The knights of the round table were on patrol out at Camelot looking for the – Arthur Pendragon's – evil, half-sister, sorceress – Morgana Pendragon – she had taken over Camelot. But the group of knights currently on patrol had taken out her and her half-sister, Morgause's immortal army. They were looking for her in a village where they had heard reports of her sightings with her half-sister.
In the group was the Crown Prince– Arthur Pendragon himself. There was a knight of noble birth Sir Leon. Then there were several new knights including the king's fiancé's brother – Elyan. There was Sir Gwaine who was for once not drunk! There was the muscular, tall and ever silent Sir Percival. Lancelot who seemed almost always in competition with the Prince mainly due to the would be Queen – Guinevere – who had won the hearts of both future king and knight. Last – but definitely not least – was the servant of Prince Arthur. Merlin and Arthur whose relationship began rocky at best would rarely be seen without each other. Merlin would ride into battles with Arthur. But unbeknownst to the prince his servant had a dangerous secret which could kill him if anyone knew. Merlin or Emerys as the druids called him and he was the most powerful warlock there would ever be. He was destined – at Arthur's side – to unite Albion under one high king – Arthur Pendragon.
That was why Merlin was the first to feel the strange wind that over took them. The Prince, Knights and Merlin ended up in a strange room. It had large glass windows and soft bed like chairs. There was a strange contraption in the middle of the room.
'That would be sorcery,' said Arthur.
'I don't think so,' said Merlin not feeling any of the tingly feeling he got from magic.
'How would you know?' asked Arthur.
'Oh no reason,' said Merlin.
Lancelot looked at his magical friend who shook his head.
'Oh come on look,' said Merlin.
He went over to the strange contraption and turned it on. He then found a strange box thing saying Merlin thinking it was for him he pushed it in a whole which he had a feeling would be the right size for it. With this he allowed the box to light up.
Gwen was helping Gaius with Huinith who had come to them ill when the knights and Merlin were away. She hoped that they would be back soon. Though she told herself that it was to inform Merlin about Huinith's health she knew it was also to see her handsome fiancé. That was why she was scared when a strange wind overtook them and she ended up falling into Arthur's strong arm.
'Gaius? Mother? Gwen?' Merlin said.
Gwen saw the hurt as Merlin took in his mother's haggard appearance. Merlin knelt down by the woman and she sat up looking perfectly fine again. Gwen thought that maybe she had just been missing her son. Then she heard the strange and mysterious music on the strange lighted screen.
'Magic?' she asked.
'No,' said Merlin sounding peeved. 'Come on lets see what it does,' said Lancelot
The group of friends sat to watch the black box.
Merlin was making his way over a sandy hill.
'Why does it start with Merlin?' asked Arthur disgruntled.
'Because I'm the best,' said Merlin grinning.
But he exchanged looks with Lancelot and Gaius both wondering the same; would his secret be revealed?
'No young man, no matter how great, can know his destiny.
'Destiny?' said Arthur 'but your just a servant. Not that there's anything wrong with that but still…' he shut up.
He cannot glimpse his part in the great story that is about to unfold. Like everyone, he must live and learn. And so it will be for the young warlock
There were shouts from everyone except Gaius and Lancelot. They only shut up when Merlin sent up a light into the air.
'You're a sorcerer?' said Arthur hurt.
'Warlock,' corrected Merlin.
'Same thing,' said Arthur.
'Warlock's are those born with magic, sorcerer's are those who learn magic,' said Gaius quietly. 'There are many who have no choice '
'Yet we're still hunted down all the same,' sighed Merlin sadly.
'Why didn't you tell me?' asked Arthur.
'I didn't want you to make the decision between me and your father,' said Merlin. 'And as for the rest of you if I'm caught I'll burn if you know you'll burn for harbouring me.'
arriving at the gates of Camelot. A boy that will, in time, father the legend. His name: Merlin.'
Merlin had arrived in Camelot. Uther was addressing the crowds.
Let this serve as a lesson to all. This man, Thomas James Collins, is judged guilty of conspiring to use enchantments and magic. And, pursuant to the laws of Camelot, I, Uther Pendragon, have decreed that such practices are banned on penalty of death. I pride myself as a fair and just king, but for the crime of sorcery there is but one sentence I can pass.'
Uther then has the man beheaded.
'That's why you don't like to tell people the truth,' said Gwen.
'Uther is a terrifying man when you have to live with magic,' said Merlin softly.
'When I came to this land, this kingdom was mired in chaos, but with the people's help magic was driven from the realm.
So I declare a festival to celebrate twenty years since the Great Dragon
Was captured and Camelot freed from the evil of sorcery.
Let the celebrations begin.
A woman who they all knew to be Mary Collins appeared.
'There is only one evil in this land, and it is not magic! It is you!
Quite a few people looked like they agreed with this statement. Arthur looked uncomfortable.
With your hatred and your ignorance! You killed my son! But I promise you, before these celebrations are over, you will share my tears. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a son for a son.'
'Magic should never be used like that,' sighed Merlin. 'It should only ever be used for good. It feels so wrong when people corrupt that which is pure,' he said sadly.
'Why do they?' asked Arthur.
'Fear and hatred,' replied Merlin.
Arthur looked confused.
'Imagine being hunted for what you were born as, watching your family being killed and living with the threat of execution hanging over you,' said Merlin. 'What would you do?'
'Seize her!' Uther shouted.
Then Mary Collin disappears in a flash of smoke. Merlin then walks through the castle and sees the guard.
'Where would I find Gaius, the- the court physician?' asked Merlin.
The guard point Merlin in his direction. Merlin knocks on the door and enters Gaius' quarters and looks around.
'Hello?' Merlin calls out.
He wanders into the room.
'Hello? Gaius?' calls out Merlin.
Gaius is standing on a ladder in a bookcase and he looks around then falls off the ladder. Merlin's eyes glow gold as Gaius' falls slow and a bed comes hurtling towards him which the old man lands softly on.
'What did you just do?' asked Gaius.
'So you knew?' said Arthur hurt.
'I wasn't going to turn him in, Arthur,' said Gaius softly. 'And at that point you hadn't even met him!'
'Erm...' said Merlin.
'I got better at lying,' murmured Merlin as every one laughed.
'Tell me!' demanded the old man.
'I, I, I have no idea what happened.' Merlin attempted to lie.
'If anyone had seen that...' said Gaius.
'Er, no! That, that was, that was nothing to do with me. That, that was...'stuttered Merlin.
'I know what it was! I just want to know where you learned how to do it!' said Gaius.
'You see commonly even those born with magic have to learn how to do anything with it but with Merlin it seems instinctual,' murmured Gaius.
'Nowhere,' said Merlin.
'So how is it you know magic?' asked Gaius suspiciously.
'I don't.' said Merlin.
'Where did you study? Answer me!' growled Gaius.
'I would never have allowed him to study magic,' said Hunith. 'I didn't want to lose another one to Uther!'
Everyone was wondering what she meant loose another one to uther
'I, I've never studied magic or, or been taught.' Merlin said.
'Are you lying to me, boy?' said Gaius.
'What do you want me to say? 'asked Merlin desperately.
'The truth!' said Gaius.
'I was born like this!' said Merlin.
'That's impossible! Who are you?' said Gaius.
'Oh, erm...' said Merlin.
[pulls of backpack]
'I have this letter.' Said Merlin.
'I, I don't have my glasses.' Said Merlin.
'I'm Merlin.' Said Merlin.
'Hunith's son?' said Gaius.
'Got there at last,' smirked Gwaine.
' Yes!' said Merlin sounding relieved.
'But you're not meant to be here till Wednesday!' said Gaius.
'It is Wednesday.' Said Merlin.
Everyone but Gaius who looked very embarrassed laughed.
'Ah. Right, then. You better put your bag in there.' Said Gaius.
'You, you won't say anything about, erm...' said Merlin sounding scared.
'You really were scared of my father,' said Arthur sadly.
'No. Although, Merlin, I should say thank you.' Said Gaius.
'Good remember you manners,' smiled Huinith.
Merlin looked over at Camelot.
'It really is very beautiful,' smiled Merlin in typical country boy way.
'im the king to be and I don't get a view as good as this' Arthur said
Then Huinith's voice over began. 'My dear Gaius, I turn to you for I feel lost and alone and don't know who to trust.
'Because of my father,' said Arthur. 'Sorry.'
'Don't be,' said Merlin. 'You're not the one who persecutes my kind. The only Pendragon I want an apology from is your father!'
It is every mother's fate to think her child is special, and yet I would give my life that Merlin were not so. Ours is a small village and he is so clearly at odds with people here that, if he were to remain, I fear what would become of him.
'So you send him to where Uther is!' asked Gwen.
He needs a hand to hold, a voice to guide, someone that might help him find a purpose for his gifts.
'Did you?' asked Leon.
'Oh yes,' said Merlin
I beg you, if you understand a mother's love for her son, keep him safe, and may God save you both.'
The scene cut to Morgana and Uther.
There were growls from everyone but Merlin and Gwen who sighed sadly.
'Morgana.' Asks Uther.
'Yes?' she says.
'What is it? Why are you not joining us at the feast?' asks the king.
'I just don't think chopping someone's head off is cause for celebration.
'She has a point,' said Merlin.
That poor mother.'
'Yeah I don't know what I would do if Merlin were executed,' said Huinith softly.
'It was simple justice for what he'd done.' Said Uther coldly.
'To whom? He practiced some magic, he didn't hurt anyone.' Said Morgana.
Merlin nodded.
'You were not around twenty years ago, you have no idea what it was like.' Said Uther.
Merlin snarled knowing that it was because of him giving Ygraine's life away that this was happening.
'How long are you going to keep punishing people for what happened then?' asked Morgana.
'Until they realise there is no room for magic in my kingdom!
'You can't stop it,' said Gaius. 'If magic ended the whole world would die without it there to keep order.'
You will be with me when I greet Lady Helen.'
'I told you! I want no part in these celebrations!' said Morgana.
'I'm your guardian! I expect you to do as I ask. If you show me no respect at least respect our finest singer'
'You know, the more brutal you are, the more enemies you will create!' said Morgana.
'Which is part of why Morgana is so evil,' said Merlin pain and guilt in his voice.
The scene cut to Lady Helen's campsite where Lady Helen was humming.
'Hello? Gregory?' she greets her guard.
'Lady Helen.' Says Gregory.
'Is all well?' the Lady asks.
'Yes, ma'am. With luck, we should reach Camelot late tomorrow.' Says Gregory.
'That's good.' Said Lady Helen.
'I'll be outside if you need me.' the guard informs his lady.
Gregory draws his sword.
'Who's there? Who's there?' the guard calls out.
'Akwele seo magdp. Akwele seo magdp. Akwele seo magdp.' Mary Collins curses the voodoo doll. She then stabs it where Lady Helen dies.
'Ghefrolinz grimpoxin kouata.' She chants another spell. And turns into Lady Helen.
'Can you do that?' Arthur asked Merlin.
'I've never tried,' said Merlin delicately. 'But I can change my appearance.'
A voice called, 'Merlin! Merlin!'
'Who was that?' asked Arthur impatiently.
'You'll see,' said Merlin mysteriously.
Gaius who guessed it was the great dragon laughed and everyone else groaned.
Merlin wakes up and enters Gaius' chambers.
'I got you water. You didn't wash last night.' Said Gaius.
'Sorry.' Said Merlin.
'Help yourself to breakfast.' Said Gaius.
Merlin sits down with Gaius to some water porridge.
'Is that what you eat?' said Arthur in disgust.
'Well not all of us have been brought up like a pig,' said Merlin with a cheeky glint in his eyes.
Gaius waited till Merlin had sat down then he knocked a jug of water over. Merlin instinctively caught it with his eyes flashing golden. Before he let it go and it splashed all over the floor.
'You really had no choice in the matter,' frowned Leon realising that it was wrong of the king to execute people in possession of magic.
'No,' said Merlin. 'I never had a choice!'
'How did you do that? Did you incant a spell in your mind.' Asked Gaius.
'I wish it were that simple,' murmured Merlin.
'I don't know any spells.' Said Merlin.
'So what did you do? There must be something.' Said Gaius.
'It just happens.' Said Merlin.
Merlin began to clear up the mess.
'Well, we better keep you out of trouble. You can help me until I find some paid work for you.
'I found it myself,' smirked Merlin, 'as was my destiny!'
'How is being a servant your destiny?' asked Arthur.
'You'll see,' said Merlin eyes glinting mysteriously.
Here.' Said Gaius.
Gaius placed a small bottle and a sac on the table.
'Hollyhock and Feverfew for Lady Percival, and this is for Sir Olwin. He's as blind as a weevil, so warn him not to take it all at once.'
Merlin could have groaned knowing that this would come true.
'Okay,' said Merlin.
'And here.' Said Gaius placing a sandwich on the table.
'Is that all you have for lunch?' said an affronted Arthur.
'Is he going to say that Everytime?' asked Gwaine.
'I think so,' smiled Percival.
'Off you go. And Merlin! I need hardly tell you that the practice of any form of enchantments will get you killed.' Said Gaius grimly.
'I'm going to change that,' said Arthur.
'Thank you,' smiled Merlin.
Merlin eats as he walks to Sir Olwin's quarters. He knocks on the door and old, blind, squinty Sir Olwin answers.
'Erm, I brought you your medicine,' said Merlin.
Sir Olwin pops the cork and begins drinking.
'Oh, and Gaius said don't drink it all at...' said Merlin too late.
'I'm sure it's fine.' Said Merlin.
'Merlin, didn't he die later that week' ' said Gaius.
'He old' said Merlin.
'That's not the point,' said Gaius.
'Oh come on I'm about to meet His Prattiness,' said Merlin.
Arthur rolled his eyes at the warlock.
Merlin is now crossing the training ground where he comes across Arthur bullying his current servant.
Arthur grimaced, 'it looks really bad from here.'
'You were really bad,' said Gwen. 'But Merlin changed that!'
'I think you did too,' added Arthur.
Gwen shrugged, 'I barely recognize you,' said Percival.
'I was an idiot at that time,' said Arthur.
'You were a child,' said Gaius.
'Thanks,' said Arthur.
'You'll always be a prat to me,' grinned Merlin.
'Some things never change,' laughed sir Leon.
'Where's the target?' mocked Arthur.
Arthur's gang laughed at the prince.
Sir Leon and Arthur looked awkward.
'You were there too,' said Percival.
'There, Sir?' said Morris.
'Never bait Arthur,' said Merlin.
'What am I an animal?' asked Arthur.
'Sometimes I wonder,' said merlin laughing.
'It's into the sun?' said Arthur.
'But, it's not that bright.' Said Morris.
'A bit like you, then?' retorted Arthur cruelly.
'I'll put the target on the other end, shall I, Sir?' said Morris.
Morris begins to carry the target to the other side of the training ground.
'Teach him a lesson. Go on, boy.' growled the knight called Sir Jamieson.
'This'll teach him.' said Arthur.
'Arthur!' said Gwen angrily.
Yeah.' Encouraged Sir Amos.
'He he. Teach him a lesson.' Laughed Sir Jamieson.
Arthur throws a dagger at the target the servant was still carrying.
In the room everyone was glaring at the prince.
'Hey! Hang on!' said Morris.
'Stick up for yourself,' cheered Gwen.
'Don't stop!' laughed Arthur.
Morris takes a few steps back.
'Here?' asked Morris.
Gwen opens an upper window and shakes a rug frowning as she watches Arthur bullying the serving boy.
Arthur groaned, 'you would have to see that he said!'
'I don't know why my sister has fallen for you,' Elyan shook his head.
'Well you know what they say love works in mysterious ways,' laughed Merlin. Elyan looked awkward, and the engaged couple blushed.
'I told you to keep moving!' called out Arthur.
'Prat,' said Merlin.
Arthur threw another dagger.
'Come on! Run!' calls Arthur.
Morris shuffles along trying to carry the large board of wood and Arthur throws more daggers.
'Do you want some moving target practice?' asks Arthur.
Morris drops the target which rolls to Merlin's feet. Merlin puts a foot on it so Morris can't pick it up.
'Why did you do that?' asked Elyan.
'So i could put a stop to Arthur's bullying ways,' said merlin and Gaius rolled his eyes.
'Hey I'm not the one marrying him,' said Elyan.
Merlin laughed, 'sorry bad image.'
'Hey, come on, that's enough.' Said Merlin
'What?' said arthur.
'Ah is the Princess deaf?' laughed Gwaine.
'Nah just stupid,' grinned Merlin making the cushion the prince threw at him levitate. 'Wish I could have done that before,' laughed Merlin.
'Uther would have you executed,' reminded Gaius.
'too True,' said Merlin.
'You've had your fun, my friend.' Said Merlin.
'Do I know you?' asked Arthur coming towards Merlin.
'Er, I'm Merlin,' responded Merlin holding out a hand to Arthur for the prince to take.
'So I don't know you.' Arthur stated.
'The Princess' a genius!' laughed Gwaine.
'No.' admitted Merlin.
'Yet you called me "friend."' Arthur said.
'That was my mistake,' agreed Merlin.
'Yes, I think so,' Arthur thinking that things were going his way.
'Yeah. I'd never have a friend who could be such an as,' said Merlin.
Merlin starts walking away.
Arthur snorts, 'or I one who could be so stupid.'
'Did you two really start arguing from the day you first met?' snorted Lancelot.
'Yes,' laughed Gwen and Sir Leon.
Arthur and Merlin just shrugged and Gaius rolled his eyes.
Merlin stops walking.
'Uh oh you've angered the Great Merlin!' laughed Gwaine.
'That's not funny,' said Merlin.
Gaius, Lancelot and Merlin shared a look.
'Tell me, Merlin, do you know how to walk on your knees?' asked Arthur.
'No.' said Merlin.
Would you like me to help you?' asked Arthur.
'I wouldn't if I were you,' retorted Merlin in a threatening voice.
'Threatening the princess are we now?' laughed Gwaine.
'He could take any of us easily,' said Lancelot quietly.
'Yup I remember when I was three I accidentally set the house,' said Merlin.
'Merlin gave a whole other name to terrible threes,' smile Huinith.
'I don't know why you put up with me,' said Merlin quietly.
'You're my son,' said Huinith with a smile.
Arthur laughed,
'I seem a bit of a fool now,' grimaced Arthur.
'That's cause you are,' said Merlin a cheeky glint in his eyes.
'Why? What are you going to do to me?' asked the arrogant Prince.
'You have no idea,' said Merlin in a mysterious voice.
'Be my guest! Come on! Come on! Come oooooon.' Arthur said.
Merlin looks and just takes a swing at him.
'Couldn't do magic in front of you all,' said Merlin sadly.
Arthur twists Merlin's arm behind his back.
'Whoa,' said Sir Leon.
Gwen cringes at Merlin's position.
'I'll have you thrown in jail for that,' said Arthur.
'What, who do you think you are? The King?' asked Merlin.
'You really had no idea who he was, did you?' asked Sir Leon.
'No,' said Merlin.
'Still brave to take on a group of knights,' said Lancelot.
'True,' said Percival.
'No. I'm his son, Arthur.' Arthur responded.
Arthur takes Merlin out at the knees. Merlin is escorted down to the cells by guards.
Mary Collins disguised as the beautiful Lady Helen crosses the drawbridge and enter Camelot.
'Nowadays I would be able to sense some new magic coming to Camelot,' said Merlin quietly.
'Can they sense you?' asked Arthur.
'No too powerful for them to even comprehend,' said Merlin.
Arthur raised an eyebrow, 'and you call me cocky!'
'It's the truth,' was all Merlin said.
Mary Collins' true reflection appears in the puddle.
'Why does that happen?' asked Arthur.
'In the reflective surfaces have been used for scrying, or telling the future because you cannot hide anything in the reflection. They are the truth even if you hide. That is why when I change my appearance I avoid all reflective surfaces,' said Merlin.
'When have you changed your appearance?' asked Percival.
All Merlin did was smile.
Mary Collins enters the throne room to where Uther and some of his court members are currently.
'Lady Helen. Thank you so much for coming to sing at our celebrations,' said Uther graciously.
Merlin glared at the box where the tyrant was celebrating killing an innocent sorcerer.
'The pleasure's all mine,' said Mary Collins.
'How was your journey?' asked Uther.
Mary Collins faked a sigh, 'Oh, the time it took, Sire.' She said softly.
Uther took one of her hands and kissed it, 'Well, it's always worth the wait.'
'It will be,' said Mary Collins obviously thinking of her plot to kill Arthur.
'She's not talking about her singing,' said Percival.
'Well she sort of is,' said Merlin.
Merlin is in his cell sleeping on the straw floor.
'Merlin, Merlin,' the mysterious voice calls.
Merlin wakes and hears the voice coming from the floor underneath him jumps up away from the voice calling to him.
'Merlin,' the voice calls again.
Merlin moves towards the floor putting his head close to ground to see what the voice was.
'Merlin,' said Gaius in surprise.
'Well you did look a bit of an idiot like that,' said Gaius.
'When doesn't he?' laughed Arthur.
Merlin fake pouted but a smile was playing on his lips.
The cell door opens and Gaius steps in leaving the guards behind him.
Gaius sighed at his young ward, 'You never cease to amaze me! The one thing that someone like you should do is keep your head down, and what do you do? You behave like an idiot.'
'What do you expect?' said Arthur, 'it's Merlin.'
'Oh don't blame him he's just a country boy,' said Percival.
'I'm sorry,' said Merlin.
'You're lucky. I managed to pull a few strings to get you released,' said Gaius.
'Oh, thank you! Thank you!' Merlin all but shouted enthusiastically.
Gaius frowns at Merlin for his excitement.
'You really were so naïve and innocent back then,' said Gaius sadly.
'I won't forget this.' Merlin vowed.
'Well, there is a small price to pay,' said Gaius an evil glint in his eyes.
'How Merlin managed to inherit that look off you I don't know, Uncle,' smiled Huinith.
Merlin is now in the stocks being pelted by fruit and looking like he was thoroughly enjoying himself.
'Only Merlin could find being in the stocks fun,' Huinith rolled her eyes.
Well if merlin finds being in th stocks fun who are we to deprive him of his enjoyment arthur states
'Oh, no,' said Merlin his statement at odds with the way he was beaming at the town children.
Gaius laughs at the boy.
'Thanks,' Merlin rolls his eyes at his Great Uncle.
The children leave and Gwen approaches Merlin.
'I'm Guinevere, but most people call me Gwen. I'm the Lady Morgana's maid,' said Gwen.
'Right. I'm Merlin.' Merlin introduced himself by doing his best whilst in the stocks to shake hands with the once and future queen. Although, most people just call me Idiot.'
'You said it,' said Arthur.
'No, no, no. I saw what you did. It was so brave,' said Gwen.
Arthur glared at Merlin.
'It was stupid,' said Merlin.
'Yet you did it again,' said Arthur.
Merlin shrugged.
'Well, I'm glad you walked away. You weren't going to beat him.' said Gwen.
'Not without magic which would get you executed,' said Gaius.
'If they could catch me,' grinned Merlin.
Merlin snorted, 'Oh, I...I can beat him.' said Merlin confidently.
'Well I could,' said Merlin.
'You think? Because you don't look like one of these big, muscle-y kind of fellows,' said Gwen.
'Thanks,' said Merlin.
'No! No, I'm sure you're stronger than you look. It's just, erm...Arthur's one of these real rough, tough, save the world kind of men, and...well...' Gwen trailed off.
'I've saved Camelot more times than I care to remember!' stated Merlin.
'What?' Merlin demanded.
'You don't look like that.' Gwen said.
Merlin motions for Gwen to move closer to him where he whispers, 'I'm in disguise.'
'Well its true,' said Merlin.
Gwen laughs, 'Well, it's great you stood up to him.'
'What? You think so?' asks Merlin sounding pleased.
Arthur and Elyan glared at the warlock, 'got a crush on my sister have you!'
'What Gwen – but she's Gwen,' said Merlin looking completely confused.
'Girls really aren't Merlin's thing,' said Gwaine.
Merlin winced thinking of Freya.
'What's up?' asked Arthur noticing Merlin's reaction.
Merlin shook his head.
'Arthur's a bully, and everyone thought you were a real hero,' said Gwen.
'Oh, yeah?' merlin sounding pleased.
Gwen nods, 'Mm-hmm.'
The children re-approach with more rotten fruit.
'Oh, excuse me, Guinevere. My fans are waiting.' Merlin laughs and Gwen moves away before she too gets pelted with fruit.
Merlin is now back in Gaius' chambers where he sits down to eat.
'Do you want some vegetables with that?' asks Gaius.
'That's exactly what Merlin would say,' said Arthur.
Merlin snorts, 'I know you're still angry with me.'
'Really?' said Arthur sarcastically.
'Your mother asked me to look after you,' said Gaius.
'That did not include having him pelted with fruit, Uncle,' Huinith glared at the man.
'Yes.' Said Merlin interested.
'What did your mother say to you about your gifts?' asked the old man.
'That I was special.' Was all Merlin said.
'You are special. The likes of which I have never seen before,' agreed Gaius.
'What do you mean?' asked Merlin looking like Gaius had all the answers.
'Well, magic requires incantations, spells. It takes years to study. What I saw you do was...elemental, instinctive,' said Gaius.
'That's because Merlin is a creature of the old religion rather than a magic user,' said Gaius quietly.
'What's the point if it can't be used?' said Merlin frustrated.
'That I do not know. You are a question that has never been posed before, Merlin,' said Gaius.
'A very dangerous one for you,' said Huinith sadly.
'Did you ever study magic?' asked Merlin.
'You really are very sharp minded,' said Leon.
'Uther banned all such work twenty years ago,' said Gaius.
'Why?' asked Merlin.
'People used magic for the wrong end at that time.
Merlin and Gaius' eyes met knowing that this was untrue.
It threw the natural order into chaos. Uther made it his mission to destroy everything from back then, even the dragons.'
'What? All of them?' asked Merlin shocked.
'There was one dragon he chose not to kill, kept it as an example. He imprisoned it in a cave deep beneath the castle where no one can free it.
'Someone did,' said Arthur.
Merlin shifted uneasily.
'You have to feel sorry for it,' said Gwaine. 'Being caged like that it would drive me crazy!'
'I never thought of it like that,' frowned Arthur.
'That is exactly your problem Arthur,' said Merlin. 'You never see it our way. You see us all as evil sorcerers! You never see us as what we are. We're treated worse than animals. I wasn't even one when I started doing magic – was I supposed to die then, or maybe it was when I was three and accidentally set fire to the house, or maybe when I was five and saved my mother's life. When exactly was I supposed to die?'
'I don't know,' said Arthur.
'You hunt us, killing children, women and men. We leave with the threat of the pyre every single day. We watch our families and friends slaughtered by your father. They'll torture and kill us! Is it any wonder that there are many who become so cold and broken on the inside? They feel if they don't stand up for themselves nothing will ever change.'
'No,' said Sir Leon finally understanding why there was so many evil sorcerers.
'Do you think your sword is evil?' asked Merlin.
'No – I save lives with it,' said Arthur.
'I save lives with magic,' said Merlin softly. 'Yet if you wanted to you could kill a child with a sword! That would be evil! It's not the possession of magic that makes you evil but the choices you make!'
Arthur nodded understanding.
Now, eat up. When you've finished, I need you to take a preparation to Lady Helen.
'Or Mary Collins,' said Gwaine into the tense silence that had followed Merlin's lecture.
She needs it for her voice.' Gaius explained to Merlin.
Merlin is walking up the balcony corridor where he enters Lady Helen's chambers.
'You should have knocked she could be changing or anything!' said Arthur.
Gwen and Merlin exchanged a look.
Merlin puts the potion bottle down on the table and notices a special book. Lady Helen walks in and Merlin tries to cover the evidence that he had been snooping up.
'What are you doing here?' asked Mary Collins looking like an unimpressed lady.
'An...I, I was asked to deliver this,' said Merlin quickly picking the bottle up from the table and showing "Lady Helen" it.
They see Mary's reflection on the half covered mirror behind him. Merlin hands her the little bottle and quickly exits the room.
Merlin is walking across the lower town where he passes Arthur and his gang of knights.
Sir Leon, Merlin and Arthur looked awkward.
'How's your knee-walking coming along?' asked Arthur.
Merlin keeps walking on.
'Good,' said Huinith, 'don't respond to him.'
Merlin didn't look at his mother.
'Aw, don't run away!' laughed Arthur.
'Just bate a powerful sorcerer don't you?' Gwaine rolled his eyes.
'I didn't know,' reminded Arthur.
Merlin stops.
Arthur sighs, 'Thank God. I thought you were deaf as well as dumb.'
'Look, I've told you you're an ass,' said Merlin turning to face the prince. 'I just didn't realise you were a royal one. Oh, what are you going to do? Get your daddy's men to protect you?'
Arthur laughs 'I could take you apart with one blow.'
'I could take you apart with less than that' said Merlin.
'You really could, couldn't you?' said Arthur.
'If I wished,' said Merlin nochantaly.
'Are you sure?' asked Arthur.
'Come on, then,' Sir Jamieson.
'Fight,' cheered Sir Amos.
Merlin takes off his jacket and Arthur laughs.
'Exactly how would taking your jacket off help?' asked Elyan amused.
'Wouldn't get dirty,' replied Merlin.
'...toying with him, then!' said Sir Nigel.
'Here you go,' said Arthur.
Sir Frederick handed Arthur a mace which he threw at Merlin which he promptly dropped.
'I've never met anyone who drops more things than you,' said Arthur.
'I never learnt to catch things physically when I could just use magic,' shrugged Merlin.
Merlin picks up and Arthur professionally swing his mace around his head showing his superior skill.
'I'll never understand how you almost beat me,' complained Arthur. 'Everything seemed to go wrong; it was like things moved into my way.'
Merlin avoided Arthur's eyes knowing he had cheated with magic.
'That a way,' cheered Sir Amos.
'Come on, then. I warn you, I've been trained to kill since birth,' said Arthur.
'Wow, and how long have you been training to be a prat?' asked Merlin cheekily.
Arthur snorted, 'You can't address me like that.'
'I'm sorry. H-How long have you been training to be a prat, My Lord?' he asked with an annoying fake bow.
Arthur began swinging the mace with vigour an annoyed expression on his face.
'Come on then, Merlin! Come on!' jeered Arthur.
'You're really asking for trouble,' said Percival softly.
Arthur is backing Merlin into the market stalls as a large crowd gathers. Gaius who is in his chambers sees the crowd and looks and realised Merlin – once again – is in trouble. Merlin falls over.
Arthur laughs, 'You're in trouble now.'
'Oh God,' moans Merlin.
'How did you get out of there?' asked Gwaine.
Merlin just smiled mysteriously with a slightly guilty look on his face.
Merlin looks desperately around then seeing some large hooks (his eyes glowing liquid gold) magically entangles Arthur's mace around them.
'You used magic on me!' Arthur screeched.
'Technically I only used them on your mace,' said Merlin.
'MERLIN!' shouted Arthur.
'Yes Arthur,' said Merlin meekly.
'Shut up,' said Arthur.
'Yes, sire,' said merlin in fake respect.
As soon as Arthur has untangled his mace he comes back for another attack. Once again Merlin's eyes glow gold and a box moves in front of Arthur who stubs his toe on the box.
'Merlin!' shouted Arthur.
'OW! Argh!' yelled the Prince.
Arthur is pursuing Merlin again. Merlin's eyes glow golden forcing a rope under Arthur's feet to tighten making Arthur trip up.
Arthur growled wanting to do something to his friend but having a strange feeling that it would be a very bad idea to attack the warlok.
Merlin picks up the mace and begins waving it at Arthur.
'Do you want to give up?' Merlin shouts.
'To you?' Arthur is shocked a mere servant can beat him.
'Do you? Do you want to give up?' Merlin repeats.
Arthur is moving away from the mace and catches his foot in a bucket and falls over. Merlin then spots Gaius and looks away from the fight.
'Never allow yourself to be distracted,' said Lancelot.
Arthur takes the moment of Merlin's distraction to knock his opponent over with a broom. Arthur's guards begin to pick Merlin up but Arthur stops them.
'Wait. Let him go. He may be an idiot, but he's a brave one.
'And that was the beginning of a beautiful friendship,' sighed Gwaine.
'Shut up,' Arthur and merlin said.
Gwaine suddenly found himself on the floor with a smirking Merlin just looking at him.
There's something about you, Merlin. I can't quite put my finger on it.'
'Magic,' suggested Gwaine.
'Obviously,' Arthur rolled his eyes.
Merlin seemed to be trying to avoid Arthur's gaze hoping he wouldn't guess the truth.
The scene cut to Gaius' chambers where Merlin and Gaius are sitting. Gaius is giving Merlin another lecture.
'How could you be so foolish?' shouted the physician.
'He's Merlin,' said Arthur.
'He needed to be taught a lesson,' said Merlin.
'I agree,' said Gwen, 'but not at risk to your own life!'
'Magic must be studied, mastered, and used for good! Not for idiotic pranks!' scolded Gaius.
'What is there to master? I could move objects like that before I could talk!' said Merlin.
'Then, by now, you should know how to control yourself!' said Gaius.
'I don't want to! If I can't use magic, what have I got? I'm just a nobody, and I always will be. If I can't use magic, I might as well die,' said Merlin.
'But that's the same for everybody,' said Gwen.
'But I was born with magic; it's all I know. Without it I don't know how I would live,' said Merlin.
'You couldn't,' said Gaius. 'It's in your soul and blood if your magic was taken it would kill you!'
Merlin goes to his bedchamber. Gaius follows the boy up with a basket of medical supplies.
Gaius sighs, 'Merlin? Sit up. Take your shirt off.' He instructs.
Merlin removed his shirt revealing the bruises from the fight.
Arthur receives glares from the knights, Gwen and Huinith. 'I didn't realise that I had hurt you,' said Arthur in an almost apology.
'What did you expect?' said Elyan sharply.
'Don't worry I forgive you,' said Merlin.
'You don't know why I was born like this, do you?' asked Merlin softly.
'No.' admitted Gaius.
Gaius is attending to Merlin's wounds.
'I'm not a monster, am I?' asked Merlin softly.
Everyone gasped and Huinith sighed sadly.
'You don't believe that do you?' asked Arthur in shock.
'Not anymore,' said Merlin.
'Why did you?' asked Gwen.
'Imagine growing up your whole life listening to the propaganda that all your kind are evil, murderous bastards who take pleasure in pain. Would you believe it?' asked Merlin.
'Yes,' said Sir Leon softly.
'A self-profiling prophecy,' said Sir Percival.
'What?' asked Arthur.
'He means that they're told their evil, they believe it, so do what they are told they are,' said Gaius sadly.
Arthur nodded feeling angry at his father's actions.
Gaius looks Merlin directly in the eye, 'Don't ever think that.' He said.
'Thanks,' said Huinith. 'I was struggling with that my whole life!'
Arthur winced knowing that it was his father's actions that lead merlin to believe that.
'Then why am I like this? Please, I need to know why.' Merlin needed the truth.
'Did you ever find out?' asked Arthur.
'Oh yes,' said Merlin.
'Maybe there's someone with more knowledge than me,' said Gaius.
'Many,' murmured Gaius.
'If you can't tell me, no one can,' said Merlin.
'I'm glad you have such faith in me,' said Gaius. 'False as it may be!'
Gaius pours a potion into a tiny cup. 'Take this it will help with the pain.'
Arthur received glares and winced thinking how he hurt his best friend even if he hated him at the time .
Uther and Mary Collins who Uther thought was Lady Helen were dining together.
'Will you sing for me tonight?' asked Uther.
'You will have to wait, Sire.' The sorceress replied.
'You will not deny me.' said Uther.
'I am saving myself for my performance tomorrow. Will everyone be there?' she asked.
'Who would dare to miss it?' said Uther.
Arthur frowned feeling that Uther was far too much of a tyrant at times.
'How about your son?' asked Mary Collins.
'Well...' Uther trailed off.
'It seems a shame not to have met him.' the witch faked sadness.
'She really seems to want to kill me,' said Arthur sadly.
'She has become obsessed with revenge due to the pain in her heart it's the only way she can deal with it!' said Huinith.
'How do you know?' asked Arthur.
'I felt the same way once, until Merlin,' admitted Merlin's mother.
'That's Arthur,' said Uther.
'Thanks dad,' muttered Arthur.
'Poor child.' said Mary Collins.
'You really hate evil sorcerers,' said Arthur.
'I pity them,' said Merlin. 'I want to save them from themselves.'
'Hmm?' said the confused king.
'Poor child. It can't have been easy to, to grow up without a mother,' said the witch.
Arthur winced, 'at least you had a father,' said Merlin softly.
'No.' said Uther.
'Hmm. That bond between mother and son, it's so hard to replace,' said Mary.
'We never got the chance to make a bond,' said Arthur.
'Hasn't been easy,' agreed Uther.
'For either of you,' said Gaius softly.
Merlin found he couldn't pity Uther too much; it was really his own fault!
'I'm sure,' smiled Mary Collins.
Uther smiles back at her.
'Perhaps if you found someone...If you remarried.
Merlin grinned thinking of the troll, 'look how well that turned out!' he said.
I'm sure you'd have the pick of any maiden in the kingdom.'
'Well, perhaps I'll find love again.
Merlin snorted thinking of the troll, 'Merlin!' Arthur said knowing what Merlin was thinking off.
'Oh right, sorry, Arthur,' laughed Merlin.
But I'm afraid it's too late to replace Arthur's mother.' sighed Uther.
'Yes. It's certainly too late for Arthur,' agreed the woman who would try and kill the prince.
'It's so obvious coming from here,' said Merlin.
Later on that night Merlin was lying awake in his bed.
'Merlin, Merlin,' the voice was back again.
Merlin jumps out of bed and leaves Gaius' quarters. He runs across the square.
'Merlin,' the voice continued to intone.
Merlin follows it descending down the stairs. He magically distracts the guards by rolling their dice away from them.
Arthur was not impressed, 'no wonder we have so many escapees with the guards so easily distracted,' he said.
Merlin grabs a torch and descends down the stairway.
'Merlin, Merlin,' the voice continues to shout.
Merlin enters the cave.
Arthur's eyes widened, 'I know what that is!' he said. 'Merlin did you have anything to do with the dragon's escape.'
'Sorry Arthur I didn't know he was going to go on a rampage and have you ever thought that maybe he was angry because his whole species had been slaughtered; children, wife, everyone. I'm not defending what Kilgharrah did but I am explaining that he a reason!'
Arthur glared at Merlin some more.
'Kilgharrah?' asked Percival.
'The great dragon's name,' replied Merlin.
'Merlin,' called the Great Dragon..
Merlin looked around for the source of the voice.
'Where are you?' Merlin calls out.
The Great Dragon landed in front of Merlin.
'I'm here. How small you are for such a great destiny,' said Kilgharrah.
'And we're back to Merlin's destiny,' said Gwaine.
Merlin was watching Arthur for his reaction.
'Why? What do you mean? What destiny?' asked Merlin.
'Your gift, Merlin, was given to you for a reason,' responded the Great Dragon.
'So there is a reason?' asked Merlin.
'Arthur is the Once and Future King who will unite the land of Albion,' responded Kilgharrah.
'What?' shouted Arthur.
'You'll unite the land of Albion,' said Merlin calmly.
'Got that part,' said Arthur shakily.
'Do you see why I didn't tell you,' said Merlin.
'I'm glad you didn't,' agreed Arthur.
'It's very stressful,' nodded Merlin.
'So what does it mean by "The Once and Future King"?' asked Arthur.
'The name from the prophecies,' said Merlin.
'There are prophecies?' asked Arthur.
'About us – yes,' said Merlin softly.
'Why didn't you tell me,' said Arthur.
'Apart from the fact that it's a huge weight I couldn't; part of the prophecy says "Emerys dicere verum ignis et grando non erit, glacies, spiritus procellarum, quæ millennii novissima" or "Emrys tells the truth there will be a hail of fire and ice, storms that will last a millenium".
'Oh,' said Arthur.
'Right,' Said Merlin awkwardly.
'But he faces many threats from friend
'Morgana,' said Merlin. 'I didn't realise till now.'
Arthur nodded sadly.
and foe alike,' said Kilgharrah.
'I don't see what this has to do with me,' said Merlin.
'Everything. Without you, Arthur will never succeed. Without you, there will be no Albion,' said Kilgharrah.
'Really?' asked Gwen.
'Yeah,' said Merlin softly.
'No. No, you've got this wrong,' said Merlin.
Gaius raised his eyebrows, 'well we did hate each other and suddenly I was told that we would unite the whole of Albion.'
'There is no right or wrong, only what is and what isn't.' he said wisely.
'I think this is where you get a lot of your wisdom from,' said Arthur.
'But I'm serious! If anyone wants to go and kill him, they can go ahead. In fact, I'll give them a hand,' said Merlin.
'Oi,' said Arthur.
'Sorry,' said Merlin.
'That's treason,' said Sir Leon.
'I was born committing treason,' retorted Merlin.
Kilgharrah laughed, 'none of us can choose our destiny, Merlin, and none of us can escape it.'
'This is why you understood so much about my destiny to become king,' said Arthur.
Merlin nodded, 'I share your destiny but without the perks.'
'No. No way. No. No. There must be another Arthur because this one's an idiot,' said Merlin.
'You changed that,' said Gwen.
'Perhaps it's your destiny to change that,' said Kilgharrah.
'Is it weird that your future wife is sounding like a talking dragon?' asked Gwaine.
'All dragons talk,' said Merlin.
'I didn't kill him did I?' asked Arthur.
'No you didn't,' said Merlin.
The dragon flies off.
'I hate it when Kilgharrah does that,' murmured Merlin.
'Wait! Wait! Wait, stop! No, I, I need to know more!' Merlin shouts after the dragon.
The next morning Gaius enters Merlin's chambers and picks up the clothes thrown all over the room.
'Holy!' said the old physician.
Merlin suddenly wakes.
'Have you seen the state of this room?' said Gaius paternally.
Huinith smiles at her uncle and son but wished it could have been Balinor who was Merlin's father figure.
'It just happens,' said Merlin.
'By magic?' asked Gaius.
'Yeah,' Merlin is obviously lying.
'Yes. Well, you can clear it up without magic. And then I want you to get me some herbs: henbane, wormwood, and sorrel. And deliver this to Morgana. Poor girl's suffering from nightmares.'
Merlin sighs.
Gaius tosses some more clothes at Merlin.
'Mmm, I know the feeling,' said Merlin.
'Where you talking about Arthur and your destiny?' asked Gwen.
'Yeah,' said Merlin.
Merlin walks up to Morgana's chambers and into her chambers where she is currently changing behind a screen.
'You know, I've been thinking about Arthur. I wouldn't touch him with a lance pole.
'I share those sentiments,' growled Arthur.
'I think everyone does,' said Sir Leon.
Pass me that dress, will you Gwen?' asked Morgana.
'She changed so much,' said Gwen.
'Why couldn't she be more like Merlin?' asked Arthur.
'I don't think she had a choice,' said Merlin. Arthur raised his eyebrows, 'the ancient prophecies talk about her as out mortal enemy,' merlin said.
Everyone was shocked but Merlin didn't seem like he was going to give any more information away.
Merlin pauses and looks around before he passed Morgana a dress. She begins undressing.
'I mean, the man's a total jouster. And just because I'm the King's ward, that doesn't mean I have to accompany him to the feast, does it?' Morgana said.
'I can't believe that witch used to accompany me everywhere,' said Arthur heatedly.
Merlin places the gown on the screen.
'Well, does it?' Morgana repeated.
Merlin shakes his head, 'Mm-Mmm,' said Merlin who was trying not to show his masculinity.
'If he wants me to go, then he should invite me, and he hasn't,' said Morgana indignantly.
'I didn't want to go with her,' growled Arthur.
On the box Merlin seemed to be looking around for someway out of his current predicament.
'So do you know what that means?' asked Morgana.
Merlin shakes his head, 'Mm-Mmm.
'Where are you?' she calls for her maid.
Morgana turns around and Merlin hides behind a cloak, 'here,' the young man says in a high pitched voice.
Merlin peeks through the neck of the cloak of the hood to see the beautiful Lady Morgana.
'It means I'm going by myself,' said the lady.
Merlin decides its time to leave and moves to leave.
'I need some help with this fastening,' she said.
Merlin turned around looking lost. Gwen enters behind him.
'What are you doing here?' mouthed Gwen.
Merlin gestured to Morgana.
Gwen nods, 'oh.'
Merlin mouths a thank you to Gwen before he leaves and she helps Morgana. Morgana comes out from behind the screen in a new dress and carrying another one.
'So, it's whether I wear this little tease...' said Morgana holding up a maroon gown. '...or give them a night they'll really remember?'
Once again they cut to Lady Helen's chambers where a serving girl was tending to the imposter. She is brining a bowl of fruit to the woman. She knocks on the door which is opened by a dark haired woman.
'Lady Helen.' The serving girl that Gwen and Merlin knew as Bronwen curtsied, 'Compliments of the King.'
'Come in,' Mary invites the girl in.
'I have a bad feeling about this,' said Merlin scowling.
Mary sits at the table and picks up an apple.
'So sweet. How will I ever repay him?' asked Mary Collins.
'By not killing his son,' suggested Elyan.
'When he hears you sing. Well, that will be more than enough won't it? I'm really looking forward to the performance.' The girl said.
'So am I,' Lady Helen's face had a slightly sinister look to it.
'I'll bet you are,' muttered Lancelot.
'I love singing, you know. I sing all the time. My betrothed says I have the voice of a fallen angel.' the girl prattled on.
Bronwen removes the cover from the mirror and sees the old face of Mary Collins' in the mirror. She tries to leave. But the woman grabs her arm and the girl falls down dead.
Merlin shuddered, 'magic should never be corrupted like that.'
'Corrupted?' asked Arthur.
'You've seen my eyes and you've seen Morgana's eyes; their very different. Magic is pure – dark magic is it being corrupted.'
Gaius and Merlin enter the banquet hall where the nobles and courtiers are already in attendance. Merlin sees Arthur and a group of his Knights laughing.
'...Merlin...' Arthur is saying and his knights laugh '...so I stood up and...' he pretends to punch one of his mates stomach again at which they laugh again.
'That's not what happened,' said an annoyed Gwen.
'It's better than the truth,' said Gaius glaring at Merlin.
'The truth could get both me and Gaius executed,' said Merlin softly.
Morgana enters the hall and all the men stare at her.
'God have mercy,' breathed Arthur.
Gwen raised an eyebrow.
Arthur shrugged, 'she was scary when she was constantly trying to pull my friends,' Arthur said.
Merlin stares at Morgana as she passes.
'She always pulled me towards her; a mixture of magic and hormones I think,' said Merlin softly.
'Merlin. Remember, you're here to work,' Gaius reminded Merlin quietly.
'Oh, yeah,' Merlin was still gazing at his would-be-enemy as Arthur moves forward to talk to him.
Meanwhile Gwen moves over to talk to Merlin.
'She looks great, doesn't she?' said Gwen.
'You look better,' said Arthur and Lancelot together who then began a staring competition.
'Yeah,' said Merlin wistfully.
'What is it about you and dark haired evil sorceresses?' asked Gaius.
'Freya wasn't evil,' said Merlin.
'She was cursed but asides from her you have been attracted to both Nimueh and Morgana both you've ended up duelling to the death with,' said Gaius.
Merlin turned back to the black box.
'Some people are just born to be queen,' said Gwen.
'Like you,' smiled Arthur but nobody liked the fact that Morgana had taken over Camelot.
'No!' shouted Merlin.
'I hope so.
'Not anymore,' said Gwen. 'I don't want another taste of Queen Morgana thank you very much!'
One day.
'That would be a day too soon in my opinion!' said Merlin.
Not that I'd want to be her. Who'd want to marry Arthur?'
'You,' suggested Merlin.
'I like the Arthur who you showed how to be compassionate not the spoilt brat of a prince,' said Gwen.
'Oh,' he chuckled, 'come on, Gwen. I thought you liked those real rough, tough, save the world kind of men.'
'No, I like much more ordinary men like you,' said Gwen.
'I really thought you were ordinary turns out Arthur's more ordinary than you – there are a few princes but only one Emerys!' she stated at Arthur's hurt look.
'Only one Once and Future King,' Merlin reminded them.
'Gwen, believe me, I'm not ordinary,' said Merlin darkly.
'No, I didn't mean you, obviously. Not you. But just, you know, I like much more ordinary men like you,' Gwen said in a fluster.
'Thanks,' Merlin grinned.
Both of the servants walk away from each other awkwardly.
Mary Collins is sitting at her dressing table humming softly before leaving the room walking past Bronwen's corpse on the way out. Celebratory horns announce King Uther's arrival and everyone finds their places on the table.
'We have enjoyed twenty years of peace and prosperity. It has brought the kingdom and myself many pleasures,
'And many enemies,' muttered Merlin.
but few can compare with the honour of introducing Lady Helen of Mora,' Uther gestured for Lady Helen herself to the applause of the other guests.
Mary Collin begins to sing and as she does an enchantment falls over them all causing the banqueters to fall asleep cobwebs forming over their frozen forms. Merlin notices this and clamps his hands over his ears. She begins staring at Arthur as she pulls a dagger from her sleeve. Merlin's eyes glow golden as he drops the chandelier on her.
'That's how it happened,' said Arthur. 'Wait all those falling tree branches, dropped weapons; that was you, wasn't it!'
Merlin beamed.
'And I tease you for not moving,' said Arthur.
'I do way more from vantage points than I ever do head on; can't hold a sword to save myself. But magic well I'm more powerful than Nimueh, Morguase and Morgana!' he said.
The courtiers wake and begin pulling the cobwebs off of themselves. Mary raises herself up off the floor to throw the dagger at Arthur. Merlin slows down time so he can reach Arthur and pushes him out of harms way.
'I see what you mean about magic being used for good,' said Gwen quietly.
Merlin grinned.
The dagger slices into Arthur's chair as they fall to the floor and Mary Collins dies. Uther and Arthur stare in shock at Merlin.
'You were shocked!' said Gwen.
'Well I thought he hated me,' said Arthur.
'I didn't want you dead!' said Merlin.
'You saved my boy's life. A debt must be repaid,' said Uther.
'It wouldn't be so if he knew I had used magic in the space of a few minutes to save Arthur,' said Merlin sadly.
'That's wrong,' frowned Arthur who in the past forty-five minutes had found his whole belief system shattered by this strange box. That Merlin said wasn't magic! And knowing what he now did about Merlin Arthur was not inclined to doubt the boy.
'Oh, well...' said Merlin not sounding happy at being addressed by Uther.
'You always seem quiet where father is,' said Arthur.
'He kills my kind,' reminded Merlin.
'You're scared of him,' Percival said.
'I have every reason to be,' Merlin said.
'Don't be so modest. You shall be rewarded,' Uther declared.
'No, honestly, you don't have to, Your Highness,' Merlin blathered.
'Wish I had your respect,' muttered Arthur.
'You do I'm just not scared of you. I don't respect Uther so I do not tell him what I think he needs to know. I talk out because I do respect you!' said Merlin.
'No, absolutely. This merits something quite special!' Uther decided.
'Well...' Merlin trailed.
'You shall be rewarded a position in the royal household. You shall be Prince Arthur's manservant,' he decided.
Merlin and Arthur looked away from each other both looking unhappy.
'I could never tell which of the two of you were most unhappy about the way things turned out,' laughed Gaius.
'I did,' both Arthur and Merlin said together. 'Still it worked out for the best,' said Merlin cheerfully.
'Yes it did,' agreed Arthur.
The court then applauds.
'Father!' Arthur complained.
'Sorry, Merlin,' said Arthur.
'Don't worry I felt the same,' grinned Merlin.
Gaius knocks on Merlin's bedroom door and enters.
'See Gaius knows how to knock!' said Arthur.
'Seems you're a hero,' said Gaius.
'Hard to believe, isn't it?' said Merlin.
'Not really I met you because you were brave enough to stand up for someone who couldn't stand up for himself,' said Gwen. 'Even Arthur noticed it!'
'No. I knew it from the moment I met you. When you saved my life, remember?' Gaius reminded Merlin.
'But...that was magic,' said Merlin.
'And saving my life wasn't?' Arthur reminded him.
'I was finding who I was,' said Merlin.
Gaius nods, and now, it seems, we finally found a use for it.'
'What do you mean?' asked Merlin.
'I saw how you saved Arthur's life,' said Gaius.
'Everyone did,' agreed Gwen. 'I always from the second I first saw you two argue in the courtyard your strange connection,' smiled the future queen.
'Oh, no,' said Merlin.
'I remembered what Kilgharrah told me and it terrified me!' said Merlin. 'I was only sixteen,' Merlin reminded them.
'I was almost eighteen,' said Arthur who was shocked that the boy almost two years younger than himself was so much wiser than he.
'Perhaps that's its purpose,' said Gaius thoutfully.
Merlin sighed, 'my destiny.'
'Indeed. This book was given to me when I was your age, but I have a feeling it will be of more use to you than it was to me,' he smiled at his ward.
Gaius handed Merlin a large leather bound book that Merlin immediately unlatches.
Merlin snorted, but this is a book of magic.'
Which is why you must keep it hidden,' said Gaius.
'Well I was harbouring a sorcerer and teaching him magic,' said Gaius.
'I will study every word,' said Merlin.
'Did you?' asked Percival.
'I was soon beyond what it could teach me,' said Merlin softly. 'A lot I could do on first try and others I had done on instinct. I found another one last year though,' smiled Merlin.
A guard knocks on the door and Merlin is quick to hide the magic book.
The guard enters and says, 'Merlin, Prince Arthur wants you right away.'
'Your destiny's calling. You'd better find out what he wants,' said Gaius.
'Should we watch the next one?' asked Merlin.
'Yes,' said Arthur, 'I want to find out more about my destiny,' and Merlin he added in his head.
'Well we can watch one more then we'll have lunch. Hopefully there is something in this place to eat!'