Merlin ran as fast as he could, determined to catch the eavesdropper. He didn't even bother to create a light, so pursuit after that person to someone watching it, could look a bit clumsy because the warlock stumbled in the dark upon small protruding stones. Soon the fleeing footsteps felt heavier and heavier, and their sound grew louder as Merlin was catching up with the intruder. They stormed out of the cave into bright, silvery night, and Merlin was just right behind the man, but he was still too far from him to catch him, so he pushed his hand forward with a quick movement and the intruder was cast into the puddle. The man began to struggle as the water that had gotten to his eyes blinded him. He started coughing when Merlin grabbed him by the collar, and with a little help of magic, pulled him from the shallow pond.

"Who the hell are you?!" Merlin pushed the man against the nearest tree.

"Please…," the man gasped, stretching out his hand defensively; "don't hurt me," he pushed his wet blonde hair away from his face, revealing his grey eyes, and in that moment Merlin could tell that he saw him just a few hours ago.

"Vortimer?" asked the warlock.

"Yeah, you guessed," he chuckled.

"What are you, spying on us?" Merlin pinned him to a tree trunk, but suddenly his eyes widened and he whipped around fearfully. "Where's Mordred? You were waiting for me to get me into a trap," he snarled.

"No, not at all," Vortimer shook his head. "But one thing is correct, I was waiting for you."

"What for? And where is he?"

"Calm down, Merlin," said Vortimer, smiling slightly. The warlock frowned, confused. "Mordred's not here, he doesn't even know where I am. I sent him back to Kent because he was making things a little… complicated," he explained.

"Why don't I believe you?"

"Well, I'm unarmed," the blonde man spread his hands. "No weapon, you see?"

"Yeah, appearances are deceptive," Merlin scoffed.

"You found the white dragon just because I wanted you to find it," he said after a beat.

"What?" the warlock frowned. "You were looking for Aithusa…," he trailed off.

"My father ordered me to fetch him the dragon because he believes that Arthur is going to use that creature against him."

"Arthur? It's really hard to imagine. Besides, if you just try to do something to her, I will kill you," Merlin gave Vortimer a murderous look.

"I won't," Vortimer looked the warlock in the eyes. "Nobody knows her whereabouts, but when I return to Kent with empty hands my father will send his men to find Aithusa, and that's what neither of us would want."

"What are you trying to say?" the confusion did not disappear from Merlin's face.

"That I'm on your side," said Vortimer genuinely. Merlin narrowed his eyes sceptically. "I believe in Arthur because of what he is doing and what choices he makes. After Camlann…," he shook his head. "It was my first battle and I don't want to ever bring about any more bloodshed that I saw there. It was for nothing, both kingdoms have lost hundreds of men just because of one's desire to take over someone else's throne," he paused. "And you have to get Aithusa out of here, otherwise they will get her."

"I shouldn't trust you," Merlin shook his head and sat on one of the stones.

Vortimer sighed. "I've already told you all the truth."

"So you planned it," the warlock looked at the blond. "Whole expedition, your disguise, and don't tell me that even your capture by Lot's men."

"Quite so," he chuckled. "How else would I get you and Arthur here? I knew what the king of Essetir was like and I chose the most common road on which I was sure we would encounter his knights."

"You didn't know what he was going to do with you, he might as well kill you then."

"We were the knights of Camelot, he wouldn't do that. Not during your peace talks."

"You threatened the great cause, Vortimer. It could be a war," said Merlin.

"But it was worth the risk of an even greater cause," Vortimer took a step closer to him.

Merlin sighed, rubbing his temples. "I know that here isn't safe for Aithusa, but first I have to think of the best place for her. I can't take her to Camelot, not yet. I'd have to talk to Arthur before and that's not easy in such cases."

"Yeah, I know."

"But she won't go willingly anyway. She's distrustful."

"Oh, come on, Merlin. I guess you know why I needed you," Vortimer smiled and the warlock gave him a questioning look. "You can command her."

Merlin seemed completely baffled by Vortimer's words.

"I take it you didn't expect anyone to know," the blonde man chuckled. "At Camlann, I saw you and heard you calling the dragon off. It was obvious that you're a dragonlord."

"And the last one," the warlock said quietly.

The silence fell between them. Merlin didn't know whether to trust Vortimer or not. The man appeared to be very genuine and honest with everything he was saying, but still he was the son of the king of Kent and it seemed too strange for Merlin that suddenly Vortimer's loyalties lied with Arthur. He couldn't trust him so easily, but he decided to temporarily cooperate with him just to make sure if he's really a friend or a foe.

"Merlin," spoke Vortimer; "would you mind introducing me to Aithusa? She must know that I am not a threat to her."

The warlock nodded and looked up at him. "All right."

They both headed back to the cave. Before they met with the white dragon Merlin reached Aithusa with his mind and told her not to attack and that she had nothing to be afraid of. After a few moments they saw her very wary of their new acquaintance. She made a step back and with narrowed eyes watched every Vortimer's move. The man looked at her in amazement, he stretched out his hand to stroke her but she backed away even more. Merlin grabbed his arm and pulled him slightly to his side telling him not to be so rushed. Vortimer was still looking at the dragon with his mouth open, he just couldn't take his eyes off her. Aithusa's snow-white scales glistened as a ray of sunlight fell on her body.

"She's so beautiful," he whispered.

"Yeah," Merlin chuckled. "If you say so."

The dragon growled softly.

"Aithusa," the warlock said; "you have no choice, you have to go with us. Vortimer will help us, he's a friend now."

"I told you before, I'm not going anywhere," Aithusa said calmly. "And I'm not like you, Merlin. I don't trust that easily."

"Someday it'll gonna kill me," Merlin chuckled softly. "But Vortigern and his men are planning to catch you and use you as a weapon against Camelot. And they certainly will if you don't come with us," he looked at her with sadness. "Do you really want this? To doom yourself forever by being just a Vortigern's puppet? And then he will kill you if you're not of use anymore to him."

"How dare you even think like that?" Aithusa said angrily. "I would never do such a thing. I would rather die than do that man's bidding."

"With whom do your loyalties lie then?" the warlock asked.

Aithusa moved his head closer to Merlin and Vortimer and looked at them with her big blue eyes.

"I am impartial," she said. "And I trust people that are good to me and treat me right, like Morgana did."

"I understand," Merlin put a hand on her snout. "So let us help you, you will live freely within Camelot's borders. I could command you to go, but I don't want to do this. I want you to go of your own will."

Aithusa nodded slightly. "Then I will go."

Merlin and Vortimer exchanged glances. They had to think of the safest place for her. But that wasn't the main problem. Arthur should know all about this, but no matter what his answer might be, the warlock must have taken the dragon from the cave. A talk with the king could wait.

"Thank you, Aithusa," said Merlin.

"Kilgharrah trusts you. He spoke fondly of you and if you are his friend you can be mine as well," she turned to Merlin who smiled, and then she glanced at Vortimer. "I think I can trust you, too. I can sense that you have a good heart."

"Thank you," Vortimer replied.

"It's a privilege to have you as a friend," Merlin said, still smiling. "We will come back soon to take you from here. Now I have to return with Arthur and the knights to Camelot."

Aithusa nodded in agreement. "I will be waiting for both of you, take care."

They nodded and turned to leave. The sky was slowly brightening, which was the sign that it was about to dawn. Merlin mounted his horse and looked at Vortimer standing a few feet away."

"Are you on foot?" Merlin asked.

"No, I've got my horse near."

"Right, when everything will settle down in Camelot we meet here then. I'll write to you."

"Then I'm looking forward to your letter, Merlin," Vortimer nodded and disappeared behind the trees.

The warlock looked for a moment at the place where the man stood and then headed back to Ealdor. He didn't have much time, therefore he was rushing on his horse to get back to the village before everyone woke up. He saw the roofs just about when the sun merely emerged from the horizon, and soon after that he was there. Trying to make no sound Merlin led his horse into the stables and then, sleepily, he walked towards Hunith's house. There was a quiet cackling of chickens in the village, no one was outside and no one seemed to be awake yet. However, not everyone was asleep. Just around the corner of the house Merlin got startled by male's voice.

"In need of fresh air?" asked Galahad standing against a wall.

"Galahad," gasped Merlin. "Perfect place for you to stand here and scare people," he said and the knight chuckled. "I… ehm… I couldn't sleep so I thought I'd go for a short walk."

"I thought you were on a ride," Galahad said. "Your horse was missing from the stables. Where have you been?"

Merlin sighed. "I'm sorry, I can't tell you."

"Merlin, I was worried about you," said Galahad looking him in the eye. "Something could've happened to you and we wouldn't know."

"It was something really important," said the warlock after a beat. "To me and maybe even to Camelot."

"So you're gonna tell Arthur."

"No," Merlin denied instantly and Galahad gave him a quizzical look. "I mean… not yet. Please don't tell him. I'll explain everything to each of you when the right time comes."

"Is it dangerous? This… thing?" asked the knight after a moment.

"Not quite. It's more challenging but not dangerous, it's not something that could be a threat to us. In fact, it is this thing that is in danger that's why it has to be kept a secret for some time."

"I won't tell him then," Galahad nodded.

"Really?" Merlin smiled slightly. "I thought that your honesty to the king comes first."

"Same as yours," the knight made a step to the warlock and put a hand on his shoulder. "But you're my friend too and if it is like you said I have to respect that. You know what to do," he smiled.

"You know," he looked at Galahad smiling, some memory came to his mind; "you remind me of someone. Someone who was a very good friend to me, very loyal. He was a knight, like you, and the only one of them who knew about my magic."

"And where is he now?"

"I can tell that he took my secret to his grave," said Merlin.

"I'm sorry," Galahad said.

Merlin shook his head slightly. "It's fine," he smiled. "He gave his life for someone for whom we would all do exactly the same."

"For Arthur," the knight nodded.

"Yeah, for Arthur."

The sun had completely risen over the horizon, and the few villagers had already begun to do their morning duties. A man with a bucket in his hand walked past Merlin and Galahad and stopped a few feet away by the well to get the water. When he turned around, the warlock grinned broadly.

"Tristan!" Merlin started to walk towards him. The man set the full bucket on the ground and looked at the person calling his name.

"Merlin?" Tristan said. "Long time no see," he chuckled as they hugged in greeting. "I heard that the king of Camelot arrived as well."

"Yeah, we're passing through," he replied. "You haven't changed since the last time," he looked at him. Tristan's blonde, short hair then was now longer and he had grown a little stubble. "Well, maybe you look a bit older," he said.

"Likewise," said Tristan and they both laughed.

Merlin stepped back and pointed to the light brown haired man. "Tristan, this is Galahad, one of Arthur's new knights. And this is Tristan," he glanced at Galahad; "the man who helped us get Camelot back from Morgana."

They shook hands.

"Pleasure to meet you, Tristan."

"You, too."

At the same moment Arthur and the rest walked out from the house and joined them.

"Tristan, happy to see you," said Arthur.

"King Arthur, knights," he nodded to the king, Leon, Gwaine and Percival.

"Are you doing well?" the king asked.

"It's not been easy, but I manage. Here is peace and quiet and that's all I need," Tristan replied.

"So I reckon you gave up your old job."

"Well, yeah," Tristan chuckled softly. "Nothing was the same since…," he trailed off.

"I know," Arthur put his hand reassuringly on Tristan's shoulder. "You can come with us," he suggested after a beat.

"And become one of your knights?"

"You're fit for it," he nudged him slightly.

"Thank you, Arthur," Tristan chuckled. "I really appreciate your offer, but I'm happy here, helping people who are like a family to me and I need nothing more. I think that's what my beloved Isolde would want me to do."

"Well, I'm glad that you found your place," Arthur smiled. "But you're always welcomed in Camelot." Tristan nodded, returning a smile.

They spent some more time talking over breakfast, and then prepared the horses for the long journey. Around noon they said goodbye to everyone and headed west, back to Camelot.

Vortimer rode slowly on the horse through the forest. He was heading south-east to the kingdom of Kent. Just before crossing the Essetir and Kent border, he saw someone sitting next to a large boulder. He knew from a distance that it was Mordred. His horse was tied to a tree next to him. The druid noticed Vortimer as he approached, and sprang up, drawing his sword.

"Whoa! It's me, Mordred. Vortimer," he said loudly.

"Sorry, I thought you were someone else," Mordred relaxed and lowered the sword.

"Even if I were, it's very unusual to react like that to strangers. It may be suspicious," Vortimer jumped off his horse. "Is something wrong? You should be in Kent by now."

"I had to take some rest," the druid replied evasively and changed the subject. "Any luck finding the dragon?"

"No. But I found out why you betrayed Arthur," he eyed him.

Mordred shot him a quick glance and then lowered his gaze at the ground under his feet. He didn't say anything.

"Why did you spare him?" Vortimer asked, trying to explain that incident.

"I don't know, it's hard to explain," said the druid, still not looking at him.

"Do you believe that Kara was fooling you?"

"I loved her," said Mordred quietly after a moment. "I also know that Arthur is merciful and he gives second chances. It's just…," he paused and looked at his friend's face. "I think I should leave for some time. Be alone, get my mind off things, to think everything over."

"You really mean it?" Vortimer frowned.

"You can always go with me," the druid stood up and walked over to him. "Maybe you should also consider what you are doing. It's clearly seen to me that your loyalties do not lie with your father anymore."

Vortimer looked at him with no expression on his face. Mordred continued.

"And I don't need to ask you where you've been last night because I know myself that you were meeting with someone from Camelot, otherwise you wouldn't have sent me back to Kent by giving a ridiculous reason."

"That is not your concern, Mordred. Soon I'll tell you, but now it's not the time," said Vortimer after a beat.

"Very well," the druid said bitterly. "I thought we're friends but without trust it just can't work."

"A lack of trust is the main problem."

Mordred closed his eyes and sighed, lowering his head. "Goodbye then," he looked at Vortimer. "One day I will prove that I am worth your trust," they were holding each other's gazes for a moment and then Mordred left Vortimer standing alone in the middle of the forest.

With nothing more to do Vortimer decided to return to Kent, but he didn't expect that he would be heading there without his druid friend, if only he could call him like that. However, there was still a hope for better times, he must have only believed that Merlin accepted his offer of help. All that was left to do was to wait for the letter.