A/N: so, I have a feeling not a lot of people liked the last chapter very much… but I can't change anything because nobody says anything, so I don't know what to change. Anyway, time to continue where I left off. Hopefully this chapter will be enjoyed more. So, guess who appears in this chapter? Hmm? Guess you'll find out!

Enjoy chapter 4 and the really long conversation that goes on in Arthur and Merlin's heads…

Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin, Lord of the rings, or 'bending' which belongs to ATLA

~0o0~

King Arthur had pretty much dropped off the face of Camelot. Aside from quick appearances in the courtyard to give orders, he had spent most of his time locked in his chambers. Not a single knight or citizen had criticized his actions though; they knew what the source of his grief was. The court sorcerer, and his closest friend, was dying in the room next to him; and there was nothing that anyone could do about it. Gwen was grieving as well, but she was trying to be strong for Arthur and for Gaius. She would bring both of them their meals instead of a servant in order to keep any eye on them both. Arthur would frequently ask about Merlin's current state, but Gwen would always reply by saying that he should see for himself and that he should be by his side.

He couldn't do it. If he went to see his friend, the only thing he would see in that room is his dying friend. Merlin didn't deserve to die; in fact, he deserved quite the opposite. He deserved a long, happy life; but that wouldn't happen now. No… without him, there's no hope. Without Merlin, Camelot will fall.

'ARTHUR!'

The king jumped at the sudden voice in his head.

"Wh-what?" he said aloud.

'Think it Arthur. I thought we've been through this.'

Realization dawned on him when he recognized the voice.

'M-Merlin?'

'No I'm the little voice inside your head. My goal is to drive you crazy; is it working?'

Ok, that's definitely Merlin.

'How are you doing that?'

'Just because I'm unconscious doesn't mean I can't use my magic. Talking like this sometimes happens subconsciously, err. Something like that. I'm not entirely sure myself. Oh, I almost forgot… ahem… WHATS WRONG WITH YOU!'

The king flinches at the sudden change.

'What are you-'

'You know exactly what I'm talking about. Since when is it ok for you to just give up?'

Arthur found that he had nothing to say to this.

'I mean, just because things aren't looking that great for me doesn't mean all hope is lost. For all we know, that's exactly what the sorcerer wants you to think. He wanted me out of the way and for you to lose hope. Once that happens, taking Camelot would be easy.'

'Wait… sorcerer? You know who's behind the attack?'

'Yes. Well… sort of. I know his name and what he looks like, but that's about it.'

'How do you know?'

Merlin's voice paused for a moment.

'Merlin?'

'It was weird. When I was hit with the trolls club, all these images flashed through my head. One of them was of this man who one of the orc addressed as Horvath. From what I saw it seemed clear that he was the leader; just by the way the orc were watching him and how they reacted to his presence. And not too long ago I think I heard his voice in my head, but he sounded more like he was talking to himself; so I don't think he knew I was listening…'

'What did he say?'

'Oh, the usual. Basically he wants to take over Camelot.'

'Well that's nothing new...'

There was a long pause, and it seemed that the conversation has ended, but Arthur had more to say to the warlock.

'Merlin, I don't think… I don't know…' He didn't want to do this without him.

'Arthur… whether I make it through this or not, you have a kingdom to lead. You can't give up just because you've hit a bump in the road. You have to except the fact that you might have to do this without me.'

The king sighed. Merlin was right, whether he liked it or not. It would be hard to rule Camelot without the warlock by his side, but he had to remain strong no matter what happened.

'Alright Merlin.'

'Good.'

'But I'm not going to give up on you yet. Not until you're dead and gone.'

'I know Arthur.'

With that last statement, Arthur could feel the connection break. He found himself wondering how the warlock could have such a conversation even while unconscious, even if his magic was as powerful as it was. Dismissing these thoughts from his head, the king rose from where he had been sitting by the wall, and left his chambers heading for the courtyard. Merlin was right, he had a job to do and he could not give up hope; for his people, and for Merlin.

Arthur was not aware that Merlin was not done with his silent conversations. Several miles away from Camelot, a blonde haired girl had stopped walking to listen to the voice that had started speaking to her.

~0o0~

"Clara? Is something wrong?"

Aragorn noticed that the 20 year old girl had suddenly stopped walking, and appeared to be concentrating on something. He brought up his hand to signal the knights behind him to stop, and they quickly complied with his command. Legolas, who had joined them for the small journey, moved to Aragorn's side and observed the concentrating girl. The elf had met her when she had arrived in Gondor following the king, and had gotten to know her well over the past couple of years.

After a few moments, Clara looked up to her companions; her expression was worrisome. The elf repeated Aragorn's question. She looked at them for another moment before taking a deep breath and exhaling.

"Camelot is under siege… by orc, led by a sorcerer named Horvath."

Shocked silence filled the next few moments, until the king spoke again.

"Who were you talking to just now? Was it the court sorcerer Merlin?"

"Yes… but…" she paused a moment, shifting her weight on her feet and bringing one of her hands up to pinch the bridge of her nose.

"He was injured… badly. He says that it is not likely he will be alive for much longer, and wanted to warn us of the danger that awaits us in Camelot. He was also asking for our assistance. They are quickly losing numbers and the orc army has already broken through the walls…" She then began to provide the information that Merlin had given her about the siege and the events of the past few days. The king of Gondor began pacing back and forth, trying to think of a plan. He turned to Clara.

"What do you propose we do?" She provided an answer instantly;

"We need to provide assistance to Camelot. Not only do you and Legolas have knowledge on how to go about fighting the orc, but I can help Merlin. I believe there is a lake not too far from here that has special properties to it; its water can probably heal just about anything."

"Then that is what we shall do. Legolas and my knights will continue straight for Camelot; you can go to the lake and get back to Camelot quickly using that wind manipulation technique of yours."

"Right, I will get to Camelot as soon as I can."

With a quick wave goodbye, Clara took off into the woods at a great speed; yet another handy trick she learned from that mysterious group of kids she had met a couple years back.

After seeing Clara disappear into the woods, Aragorn and Legolas mounted their horses and rode to Camelot as fast as their steeds would carry them; his knights following closely behind.

They needed speed as their ally; the longer it took them to reach the walls of Camelot, the closer the end came for Merlin and King Arthur.

Yes, another shorter…ish chapter. Next couple of updates will be a bit slow, like I said earlier I'm heading off to college so I will not have nearly as much free time. I will update when I can. Not sure about the ending… I think I worded it kind of strangely. Let me know what you think! So please review!

Cooking-ninja