Chapter 7

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'Do you have magic, Merlin?'

'I do.'

Arthur, in spite of the events, had not really been expecting such an answer. He had always known there was something about Merlin, but he hadn't thought he was enough of an idiot to do magic in Camelot. Seriously, magic in Camelot.

'I-I am sorry, Arthur.'

His King looked up with barely concealed emotions – though there were so many Merlin couldn't really know what he thought.

'I know I should have told you. I never used magic for evil, I swear.'

The King growled.

'You are a sorcerer! You are evil! How could you betray me like that?'

'I am not a sorcerer. I am a warlock! And yes, there is a huge difference, dollophead! I never had a choice!'

'You have chosen to learn magic. It is proof enough of your corruption!'

'I didn't learn magic! I always had it – I am almost certain I was born with it.'

'It isn't possible.'

'It is. My magic flows through me as your blood does in you. Erm…that sounded weird. I do have blood too, if you are wondering. Anyway.'

Arthur did not calm down.

'Then why aren't you zapping yourself out of here like the filthy sorcerer you are?'

'Warlock! And first, I would never ever think of leaving you here. And anyway, those manacles suppress my magic. I can't use it anything with them on. It is quite annoying really, because they itch a lot. And they give me quite a headache.'

Arthur was silent for a moment.

'I would never use my powers against you or Camelot.'

The King's voice was hoarse.

'Why wouldn't you? My father hunted down your kind for years.'

'You are not your father; and even if you are a prat, you are my best friend. And the Druids have a prophecy about you.'

'Really?'

'You are the Once and Future King, the greatest monarch that will ever live. You are also meant –' He hesitated – perhaps Arthur wasn't ready for this.

'Yes?'

It was now or never.

'-to restore magic to this land with the help of Emrys.'

'Oh! I remember now. Gaius told me the story when I was young. So you think I am the Once and Future King. Then, who is Emrys?'

Really, Arthur's obliviousness was reaching new heights. Merlin was about to roll his eyes when the cells doors was banged open.

The warlock jumped in surprise. He usually felt people before seeing them - it was what Arthur called his 'funny feelings', and not having his magic foresight was quite unsettling. He wondered what it was like not to be magic. It must be so boring.

Morgana stepped in - of course, it was only now that he deduced the ambassador had been her all along. He should have known.

'Well, well, Emrys.'

She smirked as Arthur gasped.

'You are Emrys? But…'

'Yes, Arthur. He is. Anyway. This was all very interesting. Any other revelations you want to share with us, Merlin?'

The servant stared back with challenge in his eyes.

'No, that will be all for today. But if you want a piece of my mind, just unlock those bounds.'

She smirked.

'Really, Merlin? Is that all you've got? You really think I care for cheeky provocations. I have to say I didn't quite believe my eyes when you revealed your magic. You being Emrys was just laughable. And I still can't believe the mighty warlock was an idiot manservant all along. But then I thought of how you poisoned me' Arthur gasped again, and Morgana smirked 'and everything was clear. Emrys is a traitor to his kind. Now that's not why I am here.'

Merlin was about to explain his reasons to Arthur - but the witch wanted doubt to instil itself between her prisoners, and Merlin was not to have a chance to explain his actions. She waved her hand and thickly gagged the servant. He shouted but she flung him against the wall. He hit his head with a loud bang and passed out.

She turned around. Her helpless brother was trying to get to his manservant, but his chains were not long enough. She laughed and shortened the bounds even more, so that he could not move around at all. He shouted in indignation.

She smirked, and with a flash of her eyes, brought him to his knees.

'I need you to sign this paper. You see, I want to be a legitimate Queen, and I don't wish to kill you yet. It would be no fun.'

'I'll never hand you over my kingdom. You'll never get my assent.'

She laughed and waved him off.

'You really are counting on your knights and my traitor of a maid to rescue you. Well, you can wait for a long time then. They are not coming.'

'What have you done to them?'

'The whole city is under my control. Your Queen does not even control her own thoughts. I know what she is doing at the moment, for I make her do it. I have possessed your people, and there is nothing you can do to get them back.'

Morgana laughed again. She turned around, her black dress swirling around her, and went to stand over Merlin. The manservant was still out cold. She kicked him in the ribs, which broke with a sickening crack, jolting Merlin into consciousness. He tried to let out a yell but shocked on the gag, and was left gasping for air. Tears welled at the corner of his eyes.

The witch laughed at Merlin's poor attempts to bit back his moans and went to the door. Before she closed it, she let the two prisoners see that their guardians were none other than Elyan and Leon.

'Sleep well, Pendragon, for you will need it.'

The door was closed in a loud bang.

:)

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