Author's notes: Thank you so much for your reviews and encouragements. An extra thanks to those who pm'd me. Also, I'm honoured to see this story already attracted so many favs and story alerts. Thank you! I hope I will not disappoint you! Special kudos go to my beta Strut, who, when I started writing didn't know the show but erm… I think I kinda overrun her with it and then she went as far as buying the series. My deepest thanks, my friend.

Okay, on with it. This chapter and chapter two were originally one chapter. As a writer I usually write longer chapters but for Merlin I decided to shorten them in order to give me more time. Many of you commented on the time-setting between series two and three. For this story I just thought it worked best. Mainly because series two ended on such emotional turmoil. I just couldn't resist working that in. I know, it's only been two chapters, but I've already written up to chapter 7 and I'm really getting into it now! Hope you like it.

Enjoy!

Chapter 3

Merlin was fascinated by Tagan. Imagine the stories this man could tell. When the scribe spoke, his words held a mystery and rhythm that compelled him to listen. He had expected to hear of another threat, of another sorcerer rising, like Nimueh, or Morgause, seeking revenge for having suffered at Uther's hands. He hadn't anticipated the last three words, spoken as fact, as something so dire it could bring down the entire kingdom. Hearing part of his secret thrown out in the open like that took him off guard. His breath caught, and the pitcher nearly fell from his hands.

Servants were supposed to do their jobs quietly in the background, invisible to those of higher birth. So luckily nobody had paid attention to him. Well, except for Arthur who Merlin knew was well aware of him. Also, Mathylda shot an occasional glance in his direction, so he fought to keep his expression in check. His stomach rolled as he uneasily switched his attention from one to another. If Tagan knew of this part of the prophecy, then what else had he learned? Once again Mathylda's gaze settled on him before moving on. He swallowed, pulled himself together and proceeded to watch as Uther slowly leaned in.

"That's impossible." The King looked thoroughly taken aback.

"Magic isn't something you're born with, it has to be mastered," Arthur voiced what was common knowledge. "From what I've heard it requires years of study. Those that practice do so for a reason."

Tagan nodded. "Imagine the consequences should such a person exist, My Lords. And I have no doubt that he does. To one born with magic, it comes naturally. He does not need to practice, does not even need to voice an incantation. Casting a spell, especially the simple ones will not tire him in the slightest. To such a person, magic is instinct. In time, the powers of this creature will far exceed Sigan's expertise, and may even rival the powers of the great dragon."

Dazed by the depth of Tagan's knowledge, it was all Merlin could do to keep still. He didn't dare refill their goblets, not sure if he could keep his hands steady.

"And you're saying this… sorcerer already exists?" Arthur sounded worried.

Tagan nodded. "Rumours speak of a male, one that will over time become more powerful than any sorcerer known to men."

Uther slowly sat himself down. "If you are right, this might be the greatest threat Camelot has ever faced."

"It is worse, Sire. I have travelled far and wide to uncover the truth behind this story. I have laid bare part of a prophecy. My lord, these whispers are old, and foretell him returning magic to the land."

Merlin sucked in a breath, setting his attention on the scribe again. If the man also knew of Arthur's destiny to reunite the land of Albion, then there was every chance Arthur would be diverted from that path for good. A small voice told him that he should be careful, for if Tagan knew that much, the scribe could make the connection from the prince to his servant. Not that Mathylda did not already. That's why her gaze unsettled him so much, he thought. She was looking for a sign of magic. Tensing, he quickly tried to assess whether she had any powers of her own. If she had, she could easily root him out. He released a breath. There was nothing, or if there was, it was too low for him to register.

"Wait."

Merlin looked at Arthur. With his back turned, he couldn't see his friend's expression, but the confusion in his voice was clear.

"You said this sorcerer will become powerful 'over time'."

"A warlock, sire." Tagan corrected. "Make no mistake, he is already as powerful as Sigan, maybe even more so, but from what I have gathered, I do not believe he is adept enough, strong enough yet to make his move. For whispers say he's still young, too young."

Merlin felt his stomach do another somersault. Knowing of his true age, things started getting hairy.

"Then we must do everything in our power to find him." Uther said, obviously seeing all that he'd worked so hard for fall to pieces. "He must not be allowed to live."

"How do we find him?" Arthur pondered. "If he doesn't need to practice, doesn't need to devote himself to the old religion, then he could take up any other job. He could be anyone."

"You are correct, My lord. However, this also gives us a starting point."

Uther frowned. "How so?"

"You are forgetting that he is born with magic. It is part of his physical being. Which means he cannot live without it. Whoever this is, has to use his power at least once in a while. It is who he is, it is instinct. Magic to this creature is as essential to him as eating, breathing or sleeping. He will die, pine away if he cannot use it."

Merlin's stomach had stopped rolling, instead it felt frozen in place. Was this true? He had never stopped using magic long enough for that to happen. Why would he? An uneasy feeling rippled toward the surface. He'd once told Gaius that if he couldn't use magic, he might as well die. Had it been more than just his low self esteem telling him he was no one, a nobody if he couldn't do magic? Or had it been his self preservation talking? His will to live?

"This means I have tell tale signs to watch for," Tagan went on. "He probably has a low position to keep from getting noticed. He's destined for your downfall, My Lord," Tagan addressed Uther. "So he is probably already in the city, maybe even the citadel. And he is young, therefore he will make mistakes."

Yes, he did. He had. If Tagan would start to investigate, being a scribe, he would probably start with stories told here at court. Judging by the man's power of observation, it wouldn't be long before he'd focus on all those little incongruent details, which to any other person were perfectly explainable. But to Tagan, they would not add up. And he'd be right. His only consolation was that neither Mathylda nor her cousin seemed to be aware of Arthur's part in the prophecy. For his friend's sake, he had to keep it that way, so he forced himself to calm down.

"He's already here?" Uther looked taken aback. "So it couldn't be that boy druid who escaped us a while ago?"

"Not according to my research, no," Tagan explained. "Whoever this is, has kept himself well hidden, but do not worry, My lord. Eventually his instinct will betray him. I can find him, provided you agree to one thing."

"Anything," Uther immediately declared.

"In my search I may find other sorcerers, those that dabble in the old religion, or those that practice the healing magics. I cannot stop to have them executed, I cannot be bothered with them. If I would, it might tip our hand, our suspect might flee."

Uther sat back, pressing his lips together in thought.

Merlin stared at him, hoping for once that the King let his fear of magic rule his decision making, like it always had.

"Arthur?"

Merlin was surprised when Uther asked for his son's advice. Surprised and worried, because being far more level headed than his father, Arthur would see the advantages of Tagan's tactics.

"Father?"

"I know we cannot afford to grow lenient in our task to destroy the evilness that has infested our lands," Uther said. "This case however, might call for a different approach.

Arthur nodded, his expression thoughtful. "It might be worth letting the smaller prey go in order to get at the bigger game."

"Very well." Uther turned back to Tagan. "You have my permission to pursue this matter as you see fit." He looked up, addressing all those present in the room, including the guards at the door. "Word of this to anyone will be seen as treason on pain of death."

Tagan bowed. "My Lord."

"Let us hope we can remove this threat to Camelot as soon as possible," Uther said, before dismissing the session.

Merlin was glad to follow Arthur out the door. He felt drained, as if he'd been fighting of another round of sleeping spells cast by Morgause.

"Merlin!"

He turned at Mathylda's voice, ready for whatever it was she had to say.

"All staff is to be assembled at noon in the great hall. Be there."

He nodded mutely, the trouble she could give him as the new head of household not seeming nearly as worrisome anymore as the one he faced coming from Tagan. He wasn't easily scared, and when he did, he usually feared for someone else, Arthur, Gaius or Gwen. But he couldn't deny the danger he was in. If he wanted to keep his friends safe, he'd better tread with care from now on.

TBC

I deliberately had them know at the start of the story that they're looking for someone born with magic, because this gives me a chance to dig into what sets Merlin apart from other sorcerers. The show tells us some, but I might draw my own conclusions from that. Please tell me what you think so far. I would love to hear your input.