Merlin and Arthur had been riding for several hours with the warlock in the lead. Neither Arthur nor Merlin said a word. Arthur broke the silence instead of Merlin. "Why don't you shut up Merlin? You're oh so talkative. I can't hear myself think," the Prince said in a sarcastic voice and with a roll of his blue eyes.
"I'm concentrating," Merlin mumbled softly.
"Does it hurt?" asked Arthur as he looked around at the scenery. There was little light left. It was almost impossible to see the road underneath them. Nearby, a small shack loomed. "Merlin, when are we going to find this warlock? We'll be crossing into King Lots land any moment and I don't want to get into a disagreement. It's the last thing Camelot needs."
"We can stop. He's close by," Merlin said in a low voice as he pulled on the reigns. When the horse halted, Merlin hopped off his horse.
"Great, where is he," Arthur asked as he dismounted and handed his horses reigns to Merlin before heading to the little shack. "This looks like the charcoal maker's house."
"It is…," the warlock said. He didn't move; Merlin just stood there in between the horses.
"So, this warlock also makes charcoal? It makes since. He's got to make a living too, I guess," Arthur mused, which made Merlin sigh in expiration. "What?"
"Will you just let me talk? Please? Let me talk," Merlin begged. He was shaking inside, although his body was completely still. His stomach was flipping over and over and the warlock felt as if he were about to throw up.
Arthur frowned at Merlin. "I wouldn't be so snippy, if I were you Merlin," said the man in a flat voice. "My patience is not long."
"When is it," asked Merlin. The Prince started towards the warlock. "OK…. OK. I'm sorry. May I please talk? I have something to say. It's really important."
"Much better, Merlin. Yes, you may talk," Arthur replied. When Merlin didn't say anything for several minutes, Arthur raised a hand as well as an eyebrow. "Well, are you going to say something or are we just going to stand here all night gawking at each other? May I remind you that my father's life is on the line?"
"I know. I know. I just, I'm just not sure how to say this. I've been waiting years to tell you. Years. This wasn't how I expected to let you know the truth. But, I guess now is as good of time to tell you as any. Maybe it's for the best," Merlin said.
His words made Arthur's brow furrow. The Prince crossed his arms over his chest. His mouth opened and closed. "Wha…what are you trying to say? I'm confused. You're not making any since. What do you need to tell me," asked Arthur. "You can say anything to me, Merlin. You know that and have known that for years and years. Even if there were things you couldn't say, it wouldn't stop you. Just tell me. What is it?"
Merlin licked his lips. "Well, first of all, this is the charcoal maker's house. Secondly, he is not the warlock. We didn't even need to go out searching for the man. He was already in the castle. He was nearby. He was so close to you that he was in your room," he began.
"I'm still confused," the Prince whispered as he tapped his foot lightly on the ground. "Why are you talking so cryptically, Merlin? It's not like you and it's scaring me a little."
"I'm scared, too, Arthur. I don't know how you will react to what I'm about ready to say," the warlock said. He bowed his head and took a deep breath while closing his eyes. After exhaling, he raised his head. "Arthur, I am the warlock. I can help save your father."
"What?" Arthur demanded as he took a step back. Fear and hurt and confusing shined in his eyes. "What are you trying to tell me?"
"Arthur, I'm a warlock. I was born that way. I can't help who I am. I've only used my powers for good. You have to believe me," Merlin said in a rush.
"I don't have to do anything. We're heading back to Camelot – now. You're going to heal my father as soon as we return. If it doesn't work…" Arthur said. His voice was hard and cold. The Prince didn't meet the warlock's eyes as he went over to Merlin and yanked the reigns from his grasp.
"If it doesn't work, what will you do to me?" Merlin asked as he mounted.
"I don't know," Arthur admits as he mounts his own horse.
"And if it works," the warlock wondered in a soft voice.
"If it works, then I will reconsider what magic is and what it can be used for. I might consider lifting the ban on the craft – after I am king. There's nothing I could do now though," Arthur explained as they rode back towards Camelot.
"I understand," Merlin whispered with a nod. He did understand. The warlock didn't think that Arthur could do anything now nor did he expect him to. Uther would never change his mind about magic – no matter how many good deeds were done.
"Why didn't you tell me?" asked Arthur after awhile.
Merlin shrugged. "I don't know," he admitted.
"Sure you do. You were afraid," the Prince replied as he looked over at the wide-eyed warlock. "You were afraid of what I would do to you if I found out."
"At first, I was, but not after awhile. I knew I could tell you. I just…I just couldn't. You had so many things to worry about. And, well, I didn't want anyone else having to protect me from your father. I hated keeping my secret and that others kept it," Merlin said, not realized he revealed that others were aware of his gift.
"Who else knew or knows?" Arthur asked suddenly.
"What? Oh…. My mother, Will, Freya (the bastet), Balinor, Nimueh, Lancelot, Gaius," Merlin whispered. He had to think about it for a moment before spouting off the list.
"That's it?" Arthur asked.
"That's it," Merlin confirmed.
"That's not many," the Prince whispered.
"No," the warlock said as they neared the castle. "Are we still friends?"
"It depends on what happens next," Arthur said as he entered the gates, leaving Merlin with his panic and fears.
