Thalia groaned and pulled a pillow over her head. Uther had suddenly had a bright idea the other day and ordered men to dig under the castle. Unfortunately this meant she'd get no sleep. She considered using a spell but decided against when her curiosity sparked. There had to be something down there, surely. Thalia rolled out of bed and got dressed. As she was walking out of her chambers she heard Arthur's doors being closed nearby.

'Merlin?'

'Thalia!'

'What are you doing?'

'Arthur's ordered me to go down and make them stop digging.'

'I couldn't agree more,' she yawned, rubbing her eyes. 'I'll come with you; I've got nothing better to do.'

They walked down together until they reached… not quite what they were expecting. Instead of men hacking at rocks the entire crew came running past them, screaming.

They each darted to the sides of the tunnel and watched as the men ran past. Then they looked at each other, confused.

'Danger?'

'Adventure?'

'Screaming?'

'Terror?'

Thalia grinned. 'Don't mind if I do.'

Merlin grinned as well and they hurried down the tunnel to find an opening into another room.

'Well, well… looks like Uther wasn't just bored after all.'

They stepped through the opening.

'A tomb!'

'That is a lot of treasure.'

Thalia rubbed a finger along a golden cup and sneezed. 'Mm! And a lot of dust.'

'Who's tomb is this?'

'Off the top of my head I have both no idea and several hundred guesses.'

'I see. A king?'

'Mmm… perhaps.'

'Look at this stone.' Merlin reached toward the blue jewel in the centre of the tomb.

'Careful. No stone is supposed to look like that.'

'So… don't touch it?'

'Don't touch it,' Thalia nodded. Merlin went to step forward to study the stone face but stopped when he saw a worker kneeling by the tomb. 'Hey, Thalia…'

'Merlin?'

'Why is he… being weird?'

'… good question.' They got on opposite sides of him and at the same time pulled his shoulders back. He fell to the ground and they recoiled slightly. The man's mouth was gaping open, his eyes red worse than bloodshot and his face pale enough to show his veins.

'What's happened to him?'

Thalia examined his head carefully, tilting it cautiously. 'Mmm… magic of some kind. A trap probably to prevent grave robbers.'

'Where did it spring?'

'Not sure. Touch everything around the room and find out.' She lifted her head and smiled cheekily.

'No thanks, I'm good,' Merlin laughed.

By the time Gaius arrived they had looked around properly and found a seal, sceptre and a staff.

'Thalia thinks it was magic. How do you think he died? Gaius?'

'Hmm?' Gaius wasn't listening and looking at the tomb with a grave expression.

Merlin saw where Gaius was looking. 'Do you know whose tomb it is?'

'Not sure.'

'Do you think it might be cursed?' Gaius looked around and stepped over the man. Thalia's head snapped over from where she was in the corner to the tomb when he heard stone moving. One of the bird statues moved and an arrow fired straight at Gaius. Two plates were in front of him as Thalia and Merlin had both wordlessly let their eyes flow to protect Gaius. The arrow pierced them and not the old man's head.

'You just saved my life. Thank you.' He looked to them in gratitude as Uther's voice came drifting from the tunnel.

'...guarded at all times.'

At the sound of Uther, both Thalia and Merlin let the plates drop. Merlin's rolled around and ended up at Uther' feet.

'Idiot.'

Arthur followed his father and looked at Merlin with a sneer. 'Were you born clumsy or do you work at it?'

'It's just one of my many gifts.' He finished by smiling at Thalia, who sent him a wink.

Uther looked around. 'Well this is quite a find. You see, Gaius, I was right. There is treasure to be found under Camelot.' He walked around, picking up a jewel. 'Which of my predecessors do I have to thank for all this? Gaius?'

'Uh, I'd have to look into it, Sire.'

Arthur noticed Thalia frowning at Gaius. He was peering at something.

She was going to ask if Gaius had found the seal but Uther had come across the dead man. 'How did he die?'

'He seems to have unwittingly triggered a trap here.'

'To deter grave robbers.' Arthur sounded tired.

'Well there's plenty in here people would want to steal. Have them secure the tomb. Guarding it is your responsibility, Arthur.'

'Yes, Father.'

Thalia was still peering interestedly around at various things. 'Gaius, is that the seal?'

'This? Yes.'

'It's a raven, isn't it?' Thalia's voice became suddenly grave and Arthur's head spun round, recognising the tone.

'It is, yes.'

'Hm.'

'So this jewel, what size would you say it was?'

'About that size.'

'My word, really? About that size, you say? Well, I never. Here you are. Drink up. And, uh, this

tomb. I bet they got that locked up nice and safe, haven't they?'

Tom, a worker from the digging, was in a pub talking to a man with brown hair and a blue coat.

'Tighter than the King's coffers.'

'Yeah. Must be a way in, though.'

'Only with the keys.'

'Right, right, right. And who's got the keys?'

'You must think I'm stupid. I'm not telling you that.'

'Course not. No, a bright lad like you knows what that sort of information's worth.' The man passed him a sack of coins. 'No, we don't want everyone to see. Believe me, this place is full of thieves and finger-smiths. Put it inside your tunic. And, uh, careful of that fellow over there.'

'Which one?'

'Far end of the bar. See him? He keeps on watching you.'

'Yeah, yeah, yeah. With, with the beard.'

'No, no. That one.'

'Ah, I got my eye on him.' But Tom wasn't looking at the man, who slipped his hand inside his tunic and stole the pouch back. 'Thank you.'

'So who's got the keys?'

'Only the Prince. But don't get your hopes up. He keeps them in his private chambers, and there's only two people allowed in there: his servant and the Crowned Warrior.'

Thalia turned round as she heard a clump and a horse running off. Arthur was on the ground, furious. 'Merlin!'

'I don't understand.'

'Well, there's a surprise.'

She sighed and walked over.

'I did that girth up myself.'

'Well, I think that might have been the problem!'

'It wasn't my fault.'

'Arthur…'

Arthur's eyes hastily met Thalia's amused ones and he sighed, pointing a finger threateningly at Merlin.

A man came back with Arthur's horse. 'Would you like me to fit the girth properly for you, Sire?'

'Thank you.'

'It's an honour to be of service to the Prince.'

Arthur puffed up importantly and turned to Merlin. 'An honour. Do you hear that Merlin?'

'Allow me the honour of brushing your clothes down.'

While the man brushed and fussed over Arthur's clothes the prince turned once more to Merlin and whispered; 'The honour!'

'May I remind you that Merlin didn't want this job,' Thalia sighed.

Arthur pulled a face.

'Anything else I can do for you, sir?'

'Well, you can give Merlin here a kick up the backside.'

The man chuckled. 'I wouldn't wish to deprive you of the pleasure, sir.'

Arthur laughed. 'Ha! What's your name?'

'Cedric. I've come to Camelot in search of work.'

'Good. You can be a beater on the hunt. We're short of a man or two.'

Arthur walked over to his horse and Thalia went to hers, leaving Merlin with Cedric.

'You're too kind, Sire.'

They were on the hunt when they heard the growls of a large animal. Arthur and Thalia directed a few men to different positions and they waited until a very large wild boar ran out from the trees. Many people began to step back and prepare to run but Arthur and Thalia changed the grips on their spears and Arthur threw first.

Unluckily it bounced off a tiny tusk. The beast screamed and kept running. From behind Arthur, Thalia waited. She waited until it was very close and hurled the spear straight into its neck. It wailed and fell about a yard from Arthur's feet. Thalia went to retrieve her spear and Arthur's which was quite far.

'Who threw that?' Arthur looked around at the men behind him. He raised his eyebrows at a couple but they both shook their heads.

Cedric glanced around and coughed.

'Was it you?'

'It might have been mine, sire.'

'You just saved my life.'

But the woman who did was coming back. 'I said it might have been mine, sire, I'm not sure.'

'Well then who was it?' Arthur looked around once more. 'Who just saved my life?'

Thalia cleared her throat and Arthur span. 'Oh. Obviously. Thank you.' He bowed his head as he turned. 'But Cedric, if yours was close then you certainly tried!'

'Honestly, Sire, it was nothing.'

'No, no. To even get close is an achievement. You must be rewarded.'

'No, I couldn't possibly.'

'Come on. What do you wish for?'

'I desire only one thing, Sire.'

'Anything.'

'A position in the royal household.'

'Good. Consider it done. Ha-ha!'

Arthur walked beside Thalia as they searched for more to hunt.

'Cedric didn't even throw his spear! He tripped over as he tried to run!'

'Calm down, Merlin.'

'No! It's not fair!'

'Yes I know it's not. But it happens.'

'What do you mean?'

'Arthur is arrogant and self-important so he's not that easy to suck up to. So many people have taken advantage of that before. It'll pass and you'll get a half-apology.'

'Well that's nice to hear.'

They trudged up the steps and went inside Gaius' chambers.

'What are you doing?' Merlin looked over his shoulder.

'I found this inscription on the sceptre.'

'What language is that?'

'I don't know. Sigan would have known many languages.'

Thalia spoke. 'So it is him.'

'Sigan?' Merlin glanced at them.

'It's his tomb.'

'Who's he?'

'Merlin, he was the most powerful sorcerer to have lived.'

'Until you and I, that is,' Thalia said light-heartedly as she examined the sceptre.

'Really?'

'You didn't grow up in Camelot, but for those of us that did, Cornelius Sigan was a figure of nightmare.'

'Why?'

'Sigan's powers. He could change day into night, turn the tides, and legend has it, his spells helped build Camelot itself.'

'What happened?'

'In the end he grew to powerful and the king at that time ordered his execution.'

'If he's dead, why are you so worried?'

'Sigan couldn't bear the thought that his wealth and power would die with him, so he became obsessed with finding a way to defeat death itself.'

'You think he might have succeeded?'

'It's possible, did you see that heart shaped jewel?' Thalia sounded conversational.

'I did, yes.'

'Well then he may have succeeded.'
Gaius was still grim. 'Let's hope not, for all our sakes.'

'Talk to Uther. Even if he doesn't listen now, if Sigan rises then he'll at least not be able to say we didn't warn him.'

'I agree.'

Thalia and Arthur were walking near the stables when they heard noise. The guard they were talking to pointed behind them.

'Sire!' They turned to see the horses running from the stables. Arthur threw his arms out in exasperation.

'Merlin? Merlin what happened?' Thalia shook him gently.

Merlin drifted awake and looked up to see Arthur's unimpressed face. 'Sire!'

'What are you doing?' Arthur was crouched, watching him.

Merlin sat up and looked around in a daze. 'Nothing.' he stood up and raised a hand to his head.

'I can see that.'

'I wasn't sleeping. I was, I was just bending down.'

Arthur nodded. 'Looking for something?'

'Yes.'

Arthur stood up. 'Perhaps we're looking for the same thing.'

'What?'

'Oh, I don't know, the horses!'

'The hor-ses. Oh!'

'One mistake I can understand. Everyone has a bad day now and then, but this is one thing after another!'

'I-I don't know what happened!'

Before Arthur could retort Thalia stepped in. 'Arthur. Be reasonable. If Merlin was… let's be honest, asleep on the ground, how could he have possibly untied the horses.'

'Well, e- … actually, that's a good point.'

Cedric walked in. 'Sire. Please, Sire, don't be too hard on him. He's a good servant, he just...he's tired.'

'I am not!' Merlin retorted.

'Maybe...maybe if he had the evening off...'

'I don't want the evening off.'

'A good night's rest...'

'I did not fall asleep!'

'I'm more than willing to take over his duties tonight.'

Arthur nodded. 'Perhaps you're right.'

'No.'

'Shut up, Merlin.'

Merlin's patience with Arthur's thickness had snapped. 'Can't you see what he's trying to do? He's trying to get rid of me, and if you weren't such a clotpole; you'd see that!'

'A what?'

Merlin paused, considering the word. Thalia made an effort to remember it.

'Clotpole. He, he said clotpole.' Cedric, not that anyone but Thalia or Merlin noticed, looked smug.

Arthur glared at Merlin. 'Cedric's right. He can look after me tonight. You can go home and think about whether you want to be my servant or not.'

'But...'

'Go.'

When Merlin trundled out Thalia hit Arthur over the head incredibly hard.

'OW, WHAT?!' Arthur raised a hand to rub the back of his head.

'My lord, are you all right?' Cedric jumped forward.

'Don't tell Merlin to consider being your servant or not, that will backfire on you if you're not careful. Serving you is a living hell, Arthur. You say Merlin is brilliant because he's got wit and has capabilities of speech yet you make him do extra chores for it. Oh, and as for you!' Thalia rounded on Cedric menacingly. 'What are you even doing here?'

'I… uhm…'

Arthur, still rubbing his head, frowned as Cedric struggled to come up with a reply.

'Well?!'

'I thought Merlin could do with a hand, that's all.'

'Mm… perhaps.'

'Is there something wrong?'

'I'm not sure I believe you.' Thalia smiled pleasantly with venom flashing through her eyes.

'Well, as long as the prince does I'm happy. I know I can't please everyone but I have the honour of his trust. Perhaps someone such as yourself can't understand the honour.'

His comment was meant to be as friendly as Thalia's had been but she stared down at him with an impassive face. 'Cedric…'

He looked at Arthur, expecting the self-important expression to be on the Prince's face, the one that appeared whenever her got a compliment. But instead he was biting his cheek, watching Thalia with an expression that said he was about to jump out of the way.

'Perhaps it's hard for someone such as yourself to understand the nature of being observant, but you really are slow. I don't know who you've been thinking I am all this time, perhaps it's not easy to spot when I wear shirts and pants, but I'm the Crowned Warrior.' Her tone became menacing. 'Speak to me or Merlin like that again and you'll find out why I am.'

Cedric bowed immediately. 'My Lady.'

Thalia shot Arthur a dark look before walking out. They heard her call Merlin's name before Cedric dared to stand upright again. Arthur walked out of the stables and saw Thalia with her arm round an upset Merlin, wiping his face with a cloth she'd got somewhere. They stopped for a moment to talk properly and she gave him a hug before making weird movements with her arms and they burst out in laughing fits. To his surprise, Arthur realised Merlin's mood had risen from glum to cheery.

'Will that be everything, sire?'

'Argh! Oh, er, yes, Cedric. Make sure to finish the stables.'

Merlin turned when he heard his name. 'Thalia.'

'Just gave Arthur and Cedric an earful on your behalf.'

'Thank you.'

'I just wish he'd stop thinking I'm stupid.'

'He thinks everyone is stupid.'

'And I wish he wasn't so arrogant.'

'Try living with him when he was a teenager. Here.' Thalia stepped to Merlin's other side and pulled a small cloth from under her belt and began to wipe his face.

'I want him to trust me.'

'He does, he's just too much of an arrogant prat to show it or relent on the constant torture he puts you through.'

Merlin chuckled. 'I never get any thanks for saving his royal ass life and I want one day for him to see me for who I really am.'

'Smart, wise, powerful and brave? One day, yes Merlin, he will, I'll make sure of it. But until then he's going to think the opposite. But I know the truth, you've got me.' She glanced around and when she was sure no one was looking let her eyes turn into a storm and Merlin's face, hand and shirt were clean once more.

Merlin smiled. 'Yeah, that's true, isn't it? I've got you.' He hugged her.

When they stepped back Thalia became dramatic, stretching her arms out as she spoke. 'Two powerful friends, united in the battle against the greatest threat to our kingdom. … … Prince Arthur's massive head!'

They burst out laughing and laughed all the way back to the physician chambers.

Their happy air fell to the dirt when they opened the door. Gaius looked up at them gravely.

'Gaius?'

'Camelot is in grave peril. I've translated the inscription. "He who breaks my heart completes my work."'

'What does it mean?' Merlin's worry didn't show on his face.

'Do you remember the stone in the tomb, how it glowed?'

'Yeah. I've never seen a jewel like it.'

'That's because it's not a jewel, it's the soul of Cornelius Sigan.'

'You think he's alive?'

'His soul is.' Thalia spoke grimly.

'Yes, but in order to truly live, a soul needs a body.'

'So, if the stone is removed from its setting, then the heart is broken and the soul released?'

'That's what I fear.'

'I'll warn the guards by the door. No one is to touch it.' Thalia walked out.

Thalia woke in the very early morning to hear a raven screeching in her head. She swore and dressed before running round to the next doors on her right, hitting them with the side of her fists.

'Arthur, get up!'

A very sleepy moan wafted through the wood. 'What? Why?'

'NOW! GET UP NOW!'

'Why?!'

'Sigan has returned.'

'Isn't Merlin the one who's supposed to say strange things?'

'I will throw you off your bed if you're not out here in thirty seconds!'

'Fine.'

Twenty-eight seconds later, Thalia had been counting, Arthur appeared, lazily slipping on his jacket.

'Why are you up so early?' His eyes were half closed.

'I got woken up.'

'Mm, by what?'
'Sigan! Come on!'

They hurried down to the tomb, meeting Merlin and Gaius on the way. One exchange of looks and Thalia knew Merlin had been woken up too.

Arthur examined the empty slot where the jewel was. 'Sound the warning bell.' He walked out, Thalia close behind. She paused for a moment, sticking her head back into the tomb and looking pointedly to the clear jewel by the tomb Arthur had failed to notice.

'Gaius, the jewel is empty.'

As they were walking Thalia's mind was racing. The gate wasn't damaged so it must have been Cedric. He must have stolen Arthur's key.

They went back to Arthur's chambers.

'Permission to crash?'

'Feel free.'

Thalia fell onto the bed with a moan and a muted swear.

'What's wrong?' Arthur sat at his desk and picked up a feather.

She lifted her head to get one word out. 'Sigan.'

'Ah, don't worry.' Arthur pointed his feather at her cheerfully. 'You'll sort it out!'

The only reply his remark earnt was a low, muffled groan.

Merlin burst in after a while and marched up to Arthur's desk. 'Cedric is possessed by an evil spirit.'

'What?'

Thalia tuned in to their conversation, head still down.

'He tried to steal the jewel, but it wasn't a jewel, it was a soul of an ancient sorcerer, Sigan.'

'Merlin, have you been on the cider?'

'Please, listen to me. Camelot is in mortal danger. Sigan is using Cedric's body to take his revenge.'

'This nonsense isn't helping you keep your job.'

'You are not listening to me!'

'You're going to shout anyway? Cedric! Will you escort Merlin from the palace?'

Cedric appeared and Thalia shot up.

Merlin took one look at Cedric and dove at him, tackling him to the ground.

'Argh!'

Arthur sighed and rubbed his nose. 'Merlin.'

Merlin continued to chase Cedric round. Until Arthur stood on his bead, avoiding Thalia, and leapt on Merlin. He picked him up.

'You've gone too far this time, Merlin! You can spend a few days cooling off in the cells! Guards!'

'NO!'

Arthur paused and turned his head patiently. 'Thalia…'

'Arthur, this is not your domain. Your domain is not listening. Merlin, however drunk he may sound, is right. And unless you want to fight me, let him go right now.'

Arthur slowly let go of Merlin's jacket and stood back. Thalia nodded her thanks and turned to Cedric.

'As for you… Sigan. Don't deny it.'

Cedric's eyes turned black and Arthur recoiled in shock.

'Very good. Yes, I see now why you are the Crowned Warrior. But not even a warrior could stop me. Feoll bu brand!'

Stones fell from the ceiling and Thalia pushed Arthur and Merlin out of the way.

'Camelot is mine!'

'He's going to destroy Camelot!'

'I know, Merlin, I know!'

Sigan flew out of the window and shouted an inaudible spell as he disappeared. Thalia looked around. What had he done?

And then fire erupted all around them, forming a circle. Merlin met Thalia's eyes and she blinked deliberately. For the sake of Merlin's secret, this was up to her.

Arthur pulled both Merlin and Thalia into the centre. No furniture or floor was burning but they didn't want to find out what would happen should they touch it. Thalia pulled both of them toward her and held their shoulders protectively.

'Thalia…' Arthur was looking around nervously while Merlin was scared.

'Acwence þa bælblyse!'

The flames disappeared and Merlin and Arthur sighed in relief.

'Come on, we have to find him.' Thalia and Merlin darted out the doors side by side before Arthur could stop them.

'I'm looking for Cedric.'

'Who, my lady?'

'Cedric, Arthur's latest servant.'

'Not seen him today, My Lady.'

'Right, thank you.'

'Merlin, any ideas?'

'No.'

'Well let's check the tomb.'

'Arthur's still got the key!'

'Oh nevermind that.'

The gate burst open with smoke as Thalia lowered her hand. 'Did Gaius take the heart jewel from the tomb?'

'I don't think so.'

'Right well we need to get that.'

'Do you think he'll really be in there?'

'Doubt it but we should look anyway. And we need the heart.'

'He's not here.'

'Mm.'

Merlin picked up the empty jewel.

'Good. Now all we have to do is find him.'

They went back to Arthur's chambers and didn't find him. Thalia cursed and looked around.

'Where the hell is he?'

'I'm not sure.'

They walked further until they came across the guards.

'Where's Arthur?'

'In the council chambers, My Lady.'

'Of course he is. Come on, Merlin.'

They hurried down corridors and stairs until they reached the chambers.

'Arthur!' Thalia burst through the doors. Uther, Arthur, Gaius and ten other knights looked up.

'Thalia, what can I do for you?'

'Didn't find him.'

'What?'

'Thalia?'

She turned her attention to Uther. 'My Lord?'

'What are you doing?'

'I'm sure Arthur's told you. I'm looking for Sigan, sire.'

'Very well. Be careful.'

'Sire.'

Night came and Thalia and Merlin were still searching. And then there were screams coming from the Square and the town. They ran outside to see dark flying creatures.

'What are they?!'

Thalia glanced up to the castle, noticing the statues were missing.

'He's brought the gargoyles to life. Quick, we have to tell Uther.'

'I don't know what this creature is, where it's come from.'

'There's more than one, Father. We've had several reports. There's panic in the lower town. People are fleeing the city.'

Someone's arrival was announced by a very tired Thalia clad in armour walking in with an equally as tired Merlin.

'Sire, it's Sigan. He's brought the gargoyles to life.'

'Then you must hunt these creatures down and kill them.'

'Yes, Sire.'

'Sire.'

Arthur opened a window and looked out to see one of the creatures attacking people in the square below. Then he saw Thalia, who had presumably run ahead, jump at it. He ran out to help.

'Regroup! Low fight!'

'That's not going to work, Merlin duck, It'll break your formation.'

Arthur stepped forward instead and slashed at the creature, only to have a limb swing at him. Thalia jumped on the chance as Arthur was blown to the ground and sliced the outstretched arm off. She turned to the others.

'Merlin, make sure he's alright. The rest of you, disband and circle it.'

Thalia walked to Arthur. 'Idiot.'

'It's not his fault.'

'If he had reflexes then he might not be here on the ground. Merlin, see if you can stop any others.'

He nodded and Thalia turned back to the creature the knights were circling. She waited until it turned to have its back facing her and was about to launch at it when she heard a shriek from another in the sky. She saw it as it swooped down toward Arthur. With a grunt she ran toward the now conscious prince and, assisted suddenly by someone else. She pulled Arthur on his feet and turned to see,

'Guinevere?'

'Sire, My Lady.'

'That thing could've killed you.' Arthur looked at both women who were looking to the sky.

'And it still might!'

Gwen pushed Arthur over and Thalia caught her before she could fall as well.

'Sorry sire.'

'No. Don't apologi- argh.'

'What?' Thalia let go of Gwen and pulled him up.

'The thing must have got me.'

'Where?'

Arthur pointed to where his armour had been torn.

'Right, come on.'

Thalia, who noticed the knights were coming with them, helped Arthur into the castle.

'Right, sit on the table, don't cause a fuss.'

'Where are you going?'

'To get a bandage. You can't bleed to death if you want to go fighting again.'

Gwen went with her but Arthur called back. 'Guinevere. I wanted to say...just, uh...you always surprise me.'

'Is that it, Sire?'

Thalia rolled her eyes. 'It's his way of saying thank you.'

Gwen smiled and nodded.

'And you always surprise me, too!' called Arthur.

Thalia waved as she sorted through cloth.

Uther ran in and examined the wound on his son. 'Arthur.'

'It's nothing.'

'Have we driven the creatures out?'

'They have control of the lower town. The market has been all but destroyed.'

'How many dead?'

'Too many to number.' Thalia tied up the bandage around Arthur.

'I'm sealing the citadel.'

Arthur looked at his father incredulously. 'You can't.'

'I have no choice. I have to protect those who have a chance. If I don't, we will all fall.' Thalia and Arthur stood up. 'Where are you going?'

'There are people trapped on the drawbridge.' Arthur picked up his sword as Thalia spotted Merlin. Leaving Arthur to argue with his father she ran over.

'Merlin, you have to get Sigan back into the stone.'

'How?'

'An ancient and powerful spell.'

'Don't tell me I have to go speak to the dragon?'

'No, go get one of my books. Just open it and the spell will be there.'

'Okay. Be careful.'

'You too.'

Thalia joined Arthur as he and the knights stormed out of the doors.

'Any ideas?'

'Not one.'

'Comforting.' Then they saw the bodies. 'Check for survivors!' Arthur ordered. Thalia sighed.

'Not one.'

One of the creatures swooped down. They all ducked and Thalia shouted. 'On me!'

'Charge!'

The creature jumped out of the way and dove on them. Thalia threw her sword at it with a shout. It went straight through the creatures neck and it fell. One of the knights pulled her sword out from the body and tossed it to her.

'Thanks.'

Then Sir Geraint saw behind Thalia and Arthur.

'Arthur! Thalia!' They were both hit to the side by the second creature. '…Retreat! Regroup in the square!'

The knights ran and regrouped but there was no sign of the others. 'Thalia? Arthur? Hello?!'

The two appeared holding their swords, looking around.

Then two more, they were considered monsters by now, circled in. One stayed in the air and the other landed between the knights and Arthur and Thalia.

'Retreat! Save yourselves, that's an order!' they both shouted.

'Retreat! Retreat!' They went inside. 'Seal the doors!'

Uther walked forward. 'Where's Arthur? Where's Thalia? Where are they?' Then he realised and tried to run to the door but Sir Geraint stopped him. 'You can't leave them out there, they'll be torn apart!'

'You can't go out there, Sire! If you open that door, you will die! We will all die!'

'No!'

'I hope you've got a spell cause I don't see how else we're getting out of this,' Arthur said as he scanned the sky.

'Yeah.'

Arthur sighed in relief. 'Good.'

'Watch out!' Thalia pulled Arthur to the left as a monster swooped.

'Thanks.'

'Where the hell is the other one?!'

Arthur looked around. 'There!'

It swooped down on them.

Thalia raised her hand. 'Astrice!'

The monster that was coming toward them broke into pieces of stone.

Arthur crouched and looked around for the other as Thalia stood over them, protecting them from the falling rocks.

'I can't see it.'

'It's here somewhere.'

Arthur's trained eyes looked for movement in the sky and shadows. Then he spotted it, bearing down on them at a slight angle in the sky. 'There!' he pointed and Thalia swept around, put one arm outstretched in front of Arthur below her and the other to the sky.

'Astrice!'

The other monster exploded back into rocks and Thalia turned her shoulder to a rock that came their way, shielding them.

'That would have broken your shoulder!'

'I'm wearing armour, you idiot!'

'Oh.' Arthur stood up once more, patted her shoulder and went to see if there was anyone still alive nearby.

'Thalia!'

She turned and saw Merlin. 'Merlin! Did you get it?'

He nodded and glanced at Arthur who was only half-listening.

'Ah, um… swefe nu.'

Arthur collapsed in a deep sleep.

'Who would've believed it? You, a sorcerer, and a powerful one.'

They spun round, startled to see Sigan looking at Thalia.

'And you!' he rounded on Merlin. 'You have magic as well!'

'You will be responsible for no more deaths!' Merlin yelled.

'And you're going to stop me?'

'I'll stop you.'

'Why are you working for Arthur? He does not deserve your loyalty. He treats you like a slave.'

'That's not true.'

Thalia glanced at Merlin.

'He cast you aside without a moment's thought.'

'That doesn't matter.'

Thalia gripped Merlin's shoulder proudly, glaring at Sigan.

'But it must hurt so much to be so put upon, so overlooked, when all the while you have such power.'

'That's the way it has to be.'

'Does it? You're young, Merlin. Look inside yourself. You have yet to discover your true power. I can help you. Think, Merlin. To have the world appreciate your greatness. To have Arthur know you for what you are.'

'That can never be.'

'It can, if you join me. Together we can rule over this land. Arthur will tremble at your voice, he will kneel at your feet.'

'I don't want that. And anyway, Thalia has that power already.'

'You're making jokes?' Thalia raised an eyebrow at Merlin.

'You'd rather be a servant?' Sigan kept speaking.

'Better to serve a good man than to rule with an evil one!'

'So be it! If you will not join me, I will become you and your power will be harnessed to my will.' Cedric's eyes rolled back into his head and after struggling to breathe he fell to the floor. Merlin and Thalia watched warily until a blue smoke like substance the same colour as the blue jewel drifted from his nose and mouth.

'Merlin!' Thalia stood in front of him.

'Thalia, what are you doing?'

'Did the book give you the spell? Do you have the jewel?'

'Yes, it did. I've got it.'

'Good. Then I'll trust you.' She turned her head to see him nod. She nodded once as well and stepped to the side.

Merlin took a deep breath and began chanting as the blue swirled around him. 'Ic þín sáwol hér beléac, abide þæt ic þé álíese!'

He fell as the blue entered his nose and Thalia caught him, picking him up. Merlin shook in her hold a few times before his eyes opened and changed colour to black like a raven's. She waited. And then the blue once more came out into the air from Merlin and flew into the jewel in his hand which became blue once more. Thalia rubbed Merlin's forehead.

'Merlin. Merlin? I'm not carrying you in.' she shook him gently.

He groaned and opened his eyes.

'You did it.'

'I did?'

'Mm, you did.'

'Ha-ha!'

She tilted him enough so he could stand. 'Well done, Merlin. Oh, I'd best wake up Arthur.'

She walked over the rubble from the monsters and splinters of wood from broken carts to Arthur. She knelt down and shook him.

'Arthur. Arthur! Get up.'

'Hm?'

'Get up!'

Arthur remembered where he was and what was going on. His eyes snapped open, alarmed until he saw a smiling Thalia. He smiled back. 'What did you do?'

'Something complicated, now come on, no doubt your father's worried sick about us.'

She took his wrists his heaved him up. Arthur winced as he started walking. Thalia readjusted the bandage wrapped around his torso and took his right arm and put it round her shoulders. She put her left arm round his back.

'Careful.'

'I'm fine.'

'No you're not.'

'Well as fine as can be expected,' he said; miffed.

They walked to Merlin who was looking at the jewel. Arthur eyed it with immense distrust.

'Is that Sigan in there?'

'Yep.' Merlin held it up.

Arthur winced once more and moved his head back slightly. 'How did you manage that?'

'With a crossbow, string and a rock.' Thalia said with a straight face.

'So with magic, then.'

'Obviously.'

Then they saw Gaius who was wandering around the square. He stopped and smiled when he saw them.

'Well done, my boy!' he hurried over and hugged Merlin.

Arthur frowned. 'How did Merlin help?'

'He was a great help.' Thalia put her spare arm around Merlin's shoulders and Gaius went on Merlin's other side and they walked back to the doors smiling.

They stopped when they reached them. 'Umm… how do we knock?' Arthur couldn't move his spare hand and Gaius was too far away.

'Merlin,' said Thalia.

He followed her lead and they kicked the door.

'Thalia?! Arthur?!' the voice belonged to Sir Geraint.

'It's us,' Thalia smiled.

The doors opened and they walked in, still in a line.

Uther ran round the corner and stopped when he saw the chain of them. 'Well?'

'Sigan's back in the jewel, sire.' Thalia looked past Merlin to Gaius who held it up.

'How?!'

'Thalia,' said Arthur, throwing her a smile.

'My dear you are incredible, well done.'

She smiled. 'I can't take all the credit, sire.'

Arthur puffed up but made a shocked noise the next second at Thalia's next sentence.

'I had a lot of help from Merlin here. He was very brave.'

Uther looked at the modestly burning with embarrassment Merlin in shock. 'You?'

'Uhm… yes, sire.'

'Well, um… good job, both of you. Arthur, are you alright?'

'I'm fine, father.'

'I'll have a look at you,' said Gaius and took Arthur's arm off Thalia's shoulders and put it round his own. Thalia passed Arthur's arm to another knight who was still wincing and kept her other arm round Merlin as Uther followed his son.

'Thanks for that.'

'Well now. They can't know that you were the one who cast the spell but they can at least know you're a big help.'

'You know, Sigan was wrong.'

'About what?'

'I do have recognition, I'm not overlooked and I am known for who I am. I've got you!'

Thalia laughed as Merlin hugged her. 'That's true. I've got your back.'

The treasure had been removed from the tomb and the heart was placed back into the tombstone as it was sealed off once more. Thalia was with Uther and Gaius in the council chambers.

'We must learn our lessons from these terrible events, Gaius.'

'Indeed, Sire.' Gaius nodded.

'They prove beyond doubt that I was right. Magic is evil. It is our greatest threat. I have grown complacent, Gaius.'

'I wouldn't say that, Sire.'

'We must renew our efforts. We must ensure that all sorcerers and their followers are eradicated from this kingdom.'

'Of course, Sire.'

'I thank you, Thalia, for joining and supporting this fight.'

Thalia sighed. 'I may not believe all magic is evil, sire, but I know some is. And for that, I will always fight with you.'

'You know, you won't get any thanks, Merlin.' Gaius put some stew into two bowls.

'I'm not a complete idiot.'

'Hey, I congratulated him!' Thalia put on a pretend hurt voice.

'That's true, my dear.' Gaius put down a bowl in front of Merlin and the other in front of Thalia. A large bread loaf and some fruit Thalia had got from the kitchens sat between them. 'There you go. It's not much, but you both deserve something.'

A knock at the door and Arthur walked in.

'I've come to see Merlin. Oh, Thalia, there you are.' He walked to the side of the table and Thalia sat back in her chair, watching Arthur, who's facial injury had turned to a black eye. 'I've not forgotten about your lazy, insolent ways, or the fact that you called me a clot…pole-,'

'Accurate,' whispered Thalia, causing Merlin to snort.

'-but I do have to admit that there was some truth in your accusations against Cedric.'

'Some truth? He was right you moron.' Thalia raised an eyebrow at Arthur, looking amused.

'Yes, well…'

Merlin was beaming. 'Does this mean you're admitting that in this occasion I was actually right?'

Arthur frowned. 'Not exactly, no. It means that I have a knighthood to bestow first thing tomorrow and no one to clean my armour.' He tipped a bag onto the table.

Or rather over the table. The armour seemed to slide through the air and landed on the floor. Arthur did a double take and frowned before turning to Thalia, who was still leaning back in the chair with her arms folded.

'You do have someone to clean your armour, you've got yourself.'

Arthur looked at her menacingly. 'What?'

'You heard me perfectly. Off you go.'

'Oh, you are joking.'

'Try me.'

Merlin and Gaius struggled not to laugh as Arthur, looking much like a scolded child, tried to stare down the unimpressed and relaxed Crowned Warrior. Eventually he gave up and bent down to shovel his armour back into the bag and skulked out.

As he was leaving Gaius leant down. 'Clotpole?'

They all turned their heads back to Arthur's retreating figure and laughed before Gaius went back to the pot to get a bowl for himself.

'I'd say you deserve that too, Gaius,' said Thalia, 'you were running around in the make-shift infirmary like an energetic frog.'

'If you insist.' They laughed once more and Gaius returned to the table as Thalia made a chair zoom across the floor and stopped by Gaius.

'Thank you, my dear.'

'Oh and since Merlin did such a wonderful job yesterday I've got this!' Thalia with a glint in her eye pulled up a small bag from under the table.

'Mm,' Merlin said as he swallowed, 'I've been meaning to ask, what's in that?'

'A cake.'

'NO!'

'Yes.'

'Come on, eat up, eat up.'

They ate together, chatting and laughing.