Title: The Truth

Authors: Cassy27
Words: 1539
Characters: Morgana, Arthur, Merlin, William, Leon
Rating: K+
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters of Merlin, sadly enough!
Spoilers: There aren't any spoilers in this chapter.

Summary: When Arthur discovers Merlin's secret, he has to chose whether he still considers Merlin to be his friend or if he has turned into his enemy. Loyalties are tested and nothing will ever be the same for the young wizard.

AN: Sorry for the long wait again. So much is happening though with my exams are coming up... Strangely enough, that is the time inspiration comes to me to write stories. But here is the next chapter and I can only hope you'll enjoy it!

Thanks again to Candy-Cake for all the help!

Chapter 10

Previously...

Gwen knew now that everything could turn bad. They couldn't lose their hope though, they had to keep fighting.

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Morgana had searched everywhere for Edward, knowing she needed to find the key of Arthur's cell if she wanted to help him escape. Edward had been with Uther again and this time, Morgana didn't want to disturb them. She was afraid of him, but she didn't want to provoke anything. If Edward decided she was too much trouble then Morgana knew it would only be a matter of time before she herself would be in a cell.

No, leaving Edward alone for now was the best course of action.

When she stood before Edward's chambers, she hesitated though. Edward was with the King, but what if he caught her sneaking around here? Morgana took in a deep breath. She didn't have any other choice. If she turned around and walked away, she might have missed her only chance of finding that key.

Then again, Morgana thought, what were the chances of Edward actually leaving the key in his chambers?

Opening the door, Morgana entered. If she didn't find the key, perhaps she would stumble into something else. Gwen had already been here, but at that moment they hadn't known what they were looking for.

Carefully closing the door behind her, Morgana glanced around. It seemed to be an ordinary room, but Edward wouldn't be so stupid to as to let evidence lay around. Checking the closet first, Morgana didn't find anything special. After having searched under the bed, between the sheets, every place she could think of, Morgana again found nothing.

Frustrated, she left the room in the exact state she had found it and walked to her own chambers. She crossed paths with Leon who greeted her.

"Lady Morgana," Leon bowed his head, "I have a message for you."

"What is it?" Morgana asked, taking over the piece of paper Leon held out for her. Morgana quickly unfolded it and read what was written.

"Edward will be named Crown Prince tonight," Leon sighed, "the King has arranged the ceremony."

"What?" Morgana's eyes widened as she couldn't believe what she was hearing. Needing to read the announcement again, she felt her heart race inside her chest. Time was running out, they had to act fast or Edward would destroy everything.

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Merlin had never thought he would enjoy staying in Ealdor again. Somehow, after his time in Camelot, his hometown had begun to look boring as if nothing special ever happened. The only fun he had here was with William. Now however, being a fugitive, this town suddenly seemed filled with danger.

As Merlin was done with some chores, he decided to see if his horse still had enough water and food. Arriving there, he smiled and stroked the horse's nose.

"Merlin," William said, walking over to him, "I have heard some news."

Merlin turned around to face his friend, more concern visible in his face. What could be worse than him being on the run? So many thoughts crossed Merlin's mind, but somehow he knew the news was about Arthur.

"What happened?" Merlin asked. He held his breath as he waited on William to answer him.

"There is an official announcement spreading through Camelot," William explained, "apparently, the King wants everyone to know that there will be a new Crown Prince."

"That can't be," Merlin exhaled, he simply couldn't believe this, "Uther would never have Arthur removed from his right to the thrown."

"I guess you're wrong," William sighed.

"Who will be the heir then?" Merlin asked, starting to pace up and down before the horse now.

"A trustworthy knight," William's voice was filled with sarcasm, "Edward. That is the knight you talked about earlier, right?"

"Yes," Merlin had come to a stop, gazing into the distance, "I have to go back."

"What?" William almost yelled. He was simply stunned to here his friend say those words.

"I have no other choice," Merlin said, looking William in the eyes now, "Arthur needs me."

"Uther will have you killed!" William took a step closer to Merlin, hoping his words would bring Merlin to decent sense.

"I can't just let this happen," Merlin protested, "I have to help Arthur or everything we have fought for will be lost."

"Fought for?" William still couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"A lot has happened," Merlin explained, "too much for me to just stay here and watch Edward take the thrown."

"You're walking into a trap, you'll be dead before you even set foot inside the city," William said.

"Thanks for believing in me so much," Merlin said, rolling his eyes. No matter what William said though, Merlin would not change his mind. If Arthur needed his help, he would get it as Merlin owed him his life.

"Let me come with you," William suddenly said.

"I can't allow that," Merlin sighed, "someone has to explain this to my mother."

"You won't even say goodbye to her?" William couldn't hide his shock.

"She will only try to talk me out of it as you tried, I have no time," Merlin said. He turned to his horse again and untied it. Climbing it, he smiled.

"I will come back," he said, "I promise."

"No, you won't," William smiled back, "Camelot is your home, I know it and you know it. Like you said, your destiny lies with Arthur."

"Thanks, William," Merlin said. He took in a deep breath and after glancing at his old home for the last time, he started his journey back, leaving behind his mother and friend. William had been right though, Camelot was his home now, his destiny lay there, and he would do anything to make sure it was safe.

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Morgana hoped she was doing the right thing, but like all the decisions she was making now, she could end up in a cell next to Arthur. She was nearly running through the halls of the castle with Leon following only inches behind. They had no time to lose.

Arriving back at Arthur's cell, she found the Prince sitting down against the wall.

"Arthur," she whispered, "stand up!"

Arthur did as Morgana said, frowning when he saw Leon as well.

"I heard of what is happening," Arthur said, sadness in his voice, "Uther wants Edward to be the Crown Prince."

"Oh, come on, Arthur," Morgana said, rolling her eyes, "now is not the time to be depressed. You know Edward uses magic so Uther didn't really make the decision."

"I know," Arthur sighed, "but what can we do? Uther is still King."

"Well," Morgana smiled faintly, "first of all, we are going to get you out of here."

Morgana took a few steps back to give Leon the space he needed. She could only hope the lock of the cell wasn't somehow strengthened by magic. Leon took his sword and focused, using all his strength to make some well aimed blows at the lock.

Arthur took a few steps back as well, hoping this would work and so he couldn't help but smile when the lock fell on the floor, the door opening slightly.

Leon opened it and Arthur ran outside, knowing they had no time to lose.

"You must stay here," Arthur said to Leon, "if you are not at the ceremony, Edward will know you helped me."

Leon nodded and left the dungeons, leaving Arthur and Morgana alone.

"So," Arthur said, "you have a plan?"

Morgana opened her arms and embraced Arthur. "Not really," she sighed when releasing him.

"Let's just get out of here for now," Arthur said.

"And go where?" Morgana asked.

"Somewhere we'll be safe," Arthur started walking out of the dungeons now, Morgana following him.

"I know exactly where we can go," Morgana smiled. Together, they carefully walked the halls of the castle, knowing that Edward couldn't see them or everything would be lost. They were lucky though and reached Gaius' chambers without trouble just before sunset.

As they were about to enter, music could be heard and Arthur had to swallow heavily. The ceremony had begun and soon, Edward would be Crown Prince.

"You are still true heir, Arthur," Morgana smiled, knowing how Arthur must feel right now, "you will get your thrown back."

Arthur pushed open the door, knowing that Gaius would be at the ceremony as well.

"How?" Arthur asked, truly not knowing the answer.

"I don't know yet," Morgana said, closing the door behind her carefully, "but we will find a way. Trust me, Arthur, we will."

Arthur looked Morgana in the eyes. He had never felt this desperate before. Could they really fix all of this? Could they win this battle with Edward? Arthur truly didn't know, but he sure wasn't going down without a fight, that much he knew.

AN: that was it again... A lot has happened and I hope you liked it. Merlin is going back to Camelot, Arthur is finally out of his cell and Leon has proved to be a loyal knight :) You'll have to wait a few days however to find out what happens next, but I promise that I will post the 11th chapter as soon as possible!