I know, i know, i'm a day late with updating, i'm sorry! I don't know what is is with these chapters, but they seem to be getting shorter and shorter! Sorry about that, they should start to lengethen before long!

As usual, thanks to all of those of you who took the time to let me know what you thought, i really appreaciate it! Happy new year, everyone!

Merlin frowned at the shut door, slightly worried by Gaius's sudden departure. The old physician seemed deeply troubled, making Merlin sure that he was definitely hiding something. But what could possibly be wrong? His father was here! Little did Merlin know that the physician's very fears were coming true, that he was indeed falling for the lies being spun around him. He had dreamt about the man standing in front of him for years, not knowing anything about him, for his mother had refused to say anything on the matter. And yet here he was, seemingly delighted that he had found his son. The threat that he had felt throughout the whole day now seemed nothing more than a flicker in the back of his mind. Merlin had no desire to let the overwhelming thoughts circulate; he wanted to enjoy the fact that his father was here.

"My…gifts?" Merlin questioned suddenly, an unpleasant feeling forming in the pit of his stomach. Exactly how much did this man know about him? Tyson shot Merlin a charming smile; hiding the contempt he felt building up for the boy. Playing the doting father was going to be harder than he thought – Merlin was the exact opposite to him: kind, considerate, loving – everything that Tyson deemed to be weak, pathetic. It also made Merlin annoyingly loyal, meaning that even now, Tyson knew that he would have to be very careful in order to persuade him to leave the safety of Camelot.

"Come now, Merlin. The rattle flying around your head when you were but a week old gave things away. Fear not, my son, your secret is safe with me. I myself have some limited magic, although nothing as magnificent as yours."

Merlin blushed slightly and studied his boots, secretly more pleased with the compliment that he would let on. Barely anyone complimented him on his skills; it was something that he had not yet become accustomed to. Seeing the reddening, Tyson grinned. So he did have a weakness after all…

"Actually, Merlin, there was something that I wanted to ask you." Making his voice sound hesitant, unsure, Tyson realised that he did not have to pretend this time. He had indeed heard rumours about Merlin, and had heard enough to not want to get on the wrong side of him. He had to play this part cautiously. "I can't stay here; I have not the skill to hide my magic the way you have yours. I had to risk it to see if you were indeed alive, but now I fear I must leave. If only…no, that would be asking too much."

"What?" Merlin asked, playing straight into the thief's arms. "What is it? Tell me, please."

"I only wondered if, by the merest possibility, that you wanted to come with me? See the world, not have to hide who you are. Of course, you could return here to Camelot whenever you wished, see those that you love at any time. But no, I ask too much. I have only just come into your life. It was wrong of me to ask. Forgive me."

"There is nothing to forgive," Merlin responded, smiling. He really looked like his mother when he smiled – his eyes lit up the same way. Tyson glanced away, half afraid that he would see Hunith glaring back at him. Mistaking his glance for uncertainty, Merlin crossed the space between them.

"I would love to come with you. I always dreamed about who my father was. To be given the opportunity to get to know you is more than I could have ever wished. Oh, but…"

"But?" Tyson queried, readying himself to use force if necessary. He had no idea what this 'but' could be, and was slightly anxious. He hastily put his hands in the pockets of his coat, determined to hide the sweaty palms. He couldn't believe that the plan had gone accordingly so far, and was ready for things to go wrong on him at any stage now.

"Arthur," Merlin sighed, glancing towards the doorway as he did. Instantly, Tyson understood. Merlin couldn't go anywhere without his master's permission. Hating himself for sympathising with the boy, Tyson bit the inside of his cheek, determined to keep him focused.

"The prince? Everything I've heard about him means that he seems to be an understanding type of man. Would he not grant you this one boon? Surely, after everything that you have done for him?"

"He doesn't know the half of it," Merlin muttered, his eyes betraying his decision before his voice. "I'll ask him. But however much I may want to come, it might not be possible. I'm sorry."

"No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have to ask you this. I should have been in your life for years beforehand, guiding you through the troubled times."

"Hey, you're here now. That's all that matters. I'll ask him in the morning."

"Um, Merlin? It is morning."

"What?" Merlin cried, exasperated. Indeed, the first rays of light were beginning to peak over the horizon, indicating a start to another day. What with the late night because of the feast with Uther, then all that had happened ever since, time had slipped away the way sand slipped through fingers. With the first light of day also came Merlin's responsibilities, meaning that if he didn't hurry, he would be late for work. Calling over his shoulder for Tyson to explain to Gaius if he returned what the situation was, Merlin sped out of the door. He hadn't once looked back at Tyson, so he was ignorant to the satisfied smirk playing across the thief's face, almost in a leering way.

Halfway to Arthur's chambers, the warlock stopped dead, a sudden thought erupting in his mind. Gaius. Something was definitely wrong with the physician; Merlin couldn't believe that he hadn't given it enough thought before. What kind of duties could he possibly have to carry out, in the middle of the night? Sometimes, when there was an illness rampaging through the castle, he had been found to be wandering at odd hours. But as far as Merlin knew, nothing like that was occurring now. It was almost as if he couldn't bear being in the same room as Tyson. Now he began to dwell on it, Merlin could picture the look of loathing that the physician had sent the other man. The feeling of unease starting to creep back in, Merlin continued walking, slowly this time, lost in troubled thoughts.