Title: The Truth

Authors: Cassy27
Words: 1535
Characters: Arthur, Morgana, Uther, Edward, Leon, Gaius, Merlin
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: Again, a new chapter... I hope it will be liked and all I can say is: Enjoy!
Thanks you, Candy-cake, for the wonderful help!

Chapter 11

Previously...

Arthur looked Morgana in the eyes. He had never felt this desperate before. Could they really fix all if 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.

M M M

Arthur couldn't believe he was actually doing this. After he had convinced Morgana that this might be their only way, Arthur had set out to his father's chambers. He wasn't sure that it was the best course of action though. Edward was always keeping his eyes on the King, especially now since he must already know that the true Crown Prince had escaped the dungeons.

It was already past midnight and the halls of the castle were nearly completely abandoned, but Arthur knew Uther and Edward were still in the great hall. Making sure nobody saw him, Arthur entered the chambers of his father and hid there, hoping it wouldn't take long for his father to enter.

It appeared his wishes were heard as only minutes later, the doors opened, a tired looking King entering.

"Does the King require anything else?" a servant asked.

"No," Uther answered, "that will be all for today."

The servant bowed his head and left. Arthur knew now was his time, but somehow, he feared for what his father would say. What if Morgana was really wrong? What if the King had made all his decisions alone and what if he actually wanted Arthur gone?

Swallowing heavily, Arthur decided to shake away those thoughts. Edward was responsible, he told himself, Uther would never want him dead.

Stepping into the moonlight, Arthur prayed he wouldn't startle the King. Him panicking, thinking he was under attack would be the last think he needed.

"Father," Arthur said in a soft voice. To his surprise, Uther simply turned around, looking his son straight in the eyes.

"Arthur?" He seemed confused and so Arthur took a step closer.

"Yes, it is me," Arthur said, "father, you must help me."

Uther frowned. He didn't seem to understand and so Arthur knew how great the influence was that Edward held over him. He needed to get through to his father, tell him the truth.

"Edward cannot be trusted," Arthur quickly said, "he controls you using magic. Father, you must believe me, I have not betrayed you."

Uther swallowed heavily, still frowning. "You helped a sorcerer escape."

"No, Merlin is not a sorcerer." Arthur hoped that saying those words wouldn't cause him more problems. Of course Merlin was a sorcerer, but Uther didn't have to believe it. "Edward made you think he is so that you would disinherit me."

"You are my son, you are the Crown Prince," Uther said as he didn't understand what Arthur was talking about "I would never disinherit you."

"You just did," Arthur sighed, "father, Edward is now the Crown Prince."

Uther remained silent and Arthur didn't know what to think of it. Edward's power of the King appeared to be much greater than he had anticipated.

"Who are you again?" Uther suddenly asked.

Arthur couldn't believe what he had just heared. Stepping close to his father, Arthur laid his hands on his shoulders.

"It's me, father, it's Arthur, your son," he said. Looking straight into the eyes of the King, Arthur saw only emptyness. It was as if Uther wasn't even present anymore.

"Can't you see I have full control over your beloved father?"

Arthur took a step away from Uther. He hadn't even heard Edward come in and he certainly didn't know what he could do now. Fighting a sorcerer with a sword was never a good idea and certainly not when that sorcerer was now the Crown Prince.

Edward only had to yell out and Arthur would be arrested again.

"You won't get away with this," Arthur said, his voice strong. He had enough of these games and he certainly had enough of Edward.

"It appears I am getting away with this," Edward smiled, "soon, Uther will be unfit to rule and of course, I will have to replace him."

Arthur glanced at his father who simply stood there, listening, but not caring. Arthur looked at Edward again, understanding now what his next move would be.

"You will never be able to kill my father," Arthur hissed. The idea alone made him furious.

"Who said anything about killing him?" Edward laughed now. "It only appears his mind is growing old. He doesn't even remember what he had for dinner and he certainly won't remember his son."

"I will stop this," Arthur said, his teeth gritted together "I will stop you."

"How?" Edward laughed even louder. Raising his hand, he started saying words from the ancient language, but Arthur was faster than him. Throwing himself forward, Arthur pushed Edward against the floor.

"Guards!" Edward yelled, furious.

Arthur didn't hesitate. Looking at his father again, he saw that Uther didn't recognize him anymore, but Arthur made himself a promise. He would undo all of it and he would make everything safe again, not only for Merlin, but for his father as well.

Running outside of his father's chambers, three guards awaited him, Leon giving them the orders.

"Let him through," Leon said, authority in his voice. The guards hesitated at first, but soon made room for Arthur to pass.

"Thank you," Arthur quickly said while running past them. Hearing Edward exit the chamber as well, Arthur could hear him yell against Leon and the guards.

"I am loyal to Prince Arthur, not to you!" Arthur could hear Leon say. He knew the knight was now in trouble, but Arthur had to keep running, he had to keep on going if he wanted to be safe.

Arriving at Gaius' chambers again, Arthur entered to find not only Morgana, but Gaius as well. They both looked frightened, but when seeing it was Arthur who entered, relief filled their eyes.

"Thank God you are okay," Morgana sighed, walking over to Arthur. "What happened?"

Arthur took in a deep breath before starting his story and he could see the despair in both Morgana's and Gaius' eyes. Things did look bad, but Arthur wasn't going to allow them to give up. They would fight and they would win.

M M M

Merlin didn't believe he could have traveled from Ealdor to Camelot so fast. It was way past midnight and the streets of the city were completely abandoned except for a few guards wandering about. Merlin made sure nobody saw him and so he finally arrived at the place he now called home.

Thinking Gaius would be asleep already, Merlin carefully opened the door, hoping he wouldn't make too much sound. Waking Gaius was never a good idea and besides, Merlin thought, he probably needed his sleep after these eventful days.

Closing the door again, Merlin cursed under his breath when hearing it make too much noise. They really had to fix that door.

Before realizing what was going on, Merlin felt a force push him with his back against the wall. One strong arm was placed at his neck to keep him under control and soon, Merlin could feel cold metal against the skin of his cheek. He had absolutely no idea what had just happened. His instincts didn't abandon him though and Merlin could feel the magic work without using any words.

The hilt of the sword suddenly started burning hot red and a cry of pain could be heard, followed by the loud noise of a sword falling on a stone floor.

In the glow of the hot metal, Arthur and Merlin could finally get a good look at each other and they were both slightly shocked.

"Merlin? What are you doing here?" " Arthur said,

"I could ask the same," Merlin said, not understanding why Arthur would be here of all places.

"What is going on?" Morgana asked. Both Merlin and Arthur turned around to face her. She still appeared sleepy, but her gaze soon focused when she saw Merlin standing next to Arthur.

"What are you doing here?" Morgana asked, anger in her voice now.

"I asked him the same," Arthur said gloatingly.

Merlin rolled his eyes and ignored him. "I couldn't just do nothing while you guys were in trouble," he explained "I know all about Edward having become the Crown Prince."

Arthur sighed. "Still, Merlin, you shouldn't have come. If Edward or Uther find out you are here, they will have you killed."

"And I suppose if Edward finds you here, he will have you killed," Merlin countered. He wasn't sure if what he had just said was actually true, but by the way both Arthur's and Morgana's gazes saddened, Merlin knew the situation was worse than he had anticipated. Edward had to be stopped, Camelot had to be saved and Arthur had to be protected. Merlin couldn't help but think that somehow this was a typical day in his life.

AN: That was it again. Uther is losing control as Edward is taking it from him. Morgana and Arthur are on the run. Leon is in trouble. A lot is going on, but at least Merlin has returned to be reunited with Arthur again. That's good, right? =)
Well, let me know what you think about this chapter and I will try and finish chapter 12 as soon as possible!