Arthur hadn't moved since Merlin had helped him escape from Camelot. He'd never felt so betrayed in his life, and now his father might be dead, his people suffering and there seemed no hope in being able to take back his kingdom.

What was the point in fighting anymore?

Arthur's mind continued to drift.

"Arthur…" A voice whispered to him. Arthur awoke with a start sitting up he realized he was in the middle of a forest. The prince carefully got to his feet instantly on guard. "Arthur…" that voice again it seemed to rise out of the depths swirling around him like fog. He searched for the voice twisting around, reaching for his sword but there was nothing at his side and he wasn't wearing any armor. The fact was he didn't remember how he could have gotten out here in the first place. Where was Merlin? Or Gwaine? Had they abandoned him? He couldn't really blame them if he had. "Arthur." The voice was clearer than before and he looked up. She was beautiful, blonde and kind-faced with eyes that held nothing but warmth and love in their depths.

"Mother." He whispered. He knew it was she, knew it with all of his heart. Arthur stared at her, he drank in her image. "Am I dead?"

His mother laughed and it was the most beautiful sound that Arthur had ever heard. "No, my boy, you are not dead."

"Then how are you here?"

Ygraine did not answer but she held out her hand to Arthur. "Come, take a walk with me."

Arthur could not find it in him to refuse her. He half expected her hand to be cold, but it was warm and soft and comforting. They walked together through the woods, and Arthur found he actually recognized where they were, but he didn't comment. There was so much he wanted to say or ask but he was having a hard time forming the words.

"I'm so proud of you Arthur." She broke the silence her thumb stroking the back of his hand.

"How can you be? After all that's happened." Arthur bowed his head in shame.

"Silly boy, you are my son and you have grown up well. I know these last days have been trying. But you will get through them and it will make you a stronger and better man."

"How can you be so sure."

"Because I'm your mother, and I see everything in you that you can not yet see in yourself." She stopped and reached forward pushing his bangs from his face "I see that you are lost, Morgana's betrayal has hurt your soul. It's why I'm here Arthur, I want to help you."

"How can you help me?"

She led him by the hand and a shadow passed over Arthur. He looked up realizing they were at the entrance to a rather large cave. He knew instantly that it was not a normal place. "Don't be frightened," Ygraine whispered softly. "This is the Crystal Cave."

"There is sorcery here."

"There is magic, yes, This is where it all began and one day where it shall all end."

Arthur wanted to pull away to turn and run from this magic. After Morgana, after everything how could any magic be anything but evil. But his mother did not look evil, he did not feel any hate or malice from her, nothing but pure motherly love.

"This cave will show you your future." Ygraine continued to speak knowing Arthur had to hear all of this and quick, she was breaking more magical laws than should be allowed, but it was her son, her Arthur. She had seen his future, his death and it had come too soon, "it will also show you your past, it will guide you and maybe it will help you."

"Camelot is in danger, I can't just abandon them for this cave."

"Once you enter the cave, time outside will cease. You will travel through the memories and when you leave it will seem as if only a second or two has passed."

"Why should I trust this?" Arthur's mind was fighting against his heart. Ygraine wrapped her arms around her son hugging him to her.

"I want nothing more than your happiness my son, my Arthur. There is no other reason than that. It's your choice," She stepped back from Arthur holding his hands tightly in her own. "No matter what you choose, know that I love you and am so so very proud of all you have and will become." tears fell from her eyes and Arthur moved to wipe them away but she was gone and Arthur was sitting up back in the old ruins,

Arthur mulled over his dream for a moment. But he could see no reason why he should not go. He stood up and moved to find Merlin. Gaius smiled at him seemingly pleased that he was finally up and about. He felt a small blush rise to his cheeks at his childish behavior, all had seemed so lost but now he finally had a mission. Something he could do.

Merlin too seemed pleased to see him.

"You're looking better."

"Yes well, turns out something good's finally happened. Come on, we need to leave now."

"Leave? Arthur, we don't have a plan yet."

"You may not, but luckily I do."

"Care to enlighten me?"

"Not really, you'll just have to trust me."

"We can't leave Gaius and Elyan here alone."

Arthur paused but then shrugged "Alright, we'll take them with us." He moved quickly and Merlin followed behind utterly confused. Gaius and Elyan both glanced at Arthur and then back at Merlin who shrugged. Arthur had explained very little just insisting that they needed to go.

They hadn't made it very far when they heard the sound of footsteps. They ducked behind an outcropping Arthur had his sword ready as did Elyan. He moved around quickly but ran headlong into "Guinevere?"

"Arthur!" She smiled brightly hugging the prince tightly in her arms. Sir Leon was just behind her a smile on his face.

"Sir Leon." The two clasped arms. Elyan who'd circled around behind to make sure they were all safe came running back into the clearing. "We've been found." He shouted

Arthur quickly pushed Gwen in front of them "Go hurry, we have to get out of here." They ran. The prince now wondered if they could even make it to the crystal cave without being caught.

"Look out" Arthur and the other turned round in time to see a rockfall separating them from Morgana's army.

"Who was that?" He asked

"I don't know but I'm liking them already" Gwaine grinned.

Lancelot smiled down at them and Arthur had never felt so relieved to see someone in his life. He was accompanied by another man, Percival. Arthur didn't really care, it was just nice to have more help.

He explained to them that he had to go somewhere and this place would help them to destroy Morgana's army. That was more than enough for them, though Merlin had to go on and ask about a million and one questions all of which he ignored.

"I don't have time to waste answering your queries, for once just listen to me."

Merlin was becoming more and more uneasy as he trailed after Arthur and the others. He couldn't help but recognize the path they were on. But how could Arthur know of such a place?

"Arthur?"

"We're here?"

"Where exactly is here, sire?" Leon asked looking at the cave in confusion.

"I won't ask you to come with me." Arthur turned to the men. "This cave has magic within, and even I am unsure of what we'll find."

Leon stepped up as did the others. They were not about to abandon Arthur now. He smiled at them. They had no reason to be loyal to him and he wouldn't have blamed them if they chose not to stay. He did not know what he had done to deserve their friendship and loyalty.

Merlin quivered as they all stepped into the magical cave.

"Merlin don't be such a girl." Arthur shot at him and Merlin tried to smile but it was strained and forced. He felt like they shouldn't be there, but he knew it was useless to try and convince the prince once he had set his mind to it. And there was no reason Merlin could think up that would not reveal his magic.

Arthur knew as soon as he stepped into the cave what he must do, it was like his mother was guiding him forward.

"It's beautiful," Gwen whispered marveling at the giant crystals that surrounded them. Arthur continued forward deeper into the cave than even Merlin had gone. Nd there at the very end was a large crystal.

Arthur looked back at his knights and friends.

"We have to touch it, together."

"How do you know this Arthur."

"Trust me, Merlin."

Merlin wanted to, he wanted to trust Arthur, but he knew what these crystals could do and he was wary. But he had followed Arthur this far. His eyes met Gaius's and the old man looked at him as if to say 'what choice do we have' and Merlin had to concur.

They all looked at one another and reached out their hands touching the crystals glassy surface. Merlin expected it to be smooth and cold, but his fingers passed right through it and before he knew what was happening he was tumbling head over heels.

Merlin awoke with a gasp. The other's too were waking or rather regaining consciousness.

"Where are we?" Arthur asked. Merlin wanted to strangle him.

Gwen screamed. Merlin turned on instant high alert but faltered. He hadn't noticed it at first, but all around them lay the bodies of the men of Camelot.

"What's going on?" Gwaine whispered.

"Do not be afraid, nothing here can harm you." the voice spoke in their minds and Arthur recognized it instantly and calmed. "Wait and Watch, all will be revealed soon."