Arthur is the idiot, not Merlin!
"What is this?" the King cried as an old man was dragged into the room, during a meeting of the round table.
"Your Majesty," one of the guards began, "this man was reported to have magic. He is a sorcerer sire." Bowing his head, subtly taking a gold coin from his partner.
Signing, the King replied, "Was this man doing any harm," neither man spoke up, eyes firmly trained on the floor, "then why have you interrupted my meeting? No one was to interrupt unless there was a situation of utmost importance."
Taking this as their cue to speak, trading another gold coin, the first guard asked, "He was spying, sire. I – we didn't want him to find out something important just in case he was able to escape. Would you like us to take him to the dungeon until you can deal with him?"
Rubbing the bridge of his nose he looked towards his Queen for strength, "You have already interrupted us enough, the trial can be taken now." The king asked Gwaine and Elyan to bring the elderly man to his feet, sending the guards to protect the door.
After asking the man a few rudimentary questions he motioned for the gurds to take him away and for him to burn at the stake at sunrise. The old man, fearing his fate called out, "Wait! I know something that could help you against Morgana! Please, I'm begging you!"
"And what would that be, this may not save your life, if you are working with Morgana your fate is sealed. Whether you betray her or not!"
"I'm not with Morgana, I only answer to Emrys! I know his identity, this could give you the upper hand against Morgana. If you get him on your side you will have the might of a dragon as old as time, the power to demolish a kingdom, the loyalty of a thousand sorcerers and the Triple Goddesses favour."
It was at this moment that Merlin entered the room, having left to get some more wine for the knights and Arthur. Noticing the knights terse positions and Arthur's contemplative state Merlin froze and asked, "Arthur…"
"Yes Merlin?"
"Have you been trying to think again?" smirking he returned to his place beside Arthur and asked what the hell was going on.
"This man was arrested for sorcery and believes he has information that will save him. Something about the identity of Emrys?"
The blood drained from Merlin's face, eyes growing dark, before instantly a bright smile split across his face. "You actually believe this fool? Emrys is a myth, it would be of no use to you."
"We might as well hear him out, these may well be his last words."
Slightly desperate now, Merlin countered, "Perhaps he's stalling, gathering his magic so he can escape. All this time humouring him may actually be a trap."
Frowning, Arthur stared at the elderly man who could barely stand, "Excuse me if I'm wrong but surely you should be defending this man?" Not waiting for an answer, he turned back to the man asked, "Who is Emrys?"
"Him!" he croaked, pointing dramatically at Merlin.
It took Arthur all of two seconds to realize he was pointing at Merlin, unable to refrain his laughter, he motioned for Gwaine (who was looking at Merlin strangely) Elyan to release the man to the two guards.
"You are banished on pain on death. Your attempt at freedom has made my day, Merlin capable of flattening kingdoms? A sorcerer? He's deathly afraid of them. Surely you could have chosen a better candidate?"
With that the man was taken from the throne room.
"I told you Arthur."
"Oh, shut up Merlin!"
Merlin just fled, silently laughing at Arthur's stupidity, rushing so he could tell Gaius.