The Labyrinth of Gedref

"A unicorn is pure of heart. If you kill one, you must make amends by proving that you also are pure of heart. Arthur was willing to sacrifice his life to save yours. He has proven what is truly in his heart. The curse will be lifted." Anhora said solemnly to Merlin.

Merlin stared at him, dumbfounded.

"He's alive?" he asked, turning to look at Arthur again, when he looked back up Anhora had gone.

Merlin checked on Arthur again, and saw with relief that he was breathing. He took off his jacket, folded it into a pillow and placed it under Arthur's head. He sat down beside him, waiting for him to awaken. After a moment, he looked around, shrugged, and placed his hand over Arthur's head, "tóbregdan" he commanded quietly. He smiled as the princes eyes fluttered opened.

"Merlin?" Arthur asked with a confused frown, as he looked up at Merlins grinning face. "I'm not dead?" he asked.

"It doesn't appear that way" said Merlin cheerily. Arthur sat up groggily and rubbed his eyes, "what happened?"

"The poison wasn't poison, it was just a sleeping draught, that was the test" replied Merlin as he helped Arthur to his feet. "So he put me to sleep?" Arthur questioned. Merlin nodded, and picked up his jacket from the ground. "What sort of a test is that?" Arthur asked with a frown.

"Anhora said that by sacrificing your life to save mine you proved yourself to be pure of heart." Arthur raised an eyebrow, "so the curse has been lifted?" "It has" Merlin replied with a smile.

"Come on" said Arthur, clapping Merlin on the shoulder, "let's go home."

They made their way slowly back through the maze to where the horses were tethered, and rode for home.

"Anhora knew, didn't he?" asked Arthur, "he knew you would follow me" Merlin shrugged "he must have." Arthur looked at him seriously, "you shouldn't have done that Merlin." Merlin shook his head, "It was on my request that Anhora set you another test, it could have been dangerous, I had to go with you." Arthur frowned; he looked annoyed yet was slightly touched that Merlin wanted to help him. "Besides" continued Merlin, "you shouldn't have drunk the poison, you could have died."

"If I didn't drink it Camelot would still be cursed. We both did what was right, no matter how stupid it seemed." Arthur said with a smile. Merlin nodded at him, "thank you Arthur" he said seriously. "And you" replied Arthur with a nod. "I am glad you came with me, you are a loyal friend Merlin, and you were right about the unicorn, I shouldn't have killed it." Merlin smiled broadly back at Arthur who shifted, suddenly uncomfortable with what he was saying. "Don't look too happy about it Merlin, this will probably be the last time I ever admit you are right."

With that he spurred horse on and they raced for home.