The Darkest Hour Part 1

'In a land of myth and a time of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young man. His name: Merlin,' Kilgharrah begins as Merlin's eyes flash gold.

'I'm a man,' cheered Merlin. 'Finally.'

'I've thought you were a man for years,' smiled Hunith.

'It probably means he's turned twenty-one by this time,' smiled Gaius.

On the plans of Denaria a cloaked figure struggles to pull a horse cart along a dusty road. Dust clouds blow across the path. Four knights approach on horseback. The horses gallop towards the figure.

'Do you think that's Morgana?' murmured Arthur.

'I don't know,' Merlin frowned.

'Halt!' Leon shouts causing the cloaked woman to stop. 'Stay where you are.'

The woman sets down the cart handles. The woman does not turn around to face the knights. The knights including Leon and Elyan dismount and approach the woman looking frightened. Leon puts a hand on his sword.

'Where are you headed?' demanded Leon.

'The Seas of Meredor,' Morgana says.

'What's in the cart?' Leon demands.

Morgana says nothing but begins to turn so that you can see her face but not from the knights angle of sight. Sir Leon motions for the spare knights to search it. Morgana faces the knights and approaches the knights as Leon's eyes widened.

'It's Morgana,' Arthur said grimly.

'Was there any ever doubt?' asked Merlin darkly.

'We always knew she'd be back,' agreed Leon.

'Lady Morgana,' Leon said.

'She's not a Lady,' Arthur said darkly. 'Not anymore.'

Morgana holds her hands up and uses magic to throw each of the knights to the ground. Elyan has just enough time to pull his sword out before he is thrown to the floor. The four knights lay still. She looks around, pulls off her hood and pulls down a blanket in the cart.

'Elyan!' cried out Gwen. 'Is he alright?' Gwen demanded of Emrys.

Emrys bowed his head, 'both he and Leon survived this.'

'And Sir Bertrand and Sir Wontague?' asked Arthur quietly.

Emrys did not answer which was answer enough for them all.

'I should have been there,' Arthur said bitterly.

'No I should have,' Merlin said gravely. 'I could have saved them.'

'If Arthur was there so would Merlin,' Lancelot said. 'Merlin would never let Arthur go anywhere without him.'

'And when we get back I will make sure that Merlin is sent to …'Arthur trailed off because he didn't know how to finish that sentence.

'To make sure that Morgana cannot hurt anyone else,' Merlin said pain shining in his eyes.

'You would kill her?' Arthur asked quietly.

Merlin didn't look happy about it, 'I would do anything to protect you.'

Arthur didn't know what to say to that so he said nothing.

'Are you alright?' Morgana asks.

'Yes, thank you, Sister. But we must hurry. Night is nearly upon us,' Morgause says weakly.

Morgause turns her face towards Morgana, revealing a hideous deformity to the right side of her face.

Merlin's face darkened at the sight of what he had done but he did not say anything. Hunith squeezed her son's shoulder knowing the guilt Merlin would likely be feeling. Merlin didn't respond to this.

'And we still have far to go,' Morgause says.

In the castle square Merlin runs up the castle steps through knights and servants. Servants are decorating the castle with vines. Merlin ducks under one of them as he bolts up the Griffin Stairway.

'Late again,' Arthur said.

'Sorry,' Merlin shouts.

In the castle kitchens Merlin bumps into more servants carrying platters of food. Merlin nicks some food off a passing plate. The head cook accosts him with a ladle.

'What are you doing in my kitchen?' demanded the cook.

'Mary's scary,' Merlin said.

'She is,' agreed Gwaine.

'Only because you are constantly stealing from her,' Gwen said amused.

'I don't even know why Gwaine does steal from her,' Merlin said. 'He's a knight all he has to do is request food from the kitchen.'

'Ah, but where's the fun in that,' laughed Gwaine.

'Only Gwaine,' laughed Merlin.

'Uh, the prince's shirt,' Merlin said.

The cook nods and turns around back to her food where she begins chopping up vegetable. The head cook then motions to the line above the stove where the pots are hanging. Behind the pots is a hook containing a white shirt.

'Keep your dirty fingers off my food. Do you understand?' demanded the cook.

Merlin grabs the shirt and a hook on a string drops down in front of his face. He looks up, confused. Sir Gwaine and Sir Percival are peering down at him with eager and mischievous grins. Gwaine puts a finger to his lips and Merlin laughs. Merlin attaches the hook to one of the roasting chickens and pulls on the string. The knights pull it up to them as Merlin exits hastily.

'Gwaine, how did you manage to convince Percival to join in on your shenanigans?' asked Gaius shaking his head.

'You can never trust the quiet ones,' laughed Merlin. 'Percival just likes to pretend he doesn't like pranks.'

Arthur rolled his eyes, 'of course he does.'

'Oi!' shouted the cook.

Merlin weaves through bustling servants. A servant with wine pitchers bumps into him and spills it all over Arthur's newly washed shirt. Merlin picks up the stained shirt and stares at it as he glances back at his fellow servant.

'Merlin, you really are a clumsy idiot,' Arthur shook his head. 'How you are the most powerful sorcerer ever I do not know!'

'You could try a bit of salt,' Lancelot said as Merlin continues to inspect the shirt on his knees.

'I don't think that will work,' Gwen shook her head.

'I think Lancelot means magic,' Merlin said amused, 'and if anyone asks say I used salt. Like anyone ever believes that I have magic!'

Merlin lowers the shirt looking at an approaching Lancelot in surprise, 'Arthur is going to kill me,' Merlin said standing up.

'Let's see,' Lancelot says as he looks at the shirt. 'You've faced far worse, Merlin,' Lancelot says clapping Merlin on the shoulder as he walks passed.

'Too right I have,' nodded Merlin.

'And worse to come,' Emrys said gravely causing the laughter to stop.

'He needs it for tonight,' Merlin said.

'I'm sure a man of your talents can think of something,' Lancelot said.

'He definitely means magic,' nodded Merlin.

'Was there ever really any doubt?' asked Lancelot amused.

Lancelot lifts his eyebrows knowingly. Lancelot keeps on walking backwards at first but turns in the opposite direction from Merlin. Merlin stares after the knight. Merlin checks to see no one's looking.

'Fordwin wamm,' Merlin whispers.

'Merlin,' scolded Gaius. 'If anyone had seen! And you,' Gaius turned sharply to Lancelot, 'encouraging the fool.'

'Sorry, Gaius,' Lancelot said meekly.

'Well nothing happened,' Merlin shrugged, 'and I haven't done it.'

'No you have not,' agreed Gaius darkly turning to glare at the older Merlin.

'I was careless when I was young,' Emrys said a bit flippantly but didn't seem frightened of Gaius.

Merlin's eyes glow gold as Lancelot stops and turns around. Merlin glanced around then holds up the clean shirt and Lancelot opens his arms as if to say "See, that was easy." The both continue on their way. Merlin continuing to push through the other servants.

'Wonder what's going on,' murmured Hunith.

'It could be anything,' Merlin rolled his eyes. 'Visiting nobles, royals, birthdays, feast days. There's always something even more so now that Arthur is regent and has to take over his father's duties. You have no idea how many events like this happen at Camelot. It seems like every other week there's a different feast or party.'

Arthur's leaning against his desk and writing, as Merlin enters with his clean white shirt. Merlin looks slightly out of breath as he enters. Merlin opens his mouth and then closes it again looking shocked.

'What are you so shocked about?' demanded Arthur.

'No idea,' admitted Merlin.

Emrys actually laughed, 'Arthur you should never try and dress yourself. You always fail miserably.'

'The princess can't dress himself,' snickered Gwaine.

Arthur flushed, 'shut up Merlin – both of you – and Gwaine.'

'Your dressed,' Merlin said.

'Yes, Merlin. I'm not an idiot,' Arthur said.

'I wouldn't be so sure about that,' Emrys said amusement twinkling in his blue eyes.

Arthur turns around with the parchment and quill still in hand. Arthur walks behind his desk. He didn't manage to pull his shirt all the way through his belt in the back and his skin is showing. Merlin sniggers.

Merlin snickered, 'how old are you? You can't even dress yourself!'

Arthur flushed, 'I've never needed to! That's what servants are for.'

'Are you sure about that?' Merlin snickers.

'Beg your pardon?' Arthur asks taking the seat.

'It's just that you—'Merlin is interrupted.

'Merlin,' Arthur said warningly.

'But you—'Merlin tries again only to be interrupted again.

'I am trying to write a speech,' Arthur says gesturing to his parchment.

'You really should listen to Merlin, Arthur,' Gwen said eyes shining with amusement only serving to make Arthur angrier.

'Do you want help?' Merlin asks.

'No,' Arthur said shortly.

'There's nothing wrong with asking for help when you need it,' Merlin said quietly. 'A good leader should be able to delegate responsibilities to others.'

'You won't want this, then?' Merlin asks holding up a scroll and Arthur looks up from his desk. 'I spent all night working on it.'

Arthur looks at Merlin who stand holding up the scroll with scepticism. Arthur then holds out his hand for Merlin to give him the scroll. Arthur takes the scroll and looks over it with exaggerated scepticism as he glances over it.

'What do you think?' Merlin asks.

Arthur hands it back to Merlin, 'needs a polish.'

'You barely looked at it,' Merlin said outraged.

'Cleary I could see that it needed some work done to it,' Arthur said.

'And you couldn't have done it yourself?' Merlin asked. 'After I saved you from doing it yourself!'

I'll add it to the list,' Merlin said.

Arthur tosses the speech he was working on, 'Merlin, there aren't many servants who get the chance to write a prince's speech,' Arthur said as Merlin picks up the clothes from Arthur's bed.

Gwen smiled, 'that's because most servants do not read and write.

'Obviously it would be too much for you to say, "Thank you,"' Arthur said.

Merlin scowled, 'I was the one who spent the night writing you the speech. You are the one who should be thanking me!'

Merlin stares at Arthur for a moment and walks out with his laundry without deigning reply. Arthur smiles playing with his quill before dropping it on the table as he no longer had need of it.

'Merlin, you do realise you took Arthur's clean shirt with you,' Gwaine said.

Merlin flushed, 'I'd like to point out that this has not happened yet.'

Emrys just smiled, 'and I'd like to point out I was only twenty-one. Just a child,' Emrys sighed the years clear in his blue eyes.

'But we're all children to you aren't we, Merlin,' Gaius smiled sadly at his old ward who still looked like a child.

'Everyone is,' Emrys said tiredly. 'Except Aithusia.'

At the Seas of Meredor Morgana helps Morgause limp out of the cart in the foggy wood. Morgause limps forward with Morgana following behind looking worried about her sister. Morgause looks forward awe in her eyes.

'Where are they going?' asked Elyan frowning.

Merlin frowned, 'if she's at the Great Seas of Meredor. Then it is likely she's heading to the Isle of the Blessed.'

'Which is worrying,' added Gaius. 'There is a lot of Dark and dangerous rituals that Morgana and Morgause could perform there.'

'Yes there is,' Emrys murmured sadly looking at Lancelot who looked uncomfortable at his friend's face but before he could say anything Arthur spoke up.

'Is the Labyrinth of Gedref not located on the Seas of Meredor?' asked Arthur.

'Yes,' agreed Emrys softly, 'but the Labyrinth is a place of Light magic and the purity of the unicorns. Anhora would never let Dark practitioners in the Labyrinth.'

'The Isle of the Blessed,' Morgause says awe in her voice and a small smile on her face.

'See told you,' Merlin said cheerfully.

'Yes, Merlin, I can see that, what worried me is what they have planned,' Arthur says grimly.

'Nothing good,' Percival said softly.

'No,' agreed Emrys eyes lingering on Lancelot once more. 'Nothing good.'

Across the sea the Isle of the Blessed is visible shrouded in fog. Morgana helps Morgause to the dock. A ferryman waits for them by a longboat. He holds out his hand. Morgause places a coin in it.

'You know where we wish to go,' Morgause says.

'Unfortunately,' Emrys said darkly and then sighed. 'Baird would never have ferried them across if he had known what they were going to do.'

The sister's huddle in the boat, the ferryman at the helm, as it glides across the sea with the ferryman at the helm.

In Uther's chambers Uther's hand shakes badly as he lowers his goblet to the table in front of his chair. Gwen enters and watches him with a pitying expression as the king leans back in his chair before she approaches him.

'He's never going to heal is he?' asked Arthur softly.

'The king's ailment is a result of emotional damage rather than physical of magical damage,' Gaius said. 'He won't heal unless he wants to. Unless he is able to get over the shock of Morgana – his own daughter's betrayal. I am not sure that Uther would be able to do that.'

'Not eaten, sire? Sire?' Gwen asks more earnestly when Uther does not answer.

Uther doesn't seem to hear her, lost in his own misery as he looks out of the window without seeing. Gwen takes the tray of untouched food as Gaius watches sadly. Gwen meets Gaius on her way out. She looks at the potion in Gaius's hand.

'It doesn't seem to make any difference,' Gwen said.

'I'm not sure it ever will. But at least it gives him peace,' Gaius said.

'Which is all I can do,' Gaius sighed.

Gwen looks back over at the king, 'it's been a year since Morgana betrayed him.'

Gaius nods looking back at the king, 'his heart is broken and his spirit is gone. You're joining us for the feast tonight?

'I don't think so. I need to stay with the king,' Gwen replied.

'You are too good to him,' Arthur said smiling slightly. 'After everything I wouldn't blame you-'

'Arthur,' Gwen takes Arthur's face in her hands. 'It isn't for him I look after the king. It is for you. It is because I love you and you love him. I hope one day he can heal for your benefit.'

'Thank you Gwen,' Arthur says softly.

'You're very good to him, Gwen,' Gaius says.

'I don't do it for him; I do it for Arthur,' Gwen said.

Gwen nods and turns to leave with the tray of food in hand. Gaius watches Gwen exit.

The Isle of the Blessed can be seen across the sea. There are Wyvern flying above the ancient ruins on the Isle. Morgause and Morgana continue across the sea with the ferryman to the Isle of the Blessed.

Sir Leon and Sir Elyan ride into the square and report to Arthur and the Council. The peasants turn to look at the knights.

'Thank goodness,' Gwen said knowing that old Merlin had said that Elyan and Leon would survive but it was still a relief to see them.

In the council chambers Arthur stands in front of the Throne of Camelot. Merlin is a little bit to the side. The knights have gathered whilst Leon gives his report.

'The reports are true, sire. We caught up with Morgana on the Plains of Denaria,' Leon said.

'Was she alone?' asked Arthur.

'We were still unsure whether or not Morgause had survived,' murmured Emrys.

Elyan shakes his head, 'there was someone else.'

'Morgause,' Arthur says.

'Couldn't be sure,' Elyan replies.

'Where was Morgana heading?' asked Agravaine speaking from the shadows.

'To the Seas of Meredor,' Leon replied.

'Isle of the Blessed,' Gaius said.

Agravaine steps into the light, 'I'll send out patrols at first light.'

Emrys sighed, 'by then it was too late.'

'Thank you, Agravaine,' Arthur said.

'Sire, you should know her powers have grown. Sir Bertrand and Sir Wontague are both dead,' Leon said causing Merlin and Arthur to look down sadly.

'That's likely what she's doing at the present,' Merlin said grimly.

'What?' frowned Arthur.

'Learning more magic off Morgause,' Gaius said grimly.

'And not the king we practice,' added Merlin.

'Keep me informed of any developments,' Arthur ordered.

The knights and councilmen all bow and exit. Gaius and Merlin exit sharing a worried look with one another. Agravaine remains with Arthur. Arthur turns to his Uncle.

'For months, nothing. Why now?' Arthur asks.

'We knew she couldn't stay hidden forever. Today, tomorrow, what does it matter? Mustn't live in fear, Arthur. Camelot is strong. If Morgana were to act, we'd be ready for her,' Agravaine said.

'We always knew she'd be back eventually, sire,' Leon said grimly.

'You're right, of course. I don't know how I'd've got through these last few months without you,' Arthur claps Agravaine on the shoulder. 'Thank you, Uncle,' Arthur said turning to leave chain metal clanging.

'I made a promise to your mother,' Agravaine said causing Arthur to stop and turn to his uncle. 'I'll always be there for you.'

Arthur nods with a smile and exits his chain metal still clinking. Agravaine watches Arthur go with a smile on his face.

That night at the Isle of the Blessed. The wyvern shriek as they fly around the fortress as Morgana's boat continues to the isle.

At Camelot in the banquet hall the feast is on with lots of talking and laughing. To the table to the left of the royal table the Knights of the Round Table sit. Arthur and Agravaine sit on either side of the king's chair at the feast. Arthur stands and the laughter dies down. Elyan and Leon place their goblets down on the table.

'Samhain,' Arthur says.

'Did you know?' asked Merlin. 'That Samhain is actually a magical day which all magical people celebrate. It is the day when the veil between life and death is the thinnest and as such the day where you can talk to those who have left us and summon creatures from beyond this world.'

'Either good or bad,' Emrys said darkly.

'Whatever Morgana and Morgause have planned must be to do with the veil being at the thinnest,' Gaius said grimly.

'Do you think they are summoning creatures from beyond the veil?' asked Merlin.

Gaius nodded sharply.

'It is the time of year when we feel closest to the spirits of our ancestors,' Arthur said as Merlin holds a metal jug behind the prince. It is a time to remember those we have lost to celebrate their passing.'

At the Isle of the Blessed Morgana helps a limping Morgause walk. In the middle there is a plain stone alter.

'Samhain is almost upon us. We must hurry,' Morgause says.

Morgana stops, 'I can't do this,' Morgana says weakly shaking her head.

'What is so bad that even Morgana doesn't want to do it?' asked Merlin sounding worried.

'I don't think I want to know,' Arthur said quietly.

Gwen frowned, 'she doesn't care about what she does to achieve her goals. She doesn't care about who it is she hurts or betrays.'

'Morgause is the only person she cares about,' Merlin said.

Gaius looked even more worried as he hissed, 'she can't be!'

'She did,' agreed Emrys gravely.

'Sister. Remember what I told you. It is the only way. What you are about to do will affect everyone, even you. But most importantly, it will bring our enemies to their knees. You must be strong, remember that,' Morgause says as she presents Morgana with a dagger. 'Do not be scared,' Morgause encourages as Morgana takes the dagger. 'I am not long for this world. There is nothing left for me here now.' Morgause says as she weakly climbs onto the altar stone and takes Morgana's hand. 'Please, sister, let my parting be my final gift to you,' Morgause says as she lies down on the altar.

In the Banquet Hall Arthur is still standing as he raises his glass in a toast.

'To the king,' Arthur tpasts.

Everyone stands to toast as the bell tolls. Merlin stands to the back with the jug still in hand.

The moon shines over the alter at the centre of the Isle of the Blessed. Morgause is lying still on the table. Morgana stands over her sister with the knife Morgause has just gifted her held over her head.

'How evil and twisted must Morgause be for her to ask her own sister to kill her?' asked Arthur disgusted who still found it hard to think of the fact that one day he'd have to order Morgana's death.

'Eala leofu sweostor þæm gastum befæste ic þe. Alynne þa þeostre þe inne onwunaþ; onginn dwolma!' Morgana incants.

'What does that mean?' asked Lancelot grimly.

'Oh, dear sister, I entrust you to the spirits. Release the darkness that remains inside you; chaos, begin!' Merlin said darkly. 'I've never seen such dark magic.'

'You'll see more,' Emrys said darkly. 'Morgana learnt a lot in the year after her takeover and became infinitely darker.'

'And I thought she was bad before,' Gwen said softly to which Emrys said nothing.

Morgana poises the dagger to strike, her eyes glow and she plunges it into Morgause's chest. Morgause gasps as her sister kills her.

In the banquet hall Merlin senses the magic and everything goes into slow motion. Gaius toasts the king with other men at his table. Agravaine stands up to toast the king. The knights toast their glasses as screams causing Merlin to freak out.

'You can sense it,' murmured Arthur.

'Always,' Merlin said grimly.

At the alter of the Isle of the Blessed Morgana is blown off her feet. Morgana lands on the stone her head knocked out.

Merlin sees a dead-looking woman in a black, hooded cloak with a staff standing in the middle of the banquet hall. The screams still echo around the hall but apparently only Merlin can hear.

Cailleach whispers, 'Emrys. Emrys. Emrys.'

'Why did she appear to you?' Arthur asked.

'The Cailleach is a neutral entity,' Emrys said softly. 'It aided both sides.'

Merlin drops his empty serving pitcher and the whole hall goes quiet and stares at him. He swoons. Lancelot rushes to his side. Arthur rolls his eyes. Merlin shivers on the floor.

On the Isle of the Blessed Morgana lies unconscious on the floor. The Cailleach strokes Morgana's pale cheek and Morgana wakes. She sits up and sees the cloaked woman standing in front of the rift.

'Who are you?' Morgana asks her voice shaking.

'I am the Cailleach, the gatekeeper to the spirit world. You have torn the veil between the worlds,' The Cailleach says as eerie screams echo from the rift. 'The Dorocha. They are the voices of the dead, my child. And, like the dead, they are numberless,' The Cailleach says as Morgana looks around in fear.

'What did she expect from tearing the Veil between worlds?' demanded Merlin.

'You are right to be afraid, Morgana. Your enemies will rue this day and all the destruction it brings, but you must beware. Tearing the veil between the worlds has created a new world, and you will not walk through it alone. The one they call Emrys will walk in your shadow. He is your destiny, and he is your doom,' The Cailleach warns.

Merlin's eyes widened, 'her doom.'

Emrys wore a very dark look, 'so that was why she was so scared of me,' he murmured and sighed.

'Were you her doom?' asked Merlin softly.

Emrys did not answer.

'Emrys,' voices whisper.

In Merlin's chambers Lancelot lays Merlin on the bed. Gaius looks concerned about the boy as he sets about trying to find out what happened. Lancelot kneels by Merlin's bed as Gaius bends over his ward.

'What happened?' asked Lancelot.

'I don't know. I've never felt anyone so cold before,' Gaius said.

'Will he be alright?' asked Lancelot.

'I'm always alright,' Emrys said sadly.

'I'll need Hawthorne to improve the blood flow,' Gaius said as Lancelot gets up. 'And blankets. Lots of blankets,' Gaius said as Lancelot goes to fetch the blankets.

In the lower levels of the physician's chambers Gaius is grinding something as Merlin steps out of his chamber wearing a blanket. Merlin is still shivering. Merlin and Gaius sit together on the bench of the work table.

'When she spoke, her voice...it was as though it came from the depths of the earth, and her eyes...' Merlin trails off swallowing, '…they were so sad. So much pain in them. Who is she?'

'The Cailleach, the gatekeeper to the spirit world,' the Cailleach replied.

'Why was she there?' asked Merlin.

'It was on the stroke of midnight of Samhain's Eve, the very moment when the veil between the worlds is at its thinnest. It cannot be a coincidence,' Gaius said.

'No it was not,' agreed Emrys gravely.

'Why was I the only one to see her?' asked Merlin.

'Do you really have to ask?' snorted Gwaine. 'You're Emrys.'

'He is quite right,' nodded Gaius. 'You are very powerful. For those with such power visions are not uncommon.'

'I don't think anyone has power like me,' Merlin said quietly.

'No,' agreed Gaius.

'You have great power, Merlin. For someone so gifted, such visions are not uncommon,' Gaius replied.

'But you don't understand. It wasn't a vision. She knew who I was. She called me Emrys,' Merlin said causing Gaius to ponder. 'What is it? What does it mean?'

'I'm not sure. But if someone has torn the veil between the worlds, then God help us all,' Gaius said.

'What does it mean?' Arthur asked tensely.

Gaius and Emrys share a dark look of understanding but neither of them say anything knowing the horrors that will come.

The next morning in Arthur's chambers Arthur sleeps soundly in the darkened room hugging his blanket. Merlin brings in a breakfast tray and sets it noisily on the table while Arthur's still in bed causing Arthur to stir slightly and look around at his manservant who is at the window.

'Merlin,' Arthur groans as Merlin opens the curtains. 'Merlin!' Arthur yells.

'What?' Merlin asks turning around to face the regent.

Arthur puts a pillow over his face as someone knocks at the door, 'Merlin!' Arthur says his voice muffled.

'That's not me,' Merlin said.

'That's not me,' Merlin said.

'Will you ever change?' Arthur asks.

'No you'd get bored,' Merlin laughs as Emrys gives the two of them a sad look.

Merlin said turning to look at the door. Arthur takes the pillow off his head and turns to look at the door. Leon enters striding in to the prince's chambers looking worried.

'Excuse me, sire,' Leon said as a bleary eyed Arthur sits up. 'You're needed in the council chambers as a matter of urgency.'

In the council chambers the council is gathered around a weeping woman. The council moves aside when Arthur enters. Gaius is consoling the girl. Agravaine turned around when he hears Arthur and Merlin enters.

'What's happened to her?' Arthur asks.

'The Dorocha,' Merlin said grimly.

'Her village was attacked,' Agravaine said.

'By who?' asked Arthur.

'Not entirely clear, sir,' Agravaine said.

Arthur approaches the weeping woman, 'what's your name?'

'Drea,' Drea says sounding scared.

Arthur steps closer and the girl tenses. Arthur puts a comforting hand on her shoulder but Drea looks down refusing to look at Arthur. Arthur then speaks tenderly to the girl.

'Drea,' Arthur says gently and she uncertainly makes eye contact. 'I'm Arthur. Don't be frightened. Tell me what happened.'

'My mother, my father, my litter sister, they're...' Drea starts weeping again.

'That poor girl,' murmurs Hunith.

'It's all right. It's all right,' Arthur said and Drea nods. 'Someone attacked them,' Arthur says and Drea nods again. 'Who?'

'The Dorocha,' Emrys sighed. 'They never stood a chance.'

'There was no one. Just...shapes,' Drea said.

'You didn't see their faces?' Arthur asked.

'They had no faces,' Drea said.

Arthur looks uncertainly at a few councilmen. Arthur's eyes connects with Gaius'. Merlin turns at the sound of the sound of screams behind him. Merlin turns back around as he can see nothing as Drea begins talking again.

Merlin tensed, 'are they there?'

'They have no power in the day,' Emrys said simply.

'I- I keep telling you. They were there, but...they weren't there. They moved so quickly. It was as if they weren't real, but...they must've been,' Drea says causing Arthur to frown. 'I could hear the people screaming. And then...silence. They were all...dead,' Drea breaks down and Arthur comforts her.

'Hey. Thank you,' Arthur says and turns her to cry on Gaius's shoulder. 'Where is this village?'

'Howden. It's to the east of the White Mountains, no more than half a day's hard ride,' Agravaine replies.

'Ready the men,' Arthur says to Leon.

'You will not be able to defeat them,' Gaius said with a sigh. 'Only a sacrifice will be able to repair the tear sending the Dorocha back to where they came from.'

'Who?' Arthur demanded of Emrys.

'Do you really want to know?' asked Emrys gently and kindly.

The Round Table knights and Merlin ride out of Camelot. They continue riding fast and hard in the woods. They slow their horses where Merlin is startled by the sound of a woodpecker.

'Merlin, you need your comfort blanket?' asked Arthur sarcastically.

'I imagine that Merlin can sense the tear in the fabric of the world,' Gaius said grimly. 'Am I right?'

Emrys nodded gravely, 'yes I could sense the wrongness of the world.'

'What do you mean?' Merlin asks.

'You're making me edgy,' Arthur says Lancelot's mount whinnies and Merlin jumps. 'That's a horse.'

'Maybe it sensed something,' suggested Merlin.

'Yes, that you're a clot pole,' Arthur said.

'That's my word,' Merlin said.

Gwen rolled her eyes, 'honestly you two are such children.'

'Yeah. And it suits you perfectly,' Arthur says as the knights survey the slaughtered village. 'It's too quiet.'

They enter the village on foot. All is silent. A door creaks loudly and they freeze until a goat bleats and wanders out. They split up in pairs to search. Arthur turns at a loud crunch. Gwaine just bit into an apple.

'Gwaine,' Merlin shook his head.

Sorry,' Gwaine said causing Lancelot to shake his head.

'Here!' Elyan calls.

Gwaine drops the apple and they all run to Elyan. Inside one of the houses Elyan is kneeled down with Leon at his side. Elyan stands up as the others enter. They all stare at frosted corpses. They all turn as something whips past behind them.

'You saw it?' asked Arthur.

'We are literally chasing shadows,' Gwaine said the grin on his face seemed more of a nervous grin than anything else.

Merlin rolled his eyes, 'you can't kill shadows.'

'Come on,' Arthur says.

They exit the house and search the village at night, bearing torches. Merlin splits off from Lancelot when he hears a door shut in a barn. He walks around cautiously and a chicken jumps out at him. He sighs in relief. Something shrieks quietly behind him and he sees a wisp of it as it exits the barn. Merlin chases the shrieking wisp and loses it.

'Leoht,' Merlin shines a light from his hand but the light fades. 'Leoht,' the light shines briefly and disappears. 'Leoht,' Merlin says and again nothing happens as screams echo around him and a wisp shoots straight for him.

'Why isn't it working?' asked Merlin sounding ill at ease that his magic that he'd had since he was a child was useless.

'Morgana disrupted the balance of the earth,' explained Emrys. 'Our magic is the magic of the earth itself with the balance so disrupted our magic became weaker especially in the dark where the Dorocha had the power.'

'Fleoh nu on moras! Fleoh nu on moras!' Merlin say and eyes glow, but nothing happens.

'Merlin!' Lancelot shouts and uses his torch to repel the wisp. 'What happened?'

'My magic...I couldn't use it,' Merlin said as the others come running.

'There's something out there!' Lancelot shouts.

'You saw it?' asked Arthur.

'When it saw the light, it fled,' Lancelot replied.

'It scared the horses,' Gwaine said.

'It scared all living creatures,' Emrys said gravely.

'It's not something you can chase or something you can kill,' Merlin said as the shrieks echo.

'We need to get out of here,' Arthur said.

In the main square of Camelot people are screaming and running into the Castle. The sound of the Dorocha echoes in the air as the warning bells toll. Gwen rushes down a hallway with blankets and a torch.

Arthur tensed, 'it's reached Camelot.'

'It's effected the whole world,' Emrys said gravely.

'Gwen! Warn Gaius there are more victims by the western gate,' Agravaine said.

Agravaine continues down another hallway and Gwen rushes on until a window behind her smashes in right behind a knight. The skull wisp rushes in and the knight screams. Gwen takes cover behind a column and brandishes her torch at the skull wisp. The skull wisp leaves and she crouches to check on the knight. He's frozen solid.

In another part of the castle the bodies are stacking up. The guards exit with a stretcher and Gaius pulls a cloth over the face of one of many victims. Merlin stands in the doorway but Gaius does not see him.

'Gaius,' Merlin calls.

Gaius turns around, 'Merlin.' Gaius can tell that Merlin is freaked out, 'You saw them,' Gaius says and Merlin nods. 'Here, help me. Give me some more sheets,' Gaius says but Merlin's still acting strangely. 'Merlin?'

'My magic is useless against them. I've tried. I have never felt so powerless. Something deep inside. And when it came for me, I felt this emptiness. I couldn't breathe. I'm scared,' Merlin said.

Emrys sighed, 'you all felt some level of fear but with my magical senses screaming at me how wrong they were I experience it worse. Never mind I've never felt so powerless in my life before.'

'Merlin, it's alright,' Gaius comforts his ward placing his hands on Merlin's shoulders. 'It's not your fault.'

'Did you ever think it was?' frowned Lancelot.

'No,' Emrys shook his head.

The next morning in Agravaine's chambers. Arthur paces around the table. Agravaine stands with his hand rested on one of the chairs. Gaius stands opposite to Agravaine. Merlin stands behind Gaius looking frightened.

'We've suffered fifty dead, maybe more. Mainly in the Lower Town,' Agravaine said.

'Why?' asked Merlin frowning. 'The Dorocha didn't seem to be picky about who they targeted.'

'Likely those in the Upper town had more access to torches and candles to scare off the Dorocha,' Gaius said.

'And there's no way of fighting them?' Arthur asked.

'No, our only weapons are torches. And the light doesn't kill them, it only repels them,' Agravaine replies.

'What are they?' Arthur asked.

'They're Dorocha, sire. The spirits of the dead. On Samhain's Eve in the time of the Old Religion, the high priestesses would perform a blood sacrifice and release them,' Gaius explained.

'But who'd do such a thing now?' asked Agravaine.

'Who do you think?' Merlin said bitterly.

'Like you don't know?' Emrys said bitterly causing Arthur to frown at his very old friend.

'Morgana,' Gaius said.

'You see her hand in this?' asked Arthur.

'We know she was travelling to the Isle of the Blessed,' Gaius said.

'How do we defeat these creatures?' asked Arthur.

'I don't know, sire. No mortal has ever survived their touch,' Gaius said.

That night in Arthur's chambers Merlin lights candles. He hears a Dorocha shriek and drops his basket of candles; one rolls near the curtains. Arthur looks up.

'I thought I saw something,' Merlin said.

'What was it, a spider?' Arthur asked.

'I think it was a Dorocha,' Lancelot shook his head. 'Knowing Merlin he can sense it.'

Merlin sees the curtain move. Merlin stares at the curtain a frown on his face. Merlin then stares at the candle on the floor. Arthur watches Merlin's hesitation with a frown on his face and begins walking over to Merlin.

'Just pick it up,' Arthur said as Merlin picks up the basket and they both stare at the curtain. 'Do you want me to get one of the maids to do it for you?'

'It's not funny,' Gaius said sharply.

'It's not a joke,' Merlin said.

'Yeah,' Arthur says.

Arthur approaches the curtain as Merlin watches apprehension clear on his face. Arthur uses his sword to whip it open. Nothing's there. Merlin sighs in relief.

'You see, Merlin, I could never be like you,' Arthur said throwing his apple up and catching it again. 'I could never let myself look so spineless.'

'You don't have to deal with your senses screaming at you in the presence of such wrongness,' Merlin said eyes flashing.

'Oh, see, I'm different. I could never let myself look heartless,' Merlin said.

Lancelot looked amused, 'I don't think Arthur is heartless.'

'No,' agreed Merlin. 'That he's not.'

'What?' Arthur asked frowning look confused.

'Well, alright. Thoughtless,' Merlin said.

Leon shook his head, 'maybe in the past but thanks to you he changed for the better.'

'Never,' Arthur said.

'Definitely humourless,' Merlin said.

'Because you're not funny,' Arthur said eyebrows raised.

Arthur hands Merlin the candle. They both turn when they hear the Dorocha.

'You're not scared?' Merlin asks voice shaking slightly.

'Oh, I am, Merlin. Maybe more than you,' Arthur says.

'I doubt that,' murmurs Merlin knowing how it felt when his sense screamed at him.

That night the guards light fires in grates all over the city. A Dorocha sweeps past some candles in the Physician's Chambers and blows out some of them. Gaius snaps up from his work. Knights patrol the streets with torches. Percival lags behind when he hears something. He walks over to some barrels and finds three small children huddling behind them.

'Hey, hey, hey. It's all right. It's all right, you're safe now,' Percival assures them holding a hand out to them.

'Percival always has had a soft spot for children,' Gwaine shook his head.

'You say that like it's a bad thing,' Gwen raised her eyebrows.

Percival hears the Dorocha and checks to see the knights walking in the distance. He carefully calculates and realises he cannot carry the children and the torch. Percival leaves the torch and runs through the street with the children in his arms. A Dorocha streaks right for them and Elyan jumps in with a torch just in time. Elyan takes one of the kids and they bring them to their parents in a house.

Emrys frowned, 'Percival you'd have done better if you had stayed there with them in the light and called for aid. Rather than losing your only defence.'

'Thanks,' Percival said.

'Couldn't let you have all the glory, could I?' Elyan asked and they grin at each other.

The next morning in the square villagers crowd into Camelot with the belongings they can carry. They look tired and weary. Arthur watches them from the window of the council chamber where Arthur discusses the refugee villagers with Gaius, Merlin, and Agravaine.

'They're coming from across the kingdom. They're looking to Camelot for protection,' Gaius said.

'And we will give it to them,' Arthur said.

'We cannot house them all,' Agravaine said.

'We have to try,' Arthur said.

'How? We cannot live like this forever, Arthur. We must find a way to vanquish these creatures,' Agravaine said.

'Somewhere in all your books, Gaius, there must be something. All I'm asking for is a way to fight them,' Arthur said desperately.

'I fear the Dorocha cannot be defeated by swords and arrows, sire. If I am right,' Gaius said.

'When are you not?' asked Merlin amused.

'And the veil between the worlds is torn, then there's only one path open to us. To travel to the Isle of the Blessed and repair it,' Gaius said.

Emrys looked grave and seemed unable to look away from Lancelot.

'And how do I do that?' asked Arthur.

'I'm not sure. But for the tear to be created would've required a blood sacrifice. To seal will require another,' Gaius replied.

'Who?' demanded Arthur.

'Me,' Lancelot said.

'What?' Merlin asked shocked.

'That's why you can't look away from me,' Lancelot said. 'I can see it in your eyes. I was the sacrifice.'

Emrys bowed, 'it should have been me. I might have been able to survive. I'm not sure exactly how far my immortality goes,' Emrys smiled sadly. 'I've never tested it.'

'Good,' Gwen said.

'We ride before nightfall,' Arthur said.

'You're going to try and sacrifice yourself,' Gwen said sharply. 'Arthur you can't!' Gwen said tears filling her eyes.

'Clearly Lancelot somehow takes my place,' Arthur says guiltily.

'It's not your fault,' Merlin said. 'It is I who might have been able to survive it.'

All three of his councillors are surprised.

'And who will be the sacrifice?' Gaius asks.

'Who else would Arthur sacrifice?' asked Merlin quietly. 'He's not Uther.'

'Merlin,' Arthur growled.

'Arthur,' Merlin said gently. 'You know your father if it was him in this position do you really think that he would sacrifice himself.'

'If laying down my life will spare the people of Camelot, then that is what I must do,' Arthur says and walks out as Merlin watches him go.

Gwen shook her head, 'and now Merlin is going to try and sacrifice himself. Honestly I don't know which one of you is braver.'

'Or stupider,' Gaius said gravely.

Agravaine rides through the woods. Agravaine dismounts and then goes down the earthen steps. Agravaine then enters Morgana's hovel without knocking and looks around for Morgana. She puts a dagger to his back.

Arthur growled, 'that traitor! He's been at my right hand all this time! I've been blind again. How many people have lied to me? How many people have betrayed me? And I'm blind to it…'

Merlin flinched, 'I'm sorry.'

'Arthur,' Gwen said gently. 'It's okay.'

'My lady?' Agravaine asks.

'My lord,' Morgana returns as Agravaine sighs in relief. 'I trust you bring me good news,' Morgana says as she lowers the dagger and walks further into her home. 'Tell me.'

'The kingdom is on its knees,' Agravaine says.

'How terrible,' Morgana says.

'I'm sure,' Merlin said sarcastically.

Agravaine chuckles, 'indeed.'

Arthur scowls at the man.

'What of the poor people?' asked Morgana.

'More fall every night,' Agravaine replied.

'Such a shame,' Morgana says.

Merlin's eyes flash, 'they're innocents!'

'You should know that Arthur intends to vanquish these creatures,' Agravaine says.

Morgana scoffs, 'impossible.'

'Not impossible just high priced,' sighed Emrys glancing at Lancelot who moved uncomfortably.

'He makes ready to go to the Isle of the Blessed as we speak. If the Dorocha don't kill him on the way, our brave little lamb intends to sacrifice himself to repair the veil,' Agravaine says as Morgana thinks it over and turns away. 'Something's troubling you. Morgana.'

'Something the Cailleach said. She spoke of someone called Emrys. Called him my doom,' Morgana says.

'She was always terrified of me,' sighed Emrys.

'Your doom? What did she mean?' Agravaine demanded.

'I don't know,' Morgana said.

'What doom usually means,' Emrys said gravely.

'You killed her,' Arthur said.

Emrys nodded looking saddened by the actions he had to take.

'Morgana, we should be celebrating. Arthur will be dead within the week, leaving the throne open for Camelot's rightful heir,' Arthur says as Morgana smirks.

Merlin shakes his head, 'they are both as deluded as one another.'

Uther's chambers Arthur sits with his absentminded father.

'There are many things I have to thank you for. You've taught me so much. Most of all, you have taught me what it is to be a prince. I hope that this time you'll be proud of me,' Arthur said.

Arthur cries as Gwen walks in the doorway and watches Arthur. Arthur stands, cups his father's chin and kisses his forehead. Gwen looks down away from the private moment. Arthur turns to leave and Uther grabs his arm causing Arthur to start in surprise.

'Don't leave me,' Uther begs.

Arthur started as his father had not spoken in months. It was like he had forgotten how to.

'I have to, Father,' Arthur said.

'Please,' begged Uther.

Arthur squeezes his father's hand, then wipes his tears and leaves. He sees Gwen and goes to her.

'Promise me you'll look after him when I'm gone,' Arthur says.

'What is it?' asked Gwen but Arthur doesn't respond. 'You don't have to go,' Gwen said desperation in her tone.

'And you certainly shouldn't try and sacrifice your life,' Merlin said darkly. 'Camelot is nothing without you.'

'Or you, old friend,' Arthur said quietly. 'Without you Camelot would have fallen a long time ago.'

'I do,' Arthur said placing a hand on her arm.

'Please, Arthur, take care,' Gwen said placing a hand on Arthur's chest. 'You are precious, not just the kingdom,' Gwen said shaking her head.

'Smile,' Arthur said.

Gwen shook her head, 'I can't,' Gwen said looking like she was about to cry.

'I must have suspected that this was a goodbye,' Gwen said softly.

Arthur lifts her chin, 'do you remember...the first time I kissed you?'

'How can I forget?' smiles Gwen softly as Lancelot looks away.

Gwen smiles as she thinks back on their first kiss with Arthur's finger still on her chin. Arthur smiles at her reaction as he removes his finger from her chin. He then strokes her chin.

'There. That's the memory I will take with me,' Arthur said and they embrace with Gwen holding Arthur tight still worrying.

The Round Table knights walk their horses out of the city in slow motion.

In Agravaine's chambers Arthur hands Agravaine a ring bearing the Pendragon seal.

Arthur shook his head bitterly, 'of course I had to leave the kingdom to him! I might have well have left it to Morgana!'

'You have to take this. It bears the royal seal. In my absence, responsibility to the kingdom rests with you,' Arthur said.

'What about your father?' Agravaine asked.

'I hardly think father is well enough to assume the throne,' sighed Arthur.

'Should he die, you're to assume the throne,' Arthur said.

'Arthur-'Agravaine began.

'You're the only person I trust, Uncle,' Arthur said.

'Which just proves that I am terrible at choosing who to trust,' Arthur said bitterly.

Agravaine looks down at the ring, 'I beg of you, for the sake of the kingdom, there must be another way,' Agravaine said pressing the ring back into Arthur's hand.

'My mind's made up. I'm just grateful you're here,' Arthur said clapping Agravaine on the shoulder and leaves Agravaine with the ring.

In Merlin's chambers Merlin is packing. Gaius knocks and enters his ward's chambers causing Merlin to look up at him.

'Merlin, what are you doing?' Gaius asks.

'It is my destiny to protect Arthur,' Merlin said looking up at his mentor.

'Not you too,' groaned Gwen.

Merlin shrugged, 'are you really surprised?'

'No, I guessed this is what would happen,' sighed Gwen. 'I just wish you would stop running around trying to get killed for one another.'

'And I wish that Merlin would stop trying to die for me,' Arthur said frowning.

'Of course I am,' Merlin said offended. 'You're my friend,' Merlin said simply.

'How? Your magic is powerless against the Dorocha,' Gaius said.

'Then I must sacrifice myself in his place,' Merlin replied.

'No,' Gaius said.

'You had to know he was going to do this,' Gwen said quietly. 'You know Merlin.'

'I don't know what my future self was thinking,' Gaius said quietly. 'Most likely I did know but I still hoped he wouldn't sacrifice himself.'

'My life has always been marked out by destiny. If this is meant to be...I'm not afraid,' Merlin said as he swings the leather bag over his back. 'I will gladly die, Gaius, knowing that one day...Albion will live,' Merlin said quietly as a speechless, Gaius hugs Merlin.

'You don't even try and talk him out of it,' Arthur said crossly.

'I know Merlin to well,' Gaius shrugged. 'When Merlin has got an idea into his mind nothing will sway him otherwise.'

In the training grounds the Round Table knights mount their horses. Lancelot pats his white horse watches with a smile as Gwen approaches him. Lancelot goes over to Gwen.

'Gwen,' smiled Lancelot.

Gwen, Lancelot and Elyan looked awkward whilst Arthur glared.

'Will you grant me a favour?' asked Gwen.

'Anything,' Lancelot promised.

Gwen looks over at Arthur exiting the city gate with Merlin, 'look after him. Bring him home.'

Lancelot looks sad and disappointed, 'I will protect him with my life. You have my promise.'

'Thank you,' Gwen said as she walks back to the castle.

The horses whiny as the knights and Merlin ride out of Camelot. After dismounting, they prepare to make camp.

'Elyan, look after the horses, they need watering. I need someone to volunteer to get wood,' Arthur said.

'I'll do that,' Merlin said.

Lancelot watches Merlin go and follows, 'you shouldn't be here. You have no powers.'

'I think I still have powers,' Merlin said. 'They are just useless against this particular foe.'

'Doesn't matter,' Merlin said bending down to pick up a stick.

'You really are the bravest of us all,' Lancelot smiled.

'You're not a warrior, Merlin. I don't want to see you hurt,' Lancelot said as he continues to pick up wood. 'If you leave in the morning, I'll cover with Arthur.'

'Merlin will never leave Arthur,' Gaius smiled proudly.

Merlin looks at Lancelot, 'it's your duty to protect Camelot no matter what the cost,' Merlin pointed out and Lancelot nods.

'I don't deserve it,' Arthur said. 'After all I've put you and your kind through.'

'Well, it's my duty to protect Arthur,' Merlin said as Lancelot stands up. 'Surely you can understand that.'

'I can understand that very well,' Lancelot said handing Merlin a pile of wood as Merlin walks off.

In Morgana's hovel that night. Still wearing her healing bracelet, Morgana has a prophetic dream. Red and black banners lie strewn on a battlefield with knight's corpses. A raven sitting on a helmet takes flight. Excalibur is stuck in a knight's chest. Old Merlin walks on the field with a white cane, looking down at Morgana.

'A prophecy,' murmurs Merlin frowning. 'That's not my staff.'

'You can tell?' asked Arthur in surprise.

'Of course,' Merlin said simply. 'It is my staff won through battle and blood and that is not my one.'

'Then where did you get it from?' asked Arthur frowning.

'Good question,' admitted Merlin. 'Considering I have yet to get it.'

'Help me, Emrys. Please,' begs Morgana her wrinkled hand reaches up to Old Merlin from her position on the ground.

'Is this really what you wanted, Morgana?' Merlin asks.

'Please...' begs Morgana.

Morgana wakes in her bed looking frightened then angry, 'Emrys.'

The knights ride by a field full of peasant corpses travelling to Camelot. Arthur looks behind him to where Merlin rides.

'We need to reach Daelbeth by nightfall,' Arthur said and the knights pick up the pace.

At dusk bird fly around the crumbling fortress of Daelbeth. The knights and Merlin ride into the fortress. The knights and Merlin walk through the archway of the fortress with Arthur at the lead.

'Pair off. Find any wood you can. Get the fires burning,' Arthur ordered.

The knights run to collect firewood as the sound of the Dorocha sound behind them causing them look behind them. The knights collect firewood while carrying torches. Leon picks up firewood. Arthur holds up a torch whilst Elyan collects firewood on the ground.

Gwaine hears a man's scream and drops his firewood. Gwaine jumps out of the window nearest to him. Leon and Percival run to him arms full of firewood. The knights barring Lancelot gather together with firewood or torches in their arms. The screams of the Dorocha start to surround them. They all look up at where the screams seem to be coming from. A Dorocha launches at them and Arthur wards it off with a torch.

'Let's go!' Arthur said.

'We haven't got enough!' Percival said.

'All the firewood in the world won't do you any good if you don't survive to light the fire,' Merlin said gravely.

'But if we don't have enough firewood we might not survive the night,' countered Percival.

'Go!' Arthur ordered.

The knights still waving their torches run from the fortress. The knights are back at the fire pit with Merlin and Lancelot. Merlin tries to use the flint but then just pretends to use the flint and instead uses magic to light the fire.

'Bel onbryne,' Merlin whispers.

'Was using magic really necessary?' asked Arthur amused.

'No,' admitted Emrys, 'but it made me feel more confident and less scared and weak.'

The fire lights instantly. Lancelot looks at him. Merlin makes a cute shrug face. Lancelot grins in amusement. The knights stand around the fire with torches. Percival looks at the fire, then at Arthur.

'It won't get us through the night,' Percival murmurs in Arthur's ear as though afraid the others will hear.

'I think we all knew that,' Merlin said quietly. 'No need to hide that.'

'Could you do anything?' asked Arthur.

'I don't know,' Merlin admitted.

'I'd have probably been able to create a magical fire,' admitted Emrys. 'I'm not sure how effective it would have been but as the fire worked before it could have done.'

'Why didn't you?' asked Arthur.

'I imagine I was afraid,' Merlin said.

'But weren't you planning to sacrifice yourself anyway,' frowned Gwaine. 'Arthur couldn't execute you if you sacrificed yourself.'

Merlin shook his head, 'that may have been the reason for hiding at first but …' Merlin trailed off, 'but for a while I've been more frightened of rejection. I … I don't think Arthur would kill me.'

'I wouldn't,' agreed Arthur sharply.

''will keep the area safe for a while,' Arthur said.

Later, Gwaine throws a log on the fire, 'the last one. Maybe we should draw lots, see who gets some more.'

'I'll go,' Arthur said.

'Arthur, you can't,' Merlin said sharply. 'It's too dangerous!'

Arthur snorted, 'like you're not going to come with me whether I tell you to remain or not.'

Merlin shrugged, 'yeah you're probably right.'

'You'll need help,' Lancelot said standing up.

'I'll go with him,' Merlin said causing the knights to look at him incredulously.

'You sure you're the right person?' Arthur asked as Lancelot places his sword back in it's scabbard.

'Well, since when have you known how to collect firewood?' Merlin asks.

'Oh Merlin,' Gwen shook her head in amusement at Arthur and Merlin's banter.

The knights' chuckle and Lancelot smiles. Lancelot watches as they walk off. Merlin collects firewood while Arthur stands guard with a torch. A Dorocha charges them from behind.

'Merlin!' Arthur shouts and drops the torch to tackle Merlin out of the way and they fall off the wall. 'Let's go!'

'You really need to summon that fire now,' Arthur said grimly as Emrys wore a familiar guilty expression.

'You still didn't use magic,' Gwaine said exasperated.

'No,' admitted Emrys, 'but we both survived.'

'How?' asked Gaius shocked. 'No mortal can survive their touch.'

Emrys gave a pained smile, 'I am no mortal.'

'Oh,' Gaius understood. 'You survived their touch.'

Emrys nodded once before turning back to the screen.

They rush through some passages and close a door behind them. The Dorocha seems to lose them. The knights back at the fire pit shuffle around anxiously. Lancelot paces.

'They should've been back by now,' Lancelot says.

'Someone needs to go and look for them,' Elyan murmurs to Lancelot.

'We've only got one torch between us,' Percival points out.

Lancelot grabs the torch and starts walking off, 'who's coming?'

'All of them most likely,' smiles Gwen. 'They always stick with each other through better or worse.'

'Yes we do,' agreed Gwaine.

'We survive together,' agreed Arthur.

Elyan follows, then the other knights. Gwaine grabs his sword belt and puts it on as he follows. Arthur and Merlin hide behind a corner in one of the fortress rooms. Merlin ties a cloth around Arthur's injured arm. Arthur looks uncomfortable and Merlin gives him a confused look.

'It's cold,' Arthur said.

'Right,' Merlin said.

'You're not feeling it?' asked Arthur.

'Probably more than you,' Merlin said grimly. 'As my magic will be screaming at me at the same time as my physical senses.'

'I c...' Merlin shrugs his shoulders and shakes his head.

'You know, Merlin, you're braver than I give you credit for,' Arthur said.

'You really are,' Arthur said. 'Protecting me, Camelot even my father despite the fact you could be killed for purely existing. Not letting the fear turn into hatred. You are the bravest of us all.'

'Really? Was that a compliment?' Merlin asks shivering.

'Don't act so surprised,' Arthur said.

Merlin snorted, 'you only ever compliment me when one or both us are likely to die!'

'Don't be stupid,' Arthur said.

Merlin chuckles and then Arthur does, too. Back in the passages, Lancelot leads the knights through the fortress, warding off Dorochas with the torch. Back in the hiding chamber, Merlin and Arthur listen to the screaming spirits.

'All the things I've faced...I never worried about dying,' Arthur said.

Merlin snorted, 'of course not that's my job to worry about you dying.'

'Until the day comes when I am not there,' Emrys says sadly and bitterly.

'Why did you leave him?' asked Merlin angrily.

'Trust me when I say I did not want,' Emrys says grimly.

'I don't think you should now,' Merlin said.

'Sometimes you puzzle me,' Arthur said.

'You never fathomed me out?' questions Merlin sounding more like Dragoon.

'Never,' Arthur agreed. 'Until you brought me here.'

'No,' Arthur agreed.

'I always thought if things had been different, we'd've been good friends,' Merlin said.

'Yeah,' Arthur said.

'That's if you hadn't been such an arrogant, pompous, dollop head,' Merlin said and Arthur chuckles.

Gaius shakes his head, 'one of these days Merlin you'll learn respect.'

'Nah where's the fun in that,' laughed Merlin laughed.

'We will defeat the Dorocha. We will, Arthur, together,' Merlin said.

'Well, I appreciate that. You know, you're a brave man, Merlin. Between battles,' Arthur said.

Merlin chuckles, 'you don't know how many times I've saved your life.'

'Ha. If I ever become king, I'm gonna have you made court jester,' Arthur said.

'I'd prefer Court Sorcerer,' Merlin said quietly.

'I'd want no one else,' Arthur said quietly.

Arthur and Merlin chuckle and Merlin grins. Then they hear the Dorocha. In the passages, Lancelot and the knights continue the search. Lancelot waves the one torch at the Dorocha as the other knights scurry behind him. Back in the hiding chamber, Merlin and Arthur wait.

'They say the darkest hour is just before the dawn,' Arthur said.

'Feels pretty dark right now,' Merlin said.

'Well, it can't be long then,' Arthur said.

'I hope so,' Gwen said softly looking at Arthur in concern.

The Dorocha finds them and sweeps through the door. Arthur starts to rush out from around the corner, but Merlin pulls him back and stands up himself, running straight for the Dorocha.

'Merlin, no!' Arthur says struggling to his feet.

Merlin jumps at the Dorocha. It catches him in the chest, stops him mid-air and throws him back against the stone wall. Lancelot enters and wards off the Dorocha with the torch, then hands it to Percival and turns to Arthur.

'What happened?' demands Lancelot.

'Merlin was an idiot,' Arthur said shaking his head. 'He didn't even try and summon fire!'

Arthur and Lancelot go to Merlin. They turn him over. He's frosted over like the corpses they found. Merlin's eyes stare unseeingly.

'Merlin,' sobs Hunith trying hug both of her grown up sons.

'You said you survived,' Gwen said shakily.

'I did,' agreed Merlin.

'Thank goodness,' Arthur muttered.