~~~~~~~MERLIN~~~~~~

Chapter Six

Discovered?

More murders were happening. Week by week. They all seemed to be Knights, soldiers or guards. Gaius noticed this link and told Merlin. "Someone wants to get at the royal household." He said.

"Who do you think it is?" asked Merlin, deep in thought.

"I haven't got a clue. Is there…anyone new?"

Merlin thought. He suddenly thought of Crystal. She had magic…and she was new…and Merlin didn't keep an eye on her every second…

No! It was impossible! Merlin had got to know Crystal over the weeks. She was a kind, considerate, clever girl who wouldn't harm a fly. He could hardly put her out of his mind…

"No. No one." He said to Gaius, quickly.

~ ~ ~ M ~ ~ ~

"Any more news on who is killing people?" asked Crystal.

"No, but there has been five murders now," Merlin replied quietly, looking at the girls reaction. She looked thoroughly upset and Merlin knew that it wasn't her.

"Who could do such a thing?" she asked, "To kill innocent souls!"

Merlin shook his head, "Beats me." He said.

He laid down some food for Crystal that Gaius had given him.

"Thank you." She said, gratefully. She began to eat slowly, nibbling on the bread.

"I need to go and see someone. I'll come back tonight." Merlin said, getting up. Crystal gave him a peck on his cheek and he rushed off.

He made his way to the Dragon's cave. As soon as he went in he saw the Dragon sitting on the big rock, waiting for him. He looked angry. "What is it?" asked Merlin.

"I told you to keep the girl where she was." The dragon boomed.

"I know, but she couldn't stay in the room. She would be found and killed. The kingdom isn't just looking for her, but for a sorcerer who has killed guards and knights of Camelot."

"Same thing isn't it?"

Merlin hesitated, trying to contain his anger. "NO! Crystal is not the sorcerer. She is angry about who killed the people. I…I know her. She would never do that!"

"No? She has magic…who else do you suggest?"

"Someone outside of Camelot, perhaps. But it's not Crystal. She never leaves the caves!"

The Dragon sighed. "Very well. But do not turn to me for the answer of who the sorcerer is." His echoing voice said.

He flapped his wings and took off. Merlin stood in thought, wondering what to do.

~ ~ ~ M ~ ~ ~

The next morning, Merlin was in for a shock. He awoke by Gaius' voice. His eyes flickered open and he could see Gaius standing over him. "The King would like to see you in the court room, immediately." He said.

"Me? But why?" asked Merlin, astonished.

"He thinks he has found the sorcerer."

Merlin changed quickly, puzzled. Why would the King tell him who the sorcerer was? He made his way to the courtroom hurriedly. Everyone seemed to stare at him as he entered. But it wasn't a nice stare. Merlin caught Gwen's eye, but she couldn't seem to look back at him. He wondered why.

"MERLIN!" the King boomed.

Merlin walked up the aisle made out of people and bowed to the King. Morgana and Arthur sat either side of Uther. Morgana looked upset. Arthur was looking just as puzzled as Merlin.
"You wanted to see me…sire?" Merlin said, nervously.

"We believe we know who the sorcerer is." Uther said. Merlin was even more confused.

"Who?" he asked.

King Uther pointed at someone behind Merlin. He turned…but no one was behind him.

"Me?" he asked in shock. Had his secret been discovered?

"Guards. Seize him!"