The next morning Morgana swallowed her pride and did as her father asked and attended the council session where she stood in front of them all and apologised putting as much sincerely in her voice as she could force. She hated it but knew as her brother had that she had to do it for the good of their future plans. After that things settled for a few days.

But the peace was not to last. As Uther promised he had Arthur made Crown Prince earlier than planned and named him his rightful heir. The next morning Arthur decided to go out on a hunt and took several knights and of course Merlin with him. As they headed out into Darkling woods they spotted a large stag with a most impressive set of antlers. As they gave chase they found themselves heading into the Valley of the Kings. This was an area full of superstition where bad luck was supposed to follow entry. Arthur laughed that off "I'm getting that stag" he said "If any of you want to stay behind that's up to you"

Merlin felt very uneasy, his magic told him that this was a place that should be avoided. He plucked up courage and spoke "Sire this is a bad place you should not enter"

Arthur glared at the warlock "You dare tell me what to do!" he said sharply.

Merlin shrunk into himself and looked to the ground, that made Arthur feel guilty but he wasn't going to lose the stag now "We will go in" with that he kicked his horse forward the other knights following. As they entered Arthur saw the stag in the trees a head and got off his horse to get a cleaner shot. He wanted the stag to much to risk a messy shot. The stag had a fourteen points and was a prime specimen that would look good mounted.

As Arthur took his shot there was a moment before the men cheered Arthur had got his stag. They went forward to claim the prize and collect the beast for the kitchens. As they did there was a cry as they were attacked by bandits form above. The knights soon started fighting back and Arthur released Merlin to use his magic. They were outnumbered but fought on. Merlin was evening up the odds as the leader saw what was happening. Merlin found himself being attacked with magic causing him to concentrate on finding and taking out the sorcerer. In the moments he was distracted Arthur was out manoeuvred and had a sword at his throat. The fighting stopped as soon as the men realised their Princes danger. The leader came forward and threw off a hood and there was a gasp of surprise as a woman was revealed. She was older than Arthur but still beautiful with long blonde hair.

"So Prince Arthur, we have you" she smirked "I thought you wouldn't be able to risk the stag. Shame you killed him he was a beauty, but he did as I asked and brought you here."

Arthur glared at the woman "A sorcerer!"

"Yes, but then you have your own so who are you to judge" she looked at Arthur "Fear not dear prince I only needed to speak to you. You see I have information you might like to hear and someone you might like to see." She looked at her men "Take their arms and tie them." Looking at Merlin she smile "Come here boy"

Merlin looked at Arthur who nodded his permission. Arthur could see no reason to stop Merlin for now. Merlin walked up to the woman who touched Merlin's collar. "One of Uther's famed collared ones, you are young, and how old are you boy?" she asked.

Merlin looked up at her, he still had to grow more and although he was getting taller he was still very slender, despite all the extra rations the Prince had been giving him "Fourteen summers"

The woman looked at Arthur "So your father uses boys now does he?" looking back at Merlin she asked "Would you like to kill the Prince boy?"

Merlin looked surprised "I cannot" he thought of his mother and uncle in Camelot.

"If I removed your collar would you kill your master boy?" she persisted.

Merlin looked at Arthur "He is good to me" he said

The woman let out a snort of derision "You are a captive, how can that be good, I ask you again will you kill him for your freedom"

Merlin noticed Arthur's slight nod and realised what it was Arthur wanted him to do so with much trepidation he nodded "If I could be free"

He heard several gasps from the knights the sorceress glared at them "You would blame him, then you are fools." Looking at Merlin she smiled "What is your name boy? Mine is Morgause"

"Merlin" came the soft reply

"Then Merlin come here and I will free you" Merlin stepped closer and Morgause started to speak in the old tongue and the collar Merlin had worn for so many years sprung open. Merlin felt his magic sore, he had never felt so free, and his eyes shone gold as his skin rippled with magic. As it began to settle and his eyes return to their normal blue. Morgause looked at him with interest. "How long have you been collared Merlin?" she asked

"Ten years" Merlin told her.

"Ten years a slave to the Pendragon's, well boy I am a High Priestess of the old religion and now you are free you can stand by my side. But first I will allow you to have your revenge you may kill them all."

Merlin looked at her in horror "Magic should be used for good!" he protested.

Morgause looked at him in surprise "Has Uther had you using your magic for good, no magic is power. Kill them all"

Merlin looked at Arthur and was surprised to see him wink. Then he understood. But should he obey the son of the man who had imprisoned his family and killed his father. He felt into himself and knew the answer. Arthur was not his father. Merlin Looked at Arthur and the knights then turned quickly and in a flash of gold be felt inside himself and using now words he sent out a force towards the enemy including Morgause. As the unexpected amount of magic burst forth from Merlin he found he couldn't control it and not only the enemy but the knights flew into trees and even Morgause lost her balance and fell to the floor. She looked up dazed "What did you do boy?" she demanded

"I don't know" he admitted "It was more than I could hold."

Morgause smiled "You have great power, no matter we don't need them anyway" She looked round to see everyone still where they had been thrown. Then she looked at the Prince who was led by a tree. "Better check he is dead" she walked towards Arthur

"No leave him alone!" Merlin shouted in horror at what he had done.

Morgause looked at the young boy "Your powers may be great Merlin but they are untrained do not presume to tell me what to do"

Merlin sank to his knees "Please leave him" he begged.

Morgause kept walking and bent down over Arthur, her dagger drawn, that was too much for Merlin he felt his magic surging once more, he knew deep inside him he had to protect Arthur. Once more his magic burst forth and escaped.