I'm back! I had this nagging idea after playing Swordigo on my iPad (really good game). And so I was going to update my others, but then the little plot turtle in my mind was shrieking "No! Write an AU!"

So I have.

WARNING: When I say AU, I mean it's one of those fics which means this is completely my own story. Well, apart from the characters. HEAR THAT, BBC? I OWN NOTHING! But let me explain a little (the fic will explain later):

Uther is NOT king of Camelot. Because Camelot doesn't exist. Uther used to be a king of Camelot, but then the Battle happened, and Camelot was destroyed.

The Pendragons are not ruling. What does that mean for magic?

Well, people like Merlin (good magical people) live in hidden Druid camps. Along with other good people who have nothing against magic.

I haven't told you guys much. But it would ruin the fic!

So, please R&R, this is my first AU and I'd love to see how I'm doing! Enjoy!


Merlin woke up in a cold sweat. Something was pulling at his senses, at his magic. He looked outside - the sky was still enveloped in a rich black velvet, with golden orbs studded into the night. The moon was a misty orb, hanging almost hypnotically by an invisible thread.

Merlin swung his long legs out of the bed, and dressed in a faded blue shirt and brown trousers, with comfortable brown shoes. To finish the look, he covered his long, pale neck with a red neckerchief. His hair was pitch black, with a fringe that gave him a look about him, that showed his true age, that was young ...but his cobalt eyes were wise beyond their years. His skin was almost unnaturally pale, and he had a lithe figure. He walked forwards, pushing the tent open, and peering out into the night.

The village was small but spread out. Each tent was large, like a battle tent. There was enough room for a fur carpet, a bed (a wooden base with animal skins strung across it to lay on risen above the floor, covered by a thin rug), a wooden chest of drawers with a candle on the top of it, and a post to hold up the tent was in the middle, torches hung on it to light the place.

Merlin took a deap breath of the clear night air. It seemed calm enough, only...only the distress signal seemed so...so apparent, so eager.

"Merlin!"

Merlin looked over to the tent next to his. "Merlin! What's wrong?" Will hissed.

Merlin smiled. "Nothing."

"Don't lie to me, mate. I know you," Will grinned. He sat down on the hay bale inbetween the two tents. "Tell me."

Merlin sighed. He sat opposite his friend on another bale.

"I...there was a shift in the magic. Like...my master was in danger."

He could see Will's eyes widen in the dark. "Oh my..."

"I know," Merlin whispered. Wariness was all over his face. "What could've done this? I've never felt a threat this large."

"You have to go to the Elders."

"No."

"Why not? Merlin, you're the only person apart from them born with magic here at the moment. You're powerful, mate, you're not to be underestimated!"

"I don't care! I don't care, Will, I..."

"What is this shouting? Why are you awake?"

The boys stiffened. It was a familiar female voice.

Morgause. A powerful Elder.

"Lady Morgause..."

"Is something the matter, William?" she said coldly. Her blonde curls lay on top of her blood red cloak. She had dark shadows under her eyes.

"No, my La-" Will mumbled, glaring accusingly at Merlin.

"Wait. Yes. There is a problem."

Two pairs of eyes were on him now. Merlin bit his lip.

"Merlin, what is this?" Morgause pressed. Merlin cowered under her gaze. She looked like she was in her late thirties, but something about her made her seem centuries older.

"I...had a feeling, my Lady."

"Go on."

Merlin took a deep breath. "I was asleep, when there was a...a tug on my magic. Like someone was trying to get my attention...and I immediately thought that...that Lord Kilgarrah was in danger..."

Morgause widened her eyes. "This is not good. William, awaken Gaius. He must be told of this. And send word to...Merlin? Merlin!"

The young man was paler than usual. He was swaying slightly, before his eyes rolled into the back of his head and he collapsed onto the floor.

Morgause and Will immediately went to him. "Merlin! Merlin, mate, wake up..."

The commotion was stirring others. Gwaine and Lancelot were the first two to appear out of their tents, peering into the darkness, and the two took less time than the others to realise that something was wrong.

"What's happening?" Lancelot asked. "What's wrong? Has somebody collapsed?"

Gwaine rubbed sleep out of his eyes. "I don't know...who is it?"

Will noticed the two, and beckoned them over frantically. "Merlin, he's...he just..."

That's all Lancelot and Gwaine needed. They ran to Merlin's still form. "Oh, gods...what happened?!"

Morgause shook her head. "I don't understand...what is happening to this boy?"

As if on cue, Merlin snapped open his eyes, taking a deep breath and trembling. "No...he's in danger...I must go to him..."

Lancelot helped him to sit up. "Merlin, what's the matter?"

Merlin was shaking tremendously, looking terrified. "Kilgarrah...he's fighting, he summoned me...I have to go to him! Something's wrong, something's really wrong..."

Morgause looked him up and down. She bit her lip. "Young warlock, you have to be sure of what happened."

Merlin nodded. "I am. You have to believe me..."

"I am not accusing you of lying. Kilgarrah...he did go into the woods. He should be back by now. You know this."

Merlin nodded again. He was still trembling.

"Maybe...maybe you should go and find him."

Gwaine, Will and Lancelot looked at each other. "Are you sure he'll be alright? I mean...we should at least let him rest..." Gwaine said worriedly.

Merlin locked eyes with him. Thanks, he mouthed. Gwaine nodded.

"No."

All four looked at the blonde. "He must go immediately. He has the best connection, he is Kilgarrah's apprentice."

"But, my Lady..."

"He's ill..."

"It's dangerous..."

"Silence."

They all were quiet. Morgause looked at Merlin. "You have to find him."

He may be beyond our help if this is what I fear, she thought to him. Merlin cast his eyes down.

"I'll go," he announced.

Morgause smiled. "But you mustn't go unarmed."

"I have my magic..."

"It may not be enough. For now, take this sword," she said. Out of nowhere she brandished a blade, silver with gold on the inside. Runes were encrusted in it.

"It is Excalibur, a weapon of great magic. It is very powerful. Take it."

Merlin hesitated, before reaching for the hilt. He lifted it up, watching the moonlight reflect on the blade. "I...thank you," he whispered. Morgause nodded.

"You will need it. Good luck, boy," she said. Merlin gulped, as she turned and left.

His friends and him looked at each other. "Come back whole, will you?" Will said shakily. Merlin laughed.

"I'll try."

"Good luck," Lancelot said gently. "We'll let Hunith know." Gwaine embraced the warlock.

"See you, then," he laughed.

Merlin nodded one last time, before walking off out of the camp borders.


Well? Was it terrible? Was it good? What do you think? Should I continue?

Thanks!

~BToA xxxx