Things are starting to kick off now!

'Honestly Merlin, I think the best plan is just let this whole thing work itself out,' Gaius said.

We had spent hours planning and re-planning what I was going to do. Nerves were starting to set in and I pushed them down quickly.

'This is ridiculous…we don't even know when she's going to attack this could be years away,' I said frustrated.

'I doubt Morgause will live that long Merlin.'

'Good riddance,' I said harshly then regretted it.

I didn't like the witch, in fact I hated her. But because of her death we were about to have a very angry Morgana on our hands. Not just angry, but sad too. I couldn't blame her actions though, if Gaius was killed or any of my friends, I wouldn't know how I would react, and I guess you never know until the situation arises.

There was a knock on Gaius's door.

'Enter,' Gaius called.

'Merlin mate, long time no see,' Gwaine swaggered into the room. I smiled in reply.

Other than Arthur, Gwaine was probably my closest friend, although I'd never tell him that directly of course. But Gwaine had a way of making all my problems seem trivial. He was always there to listen to me and to join in my rants about Arthur. There were times when I considered telling him the truth about my magic, and although I knew he would never betray my trust, I didn't want to put anyone in the situation where they had to choose between two friends, It had been hard enough with Lancelot.

But you didn't care with Lancelot, my head reminded me. Other than Gaius he was the only one who really knew you and if you admit it to yourself, you loved having someone notice you for who you really were.

I pushed that selfish part of myself to the back of my consciousness and gave Gwaine my full attention.

'You saw me yesterday in training,' I said 'how much mead have you been drinking?'

'Not enough,' Gwaine laughed then remembered. 'Oh yeah, Arthur was making you run with the target board.'

I felt my cheeks heat up in embarrassment, whenever Arthur was in a bad mood he always took it out on me. 'Thanks for reminding me.'

Gwaine laughed 'if it makes you feel any better mate, I didn't shoot at you.'

'It doesn't…That just means you think I'm too soft to be fired at.'

'Or maybe I just didn't want to hurt you,' Gwaine replied archly.

'Boys!' Gaius interrupted 'you're making my brain ache.'

I realised once again that Gwaine had done a brilliant job of taking me out of my musings about Morgana and her estranged sister. I sighed, well now they were back.

'What happened in here?' Gwaine asked surveying Gaius's chambers. Books and ink were strewn everywhere with bits of food that had kept us going through our research.

'Just researching,' I replied.

'What...Looking into how to get into outer space?' he asked. There were a lot of books.

'Just because you can't read Gwaine doesn't mean we can't,' I said laughing.

'Don't be clever Merlin, it doesn't become you.'

'Well someone has to be clever around here,' I said, then in a quieter voice said 'We all know Arthur isn't.'

'What's the princess done now?' he asked. I laughed at his use of Arthur's nickname; even though Arthur had become King he still called him princess

'Just thinking I'm at his beck and call all the time,' I said vaguely I couldn't actually tell him it was his blindness of the whole situation.

'Well you are his servant,' Gwaine said. I picked up the nearest book and threw it at him. It missed by a mile and Gwaine hadn't even moved. 'You're aim is as good as ever Merlin.'

'We can't all be knights,' I said sulkily.

'Speaking of his royal Princess, he wants you to clean the council room floors; he's got a meeting discussing the problem of Cenred's kingdom in a couple of hours.'

'The whole of the council rooms?' I thundered.

'I'm afraid so mate.'

'That's ridiculous,' I said

'It is a little extreme, but our princess does love to appear in style and cleanliness.'

'How am I going to get it done in two hours?' I couldn't risk using magic in the middle of the castle.

'Don't look at me, I'm not helping you,' Gwaine said.

'No I didn't think you would,' I replied.

'Best get to it then Merlin,' Gaius said.

'See you later Merlin,' Gwaine said and left the chambers.

'Merlin?' Gaius asked. 'Don't you think it's a coincidence that your dream took place in the council rooms and you're going there now?'

I panicked. Maybe he was right, what if this was it, my fight with Morgana was going to change so many things and I didn't know if I was ready. What if Arthur killed me? Hell, what if Morgana killed me? Then I remembered.

'No, in the dream I could feel her coming, the very castle shook with her anger and grief.' I said 'I don't feel that now.'

'Not yet maybe,' Gaius said. But I refused to believe it was this soon.

'No it's not happening now.' I assured myself. Gaius gave no reply.

I grabbed my jacket and pulled it on then tied my neckerchief around my neck. I stumbled towards the door before I pulled myself together. Confidence Merlin, her magic is nothing compared to yours. What? I thought you had just agreed it wasn't going to happen now. I shook my head and opened the door.

'See you later,' I said to Gaius and he gave a nervous smile in return.

Gwaine walked back outside basking in the morning sunshine to the training grounds to find Arthur to tell him Merlin was on the job. He couldn't help but wonder about him this morning. He had seemed lively enough, and he had participated in their usual banter, but he couldn't help but think something was wrong. There were shadows under his eyes, obviously through lack of sleep, and they were shifty, constantly moving like he was stuck in a deep problem. He remembered the books strewn all over the chambers.

'Just researching,' Merlin had said.

Researching what? Gwaine pondered. Whatever it was it was important enough that Gaius was involved, at this time in the morning he was usually doing rounds in the lower villages, yet something had kept him in this morning. Merlin was a riddle, he had known the first time he had met him. His eyes hadn't been drawn to the Prince, who walked and talked like the royalty he was. But to his servant, Merlin; the kind, pale boy who would do anything for anyone. Yet when you looked closer Gwaine could see the pain, the loneliness, despite all his friends Merlin was lonely. He carried secrets, Gwaine could see that, and finding them out was like getting blood from a stone. Merlin was a very good liar Gwaine decided.

His thoughts turned to Arthur and his relationship with the boy. They were close, everyone knew that behind the mockery and the teasing antics, they were like brothers and part of him was jealous. He wished Merlin trusted him like that. But did he actually trust Arthur Gwaine considered? Arthur didn't even look close enough to see that there was something wrong with Merlin. Most of the time he wasn't even bothered; too caught up in something else to notice. So if Merlin didn't tell Gwaine his secrets and he didn't tell Arthur, then who did he tell his secrets too?

Gaius. The old man was clearly like a father to Merlin. They were like magnets, whenever they were together Gaius's eyes were never far away from his young charge, sometimes he would see a frown of worry cross his face, and other times pride. The worry he could appreciate, Merlin was a clumsy fool who didn't go a week without some kind of injury. Yet pride? Merlin was a good servant and a loyal friend, but the amount of pride Gaius showed was as if Merlin was saviour of the world, and Gwaine didn't know what to make of it. As far as he could see Merlin was no knight or strong man, he couldn't wield a sword and in battle most of the time he could be seen hiding behind a tree, so what had he done that deserved that much pride?

Gwaine shook his head and decided not to dwell on it anymore, he could see Arthur running his knights through some training exercises and smiled. Even as King, Arthur had not delegated his previous princely duties to someone else, he had kept them. Arthur was clever that way, Gwaine had to admit, and he knew the courage and the strength of the knights of Camelot came from the love of the kingdom and their loyalty to Arthur. Gwaine knew Arthur knew this and wasn't about to do anything that could alter it.

'Ah Gwaine is the idiot getting on with it then?' Arthur asked referring to Merlin.

'Yes Princess he's doing it as we speak,' Arthur just nodded, he didn't even bat and eyelid at Gwaine's nickname for him anymore, he knew that no amount of punishment, save execution was going to stop Gwaine from having fun at his expense.

'Don't you think it's a bit extreme asking him to do the whole of the council rooms? Gwaine asked.

'No, it will give him something to think about,' Arthur said.

Gwaine suddenly understood, Arthur had noticed Merlin's strange mood too. He knew giving Merlin a big task to do might make him feel better.

'So you're going to take his mind of things, by exhausting him?' he asked.

'It's a logical idea, he wasn't sleeping well so hopefully if he's tired enough he will sleep undisturbed,' Arthur said.

'I suppose,' Gwaine muttered.

'Has he told you what's wrong?' Arthur asked his eyes appraising Gwaine.

'No, But I know something is wrong.'

'Yes, I wish he would trust me enough to talk to me,' Arthur said quietly, so quietly Gwaine wasn't sure if Arthur knew he had spoken out loud.

'He does trust you Arthur,' Gwaine said his serious head now emerging. 'Despite what he might say I know Merlin would lay his life down for you.'

'Yes, but what's in it for him?' Arthur asked turning his blue eyes to Gwaine.

Gwaine had never seen Arthur so pensive before. He cared more for Merlin then Gwaine had realised, he didn't think even Arthur knew how much had cared for the bumbling idiot.

'I don't think he wants anything Arthur.'

'No,' Arthur agreed 'I just don't know what I did to earn his loyalty, he used to hate me you know.'

'Hate you?' he asked incredulous.

'Yes,' Arthur laughed now remembering 'When he first came here, years ago he hated my guts and I him, but I knew then as I do now, that there's something odd and special about him,' Arthur stopped then and a reddish tint grew on his cheeks like he knew he had probably said too much.

'Yes, I just wish I knew what it was,' Gwaine said ignoring for once Arthurs embarrassment.

'Merlin loves his secrets,' Arthur laughed.

Suddenly there was a loud rumble from the skies like thunder. The knights stopped and looked above them. The blue skies and the morning sunshine were slowly turning a dark black. Rain started to pour from the heavens, big drops of it that drenched and chilled Gwaine to the bones.

'Let's get inside,' Arthur commanded. He knew there was no point continuing in this weather.

The knights hastened to do as commanded when a gust of wind blew past them. It knocked them off their feet but what stopped them was the sound that came with it. A haunting scream resounded on torrents of the wind. A sound that was vaguely familiar to Arthur. Then came the emotion, a wave of sadness hit all of them, grief so strong that it shook them to their core.

'What's happening?' Gwaine shouted to Arthur. 'This isn't a normal storm.'

'Sorcery!' Arthur shouted over the noise.

The wind was strong now, and the sadness that they all felt was swiftly turning to anger. Anger so strong it started affecting the knights who were now gritting their teeth in pain. The eerie scream on the wind came again and this time Arthur recognised it. Morgana.

'It's Morgana!' Arthur shouted and the knights looked alarmed and drew their weapons as if expecting her to appear at any moment. But the wind didn't stop at them it continued on past them and into the castle.

'Wait,' Gwaine said. 'If she doesn't want you then who does she want?'

The answer came to both of them at the same time.

'Merlin!'

I could feel it crawling over my skin like icy spiders. Grief so intense it was chilling me through my clothes and making me cry tears of sadness. She was here, she was coming. Destiny was about to happen. I had tried telling myself it wasn't going to happen this soon but I knew deep down that this was inevitable, as soon as I had set foot in the council chambers.

I stood from my place on the floor and waited. My thoughts in a whirl of chaos. Any second Morgana was going to appear in all her fiery glory and Arthur would watch, as me and his sister struck in a clash of magic and power. This was happening, everything was happening exactly like the vision had foretold.

Arthur burst into the council chambers lured by the magic that was focusing upon me and this room. My eyes closed in pain as I realised destiny had come to quick. I wasn't ready for this.

'You didn't tell me this would was going to happen, Kilgharrah,' I said out loud. It didn't matter what I was talking about now, he would learn it all eventually.

'Merlin what on earth is going on?' I heard Arthur says the words, the same words that he had said before and I knew I had to stick to the dream. I turned towards him and the other knights, Gwaine and Gaius who were no filling into the room.

'Get away Arthur she's coming, you shouldn't be here,' I said. My eyes found Gaius and I shook my head at him. He knew that it was happening and could do nothing but nod in reply. My eyes found Gwaine and he was staring at me with wide eyes. I was different now; he could see that, everyone could see it. In face of the oncoming attack I forced myself into the role of Emrys; Powerful warlock and protector of Arthur and Albion. The change in my persona I knew must be startling as I radiated pure power.

'Please Arthur I'm begging you,' I heard myself say. His eyes so much like my own turned towards me. He had noticed the change as well and I knew he didn't understand.

The room was beginning to shake with the force of Morgana's rage. She was coming, she would be here soon.

'Who's coming? Merlin you're not making any sense!' Arthur cried in reply.

I let her actions give him the answer as Morgana burst into the room, her eyes immediately found mine and I couldn't help but step backwards as I was hit with the full scale of overwhelming power of her grief. Her eyes were gold with the magic of her teleportation, but were quickly turning back into the shining emeralds I had thought I knew so well.

My heart was thudding wildly and I was surprised the very room didn't echo from the sound of it. I had never been so scared in my entire life; I didn't envy Morgana and her visions. For the first time, I knew the true horror of what it was like to be a seer. To know your fate and be unable to change it, as it came hurtling towards you was a cruel power to have.

Her hair billowed around her in a black halo of chaos and she started screaming at me.

'You killed her!' She screamed. Her face turned in a wild ferocious snarl so unlike the girl of three years ago. 'She's dead because of you!'

I of course knew what she was talking about and found that I could say nothing but stare at her, terrified with the knowledge of what would happen next. Arthur however decided to step forward. He drew his sword and started a slow walk towards her.

'Morgana I don't want to hurt you, but if your hurt anyone you will leave me no choice,' I almost scoffed, Morgana had more power than Arthur realised. He was underestimating magic, underestimating the situation, although I couldn't blame him for believing she was deep down the sweet kind girl she had once been. I knew better.

Morgana's glare turned to Arthur and her hands lifted as if to attack. I immediately stepped in front of Arthur and raised my own hands knowing that I had no choice but to follow the vision to come to pass. I saw Arthurs eyes widen with surprise as I confidently faced his sister.

'Morgana your quarrel is with me let everyone else go,' the power in my voice surprised me, I had never had the chance to stand in front of everyone I knew and command power. But I did it so easily. It felt so weird repeating myself yet knowing that in reality I hadn't actually said these words before.

'I don't think so,' she sneered at me 'I'm going to kill you Merlin, like you killed her. I'm going to kill you in front of everyone who loves you and I will watch as they cry over your dead body, and then they will know my pain and my revenge will be complete.'

Hearing the words again made me realise how vicious her words were and I had no doubt that if I failed she would follow through on her promise.

'That won't bring Morgause back,' I pleaded with her although I knew it was pointless. 'Your grief will still be as complete as it was before.'

'But my sister will rest peacefully,' she replied 'and I will get personal revenge for when you tried to poison me and for all the plans you thwarted.'

'Merlin' Arthur began confused. 'What the hell is…?'

The rest of his sentence was cut off as Morgana raised her hands now pointed at me and her eyes turned a familiar brilliant gold.

It had come to this then. The spell, the very thought of it had filled my mind throughout the day and I would finally find out what it meant, what would happen. I considered changing my own attack. Should I? Would anything actually happen differently? I had no time to think, it was time to act.

'Forbærne! Ácwele!' Morgana shouted, and a stream of fireballs shot towards me.

I knew I had no choice, so at the same time in front of everybody I retaliated to block, not to injure. The same spell I had done before in the vision.

'Miere torr sweoloþhat!'

I watched as everything repeated itself. The spells met in the middle of the room and burst into a whirlwind of gold and silver sparks that drew together then expanded and flew at both myself and Morgana. They struck and I flew backwards in the air. I fell with a crash yet I felt no pain just a strange tingling sensation that ran through the whole of my body.

Morgana was the first to stand up and she looked at me in fear. I couldn't help notice how beautiful she was. I forced myself to clear my thoughts and raised my hands to try again, however she just stared at me.

'You're a sorcerer!' She screamed at me. I couldn't help but be pleased that she finally knew who I was.

'Oh, I'm no sorcerer Morgana, I'm a warlock and destined to be the most powerful magic wielder to walk Albion. The druids call me Emrys.'

The fear intensified now into horror and she backed away, although something pulled at my chest when she did.

'You traitor,' she said softly and with a flash of Golden eyes she was gone.

I fell to my knees at her disappearance, something pulled at my heart now she was gone. I missed her presence I realised. I shook myself and forced myself to get rid of my stupid thoughts. I still didn't know what the spell had done, but I knew I would find out eventually.

'On your feet,' a cold voice said from where I was kneeling. I felt the cold chill of a blade against my throat, Arthur.

I stood and turned to face him. There was no emotion, nothing give away what he was feeling. He stared at me for the longest time and I stared back. The Arthur I had knew and cared about had vanished and in front of me instead stood a man who had just had his world turned upside down. Well that made two of us I thought dryly.

'Leon,' He called out. His eyes never wavering from my face and I didn't remove mine. From the corner of my eye I saw Leon step forward hesitatingly. 'There's something I want from the vaults, something my father kept long ago, you know what it is.'

'Sire,' he paused looking between both of us. 'Are you sure?'

'DO AS I SAY!' Arthur yelled.

I felt a wave of fear come across me. What was Arthur going to get? Some kind of torture device that would give me a slow and painful death. I didn't think Arthur could be so much like his father.

'Sire,' Gaius said and stepped forward. 'Maybe you should let him explain.'

'Gaius, don't admit you knew about this traitor or I will throw you in the dungeons,' Arthur said his eyes still on my face.

I forced mine to move and address my mentor 'Don't Gaius, we knew this would happen.'

'My boy,' He murmured in reply tears of sadness dripping down his cheeks.

Leon re-entered the halls a box in hand. It was some kind of torture equipment then. Brilliant. I watched as Arthur for the first time turned his eyes away from me and strode to Leon. From inside the box he withdrew a pair of shackles. He then turned back towards me.

'My father refused to use these he thought they were too close to magic,' He stepped forward and clasped them over my wrists locking them in place. 'They stop sorcerers from using magic to escape.'

He was right; I could feel them blocking me, stopping me reaching towards what was rightfully mine. And for the first time I felt a flash of pure hate for Arthur. Magic was what I was good at, it was what I did, how dare he take that away from me, my only comfort.

'How like your father you are Arthur, willing to use magic to get what you want, but hating it for everything else, what a lovely pair of hypocrites you do make,' my voice was deep and filled with hate and power that I had never heard before.

Silence filled the room at my words and I saw Gaius wince from the corner of my eyes, and I knew it was coming. Arthur's fist flew at my face and pain erupted down my cheek and the room flashed before me as I fell to my knees again.

'Merlin!' a new voice yelled and Gwaine hurtled towards me grabbing my face to assess the damage.

'You bastard!' Gwaine cursed then jumped to his feet and flew at Arthur. Arthur grabbed his arms and threw him back towards me and guards stepped forward to put shackles around his wrists too.

'You knew about this Gwaine?' Arthur asked.

'Of course not, but he doesn't deserve this, Princess,' the nickname sounded so spiteful now 'He would die for you.'

'And so he shall if I so decide, but in the mean time you can join him in the dungeons,' Arthur said then turned to the guards 'Take them away.'

Strong arms lifted us both and we were dragged to the depths of the castle and thrown inside a cell together. At least I wouldn't be lonely I decided.

'Are you okay Merlin?' Gwaine asked. His shackles had been removed but my own hadn't. Keeping the block on my magic strong. His fingers were stroking my cheek assessing the damage.

I considered the question. I felt a deep loneliness in my chest consume me, an ache I couldn't describe not because of Arthurs actions, however hateful they were, they were to be expected. No, it was something else, the pain was like a dull knife in my stomach which shook my entire body, I needed something, something was calling to me. I needed it to survive, I couldn't survive without it. I suddenly realised what it was.

'Morgana,' I said.

You know the drill!