Season One
Arthur had magic. He didn't use it but by gods he had it. As a boy of only ten summers he was ecstatic when he found out. That is until he heard once again that magic corrupts even the purest of souls. Arthur wasn't afraid of many things, but what ten year old boy wouldn't be afraid of that? Arthur didn't want to hurt anyone, so he vowed never to use magic.
The vow was simple enough to keep. Just don't use it. He didn't learn any spells. Didn't ask about magic. He didn't need to know. there was however, an unexpected toll. One that he would never attribute to the fact that magic was building in him, causing his body to be like a dam about to break. No, his never ending frustrations and quick temper had absolutely nothing to do with magic. After all, what boy of sixteen didn't let lose a shout or two at an utterly incompetent servant?
Morgana had come to live with them ten years already when he felt like the world would end. Father was proud of him, no reason to suspect. And the kingdom rejoiced as his twenty first birthday neared. But Morgana challenged him everyday. She pushed every button, pulled him till he was at the end of his rope. She loved to see him squirm and reminded him that it was his job to serve the people, not himself. He knew that, it was just so hard to when he felt like something was missing. That he had to release an unknown force trapped inside him.
Morgana had rebuked him for near an hour over breakfast when father had failed to show. Honestly, why does he care about father's approval when he'd execute a man just for healing his neighbor? And so the two had delved into how magic was treason, how it corrupted the soul. Morgana had told him he was a fool if he believed any act of kindness was for naught just because it 'could' be used for evil. Arthur had given up speaking halfway through and let her dig into him. He wished her words were true. He wished that his magic was benign, that he could let out small bits of it and walk away, soul intact. He wished he didn't have to hate himself. They were just wishes though.
As with every morning, Arthur had training right after breakfast. The sun was high in the sky, warm and unforgiving. He ran the men through drills with swords and maces to begin with. His mind yet elsewhere. Morgana's tirade fresh in his mind. Perhaps she was right, and Thomas Collins was just an innocent man who could not see another suffer? If she was right, father was not just wrong, he was a tyrant. Arthur could not accept that. Morgana was just a naive lady of the court, oblivious to the reality of magic's insidious degrading nature. Back and forth he went though, considering that he might be wrong and Father misguided. The internal struggle physically pained him. He needed a different distraction.
Quickly he grabbed a set of daggers from the stand. He considered throwing them at the target in front of him. It wouldn't be enough, he concluded. Morris began to walk by with a shield and weapons. Perfect. That's how the moving target practice began. A little bit of pent up frustration. It was not the practice however, that set him free though. In actuality it was the garrulous commoner who had freed him from oppressive burden his father had set upon him.
He didn't need to let his magic out if he could just let his frustrations out on this boy in front of him. It had been a long while since he had felt as alive as he did when engaging in the playful back and forth. The boy had tried to punch him and utterly failed. Oh how satisfying it was to put him in his place by revealing he'd toussled with the soon to be crown prince. Arthur could have him executed, but what would be the point in that? He needed to see him again. He had him sent to the dungeons, fully intent on visiting him later. Before he could, the boy had been released.
This worked better for Arthur as they ran into each other naturally in the market. Just the same their wordplay flowed with no force needed. The ensuing fight was exhilarating. While Merlin was quite scrawny, he seemed to learn quickly. He also did not hesitate to take advantage of Arthur's bad luck. If he were a noble Arthur would definitely force him into knight training. Not to actually fight for king and country, to give Arthur a daily reprieve from his tension.
Arthur was surprised when Merlin had managed to force him into a bad spot, only to lose focus in the final moments. When He'd defeated the boy he realized he had been starring at Gaius. Gaius's famous brow raise in particular. Gaius must have been the one to release him! Arthur had heard that Gaius was awaiting a ward, Merlin must be him. There was no longer any need to throw him in the dungeon, he could simply make the short trek to the physician's quarters. There was just something about Merlin that was so enticing, he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
Arthur only had a short amount of time that he could breathe again. The celebrations were still in full swing which left the vengeful sorcerer forgotten. Lady Helen's voice was just as beautiful as he had heard. Her song was like the sweetest of lullabies. Arthur didn't even remember falling asleep, but when he awoke he saw not Ldy Helen. The old witch was there in her stead, crushed under the weight of the candelabra. In a split second she was using her dying energy to throw a dagger at him.
It just happened. He hadn't meant to. He didn't feel the exciting flow of energy he had the first time he used magic, but what else could it be if not his magic. The dagger spun far slower. Slow enough for Merlin to pull him out of the way. He awaited Father's fury. The punishment that would certainly come with such an obvious act of magic. Uther did no such thing. He didn't seem to suspect Arthur for having slowed the blade. In fact, he didn't seem to have noticed the slowed blad at all. Rather, he thanked Merlin for saving his son and rewarded him with a position in the castle. At Arthur's side.
That would have been absolutely perfect if it weren't for the now glaringly obvious fact that Arthur let down his defenses around the boy. It was only a matter of time before he'd be caught for sorcery. Or worse, his magical abilities flowed so freely that his soul was no longer his own. He tried to protest, tried to refuse. It didn't work. The next day Merlin started his job as Arthur's servant. The play fighting was nice, but with a tournament around the corner, the boy was sure to get him killed.
Arthur could not explain the pull towards Merlin. It was unlike anything he'd ever felt. He certainly could not explain how he trusted Merlin so easily after only days of knowing him. How was it that he had convinced him Valiant's shield was magic? How had he convinced Arthur to tell his father despite the high chance of humiliation? The bond scared Arthur a little. Could it be an enchantment? Was his magic doing this? Drawing him to the boy in an attempt to destroy him. Enough instances like the shame suffered in court would probably see him disinherited. He fired Merlin. He couldn't have some mysterious attraction destroying his future and damning the kingdom.
It happened again. The snakes came alive without Valiant calling them. At least this time there was someone guilty Arthur could blame, seeing as he had already been using magic. He didn't have time to think about why his magic had reacted again until after he'd eliminated the threat. It was just as he was running Valiant through that he saw Merlin at the edge of the field, watching him. His ridiculous grin plastered on his face. The second instance of Arthur's magic instinctively protecting him, and Merlin had been present at both. The proximity to him was saving his life. If only it had revealed the snakes sooner and saved Arthur the embarrassment.
Arthur knew he needed Merlin still. He did like having him around, and clearly he'd be dead if it weren't for the boy. So he swallowed his pride and admitted he was wrong. Merlin seemed just as happy as he was that they'd continue their weird relationship. Luckily he didn't suspect anything was weird about Arthur.
That wouldn't last for long. Plague spread across Camelot, sparing not rich nor poor, woman or child. Arthur heard from Morgana that Tom Leodegrance had fallen sick. He was the finest blacksmith in all of Camelot. Her army would suffer without his swords and her people would be unprotected. He said a small prayer to the gods before bed. If they were to spare anyone, please let it be him.
The next day his prayer was answered. He told his father of the good news. That turned out to be a bad idea. Their home was ransacked in search of magic. Arthur didn't want to but knew he could not refuse father lest he fall under suspicion. When they found the poultice he was gobsmacked. Could his magic conjure something so completely? He didn't have time to consider before the Leodegrance girl, Morgana's maid, was being dragged before his father. When she was sentenced to death for sorcery Arthur defied his father's views for the first time.
Thomas Collins had committed the same sin he had, healing kith. Morgana didn't argue the same points for Guinevere as she had for Thomas. These were much more personal. She made a very good point that the maid had never used magic before with points to prove it. It would only be a matter of time before she was free and Arthur fall under suspicion. Nevertheless, Arthur also argued on her behalf. It was on his behalf that she was currently sitting in the dungeons. It didn't work. Nothing did with his father and magic.
He was stuck in council when Merlin barged in, claiming to be the one responsible. This situation was far worse. He knew Merlin was already incredibly loyal, but to throw his life away to cover up Arthur's transgressions was madness! How long had Merlin known? Arthur forced himself to focus on the issue at hand, he had to save Merlin. He tried to think of an excuse. Proclaiming that the servant was trying to hide his master's abilities would not save them the trouble. He'd be hung anyway for harboring. What could he say about the maid though? Merlin didn't even know the girl, he was sure. A smiled played at his lips. But Uther didn't need to know that...
Just like that Merlin was saved. Arthur felt a little guilty that it may be at the cost of Guinevere's life.
It was crazy how fast things moved in his life right now. Since Merlin arrived he'd seen more excitement in three weeks than in the last decade. Merlin had discovered the Afanc and brought Arthur to the cave to vanquish it. There was no fear to be had for monsters made of clay while Merlin was around. As he battled the Afanc Merlin had suggested using the fire as the beast seemed afraid of it. Arthur's magic had done the rest, summoning a great gust of wind to push the fire upon the creature, killing it once and for all.
After it was all over Arthur overheard Gaius talking to father. He said something about a witch named Nimeuh. So father knew the one who caused the plague! The physician also mentioned that Morgana's maid was likely innocent. She was just another pawn in one of Nimeuh's plots to undermine the king. If the daughter of a beloved blacksmith was killed for healing him, there would be outrage. Was Gaius merely trying to save her now that he thought Merlin was in love? Arthur was still sure it was his magic that saved her. This Nimeuh didn't sound like the type to go around curing people of her own curse.
"I'm glad you're okay." Arthur said as he passed Guinevere in the hall. "For Morgana's sake."
She bowed deeply and did not look him in the eye.
"That's very kind of you your highness. I am undeserving."
"Just tell me one thing. I promise your answer will not reflect on you in the least." Her gaze met his for the first time. She was rather beautiful. "You really have no idea who planted that poultice?"
"No, sire. I was with him all night and saw nothing. I have no idea how anyone snuck it past me when I was laying at his side."
It was after that encounter that Arthur had the first itch to study magic. If he could do that much subconsciously, he imagined he could cure any ill with practice. He could aid the masses, feed the starving when there was no grain. It was very tempting. He resisted it greatly. Besides, the only magical texts to survive the purge were in the vaults, and he had not the magical skill to sneak them out. No, he would not be studying magic. He would avoid it as always and keep his vow.
If there were ever peace in Camelot Arthur would likely be very suspicious of it. Not even an hour after Uther and Bayard had signed a treaty was Bayard accused of poisoning Arthur, by none other than Merlin. Arthur was powerless to get him out of the situation. He tried to get him to back down, then get his father to back down, niether of which had worked. Then he had the bright idea to offer to drink the poison. No other means of mortally injuring someone had gotten past his impeccable mysterious defenses. He would be fine, Merlin would not. No one was shocked when Uther refused.
He would just have to save Merlin the old fashioned way, go on an epic quest. Uther refused that too. Maybe if he stayed his magic would intervene for Merlin. Merlin was the catalyst for it. Perhaps the bond was strong enough to value his life too. Morgana dropped by and gave him a pep talk. She was right, he couldn't risk Merlin's life on such slim odds.
Arthur felt like a badass fighting the cockatrice and saving the runaway serving girl. Until he was hanging from a ledge cause that serving girl was actually an evil sorceress who may or may not have caused the poisoning. Then he felt more fear than anything else. Adrenaline was a close second. She left him to die saying "it's not your destiny to die at my hands." What a load of crap. She could have at least left the torch. No sooner had he thought this did a blue ball of light appear. Worried she changed her mind, he tried to shoo it away. There was no doubt after a few seconds that it was his.
The light hovered upwards but stopped when he did not follow. The morteaus flower was clearly lit now and not too far away from him. The only issue would be reaching it from the nearest foothold which unfortunately, didn't seem quite near enough. As he planned his route the ball started to drift up a bit then bob back down. He felt a connection to it running through him. Like a cold but welcome touch. It urged him to leave the flowers and start climbing. His magic had a will of it's own. A will that he promptly decided to ignore. If it wanted to keep him alive it could go slice through those spiders while he grabs what he was after.
It didn't do any such thing. Only led him till he was safely out of the cave. The spiders thankfully didn't follow him that far.
The rest of the mission was pretty straight forward. No magical shenanigans, just some well executed dungeon smuggling. He sincerely wanted to thank Guinevere for her help. She went beyond her station to help a boy she hardly knew. It may have been residual thanks for him trying to sacrifice himself for her weeks prior. The poor girl still didn't know it was actually for Arthur's secret. He hadn't spoken to Merlin about it yet, too afraid that direct confrontation would kill the sympathy Merlin seemed to have for him.
Arthur did not feel as badass fighting the griffin. He knew that only magic could kill it. Magic or none he'd still have gone out to face it. The main problem was his magic didn't seem to be kicking in. As he was knocked unconscious he was glad he forced Merlin to stay behind and Lancelot to leave the city. Lancelot would live on to be a fine knight, Merlin had not been wrong about that.
Every part of Arthur ached as he came back to consciousness. Especially his side which had been batted at by the dumb bird. Still, he managed to stand and gain his bearings. The griffin was dead - go figure -, having been slain by none other than Lancelot on a horse. Lancelot didn't have magic... Which meant only one thing. Arthur pretended he had nothing to do with the victory and shouted Lancelot's praises. He certainly was brave and a good fighter, he deserved every bit of recognition for this victory. Plus Father might see sense in light of such a heroic act.
Uther did not. They argued back and forth for a mere few minutes before Lancelot decided to leave on his own. To spare them the quarrel. It hadn't really spared Arthur the anguish. He had shouted at Uther that the code was wrong and I meant it in his heart. He had been the naive one in his chats with Morgana, clinging to laws as absolutes. He still would not touch magic in case he be caused to act dishonorably, but with time and proof he may be able to see it as completely amiable.
Over the next month there weren't as many signs of his magic. There was also a lack of attacks on him. He did almost elope, but the only thing weird about that episode was that a seemingly healthy branch fell on a bandit and Merlin had managed to knock him out. After that another evil sorcerer named Edwin had concocted a plot to kill the king which included hurting Morgana. Arthur didn't regret seeking him in the tavern. He would have let Morgana die if Arthur hadn't, and Arthur's own magic had failed to step in for a loved one yet again. Also, though he'd never admit it, if it came between saving Morgana and saving Father, he would save Morgana.
The moment the guards had seen Morgana's face there was no way he could let her go. It would get back to father and they'd all be in trouble. Her eyes had pleaded with him. "Spare the boy" they had urged. Not a trace of guilt in them, just sadness. He had found it strange she would side with father on the topic of the druids, they were known to be peaceful and she, an avid defender of them and magic. It had all been a rouse. So had the show she put up in her room!
He chose to ignore that for the time being. The boy was too young to die. He was the same age Arthur was when he had learned of his abilities. He would hang before he let the boy die. He wasn't ready to try intentionally using magic yet, so he settled for a much simpler plan. When Merlin offered to help he attempted to get him out of it, but Morgana insisted she trusted him. So much for keeping him out of harms way. Arthur was glad Uther had no idea of Merlin's prior involvement. He might not execute Morgana, Merlin was a different matter. To the king, Merlin would be nothing more than an example.
As he sent the boy back he inquired as to his name. It was Mordred. Arthur hoped one day they would meet again. He was relieved he would not watch him burn. That he would not have to see his younger self on that pyre.
The gauntlet was meant for him. He had to take it up. But knight after knight took it up first. They didn't know as Arthur did, that Arthur would be fine. How could they? As sir Pellinor fought the knight he prepared to grab the glove that would be thrown down. The previous two times he had not been fast enough, this time there was no way anyone was getting it before him. He stood tall, trying not to give the knights any indication of his scheme.
He got it! There was no guarantee he'd survive the fight. Just the feeling that his magic would protect him anyway and anywhere. Merlin kicked up a fuss saying that fighting him was madness and he was clearly cheating. Of course he was cheating. Arthur needed to stop him before he killed another honorable knight, or was let loose on innocents. Arthur could imagine the carnage this knight could do if not dealt with swiftly.
The whole thing was anti-climactic as Arthur had been drugged and missed the fight. According to Morgana the undead knight exploded into gold and dust when stabbed by his father. Gold was the color of sorcery. It was the first time his magic protected someone he cared about instead of just his life. Relieved he added the incident to his journal, writing as if the whole situation was some unsolved mystery when in reality he knew who was to blame.
The gust of wind was not his doing. He was sure of it. His fight had been going rather well and he'd saved several people in rapid succession. He hadn't noticed the dire situation the others were in until the elements started attacking the opponent. He had never seen wind behave in such a manner, definitely magic. At the edge of the anomoly stood Merlin and his childhood friend, Will. So that's why Will hates him! He thinks Arthur shares Uther's views on magic. He wasn't sure what exactly he believed, but Will was still too young to know what messing with magic could do to him. Even so Arthur would not confront him directly. He asked who did it in his angriest voice. He wishes he could just talk openly about it, but he'd have to talk to will privately so his father doesn't hear about it.
He would never have that chance. Will saved his life when his magic had not. He threw himself in front of the arrow. Arthur watched as the light in Will's eyes died, and so too did his hope of asking him about his gifts. His hope of being understood. Merlin understood him somewhat. It wasn't the same as Merlin having magic himself. Merlin knew his secret and knew Will's. He only wished Merlin would have told him sooner. He almost did before the battle. Arthur told Merlin to let him know of any sorcerers. In order to avoid the ridicule of curious ears he said they were dangerous. He hoped Merlin understood his hidden meaning.
The unicorn had gotten too close to Merlin for comfort. Merlin was petting a magical beast as if the creature wasn't about to spear him on it's horn. Luckily Arthur had acted in time. Or so he thought. Merlin seemed enchanted by the unicorn and famine befell Camelot. All Arthur's fault. This time his magic did not aid him. Perhaps it was mourning the loss of such a pure stallion. He was required to break the curse naturally. Which involved a lot of dangerous tasks he could have used magic to deal with. The last of which was drinking poison for Merlin. In the back of his mind he rejoiced that he had the chance to properly repay Merlin for that instance months ago.
Arthur had never shied away from a good quest. Therefore it was perfectly normal for him to ride out and face something called a "questing beast." Even if it did ensure death with a single scratch. Then he got scratched. A good portion of time was spent in his bed. every now and then he was awake and could hear the voices of those around him. Shockingly Guinevere said some rather nice things about him. As he thought it over he realized that he was definitely attracted to her. She had gone above and beyond her duties as a servant and was really kind. He pictured them together. It was a nice dream, sooner or later he'd have to wake.
He could hear his father occasionally. Most interesting was the first thing he had heard. Words shouted in a language that meant nothing to him. He knew them to be spells. Had the first sorcerers learned spells while unconscious? Did they drift into the mind through osmosis? Maybe that was the voice his magic had, would have, should he just use it. He listened intently for the words that arose from his soul, but that had been the only time he heard them. They had done their work. Within a few days his body had healed. Either Gaius truly thought his herbs had worked or Merlin let Gaius in on the secret of his magic. In any case, Arthur was saved once again by his magic. Arthur had survived mortal wound. Arthur was immortal.
AN: I'm so sorry. I was working on writing chapter 9 of high priestess and her pet dragonlord when this one just started flowing. It'll probably be 4 chapters long. Anyway chapter 9 should be out soon. ~Myrien