There are no words to express how sorry I am for all those who wanted more, but got none. I started school again and the class load was so much and I simply forgot about this story that I had going! However, I recently came across someone who wanted more and I decided it was time to make up for past mistakes. I'll be continuing this story until the end! If you have stuck around for that long, you honestly deserve whatever episode you'd like, so just PM me any idea you might have. This is a short chapter (even though I've already written more, so no worries there), but I wanted to see if it would still be viewed. Reviews are always helpful! I hope to do all the characters justice. Thanks so much and enjoy!

Episode 4: Mask of Chaos (Part Three)

Merlin stopped running to catch his breath. It felt like he had been running for a year, or even longer. Despite his attempts, Arthur was nowhere to be found.

Merlin cupped his hand around his mouth and cried out, "Arthur!"

No response.

Merlin's eyesight was beginning to get used to the darkness, but even so, he could hardly see anything, just the dark outlines of trees across an almost-black sky. That was strange, though, wasn't it? Merlin squinted and peered upwards a bit more. Why was the sky nearly black? Where were the stars?

It was then that a whisper was said just inches from his ear, "You are the sorcerer, yes?"

Merlin whipped around, but only to have his own legs tangle with each other, sending him crashing to the grassy ground. He immediately scuttled backwards, the fear gripping him tight. He looked up to see a figure in the darkness; a man determined from his tall stature and broad shoulders, draped with a long black cloak. A sword hung from his belt and a small lantern, which wasn't lit. The strangest thing about this man was not his lack of presence, but the yellow mask that was covering his face in a permanent smile, despite the eyes looking sad.

Merlin released the air he hadn't realized he was holding and managed, "I… I don't know what you're talking about." He felt like he couldn't hold the gaze of the mask and he looked away dismissively.

It took the man not two strides to get to Merlin in loud, thudding boots and while his boots stayed planted in the ground, he bent forward, shoving his presence in Merlin's face. His mask only rested a foot from Merlin, who was startled at the closeness and stared right at the man.

"I can tell when you are lying, sorcerer," the man said, almost spitting out Merlin's title. Merlin took into account the baritone pitch of the voice; low and silky, as if it belonged to a man Arthur's age.

Suddenly, the man's hand shot out from his cloak, grabbing Merlin's entire face and slamming the back of his head against the trunk of a tree. An explosion of pain ripped through Merlin's head and he was sure he fainted for a second.

Merlin grabbed the man's wrist with both hands and yelled again, "I'm not lying!" This is what Merlin did when he was always caught in a lie. Even if it might be so obvious he was lying, Merlin would stick to it. It's what ultimately kept him alive for six years, wasn't it? And then, even in a dire situation, he wouldn't use magic. He wasn't sure who this man was, but he was clearly the cause of Arthur's stress earlier. Arthur had seen the mask and tried to warn them about it.

Merlin felt tears brimming along his eyes from the pain he was experiencing. He felt dizzy and confused and he couldn't see past the gloved hand that kept his head pinned to the tree. Arthur…

"That's right," the man whispered, sounding amused, almost like Merlin told him something interesting. "The King of Camelot knows your secret, but here you are. Not headless. Why is that?"

Merlin froze. Did the man just read his mind? If he could read his mind, then why would he need to ask if he was a sorcerer? Wouldn't he just know? If that were the case, then Merlin would need to stick to his secret and not say anything. Merlin squeezed his eyes shut, trembling, waiting for a miracle.

There was a sudden rustling of leaves and heavy footfalls coming towards them. The man released his grip on Merlin's face and stood up tall, looking for the source.

"Merlin!"

Merlin had never been so grateful to hear Arthur calling his name. However, something gleamed in the moonlight, catching his eye. Merlin cracked opened both eyes to see a sword pointing at his neck. The sword was not ordinary; Merlin could tell that much. Almost like it were cursed; it radiated a hesitant danger.

"You are a lucky man," the man said huskily. "But I know the truth. And your face. Beware my blade, sorcerer. It will come for you next."

And then the man ran off into the darkness. Merlin watched him leave, fighting off the urge to stop him using magic and fighting off the urge to vomit. Why didn't he just kill him? He had the time and the weapon.

Arthur and Gwaine ran into view, looking frazzled and drained. Gwaine could see the man escaping and ran after him, but Merlin had a feeling he wouldn't be able to catch up to him. Arthur kneeled beside Merlin and grabbed his shoulders.

"What happened? Are you alright?" Arthur yelled, looking more concerned for Merlin than the sorcerer had ever seen him.

Merlin smiled exhaustedly and put a reassuring hand over Arthur's. "I'm fine. Just a horrible headache."

Merlin watched as Arthur's expression turned furious, but his fury wasn't directed at him.

"Was it the mask? Did you see it?" Arthur asked, giving Merlin's shoulder a squeeze of adrenaline.

Merlin blinked curiously. "Not just the mask. The man," Merlin paused and glanced towards the direction Gwaine ran. "He's after sorcerers, Arthur," Merlin said in a whisper.

Arthur stared at Merlin with wide eyes for a good moment before sighing and frowning. "I know. He killed the sorceress we're following. I found her body in the woods."

Merlin felt his heart sink and his hand on Arthur's hand slid to the ground. She saved all those people, and she was killed.

"I'm sorry, Merlin," the king said, but then stood up strong, as if it didn't bother him as much as Merlin wished it had.

Gwaine came running back, his long brown hair looking windswept. "I lost him." Gwaine threw an arm around Arthur's shoulders with a grin. "Guess you weren't so crazy, after all, sire."

Arthur disregarded the potential insult and suggested that they go straight back to Camelot.

No one disagreed.