"Well that's convenient" Gwaine grumbled, "Look's like you got a clean slate, even if it is only for a little while"

Arthur wasn't sure whether to be upset Merlin had been injured so badly or feel relieved that perhaps he had a chance to mend things with the warlock.

"Can't he use his magic to help himself heal?" Arthur asked Lancelot quietly, the knight had explained how Merlin had been the one to kill the griffin with his magic and how he had discovered his secret and promised to not tell.

He made Arthur promise not to tell the king, all of the other knights too; they all did so without hesitation. Camelot could use a magical being on their side for once. Arthur could imagine how bad some of the battles they had faced could of turned out without Merlin secretly helping in the background. The latest griffin for instance.

Arthur fell painfully onto his back, he didn't know why they had to come here. He knew their blades wouldn't pierce the griffin's hide but his father had still sent him anyway. The griffin had attacked suddenly and without warning, Lancelot, Gwaine and Elyan had already been knocked out by its claws, Arthur was glad they were still breathing. That was something at least, though he wasn't sure how much longer he could keep distracting the griffin.

"Arthur look out!" Merlin's cry came from behind him, the Griffin has swooped again, Arthur quickly ducked, making a mental note to thank Merlin for the heads up.

"Arthur! Here use this!" Merlin cried quickly unravelling what Arthur had thought was an extra mat but turned out to conceal a black sword "This will kill it!"

Taking the sword without question the prince quickly poised to attack, the griffin being as shocked as Arthur when the black sword sliced through it's chest as easily as a normal sword would a non-magical beast. The griffin collapsed.

Quickly Merlin checked over the other knights who were now coming round, Arthur and the knights left conscious also helped. It wasn't until they were setting up camp Arthur thought about the black sword.

"Merlin…is this one of the swords of Medhir?" He asked, the whole camp seemed to freeze, all the other knights assumed the Sword was a spare of Arthur's that Merlin had packed in case his was damaged.

"well um…" Merlin stammered trying to find some excuse for a magical sword.

"It is isn't it" Arthur confirmed feeling his anger beginning to build up, taking a step to wards the boy.

"Merlin did you free the Great Dragon?"

"He needs some food" Gwaine stated, breaking Arthur out of his memories, "Look's like he has barely eaten all this time"

"We will have to wait until he wakes up" Percival sighed; poking the fire causing it to pop which apparently was enough to shake Merlin awake. Relieved, Lancelot helped Merlin into the sitting position so he was close to the fire. He quickly downed the water Lancelot gave him like he hadn't drunk anything in days, Arthur realised he probably hadn't.

However he quickly shook his head at the idea of food, looking slightly sick.

"Come on Merlin" Arthur ordered gently "Eat it"

Merlin's eyes seemed to dull slightly at that he lowered his gaze and took the bread shakily, "Yes Master" He mumbled drying and began to nibble at the bread. Merlin's nibbling didn't last long however as he soon discovered how hungry he was and wolf down the bread quickly.

Arthur and the knights didn't pay attention to that though, they were still all in shock of what Merlin said. Though the servant's in Camelot did technically have "masters" nobody said that, they always called them Lord or Sir, just out of respect. Merlin however always called Arthur by his name unless they were around the king or in a formal setting; he would never call Arthur 'master'. Gwaine looked positively murderous. Arthur hoped only half that anger was directed at Arthur.

"Merlin don't call me that, you don't have to do what Layton told you to anymore" Arthur managed to choke out, Merlin flinched at the sound of that mans name, still didn't raise his eyes to meet Arthur's.

"Sorry, one of the first things you get 'taught' there, is to only say that" Merlin muttered sounding dejected. He raised his hand carefully to his bandaged should where Layton had branded him. Arthur felt his guilt triple.

Merlin had fallen asleep again after eating; it felt great to have proper food, even if it was something as simple as bread, fresh good bread. Not stale. He was awakened by the sound of hushed voices talking. He could tell it was nighttime though he wasn't sure how. He cracked open his eyes open and saw Arthur and Lancelot talking by the tree's both had their backs to him. The other knights were asleep by the looks of it, Arthur and Lancelot must be on watch.

Quietly Merlin managed to push back his blankets and sit, after having some good rest and medicine he felt much better, but still sore. His ears pricked at the sound of his name, he carefully stood and took a few steps towards the knights.

"Are you talking about me?" he asked sleepily, this was obviously a bad idea because the knights had obviously not heard Merlin's approach and swung round quickly, Arthur taken by such surprise that his hands swung out as he turned, one narrowly missing Merlin's face.

"Merlin!" Arthur yelled in shock

"Merlin!" Arthur's voice….

"What are you doing up?" Lancelot asked taking a step towards the warlock who's eyes were widening, looking at the ring visible on Arthur's hand. The ring set with a small, sharp red jewel. Arthur...

"Arthur I didn't know he would attack Camelot I swear!" he blurted out, all the lies seemed to have caught up with him.

"You freed a dragon!" Arthur yelled, he had never seen the prince so angry "YOU are responsible for hundreds of deaths!"

"I didn't have a choice Arthur I swear he-" Merlin tried to explain, holding his hands up defensively, Arthur quickly grabbed one and twisted it behind Merlin's back painfully.

"Arthur stop!" Lancelot cried making his way toward the two. Merlin felt terrified, he always wondered if Arthur would find out and now he was only a few inches away from snapping Merlin's arm out of its socket. Arthur pushed Merlin forward making him stumbled

As Merlin turned back he didn't have time to say a word, a first flew into his face knocking him to he ground. He could feel a line of blood dripping down his face where the jewel in the ring had dug into his face.

"You're a traitor!" Arthur yelled taking another step towards Merlin. The warlock had never felt so helpless, he couldn't use his magic to defend himself, he couldn't use magic on Arthur. So he did the only thing he could.

He ran.

Hey some people have alerted me to the fact that the number switches between 646 and 464 in some parts, if somebody could PM me and tell me where this happens I will change it, its supposed to be 646.

I have looked through but I can't find where it says 464, so help would be appreciated.