Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin.

Chapter fifty-one: Lancelot du Lac, herald of the new age and the hunter's heart.

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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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Agravaine walks through the castle towards the kings' chamber, upon entering he finds Merlin cleaning the kings armour and Arthur standing by the window overlooking the courtyard. Arthur informs Agravaine he is going to marry Gwen, if she says yes, much to the surprise of Merlin and the displeasure of Agravaine. Some time later Agravaine goes to Morgana's hovel and informs her of Arthur plan to marry Gwen. Morgana quickly informs him there is someone who can come between them... Someone who can destroy Gwen. Later in the early hours of the morning, Morgana enters a cave in search of Dochraid. Morgana asks Dochraid how to use a gift her sister, Morgause, gave her before she died... The gift of a soul.

"I agree," Gwaine grins. "Agravaine has way to much stubble to be your wife."

Percival glances at Arthur. "Why didn't you tell Merlin about your plan to marry Gwen?"

"I didn't think Merlin was good at keeping secrets," Arthur answers. "I didn't think he could keep a secret to save his life."

"Why did that... Creature, tell Morgana she was destined to bring back the ways of the old religion?" Elyan asks.

"Because," Taliesin answers. "That is what she was destined to do."

"But isn't that what Arthur supposed to do?" Leon asks.

Taliesin shakes his head. "Emrys and the once and future king are destined to unite the old ways with the new ways, they are to unite the old religion with the new. Morgana was destined to bring back the old religion and destroy the new."

After Dochraid tells Morgana how to use the price of a soul, Morgana travels to the last of the five gateways, which separate this realm from the realm of the dead. She arrives of the banks of the pool of Nemhain, but doesn't stop walking and finally stops when the water reaches her waist. She casts the coin into the water and only a minute later a man rises from the water and walks towards Morgana before bowing to her. The man is Lancelot. Morgan explains to Lancelot what she wants him to do. Elsewhere Arthur sneaks up on Gwen and covers her eyes. Arthur leads Gwen back to her house where, he removes the cloth from her eyes. Gwen opens her eyes to find her house full of candles, Arthur proposes to Gwen, who just hugs him almost crying and tells him yes. Merlin watches with a smile from the window.

"Dark magic." Gaius mutters.

Everyone looks horrified as Lancelot rises from the water, Arthur and the knights horror quickly turns to anger.

Tristan shakes his head. "She really did hate you, didn't she?"

Arthur glares at the screen. "We should have known... People don't come back from the dead, without the aid of sorcery."

"I knew there was something off with him, when be returned," Percival admits. "But I simply believed it was due to the ordeal he had gone through, not because he had been bought back as Morgana's puppet."

Elyan nodes. "Lancelot was a man of honour... He would never have thought about betraying Arthur, in the way he did."

"Morgana really doesn't have a limit to what she'll do to make Camelot fall," Leon mutters. "She do anything to destroy the lives of the people she once cared for."

Isolde smiles at Gwen. "Least Arthur made an effort."

"More like Merlin came up with the idea," Gwen laughs. "Arthur is quiet hopeless when it comes to romance."

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Agravaine enters Morgana's hovel and asks Morgana how Lancelot is doing. Morgana informs him, he'll soon know enough to fool everyone that he is the real Lancelot not just a shade. The following day in Camelot, Gwen sits next to Agravaine in the royal stand, as a jousting contest is held in her honour. After Arthur joists and gives Gwen the hop wrapped in ribbon, he and Merlin talk and watch as the other knights joust and give Gwen a hop covered in ribbons. Suddenly an unknown knight enters the contest and as he gives Gwen a hop covered in ribbons he relieves who he is, much to the surprise of everyone but Agravaine, who just smirks. Later that night, Arthur holds a meal for Lancelot, only, Agravaine, Gwen, Gwaine, Elyan, Leon and Percival dine with him, while Merlin serves. Lancelot explains what happened and how he returned to Camelot.

"Well Morgana most certainly taught him well," Tristan mutters. "He fooled all of you... Although you looked a bit disbelieving, Elyan."

Elyan nodes. "There was just something that didn't seem right, his route back to Camelot just didn't seem to add up... I just had a feeling something wasn't right."

"You sound like Merlin," Gwaine grins. "He's always getting feelings about things."

Percival thinks for a moment. "The route he took, I know the route... it was a route I took fleeing Cenred's men after my family were killed. Traveling the way he said he was, should have taken him much longer than it did."

"So if we had just thought about, we would have known something was wrong." Leon sighs.

"Merlin worked it out though," Arthur mutters. "He and Lancelot were close, but after Lancelot's return, they seemed quite distant... Almost like strangers."

"If Merlin knew why didn't he stop Morgana's plan?" Isolde asks.

Gaius speaks up. "Merlin didn't know what Morgana's plan was until it was too late to stop it... He really did try to stop the shade, he just wasn't quick enough."

Later that night, Merlin lets Lancelot use his room and Merlin tells Lancelot he could have used magic to save him he would have. But Lancelot just tells him, if any of them had magic, it make life a lot easier. Merlin returns to the main chamber and Gaius knows something's up. Merlin tells him, he wants to believe everything is fine and that they really have Lancelot back, but something's wrong. Merlin quickly explains, that the way Lancelot spoke the way he greeted him made him suspicious, but Lancelot not remembering his magic has made him sure it's not the real Lancelot. Gaius tells Merlin its strange, but to give Lancelot some time, he'd been though a lot. Elsewhere Agravaine rides to see Morgana, he tells Morgana he fears Gwen truly does love Arthur and all feelings Gwen had for Lancelot are in the past. Morgana tells Agravaine she thought this would happen and enchants a bracelet to be given to Gwen.

"So that's how Merlin knew," Leon mutters. "Lancelot didn't remember Merlin had magic."

Gwaine grins slightly. "That's not something you'd forget in a hurry."

Elyan nodes. "It also explains why Merlin couldn't tell anyone but Gaius... He only knew because of magic."

"Did you believe there was something different about Lancelot?" Arthur asks Gaius.

Gaius shakes his head. "Lancelot and I were not close, not close enough for me to notice any difference like Merlin did... I only knew it wasn't the real Lancelot because once you cross through the veil you do not return."

"That bracelet!" Gwen exclaimed. "That's the bracelet Lancelot gave me."

"What did the enchantment Morgana placed on it do?" Arthur asks, suddenly worried for Gwen's health.

"It awakens old feelings and makes them stronger," Taliesin explains. "Such an enchantment would have returned the feelings Gwen once had for Lancelot and make them so strong they were the only things she could think about."

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The following morning, Gwen is brushing her hair as she prepares for the day. There's a knock at the door and Gwen is quick to answer it. Upon opening the door Gwen finds Lancelot standing there, who wasn't sure he'd find her still living there. Gwen quickly explains she wanted to stay in her home for as long as she could before she had to over into the castle with Arthur. After letting Lancelot in, Gwen thanks him for what he did on the isle of the blessed, he protected Arthur just like she asked. Lancelot gives the Gwen the bracelet, a quick kiss on the forehead and wished her and Arthur ever lasting happiness. Back in the physician chamber, Merlin is sitting on a bed behind a screen reading a book and knows what ever made Lancelot return was indeed dark magic.

"I'm sorry," Arthur speaks taking Gwen's hand. "I knew you would never betray me, willingly... But I was just so angry, I was for a long time after and with my uncle always reminding me about it and how I had to marry for the good of the kingdom... I could never let myself forgive."

Gwen grips Arthur's hand. "How could you have possibly known Morgana would do something like this? She hated you. You were king and the only person stooping her from taking the throne."

"Which is why I should have known she try and come between us," Arthur answers. "If I had died you would have ruled in my stead."

"All that matters," Isolde quickly speaks up. "Is that you are together now and you know the truth."

Tristan speaks up suddenly. "You promised Gwen, when you were king you'd be together and at first you said you had to marry for the good of the kingdom. And after Gwen's father was killed, you promised her home would always be safe and she would never have to leave Camelot and yet you banished her."

Gwaine glances at Tristan. "How do you know Gwen was banished?"

"We meet Gwen at Merlin's home village and it's quite clear Gwen going to betray Arthur, due to Morgana's bracelet, and with Agravaine being close to Arthur he's going to find out." Tristan answers.

Later that morning the jousting continues and Gwen and Agravaine once again watch from the royal stand, as the day wears on, it's quite clear the enchantment is beginning to affect Gwen and Agravaine notices with a smirk. That night as Gaius and Merlin sit eating, Merlin compliments Gaius cooking, before asking Gaius what he knew about necromancy. Gaius stops eating and warns Merlin necromancy is one of the darkest and most dangerous forms of magic and even in the days of the old religion it was hardly used. After Gaius asks Merlin why he wanted to know, Merlin tells him he thinks someone may have risen Lancelot from the dead and Gaius knows Merlin means Morgana. Gaius tells Merlin it is possible Morgana could have done so, but they'll have no way of knowing. Merlin quickly pulls a book on necromancy from under the table, Merlin and Gaius share a knowing look.

"I wish I had never accepted that cursed bracelet from Lancelot," Gwen mutters. "But to have refused it would have been rude, after everything he had done and sacrificed for Camelot, Arthur and myself."

Isolde grips Gwen's arm in comfort. "You were not to know the bracelet was enchanted."

"I betrayed Arthur."

"It wasn't your fault," Gaius speaks up. "Many wouldn't have been able to battle such a strong enchantment for a long as you need. Many would have fallen prey to enchantment straight away."

"But I betrayed Arthur, I'll never be able to forgive myself."

"Guinevere," Arthur speaks taking both her hands in his own. "It wasn't you fault. You were enchanted Gwen, I should have known you'd never betray be willingly. But I was so angry..."

"I'm sorry." Gwen mutter, placing one of her hands to Arthur cheek. "I'm so sorry."

Arthur smiled softly. "It wasn't your fault and I'll never blame you for what happened that day."

"You told Gwen when you became king you'd be able to be together, but once you were king you told her you could no longer be together," Tristan suddenly speaks up. "And you banished her, when you told her, after her father died, that her home would always be safe and she'd never have to leave Camelot."

Arthur bows his head slightly. "I really am sorry for banishing you, Guinevere."

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The following morning Merlin draws a strange circle shape on the floor, with grey paint and enchants it. Hearing a noise from the room Lancelot is staying in, Merlin gets up and looks though the crack in the door. Seeing Lancelot is about to leave, Merlin wakes Gaius up and they quickly find a place to hide. Lancelot leaves the room he's staying in and walks through the circle, as he walks through the circle a scream sounds and he becomes slightly transparent. Once he's gone, Merlin and Gaius leave there hiding place and Merlin tells Gaius he had wished he'd been wrong about Lancelot. Gaius tells him they'd all wished it was the real Lancelot, but he was a shade and what ever reason he was back, it couldn't be good. Back at the jousting, Gwen makes her way through the tents and quickly enters Lancelot tent when no ones looking. Lancelot asks her shouldn't she be wishing her future husband luck, this seems to break Gwen out of her trance and she quickly leaves.

"Why was Lancelot staying in Merlin's room?" Tristan suddenly asks. "I can understand why the guests rooms were full, but didn't he have a room in castle when he was a knight?"

"He did," Leon answers. "But a new knight took Lancelot place and his chambers became someone else's."

"So why couldn't he have shared with one of the other knights?" Tristan asks. "Why was the only offer he get come from a servant?"

All the knights glance at each other, they had all been so happy at Lancelot's return none of them had even thought to offer Lancelot a place to stay until Arthur had found him a room.

Gwaine glances at Gaius. "Where did Merlin get the book on necromancy from?"

"I believe he got it from the secret room in the library, that has a wide range of magic books," Gaius replies. "But not all of them are nice magic."

"Would Merlin ever practice necromancy?" Percival suddenly asks. "I mean he's lost a lot of people he loved and cared about."

Gaius shakes his head. "Merlin would only ever practice necromancy if there was no way to save someone. He used necromancy when Nimueh killed me on the isle of the blessed... He traded Nimueh's life for mine."

"He thought Lancelot was sent to kill me," Arthur mutters. "But he had the perfect chance at the joust but he didn't."

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As jousting continues, Merlin watches Lancelot carefully. Arthur joists against Leon and wins and Percival mistaking Merlin expression for worry about Arthur, tells him not to worry, Arthur won. But that's what Merlin worried about he's now in the final against Lancelot and it would be the perfect time for Lancelot to kill Arthur, if that was what he had been sent to do. As Lancelot and Arthur joust, Arthur is injured in the first round, much to the worry of Gwen and as the second round starts, Lancelot yields, knowing Arthur is injured. Merlin and Gaius are both confused, Lancelot just had the perfect chance to kill Arthur, so now they have no idea what Morgan as plan was and had no idea how to stop it. As Merlin and Gaius talk, Merlin sees Gwen enter Lancelot's tent. In Lancelot's tent, Gwen is once again being controlled by the enchantment.

"If you and Merlin had worked Morgana's plan out, would you have been able to stop it?" Leon asks.

Gaius thinks for a moment. "We possibly could have, but shades are hard to kill and I don't believe Merlin would have been able to kill Lancelot even if he was a shade working for Morgana."

"What about the bracelet?" Elyan asks. "If you had removed it, wouldn't that have worked?"

"It could have... But removing it from Gwen wrist would have been hard." Gaius answers.

Gwaine suddenly speaks up. "If Gwen and Merlin had been in close contact with each other, would Merlin have been able to sense the magic like he did with the eye of the phoenix?"

"I couldn't say," Gaius answers. "The enchantment was strong, but the bracelet itself had no magic... The eye of the phoenix was an object of magic, not an enchanted trinket."

"Morgana did mores than break your heart, Arthur, she destroyed everything the knights stood for and made the crown look bad." Percival speaks up.

Arthur nodes. "She knew what she was doing and she did it well."

Later that night, Lancelot is walking through the castle, with a sword and Merlin follows him. He sees Lancelot meet with Agravaine and hears Gwen is part of their plan, the two part ways and Merlin is forced to hide. Elsewhere Gwen is sneaking through the castle, Merlin continues to follow Lancelot and uses magic to throw him along the corridor, but as he approaches Lancelot, his eyes snap open and Lancelot once again gets to his feet. Lancelot knocks Merlin out, elsewhere Agravaine enters Arthur's chamber and wakes him up, telling him there is something he must see. In the council chamber Gwen meets with Lancelot. Arthur and Agravaine are making their way towards the council chamber and Merlin has just regained consciousness. As Gwen and Lancelot kiss, Arthur arrives in the council hall with Agravaine at the same time Merlin does. As Lancelot and Arthur begin to fight, Gwen steps between them. Gwen and Lancelot are both thrown in the dungeons and Gwen pulls the bracelet from her wrist and throws it at the wall, before crying into her hands.

"He couldn't have done anything could he?" Elyan mutters. "He found out their plan too late."

Gaius nodes. "He may have been able to stop it if he knew more about shade magic, but even then it may not have worked."

"Why didn't Merlin's magic work on him? Lancelot was thrown from one end of the corridor to the other and it did nothing!" Leon asks.

"Shades," Gaius explains. "Like wraiths and the immortal army, are not living. So mortal magic will not stop them."

"But Lancelot killed himself with poison." Percival points out. "If he was immortal, why did it kill him?"

Taliesin answers this time. "Because his purpose had been achieved. He was bought back as a shade to destroy the love between Gwen and Arthur, all Morgana had to do was command him to return to the spirit world and he would."

"So why use poison?" Gwaine asks.

"Because it had to look convincing," Arthur answers, working it out. "If he just died it would have looked suspicious."

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Later that night, Agravaine tries to convince Arthur to execute Gwen and kill Lancelot painfully, Merlin simply glares at Agravaine and knows if he had worked out Morgana's plan sooner none of this would have happened. The following day Arthur banishes Gwen from Camelot, he has until dawn the following day to leave. But not before dismissing the court and talking to her. Back in the physician chamber, Merlin tells Gaius this was Morgana's plan all along and that they had to make Arthur see Lancelot was a shade. Gaius tells Merlin it'll make no difference, it was Gwen's betrayal that hurt Arthur the most and knowing about Lancelot won't change that, it was Gwen who must pay the price. Down in the dungeons, Agravaine enters Lancelot's cell and gives him a message from Morgana.

"I wonder if you really are worthy of someone like Gwen," Tristan suddenly mutters. "Gwen waited for you, for years she stood by you and waited and in that time she watched you declare your love for Vivian, she suffered as you refused to admit your feelings for her, she watched you almost marry Elena, she was almost burnt at the stake because she loves you, you even broke her heart when you told her you couldn't marry her now you are king... And she kisses Lancelot the night before your wedding, due to an enchantment, and you banish her. No one could deny the love Gwen clearly feels for you and yet you destroyed her life over one simple mistake."

Arthur bows his head. "I'm sorry Guinevere... I was just so angry, I was for a long time after that night."

Gwen nodes not trusting herself to speak, seeing this again made it feel like she was reliving it and her emotions couldn't take it. She goes to wipe the tears from her cheek, but Arthur beats her to it. Gwen gives him a watery smile, even her brother had turned her back on her that day, he had offered her no support... The only person who had offered her any sort of comfort was Merlin.

"He killed himself," Arthur mutters. "But he didn't use poison did he?"

Gaius shakes his head. "I only said he did use poison in the report you ordered... Because that is the conclusion that matched the way he died, he had no physical injuries and I couldn't find any proof that he was a shade, other than to use magic."

The following morning Gwen leaves her house for the last time, all her things on the back of a small wagon and not far from her house Merlin is waiting for her. Gwen notices Merlin and he gets to his feet, neither of them say a word, as Gwen makes her way out of the city. Back in the castle all the wedding decoration are being taken down, as Arthur just watches. Merlin suddenly appears behind him and they talk, Merlin tells Arthur Gwen is a good person and Arthur agrees. Merlin asks Arthur, if he can find it in his heart to forgive her, Arthur tells Merlin that's not the problem... He just can't trust Gwen anymore. Agravaine appears with a couple of guards and informs him Lancelot is dead, at Gaius's chambers, Gaius informs Arthur Lancelot took his own life and Arthur orders them to give Lancelot a proper burial. And so Merlin takes Lancelot's body to the lake of Avalon and places him on a boat, but before he pushes the boat out onto the water, he releases Lancelot from Morgana's power and Lancelot comes back to life, just long enough for him to say thank you. Merlin pushes the boat out on to the water and uses a wordless spell to set it on fire, Lancelot could finally rest in peace.

"Merlin is truly a friend," Gwen smiles. "He's always stood by me and helped in anyway he can... It was a great comfort that day, to know he still valued me as a friend, even after what I had done. I knew Merlin hadn't turned his back on me and still thought of me as a friend and not some traitor like so many others called me."

Elyan shakes his head. "I should have been there... You're my sister and I didn't even say good-bye."

"You are a knight, your loyalty came to the crown before anything else," Gwen answers. "If you had stood with me, you would have been banished with me."

"But you were alone... Anything could have happened to you Gwen." Elyan replies.

Gwen grips her brothers hand. "I'm alive, you don't have to worry about it."

"Something happened," Leon suddenly spoke up. "While you were banished, something happened."

Gwen placed a hand over he leg were she had been shot with the arrow, she was sure she'd been hit but when she woke up there had been no wound... Only a scar. "I wouldn't be alive now, if Merlin hadn't found."

Before anyone has a chance to reply, Isolde speaks up. "Why did Lancelot come back to life, when Merlin cast that spell."

"He released Morgana's hold on him," Taliesin informs her. "He allowed Lancelot's spirit to rest in peace, free of the dark magic which bought him back."

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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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Merlin, Arthur and the knights are out on patrol and have stopped for a moment. The other knights tease Elyan, who has no water left, as they pass a full water skin between them, but not giving it to Elyan. Arthur notices movement through the tress and quickly tells them to be quite, they all make there way through the trees. They step out of the trees and into the centre of a shrine, Merlin warns them its a shrine and in the days of the old religion they were made to appease restless spirits. Gwaine seeing Merlin nervous, jumps out on him and Merlin warns them the place is cursed. As they leave, Elyan hears running water, he follows the sound and finds a small well. He smiles and drinks from it, but as he look down he sees an image of a boy in the water. Elyan is quick to leave. Back in Camelot, Merlin asks Arthur if he's okay, he'd been quite since they left the shrine. Arthur tells Merlin he was thinking and leaves. Gwaine throws Merlin a bag of salt and tells Merlin a circle of salt at the base of his bed will protect him from spirits and Merlin quite clearly doesn't believe him.

"You didn't tell Merlin about the shrines, did you?" Gwaine asks.

"Merlin," Gaius answers. "Is king of the druids, he is learned in druid law. That was a druid shrine, he knew about it because he himself has placed blessings at shrines like it, in the past."

"So he said you told him so it wouldn't look like he knew out of his own interest." Percival mutters.

Gaius nodes. "Knowing too much about magic and the ways of the old religion would raise suspicion."

"Was the place really cursed?" Leon asks.

"Not a curse as such," Gaius answers. "But restless spirits are more than capable of hexing you."

"Hexing?" Elyan asks.

"It's a form of cursing." Gaius explains.

Arthur rolls his eyes at Gwaine. "A circle of salt? Everyone knows that's a myth."

"It was only a joke," Gwaine shrugs. "Plus Merlin didn't believe me."

Later that night, Merlin sits with Gaius at the table, as they eat, they talk about the shrine and Merlin tells Gaius it was cursed, he could feel it. Gaius asks Merlin if anyone disturbed the shrine and Merlin tells him no one did, knowing if anyone did the risked releasing the spirits. Elsewhere Arthur is thinking as he spins the spoon in his stew. In Elyan's chamber, Elyan has just blown out the candle and is about to go to sleep, when he hears a noise. He gets up and looks around his room, he goes back to bed, but as he lies down, he sees the druid boy from the shrine and falls backwards out of bed. Gwaine who's passing down the corridor next to his room hears his cries and goes to investigate. As Gwaine kneels before him, Elyan once again sees the druid boy, who tells him to be quite. He quickly convinces Gwaine he fine and Gwaine, who isn't convinced leaves. Once Gwaine has gone, Elyan makes a circle of salt at the foot of his bed.

"You are lucky the spirit you released was only that of a child," Gaius suddenly speaks up. "If it had been that of an older druid wanting revenge, all of Camelot could have been in danger."

"I thought the druids were a peaceful people. They have never once attacked Camelot." Leon points out.

"There is a reason not even the druids enter such shrines after they have been blessed," Gaius answers. "Restless spirits are far from peaceful."

Elyan shivers as he sees the druid boy standing in his room. "What happened to him that made his soul twisted?"

"You don't remember anything?" Arthur asks, being sure Elyan would have remembered what he said to the druid boy.

Elyan shakes his head. "After Merlin helped me escape, I don't remember anything."

"And that is quite understandable," Gaius explains. "You had been possessed."

"Somehow," Tristan speaks up. "I don't think a circle of salt is going to help."

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The following morning, Merlin wakes Arthur up, who has fallen asleep at the table and right in the middle of his plate of stew. Once Merlin has woken Arthur up, he asks what he was doing sleeping with his head on the table and Arthur answers, he fell asleep while reading. After asking Arthur what he was reading, Arthur tells him he is the king and doesn't have to answer to the likes of him and Merlin tells him he must have got up on the wrong side of table that morning. After Merlin goes to get Arthur some breakfast, Arthur uses a plate as a mirror and sees his face and hair covered in stew. Later at training, the knights asks why Arthur has stew in his hair and Merlin answers because he was reading. And Arthur gets revenge by making Merlin the target dummy. When its Elyan turn, he seems to go into a trance whilst attacking Merlin a d the others have to pull him back. Later when everyone has finished practice, Elyan sees the druid bot again and backs up, after a struggle with Gwaine, Gwaine knocks him out cold.

"Well," Leon laughs. "What Merlin said in training makes sense now."

Gwaine almost doubles over with laughter. "Wrong side of the table, ha-ha, how did you not find that funny."

"How did you find it so funny?" Percival asks, with a smile.

Arthur rolls his eyes. "I wasn't in the mood for Merlin and his estranged sense of humour."

"I'll have to apologise to Merlin," Elyan mutters. "I didn't mean to hit with such aggression."

"Merlin has suffered far worse, than a few hard hits from a sword." Tristan points out.

Gaius turns to face Gwaine. "Next time could you kindly inform me of how Elyan has really been knocked out. Sating he knocked himself out when he tripped creates a total different type of damage, to that of being knocked out."

Gwaine and Leon take Elyan to Gaius, who comments on Elyan condition as strange. Gwaine says it's like Elyan lost his mind and Gaius tells him, when he wants his medical opinion he'll ask for it. Gwaine asks Gaius to keep this a secret from Arthur and when Gaius asks why, Gwaine and Leon answer they think his behaviour might have something to do with Gwen's banishment and don't want Arthur to think Elyan's loyalties are divided. As Gaius turns to leave he drops something to the floor, as he picks it up, he notices a ring of salt on the floor at the foot of Elyan bed. Later that night, Merlin gets yelled at by Arthur and returns to physician's chamber. Only to be ignored by Gaius too, who's reading. Gaius quickly asks Merlin if Elyan disturbed the shrine at all and Merlin doesn't know for sure. Gaius tells him, Elyan has spoken a word and has no physical injuries, all he could find was a pile of salt at the end of his bed. Merlin works out, he's trying to ward off an evil spirit and Gaius tells Merlin, he must tell Arthur Elyan has been possessed by a spirit. But Merlin isn't sure Arthur would believe him.

"I should have been informed of Elyan's condition." Arthur speaks, looking at Gaius.

"I believed, sire," Gaius answers. "Informing you of Elyan's condition, would have been unwise. Once I knew the reason for Elyan condition, be it physical or mental, I would have informed you had I seen it fit to do so."

"He is one of my knights, Gaius, I rely on the knights to help me protect his kingdom. If one of them is in no fit state to do that, I am to be informed straight away, regardless to fact you know what's causing it or not, am I understood."

"Yes, my lord." Gaius answers.

Arthur nodes. "Good."

"Why do people believe a circle of salt will protect them?" Gwen asks suddenly, with a slight frown.

"In witchcraft, salt is believed to have cleansing properties. As well as ability to protect you and remove and cast away negative and harmful energies," Taliesin explains. "People also believe evil spirits and demons hate and won't come near salt. Many believe placing salt in windows and doorways stops evil from entering your home."

Tristan shakes his head. "A small pile of salt, is quite clearly not going to protect you from evil spirits."

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Later that night, Elyan wakes to find the druid boy standing in his room. The druid boy asks Elyan not to be angry with him and comforts the boy, before asking him what he wants. The druid boy tells Elyan he wants peace, the wrong that was done to him must be righted, in order for that to happen the king must be killed. Elyan sneaks through the castle to Arthur room, where he attacks Arthur, who was sitting at his table. Arthur calls the guards, but Elyan escapes before the guards can catch him. Agravaine quickly orders the knights to find and catch Elyan. Merlin who arrives in Arthur chamber, tells Arthur, he thinks Elyan has disturbed a spirit and has become possessed. Gwaine tells Leon and Percival he thought there'd be a day where he'd have to hunt one of his own. They all believe Elyan done this because of what Arthur did to Gwen, they soon find Elyan and catch him.

Leon glances at Arthur. "What did you do? What did you do that made someone, so peaceful, young and innocent, want to kill?"

"I've done thing I regret," Arthur answers. "What happened there..."

"They were slaughtered, weren't they?" Percival asks.

Arthur nodes. "I told them not to kill the women and children, but many of the knights didn't listen."

"How is that fair," Gwaine complains. "Percival knocks Elyan out and its okay, but I knock him out and I get told off."

"If Percival hadn't knocked Elyan out he could have harmed himself or you." Gaius speaks up.

Elyan is thrown in the dungeons, the druid boy appears and tells Elyan he failed him, Elyan just mutters he's sorry over and over again. The following day Agravaine tries to convince Arthur to have Elyan killed. But Arthur believes Merlin might be right and Elyan might be possessed. After Merlin and Agravaine have been dismissed, Merlin goes and speaks with Gaius. Merlin knows they can't let Arthur kill Elyan, but Gaius doesn't know what they can do and Merlin asks if there's a way to rid Elyan of the spirit which haunts him. Gaius tells him its powerful magic, but Merlin tells him he must master it, if he is to save Elyan's life. Gaius reminds Merlin he can't do magic on Elyan, in the cells, right under the noises of the guards. Merlin tells Gaius they have to break Elyan out and do the spell or he will be killed. Later that night, Gaius gives Merlin the spell he needs and a drug to knock Elyan with.

"Agravaine really would have had you kill a lot of people," Isolde mutters. "And all of them people you're close to."

Arthur shakes his head. "He was only saying what my father would have done."

"And look at you father," Tristan points out. "He was cold, bitter and alone."

"Merlin one hell of a friend, he mastered powerful magic in a matter of hour, just to save one friend." Gwaine whistles.

Gaius smiles with pride. "Merlin has many skills, but magic is the one he is capable of learning the fastest and without fault."

"I'm glad Merlin helped me," Elyan speaks. "With out his help I sure I would have been killed."

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Merlin sneaks down to the dungeons, Merlin uses magic to knock a barrel over and room it down a corridor. The two guards chase after it and Merlin is able to free Elyan without getting caught. Elyan and Merlin escape into the woods, but the druid boy makes Elyan knock Merlin out, when Merlin tries to make Elyan drink a drugged water skin. The following morning Merlin returns to Camelot and as Gaius treats his head, Merlin tells Gaius he felt a presence in the woods. Gaius asks Merlin if he'd be able to find the shrine, Merlin isn't sure, but he might be able to. And so Merlin and Gaius travel to the shrine. As they look around, Gaius knocks some rocks, after telling Merlin not to disturb anything. As Merlin looks round, he suddenly hears screams and cries of pain, he follows the sound to the well Elyan drunk from. Half crying, he calls Gaius after witnessing something in the water. He tells Gaius something terrible happens here, Gaius points out the druid runes around the well Merlin failed to notice and shows Merlin a crossbow bolt, there were many scattered around the area. Merlin guesses this was Uthur's doing and Gaius fears he's right.

Gwaine glances at Elyan. "You seemed quite surprised Merlin helped you escape."

"I never thought Merlin was someone who's break the law," Elyan answers. "I knew he was loyal to Arthur."

"I'm surprised, that tunnel he used is only known to a select few." Leon points out.

Elyan nodes. "I'd never used it before."

"What did Merlin see in the well?" Gwen asks, concerned upon seeing Merlin reaction.

"I don't know," Gaius answers. "Merlin never told me, but I believe he saw what happened to the druids that day or saw the aftermath of what happened."

"That's horrible." Gwen gasps.

"Sometimes having such a great power can be a terrible burden." Taliesin speaks.

Merlin and Gaius return to Camelot, as soon as they return, Merlin goes to see Arthur and explains where he'd been all night. Arthur teases Merlin with his food, before dismissing him and continuing his work. After leaving the council chamber, Merlin ducks behind a pillar and glens to eat, when he spots a hand on the floor. Putting the food back on the plate, Merlin walks forward and finds the guards knocked out, Merlin drops the plate and runs back towards the council chamber. In the council chamber Arthur jumps to his feet as both his guards fall to the ground. Elyan steps out the shadows with a crossbow and tries to shot Arthur who dives out the way. As they fight, Arthur asks Elyan why he's doing this and the druid boy answers and Arthur knows Elyan is possessed. Merlin arrives outside the council chamber and is forced to use magic to open the doors. Merlin enters just in time to stop Arthur killing Elyan and Elyan runs off.

"You didn't believe him did you?" Gwaine grins at Arthur.

Arthur shakes his head. "I didn't think Merlin helped him escape, but I knew he had something to do with it."

"How did no one notice Merlin used magic to open the door?" Tristan asks. "The lock exploded!"

Elyan shakes his head. "I don't even remember it, but I think the druid boy knew who Merlin is, as in Emrys I mean."

"It would explain the fear the druid boy showed when he saw Merlin." Isolde points out.

"Couldn't the druid boy so magic?" Leon asks. "Because he only attacked using weapons."

Gaius shakes his head. "If the druid has possessed someone who had magic, then there was a chance he could use magic."

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Sometime later Merlin, Gaius and Arthur stand in the throne room as Agravaine informs the castle has gone into shut down and if Elyan is within the castle walls he'll be caught and killed. After Agravaine has gone Arthur explains to Merlin and Gaius, when Elyan spoke to him, it wasn't his voice, it was someone else's. Gaius tells Arthur he believes the shrine was once a druid camp that was attacked by Uthur. Gaius explains that only the person who committed the acts against the druids could help them find peace, Merlin points out Uthur is dead so he can't say sorry. Arthur asks if anything can be done for Elyan and Gaius tells he doesn't know anything and their only choice might be to kill Elyan.

"You let Agravaine order us to hunt Elyan down even though you knew he was possessed!?" Gwaine exclaimed shocked.

Arthur glares at Gwaine. "Do you think I ordered Agravaine to tell you that, it was his decision."

"Well you didn't try and stop him!"

"I think," Leon speaks up. "Arthur let Agravaine give that order because he knew Elyan was no longer in the castle, or am I mistaken?"

"You are not." Arthur answers.

That night Merlin tides away Arthur plates and tells him he can't be help responsible for all his father actions. Arthur dismisses Merlin for the night and Merlin leaves. As Merlin returns to his room after cleaning Arthur's armour, he sees Arthur, dressed in a cloak, leaving his room and follows him. Out in the woods, Arthur works out Merlin's following him and circles round on Merlin. Arthur tells Merlin he can go back to Camelot, but Merlin continues to follow Arthur. They return to the shrine and Merlin's not sure what Arthur planning, Arthur explains it wasn't Uthur who led the raid on the camp, it was him. Elyan soon appears, Arthur goes down on his knees and apologies to the druid boy. Arthur wished he could change the horrors that happened that day, but it can not be changed or righted. As king, Arthur promises he'll do everything in his power to stop anything like what happened, happening again. He promises Camelot will treat the druids with the respect they deserve and they're will be peace between them. And the druid boy finally finds peace. Back in Camelot, Elyan is making a full recovery and Merlin and Arthur full back into their usual bantering.

"You made Merlin stay up late in to the night, just to clean your armour!" Isolde exclaimed. "And you wonder why he wakes you up late in the morning."

Leon shakes his head. "If you wanted to go alone, you should have just given Merlin the night off."

"Yeah," Gwaine agrees. "He would have been on the opposite side of the castle asleep."

"No, he would have gone out into the woods. He would have gone after Elyan to try and remove the spirit." Percival mutters.

Gaius nodes. "Merlin was planning on going after Elyan, he knew if he didn't and Elyan got caught he would have been killed."

"You really were sorry... It seems your less like your father than I believed." Tristan mutters.

"What I said at the shrine, I mean it," Arthur speaks up. "I will do everything within my power to stop adverts like that happening ever again... What happened there should never have been allowed to happen, if I could have stopped my father, I would have."

Gwen grips Arthur's hand. "The past can not be changed, the future is all that matters now."

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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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Gwen works mucking out a yard, as she stops working for a moment, she twists the ring on a rope she wears round her neck. Suddenly people start screaming, what seem to be bandits ride into the town, killing anyone in their way. Gwen ducks down behind the wall of the yard, before turning and running, but is forced to stop as she nearly runs into one of the bandits, she falls backwards and the bandit raises his axe to strike her. But before he can a second bandit stops him and tells him there is still pleasure to be found here. Elsewhere in Camelot, Merlin and Arthur are walking to the council chamber and Arthur tells Merlin to shut up. In the council chamber Arthur tells the court he is to marry princess Mithian. Gaius quickly tells Merlin to smile and clap, as he just stares at Arthur in shock. After the meeting is over, Merlin challenges Arthur on his decision and tells him he still loves Gwen. And in response, Arthur threatens to banish Merlin as well.

Gwen smiles sadly. "There wasn't a day, or a moment, I didn't think about you."

"I should never have let you go on your own." Elyan mutters, as he watches the bandits raid the village.

"You nearly died!" Arthur exclaimed. "You could have died! I swear if he did anything to you..."

"Well, Merlin certainly wasn't pleased with the news." Gwaine mutters.

Percival nodes. "That's the fakest smile I've ever seen."

"You have to say the news was a surprise," Leon adds. "Being so close after what happened with Gwen and Arthur."

"I sometimes wonder how Merlin still has that head of his, on his shoulders... There are not many who would risk challenging Arthur in such a way." Gaius shakes his head.

Some time later, a map maker, Owen, is sorting through some scrolls. After he's finished, he locks and leaves. As he walks down the corridor, Agravaine steps out the shadows and asks him if he has what he asked for. Agravaine threatens him, but he still refuses to do what Agravaine asked of him and Agravaine kills him. Sometime later Agravaine rides out to see Morgana and informs her, he hasn't been able to get the plans for the siege tunnels. Morgana warns him, Camelot is growing in power everyday, if they do not strike soon, they never will be able to. Morgana orders Agravaine to get the plans himself and also warns him not to get caught. Elsewhere Gwen is being forced to dine with the bandit, Helios, who saved her life. She been forced to dress in a harem styled clothing. The two introduce themselves to each other and Gwen thanks him for her life, even though the villagers were not so lucky and the two eat together.

"Merlin was right, Agravaine really did steal the siege tunnel plans." Arthur mutters.

"Isn't that a tad obvious," Gwaine answers. "They got into the castle through the siege tunnels and we knew Agravaine was the traitor."

Arthur glares at Gwaine. "Shut up, Gwaine."

"Least we know Owen didn't betray Camelot, like we were led to believe," Leon speaks. "When we return to Camelot, his family must be informed."

Percival shakes his head. "Morgana knew we were getting stronger, but why did she still attack us when she had no idea who Emrys was?"

"I think Morgana believed, Emrys did not live within Camelot's borders. Once she had the castle, I think she felt not even Emrys would be able to stop her." Gaius answers.

"Purple suits you Gwen." Elyan teases his sister.

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Arthur, Agravaine, the knights and courtiers gather on the steps to the castle to welcome princess Mithian and her party from Nemeth. Arthur is pleasantly surprised at Mithian's beauty, but quickly recovers himself. Arthur tells everyone that tomorrow there will be a great feast to welcome the knights and princess of Nemeth. Elsewhere, Gwen has been shown by Helios where they will be dining and Gwen is quite surprised. As they sit, Helios tells Gwen, he wants to know all about her, Gwen tells him it's a long story and Helios tells her that have all night. Back in Camelot Agravaine has moved Owen's body to make it look like he fell or jumped from the castle walls and placed a letter in his jacket. During Gwen and Helios's diner a guard enters telling Helios the Lady Morgana has requested an meeting and Gwen quickly retires for the night. As Gwen leaves she passes Morgana, who doesn't recognise her. Morgana informs Helios she has yet to get the plan of Camelot's siege tunnels and Helios has yet to get his forces up to strength.

Gwen glances at Arthur. "You were to marry?"

"Yes." Arthur answers.

"Why..." Gwen replies, almost unable to speak due to the tears which were threatening to once again fall. "I... I mean... Didn't I... Why so soon?"

"Camelot needed a Queen and Nemeth is a strong ally." Arthur answers.

Gwen nodes, turning away. "I understand."

"I once crossed paths with Helios," Tristan all but spat. "He had a taste for women. Even those who were already taken!"

"He's dead now, he wouldn't trouble anyone again." Isolde places a hand on Tristan's arm.

"Morgana really had him wrapped around her little finger, didn't she? Sad really." Gwaine mutters.

The following morning, Leon shows Agravaine the body of Owen he found and Agravaine tells Leon he must have fallen off the wall. Leon disagrees and Agravaine thinks he might have been drunk, but once again Leon disagrees, much to Agravaine annoyance. Leon quickly goes off to find Gaius and Agravaine just laughs to himself. Elsewhere Merlin and Gaius are eating breakfast, Merlin tells Gaius it's Arthur's fate to marry Gwen. Gaius tells him if it is so, then it will happen, but Merlin doesn't know if he should bet involved and he isn't sure what he should do anymore. Suddenly Leon bursts through the door saying Gaius is needed. A short time later Gaius kneels over Owens body and soon finds the letter Agravaine planted on him, it's from king Odin's court. Agravaine quickly takes the letter to Arthur, the two of them quickly go down and to see if any maps are missing and Agravaine volunteers to all the plans himself and Arthur agrees.

"Since when do you know so much about people falling of castle walls?" Gwaine asks.

Leon rolls his eyes. "It was common sense, Gwaine, something I believe you lack."

"Ha-ha, real funny." Gwaine mutters sarcastically.

"It is my fate to marry Gwen." Arthur mutters. "But what would have happened if I married princess Mithian?"

"You would have married her." Taliesin answers. "But she would not have stayed your wife for long and the one you re-married would have been Gwen, fate is never thrown of course for long. Some fates can never be changed."

Percival shakes his head. "That explains how Agravaine was able to steal the plans without anyone knowing it was him."

"He was Arthur's right hand man, the guards wouldn't have stopped him even if they had seen him carrying the plans out." Elyan points out.

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After stealing the plans to the siege tunnels, Agravaine quickly sets out and gives Morgana the plans. Once Morgana has the plans she makes a copy of them and quickly tells Agravaine he's done well, finally. Later back in the castle, Merlin is serving at the feast, he watches Arthur and princess Mithian closely, still unsure if he should do something to stop the union between them or not. Merlin uses magic to make Arthur drop a spoonful of soup over himself and Mithian doesn't seem to bothered. Agravaine appears and tells Arthur the scroll vaults are secure and nothing was missing. As Arthur and Mithian part for the night, Arthur learns Mithian loves hunting. The following day Morgana takes her copy of the siege tunnel plans to Helios and Gwen over hears Morgana saying Agravaine gave her the copy. Knocking a stone alerts Morgana and Helios to Gwen presence and she is forced to run, as Morgana and Helios follow her, Morgana sees Gwen's old dress and knows Gwen could tell Arthur ruining there plans to take Camelot.

"That explains why the copy of the plans wasn't missing," Leon mutters. "Morgana simply made a copy of them."

Percival thinks for a moment. "It's like what Merlin did when he created Lancelot a seal of nobility."

"Would you even be able to tell if something had been copied with magic?" Elyan asks.

"It's possible," Gaius speaks up. "That there is a spell, which would show you if it had been copied. But without the aid of magic, it would be impossible to tell."

Arthur glared at the screen. "Merlin!"

"Soup is quite a good look for you, Arthur, you should wear it more often." Gwaine grins.

"Maybe if I had been more careful," Gwen mutters. "They would never have known I was there."

Gwen runs through the woods, chased by Helios's men, coming to a river she has no where left to run, that wouldn't be easy to track. With no other choice, Gwen jumps in the water and holds her breath until Helios's men have passed. Elsewhere Arthur is taking Mithian on a picnic and forces Merlin to move spots twice, whilst carrying all the bags and Mithian helps him knowing Arthur is being mean. As Arthur and Mithian enjoy their picnic, Merlin once again uses magic to embarrass Arthur, but once again it doesn't work. Later that night, Morgana and Helios are still looking for Gwen and Morgana will not rest until Gwen is found. Elsewhere in the woods, Gwen has made a small fire and tries to get some rest, but even the smallest noise makes her jump.

Gaius turns and looks a Gwen. "How could you be so foolish? The water is freezing at this time of year and with no where to go you could have got a serious cause of hyperthermia."

"I had no where else to go... If I had run along the banks, they would have seen me and I'm sure they would have killed me! Even if they didn't Morgana wouldn't have let me live, of that I am sure!" Gwen replies.

"I would risk suffering hyperthermia over being caught by Helios," Isolde answers. "He is not kind to those who have betrayed or double crossed him."

Tristan nodes his agreement. "It wouldn't have mattered that you are a women, if you had been caught, you would have suffered the same fate many other have befallen at his hand."

"This should never have happened," Elyan muttered. "If I had gone with you..."

"Helios men would have killed you in the village," Gwen answers. "He only spared me, because I was still of some use to him."

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The following morning Merlin is once again complaining about Arthur, but Gaius is too busy looking at the letter found on Owen to pay any attention to what he's saying. In the court-yard, Arthur and the knights have gathered ready for the hunt. Back in the castle, Merlin and Mithian talk and Merlin agrees to let Mithian have a chance with Arthur. Out in the woods, Morgana is still looking for Gwen. Not far from Morgana, Gwen is woken by the sounds of a horse and quickly gets to her feet. Gwen runs, but Morgana soon picks up Gwen's trail. Morgana finally catches up with Gwen and throws her into a tree, knocking her out. Close by the hunting has started. After ripping the ring from Gwen's neck, Morgana hears the sounds of the hunting party and quickly casts a spell on Gwen, before fleeing.

"Well," Leon mutters. "Mithian is right, you do value Merlin's opinion over all others."

Arthur snorts. "Why would anyone in their right mind value Merlin's opinion? He acts like idiot half the time."

"What did you think was strange about the letter?" Percival asks turning to Gaius.

"The way it was written," Gaius answers. "Something about the wording didn't seem right."

Gwaine shakes his head. "You'd never be able to out run Morgana, she has magic."

"I had to try." Gwen answers.

Back with the hunting party, Merlin complaining and Arthur tells him they can always give him a five minute head start. Suddenly Leon spots a deer and everyone rides after it. Merlin walking in a different direction to the hunting party finds the deer and his magic reacts instinctively, showing him the deer is in fact Gwen and this is conformed as deer walks past a puddle and Gwen image is shown in the reflection. Suddenly the hunting party rides past Merlin, snapping him out of his daze. Running after the hunting party, Merlin stops Arthur's bolt hitting Gwen, but is unable to stop Mithian's and Gwen is hit. As they look for the deer, Arthur finds Gwen's ring, that Morgana dropped before fleeing. Arthur quickly ends the hunting for the day and returns to Camelot, much to Mithian confusion.

Arthur stared at the screen in horror. "I would have killed you, if it wasn't for Merlin changing the course of my bolt! I'm so sorry Gwen."

"I knew Morgana did something, when the hunt started following me... I really thought I was going to die." Gwen answers.

"Why did Merlin's magic react on it's own like that?" Elyan asks. "It's never done that with other people who've changed what they look like."

"Gwen wasn't changed of her own freewill." Taliesin explains. "Merlin's magic will react in such a way to spell that have been forced on another, because the subconscious of the person will be calling out for help... Even if the conscious mind is unaware of what's wrong."

"Gwen didn't know she was a deer?" Tristan asked, surprised being an understatement.

"I knew something was wrong," Gwen speaks up. "But I didn't know my form had changed."

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That night Merlin returns to the woods, looking for Gwen and soon finds her unconscious, shivering on the ground and a crossbow bolt in her leg. Be quickly removes the bolt from her leg and heals it with magic. The following morning, Gwen wakes to find Merlin sitting beside her, much to her surprise. After the two of them hug, Gwen tells Merlin what she over heard Morgana and Helios talking about. Merlin tries to convince Gwen to return to Camelot with him, but she refuses and Merlin returns alone. He quickly tells Arthur about the plans, but when Arthur checks the scroll vaults the plans are still there. As Arthur threatens to exile Merlin, Agravaine smirks at him, having just arrived and knowing he once again has got away with betraying Camelot.

"Merlin's got better at healing." Gwaine points out.

Gaius nodes. "After being unable to heal Arthur at the crystal caves and when Morgana and Morgause created the immortal army, Merlin found a book of healing spells and started to practice. But there is still room for improvement."

"When I woke up," Gwen mutters. "I didn't think the bolt had hit me, I had no injury... I thought Merlin had just been talking about when Morgana knocked me unconscious."

"Well," Tristan speaks. "Agravaine certainly looks like the cat who just got the mouse."

Isolde nodes. "You'd think someone would notice, but I suppose love blinds you to a persons faults."

"To think Camelot almost fell due to my uncles betrayal and I was too blinds to see his true nature." Arthur mutters.

The following morning, Arthur sits, dressed in amour and twisting the ring he gave Gwen. Merlin enters, Arthur asks Merlin how you can love someone who betrayed you or force yourself to love another. Merlin tries to get out of answering the question, but Arthur tells him, he doesn't know what to do. Merlin simply tells Arthur to do what his heart tells him to do, Arthur answers he doesn't know what that is and Merlin thinks he does. Arthur thanks Merlin as he leaves. Later that day, Arthur calls off the engagement with Mithian. As the leave the two agree peace and Mithian tells she would give her kingdom to one day finds someone who will her as much as Arthur loves Gwen. That night, Arthur asks Merlin if he made the right decision and Merlin thinks he did. Arthur once again unsure if Merlin is wise or not, but as Merlin leaves he trips over the chamber pot, so there's no question really.

"Well," Percival smiles. "You really do listen to Merlin."

Arthur rolls his eyes. "I didn't know what else to do... Merlin does give good advice, from time to time."

"Seems Merlin can act respective of royals," Percival grins. "Bet it reminded of when Merlin acted like a proper servant."

"Don't remind me." Arthur groans.

Gwen smiles and grips Arthur's hand. "I would give up everything I have for you and no matter what happened I will love you with all my heart."

"I love you too." Arthur answers.

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Hey, hope you liked that chapter. I only have to write two more episodes to write :)

Blessed be,

TreeOfLife1997.