PREVIOUSLY ON: MERLIN

There was sudden rustle behind them and both of Morgana and Guinevere were thrown backwards, heads colliding with the ground with enough force to knock them both out.

"Alvarr," she practically spat as he removed his hands from her hair. "Where the hell am I? And what the hell am I doing here?" She shut her eyes, trying to find the magic within her. She could feel but she could not release it.

"There's bracelet on your arm. It blocks your magic. It cannot come off, only by true loves' kiss and we both know that no one in their right mind could possibly love you."

To whoever this may concern,

Queen Guinevere and Morgana are safe at my camp. Follow the soldiers to our location tomorrow morning with the following items and we may consider giving Guinevere and Morgana back in one piece: 100 pieces of gold, 250 pieces of silver, 25 sharpened swords, 15 bows, 90 arrows. Meet me in the tent. You'll know which one.

Be there by noon or you'll find Guinevere and Morgana's heads instead.

"Goodbye witch."

And then he swung.

EPISODE SIX:

HIS DEMONS

Part 2

As your heart breaks in two, I will wait for you

When Merlin and Arthur found the camp by following the trail of dead bodies, they found it eerily empty around the outskirts of the camp. They followed the wore paths to the centre of the camp where a large crowd of people had gathered. None of them seemed to take any notice to the two men approaching, too enthralled with whatever was occurring at the centre of the crowd. Cautiously, the two men approached closer to the crowd to hear what was going on.

"Druids! Fellow rebels!" a low, gravelly voice proclaimed. Merlin and Arthur pressed forward, trying to glimpse at what was happening. Merlin saw between the shoulders and heads of the crowd a man with a greying beard and an aging face, looking at the crowd with his hands raised. A shoulder moved in Merlin's view and the man disappeared from his sight but his voice continued. "Today, two women kneel before you, mentally preparing to die." Arthur pushed through the crowds suddenly at his words, knowing that the two women were Morgana and Guinevere. The druids in the crowd were so engrossed the man's words that they didn't notice Arthur and Merlin pushing through the crowd. "They are charged with the crime of passiveness. For while we fight for freedom and justice, they stand in their velvet dresses pretending everything's okay." Arthur and Merlin stood a few rows back from the front, now able to see clearly what was happening. "This witch, Morgana Pendragon, is guilty of even more crimes: she fought for freedom and justice and then turned her back on us for the comfort of her brother." Merlin's hand clenched into a fist. Morgana had had the mental power to realize that she was doing the wrong thing and went back to the path of righteousness. She was no traitor, not anymore. "There is no other sentence for these women than death." The crowd cheered, hands raising in encouragement, making Arthur and Merlin's gut twist. Arthur stepped forward hand dropping to grip at his sword but Merlin grabbed him and held him back. "Any last words, filth?"

Morgana looked up at the man and her lips turned into a snarl. "You can kill us, but our legacy will live on, unlike yours. When Arthur finds out, you'll find yourself without a head."

The man laughed, then spat at her. It took all Merlin's willpower not to send the man flying back into the tree behind him. "Brave words, but not ones that can save you." He gestured to another man who had been standing off to the side, out of Merlin's view. "The man who passes the sentence is the man who must swing the axe."

Morgana was shoved to her knees in front of the chopping block and the grey haired man stepped forward, brandishing an axe, its edge gleaming in the light.

"Bow your head pretty girl," a rough voice snarled.

"Not to you, nor anyone else," Morgana snapped back, tilting her head upwards. Arthur and Merlin began pushing forward, knowing that they had a minimal amount of time to reach Morgana.

They breached the first row when the man said with a sick tone of pleasure, "Very well." He stepped closer to Morgana. "Goodbye witch." Arthur lunged forward, sword sliding from its sheath but it was too late.

And then he swung.

Time seemed to freeze as Merlin stepped forward, hands outstretched, his eyes turning to a golden hue. His eyes focused on the axe flying to Morgana's neck and with a single gesture of his arm, the axe flew from the man's hands and landed in the grass a few meters away. Merlin pushed his hands forward and all the men around Morgana and Guinevere flew back into the trees behind them.

Merlin rushed forward as the sounds of shock from the crowd began to erupt. The men that were thrown back were coming to their senses as Merlin stopped on his knees where Morgana knelt.

"Merlin?!" Morgana exclaimed in shock and relief.

He met her eyes, relieved to see life in them, and gave a slight smile. "I wasn't going to let you die." He grabbed the knife at his belt and proceeded to cut the ropes binding Morgana's hands.

"You need to untie Gwen," Morgana said hastily as she stood and took a few quick paces to where Guinevere was looking too shocked to speak. Morgana knelt beside the queen, gesturing for the knife which Merlin gladly gave over. The crowd was muttering among themselves unsure what to do. Morgana cut the ropes and helped Guinevere to her feet. "Come on, Gwen. Arthur's here."

"Arthur," Guinevere whispered, looking past Merlin and Morgana to see Arthur at the front of the crowd, staring at Merlin in shock.

"Get them!" the man that had attempted to execute Morgana screamed, pointing a finger at the four of them and standing up.

"We need to go!" Merlin exclaimed, gently pushing Guinevere to Arthur who pulled his wife into his arms.

"Morgana!"

They turned to see Alvarr standing, sword in his hand. He smirked. "Leaving so soon?"

Morgana stepped forward to Alvarr, grabbing the sword out of the scabbard that hung at Merlin's belt with lightning speed. "I'm going to gut you." She raised her hand, but Merlin grabbed her arm and pulled her back behind him.

"Not now."

"Oh look, the valiant manservant," Alvarr sneered. The Druids had begun to rally, realizing that the King of Camelot was in their midst.

"I don't expect scum like you to understand honour," Merlin replied. "Now, if you'll excuse us. Goodbye." They turned to leave only to find their way blocked by a group of Druids looking very angry. A girl stood at the head of the pack, arms crossed.

"Not so fast," she said and Alvarr laughed in the background.

Suddenly, a horn blew in the distance and battle cries broke out all around them. Men and women flooded the camp, wielding swords and shields. They slashed open the tents and went inside to loot. Chaos broke out around the camp as magic spells were shouted and the clash of steel rang. The woman who had stood in their path had gone off to join the fray. Arthur and Guinevere clung to each other.

"We need to help them!" Morgana told them over the noise of battle.

"This is not our fight," Arthur growled. "But it is yours," and he turned to Merlin giving him the most angry and yet betrayed look ever. "You're a warlock."

"Arthur," Merlin laughed nervously. "You didn't—"

"I know what I saw!" Arthur stepped forward threateningly but Guinevere placed a hand on his chest.

"Arthur, this is neither the time nor place for this," Guinevere reminded him gently but firmly.

Arthur touched Guinevere's hand and pushed it off him gently. "No, I think this is a perfect time to do this," he bit out angrily. He spread out his arms. "So, when were you going to tell me?"

"Arthur—" Merlin stepped forward.

"Don't 'Arthur' me! I'm sick of being lied to Merlin. The ones I trust the most always harbour the deepest of secrets," he said disdainfully. "But you Merlin…I thought I could trust you. I thought…" Arthur's eyes swept over Merlin's body, looking as though he hardly recognized the man in front of him. "I thought I knew you. I thought you were my friend."

"I am Arthur!" Merlin exclaimed desperately, tears beginning to come to his eyes. The way Arthur looked at him now, it was as though he was looking at a stranger. "I have magic, yes, but I used it for you! Only for you."

Arthur stepped back, hand gripping at his sword so hard that his knuckles turned white. He shook his head softly.

"Arthur?" Guinevere asked softly. She had seen what Merlin had done but she wasn't angry at him. She understood why Merlin had hidden his secret, there was always something odd about him that she just couldn't place. Now, she knew and she felt betrayed that she had to find out and that Merlin wouldn't tell her, any of them. "Merlin has his reasons for hiding his secret. You need to understand that."

"I thought we were friends!" Arthur exclaimed bitterly. "I thought you trusted me."

"I do Arthur—"

"Well you have a funny way of showing it," Arthur cut in sardonically.

"Please Arthur," Morgana finally stepped in. The battle was about to die down and she didn't want to be near the camp for the aftermath. She had been just as angry at Merlin when he had revealed his magic to her but she had forgiven him and come to accords with his reasons for keeping it from her. "Arthur, I know how you're feeling right now. You feel as though you don't even know Merlin. We can settle this in Camelot but now, we need to go."

"How would you know how I feel?" Arthur glared at her, then realization hit him. "You knew. You knew." He pinned Merlin with a heated stare. "You told her and not me. I…" He trailed off and put his hands to his face in frustration and anger. Finally he managed to collect his thoughts. "Leave me."

"Arthur!" Guinevere exclaimed.

Merlin was now openly crying, his lips trembling in sadness at how his friend was treating him. "Arthur—"

Arthur pointed his finger behind. "I don't care where you go but I just need you to leave."

Merlin stepped back as if struck, wiping away his tears. The battle had completely died down and it seemed like the group of Druids who had tried to execute Morgana and Guinevere were retreating from their camp, led by Ruadan and Kara. Yet some like Alvarr remained to put in a final effort but they were quickly cut down. The remaining Druids quickly realized they were finished and fled, along with Alvarr.

Merlin nodded, his expression nothing but hurt. He turned and left the camp and disappeared out of sight.

"Arthur—" Guinevere started.

"Please, just leave me in peace," Arthur replied and went to sit down by a tree, head in his hands.

"Excuse me," came a soft, gentle voice. A man approached them. He had dark brown hair that fell over half of his forehead. His baby blue eyes were soft and smiling. He had a bit of stubble above his lips and he wore a sword at his belt. "You are Queen Guinevere?"

"Yes," Guinevere replied. "Who are you?"

The man bowed. "My name is Gilli. We are Druids. We attacked this camp because we are trying to stop the Rebel Druids."

"Rebel Druids?" Morgana asked.

"A few months ago the Druids were forced to take sides. Ruadan, the man that attempted to execute you, along with other Druids, left to form a new group of Druids dedicated to free the magic users, by any means necessary. We tried to negotiate with them peacefully but failed. We've had to capture the Rebels and hopefully change their mind."

"Has it been working?"

"No, the Rebels are stubborn and believe in their cause," Gilli sighed. "I apologize, you have been through a terrible ordeal. I will have a tent set aside for you. We are currently taking care of the injured and securing the prisoners but we will have supper for you later."

Morgana smiled at the man's politeness and hospitality. "Thank you, Gilli. If you need any help with the injured, we would be glad to help."

Gilli bowed. "I will let you know if any help is needed but for now, rest." He turned and left, his brown vest hanging off his narrow shoulders.

Arthur was still sitting against the tree, his shoulders stooped forward and his elbow resting on his raised knee. He stared off into the distance, ignoring the sounds of the injured and seemingly entranced with a certain leaf hanging off a branch in the distance.

"You knew?" Guinevere asked finally.

"Merlin revealed himself the night I ran away from Camelot," Morgana replied. "I wanted to tear his throat out. But after that subsided, I felt betrayed. He hadn't trusted me and that's what hurt the most. I know how Arthur's feeling. Give him some time." Morgana's expression turned sympathetic. "What about you?"

"I guess I knew. All those times when Arthur managed to cheat death, Merlin was always there," Guinevere told Morgana. "I just wish he had told us."

"I think we all wish he had told us," Morgana spoke.

"We need to get back Camelot as soon as possible," Guinevere reminded her.

"I know but I don't think Arthur's ready to do anything yet."

"Let's go see if we can help. Your magic hasn't returned yet, has it?"

"Unfortunately not. Don't worry, I know how to bind a wound without magic," Morgana attempted a smile, but somehow it seemed out of place. They had narrowly escaped death, in all truth, they should be celebrating their victory. Yet, with Merlin and Arthur's relationship torn, the celebration mood quickly faded into brooding. Helping others would put their mind from the events of the day, but soon they would all have to face the gravity of the situation.

Arthur leaned his head against his hand as his mind churned. How could Merlin do this to him? Why had he pretended to be his friend, knowing that in the future this day would happen? Why had he even bothered? There were so many questions surrounding the man who had seemed to be nothing more than a loyal friend.

Arthur had never been one for emotions. All the feelings could easily be pushed aside just by swinging his blade. But there was no way to rid himself of these emotions, aside from forcing him to deal with them.

His emotions oscillated between rage, betrayal and confusion. Merlin had always seemed to be an open book, too innocent to hide anything as deep as he had. Arthur thought he could catch Merlin in a lie easily but it seemed that Arthur had ignored the fact that Merlin's whole life was a lie to him.

When Arthur hadn't been teasing Merlin or forcing him to do chores, what activities did Merlin do in his room? Did he practice enchantments? Arthur could almost imagine Merlin bent over a worn book, muttering incantations under his breath, those blue eyes turning to a horrible golden hue. What sort of mischief did Merlin find himself in when he wasn't with Arthur?

Merlin was a completely different person to Arthur now. He felt as though there was nothing about Merlin that he knew for absolute certain. What lies had Merlin told him? How could Arthur ever trust him again?

Arthur may have been a bully when he was still young and unaware of the horrors of the world. He had been naïve to the fact that he was a very small person he a big world. Arthur had changed to be a kinder, better man but even back than he had one promise that he would never break. Always tell the truth. Despite the abuse he had inflicted to others, he had never been able to fake his innocence. The truth always seemed to rush out.

And so when Arthur saw Merlin's eyes glow that horrible golden colour and watched in awe as the axe flew from the executioner's hands, the first thought which flooded into his mind was that Merlin had lied to his face since the moment Arthur had met him. His thoughts quickly turned to rage as he struggled to control the hurt inside him. It hurt to know that his so-called best friend had kept such a big secret from him, obviously with no intentions of telling him. Out of all the betrayals he had experienced, this was the worst.

What had he done that made Merlin so untrusting of him? Where had he gone wrong? Perhaps his temper had been quick, he had not let Merlin explain himself, and if he was ever to get the answers to his questions, he would have to tolerate being in Merlin's presence. But not now, not yet. The betrayal was still fresh in his mind.

When Merlin's legs had given out from beneath him and he collapsed under the safe haven of an arching tree, he sat there huffing and puffing until his heart rate returned to normal. His legs were sore from running but it was his heart that hurt the most. He slowly stood after regaining his breath, putting his emotions aside for a moment. He needed to go somewhere, not back to Camelot, he couldn't face the knights but somewhere safe. His mind instantly went to one place where had always felt accepted. Home. Ealdor. It took all his energy to perform a simple transportation spell and he found himself on the outskirts of Ealdor.

Puffs of smoke rose from the small huts before disappearing into the air. The small village seemed quiet today but then again, nothing really happened in Ealdor. Merlin made his way to his old house which looked the same as it always had. Nothing was special about it except for the memories that Merlin kept there. It was there that Merlin had discovered as a young boy that he was a very different from other boys and girls. Merlin knocked on the door, waiting for his mother to answer.

"I'm coming," his mother called from within. The door swung open to reveal an older, but with the same upbeat smile, Hunith, perhaps with a more grey hairs. Her expression changed to shock and excitement when she saw her son standing in front of her. "Merlin!"

"Hello mother," Merlin replied, attempting to smile.

Her face dropped, hearing the tone of dismay in her son's voice. "My dear, what happened?"

His mother's grey eyes were so caring and warm. He could practically feel the concern radiating off her. It pushed him to the edge and he basically collapsed into his mother's arms. She wrapped her arms around him as she had done when he was a young boy and let him cry into her shoulder.

The world seemed to listen to his weeping and the chirping of the birds stopped for those moments. The wind died down and the rain held off for a few moments. Then like a flood, rain drops fell from the sky, pounding a steady beat. Nature seemed to reflect Merlin's emotions as he clutched at his mother, his only lifeline is this moment.

The life that he had built on a lie had collapsed in front of him. All the years he had spent trying to build a good life had been chopped down in a matter of minutes. All the lives he had saved meant nothing to Arthur. He couldn't even look Merlin in the face.

Finally after his shuddering and shaking subsided, he pulled away still holding on to his mother's shoulders and smiled. "Thank you."

"Anything for you, my son," she smiled back, the smile reaching her face unlike Merlin's. "Come inside and warm up."

Merlin and his mother entered the hut. Merlin sat down on one of the chairs, finding a blankets and wrapping it around him. A few minutes later, his mother came back with a cup of steaming water. Never had Merlin felt so cold. She pulled up her own chair and sat beside him, her small hand holding his rough calloused one.

"What happened Merlin?"

"Arthur found out about my magic."

"I take it that it didn't go so well?"

"He looked at my with such pain and betrayal in his face. Gods, it haunts my mind like a ghost," Merlin told her. "I cannot go back. Not if I have to see that expression of distrust and dislike on his face everyday."

"Arthur will see sense," Hunith reassured him. "Just give him time."

"How can I fulfil my destiny if I am not at his side?"

"Perhaps this is what destiny planned. If you two get over this wall, then nothing can tear you apart."

Merlin scoffed, "If we get over this. Arthur does not forgive quickly, especially not a betrayal like this."

"You are his best friend, Merlin."

"Not anymore," Merlin shook his head. "He looked at me as if he didn't know me anymore."

"I don't know what else to say my son, except to wait and hope."

"I feel as if there is no hope."

"There is always hope, my son."

Gilli, Morgana and Guinevere sat around a crackling fire. The camp was relatively silent as most had gone to bed early. The battle had taken up much of their energy. Gilli reported that they had thankfully lost none to wounds and that all were healed. Arthur had refused to eat and had, around the time the sun went down, left to go into the tent he and Guinevere would share. Morgana had insisted she set up her own single person tent.

"Did you live in Camelot at a time Gili?" Guinevere asked, breaking the silence.

"I did not live there, my lady," he replied. "I participated in a tourney once."

"Really? You were a knight?"

"No, my lady, I was in a tourney that had no rules; anyone could enter," Gilli told her.

"Did you win?"

"No, I nearly killed Uther though," Gilli answered calmly.

Morgana looked up sharply at that comment. "You didn't though obviously?"

"No, Merlin convinced me that it would be the wrong turn to take."

"Merlin?"

"Yes, he told me of his magic. When the fire lit in his palm," Gilli turned away from Morgana's betrayed face to the rising flames, "I felt as though wasn't so alone."

"He told you?" Morgana said in a hurt voice.

Realization hit Gilli. "He never told you."

"Not until a few months ago," Morgana replied bitterly.

"Perhaps, telling me was his way of redeeming himself," Gilli suggested.

Morgana sighed. She couldn't get mad at Merlin. This incident had happened years ago, she need to focus on the present. "Yes, perhaps." But she would have to confront him about it.

"I'm assuming Merlin was the one who saved you from the axe?"

"He did."

"We tried to get here as fast as we could with as many fighters as possible. Thankfully Merlin was here."

"He's always been there," Guinevere spoke sullenly. "When all odds seemed to be against us and we managed to survive, Merlin was there. When magic seemed as though it couldn't be stopped, it was stopped by Merlin. He used magic to do good, right under Arthur's nose." She paused. "Arthur's made a mistake. He needs to know Merlin's been saving Camelot for years!" She stood up hastily but Morgana grabbed her wrist.

"I think Arthur just needs to be left alone," she told her friend empathetically. "Besides, tomorrow is a new day."

The moon had decided to hide behind the clouds, which had quit weeping. The wind howled through the trees as Merlin ran through the forest away from Ealdor. He stopped in a clearing before lifting his head to the skies and yelling, "O drakon, e mala soi ftengometh tesd'hup anankes! Erkheo!"

The dragons appeared after a few minutes, their wings flapping up and down as they spotted Merlin as a small speck on the ground before landing with a large thump. Aithusa had grown considerably and was about half the size of Kilgharrah. She looked far more healthy than when he had last seen her. When she landed, she trotted over to Merlin and nuzzled his side, seemingly happy to see him.

"Have you been having fun Aithusa?" he asked, happy to see the younger dragon again.

Yes, Kilgharrah has been teaching me a lot. Soon I'll be able to talk out loud, Aithusa replied happily.

"That is good," Merlin smiled before turning to the older dragon. "Aithusa, could you go find us some fresh meat while Kilgharrah and I speak."

Alright!

"She loves hunting," Kilgharrah told Merlin after she had left.

"Arthur knows," Merlin said, his voice rising a bit. "He knows, and he hates me for it."

Kilgharrah's voice seemed angry. "What have you done?"

"I saved Morgana's life!" Merlin exclaimed. "I saved her from the axe and Arthur saw me."

"How could you have been so foolish? You have put your destiny at risk," Kilgharrah scolded.

"I'm so sick of destiny, Kilgharrah! I've been trying to fulfil my destiny since you've told me of it. But this, losing Arthur as a friend; I don't know how this is supposed to be part of my destiny."

There was silence between them and Aithusa came running back, a bloodied deer in her jaws. She dropped it at Kilgharrah's feet, looking up at him with pride. Seeing Aithusa seemed to calm Kilgharrah down and his eyes softened.

"I don't know what to say. You must rectify this before you lose Arthur and your destiny forever," Kilgharrah spoke before flying away with Aithusa, the deer still in her jaws.

Merlin sighed. He is right. If I do not talk to Arthur soon, I may lose him forever.

That night, Merlin teleported himself back to the Druid camp that Morgana and Guinevere had been held at, hoping that they were still there. He stayed on the outskirts of the camp, keeping his breathing regulated and his footsteps soft. He only wanted one person to know he was there. Soon, after reaching out to her in his mind, he heard her footsteps come towards him. She was wearing a plain nightgown and her dark hair was pushed off to one side, revealing her ivory skin.

"Morgana—"

"You told Gilli about your magic but not me." It wasn't a question.

"Gilli?"

"He leads a group of Druids dedicated to trying to stop the Rebel Druids, led by Ruadan and Alvarr," Morgana told him quickly. "Why him?"

Merlin's shoulders dropped. "It was my way of redeeming myself after not telling you. I thought… I could change the course he was on and I did. I only wish I had the courage to tell you sooner."

Morgana stared at him for a long time, contemplating whether forgiving him or holding a grudge. In the end, she settled on forgiving him. She could not live in the past forever. "Why are you here?"

"I need to talk to Arthur—"

"Merlin…"

"Not now! I mean, when he's ready to see me again. Tell him I'm staying in Ealdor. I want his forgiveness but only if he is ready to forgive me."

"You may have to wait for a while."

"I'll wait as long as it takes to get my best friend back."

Hello! Hope you liked this chapter. Hopefully, I did the reveal justice. In the next chapter, that subject will be addressed between the two of them. I'm going away to a camp for two weeks but I will take a notebook to maybe work on the next chapter. Thanks for all the support! Please leave a review :)

~Fiery