Truthfully there is no reasonable excuse for me not updating sooner, especially due to the enormous amount of reviews I have received, however this month has been amazingly busy due to things like settling into collage and having my birthday, both with their accompanying celebrations, and now I've got Laryngitis that has put me into a foul mood cause I really do love to talk. I also had major troubles with this chapter because although I knew what was going to happen, the stuff in my head refused to be written down and as a warning, I'm still not happy with it.

Anyway, thank you to Susie666 for listening to my numerous moans on the ending of this chapter and her help at trying to sort it.

Oh and I AM NOT ABADONING THIS STORY! A few of the reviews seemed panicked that I was going to leave it there but I have no intention of doing that that so ever, do not fear.

Merlin despised every step he took as it drew him closer to the cave. He felt torn, his mind and body pleading 'no' but his magic screaming 'yes'.

His magic was the thing that had been driving him in his dream, but he wouldn't let that happen again, no, he would remain in control and he would not go into that cave.

But he was scared, oh he was so, so scared, the cave seemed to have infiltrated his mind and he didn't know what to do.

It was only when he bumped into Gwaine that he realised they had arrived and now the pull felt so much stronger. Everyone's presence flew out of his head as he stared into the darkness of its entrance. He could hear the whispers again enticing him in, wanting him so badly, but he forced himself to stay there, every fibre in his body frozen for fear that one twitch might send him running into that damp, dark hole.

He hadn't realised a man had stepped in to the cave until he felt the power shift to a different sort of energy, as if awakening, and the pull lessened, although only slightly.

So that was him? The reason he was here, tearing himself apart?

When the tendrils of light flowed toward the man Merlin could feel its curiosity, but then its disgust and annoyance. Merlin understood, it didn't want that man, it wanted him.

And then the light was striking him, over and over, and Merlin felt like he was going to throw up, sickened at what it could do, especially with no human conscience driving it.

He didn't want it.

Power corrupted and he didn't want to be corrupted...he wanted to stay as Merlin, he didn't want to be Emrys, because that's what this cave did, it turned you into the all powerful, all knowledgeable, unstoppable Emrys.

When the man's body dropped to the ground the pull came back with a vengeance. It was so strong and he forced his whole being to stay still, but then people started moving, it was like a switch had been flicked and he began to move forward.

"Merlin," and he felt someone grab his shoulder, "what in all of Albion do you think you're doing?"

It was Arthur and suddenly his heart filled with relief as the prince's presence gave him strength, but then, as he looked between him and the cave, horror struck - he nearly went into the cave with Arthur watching? That was suicidal and he certainly didn't want the prince to find out that way.

"S-sorry" Merlin whispered, but couldn't say anything more.

Arthur just shook his head, jaw set. "Come on."

Merlin was thankful for the hand on his shoulder as it drove him forward, it made him relax slightly, Arthur was going to get him out of here, and he was going to save him without even realising.

But then the dreaded words.

"Hey! I know you, you're Prince Arthur!"

Merlin felt Arthur's presence leave him and his mind once again became detached, the world around him going out of focus, the only thought was that they needed to get away, and when he and Gwaine were grabbed too he started to realise what was happening - They had been discovered and now they were going to be taken to Morgause and the others...to the cave.

Merlin had get free, he had to run, so he fought, limbs flailing as panic choked him, but no matter what he did he couldn't escape. Finally they set him down, and Merlin's body once again froze. The pull was so strong, blocking out everything, he was once again immersed, the whispers in his ear seducing him.

Calling him.

Wanting him.

No, he refused, he couldn't remember the reasons, hell, he could barely remember his own name, but he knew he couldn't.

But it was so hard.

"I'm going to put you in the cave, Merlin."

What?

But he didn't want to go into the cave; he didn't want the power or the knowledge. He just wanted to leave.

As he looked up clearly, he saw Morgause, the family smirk firmly in place, and the situation finally sunk in. She was going to force him into that, whether he liked to or not.

He didn't know why she going to throw him in there, nor did he care, his mind refused to work on anything else apart from getting away.

He was on pure instinct.

Firm hands hoisted him up and he tried to resist, he really did, but his magic refused to rise and fight. His magic wanted that light, fitting together like two pieces of a puzzle, so snug.

So he fought, struggling for dear life as they drew even nearer, it felt as though a pillow was slowly being lowered over his face, smothering his brain, so that no thought remained.

They dropped him off at the entrance and he seized the chance to run but his energy was lessoning and his body was losing its fight with the magic surrounding him so he gave one last plea.

"Oh please, no, no, no please, I can't, I don't want it, please..."

But the men came back, forcing him to stay in the godforsaken cave. When the vines attached themselves to his limbs he knew the battle was over, he could already sense the magic reawakening in the cave, its curiosity and disgust had turned to confidence and eagerness...and pleasure.

It had finally got what it had desired most.

Him.

And then he felt it strike, flowing right through him and it felt like his blood was on fire, the magic combining with his, colliding in white hot heat and burning every part of his essence. He couldn't breathe, his throat growing horse with screaming

His blood had turned to molten gold; he could feel it flowing through his veins. And then it was encasing him, just like it had in his dream, swallowing him whole and he fell silent, the pain too unbearable.

And then...blissful, sweet, merciful darkness.

Silence.

Everyone just stared at the living, breathing man, not a scratch tainting his porcelain skin.

Gwaine sat there, staring vacantly at his closest friend as a million thoughts ran through his head. Past situations were suddenly seen through a whole different light as 'lucky' occurrences made so much more sense. What Gwaine couldn't fully understand though was, if Merlin was this all powerful sorcerer, why he was still Prince Pratty's servant?

Finally Gelsey spoke, her tone cautious and curious,"Why didn't it work?"

"It did." Idle's voice was hoarse and grave as she looked down at the slumped figure of Merlin.

"But, I don't understand," Gelsey rephrased, her confused look switching between Idle and Merlin. "He should be dead...shouldn't he?"

"He should." Dawson agreed, his eyes not leaving Idle, looking at her as though trying to read her. "But he's not and I believe Idle is right, the cave worked perfectly fine which leaves only one other explanation – He is Emrys."

And suddenly Morgause laughed – a high, loud, sickening laugh.

"You can't be serious!" Morgause smirked at Idle and Dawson. "You're very gullible, Dawson. This is clearly a trick, Idle playing mind games. The lengths you'll go to prove a point astounds me...so tell us, how did you do it?"

Idle seemed to not know whether to laugh or scream at Morgause's ridiculous denial. Some people, like Adney, however seemed relieved - Morgause's theory allowed them to remain oblivious to the truth for that little bit longer. But in the end Idle just spoke clearly, her voice echoing through the still stunned crowd.

"He is Emrys, to not believe that fact is foolish and stupid. Emrys is powerful and we have done something unforgivable, we must cause no more harm or we risk reaping his wrath. Emrys will show mercy if we repent. To anyone who still doubts Emrys' power and even his existence then open your eyes, Emrys is r-"

"Stop"

Idle spun round so fast even people watching felt dizzy. Her attention, and everyone else's, fell on Arthur.

He had finally torn his eyes from the still motionless Merlin to glare at Idle with such fury and hatred that she recoiled slightly, surprised also by the underlining despair.

He was physically shaking from the emotions coursing through his blood, colliding and battling with each other – he was in absolute turmoil, feeling nearly every emotion possible.

Anger at them for what they did; denial at what Merlin was; sadness at the lying; happiness at his survival; guilt that he hadn't stopped any of it; betrayed at the truth; stupidity for not realising...name it and he was feeling it. But at this current moment fury burned the strongest in his veins – not at Merlin, no, he couldn't feel that much hatred to Merlin, especially not at the sight of his motionless body, not when he could still see that terrified face, not when his friend's screams were still reverberating in his ears.

No, his fury was pointed directly at the reason they were here in the first place – Them.

And at that moment that fury was running him, keeping him going, fuelled by an overwhelming need to protect Merlin, to get him away from this place.

"Excuse me?" Idle was amazed, and yet she knew she should have expected him to speak at some point of another.

"Stop it" he repeated through clenched teeth while her brows creased in confusion. "His name is Merlin, and you know nothing about him."

Idle didn't know what to say, the conviction to which Arthur had said those words surprised her more than she would have expected. This was Uther Pendragon's son and, Albion forbid, it seemed like he was defending Emrys, a powerful magic user. Perhaps there was hope yet, and the corner of her mouth twitched at the idea of peace finally falling upon Albion.

And then something clicked, and suddenly she felt so stupid and blind for not realising before.

Arthur was a prince, a future king – The Once and Future King and then all traces of the near smile left as she looked into his eyes and finally understood the horrific torment he was going through, and the pain that was yet to come.

The Once and Future King and Emrys were said to be closer than brothers, to share a connection so deep that no one could even comprehend it, and Arthur had probably not even realised this, barley understanding what was going through his mind and why his heart hurt so much.

"I'm sorry" Idle held such pity and sadness that Gwaine snarled, and Arthur's anger seemed to increase to the point he could no longer speak.

"You're sorry?" Gwaine's voice was quiet and dangerously calm, "Don't you dare be sorry! You have no right to ask for forgiveness! You DID this! Now let go of us before we do something we certainly won't regret!"

Morgause huffed; she was starting to get really annoyed. "Merlin is not Emrys, that is final, and in light of these most recent events I suggest we kill them now and be done with it."

"Tha-" Idle started, a sigh falling from her lips, but was interrupted by a sudden heavy beating of wings. Everyone looked up, the beating getting closer, all terrified by what they'd find. At first it was only a small dark mass travelling through the quickly darkening sky, but as it drew closer people started screaming, many scurrying back further into the cover of the surrounding trees while others turned and ran for their lives.

It was a dragon.

As he flew closer and closer Arthur's mouth dropped, speechless at the sight of the beast he had supposedly killed. Kilgharrah swooped down and landed his heavy mass surprisingly gracefully.

When Idle moved to speak Kilgharrah reared his head, roaring to the sky, fire burning through the air.

"How DARE you!" his voice reverberated through the trees, the anger was unbearable and even Idle and Morgause were shaking in fear. He was barely containing his fury and his nerves were on fire. "How DARE you!"

"Kil-"

"NO!" The Great Dragon roared again, "I should have expected something like this from her, but I expected better from you!"

Idle shrunk back, "Please, I beg you, I-"

"You what? You KNEW what would happen and yet you did nothing to stop it!" Smoke and small flickers of fire erupting from him and everyone scrambled back once again.

"I tried but I c-coul-"

"Then you did not try hard enough! Tell me Idle, did you even contemplate using magic? Do you even understand what the consequences are? Do you realize the damage you have caused?"

"Yes, I understand."

"No! No, you do not! You can't even comprehend the power you have melded with!" He was snarling now, his claws tearing at the ground, trying to focus his fury away from them so that they survived this meeting. "Take Merlin to Dawson's castle, in three days I will join you. If the tears you have created are not healed soon then darkness will cover this land and none of us will survive!"

With that he launched from the ground, flying higher and higher through the sky until he was no longer visible.

Silence once again fell as everyone just stared at where Kilgharrah had just been, their skin pale, most looking like they would be sick any second.

"Pick him up."

Idle's voice was a bare whisper, her hands still shaking from receiving the Great Dragon's pure wrath. Gwaine and Arthur fought against their captors as the burly men who had previously placed Merlin in the cave walked up to him, small tremors now visible, shaking the warlock's body. Neither of the swordsmen wanted these people anywhere near their Merlin.

But when the two men bent down to hoist him from the floor they were thrown back, flying through the air until they hit the trees, the resounding cracks making everyone wince.

Most of the remaining audience left then, too scared to witness anymore while Idle slowly approached Merlin, his shaking getting worse, and when she reached him she crouched down, a hand hovering over his shoulder but cautious not to touch it.

She could feel the power vibrating from him, "Let them go."

Arthur's and Gwaine's captives looked questionably at each other while Morgause made a sound of revolt.

"You can't possibly th-"

"I swear Morgause if another word fall from your lips then you shall not see another sunrise. Do. I. Make. Myself. Clear?" Idle voice was tired, yet more annoyed and rescinded. She breathed a grateful sigh when silence followed from her question. "Now, Morgause, Gelsey, Adney and everyone else, leave now." The command was strong, her voice sharp and no one dared resist it. There were suddenly great gusts of wind that carried the most experienced and powerful sorcerers away while most just turned and walked, although many ran.

Gwaine and Arthur both free they quickly rose to their feet, picking up their swords that had been previously cast away and scrambled toward Merlin.

Idle held a hand out to stop Gwaine from touching his friend however gazed curiously at Arthur as he bent down to examine his servant.

"You can touch him you know."

Arthur's head snapped up, annoyance at her voice and presence crossing his features, but also confusion and a slight dash of hope.

"What? You wish me to have my skull cracked too?" He snapped back, assuming she wished him harm.

"No," Idle's voice remained calm, "his magic is highly unstable at the moment, dangerous to any one near him, however you have a connection with both him and his magic – you will not be harmed. I'm sorry it's hard to explain right now but I promise I will later, at the moment I need you to pick him up and follow me and Dawson to his Castle."

Arthur's brow creased, not trusting a word she said although at the back of his mind he knew she was right – Merlin's magic would cause him no damage.

"If I am thrown back, kill her for me will you Gwaine?" Arthur asked, and Idle knew the prince was giving her the chance to stop him, but she remained silent.

Arthur breathed in a deep breath as he slowly reached for his trembling friend. His finger's grazed Merlin's shoulder and he gasped. He could feel it, the magic sparking and bubbling across his skin and it felt so natural, it was welcoming and calm as if Arthur had know the presence his whole life, the contrast to what he knew should have been.

Arthur then grasped his shoulder, his grip tight as if scared to let go now he had him. Arthur's other hand then went to this chin, turning his head to him so that it was no longer buried in the damp grass.

The prince could feel his eyes glisten slightly as he looked over Merlin's face. His skin had gone a deathly pale, the bags under his eyes so prominent that it looked like he had two very bad black eyes, his lips were blue, yet his skin was hot and clammy, and his breathing was harsh and uneven yet so very shallow.

They needed to get away from here and get help fast.

Arthur hoisted him up, knowing he only had to carry him as far as the horses, and was surprised at his lightness, as if the boy hadn't eaten in days.

"Come, this way." Idle gestured with her hand for them to follow and started walking, Dawson trailing behind like a loyal dog while Gwaine snorted.

"If you think we're following you then you've got another thing coming."

"Oh you will be following." Idle stated, an annoyed edge to her tone, "because if you don't I assure you he will die."

Arthur's eyes were still on the man in his arms and although he didn't trust her one bit, plus he didn't feel at all comfortable with following the dragons orders, he knew Idle was right, something had gone seriously wrong and Merlin was going to die if not given immediate help and Idle probably knew a lot more than him and Gwaine put together on this matter.

"Come on." Arthur muttered to Gwaine as he walked past him, following the only two remain sorcerers.

Well that's done, I promise there will be a lot more explanation of what happened in the next chapter as well as expansions on Gwaine and Arthur's reaction and I hope the start cleared most of the questions on why Merlin was fighting so hard not to enter the cave. It was mostly the Kilgharrah bit that I had had the most trouble with so I hope it's alright but sorry if it isn't.

I'm going to bed now so you won't get replies to reviews until tomorrow unfortunately, sorry and due to the amount of anonymous reviews I'm also writing those tomorrow and will post them on a separate update, sorry.

Um, I lost that list again of those that don't allow me to PM, I'm really sorry and I really do appreciate your reviews, I know there's more than one so it you do want a reply then please tell me who you are so that I will remember to do so in my next update.

LL x