Forks in the Path to Destiny

A/N: Now Arthur and the others know about Merlin's magic yet, on that subject, that is all they know. Not to mention that Merlin doesn't know that they know, you know? Sorry, couldn't resist. he he he.

Chapter 14: Revelations

Arthur, Gwen, Elyan, Leon, Percival and Gwaine set their bags down at their feet when they took their seats at the arena's stands in the center aisle farthest from sight of the top box. As the sounds of the crowd's excited chatter filled the air, the visitors of Camelot took a good look around. Arthur had to admit that it brought the arena he had back in Camelot to shame. In the daylight, this place was very impressive and they could see more of it than they were able to last night. The style seemed inspired by the arenas of Rome. There was a solid stone wall at least six feet high that separated the center circle from the stands. There were five rows above that wall to seat and house the audience comfortably in the stands. They encircled the whole center circle though they stopped at the top box which seemed to be half the size of his royal chambers back in Camelot inside. Above the top box there was another statue standing on the top of it depicting a soldier with a sword in one hand and a ball of magical energy in another. Strangely, no one was in the top box this time.

Then trumpets sounded with Malcolm standing with the other music players in the stands opposite from them. There was a section of it closed off where it was more open space meant for music players and all of their instruments. Everyone quieted down and sat down in quiet anticipation. Malcolm opened up the events with a speech of appreciating their time of being able to live in safety here and to give their respect to their defenders: The Order of the Bear.

"Let us now watch the fruits of their time and hard work!" He then took a trumpet and blew a strong note where some sorcerers came out and bowed to the crowd. They had on hooded cloaks, one red, one blue, one black and one white. "First, the great masters of the four base elements!" They then threw up their hoods and ripped their cloaks off and threw them aside.

One of them did many displays where he used soley fire to create jets and streams of it into the air and then encircled himself into a dome of flames before they blew out and there was a new sorcerer standing in his place. The new one made rocks shoot up from the ground and made them fly around and he stacked them in different mounds. He then made four big boulders surround and entomb him from sight. There was an explosion and the tomb split apart revealing another sorcerer. He made water fly around from buckets and pales that were scattered around and seemed to dance with them as if they were ribbons. He focused the water ribbons into big bubbles and then shot them all up in the air where it was almost like a light drizzle had descended on the crowds. A mist suddenly seemed to come out from his feet and it consumed him...until it blew upwards leaving behind a fourth sorcerer that everyone knew to be Sir Kay. Kay made two little twister cyclones appear in his open palms and then threw them out grew and started to twist around each other like two spinning tops. The rode around the edge of the circle blowing a refreshing breeze on the crowd and even had some people laughing into the wind. Once the twisters made a full round pass, they moved towards the center where Kay stood waiting and then they clashed together right into him and formed a giant tornado right there where he stood and engulfed him. The super twister raged for a few moments before it just vanished and there were all four of the performers standing there side by side. They were back in their original hooded cloaks but the hoods were down this time and the party of Camelot identified Kay in the white cloak. They then bowed and it was as if they enchanted the crowd to start screaming and cheering as soon as they did.

Arthur was a little intimidated at those spectacles. He'd fought sorcerers before yet he'd never faced one that could do things like they just did. Not only that but...it seemed as if they did all this with little effort. It actually begged the question how he'd never come across this all before. The others were silent and were joining in the cheering but were looking from one another to see that they were as taken back by that magic as the each other. Gwen and Gwaine had to admit to themselves that the magic they just saw was truly...fun, to watch. It seemed as if they had fun doing it for the crowd too because they were hugging and patting each other with laughing grins on their faces. Percival eyed Kay with a cross between annoyance and...admiration. He was still sour about the sorcerer who stuck him to a wall for hours until he had back sores for a week but he had to admit that he did put on an entertaining show. Leon and Elyan were still trying not to react to all of this magic and were just hoping to catch a glimpse of Galahad anywhere they could.

Then, once they cleared the field, Malcolm announced that there were going to be some sparing matches with weapons and without magic. One after another, pairs of men from the Order of the Bear came out and had one on one sparring matches. Everyone was now calmer than they'd ever been since they got into Albion. This was something that was familiar to them though Arthur usually was a participant instead of a bystander. Though he had to admit that the skills of a few of these warriors of the Order seemed to match some of his knights who were waiting for him back home. It was almost...normal to be in the stands with all of these people cheering for their skills with the sword, spear or any other weapon they used. Yet, everyone else was on edge as they wanted to see if Galahad or Connor would come on to the field themselves. Arthur was also eager to get a good glimpse of the Lord of Albion's skill in order to understand his enemy.

Soon, their wishes were granted when both Galahad and Connor came out on the center circle with Kay and a few others. They proceeded with doing a type of synchronized dance of sword handling under the sway of music played by Malcolm and his assembled musicians. It was a peculiar performance and certainly one that Arthur or his friends had never seen before. Although they were finally in sight, this wasn't the recon that Arthur was hoping for. When the last note was played and the last movement was made, Connor started to shout about a final match for the day, with magic.

"This match will be with yours truly and I will be facing a new challenger. One who lately I've found to be quite strong at heart. Now why don't we all welcome him out here to see if he has the might to match!"

Arthur was curious. Someone who a lord of magic said was powerful and had the final match of an arena's attractions be a duel with him and this person. Who was it?

"I give you...MERLIN!"

"Merlin!" shouted all six of them. Their shout was drowned out with all the screams and jeers that exploded around them from the crowd. They saw as Merlin walked out and looked stiff and awkward as he slowly walked up to Connor. He was wearing robes sporting an Order of the Bear crest on the chest."

Gwaine shook his head blankly. "What is Merlin doing? How is it that he went and got himself to be in a duel against a powerful sorcerer in front of all these people."

"It's Merlin," said Arthur as if it answered everything. "He always ends up where he doesn't belong." He watched as Connor and Merlin bowed to each other as they stepped back a few paces and seemed to go into a stance. "Now he's going to be blasted on his backside. Be ready to go down there and pick him off the field so we could leave this place."

Connor then shot what looked like lightning at Merlin and Arthur lept off his seat, ready to run out and pick him off the field quickly when the lightning seemed to stop before it hit Merlin. Almost like a shield had blocked it. Before Arthur could wonder what happened, he saw Merlin say something and then three balls of fire appeared in front of him and went flying at Connor. Connor then stepped back one step and a wall of rock rose up from where he stood and absorbed the fireballs. Eventually, Malcolm and his musicians started a drum chorus to add a rhythmic feeling to the spectacle they were seeing.

There was more magic being used and thrown around each other but the six of them were frozen. Arthur had somehow found himself back in his seat as he was gaping at the sight. Merlin had magic. Merlin was using magic. Merlin was a magic user. Merlin was a sorcerer. No matter how many different ways it was said in his head it made zero sense. What was going on? Was this some trick that Connor was pulling to give the people a show? Yes, that had to be it. Connor probably did this sort of stuff with non magic users all the time to try to make them feel special. Merlin couldn't possibly have magic. The thought of him being a skilled sorcerer was ridiculous. Though that happy thought was shot down when he caught the words of two excited boys in front of him.

"Wow, this Merlin is so skilled. I've never seen Lord Connor release magic attacks like this except with Sir Kay."

"Yes I know," said the other. "And powerful too. Lord Connor's shields are barely holding; I can tell even from here."

"Such power. I can feel it. Merlin is strong."

"Why feel it when we could see it ourselves."

Arthur wishful thinking was just shot down. If sorcerers could sense another sorcerer and this boy could really feel that Merlin truly had the magic that he was showing then it couldn't be denied. Merlin...was...a sorcerer. Suddenly, he remembered when they first came to Albion. Merlin seemed so ready to enter this place and he wasn't nervous at all being here...almost comfortable. He acted like he was enjoying himself, but Arthur saw now that it was no act at all.

Even now, Merlin had a great grin on his face like he'd never seen before. He looked completely in his own element. He also saw a rare focus in his eyes from up where he was and saw him more in an unclumsy manner like a true soldier. He didn't have any resemblance to his servant anymore.

'Why Merlin?' he thought as he looked on at Merlin firing another spell. 'Why did you choose magic?'

When the two of them had landed on their backs from each others final attacks and not get up after Malcolm's count, the crowds saw Galahad and Kay walk up to them and help them up. They raised both of their hands in victory and the crowd cheered. As Arthur gestured for them all to leave the arena, they suddenly heard the people all chant Merlin's name. Arthur took one last look and he saw that Merlin actually looked like he might burst into tears as Kay went up to him and brought his hands up in congratulations. The sound of his name echoed through the stands and Merlin looked like he might burst in happiness. He saw Connor go to him and wrap an arm around him and they turned around and waved to the crowd with pride. Arthur clenched his teeth, turned and kept walking.

The six of them soon found themselves back on the streets of the city that were nearly empty with the majority of the townspeople still in the arena.

"Arthur, where are we going?" asked Elyan as he saw Arthur just keep walking with fury in his eyes.

"We are leaving this city now. We have to head back and ready the men for a blockade."

"What about Merlin?"

Gwen's question finally made him stop but he didn't look back at them. The four knights stood still as if they were surrounded by eggshells and the slightest movement would set Arthur off.

Arthur had frozen in step. "He's made his choice..." he said simply before he resumed walking in the same fast and furious pace. "Let's go before he notices we're missing and does something more stupid."

As they passed the middle of town, Gwaine saw the statue of the sorcerer who carried his name. Somehow, he didn't think it was all very fair. Merlin, it seemed had magic and was connected with this place...as he was. So far they believed it to be a coincidence like he had but what if it came out? Would Arthur give him a cold shoulder?

Gwen was torn. Arthur was her husband and the last thing she would want to do is disappoint him again but she didn't want to disappoint Merlin either. He was her friend and helped her when she was banished to find a place to stay. Yet, Morgana had been her friend too, helped her after her father was killed and was always ready to talk with her. However, she changed after she disappeared and Gwen couldn't find a time when Merlin changed.

Leon always had a hidden respect for Merlin. He went far beyond the boundaries of a servant and seemed to put up with a lot but he never faltered. He always seemed cut off though. While Merlin did put on a happy face and laugh a bit, he never seemed to let anyone truly inside. It was always about everyone else...but him. Now it was clear why.

Elyan wasn't close to Merlin as his sister but he did consider Merlin a friend. When his sister was banished he went out of his way to help her in whatever way he could. Also, when he had been possessed by that spirit Merlin had been the one to convince Arthur of his innocence and help free him.

As they entered the stables on the outside of the city, Percival thought on Merlin and his magic. Out of everyone here, he knew Merlin the least. He had first heard of him through his friend Lancelot. He had mentioned that Merlin was the greatest friend you could ever find and that he was special in more ways then his appearance would suggest. Was this what his late friend meant?

They got on their horses and rode out to the forest in silence. Arthur's only thought was getting far away from both Albion and Merlin as soon as possible. He was feeling both angry and hurt. He thought Merlin was his friend. He knew how much Arthur was against magic and yet he still used it. How long had he had it? When did he start? Was it recently or was it before they had even known each other? He then remembered that Merlin had been friends with Will, a sorcerer from his home village. Had they studied together? Or...was it him all along?

They came upon the bridge's posts and saw a lone warrior of the Order standing guard with a pitchfork looking spear. The bridge so far was non-existant but it wouldn't be a problem once this sorcerer made one for them before they left. Arthur saw that in Merlin's bag was still the crest of the Order of the Bear that was enchanted to keep away the creatures of the forest. They would use it again to leave and head back to Camelot. The guard looked up when the sounds of their horses hooves reached his ears. Percival immediately recognized him as the one who from last night, at that fountain with that girl, while they were dragging Gwaine back last night.

"Can I help you?" he asked politely.

"Yes, we need to cross," said Arthur

"Very well,"

He then took out some sort of whistle that was hanging from inside his shirt and then blew into it. The sound that came out of it sounded like a waterlogged trumpet.

"What was that?"

"Oh, it was a call," said the guard putting it back in his shirt. "I simply sounded that I need a sorcerer to come by. We need one to open the bridge."

"Another one?" asked Arthur.

"What...oh, no I'm no sorcerer. Why are you heading out anyway? Normally, no one leaves the city until the founding festival is over and we're only into the third day."

"Yes...well unfortunately we have to head on back. There are some things we need to sort out first.

Just then, Arthur's bag then flew off the harness of his saddle and its contents spilled everywhere. The guard went to help Arthur pick up everything when his eyes flew to the sword on the ground. Once they did, Leon and Gwaine's bags also flew off and their swords also spilled out and caught the guard's eyes.

"I was sure we tied those in perfectly," said Arthur picking up his sword.

He would've tried to pass it off as an amusing mistake if his gaze didn't meet the ends of a pitchfork when he turned back to the guard. "Hold it right there!"

The people of the arena started to clear out and were all abuzz with the memories of Connor's duel with Merlin dominating their minds. The two men of the hour were also heading out with Galahad, Kay and Malcolm following close behind. Merlin had never felt so sore and yet felt so happy to be sore before. Connor was also feeling a bit stiff but he seemed to be handling it a little better than he was.

"I feel like I was stuck in a raging tempest," Merlin said grabbing a hold of his back.

"Doesn't that seem like something I should say Merlin," said Connor. "If I recall you tried to surround me in one during our duel."

"I don't know how I'm supposed to ride all day feeling like this."

"That's no problem," said Kay behind him. "The healing post we have in the city has the best pain relieving concoctions this side of the lands. They have some powerful ones for ailing sores."

"Really?" said Merlin. He could use some fast relief.

"Malcolm, would you mind going to fetch a pair of them?" asked Connor.

"It's my pleasure. I'll meet you back at the manor."

He took off at a run while Kay and Galahad took a turn in the opposite way to the manor. Merlin noticed them and couldn't help wonder where they were going. Connor caught his gaze and knew what he was thinking. "Galahad and Kay are heading back into the forest for the patrol. It's almost time for them to organize the shift change and place it back on full guard. With the exhibitions today there were less than half the number of Order members on patrol out there. Some of them that drew the short straw to be on duty will be bummed about missing out on such a good show but that's life in a city; you always have to make sure that it's safe."

"I know the feeling," Merlin said quietly. "Well, after I get that medicine and change back into my clothes, I better meet back up with my friends to head on out. I-I had fun today Connor. I'll never forget it."

"You'll never forget it," he said incrediously. "I'll be the one to never forget it. That was the most challenging duel I've fought in years. Usually, I'm only that aggressive fighting for my life but it was so riveting to be able to feel that way and let it be just entertaining instead of life threatening."

Merlin agreed. He'd never used his magic like that before except when he was trying to protect others or himself. To do so just for pleasure was...liberating. He, for once, felt like what he was meant to be and he was grateful to Connor for giving him that chance to be.

Galahad and Kay were talking excitedly on the duel they had just witnessed themselves as they walked to get the patrol reorganized.

"It was incredible. The way that Merlin seemed to take Connor's attacks and answer with his own. I've never seen such an exciting duel of magic that didn't have our lives on the line," said Galahad grinning like a little kid.

"I know. I felt that Merlin was powerful but I never dreamed he was so skilled. I know for a fact that when it comes to elemental spells Connor can use those of water and earth on instinct without incantations and he's coming along with air nicely on a few points but Merlin seemed to use all four on instinct perfectly. It's unheard of."

"It's that rare?"

"Yes, Gwaine taught me that the four elements are among the most powerful of forces for sorcerers to call on and it takes years of skill and practice and talent to do so with just one of them. I worked long and hard just to be able to do so with air and I doubt I will be able to do so with another element anytime soon. Though for someone who studied magic instead of being having the gift naturally that itself is amazing. When Connor perfected two, I was astonished at his skill especially considering his age but Merlin is really something else. I've never seen one that was naturally gifted be so talented before. It's quite overwhelming when you think on it."

"Actually, with the way you just put it, it actually sounds a little scary. I'm certainly glad that Merlin is a kind hearted fellow."

Just then a ball of red fire flew into the sky from the direction of the forest.

"Was that an alerting shot?" asked Kay.

"I think it was...we better hurry."

They then took out at a run and flagged down as many of local patrolmen on the street that they met to follow them.

"Rhwygo a sarnu" Alvarr watched as his spell made King Arthur's bag spill out in front of the guard.

He along with Mordred were hiding in the brush observing the scene. Mordred was able to keep all the beasts in the forest away from them and they easily avoided the patrol which wasn't too hard because it was smaller than usual.

"Excellent," Mordred said as he saw the guard catch sight of the king's royal sword. "Let's intensify the guard's suspicion. "Cleddyfau tipio" He made the swords on two of Arthur's knights spill out into the guard's line of vision.

"This is truly brilliant Mordred," said Alvarr when he saw the guard turn his weapon on Arthur.

"Yes, with Arthur now exposed Emrys will now be placed in a tight spot. His loyalty towards his king and Camelot or his new loyalty towards Connor and the city of Albion? What will he choose? If he chooses Albion, then the Pendragons will no longer stand in our way. If he chooses Camelot and goes against Albion then all magic users, especially the druids loyal to his name, will see him for the traitor he truly is and will rally against him and Camelot. His name and destiny will be called out as a farce given Albion's respectable reputation. Even Connor would declare war if it meant to keep his precious Albion and it's people safe from Camelot's incoming wrath."

Alvarr nodded. "Speaking of their wrath, there is just one final thing to do...but first." He looked to the sky and extended his hand. "Esgyn tan coch!" He shot a ball of red fire into the sky. "That should bring the rest of the Order running."

"Yes, now let us go and bring the final step into play."

"What is the meaning of this?" Arthur asked as the guard pointed his weapon at him.

"Where did you get those swords?" he asked angrily.

"What's wrong?" asked Leon as he picked up his. "They are only our swords for protection"

"Those swords are Knights' swords from Camelot. I would know them anywhere. Any of us would know them." He tightened his grip on his pitchfork. "You're not going anywhere."

Arthur suddenly brought up his sword to disarm the guard but he held on to his weapon. Arthur struck at him again but the guard blocked it and made a jab at Arthur but he intercepted.

"Arthur!" Gwen shouted before the others all hopped off their horses and readied their swords.

Then another Order member came out of the trees. "Cliff, you called for_"

He then saw the guard and Arthur fighting and immediately drew his sword. He then shouted a spell which made Arthur fly off and land on his back a few feet away. Leon closed in on the sorcerer with his sword but he was ready to meet him. The first guard named Cliff then pointed his pitchfork at the rest and suddenly sparks appeared at the end. "Taro!." At his command, a bolt of lightning came out and struck at the ground towards the others from his weapon. They jumped out of the way as the bolt left a little crater around they had stood. The guard then pointed it directly at Gwaine and yelled the incantation again and Gwaine jumped and rolled away as the bolt struck a boulder that was directly behind him and split it in half.

"I thought you said you wasn't a sorcerer?" screamed Elyan as he readied his sword and charged him.

"I'm not," the guard said simply before he went and blocked a blow Elyan threw at him with his pitchfork.

Leon was handling the other sorcerer from the Order while Gwen ran to Arthur and tried to get him back on his feet with Percival and Gwaine in front of them. Just then there was some rustling and Sirs Galahad and Kay came onto the scene with six or seven Order members behind them.

Galahad saw two of his men guards fighting off two warriors with fine swords, very fine swords, very fine swords from a forge of Camelot belonging to their knights. The people of Albion should know this considering that he brought them one which was on display at the museum. It sight was one that brought haunting memories for many of them into mind. He also caught sight of Leon being one of the ones fighting and even caught sight of two people who he recognized as his childhood friends Elyan and Gwen. He narrowed his eyes at them and he clenched one of his hands at his side into a fist. "Enough!" he commanded. "Cliff, Jacen, to me!"

The two guards backed away from their opponents and went to stand with the others while Leon and Elyan went to stand with their friends. Leon stood in the front and once Arthur got to his feet he went to stand up next with him.

"Looks like we have some trespassers!" Galahad leered at him until Kay stepped up.

"I'll get them."

"No," he said putting an arm out to stop his advance. "I'll take care of them."

Kay looked at Galahad in the eye incrediously for a split second before he smiled and nodded. He then took a step back while Galahad took a step forward. "Drop your weapons, you are under arrest." His tone was low and hard and the warning was very clear.

"I think not," Arthur said not at all intimidated.

"Then you leave me no choice."

Leon stepped a step in front of Arthur. "Galahad, please stop. This isn't right."

"Stop? Stop you, yes. I think I will. And you're right, this isn't right. It isn't right that you could be here and desicrate the only place any of us truly have left." His men spread out behind him until they formed a solid line. Galahad then unsheathed his sword. A sword that Elyan and Gwen recognized as the very one their father made for him all those years ago.

"Galahad, you would use that sword and try to run us through with it."

Galahad raised his eyebrow. "Who ever said anything about me running anyone through?" He brought his sword back so that his right hand was touching his left shoulder joint. "Taro!" The blade then had a greenish glow before he made a dicing strike and a great gust of wind was brought from the blade and struck all six of them and made them all land on their backs while their weapons flew off ahead of them.

Once they were down and disarmed, Kay then outstretched his right arm and silently enchanted them to be hanging in the air. Once they were floating, the six guards they had flagged down unclipped rolled up bundles of rope at their sides and they flew off and wrapped around all six of them.

"Jacen!" yelled Galahad.

"Sir."

"Go to the manor and inform Lord Connor that we have captured some intruders."

"Yes sir." He then took off for the manor.

"Cliff gather those weapons up and we'll gather them."

Connor took the potion that Malcolm delivered to him while Merlin went and took his. "Wow," he said after drinking it. "I could feel it working already."

The three of them were in the meeting hall saying their goodbyes.

"The healers we have are the best anyway. Best in the works of medicine and magic to make the strongest and most powerful remedies around for all aches and ailments," said Connor with no small amount of pride.

"A good number of fields of magic are here and they all really come in handy for many things," said Malcolm. "Brigid's healing is still a work in progress but when it comes to building and rebuilding things she is an expert."

"With all these exquisite buildings all over the city I have to say that I'm not surprised," said Merlin feeling the potion run through his body and soothe every ache he carried little by little. "Well, I better go and change and meet up with my friends. I can't tell you what these last two days have been like. Thank you Connor."

"You'll be missed Merlin. I hope you decide for Albion in the end."

"Me too," Merlin said quietly as he went off for the living quarters..

"I like him," said Malcolm after they were alone.

"Me too," Connor said looking at the door Merlin just entered through.

Just then, a soldier from the Order burst in panting and hysterical. "Lord Connor...Master Malcolm..."

"Whoa Jacen, breathe," Connor said putting his hand up for him to stop. "Calm down." When he started to settle down a bit Connor nodded. "Good, now start over."

"My lord, we captured trespassers near the gorge. They possessed swords from Camelot's royal forges for the knights."

Connor gave the guard a double take and went to sit in his head chair behind him. Malcolm stared at the guard in complete shock. He felt anger that Camelot had penetrated his home but he also felt a chill go down his spine as well.

After a few moments, Galahad came through the doors with over half a dozen Order members including Kay bringing in a handful of people bound in ropes. Malcolm felt both blood rush to his head and goosebumps crawl everywhere else at the sight of the blond one at the head of the group. He went to sit down in a chair beside Connor. Connor caught sight of them as well and he immediately recognized the group. These were the trespassers?

"Galahad, what is the meaning of this?"

Galahad looked back from Connor to the prisoners. "You know them Connor?"

"Yes, these are Merlin's friends. He introduced us during the first night of the festival."

Kay was sure that he didn't hear that correctly. These were Merlin's friends? Galahad looked back at Arthur with a raised eyebrow but Arthur just looked down. "Oh, well my lord, allow me to properly introduce you then. I give you Arthur Pendragon, the King of Camelot and his Queen and four of his knights."

End of Chapter 14

A/N: Uh Oh. Busted. What does the future has in store for Albion and Camelot now? I hope you like the way that they were outed. It's part of my grand design. Looks like Merlin is going to have a lot of explaining to do in the near future huh. Why don't you all tell me how you think everyone will react to everything now? Also, I want to see if anyone could guess what Mordred and Alvarr's next move in this scheme will be.

Also, I tried some spells in welsh instead of latin. I heard that they were supposed to be that instead so I gave them a shot. Do you guys like the welsh or would you prefer I go back to latin?

Rhwygo a sarnu - Tear and spill

Cleddyfau tipio - Swords fly

Esgyn tan coch - Soaring red fire

Taro - strike