(AN: Just to clarify, this is all canon through the end of series four. Lancelot is dead, Gwen recently became Queen, Morgana was wounded but saved by Aithusa, and Arthur doesn't know Merlin's secret. Yet… Again, thank you guys so much for reading, reviewing, and following. Enjoy!)

Merlin tried to control his choking panic as he looked at the pale young man before him. The boy's blue eyes were as cold now as they had been all those years ago, and just as full of hate for him, and for Arthur.

The king himself whipped his head around to look at the young sorcerer as Merlin spoke his name.

"Mordred?" Arthur said in confusion. Then, recognition dawned. "The Druid boy…"

Mordred continued to stare down at them silently, as he had all those years ago. The knights shifted uneasily. More hooded figures quietly enter the dungeon and started down the stairs.

Not good.

Merlin had to end this quickly, before things got worse.

Why are you here? He thought furiously toward the man before him.

Mordred's lips twitched in a smile.

Hello, Emrys. The voice in his mind was older than he had been before, but just as cold.

What do you want? Merlin had no time for idle chatter.

I want, Mordred spoke silently, The same thing I wanted as a child. Safety. Protection. A chance at a normal life. But now, I want to give that chance to every man, woman, and child who carries magic. They will no longer live in fear.

The Druids have nothing to fear from Arthur, Merlin thought defiantly.

"Druids," Arthur said at almost the same time. "This is a matter between the lands of Amata and Camelot. Withdraw your troops now, peacefully, and no harm will come to you."

"You're wrong," Mordred spoke softly, still staring directly into Merlin's eyes. Then, his eyes flickered over to Arthur. "Our mission here is greater than kingdoms and rulers, Arthur Pendragon."

Merlin shook his head once again directing his thoughts at Mordred. Listen to him—

"Listen!" Arthur said, holding his hands up. "We have no quarrel with Druids. We only—"

"We are no Druids!" Mordred spat. "We are the true followers of the Triple Goddess. We are not content to hide and cower before lesser men. We are the Heolor. We have come for our Priestess."

Without another word, Mordred and the men behind him pushed their hands forward as one.

Surprised by the suddenness and strength of the attack, Merlin barely had time to register his feet leaving the ground before his head struck something hard, and everything went black.

Arthur relied on instinct as the blast of magic caught him up and slammed him back down. He rolled, protecting his head as he had in countless skirmishes and battles before. The pain was sharp, and his breath was knocked from his body, but he remained conscious.

Risking a quick glance around, it appeared that he was about the only one. Merlin was out cold, as were most of his knights. The sorcerers seemed to be counting on that, and were completely ignoring them. They moved into the dungeon, and seemed to be studying the floor. Arthur stayed still, determined to find a way to surprise his opponents without getting him or his men killed.

Movement caught is eye to his right. Gwaine was stirring. He caught the man's eye, then subtly motioned for him to stay down. Gwaine seemed to understand, and his movement quieted immediately.

"Check all of them," Mordred was saying. Arthur heard creaking hinges and slams all around him. The trapdoors! The sorcerers were searching them. Now why…?

"Here, Sir!" Someone shouted. Everyone in the dungeon stopped and raced over.

Slowly, Arthur turned his head to get a better look. Mordred was kneeling beside one of the dark holes, raising his torch and trying to peer in.

"Well," the young man sighed. "This could be a problem. Quick, find some rope."

One of the cloaked figures dashed up the stairs and out of the room. Arthur saw the distraction as an opportunity. He scanned his surroundings for something he could use as a weapon. There! The sword he had torn from the Sarrum's hands. He inched over, keeping careful watch on the sorcerers.

"Hurry up," Mordred said, impatiently. There was real emotion, distress in his voice. He was pulling off his cloak, casting it aside, revealing the plain tunic and trousers underneath. Gone was the ghoulish figure that had first encountered them on the stairs. Now, Arthur saw a young man, not so different from himself, clasping the shoulders of his followers as he gazed into the pit, eyes full of worry. The stairs thundered as the man returned with the rope, and the movement around the pit grew more frenzied.

Thinking of his own men, Arthur glanced around. Most of them seemed to be stirring. Arthur made eye contact with Gwaine, then motioned to the exit. His knight immediately understood, and began pointing the knights nearest to him toward Arthur, who positioned himself at the bottom of the stairs. If he could use the sorcerer's distraction to get his men out, he had to do it. They were tired, hungry, and weaponless. He ushered them passed, giving each a reassuring nod. They would live to fight another day.

As the last few knights passed him, Percival paused next to him, with worry in his eyes. Arthur followed his gaze.

Merlin was still completely unconscious. He was also closer to the band of sorcerers than most of their group hand been. So far, the former Druids had been so preoccupied with the pit that they hadn't heard Camelot's soldiers slipping away. But grabbing the servant would be risky.

Arthur scrubbed his hand over his face for a moment, and then started toward his manservant. Immediately, he was stopped by Percival's hand on his shoulder. The knight shook his head and pointed to himself.

Arthur's brow furrowed. He wanted to argue, but there was no time. He let Percival move forward, conceding that the larger man probably had a better chance of carrying Merlin quietly to safety. Gwaine appeared beside him, and it was Arthur's turn to hold him back as he tried to rush toward his two friends. This earned the king a glare from his knight, but they quickly tore their eyes from each other to watch Percival's progress.

The knight moved forward slowly, staying as low to the ground as his size allowed. Arthur could see the man's brow glistening in the faint torchlight. The king held his breath as the knight drew closer to Merlin. This heart seemed to hammer in his ears.

Finally, Percival reached the servant. They were scarcely a yard away from the sorcerers. Carefully, he slipped his arms under Merlin and lifted him gently from the ground. Arthur closed his eyes, forcing himself to breathe as his chest tightened. He heard a creaking sound beside him, and looked down to see Gwaine's white-knuckle grip on the wooden club he held. Looking back up, he saw that Percival had his back to the sorcerers and was making his way forward. Arthur's sword was slick in his hand as he lifted it, joining Gwaine in readiness to defend his friend's back should the sorcerers attack.

But the enemy group showed no sign of turning. Arthur scanned their faces, and realized that Mordred was no longer among them. His heart jumped to his throat, and he quickly searched the darkness behind them, thinking they had been flanked. There was nothing. Then, he noticed the rope being held taut, extending from the pit, and a voice echoing up. The sorcerers were pulling someone from the hole's dark depths.

Arthur was distracted from the sorcerers' actions as Percival finally reached them, Merlin in his arms. Looking at them, Arthur was slammed back in time to another quest. He swallowed and gripped his servant's arm for a moment to reassure himself that his friend was not ice cold, as he had been after the Dorocha's attack. Merlin was warm, but he hadn't stirred, and there was blood welling from an injury just behind his ear. It was time to leave.

Arthur motioned for the others to go ahead of him. He followed slowly, keeping a close eye on the sorcerers. Several of them were extending their arms into the hole, pulling and straining until finally Mordred emerged carrying something in his arms.

Or someone…

"Give her room!" Mordered cried as he gently laid the fragile figure on the stone floor. The sorcerers stepped back, allowing Arthur to see the familiar face. It was thin and dirty, and the torchlight did little to help him see, but he could not forget the face that had taunted, teased, and tested him half his life.

"Morgana."

He was accosted by the smells even before he was fully conscious.

The cold smell of water on stone.

The musty smell of closed doors in deep places.

The copper tang of blood.

Images danced behind his eyelids, painting portraits of a dungeon, fighting, fleeing, magic…

Mordred.

Merlin gasped as his eyes flew open, but a hand immediately appeared, stifling the sound. Before he could protest, Gwaine's face floated into view, signaling him to be silent. He nodded, and found his feet. Apparently, Percival had been carrying him. Again. That was a bit embarrassing…

Looking over the dungeon, Merlin could see a group of hooded figures, huddled, Mordred in their midst. Then at the bottom of the stairs, he saw—

"Arthur!" Gwaine hissed, raising his voice as loudly as he dared.

Arthur didn't turn. He just continued to stare at the group of sorcerers with a look akin to horror on his face. Though Merlin was, unfortunately, familiar with seeing Arthur wear this expression around magic users, that did not explain why the king was stepping toward the crowd of sorcerers.

Quickly, Merlin descended the stairs, brushing off Gwaine's obstructing hand. He had to get Arthur out of there. He reached the floor, grabbing his friend's shoulder. Then, he followed Arthur's gazed.

He saw Morgana.

She looked terrible. Bruised, soiled, and broken. Where was the fierce, proud girl he once knew? Or even the fearsome enemy he had known in recent years? It broke heart to see her that way. Then he looked at Arthur.

His friend looked as though he was going to be sick. Of course he did. This was the girl he had grown up with, his sister. They had more history together than even he and Merlin. Her betrayal had cut deeply because he had loved her. Merlin could see that despite the pain she had caused, despite everything, those feelings were still there. Merlin knew how he felt.

So, he made no motion to stop Arthur as his king darted forward among the sorcerers.

He trusted Arthur's instinct, trusted the way he followed his heart. And he trusted himself to save his friend, if need be.

The sorcerers jumped back for a moment, and then came to their senses. They grabbed Arthur's arms as he moved to kneel beside his one-time friend, restraining him. Merlin felt his magic build up—

"Please," Arthur said. It was so quiet, Merlin almost didn't hear. "Please, just let me. Please."

Mordred's eyes were wide. Suddenly, he looked young—so much younger than Arthur and Merlin—and so uncertain. He nodded, looking as though he wasn't quite sure of what he was doing.

Arthur fell immediately to his knees and gathered Morgana into his arms.

"Morgana?" he said, resting his hand on her cheek. "Can you hear me?"

Merlin could see her shift in Arthur's grasp. Her brow creased. Then, her eyes flickered open. Merlin tensed.

"'thur?" she whispered. There was something unexpected in her voice… hope?

"Yes," was all Arthur managed to choke out.

"I… had another nightmare," she said, swallowing, "So many… terrible things… so much pain… I was so afraid."

"It's alright," Arthur said, obviously trying to smile. "It's over now."

"How dare you."

Merlin and Arthur both looked up at the cold voice. Mordred had stepped closer, face contorted with rage.

"'It's over?' Nothing is over. Not for the priestess, not for the thousands that have suffered, that still suffer because of you. No," the young man shook his head, stepping forward. "This is not over. This war has just begun."

He nodded at two of his men, and they restrained Arthur once more as Mordred pulled Morgana from his arms. She seemed to be losing consciousness again. But not before one more whispered call for her brother.

Mordred grimaced, and handed her off to two of his men.

"Go!" he cried. "Get her out!"

The two men made for the stairs quickly. As Merlin moved forward to help Arthur, he could see Gwaine and Percival blocking the stairs. He doubted Gwaine would feel much sympathy toward Morgana, no matter what state she was in. However, before they could move, Mordred sent the two knights flying with a motion of his hand. They toppled over the banister. Merlin did not hear them stir.

He couldn't think about that now. He had to help Arthur.

Quickly, he scooped a table leg off the floor and slammed it into one sorcerer's head. The other man holding the king spun, holding out his hand toward Merlin. Before Merlin could react, the man doubled over, Arthur's elbow in his gut. Merlin grabbed Arthur's hand, pulling him up. They stood back to back, each assessing the situation. There were about a dozen sorcerers, all beginning to circle around the king and his servant.

"You know," Merlin said, cracking his neck. "I wish I wasn't quite so used to this sort of thing."

Arthur's shoulders bumped against his as the king hefted the Sarrum's sword.

"If you're so used to it," he said, lunging out at one for their attackers. "Maybe this time I won't have to save your sorry hide."

"You save me?" Merlin scoffed, covertly using magic to redirect an incoming spell. "Don't make me laugh."

"You're right, I shouldn't," said Arthur, ducking and pulling Merlin down with him, as flames from another sorcerer shot over their heads, taking two of their opponents down. "That would require you doing two things at once. Your little brain might come rattling out your ear."

There was no more time to talk. Arthur grabbed Merlin's shoulder, using it to launch himself at more attackers. Merlin followed behind quickly, defending Arthur's back with his cudgel and magic. At the same time, the servant strained to see Mordred. The young man had faded into the darkness. Merlin kept moving, focusing on the more urgent matters, such as the man currently trying to plunge a dagger between Arthur's ribs. Merlin threw him down with a thought, his master none the wiser.

Then, Merlin felt a pull, as if someone had attached a string to his stomach. Suddenly, the stone wall of the dungeon was flying at his face. He heard someone shout out his name, and he fought and flailed against the force pulling him. He managed to turn himself so that his feet smashed into the wall instead of his head. Slowing time for a moment, he got his bearings. There. Mordred was just behind Arthur, who was engaged with two other sorcerers. Merlin's eye's narrowed.

He bent his knees, gave himself an extra push with magic, and restarted time.

He flew at Mordred, who looked up at him in shock before ducking. Merlin's eyes flashed and a barrel rolled over, knocking his opponent down. Merlin soared over him and landed lightly, only stumbling slightly. He looked up to see Arthur eyeing him incredulously. The servant simply shrugged.

A moment later, Mordred was up, and Merlin was facing him. In full view of Arthur.

This… might be tricky.

Arthur moved smoothly from one opponent to the next, sometimes ducking magical attacks, sometimes rolling with the effects, and sometimes blocking them with his sword, which, apparently, was possible. However, he didn't feel as confident now that Merlin was no longer at his back. Not only did he feel exposed, but also he couldn't keep an eye on the idiot.

Arthur gasped as his throat seemed to close. He turned, lunging out blindly with his sword and managing to hit the man that was choking him. He finished the sorcerer quickly, and then turned to face a woman that was creating a small tornado at his feet. The king scoffed, stepping on it. Honestly, the magic users seemed to be showing off, but not all their tricks were effective.

The smirk fell from his face as the wind tunnel tightened around his foot and yanked. He fell in front of the grinning sorcerer. He grinned back, then slammed his legs into the woman's knees. She fell and didn't rise again. Arthur slowly got to his feet, only to be slammed down again by his manservant's flying form.

"Ow…" Merlin groaned.

"Yeah," Arthur said, throwing his friend off.

He stood and extended a hand to Merlin, pulling him up. The servant shook his head, bracing his hand on Arthur's shoulder. Then his head snapped up, eyes focusing on something in the distance.

"Arthur, look—" the rest of Merlin's words were lost as he pushed Arthur down and the wall behind them exploded. Both men coughed as dust covered them and debris rained down on their heads.

The king hastily found his feet, wiping his eyes. He felt Merlin scramble up beside him.

Mordred stepped out of the shadows once more.

Arthur stood facing him, shoulder to shoulder with his oldest friend.

"Mordred, please," he said. "You are too young to throw your life away like this. Stand down. Return to the Druids. Live out your life in peace."

"Peace?!" Mordred scoffed. "You call hiding in caves like criminals peace? You call women and children afraid to be seen, to trade, or work, or even use the main road, peace?"

"I have no quarrel the Druids."

"You mean you're no longer hunting them," Mordred spat. "Are we supposed to be grateful for that? You still fear magic. You hate it. And your people follow you in your hatred. At least Uther had the courage to watch his victims burn. You simply turn a blind eye while your precious citizens do the dirty work for you."

"That's not true," Arthur said, shaking his head. "Every man accused of sorcery deserves a trial. I would never condone the slaughter you describe."

"Really," said Mordred. His eyes seemed to flicker toward Merlin for a moment. Arthur did not like that. "What if it was personal? What if the one using magic wounded you deeply? What if—"

Mordred hissed a spell, and faster than thought, lightning shot out of his hands. Arthur threw up his hands, ready to feel the searing pain of the attack.

It didn't come.

Looking up, he saw blue light surrounding him, flowing like a river, absorbing the lightning as if it were raindrops on a lake. Then he looked over.

At Merlin.

"What if they betrayed you?"

(AN: Hope you enjoyed this. One more chapter, and this episode should be done.)