Disclaimer: Sadly I don't own the show Merlin, the BBC does.

An Act of Revenge

Chapter 8

Arthur Pendragon didn't know what to believe. The prince knew that he could be very trusting, but never in his wildest dreams did he imagine that Merlin of all people could betray him. Ever since the gangly idiot had arrived in Camelot, he had always been there at the heart of every struggle. Morgana was certainly right about that. Now Arthur looked upon the past with a new light, Merlin had magic and it changed everything. The servant who Arthur had scoffed at the possibility of him having magic, was always more powerful than the prince himself. Arthur was having a hard time letting it sink in.

He was angry of course, but it was more than that, he was hurt. Hurt that Merlin whom Arthur had confided in about everything, really hid the most dangerous secret. H remembered what Hunith had said about Merlin having his magic from birth and Arthur felt even more confused. Everything he knew about magic was that if you had it then you had to learn spells to use it, why was Merlin so special?

Despite Arthur's anger, he couldn't help but realize that Merlin really seemed like a good person. His mother certainly was, could magic have really corrupted Merlin? He wasn't sure, and thinking about it made Arthur's head hurt. At this point he really didn't know what to believe and no amount of thinking was going to help that. So the prince tried to shift his position against the uncomfortable rock cave, and promptly fell asleep.

Merlin watched as Arthur fell asleep and as soon he heard snoring, the warlock looked around making sure Morgana or Mordred wasn't around, and then turned to his mother.

"I know about Balinor," he said simply.

Hunith looked startled and somewhat fearful. "What do you know?"

"That he was my father for starters," Merlin said, struggling to keep the emotion out of his voice. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I did it to keep you safe, Merlin," Hunith admitted. "I did it with only the best intentions."

"I deserved to know," Merlin replied, sounding more hurt than angry.

"I wanted to tell you when you were older," Hunith said sadly. "But the memories were so painful."

Merlin wanted to reach forward and embrace her, but his chains prevented it, so he rested his forehead against hers. "I'm sorry."

"For what?" Hunith asked.

"Balinor is dead," Merlin replied.

Hunith gasped, and desperately worked for a moment to reign in her emotions. Her voice was hoarse when she spoke. "How do you know this?"

"I met him briefly when the Great Dragon was attacking Camelot. Arthur and I found him, and I told him the truth," Merlin said, not hiding the tears that fell now. "And he died in my arms."

For a long moment mother and son grieved quietly together, until Merlin finally found his voice again. "I'm the last Dragonlord now."


Mordred stealthily moved from his hiding spot and managed to make it back to Morgana without being detected. When she saw him, he broke into a wide grin.

"What is it?" Morgana demanded eagerly.

"Emrys is a Dragonlord." Mordred said grinning. "This is almost too perfect."

"What are they, I've only heard mention of them in passing," Morgana said.

"Dragons only serve Dragonlords," Mordred explained. "Do you remember when the Great Dragon attacked Camelot?"

"No," Morgana said sourly. "I was recovering from Merlin poisoning me at the time."

"Well I think Merlin must've stopped the attack, the dragon had to obey his will," Mordred replied.

"How can this help us? It just makes Merlin even more of a threat," Morgana complained.

The child quickly told her of his plan, and when he was finished Morgana beamed with excitement.

"When?" she asked him.

"Soon," Mordred replied. "Very soon."


"Gaius, why did you not tell me you were harboring a sorcerer?"

Gaius jumped about a foot and dropped a vial he had been putting a herbal concoction into. He turned and looked at Uther dumbfounded. How on earth did the King find out? For several long moments the physician tried to think of an excuse, something, anything, to protect Merlin.

"I'm waiting, Gaius," Uther snapped impatiently.

"I don't know what you are talking about, Sire," Gaius replied innocently.

"Yes you do, Arthur's manservant is a sorcerer!" Uther stated.

"Are you sure? I've never noticed anything—"

"Don't you dare try to deny it, I know for a fact that he is a sorcerer," Uther grumbled. "What do you have to say for yourself?"

"I've never seen any evidence of sorcery," Gaius declared.

"I'm warning you Gaius," Uther said dangerously. "Don't lie to me."

"I wouldn't dare," Gaius said mildly. "I would trust Merlin with my life."

"We'll see about that," Uther stated, angrily slamming the door shut on his way out.


AN: So what could Mordred's big plan be? I know this chapter was on the short side, but I just really wanted to get the next part up. I will try to get the next one up in the next couple days or possibly next week depending on how busy I am. Thanks to all my amazing reviewers and as always I'm grateful for any feedback!