A/N: Hello! This will be my first multi-chapter Merlin story. Just a warning to people, there are spoilers in this story. It is set right after the end of season 3 maybe like a day later or so. I have the entire story mapped out; there are some kinks that need to be smoothed over but other than that I know where I'm going with this story. Let's hope you all enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing it. No slash. Also the spellings for certain words are Canadian, just a forewarning. I appreciate reviews and constructive criticism m'dears, however if you don't like the story just don't read it rather than flaming me unnecessarily.

Spoilers: Up to Season 3 episode 13

Pairings: ArthurXGwen (though I won't be concentrating on romance in this story)

Disclaimer: I do not own "Merlin".

Full Summary: The Cup of Life cannot be found and Merlin, realizing Morgana might use it to bring Morgause back to life using either Uther or Arthur's life in exchange, rushes off to the Isle of the Blessed to stop her. But unable to kill her, he bonds her to him making it so that neither can live while the other dies. Now with a New Priestess at the Isle to contend with and Morgana allied with Alvarr and Mordred, Camelot is once again in grave peril. Can Merlin and Arthur stop this new threat in time?

The Bonds of Destiny

Chapter 1: The Missing Cup of Life

Uther's mind was in turmoil. He was still reeling from the shock of watching his own daughter destroy the Kingdom that he'd shed blood, sweat, and tears over. Some part of his mind understood that Morgana had never truly been his ally after she'd returned to Camelot. He had been blind before but in light of recent events he started remembering the times he had felt something off about her, as if she were a fake and not the real Morgana.

He had ignored that feeling before but clearly that had been his undoing. He had been so happy to have her back safe and sound that he had been utterly blind to her faults. And now Arthur knew too. His son had yet to come and talk to him. He knew they needed to talk but he didn't have the courage to face his son. The son who showed more bravery than any other in rallying as many people as he could to come rescue a father that had been lying to him for so long.

He felt a sting on his wrist and suddenly realized that Gaius was attending to his wounds. He was changing the bandages that he had put on yesterday. His wounds were mostly on his wrists where the manacles had cut deep. The other wounds, the emotional ones, Gaius, he knew had no cure for. He never truly understood Gaius's loyalty to him. In his darkest moments, Uther always wondered how Gaius could stay by him after all that Uther had done. Yet still, here he stood again.

"Sometimes I wonder what I did to deserve a friend like you Gaius..."

Gaius paused a moment before continuing on with his work as he said, "I'm not the only one still loyal to you Uther. You saw the people Arthur brought with him. They were all on your side. They came to rescue you against all odds."

Uther shook his head in the negative, "No...They came out of loyalty to Arthur, but I'm glad. One day Arthur will be King and he'll need those kinds of men at his side, men that will stay loyal and true to him no matter the cost."

Gaius cautiously asked a question that had been bothering him, "You do realize most of those men are not of noble birth don't you. One of them you banished from this kingdom, the other one too you refused the title of Knight, one is the son of Tom the blacksmith, and the other is nothing more than a wanderer who we don't know very much about."

Uther smiled a little, "I know, it goes against my very own laws Gaius, but those men deserve the honour of becoming Knights. Nothing shows a person's loyalty like a life or death situation. When I was rescued I watched how they fought Gaius. None of them gave up hope. They were ready to die fighting, which is the way all brave men wish to go...I believe it's time I changed that law...Arthur's time is coming and I know he'll want those men at his side when he becomes King."

Gaius had stopped his work altogether and was watching Uther in silent shock. Uther nodded his head and clapped Gaius on the shoulder and said, "Even you Gaius. I have treated you unfairly in the past. You have proven that your loyalty lies with me time and time again. Yet there have been times where I have..."

Uther hoped Gaius understood why he had trailed off. He had never been good with apologies and emotions. He knew it was one of the reasons why Arthur and he were so distant at times. The tense atmosphere dissipated slightly when Gaius smiled and nodded.

"I understand Uther."

Uther nodded again, thoughts still lingering on Morgana and her heated words of hatred and on Arthur. After his son had brought him to his room to be treated by Gaius yesterday, he had vanished. Arthur had asked nothing but had also said nothing. Then again that could have been because Uther was still not completely in the right state of mind then.

Gaius finished bandaging his wrists and gave him the same draught as last night so that he could rest. Uther held the bottle in his hand to drink it swiftly, but Gaius interrupted him with a question, "Uther, what have you done with the Cup of Life?"

Uther, with thoughts still on Morgana, said, "Oh, we didn't find it at all. They looked through the debris and rubble but..." Uther trailed off when he saw Gaius's pale face. Then suddenly it hit him, the horrors the Cup could wrought in the wrong hands. The Cup was used to bring about the immortal army that nearly destroyed all of Camelot. It was also used to heal Leon.

When the healing part of the Cup's abilities struck him he suddenly thought of Morgause, then Morgana.

Gaius fearfully said, "Uther...we need to find the Cup before Morgana uses it to try to heal Morgause. We don't know how badly Morgause was injured. She might still be breathing, which will be enough to..."

The rest of Gaius's words didn't reach Uther. His thoughts were only of being able to find Morgana if the Cup was found. He couldn't help it; he didn't want to lose her completely. He wanted to try to talk to her. He thought maybe she could still be brought back to his side again; she was his daughter after all.

With these thoughts in his head Uther dismissed Gaius a little curtly. He saw Gaius's slightly suspicious look but the physician didn't say anything. Once Gaius was gone, Uther was left with his thoughts of how to get Morgana back to him.

Merlin was rifling through the cupboards looking for Arthur's day clothes while the Prince was sitting at his desk with a plate of breakfast in front of him. He was picking at his food hardly eating anything.

His thoughts were on Morgana and his father, but since he had never been very good at broaching topics like that he stayed silent. He knew somewhere in the back of his mind that, however unconsciously, he had made Merlin his confidant for things like that. He would tell his manservant almost anything that was bothering him and could always count on Merlin to either cheer him up or give him some surprisingly sound advice.

He looked up as he saw Merlin had moved over to his bed and was adjusting the bed sheets. Arthur smirked and said, "I'm surprised you're here, I thought after nagging me about my equality speech yesterday you weren't going to return to being my servant...especially doing the job so well...you were even on time today."

Merlin turned with a smirk of his own and said in a jokingly, long-suffering voice, "Well sire, what would you do without me? You'd probably end up killing the next poor chap that comes along because he can't keep up with my prowess as your manservant. So to save the next unfortunate soul I decided to keep my job"

Arthur gave a small chuckle, "Oddly enough it's probably true! I think I'd be bored if you weren't around!"

Merlin gave a sarcastic gasp, "Wait a minute! Was that you appreciating me in some way? Arthur! Are you alright? Do you want me to call Gaius?"

Arthur glared at Merlin, "Don't look so happy! You're still the worst manservant I've ever had! Besides it was you who said you wouldn't mind being my servant till the day you die...remember!"

Merlin continued with his chores as he answered, "I knew I'd regret saying that one of these days! Really! You're such a...dollop head!"

Arthur gave a full out laugh at that, "There really is no such word! You completely made that up!"

Merlin smiled as he said, "Well I thought you'd like it! You know how you think the world revolves around you! So I thought you'd enjoy the fact that your servant made a name specifically suited only for you!"

Arthur laughed again and as it eased he sighed, suddenly feeling light enough to broach the subject that had been bothering him, "Remember I told you that I don't know how my father is doing? Well the reason why is because I haven't spoken to him at all. My excuse was that he wasn't emotionally stable enough to talk to at that moment...but that wasn't it. I just didn't know what to say to him. What do you say to a man that has lied to you all your life?"

Arthur was staring at his plate as he heard Merlin softly ask him, "How are you feeling? About everything I mean"

Arthur blinked, "I don't know what to do. If I see her again what am I going to do Merlin? I'll have to fight her...won't I?"

He heard Merlin give a quite sigh, "You might just have to...she's too far gone to try to bring her back anymore."

Arthur rubbed his forehead with his hand in a gesture of quiet resignation, "I know...I don't know if I'll be able to do it though...hopefully I can..."

Merlin said, "Well you won't be alone Arthur. You have your Knights with you and you have their absolute loyalty. They wouldn't have fought a losing battle alongside you if they didn't respect and trust you."

Arthur looked at Merlin with a small flicker of hope and pride entering his voice and eyes, "I do don't I? At the very least I know this, they won't betray me or Camelot."

Merlin smiled and nodded his head, "Absolutely! Plus if that doesn't work you'll always have me watching you're back!"

Arthur rolled his eyes with a smile, "Well, God help me then!"

Merlin glared at him a little petulantly and replied, "Hey!"

Arthur smiled at Merlin, "But, thank you Merlin. I know you had no obligation to be running into all kinds of danger with me but you still do...for that...I'm grateful...for your loyalty..."

Arthur grew slightly uncomfortable but Merlin smiled a wide smile, "Well like I said what would you do without me!"

Arthur chuckled and attacked his breakfast with gusto feeling ravenous now that his tension had ebbed. He heard Merlin continue with his chores moving around the room picking up discarded clothing and bringing some order back to the room.

He heard more than saw Merlin's smirk as the servant teasingly said, "You know there have been a lot of whispering going on with the castle staff. Your display yesterday in the courtyard has become part of some juicy castle gossip!"

Arthur's sausage dropped from his limp fingers. He had forgotten about that. He had been relieved to see Gwen unharmed and with everything that had happened he had acted forgetting about their setting.

Arthur sputtered, "What are they saying? Has my father been told?"

Merlin laughed as he said, "Stop worrying Arthur! The castle servants are on Gwen's side. They love her and you too! You did after all save them. They're loyal to you just as much as your Knights are. We've all decided to keep our gossip to ourselves and leave the royals none the wiser."

Arthur relaxed and a little suspiciously asked, "Did you have something to do with that?"

Merlin looking falsely innocent said, "Why would you assume that?"

Arthur just shook his head and continued on with his breakfast. He knew his manservant well. Merlin must have heard the gossip and decided to rally up the servants to keep their mouths shut. After all most of the servant staff loved Merlin. He was far too nice for his own good and treated everyone well. Arthur was of course grateful but he didn't say a word. It was understood, he didn't need to embarrass himself anymore than he already had!

For several minutes there was a comfortable silence around the room Arthur eating his breakfast and Merlin moving across the room tidying up. He came up to Arthur's table and filled his goblet with water then stood to the side staring out the window.

Merlin then quietly stated, "But I think you should talk to your father about everything. You should also talk to him about the law for the Knights."

Arthur nodded his head and then realized Merlin wasn't looking at him so stated, "I will. But first I'm holding a meeting with the new Knights and Sir Leon. Just to tell them about their responsibilities. I also need to send a message out to the rest of the Kingdom asking for any new recruits for our army. Our forces have been severely diminished with...what are you smiling about?" Arthur asked disgruntled.

Merlin smiled wider with a feeling that looked uncomfortably like pride shining in his eyes, "Nothing, I'm just happy you've decided to take charge!"

Arthur, completely out-of-sorts with the warm feeling bubbling up in his chest that felt suspiciously like happiness, rolled his eyes and said, "Shut up Merlin!"

Merlin just waved off his rude comment and continued his chores as Arthur finished his breakfast and got ready for the day. He was forgoing the armour and sticking with a regular tunic and trousers. There wasn't going to be any practice today. He wanted Lancelot and Gwaine reacquainted with Camelot and Percival to be shown around at the very least.

Besides, today he was just going to talk to each of them with Sir Leon, a veteran Knight so-to-speak, as an example. He was about to leave the room with a list of chores for Merlin for the rest of the day, but he paused. He remembered the moment at the round-table. Although Merlin had jokingly said he didn't fancy being a part of the group Arthur knew Merlin, weather he asked him to or not, would follow him anywhere.

He then said, "Merlin, get the clothes to the launderers and meet me at the training grounds, that's where I'm meeting the rest of them."

He closed the door on Merlin's shocked face and left to go to the training grounds with a small satisfied smile on his face.

Merlin was shocked. At first he thought Arthur was asking him to come to the training grounds because he needed some of his weapons sharpened, but they weren't planning on doing any training for a bit. The Knights deserved a break.

So the only reason could be because Arthur wanted Merlin included in the session to follow. However, that made no sense. Merlin wasn't a Knight and if truth be told Merlin had no intention of becoming one. He didn't need a title to stay loyal to Arthur and he knew he had a greater role to play than any other being bound to Arthur by something far deeper.

He also knew he was terrible with a sword and he definitely won't be able to solve half the magical problems that arose in Camelot if he was walking around in a Knight's armour. That would be too noticeable for the sneaking around he did. Then there was the other fact...the friendship between Arthur and Merlin wouldn't be the same if Merlin became a Knight and of course insulting Arthur would be a lot harder with a Knight's code to follow.

At that Merlin gave a quiet chuckle. He was happy that Arthur was including him in the session. As he had told Lancelot, he was satisfied with being in the shadows. Yes, he would like some credit and appreciation but the relationship he had with Arthur was enough; because no matter how much either of them denied it, they were friends.

With that comforting thought Merlin carried off the laundry hurriedly, friend or not Arthur would have no qualms about yelling at him for being late. As he was walking along the corridors he met up with Lancelot, who was wearing the armour and cloak signature to the Knights of Camelot.

Lancelot gave a smile to Merlin who smiled back happy for his friend and said, "So how does it feel to be a Knight?"

Lancelot laughed, "Like all of my dreams have finally come true!"

Merlin laughed and said, "That is a good feeling isn't it?"

Lancelot nodded then looked a little serious as he asked, "Something has been bothering me for a while Merlin. What did you do with the sword? That weapon seemed powerful...are there more like it?"

Merlin surreptitiously looked around then whispered back, "At first it was a regular sword forged by Gwen's father, until Camelot was threatened by a wraith..."

At Lancelot's confused look Merlin explained, "It's the spirit of a dead man conjured from the grave. Only powerful sorcerers are capable of that type of magic. A wraith cannot be killed using a mortal sword. It challenged the Knights to a duel, the King kept Arthur out of it but you know the Prince."

Lancelot nodded, "He wouldn't be able to watch his men die."

Merlin nodded, "Exactly, so in the end Arthur was set to fight the Knight. No matter how much I tried to tell him the Knight wasn't normal and he should withdraw he refused to listen. So I found out about a sword begotten in a dragon's breath. I went to Gwen and got the best sword her father had forged then took it to the dragon that was imprisoned beneath the castle."

At this Lancelot's eyes widened, "There is a dragon beneath the castle?"

Merlin shook his head, "There was. It isn't there anymore...long story...anyways the dragon burnished the blade and warned me of its powers. It made me promise that the only one to use the sword would be Arthur. That was my intention too but in the end the King used it. Uther had Gaius drug Arthur and went to fight the wraith himself so he could protect Arthur. I didn't know about this at all. He was the King I couldn't stop him using the sword but the dragon was angry and told me to place the sword where no mortal man can ever find it. I threw the sword in the Lake of Avalon, though I didn't know that's what it was called then."

Lancelot nodded his head, "So I'm guessing when the immortal army attacked, you realized the sword could be used."

Merlin said, "Yes, but the dragon warned me once more of the sword's power and the destruction it could wrought in the wrong hands. So again he extracted a promise from me, that once I used the sword to stop the immortal army I would place it where none can wield it. So last night I placed it on a stone deep in the forest and with my magic it'll stay there until it is needed again."

Lancelot nodded, Merlin knew he had more questions especially about the dragon, but that was a part of his past he had no intention of revisiting any time soon. Merlin had buried those memories along with his guilt deep within his heart.

So the warlock forestalled anymore questions by saying, "One day Lancelot, Arthur will have use of that sword, but not now. Arthur isn't ready yet. Even you should realize it. After Morgana and what magic did to Camelot, Arthur will not look upon it kindly, so we need to wait. The sword after all is magical and Arthur can only receive it if he won't use it against magic. It is the only such sword in existence and right now the only mortals that know of it are you, me, and Gaius. I would like to keep it that way."

Lancelot nodded and Merlin knew he had distracted the knight enough. So he stated a little hurriedly, realizing that he still had the basket of laundry in his hands, "OH I need to go to the launderers with this. And you need to be at the meeting! Don't be late on the first day!"

Merlin smiled as he heard Lancelot give a small chuckle. He hurried along the corridors towards the launderers and Lancelot headed in the opposite direction towards the training grounds.

Lancelot walked along the hallways heading towards the training grounds. It was odd how he still remembered the place although it'd been so long since he'd been here. Percival, Gwaine, and Elyan were sticking together so that they didn't get lost, but Lancelot had actually wanted to talk to Merlin.

He had been making his way towards Gaius's chambers to see if he could catch the sorcerer but had met him along the hallways close to the Prince's chambers. The talk did leave some questions in his head but Merlin had eased his confusion over the sword so he decided not to push anymore.

Besides the warlock had seemed to not want to talk about the dragon at all, Merlin may have assumed that Lancelot didn't see it, but he had. There had been slight hints of pain and discomfort in Merlin's eyes at the mention of the dragon so he left it at that. Lancelot shook his head fondly at Merlin's attempt at trying to hide things from him.

As he was contemplating that he nearly crashed into Guinevere. She immediately started stuttering apologies until Lancelot said her name laughingly, "Guinevere! It's alright it's only me!"

Gwen looked up and Lancelot caught sight of the slight blush on her cheeks, "Oh...Lancelot..."

Lancelot felt the uncomfortable fluttering in his chest at seeing her, "How...How are you?"

Gwen looked anywhere but at him as she said, "I'm doing ok."

Both realized it had been the first time they had spoken to each other after Lancelot had joined up with Arthur. Lancelot had naively thought that the old thoughts wouldn't resurface if he just avoided her but he had been wrong. Though he felt slight stirrings of jealousy when he saw Gwen interacting with the Prince he knew he would never interfere.

As long as Gwen and Arthur were happy he didn't mind staying in the background. Some part of his mind, that wasn't fumbling around in the dark at Gwen's appearance, realized that Merlin must feel the same way with Arthur not knowing about his magic.

Gwen asked quietly, "How are you doing? How does it feel to be a Knight once again, this time permanently?"

Lancelot knew she was making an attempt at a normal conversation so he decided to help her along, "Oh...it feels good...I'm very happy." Well he tried at normal...

As an uncomfortable silence stretched between them, both not knowing what to say to the other, they heard the sound of footsteps. Then a voice that clearly belonged to Arthur said, "Merlin, I wanted to tell you..." The Prince had trailed off when he saw the two of them.

Lancelot knew why and before he could say anything to reassure the man Gwen made a hasty exit curtseying to Arthur hurriedly before she left. Once more Lancelot was left in a tense silence this one between the Prince and himself.

Lancelot saw the raw pain and betrayal in the Prince's eyes before it was covered up.

Lancelot quickly said, "I just met her along the hallway on my way to the training grounds. She was asking me of becoming a Knight. That was all."

Though Lancelot didn't come out and say it both knew what the Knight was trying to convince the Prince of.

Arthur said nothing just asked, "Have you seen Merlin around? I needed him for something."

Lancelot quietly stated, "I was talking to him just a little while ago. He rushed off telling me he was heading to the launderers."

Arthur nodded and gave a small smile to Lancelot and said, "Thanks. I'll see you at the training grounds."

Lancelot felt a little relieved at that and headed off to the grounds as the Prince turned around to look for Merlin.

Arthur had been shocked and slightly betrayed when he saw Lancelot with Gwen. His thoughts were running along the lines of 'Do they still have feelings for each other? Why would she kiss me then? Was it all just a way for her to kill time until Lancelot got back?' At that thought he forced his mind to a halt.

He knew Gwen would never do such a thing. This was just his jealousy and anger talking. He saw that he was getting closer to the launderers and endeavoured to clear his face of all thought before he saw Merlin. He knew his servant would know immediately that something was wrong.

However, before he could clear his mind Merlin walked out of the doors laughing at some joke and waving. He heard the women inside giggling and he knew Merlin had probably made their day. His servant turned around as the doors closed and nearly jumped in surprise at seeing Arthur there.

Also unfortunately, in his surprise, Arthur didn't have time to clear away his thoughts from his face and Merlin saw them. Arthur knew he was headed to an immediate interrogation so he halted those words before they came out of Merlin's frowning mouth.

"Watch where you're going will you! You nearly crashed into me you crazy buffoon!" Arthur winced slightly, those words had been unnecessarily cruel because he knew Merlin hadn't really done anything.

Merlin's frown deepened and he asked, "What's wrong Arthur? Is everything alright?"

Arthur knew the question was coming but he didn't answer it and changed the topic, "I need you to go to Gaius's chambers to get some poultice for Elyan's arm. He hurt it in the fight. I was thinking I'd help to change the bandages while we were talking."

Merlin nodded, "I'll do that but you can't talk to the Knights in the state you're in Arthur."

He had said it so matter-of-factly that Arthur sighed and gave in, "I saw Lancelot and Gwen together when I was coming to find you."

He saw Merlin blink and a slight suspicion enter his eyes but it cleared away immediately as he said, "So?"

Now it was Arthur's turn to blink and he sputtered, "Well, the atmosphere around them was weird...and Gwen had rushed off when I came...and it looked like..." He trailed off there, not wanting to voice the damnable thought out loud for fear of making it real.

Merlin sighed and said, "Arthur, the last time this happened Lancelot had made one thing clear to me. He told me he wouldn't get in the way of your relationship with Gwen. He is happy as long as you two are happy. Besides how could you think that? Lancelot is loyal to you Arthur! You should be able to see that! And Gwen...you know she loves you! Have some faith in her!"

At Merlin's speech Arthur was a little ashamed but he would obviously never admit that out loud so he decided to turn to the next best thing, insulting Merlin, "Well now where did such wise words come from Merlin? Are you sure you're Merlin...or has someone wiser possessed you?"

Merlin rolled his eyes, "It may be hard for you to admit it but I'm not a complete idiot...and Arthur I mean it...don't distrust them so much. The reason Gwen probably rushed off might have been because she was trying to get away from an embarrassing situation."

Arthur nodded and promptly changed the topic, "Right...well go on and get the poultice or whatever it is from Gaius then come to the training grounds. And Merlin, do try not to be late!"

Merlin smirked as he said, "Am I ever?"

Then before Arthur could cuff him on the head for that statement he ran off. Arthur glared at his fleeing manservant and then sighed. Sometimes he wondered what it was about Merlin that made Arthur trust him so much. Arthur would have probably stewed in his own misery had it not been for Merlin. He was glad to have him around and even gladder that Merlin had decided to stay on as his servant.

With Merlin as his servant the Prince had the opportunity to spend more time with the man, thereby allowing for the emotional discussions that they had. And if Arthur was honest with himself, he immensely enjoyed Merlin's company. He would get bored without Merlin's constant chatter and their typical brand of banter.

Arthur shook his head and walked towards the training grounds in a better mood.

Merlin was walking towards Gaius's quarters. If he was honest with himself he was a little suspicious of Lancelot and Gwen's relationship. However, he did trust both of them and he knew Gwen would never hurt Arthur like that because she loved him too much. Lancelot was too loyal to do such a thing. Besides he knew if they did anything...then it wouldn't only be a betrayal to Arthur but towards him as well.

Lancelot knew that Merlin supported Arthur's relationship with Gwen, so Merlin knew that friendship with himself and loyalty to Arthur should be enough incentive for Lancelot. As for Gwen, she was far too kind-hearted for that sort of betrayal.

Merlin nodded his head determinedly and threw his suspicions out a proverbial window as he entered Gaius's chambers. He saw Gaius sitting on one of the chairs with a deeply troubled look on his face.

Alarmed, Merlin asked, "Gaius? What's wrong?"

Gaius looked up slightly startled not having heard the door open. This increased Merlin's worry, clearly whatever it was that was bothering the physician had been bad enough that the man had been lost to his surroundings.

Gaius spoke softly, "Merlin, the Cup of Life cannot be found."

Merlin gasped, "No! Are you sure the rubble was checked properly?"

Gaius nodded, "Uther told me just a while ago that they searched the entire area but never found the Cup...Merlin there is a possibility Morgana might have it."

Merlin despaired, "That's not good! She could heal Morgause!"

Gaius said, "I'm very sure Morgause might be dying if not dead already. Although she was far away, my knowledge of the workings of the body are extensive enough to have been able to tell that Morgause probably wasn't breathing. Or at least if she was then she was barely breathing. Also I don't believe Morgana is as skilled in magic as Morgause so there is a possibility that she won't know how to use the Cup."

Merlin shook his head, "But I'm sure Morgana might know about the Isle of the Blessed! Remember the Questing Beast Gaius!"

Gaius suddenly looked pale, "Oh dear! I completely forgot about that possibility!"

Merlin then looked a little thoughtful, "But Nimueh is dead and Morgause might also be dying...then who would help Morgana?"

Gaius said fearfully, "Merlin, Nimueh and Morgause aren't the only High Priestesses. In fact, they were probably the weakest ones. There are others...far more powerful and also immortal..."

Merlin's eyes widened, "Oh no...that doesn't sound good! The bargain asks for a life in return...what if...what if Morgana asks to take Uther's life...or Arthur's...?"

Gaius said, "Or yours...we need to stop her Merlin! We don't know who the priestess will be. She might not be on your side...we need to stop her from going to the Isle of the Blessed."

Merlin nodded his head and went to his room to gather some belongings. He said, "Gaius I need you to get some things ready for my trip. I won't need much; I'll try to make an excuse to Arthur. By the way Elyan needed something for his arm."

Merlin gathered up some things for his trip and left the packed bag on a bench in Gaius's chambers. He decided to take a quick look at his spell book to find some useful spells. He flipped the book open down the middle without really thinking and the first page the book opened to was a bonding spell. Curious Merlin read through the spell then shut the book with a slam returning it to its hiding place.

He thoughtfully made his way down the stairs from his room and shook himself mentally. He then took the bottle that Gaius handed him and rushed off towards the training grounds. He didn't know what to say to Arthur. The truth obviously was out of the question. He knew Arthur was not yet ready to confront Morgana. She was after all someone Arthur had considered a sister until recently, someone he had grown up with.

Merlin reached the training grounds before his mind could work out a reasonable excuse for leaving Camelot. Arthur was talking to everyone when Merlin ran up to him. Arthur stopped and glanced at a panting Merlin and said, "Well about time you got here. Give me the bottle."

Merlin handed over the bottle to Arthur and was engulfed in a one arm hug from Gwaine who said, "Nice of you to join us my friend! The party was getting so boring without you!"

Merlin couldn't help but laugh and say, "It's not a party Gwaine! Besides it's not me you're missing its alcohol!"

Gwaine pushed away dramatically as if pierced, "You wound me Merlin...Alright well there was the missing alcohol."

Lancelot and Percival laughed at that. Arthur who was helping Elyan with the bandage with Leon looking on shook his head in resignation. Elyan chuckled a little with Leon.

Gwaine noticing the slightly pale look on Merlin's face asked, "What's wrong?"

This peaked everyone's interest as Merlin, deciding there really was no choice in the matter, stated, "The Cup of Life can't be found."

Percival was the first to break the silence, "Why is that a bad thing?"

Merlin realized Percival didn't know the whole story and said, "The Cup was what was used to turn Cenred's soldiers into immortal men. There is a possibility that Morgana took it with her to heal Morgause..."

There was silence and Merlin knew everyone was thinking about the dangers of having both women attacking Camelot again.

Arthur then said, slight discomfort colouring his voice, "Stop being such a coward Merlin! There's a possibility that Morgana doesn't even have the Cup. Besides, Morgause could already be dead."

Merlin knew Arthur was just trying to ease his own heart by insulting Merlin but it didn't stop the warlock from getting a little annoyed.

However, before he could say anything in his defence Lancelot spoke up, "I think Merlin is probably the bravest amongst all of us..."

Merlin felt his stomach clench as he turned startled eyes to Lancelot, who was staring at Arthur calmly. Arthur raised a single eyebrow and was about to say something but Lancelot continued.

"If it weren't for him I don't think any of us would have survived."

Everyone looked slightly shocked at this except Merlin who was looking at Lancelot like he'd grown a second head.

"Lancelot!" Merlin said warningly then turned to everyone else and laughed nervously, "He's just saying that, I think he's forgotten what really happened. Remember, you were the one that..."

He didn't get to finish his statement however because Lancelot said, "Enough Merlin! I'm not taking credit for something you did..." The 'again' that was supposed to be part of that statement was left unsaid, but no one except Merlin and Lancelot knew about that.

Merlin stared in horrified fascination at Lancelot, all thoughts of rushing to the Isle of the Blessed disappearing from his head, as the Knight continued speaking.

"Merlin found out from Gaius that if the Cup was emptied of the blood then the enchantment would end and the immortal army would fall. So he had made the plan of sneaking off and finding the Cup and emptying it of the blood alone. He was basically ready to do the hardest part of the job while we were stuck with, comparatively speaking, the easiest part.

"But I know Merlin well and so asked him what he was planning. When he told me about the plan I decided to help him. He didn't want to involve anyone in the plot because it could get you all killed. He wasn't even ready to let me come but I forced the issue. When we reached the Cup it was Merlin that toppled it over and also Merlin that landed the blow on Morgause that possibly killed her."

Merlin sighed quietly in relief. Nothing of his magic or the sword had been mentioned. Of course! Lancelot wouldn't do that to Merlin; it was just the Knight's sense of honour that wouldn't allow any insults of Merlin's cowardice to pass.

He then felt Gwaine grip his shoulders, "Well, I always knew you were brave! After the incidents with the melee and then the trip to the Perilous lands, if you were a coward you wouldn't have been able to do any of that."

Merlin smiled a little grateful that at least some people other than Gaius knew he wasn't just an idiot. Then he saw Percival nod and say, "I guess we all owe our lives to you then! Not just us but the whole of Camelot!"

Elyan said, "Then again I highly doubt anyone thinks of you as a coward, Gwen told me about some of the things you've done. I don't think a coward would have been capable of it."

Even Leon nodded his head, "Sometimes I don't understand if you're just very brave or very foolish..."

Then everyone, quiet sneakily, gave Arthur a look and he rolled his eyes, "What? I already knew he wasn't a coward! I've known him longer than any of you technically, it was a joke. But there are some times that Merlin does behave like a girl and is a complete idiot! I should have known he'd do something stupid!"

That brought an even bigger smile to Merlin's lips as he jokingly said, "Careful, that almost sounded like a compliment!"

Arthur glared and said, "Shut up Merlin!"

That brought a round of laughter amongst the Knights, Leon shaking his head as he said, "They never stop arguing. I have to say though, it makes for good entertainment on long trips"

Merlin sarcastically said, "Why thank you Sir Leon!"

Arthur's glare transferred over to Leon who lifted his hands up in a gesture of surrender. As they were enjoying a moment of peace a messenger burst onto the scene panting and said, "Sire, the King requests your attendance in the throne room immediately. He said it was a matter of great urgency."

Merlin saw Arthur tense and the atmosphere suddenly shifted from relaxed to tense in a matter of moments. He saw Arthur nod as the boy ran off. The warlock knew every person was thinking the same thing.

'It was the Cup.'

Arthur turned and spoke to all at once, "Leon will continue from here. Merlin come on!"

The two rushed off leaving the Knights to their own devices though Merlin knew talk would shift to the Cup almost immediately.

They made their way through the castle hallways towards the throne-room in silence. The guards opened the doors as they neared and they stepped inside. Merlin was greeted to the scene of Uther talking to Gaius softly.

The King looked up as the Prince entered and said, "Ah...Arthur you made it..."

Merlin saw Arthur shift uncomfortably from his peripheral vision. He understood the Prince had not been ready to face his father this early on, however they had no choice.

Arthur nodded his head and said, "What is this about?"

Uther glanced at Gaius and said, "The Cup of Life is missing. I believe Morgana might have taken it with her. However, we're not sure where exactly she is."

Arthur nodded, "Yes, I know about that...Merlin told me."

The King's glance shifted to Merlin for a second before turning back to Arthur. Merlin shifted a little restlessly. He knew where she was headed but he also knew he needed to go there alone. He should have left immediately after finding out the Cup was missing. Now how was he to get out of this situation?

Uther said, "I have a plan...so to speak...I was going to ask you your opinion about it."

Merlin had to force himself not show any of the shock he felt at that statement. Uther was asking for Arthur's advice. He knew Arthur was similarly shocked but the Prince regained his bearings quickly and nodded expression carefully blank.

"Morgana is probably lost and lonely right now. She does not have Morgause's influence blinding her anymore...so maybe if I speak with her..."

At that moment Merlin saw not a King but a desperate Father. He wondered if the Prince saw the same thing. Arthur's voice was curt in dismissal of the idea, "It's too late. She has gone too far. You saw her cruelty. She isn't the same woman."

Merlin didn't miss the fact that not once had Arthur called Uther 'father' in his reply. The warlock had known Arthur for so long he even knew the way the Prince spoke. Merlin though didn't know if Arthur did it because of discomfort or anger.

Uther tried again, "But surely if we accept her the way she is..."

Merlin saw Arthur's eyes flash in anger as he said, "So accept her but kill all the other people like her?"

The words were said in passion and hurt, something Merlin wasn't used to hearing from Arthur. No, that wasn't true...there had been once where that sort of tone had entered Arthur's voice, the day he had almost killed Uther because of Morgause's revelation about his mother.

Uther obviously heard the tone as well because he was silent after that. Merlin heard Arthur take a deep calming breath to steady himself before he said, "I will take the Knights with me to search for Morgana and bring the Cup back to Camelot."

"No!" Merlin had spoken without thinking and all eyes in the room turned to him. He gulped but found the courage to continue, he kept his eyes on Arthur, "Camelot doesn't have much of an army right now. We cannot afford to have you or any of the Knights leave the castle unattended."

Arthur blinked but already used to Merlin's surprising moments of insightfulness said, "Then how are we supposed to find Morgana? How do we get the Cup back?"

There was a silence in the throne room. Arthur had his eyes on Merlin. The warlock saw Arthur's eyes narrow slightly and knew Arthur might have figured out Merlin was going to do something stupid.

Merlin quickly said, "Morgana left with Morgause's body without anyone in the castle noticing. Don't you find that odd? She has magic and was with Morgause for a year she must have learned ways of disappearing from a place without a trace. She could be anywhere right now."

Arthur's suspicion though had not abated it was seen in his narrowed eyes as he said, "So we leave the Cup with her?"

Merlin swallowed but stayed silent. Uther and Gaius had stayed quiet throughout the exchange. It was a testament to the state of Uther's mind that he hadn't said a word against Merlin who had so clearly overstepped his bounds.

Uther asked Gaius, "Is there really no way of bringing her back."

Gaius shook his head in the negative but before the physician could say anything to comfort Uther, Arthur spoke up, "Would you stop thinking about that? She's gone Father! She was long gone before she even came to Camelot! Rather than feeling the guilt of what we put our people through your hell bent on bringing her back to cause more suffering?"

Merlin couldn't agree more. He understood Uther was in pain but this was not the time to be wallowing in it. Surely the King had realized the fake quality of Morgana's act by now. Arthur had obviously seen that. The Prince must have slowly dissected every encounter with Morgana and realized she had been lying to them since she returned. It was a quality of Arthur's Merlin was glad for, it gave him hope for the time when his own magic would be inevitably revealed.

Father and son share a few more words, Uther in his desperate, cracking voice, and Arthur in his passionately heated tone. Merlin stood looking from one to the other his impatience and frustration growing until finally he couldn't take anymore.

"There is a possibility Morgana took the Cup to the Isle of the Blessed."

There was pin-drop silence in the room and Merlin caught Gaius's warning glare but continued recklessly, 'They didn't have time!'

"At the heart of the Old Religion lies the magic of life and death itself. The High Priestesses carry that power within them. The Cup of Life is the relic used to channel that power. If Morgause has even a slight bit of breath left in her body then the Priestesses have the power to save her. However, to save a life a life must be given in return..."

Merlin was looking straight at Uther as he said this. He saw Uther tense involuntarily at those words. The warlock said nothing about Igraine however, "If Morgana's wish is granted and the Priestess that helps her is against you, then Morgana could bargain your life or even Arthur's in exchange for Morgause's."

Uther, he knew was slightly shocked, but it needed to be said. The King had to see sense and if Merlin was to be the one who forced the issue then so be it.

Uther quietly but slightly suspiciously stated, "How do you know of this?"

Merlin saw Gaius about to interrupt but in his anger stated something that should never have come out of his mouth if he valued his life, "How do you think your son survived the bite of the Questing Beast?"

He heard Arthur gasp but he was far beyond that right now. He needed to stop Morgana and if he could shock them immobile then maybe he could make a quick escape out of Camelot.

Uther asked, "What do you mean? Did you go to the Isle and bargain for Arthur's life? Then what of the tincture that Gaius..."

He was interrupted by Merlin, "That was no tincture that was water drawn from the Cup of Life. I went to the Isle and I bargained my life for Arthur's. The Priestess I met there was Nimueh." Merlin saw Uther flinch at the name but he continued talking, "I am planning to go there again hopefully I'll meet Morgana along the way and take the Cup from her." He turned away to walk towards the throne room doors.

Uther is slightly shocked as he asked, "But you're still alive..."

Merlin turned once, glanced at Uther then at Arthur's shocked expression before he returned his gaze to Uther and said, "Yes, but Nimueh is dead..."

With those parting words Merlin left the throne-room closing the doors on three shocked occupants and rushed off to the Isle of the Blessed.

A/N: So how was that? Should I continue? Reviews are much appreciated. This chapter didn't have much action but I needed to tie up the loose ends left over after Season 3 ended. Please review your opinions are appreciated!