Merlin knew his master was no fool. After all the miraculous victories and inexplicable good fortune, it was impossible for Arthur not to suspect his servant's secret.
And yet every time he saw the truth, he looked the other way.
Merlin could not help but smile.
Unfortunately, Uther felt no urge to do the same. The king waited until the prince was visiting the faraway grave of his mother before confronting the exposed sorcerer.
Merlin was frightened, and he was tired. No pleas, no entreaties, no prayers could sway the king.
It was not until the axe was poised above his head that his truest friend returned to Camelot. Merlin caught Arthur's eye and chose to ignore the horror contorting his friend's features. A single cry echoed through the courtyard.
The axe struck true.