Merlin recovers amazingly quickly from his injuries and after four weeks he is allowed to resume his normal duties. Gaius watches his two wards closely. Something has changed between them since the devastating attack. They talk to each other and seem to get along as they always have. But Mary occasionally eats alone before Merlin and Gaius join her, and Merlin's shoulders at times seem more crushed than usual.

Mary is preparing dinner when there is a knock at the door. Gaius opens it and a young man stands in front of it. Gaius recognises him as Stefan, the stableboy from the royal stables. "Can I help you?"

"Erm yes, actually I came to pick up Mary."

Gaius looks around in surprise, "Pick up Mary?"

"Yes, we have an date. Sort of. A little evening walk."

Mary comes hastily to the door and pulls on her cloak. "The soup's hot, for you and Merlin. I might eat something later."

She kisses Gaius on the cheek and pulls the door shut behind her. Perplexed, Gaius tries to classify what he has just seen and heard.

Agravaine enters the King's chambers. Merlin is polishing his armour and Arthur is standing at the window. "Uncle?"

"It is late, Arthur. Whats troubling you?"

"Nothing. Nothing at all. But I've made a decision and I felt it only right to inform you right away. Though, I feel you're not going to like what I have to say. . . I'm going to marry Guinevere." Merlin drops his sword to the ground with a clatter. Without being greatly disturbed, Arthur continues, "If she says yes."

"Sire?"

"No, I know what you're going to say. She is a servant, I am a King. Not a good thing."

"It's a little more serious than that."

"Guinevere has proved herself valuable support and true counsellor these past few months."

"You do not need a woman for support, sire. I am your advisor."

"You have too much stubble to be my wife." Merlin has to laugh, but immediately falls silent again. Arthur continues, grinning, "Good advice, reliable support, that's what I need. I don't want a queen who floats around the castle all day agreeing with me on everything. The people don't want that either. So I've made up my mind. I want Guinevere as my queen and for you to accept her as such."

Agravaine tries to smile approvingly.

Merlin comes home after lighting all the candles in Gwen's hut so that Arthur has a romantic setting for his important question. Merlin smiles to himself because he knows Gwen will say yes. They are at the perfect age to marry, if not a little past it. It all makes him think of himself and Mary. They keep their feelings for each other very closed. Especially since the events in the forest. Over and over again he replays his decision in his head. It depresses him that he has driven a wedge between himself and Mary with it. The uncertainty of how to balance his feelings for Mary with his duty to his destiny keeps him awake almost every night. Just as he turns wearily into the corridor leading to Gaius' chambers, he sees Mary standing in her bedroom doorway. She says, "Thank you for the lovely walk. The fresh air did me good."

Merlin realises there is a man standing in front of her. The man takes her hand, lifts it to his mouth and kisses it fleetingly, "The pleasure was all mine. I hope we do it again sometime soon."

With that Mary closes her door and the man approaches Merlin. He recognises Stefan the stable boy and greets him as he passes.

Merlin doesn't like to admit it, but what he has just observed has stung him. Saddened, he goes straight to his room and does not even eat from the soup that is waiting. Gaius looks after him silently. When he checks on Merlin a little later, he is already lying in his bed and seems to be asleep. Gaius quietly closes the door again.

Gwen rushes into Mary's room the next morning and hugs her friend joyfully. Mary gasps in surprise, "Gwen, what's wrong?"

"You won't believe this...but Arthur asked me to be his wife last night. I'm all excited!"

Mary laughed, "Yes I can see that. Come on, tell me all about it!"

"Well, it was romantic. In my home, with lots of candles and he knelt down in front of me. I couldn't even answer him right away out of joy, I just hugged him full of happiness."

"You are bubbling over with emotion. Oh Gwen, I'm so happy for you. For you both. It's about time!"

"Speaking of time...when is your time? You've been of marriageable age for a long time too."

Mary looks down at the ground, "I don't know if I'll ever find the right guy. Yesterday I went for another evening walk with Stefan."

"What??? Why didn't you say so? How was it?"

"It was nice...but I just feel like something is missing. Oh, I'm probably just too complicated."

"You need to take someone who makes you feel safe, who makes you feel secure, who takes you as you are..."

Mary looks at her friend sadly, "I used to think that person existed. But the circumstances are too messy."

"Well, if Merlin doesn't move forward, he'll lose you to another great man." Mary waves it off with a smile, "Or I'll just be alone for the rest of my life..."

Two days later Arthur and Gwen's engagement, is celebrated with a jousting tournament. Merlin watches the riders and asks Arthur, "I'll give you one thing, it's at least an original engagement gift. As for romantic gestures, you could have given her flowers, written a song. Now she gets two days, with sweaty men beating each other."

"Just as it should be. My father did the same, before his wedding. It's tradition."

"So it's not even an original gesture."

"I'm sure my future wife will understand."

A unknown knight enters the arena. Arthur asks, "Who the hell is that?"

"I have no idea." Merlin shrugs.

Gwen, who is sitting in the stands, also looks surprised and leans towards Mary, "Do you know who that is?"

Mary shakes her head. As he comes closer and pays his respects to Gwen, he takes off his helmet. With astonishment they all catch sight of Sir Lancelot. Mary blinks twice, but it is indeed the knight who sacrificed himself several months ago.

In the evening, Arthur holds a dinner for his knights and Gwen in his chambers. Merlin and Mary do the serving. Lancelot tells them, "I remember very little after I passed through the veil. My story will not be as illuminating as you wish."

Arthur says, "We are simply glad to see you. So, delighted and amazed."

"I owe everything to the Madhavi people. When they found me, I was almost dead. Fortunately for me, their customs command them to give food and shelter to those in need, and I was certainly one of those!"

"Where did they find you?"

"On one of the Silk Road passes, high in the mountains of Ferroe."

"Cenred's kingdom."

"I travelled with them for many weeks, deep into the deserts of the south. Then my strength slowly returned. I earned my passage the only way I know how, with my sword. Then I slowly headed north."

"You have returned home. We cannot thank you enough for what you sacrificed on the Isle of the Blessed. It will always be remembered."

"It is indeed good to see you again. I would like to propose a toast, to my dearest friends, to Camelot." Lancelot smiles to the round.

Everyone does likewise to Lancelot, and raises their glasses. Mary exchanges a glance with Merlin. She sees that he too, cannot quite believe all this.

Merlin and Mary return with Lancelot to Gaius' chambers. Merlin says, "You can have my bed. After all you've been through."

Lancelot initially rebuffs and says, "No, where will you sleep?"

Merlin looks around. Mary says, "He can sleep in my room. It's huge and I'm sure we can find a place there."

Lancelot smiles, "Well thank you both. It's good to see you again too."

Merlin thinks for a moment and then says, "I've thought for so long about what happened, if I could have saved you. If I could have done something...If I could have used magic..."

Lancelot smiled, "If any of us could use magic, Merlin, life would be so much easier!"

Merlin has heard what he wanted to hear and says, "Good night." He closes the door behind him.

Mary and Merlin both sit down and digest what they have just heard. Gaius looks up and says, "Oh no, I've seen those faces before."

Merlin replies, "I want to believe that all is well, that we really do have Lancelot back."

"It certainly looks like him."

"Yes."

"What's wrong?"

"I don't know, something's wrong." Mary nods. Merlin continues, "When he told his story I felt it, the way he greeted me made me suspicious. But what just happened made one thing clear to me. He forgot my magic. Lancelot would never do that."

Gaius frowns, "Strange, indeed. Give him time. Oh, and Mary, Stefan was here asking for you."

Mary stands up and says, "Do you still need me here? Otherwise I'd leave."

Gaius smiles, "Go ahead. Don't keep him waiting."

Mary turns back to Merlin, "Just go to my room and find a place to sleep. My bed has two mattresses, we can put one on the floor. See you later!"

Merlin glances after her. Gaius says, "A fine young man this Stefan. Don't look so disappointed. Mary has the right to happiness. With him, she might have that."

"Is she happy?" Merlin asks quietly.

"I don't know. But she's certainly not unhappy. You can't give her what Stefan can. His undivided attention." Merlin nods sadly.

Mary and Stefan walk through the alleys of Camelot. It is already dark. Stefan asks Mary about her day and tells her about his. Mary tries to concentrate, but her mind keeps wandering to Lancelot. She, like Merlin, thinks he is acting strangely. He was always very friendly towards her, but now he hardly pays her a glance.

"I can see my words are boring you." Stefan's words bring her back to reality.

"I'm sorry. I'm tired and have trouble concentrating."

"I can see that. But I can be quiet too. We don't have to talk. I'm just enjoying it with you. Do you know the pond in the nearby forest? With the little waterfall? It's where we found you after the demon attack. It's one of my favourite places."

Mary looks at the blond, tall man and stops: "I visit it regularly. It's also my favourite place. Whenever I feel lost or lonely, I go there and forget everything around me."

Stefan takes her hand in his, looks deep into her eyes and says, "With me, you never have to feel lonely again."

Mary smiles and slowly withdraws her hand, "Thank you, Stefan. I value your friendship very much, please don't get me wrong. I like you but I need time. A lot of time."

"Time is what I have plenty of. Come on, you're shivering. Let's go back. I'll walk you to your room."

As they pass Gwen's cottage, Mary just sees Lancelot come out and disappear into the shadows of the houses. Mary frowns.

Back in her room, Mary sits down next to Merlin, who is sitting in front of the fire studying books. He looks up and asks, "So, did you enjoy your walk?"

"Yes, but the whole time I kept thinking about Lancelot and what he was doing here. As we walked back to the castle, I saw Lancelot with Gwen. I don't like any of this, Merlin."

"What do you know about necromancy?"

Mary looks at Merlin, aghast. "What?"

"Well, you know a lot, about a lot of things, don't you?"

"Necromancy is the most dangerous of all magical practices. Gaius told me about it once. Even in the days of the Old Religion, this sorcery was regarded with the utmost suspicion. I know I will regret asking this question, Merlin, but why do you want to know?" Merlin turns to Mary and scoots a little closer so that their knees touch. Mary's skin tingles where she feels his warmth. He doesn't seem to notice and says quietly, "I think someone raised Lancelot from the dead."

"By someone, you mean Morgana, I take it? The old legends tell of such creatures. They call them 'shadows'. Poor tortured souls, raised from their rest by the art of the necromancer."

"So it is possible?"

"Even if it is, we can't prove it."

Merlin shows her a book, full of formulas, on the subject of necromancy, which he has studied before. "I will paint one of these formulas on the floor outside my room this night and cast spells. When Lancelot walks over it tomorrow, we'll see if ihe's real or just came back from the dead."

Early the next morning, Merlin wakes Mary and Gaius and they all hide behind a wall in Gaius' room. The door to Merlin's room opens and Lancelot comes out. With long strides he walks across the room to the door. As he walks over the formula, all three can see clearly that under Lancelot's skin there's a shadow of a ghost. He is anything but real.

Merlin shakes his head, "I didn't want to believe it."

Gaius puts a hand on his shoulder, "I know. We all want him back."

"Yes, more than anything."

"That man is a shadow of his former self. A shadow with bad intentions."

"Do you think he wants to hurt Arthur?"

Mary replies, "Whatever he's here for, it can't be good." Merlin nods.

Mary walks through the training area. She has checked on a few bruises and sprains, but now everyone who needs it has been treated. Gwen comes up to her and doesn't seem to see her at the moment. Mary waves at her, "Gwen?"

"Oh Mary, I didn't see you at all."

"What are you doing here? Here among the tents of fighting men? You're supposed to be in the stands."

"Yes, I know...I just wanted to wish Arthur good luck."

Mary notices a plain, fine silver bracelet on Gwen's wrist. She takes her friend by the arm and says, "Oh, that's lovely. A gift from Arthur?"

Gwen hesitates to answer, "Well...actually...it was a gift from Lancelot. For the engagement and to wish me and Arthur luck. I must go now...see you later."

Gwen disappears between the tents. Mary looks after her gloomily. A bracelet from Lancelot? She must tell Merlin, whom she sees on the other side of the field. She walks off purposefully and bumps into Stefan, who comes at her from the right. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to almost run you over." he stammers.

Mary smiles, "No harm done."

Embarrassed, he holds something out to her: "Here, I braided a straw bracelet for you. It's simple but I've made an effort. I would like you to wear it." He holds a pretty straw bracelet in his hand. She accepts it and as she does he takes her hand in his. She looks up in surprise. "Stefan, it's beautiful. Thank you so much."

"I really like you, Mary."

"I like you too. Let's take it really slow though. I need a lot of time before I can trust people and be who I really am. Do you understand?"

Stefan lets go of her hand and smiles, "Yes, you told me that last night. Take as much time as you need. I'll wait."

He moves on to the horses, which still need to be watered and fed before the tournament continues.

Merlin has been watching the whole thing from the other side. It pains him to see Mary like this with Stefan. Gaius moves to stand beside him, "What's wrong, Merlin?" He looks in the same direction, "Oh, I see. Yes, they see each other regularly. Maybe it's better and right this way."

"Yes. Maybe."

Mary joins them just as the tournament continues. Tensely they watch as Lancelot wins. Next it's Arthur's turn, against Sir Leon. The king wins. The crowd cheers. Merlin looks concerned. Mary says, "Arthur is in the final, with Lancelot."

The two opponents are already taking their places with the horse and the lance.

Gaius says, "You must be ready Merlin, your magic may be needed."

Mary stands close to Merlin. The two riders dash towards each other and hit each other, but neither falls off their horse. Mary grabs Merlin by the arm.

Arthur appears to be hurt. Nevertheless, he takes a new lance for the second round. Gaius says, "Arthur should retire. He cannot continue."

Mary claws Merlin's arm and he says, "He would never do that even if his head were on a string."

The two knights are already charging at each other again when Lancelot suddenly lowers his lance and makes no thrust. Arthur can barely hold his lance and the two dash past each other.

Mary breathes a sigh of relief. Merlin asks, "What's going on? Why has Lancelot swerved? I suppose I should be glad Arthur is still alive."

Mary rushes to Arthur to tend to his injury. Lancelot bows to Gwen. Gaius says to Merlin, "If he's not here to kill Arthur, why is he?"

"I don't know."

A little later, Merlin sees Gwen disappear into Lancelot's tent. A horrible suspicion germinates in him.

Merlin is sitting in Mary's room when she enters. It is already getting dark. She goes to him and says: "Merlin, I've been looking for you. I wanted to tell you something at the tournament. I don't know if it's important, but somehow it seems strange to me. Gwen had a visit from Lancelot last night. I saw him when I was on my evening walk. Today she was wearing a new bracelet. When I asked her about it, she said Lancelot had given it to her for good luck. Isn't that strange?"

Merlin looks into the fire and says, "Yes it is, I watched Gwen disappear into Lancelot's tent after the tournament. He's not here for Arthur, he's here for Gwen to stop the wedding."

"What are we going to do?"

"I'll watch Lancelot and you stay on Gwen's heels. Don't do anything rash. I'll try to stop Lancelot, whatever he's up to."

Mary nods, picks up her cloak and heads for the vicinity of Gwen's house. She doesn't have to wait long and Gwen comes out. At a great distance, Mary follows her, sincerely hoping that Merlin can hold Lancelot back.

Merlin follows Lancelot and makes him fall to the ground in an empty corridor with magic. However, the knight immediately gets back up and knocks Merlin unconscious.

Meanwhile, Mary and Gwen have arrived at the castle. Gwen keeps looking around, which makes it difficult for Mary to follow her unhindered. At a fork in the road, she loses sight of her and has no idea which way she went. Panicking, she tries to find Gwen again.

Merlin wakes up and gets to his feet. He knows where Lancelot was going. Mary, too, has only one possibility as to where Gwen is going. At the same time, the two arrive at the throne room. Startled, they see Gwen and Lancelot embrace and kiss passionately. Just as Mary is about to rush towards her friend, Merlin holds her back. Agravaine enters from the other side with the King, who also sees them embraced. Full of rage, Arthur draws his sword and goes for Lancelot. A fierce fight breaks out. Mary turns away and holds her hands in front of her face. Merlin intervenes several times with magic to prevent Lancelot from hurting Arthur. Finally, Gwen intervenes, crying: "Please. Please! Stop it! This has to stop. Please."

Arthur looks at them both with disappointment. Lancelot is locked in the deepest dungeon and Gwen is also taken to a cell where she sinks to the floor crying. She tears her bracelet from Lancelot's arm and throws it into a corner.

Mary and Merlin slowly walk back to Mary's room. Saddened, she sits down on her bed and asks: "Why? She loves Arthur, doesn't she? I see them together. I know what her feelings are towards him. They are real."

Merlin replies quietly, "I suspect it was a spell. Probably coupled with the bracelet she received from Lancelot. Agravaine also knew and just had to make sure Arthur was in the right place at the right time."

Mary begins to cry. "What will they do with her?"

Merlin sits down beside her and puts his arm around her. It's a gesture he hasn't done in a long time. Mary leans against him and lets her tears flow.

Gwen is brought before the king early the next morning. Roughly, she is pushed down on her knees. It pains Mary to see her like this. Merlin would like to reach out to her. But holds back his feelings. Arthur says, "Please all leave the hall."

Everyone complies with his request. Only when everyone is out does Arthur turn to Gwen, who is still crouching on the floor.

"What are you still doing on your knees? Am I just your king? Get up for God's sake. I should be your husband." Gwen stands up. Arthur stands in front of her and looks at her sadly. "What has happened, Guinevere? We were happy. I know we were happy. You felt it too." Gwen nods silently. "Do you love him? Have you always loved him? All those times you said you wanted to be with me?"

"I meant every word."

"Tomorrow would have been our wedding."

"I know." sobs Gwen.

"If you were having second thoughts."

"I wasn't."

"If you had doubts."

"I had no doubts."

Arthur grows louder, "Then forgive me. Because I must be really stupid. What were you thinking?" He shouts, shaking Gwen. When he sees how startled she looks at him, he lets go of her again. More composed, he says, "I'm sorry."

"No. I should be sorry. You mean everything to me, Arthur. Lancelot was a long time ago. But I haven't thought of him that way for many years. I thought he was dead. I thought I'd never see him again. And when I did, I was overawed. I was drawn to him, I couldn't hold on to myself. I don't know why... I love you! You mean everything to me. All these years I've waited for you."

"All you had to do was wait one day longer."

"All I wanted was to be your queen. I still want to be your queen."

"You know what the people say? In my father's time, you would have been executed. I don't want to see you dead, Guinevere. But I don't want to see you at all. I can't look at you every day. You will leave Camelot after midday. If you return, you will die."

"No, no, I can't be without you."

"That is my choice."

Arthur leaves Gwen alone in the hall.

Mary and Merlin sit with Gaius. Merlin says, "This is what Morgana wanted all along."

Gaius agrees with him, "She could not bear the shame of seeing Gwen on her throne. That is indeed a cruel revenge."

"But Morgana is to be blamed. Arthur must realise that. If he knew Lancelot was a shadow..."

"It would not change what Gwen has done. Her betrayal is what matters to the King, Merlin. Showing him Lancelot's true nature would not change it. Gwen must pay that price."

There is a knock on the door and Stefan looks in, "Sorry to disturb you. I came to check on Mary. I heard what happened."

Mary gets up and walks out the door with Stefan.

Merlin watches her go. He senses her suffering. The loss of Gwen hits her right in the heart. As if Gaius has read his mind he says, "Stefan will be there for her! I know someone else who is suffering and could use a good friend by his side. Go, take care of Arthur."

Merlin goes to the king, who is watching in the great hall as all the wedding preparations are broken off again. Merlin stands beside him and says, "It is not too late. I know what Gwen did was wrong, but she is a good person. I really believe that."

"I believe that too, Merlin."

"Do you find it in your heart to forgive her?"

"That's not the problem."

"It's Agravaine, right? He is wrong. The people will not think you weak or a fool. They will think you merciful, understanding."

"It's brave of you to speak your mind, Merlin. Gwen is your friend, I understand that. And I don't want to know how Mary is feeling right now. But you're wrong. I love Gwen with all my heart. In time, I'm sure I'll find a way to forgive her. But I will never trust her. I can't live like this, not as a king and certainly not as a husband. Though it pains me, it is best that she go."

Agravaine enters the hall and approaches them. "Sire, the guards found Lancelot dead in his cell. He has taken his own life."

"I suppose that is no surprise. In all things but one, Lancelot was a man of honour. Merlin, see that he gets a decent burial."

Late that afternoon, Merlin launches a boat carrying Lancelot's body at a nearby lake. With a heavy heart, he lets it burn with magic and says goodbye again to a once good and faithful friend.

Hanging his head, he returns to Camelot as darkness begins to fall. As he passes the stables, he looks around to see if Mary is in sight. He is worried about the girl. "Oh, Merlin! Are you looking for something?"

Merlin flinches at the sound of Stefan's voice. "Sorry. I'm just on my way back to the castle and thought I'd check on Mary. Is she still here with you?"

Stefan shakes his head, "She went back a few hours ago. I don't think I could give her what she needs."

Merlin smiles sadly, "She needs a lot of time before she opens up to others. But that will come."

"Well, I hope so. I really like her a lot. Especially her smile, even if it seems rare and sadness resonates in it. She trusts you already. Maybe you can comfort her. If you see her, give her my regards."

Merlin nods and continues to the castle.

He knocks on Mary's door and when there is no answer, he opens it quietly. Mary is curled up in her bed. Merlin sees that she has cried herself to sleep. He lovingly covers her and strokes her hair before packing up his things and going back to his room with Gaius.