This is a sort chapter, but I needed a bridging chapter in order to bring the 'darker' side of Merlin back into frame. The first one was more about getting the main secrets out into the open and igniting the fire between Arthur and Merlin.
In the last chapter, Merlin's two secrets are discovered by Arthur. Arthur had been so elated that Merlin shared his feelings that he was very accepting of Merlin's magic. Unfortunately, the attacks continue with culprit yet unascertained and Uther grows desperate.
Terra
In a dark room, with two dark hooded men there was a turn in the tides.
One of the men had just walked through the tavern and into this inn room. The other greeted him coldy, "The great Uther Pendragon here, asking for my assistance. I knew you would come, that it was just a matter of time. And it seems, the time is now."
"So, you know why I'm here then? I suspect that these attacks are the work of a dark sorcerer, not a beast," Uther announced.
The other man nodded beneath his hood. There was a silence while both men were considering the situation. Then, the man spoke. "I will help you find the sorcerer, but there will be a price."
"Any amount, name your price," he said quickly. He expected the cost to be high. The witch-finder would have to do more than simply look around and ask some questions. He would have to fully investigate everyone and everything, and all of this, in secrecy.
"I have no need for gold. But, I could certainly use a new sword."
"I could have the blacksmith make you one. He is the best."
"No. There is only one sword that I will accept. It is a very good sword. Completely balanced. Impossibly sharp. Have you heard of this miraculous sword? You must have. You used such a sword to defeat a wraith in battle. Do you recall?"
"Yes, but why? What would a man like yourself do with such a sword. Besides, it had been made specifically for Arthur."
"That matters not."
"I will retrieve this sword for you, if it is the cost," Uther promised.
"Good, then I will begin with my work."
Uther recognized the dismissal and left. He had no second thoughts as he travelled back to the castle, where the dark sorcerer in question laid entangled in his son's arms.