Arthur shook his head at Merlin's odd, yet completely normal rant. Arthur glanced at him over his shoulder as he pulled on his black leather gloves. There wasn't a thing he could say to what he said. It was true. Arthur didn't know what it meant to be a servant who cleaned and cooked and served a king, but Arthur did know how to serve a kingdom. How to defend her. He knew what it meant to be beholden to something greater than himself.

He glance back at Merlin for a moment who was quietly making Arthur's bed. Sometimes Arthur felt like Merlin deserved a better life than being a kings servant.

Arthur sighed. "Merlin?"

"Hmm?" Merlin hummed.

"I need you to saddle the horses." Arthur announced after several long moment of silence "Gather some supplies." Arthur turned to face Merlin fully. "The kitchen help already knows and are preparing our food for travel."

"Where are we going?" Merlin asked as he finished making Arthur's bed. They watched, in silence, as the coverlet settled over the kingly bed.

Arthur cleared his throat. "More of Morgana's men have been spotted on Camelot's boarders, attacking the outer villages, looking for some man named Emrys. "Arthur pressed his lips together in a frown. "We're to ride out and assess the damage."

"Weren't Leon and a few others going on patrol." Merlin wondered aloud as he walked around the bed and stood before Arthur.

"They were." Arthur hedged. "Until I found out that the last four patrols have been attacked and the last one never returned. We're going in their stead." Arthur said with little room left to argue.

Merlin didn't say a word as the kind turned in his heels and left his chambers.

Arthur worried. His gut was in knots. They were only going in another patrols stead so that Camelot wouldn't loose any more of her knights, only he has yet to let them know that Arthur and Merlin were riding out instead of them. He should have told them sooner but they would have insisted on coming along, and they were needed to guard the Queen.

Whenever Arthur left the castle he feared what would happen leaving Guinevere alone, even with so many knights.

What if Morgana attacked and Arthur wasn't there to protect her?

Today was no different. Morgana could easily bowl through the Knights to get to Guinevere if she so wished. Even now, as Arthur took the spiralling stone stares two at a time to reach the armoury, his doubts about leaving only worsened. However, when has that ever stopped him from doing what must be done? Especially when it was for the better of his kingdom?

Merlin had a bad feeling about this endeavor. Morgana has been strangely quiet these last few months after King Uther's death, and that wasn't like her. The frequent and sudden discovery of her warriors were more than troubling. She was either testing them, distracting them, or luring Arthur out into the woods, which was more her stile and most likely.

Merlin sighed heavily. He turned and left the kings chambers with a Ladner down heart he needed to go do what needed to be done for the patrol. He headed in the direction of the court physician, Giaus, who has become like a father to him. Merlin followed the winding stone stairs case down to his shared chambers the walls seemed unusually tight. As if they were closing in on him. Merlin entered his quarters and was immediately greeted by Giaus' warm and calming voice, settling Merlins nerves.

"Ah, there you are my boy." Giaus said fondly. "I understand you and King Arthur will be leaving this afternoon?" He sounded troubled.

Merlin nodded. "Yeah." He murmured. "I guess word travels fast."

"No, my boy. I just have been learning the kings patterns. " Giaus pointed out. " the last patrol never returned. I wager he want to go in the next patrols stead. Yes?"

Merlin nodded, despondent. "Morgana is making noise in the outer villages." Merlin frowned. "Arthur insists we go and asses the damage."

"Are you taking the Knights with you?" Giaus asked as he helped Merlin gather his medical supplies.

"I hope so." Merlins grumbled. He sighed sharply, the feeling of unease worsening. "But, knowing Arthur," Merlin paused to make a face, scrunching up his noes. "He wouldn't want to endanger anymore of his Knights by taking them into a situation that could get them killed."

However, Merlin would bet that Arthur never even thought of leaving Merlin behind. Merlin also wondered if it even crossed the Kings mind that there was even the slightest possibility that Merlin would not come back with him from a patrol, or even battle; and on many occasions, if Merlin hadn't had magic, he surely would have died a hundred times over.

"Even so," Giaus grumbled none to happily. "He should bring some men with you." Giaus said, not even trying to hide his concern.

"What? Don't you have faith that I could protect Arthur?" Merlin joked. Giaus looked at him for a long moment. His heart was heaven and his soul ached at what he saw in this young mans eyes. Such strength. Hope. Light. But there was darkness too. A hollowness that Giaus hadn't noticed before, or rather didn't want to notice before. It was resignation...with a bitter twist. There was hate in the young warlocks heart. Giaus had seen this look before. On rare occasions when a man feels the call of death more loudly than life.

"I have plenty of faith in you my boy," Giaus said cautiously. " I have no doubt you will protect Arthur till your dieing breath. However..." Giaus looked pained. "Who will be watching out for you to make sure you come home?"

'I'm not going to die, Giaus.' Merlin said, or at least, that was what he wanted to say. Instead, he turned away from the man who had become a father to him and finished gathering the last of his supplies. He sealed the medical pouch Giaus gave him for his travels and shrugged the straps of both bags over each of his shoulders. He turned back to Giaus. Merlin looked at the man who took him in, even knowing the consequences of harbouring a warlock, and still treated Merlin like kin, protecting him.

"I am Emrys." Merlin said simply. "It is my destiny to make sure Arthur assumes the throne, and help ensure he keeps it. Arthur is the Once and Future King. I will do what I must to protect him." Merlin squared his shoulders. He looked Gaius in the eyes. Pale blue on striking blue. "Even if I have to sacrifice the last shred of myself to save Arthur, and Camelot." Merlin shrugged, the bags higher up in his shoulders. They bounced on his hip. He had become resigned to his fate a long time ago. When he first stumbled into the crystal caves he wasn't sure how to take the information given. However, as time went on Merlin started to see the people around him for what they really were, not what they used to be or what they were supposed to be, but the damaged and broken people they let themselves become. It it all became clear. That Mordred was Arthur's bane. Merlin's eyebrows came together in worry. Or rather Arthur was Arthur's bane and that Morgana's' betrayal went deeper than Merlin could ever imagine.

Not long after the death of Freya, when Merlin felt he would shatter from her loss, Morgana came into his heart and he began to heal. A love bloomed and bonded them in a way that he didn't, or rather couldn't understand until now, and the revelation that Merlin was Morgana's destiny and doom still haunted him. But he had made his choice and there was no going back. The moment Merlin tried to poison Morgana was the moment everything changed. He had a choice to make, and her life was near to insignificant when it came to the well-being of an entire kingdom.

Merlin forced his gaze to meet the old mans blue cloudy ones once more. He hadn't even noticed he had been staring at the wall just beyond Giaus. "My heart be damned," Merlin rumbled, voice gruff. "Morgana Pendragon will die by the time this war has ended."

"For all our sakes, my boy, I hope it happens soon." Giaus said, patting his ward on the shoulder and gave Merlin a tight hug before he left to finish his rounds in the castle.

Merlin gave a wistful smile to the empty air where Giaus had just been standing. Merlin shook himself and left the their chamber with a heavy heart and twisted gut.

This feeling of dread, a dark foreboding cloud, still clung to him with sharp ragged claws. He couldn't shake it. He walked to the kitchens still swathed in that dense fog. He spotted the bags on a table rolled with pots, pans and baked bread. He grabbed for the two satchels that the kitchen help left for his trip. He shrugged the bags over his shoulders and grabbed a hot loaf of fresh sour-doe bread but paused as he brought the loaf up for a bite. He suddenly had this uncomfortably strange feeling in the pit of his stomach. He looked around, his arms back by his sides. The loaf of bread clutched int a tight fist. He suddenly had this surreal thought, or rather knowledge, that he wasn't going to see the kitchens, let alone the palace, in a very, very long time, if at all.

Shaking his head of the weird thought, Merlin grabbed the last waiting bag with their food supplies, and piled them on his shoulder with the others and walked back out feeling much like a pack mule.

Merlin meandered through the the corridors not really registering or caring that Arthur was probably waiting on him. Merlin feared what was to come. He had this dangerous opinion that this was just a ruse to get Arthur away from the protection that the castle and the knights provided. This annoying and oddly prophetic 'funny feeling' he has had him a bit skittish. Merlin was so wound up by the time he finished gathering supplies that he was jumping at shadows.

So when he rounded a corner too fast and he ran right into the Queen, his heart nearly stopped.

With a light curse he fell back into the wall, his bags fell to the floor in a messy pile at his sides. His magic stirred, jumping to his defense on instinct, wanting to protect him from even imaginary threats. Gold flecks danced in the depths of his sapphire eyes accentuating his power like a noose tightening around his neck.

"Merlin!" Guinevere exclaimed, jumping forward to help balance him.

"Gwen," Merlin said in relief. He bowed his head in greeting, more to hide the look of a startled deer in his eyes and less a show of respect. Although he did respect her he felt her equal and therefor didn't feel the need to bow like someone beneath her even though that's what his station demanded.

Merlins jumped when Guinevere touched his shoulder. His nerves would kill him long before Morgana had the chance.

Merlin knelt down to gather his spilled supplies "I didn't mean to- I wasn't paying attention-" Merlin stopped. His shoulders slumped and he sighed, irritated with himself. "I'm sorry I knock into you."

"Are you alright, Merlin?" She asked as she bent down to help him gather the four bags on the ground surrounding him. "Its not like you to be so out of it." Guinevere gently prodded. "Clumsy, maybe," she chuckled melodically. "But never so distracted." She handed his things for him to repack.

What could he say to her that wouldn't lead to more questions that he couldn't answer? So, he shrugged. He tied the four bags shut, slung them back over his shoulders and stood up, offering her his hand. She took it gently.

"What are you doing in this part of the castle?" She asked. She watched him closely.

Merlin looked around as if he just now realized where he was. He had been headed to Arthur's bed chambers, not the square where he was supposed to be. He shook his head, trying to clear it. It was dangerous for him to be so distracted. It could get him killed. It could get Arthur killed.

"Do you want to talk about what has you so distant?" She asked, standing up. She looked breathtakingly elegant in her gold and red gown and gold ruby studded crown.

Merlin shook his head mutely, releasing her hand. He couldn't dim her day with his sour feelings. Guinevere was a gentile soul, even if should could handle herself in a fight as well as any knight, she was ultimately a lover not a fighter. That was Arthur and Merlin's jobs. Arthur with his sword and strength and Merlin with his wit and elemental magic. Quite a formidable pair. Merlin only wished Arthur was able see his worth without prejudice. Merlin frowned. He needed to keep his concerns to himself, and the King. Merlin didn't feel bad about souring Arthur's day.

"Okay. You don't have to." Guinevere murmured softly. She took Merlin's silent frown as his unwillingness to discuss what was troubling his mind. "Just know that I'm here if you need to talk."

Merlin nodded again, mutely, but a smile graced his handsome face and lightened his eyes immediately

"Merlin?" She hesitated. "Can I ask you a favor?" She asked after a short pause.

"Of course." He said without hesitation.

"Promise me that you and Arthur will be safe." She said seriously. "He has to come home. Both of you have to come home."

"Don't worry, Gwen," Merlin assured with his signature goofy grin. "I'll always take care of Arthur." He said devoutly. "I swear to you, My Queen, on my life, he will come home."

Gwen opened her mouth to reply but a booming voice interrupted.

"Merlin!" Arthur's voice rang down the hall. "There you are." He huffed.

Merlin turned to acknowledged him once before he turned back to the queen completely aware of his kings glared drilling a hole into the back of his skull. Merlin felt the king standing behind him, arms crossed, glaring at him from down the hall, waiting impatiently.

"I'm sorry, Gwen, I have run." Merlin said apologetically. He turned away, only to pause, and look back to her.

"Well, come on." Arthur said, impatient.

Merlin ignored him like he so often did and looked into Guinevere's deep emotional brown eyes and saw clearly the poorly concealed dread she harbored in them.

Guinevere waited for merlin to speak. He seemed like he needed to say something. Merlin's normally bright blue eyes were dark and cloudy, and something dark thrashed about like a raging sea.

Merlin grit his teeth, his jaw flexed from the force. He knew all to well the feeling of dread. He felt it with every heartbeat, with every moment that the battle of Camlann drew closer. That's how he recognised the look in Guinevere. He saw it in himself.

"Don't worry, Gwen. I promise Arthur will return." Merlin did his best to reassure his Queen. He turned and walked to Arthur's side.

No matter what happened, whether he lived or died, Arthur would return. Merlin would do anything he could to ensure Arthur stayed alive to fulfill their destiny. For as long as he could hold off fate, that was. Fate had a nasty way of catching up with you, and if you weren't careful, while trying to alter it, you could become the very cause of the demise you were trying to avoid.

"I love you, Guinevere. Well be back soon." Arthur said fondly to his wife. Complete love and adoration in his deep voice. Arthur turned to Merlin as he came up to Arthur's side.

"We haven't got all morning to waist." He said, lightly and shoved Merlin on the shoulder, nearly making him drop the bags once more. Merlin glared and huffed, and Arthur rolled his eyes, as if telling Merlin not to be such a girl. Merlin shook his head, and together they started walking, steps aligned, to the Square where their horses, Hroegen and Llamreil, waited.

"We need to be out of Camelots borders by tomorrow night," Arthur started. Merlin just nodded along as they headed out of the castle to their waiting horses. Neither ignoring his King, or paying attention.

Gwen frowned as she watched her men walk away. She hugged herself and shivered. What had Merlin been omitting? His words played over and over in her mind.

I always take care of Arthur. I promise you he will come home. Arthur will return.

That lopsided grin was not as carefree as normal, but sad and guarded. Her gut twisted in fear, more for Merlin, than her husband. She knew Merlin would protect him. But what of Merlin? What would become of the loyal manservant who had no regard for self preservation? She had this feeling that he knew something would happen to keep him from coming home. Her heart squeezed. For some reason she had this odd thought that she might not see Merlin again. After all. He promised Arthur would make it home, but made no such promise for himself.

Merlin hurried to check the horses; he loaded up the gear and supplies he had hanging over his shoulders. He doubled checked that they had enough food, and triple checked that he had all the medical supplies he needed just in case they ran into trouble. Which was more than likely to happen at some point considering Arthur and Merlin's ability to attract danger wherever they went.

With an ease that all knights envied, Arthur mounted his Acheronian stallion, Hroegen, in one fluid move. Merlin followed, smoothly jumping into the saddle atop, Llamreil, a strong Dapple mare, just as gracefully.

They started their journey east, in a rare silence, that didn't last long.

"Arthur, why didn't you bring any Knights along?" Merlin asked, unable to keep shut any longer. "What kind of suicide mission are we on this time?" He said, hoping to get a straight answer.

"There are no other Knights because they are home guarding the kingdom as if I were still there." He said as if it was obvious why he didn't have any knights with them.

"Why?" Merlin demanded a bit too harshly for his status.

"Because, Merlin, you can't have a stealth mission when there are a dozens of large Knights trampling through the woods. Besides, Gwen needs to be protected while I'm gone." Arthur pointed out with exasperated patience. "Besides you're an excellent tracker; for the most part. We only need the two of us for this mission."

"Thanks." Merlin said dryly. After all these years he still hasn't gotten used to Arthur's two sided complements. It was as if he had a talent for insulting someone while complementing them at the same time.

They road in companionable silence for another three hours. Arthur longed for Merlin's idiotic babbling and hated the silence around them. It was almost to silent. Only the odd birds call or mewl of a woodland creatures put his nerves at ease. It wasn't long before he couldn't take it any longer and this time Arthur broke the silence.

"Whats got your trousers in a bunch?" Arthur asked, shoving at Merlin's shoulder as he road past, heading the trail. Merlin stayed a few feet behind him watching their surroundings.

Something had him squirming in his saddle. He still felt like something was staring at him, and it didn't seem friendly.

"Arthur, something doesn't feel right." He felt eyes follow his every movement, something or someone was watching them for sure.

"One of your funny feelings again, Merlin?" Arthur's voice laugh lightly.

"Yes," Merlin said, looking around as naturally as possible for what set his instincts roaring. Another bout of silence before Merlin piped up again.

"I don't think that coming out here without any Knights was a smart idea." Merlin said cagily.

"What are you talking about?" Arthur scoffed. "I'm a knight. There's at least one." Arthur grumbled.

"You don't count, Sire. You're the King now. Not just the prince waiting for the throne." He looked at Arthur seriously. "You are a leader to a kingdom in need of peace."

"Yes, and-"

"Your taking unnecessary risks, Arthur." Merlin interrupted, a scowl on his face. His fists tightened on the reins, leeching his knuckled of any color.

"And I cannot sit around whilst thousands of innocent people, my people, lose their lives endlessly. My freedom lies in theirs." Arthur said stubbornly. "You don't know what its like to have this destiny you can't out run no mater how hard you try. I have my whole life written out and I have no say in it."

You'd be surprised. Merlin mumbled, internally scoffing. Arthur just put words to what Merlin has felt for years, and if the royal prat knew that Merlin's destiny was as intertwined with Arthur's as the roots of a tree are woven into the earths soil. Fate had decided that the two needed each other. They were two sides of the same coin, and one cannot survive intact with out the other.

Merlin, unlike any other, could relate to Arthur. Merlin was after all the fated King of the druids. He was also the son of the last Dragon Lord and Prince of the Dragons. He is Emrys, the most powerful warlock to have walked the earth. His very name means immortal. He is not just a sorcerer, a man who is able to learn to harness magic, but a warlock, a man born with magic and who is not a follower of the old religion, but a creature of the old religion; up there with the mighty Dragons; and yet Arthur was not ready to know all of Merlin's secrets, as much as it pained him, and he knew this all to well. However, Merlin still wished with everything in him that he could tell Arthur the truth, and he would accept Merlin for it, not shun or kill him.

"You only had to saddle the horses." Arthur said belligerent.

"We shouldn't be here." Merlin huffed.

"No, I shouldn't be here." Arthur said. "I, however, have to. That's what happens when you give your life to serving a Kingdom."

Merlin scoffed. He wasn't even going to touch that sentence with a ten foot stick. "Have you realized that you never ask me to come with you, or stay behind. I think that you automatically expect me to follow you into hell." Merlin said, defensively. He was caught between amusement and feeling a little insulted.

Arthur and Merlin stayed silent after that as they road on. Neither of them willing to break the peaceful silence until necessary.