Landslide victory to the battle preparation! I must admit, this chapter was harder to write than I thought it was going to be, and it doesn't help that the plot bunnies deserted me when I needed them! But here it is, on time! Enjoy!

Merlin sat on his bed with his spell book propped open in front of him. He quickly skimmed past the spells he was proficient in, looking for new ones to try in his training session with Arthur later that afternoon.

Kilgharrah had located both Gilli and Alator for him, and he had sent them both letters, although neither of them had replied. Arthur had been disappointed at first, but with no word yet of any movement from Morgana, they had decided to wait. They had the druids on their side; with Camelot's forces, it would hopefully enough to combat Morgana.

'Why hasn't she attacked yet?'

'She wants us to let our guard down. She's under the impression that Camelot believes it's won a great battle. Morgana wants everyone to think that the war is over, and then she will strike when we least expect it.'

'Which is why we're preparing now.'

Merlin had smiled then, as they sat down to begin planning.

They'd known it was going to be difficult. Since Agravaine's death, there wasn't any possible way of telling who, if anyone, was feeding her information from inside the castle. It was unlikely that she'd just abandon Camelot and hope for the best when she attacked.

No. Morgana already had a spy planted within Camelot once again.

Which meant that had to be careful.

If the spy reported any change in Camelot's protection detail, it could alert Morgana to what had really happened in the woods. The chances were slim, but it was a risk they couldn't take.

So Arthur had been steadily increasing the amount of training time, and the intensity, claiming he'd let the Knight's slack off during the hunt for Emrys. Gwaine had, of course, immediately protested against this, but a clip round the back of the head and a raised eyebrow soon saw him off. Merlin felt bad, not telling his friend what was really going on, but it was too dangerous. And Gwaine wasn't known for his secret keeping skills.

They had also been finding time to head out into the Darkling Woods, to train together without any chance of being caught. Arthur had been shocked when he'd realised just how powerful Merlin was, but he'd snapped out of it fairly quickly. It shouldn't have been a surprise, Merlin thought. After all, the name Emrys was enough to make Morgana quiver with fear.

A knock on his door shook Merlin out of his reverie. He quickly stuffed the book under his pillow, before bidding the person to enter.

'Gilli!'

The younger man smiled, as Merlin stood up to shake his hand.

'I came as soon as I got your letter.'

'Thank you. I know I had no right in asking you to come.'

Gilli shook his head. 'I owe you for what you did during the tournament. Your letter was very vague; has something happened?'

'Indeed,' Merlin smiled. 'I am on the verge of fulfilling my promise to you, but I'm going to need your help. Walk with me.'

They left Gaius' chambers, nodding to the Physician as they did so. Gaius gave Merlin a knowing smile, as they made their way to the King's quarters.
Gilli froze just outside the door.

'What are you doing?'

'It's alright. I know what I'm doing,' Merlin smiled, opening the door. Gilli hesitated for a moment, before following Merlin into room.

Arthur looked up from his desk, raising an eyebrow. 'Ever heard of knocking?'

'That takes effort.'

The young King just rolled his eyes, and put down his quill, eyes gaze turning to Gilli, who was stood awkwardly behind Merlin.

'So, I take it this is Gilli? He responded to your letter after all.'

Gilli started, and looked at Merlin, alarmed. Merlin just smiled at him.

'Well, I couldn't exactly bring magic back without the King's permission, could I?'

'I don't understand.'

Arthur walked over to his table, indicating for Merlin and Gilli to sit down, before sitting opposite Gilli.

'Morgana is planning an attack on Camelot. I won't be able to defeat her without the use of magic. For now, we have to let Morgana believe that we are completely unprepared, which is why we have been recruiting behind hers, and the cities, backs. Nobody knows what we're doing besides our Court Physician, and the druids that have already agreed to fight for us. It's up to you Gilli. Will you fight by our side?'

Gilli stared at him. 'But, don't you know who I am? What I tried to do?'

Arthur nodded. 'Merlin explained everything to me. I am angry that you tried to kill my father, but I think I'm beginning to understand why you, and many others like you, have tried. Fear, depression, despair… it does strange things to people. I'm just glad Merlin managed to save you before it was too late.'

Gilli nodded. 'I am very grateful to him, my Lord. And I would be honoured to fight by your side.'

Arthur beamed at him, and nodded. 'Thank you. I promise you, your assistance will not go unrewarded.'

'Freedom will be award enough, my lord. I thank you for this opportunity.'

Merlin and Arthur shared a look, both looking relieved. The King stood, nodding to them both. 'I must attend to my Knight's. Will you be joining us for training later, Gilli?'

'It would be an honour my lord.'

Again, Arthur nodded, before sweeping from the room. Gilli slumped in his chair.

'You could have warned me.'

'I could have. But then you might have bolted, or done something stupid. And it was more fun to spring it on you.'

Gilli reached over and punched Merlin in the shoulder. The two grinned, and departed the chambers, heading for the Physicians chambers once again.

XxX

'Forbearnan!'

Merlin flicked his wrist, drawing a shield up around himself and Arthur whilst Arthur swung his sword, moving it in a complicated series that would have defended himself and Merlin from oncoming blades. The spell complete, Merlin thrust his arm forwards, hitting Gilli with a blast of air, ensuring that the younger man had a soft landing. He heard an oomph as Gilli hit the ground, and immediately relaxed his stance, hurrying over to his friend.

'You OK?'

Gilli let out a small laugh. 'If I'd realised you were that powerful, I never would have crossed you at the tournament.'

Merlin smiled. 'I prefer people not to know who I really am.'

He held out his hand, and Gill accepted it, clambering to his feet. 'I must say, I never expected you to be the Emrys. But I'm glad you are.'

Arthur looked between the two as he rolled his shoulder, stretching out his muscle. 'If you two are done being sentimental…'

Merlin snorted, and Gilli looked between them. 'We need to head back.'

They gathered up the various swords and shields littering the ground and piled them onto the pack horse, before mounting up and turning for Camelot.

The ride back was fairly quiet, all of them exhausted but satisfied with the afternoon's training. Merlin and Gilli had taken it in turns firing spells at each other and blocking them, whilst Arthur adjusted his fighting style to match their magic. He'd also been surprised to learn that he could distinguish between the two different types of magic. That would be useful in a battle.

The sun was beginning to set by the time they arrived back in Camelot, and Arthur immediately excused himself to dine with Gwen. Merlin had just smiled as the King swept away before leading Gilli up the stairs to the Physicians chambers.
He stopped them both just outside the door, holding up his hand for silence. Somebody was inside.

'… ever apologise enough for what I did to you, Gaius. But I must thank you for opening my eyes to the truth.'

'I'm afraid I cannot forgive you that easily, but your loyalty to Merlin means a lot to me. And for that, I thank you also.'

Merlin opened the door cautiously, not wanting to startle the two men inside.

Alator was stood by the door, whilst Gaius was on the other side of the room, a book open in front of him beside a mortar and pestle that now lay abandoned. Gaius looked tense and anxious, but he visibly relaxed when Merlin entered the room. Alator turned and immediately dropped into a low bow. Merlin stared at him, looking slightly awkward.

'Umm… you don't have to bow, you know.'

Alator straightened, with his head still inclined as a sign of respect. 'Emrys, when I received your letter, I hastened to your side. My clan is hidden deep within the Forest, awaiting your orders. We are proud to fight by your side.'

There was a low mutter of whoa from behind him, but Merlin barely noticed Gilli speak. His attention was on Gaius, who was still looking stiff on the other side of the room.

'I'll speak to Arthur about finding you both chambers within the castle.'

'That is not necessary, my Lord. I shall return to my people in the Forest.' Alator bowed again

'Umm… Alright. If that's what you're comfortable with…' he stammered, sharing a look with his mentor. Gaius just raised an eyebrow, looking rather amused. 'If it's OK, we'll meet with Arthur tomorrow. He's otherwise engaged tonight.'

Another bow.

'Of course, Emrys. I shall return in the morning. If you require us, do not hesitate to contact us.'

Merlin just nodded his head, watching Alator sweep from the room. Gaius moved out from behind his workbench as Merlin finally moved across the room towards him.

'Are you OK?'

'Yes. I was just a bit startled when he arrived.'

'I told you he was coming.'

'I know. But even forewarning me about his arrival couldn't stop the memories.'

Merlin stepped forward and engulfed Gaius in a warm hug. The old man relaxed finally, before Merlin drew away. 'I'll made dinner tonight.'

Gaius nodded, looking over his wards shoulder at Gilli, who was still stood in the doorway.

'Will you be joining us tonight? Or are you going to fall at Emrys' feet before running off to the woods?'

Gilli stared at Gaius, whilst Merlin laughed at the look on his face. 'Come on.' The younger man stepped into the room, where Gaius bustled over to him, ushering him towards the table.

'Consider yourself lucky. Merlin can make a good soup when he puts his mind to it.'

'Hey, I always put my mind to my work.'

Merlin caught Gaius' gaze, and they stared at each other for a moment, before they both burst out laughing. The mood was very contagious, and very soon, Gilli found himself laughing too, delighted to have been welcomed into this warm atmosphere.

XxX

In the end, Arthur didn't have the chance to meet Alator in the morning. Merlin had told him the previous night of the Druids' arrival in the forest, and they had agreed to head out there as soon as Council had finished.

But once they arrived at the Council meeting the next morning, everything went out the window.

They were half way through when a guard burst into the council chambers, looking flustered.

'Sire! King Arthur! I… I must…'

Arthur immediately rose to his feet as another Knight pushed the young man into a chair.

'Take a moment and calm yourself.'

The guard nodded, gasping for breath. Arthur nodded, crouching down in front of him.

'Now, tell me what has happened.'

'An army… there is an army… it's heading towards Camelot. It will be here tonight!'

The Knight's around the table gasped, but Arthur paid them no attention, standing up and turning to face Merlin.

'Get a message to Alator and Iseldir. We need them inside the castle, and ready for battle. Call Kilgharrah and Aithusa; get them here too. We don't have much time.'

Merlin bowed, and made to leave, but Gwaine didn't agree with that plan.

'Hang on! Alator? Iseldir? What the hell is going on? Why is Morgana attacking?'

Arthur took a deep breath before turning to face the Council. 'Lord Agravaine was in league with the Lady Morgana. They used us to eliminate a potential threat to Morgana herself; it was her plan all along. When I learnt what she had done, I tried to put in place measures in order to be ready for when she finally came. That time has come. We are prepared; we are ready. It is time.

'Gather the Knights. Make ready to defend the citadel.'

This chapter has now been betaed by Arthursmol, who has advised me to point out that "everytihg went out the window" means "everything went horribly wrong". Sorry, didn't think about that.

Only four more chapters left of this story! I'm going to be sad to see it finish…. I already have another story in the works, but I'm afraid it will not be published until my exams finish in May. However, I am now on the Easter Holidays, so, hopefully, I'll be able to finish this story in the next two weeks!

Please review and let me know what you think! Next chapter: the battle begins!
TTFN
Valkyriexx