Author's Note

Hi everyone! I am such a huge fan of Merlin that when I had a vague dream I just had to write it down. Not meant to be slash unless you really want to see it.

This is set during season 3 of BBC's Merlin, before episode 12, but after 11. There are some spoilers to the third series, so don't say I didn't warn you :D

Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin (no matter how much I wish I did)

Enjoy!

Reclaiming Camelot

The burning light had completely absorbed him, as his hand remained outstretched in the direction of Morgause. She, too, was being devoured by the burning light, tearing her apart from the inside, lifting into the air by the sheer intensity of the magic. Her screaming was being drowned out by the disruption the wind and fire around them was causing, an explosion somewhere off to the left was hurling debris in their direction.

The magic was affecting Merlin, his face becoming consumed with pain. The volume of magic was becoming too great to bear, he couldn't stop. He'd lost control long before this moment. This was going to be the end of it. No more torture. No more pain. No more...

Several Days Earlier…

The young, dark haired boy walked through Camelot's market towards the castle. He had been collecting herbs for Gaius, and was heading back to the Physicians Quarters. It was still early in the morning, and there were only a few people in the market, setting up their stalls. Merlin climbed the stairs that lead to Gaius' rooms, and pushed the door open. Gaius was already awake, wondering about the room getting Merlin's cleaning supplies ready for him. He had prepared breakfast for the both of them, the food calling out to Merlin's grumbling stomach.

"Gaius, you're a saint" Merlin started, eyeing up the delicious food just waiting for him.

"Yes, well, you're going to have to eat as you go, Merlin. You're already late for Arthur…again" He replied, trying to hide his smile.

Merlin groaned, wondering where the time had went. He'd managed to get up surprisingly early, yet he was still late. 'Am I being punished for something?' He thought, picking up his breakfast and handing over the herbs. Running out the door, he nearly forgot to pick up his cleaning supplies, turning at the last second, walking into a table and knocking a vial to the floor.

"Merlin! Do be careful" Gaius complained. "I'll clean it up, Merlin. You be on your way" he added, seeing Merlin picking up a rag from the table.

"Thanks, Gaius" he replied.

Then he was off. It took him another five minutes to reach Arthur's chambers, tripping over once on his way there, and heading to the kitchen's to get hold of Arthur's breakfast tray. Without knocking, Merlin entered the room, to find Arthur already changed and waiting for Merlin - more specifically his tray.

"Merlin, why is it you can never be on time? And why do you insist on not knocking before you enter the room?" Arthur moaned.

"I was up on time, I just lost track of it" Merlin retorted. "Besides, you try knocking on a door with things in your hands. It's bad enough just trying to open the door".

"Quit complaining, Merlin".

"Oh, sure. When you complain, it's okay, but when I complain-".

"Merlin…".

"Shut up?".

"You got it" Arthur answered.

Despite the fact that he should be insulted, Merlin found himself smiling. Arthur fought hard not to smile himself, and started eating the bread he had been given in order to cover it up. Merlin turned and walked over to the table where Arthur's armour lay, filthy from the previous days training - it had been raining hard the past few days, and mud pools were becoming common. Merlin sat on the floor as he started to clean the breastplate. When Arthur was finished, he stood and collected his jacket.

"Alright, Merlin. I need you to finish off cleaning my armour, then clean my room. I'm required to be present at a council meeting this morning" he said.

Merlin nodded his response, and Arthur was on his way. Merlin cleaned a few more pieces of armour before turning to the room and whispering a few words of the old Religion. Everything was now in its proper place, dust had been removed and the laundry was in the basket, ready for him to take down to the kitchens. He repeated this action with the rest of the armour, saving him a bit of time. "What's the point of having an ability if you don't use it?" he thought to himself.

He headed to the market to get some vials for Gaius, as he had been running out. He bought five, thinking this would be enough, and started to walk back to his room. That was when he sensed it. Magic. There was something, or someone, close that possessed magic, and it was calling to him. He looked around, and when his eyes were drawn to a side street, he followed. It was completely empty. He followed the path that lay between the two brick walls of the buildings next to him, and found an opening in a stone wall dead ahead of him. He assumed that this was a wall between the back area of one of the buildings and another that was behind it, but when passing through the opening, he found himself outside of Camelot. The path had led him to outside of Camelot's walls. He could no longer feel the pull from the magic's source and turned to go back, but found himself staring at the stone wall. There was no opening, not even a gap.

He placed his hand on the wall. His hand didn't pass through the stone, so this was no illusion.

"Magic. What's…?" he started to think, confusion filling his mind. His thoughts were suddenly cut off by the blow received to the back of his head, and blackness filled his vision, leaving him to the darkness of unconsciousness.

Thanks to everyone who is reading this bit - you're amazing (virtual cookies for you all!). I should be continuing this story, but it might not be for a bit - no longer than a month though. Hope everyone enjoyed the first installment! :D