PoV Arthur

I had just gotten back to Camelot, and I was currently sat in the throne room, leaning my head on my palm. I sighed through my nose, and the noise echoed through the empty room. I was thinking about him. I rubbed my stomach, where my wound had been. It had healed completely, though there was an aching pain there, as if to remind me of the sacrifice Merlin had giving. He sacrificed his safety to save my life.

Mordred came up behind me.

"My lord, shouldn't you be asleep?"

It was then I noticed the dark shadows in the corners, the pale light filtering through the windows. I looked up at him with empty eyes, and I nodded.

"Yes," I said. "Thank you."

I got up to leave, but the doors opened to reveal Gaius, who skulked in, his robes swishing around his feet. "Where's Merlin?" he asked, his voice accusing.

"He left," I said. "He revealed himself as a sorcerer and left."

"You let him?" Mordred asked. "He could be hurt!"

"He could be dead," Gaius said, his voice cold.

"I know!" I yelled. "And I want to go after him! But he's probably gone by now."

"He might have gone home." Mordred put a hand on my shoulder. "He probably did."

"You've been gone for a week. How long ago did Merlin leave?" Gaius asked.

"About three days ago." I looked across the room to where Merlin used to stand at ceremonies. It seemed even darker than the rest of the room.

"He wouldn't have made it to Ealdor if that is where he's going." Gaius looked directly at me, but I couldn't meet his eyes.

"There might be somewhere else he's gone," Mordred said. "It's not very far away from here, but it's known only by the Druids."

"Then why would he go there?" Gaius said. "He's not a Druid."

"And how do you know of this place?" I asked.

"I found it whilst hiding as a child. Merlin would know it because the Druids have shown it to him."

"Where is this place?" I asked.

"A cave near the lake of Avalon. It's got enough room to hide an army. And it has food."

Gaius raised an eyebrow. "Why would he be there?"

Mordred exchanged a look with Gaius, and he nodded.

"Then to the cave of Avalon we go."