Hi everyone!

So again, big thanks to everyone who has reviewed, favourited or followed this story. Getting all the email notifications for it seriously puts the biggest smile on my face and you guys make me want to write all the more. I've had a few reviews speculating plot points, but I will neither confirm nor deny anything.

I have a few more days until I have to start doing more uni things, so I'll try and write what I can but I can't promise anything. I'm a writer who updates when they can, I'm not good enough to have a set day for updates. Sorry guys.

But still, I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Disclaimer: I forgot to say this earlier, but I don't own Merlin.

The Path Of Light

Chapter Three

"You seem troubled, Merlin."

Merlin looked up to see Gwen looking up at him in concern. His friend was dressed in her normal travel clothes: brown tights, a white shirt with a brown over-shirt and belt. Morgana and Arthur, riding up ahead of them, were dressed just as plainly. Arthur had wanted nothing to connect them to Camelot. Arthur was in his standard red shirt and pants, Morgana dressed similarly to Gwen but in green.

It was late in the afternoon and they were on their way to Dracona to find his father. That in itself made Merlin uneasy. Did he tell Arthur and Gwen the truth? The truth would surely come out once they reached his father, but Merlin wasn't sure if he was ready for it to be revealed. He'd spent so long living a lie he didn't know how to handle being honest.

Merlin felt disgusted with himself. Where was the brave Prince Merlin? The one who was beloved by the people of Dracona and fearless in the face of battle? Merlin felt terrified. If he told his friends the truth, that he was a prince, or that he was a warlock, they might treat him differently. Merlin wasn't sure if he could handle that.

Then there was the added problem of Merlin's whole existence being illegal in Camelot. He didn't want to put Arthur in the position of choosing between him and his father, and he didn't want to put Gwen at risk of being seen as harbouring a sorcerer.

And on top of all that, there was the whole Morgana situation. She'd just kissed him out of nowhere! Twice! And Merlin had liked it. Quite a lot, actually. But here in Camelot, he was a servant. He was nothing here. So matter what he might be feeling for the Lady Morgana, nothing could come of it, despite how much he wished it could be the opposite.

Gods, everything was troubling. But he forced a smile at Gwen and said, "Oh, it's nothing. Just, you know, it's frightening. The whole dragon thing, and now we're off to find a dragonlord in a kingdom that uses magic. It's a bit overwhelming."

Gwen gave him a comforting smile, "It's alright, Merlin. I feel the same as you. But we'll find this Balinor and I'm sure we can convince him to help us. I have faith that Camelot will be saved."

Guinevere was always so kind and comforting. She had a level head and was wise. Merlin knew she'd make an excellent match for Arthur, despite her humble beginnings. He nodded, taking in her words. "Thank you, Gwen."

Before she could reply, Arthur called out from where he and Morgana were riding up ahead. "There's a clearing near a stream not far from here! We'll rest there for the night."

Merlin and Gwen sped up to catch up to their masters and within ten minutes they had reached the clearing Arthur spoke of. They all helped each other set up camp and soon they were merely resting as Merlin prepared a stew for them to eat.

"I think I'll go and freshen up before dinner," Gwen said, standing up and heading in the direction of the stream.

"Are you sure you'll be alright, Guinevere?" Arthur asked, immediately concerned. "Perhaps Morgana-"

"-I will be fine, My Lord." Gwen said quickly, a blush burning her cheeks. "In this case, I can handle myself."

Arthur seemed to realise exactly why Gwen needed to go off in the bushes on her own and his face flooded with colour. "Right. Well. Yes. You may go then."

Gwen nodded once and quickly walked away. Arthur did nothing but look at the ground while Merlin and Morgana burst out laughing.

"Good one, Arthur," Morgana said, still chuckling. "Can't even tell when a girl's going to relieve herself."

"Shut up, Morgana."

"And a classic comeback from Arthur Pendragon," Merlin teased.

"That goes for you too, Merlin!"

"Of course, sire," Merlin once again managed to make Arthur's title sound like an insult.

"You can't talk to you prince like that, Merlin?"

"How about talking to an ass?" Merlin muttered as he tended to the stew.

"I heard that!" Arthur said as Morgana continued to laugh.

Merlin looked up, "You were sup – supposed to." Merlin has faltered in his banter as he looked upon Arthur. If he hadn't seen the tell-tale sign of gold fading from Morgana's eyes, he wouldn't have known what had caused it. Thank god Arthur had missed it, but Merlin had to struggle to keep a straight face as he beheld Arthur who now had donkey's ears growing out of the top of his head.

"Just focus on our dinner, Merlin," Arthur said, completely unaware of the new development.

Morgana, for her part, was now staring horrified at Arthur. Merlin knew she mustn't have meant to do it. Morgana was only just coming to terms with her magic. She could barely control it. One mention of an ass and Arthur suddenly had donkey's ears.

Merlin looked down and with a wordless flash of his eyes, Arthur's new ears disappeared. As funny as it was, it wouldn't do for Gwen to come back and see them. Merlin didn't know how they would have talked their way out of that one.

Morgana abruptly stood, "I'm going to collect more firewood," she said and fled into the forest.

Merlin added a few more ingredients into the stew. "You know, this could use a few more herbs. I'm going to see if I can find some." Without waiting for Arthur's reply, Merlin ran off after Morgana.

He found her sitting up against a tree, out of the earshot of their campsite, and sobbing. "Morgana," he said, running up to her and crouching down to her level, "Morgana it's alright."

She shook her head, "It's not! It's not alright! I can't control it! What if Arthur had seen?!"

Merlin sat down beside her and wrapped and arm around her, hugging Morgana close to him. "It's alright. I took care of it. Arthur is oblivious as always. He didn't notice a thing. It was actually pretty funny."

Morgana didn't seem to think so. "But I can't control it, Merlin! What if Gwen was there?! She would have noticed! I can't control the magic. You said ass and then Arthur had donkey ears! I can't – I can't control it! I'm so scared! I'm – I'm a monster!"

Merlin drew in a startled breath at her words. Gently, he turned her head so she was facing him, "Don't you ever think that about yourself," he said vehemently. "You're not a monster, Morgana. You're just someone who's a little scared right now. I can teach you. I can help you control it. Magic isn't something that you should be afraid of. It is a gift."

"But Uther –"

"Uther is blinded by hatred and prejudice. He will never see the beauty and goodness of magic."

Morgana wiped her eyes, "But you can see it."

"I have grown up like this, Morgana. I grew up in a country that accepted magic. I was levitating objects when I was just a few hours old and everyone in the kingdom was rejoicing because it seemed like the crown prince had powerful magic. They all thought I'd been given an incredible gift and I was taught not to fear it, but to control it from a young age by my father's Court Sorceress, Elaine."

"Court Sorceress?"

"My father doesn't believe men to be more powerful than women. And there is none in Dracona more powerful than Elaine. Well, except for me, but I don't really like to think about that. Elaine was quiet and serious and never spoke about herself, but she was a great teacher. I would always ask about her life ... Where she learnt magic, about her family, how she came to be Court Sorceress, but she would always say, 'That is not important, my young master.' Every time I tried to get her to talk about herself, it was always that same response. I never got a word out of her that wasn't learning related, but I was always fond of her. She was a great ally of my father and helps him fight in the War Of Dracona."

"And will you help me, Merlin?" Morgana asked. "Like Elaine helped you? You control it so well. You protect Arthur with it. Please, please just help me."

"You are my friend, Morgana. Of course I will help you. But please promise me that you will never think of yourself as a monster again."

Morgana wiped her eyes again and wordlessly nodded.

Merlin smiled at her, "Good. Now … Your magic is going out of control because you're not using it. It's getting all bottled up inside and coming out at inopportune moments."

"So what do I do?" Morgana asked, the fear still evident on her face.

Merlin grasped her hand comfortingly. "You learn to release some of the built up magic. A simple sell that will let some of the magic go whilst you're still building up your control."

"Like what?"

Merlin held his right hand out, his palm facing up. "Here. Watch." Then when he was certain he had Morgana's undivided attention, he said, "Forbearnan."

Morgana drew in a breath of awed surprised as a flame appeared in Merlin's hand. "Merlin, that's incredible!"

"You try. Just say the spell like I did – Forbearnan."

"Forbearnan." Morgana recited, holding out her hand, but nothing happened.

She gave Merlin a disappointed look, but the warlock seemed unfazed. He would have been surprised if she got it straight away. "Just focus on you magic," he said. "Feel it inside of you. Just breathe and focus on it. Forget about the spell right now, just find your magic."

Morgana closed her eyes and focused, her forehead furrowed in concentration. She was silent for a while before uttering, "Forbearnan." Merlin watched in delight as a small flame appeared in Morgana's palm.

"You did it!" He shouted, at the same time as Morgana let out an ecstatic, "I did it!"

Her concentration lost, the flame spluttered out, but that didn't wipe the wide smile off Morgana's face.

"There," Merlin said. "We can start with that and build your control up from there. You did brilliantly, Mor – Morgana?" Merlin's praise trailed off into a concerned question as he took in Morgana's terrified expression. She was looking at something behind him and Merlin turned to find a wide-eyed Guinevere staring at them.

Merlin felt dread course through him. She'd heard them. She'd seen them. "Gwen," he breathed out.

"S-sorcerers," the maidservant whispered. She was standing a few metres away from them, but they heard her just fine. "You're sorcerers."

"Gwen, please," Morgana entreated. "You can't say anything. Uther would have us killed! Magic – magic isn't evil! We – we were born with it! We didn't choose it, it chose us!"

Gwen approached them. She still looked surprised and slightly uneasy, but it wasn't surprising when she'd grown up in a city where magic was considered evil. She looked at Merlin, "That day you admitted to the council that you healed my father. You really did use magic to save him, didn't you?"

Merlin felt hope stirring in his chest, "Yes, I wasn't lying. I cured your father."

Suddenly, Gwen engulfed him in a hug. "Thank you," she whispered. "He's gone now, but I was given more time with him than I would have had. Thank you, Merlin." She turned to Morgana and hugged her as well, "My Lady, I would never turn you in to Uther. Never. I wouldn't turn either of you in. You are my best friends."

"Gwen," Merlin said seriously. "We're asking you to commit treason. Our existence is illegal in Camelot."

"I do not betray my friends," Guinevere said determinedly.

"Even if you have to lie to the King, or to Arthur?" Merlin pressed.

Gwen looked pained at the thought of lying to the prince, but she didn't change her mind. "Even then," she vowed.

"Oh Gwen!" Morgana said, hugging her maid once more. "Thank you!"

"I'll admit I'm still shocked, and a little uneasy – all my life I've been told magic is evil and my father lost his life when he was caught up in it, but I trust the two of you with my life. I know you wouldn't use it for evil. But there are a few things I don't understand."

"Yes?" Asked Merlin.

"Morgana said you protect Arthur with magic?"

Merlin nodded, "It's my destiny to protect him. The prat gets a lot of unwanted magical attention."

"What do you mean your destiny?" Gwen asked, "And how many times have you saved him?"

"I promise I'll explain it to you, Gwen, but now is not the time. Arthur will come looking for us all soon enough. And I've lost count of how many times I've saved him."

Gwen still looked a little bewildered, but she smiled at him, "You weren't kidding when you said you were in disguise when we first met."

Merlin laughed, "No, no I wasn't."

"Morgana, you said you were born with it?"

Morgana nodded in response to Gwen's question. "We both were. Although where Merlin could use magic at only a few hours old, mine have only just begun to develop. All my dreams, Gwen, they weren't nightmares, but visions of the future."

Gwen's eyes widened in surprise, and her mouth opened in shock, but she quickly composed herself and nodded in understanding. She turned to Merlin, "There is one last thing. I heard you talking of a castle and a Court Sorceress teaching you. I don't understand…"

Merlin looked embarrassed, but Morgana wore a proud expression, "May I introduce Crown Prince Merlin Ambrosius of Dracona. Sole heir to the throne and son of Queen Hunith and King Balinor, the Dragonlord we're going to find."

Gwen stared at Merlin, dumbfounded.

"Morgana," Merlin grumbled, "Did you have to say it like that?"

She smirked at him, "Of course."

"A – a prince! You're a prince!" Guinevere said, gaping at him before dipping into a low curtsy. "Forgive me, My Lord, I didn't realise. I mean, you don't look like one – I mean – of course, you're in disguise. I mean, I'm sorry, I just meant-"

"-Gwen! Gwen! It's fine!" Merlin said, holding his hands up in a placating gesture. "Really! You don't have to curtsy. Actually, I'd rather you didn't."

Gwen stopped her babbling and stared at him in wonder. "Merlin, you a prince! This whole time you've been cleaning up after Arthur, doing everything he asks and you're a prince! Why?"

"No one can know who I am," Merlin answered. "You heard about the war in Dracona. I had to leave – not that I wanted to – as sole heir to the throne, my father thought it best that I was taken to safety. But please, Gwen, please don't treat me any different. I am still Merlin. I am still your friend."

She studied him before breaking into a brilliant smile. "You are, aren't you? I always thought there was something about you, Merlin. Now I know what it is. I'm still a little in shock about it all, and I'm a little hurt you didn't tell me. But you are my friends and I understand why the both of you didn't say anything. Your secret is safe with me."

Merlin and Morgana sent her grateful smiles, glad she'd accepted the truth so readily.

"But you must tell Arthur," Gwen said. "We're going to your kingdom, Merlin, to meet with your father! He needs to know."

Merlin's smile faltered. "No, Gwen. Please. Not yet. I – I'm not ready. I've spent so long hiding who I am I don't know how to tell Arthur the truth. I will tell him, I promise. Just not right now. I'm not sure I could handle both of you finding out right now. I'll tell him before we arrive in Dracona, I give you my word. Just not right now. It's cowardly, but I'm not strong enough. Not yet."

Morgana and Gwen gave him comforting smiles. "It's alright, Merlin," Gwen said. "We understand."

Morgana nodded and then hugged him, "Everything is going to be fine, Merlin. I know you think you're not ready and you're scared of how he'll react, but Arthur will accept you as you are. I know it. But come, we must return to the campsite, otherwise he'll start to worry wear we are."

Merlin and Gwen nodded at Morgana's words and followed her back to their campsite. When they arrived they were met by an irritable, yet relieved Arthur. "Where have you all been? I was about to come looking for you. And I thought you two were looking for herbs and firewood?" He asked Merlin and Morgana who had come back empty handed.

"Uhh…" They chorused.

"Merlin got stuck in a bush, sire," Gwen supplied for them. "Morgana and I had to help him out. The task was a bit tedious."

As Arthur broke into laughter, Gwen ignored the betrayed look Merlin was giving her. Really? He mouthed to her. Gwen shrugged, looking apologetic, but at least Arthur had bought their story.

Merlin sighed. Arthur wasn't going to let this one go anytime soon.

"Perhaps we should stay in an inn tonight?" Arthur suggested the next afternoon as they rode. "We wouldn't want Merlin to get stuck in anymore shrubbery." Arthur laughed at his joke, with Gwen and Morgana joining in.

Merlin rolled his eyes, "Oh very funny, sire. Your wit knows no bounds."

Arthur laughed, "Cheer up, idiot."

"Prat."

"Girls petticoat."

"Cabbage head."

"Clotpole."

"That's my word."

"And it suits you perfectly."

"If you two are quite finished," Morgana interjected. "I would like to stay in an inn tonight. It would do well for us to get a good night's sleep so we can reach Ealdor quickly tomorrow."

They all nodded. Ealdor was on the way to Dracona, so they'd planned to stop by Merlin's home as a place to rest the next day, before continuing on their journey. Merlin smiled at the notion of seeing his mother. It had been too long since they had last been together. He'd missed her.

They rode on until they reached the next town and arrived at a two story inn. There was a tavern connected to it, and they could tell before they'd opened the door that the place was rowdy. The noise from the tavern was muffled, but loud enough for them to hear them before they'd even opened the door.

"Remember," Arthur said, "We're just travellers."

Morgana rolled her eyes, "We know, Arthur," she said, pushing open the door and entering the tavern.

A few customers looked up at their arrival, but no one paid them any mind. There was a minstrel playing in the corner, unfortunately accompanied by a drunkard who was singing suggestive song off key and at the top of his voice.

The group made their way to the counter and ordered rooms and a hot meal. They all sat at a table and waited for their food and drinks to arrive.

"It's good to relax after that day of riding," Gwen said.

Morgana hummed in agreement, "Yes, and I for one am looking forward to a hot bath."

"Aww, is the princess upset at being a little dirty?" Arthur teased.

Morgana smirked at him, "You may be accustomed to smelling like a pig, dear Arthur, but I am not."

"Hey!" Arthur said indignantly.

"The truth hurts, I know."

"You're the one that smells!" Arthur really needed to work on his comebacks.

"It's called soap, Arthur. Perhaps you should try it?"

Merlin and Gwen burst out in laughter at the two of them. Arthur kept opening his mouth to retort, but could think of nothing to respond to Morgana's quick wit. Thankfully, he was saved by the arrival of their dinner.

They all dug in heartily, famished after a hard days ride. Afterwards, Gwen and Morgana retired, leaving Arthur and Merlin at their table by themselves. A silence came over the two men as they both were lost in their own thoughts.

"Do you think Balinor will help us, Merlin?" Arthur asked at last.

Merlin was surprised at Arthur's question, but he had to think about how to respond. "I think he will. If we tell him of Camelot's plight, I am sure he will want to help us. The only problem is the war. Balinor is fighting a war in his own kingdom, I'm not sure he'll want to leave to go to Camelot and deal with the dragon. I suppose we won't know until we get there." My father will help us, Arthur. Merlin thought. He may be fighting for our kingdom, but he will help Camelot. He is a good man.

Part of Merlin wished he could say that aloud, but he lacked the courage to do so. Arthur nodded at his response. "I hope so," he said, seeming very vulnerable at that point.

Merlin drew breath to start cheering him up, but Arthur suddenly down the rest of his drink and stood up. "I am going to bed. Are you finished?"

Merlin looked down at his still nearly full tankard of mead. He looked back up at Arthur and the prince of Camelot laughed. "Alright, finish your drink, Merlin. I think I can manage going to bed on my own. But just have one, mind you. I don't want to deal with your sorry hung over behind tomorrow morning."

Merlin laughed and nodded, "Yes, Arthur."

His master nodded and left, heading for their rooms. Merlin took another swig of his drink and studied those still left in the tavern. Grasping his tankard, he stood and made his way over to the drunk who had been singing off key earlier.

Merlin sat down beside him, "What are you doing here, Gwaine?"

His friend grinned at him, "Hello, sire."

"Gwaine."

The knight laughed, "It's good to see you, mate."

Merlin couldn't help it; he broke into a smile. "You too, old friend."

Gwaine was a knight in the Draconian army, and one of Merlin's closest friends. They had met in a tavern much like the one they were currently in. Merlin had stopped there on his way home from touring the outskirts of Dracona, and Gwaine had found his way there in his wanderings. The two had got talking, with Gwaine expressing his hatred of nobility, and Merlin had said nothing to change his mind. Instead, they had drunk the night away together and it wasn't until Merlin's knights had come looking for him the next day (both he and Gwaine had passed out under the table from too much alcohol) that Gwaine even realised he'd been drinking with royalty.

An unlikely friendship had been born, Merlin had sworn to never drink that much again, and Gwaine had found a noble worth following. So when Merlin asked, he followed Merlin back to the capital of Dracona, was introduced to Merlin's parents whom he immediately liked and in a matter of weeks, was sworn in as a Knight of Dracona.

Gwaine had tried to follow Merlin to Ealdor, when he and Hunith fled, but Merlin had specifically asked him to stay and look after his father. The knight, true to his word, was the king's staunchest protector in the War Of Dracona, and only left the king's side at express orders from Balinor. Much like what he was doing now.

"You father sent me to check up on you," he said. "He and your mother send their love."

"My mother? She's supposed to be in Ealdor. We're going there tomorrow."

Gwaine wore a grim expression, "The King got word that Blackwood had found out where you and the Queen were hiding. Balinor flew by dragon-back himself to go and get Hunith before any harm could befall her. Don't worry, they're both fine and your father has placed wards and guards are hiding around Ealdor. They're not to be seen, but they're there to protect the people. No harm will come to the villagers."

Merlin nodded, relieved that the people of Ealdor wouldn't be hurt because of him and his mother. Still, this new development threw a spanner in the works. Merlin had to seem surprised when they reached Ealdor the next day. He hoped his mother had given the people of Ealdor a good excuse before she left. He wasn't sure he could think of a decent one.

He sighed, "Well at least Mother and Father are together at last."

Gwaine nodded, before breaking into a mischievous smile. "And what about you, Merlin? Found yourself a woman worthy to be your Queen yet?"

Merlin immediately thought of Morgana, and something must have shown in his expression because Gwaine delightedly cried, "You have! You sly dog! Who is the lucky lady?"

Merlin felt a blush burning his cheeks, but he replied nevertheless. "The Lady Morgana. She was here earlier. You saw her. The tall one with the black hair."

"The King's ward?! You definitely don't do things by halves, mate."

Merlin cringed, "Yes, Uther would have my head. But in my defence she kissed me first."

"She kissed you?!"

"Gwaine! Not so loud!" Merlin hissed.

"Sorry," Gwaine said, lowering his voice. "But she kissed you?"

"Twice," Merlin replied awkwardly. "I really don't want to talk about this."

"Have you kissed her?"

"No, but –"

"-Why not? It seems like she'd want you to."

"I'm not having this conversation with you."

Gwaine laughed and clapped him on the back. "Well, I wish you all the happiness, my friend."

"Thanks Gwaine."

The knight took another swig from his tankard. "What about the other girl you were with? She's quite a beauty."

Merlin laughed, "Unless you want Arthur to run you through, I'd stay away from Guinevere. She's Morgana's maid, but I'm certain Gwen will be the next Queen of Camelot."

Gwaine looked dumbfounded, "Arthur Pendragon is in love with a servant?"

Merlin nodded, "It's all very recent, but I can tell they both have feelings for each other."

"Well," Gwaine said, seeming impressed, "Who what have thought? Perhaps he's another one of those rare nobles worth giving a damn about."

"He's a good man."

"You like him then?"

Merlin laughed, "It's like I told you in my letters, when I first met him I thought he was a prat. I only protected him because I was told he was the Once and Future King and that it was my duty to do so. But, in the time since then, he's grown to be one of my closest friends. He's like my brother."

"You like my better though, right?" Gwaine asked, a mischievous grin on his face.

Merlin laughed and shoved him to the side, "Shut it, Gwaine."

Gwaine merely laughed and finished his drink. "I am here under orders though," he said seriously. "I know you asked me to protect your father, but he asked me to protect you. I can't deny express orders from the king, even if they clash with ones from you."

"I can look after myself fine, Gwaine."

"Your father's merely worried. There's been a lot of movement from Blackwood's forces lately. We think they're planning something big. But I just realised I haven't asked you an all-important question."

"Yes?"

"What are you doing here?"

Merlin sighed, "The Great Dragon, Kilgharrah, was released and rained destruction down on Camelot. I convinced him to go to Dracona, but he said he'd return in a week – something about Morgana and a choice and destiny – if she chooses wrong, he'll destroy Camelot, so we're off to find Father and get him to control Kilgharrah."

"No pressure on Morgana's part," Gwaine said.

"I think she's more scared than she lets on. She has magic, Gwaine."

The knight's eyes widened in surprise, "The ward of Uther Pendragon is a magic user?"

Merlin nodded, "I've been helping her. Trying to make her see that it's not evil and to help her gain control."

"No wonder she likes you, Merlin," Gwaine said teasingly. "To be taught by the great Emrys himself! That would have any sorcerer or sorceress swooning."

"Shut up," Merlin said, marvelling at how much he sounded like Arthur in that moment.

Gwaine laughed, "Alright, alright. I won't say anything else about you and Morgana."

Merlin made a noise of disbelief. "Yes you will!"

Gwaine grinned, "Okay, yes I will. You caught me. I was lying. I'm never going to let this go."

Merlin scowled at his friend and took another drink. "Enough of this," he said. "Tell me about the war effort."

Gwaine's news on the war, whilst not unfortunate, didn't really have any positive sides to it. Both forces seemed to be at a stalemate, unable to get an advantage over the other. "Blackwood is supported by a powerful High Priestess," Gwaine reported. "She has hair of gold and knocks down any in her path."

"How does Elaine fair against her?"

"They've only met in battle a few times, but there is strong animosity between them. It almost seems personal. Each time they have fought, there has been no clear winner, but Elaine has had a hard time about it. The Priestess isn't always at the battle, though. We think she is more of a tactician, calling the shots from behind the scenes."

"Why has no one told me this?!" Merlin demanded angrily. "I would have come home! I would have helped! I have the power-"

"-You have the power, yes, but you are the only heir to the throne. We need you safe."

"I can handle myself."

"I know. But you also have a duty not just to Dracona, but to the magical community. You know your duty as Emrys. You know your place is at Arthur's side."

Merlin sighed in frustration, "I know that, but it is little comfort when I hear that my people are suffering and I know I have the power to stop it."

Gwaine clapped Merlin on the back, "I know, mate," he said gently. "I understand. But we all have to do our duty. Right now, yours is protection Arthur, and mine is protecting you. So I'll be joining you when you leave tomorrow."

"Try explaining that to Arthur."

Gwaine waved away his concern. "We'll just say that I'm a knight of Dracona. I know the way and I know where Balinor's forces are stationed. He'd be mad to deny my help."

Merlin nodded, and then projected his thoughts to Gwaine, Morgana and Gwen know the truth about my powers and that I'm the Prince of Dracona. Arthur doesn't, so keep silent about that. Do you still have the telepathy stone I made you?

Gwaine grinned and pulled his necklace out from under his shirt. Along with all his other talismans, the blue stone Merlin had crafted to allow a person with no magic to project their thoughts hung their proudly. Sure do, Gwaine's voice sounded in Merlin's head.

"Good," Merlin said aloud. "That could come in handy."

The warlock finished his drink and stood up; Gwaine followed suit. Merlin pulled him into a hug, "It's good to see you. If you're set on accompanying us, we'll be leaving at first light."

Gwaine pulled out of the hug, "I'll be there."

"Right, but I can't promise Arthur will believe you."

"Pfft," Gwaine scoffed. "He'll be fine. What's not to believe?"

"You're a knight of Dracona?" Arthur asked, clearly unconvinced.

Told you, Merlin thought to Gwaine.

No one likes a gloater, sire, Gwaine thought back.

They had all been introduced to each other, and their quest had been explained to Gwaine, but Arthur was having trouble accepting Gwaine was a knight. Admittedly, he didn't look the part. Gwaine wasn't wearing armour and was dressed in his standard travel clothes. The only thing that could pin him as a knight was the fine sword that hung at his waist.

"Sir Gwaine, at your service. Member of the Kingsguard to King Balinor Ambrosius of Dracona."

"What are you doing so far from Dracona?" Arthur questioned, clearly suspicious.

"Chasing down rumours," Gwaine lied easily. "We heard our lost prince was in these parts, so I was sent to investigate."

"Your lost prince?" Morgana asked, carefully not looking at Merlin.

"When the rebellion began, our prince was sent from Dracona and to safety. He greatly protested it, but the king was adamant. Now, however, we wish for our prince to return home. But for safety's sake, he wanders. It's been hard to track him down. But now I know that the rumours he was in this region are simply rumours, and I must return my findings to the king. I can lead you there, if you'd like."

Arthur was silent, before: "Alright, we'd be thankful to have your assistance. But please – no more singing. We had enough of that last night."

Gwaine laughed, "I promise nothing, my Lord."

"I'm begging you, no more!" Arthur moaned whilst Gwaine continued to sing as they rode.

"You love it, Princess," Gwaine taunted, before bursting once more into song.

"Princess?!" Arthur spluttered indignantly while all the others laughed.

"Gwaine, please, enough," Merlin said and Gwaine immediately fell silent, shooting a grin at the secret prince.

"How come you be quiet when Merlin asks?" Arthur asked petulantly.

"Simple," Gwaine replied airily. "He said please."

As everyone else laughed at him, Arthur tried to save face by changing the subject, "We should arrive in Ealdor by nightfall, given nothing unexpected happens."

Merlin groaned loudly.

"What?" Arthur asked.

"You just had to say it, didn't you?" Merlin said, clearly annoyed.

"What?"

"'Given nothing unexpected happens'. Now something unexpected is definitely going to happen! You jinxed us!"

Arthur scoffed, "Merlin, I think you're being ridic-"

But the prince was cut off by a swarm of bandits screaming and running out of the woods, surrounding them in a mere couple of seconds.

As Arthur unsheathed his sword and prepared for a fight, he couldn't help but hear his manservant have the last word.

"I told you so."

Author's Note:

Did anyone pick Gwaine as the random singer before he was actually named? Just curious. Again, that was a thing that wasn't planned that just popped into my head and completely changed the chapter. Also, Gwen finding out wasn't supposed to happen this early. I'm really jumping the gun with this story. Oh well.

Thanks again for reading. Please tell me what you think in the reviews!

xx

P.S: Sorry for the cliffhanger, but I had to stop this chapter SOMEWHERE.