Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin.

Chapter forty-three: The darkest hour part one and two.

Percival was the first to wake, the sun was only just raising in the east outside the cave and Taliesin was yet to appear. Food had been set out for them and Percival glances round, the crystals seemed to be humming and pulsing with light. The cave seemed to radiate even more power than it had the day before. Gwaine groaned as he forced himself to sit up, he glanced round and spotted Percival.

"What time is it?"

"The sun is only just rising," Percival answers. "It will be daylight soon."

Gwaine groans again. "I hate this cave…. It's far too early in the morning."

"You get up for patrol long before dawn, Gwaine." Leon speaks up.

Gwaine and Percival jump, having not noticed Leon had woken up. Elyan also sat up and stretched, before glancing at the three already awake.

"By the look on Gwaine's face," Elyan mutters. "It's close to dawn."

Percival nodes. "The sun is only just raising."

"Well,' Gwaine grins. "Seeing as we're the only people up, we get first choice of the food."

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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 man his name…. Merlin.

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A women dressed in black, pulls a cart along through an empty landscape. Suddenly a patrol of four knight, including Leon and Elyan approach the women and asks her where she is going. She answers the seas of Meredor, when they asks what is in the cart, she turn and faces them. It is Morgana, she uses magic to knock them all out, before checking the cart. Laying inside the cart is Morgause and she is gravely injured. Later that day Morgana and Morgause arrive at the seas of Meredor and Morgause pays the ferryman to take them to the isle of the blessed.

"Her magic was much stronger than it had been when she first claimed Camelot," Leon explains. "We were not expecting to have to fight someone so strong."

Gaius shakes his head. "It wouldn't have mattered how powerful her magic was, it still would have done some damage…. You are powerless against magic."

"The seas of Meredor," Isolde asks. "Doesn't the isle of the blessed lie there?"

Taliesin nodes. "The seas of Meredor are indeed home to the isle of the blessed."

"Morgause was the sacrifice, wasn't she?" Arthur asks.

"I believe she was." Gaius answers.

In Camelot, Merlin is running through the halls, as other servants prepare the castle for that nights celebrations. After making it to the kitchen, Merlin collects Arthur's shirt and also helps Gwaine and Percival steal some food. He runs back through the castle, but crashes into a servant carrying a jug of wine. The wine ruins Arthur's shirt, Lancelot appears and tells Merlin he's faced far worse. Merlin quickly uses magic to clean the shirt and he and Lancelot share a look. Merlin aviaries in Arthur chamber to find Arthur already dressed. Merlin gives Arthur the speech he had written before leaving to complete his other jobs.

Gwaine grins. "Merlin is the best friend anyone can have. He always helped us steal food from the kitchens."

"Why did you need to steal food?" Tristan asks. "You're knights."

Gwen rolled her eyes. "Gwaine and Percival have been banned from the kitchens by the cook."

"They kept stealing food," Elyan explains. "And playing pranks."

Arthur grimaces as he remembers the time they switched the salt and sugar, all the food in the castle that day had tasted horrible.

"That boy," Gaius scolds. "He should not be that careless with his magic! Anyone could have seen him!... How that boy still has his head on his shoulders is a miracle in its self."

Everyone but Arthur laughs, as they see how Arthur had failed to dress himself correctly.

Gwaine grins. "So what are you going to do know, princess? Merlin can no longer write your speeches."

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Elsewhere in the castle Gwen is clearing away the food Uthur had failed to eat. As she goes to leave Gaius enters and they two talk. Gwen tells Gaius she must stay with the king tonight and will not be able to attend to the feats. Back in the seas of Meredor the boat is approaching the isle. Elyan and Leon ride into Camelot and go straight to the council chamber, where they tell Arthur what has happened. Agravaine tells Arthur he will send a patrol out at first light the following day, once the council have left, Arthur thanks his uncle for his support and Agravaine tells Arthur he promised his mother he would look after him.

"Thank you." Arthur takes Gwen's hand. "You didn't have to look after my father like that."

Gwen smiled. "I knew how much he meant to you…. No one else would have shown care, they would only doing the job because it was their orders."

"Morgana betrayal destroyed Uthur…. Even if Merlin had healed him, he would never have truly recover." Gaius mutters sadly.

"Why did my uncle betray me?" Arthur asks. "He promised my mother he would look after me, yet he plotted with Morgana to have me killed."

"I can pretend I know a man's mind," Gaius answers. "But I believe Agravaine helped Morgana because he wanted revenge on your father, for his sister's death…. He blamed you father for your mother's death and much like his other brother wanted Uthur dead, but did not challenge him to single combat. By joining Morgana he could achieve Uthur's death."

"But then why go as far as to try and have me killed?" Arthur asks.

"I do not know." Gaius answers.

Back in Camelot the feast to celebrate Samhain have begun, Arthur begins his speech. Back on the isle of the blessed Morgana and Morgause make their way over to the altar, Morgause pulls herself up on to it. Back in Camelot the midnight bell rings and everyone toast to Arthur. On the isle Morgana begins a spell and raise a dagger above her head, as Morgana sacrifices her sister; Merlin feels a shift in power, the world around him slows down and he hears the screams of the dead. Back on the isle the veil between words is torn open and Morgana is knocked out. Back in Camelot the Cailleach appears in the middle of the hall and calls Merlin by his druid name, Merlin collapses to the ground shivering and Lancelot rushes to his side.

Gwen shakes her head. "I would never have been able to do that, if I was Morgana, no matter what Morgause said, I would never have been able to kill her. Family is more important than revenge."

Elyan nodes. "I could never have done that…. Even if it would have killed everyone who I hate, Gwen is right family is far more important than revenge."

Percival frowns. "Why did no one else see the Cailleach?"

"The Cailleach was warning Emrys of the events that happened at the isle," Taliesin replies. "Even if at the time Merlin had no idea who she was and what he warning meant."

"Why did Merlin collapse?" Leon asks.

"When the veil between worlds was torn, it disturbed the balance of the world," Gaius explains. "His magic is closely linked to the world around him, so he felt the disturbance and was affected by it."

Gwaine glares at Arthur. "You could have looked a bit more worried Arthur! You just rolled your eyes and looked annoyed."

"Well I didn't see you doing anything, Gwaine," Arthur snaps. "Plus I couldn't be seen leaving the feats because I was worried about a servant."

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Back on the isle Morgana is woken by the Cailleach and she warns her she has every right to be afraid, for she tore the veil, released the Dorocha and created a new world, a world she wouldn't walk through alone. Emrys will walk in her shadow and he was her destiny and her doom. Back in Camelot, Lancelot rests an unconscious Merlin down on his bed as Gaius sets about treating him, but Gaius had no idea what was wrong with him. Later that night Merlin regains consciousness and makes his way down into the main chamber. Merlin tells Gaius who he saw and Gaius tells Merlin he saw the Cailleach, Gaius tells him visions are not uncommon for someone of Merlin's power and Merlin tells him it wasn't a vision. Gaius warns him someone may have torn the veil between worlds.

"So that's why Agravaine wanted to hunt Emrys down," Arthur mutters. "Morgana must have told him about what the Cailleach said."

"So Merlin is Morgana's doom," Isolde asks. "Does that mean he is the only one who can kill her?"

Taliesin nodes. "When Morgana tore the veil between worlds she sealed her fate…. She broke a law set by the magic council, the punishment for braking that law is death. Merlin Emrys is the only one alive with the power to kill her, he is a high priest of the old religion."

Gaius shakes his head. "Never before had I felt a living person so cold…. Having magic as strong as Merlin does, can sometimes be a gift and other times a curse."

Tristan turns to Gaius. "Why was he so cold?"

"He felt the balance in the world change and that change was caused by the dead being released," Gaius answers. "He felt the cold the dead bought with them."

The following day Merlin wakes Arthur, but no sooner is Arthur awake, Leon appears and tell him he is needed in the council chambers right away. Arthur and Merlin quickly make their way to the council chamber. A young women tells them that her village was attacked and everyone was killed but her and that the things that attacked them had no faces. Merlin, Arthur and the knights set out to the young women village to try and find out what happened. They at last come to, the village just as the sun is setting. They find everyone is frozen and dead, they split up and begin to search the village. Whilst Merlin is alone he tries to use magic but it doesn't work, luckily Lancelot saves him from the Dorocha that bursts out the forest.

"The poor girl," Gwen mutters. "It must have been horrible."

Gwaine glances at Arthur. "Who knew you could be comforting, princess? I thought all royals had to be emotionless."

"It was my job as regent, to protect the people, if that means comforting them, then so be it." Arthur answers.

Percival turns to Gwaine. "Why when we were at that village, did you have to eat the apple? Everyone was on edge and you just made it worse."

Gwaine grins. "What can I say apples are just too nice not to eat."

"Merlin couldn't use magic against them," Percival mutters. "Why did he go to the isle of the blessed with us? He was just as powerless as the rest of us."

"The isle of the blessed, is a place of magic," Taliesin speaks up. "Without Merlin's help you would have been more powerless than you were with him."

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Back in Camelot the Dorocha are attacking, people flee towards the citadel in hopes of protection and the guards are forced to light fires all around the castle. In one of the corridors, Gwen is hurrying towards the make shift hospital, when a Dorocha bursts through a window, killing the knight who standing there. Gwen manages to ward the Dorocha off, before rushing to the fallen knight's side, only to find him frozen to death. Later still Gaius is covering the dead when Merlin appears, Gaius works out something is bothering Merlin and Merlin quickly tells him, his magic is useless against the Dorocha.

Gwen shakes her head. "Never in all my life, had a faced anything like that."

"Facing the horror of the Dorocha, is a thing many people will never have to face." Gaius speaks up. "Not many have the knowledge to even perform the ritual and all practices such as that are banned by the magic council."

"Could Merlin do it?" Tristan asks.

Gaius nodes. "Merlin has enough power to…. If the prophecies of his power are to be believed, he wouldn't need a blood sacrifice to open the veil…. But that is dark and complex magic and I doubt Merlin would ever want to use it."

"There are not many things Merlin is scared of," Taliesin speaks up. "So when Merlin fears something, you would do well to fear it too."

The following day, Agravaine, Gaius and Merlin are in Arthur's chambers, as Arthur tries to come up with a way to save his people. Gaius tells Arthur the spirits that are attacking are the Dorocha, freed from the spirit world when the veil was torn. Gaius informs Arthur that it isn't known how to defeat them, no mortal has ever survived their touch. Later that night Merlin and Arthur talk about being scared and Arthur tells Merlin, he is scared, he just can't show it. That night the castle prepare for the Dorothea. Percival on the way back from a patrol of the lower town finds three children hiding and risk his life to carry them back to their home. Elyan saves all of them from a Dorocha and they return the children to their families.

"That has to be wrong," Gwaine speaks up. "Merlin survived the touch of the Dorocha."

"But Merlin is not completely mortal and nor is he human." Taliesin speaks up. "Merlin is a creature of the old religion and a creature of magic, this means he isn't completely mortal…. He survived because he is Emrys."

"Merlin isn't human?" Elyan asked slightly shocked.

"He is a creature of the old religion," Taliesin answers. "But he in mind and soul is as human as you or I."

Isolde smiles. "You saved three children, at the risk of your own lives…. That is true bravery."

Elyan smiles. "It was more Percival than me…. I just couldn't let him have all the glory."

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The following day, more and more people are arriving in Camelot looking for protection and shelter. Agravaine tells Arthur they cannot keep going like this, they need to find a way to get rid of the Dorocha. Gaius tells Arthur, the only way to get rid of the Dorocha is to travel to the isle of the blessed and repair the veil, which he feared would need a blood sacrifice. Arthur tells them he will sacrifice himself to save his people. After they have been dismissed Agravaine rides out and informs Morgana of what Arthur is planning to do. Morgana tells Agravaine the Cailleach told her of someone called Emrys and called him her doom, but she doesn't know what it means.

Arthur shakes his head. "He did not join Morgana to kill my father, he joined her so she could take her place as queen."

"And Morgana is using him, just like Morgause used Cenred." Leon adds.

"Why is it my family always betray me?" Arthur asks. "I trusted my uncle with my life and I trusted his council when it came to matters of sate."

"He wanted power," Gwaine mutters. "And by helping Morgana he believed he would get more of it."

Percival sighs. "Agravaine was simply being used by Morgana and he was too blinds to see it."

Back in Camelot Arthur is saying goodbye to his father, knowing he may not return. As he goes to leave, Uthur grabs his arm and begs him not to go, but Arthur has to. On his way out, he stops to speak with Gwen, he gets her to smile. Arthur gives the royal seal to Agravaine and tells him he was to look after the kingdom in case he did not return. Merlin is also preparing to leave and when Gaius asks him, where he is going, Merlin answer's it is destiny to protect Arthur. When Gaius asks how, Merlin tells him, he must take Arthur's place as blood sacrifice, he would gladly give his life to save all those he cares about. Gwen tells Lancelot to protect Arthur, Lancelot promises Gwen he will protect Arthur with his life.

"Your father loved you, Arthur," Gaius smiled. "He just couldn't show…. If you had died…. I fear it would have broken his very spirit."

Arthur sighed sadly. "I hope he is proud of me."

Gwen smiled. "He knew you would be a great king and you are."

Isolde turned to Gaius. "It must have been hard, knowing Merlin was leaving and was planning on never returning."

"Merlin will always sacrifice himself to save others," Gaius answers. "I didn't even need to ask to know what he was planning, I had simply hoped I was wrong."

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And so, Leon, Gwaine, Elyan, Lancelot and Percival, ride out with Merlin and Arthur…. Their quest to repair the veil. They arrive at a cave and Merlin goes off to collect fire wood and Lancelot follows him. He tells Merlin, he shouldn't be there, he has no powers. Merlin tells him it is his duty to protect Arthur. That night Morgana has a dream of a battle field, as she lies injured on the ground, begging Emrys for help, Emrys stands over her and asks her if this was what she really wanted. She wakes and curses Emrys's name.

"Merlin is brave," Elyan mutters. "He was as powerless against the Dorocha as we were and yet he still came with us."

Percival smiles. "Merlin may not look like a warrior, but he has the bravery of one and the courage."

"He said it was his duty to protect me, was that the only reason he came?" Arthur asks.

"It was his duty as your friend," Gaius answers. "As well as his destiny to keep you safe and protect you."

Gwaine nodes. "He was simply explaining it in a way Lancelot could best understand it…. Lancelot was all about honour and duty."

Isolde smiled. "Least Morgana's dream didn't show her Emrys in his true form."

"She still tried to hunt Emrys down, though," Gaius speaks up. "Merlin has great power, but I fear had Morgana found out he was Emrys at that time, he would not have had the skill to fight her and win…. She had learnt dark and complex magic."

The following day Arthur, Merlin and the knights continue on their quest and stop at the ruins of an ancient city. They split up in to pairs and begin to collect fire wood, to use during the night. As night falls, Merlin and Lancelot are left where they had set up camp for the night and Merlin uses magic to light the fire. Elsewhere in the ruins Arthur and the knights are still collecting fire wood when the screams of the Dorocha fill the air, they quickly form a group and run back to camp. Later that night as Gwaine throws the last piece of fire wood on to the fire, Arthur volunteers to go and get more wood and Merlin goes with him.

"I hope what happened at those ruins that night," Arthur mutters. "Never happens again... Merlin is the most selfless person I know."

"You hope Merlin never saves your life again?" Gwaine asks. "Or do you never want to see Merlin in a state so close to death again?"

"I never want to Merlin to risk his own life to save me," Arthur answers. "He can use magic, but I don't want him to sacrifice himself in my place…. He's my best friend and I never want to see him die."

Tristan looks at Arthur. "That's a bit selfish, isn't it? You would rather Merlin watch you die, when he knew he could have saved, than for you to watch him die."

"No," Arthur answers. "I just don't want him to risk his own life."

Leon shakes his head. "Merlin will always risk his life to save you…. He'll risk his life to save any of us, it's just the type of person Merlin is. I wouldn't be surprised if he risked his life to save a stranger."

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As Merlin collects fire wood, Arthur stands guard. Suddenly a Dorocha appears and Arthur grabs Merlin and pulls them both out the way. The two of them run off into the ruins to find a place to hide. Back at the camp Lancelot knows they should be back by now, as the screams of the Dorocha echo through the camp. They all quickly set off in search of Arthur and Merlin. Back in the ruins Arthur and Merlin have found a place to hide. Arthur just glances at Merlin, who didn't seem to be feeling the cold, they both glance at door as a scream echoes outside.

Tristan turns to Arthur. "You had a torch, you could have just scared the Dorocha off."

"There wasn't time," Arthur answered. "If I had seen it sooner maybe I could have, but it was too fast, all I could do was pull Merlin out the way."

Percival shakes his head. "We shouldn't have let you and Merlin go alone…. We had a second torch two, three people could have gone. The fire was still strong enough to keep the Dorocha at bay, so it would have been safe."

Gwaine nodes his agreement. "If we had all gone to collect fire wood, you wouldn't have been stood there for so long and we would all have been safe."

"No," Taliesin speaks up. "If you had all gone, many of you would not have returned. The Dorocha would have been drawn to you quicker."

The knights continue to search and scare off a Dorocha. Arthur and Merlin are still in their hiding place. As they sit there Arthur tells Merlin, he has never been scared of dying before, and Merlin tells him he shouldn't start worrying now. Arthur tells Merlin he's still a puzzle and Merlin just smiled slightly before answering. They both agree if things had been different, they would have been great friends. Arthur tells Merlin he's a brave man between battles and Merlin tells him he doesn't know how many times he's saved his life.

"Have you worked Merlin out yet?" Gwaine grins.

Arthur shakes his head. "Even though I know about his magic, I still can't work him out…. One second I think I know him and he'll go do something, which proves what I think wrong."

Leon smiles. "Least you know how many times Merlin has saved your life now."

"Yeah," Elyan laughs. "It's far more times than you've saved Merlin's."

"Thinking about it," Gwaine mutters. "Merlin has saved Camelot more times that you have."

"Shut up, Gwaine."

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The knights are still searching for Arthur and Merlin, but still haven't found any trace of them. Arthur tells Merlin the darkest hour is just before the dawn and Merlin tells him it looks pretty dark right now. Suddenly a Dorocha bursts through the door, Merlin pulls Arthur back and jumps into its path. It sends him crashing back into a wall, where he falls to the ground. Seconds later the knight burst through the door and scare the Dorocha away. Everyone rushes over to Merlin and when they turn him over, he's frozen.

"Merlin jumped in its path," Elyan mutters. "Knowing he likely wouldn't survive it."

"He shouldn't have done that." Arthur mutters.

"Yes he should have," Taliesin speaks up. "Merlin was the only one who had the power to survive, if Merlin had not taken you place, you would be dead."

"But did Merlin know he was going to survive?" Tristan asks.

Taliesin shakes his head. "He did not."

"Then Merlin was willing to sacrifice his life to save Arthur's," Tristan answers. "He was willing to sacrifice his life to save a friend."

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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 man his name…. Merlin.

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The following day, Merlin is alive but weak. Arthur tells Leon they have to get Merlin back to Camelot, Leon warns him to abandon the quest would result in the deaths of hundreds of people. Lancelot offers to take Merlin back to Camelot alone. Arthur agrees and Percival carries Merlin to the horses once Merlin is secure, Lancelot and Merlin leave. Lancelot and Merlin travel to the valley of the fallen kings, meanwhile Arthur and the others continue on the quest.

Arthur shakes his head. "Even though he was close to death he still wanted to continue on the quest so he could take my place."

"And he had every right to," Taliesin speaks up. "If Merlin had not stopped you from stepping through the veil, all hope for Albion would have been lost and Morgana would have taken the throne."

"It was my duty to protect Camelot, it should have been me who walked through the veil." Arthur answers.

"It is your duty to protect the kingdom and your people, yes," Taliesin answers. "But if you had sacrificed yourself, the kingdom would have fallen into ruin and Albion would have had no hope of a golden age."

Elyan nodes. "You were the heir to the throne, Arthur, if you had died no one would stand in Morgana's way."

When Arthur and the knights stop for a break Leon and Arthur talk and Gwaine tries to steal honey from a bee hive, which doesn't end well for Gwaine. Back in the valley of the fallen kings, Lancelot has found a place for him and Merlin to stop the night. As Merlin is placed down next to a stream he reaches put his hand towards the water and the Vilia heal him and protect both him and Lancelot through the night. Elsewhere Arthur and the knights are making their way through some tunnels, but not after Percival saves Gwaine from a Dorocha. The quickly hide from a Wilddeoren, but are forced to run after Gwaine kills one.

"You did do the right thing, Arthur." Leon mutters. "Merlin couldn't have continued with us, he was too weak…. He couldn't have even tried to heal himself with magic either with us with him, him going with Lancelot really was the best choice."

"The Vilia," Gaius smiles slightly. "Legend tells they save those of the pure hearts from watery graves and have healing powers beyond any magic mortals know."

Gwen smiled. "I'm glad they saved Merlin."

"Merlin is far stronger than any of us give him credit for." Percival mutters. "Even Lancelot who knew of his magic, still underestimated his strength."

"Thanks, Percy." Gwaine grins.

Percival glares at Gwaine. "No problem, little man."

Arthur glares at Gwaine. "You should have known Wilddeoren hunt in packs."

"If I hadn't killed it, it could have killed me." Gwaine answers.

"You don't know that for sure."

"Well I wasn't going to take the chance."

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Back in Camelot the main gates are being shut, while people outside panic and try to force their way through. Gwen watches from a window, Gaius appears at the top of the steps ordering guards on what supplies to collect. Gwen quickly informs Gaius that Agravaine ordered the gates to be shut at dusk. The two of them quickly asks their way to the council hall. After Agravaine tells Gaius why he has shut the gates Gaius nodes and goes to leave, but Gwen quickly speaks up, Geoffrey agrees with Gwen and Agravaine agrees to open the gates once more.

"I should never have left Agravaine in charge," Arthur mutters. "At the time he was the only person I believed I could trust."

"You were not to know you uncle had sided with Morgana," Gaius speaks up. "He loved your mother dearly and I for one would never have believed he'd betray your mother in such a way."

Isolde turns to Gwen. "What you did was really brave, not many servants would speak up in front of the court in such a way."

Gwen smiled. "The people always have a right to be protected and what Agravaine was doing was leaving them to the mercy of the Dorocha."

"That is why you will make a fair and just queen, Guinevere," Arthur speaks. "You care about the people and stand up for what you believe to be right, even if it means going against the court."

The following morning Lancelot wakes up to find Merlin gone, he quickly gets to his feet and looks round, only to find Merlin fishing for breakfast. After Merlin refuses to do as he's told and go back to Camelot, both Merlin and Lancelot start riding after Arthur and the others. Arthur and the others stop for a quick break and Leon comments on how even Gwaine has gone quite. Not far from Camelot, Agravaine is riding out to speak with Morgana. Agravaine tells Morgana about Gwen and how she stood up to him in court, Morgana quickly comes up with a plan on how to get rid of Gwen.

Arthur shakes his head. "Why does Merlin never do as he's told, it's like he's incapable of following orders."

"He's been breaking the laws in Camelot since the day he was born," Percival points out. "I don't think not following a few simply rules and orders bothered Merlin."

Gwaine nodes. "If he had returned to Camelot princess, I doubt we'd be alive now…. Don't you think those Wyvern's disappeared awfully quickly when we first made it to the isle?"

Leon shakes his head. "No one ever even suspected Agravaine…. He was at ever meeting, he knew all our plans and was feeding all that information to Morgana."

"I'm just glad you're okay, Gwen." Elyan smiles, turning to Gwen.

"Her plan would have worked if it wasn't for Gaius finding me." Gwen smiles.

"What was her plan?" Tristan asks.

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Later back in the castle Gwen is tending to Uthur, who is asking where his son is. As she leaves she finds Agravaine waiting for her, he asks her to come to his chambers that night so he can get her advice on what to do and Gwen agrees reluctantly. Gaius appears just as Agravaine is leaving and seems slightly suspicious of Agravaine true intensions. Elsewhere Merlin and Lancelot are riding through the woods, they find an old hunters house and find the owner dead. After laying the man to rest, Lancelot builds a fire and Merlin lights it with magic. Back in Camelot Morgana uses magic to break into the castle, she slips through the tunnels and towards the main castle. She's seen by a knight, but simply throws them into a wall.

"Thank you, Guinevere," Arthur mutters. "Even when I wasn't there you still looked after my father."

Gwen smiled. "You cared about him, so I cared for him."

"You shouldn't have trusted him, Gwen." Leon mutters. "He's a lord and you're a serving girl."

Elyan nodes. "There are many lords who take advantage of serving girl and maids…. They know nothing will happen, because they are of higher class."

Gwen shake her head. "I truly thought he wanted my council."

"Your council is wise," Gaius speaks. "He knew you were right."

Tristan nodes. "And that damaged his pride. From what I have seen of Agravaine his pride is important."

In Agravaine chamber Gwen is sitting at a table while Agravaine pours her a drink. As Gwen and Agravaine speak, Gwen begins to become uncomfortable with Agravaine being so close to her. Finally Agravaine lets her leave for the night and orders his guards to walk her home, as the guards walk Gwen home, Morgana appears on the battlements above them and knocks them all unconscious. Elsewhere Arthur and the knights have camped for the night and Elyan asks Arthur what they will see on the isle of the blessed. When Arthur tells him it is his burden to carry alone, Elyan tells him he is never alone, he has the knights and they would always stand beside him, no matter what. Everyone quickly gather around the fire as screams echo through the woods.

"Morgana knew what she was doing, that's for sure," Gwaine mutters. "She was simply going to let the Dorocha kill you."

"She hates me only because she had a dream about me being queen," Gwen mutters slightly. "We used to be such good friends, the old Morgana would have been so happy."

"Be thankful," Gaius speaks up. "That the fates were on your side…. You were extremely lucky the Dorocha didn't kill you."

Leon nodes to Arthur. "What Elyan said is correct, you are never alone, and we will stand beside you through anything."

Arthur nodes. "I am glad for such loyalty."

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Later that night Gaius goes in search of Gwen, after finding Uthur room empty and a mess, Gaius enter the lower town and finds Gwen alongside two dead guards. Elsewhere Merlin and Lancelot talk around the fire, Merlin tells Lancelot he doesn't have to continue on this quest and Lancelot tells him he must. Merlin works out it's because of Gwen, Lancelot tells him, and he promised her he would keep Arthur safe. Back in Camelot Gaius has got Gwen back to the safety of the castle and Gwen had woken up. She tells him the last thing she remembers is walking with the guards. As Gaius treats Gwen's head wound, Gaius tells her she wasn't attacked by the Dorocha.

Elyan turns to Gaius. "Thank you, for going to find my sister."

Gaius nodes. "I am simply glad I found Gwen in time and it was miracle the fates spared her from the Dorocha."

Percival smiles sadly. "Lancelot was the only person, besides Gaius, who Merlin could be truly honest with and he died."

"Lancelot's death hit Merlin hard," Gaius sighs. "He blamed himself for what happened."

"Even if Lancelot didn't take Merlin's place, Merlin wouldn't have been able to walk through the veil." Taliesin explains. "His destiny wasn't complete."

"Arthur was going to sacrifice himself," Gwaine points out. "So why did Merlin stop him?"

Taliesin sighs. "Arthur is mortal and has no magic, Merlin is Emrys."

"So Merlin's immortal?" Elyan asks.

Gaius shakes his head. "You'd have to ask him that."

Merlin and Lancelot are both asleep, a window behind them creaks in the wind and the draft blows put the candle they had lit and causes the fire to burn down. A shimmer as something moves through the air wakes Merlin and he turns and looks round just as a Dorocha's scream fills the air. Merlin throws the remains of his drink onto the fire causing it to burst to life and he and Lancelot run. As they run through the trees, chased by the Dorocha, Merlin summons the great dragon. They arrive in a clearing just in time for the dragon to save them, after the dragon lands and Merlin thanks him, Kilgharrah asks who Lancelot is. Kilgharrah warns Merlin, the spirit world demands nothing, it is the Cailleach that demands a price, he also warns Merlin he must not die, but when Merlin will not change his mind and so Kilgharrah and Merlin say there good byes.

Leon shakes his head. "One of them should have been on watch."

"One of them may have," Percival speaks up. "But both had been traveling hard and fast to catch us up, we had a day's lead on them. The chances of who ever was on watch staying awake was unlikely."

"When are we going to meet the dragon?" Gwaine complains. "Lancelot meet it…. Arthur has even meet it!"

Arthur shakes his head. "Is Merlin ever going to learn, that his life is not worth less than mine?"

Gwen smiled. "I don't think it would have mattered, Arthur, Merlin is your friend. He'll always risk his life to save you."

"Merlin truly believed he would not be returning, didn't he?" Percival mutters.

Gaius nodes. "He did."

"The dragon cares an awful lot about Merlin," Tristan mutters. "He truly was upset to think it was the last time he would see Merlin."

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The following day Merlin and Lancelot continue to try and catch Arthur and the others up. Lancelot asks Merlin, if he really will sacrifice himself for Arthur. Merlin tells him you must have a reason for doing it, something you believe in more than anything else. Later that night Arthur and the others have taken shelter in some old ruins, Gwaine takes off his socks, Elyan and Leon move to the other side of the fire and Gwaine sets fire to his socks. Arthur quickly calls for silence, after hearing something, they all fall silent and grab their weapons. Lancelot soon appears and informs them its bad news, Merlin's still alive.

Gaius smiles. "Merlin truly believes you will unite all Albion, return magic to the land and be the greatest king this world has ever known…. But more than that he believes you would do the same for him."

Arthur nodes. "I would risk almost anything to save Merlin…. He's my best friend."

Gwaine shakes his head. "I'm always the butt of the jokes."

"Maybe you should wash more." Elyan grins.

Percival laughs. "And try not to set your socks on fire."

"Or," Leon adds. "Try not to get so drunk the night before training, that you still can't walk straight the following morning."

Later that night Merlin and Arthur sit up talking. Merlin tells Arthur he doesn't need to sacrifice himself and that he would take his place. Arthur makes Merlin promise he will look after Gwen and Merlin tells him he'll make sure she is. The following day Merlin, Arthur and the knights take the boat over to the isle of the blessed. When they finally step foot on the isle, they are attacked by Wyvern and Merlin quickly ducks down and commands them away in dragon tongue, but not before Percival is injured. As they continue the Wyvern's return, so the group splits up, Merlin, Arthur, Gwaine and Lancelot continue to the veil, while Elyan, Leon and Percival fend off the Wyvern.

"Merlin was right," Isolde speaks up. "The life of a prince and future king is worth far more than a servants."

"But Merlin wasn't just a servant," Percival points out. "He's the most powerful being alive."

Leon nodes. "And king of the druids."

"And the last dragon lord." Elyan adds.

Tristan thinks for a moment. "So if you were to judge the worthiness of life on titles, Merlin's life would be worth more."

Gwaine grins. "Next time we face some Wyvern's, remember to bring Merlin with us."

Gwen turns to Arthur. "By life would never be good, without you by my side."

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Merlin, Arthur, Gwaine and Lancelot approach the veil, when suddenly the Cailleach appears. Arthur demands she fixes the veil and she tells him, it was not her who created it so why should she fix it. Merlin tells her innocent people are dying and she just laughs, Gwaine goes to attack her and she simply knocks him out. As Arthur walks forward to sacrifice himself and Merlin uses magic to knock him out. As Merlin approaches the Cailleach, he and Lancelot share a look. The Cailleach warns Merlin, his time among men is not over, even if he wanted it to be, as they talk Lancelot slips past them and stands before the veil. Merlin looks round just as Lancelot glances back and smiles at him, he steps through the veil and Merlin can do nothing to stop him. The veil is healed and all Merlin can do is stand there in horror and disbelief.

Gaius glances at Gwaine. "Will you ever learn not to charge at people with powerful magic?"

"Plus both sorcerers who have knocked you out were old." Elyan grins.

"I was angry. The Cailleach laughed at the fact innocent people were dying and Dragoon insulted me." Gwaine looks slightly embarrassed. "Plus Dragoon was really Merlin, so he wasn't old."

Percival glances at Gaius. "Why would Merlin want to die?"

"Sometimes the pressure is just too hard to take," Gaius answers. "Merlin carries a heavy burden and he carries it alone…."

"You may believe you hold the fate of this kingdom in your hands, as king and knights of the realm," Taliesin adds. "But you do not. For Merlin Emrys, alone has the power to save or destroy your kingdom, which would have fallen long ago, if not for his help."

Back in Camelot Arthur enters the main hall and pays tribute to Lancelot. Later they burn a pyre out in the court yard and everyone pays their respects. As everyone leaves the court yard, Gwen tells Arthur it was her fault, she made Lancelot promise her he would protect him and he promised with his life. Later that day Agravaine rides out and informs Morgana of what has happened, she blames Emrys for all her plans failing. Morgana tells Agravaine he must find Emrys and destroy him, because as long as he lives she cannot claim the throne. Back in Camelot Merlin is in his room, when he hears Agravaine enter and speak with Gaius. Agravaine asks Gaius if he knows of someone called Emrys, Gaius lies and tells him he has not. Once Agravaine has left, Merlin comes done from his room and Gaius tells him there is only one person who could know that name, Morgana. Gaius warns Merlin, that Morgana must never find out he's Emrys.

Gwen looks at Gaius. "He didn't sacrifice himself for me or Arthur…. He did it for Merlin."

"Merlin has a great destiny," Gaius answers. "One that has been written since the dawn of time. Fate would never allow Merlin to die that day and Lancelot knew Merlin importance to the future…. He like many others died so he could build the future so many hope for."

"So that's why Agravaine was so keen on hunting Emrys down." Leon mutters. "He was only trying to kill Emrys so no one would stand in Morgana's way."

Tristan so his head. "Be glad she never found out who he was then."

"I would hate to think what she and Agravaine would have done, if they found out Emrys was Merlin."

Arthur turns to Gaius. "I thought you said you didn't know until after my father died."

Gaius smiled slightly. "My memory is not as good as it once was…. A lot of things have happened between then and now and not all of them pleasant."

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Hey hope you liked that, next chapter should be up with in the week.

Blessed be,

TreeOfLife1997.