ok. So this chapter has been slightly rewritten. I had originally published it two years ago when my writing style was different and a lot less advanced. Though I haven't changed the plot. I hope that you enjoy this Story. please feel free to leave a comment. I love criticism, it helps me grow.

I do not own Merlin

I hid behind the tree waiting for Arthur to make an appearance. My eyes shined a bright gold as I held the ice cold water in place right above the clearing. It was a nice spring day and as I waited I listened to the soft hum of the forest and smiled as a bird flew to its nest in a tree nearby.I have always loved nature.

Despite me being court sorcerer now Arthur insisted that I go with him on these hunting trips. He claims that I am the only one able to properly carry the supplies and cook meals,And that

'yes Merlin you are court sorcerer ,but I am king.' But he's fooling no one, I know it's because he misses me. And honestly I miss him. It turns out that being court sorcerer is a very busy job. I was expecting to be able to kick back and take a breath after the promotion, but no, within the first week I being towed all over the castle and town doing things like helping people, or explaining magic, or defending against people who were still ant-magic. I guess though It is hard to get a good idea of the job description for a position that hasn't been held in over twenty years. In regards to the killing of innocent animals, I can always scare them away.

I was drawn out of my thoughts by the sound of someone approaching. A smile graced my lips as I waited for Arthur to get close enough. Walking right into my trap, I let out a laugh and released my hold on the water , a yell of surprise followed soon after. In prideful glee, I walked around the tree to see a shocked and soaking wet Arthur. Upon seeing me though his shocked expression turned to one of annoyance and anger.

"MERLIN!"

With my laughter echoing through the trees,I ran in the opposite direction as Arthur gave chase. We ran around the forest like children, Arthur chasing, me running. I might be skinny but I am fast when I want to be. I was able to keep the upper hand. That is until I reached the edge of a lake. I turned around to see a very wet Arthur Stalking toward me.

"Arthur, Good to see you, how was the bath?" I said with a smile. He gave me a twisted smile back.

"Good. Bit chilly though, here let me show you"

And with that he pushed me into the lake, but not before I managed to grab his arm dragging us both down into the water with a splash.

Still partially wet Arthur and I sat by the fire and ate our dinner. Arthur kept sending annoyed glances my way to which I would respond with a Big smile. It was a silent, peaceful night, and I was going to enjoy it. The silence was broken though at the sound of a twig breaking a little ways away. Fearing bandits Arthur silently drew out his sword while I willed my magic forward ready to react at a moment's notice. Together we both moved forward silently until we came upon a clearing. In the middle stood a middle aged man in a long cloak. Though the man had no weapon I could feel magic coming from him. In the past before Arthur knew my secret this fact would have put me on edge, A sorcerer usually meant that either he was here to attack Arthur or was just passing through and in doing so risked the chance of being killed. Now though the sorcerer was in no danger in the presence of the king, and Arthur and I would only attack if this man did so first.A thought that filled me with pride.

"state your name" Arthur said in his kingly voice. The man stepped forward and lowered his hood revealing a worn but kind face.

"I am Adken my lord" he said with a non-threatening voice. At this Arthur slowly lowered his sword but only slightly "I was traveling home to my family now that my magic will not have them killed." At this I felt another pang of pride, "when I felt you and Emrys's presence I felt it necessary to come and express my thanks to you" I saw Arthur lower his sword completely at the man's words while I pulled back on my magic.

Though some still felt hate towards Arthur for playing a part in the fight against sorcery and some had been happy about their freedom and lived peacefully in Camelot but still held scars that kept them from fully trusting their king. Others though, had forgiven Arthur and acknowledged that he was doing his best known to repair the damage imparted by his father. There had been many sorcerers that felt thankful towards Arthur for granting them freedom and restoring the peace.

"My father was blinded by hate I am sorry you had to be separated from your family at all, and hope now that you and your family can live on peacefully." Arthur said with a sincere tone

"As do I, but before I take my leave I wish to grant you a token to show my thanks" he said and then started to reach into his bag ignoring Arthur's protests.

"I am grateful for your offer but your mere thanks and loyalty are gift enough." He said. The man continued though and brought out an object wrapped in cloth. Slowly he unwrapped it to reveal an hourglass with intricate designs engraved on its wood that looked to be of magical origin.

"This is a relic of the old religion. It was put into my care at the beginning of the great purge. My magic is weak making the object unusable to me. I have kept it safe from those who would see it destroyed but now that magic is free I feel I would be put to better use in the hands of Emrys." He said

"what is it" I asked curiously

"It is a devise of remembering it is used to show the person there past. Some viewed the object as a mere trinket its sole purpose being to give the user a sense of nostalgia." I eyed the hour glass curiously. Suddenly the man thrust it into my arms. I was about to comment but he spoke first.

"I must take my leave now use it wisely."And before I could respond he was gone. Both me and Arthur were frozen in place before coming to our senses.

"Wait" Arthur yelled into the now empty clearing. We stood there for a couple seconds not saying anything.

"Well that was weird" I said breaking the silence. Arthur laughed and we turned back toward the camp.

"What is it with you sorcerers and your ancient relics any way." I rolled my eyes and ignored him

"Wonder what he meant by show you the past" I pondered out loud. Arthur regarded the object curiously.

"You are the court sorcerer Merlin shouldn't you know" he said in a pratish tone

"I don't know everything Arthur" I said annoyed

"No surprise there then"

"Prat"

"Idiot"

We laughed together and settled down for the night. I had first watch so went over to sit against a tree. With nothing else to do I picked up the object and started examining it. The man had said it was a magical object. Curious I started to prod it with magic and was shocked when it absorbed the magic I had been using to prod it. I watched it for a few seconds but it didn't do anything. Ignoring the feeling in my stomach I tried again willing my magic at the object and once again felt it absorb it. I watched curiously but again nothing happened. Sighing I placed the object on the ground and sat back against the tree and despite my efforts felt my eyelids start to drop and soon found myself in a dark oblivion. Somewhere In the back of my mind I knew something was wrong. I felt magic begin to swirl around me crashing around like waves in a storm. But these sensations were disregarded by my unconscious mind. It wouldn't be until I woke up that I truly realised what had happened.

"up...lin…. Merlin… wake up…."

I felt myself slowly waking up my head pounding. I tried to open my eyes my but quickly closed them again at the brightness. It must be morning. Ohh Arthur was going to kill me for falling asleep on watch. Though why did he wait till morning to wake me? Maybe he Slept the whole night too?

"Merlin!"

Sighing I tried once more and opened my eyes and squinted as they slowly adjusted to the light. Finally I saw who had been calling my name, and it definitely wasn't Arthur. Gaius's concerned face hung over me.

"Gaius? Wha..what are you doing in the forest." I said in a dreary voice. His face though only grew more confused at my words.

"My boy, what are you talking about we are in the counsel room." Wait what? Weren't we in the forest hunting? I heard other voices and slowly sat up ignoring the pain in my head. I looked around and saw that we were in fact in the counsel room and standing around where nobles ,some were staring at me but most were looking in another direction. I looked where they were and saw a very confused Arthur on the floor. We seemed to be in a similar situation. Something about him was different but I couldn't place it. He spotted me and looked like he was about say something when something else caught his eye and he froze. I followed his eyes and nearly passed out again, for their standing around like everyone else, but in a 'I'm still better than you way'

Was Uther Pendragon.