A/N: Thanks to everyone who has reviewed or added to story alerts! They just make me so happy in a day which I should have spent studying...oops...:D

Chapter 3- Devoid of Hope

Arthur watched with a heavy heart as the hunting party tore out of the front gates of Camelot, racing in a futile attempt to capture the long-gone sorcerer. Arthur knew their attempts were in vain; sorcerers were never caught by men on horses, if Merlin wanted to remain hidden, he would. Arthur knew from experience, from the countless times he'd had to hunt down his lazy manservant to make him begin his work, that Merlin was a difficult man to find. He could probably turn himself invisible, it would explain a lot. Arthur then shuddered as he considered how the power of invisibility could have been used by Merlin; the perfect weapon, already situated in the heart of the city of the man who persecuted men like him.

He sighed and turned to face the emptiness of his chambers, which had become even more of a mess in Merlin's absence. He half-expected Merlin to walk in the door, scold him for refusing to put away his own clothes and roll his eyes whenever Arthur would demand that he clean out his stables.

But of course, his hopes were non-existent. Merlin would never come back; he had turned his back on Camelot.

Arthur tried to distract himself with positive thoughts, perhaps he would get a new manservant, one who would actually arrive on time and do the things he was paid to do. But even as he pondered this, he dismissed the idea. As much as he complained about Merlin, he had always had such a positive outlook on life, always had a smile on his face, was never afraid to call Arthur a prat to his face. Perhaps he had been a terrible servant...but at least he was entertaining, had helped Arthur to see past the palace walls and take an interest in the lives of ordinary people. Under Merlin's guidance, Arthur had gradually become less of the arrogant prince and more like a friend to Merlin, due to Merlin's sharply honest remarks about whatever Arthur did. Never hesitating to criticise him...Merlin was certainly better than some boot-licker of a servant, who obeyed Arthur's every whim with a "Yes sire," "Of course sire" and "Whatever you say sire" which he supposed had been what had turned him into such a spoiled brat in the first place.

He sighed again and began to put away his own clothes for a change, remembering with a jolt, Merlin's dig at his not being able to find his own clothes. Well Merlin, perhaps I would be able to find them if they were not always lying on the floor when you neglected to put them by.

He could almost hear Merlin's retort that if Arthur could fight sorcerers and magical creatures he should certainly be able to handle folding a gentle piece of cloth. This memory of playful arguments pained him.

Arthur kicked out at his wardrobe in anger. Why had this happened? Why?

A gentle knocking soon brought him out of his painful contemplations. A small palace servant meekly entered and told Arthur in a tiny voice that his father wished to see him immediately before hurrying back the way he had came. He looked absolutely terrified of Arthur, and Arthur did not know why until he caught sight of his reflection in the looking glass over the fireplace.

His blonde hair stuck up at all angles around his face, which seemed paler and gaunter than usual. Dark great circle ringed his eyes, reminding Arthur of the sleepless nights he had endured. He had not shaved in the last three days and as a result, rough stubble was already forming around his face, darkening his composure. He did truly look frightening. It seemed these last three days had had an even greater impact on him than he had thought. He had become a recluse, seeing nobody, not even Gwen who came wanting to comfort and be comforted herself, but he had sent her away with a harshness in his voice which he immediately regretted upon seeing her hurt features. His father's denial to even let him see Merlin had only added to the angst he was enduring. If only Merlin had been offered a chance to explain...

Arthur dragged himself out of these thoughts, there was no use in wondering about it now, what was done was done. He tidied himself up as much as he could and left to find his father. He glanced once more at his reflection, which was slightly improved, although Merlin still would have said he looked like one of those gargoyles that had once attacked Camelot.

How had he never noticed before? Every time there was some magical threat in Camelot, Merlin was never far away, he and Gaius had seemed to always know what was going on and how to defeat it. Arthur felt incredibly stupid and embarrassed at how Merlin must have believed him to be so stupid and dense, rather ironically considering Arthur had always said the same thing about Merlin.

How had he had the patience to endure being regarded as the local idiot for so long? Arthur had seen for himself the extent of Merlin's powers, how had he been content to just let everyone put him down all the time. If he could just magic himself away, why had he put up with being put in the stocks? How had he managed to even look at his father without showing any sign of hatred? How had we all survived for so long? Why had Merlin put up with Arthur's obnoxious ways?

All of these question whizzed unanswered around Arthur's mind, bumping into each other, causing more confusion. These questions could never be answered. There was no use in driving himself crazy trying to.

Merlin and Merlin alone had the answers. And he was never coming back.

Arthur suddenly realised, he had been referring to Merlin in the past tense all day, as though he were dead. But then, as Arthur reminded himself, Merlin was dead to him. The Merlin he knew was gone, replaced by the sorcerer.

Arthur then found himself standing in front of the great oak doors which led to the throne room. He readied himself, preparing for the barrage of questions his father would undoubtedly rain down on him. He nodded to the two guards on either side of the doors, motioning for them to open them, and stepped into the hall.

Uther was pacing about like a madman, yelling orders to all those around. He had a maniacal look in his eyes, veins were standing out on his forehead, and his face had turned red in rage. Arthur honestly couldn't remember the last time he had saw his father so angry.

Uther was surrounded by his council of advisors, none of which were doing much advising; they seemed too flummoxed as to what to do, nothing of the sort had ever occurred in Camelot before. Arthur then noticed Gaius standing in the shadows of the room silently. He watched Uther pacing around, but made no move to contribute anything. He seemed to be in shock and just stared into space, with a slight frown and a worried expression on his face.

Arthur then felt a sudden upsurge in pity. What must it be like, to have the one you regarded as a son, tried, convicted and almost executed for sorcery? To have him vanish into mid air, with no idea where he was or whether he was even safe?

He then felt an immense anger for Merlin. How could he abandon and betray Gaius like this? The man who looked after him, housed him, fed him and so many other things; Merlin was truly selfish if he could throw all that away without a second thought. Gaius himself had been in the same situation, almost executed for sorcery. No old man deserved such heartache.

Uther then noticed his son's presence. He stopped pacing abruptly and turned to face him.

"Well? How go the searches?" He asked in his imperious tone.

"Nothing as of yet father, and I am doubtful that he will be found at all. Merlin is most adept at hiding." Arthur answered with a sigh.

"You cannot presume to know this boy now Arthur. He has betrayed you; he has betrayed all of us. Continue the searches. I want him found, either dead or alive; I just want this filth to be eradicated."

"Yes father." He answered resignedly. He knew his father would never give up until he was found, disregarding the manpower and resources it would consume to do so. His hatred of magic blinded him to all else.

"Don't you take that tone with me Arthur. Don't you understand the seriousness of this situation? This boy infiltrated our very inner sanctum, attended many important meetings, and overheard many of my plans and the secrets of the kingdom. That information in the hands of sorcerers is lethal to the future wealth and security of Camelot. Not to mention the disgust I feel for the treachery of the boy. A boy trusted with looking after the crown prince, one that I personally said I knew I could trust in the battle against magic. How he must have laughed at me! I will not allow his treason to go unpunished."

Arthur remained silent. He thought perhaps he should remind his father that it had been him in the first place who had offered the job to Merlin in return for saving his life, but he thought that might be taking it too far. He didn't want his father to implode.

Why was he defending Merlin? Why did he feel annoyed whenever his father mentioned his "treachery"? Arthur knew it to be true, Merlin was in possession of many secrets of Camelot and he could easily use to rise up against them. But why was there a niggling doubt at the back of his mind, telling him that something was wrong? Arthur had always been one to trust his instincts, but now he wasn't sure this was the right path. His mind now held precedence over what his heart told him. Merlin was guilty.

"Do you have any idea where he could have gone?" Uther asked in annoyance at Arthur's silence.

"No, my lord. Perhaps he went back to Ealdor."Arthur answered, though not truly believing it.

"A sorcerer intelligent enough to penetrate the inner circle of Camelot and deceive us all would never be as foolish as to do something so predictable, "dismissed Uther, turning away with a wave of his hand.

"And you Gaius, do you have any idea where he could have gone?" Uther directed his question to the corner of the room in which the old man was standing.

Gaius seemed to be jerked abruptly from his ponderings and looked at Uther with a haunted expression on his face. These last three days certainly had been tough on him.

"I don't, sire. My first thought would also be Ealdor, but he would not wish to put his mother into danger. He could have fled to the Druids, although I don't think he knows how to find them.

"And unfortunately neither do we," Uther cursed, slamming his hand on the table covered in maps of the surrounding forests.

Uther remained silent for a few moment, as though contemplating something new. Suddenly he turned to Gaius with an incredulous look on his face.

"You knew! You knew he was a sorcerer!"

Arthur looked abruptly at Gaius, whose features did not change from their far-away look. He did not answer. Uther took this as silent confirmation.

"You knew that your ward was a sorcerer and you neglected to tell me! A sorcerer who was plotting to overtake my kingdom! Perhaps you were in league with him! Perhaps you too were plotting to overthrow me!"

At this Gaius answered. "Never, my Lord." The finality in his voice made his intentions clear.

Uther turned away in disgust.

"I should have you hanged for this Gaius! How could you betray me after all these years?"

A hardened look came into Gaius's eye. "That boy was the closest thing to a son I ever had. Forgive me if I would not give him willingly to the executioner, as I believe you would not do for your own son, my Lord."

Uther's expression softened. He glanced quickly at Arthur.

"We were all deceived by this boy's intentions Gaius. He obviously manipulated you and your fatherly feelings for him. You will not be punished."

Then a steely look came into his eyes. "But Gaius if I ever find you have concealed something like this from me again, I will not be so lenient."

"Of course, sire." Gaius answered in a small voice which did not suit him at all.

How much could he be suffering, wondered Arthur. He couldn't believe that Gaius could have hidden something like that, though he understood why he did it. If Arthur had found out first, he didn't know what he would have done. Probably make up excuses for him as Gaius had done. No one could have seen this coming.

Uther dismissed Gaius, and he walked slowly out of the hall, for the first time, truly showing his age in his walk, so devoid of his usual vigour. As he passed Arthur he looked up at him.

"Whatever he may have intended, sire, I know his friendship for you was not false."

Arthur was taken aback. Gaius looked at him as though trying to covey what he meant with more than just words, perhaps trying to tell him that Merlin was not guilty of treason. But how could that be? How could someone learn sorcery in a kingdom where magic was banned unless he intended to use it for evil? All magic was a weapon, his father had said. What other reason would Merlin have for learning it? Merlin's friendship must have been faked, it was only a way to penetrate even further into Camelot, it couldn't have been real.

Gaius then moved on, a silent disappointment in his eyes, mirroring the disappointment he had seen in Merlin's eyes that morning. How much did Gaius really know?

Hours later, he found himself wandering around the castle, trying to find himself some distraction from the emptiness of his chambers. A new servant had been appointed that afternoon, a clean, efficient and polite servant. Arthur hated him. Not for the fact that he was in any way deficient, simply, that he was not Merlin.

He was still contemplating this when he came across Gwen, staring out at the courtyard and watching the blood red sun dip behind the buildings of the square. She had such a lost expression on her face; Arthur wished nothing more than to comfort her. He tried to imagine what she was going through, losing Morgana and then Merlin in just a few months, the two real friends she had ever had. Arthur had seen her tear-stricken face several times that day after the almost-execution, but now it seemed she had no tears left to spill.

He wanted to draw near her, comfort her, console her, but he found he couldn't. Gwen's mind was far away now; he owed her the chance to work things out for herself. And besides, he was too cowardly to even go up and talk to her; he feared that if they spoke together, he might break down and release all the anguish of the last few days. No, he would give them both a chance, a chance to figure things out on their own. Arthur thought that if he were to be near to her, he could never leave again. What was it and his over fondness for servants? His father laughed in his face whenever he mentioned any of his servant's troubles. They were not people to him. Arthur had been the same. Never looking at a servant twice, thinking they were just put on this earth to clean up after him and nothing else. That was before Merlin came. Before Merlin had changed everything.

He turned to leave, before he was once more lost in his thoughts, when he heard Gwen's soft, sweet voice sound, loud enough for him to hear but quiet enough to make him think she was talking aloud to herself.

"You'll come back Merlin. I know you will. You're not evil. One day everyone will see that."

Arthur sighed heavily. He couldn't believe the utmost confidence and hope Gwen had spoken with. He had none. It seemed Merlin had stolen that when he disappeared in the courtyard.

He was utterly devoid of hope.

A/N: I might not be able to upload for a while coz I've got big exams coming up but I'll try my best! I know the story is turning out to be a bit depressing at the mo but I promise it'll get more happy as it goes on! And ou might just meet some old characters in later chapters...dun dun dun.... :D