Life Outside of the Shadows

by TreeOfLife1997

Based at the end of series four. When Merlin reveals his magic to save the life of Isolde, has he just sacrificed Albion's golden future? Or has he just began the new age? Arthur and the knights must come to terms with Merlin's magic. So with a little help from Taliesin, they watch Merlin's adventures. And with a new form of dark magic rising, will all be learnt before all is lost?

40. Chapter 39

Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin.

Chapter thirty-nine: Queen of hearts and the sorcerer's shadow.

Gaius stood beside Taliesin, he knew what the next adventure was and he knew how Arthur had reacted at Uthur's death. Gaius could simply hope Arthur had believed him when he told him, Dragoon the Great had only tried to heal Uthur. Arthur had seen enough to know, Merlin would never harm anyone in Camelot, not even Uthur.

Gaius wouldn't lie, there had been times when Merlin though about killing Uthur and sometimes Merlin nearly acted on those thoughts, but then Merlin would remember his destiny and how much Arthur loved his father. If Arthur saw his father die at the hands of magic, it would not have boded well for Albion and the fate of those with magic. Merlin had been so devastated when he failed to save Uthur, not because Uthur was dead, but because he knew how it felt to lose a father.

Not to mention the fact, Arthur declared his hate for magic right after. Merlin had believed he had failed and it had been one of the hardest moments of Merlin's life, knowing if things had gone well Arthur would have accepted magic then and there, and made it legal when he became king.

"Are you sure showing them this is wise?" Gaius asks.

Taliesin shakes his head. "They have to know everything…. The good, the bad…. Everything."

"But if Arthur sees this," Gaius answers. "All this could be for nothing…. The death of his father hit him hard."

"And in time he will see Merlin did everything in his power to save his father... He simply was not prepared for the lengths Morgana would go to, to kill the king."

Gaius sighs. "I hope Arthur trusts Merlin, trusts him enough to know Merlin had no intention of killing the king that day."

"Destiny is not so easily destroyed. Arthur has seen Merlin save the king with magic, he's seen Merlin save the kingdom single handed... And risk everything to save the people he cares about. All that has to count for something…. Friendship is a powerful thing."

Gaius nodes. "But is it enough."

"Only time will tell."

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In a time of myth and a land of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young boy his name…. Merlin.

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The doors to the great hall were pulled open, both sides of the room were filled with people and all of them dressed in fine clothes. A women in a lilac dress with dark hair approaches the two thrones at the far end of the hall, where Arthur stands, watching her approach. As the women, Gwen, kneels on the steps before Arthur, he holds out his hand for the crown. In the crowd Gaius and Merlin watch with pride. And so Arthur crowns Gwen Queen of Camelot. As they take their seats on the thrones, Morgana wakes with a start and looks at her healing bracelet. After getting up and going over to the window, Morgana dismisses Gwen for the night.

Elyan smiles as he watches as his sister is crowned queen of Camelot. "Father would have been proud."

Gwen smiles. "I'm not married yet."

"But you will be." Leon answers.

Arthur nodes. "You will be Camelot's Queen."

"But," Gwen smiles sadly. "Merlin will not be there."

The following morning Morgana walks through the castle when she hears someone calling her. She follows the voice to an old storage room, where Morgause greets her. Morgana tells her sister about her dreams, where she sees Gwen being crowned Queen. Morgause warns her that these dreams must not be ignored and that she must destroy whatever relationship Gwen and Arthur have. Upon returning to her chambers Morgana talks to Gwen about her feelings for Arthur, but Gwen doesn't tell her much, knowing Morgana must be planning something.

Tristan shakes his head. "How your father ever thought he could win the war against magic…. I'll never know. Morgause has slipped into the castle quite a few times now and no one has caught her or even known it was her."

Arthur shakes his head. "I don't think we would have been able to do anything even if we had caught her…. Her magic was powerful, we have only lived this long because Merlin stopped her."

Gwaine looks at Arthur. "You just admitted Merlin saved you, I never thought I'd live to see the day!"

"Shut up, Gwaine." Arthur sighs. "And I have said Merlin's saved us before!"

"So that's how Uthur found out about you and Gwen," Leon mutters. "Morgana must have told Uthur. That way she wouldn't have had to risk using magic."

"What about Dragoon?" Elyan asks. "By telling Uthur, that sorcerer almost died…. The sorcerer who later killed the king."

"Maybe he was in on the plan," Percival puts in. "Morgana needed there to be proof of magic to get Gwen killed. She couldn't have risked placing the poultice there herself."

Arthur shakes his head. "No…. I am sure he could have got away. A sorcerer of his power would only be caught if he wanted to be caught."

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Later when Uthur is dinning with Arthur and Morgana, Gwen and Merlin are serving. Morgana watches Arthur and Gwen closely. Arthur is quite clearly distracted by Gwen and spills his drink, much to the anger of Uthur. Later Morgana goes to see Arthur and they talk about his and Gwen's feelings for each other. Morgana convinces Arthur to spend some time with Gwen.

"You were worried about Uthur finding out about Gwen," Leon mutters. "Yet you made it so clear, a blinds man could have seen it."

"Was it really that obvious?" Arthur asks.

Gwaine nodes. "I'm surprised Uthur didn't notice."

"But Morgana only knew because of her dream," Percival mutters. "Do you think Morgana would have known, if it wasn't for the dream?"

Elyan shakes his head. "I think Morgana knew before that, how else would she have known Arthur would have helped Gwen save me?"

Leon sighs. "Gwen did such a good job of not answering Morgana questions and you, Arthur, go and tell her all she needed to know."

"Had I known Morgana was fighting against us, I would never have told her!" Arthur replies.

Tristan shakes his head. "I think even if you had known, you still would have done it…. I think you would simply have refused to believe what was true."

"Must be a Pendragon trait." Gwaine mutters.

Later Merlin goes to see Gwen and convinces her to go on a picnic with Arthur the next day. But Gwen is still worried about what will happen if someone sees them, but she finally agrees to go. Merlin agrees to pick her up the following morning. Later that night Gwen asks for the following day off, when Morgana asks why, Gwen lies and tells her she fears she is becoming ill. Morgana gives her the day off and smirks as Gwen leaves, knowing her plan is working.

"I take it, if Merlin had known it was Morgana's plan, he would never have convinced Gwen to go?" Isolde asks.

Gaius nodes. "I believe, had Merlin known a lot of things would have worked out differently."

Gwen smiles. "Merlin is such a good friend."

Arthur half smiled. "He is."

"A good lie, Gwen," Leon mutters. "But this was Morgana's plan, there was no fooling her."

Elyan nodes. "Least it worked out well in the end and exposed a sorcerer, who was really enchanting them."

"No," Percival speaks up. "Arthur and Gwen were in love long before this…. I don't believe any magic was used."

Tristan nodes. "I have a feeling, this Dragoon you speak of, took the blame to stop Gwen from being killed."

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The following day, Merlin knocks on Gwen's door and enters, just as Gwen appears from behind a curtain. When Merlin sees her, he quickly complements her and the two of them leave to go and meet Arthur. In the woods Arthur is using a silver plate to check how he looks and fails to notice Gwen and Merlin approaching. Merlin does a bird call, scaring Arthur into dropping the plate. As Merlin leaves them to their date, Morgana watches on from the ridge above, before riding off back to Camelot.

Gwen smiles. "Merlin knows the right things to say."

Isolde nodes. "Whoever Merlin has married will be one happy women."

Tristan glances at Isolde. "I hope I make you happy."

Isolde smiles. "I couldn't be happier."

"Wow," Gwaine gasps. "Arthur speechless, who would have thought it."

"Who wouldn't be," Arthur answers. "When they looked upon such beauty."

Elyan turns to Leon. "Are you sure he hasn't been enchanted again?"

Leon shrugs. "I don't think so."

Gwaine grins. "Quite the poet, Arthur."

"Shut up, Gwaine!"

Later back in Camelot Uthur is having lunch with Morgana. Morgana tries to convince Uthur to go for a ride with her, telling him, it's such a beautiful day. But Uthur refuses, saying he had council matters to attend to. After convincing Uthur to go for a ride with her, the two ride out of Camelot. As they ride Uthur tells her how pleased he is she convinced him to do this and Morgana challenges him to a race.

Gwaine shakes his head. "What a shame Merlin wasn't serving, otherwise he could have warned Arthur of Morgana's plan."

"Merlin really has his work cut out this time." Percival mutters.

Leon sighs. "For a moment there I thought Uthur was going to refuse."

"She seemed to struggle there," Gwaine laughs. "It must have been so hard for her to say her time with him was 'precious' and 'meant a lot'."

Elyan nodes. "She would see his death faster than he could blink…. She'd see us all dead for that matter."

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Elsewhere Gwen and Arthur are enjoying their lunch, Arthur quickly tells Gwen she is not here as a servant and to just be herself. Arthur tells her that he sometimes dreams of leaving Camelot, Gwen asks him where he would go. Arthur tells her somewhere nobody knew him and he would become a farmer, Gwen laughs, Arthur quickly adds he's take Merlin with him and make him do all the work. As Gwen and Arthur continue to enjoy their picnic, Arthur saves Gwen from a wasp. And so they kiss. But soon after Morgana and Uthur appear through the trees.

Leon sighs. "I cannot imagine being under that much pressure, the people except so much of you. Beginning a knight, is much easier."

Arthur nodes. "There are days I wish I was not born a prince."

"Trust me," Percival speaks up. "The life of a noble is much better than that of a farmer. Did you learn nothing when you went to Merlin's village?"

Arthur sighs. "I could never abandon my duties, no matter what, I owe it to the people, to protect them…. I just sometimes wish, there was less pressure."

Gwaine rolls his eyes. "Like Merlin would agree to that! He does enough work as it is."

"Least it shows Arthur cares," Elyan grins. "Merlin is Arthur's closest friend."

Tristan shakes his head. "It proves Arthur could not live without the aid of a servant. You were bought up a royal, nothing will change that."

"Plus Merlin has duties of his own," Percival adds. "He is Emrys."

"How heroic," Gwaine mocks. "Saving the fair lady from a mighty wasp."

"People can die from wasp stings." Gaius quickly speaks up. "I know of people who have died from wasp and bee strings…. They can be quite dangerous."

Elyan shakes his head as Uthur finds them. "This cannot end well."

Back in Camelot Arthur waits in the throne room for his father, pacing up and down as he does so. Uthur soon appears and starts laughing as he sees Arthur, who is quite surprised to he see his father laughing. Uthur then warns Arthur that he can never see Gwen again. Uthur explains Arthur must marry for the good of the kingdom, but Arthur tells Uthur he loves Gwen. Uthur then banishes Gwen from the city she has three days to leave.

"That's hard to believe," Elyan mutters. "I wouldn't have thought Uthur would have looked twice at a serving girl."

Percival nodes. "How people change."

Leon shakes his head. "You should never have told Uthur of your true feelings for her."

"I know." Arthur mutters. "But I love Gwen."

"Then you should have kept quiet," Elyan mutters. "You even said yourself Uthur would never let you see a serving girl."

Arthur sighed. "I know."

Gwen gripped Arthur's arm. "I am glad you could admit your feelings."

Arthur smiled. "But you were almost burnt at the stake."

"But I did not," Gwen answers. "That is all that matters."

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Back in his room Arthur accuses Merlin of telling the king. Merlin tells him he hadn't spoken to the king. Arthur tells Merlin he couldn't keep a secret to save his life, to which Merlin replies he'd be surprised. Not long after Morgana appears and Merlin is dismissed, but he glares at Morgana as he leaves. Arthur tells Morgana he'll leave with Gwen, it was after all his fault Gwen had been banished and one day they will return and Gwen will take her place on the throne beside him.

"Did you seriously think Merlin told the king?" Gwaine asked, shocked.

"Who else knew?" Arthur demands.

"Morgana," Elyan answered. "It was her idea."

"I had no reason to think it was Morgana," Arthur answered. "She and Gwen were friends."

"You had not reason to think it was Merlin, yet you did." Gwaine answers. "Merlin has been nothing but loyal to you and you would turn on him so quickly."

"Do you think Merlin knew then?" Percival asks, changing the subject before a fight could start. "I mean he glared at her as he left, he must have known she had something to do with it."

Elyan nodes. "He might have, but what could he do? It was too late to stop her, Gwen had already been banished."

"Not a good idea." Leon mutters. "By telling her you would leave with her, she knew she would be the only one to take the throne."

Gaius shakes his head. "No, by telling her you would return and take your places on the thrones, Morgana would fear her vision would come true."

Gwen looks at Gaius. "Like with Merlin, trying to stop it from happening caused it to happen."

Gaius nodes.

Down in the town Merlin watches as Gwen packs her things, he asks her where she will go and Gwen has no answer. He comforts her as she cries, her life had always been in Camelot. Merlin promises Gwen they'll think of something. Later that night, Morgana places a poultice under Arthur's pillow and quickly goes to find Uthur. Morgana tells the king it is like Arthur has been enchanted, after all he has been acting strangely and never once told her about his feelings for Gwen, which was a lie.

Gwen smiles sadly. "Camelot is the only place I have ever called home."

Arthur sighed. "It will never happen again, I promise."

Gwen smiles. "Who knows what the future will bring."

Elyan shakes his head. "She really wanted you dead."

Gwen shivers. "She hated me all because she had a dream of me becoming queen."

"She could not bear for someone else to sit on the throne, she believed to be hers." Percival answers.

Leon nodes. "And she knew how blind Uthur became when magic was involved."

"It was the perfect plan." Gwaine mutters. "Least Merlin saved you."

"You know?" Gwen asks.

Gwaine grins. "Of course."

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Uthur orders Arthur's room to be searched. Merlin quickly appears and asks what's happening, Arthur tells him Uthur had ordered his chamber to be searched and guard soon finds the poultice. In the council hall Gaius tells Uthur it bears the markings of the old religion and can be used for enchanting people. As Uthur tells Gaius where it was found, Gaius watches Morgana closely knowing this must be her work.

"Bet you were pleased, princess." Gwaine laughs. "Bet you loved the fact they found none of your dresses."

"I don't own any dresses." Arthur replied. "It would have been hard for them to find something I do not own."

"Of course." Gwaine laughs.

Gaius shakes his head. "I often wish I had never told the king anything. Had I known what was to happen as a result, I would never have said anything."

"Uthur would have accused Gwen anyway," Leon answers. "Morgana had told him magic was involved there was no avoiding it."

Elsewhere Merlin appears and informs Arthur that Gwen has been dragged from the lower town by some guards. Arthur quickly leaves, Merlin only a couple of steps behind him. Gwen is thrown before Uthur he questions Gwen about the poultice, she tells him she has never seen it before in her life. After being asked a second question, Uthur slaps Gwen. Not seconds later Arthur and Merlin appear through the doors. Gaius and Arthur both stand up for Gwen but Uthur will not listen and sentences Gwen to burn at the stake. Arthur is taken away by guards and Gwen is taken to the dungeons. But they share one last kiss, before they are pulled apart, as Gwen is dragged away she notices Morgana smirking.

Gwen subconsciously reaches up and rubs her check. "I know why so many fear him, he is most certainly not a kind man."

Arthur pulls Gwen's hand from her cheek. "You were brave, not many would answer the king in such a way."

"Yeah," Elyan laughs. "Not even Arthur."

Gaius shakes his head. "That was Uthur's greatest fault he would never listen to reason."

Percival nodes. "I can understand why you told Merlin never to tell anyone Balinor was his father. He found Gwen guilty because he father he consulted with a sorcerer."

Leon shakes his head. "You shouldn't have acted like that Arthur, you gave Uthur all the more reason to believe you had been enchanted."

Arthur shakes his head. "If my father believed I wouldn't give up the throne for the people I love, then he didn't know me at all."

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The following day both Gwen and Arthur watch as the guards build the pyre Gwen will soon burn on. As Arthur watches, Merlin appears and tells Arthur they need a plan to smuggle Gwen out of Camelot. But Arthur knows it is hopeless and tells Merlin he cannot watch Gwen die. Merlin later takes food to Gwen, he asks if she knows who might have planted the poultice and she tells him she thinks it was Morgana.

Elyan hugs Gwen. "I am sorry…. If I had been home, maybe I could have held them up long enough for you to get away."

"No, they would have just hunted me down and possible killed you." Gwen replied. "Least Merlin came up with a way to save me."

"Merlin was at the tavern." Arthur answers.

"Merlin is never at the tavern," Gwaine replies. "The only times he ever goes there is when he drags me home at night. Or when he goes with us."

"Gaius said he was at the tavern." Arthur answers, turning to Gaius. "He never at the tavern, is he?"

Gaius shakes his head. "It is a good cover story, no body questions it."

Later on Merlin tells Gaius what Gwen said about Morgana and how she is sure it was Morgana who planted the poultice. Gaius warns Merlin they cannot tell the king, he would never believe them and anything Arthur said would be taken as evidence against him, to prove he was enchanted. Merlin then comes up with an idea of inventing a sorcerer. Gaius asks if he knows of a sorcerer stupid enough to take the blame for Gwen, to which Merlin tells him, he'll do it.

"Well," Arthur laughed. "That plan obviously failed. We all know Dragoon was the one caught."

Gwen, Gwaine and Gaius all share knowing looks.

Elyan notices the look they share. "Do you not think it was odd, Dragoon knew us all by name?"

Arthur shakes his head. "You are knights of Camelot, everyone knows you names."

"No," Leon speaks up. "He spoke as if he knew us well."

"Maybe when Merlin's plan failed he went to seek Dragoon's help." Arthur answers.

Percival thinks for a moment. "I have never seen Merlin and Dragoon in the same place."

Arthur laughs. "What are you saying? Merlin killed my father!"

Everyone shared an uncomfortable looks.

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Merlin pulls his spell book out from under his bed and starts looking for the right spell, Gaius follows him and tells him he fears Arthur would know it was him no matter what spell he used. Merlin just smiled and said he wouldn't if he was an eighty year old man. Gaius warns him aging spells are difficult and powerful. As Merlin starts on the spell Gaius begins to make a poultice like the one Morgana used. Later on Merlin appears out his room in the form of Dragoon the great. After asking Gaius if he looks at all like his normal self, he sets off to complete his plan and save Gwen.

Arthur shakes his head in disbelief. "No, No, NO! This is some sort of joke, isn't it?"

Taliesin shakes his head. "The crystals cannot lie."

Gaius sighs. "Merlin tried all that was within his power to save your father. But neither of us were prepared for the events that lead to your father's death."

Arthur shakes his head. "Merlin killed my father!"

"If Morgana and your uncle did not plot against you, Uthur would more than likely be alive!" Gaius snapped. "Merlin risked everything to save your father and not a day has passed when he has wished things had worked differently!"

"Morgana?" Arthur asks.

Gaius nodes. "She had your uncle place an enchanted amulet around his neck…. It reversed the effects of healing spells…. Merlin really did try to save your father."

"But in the woods," Elyan speaks up. "Dragoon…. Merlin said if we took him to Camelot he would kill Arthur."

Gaius smiled slightly. "It was true, but you will see the full story soon."

Merlin makes his way through the castle and makes sure Arthur catches him placing the poultice under Arthur's pillow. After Arthur demands to know who he was Merlin answers, he is Dragoon the great and Arthur notices there is something about his eyes. After knocking Arthur out for a moment he runs, hiding from some guards, he tries to undo the spell but cannot and caught by Arthur.

Gwaine laughs. "Go Merlin."

Gwen smiles. "He certainly acts like an old man."

Gaius shakes his head. "I always fear he has way to much fun acting like Dragoon."

Arthur glared at the three of them. "You knew it was Merlin, who killed my father."

"Yes," Gwen answers. "And I know Merlin has only ever tried to help people. I knew he never meant to kill Uthur, because Merlin would never kill someone in cold blood. And if you, Arthur Pendragon, cannot understand that, then you no nothing about Merlin."

"How long have you known?" Arthur demands.

"No long." Gwen answers. "I worked it out when Gaius told me Merlin had saved me both times I was to be killed for sorcerer."

"What about you, Gwaine?" Arthur demands.

"Merlin all but told me, when I visited him." Gwaine grins. "He really has to teach me some of these tricks."

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Dragoon is dragged into the council chamber where Uthur is holding a meeting. Dragoon and Gaius share a look and Morgana looks shocked that a sorcerer had been caught. Uthur questions Dragoon and Merlin in the form of Dragoon tells the king what he really thinks of him. And then has a go at Arthur too. Merlin then tells Uthur he enchanted both Gwen and Arthur and Uthur has Gwen released. As Merlin is taken away, Morgana follows and Gaius talks with her. Merlin is thrown in the dungeons and watches the pyre in the courtyard.

Gwaine burst out laughing as Uthur asks Merlin, if he had somehow wronged him. "Why did he even ask?"

Gaius smiled slightly. "Uthur did not take being insulted well."

"But what he said was true." Tristan mutters. "He is brave, I'll give him that."

Isolde nodes. "Uthur could have run him through right there."

Gwen smiles. "I'll be forever grateful. But that must have been his worst nightmare, sentenced to death like that."

Arthur just glared at the screen, while Elyan, Percival and Leon, didn't quite know how to react, Merlin had played a part in killing Uthur and had threatened to kill Arthur.

Gaius who is on his way to see Merlin, is stopped by Arthur asking were Merlin was and Gaius tells him Merlin was spending the day at the tavern. In the dungeons Merlin tells Gaius he cannot break the spell, it's too powerful. Gaius tells him he can make a potion, but it will take time. Gaius works on the potion all through the night, but cannot get it right. In the early hours of the morning, Gaius falls asleep.

"So that's why Arthur always thinks Merlin is in the tavern." Elyan grins, he trusted Merlin and knew Merlin would never have killed Uthur on purpose.

"I bet Merlin hated the fact you used that as the reason he was away." Percival agrees.

"It was the first thing I thought of," Gaius answers. "And no one seems to question it."

"So when you say Merlin is at the tavern," Gwaine mutters. "He's off saving us?"

Gwen looks away. "Why did Merlin have to risk his own life?"

"You are his friend," Isolde answers. "From what I have seen of him, Merlin would risk his life to save a friend."

"But he must have been so scared," Gwen answers. "Burning at the stake…."

"He knew the risks, Gwen." Gaius speaks up. "But he could not let you die."

Gwen shook her head. "He needs to put his own safety first. He helps everyone else, but never looks out for himself."

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The following morning, Merlin still in the form of Dragoon is lead out to the pyre by Arthur. Meanwhile Gaius has found the correct potion and quickly makes his way down to the court yard. As Uthur addresses Dragoon, Gaius appears in the crowd and taps his hand, letting Merlin know he has the potion. Taking a deep breath, Merlin/Dragoon runs at Gaius insults him and grabs the potion. As Arthur comforts Gaius Merlin/Dragoon is dragged towards the pyre and mutters a spell, causing it to explode into flames. As the people panic, Merlin/Dragoon escapes.

Gwen shakes her head. "Do you think Morgana felt guilty?"

"It's hard to tell," Gaius answers. "I think she felt a bit guilty and possibly angry. Merlin stopped her plan, you lived."

Gwaine laughs. "He played the part of a vengeful sorcerer quite well, don't you think?"

Leon shakes his head. "It must have been horrible."

Arthur turns to Gaius, he knew in his heart of hearts Merlin would never have killed Uthur on purpose. "Why didn't he just escape in the night? He could have come back to collect the potion."

Gaius sighs. "Merlin thought I would get the potion to him in time."

Merlin runs through the castle and quickly downs the potion, changing back and hiding the red robes behind his back, Merlin comes face to face with Arthur. After Arthur tells him off for being in the tavern. After being told to muck out the stables Merlin just grins, playing an idiot really did work. Back in Morgana's chambers, Morgana speaks with Gwen and tells her she begged for Uthur to let her go, Gwen just smiles and leaves. On her way down the corridor Arthur grabs her and pulls her behind a pillar. Arthur tells her, he still would give up his place on the throne for her and they go to kiss but are disturbed and go their separate ways. Back in Gaius's chamber Merlin just gets back from mucking out the stables. After asking Gaius why Arthur seemed to think he spent the day at the tavern he goes up to his room.

The knights all laugh as Merlin points at the wall, when Arthur asked him where the sorcerer went.

Gwaine grins. "How Merlin escaped that one is a miracle, he had the robes behind his back."

"Good thing Arthur just thought he was still drunk from being at the 'tavern'." Elyan laughs.

Arthur just shakes his head. "Why do I even believe half the things Merlin tells me?"

Gwen sighed. "Morgana really hated me didn't she?"

Isolde puts a comforting hand on Gwen's arm. "She hated what you were to become."

Arthur turns to Gwen. "When this is over, you will become my wife. There are a lot of customs that need changing when we return."

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In a time of myth and a land of magic, the destiny of a great kingdom rests on the shoulders of a young boy his name…. Merlin.

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A young man walks through a forest, when suddenly two men appear out of their hiding places and make their way towards him. They grab his bag and ask him his name, he tells them it is Gilli. They then ask him where he is going and he tells them he is going to Camelot to fight in the open tournament. They take his sword and Gilli tries to get it back, but they beat him up. He hurries over to his bag and pulls out a ring, which glows with magic as he looks at it, his eyes burn the same colour.

Leon shakes his head. "We should have known he was using magic! He got all the way to the final."

"He did!?" Percival asks shocked.

Elyan nodes. "It was the talk of the lower town."

"So he used magic…. How long do you think it'll be until Merlin finds out?" Gwaine grins.

"Not long." Elyan mutters.

Percival nodes. "Merlin always find out."

In Camelot, Merlin and Arthur are walking through the courtyard and Merlin cannot see the point of the tournament. Arthur tells him it is tradition, which has been going on for centuries. As they make their way on to the training field, Merlin glances round as people use moves and weapons which were illegal. Arthur informs him the only rule is there are no rules. After Arthur walks off, Merlin ducks back out the way of an axe, he knew he was going to have a hard time keeping Arthur safe.

Gwen shakes her head. "I agree with Merlin, there is no point to these tournaments. What if you were to get hurt?"

Arthur smiled. "I never get hurt."

"And we all know that's because Merlin is watching your back." Gwaine grins.

"Shut up, Gwaine."

Percival shakes his head. "A tournament were no one fights with honour…. That is not something I would wish to take part in."

Leon nodes. "You should always fight with honour."

"Merlin has quick reflexes," Elyan mutters. "I don't think many servants could have ducked out the way of that axe."

"No honour." Percival mutters.

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In the lower town Gillis has just arrived, he gets himself a room. Back in the castle Merlin is fixing some amour, when the two men who took Gilli's sword appear. They mock Merlin and order him to clean their boots, as Merlin looks for cloth, one uses a wip and Merlin spins round. Before anything else can happen Gilli appears through the door behind them. Merlin tries to draw the attention away from Gilli, causing them to turn, when they turn their backs Gilli uses magic to summon a sword from the side and disarms one of the men. Merlin yells a warning as they pick up an axe and Gilli once again disarms them and orders them to leave, which they quickly do. As Arthur starts yelling from down the corridor Merlin and Gilli introduce themselves and Merlin notices the ring.

"The inn keeper was right, he'll be dead by sundown." Tristan mutters. "Magic or not, he's no fighter."

Arthur shakes his head. "He made it to the final and nearly beat my father."

Gwaine glares at the screen. "They better hope they're dead, because no one treats my brother like that."

"Brother?" Elyan asks.

"Yeah," Gwaine grins. "We are brothers in all but blood."

Arthur glances at Gaius. "Why didn't he tell me that happened?"

"It's Merlin," Gaius answers. "He never tells people about things like that…. He hates to trouble people with matter such as that."

"Neat trick," Gwaine mutters. "So the ring is what gives him magic?"

"Yes and no," Gaius answers. "To wield the power of the ring, you must have magic of a good strength. But you do not need to know how to use magic."

"So I couldn't use it?"

Gaius shakes his head. "Not unless you have magic."

Later that night Merlin is serving the Pendragon family their evening meal. Morgana teases Uthur and Arthur about how many times Uthur has won in the past. After Arthur and Merlin leave Morgana convinces Uthur to fight. The following day Merlin is helping Arthur prepares and asks how he is feeling, to which Arthur answers he's feeling confident. Merlin continues to talk about how many people died on the first and Arthur tells him to shut up.

"She is sly," Isolde sighs. "She knows pride means more to Uthur than anything else. With him being older, there was more chance of him being killed."

Leon nodes. "She knew if he died Arthur would be all who stood between her and the throne. Plus she wouldn't even have to do anything, she could simply watch."

Elyan grins at Arthur. "How was your confidence feeling after Merlin's little prep talk?"

Arthur rolls his eyes. "When I have no confidence he'll say the wisest of things, but when I'm not he'll say things that would knock most people's confidence."

"He right though," Percival smiled. "Most people die on the first day."

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Later on the field Morgana introduces everyone to the tournament and Uthur takes his place beside Arthur, much to the shock of everyone but Morgana. Uthur is the first to fight and he wins to the relief of Arthur and the disappointment of Morgana. Arthur also wins his fight. One of the two men who fought with Gilli wins, but only by fighting with no honour. Gilli also wins, but get injured and Merlin knows he is using magic. Gaius and Merlin both approach Gilli but he refuses help, Gaius informs Merlin the ring had a mark of the old religion on it.

"Uthur really shouldn't have entered," Leon mutters. "It was far too dangerous and Uthur hardly ever trained."

Elyan nodes. "He would risk his life to protect his honour, a king should always put his people first."

Gwaine shakes his head. "This tournament is the perfect opportunity for thugs like him, even I wouldn't attack from behind after the other person had won."

"Tournaments like that only attract those who fight with no honour," Tristan sighs. "Many who fight will be like him."

"Did no one notice I won my fight?" Arthur asked.

Percival smiles. "Merlin has noticed Gilli is using magic."

Gaius nodes. "But he was foolish to use his power in such a way, if Uthur had caught him I don't think even Merlin could have saved him."

After going to the armoury Gilli heals his arm with the ring, but gets spotted by some guards after hiding he goes back to his room and only then does he notice his ring is missing. Back in the castle Uthur, Gaius and Merlin are looking at the marks on the door left by Gilli's spell. Gaius lies to Uthur about what caused it and picks up Gilli's ring. Back in Gaius's chamber Merlin looks at the ring, as Gaius explains what spell Gilli used. Gaius tells Merlin he has to talk to Gilli before anyone finds out and he gets killed.

"So he can use magic." Leon mutters. "That's the first spell I've seen him use."

Gaius nodes. "The ring does not always need spells, you can simply will things to happen."

"You lied to Uthur, why?" Arthur asks.

"Gilli had done nothing wrong," Gaius answers. "He did not kill who he fought and showed he had honour. If he had killed and shown no honour I would have told the king it was magic."

Arthur nodes. "You only told the king the truth when it was people who deserved to die."

"The king never gave anyone a fair trial," Gaius answers. "I only told the king the truth when dark magic was used or it was quite clearly the use of magic and he couldn't be fooled."

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Later that night Merlin goes to see Gilli, he asks about his arm and Gilli tells him there is nothing to see. Merlin sits down on one of the beds in the room and talks about how Gilli fought, he tells him anyone would think he was using magic, Gilli tells him he wasn't. Merlin holds up Gilli's ring, before throwing it to him and asking where he got it from. Gilli explains it was his fathers and how his father would never use magic. Merlin warns Gilli he'll get caught and executed.

"He seemed quite jumpy." Gwaine muttered.

"Wouldn't you be?" Percival answered. "If you had just used magic in Camelot and nearly been caught wouldn't you be 'quite jumpy'?"

"He reminds me of Merlin," Gwen smiles. "Merlin was just like that when he first arrived in Camelot. He thought he'd be a 'nobody' without magic."

Elyan nodes. "He reminds him of himself."

"Do you think he'll tell him about his magic?" Isolde asks.

Tristan shakes his head. "It would be too much of a risk."

Both Arthur and Uthur win their fights the following day and will have to face each other in the semi-final. Out side Merlin notices as the two things who attacked Gilli tease him before he has to fight one of them. Merlin puts down his work and quickly follows Gilli and watches the fight. As Gilli is forced back into the stands and grabbed by the second thug he uses magic to throw the first backwards, before headhunting the second and killing the first. Merlin just looks horrified as Gilli goes into shock.

Leon glances at Arthur. "You didn't seem pleased you would have to fight your father."

"I wasn't," Arthur answered. "To fight and win, would humiliate my father and to lose would prove I wasn't strong enough to lead the people."

Elyan nodes. "That's why you let your father win because you couldn't humiliate him in front of his people."

Arthur nodes. "My father deserved one last victory."

Gwaine glares at the two thugs. "They deserve whatever is coming their way, I hope Gilli humiliates them good and proper."

Percival nodes. "They deserve it."

"How did no one see the magic he used, he throw the man back a good couple of feet." Leon almost yells.

Gwaine shakes his head as Gilli kills the thug. "You never kill a man while his back is turned to you."

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Later Gilli sits in the armoury, he's still in shook from killing the thug…. It was the first time he had ever killed anyone. Merlin approached and sat down near him and Gilli explained he was no killer, all he wanted was to be respected. Merlin tells him to withdraw and Gilli tells him he will. When Gilli returns to the inn, everyone cheers his name and congratulates him. Gilli just smiles as he takes a drink handed to him.

Gwen smiled sadly. "He killed that man to try and earn the respect of the people…. He's right he is no killer."

Gaius sighs. "I fear Merlin was quite disappointed Gilli used his power in such a way…. It was lucky no one worked out he used magic or Uthur would have had him killed."

"Least he's going to pull out." Gwaine mutter. "A tournament like that is no place for people with any form of honour."

"He was winning only because of his magic," Percival adds. "He had an unfair advantage, no one was prepared to defend themselves against magic."

"He not going to withdraw," Tristan speaks up. "Look at how the people are treating him. That's what he wanted."

Back in the castle Arthur watches Merlin sharpen his sword. He finally asks Merlin what he should do, if he fights his father the way he can, he will humiliate him or worse wound him or kill him. Merlin tells Arthur he has to let his father win, Arthur tells him he'll then have to pit up with the gloating and if he had any idea what it was like to live with a man he thought he was the best. The following day Arthur lets Uthur win the fight, whilst Merlin and Gaius watch from the side-lines.

Leon glanced at Arthur. "You actually asked Merlin what you should do."

"Yes," Arthur answers. "I have asked for his advice before."

Gwaine snorts. "I do think Merlin knows what it feels like to live with someone who thinks they know best."

"Shut up, Gwaine." Arthur snaps.

"That was kind of you," Isolde smiles. "Letting your father win."

"There was little else I could do," Arthur answers. "I could not humiliate him in front of his people."

"Did Uthur really win Camelot, when he was you age?" Percival asks.

Arthur nodes. "He did."

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After Merlin talks to Arthur, Gaius warns him he has to be careful of who he is fighting next, Merlin looks up to see Gilli fighting and looks quite annoyed. Gilli fights quite well and gains no injuries, but only wins because he used magic. Later back in Gaius's chambers, Gaius warns Merlin they have to tell the king, Gilli was using magic for his own gain and it was corrupting him. Merlin tells him to give him one more chance and quickly leaves to speak with Gilli.

"He is a fool," Gaius speaks up. "He was using magic for his own gain."

Taliesin nodes. "That is how you get people like Sigan, they own desire for power corrupts them, just as it does to any man or women with great power. He fell prey to greed."

"Merlin defended him, even though he killed two people." Leon mutters. "Why?"

"Merlin always sees the goodness in people," Gaius answers. "He knew Gilli could use his power for great good and the benefit of other people. He knew all Gilli needed was a second chance, a chance to see who he truly was."

Merlin goes down to the inn and finds him surrounded by people, as soon as Gilli spots Merlin, he stops talking and they go up to his room. Gilli explains how everyone respects him now and how Merlin couldn't know what that was like. Merlin turns, shuts the door and whispered a spell into his hand, holding out his hand Merlin has a small flame burning in the middle of his palm. Merlin then explains what it feels like to be more powerful than any man yet have to live like a shadow. After Gilli refuses to with draw Merlin has no idea what to do.

Percival shakes his head. "No matter how good a fighter you are, you should never become vain."

Leon nodes his agreement. "It power, they need to have, that corrupts people and it has corrupted him."

"It must have been hard for Merlin to do that," Isolde sighs. "And then for Gilli to throw it back in his face."

Tristan nodes. "He had a gift and he was using it for his own selfish gain, when he should have been using it for the benefit of all."

"What Gilli said is a lie," Gaius speaks up. "Merlin has never forgotten who he is. He hides only because he must and he protected the king because if was killed by magic, it would only strengthen people's hate of it."

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After trying to sleep, Merlin sneaks out and calls the great dragon. The dragon warn Merlin he must not let Uthur die at the hands of magic or Arthur will never accept magic back into the kingdom when he is king. He knows it is hard to watch one of your kin die, but something's demand sacrifices. The following day both Uthur and Gilli prepare for the fight. Arthur wished Uthur luck and both make their way to the field. Merlin watches as Gilli enter, he shakes his head, letting Gilli know he will not help him.

"Would Merlin really sacrifice Gilli for the sake of the king?" Isolde asks.

Gaius nodes. "I believe he would, for if Uthur were to die in such a way Arthur would continue what Uthur started and all of Merlin's kin would be killed…. One life or thousands?"

Isolde nodes. "He would choose to save thousands and sacrifice one."

"He would," Gaius answers. "There are many times Merlin has been forced to make that choice and he feels the guilt of everyone he let die. But sometimes you cannot save them all."

Leon nodes. "Sometimes sacrifices have to be made, to save more people in the long run and that is never easy…. It's like losing a battle to win the war."

"But what does it matter?" Tristan asks. "Uthur died at the hands of magic anyway."

And so the fight starts. Gilli uses magic to trap Uthur's sword on the ground, but as he goes to strike the king, Merlin uses magic to make Gilli lose his shield. No matter what fight you are in you never strike an unarmed man. After Uthur gets his sword free, Gilli uses magic to disarm him. As Gilli knocks Uthur back onto the ground, he drives his sword through Uthur's shield and Merlin uses magic to keep it stuck. At last Uthur wins, bit he doesn't kill Gilli.

"Thank god Merlin was using magic to aid the king," Elyan mutters. "I don't think he would have survived otherwise."

Percival nodes. "Using magic to fight was unfair on all those who couldn't use it or defend themselves from it."

Leon glances at the screen. "How did Uthur not notice magic being used right in front of him?"

Gwaine grins. "He had to focus on the fight, not if Gilli's eyes changed colour."

After the fight Gilli goes back to the inn and begins to pack his things, Merlin appears and they talk. Gilli tells him, he had betrayed their kind and Merlin tells him it was actually him who had betrayed them. Gilli then understands why his father never used magic, he was not scared of magic, he was scared of what magic could do. Merlin promises him when magic is free their paths will cross again, because they are kin. Later that night, Uthur dines with Arthur and Morgana. Uthur admits he knew Arthur threw the fight and it proved he was truly ready to be king and Merlin just smiled. Later still when Gaius and Merlin shrill down to eat Gaius tells him he is proud of him and Merlin isn't sure why he hadn't really done any thing.

"So it seems following Merlin's advice will make you a great king." Gwaine mutters. "No wonder the druids love him."

Arthur shakes his head. "There is a deference between giving advice and following it yourself."

"Uthur always knew what level you were at withal sword. He would often ask the knights you trained with and those who had trained you, he always wanted to know." Leon muttered.

Arthur smiled slightly. "I glad my father was proud of me."

"Only problem is," Percival mutters. "Morgana is going to be even more driven to destroy you after that."

Elyan nodes. "And Gwen, she is after all the person you love."

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Hey hope you liked that. Sorry about the long wait, I went to visit by granddad for a week because he wasn't feeling well and wasn't able to write anything. Next chapter should be up soon,

Blessed be,

TreeOfLife1997.