Merlin was intrigued by the knight Gwaine, he seemed to hate the collar he wore and the fact that Camelot used sorceress as they did but then refused to be healed. It left Merlin wondering whether the man hated magic or not. So he had decided to keep away from him just in case, Merlin also hadn't liked being referred to as a 'pet sorcerer'. He knew he was little better than a slave and knew that the King said they were animals, so it seemed this man felt the same. Which was a pity because first off he had thought he was nice.

As soon as they were back in Camelot Merlin helped to sort out the horses, before he was taken to the Princes room by Leon.

Arthur arrived at Gaius's rooms just in time to hear Gaius warning about mentioning names, which in turn tweaked his curiosity. But he knew he would get nowhere listening at doors so he walked in. "I caught the last comment Gaius, shall I came back later as well? I need to have a frank conversation with Sir Gwaine" Arthur looked at the physician hoping to get some clues from him as to how much they could trust him. Arthur went with his own hunches but it was always nice to get back up.

Gaius looked at the Prince "I think some special wine might be needed Sire."

Arthur smiled, that would suit him, he had some questions he needed answering. "I agree shall I met you here? You might need some help with our friend"

Gaius nodded "Indeed Sire, now this young man needs to rest" with that Gaius shooed the Prince out of the room. Then he turned to Gwaine "I would say you are a man that likes a drink, well I warn you do not touch the wine skin you find on the table later" with a raised eyebrow he went to do his rounds leaving the knight to rest.

Gwaine was even more puzzled than he had been before, but was willing to go along with whatever plans the other two had for now. He needed to find out about the Lady Hunith for his mother, Hunith had been her best friend in her childhood. All they knew was that Balinor was dead, but his wife seemed to have disappeared. There were so many tales about what happened to the dragonlord that it was hard to tell fact from fiction. King Cenred certainly didn't seem worried about his cousin but that meant nothing. Gwaine had promised his mother to make enquiries if he had the chance so he would.

Arthur went back to his rooms hoping that he would get some answers from the cryptic lizard. He also hoped that the knight from Essetir would stay and join his own knights, he had a feeling the rough and ready man was just the one he was looking for. Arthur had noticed his reaction to Merlin and wanted someone who would look out for Merlin.

After having supper and settling down for the night Arthur waited until the castle was totally quiet. He knew they couldn't wait to late or Gaius special wine would have worn off but he needed to be sure they would be safe from prying eyes. Luckily for Arthur he had spent many hours of his childhood learning all the passageways, including all the servant ones. So was able to slip down to Gaius's chambers without being seen. He had left Merlin behind as he needed to talk to Kilgarrah without the boy being there.

As he slipped into the physicians chambers he found Gaius and Gwaine waiting. Gwaine had a crutch to help him. "How long have we got before the guards wake?"

Gaius smiled "We have a good two hours before I need to give them the antidote. I have perfected the potion now"

Gwaine said nothing, but wondered why the Crown Prince needed to drug his own guards. As they reached the stairway Arthur turned to Gwaine "Are you steady enough to go down stairs or do you need a hand?"

Gwaine smirked "I will be fine Princess, just show me the way" he was getting more and more intrigued. They were soon creeping past the drugged guards and down to the platform.

Arthur looked at Gaius "Before we call our friend I think perhaps you had better tell Gwaine whatever it was you were going to, since you clearly trust him"

Gaius then told Gwaine what had happened fourteen years before and ended up with a synopsis of recent events. By the end Gwaine was dumb struck. "So Merlin is your cousin and Hunith's son! How can you keep him like you do" he demanded angrily of the Prince.

"I have to, I need time to build up the strength to depose the King" It was the first time Arthur had put words to his plan and it scared him. "I look after Merlin the best I can, he doesn't know our relationship, I want to tell him but not until I have something to offer him. That's why I want you to become one of my knights. You aren't scared of magic like most of Camelot's citizens, nor do you see then as second class. I want someone I can trust to look out for Merlin" he paused before continuing "I want you to protect him and be there for him"

Gwaine looked at Gaius "Why can't you all just get out? Flee, why are you still here?"

"We are each held as hostage for the other two, Uther would never permit us all to leave the castle together, and we don't know yet how to get the collar off. With that Uther can make Merlin come back. "Don't think we haven't thought of it. Also Uther has other sorcerers collared and some wouldn't hesitate to make themselves look good if the chance presented itself." Gaius explained. "We know Cenred won't help Hunith or he would have done so by now"

Gwaine grunted "Cenred is a waste of a time, he is only interested in power. He might help if he knew of Merlin's power but he would be worse off under him than Uther" he turned to Arthur "Alright Princess what's your plan?"

Arthur grimaced at the nickname but said nothing about it, instead he said "I think it's time to introduce our other conspirator don't you?" with that he called out "Kilgarrah"

The great dragon landed on his perch "I wondered when you would ask, I heard you speaking" he looked at Gwaine and gave a smile, or what passed for one "I wondered when strength would arrive. You now have what you need Courage, Strength and Magic, the time draw nears"

Arthur looked up at Kilgarrah "So we can trust him?"

"You can, his part in the prophesy is well known. The young warlock will come into his powers soon, when he does he will set me, and we can do what we need to. Others are approaching when they are all here you can act young Pendragon. The time of Albion is drawing nigh" the dragon's eyes board into Arthur "You must still beware the witch she may yet turn, the time is soon very soon" with that he flew off.

"Why is it I always leave with more questions than answers from that overgrown Lizard!" said Arthur in exasperation.

"You have all the information you need" echoed back though the cave.

Arthur looked at Gwaine "Will you join us? The odds with be against us, but Camelot must be released from its present fate as must my Aunt, cousin and the other magic users"

Gwaine nodded "How many men to you have so far?"

Arthur grinned ruefully "Three, Leon, Pellinor although only Leon knows the facts, and Merlin. Although I think we will gain more once I move"

Gwaine laughed "Just the odds I like then"

Arthur nodded "I will get you sworn in as soon as you are recovered. Leon has sent for some friends so we need to wait."

"And who is this witch we need to watch?"

"That is a tale for another day, we need to get back before the guards wake."