Arthur sat at the Round Table, looking around at his most trusted knights. His face was tight with exhaustion, and his fists were clenched where they rested in front of him.

" Morgana's army out-number us ten to one. They surround us completely, and we will not be able to hold them off for another day. Her sorcerers will begin their attack soon, and we have no defence against them." He met each of their eyes in turn. "I fear that tomorrow, we will fall." There was a moment of silence, as they took in what their king was saying. Then another voice broke that silence.

"Arthur." The king turned to the young man standing behind him.

"Yes, Merlin?" Merlin's blue eyes flickered nervously from face to face, then he took a deep breath, and set his shoulders back.

"I can help." Arthur smiled wryly.

"Somehow, I don't think having my armour polished is going to sway the results." Merlin shook his head, his eyes never leaving Arthur's.

"No. I mean, I can help. I can… call in some people… to fight with us." Arthur snorted.

"I appreciate the thought, but I hardly think having the people of Ealdor coming to our aid will make that much of a difference." Merlin's eyes sharpened.

"Arthur, for once in your life, listen to me!" Arthur sat back, startled at his normally gentle servant's anger, and the knights jerked in surprise. Lancelot raised his head.

"Merlin, are you sure?" Merlin nodded.

"There's no other way."

Arthur cut in. "Would either of you care to explain to the rest of us what on earth you are talking about?" Merlin took a deep breath.

"I have several armies under my command, and a few more whose leaders owe me their allegiance." His voice was rushed. "There are also one or two kingdoms which will come to my aid if I ask." He glanced around at the shocked faces of his friends and swallowed. "If you wish, I can have most of them here by morning, and the rest soon after." He jumped as a chair scraped back over the stone flooring, and Lancelot walked round to stand by his side. Gwaine and Percival followed his example, standing just behind his, with their expressions ones of defiance and determination. The others had not moved, their frozen faces still staring blankly at Merlin. Arthur was the first to react.

"What are you saying, Merlin?" His voice was slow and careful. Merlin kept his gaze steady.

"I am saying that if you put your prejudices aside in favour of protecting your people, then I can offer you services which may well save your kingdom."

When Arthur did not reply, Leon asked "And what services would you be offering, exactly?"

Merlin glanced back at the men who stood with him. Percival nodded calmly, Lancelot smiled encouragingly, and Gwaine grinned all out violently. He turned back to Arthur and looked him straight in the face.

"I command the druids and the Singh, and both Queen Annis and King Lot owe me their allegiance." Arthur's expression was growing darker with each word, so Merlin hurried on. "As well as them, I can call on the aid of the Kingdom of Draygon, and the People of both the Forests and the Mountain Skies." He paused. "And, if you think they can help, the People of the Waters." By this time, Arthur looked ready to kill Merlin with his bare hands.

"Is this some kind of joke?" he spat. Gwaine drew his sword in ready for an attack. "You expect us to believe that a serving boy not even twenty years old-" Merlin's head shot up, and the king and his knights watched in amazement as he seemed to grow before their eyes. His spine straightened and his features set in an expression of confidence and pride. When he spoke his voice echoed around the room, strong and self-assured.

"You know me by my birth name, but that is not my full title. In the land of my people, I am known as Merlin Ambrious, crown prince of Draygon, Son of King Balinor, High Lord of the Dragons, and Queen Hunith, heir to the throne of the Mountain Skies. I am Lord Emrys, King of the Druids and the Singh, or Fairie People. I am lover to the Lady of the Lake, commander of life and death, slayer of the High Priestess Nimwheh, and honoured friend of the People of the Waters. I hold power over the Kingdoms of Queen Annis and King Lot, and am High Priest of the Isle of the Blessed." His eyes were blazing gold as he stared down at the knights and their king, all of which were pressed into their seats in a mixture of fear, disbelief and shock. Even the knights standing behind him had backed away, their hands raised before their eyes to shield them from the fierce winds which caused their hair and cloaks to be blown back violently.

Slowly though, the wind died down, and Merlin's eyes darkened to their usual cobalt blue. Nobody moved, and eventually, Merlin spoke.

"That is why, if you so wish, Sire, I can help you to defeat Morgana's army, and assure that she never again rises to power." He smiled slightly, and suddenly he looked so familiar that they could almost imagine that it had all been a dream. Again, silence settled over the room, heavy and oppressive. So when Gwaine yawned suddenly, and sheathed his sword, everybody jumped. He shrugged and grinned innocently.

"Well if you're all just going to sit their like statues, I'm going down to the tavern." There was a moments stillness, then Merlin snorted, and Percival punched Gwaine on the arm. Lancelot sighed in exasperation.

"Talk about a one-track mind. Honestly!"

Gwaine rubbed his arm, looking offended.

"What? It's not like they're doing anything interesting. Come on, I'll buy the first round." And with that he grabbed Merlin's sleeve and began to drag him towards the door. Lancelot and Percival took one more look around, then shrugged and started to follow.