Hey guys! Sorry for the late update, school has been absolutely monstrous. But it's my last semester so it's only to be expected I suppose.

Thanks to Paralesky for taking the time to beta :)

o}O{o

Violent waves crashed upon the rocky shore, relentless with the sea's fury. The approaching storm went unnoticed by the white castle above even as the waves drowned everything in their path. A lone figure stood with its back to the storm, ignorant of the danger; a mere boy of eleven. The wind battered his cloak and rocked his thin frame, but still he stood between the storm and those she wished to claim.

The blue waves were closing in on the unwary boy and pooled threateningly around his feet. His boots were submerged and only then did he notice the danger. Then lightning flashed and the sea reared up like a great beast- she crashed over the guardian and dragged him under. For a moment, his white hand clawed above the water before it sunk below the waves and the boy sank down, down, down.

Morgana screamed as the blue of a sea poured into a woman's eyes.

o}O{o

Servants were bustling through an upper corridor in the halls of the castle, laden with belongings from the Mercian assembly. King Uther and King Bayard had met in the throne room and now the Mercians were being situated in their rooms. Sunlight brightened the pale halls but brought no optimism to Mordred who was busy hauling along two extremely heavy bags. He dragged them as gently as he could down the hall, keeping to the side so he wouldn't be in the way. Merlin however did not have the same concern and he walked without a care in the middle of the corridor, letting people try and avoid him. The child was without his cloak as he had been for the last several days and Mordred was convinced the boy had forsaken it because Arthur didn't wear one.

Mordred fought not to roll his eyes at how star struck Merlin was by the prince of Camelot. Merlin had even got over his fear of the knights so he could watch the training sessions, which the child was now fond of. And Mordred remembered with a flare of jealously that Arthur had gotten Merlin to stop picking his nose with only a few words whereas Mordred had tried a thousand times at least, but to no effect. It grated his nerves every time he thought of it.

But every time Mordred tried to indulge in a little fury with the prince, he'd move and felt the ache of his muscles from exercises and secret training sessions orchestrated by Arthur. Then his jealousy and anger would fade away until the next time Merlin hovered around Arthur like a puppy.

As if Mordred's thoughts summoned him, Merlin pranced in front of Mordred to block his path. The boy bit his lip and stared thoughtfully at the baggage the servant was dragging.

'No, Merlin. You can't help me,' Mordred called to the boy in his mind, anticipating Merlin's unlawful intentions.

Merlin gave him a chastising look but stepped aside. Mordred laughed and let go of one of the sacs to ruffle the boy's hair. Merlin grinned at him before smoothing his messy hair down. In the corner of his eye, Mordred spotted a figure moving towards them instead of around and he looked to see Gaius ambling forward.

"Hello, Gaius," Mordred grunted and gratefully straightened.

The physician smiled at him and opened his arm so Merlin could hug him. He ran his hand playfully through the boy's hair and regarded Mordred with amusement. "Hanging in there?"

Mordred gave him a sideways look. "Barely. But I suppose it is good exercise."

"Character building," Gaius spoke up cheerfully. "As the old proverb says, hard work breeds..." he thought for a moment and exclaimed, "a harder soul."

Mordred frowned. "Really?" Gaius nodded authoritatively. "I've never heard th-"

A Mercian maidservant walking by them suddenly tripped and lost the items she was carrying. "Sorry," she cried and scrambled to collect her things. "Excuse me."

Gaius sent Mordred a pointed look and the servant took the cue and crouched down to help the maidservant. He glanced up at the girl and was met with a large pair of blue eyes as deep as the sea. Mordred had never seen her before but she seemed familiar to him.

It was the odd sense of familiarity that prompted him to speak. "I'm Mordred," he introduced himself when they stood up. She had reclaimed the pillow and sheets she had dropped.

"Cara," she smiled prettily, "you're Arthur's servant. It must be such an honour."

Mordred nodded proudly. "Yes."

Cara smiled again at him and Mordred felt himself blushing. "Thank you, Mordred. It was nice meeting you." The maidservant walked away down the hall and Mordred cleared his throat.

Gaius was smiling wryly at him and Merlin stared after the maidservant with a curious set to his brow. "She was pretty," Gaius noted the blush still colouring Mordred's cheeks.

"She seemed familiar," Mordred mused to get Gaius off the subject.

The physician laughed. "Yes, I'm sure she did," he said indulgently. Gaius patted Merlin's head before walking away in the opposite direction of Cara. Mordred moodily grabbed the bags again as the physician's chuckles reached his ears. Merlin followed him after glancing uncertainly after the Mercian maidservant.

o}O{o

Merlin only paid minimal attention to Mordred and Arthur as the servant brought out some clothing from the deepest corner of the wardrobe. He himself was adventuring with one of his toy knights, Sir Arthur, and trying to find his lost dragon somewhere in the prince's chambers. He looked under the bed, in the fireplace, and behind the dressing screen but to no avail. Just as he was to explore the antechamber, the sudden smell of rotten food had him turning his wrinkled nose to the source.

Mordred had his arms extended as far as they could go as he lifted a crimson doublet. "This is disgusting," Mordred grimaced.

"Hmm," was Arthur's response as he eyed the shirt. He was standing with his hands on his hips waiting for Mordred to put it on him to see how it fit.

The boy gingerly walked to Arthur, placing the doublet on him with a pained expression. "It smells!"

"Yes, I'm aware of that," Arthur informed him.

"Why is it so dirty?" Mordred asked while dusting off the shoulders.

The prince's voice was distracted since he was inspecting the buttons. "Well there was a food fight," he answered as if Mordred should have known that.

Merlin didn't know how one could fight with food and neither did Mordred apparently because he looked at Arthur dubiously before letting the matter drop. He extricated Arthur out of the doublet and the prince seemed glad to be free of it.

"Be sure to polish the buttons," Arthur told him.

Merlin smiled as Mordred exchanged a look with him behind Arthur's back. He went to put the smelly shirt down as Arthur wandered behind the dressing screen.

Merlin was set to go back to playing before Arthur spoke. "Do you want to see what you'll be wearing tonight?" Came the prince's voice.

"I'll be going?" Mordred turned and asked the dressing screen. Merlin forgot about Sir Arthur's dragon and went to stand beside Mordred to wait for Arthur's answer.

"If I have to sit through Bayard's boring speeches, I don't see why you should get out of it. Besides, I need someone to make sure my cup doesn't run dry."

Mordred nodded agreeably, but when Arthur came out from behind the dressing screen he gaped in disbelief. There was a laugh somewhere buried inside Merlin upon seeing normal servant garb but with a gaudy cape and a great feathery hat.

"The official ceremonial robes of the servants of Camelot," Arthur announced smugly. He caught Merlin's eye and winked to the boy.

Mordred shook his head. "No"

The prince smirked pompously. "You don't get to say no," he stated in his I'm-the-prince voice.

"Gaius said I don't have to do anything that doesn't pertain to my duties," Mordred maintained obstinately.

Merlin could see Arthur's patience dwindle before the prince smiled at the outfit mischievously. "I'll let you use a sword next training session," he wheedled slowly.

The five year old boy grinned as Mordred's defiance crumbled away into dust.

o}O{o

Silence loomed in the ceremonial hall and all eyes were centered on the King of Mercia. The room was split in half, on one side sat knights of Camelot and the other, knights of Mercia. Bayard was conspicuous in his blue garb in the midst of King Uther and Prince Arthur, crouched over the treaty and the feather quill he was holding scratched on the paper as he began to sign it.

Mordred's attention was not wholly focused on the monumental occasion because of the distracted glances Gwen kept sending his way. He looked to the side unhappily and frowned at her.

The maidservant could not quite keep in a laugh. "Nice hat," she observed. Mordred glared up at the red and black feathers wilting down into his view. He was the only one in the ridiculous hat and garish cape. Gwen herself was wearing her normal clothes. Official ceremonial robes of the servants of Camelot his foot.

Mordred returned his attention to the two kings and found Prince Arthur looking back at him. His master nodded in amused approval so Mordred glowered at him. He felt marginally better when he saw Morgana glaring at the back of Arthur's head and the prince sending her an irritated look. The prince had immediately gotten an earful when Morgana had first seen Mordred.

King Uther was now signing the treaty but Mordred could barely stomach the sight of him so he casted his blue eyed gaze to the Mercian procession. There he caught the eye of Cara, the maidservant who had tripped earlier. She smiled at him and Mordred looked away before a flush could spread across his cheeks. He was horrified to know that she saw him in such a humiliating manner. The hat with the mass of feathers made his scalp itch uncomfortably.

Mordred's mortification was interrupted when applause rumbled throughout the hall. He looked up to see King Uther and King Bayard shaking hands, signalling their new friendship. Mordred used the distraction to shed the bright red cape under the table he was standing in front of. Uther retreated to his seat, not looking the least bit happy at his accomplishment. Bayard strolled forward between the tables, his dry voice carrying well through the hall.

"People of Camelot," he began benignly, "for a great many years we have been mortal enemies, and the blood of our men stains the ground from the walls of Camelot to the gates of Mercia. And though we remember those who have died, we must not allow any more to join them." A homely maidservant walked down the hall carrying a wooden chest in her arms, and Bayard turned towards it as she approached.

"As a symbol of our goodwill, and of our new found friendship, I present these ceremonial goblets to you, Uther," he declared and picked up a silver goblet and then the other. "And to your son, Arthur, in the hope that our friendship may last."

Movement caught Mordred's eye and he looked to where Cara was hurrying down the hall. All eyes were on King Bayard and no thought was paid to the maidservant. The stricken expression she was trying to hide was revealed to the young sorcerer as she glanced up at him. Unshed tears made her fearful eyes seem larger than they were. She glanced back to Bayard and practically fled the hall. Mordred's stomach twisted uncomfortably and after hesitating only a moment he followed her out, wrenching off his feathered hat as he did so. Gaius' and Morgana's suspicious gazes trailed unnoticed after him.

Mordred walked past the guards outside to turn into the nearest corridor. The pale light of the moon poured gently into the hall and Cara was staring nervously out one of the windows. When Mordred approached she jumped and backed away.

"What is it?" Mordred demanded. "Why are you crying?" It did not occur to him to be sympathetic to her fear in the face of his suspicion.

She breathed in anxiously. "It wasn't until I saw him give the goblet to Arthur that I realized," she rushed out with a shaky voice.

"What?"

"Two days ago, I was bringing Bayard his evening meal. We're supposed to knock. He didn't expect me to walk in," she whispered.

Mordred's pale eyes narrowed. "What did you see?" She glanced out the window in fear and Mordred stepped closer to her, "Cara, tell me!"

"I- he believes that if he kills Arthur, Uther's spirit will be broken and Camelot will fall," she told him, "Bayard put something in the goblet."

Mordred felt a wave of cold fear wash over him. "Poison?" he breathed.

Cara looked scared but she nodded her head.

Mordred wasted no time and sprinted back into the hall with his thoughts not quite sorted. As he ran he casted them aside, hanging on to only one thing. He was the Guardian; it was his duty to protect Merlin. And to protect Arthur.

When he burst back into the hall, Arthur was raising the goblet to his lips. "Stop!" Mordred shouted and his voice was high with fear. "It's poisoned!"

The prince started turning toward him in surprise and Mordred rushed to pry the goblet from his fingers. His heart was in his throat as he backed away.

"What?" Uther demanded darkly.

"Mordred, what are you doing?" asked Arthur harshly.

The boy backed away from the table and turned to King Bayard. His voice wanted to come out small but he forced himself to be heard throughout the hall. "King Bayard poisoned the goblet, he wants to kill Prince Arthur!"

"This is an outrage!" Bayard declared furiously and whipped out his sword.

Mordred stepped back as every knight in the hall mimicked Bayard. He was suddenly very glad that Merlin had not been allowed to come and was safe back in their room in Gaius' quarters. Alone but safe.

"Order your men to put down their swords," King Uther ordered Bayard. More of Camelot's guards rushed into the hall and lowered their spears threateningly. "You're outnumbered."

Bayard glanced at the spears before glaring at Uther. "I will not allow this insult to go unchallenged!"

"On what grounds do you base this accusation?" King Uther asked Mordred in a dangerously low tone.

"I'll handle this," Arthur stated and strode around the table as Mordred swallowed. "Mordred, you idiot," he angrily grabbed Mordred's shoulder and led him closer to the table. Morgana tried to catch Mordred's eye but he could not look at her. "Have you been sneaking some wine again?"

Uther placed his hands on the table and leaned forward and Mordred fought the urge to hide behind the prince. "Unless you want to be strung up, you will tell me why you think it's poisoned... now."

Mordred looked at the floor as he replied. "He was seen, your majesty."

"By whom?"

"A- a maidservant, my lord."

Bayard's voice cut them as he spoke. "I won't listen to this anymore."

Mordred winced as King Uther moved away from his seat and around the table. At the side of his chair, Gaius stared fearfully at his ward.

"Pass me the goblet," Uther said and Arthur gave it to him. The king strode slowly to Bayard and raised the chalice. "If you are telling the truth..."

"I am," Bayard assured.

"...Then you have nothing to fear, do you?"

The king of Mercia then sheathed his sword and motioned to the goblet. Uther watched him suspiciously before speaking. "No," the word was heavy between them, "If this does prove to be poisoned, I want the pleasure of killing you myself."

Uther's arm extended toward Mordred and the king looked back to regard the boy. "He'll drink it."

"No!" Morgana cried and rushed toward Mordred.

"But if it is poisoned, he'll die," Arthur stated loudly to his father.

"Then we'll know he was telling the truth," Uther said unwaveringly.

Mordred took the goblet before Morgana got to him and the lady froze as if she could stop Mordred from moving as well. He didn't think he could hate Uther more than he had, but the coldness brewing in his gut proved Mordred wrong.

"And what if he lives?" asked Bayard.

Uther lowered his hand and turned calmly to Bayard. "Then you have my apologies, and you can do with him as you will."

Gaius then burst out, "Uther, please! He's just a boy! He doesn't know what he's saying!"

The king's response was uncaring. "Then you should have schooled him better."

"Mordred, apologise," Arthur said immediately. "This is a mistake. I'll drink it."

The prince moved for the goblet in Mordred's fingers but the boy was quicker. He backed away and shook his head, images of Merlin and Arthur swimming in his head. "I'll drink it," he insisted tremulously.

Perhaps this was his destiny. He was guardian to Emrys and it was his duty to protect him alongside the Once and Future King so they could fulfill their own destinies. Perhaps he was no longer needed and it was Arthur's turn to take up the torch.

Mordred swallowed his tears as he raised the goblet. He would miss Merlin. His lip wobbled at the thought. Mordred suddenly glanced to Gaius and spoke to the physician with his mind. 'Take care of Merlin, Gaius,' he bid.

Before he could see Gaius' reaction, he turned to Arthur.

"Mordred, stop! Uther please," Morgana begged.

The boy offered Morgana a smile and then nodded to Arthur before taking a gulp from the silver goblet without another word before his courage failed him. His lip curled at the sour taste but nothing felt off to him. Once, Rolf had let him try a sip of some of the wine they had bought and Mordred remembered the awful taste. But this wine tasted no different to his tongue.

When nothing happened, he felt relief but also confusion. "I- I don't understand," he spoke to no one.

Morgana exhaled in relief as well as Gaius. The king sat down in his chair and waved his gloved hand to Bayard. "He's all yours."

Mordred swallowed nervously and then noticed a tension in his throat. He drew in a breath but not all of the air reached his lungs. Mordred's hand flew to his throat as it started to burn and black spots began to pepper his vision. The chalice fell from his fingers and clattered onto the ground loudly, drawing back the now panicked gaze of the prince. He coughed and stared fearfully at Arthur and tried to get air past his throat. Scorching pain blazed inside his stomach and Mordred sucked in one last frantic breath before the darkness claimed him.

o}O{o

The moon was pale in the shadowy sky, rising above the Forest of Ascetir. It shone through the trees, and the canopy allowed only some light to get through. The camp was dark and quiet, all eight figures not breathing a word. Instead of a fire being at the center of the group there sat a wide shallow basin, filled to the brim with still water. Splashes of light bounced off the surface onto the face of the man nearest it.

Emerald eyes gazed into the water, darkened by rage and fear. Isaac placed a hand on Selwyn's tense shoulder as they watched the scene play out in the basin. In it, a former member of their clan raised a chalice to his lips.

Selwyn tensed as the boy took a swallow and across from the druid, Rolf twitched forward. The auburn haired man was chewing on his thumb nail furiously. The rest of them weren't hiding their nerves much better save for Girvan who was as still as a statue.

Inside the scrying bowl, Mordred stood still as nothing happened. The druids allowed themselves to hope but a heartbeat later, Mordred started coughing. To the group's surprise, Selwyn remained still as Mordred collapsed onto the stone floor.

Brigitte vaulted up and stalked away to pace around them, her blonde braid swinging angrily behind her. Selwyn was not long after her and he strode away and left Larina, Rolf, Girvan, and Delma to peer into the scrying bowl. Isaac and Wynnfrith got up and followed the tallest druid.

"Selwyn!" Issac called before his brother could magic himself away.

He stopped and turned, levelling his brother with a glare. "I'm going," Selwyn spat.

"It wasn't Bayard who did this," Wynnfrith spoke up in a wavering voice. Her dark eyes were bright.

Isaac nodded and chewed on his lip. "She's right. Someone wants to start a war between Camelot and Mercia."

"Your point?" Selwyn growled impatiently.

"Be careful, Selwyn," Rolf called from the scrying bowl.

The red haired man nodded before closing his eyes and disappearing in a gale of wind. The image in scrying bowl faded away and left the druids in darkness.

o}O{o

First part done. And I didn't poison Merlin, because it had to be Mordred. The whole reason Nimueh poisoned Arthur's goblet in the show was that she knew Merlin would drink it and she thought of him as a threat. I know it seems as though Mordred is taking Merlin's place but for some things he has too. Besides I couldn't bring myself to poison a five year old lol. Uther may have done it but Bayard probably wouldn't.

Anyways, thank you so much for reading everyone, you guys rock! And stay tuned for the next chapter :)