Merlin's rage breathing was the only sound to be heard in the clearing. His eyes were wide, staring at Leon fearfully. "Why would you say that?" He chuckled weakly, hoping to end the tension. He didn't. "It's just that, well, the Raven was taken too but when we searched the place, he wasn't there but his armour was and, when Morgana was about to execute you, surly it would make sense to execute him too?" Leon's voice was grave and his logic was unquestionable. Sighing dejectedly, Merlin hung his head low before speaking once more. "Yes. Yes I am."
"NO!"
Arthur's angry voice made him flinch but he was confused. Surly him being the Raven wasn't bad. Then he remembered and by looks of the knights and the way they were moving away and resting their hands on the hilts of their swords, they remembered too. Magic. "Arthur let me explain.."
"Be quiet sorcerer!" Arthur's loud voice drowned out Merlin's whisper. Tears sprung to his eyes as he gazed down at the man, the traitor, below him. "You have no right to call me that name nor do you have any right to be in Camelot," his voice grew louder as he drew his sword. "Tell me. What are your plans? Who are you working for? Were you sent to kill me? To infiltrate and bring Camelot down from the inside?" With each question he drew closer to the shivering boy until finally his sword rested above his heart. Merlin swallowed audibly.
"Know sire, that I never wanted to lie to you nor did I ever wish to harm you. Believe me when I say that I use my magic for good and to serve and protect others. I am not just your servant but Camelot's as well. Look at what I am. The Raven; the protector of Camelot. I used magic to do it, just as I have always done and will continue to do." By the end of his speech Merlin had slowly and painfully stood up until he could meet Arthur's eyes. He was actually taller than Arthur but he was hunched over so there piercing gazes met.
Arthur looked closely at the sorcerer and felt his anger slowly diminish until it vanished; the boy shook heavily from exhaustion and fever and it was obvious that he was in pain from the way he was hunched and the way his brow was furrowed in concentration. He was trying to remain standing for Arthur. For him. "Please, sire, show me some mercy and let me explain myself and then do with me as you will. Burn me, stab me or even leave me out here to die but please, hear me out." The boys voice quavered in fear and tiredness but still he presented himself to his king.
"Don't listen sire. I'm sure this is just a rouse to get you to lower you guard so he can strike. Heck, I bet him and Morgana planned this! Bet he's not even injured!" Leon's voice came again, and the man marched over to Merlin, his sword levelled at his neck. Merlin did nothing but stare at him, sadness dominating his gaze. "Leon, wait. I will listen sorcerer but know this, if you try anything: I will kill you." Arthur stared hard at his servant, willing him not to do anything stupid.
So they listened, all of them. Merlin didn't stop, not even when he could barley keep his eyes open or when his bandages became soaked in blood. He told them how he was born with his magic and why he was sent to Camelot in the first place. They listen with rapt attention when he spoke of Edwin and Nimueh and somehow they managed to listen to how he poisoned Morgana without any incidents. They almost cried with him as he spoke of Freya and nearly laughed when he spoke of the goblin. It was easy to spot that Merlin had missed off parts about his step father but they figured that he would tell them of he needed to. He did tell about his real father, Balinor, and how he was a dragon lord and how it was him that let loose the Great Dragon. That resulted in him being lightly beaten by an angry Arthur but still, Merlin continued. It was when the first rays of the sun danced upon the horizon that he finished, his story leaving them all in awe of him.
Merlin watched as the knights gathered around each other, discussing what to do with him. He had tried so hard to make them understand and, in his heart, he knew he could do no more. All his wounds screamed in agony but he refused to move or do anything magical to ease his pain. He had been beaten by Arthur but he knew that he deserved it because yes, hundreds of lives were lost in the Dragon attack but he was surprised by Arthur's self restraint when it came to some more sensitive subjects such as Morgana. He had noticed that his bandages were soaked through and they itched against his already damaged skin. He still didn't do anything though. The fire was dying so he lit it again, his eyes glowing a soft amber, warmth flooding his system yet it did nothing for the pain. His hazed wondered to the knights only to find them staring at him and he became aware that they had seen and he bowed his head in shame and embarrassment. He hadn't told any of them about his step-father nor anything about Emrys and the prophecies; he was saving that for if he was spared. Out of the corner of his eye hope saw the knights turn to each other once again and he raised his head, happy at the relief it brought to his aching neck. His heart beat faster when all the knights, all his old friends, turned to face him and he flinched when Arthur drew Excalibur slowly. It was their sword and what an irony it would be if he were to die by it. His fluttering heart turned to ice when Arthur's cold voice emerged. "Restrain him."