Okaay, here we go (finally) so so sorry for the delay, but first I didn't have the time and then I got stuck after the second sentence^^ Personally, I don't think it's one of my best chapters...so i hope you'll like it anyway and yah

Thanks for your reviews, I really appreciate them and please let me know what you thought of this chapter.

Enjoy!

Chapter 11

Half an hour later, Merlin and Emrys left to 'swap' their clothes again. King Arthur and his followers, however, were on their way to their chambers, when Uther intercepted them and insisted that Arthur talk to him alone. Looking less than impressed Arthur sent his knights away regardless and motioned Uther to follow him to his rooms. After entering and closing the door Arthur turned to his father and inquired, "so, what is it you want from me."

"I just-" breaking off, the king sighed and sat down heavily, before continuing, "I wanted to ask you what happened to make you hate me so much."

"I don't hate you." was his son's succinct reply.

Uther scoffed and replied, "that's a little hard to believe, judging from the way you talk to me."

"That's not - I - alright, you really want to do this?" After receiving a confirming nod, Arthur walked forward to loom over his sitting father and started talking.

"Fine, then how about we start with the part where you killed my mother and subsequently started to murder innocent people," seeing Uther's intention to interrupt, Arthur cut him off immediately, "no, you don't get to defend yourself, not anymore. It was your decision and your need for an heir that provoked her death. You may not have dealt her the killing blow yourself, but you did "accidently" on purpose sign her death warrant. You knew that there was a price and you chose to use magic anyway and then you dare blame someone else? Hundreds of people, my people died, because of your...inability to admit to having made a mistake."

Taking a deep breath Arthur tried to calm himself before adding, "so, yes I don't particularly like you anymore. I - I tried to understand your reasons for the purge and your decisions concerning my mother, I really did, but still I don't get it. And I never had the chance to ask you before, so please explain it to me, because I sure as hell don't know what you were thinking." Rant finished Arthur stopped crowding his father and retreated to the far wall, leaving a momentarily speechless Uther behind.

Several moments later the old king was still looking like a fish out of water, especially with his mouth opening and closing rapidly, without actual sounds coming out of it. Another felt lifetime later, Uther was finally about to answer, only to be interrupted by the near-explosive opening of the chamber doors. Shortly followed by Emrys walking in.

The warlock stopped short upon seeing both kings in the same room, uneasy for a second, however, he soon recovered and keeping his words vague, because of Uther's presence, he only said, "we've got a problem."

Rolling his eyes at the irony of it all, Arthur only hesitated a second and threw one last apprehensive look at his father, before he followed Emrys, who led him out of the room. Seriously, who was he kidding? He would never get his answer, the time was just never right. And maybe ,just maybe it was better this way. He'd really like to know what had happened back then, but apparently some things were better left in the past.


King Arthur and his court sorcerer were hurrying through the hallways to the battlements, where Merlin planned to show the blonde what he'd discovered, when they happened to cross paths with a certain maid. Upon spotting her Arthur promptly forgot his worries and started smiling like a lovesick puppy. Not really thinking about it he called out for her, "Guinevere."

Startled by the call, Gwen promptly dropped the basket she was carrying and whipped around to find out who'd said her name. After spotting the two men she smile and inquired, "Is there something you need, Sire?"

"No, no thank you, Gwen and technically you don't work for me yet."

"Oh, you're the old one - I mean older - not that you're not looking as ..youthful. Er I'll better go now. It was nice meeting you." With a last sheepish smile Gwen hastily retrieved her basket and ran for it. Unaware of the fact that Arthur was watching her fondly until she disappeared from view.

Emrys only rolled his eyes at the antics of his king and unceremoniously dragged him on. When they finally reached the battlements Emrys sent the stationed guards away and only then started explaining.

"Here, look."Emrys said, while he quickly drew a circle with his hand in the air above him and murmured "ic i sweotolae." As soon as he'd pronounced the last syllable a round 'window' appeared, where he'd indicated it with his hand, showing something else than the usual view. Instead of clear skies and green forests, there was a fire and a cloud of smoke blocked most of the view.

"What is this?" Arthur asked bemused.

"It's one of the outlying villages, my shield doesn't extend that far and they know that. They've started attacking them one by one."

"Then we have to help them," exclaimed an outraged someone from behind. The two whirled around and watched as Prince Arthur appeared from a secluded alcove, which usually served as a hideout against enemy fire. Dumbfounded Emrys only said, "uh, you weren't supposed to know that."

"Not supposed to - I don't care what I'm supposed to know. I have to help my people."

"I'm sorry, but that's not possible. It would be too dangerous for you and the future, too many things are dependent on your survival," explained Emrys patiently.

"I don't care! I can't just sit by and watch my people die. Give me a pair of those special armguards, now." Arthur and Emrys exchanged a worried glance, until the former spoke up. "No, I'm afraid that's not going to happen, but you don't need to worry I'll send - Merlin here to take care of it."

"Merlin? And that's supposed to be reassuring? You can't be serious," the younger blonde shouted.

Not really interested in being dragged into a long argument Merlin cut in with, " right, I'll just be going then, see you later." And just like that he dissolved into a gust of wind and disappeared, leaving Arthur to bicker with himself.


An hour and a lost argument later Prince Arthur stomped through the castle in a foul mood. Not only couldn't he help his people, he was also no better than a sitting duck, waiting for a predator to strike. And that just wouldn't do. He had a plan and right now he was on his way to get an ally.

"Merlin, come along. I've got a job for you..."


Review pls =)

ic i sweotolae= to show / reveal