He'd been watching the village for some time now. The knights were merely an inconvenience to his mission but caution was well warranted it seemed. It was not long before he discovered that the court physician of Camelot was in attendance, along with none other than Prince Arthur.

Fate was on his side.

The mission to find Emrys could wait. Edwin had not expected to find him in any of these villages. The little brat had had help, and none of those people were foolish enough to hide in towns near borders. Not that he would dare say that to Cenred. He obediently came to search knowing that at the very least he would be away from Cenred for a few weeks; Cenred's mood had been foul since the escape and that only ever resulted in more pain for all of them. It also meant time away from that freak Mordred. Though he was obedient and diligent, it was unsettling to be near that boy. Captured at almost the same age as Emrys, Mordred had spent many more years being trained as Cenred's pet sorcerer. He followed Cenred like a dog and was treated about as well. He never spoke. Even when given permission he preferred to project telepathically and it was that which annoyed Edwin the most. He already had to put up with the collar constantly checking his magic- but to have that boy inside his head was unacceptable. He had been forced to curb his thoughts lest Mordred told Cenred just how much Edwin fought Cenred's control. Mordred would never hesitate to turn him in. The boy even betrayed those who gave him food when Cenred starved him! Edwin was glad to get away from them.

No, Edwin could not say he was sorry that Emrys had escaped, whatever inconveniences it caused the rest of them. He didn't need two Mordreds keeping tabs on him and Cenred really shouldn't have the power of Emrys at his command. He set off on the search determined to enjoy his freedom as long as possible, even thinking that if he found Emrys, perhaps he would let the chase continue for a while more.

He hadn't anticipated the reactions of the villagers.

It had been so long since he had walked among normal people. It felt amazing! With the collar hidden and his hood pulled up, people had almost been kind to him. Especially when he spun his little tale of woe.

Then he made the mistake of putting his hood down. The looks. How he hated those people. It brought back every buried feeling of anger and shame he had ever had. Women and children shrank from him. Men looked at him with suspicion. Suddenly there were no rooms available, no one willing to answer his questions, and he was always sent to the darkest, loneliest corners of the taverns – if they were willing to serve him at all.

That's what started it. He had been determined to walk in and out of their lives like a ghost. He just couldn't ignore the way they stared. He put his hood up but the damage was done. They all continued to stare and whisper. He thought about leaving the town. It was highly unlikely Emrys had ever been through there and yet, something within him refused to yield. Hadn't he given up enough already? As the day passed, his anger waned and he drifted to the outskirts of the town. Then when a group of men cornered him and tried to chase him out of town, he snapped. They and their families had been the first to taste his revenge. A little visit, a quick spell, and his little friends feasted that night. Anyone that looked sideways at him followed. It became a game to him. How many people could he infest in a single night? The only ones saved were those that were kind to him. A small family that offered shelter, a man defending him, another that shared his meal. They were spared. Everyone else would suffer. Suffer like he had. Like his parents.

And now fate had brought these two men to him. Here were two people that rightly deserved to feel his wrath. Gaius, that false friend, the traitor, who had watched as his parents burned and only stayed long enough to doom Edwin to his scarred face. He had lived comfortably, while so many others died, and looked to be enjoying old age. His magic must be so weak now, and rightly so, if he could not break Edwin's enchantment. Or perhaps he had not realized the cause at all? Could he have failed so? Did he even remember Edwin at all?

He first thought to give Gaius a taste of the same curse but it was unsatisfying as revenge. It was not enough punishment for his betrayal. Not enough suffering compared to his parents death on the pyre. Not enough pain to make up for his own burns and the resulting hatred he still faced. No, perhaps he would hold his own purge. Let Gaius finally taste the flames of the pyre as he should have faced so many years ago.

It would be a fitting end for the prince as well. The ultimate revenge on Uther for all the sorcerers he condemned to death, all the sorcerers he chased out of Camelot into the hands of the people like Cenred. Without his heir, Uther would be broken. Or perhaps Edwin would let the boy live and send him back to live as Camelot's scarred prince. Yes, he liked this idea.

All he needed to do was isolate the targets. If he could lure them away, the knights could be easily disposed of. One spell to send them all to sleep and set his little friends on them. Or perhaps he would make them watch. Watch and then spread the word. As for how to lure them out, if the gossip was to be believed, Gaius still did not have a solution for the enchanted beetles. If he did not recognize the beetles from Edwin's father's research, perhaps he could be persuaded to chase after an herbal remedy. Or a magical, herbal remedy.

He waited until nightfall. He watched the messenger arrive and with a little quick spell, was able to confirm that Arthur was in there. Gaius left, accompanied by the messenger but when he returned he was alone. He took the opportunity. Moving in front of Gaius, he asked, "Are you the physician from Camelot?"

He could see Gaius trying to look into his hood. "Yes, I am Gaius. Can I help you?"

"I heard you were looking for a cure for the recent epidemic. Perhaps I could provide some assistance."

"Who are you? I cannot easily trust someone that approaches under cover of darkness and hides beneath a hood."

He hesitated. He was not certain that Gaius would remember him. Was it worth the risk? If he was recognized, he could subdue Gaius now and use him to lure the prince out later. He pulled down his hood. "I apologize. My scars frighten people away. My name is Edwin."

Gaius peered closer but did not appear to recognize him. "Your scars do not frighten me, Edwin. How can you help?"

He was relieved that there were no questions about his scars and no sign of recognition. He was partly angry that Gaius could so easily forget him. For now he put it aside. "There is a plant in the forest, not far from here. It has a most peculiar glow about it. I collected one of its blossoms for my studies. In another village, I gifted it to a little girl as she lay dying. Within a day she was recovering, and within a week she was completely recovered."

"Why did you not come forward and tell the villagers?"

"I do not wish to be condemned to a pyre for finding a plant which may be magical in nature."

Gaius stared at him skeptically. "Was the plant magical or did you use magic?"

Edwin snorted. As if anyone would confess their magic to Camelot's court physician. "I found the plant because of the glow. I can only assume it is magical, especially if it saved that little girl. I have no wish to die for a coincidental discovery. People already mistrust me for my scars, I wasn't going to tell anyone about a glowing plant."

Gaius raised a brow. That hadn't changed then. "Then why tell me?"

"It is your duty to help people."

"Again, why tell me? How did you know I was here?"

Edwin clenched his hand. Must the old man be so insufferable? "I did not come looking for you. You were here when I arrived and it seemed like fate." That much at least was true. "I thought you would want to know. The knowledge is yours now." He turned to leave.

"Wait."

He smiled. This was it.

"Do you know where to find this plant?"

He turned around. "I can give you a description and directions." He didn't want to appear too eager.

"Can you not take us to it?"

He waited a moment to answer. "If that is what you wish. I will return tomorrow night."

"You may stay with us. We can leave in the morning." Gaius gestured to the hut.

"No. I don't need your shelter or your pity." He also didn't want to spend any more time in Gaius' proximity. He didn't want to have to dodge questions all night and his plan would be easier to execute under the cover of darkness. "Anyway the plant's glow is easier to see at night. That's the only way I can find it."

"Where will you stay tonight?"

Edwin gritted his teeth at the concern in Gaius' tone. "I will be nearby. I will come here, tomorrow after sunset."

"I will meet you. Some guards will accompany us."

It wasn't hard to sound unworried. "If that is what you wish." He walked away and circled around to see Gaius enter the hut. No doubt, the prince would disguise himself as a guard tomorrow. He left the town to prepare.

Bright. It was bright outside. He held tightly to Leon's hand as they stood on the stairs leading to the courtyard and let his eyes adjust. Arthur's letter said he would be returning in four days' time and there were only two days left. Walking around the castle tired him out still, so he knew he had a long way to go but he was eager to surprise Arthur. Arthur had promised to take him out exploring if Merlin was strong enough when he returned. Merlin wanted that. He loved the thought of sitting amongst the trees and maybe seeing animals. He was happy just thinking about it.

He was also a bit afraid. He knew it was impossible, but a small part of him feared that as soon as he set foot outside these walls, Master would find him. Some part of him feared it even now, just walking outside the castle. He wished Arthur could be here. He squeezed Leon's hand tighter and was glad Morgana and Gwen were not here.

The girls had gone off today to pick herbs. They wanted to stay, but Leon sent them off with an escort and told them not to worry about Merlin. They needed supplies for Morgana's medicine and wanted to take Merlin along. He hadn't wanted to leave the city, not without Arthur, but Leon noticed his distress. Without missing a beat, Leon changed their plans and decided to stay behind with Merlin.

Merlin knew Morgana was having nightmares. When he woke up at night, he heard her crying sometimes. It kept him awake too, once he became aware of it. He didn't mind that part of it; the less he slept, the less he dreamt. It bothered him that he couldn't help. He wanted to make her feel better but he didn't know how. He wondered what she dreamt about. His bad dreams were mostly memories. Many involved waking up to find himself back with Master being punished for escaping, but with the candle and his protective knight, he remembered where he was quickly. He didn't know what would help Morgana. He wanted to hold her hand, but he wasn't sure it would help. Also, that would involve leaving the safety of his cot to cross the dark. He didn't dare try his magic. So instead, he listened and wished with all his heart her bad dreams would get better.

For now, Merlin was a little glad he was alone with Leon. Leon was quieter and like Arthur, he didn't push Merlin into anything. Morgana and Gwen already spent the morning fussing over Merlin. They layered three shirts onto him and the new boots that were delivered. Merlin couldn't stop himself from jumping occasionally just to hear the tapping of his boots. While he did, they debated wrapping him in blankets and even Morgana's scarves. Gwen made plans to buy wool yarn in the market with which to make him mittens and a hat – the discussion ended with both girls squeaking over his small hands. On top of everything, Katrina had given him his very own cloak! That started a discussion over matching colors. He had been so, so glad when Leon finally showed up. He was grateful for the clothes but was feeling a little disturbed at the abundance where before all he could expect to be given was a simple shift.

Leon pulled up Merlin's hood and Merlin held it closed as they stood here now, in the open air.

As he looked up, he realized that this was his first time going out, unbound, not fleeing, and on his own two feet. He swayed that realization and closed his eyes to take a deep breath. Quite suddenly, he missed Arthur. He opened his eyes and found Leon watching him in concern. He leaned closer to Leon and held his hand tighter. After so long, his eyes hurt with the brightness of the sun but his magic parted the clouds nonetheless. It acted without his direction but responded when he slowed it to make the opening look natural. He looked around and absorbed the sights. There were few people in the courtyard. A few servants walked through on their chores and he watched them curiously.

Leon broke his attention. "Do you want to go further Merlin?"

He thought about it. He wanted to explore but he felt a little overwhelmed already. He hesitated too long in answering and Leon pulled him gently towards the first step. Merlin only just barely contained his whimper.

To his surprise, Leon sat on the first step. "We can sit here for a while, Merlin, until you feel more at ease." Merlin sat and scooted closer to Leon. He resumed watching the people as they crossed the courtyard. When Leon noticed his fascination, he began explaining what each person was likely doing. After some time, Merlin gathered enough courage to go down to the bottom of the steps to try to watch people as they walked through. When a horse reared away from his handler, Merlin bolted right back into Leon's lap. Leon laughed and let him settle.

"It's just a new horse undergoing training." He continued to explain the handler's actions. Then to Merlin's surprise, Leon stood up and settled Merlin on his hip. "The girls will be returning soon. We can watch from the battlements."

Leon brought him to the same high walls where Arthur had brought him before. At night, Merlin had only seen the lights sprawling out before him. Seeing all of those lights twinkling, Merlin had thought that Camelot was big. Now, he could see that it was much larger than he'd thought! There were so many people, all going about their business. He was mesmerized by their interactions. He had never seen so many people and never witnessed such free interaction among them. No matter how he searched, he could not spot even one slave, collar, or chain. The people looked happy. Some hurried along, probably feeling the chilly breeze. Others manned stalls and called out their wares. Children ran back and forth, stopping every now and then to warm up by the fires. Beyond the city, he could see the forest. He wondered if the booming voice that called him lived there. It continued to call, but when he didn't answer it no longer compelled. If anything, it began to sound concerned at his distress. Merlin knew that the voice must belong to a powerful being – not someone hiding in Camelot but close by. It made him anxious for the girls but it wasn't long before he spotted them coming out of the tree line. He was so relieved and excited that he pointed and called out quietly, "Look!" Startled himself, he saw that Leon was just as surprised that Merlin spoke. Leon smiled at him and nodded approvingly.

"Yes, Merlin. Here they come." Leon patted him gently. "And just in time too! Your face is quiet red and I can feel you shivering under all those clothes. Next time, we will let them wrap you up in all the blankets!"

Merlin nodded happily. The air was colder up here but he liked it. He clung tighter to Leon as they headed down.

Back in Morgana's chambers, Merlin was finally settling into bed. The rest of the day had passed in a blur. There had been a bit of a fuss about bathing Merlin. He still didn't want anyone to see his scars. Since Arthur left, they had let him clean himself with a wet cloth behind the screen. Because he was shivering, they wanted to warm him up in a bath and it had scared him when he saw the tub. He had cried and hidden under the bed. Not even Leon offering to do the washing had comforted him. Finally, they decided to let him wash on his own. When he crawled out, he'd panicked thinking that he was going to be punished for his tantrum. Gwen had soothed him (like a baby, he thought indignantly) until he calmed and then he'd felt silly for making such a fuss. Leon took over and kept Merlin from dwelling. He set Merlin to washing himself while the tub was cleared out and kept him close while he warmed. After that, Merlin had clung to Leon for the rest of the day until this very moment when Leon was tucking him in. He sat with Merlin until he fell asleep.

Merlin snapped awake in what felt like moments and turned toward the candle, breathing deeply when he saw his knight. He was trying to relax when Morgana cried out, "Arthur!" He looked around the room but there was no sign of Arthur. He looked back at Morgana and saw that she was asleep. She turned to the side and called out again. "Arthur, Gaius, watch out!" She looked afraid. Was she dreaming?

Again, Merlin looked around the room, and this time he saw it. The candle next to him flared wildly. He glanced back to confirm Morgana was still asleep. Taking a deep breath, he let his magic rise within him. He felt magic sloshing around the room and with a bit of focus, traced it to Morgana. She had magic! Why didn't she say? Why was she using it in her sleep? He had to wake her!

Curiosity burning, he untucked himself and stepped gingerly over the cold stone to her bedside, carrying the candle carefully. He placed it on Morgana's table and tried to climb up to where he could see Morgana. He reached out for her hand and tugged it, trying to wake her. If anyone sensed the magic, they would both be in trouble. She cried out again, and he suddenly remembered his studies. A seer. Untrained seers' visions often manifested in their dreams. Could Morgana be a seer?

A cold wash of fear blew over him. Was she seeing Arthur in trouble? What if it was happening now? Seers could see glimpses of the future, and occasionally, they were able to follow events into the present. He didn't know what to do, had never gotten to practice the magic he read about. Should he get Leon? When Morgana sobbed out Arthur's name again, he felt a small draw on his magic. It was the wish he made when Arthur left – keep him safe.

Arthur must be in trouble now. He closed his eyes and focused. Ignoring Morgana, he reached deep within himself and let his magic surround him. His magic never needed spells; he only had to wish and his magic followed. He gathered it to him. I want to see.

He felt himself fall and before he could reach out to steady himself, he was in the forest. There, in front of him, Gaius and Arthur were bound by magic to posts and surrounded by flames. No! Someone was speaking and his blood ran cold.

Edwin. He turned to look and there he was. His hand was outstretched towards Gaius and Arthur. "How does it feel Gaius? How does it feel to finally face the pyre after escaping it for so many years? After condemning others, even your friends, to save yourself?" He said a spell and the flames around Gaius grew. "And you, Pendragon? How does it feel to be subjected to the same fate your father ordered on so many people? On innocent people!" Seeing the flames had yet to reach Arthur, Edwin strode closer to Arthur and angrily repeated the spell. Merlin felt the draw as his magic kept Arthur from being burned. He was glad his wish held. He felt Morgana try to pull away from the scene and anchored himself. This was not a vision of things to come, this was happening now! I can help! He looked up at the dark skies and wished for rain. His magic rushed out to do as he wished. The storm built instantly and with a clash of thunder, rain poured on the flames, extinguishing them.

"Who is there?" Edwin must have felt his magic. He was looking around, lashing out with his magic to keep everyone away. As he hid, Merlin saw Arthur's knights collapsed on the ground. There was no one to protect Arthur!

They all turned to look back at Arthur when he drew his sword. Gaius was still bound to the post. "Stop this, Edwin. Your father never intended to use those beetles to harm others! Release the spell and save yourself."

Edwin laughed and sent Arthur flying with another spell. "You have no right to speak about my father, Gaius! I am beyond saving. After you betrayed my parents, I was chased out of Camelot and right into the hands of Cenred! Whether or not I like it, he owns me now. But I've learned a lot from him. Would you like to see?"

He chanted another spell, throwing both hands out. Merlin slapped his hands over his ears at the screams. He knew this spell, too well. As he felt the phantom pain burning through him, his protection spell over Arthur broke and Arthur began to writhe on the ground. He felt Morgana panicking. Stop! No more! No more, please! His magic welled up and exploded in the clearing. Gaius was unbound and sent stumbling back. Arthur rolled a few feet. Edwin stumbled and sent a magical pulse along the backwash of Merlin's magic. It hit Merlin, in Camelot, and he fell to his knees. It was familiar, this not-quite-duel and it was bringing up flashbacks of his life before escaping. He tried to keep himself focused. He looked up.

Suddenly, Edwin narrowed his eyes. "Emrys! Where are you? I know your magic! Show yourself!"

Merlin whimpered and curled up. His presence in the clearing was only a projection, his real body was still back in Morgana's chambers but he was still afraid of Edwin. Arthur sat up. "Merlin?" he called, hesitantly.

Edwin whirled around. "Merlin?" Merlin could almost hear him connecting the dots. Edwin laughed. "Has little Emrys found his way to Camelot after all? Who would have thought! A Pendragon sheltering a sorcerer! And not just any sorcerer- the most powerful warlock to ever exist!" He doubled over laughing. Merlin hid his face and started to cry. He felt Morgana trying to comfort him.

Arthur was looking around wildly and struggling to stand. Edwin sent him rolling with another spell. "Come out, Emrys! Master wants you back! He misses his favorite pet. Come back with me now and maybe you won't be punished. Don't you want to return? Don't you miss your special little room? Your special food? Master promises you more attention!" He cackled. Merlin was sobbing now. Morgana tried to pull him away but he was anchored now, whether he liked it or not.

Arthur finally stood up, leaning on a tree for support. "After what Cenred did to him, you can't really expect to lure Merlin away with promises of special treatment!"

Edwin bound Arthur to the tree. "Lure? Emrys will return whether he likes it or not! Special, hah! It's a joke little Pendragon." He pushed on the spell and Merlin heard Arthur grunt. "It's our little joke, isn't it, Emrys?"

"Leave him alone!" Edwin pushed on Arthur again.

"Aren't you curious? Did Emrys tell you all about it? Oh, wait, he can't! He's not allowed to speak. Well, I guess I could tell you."

Please don't.

"His special little room is a cell. Don't you miss that, Emrys? The clanking chains, the chilly drafts, the rotten hay. He liked it. It was better than the alternative. See, unlike Mordred, Emrys hadn't earned a real room. He didn't like earning rewards."

Please! No more.

Arthur kicked out, snarling. Edwin put more pressure on Arthur. "We all knew what Cenred really wanted, why he chose Mordred and Emrys to be his special pets! But it keeps the rest of us safe. While he's busy with them, we can live a little easier. Don't look so disgusted, Pendragon! It's all your father's fault. He's the one that chased us out of Camelot and forced us right into Cenred's hands. What were we supposed to choose? Death on the pyre or life as pet sorcerers? It's no life at all but as long as Cenred has his entertainment, we can pretend otherwise!"

Merlin was sobbing. He knew it was true. As long as Mordred and he kept Cenred happy, no one else suffered. It didn't matter. He didn't want to go back to that, didn't even want to remember it. That's what Edwin was doing, he always had. Even when Merlin behaved, Edwin had always reminded him of what waited for him. It was as if he felt compelled to assert himself over someone weaker to feel better about his own situation.

Please!

Gaius had snuck closer. He said a spell but nothing happened.

Edwin turned away from Arthur. "Oh, Gaius, you really have fallen far, haven't you?" He spat the same spell back and sent Gaius flying away. Merlin pulled himself together enough to cushion Gaius' fall.

Arthur tackled Edwin from behind. Merlin used his voice to focus. "Merlin is never going back! He's safe now. You're the disgusting one, letting Cenred torture and abuse children to keep him distracted from you!"

Safe?

They rolled around on the ground. Merlin didn't know what to do, how to help. "You don't know! You have no idea what it's like to have him controlling you, every minute of every day!"

"No! But I also know that I wouldn't let children suffer that! You could have fought! You could have protected them!"

Protect?

Edwin pinned Arthur down and pulled out a dagger. "You have no right to judge me, Pendragon. This was never about Emrys. At least it was only those two boys and not a new one every week. Besides, to avenge my parents, to see Camelot fall, I would do whatever it took!" He started to swing down.

Protect! Arthur!

His magic reacted to Merlin's unconscious wish. Edwin went flying and crashed into a tree. Merlin watched as he slumped down and didn't move.

Merlin was frozen. Edwin still didn't move.

Arthur was calling his name but Merlin couldn't respond. Edwin still wasn't moving. Morgana was pulling him away and he fought to stay, to see.

Edwin hadn't moved. The vision melted away.

His body in Morgana's room was shivering, his legs asleep, and his mouth tasting sour. Morgana sat up and he slipped off her bed weakly.

"Merlin, you-"

He looked up at her, panicking all over again, and his magic slipped out once more. Morgana fell back, asleep, and he began to cry in earnest again. What was wrong with him?

His magic was too dangerous. He was hurting everyone. He had disobeyed Arthur and revealed his magic to Morgana. Arthur wouldn't want him now.

Master had been right all along. Disobedient, dangerous, he was everything Master had ever said. He couldn't breathe through his anguish. As soon as his legs could hold him, he ran from the room. He ran without thinking. Ran until he crashed into a door, Arthur's door.

He couldn't stay here, but if he left, where would he go? He had nowhere unless he wanted to return to Master. His legs buckled under him. No, he couldn't willingly go back. He would rather take whatever punishment Arthur gave him.

His magic unlocked the door and he crawled through, letting his magic lock the doors once more. With the last of his strength, he crawled onto Arthur's bed and curled up, his magic pulling the curtains down to hide him.

He'd ruined everything. He'd broken his promise to Arthur and used magic, even revealed it to Morgana. He'd spelled her to sleep.

Worse, he'd killed Edwin.

I hate to end on such a note, but if I get some time, you may get the next chapter as soon as tomorrow. It should answer the questions I'm sure you have now! Thanks for reading :)