"Merlin, don't come any closer" Arthur had snapped around to say, he couldn't let the boy get hurt. Seeing the startled look on Merlin's face had jolted some guilt within Arthur but he had to ignore it, he had to get Merlin away. He was incredibly lucky that the witch hadn't noticed him yet- there was no need to push that luck further.

"Look mate, we're stuck; these domes around us won't let us go anywhere. You have to get out now before she realises you're here!" Gwaine had urgently half-shouted, half-whispered at him, a pleading look wrapped his face. Merlin looked like a child, confused because he didn't know how the game was played, but there was an unmistakeable determination in his eyes which told Arthur he wasn't leaving any time soon.

"You know I can't do that Gwaine, who is she?" Merlin had replied

"Please Merlin, just go, get help" Leon had stuttered in trying to get him to see sense.

But they were all too late; Merlin hadn't moved- all he could think about was what trick he could try to get them all out of the weird magic shields. Unbeknownst to him the lady had appeared , coming straight up behind him.

"Hello my dear, dear friend" she spoke her voice barely above a whisper, the icy tone dominant.

Merlin didn't even have to turn around- it was evident on his face that he knew who it was (that and the fact he started turning as white as a fresh laundry sheet). Merlin felt a cold, water-like sensation trickle down his neck. Every fibre of his being was preparing him for what would happen when he turned around.

Slowly his feet moved and his body twisted.

"Hello Helena." he said in a flat voice.

Peering at the woman, Merlin took in all her features- the hollow face, those sunken but burningly hateful eyes, and the hair which matched that of a man. He was shocked, least to say on the verge of collapsing. This shouldn't be happening. This shouldn't be happening.

She too seemed to be observing him, eyes snaking around every section of Merlin until she was satisfied, and so started to speak again.

"So glad you remember me Merlin" His name was spoken with the tone of deep hurt- hurt which could kill.

"You're not easy to forget- believe me I've tried." was Merlin's retort, his expression becoming one of sadness and long ago memories. She seemed to sense this and both became silent for a while.

Meanwhile, the four men trapped within the domes were wearing faces of utter mesmerisation- to say that they were confused was an understatement. Arthur kept staring at Merlin- watching the hurt radiate from the boy's face was saddening for Arthur; however mostly his thoughts were on answers- how the hell did Merlin know this woman? Clearly she was bad news so why did he just stand there? All these assumptions were building up and Arthur knew right now all he could do was be patient; he had to have faith in Merlin. But when all of this was over Arthur was having serious conversations with his manservant. Arthur did not enjoy the waiting game.

The other three had similar thoughts to Arthur's- seeing the lady look so coldly upon someone as kind as Merlin told them that there was a lot to this story and that she was definitely bad news. Confusion was etched in every detail of their faces.

In Merlin's head, his thoughts were reeling as memories he had tried so hard to push down over the years rose to the surface, repeating events as though they were just yesterday. Every detail had seemed to remain, and it was torture.

FLASHBACK

Merlin, for once in his life, was content.Becoming closer with Will everyday had been the best part of his life so far, giving him faith that he wasn't just the monster he had always assumed he was. It seemed his mother was happy for him too. She had less crease lines circling her forehead. It was all going peacefully in Ealdor, or so he thought.

It had been a stormy night leaving the next morning crisp and fresh- the fields were muddy and water ran freely into the nearby stream. However, none of this could hold Merlin back. Seeing that Merlin was going outside whether she liked it or not, his mother had tried to wrestle him into putting as many layers on as she could supply. However, Merlin had soon whispered to her that she shouldn't worry because his magic would be able to do that.

Hunith's face had immediately grown into a smile as she saw how her son's talents were growing, but alas this was also a worry- she feared that one day Merlin would become too suspicious to the town. He was, after all, already seen as the bastard child, and the village knowing Merlin had magic would certainly get him and her killed. She would not allow that to pass. Oh, how she worried for him. Being a mother, she knew how to put on a strong face, and so pulled Merlin into a hug and repeated to him to be careful before setting him free to go meet with Will in the nearby Forest.

Merlin and Will had been trekking for a good half an hour. The whole way there, they had galloped up the road, both being majestic knights riding in on their town's behalf to slay a mighty beast. The boys both giggled as they ran into the trees, somehow avoiding the loose branches and only coming out with a few scrapes.

"Hey Merlin," Will had called, "Don't suppose your magic could heal these up?"

"Sorry Will, I shouldn't. I would be in lots of trouble, and Mum told me to be careful. Plus, we need to save it to defeat the terrifying beast, right?"

"Of course Sir Merlin, how wise you are." Will had joked back.

Both boys had continued their 'dangerous quest' before coming across a pool of water. Reaching down the two rapidly drank as much as they could and slumped to the ground. However the peace wouldn't last for long, because a soft sob came from a nearby bush.

"Will, what was that?" Merlin whispered.

"I'm not sure, let us knights be brave and take a look." Will had replied and ventured forwards.

Upon reaching the bush both boys had grabbed sticks, and were about to slash them down when, of all terrifying beasts and monsters, a girl jumped out.

"Watch it! You almost hit me!" She had shouted, clearly losing her temper.

"Sorry, but we're knights you see, and we had to check that you weren't a danger" Merlin had explained rather hurriedly.

"Knights you say? Well the best knight I know is my father, and he doesn't even need a weapon to fight his enemies" She boasted.

"Well then, how does he beat them?" Will asked, confused.

"Um…Look if I tell you two knights, you must pinkie promise that it will be kept a secret."

"Um...Sure" Both had said

"NO! You must really mean your promise, otherwise I won't tell you"

"Fine, we fully pinkie promise with all our hearts." Both boys had then said

"Good" she replied "Well my father doesn't need a weapon because he has… Magic!"