Chapter 2- Magic

Merlin, Arthur, Gwaine, and Sir Leon jumped off their horses and started to make camp. They had been a bit delayed because their horses' saddlebags had been stolen. Now, night had fallen, and everyone had to rest. Arthur made a campfire out of the firewood that Merlin had collected and Merlin made stew. Arthur cleared his throat and spoke.

"Thanks for coming guys. I really appreciate it. Hopefully, we find a treasure soon. Then we can go home and be safe from the borders of Cendred's kingdom." Arthur thankfully stated.

"No problem. I would do anything for my princess." Gwaine sneered jokingly.

"Same here," Sir Leon said seriously.

"Awh, the prat's getting all emotional." Merlin chuckled. They all took their stew and practically inhaled it after a long day's travel. Merlin laid out their sleeping bags and they all closed their eyes, except for Merlin. The warlock stared longingly up at the stars, as if trying to see something. Merlin wondered what the whole point of this quest was. There had to be some deeper meaning. Camelot had plenty of jeweles and gems already. But, this quest was a big deal. If Arthur came back empty-handed, the citizens of Camelot would not feel trusted with him. This quest was supposed to prove about your observations or some philosophy prince-honor thing. Something Merlin would never understand. But, he knew that Merlin had to help Arthur yet again. And he could not do it himself. It was time to call on the Great Dragon- or, as the dragon lords called him, Kilgarrah.

Merlin brushed off his pants quietly and crept out of the camp sight. Gwaine opened his eyes fully and followed Merlin, wondering what his friend was up to this time. Merlin, not knowing that he was being followed, called upon the dragon with the words of the Old Religion. Soon, a scaly dragon with huge wings came flapping down and landed in a huge forest space. Gwaine, watching from behind the trees, had his mouth hanging open with awe and shock. He had heard that Arthur killed the dragon. What was going on? Why was Merlin talking to him? In his amazement, Gwaine was noticed by Kilgarrah.

"COME OUT TRESPASSER! COME OUT NOW!" The dragon shouted in fury.

Gwaine shuffled out nervously. "Gwaine!?" Merlin said crestfallen, like his whole world had fallen.

"MERLIN!" Gwaine shouted nervously, angrily, tensed, and betrayed. "Y-y-y-you're magic? A-a-are you evil?" Gwaine started blurting out random questions as his face turned red.

"What?" Merlin fell on his knees, unable to believe his best friend thought he was evil. He started sobbing, his shoulders shaking with sorrow. "Of course not! How could you believe that?"

"You can't! You can't tell anyone Gwaine! My life will be ended! I've been magic since you've known me. I'm the same person. I haven't changed. Maybe, you're the one that has changed. You can ignore me for the rest of your life. Just, don't tell Arthur, or for that matter, anyone! You might hate me, but you can't wish my end. At least I know one person- a knight, a friend, better than you- who trusts and cares for me. Lancelot. Sure, you don't know him. But, all that matters is he trusts me. Unlike you." Merlin shouted, his sorrow turning into fury as he continued with every word.

Gwaine stood there awe-struck with each word his friend said. More than him being magic, Gwaine couldn't believe Merlin thought he didn't trust him.

"OF COURSE I DO! WHO CARES IF YOU'RE MAGIC? YOU HAVE BEEN MY BEST FRIEND, SAVED MY LIFE, AND THAT'S WHAT MATTERS! Merlin, I would never ignore you, no matter what you are." Gwaine yelled, defending himself.

Merlin nodded," Just don't tell Arthur. You have to swear. Please Gwaine, swear."

Gwaine coughed. He had a moment's hesitation and then said," I swear."

"Now, let me introduce you to my friend and advisor, the all-mighty dragon, Kilgarrah."

Gwaine waved tentatively. "So, what is this quest's real meaning?" Merlin continued his conversation with the dragon.

"My young wizard, it is about something more precious then gems. Something of the past. Something that has no money value, but could mean the end or start of a kingdom. It could mean foe or friend. That is what you must find. You have magic, strength," the dragon nodded to Gwaine, "loyalty, Sir Leon, and, of course, bravery, which is Arthur. You will succeed. Just keep going. You will know when you have found it. Do not be scared, warlock. Not only do you have magic, but you have wits. You have brains. And you have cleverness. Nothing can defeat this foursome. Good luck." With that, the dragon flew away.

As Gwaine and Merlin walked back to camp, Merlin explained his adventures of magic, and how he had saved Arthur and had stopped the fall of Camelot several times. To Gwaine's pleasure, Merlin did a few tricks to show Gwaine his skills. After an hour of walking to camp, they settled into their sleeping bags. Just before Merlin closed his eyes, Gwaine winked.

"Thanks, friend." Gwaine said. Then, they both fell to sleep.