Disclaimer: As per usual I own nothing.

AN: I am happy that you guys are finding the story compelling so far and that you are showing interest in which way it could possibly go. It is much appreciated and I got to say I am enjoying writing it. Let us continue...

Chapter 6

Merlin tried to stiffen a yawn as he watched the young man thank Arthur again for the wolf pelt and the griffin. It appeared his brother had fallen against the said griffin and seeing his head on a pike so to speak gave some form of closure to him. And a hefty amount of coins for them judging by Arthur's pockets.

At least they didn't have to worry about sleeping another night outside.

"Well Arthur now that you got paid it is only fair that you repay me for my earlier hospitality and promptly get shit faced with me."

Arthur grunted at his antics but Merlin saw that he accepted as Gwaine was already steering him towards the tavern. It wouldn't hurt to have some fun after everyone and everything wanting to kill them ordeal.

"I agree Gwaine. It is time to relax for a bit."

They entered the crowded establishment as shouts and music flowed through the room.

"Alright. I'll see where the alcohol is. Gentlemen- I'll be right back."

As he saw a couple of ladies in the corner of the room he quickly changed his mind.

"You guys are on your own. I got go."

With that he was off and Merlin wasn't surprised that it didn't last long for him to do so.

Merlin and Arthur made their way to the free bench and sat down, while the brew came soon after. They looked in Gwaine's direction to see he already had his hands around the shoulders of the two ladies and he nodded at their drinks when he noticed them. He wanted to make sure they had fun.

"He sure can be pushy at times, didn't see him so eager when those wolves attacked us."

Arthur was already catching up with Gwaine in the drinking department and Merlin realized that maybe he needed the down time as much as they did.

"Hey, never refuse a drink, especially after a long journey."

Merlin had to agree as he drained his. He really needed to stop being so cautious all the time.

"You handled yourself good out there Merlin. No huge destruction, kept your emotions in check. Morgana would be proud."

And there goes his good mood. Arthur was doing this on purpose he was sure of it.

"Yes well we can't be all calm and collected can we Arthur?"

They were close to Camelot and he understood why Arthur was so restless but they needed to keep their heads in this otherwise it may become a problem. One they didn't have time to deal with now.

"Camelot is not far from here."

He saw the man stiffen and knew that there was more to this place than he was willing to share. He also believed that when they get there it won't take long for them to reveal what that something is.

Merlin himself had never been in Camelot, outskirts sure. It was actually where he met Arthur and Morgana. Soon after when they started t that he figured out there was more to them then they let on but never really bothered to ask. They had their secrets, he had his.

"I don't want to be there any longer than I have to. We will see if Morgana is there and we will be gone afterwards."

Why did he have a feeling that once they get there it would be much harder to leave? Even Arthur didn't look all that convinced in what he was saying.

"Hope you are right Arthur but somehow I doubt it."

Arthur sent him a glare and he knew that the man really didn't want to be in that place more than it was necessary.

"What will you do if the rumors are true Merlin?"

He didn't want to spend time overthinking it because it was all he did since he heard it.

"I don't know Arthur. Probably ask why."

Arthur didn't respond to it but rather decided to change the subject. Morgana was always something they found hard to talk about.

"They are probably still searching for us if the rumor of Uther's death by our hand still rings true. We will have to go into Camelot during the night, it is best for us to avoid unwanted attention."

Arthur wasn't wrong. After Morgana put them in this mess they had to go to great lengths to avoid and even encourage the rumors about their own deaths. So to most of Albion they were gone.

"Does Gwaine know?"

Arthur glanced towards the said man who was laughing wholeheartedly with the women in the corner, obviously having a good time. At least one of them was.

"He knows that we are not wanted in Camelot. Why is a reason that remains unknown to him."

Merlin didn't like to keep secrets but over the years he found that it was best to omit the truth if possible.

"It would be good to keep it that way."

Arthur nodded in agreement.

"It would be a shame to drag the lad into our problems."

"Mhm."

Merlin at the end of it all didn't care either way. Sure, he was fond of their little brotherhood, but to get to Morgana he would risk anything. If that made him a bad person he didn't care.

"I know what you are thinking Merlin but I don't believe that."

Merlin looked up towards Arthur startled at his answer.

"You may think you could do anything to achieve your goal but that isn't true. You are not a bad person and if a sacrifice of one life was necessary to achieve what you want you wouldn't do it. That is not just who you are."

Sure that may be so but when it came to Morgana, he just wasn't certain that still rang true.

"Maybe you're right Arthur."

He didn't want to say anything more than that.

"I assume tomorrow night we will make our way into Camelot?"

"It appears to be best."

"Then it is settled."

Arthur finally got up and turned towards Merlin before going.

"I need rest. I leave you to your thoughts Merlin, but be ready tomorrow I don't want to save your scrawny self again."

Merlin snorted.

"You wish."

With that he was alone. A tavern full of people but he saw none.

So Morgana, will you ever tell me what it is you are running from?

Well...Merlin... I will tell you when you tell me why you wake up every night with a panicked look on your face.

Never mind, forget I asked.

We all have our secrets Merlin, doesn't mean that I don't trust you.

I don't care if you trust me or not.

I think you do Merlin, but still not enough to share your pain with us.

What does it matter, it is not something you can change. It is in the past.

Exactly so why spend time talking about it.

Fine, I won't say anything.

Fine.

Fine.

No, I get to have the last word Merlin. Fine.

I'm a warlock.

You're a what-

A warlock. Someone who is born with magic, considered to be magic itself.

Ah.

Yes so it is not easy for me to share this with people. As well as sorcerers are regarded in our world, it all came with years of practice and ungodly amount of talent. Me, I just have it.

Don't bring yourself down just because other people may view things differently.

What about you Morgana?

What about me?

There is something you and Arthur aren't telling me.

Well besides me being a damn good sorceress there is this big secret. You want to know what it is?

What?

Shush not so loud, come closer Merlin.

So what is it?

I can kick Arthur up and down this field in a sword fight. Done so lots of times.

What, really?

Mhm.

Wait, you distracted me I shared something important and you share that.

Well it is important and needed to be said.

He can still remember her mischievous smile as she tricked him. Still, he was so amazed by her that he didn't mind it at all.

You are something else Morgana.

Yes and don't you forget it Merlin.

And he never did.

A hard punch on his shoulder had him startled. He opened his eyes to see that the sun was already out and Arthur was standing next to him.

"Eh what?"

Arthur only glared at him.

"Again falling asleep in a tavern. Didn't I tell you to get some rest, not drink yourself to oblivion."

Merlin didn't even try to correct him.

"You know me, can't get away from good ale."

Arthur moved towards the door, his glare was enough for Merlin to start moving.

"We wasted enough time already. I sent Gwaine to buy us some supplies and you will get the horses ready."

He really was like a king when he got in his angry fit.

"And what will your highness be doing, if a humble servant may ask?"

Arthur almost growled at his mockery.

"I am going to practice, so unless you want to be my target you better make haste Merlin."

Merlin bowed comically and said, "As you command, my liege. At once."

With that he hurried off as Arthur shouted profanities at him.

"Merlin! You good for..."

He didn't hear further, nor did he really want to.

-oo-