Emrys?

Arthur was constantly watching Merlin. He smiled when he saw the warlock pause for a few seconds before continuing. Earlier that day he had asked Gaius for a place that meant a lot to Merlin, and he had suggested this lake, although he wouldn't explain why. He was pleased to know Gaius was right.

'A little further and we can stop for a bit. After all, we wouldn't want your little bottom hurting to much would we?' Arthur smirked as he joked with Merlin.

'No, it's a shame yours isn't a little smaller though, then you might be able to see what it is actually like,' Merlin smiled, leaving his thoughts of where they were behind. Surely it was just coincidence, who would have told Arthur about this place anyway?

The two clambered off their horses and Merlin pulled out a blanket for the Prince to sit on before setting himself down on the dry mud.

Merlin sat there in silence for a bit, gazing out over the lake and watching as the light wind moved the water, making ripples spread out among the calmness of the lake. At the same moment Merlin heard a bush shake lightly as Lancelot and Gwaine hid from Arthur.

Merlin, still looking at the lake, let a confused look take over. The wind was light, but the ripples were becoming more frequent.

Arthur, who appeared not to notice this, was gazing around wondering what was so special about this place to Merlin. He admitted it was a beautiful place, but there was nothing that really set it apart from the lake near Camelot.

'Freya,' Merlin whispered and Arthur looked over at the warlock who was gazing intently at the water. It looked like Merlin had forgotten Arthur was here. It also seemed like that as Merlin stood up and walked slowly into the shallows of the water; the cold not appearing to affect him.

Arthur watched on in interest as Merlin continued to walk into the lake. He was continuingly muttering something to himself before Arthur actually heard him speak again.

'I wish to see the lady of the lake. Is that possible?'

A voice rose out of no where in reply and Arthur automatically suspected magic, 'Only one is allowed to see her.'

'Tell her it is Merlin,' Merlin spoke with worry, yet there was hope in his voice, however with each word Merlin spoke, Arthur could hear the already faint hope fading from his voice.

'She said only Emrys can see her,' Arthur jumped as the voice spoke of Emrys.

Finally Merlin turned and acknowledged Arthur being there. 'I will return.' He said before turning around and walking out of the lake, using his hands to dry himself off a bit.

'Why did you bring us here Arthur?' Merlin spoke.

'You knew? And what do you mean; us?' Arthur said, each question meaning more than he said.

'By us I mean Gwaine, Lancelot and I.' Merlin gestured to a nearby bush for Gwaine and Lancelot to come out. 'I knew this may not be good, so, to save mine and your destiny, I asked them to come so that they could step in if you did something stupid. I trust the two of them with my life,' and he did, he thought. If either of them spoke of Merlins magic to anyone then Merlin would be killed. 'And of course I knew. Did you really think I was stupid enough to believe that you just wanted to go out for a ride? Who did you ask about this place, or why pick here when there is a lake much closer to Camelot?'

By now Gwaine and Lancelot had joined them. 'Why aren't you two on guard duty?' Arthur turned to the two who had been hiding.

'We swapped with Elyan and Percival when we saw Merlin preparing two horses and no guards. We wanted to know what was going on and Elyan and Percival agreed to swap. Merlin is our friend, and we will do anything to protect him.' Lancelot spoke before Gwaine, the younger of the two, said something wrong.

'Fine, but you are still going to have to talk Merlin. Firstly, what do you know of Emrys?'

'Why do you want to know that?' Merlin said as Gwaine and Lancelot exchanged a look of concern between them.

'You said something from a druidic prophesy, I want to know how you knew of it. One thing that was mentioned is that some warlock named Emrys will give himself away because of a slip up. What do you know of him?'

'If it is prophesised then all is well,' Merlin spoke firstly to Gwaine and Lancelot before turning back to Arthur. 'I know much about him. He is the last Dragonlord' Gwaine and Lancelot gasped. 'He has been protecting you for a good three years now, and he is your manservant, although I have no idea how long I will continue to be your servant now. Only seers can know that,' Merlin said before adding in an after thought 'which means Morgana probably will know.'

Arthur stared at Merlin not believing it until finally Merlins eyes blazed gold as some wood relit its self.

'How long Merlin?' Arthur asked, there was no fear in his eyes, but his voice showed the betrayal he felt.

'Arthur, I have had magic since I was born, and nothing anyone can do will change that. I am magic and magic is me. What did the seer tell you about Emrys?'

'Only that they protect me and that our destinies are entwined.'

'That is true. Your destiny is to become the greatest king Camelot will ever see. You will rule fairly and justly and your people will love you for you will not cloud them with fear of being executed, but you will welcome them, what ever they are like. Whether, like me, they have magic, or, like Lancelot, they are simple commoners. My destiny is to help and protect you until you fulfil your own destiny. I could not escape my destiny as you can not escape yours. Our destinies are entwined. I won't bore you with the amount of times I have saved you, but know this: the likely foe may be your friend, while the likely friend will be your foe.'

Arthur stared at Merlin, trying to understand his cryptic message.

'I shall not tell my father of your true identity yet Merlin, however, you are going to have to prove to me you are still loyal. If a magical threat rises then I shall look to you to help me.'

Merlin couldn't help but laugh at Arthur. 'Do you really think that I'm not already fulfilling my destiny Arthur? Every time there has been a magical threat I have helped, and often killed it. Do you really think I'm going to change?'

AN I know I said Freya would return in this chapter, but it will be in the next chapter instead. Once again, I hope you enjoy it and please review. My writing career depends on it.

AlbusProngsRebeccaPotter