Aren't you people lucky, 2 chapters in one day! I'm stuck on a train so I'm just writing! Hope you like it!

Arthur slammed the lid on the compass shut and glared at Leon. "What are you trying to achieve by humiliating me? I tell you how vulnerable I'm feeling so you decide to take advantage of me? Thanks Leon, you're such a great friend." He glared at the man sitting opposite him, his expression slightly bemused.

"Sir, I know how you're feeling but the compass doesn't lie. How do you think I met my wife? I found the compass on one of the islands we visited and when I opened it I realised what I had in my possession. It has given me nothing but happiness so I do not think I need it any longer. I saw that you were upset and I wanted to help. That's when I decided, not to mock you, but to help you and show you what you want which, apparently," he pointed towards the bartender "is that man over there."

Arthur was beginning to calm down but still managed to proclaim "but I don't even know him! How could he be what I want? What I need? And how can it be a man? I have just left a woman who I have loved for 15 years and I have a daughter! I'm pretty sure I don't like men…?" He looked confused, as Leon expected but he had wondered about Arthur for a long time so the direction of the compass did not come as a huge surprise. Instead of explaining this, Leon simply said "The compass doesn't lie, sir. I hope you make the right decision. I have to go now, I hope to see you very soon. Good luck." And with that he stood, saluted his superior and left the tavern, leaving Arthur alone with his thoughts.

Could it be true? Did he love someone he had never met? Is this man who he wants, who he needs? What would society think of them? What about his parents? His daughter? Gwen? Does this mean that he never loved Gwen? That she was just a filler relationship before he found his true love?

Arthur put his head in his hands once more as he tried to comprehend what was happening. Surely if the compass had led Leon to his wife, could it lead him to his… husband?

He shook his head and looked up, only to be faced with the ebony haired man standing in front of him. Arthur jumped, startled by his sudden appearance. They took a moment, just staring at each other. During this time, Arthir was able to take in the man's appearance. He had thick black hair that needed a slight wash but he would not be considered dirty. He had bright, blue eyes that were looking into his expectantly. His cheeks were rosy like a school boy with high cheekbones that gave the face a slight angular shape. His clothes, although clean, we're clearly rather old and there were patches that the man must have tried to repair himself once they had become worn and holes had appeared.

Finally the boy spoke. "Sorry to disturb you but are you Captain Arthur Pendragon?" He looked nervous but his voice stayed steady.

Arthur stayed silent a moment, wondering how he could know his name. "I am. Who are you?" He tried to keep his voice as steady as the boys, trying to make it sound indifferent.

"Good evening sir. My name is Merlin, Merlin Emyrs. I was wondering if it would be possible to join your crew? I have crewed on many vessels and I was told that yours was the best so I would like to give you my services, if you would like to take me?"

Arthur looked him up and down before reaching for his compass and opening it a small bit so that he could just see the needle. As he had expected, it was pointing straight at Merlin. His breath caught and he quickly closed the lid before looking back at Merlin who had also been looking at the compass but hastily looked away when Arthur did. They stared at one another for a few more seconds before Arthur broke the silence.

"What kind of ships have you previously crewed on? Any notable vessels?" Arthur's brain was screaming at him, telling him to just say he could crew with him but he needed to regain some composure as he still had tear stains on his face and, every so often, he voice shook a little.

"I served on the Victory sir."

"The Victory? As in, the battle of Trafalgar?" He was impressed by this news.

"Yes sir, when I was younger. I knew Nelson, he was a long family friend so my father pursuaded him to take me. I was there when he was killed sir." Upon saying this, Merlin looked down. Clearly it was quite a painful memory. Arthur noted this and decided he wouldn't bring it up again. Merlin then went on to list as many as 10 previous expeditions he had been on, each better than the last.

"Well I am impressed Mr Emyrs! It would be my honour to have you on my crew." They shook hands and the feeling of Merlin's cold skin against his own made him shiver slightly although he hoped his new shipmate would not have noticed. This was going to be a very exciting adventure.