So many people have made my story a favourite and are following it. It's so exciting! Yay!

Anyway, Mark asked : Why did Gaius not defend Merlin more? Why did he not point out that Merlin lied to Arthur to stop him killing his father, that it's his father's fault for all of this? Why did he not point out that Merlin was the one who healed Gwen's father?

Well to answer that Arthur had Merlin arrested even after seeing Merlin saving his life with magic. So I don't think Gaius explaining everything Merlin did would help in this situation. But don't worry, Arthur will eventually come to learn the truth himself and see that Merlin isn't evil.


The Druids had been very helpful especially more since he was the legendary Emrys. They had provided Merlin with food and shelter. He had also been given a few magic books and had been told he could stay for as long as he wanted. He felt bitter towards Arthur. He remembered Arthur's cold eyes when he had ordered for Merlin's execution and Merlin couldn't help but realise that he looked exactly like his father at that moment. It was then Merlin felt fear envelope him. Arthur wouldn't become as ruthless and heartless as his father would he? Merlin understood perfectly why Arthur distrusted magic; after all he had only seen the destructive side of magic and had lost his father to magic. But despite this he could not help the bitter resentment he felt towards the monarch. He felt furious that Arthur would see him as a traitor despite how loyal he had been all these years, that Arthur would immediately sentence him to death without bothering to hear Merlin's reasons. It was his worst fears realised and Merlin found he was angrier at himself than the ignorant king. Merlin knew what the king's reaction would be yet he had let himself hope that the king would be more accepting. But despite this he still yearned for Camelot and spent long evenings wishing he was back in Camelot. It was during one of these evenings when Iseldir, the Druid Chieftain, informed him that it was up to King Arthur to decide whether to accept him or not. The young King would in time come to realise that he needed magic and the impartial nature of magic and until then Merlin would need to be patient.

Iseldir had told him about some of the prophecies that druids had been guarding for centuries. Merlin had been given the opportunity to learn and read more about the prophecies concerning him, but Merlin refused to see or learn as he knew from first-hand experience how knowing ones future could be a curse. But Merlin had been able to learn more about himself. With magic being banned in Camelot and him being afraid of being caught using magic, Merlin had not been able to experiment with magic. He had only used the minimal amounts of magic necessary. But now staying with the druids, who immersed themselves with magic, Merlin was able to experiment with magic. Without those stifling restrictions that were in place in Camelot, he found he could do anything he wanted with magic. He could turn the water blue, he could sprout flowers wherever he chose, he could change large boulders into water fountains, he could make the simple orange flames of the camp fire blaze the different shades of the rainbow. Of course with many of these it had taken some time to find the counter-curse but it had all been in good fun and the young had all enjoyed it and the adults had shared secret smiles.

Merlin was finally able to realise what Gaius had meant when he said that his magic was different so long ago. Where the druids needed incantations for even the simplest of magic, Merlin found he only needed to think it before it happened. That did not mean Merlin did not use incantations, he just did not need them most of the time. But Merlin used incantations as he found they allowed him to channel and focus his magic better and he found he needed them for the more complex spells. But he did find some restriction with magic.

But despite all the help the druids gave him and enjoyment he had in the druid camp, Merlin could not help feeling that there was something else out there for him. He was reluctant to bring this up with the druids as they had welcomed him warmly and had been gracious hosts. But Iseldir seemed to understand when he casually mentioned, nearly three full moons after he had arrived at the druid camp, that the Great kingdom of Vestavia was in need of some powerful magic to heal their ailing king.

When Merlin had simply stared at the druid elder, Iseldir sighed.

"You have immense power. You can cure the king with your magic"

"With my magic?" Merlin repeated

The druid elder sighed again. "There are lands out there that are unlike Camelot; lands that don't share the same animosity towards magic as Camelot. Vestavia is one such place that is more sympathetic to magic users than Camelot ever was. In fact, before the great purge, Vestavia had some of the best healers in all the lands."

"But Vestavia and Camelot have been at odds with each since Uther destroyed the Pillar of life. Do you really think that they will let someone from Camelot near their King?"

"What Uther did to their sacred site was indeed a travesty. But that doesn't mean they will discriminate against all from Camelot. I am sure they will not be prejudiced against you."

Merlin nodded, contemplating all that Iseldir had told him.

"Do you really think that I will be able to heal their King?"

"I have no doubt that you will. This will also allow you gain some confidence and learn more about the world you live in."

Merlin nodded again, feeling quite stunned that the druid elder had so much faith in him.

"Shall I send word to Vestavia that you will be arriving?" Iseldir asked a moment later.

After a brief moment of consideration, Merlin nodded, his mind made. "Yes, I will go and do all that I can to cure the King."

Iseldir smiled. "I'm sure you'll find that your visit to Vestavia will be successful in more ways than one." Iseldir said cryptically.

Merlin wasn't sure what exactly Iseldir had meant, but something told him that he was meant to do this.


Please review! Tell me what you thought! Things will get interesting soon.