Author's notes: I was a little worried that I might not be able to post this chapter in time, because I have more or less run out of buffer, but I will try very hard to stick to my schedule of posting every Friday.

Life has been particularly difficult for me this week. A couple of my relatives have been feeling very unwell and I've been trying to help them out. I did have a very nice respite break, but it seems the moment I returned, life conspired to throw me in at the deep end of being a carer. I hope you forgive me if this chapter isn't quite up to standard.

Once more I want to thank those of you who took time to write reviews and to the new readers who have favourited me and my story. Believe, after a week such as this, you lift my spirits and inspire me to keep writing.

Oh, and I'd like to wish a Happy Birthday to Bradley James who played our wonderful King Arthur in Merlin.

Chapter Nineteen

To Track a Traitor

As the two friends negotiated the castle corridors, they discovered most of Camelot's guests were now up and about and seeking sustenance. Judging from the general flow of the crowds, it seemed Guinevere had ordered breakfast to be served in the dining hall and the council chambers. Already there were queues forming at both these entrances, while a host of servants threaded their way through the crush with platters of food held aloft to avoid spillage.

"I hope this Grand Council doesn't last too long, or this lot are going to eat us out of house and home," Arthur complained mildly as he turned away, deciding to use a different route to reach his destination rather than force his way through the throng and, no doubt, become involved in various conversations with his visitors. Though, truth be told, he hadn't quite decided on exactly where he was heading first.

"Merlin, how long will it take you to prepare those rune marks?" he asked as he ducked down a narrow flight of circular stairs in one of the turrets.

"Not too long, though I need to pick up a few things from Gaius' chambers first."

"Good. We can kill two birds with one stone when we check if that raven is carrying a message."

Arthur laughed at his own joke, while Merlin groaned. However, the warlock was content that The King was in a better mood, where he was prepared to actually make stupid quips.

"That was a terrible pun, Arthur!" he grumbled. "You're losing your touch, my friend."

Both pressed themselves against the white-stone wall when an unusually ruffled George came barrelling down the stairs behind them. "Sorry, Sire. Can't stop now. The Queen has sent me to the kitchens to organise more food. That lot are a greedy bunch and they'll eat us out of house and home." George echoed his sovereign's words of earlier. "And that's mainly the nobles. The common people seem grateful for anything that's on offer," he added, as he resumed his descent to the kitchens.

"Yeah gods! Did we just see a flustered George?" Arthur enquired. "Things must be bad."

Yet, it seemed George was not wholly forgetful of his first duty, as his face reappeared round the curve of the stairwell.

"Have you eaten, Sire? I could instruct the cook to send you some breakfast if you will only tell me where you are going."

Arthur's stomach rumbled at the mention of food, and he looked questioningly at Merlin, before replying to his servant's kind offer. "Thank you, George. Send two breakfasts to Gaius' chambers, please," he said, after receiving an enthusiastic nod from Merlin. No doubt his crazy early morning stunt had interrupted Merlin's breakfast too. "Actually, make that four. I'm not sure Gaius' fare is very appetising and Iseldir needs to eat... I assume. Do Druids eat first thing in the morning?"

"I don't see why not," Merlin gave his considered opinion. "They are human beings, after all."

But George had already heard his orders and had once again vanished into the lower regions of the citadel, Arthur and Merlin following at a more sober pace. When they reached the bottom, they made their way outside.

At least the rain had eased and a dull silver aureole glowed in the lowering sky, proving that the sun was attempting to push through the clouds. Arthur had changed into dry clothes, and Merlin had attempted to dry himself by the fire in the royal chambers, which hadn't worked totally, but at least he had borrowed another cloak. He whispered a 'drying' spell and was delighted at the result. Now he no longer had to hide his magic, he really ought to increase his repertoire, or maybe not. Gaius would tell him that magic wasn't to be used for humdrum tricks.

As they quickly wove their way around the pools in the quadrangle, they noticed Sir Kay helping a number of very damp people from the back of a wagon. In accord, both changed direction to hail Kay.

"You're back, Kay," said The King, smiling expansively while stating the obvious.

"Yes, Sire," Kay answered, assisting a particularly grey haired old man down from the boards. "We would have returned sooner but this deluge washed out the bridge at Creech, so we had to go north to find another crossing."

"But you reached Brineved?"

"I did, and all the settlements in between, and, as you can see, I've collected a number of people who wish to join your Grand Council," Kay shepherded his group, numbering six men and a younger boy, towards The King, though he still guided the steps of the old gentleman. "Sire, I would like to present, Quin, the headman of Brineved."

The old man bowed with difficulty while holding out his free hand as if feeling his way, and Arthur quickly realised Quin's sight was poor. He grasped the old man's arm, and patted it gently. "Good day, Quin. I'm Arthur, and I'd like to welcome you to Camelot. You are all most welcome," he added, extending his greeting to the whole party. "Thank you for travelling so far to attend my council, and in this inclement weather. But you are wet and cold, and there is food being served in the halls, which I'm sure you need." Arthur turned and called down one of the guards by the main entrance. "Please escort these good people inside to the dining hall, and ask The Queen or Sir Geoffrey to take care of them for me."

Quin spoke up in a hoarse, yet surprisingly cultured voice. "No one can predict the weather, Sire, and the storm broke only on the last stage of our journey. We should thank you, Sir King," and he bowed again. "It is a fine thing to know that our voices shall be heard amongst those of the highest in the land."

"It is only fitting that you should have your say, since the changes we propose will affect your lives as well as ours here in Camelot," Arthur countered as he studied the rest of Kay's charges, all looking sullenly awkward, except for the oldest and the youngest, who gazed around with bright curiosity. "As you have missed the opening speeches, I'd like to present to you my friend and adviser, Merlin Emrys, who I'm sure will instruct you in anything you might want to know regarding magic before casting your vote. However, please go inside and dry yourselves off and eat for now. The next meeting starts this afternoon, so you have time to rest from your travels. I have urgent duties which need attention, but I will talk to you later."

With much bowing and a mumbling of thanks, the group followed the guard, the boy taking over Kay's duty of leading Quin. Arthur's latter statement wasn't only out of courtesy. He intended finding out how they felt about magic and its possible return. Meanwhile, he could always ask Kay for the lie of the land.

"Kay, come, walk with us," Arthur instructed, leading them towards the stairs which would take them to Gaius' apartments. "I'm sorry you're still soaking wet and hungry, but I promise not to keep you long. I wondered if any of the people you brought discussed this gathering while on the road."

"They did, Arthur. At first, they were reluctant to speak with me, but I could hear them talking amongst themselves." Kay looked a bit crest fallen to admit this, but he continued more cheerfully. "However, after I saved Matthew from falling in the water at Creech, they became more forthcoming. We stayed overnight at a small farm, and were glad of the cover when the rain started pelting down. It was a bit over-crowded, mind you, and most of us spent the night in the barn. Well, more of a lean-to with three sides, but it was better than nothing. We got a fire going and had a cosy chat. Generally, I'd say that Quin and Matthew are your only strong supporters. The boy is Quin's grandson and he's only along to help, cheery little soul that he is." Kay smiled, remembering the boy's enthusiasm when he discovered he was included in the party. "He's probably never been this far from his home in his life. Pity he can't vote, though, cause you're his hero, Arthur. He'd most likely agree that the moon was made of cheese if you said so."

The King looked suitably abashed, and quickly steered the conversation back on track. "And the rest?"

"The other three could go in either direction, but Owyn, the small dark one, he's definitely against magic, though I have no idea why, and I couldn't draw him out."

"That doesn't sound like you, Kay. Normally, you could talk a beggar into giving you his only shirt," Arthur said with a tiny grin.

"True!" Kay bowed with a flourish. "Yet joking aside, I think he might have a particular reason, but I have no idea what it is and he's keeping very quiet. Do you want me to try to persuade him to open up?"

Arthur ran a hand through his hair which still hung in dank strands on his forehead. "Not at the moment, Kay. You've done well, but take some time off for the moment," Arthur said with a slight wheeze, pointing back the way they had come. "Get yourself some food and dry clothes. With luck, we'll have time later to visit your friends. Oh, and Kay, I do have another job for you. Could you escort Lady Morgana to my father's chambers when you've finished... say in around an hour?"

"Morgana? I thought she was dead!"

"Seems not," Arthur almost groaned, his face blank.

"And she's here, in Camelot?" Kay looked surprised and not at all unhappy.

"In a manner of speaking." Arthur thought of explaining, but decided against it for the present. It was all too complicated. "If you ask Sir Leon, he'll tell you where she's being kept, but remember, Kay, this isn't the Morgana you once knew; definitely not the girl we used to play with. She's a prisoner and she's dangerous..."

That brought a loud laugh from Sir Kay. "Arthur, she was always dangerous! She ruled the roost when we were children."

Even Arthur laughed, somewhat sheepishly, at that memory, as Merlin tried to imagine Morgana as a child; probably a wild, vibrant girl with a sense of purpose, but also a sense of humour.

"I wouldn't disagree with that." The King's laugh ended in another wheezing cough, and he covered his mouth until his breathing steadied. "But off you go, Kay. Clean up and eat! And that's an order. We'll see you later with Morgana."

Arthur watched as Kay bowed his head and marched off, when he noticed Merlin staring at him with raised eyebrows.

"What?"

"You're brave, visiting Uther's chambers again," Merlin observed, falling into step by Arthur's side as they continued on their way to meet Gaius. "Last time, you couldn't wait to leave."

Arthur shrugged, but his jaw tightened with determination. "I'm still not comfortable being there, Merlin, but if we want to discover the truth about Morgana, we have to find some way to catch her off balance." Arthur swept passed the guards and mounted the stairs that led to the physician's chambers, continuing to talk over his shoulder. "She hated Uther and if she was responsible for his death, then perhaps she won't feel very relaxed there either."

"Particularly if she's lying to us about her memory loss," Merlin conceded, before a shiver coursed through his body. "You know, you might have banished Uther beyond the veil again, but I get the strangest feeling he still haunts his rooms."

Halting on the stair above his friend, Arthur turned, a look of shock flashing across his face. "He doesn't, does he?"

"No! Without a doubt, you sent him back to the spirit world," Merlin reassured The King. "But Uther was larger than life, and there is something of his presence still lingering in those rooms. You really ought to have them cleared out and refurbished."

"You're right, of course, but don't expect Guinevere and me to move in. They might be the 'royal chambers' but we're happy where we are, thank you."

The two men had arrived at their destination, which put paid to their present conversation. Arthur knocked on the door, but without waiting for an answer, he led Merlin inside.

Gaius' chambers were overflowing with the implements of his physician's trade, which he had collected over the years. Although it appeared cluttered, there was some sort of organization in the chaos. At least, Gaius appeared to know where everything was.

At the moment, Gaius and his guest, Iseldir, were sitting at a small table eating bowls of porridge: clearly their breakfasts from the castle's kitchen had not yet arrived. Both looked up at the sound of visitors entering their abode.

"Merlin, Arthur," Gaius greeted, with a slight edge of disapproval in the last name. "I hear you had a training session at the crack of dawn, Sire?"

"Does everyone know? I swear the castle gossip mill must be faster than a speeding arrow," Arthur replied, attempting humour again, though he failed miserably. "Have the beacons been lit to pass the message around the kingdom that their king is a complete and utter dollop-head?"

Taken aback by Arthur's vehemence, Gaius rose. "Sire, there is no need to be so aggrieved. You might have been a little foolish, but your actions weren't unexpected."

"They weren't?"

"Not by me," Gaius replied more kindly. "Truth to tell, I've been expecting you to try out your strength, but now you've learned your boundaries, you will be more circumspect in the future."

Arthur looked stunned. "I will?"

This time Gaius laughed heartily. "Of course, you will. No matter how many times Merlin calls you a prat or clot-pole, I know you to be an intelligent young man who understands his responsibilities to his people."

Reaching out to nudge his friend, Arthur smiled too. "See, Merlin. Some people appreciate my abilities." But he quickly grew serious. "Actually, Gaius, I don't think I've got off totally free. My breathing is painful and Merlin thinks you might want to increase my medication."

"Oh, you really are learning," Merlin said and added with pretend shock, "I was sure we'd have to tie you down to force more of the potion down your throat."

"Merlin, don't be so disrespectful," Gaius declared, genuinely surprising both young men. "I've prepared a supply for you, Arthur." He crossed to a large cupboard which held all his herbs and concoctions, plucking out a wooden box which he brought to the table. When he opened the lid, a number of small bottles could be seen inside. "You should take one of these vials four times a day until you feel your breathing is easier."

"Won't you want to examine me first?" Arthur asked, somewhat bewildered.

Gaius' one eyebrow rose. "I don't see why. I'm perfectly happy to let you manage your own ailment, Arthur. However, if you don't feel sufficiently recovered in a few days, you can stop by and we'll review your remedy. But I don't foresee any problems, if you make sure you rest in between your duties."

"Thank you, Gaius." It was clear Arthur appreciated being given some control over his illness. "See, Merlin," he whispered in an aside to his friend. "Some people trust me."

"I trust you!" Merlin answered, but the conversation was cut short by a loud knock on the door.

Gaius answered and stood back as two servants brought in trays of appetising food.

"Your breakfast, " Arthur explained with a grin, gesturing for the maids to place the plates on the table. "I know porridge is healthy but I thought you might appreciate something more... interesting."

Still sitting at the table, Iseldir smiled, looking slightly stunned at the large selection of food. "Such a large amount of food would be expected to feed all of my clan for a day. You should not spoil me so, Sire."

Arthur's pale skin took on a rosy glow. "I'm sorry. I didn't think." If possible The King turned even redder. "Seems I do a lot of 'not thinking!' Iseldir, if you are short of food, you only have to ask and we will provide. Camelot looks after their own, and please, it is Arthur."

"Then, thank you, Arthur," Iseldir acknowledged The King's proposal with a placid smile. "But the weather has been kind this year until now, and my people don't lack sustenance, albeit a little more simple fare. However, I will remember your kind offer in a time of famine."

And, though Iseldir himself was clearly happier with simple fare, he did please Arthur by sampling some of the castle food. Thus, it was a more content king who joined the Druid at the table, tucking into his own meal with some gusto.

Meanwhile, by the door, Gaius and Merlin were deep in conversation, proving Gaius wasn't quite so blasé about Arthur's state of health.

"How does he look so healthy after his exertions?" he inquired of his ward, keeping his voice low. "You and I were both sure that any violent actions over a prolonged period would dislodge the shard and kill him."

"True," Merlin agreed, standing closer to Gaius and turning his shoulder to the men at the table. "And if you had seen the condition he was in when first I reached him, you might have thought him about to die. We got him inside, which I have to say, he wasn't happy about, but he did let us take care of him. I think he understood he was close to the edge, and that made him fairly docile."

"But the sliver of sword, Merlin? Is he still close to the edge of death?"

Merlin's brows rose. "No, Gaius. It's strange. I used Kilgarrah's enchantment, boosted by my own, and I felt the fragment move backwards... more than I could have hoped for. I'm not sure why, but it's farther from Arthur's heart than before his escapade."

"Probably because your powers are stronger than any of us imagined... even Kilgarrah." Gaius thought for a moment, before his faded eyes sparkled. "Your gifts might yet match that of the dragons and the Sidhe."

"I'm not certain that's the reason," Merlin replied, even if it were true his skills might one day equal the oldest magic in the land. "Gaius, did it ever occur to you that perhaps the sword splinter might not be quite as dangerous because Aithusa is a young dragon and a maimed one?"

"You mean Mordred's sword isn't as powerful as Excalibur?" Gaius' one quirked eyebrow almost reached his hairline. "You could be onto something, Merlin. Still powerful enough to cause Arthur problems and too powerful for us to remove, but perhaps easily manipulated by someone like yourself."

"It's worth considering."

Gaius nodded. "We need to do some research. I'll ask Iseldir and Geoffrey to help, though perhaps Geoffrey is too busy with this council, but he might show us where to look in the archives."

"Good. I'll leave that up to you," Merlin said. "But not a word to Arthur. At the moment, if he found out, he's still enough of an idiot to throw caution to the wind."

"Merlin," Arthur interrupted the clandestine talk. "Don't you want to eat? I swear I heard your stomach grumble earlier."

Merlin and Gaius shared a quick glance of agreement and went to enjoy their breakfast.

"I'm starving. I could eat a horse!" Merlin grinned.

"Horses are for riding, not for eating," Arthur affirmed with his mouth full. "Besides, this tartlet thing is very good."

Sampling a bite, Merlin nodded, a look of delight spreading across his face as the buttery pastry and tasty filling melted in his mouth. He quickly took another piece. "It is! I will have to send my compliments to the cook," he finally managed to say.

"You?" Arthur laughed. "You hate the cook, though she very kindly gave you an alibi once."

"Most of the time, she enjoys hitting me over the head with her spurtle!"

"What's a spurtle?" Arthur asked, clearly sadly lacking a knowledge of kitchen utensils.

"It's the wooden spoon I use for stirring porridge, Arthur," Gaius was quick to enlighten his sovereign. "And for a lot of my potions, to be honest."

"We use them too for much the same thing," Iseldir joined in.

For a short respite, the four people around the table enjoyed a general chat on everything from cooking to the weather. Until the raven in the room cawed, demanding to be fed.

Merlin and Arthur both rose. "I suppose it's time we addressed the reason we came here," Arthur suggested, allowing Merlin to approach the angry bird, whose claws and beak looked very sharp.

"It landed on the window ledge this morning and we enticed it in with scraps," Gaius explained, "but it won't allow either of us near it. We thought it best to leave it up to Merlin."

"That was very kind of you." Merlin looked somewhat sceptical as he moved slowly closer, eyeing the raven's black, beady stare. "Why does everyone assume I'm an animal person?"

"You did enchant it, didn't you?" Arthur smirked, staying inches behind his friend. "It will most likely recognise you."

"You think?" Merlin pouted, but he stretched his hand out while the bird beat its wings angrily. "Ici I gemildge." His eyes flashed a muted gold, not wanting to spook the bird further. "Angnes ne!" When the raven subsided on its wooden perch, Merlin grinned with success.

"Good for you, Merlin!" Arthur came to stand next the warlock, attempting to hit Merlin's arm in one of his 'friendly' gestures, but Merlin moved too fast. Arthur's hand swiped air, sending the bird flapping again.

"Thanks!" Merlin frowned, and calmed the bird once more. They both leaned, cannily, forward to check the bird's legs for messages, and neither were shocked to see a small rolled up parchment attached to the raven.

With great care and still whispering soothing words to the strange bird, Merlin removed the message before handing it to Arthur.

"Go ahead, Merlin. You retrieved it, you should read it," Arthur said generously. Perhaps a young Arthur would have insisted on his place, but The King had learned to trust and delegate. However, Merlin knew Arthur would be anxious, so he read aloud.

"Right! It appears to be to someone called Daman, and it reads... 'Have enlisted allies against sorcery. Am hopeful to succeed in our quest. Warn our master to be prepared to march. Your Lord."

Blowing out his cheeks in frustration, Arthur asked, "And that's all? It's not exactly informative, though it tells us Avebury is working for someone..."

"His master," Merlin said, shaking his head. "Well, it's not a sorcerer, that much is clear."

"True," Arthur agreed, absent-mindedly, his thoughts racing. "But that letter does give us some clues. Avebury is vain, and he has already informed us he is one of Camelot's foremost nobles. The only people he would consider outrank him would be members of the royal family..."

"And he isn't referring to you in that message," Merlin stated, following Arthur's train of thought.

"No..." Arthur prowled round Gaius' room, dodging the strewn furniture. "I believe we have another traitor in Camelot, who is manipulating the Grand Council for his and his liege-lord's own ends. But I have no idea which king he follows, and, judging from that message, he has no intention of letting the name slip. He doesn't even sign his own name."

"I suppose forcing him to reveal his intentions are out of the question?" Merlin asked, already knowing the answer.

Arthur halted, for one tiny moment considering that option. "That's impossible. My hands are tied. Avebury has made himself the champion of the 'ban the magic' camp." Arthur shrugged. "I invited everyone here to speak their minds under a banner of peace and I will not break that obligation."

No one in the room doubted Arthur's words. Apart from being The King, he was a true Knight of Camelot who believed his word was his bond. His fidelity was yet another of his virtues.

"Not to mention our opponents would revel in the opportunity to denounce me as a tyrant," he continued, putting himself in his enemies shoes. "Or Avebury could suggest Merlin had won me over to the dark side with an enchantment, especially since he could deny that message had anything to do with him. Plus we would lose our opportunity to discover who is behind the threat to Camelot."

Merlin had listened intently to Arthur, but he too was deep in thought. "We should set the raven free, after I place a tracking spell on it. Then we could find out the destination of the message, at least."

Iseldir stepped forward and interrupted. "I can weave a simple tracking spell, if Gaius has the ingredients?"

"I do!"

"Good, then we'll leave that up to you." Arthur nodded, grateful Merlin didn't have to bear the load alone. "Meanwhile, we do not let Avebury know we suspect him of anything more than disagreeing with our proposals on magic. If we give him enough space, he might grow over confident and give himself away."

"Do you intend to keep watch on him?" Gaius asked, approving of the young men's plan, though shocked when they both grinned.

"I believe Merlin has already set that in motion. An old friend has come back to Camelot for the council and since he's staying in a room very close to Avebury, he's agreed to keep his eyes open." Arthur took another circle around the chamber, almost tripping over a small table which held a burning stove, while a bowl of liquid bubbled merrily on top. Quickly, he steadied it, and himself. "Sorry, Gaius," he said, distractedly. "Merlin, it's not enough. We can't rely purely on William when so much is at stake."

"I agree, though it can't be anyone who has magic." Between them the two friends were putting together a strategy. "Many of the nobles would see that as harassment."

"And it shouldn't be any of our close supporters... They'd be regarded as biased," Arthur said solemnly. "The result of this debate has to be honest and above board, and more than that, it has to be seen to be unquestionable. It is the only way forward to legalise magic without starting a civil conflict."

Merlin and Arthur sighed in unison.

"We knew it wasn't going to be easy, Arthur, but even I have to admit I never foresaw a problem like Avebury..."

"Not to mention my sister," Arthur added, sighing again. "I'm sorry, Gaius and Iseldir, but Merlin and I have arranged to meet Kay and Morgana in my father's chambers."

Time had flown quickly, and Merlin startled. "And we have to get there first. I need to prepare the runes for the necromancy test. I still have to gather the tools... and do you still have that book, Gaius? I'd like to remind myself of the spell."

"Then you must hurry," Gaius advised, proceeding to search through his library, but it was Iseldir who found the book. "Thank you, my friend. I think I need a stronger pair of glasses. Now go on," he instructed the warlock and king, shooing them away as if they were his students. "Iseldir and I will see to the raven and put our heads together to come up with suggestions for undercover surveillance."

Within no time, Arthur and Merlin were on their way to Uther's chambers, their arms full of utensils for the job of discovering whether Morgana was a Shade.

Once more I have used Old English for a spell or two of Merlin's and I apologise for any mistakes I have made.

I hope you enjoyed this chapter and that my rush to get it ready for posting didn't detract too much from the story telling. Please do tell me if I have let you down, or even if you still found it a good read. I do love hearing from you all.