Hi everyone! For those of you coming from my Merlin/Harry Potter crossover, welcome back! To those of you who are new and decided to give this story a chance, welcome and thank you! So, a couple of things: this story is mostly written already so weekly posts will be made (Yay! You don't have to worry about waiting months before an update!) Also, I'm going to be taking a lot of dialogue from the show and mixing it in with this story; don't worry, I'm going to put a disclaimer on each chapter and I'm certainly not going to claim that I own any of the words I take!

This story takes place in season four right after A Servant of Two Masters (one of the best Merlin episodes ever, in my opinion) and just before The Secret Sharer. I hope you all like what I have to give you. :)

Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin or the dialogue I've taken from the show itself.

01: Traitor

What should he do? What shouldn't he do?

The evidence was clear but acknowledging it…

It was so painful.

The ache in the king's heart was eating him from the inside out. He felt like someone was pummeling him repeatedly with a mace. First Morgana, now possibly Agravaine? It had been over a year since his sister had stormed the citadel and revealed her true colors; over a year that his uncle had been by his side, giving him advice and strength through the difficult times.

Had it truly all been a lie? Was Agravaine really the traitor in their midst, the one who gave away the secret route Arthur and his most trusted knights had taken a few days before? The route had been known only to a select few. None of the knights would have betrayed him; they were with him then and all were still accounted for now. The three councilmen who knew of the treaty didn't know of the route. This left Agravaine and Gaius as the only two who knew the plan to go through the Valley of the Fallen Kings.

Well, Gaius was like his second father. During Arthur's earlier confrontation with his uncle, Agravaine had pinpointed him as the traitor but the king knew in his heart that the old physician would never betray him. He'd served Camelot faithfully for years. He had been one of the few men in his father's confidence and Uther's trust was almost impossible to earn. Arthur couldn't ignore that fact. Even if his father was now gone, he'd seen enough loyalty from Gaius towards him to know that the man was incapable of treason.

That left Agravaine as the only one capable of turning against him and the more Arthur pondered this conclusion, the heavier his heart became. Agravaine had said Arthur was all that he had left of his sister Ygraine, that the last thing he would ever do is betray him. But then he immediately tried to plant the seed of doubt into the king's mind concerning Gaius – as if he were covering his own tracks. To place the blame on another so quickly… it was definitely suspicious. As much as Arthur hated to admit it, the capability of his uncle committing treason was entirely plausible.

Right… now that he had –bitterly- decided that yet another family member intended him nothing but ill-will, what should he do? Should he confront Agravaine again? Should he simply watch his movements to see if any further treachery occurred? Should he arrest him and let him rot in prison for a few days before demanding a confession?

Arthur rubbed his tired eyes, noticing how low the candle was now burning on his desk. He had been sitting here for hours, staring off into space with his mouth resting against threaded fingers. He vaguely remembered Merlin coming in to take away his empty dinner tray and prepare his chambers for his eventual retirement. He'd dismissed the man with nothing more than a wave of his hand. Normally Merlin would have tried to relieve him of the stresses on his mind but every now and then Arthur needed to be left alone with his thoughts and –remarkably- his overly-cheerful manservant had the knack of knowing when those times were. He'd felt Merlin's concerned glance as he slipped out of the room. It had deeply touched the young king. Without words Arthur knew Merlin had left a silent invitation in that look: if you need to talk, you know where to find me.

But should he tell Merlin?

Already he knew the answer to that question. Of course he would tell him! He told Merlin everything; even though sometimes, due to his stubborn pride, it took the annoyingly astute servant to wiggle the information out of him – because Merlin always knew when he was troubled. Sure the king could trust Guinevere, Gaius, and the Knights of the Round Table but Merlin was, well, Merlin. He was the first one to ever acknowledge Arthur without a title and treat him as a person instead of a prince. He wouldn't sugarcoat his words or refrain from speaking his mind and that meant more to Arthur than all the riches of the world. He needed complete honesty right now and out of everyone, Merlin would give it. He could always count on him.

Besides, Merlin would never, ever betray him. The very thought was completely laughable! The man was loyal to a fault and, though Arthur would never admit it to anyone, Merlin had grown from simply being his manservant to the little brother he'd never had. Arthur trusted him more than any other. Through thick and thin, through triumphs and mistakes, Merlin had never left his side. He was honest when expressing his thoughts and he wasn't afraid to be himself. He unwaveringly walked on equal ground with the king. To most this was deplorable behavior but to Arthur it meant the world.

No, Merlin would never let him down.

This is why he'd panicked mere days ago from nearly losing the man. Arthur shuddered as he remembered Merlin lying in that gorge as the rocks fell, separating them. Never before had he felt so powerless, so desperate, so terrified. He had tried to move the boulders and find a way around but it was all in vain. His only hope had been to regroup with the knights, return to Camelot, and send out as many patrols as needed to find his missing friend. When all came back without him, Arthur couldn't accept that Merlin was gone. It was one of the most relieving moments of his life when the idiot stumbled out of the woods with that trademark grin on his mud-covered face. He never wanted to have to live with the possibility of losing Merlin ever again. The darkness he had felt, the inescapable chasm his heart had been falling into, was a place he never wanted to be acquainted with. Because that was what life without Merlin would be: empty.

Rubbing his eyes one more time Arthur groaned, suddenly feeling the fatigue he'd ignored for the last two hours slam into him from all sides. Rising from his chair, he snuffed out the candle and wandered wearily over to his bed. Merlin had fluffed his pillows just as he liked them and turned down the covers in preparation for easy entrance. Removing his shirt and boots, Arthur tossed them on the floor – Merlin would pick them up in the morning – and burrowed under the covers. Sighing, Arthur put a hand behind his head and stared at his four poster ceiling.

When should he confess his suspicions to Merlin? If he kept them to himself the gnawing pain in his chest would only grow worse. Right, sooner than later then. But should he tell him first thing in the morning or wait a day or two? Perhaps a day or two… he had a lot of other kingly duties to attend to after all. Maybe after learning his schedule tomorrow he could find time to squeeze in a moment with his manservant to ease his weary mind? But then he'd have to face Agravaine all day while hiding behind a façade of trust! Could he do it?

Frustrated, Arthur raked his fingers through his short blonde locks. He was bone tired with having to deal with all the pressures the crown entailed. He'd always wondered why his father seemed so stressed. How had the man managed to do it? The burden of being a king was ten times that of a prince. Arthur's eyes filled a little with tears.

"I need you now more than ever, father," he whispered in the dark. "I don't know what to do. What would you do?"

No response came. Arthur laughed at himself. He was being stupid. Of course his father wasn't going to whisper step by step instructions from the grave. His reign had come to an untimely end and now it was Arthur's turn to wear the mantle of kingship. It was now his duty to make the decisions that would benefit his kingdom and protect his people. No one could rule for him. But he desperately needed advice!

Before he even knew what he was doing, Arthur flung the covers aside, threw on the night shirt Merlin had left out that he'd forgotten to put on, and quickly slipped back into his boots. Walking with haste but not so much to concern the few guards he passed, Arthur found his way down to the physician's chambers. Quietly unlatching the door, he peeked inside. Gaius was already asleep, the old man's gentle snores being heard from the corner of the room. Arthur crept in and gazed upon the physician for a moment.

There was no way Gaius could possibly be the traitor. His actions all of Arthur's life had been nothing but honorable. Fighting the urge to snort at the very thought of Gaius betraying him, Arthur crossed the room and headed up the stairs where his manservant slept. Sliding through the door, the king made out the state of the room – a rather cluttered mess – from the dull moonlight filtering through Merlin's window. The man himself was on his side, his eyes closed, his breathing deep. Arthur's gaze softened as he watched the idiot a moment more. He meant more to him than anyone else – besides Guinevere.

Masking his fondness behind a slight frown, Arthur reached forward and nudged Merlin awake. The young man awoke with a start, his blue eyes filled with confusion, his hair sticking up from where it had indented the pillow.

"Arthur?" he questioned, rubbing one of his eyes sleepily, "What the devil are you doing, sneaking into my room in the middle of the night?"

"Just shut up and get dressed," Arthur instructed.

Frowning, Merlin actually did what he was told without further argument. Arthur was sure it was just because the man was tired; any other time he would have retorted with some display of quick wit. The manservant hastily latched his boots and threw his familiar brown jacket over his thin blue shirt before looking at Arthur with an expectant frown and inner concern.

Arthur indicated with a nod for Merlin to follow before the two tiptoed out into the hall and proceeded down to the lower levels of the castle where the armory was. Taking a torch from the wall, Arthur walked past the grand room and quickly pulled Merlin into a smaller side chamber, one with a thick door being the only entrance. Securing it with a long plank of wood, the king turned to face his now quite bemused manservant.

"Okay… you wake me up in the middle of the night, drag me down here, and bar the door," Merlin mused. "What's on your mind, Arthur? It must be something important if you couldn't wait until morning to tell me while you ate your breakfast in your own chambers."

The king raised a blonde eyebrow. Merlin was a lot sharper than he gave him credit for sometimes. Setting the torch he was holding into an available bracket, Arthur ran both his hands through his hair and started pacing. Merlin watched him do this for a solid minute before he couldn't take it anymore.

"Arthur," he pressed, worry radiating through his words, "what is it?"

The king spun around to face him. Here goes nothing. "I think Agravaine is the traitor I've been trying to find for the last couple of days," he confessed in a rush.

Merlin's reaction was not what Arthur had been expecting. After the slight shock, the man suddenly became very still, his eyes falling to his boots.

"Ah."

Realization dawned and the king's eyes narrowed. "You're not surprised by this. Merlin?"

"You're right… I'm not," he muttered.

"You know something," Arthur pressed, stepping closer to him. "Merlin, tell me."

Merlin's unique blue eyes glanced up from under his lashes and Arthur was surprised to see pain there. But it wasn't the pain of betraying one's trust; it was the pain one experienced when having to reveal something that would hurt the hearer. Even so, Arthur needed to know. He prompted Merlin with a look.

"I started suspecting a while ago," he finally confessed, "but when Agravaine convinced you to kill Caerleon I knew for sure he didn't have your best interest at heart. He manipulated you into doing something that was against who you are."

"And you tried to warn me," Arthur murmured, even now regretting his decision to follow his uncle's 'advice'. His sorrow was great as he looked up at his best friend. "I'm sorry, Merlin."

The manservant's countenance softened. "It's in the past, Arthur."

Such forgiveness. A lesser man would have hung it over his head – gloated even! – but not Merlin. The man could see Arthur's remorse and felt there wasn't a need to further dwell on the matter. He truly was a saint.

The king leaned against the wall. "Have you seen Agravaine do anything else?"

"I followed him once," Merlin hedged, "into the woods. Arthur…"

Merlin paused. As he gathered his courage to continue, Arthur felt a horrible sense of foreboding.

"Go on," the king prompted even though a part of him was afraid of what was about to be revealed. His heart began tightening within his chest. He held his breath.

Merlin reluctantly finished, "He was talking to Morgana."

Arthur swore. His anger getting the better of him, he spun around and slammed his fist against the stone wall. Ignoring the small ache in his hand, he raged, "I should have known! I should have suspected!" He swore again. "Why, Merlin? Why has he betrayed me? What have I done wrong?"

Merlin rested a comforting hand on the king's shoulder. "You have done nothing wrong, Arthur. We may not know exactly why Agravaine has decided to deceive you but one thing I am sure of: you are not to blame. You are honorable and just; a worthy king. Agravaine made his own choice and you should not hold yourself accountable for that."

Arthur closed his eyes, breathing deeply, trying to hide the burning within them but a few traitorous drops managed to fall from his eyelashes. Hastily wiping them away, he cleared his throat and faced Merlin who, thankfully, didn't look at him any differently for his moment of weakness.

"Does anyone else know?"

Merlin bit his lip. "Gaius does. I think Gwen might be a little suspicious as well. At least, she has confessed to me that Agravaine sometimes makes her feel uncomfortable."

Arthur's mind reeled. "Why didn't she tell me?" he muttered. He hadn't meant to ask that but the hurt in his heart had spewed forth the words.

Merlin squeezed his shoulder again. "Arthur, like it or not Agravaine is your uncle and up until now you valued his presence and his counsel. I wanted to tell you before -and I'm sure Gwen did as well- but we both know how much you care about Agravaine and we didn't want to hurt you."

"Well I don't care for him anymore," Arthur snapped.

"Of course you do," Merlin countered. "You wouldn't be hurting right now if you didn't. Arthur, showing painful emotion is not weakness. It proves that you are human, capable of feeling. There is grave danger when a person stops feeling as you now are. Allow your heart to hurt for it makes you a better man."

Arthur's breathing was ragged as he took in the wise words of his dear friend. Once again Merlin astounded him. He always knew the right thing to say. "Even so," Arthur muttered, "something must be done about him. Did you know that I actually tried to confront him today? The coward defended himself by using our blood relation and then pegged Gaius as the traitor!"

Merlin froze.

"Don't worry," Arthur assured, "not for a second do I believe Gaius would suddenly turn against me. That man has done more for me, for Camelot, than my uncle ever did. Gaius is a true friend and confidant. I trust him with my life."

Merlin beamed. "I'm glad you do, Arthur. I'm also glad you told me of your suspicions." His smile faded. "What do you plan to do?"

"I don't know," Arthur confessed. "I've already tried confronting him and that didn't work. What would you do, Merlin, if you were me?"

Merlin blinked, a little surprised at the abrupt question. Arthur waited, watching as he seriously contemplated his answer. "I wouldn't do anything hastily," he said after a time. "I would observe and wait for the opportune moment to discover him in the act of treason. Your uncle has a quick tongue and a knack for using it to cover his true intentions; I've seen it at work several times. But if you actually catch him doing something contrary to his proclaimed loyalty to you, it will be easy to take him down."

Arthur weighed in Merlin's words, nodding to himself. "You know, Merlin, you actually might have a brain in that head of yours."

The manservant smirked. "I've often thought I was the one gifted with intelligence out of the two of us."

"I think you're confusing intelligence with stupidity, Merlin. Now that you have in spades."

The two shared one of their unique grins before the moment passed and sobriety filled them. Arthur stepped forward and clasped Merlin firmly on the shoulder.

"Thank you, old friend," he muttered sincerely.

"I'm always here should you need me, Arthur."

The king's heart swelled. Loyalty and devotion radiated not only from the words but from the manservant's soul. Arthur couldn't understand how Merlin could be so devoted to him but he appreciated it with all his heart.

"We'll both have to keep our eye out," he muttered. Merlin nodded along with him. Arthur paused. "Should we tell the others?"

Knowing that he spoke of those belonging to the Round Table, Merlin pondered this a moment. "If you think it will benefit exposing Agravaine then I don't see the harm. We can trust them."

Arthur smiled. "I know and I agree with you."

Another moment of silence passed before Merlin yawned. The king suddenly felt just as tired, suppressing a yawn himself with the back of his hand.

"Are we done now?" asked Merlin, "Or is there something else?"

Arthur smirked. "Tired are we?"

"You're the one who woke me up in the middle of the night," Merlin groused, folding his arms. "And as glad as I am that you finally have the wool pulled off your eyes, some of us have to be up at the crack of dawn for our jobs."

"You can sleep in if you'd like," Arthur offered.

Merlin's eyebrows shot up into his hairline. "Now I know you're tired. You're never this generous."

Arthur scowled. "Seriously Merlin, I'm going to be tired enough as it is, seeing as I'm up just as late as you. We could both use a lie-in."

Merlin appeared severely tempted but then his expression turned to one of resolve. "Sorry, your Majesty, but duty calls. You have a long list of things to do tomorrow and I can't be responsible for not doing my job in ensuring you do yours."

Arthur groaned. "Can't I have one day to sleep in?"

"Not now that you're the king," Merlin jibed happily with that annoyingly endearing grin of his.

Arthur rubbed his eyes. "Fine then. Since you're so eager to make sure I do my job, I'll make sure to have an extensive list for you to complete tomorrow as well." Merlin looked horrified. Arthur smirked. "It goes both ways, Merlin. If I have to work so do you."

"That's not fair," Merlin grumbled as Arthur lifted the plank of wood off the door and the two made their way back towards the main part of the castle. "I already do more work than you on a regular day!"

"Then having a little extra shouldn't be too hard for you," Arthur grinned, patting Merlin's cheek. "Now, get some rest. You'll need it."

"Prat," Merlin muttered, turning in the direction of Gaius's chambers.

Arthur's expression turned to fondness again as he watched Merlin's retreating back. Already he felt better. Trust Merlin to know exactly what he needed. Not that his heart hurt any less from what he had to do; it was just easier now that he shared the burden with someone else. Sighing, Arthur made it back to his chambers and slipped into bed after once more removing his shirt and shoes; of course he left them on the floor for Merlin to pick up in the morning. Unlike before, this time he fell into a peaceful slumber.

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"Up you get!"

The command came as the curtains were thrown open, bathing the room in a fierce burst of sunlight. Arthur opened his eyes merely a fraction but he didn't move. He hated mornings.

"What for?" he asked groggily into his pillow.

"A bath!" Merlin replied, yanking the covers away from his back.

Arthur continued his stubborn vigil, refusing to move and reclosing his eyes. Where did Merlin find the energy? Both of them were up late and yet the man was running about with a spring in his step! Well, he may be willing to move around like an excited deer but Arthur was perfectly happy remaining in bed. Perhaps he could delay getting up with an excuse to get Merlin to go away? Then it hit him.

"Where's breakfast?" he asked.

Ha! Merlin would have to go retrieve it and that meant extra time to stay nestled happily against his soft pillow! He felt his mattress shift unexpectedly behind him before Merlin grabbed his head, twisting it around.

"Say 'ah'," Merlin commanded.

Arthur opened his mouth to speak and Merlin jammed a scone into it. The king gagged a little, making muffled sounds of protest as the servant left his bed.

"Mur-in!" he complained, yanking the bread from his jaws and spitting out the crumbs.

Dropping the scone, he reclosed his eyes. He was not getting up! Especially if one measly scone was the only thing Merlin deemed as 'breakfast'.

"I set aside some practice time," Merlin rambled behind him.

That elicited a response. The hope of being able to spar with the knights had him turning over in anticipation. "Oh, wonderful! What for?"

Since becoming king, Arthur didn't get to head out to the training grounds as much as he had as a prince. It was something he sorely missed.

"Quarterstaff? Battle ax?" he asked hopefully.

"Your speech," Merlin answered, speaking to the desk.

Arthur frowned. Right, no sparring with the knights then, he thought, disappointed. Wait! He didn't remember having to give a speech today. "Who to?"

"The guild of harness polishers."

"The guild of who? I don't know anything about polishing!" Arthur protested.

He glanced over at Merlin who was currently unraveling a scroll extending from over his head down to his waist. "Fortunately, I do."

The king filled with dread. "That'll take hours to learn," he said disdainfully.

"You don't have hours," Merlin muttered, setting the scroll down to pick up a parchment and quill. "First, you're to receive Odin's envoy."

Arthur inwardly groaned. "Do I have to give a speech?"

"No." Merlin grinned. "You have to listen to one."

The annoyance started to build and the king blew a puff of air from his cheeks while trying hard not to roll his eyes.

Merlin continued on, ignoring his irritation. "Then you're to inspect the guards, perform a freeman's ceremony – oh," Merlin clicked his tongue. Arthur looked at him in anticipation as he glanced up. "And be a judge."

"Preside over a trial?"

"A garland competition!" Merlin declared with cheerful gusto.

That was the last straw. Outwardly groaning now, Arthur rolled his eyes and flopped back into his pillows. Nope, he quit. He didn't want to do any of those things – least of all judging a garland competition. Couldn't someone else do that?!

Yanking the covers back over his body, he turned his back on Merlin and complained, "Never get any time to myself!"

"I know, it's almost like having to work," Merlin mused. "Come on. We don't have time for this."

Just as Arthur was resituating himself into a more comfortable position, Merlin grabbed him by the shoulders and yanked him onto his back, attempting to remove the covers from his body.

"No!" Arthur protested, fighting to reclaim the blankets.

"Come on. Out!" Merlin pulled. "Out of bed!"

With surprising force, his manservant managed to successfully drag him off the mattress and onto the floor. A weak protest came from the king as he fell, "No!"

"You're doing very well, Arthur," Merlin commented as he walked away, leaving the king sprawled undignified on the ground.

"I don't think so," Arthur muttered while doing nothing to get up. His stubbornness refused to comply. The only way he was going to get up was if Merlin hoisted him to his feet! Like he could! He inwardly smirked.

"Everyone's saying it."

"I'm glad your friends at the tavern approve," Arthur griped as Merlin came back into his frame of vision holding a shirt under his arm.

"I'm serious," Merlin stooped down, scooping his hands under Arthur's arms and beginning to lift him from the floor. Arthur had to admire the man's tenacity; a lesser servant would have left him in bed long ago. He also couldn't help being surprised that Merlin found the strength to lift him at all! "You're becoming a very good king," Merlin continued to praise.

"Thank you." Arthur groaned. "You're still the worst servant I've ever known."

Keeping his unspoken promise since Merlin managed to get him to his feet, he submitted to silent defeat and took the shirt offered to him instead of jumping back onto his mattress. Someone knocked on the door.

"Enter," Arthur called.

The very man he didn't want to see poked his head through the door. "Good morning, my lord," Agravaine greeted, striding into the room, "May I have a word?"

"Of course," Arthur muttered as he hid his face in his hands.

Ugh. Really? Did he have to deal with this already? He could feel Merlin's silent concern on his back as both recalled last night's discussion. Arthur would just have to fake ignorance. Besides, this conversation might help him expose his uncle's true colors.

"Uh, the matter I wish to discuss is a delicate one, sire," Agravaine hesitantly replied. "Perhaps it would be better if we talked alone."

The implication was clear. He wanted Merlin out of the way. Could it be that he suspected Merlin was on to him? If that were true then Arthur would have to order the foolhardy servant to be more cautious. If Agravaine truly was in league with Morgana then Merlin was definitely in danger. Arthur had seen what his sister could do. Her magic had destroyed the throne room last year. He didn't even want to think what it could do to someone meddling in her plans. But he couldn't let Agravaine know that he suspected him just yet. Let the traitor believe he was still in his good graces.

Dismissing Merlin with a nod, they shared a silent look. Merlin clearly was telling Arthur to be careful and the king was replying with an unspoken order to stay close. The door closed after him and Arthur walked behind his partition, deciding to act casual by doing the usual morning routine.

"We know there is a traitor amongst us," Agravaine began.

"I wish I could deny it," Arthur answered, grateful he was behind something so his uncle couldn't see the anger burning from his eyes.

"We have to consider everyone." – including you? Arthur silently griped – "Even those dearest to us. No one can be above suspicion."

"Of course."

Arthur scowled at the man's audacity to believe he was omitted from this consideration. Believe me, uncle, I'm well aware of who the traitor may be! ….Calm yourself, he thought (in a voice that sounded annoyingly like Merlin) you can't give anything away.

"So, one of your knights?"

Arthur's anger doubled. Again, he was trying to cloud his judgment by suggesting others instead of himself! How cowardly!

"No," he answered with finality.

"You're sure?"

Keep calm. Keep calm.

"I would vouch for each and every one of them."

There! He was pleased he sounded perfectly composed. It's just a conversation. Treat it like a normal conversation; a serious one, but a normal one just the same.

"Well, I have suggested Gaius before, but…" -Arthur's teeth ground together as he tightened the grip on his boots- "…I can't believe he'd betray you."

Arthur could almost see the man's smirk as he listened to the words. Merlin was right; his uncle had quite a tongue. He probably could lie his way through anything and sound sincere.

"Nor I. Gaius has always been a loyal servant," Arthur defended, yanking his shirt from the partition. "Indeed, a friend – to me and my father." Unlike you, he silently added.

He heard Agravaine walk away. "Well, it was Gaius who told you where to find the sorcerer that killed your father. Wasn't it?"

Arthur emerged from the screen, his eyes narrowing only the slightest bit. Though his uncle's bluntness concerning his father's passing hurt, he did, unfortunately, have a point.

"And we do know that he has dabbled in sorcery," Agravaine went on. "What if his interest in the dark arts has been rekindled?"

Arthur turned his back to him, allowing his uncle to slip his red cover over his arms. Gaius may have practiced sorcery but he denounced it when his father asked him to. He had stuck by that vow with a vengeance. Never had Arthur seen the man using magic. Agravaine was trying to rattle him.

"I've always believed I can trust Gaius," he said, twisting around to face his uncle.

"Oh, me too," Agravaine chuckled. "Perhaps I am being a little hasty. But it wouldn't do any harm to ask him some questions, would it?"

It took a lot of self control not to shout for the guards to take this insufferable rat to the dungeons. How dare he suggest such a thing!

"I'm not sure there's any need."

"Oh, I believe there is, sire," Agravaine persisted. "We're talking about your safety and the safety of the realm. Somebody is plotting against you, and it is my duty to investigate every possibility, however unlikely. I'm sure that Gaius himself would respect that."

Arthur frowned. Question Gaius? Preposterous! But wait; maybe he could use this to his advantage? His uncle was being very insistent. Perhaps, if he consented, he would be able to uncover further treachery by him. He could always reassure Gaius later that he didn't suspect him at all and of course he would tell Merlin what this slippery snake was up to.

Agravaine smiled at him.

"Very well," Arthur relented, "but this is to be done in privacy. Just you, Gaius, and myself."

Agravaine's eyes shined with inner triumph as he bowed his head. "Of course, my lord. I volunteer to handle the questioning myself, if that is alright?"

"That will suffice." His words tasted vile in his mouth as he reluctantly continued, "Thank you for your diligence concerning this matter, uncle. Though the idea of a traitor greatly displeases me, I'm glad I can rely on your help."

"I am happy to give it, Arthur," Agravaine squeezed his shoulder with false affection.

"I have some things to take care of but I will send for you in the afternoon."

Agravaine followed him out of his chambers and Arthur was more than grateful to find Merlin standing there just outside the door. Agravaine took his leave with a final nod of the head, his smug smile back in place as he practically strutted down the hall. Arthur's scowl was deep as he watched him go.

"I take it that whatever he had to say, it wasn't pleasant," Merlin guessed as the two started walking to the throne room.

"Not at all," Arthur grumbled.

He then, in hushed tones, told Merlin what had been said. By the time he finished, Merlin's anger was comparable with his own.

"And you're actually going to go through with this?" he demanded.

Arthur paused with a prominent frown. "I don't like it any more than you but we have to keep up appearances. Merlin, no matter what, you can't tell Gaius that we're going to question him. It has to look real. I'll seek him out later to explain the situation but I need you to keep your silence until then. Can you do this?"

Merlin didn't look at all happy but he nodded his head. "Alright."

Arthur clapped him on the shoulder. "Remember what you said last night, Merlin? This may lead to how we craftily eradicate the enemy."

"I know – but that doesn't mean I have to like it."

"Nor I," Arthur sighed. "Come on; we both might as well be bored to death listening to a dreary speech from Odin's envoy."

"But I have chores to do," Merlin protested although he allowed the king to steer him down the hall anyway.

"I'm sure you'll have plenty of time to do them after the speech," Arthur said cheerfully.

Not that he would admit it to anyone but Merlin often kept him entertained during boring speeches and council meetings. The man had a knack for fighting against his eyelids while standing, his head bobbing with occasional jerky movements from his gangly limbs. Oh, and let's not forget -when he was actually conscious- the hilarious faces he pulled when none but Arthur were watching. The king grinned. Merlin was the perfect remedy for boredom.

"Come on; it'll be fun!" he teased.

"Prat," Merlin muttered as he followed the king inside the throne room.

Arthur had to school his grin; it wouldn't do for the king to look undignified in front of another kingdom's messenger. Striding across the hall, he made it to the throne and sat down, motioning for the guards to retrieve Odin's representative as Merlin took up his place by the wall. Ignoring his manservant's annoyed glare, Arthur thought about all the things he had to do today. He may not be looking forward to any of them but the thought of later questioning Gaius filled him with dread and he found himself wishing that moment would never arrive.

Unfortunately, time never allows anyone to get away from what they are trying to avoid and before he knew it, it was the late afternoon and he found himself in the council room with his uncle, waiting for Gaius to appear.

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The door swung shut behind Agravaine but the tension in the air was still as thick as fog. Arthur sat in his chair at the head of the table, his mind whirling with indecision and uncertainty. It hadn't been at all pleasant to watch his uncle interrogate a man he considered a close friend and confidant. But Gaius's answers had been incredibly evasive. Agravaine had questioned him concerning his stance on magic and the physician had been most reluctant to respond, his replies vague and impersonal. It was obvious even to Arthur that Gaius did not feel comfortable with the law concerning sorcery and, even though he said he had only heard of where the sorcerer who killed his father could be found, it was easy to see through the lies. Gaius knew the old man. So why was he protecting him? Sorcerers and magic were evil. Arthur had been taught that mantra since he was born.

But Gaius had practiced sorcery long ago and he wasn't evil. He had denounced magic and hadn't used it since. Arthur believed he was speaking the truth when he said the laws were necessary to prevent those with evil intent from the use of magic but that implied there were those who used it in a good way. But that was absurd! Arthur had never heard of or seen magic being used for good - only evil.

And yet it bothered him, thinking that way. It almost made him uncomfortable. Gaius was a good man. He never would have used magic for ill intent, right? But then what had he used it for? Arthur found himself wanting to know.

Then, for the first time, he recounted that terrible night of his father's death with new found clarity as the words of the old sorcerer echoed through the recesses of his mind…

"I know you have suffered because of magic, as many have. But not all magic and not all sorcerers are the same. I wish only to show you that magic can be used for good. I hope… one day you will see me in a different light."

He had sounded so sincere then. He definitely didn't seem like someone with ill intentions. But he'd killed his father! Arthur had seen it with his own eyes! Yet… in his anger and grief, he failed to see what he saw now. Thinking back on it, as painful as it was, the old sorcerer didn't seem triumphant over Uther's demise. He had been confused, sad even. He'd run away but that may very well have been because he didn't want to be gutted with a sword. Merlin had later said that he believed the old man meant no harm, that the spell may have gone wrong. Uther had been dying from a mortal wound. Maybe… maybe nothing could have saved him, even magic?

Arthur was so confused. He had to talk to Gaius. The physician may be hiding things from him but he wanted, needed, honesty. And, magic aside, he had to reassure the man that he didn't consider him the traitor. Confound it all! Even now his uncle was sowing seeds of doubt and mistrust! He knew how sensitive Arthur was towards his father's death and had used it as a stepping stone to plant uncertainty in the king's heart concerning those he knew he could trust. The man was good. Too good. Arthur berated himself. He needed to stay focused!

Pushing himself away from the table, he left the room and wandered down to the physician's chambers. Gaius was busy making some kind of potion, his worn hands swirling the unknown contents in a glass vial at eyelevel before replacing it on the table and turning to his visitor.

"Sire?" he questioned, his eyebrow raised.

His callous tone caused Arthur to wince though he knew he deserved it. He hadn't offered any assistance during his uncle's interrogation.

"Are we alone?" he asked, looking around.

Gaius's famous eyebrow rose a fraction more. "Merlin is doing his chores and I'm not expecting any patients. Was there something else you wished to discuss with me?"

Arthur's expression mirrored his inner remorse. "Gaius, I want to apologize for earlier."

"You are looking for a traitor, sire. I understand that you have to be wary of everyone."

"But not those whom I trust," Arthur gently countered. "Gaius, I don't believe you would ever turn against me. I've known you all my life and your loyalty not only to me but my father leaves no doubt in my mind that you only have my best interest at heart."

The old man's face, though surprised, filled with fondness as he accepted the unspoken apology. "I've looked after you since you were a nursling, Arthur. I love you far too much to ever betray you. I would protect you with my life if necessary."

The blatant honesty hit the king right in the heart and for a moment he was temporarily speechless. Warmth washed over him and his eyes began to sting. Clearing his throat, he walked over to Gaius and firmly grasped his shoulder.

"I'm grateful," he said, his voice thick with emotion. Swallowing painfully, he let his hand drop and sat down. Gaius joined him.

"Arthur, what's wrong?"

The king wrung his hands before clasping them together. "There is another matter that concerns me…"

"Go on."

"When you were asked about the sorcerer who killed my father," he turned to look the physician right in the eye, "you lied."

Gaius's gaze didn't waver. "I did, Sire."

"You admit it?"

"I chose to protect him. I feared you would seek him out and execute him. That would have been a grave mistake. The sorcerer did not kill your father. Uther was dying. He tried everything in his power to save him."

Arthur felt the raw emotions from earlier rushing back to him. Gaius's words were similar to what Merlin had said the day after his father's death. Could it really be true that the sorcerer had no intention to kill his father? Was it really possible that he wanted nothing more than to heal the former king? Arthur had a hard time believing it. Why would someone who practiced magic want to save a man who abhorred it? Why would he risk coming to Arthur's aid when his father had done nothing but persecute those like him? Had even once sentenced him personally to burn at the stake?

Gaius pulled him from his muddled thoughts. "Contained within this great kingdom is a rich variety of people with a range of different beliefs. I'm not the only one seeking to protect you. There are many more who believe in the world you are trying to create. One day, you will learn, Arthur. One day, you will understand just how much they've done for you."

Arthur's thoughts were once more taken back in time to a conversation he'd long forgotten.

"You are asking me to save the life of a man that would have me executed?" Dragoon challenged.

"I know what I am asking of you, and I know you have no reason to help me, but you're my father's only hope. I'll give you anything you ask for – land, gold, name your price."

"I don't want your gold! All I have ever wanted is that people like me can live in peace, that those who practice magic are accepted rather than hunted. That is all I ask. That is the price of your father's life."

"I give you my solemn word. When I am king, things will be different. You won't have to live in fear."

"Then, I will help you!"

The old sorcerer had been so happy to hear him agree to his conditions and he had kept his word. He had tried to heal his father. He could have demanded anything but all he wanted was acceptance. The more Arthur thought on it, the more it appeared that Dragoon only wanted to help. Could he be part of those whom Gaius spoke of? Those who were trying to help him create a kingdom of prosperity, equality, and peace? Could magic really be used for good?

"Gaius, can I ask you something?"

"Anything, sire."

"You used to practice magic. What did you use it for, before you stopped?"

Gaius seemed entirely surprised by the question but he answered nonetheless. "I am a physician, sire. My studies and practices in sorcery were only ever used to aid my work. The vast amount of knowledge I learned was necessary in my field so I could help those who suffered from evil enchantments and injuries from magical beasts. But I assure you I have kept my oath and refrained from using any magic to heal my patients."

"I don't doubt it," Arthur assured him, clasping his shoulder again. "Thank you, Gaius. You are an honorable man."

"Thank you, sire," he bowed his head, "but, if I may, can I ask you something?"

"Of course," Arthur invited.

"If you did not believe me to be the traitor, why did you have me questioned?"

Arthur sighed. "Merlin already knows this but, I suspect Agravaine is the conspirator in our midst. We both feel that a direct confrontation with him would not be in our favor so I'm trying to play along with his suggestions in order to catch him unawares in an act of treason. I'm sorry you got caught in the middle of this, Gaius. It was not my intention to make you believe I questioned your allegiance."

Understanding lit Gaius's wise eyes and he smiled sadly. "I do not hold it against you, Arthur." He placed a hand on his forearm. "I am sorry about Agravaine."

The young king hung his head in his hands. Normally he didn't show such vulnerability but this was Gaius. He could trust him not to spread rumors of weakness. "When will the betrayals end, Gaius?" he murmured.

Gaius wrapped his arm around Arthur's slightly shaking shoulders. The king didn't even realize he was crying until a tear fell on his hand. He hastily tried to wipe it away.

"Trusting others is not a weakness, Arthur," Gaius consoled. "It is a strength."

"Then why does it hurt so much?"

"Because it involves your heart which is the central point of all emotion," Gaius answered. "But trusting in others is necessary to accomplish greatness, Arthur, for no man can accomplish his dreams alone. He needs others to help support him along the way. Do not allow the actions of a few to ruin the hopes you have. There will always be those who stand by you and even if they may be few they are the ones worth listening to. They will always have your best interest at heart, even if sometimes their actions seem to say otherwise."

Arthur nodded quietly, reeling in his emotions. Rubbing his eyes, he stood. "Thank you Gaius. Your counsel is always sound and appreciated."

"I will give it any time, Arthur," Gaius smiled.

Arthur smiled in return. "I know."

"What are you going to do about Agravaine?"

"I will continue to watch his movements," the king answered, running a hand over his face. Weariness plagued him. "He might try to do something to you, to implicate you as the traitor, but I promise that I'll do what I can to protect you."

Gaius stood and patted his shoulder. "I have all faith you will, Arthur. Thank you."

The king nodded, heading for the door. Before leaving, however, he turned back. "Gaius?"

"Yes sire?"

"Everything we've discussed…"

"Don't worry, Arthur. My lips are sealed," the physician assured.

The king's expression softened as pride and fondness cascaded into his heart. Nodding to his old friend, Arthur left the room.

This chapter was necessary to set the tone of the fic. I hope it didn't bore you. I promise the really good stuff is going to start next chapter. :D Leave a review if you have the time. I'd love to know what you think!