Once I entered the castle I thought I would find Gaius and see how the Knights did on their quest. But when I opened the chamber door and called out "Gaius I'm home." No reply, I guess he was not home, probably out treating a patient.

I guess I should find Arthur and the knights. I definitely needed a word with Mordred. He was the only one who could give me insight to why the Druids hate me.

I was walking to the round table room when I saw Mordred heading in the same direction.

"Mordred I would like to speak to you." I said with clear authority. It was strange seeing that I was a servant and he was Knight.

He immediately turned around and walked towards me.

"Merlin, how did the meeting with the Druids go?" He asked.

"I will tell you how it went, terribly. For some reason the magical community hates me." I said with contempt.

Mordred was not surprised. "Do you know why?" I asked; I was also wondering why he didn't tell me before I left to confront a group of extremely powerful Druids.

He seemed to be getting more and more uncomfortable by the minute.

I guess my anger was showing.

"Well I know from my travels that some people feel that Emrys cares more for a king that hates magic than his own kind" Mordred said his voice was faint.

"So why didn't you tell me this before I left to confront and command a group of people who think I am a failure." I couldn't help the anger. It was seeping through.

"I thought that it was just some resentment not actual hatred, and you are still Emrys they have to have some respect for you." Mordred said as quickly as he could.

Apparently not I thought. To them I was the bad guy. And god! I threatened them.

Mordred was useless in this.

"At least tell me how your quest went." I asked attempting to mask my anger and frustration.

He seemed to be pleased with the subject change.

"It was a success. The best part is the boy refuses to say anything. So this means." I finished his sentence. "I understand, now if you'll excuse me I will need to find Gaius before I see Gwen."

"Merlin why do you call the queen Gwen, shouldn't you be more respectful?" Mordred asked in an amused tone. I could sense that this really confused him.
That should have offended me but it was the first thing to make me laugh. At least I was still good at something. I could still ignore my social standing and forget my station.

"Gwen is still my friend." With that I walked away.

I needed to think of a good faith gesture for the Druids to show them that Arthur was serious.

I saw that Gaius was just exiting the round table room.

"Oh Merlin thank god you're back."

"Thanks so much for the enthusiasm but really I was only gone for a few days. Anyways" I said before I noticed the look on his face. "What did I miss?" I could tell it was serious.

"I think you better brace yourself; I know that Gilli was your friend, but he has just been arrested by the knights."

I could not believe it. I had sent Gilli to work with the Druids in the north; there should have been no way that he was in contact with the group I had just met.

"Please tell me he was not selling those rings Gaius, please tell me that." I did not want to lose a friend.

He frowned "I am sorry but he was caught in the act by the young Mordred." Of course it had to be Mordred. Did I ever mention Gilli to him? Stop! I thought to myself Gilli was the one to make this mistake. I doubt that Mordred made him sell the rings, and no way the other Knights would allow an innocent man be charged with such a harsh offense.

"I must speak to him. Where is he?" I asked Gaius. If there was anything I could do I had to.

Gilli was one of the few people who knew who I was and had accepted it. He had listened to me, and learned the importance of his magic. I had to believe that he was tricked; because there was no way that he would want to hurt me. He knew the importance of Arthur and his destiny.

"He is being transported to the Dungeons. Arthur intends to question him once more."

"Why?" I asked. Arthur had gotten his answer.

Gaius must have detected my confusion. "Arthur intends to find out how and why he made those rings, and how many more he sold before his arrest?"
OK at least this bought me some time to think of a plan. If I could convince Arthur that Gilli was a good person then maybe he would show some leniency for him. If not maybe he would do it for me. I mean we are friends right?

"When is he questioning him again?"

Gaius sighed "Once the rest of the knights heal."

I immediately began to panic. "What? Are they hurt?"

"Merlin when Gilli was about to be arrested he unleashed an elf to help defend himself. As the ring he was wearing fell off." I wanted to laugh. An elf.

"Merlin, Elves can be deadly they are not the same as the myths and folklore. They have great power."

"Such as?" I was not convinced yet all I could imagine was Gwaine's finger being bitten by a little woodland creature.

"They may be small, but they are vicious. The teeth are razor sharp and poisonous. They have the ability to enter a man's mind and make them live out their worst memories. The hardest times of their lives are played out before their eyes."

I was no longer amused, I was horrified. How could Gilli do that?

"How did the Knights survive?" I was genuinely surprised they made it. Normally this was something I would handle.

"That I am not sure off. I did not get the full story. Fortunately many of the knights were unscathed, they will be telling Arthur together once the round table commences."

Of course they would need to tell their heroic tale together. To be honest I was impressed they had fought a magical creature on their own. Especially one that sounded as formidable as an elf. OK I still was slightly amused by fact it was an elf. I was still picturing little tiny people running about.

"Well I am glad to see that nothing changed in my absence. I need to go speak to..." I was no longer sure. Should I inform Arthur I was back? Should I go visit and learn the facts of the Knights quest? Or should I go see Gilli and hear his side of the story?

"Merlin you must see Arthur first. If he hears that you have returned without seeing him he will become suspicious, and then see your friends. Unfortunately Gilli is not going anywhere nor are his troubles."

"Thank you Gaius I don't know what I would do without you?" I said.

"You would lose your head. Oh and tell Gwen that you gave your mother the dress."

"What dress?" Oh right I was supposed to be visiting my mother.

"Do not worry I had it sent out, it will arrive in a few days. Really Merlin don't you have other things to worry about." Gaius chuckled as he walked away.

I was back into the Chaos of Camelot.

Hey everyone I finally updated :) sorry for the delay. Anyway's this is more of filler chapter, that is why it was hard to write.

The next chapter will be more action packed promise.

As for the elf, i thought it was amusing, but I didn't follow any mythology or the legend it was completely my imagination.

Happy Reading