Summary: Good versus evil. Love over hatred. That's what Morgana Pendragon tried to achieve when attempting to dethrone her half-brother, Arthur. A throne which she thought was rightfully hers. One person would stand in her way, Arthur's servant …Merlin. Thinking if she took Merlin out of the equation, Arthur would be an easy target. She thought wrong …

THE TORMENTED SOUL

CHAPTER ONE

MORGANA'S REVENGE

Merlin and Arthur. Servant and Master. That was what everyone was led to believe. The pair were more than that, more then friends. They held a secret close to their hearts. Not even Gaius had any idea what was going on. But someone did, and that someone would ensure the pair were taken off their pedestal and brought back down to reality.

When Arthur is challenged he turns against Merlin who sets out to find the person behind the sabotage. After a confrontation with Arthur , Merlin feels let down and he is more determined then ever to discover the truth, but it wouldn't be easy as Merlin would discover. Ending in tragedy, how could he hide what he had done from Arthur.

Would Arthur stand by him after what has happened, or would Arthur turn against him when he needed him the most. Would their love stand the test of time, or would it end their friendship for ever.

"I want him dead!" The evil witch Morgana shouted towards Lord Agravaine from her dilapidated hovel.

"Yes my Lady, but we have a problem."

"We always have a problem, what is your excuse this time?"

"Arthur's servant; he is always around Arthur; never leaves him alone."

"Merlin, he's the bane of my life. You leave that Merlin to me." she answered with frustration in her voice.

"How My Lady?" wondered Agravaine.

"If we're to get rid of Arthur, we must take Merlin out first."

"Arthur and Merlin are joined at the hip Morgana. How will you get that servant out of the way?"

"If Arthur's servant loses his mind, then Arthur will weaken. He's no good without him. I want that throne and I will stop at nothing until I get it."

"Certainly My Lady." Agravaine nodded before his Queen.

"Oh, and Agravaine have you news on who Emrys is?"

"No one seems to have any information. At least not yet anyway."

"Come back tomorrow, I will have a potion ready for you to give to that servant. Once given, we will see just how strong Arthur really is." Morgana smirked with underlying happiness. She would have that throne, no matter what the cost.

"Merlin…" Gaius said in a curious manner, but was interrupted abruptly.

"What now! I've nearly finished all the chores you asked me to do. I'm not sitting doing nothing you know." Merlin answered somewhat angrily, getting fed up with being ordered around by just about everyone.

"…Um, I was only going to tell you that Arthur wants to see you in his chambers," Gaius said startled at Merlin's over reaction.

"Oh, I see. I am sorry for shouting at you, I didn't mean too."

"Well, while we are on the subject of Arthur," Gaius continued, "you have been going there rather a lot these past few evenings. Anything I should know?"

Merlin stopped immediately with his chores looking at Gaius directly in the eye. "No, nothing for you to worry over. Arthur has a secret project that he is working on…with my help."

"And what is that then?" Gaius continued once more, trying his best to get more information.

"Oh, I see what you're doing Gaius." Merlin replied waving his finger at him. "It won't work, you can't get around me that easily," he continued whilst tidying up everything he had out. "I'm not that gullible, or that stupid."

"Well it was worth a try." Gaius said disappointed and even now more curious than before.

"Keep trying Gaius, you won't win." Merlin left the chambers and headed via the vesper's corridor, a quick and direct route to Arthur.

"No, I don't suppose I will Merlin." Gaius uttered, once on his own.

"Come in," ordered Arthur when hearing a knock on the door.

Merlin entered for his usual evening encounter. "Evening Sire."

"Ah Merlin, don't forget to lock the door behind you."

Merlin turned, locked the door, and made his way to Arthur's table. Not waiting to be asked, he pulled up his chair to sit beside his King. "Sire?" he enquired wondering what would be on the agenda tonight.

"How's your day been Merlin?"

"Well, you've been with me most of the day Arthur, you should know."

"Is it your way of trying to be funny."

"No!"

"Good because you're not."

"So, what are we doing tonight then?" Merlin asked again as he gazed at Arthur's adorable face.

Arthur lent forward taking hold of Merlin's hands, clutching them both tightly. "Did anyone see you come here?" he asked wondering just how long they could keep this up without being caught.

"Not that I'm aware of Sire."

"You don't have to call me that when we're alone like this."

"I know, but I want to."

"Well if you are sure?"

"I am," Merlin answered tightly gripping Arthur's hands in reassurance.

The pair sat in contemplation well into the night. Their so-called secret affair had been going on for some time, and to be honest they were loving every minute of it. For Merlin the fear of being caught didn't even bother him. Arthur was the one who had more to lose, although Merlin would ensure that this would never happen. Laughing and joking they sat drinking goblets of wine, until they both became a little tipsy. Merlin tried to make the first move.

"What are you doing Merlin?" Arthur was taken aback as his companion placed his arms around him.

"It's called embracing, you should try it." Merlin's drunken state becoming now even more noticeable.

Arthur pushed Merlin away. He had never felt affection like this before, and frankly didn't know how to handle it. "Stop it!" he cried.

"What's wrong. Are you not finding me attractive Sire?"

"You're drunk." Arthur stated, but yes Merlin was most certainly attractive.

"Then what's wrong Arthur?"

"Nothing it's me. But if you think you're going to get me into bed tonight, then you have got the wrong idea."

Merlin was a little taken aback by Arthur's reaction. He never would have forced himself on to Arthur if he thought the end result would lead to his rejection. Angry and confused, he pushed his chair away and stood up. Slightly unsteady on his feet he headed towards the door. He quickly unlocked it and before leaving, glanced back at Arthur who sat there staring at him. "Have you anything to say?" he asked waiting for a reply.

"No. Go and sober up Merlin."

Merlin left hearing Arthur's last words.

"Don't slam the…" but it was too late as Merlin had done exactly that. "…the door," finished Arthur.

Merlin made his way back to his chambers, not expecting Gaius to still be awake, let alone up as he stumbled through the door.

"Good night was it then?" Gaius asked, watching Merlin barely able to stand. How he made it back was anyone's guess.

"Well it was for most of it at least."

"You're drunk. Have you been down to the Tavern?"

"You know I haven't. I told you I was…with…Arthur." His words started to slur as his drunken demeanour became more apparent. "I'm off to bed now. Good night Gaius."

A new day dawned over Camelot as the early morning sun began to rise. Arthur rose early, ready for the day ahead. Merlin woke blurry eyed and a little hung over. Making his way cautiously down the stone steps from his bedroom he noticed Gaius waiting for him.

"You're awake at last. Must have been a good night, you went out like a light."

"What's that in your hand?" Merlin wondered seeing Gaius hold a medicine pot with some liquid in it.

"Hangover cure. Don't ask just take it," he said handing over the medicine to Merlin. "So do you have a girlfriend or something, since you're out most evenings now? Using Arthur as an alibi, well really."

Merlin stood looking at Gaius as he took the hangover cure handed to him. It was just as disgusting as most of Gaius' concoctions. "Something like that," he replied.

"So am I going to meet this person?"

"Maybe, not yet. I have to go to work now," he continued before heading towards the door.

The chamber door burst open as Merlin entered the room.

"Morning My Lord."

"Arthur turned surprised, "My Lord? You've gone from Sire to My Lord now have you?"

"Well that is your title." Merlin was still put out by the previous night's rejection. The anger in his voice apparent and somewhat sarcastic.

"Is it going to be like this from now on then?" Arthur asked.

"No, it doesn't have to be. It is your decision."

"Merlin I'm sorry if I hurt you last night. That isn't how I wanted the night to end."

"So you still want to carry on as before then?" said Merlin, relief in his tone, replacing the earlier angry sarcasm.

"Of course I do you idiot. Come here and give me this embrace you were talking about last night."

"Merlin stood his ground as Arthur walked with open arms towards him. "Um…are you sure about this?" he asked before reciprocating the affectionate gesture. Merlin closed his eyes and melted happily into Arthur's arms.

"My Lady," Agravaine said, meeting Morgana outside her hovel.

"I see you are eager to collect the potion I have made."

"Yes, My Lady."

Morgana made her way inside. Agravaine followed her, also keen to get his hands on the solution. "Here you are. Pour this into some water and make sure they drink it."

"They?"

"Definitely Merlin, but if you manage to get some into Arthur, all the better."

"When do you want me to give it?"

"Choose your moment carefully. When the opportunity arises…do it."

"What's in it may I ask?"

Morgana turned, eyes transfixed . "No you may not." She answered with a smile, her plan now starting to take place. "Meet me outside the boundary wall this time tomorrow. Then you can tell me how things are going. With a bit of luck, they will begin to lose their minds."

Agravaine made his way back into the castle, ready to make his move. He would seize the opportunity as soon as he was able. Making his way to Arthur's chambers, watching Merlin leave, he decided to take his chance. He quickly knocked on the door hoping that Arthur would be in residence.

"Come in." A voice came from inside as Agravaine entered. "Ah, good Sire you are in."

"What can I do for you uncle?"

"I'm afraid this isn't going to be pleasant Arthur, but there is something I must tell you." he said pausing for a moment.

"Spit it out then. Whatever you have to say can't be that bad surely."

"I feel that it may be Arthur."

"Sit, tell me what is on your mind."

"I feel it is my duty to tell you what is being said about you. It is not pleasant I'm afraid."

"No, you are right to bring it to my attention. Please feel free to tell me."

Agravaine paused for a while. "May I have a drink of water Sire?"

"Help yourself, there is a jug of water on the side." Arthur being totally unaware of his uncle's plan had played right into his hands.

Agravaine moved towards the side table, carefully positioning his body to conceal his actions. Picking up the jug he dispensed the solution into the water. Pretending to have drunk, he carried the jug back to Arthur.

"Thought you may like some as well?" he said trying to convince Arthur to have a drink.

"No thank you, I am not thirsty." Arthur answered scuttling Agravaine's plan. "So what do you need to tell me?"

"It is rather a delicate matter. It concerns Merlin."

"Merlin!"

"I have heard rumours that you and Merlin are…shall we say…an item."

"So what if we are? It is no concern of yours."

"No, no you're absolutely right Sire. It is not my concern, but I must point out the rumours."

"Surely as King I can see who I like." Arthur said getting a little perplexed.

"Of course Sire, but Merlin is a servant."

"So what, I can do as I see fit. This is not a matter of state, this is matter of the heart."

"Of course,…" Agravaine continued trying to break Arthur's love for his servant. "…but you must rule with head, not your heart. It is how your father would have ruled, and you must be seen to do the same."

"Break up with Merlin you mean?"

"Yes Sire. You must set aside your feelings for your servant; you cannot see him in this way again. Rule with your head like a good King should do. Be strong and show your people what a good person you are." Agravaine continued with a sly smirk on his face.

"Please leave me. I need to think this over. I will call Merlin in when I am ready."

"Sire." Agravaine answered bowing before his King on leaving.

"Merlin's got a girlfriend." Gwaine chanted as Merlin entered via the archway to the Armoury room.

"Pretty sure I haven't." Merlin replied slightly embarrassed.

"Something we should know Merlin?" Percival asked standing next to Leon, not knowing what was going on.

"I noticed Merlin going back to his chambers last night. Shall we say he was a little drunk." Gwaine told the remaining Knight's of Camelot, eager to carry on with his tale.

"For a start I don't have a girlfriend, I was down at the Tavern." Merlin tried convincing Gwaine.

"No you weren't."

"I think I know where I was last night Gwaine."

"Well I was also in the Tavern and I'm pretty sure I didn't see you in there."

"Oh!" Merlin replied, slightly disappointed at having been caught out.

"So sorry to interrupt your love life Merlin." Arthur spoke, sneaking up unnoticed behind his men.

"Sire!" Merlin turned startled not realising Arthur had turned up. "Can I help you?"

"Yes…" said Arthur rather angrily, "…you need to come to my chambers. I need a word."

"Okay, I will be there shortly."

"No you will come now," ordered Arthur before walking away.

Merlin watched Arthur leave before turning to Gwaine. "Someone's not in a good mood."

Merlin knocked on Arthur's chamber door before entering. "You wanted a word Sire." he said.

"Yes I do." Arthur answered watching Merlin standing to attention in front of him.

"Arthur …what's wrong?" Merlin asked smacking his lips together.

"Merlin, why are you doing that?"

"I'm still dry after last night's drinking. We did have rather a lot you know."

"Have a drink of water then. There's a jug on the table."

Merlin took the jug and poured himself drink, downing it in one.

Turning away from his friend Arthur took a deep breath. How was he going to tell Merlin it was now all over? "Please believe me Merlin, when I say this has nothing to do with you."

"I don't understand Arthur?"

"Will you shut up and listen for one minute. You really are infuriating and a frustrating outspoken pain in the arse, but you're my pain in the arse. Things have changed for me with my father gone. It falls to me to rule this land. Now that I'm King it is no longer relevant what I want for myself. My duty is to the people of Camelot. I'll be judged by my actions and whom I'm seen with."

Merlin stood absolutely stunned. "Are you ashamed to be seen with me?"

"No, but now I'm King it is not appropriate."

"Sorry, I'm not appropriate?" Merlin answered questioning Arthur's judgement.

"Seems not."

"Arthur listen to yourself. It doesn't sound like you at all. You've been talked into this haven't you?"

"I haven't been talked into anything Merlin. I'm my own man and I make my own decisions."

"So we can't be together then?" Merlin asked with tears forming in his eyes.

"I'm sorry Merlin, it is the way it has to be."

Merlin moved closer to Arthur begging him. "Arthur don't let anyone tell you what to do. You have a good heart, so be true to it. Then you will be the King you want to be."

Arthur remained firm, standing his ground in front of his friend. "Go Merlin, before I say something I really will regret." Watching his friend leave upset, he vented his anger. Hitting his hand against the water jug, he knocked it down, spilling the contaminated water all over the floor.