Arthur's useless toad of a manservant was missing. Again.
It was becoming unfortunately common for Merlin to disappear at the most inconvenient of times, it was a wonder Arthur hadn't sacked him. Though part of him was secretly appalled at the very idea.
Merlin hadn't been his usual annoying self since the Witchfinder accused him and Gaius of being sorcerers. Which was understandable but Arthur was starting to miss his usual blabbering which provided a welcome distraction from the tedium of court life.
But presently there was a mythical creature rampaging through one of the outlying villages and no previous attempts to fell the beast had succeeded. Arthur was being sent out by his father to deal with the beast. He'd gone to his chambers to inform Merlin but his manservant was nowhere to be found. So instead of preparing to leave like he was supposed to, he was searching the castle for the useless fool.
Arthur spent longer looking for Merlin than he'd care to admit before he begrudgingly returned to his chambers empty-handed to begin packing by himself.
When Merlin finally stumbled into the room Arthur was almost ready to go so he was more than a little irritated by Merlin's belated appearance.
"And where the hell have you been?"
He had that stupid confused look on his face again. Like he couldn't possibly fathom what he'd done wrong this time. Arthur thought it only right that he reminded him.
"I was collecting your new dagger from the blacksmith as you asked! And then I had to go and get your freshly polished armour so we're ready to ride out. Then Gauis wanted me to-"
"That's quite enough Merlin! Because of you, we're going to be late riding out, who knows how many villagers will have died because of your tardiness."
Merlin at least had the decency to look sheepish.
The beast in question had been identified by Gaius as a Jaculus. A serpent-like creature with wings that hid in trees and waited for people or animals passing underneath to attack. But this one had gotten brave. It had been hiding in the roof of one family's home and had slaughtered them in their sleep before making its way through the rest of the village.
The villagers had attempted to kill the beast but their weapons had had no effect, nor had the attempts from the knights of Camelot.
Arthur had taken a few knights with him at Uther's request, in the hopes they'd be more successful this time.
They corralled the beast away from the village and to an open clearing, free from trees or buildings in which the beast could elude them. The beast lashed out at them with claws and teeth, keeping them at bay with tail and wings.
Swords became useless as they could not get close enough, lances and arrows went hurtling through the air in the hopes of piercing its scaly hide. But to no effect. Arthur lost sight of Merlin in the chaos as knights and weapons went flying, the sound of chain mail a roar in the once quiet clearing.
Arthur hurled his new dagger at the jaculus in a last-ditch attempt to quell the creature. By some miracle not only did the dagger hit true, but it also managed to fell the beast.
The sound of celebration and relief rang out from the knights. But their relief was short-lived as a swarm of bandits descended upon them. Today really wasn't Arthur's day.
It transpired that the bandits had trained the jaculus to invade people's homes and kill the occupants so the bandits could come in and raid the houses. Not that that information was much help in their current predicament against an angry hoard of bandits.
The knights were outnumbered three to one, not that that was much of an issue considering the bandits' status as uncoordinated and unskilled. Arthur sliced through the bandits with practised efficiency as his knights followed his lead. A stray root conveniently tripped an unfortunate bandit here and there.
Arthur's eyes darted around the clearing searching for Merlin as he fought off two bandits. The idiot was probably cowering behind a tree somewhere. He finally caught sight of him facing off against his own bandit, swordless. Arthur turned back to the bandits he was facing, catching one off guard, he turned back to Merlin before dealing with the last. He turned just in time for him to catch Merlin's eyes flaring gold, after muttering something unheard under his breath, and the resulting falling branch that crushed his own bandit.
Magic.
Sorcery.
Traitor.
The words quickly filled his mind, distracting him from the bandit in front of him, who managed to nick his arm. Mumbling a curse he returned to the moment, he could deal with Merlin later.
Perhaps he was mistaken anyway. There was no use making hasty judgments, he must collect evidence first, the strategic part of his mind whispered. The other part screamed loudly in protest, he was a traitor to Camelot and should be disposed of immediately and without hesitation.
Neither mattered right now, they had to deal with bandits first.
The journey back to Camelot was uneventful but he could not rid himself of the image of Merlin practising magic. Had he been harbouring a sorcerer all these years? No. Surely that couldn't be true. His father always said magic was evil, if that were the case Merlin had had plenty of opportunities to kill him or even the king. But he hadn't. He wasn't ignorant enough to ignore the number of times Merlin had acted on the contrary - saving him rather than forsaking him - despite what he told his manservant.
Perhaps he was mistaken. Perhaps it hadn't been sorcery. Or perhaps Merlin had been enchanted or under some kind of thrall. Perhaps it was a trick of the light. Perhaps. Perhaps. Perhaps. Explanations and excuses of every nature flew through his mind.
Arthur ignored Merlin's jabbering as they marched through the castle's corridors, each word a jolting reminder of his treachery. Potential. Potential treachery, he corrected. He updated his father on the outcome of their quest before returning to his quarters. Irritated and more than a little afraid he sent Merlin packing with a list of chores longer than his arm, allowing him the peace and quiet he required to make his judgements.
He came to no conclusion that day. Or the next. Part of him argued that he'd waited too long to tell the king now, he might as well gather the evidence he needed instead. He ignored the voice that sounded eerily like his father that screamed and revolted at this decision, but he knew in his heart he owed it to Merlin, no other course of action would be as honourable.
Over the coming days, Arthur watched Merlin. Watched him for signs of treachery. Watched him for signs of magic. Watched him in an attempt to discern his true intent.
He couldn't say he wasn't fearful of what Merlin might do, especially if caught, because he was, magic was dangerous after all. He found himself flinching away from him at times, caught the hurt and confusion that flashed across Merlin's face in those moments.
After weeks of observing his manservant, he'd ruled out enchantment and thrall. Merlin used magic incessantly. Used it to warm his bathwater, to keep his food warm, to start a fire, to clean his clothes, to dart out of the way of objects Arthur threw at him, to keep Arthur safe from objects that flew at him and for well pretty much every single one of his chores and duties. Surprisingly, he noted, Merlin never used it when repairing or caring for his armour or sword - which were always gleaming and perfectly cared for - the very things that ensured Arthur's safety, were free of magic.
And yet he still couldn't find it in himself to believe that Merlin didn't have ill intent.
He was sitting in the garden, on a rare free afternoon, pondering. He still hadn't ascertained Merlin's motives. Still didn't understand why Merlin was risking execution by flaunting his magic so in a place like Camelot that killed sorcerers.
"Sire?" A voice interrupted.
Arthur turned to face the voice.
"Sir Leon." Arthur returned.
Leon shuffled on the spot for a moment, seeming to struggle to find the words to say. A rare occurrence for his most trusted knight.
"Out with it Leon."
"You've been distracted, my Lord. Ever since our encounter with the jaculus, is something troubling you?"
Arthur turned away from his knight, looking out at the garden before him. Uncertain as to whether or not he should share his burden and risk Merlin's life. But Leon knew him well enough to distinguish between truth and lie, he had, after all, spotted his change in behaviour.
"I suppose there is."
Leon sat in the grass beside him as he considered this answer.
"And I suppose you cannot share it?" Came the ever astute reply.
"No, I cannot."
The two of them sat in companionable silence for a moment, staring out at the view before them, neither meeting the other's gaze.
"Is it about Merlin?" Leon hazarded.
Arthur's heart near stopped for fear. Did Leon know? He would have no choice but to execute Merlin if his secret was known.
"Why would you say that?"
"He has magic," Leon mumbled to the grassy carpet beneath them, almost too quiet for Arthur to catch.
Arthur spun round to face him, mouth agape.
"You knew!?" The words sounding like an accusation even to his own ears.
Leon shook his head immediately in denial.
"Never for certain. But have you never thought it odd, my Lord? The prevalence of well-timed falling branches when he accompanies us? For a time I feared that Camelot was overrun with termites and I myself might be a victim to them at any point. But it never happened. The knights think Merlin a good luck charm; more men return home when he travels with us. It has never been suggested, but the idea that Merlin has magic and uses it to protect us - you - has always been there."
Arthur struggles to grapple with this new information, the new perspective it brings to his quandary.
"And you never said?"
Leon swallowed nervously, still not meeting his gaze.
"It wasn't my place." He finally met Arthur's eye, "Merlin has never acted maliciously, and I will not see him die for that."
Arthur stared incredulously at his most faithful knight, who brushed himself off as he stood, now that his threat had been delivered.
"I didn't realise you felt that way about him, Leon." Aiming for teasing but too croaky to have completely made the mark.
Leon smiled wanly.
"Merlin's a good friend. To you too Arthur, don't forget that."
Turning on his heel, Leon left him alone with his thoughts once more.
It had been several days since he'd spoken to Leon about his predicament. And he was still battling with himself on what to do. On the one hand, everything Leon said was true, was evident in Merlin's use of magic. But the fact that was hard to ignore, was that magic was illegal. His father had taught him that magic corrupted the soul even innocuous uses could eventually lead to the use of darker magic. Magic that threatened the very heart of Camelot. And he could not ignore that. Especially not with how often Merlin used magic.
He'd considered confronting Merlin many times but he could not say for certain how Merlin might react. He might lash out and harm Arthur. It wasn't an exaggeration. Magic was outlawed, he could even consider it self defence.
Part of him argued that he was a coward, afraid of change, afraid of confirming what he already knew.
He knew he'd been distracted lately - consumed by the dilemma that Merlin presented - tried to focus when it counted. Never gave his father reason to believe that he wasn't fit for kingship. Not so soon after the Catrina debacle. But the rest of the time? His mind was elsewhere that could not be reached. Going over the last year in his mind. All those impossible escapes, all those situations Gaius had been certain could only be dealt with through the use of magic, all those little moments that hadn't quite made sense now suddenly did.
Consumed in his thoughts he didn't spot Gwen walking down the corridor towards him nor how close he was to her. Suddenly, without warning he found himself tumbling to the ground as the two of them collided.
"My lord!" Guinevere exclaimed, dusting herself off.
"Sorry Guinevere, I wasn't looking where I was going." He apologised, helping her collect the sheets she'd dropped on impact.
"Well obviously." She chuckled. "I know you're worried about Merlin, if I had been able to see over these sheets I would have tried to avoid you." She said simply.
"How do you know that?" He frowned.
"Leon may have mentioned it."
She was avoiding his gaze now, fretting over the sheets to avoid her sheepish expression from him.
"I wasn't aware you two spoke."
"My mother worked in his household, we practically grew up together. I was supposed to follow in my mother's footsteps before I came to work for Lady Morgana."
"Of course."
How could he have forgotten that? He'd known that and yet he'd been so consumed by his Merlin dilemma that he'd forgotten everything that wasn't it, training or council. It was getting out of hand.
And yet he still couldn't stop the next words that tumbled out of his mouth.
"Did… Did Leon tell you why I was worried?" He was aiming for casual but the fitful way he shifted from foot to foot probably betrayed his true feelings on the matter.
Gwen was hesitant to answer.
"In a way…"
"Meaning?" Arthur prodded.
Gwen shuffled the sheets in her arms, not meeting his gaze.
"He didn't have to. There are few things we talk about where Merlin is concerned." She answered diplomatically.
"You know about the-"
"Yes." Gwen snapped, stopping him from exposing Merlin's secret in such a public place as she finally met his gaze with a steely glare. "Though this is hardly the place to discuss it. You can wait for me in Morgana's room for me to drop these off if you must discuss it."
Arthur was suddenly hesitant to accept her offer now. He wanted council on this but after Gwen's fierce display of loyalty, he wasn't so sure he should.
Gwen's face softened.
"Merlin is my friend, I don't wish to see him hurt. Especially not after all that happened with Aredian."
"I understand your concern, I don't wish Merlin any harm."
And as he said the words he realised just how true they were. It was, after all, why he'd debated the topic for so long instead of doing what his father had trained him to do upon encountering a sorcerer. But the question still remained, what was he supposed to do now that he knew? Surely, Merlin couldn't stay in Camelot. The very thought of Merlin being executed filled him with dread. No. But perhaps exile? Send him back to Ealdor where he would be safe.
Ealdor… The magical winds… Merlin trying to confide in him… Will outing himself as a sorcerer…
Could it be that Will had taken the fall for Merlin? And Arthur had stood at his funeral pyre and condemned the man that had saved his life and Merlin's oldest friend…
Whatever he decided about Merlin's fate, at the very least would have to include an apology.
"I'm glad to hear that." Gwen sighed with relief, and Arthur briefly wondered how long this had played on her mind for. "I won't be long." She told him as she disappeared with the sheets.
Arthur stood in the corridor for several moments just considering everything for a moment before he turned in the direction of Morgana's chambers, his earlier destination forgotten.
Morgana was her usual nosey self when he'd informed her that Gwen had told him to wait for her here. Though her general manner had been fairly subdued for a while now. If he was pressed to think about it, he'd probably pinpoint the start of the change in Morgana on the night of the fire. And Arthur was starting to think about a lot of things more closely these days. He'd brushed far too many things off as nothing of consequence and was so slowly coming to the realisation that they were more important than he'd first realised.
"She wants to discuss Merlin." Arthur finally snapped in an attempt to get Morgana to stop pestering him, but that was a mistake he'd made too often before.
"Merlin? What could she have to discuss about Merlin that's got you hiding out in my quarters?" Morgana teased.
"I'm not hiding!"
"No. Of course not." Arthur relaxed infinitesimally at the casual tone. "Sulking would be more appropriate."
"I do not sulk."
"I might consider agreeing with you if you tell me what's really going on."
Arthur glared at her for a moment. She seemed unbothered by this as she continued to spin her quill. Why did she insist on always toying with him? But Gwen must have told him to meet her here for a reason. Perhaps Morgana already knew. Perhaps that's why Merlin was helping Morgana with Mordred, kindred spirits and all that.
By the gods, the realisations were coming thick and fast these days. Had he really been so oblivious before? Well, he hadn't known his stepmother was a troll, so perhaps.
"Merlin has magic." Arthur finally conceded as he flopped into a chair opposite Morgana.
The quill froze mid-movement as Morgana registered his words.
"Yes, I thought so." She finally said carefully, quill spinning between her fingers once more, yet she looked doubtful.
"When did you realise?" Because really, had everyone but him figured it out? Well, he and his father it would seem.
"I had my suspicions when he faced off against the afanc, the way the fire had leapt at the creature and a wind that had started from nowhere then disappeared without trace seemed to suggest magic. But I began to have doubts recently. I confided in Merlin about a quandary and he all but denied it. I started to think I was mistaken, and then Aredian named him as the sorcerer."
"Aredian was a fraud." Arthur pointed out.
Morgana gave him a pitying look, her earlier doubt and jitters a mere memory.
"He was also there at the time of the incident with the smoke. He even declared himself to be a sorcerer when Gwen was sentenced."
Arthur wasn't quite sure what to say to that. He wanted to pry into Morgana's quandary that had led her to doubt her beliefs but knew it to be a lost cause that would only end in a fight between them.
Had he really been defending a sorcerer all this time without knowing?
He didn't have long to ponder that thought as Gwen entered at that moment, and Morgana excused herself to give them some privacy, now that she'd said her piece evidently.
Gwen seemed to hesitate. Looking just as Morgana had moments before, Arthur wondered whether it was the topic of conversation or that they were having it with Uther's son.
"How did you know Merlin had magic?" He asked when it seemed she didn't know where to begin.
Gwen laughed slightly. "I don't think there was any one thing. But I started to have suspicions when he'd been poisoned by the mortaeus flower, he was muttering in this unfamiliar tongue that I'd only heard a few times. Gaius dismissed it as the fever but I was sure it was chanting. He'd known that my father had recovered before I'd told anyone. He was in the cells when Sigan attacked and then he was free and Sigan's attack had ceased. There were other times too but in the end, it just seemed obvious."
"He could have been executed." Arthur pointed out.
Not because he wanted to, but if it had been so obvious then Merlin had been in serious danger. At any point, somebody could have let something slip or Uther could have witnessed what was apparently so obvious to everyone else.
"Merlin has a knack for getting out of trouble," Gwen said resolutely as if she truly believed that Merlin could escape death.
"And into it." Arthur retorted thinking of all the trouble Merlin had found himself in the middle of since he'd first come to Camelot.
Merlin had a habit of finding himself at the centre of things, especially where magic was concerned. Even when he'd first arrived in Camelot he'd defeated a sorcerer, and thus saved Arthur's life.
And Gwen was right. No one had released Merlin from his cell when Sigan had attacked and there'd been no real explanation as to why Sigan's attack had stopped. But it did coincide with Merlin's escape. Though he doubted Merlin had anything to do with the defeat of the most powerful sorcerer Camelot had ever seen.
"He's saved your life numerous times, you can't turn your back on him now." Gwen implored him, but Arthur had seen that steely stance before he knew she was prepared to fight him on this if needs be.
"I'm not going to. But he's not safe in Camelot, if my fathe-"
"You can't send him away!"
"I don't want to!" But Merlin had lied. He'd kept this from Arthur, not trusting him with his secret and as a result, there was very little that Arthur could do to protect him without raising further suspicions.
Sure it helped that half the bloody castle seemed to know already as any excuses or lies he told on Merlin's behalf could be corroborated.
"Magic is illegal in Camelot, and not without good reason, Gwen."
"But when you're king-" She started, it was a familiar phrase to come out of Gwen's mouth.
"But I'm not." He cut her off. "My father is king and magic is punishable by death."
"Yes, I'm aware," Gwen responded coldly. "Yet your father has no problem with Gaius - a former sorcerer - residing within the castle walls and advising him. All the while everyone else who even so much as hints at being allied to magic is put to death. Your father is a hypocrite and Merlin shouldn't have to suffer for that. Not when he's saved you and Camelot multiple times over."
Arthur fought against the instinctive impulse to defend his father and instead listen to what Gwen was saying. Yes, Gaius' past with magic had come as a surprise. Especially his father's acknowledgement and tolerance of it. His father had allowed a friend to live contrary to his laws while prosecuting everyone else, under the promise that Gaius gave up magic.
Perhaps he could convince Merlin to do the same. After all, he'd gone against this particular law of his father's before when he'd saved the druid boy and pleaded for the father's life.
He still didn't understand Merlin's motivations. Why he'd come to Camelot as a sorcerer? Why he hadn't done anything? Why he'd allowed himself to be bullied by Arthur? Why he hadn't tried to kill him or Uther but had saved their lives - saved Camelot - when they would have him executed for his magic? None of it made sense and perhaps that was what was preventing him from acting, was that lack of understanding.
He'd confided in Merlin things he had never dared speak aloud before all the while Merlin had been lying to him.
But had he really? It was as Morgana had said, Merlin had confessed to being a sorcerer shortly after arriving in Camelot before Arthur had unwittingly covered for him. And there were times when Merlin had known things that he shouldn't have that he'd later shared with Arthur, such as Valiant's magic shield. And even then Arthur had scorned him, even when Merlin had been proven right. Had Merlin been trying to confide in Arthur all along without admitting his biggest secret that was tantamount to treason in Camelot?
Things were a lot simpler when Merlin was just the bumbling fool who lost Arthur's socks and yet against all odds was also his greatest friend, he almost wished he could go back to that previous ignorance. But that simply wasn't possible so now he had a decision to make.
A/N: So I actually started this fic forever ago from a prompt given to me on Tumblr but I'm not as comfortable writing the characters for this fandom so it took a lil while but now its done. Or at least the first chapter is...
Anyway let me know your thoughts in the comments :)