Chapter 1

Merlin

'Merlin, I can't believe you talked me into this. Why do we even have to go so far? The woods around Camelot are good enough.' Arthur complained.

'Don't ask me, it wasn't my idea!' I said, defending myself. Honestly, can't he whine to someone else?

'Come on, Arthur. The point was to get away from the stress of Camelot.' Sir Leon said good-naturedly.

'I suppose. I'm just so bored.' Arthur said, sighing.

'Well, we can't have that, can we? Our prince must be kept entertained.' Gwen said in that all too familiar tone.

'Gwen…' Elyan and I said, warning.

'Come catch me then, Arthur! Or would you lose to a girl?' She sang, kicking her horse into a gallop.

Instinctively, everyone sped up, trying to keep Gwen in our sights. Arthur was already far ahead, competing with Gwen.

'The plan's working!' Gwaine crowed.

I grinned, the wind tossing my hair. The plan was working excellently, I just hoped mine would go just as well. After all, since the awful incident with Morgana I've had the chance to tell everybody my secret, except Arthur. How would he take it? Would he threaten me? Banish me? Run me through right there and then? I should probably make sure he has nothing sharp and pointy on him when I tell him. If I had to use magic to defend myself, he'd trust me even less.

'Merlin's gone again.' Lancelot said quietly to Gwaine. I can't really think of them as sirs.

'Merlin? Don't tell me we have to de-stress you too!' Gwaine said, slowing down as we reached the spot where Arthur was now clasping Gwen around her waist.

'I'm just nervous about how he'll take it.' I said, gesturing to Arthur.

'You mean more to him than you think, Merlin. I've never seen two friends closer.' Lancelot said, confidently.

I snorted, grinning. We dismounted at the edge of the clearing, tethering our horses to the trees.

'We should set up camp here, don't you think Merlin?' Gwen said, smiling at me as she waited for my opinion.

'It's perfect.' I said, smiling back. Not a single person in Camelot could resist returning her smiles. It was a proven theory.

We talked as we pitched the tents, making jokes and teasing Arthur for his pink face every time Gwen said something embarrassing about him, like how he once stuttered while talking to a knight because Gwen winked at him. It was a bit odd to see Percival laugh when he used to be so quiet, though.

I was lighting our campfire when Sir Leon snuck up behind me. I jumped and he chuckled at me.

'I'm surprised you haven't used your magic yet. It is one of those rare opportunities when you actually can.'

'I haven't had the chance. Besides, Arthur might see.' I said, shrugging.

'You were going to tell him anyway.' He pointed out.

'Forbaerne.' I whispered, the campire burst to life.

'Don't be so afraid, Merlin. I'd think you'd be braver by now.' He joked, clapping me on the shoulder.

This hunting trip was beginning to sound like it had been planned for me too. I would be braver if Arthur knew. All the others didn't take it too bad. I stood up and before I could second guess myself, I grabbed my bow and arrow for props.

'Hey Arthur, why don't we go see if we can find any tracks.' I said, hoping I wasn't giving anything away.

He must have heard something though because all he did was nod. I noticed he didn't even pick up his sword. We walked deeper into the forest in silence, I didn't even bother pretending I was looking for tracks. He already knew something was wrong. I knew he did because he just kept staring at me, waiting for me to say something. His eyes were boring holes into me.

'Stop staring at me. You're making me more nervous.' I said, leaning against a tree.

'What is it? Obviously, you didn't call me here to look for tracks. So I assume you have something to tell me.' He said, plainly.

'Ihavemagic.' I mumbled.

'What?' He asked, confusion on his face.

'I have magic.' I said, forcing my words to come out slowly. Arthur froze. And then he laughed.

'Merlin, don't be ridiculous.' He laughed out. Annoying prat. I can't believe he's not taking this seriously.

Silently, I commanded the wind to my fingers. The wind swirled across the ground, picking up leaving, pushing them together to form a mini Camelot floating in mid-air. Arthur stopped laughing, mouth agape in shock. I burnt the leaves with a whisper, my eyes fading back to their normal blue as I ended the spell.

'How long?' Arthur asked, face blank.

'I've always had magic. I was born like this.' I said, waiting for his reaction.

'That's impossible.' Arthur said automatically.

'Supposed to be. But here I am.'

'Why come to Camelot? Why serve me?' he said, turning away from me.

'It's my destiny to. I'm supposed to protect you and I have. Ever since we first met that's all I've done. I trust you.' I said, pleading for his understanding.

'Magic isn't evil. I know that by now but how could you hide this from me? Why tell me now unless you're planning on killing me!' He yelled, refusing to meet my eyes. My eyes widened in shock, is that really what he think I'm going to do?

'You can't be that stupid! Why on earth would I risk my neck over and over again if I wanted you dead? I could've just let that happen! I've protected you for years and now you think I'd just toss all my hard work in the trash and kill you?' I ranted.

'Then why? Why tell me now? Why didn't you tell me before? Aren't you the slightest bit worried I might kill you?' He asked, running his hand through his hair.

'I couldn't make you choose between me and your father. But it has become increasingly difficult to save lives when I'm worried someone will see. As for dying, well, you're not your father. At the very least, I'm sure you would've given me a fair trial.' I said, shrugging at the last bit.

'I should've known, all those times when weird things happen…'

'What are you going to do now?' I asked, quietly just like I had all the rest.

'I'm not going to kill you if that's what you're hinting at. I can't believe you'd even think that! Have you no faith in me?' Arthur asked indignantly.

'Of course I have faith in you, I just need to make sure you feel no hate towards me for having magic.' I said, defending myself again.

'Of course not, it actually suits you well. The gold eyes will take some getting used to though. Besides, I demand on knowing every magic thing that's ever happened.I don't hate magic just…promise me no more secrets, alright Merlin?' He said, grabbing my shoulder.

'Promise.' I said, grinning.

Then Arthur frowned, turning away from me towards a rustling noise. Just in time as Gwen ran into his arms, eyes wide with panic and fear as she tried to explain with a flurry of words.

'Slow down, Gwen. What is it?' I asked as we ran with her, back towards the camp.

'We heard noises. Elyan and Leon. Shot her. Accident.' She gasped out.

A scream of pain pierced the silence of the forest. We ran faster. I burst into the clearing first. Leon and Lancelot were huddled in front of a tree as Gwaine, Percival and Elyan watched on helplessly. Lancelot turned around and caught his gaze, face pale.

'Merlin, come quick!' He yelled.

I ran to them as they made way for me. My breath caught in my chest, I couldn't breathe. I thought my heart must've stopped. Before me, gasping in pain and holding back screams, was a young girl crumpled on the ground. One of her huge black feathered wings pinned to the tree by two arrows, gleaming red.