A/N: Omg 100 reviews! I love you guys! Anyways...this chapter was really hard to write coz I know it's been well...eagerly anticipated. Hope it fills expectations! Enjoy...:D

Chapter 16- Good thing...bad thing...

Merlin stood silently in the wooded glade, directly opposite from Arthur, watching him. A fair distance separated them both, but neither moved to close the gap. He dared not move, speak, or try to explain himself. He had to let Arthur start, he owed him that.

Arthur stood watching him, for what seemed like a lifetime, no expression on his face whatsoever, just staring.

It was agonising for Merlin, but he didn't say anything.

What was Arthur thinking?

It pained Merlin to think Arthur was at this moment detesting the sight of him, he longed to explain, to stammer aimlessly in a huge unintelligible babble of words, but he didn't. Arthur had to work this out for himself. That would be the true trial of their friendship.

Still, Arthur couldn't be contemplating killing him, at least at this very moment. He had made no move to come closer, he had not reached for his sword. He had not began immediately to accuse him, shout at him, hurt him. The absence of any emotion in his face gave Merlin hope, it meant he was thinking carefully. If Arthur had been completely decided against Merlin, he would have already have made his move. Perhaps he was undecided. Perhaps Merlin had been forgiven.

But how could Arthur forgive the things Merlin had done, when he had not forgiven himself for what had happened?

The deathly silence between them was broken by the large cawing of a raven in the woods. An evil, mocking cry. The trees whispered to each other in the slight wind, the leaves swirled around in a mass of fiery colours.

Arthur blinked.

He took a deep breath and took one step forward.

For the first time, emotion was now conveyed across his features, though what kind, Merlin could not tell. A plethora of emotions, none of them identifiable.

He seemed to be unsure what to say.

"How did you find me?"

It was not the question Merlin had been expecting, something more along the lines of "Why did you betray me?"or "How could you have done that?"would have better suited.

"We're connected Arthur. A sub-conscious link which is always there. I can tell when you are in danger, I can always know where you are. It is my destiny to know, my destiny to protect you."

He could have elaborated, went on for more and more, but he did not want to sound desperate, he didn't want to influence him.

Arthur nodded slowly.

"Your 'destiny'."

He was silent once more.

The raven continued to caw in its tree, breaking up the silence.

"The same destiny I assume which told you to study sorcery, I take it?" Arthur now began to pace about in an agitated manner, coming closer and closer to Merlin. "The same destiny which told you to lie to everyone in Camelot. The same one which told you to go behind my back and study illegal practises? The same destiny which told you to hide a fugitive from the guards of Camelot? The same destiny which told you to sneak into the caves and talk to a dragon? The same one which told you to kill Morgana? The same destiny which told you to set loose to dragon on Camelot?"

With each statement, Arthur's voice grew louder and louder and he paced back and forth staring intently at Merlin.

Merlin felt his heart sink. He was not forgiven.

It made sense, how could Arthur forgive something like this? Merlin felt he deserved it, he had not expected much more. He could never make Arthur understand, he did not understand himself. He had always known it would come down to this.

It hurt.

More than he ever thought it could.

Merlin nodded wordlessly, although acknowledgement was not required. He did not even attempt to explain himself.

Arthur's composure softened a little and his voice became less fierce.

"And all of this, was to protect me?"

Again, Merlin nodded.

Silence prevailed once more.

Merlin could not even look at Arthur. He watched the dead leaves swirl around in the wind, revealing the harsh craggy rocks beneath them, and the roots of trees which stuck erratically out of the ground, and the raven in the branches of the yew tree.

He heard Arthur take another deep breath, and he threw him a quick glance.

Arthur's face was again unreadable.

"Then where the bloody hell have you been the last three weeks?"

Merlin started. He took a step back, fell over his own feet and landed hard on the ground.

"What?"

"You've been doing an amazing job protecting me, haven't you, hiding out with Druids. Honestly, can't a man have a bodyguard that sticks around when he's needed? I always knew I paid you too much."

Merlin was speechless. Did this mean...was it...no it couldn't...was it?

Arthur strode towards Merlin with no hatred on his face. He held out his hand to Merlin, still sprawled on the forest floor.

"But good friends always come back, don't they? They don't run from their mistakes, they stick it out, regardless of the consequences."

Merlin looked down at the proffered hand, hardly daring to believe it.

Arthur looked at him, determination in his eyes.

Merlin grasped Arthur's hand, and Arthur then pulled him to his feet, until they were looking at each other eye to eye.

"Good friends don't abandon each other, no matter what happens. They support each other, through the good and the bad, and they would gladly risk their life for their friends."

Merlin opened his mouth to say something, but no sound came out. His mouth opened and closed a few times, gaping idiotically.

Arthur raised one eyebrow.

"Close your mouth Merlin, you look even more gormless than usual."

Merlin grinned, a true grin, he had not smiled in weeks.

"Yes, Sire."

Arthur have him a small smile.

"A while ago, I would have given anything to make you shut up. Now I would give anything to make you talk."

"Don't say that Sire, you'll never hear the end of it."

"Don't I know it."

The two of them continued to look at one another, small smiles playing on each of their lips. A new sensation soared through Merlin, something that was unfamiliar to him, especially from the last few weeks.

It was relief.

Everything that had been hanging on his shoulders the last few weeks was gone, he felt lighter, and happier than he thought he had ever been in his entire life. The burden, now that it was gone, seemed the smallest thing in the world, he could barely imagine how unbearable it had been only a few hours earlier. What did anything else matter now? Everything was resolved, there was no more worrying. All thoughts of wars, warriors, battles went out of his head. At this moment, there was just the two of them. He now fully appreciated what he had been missing in his life in the last while. He knew now the true extent of his and Arthur's friendship. It had left a gaping hole in his life. A hole was now filled up. It was gone. He felt complete again. Not just one half, broken off and lost. He knew where he belonged, more than he did before, it was at Arthur's side, as always.

Merlin now felt he had to say something.

"You truly forgive me Arthur?"

Arthur exhaled sharply, thinking over his answer.

"There is nothing to forgive Merlin. I know what you did, and I knew your reasons. They have always been good and true. He have always done what you believed to be right. I have honestly never met anyone so selfless and kind as you, I didn't believe such people existed, and I certainly never believed they could be sorcerers. You've opened my eyes Merlin. Before you came along and began your job of watching the mess in my chambers grow larger and larger, I was a spoiled arrogant prince. I had never done anything else for anyone. And I'm so glad I'm not any more, the prejudices are gone, thanks to you. You're the only friend I've ever had."

Merlin was dumbfounded. Was this Arthur speaking?

He was immensely embarrassed. He knew he had had some affect on Arthur, helped him open his eyes to Gwen for example but...to think, this is what Arthur really believed about him. He could barely speak.

But he knew something had to be said. He couldn't expect Arthur to make such a personal speech without saying something in return. But what? Everything in his head sounded stupid. But then again, he always sounded stupid. He had never been good at expressing his own feelings. So he just settled with:

"My goodness Arthur, admitting I'm your friend and that you were spoiled and arrogant, are you sure you're feeling all right?"

Arthur just gave a small laugh.

"You're the one who won't be feeling all right when I make you muck out all of the palace stables everyday for a month."

"Does that mean...I'm your servant again?" Merlin scarcely believed it.

"If you want...unless servant's work is too demeaning for a high and mighty sorcerer?"

Merlin grinned.

"No, never."

Arthur grinned as well, and again they were silent, but not an unpleasant one, just one to think and be glad in what had happened. The raven's ominous cries could now barely be heard.

Merlin suddenly remembered.

"Hey, what about your new servant, what's-his-name?"

"He was a pathetic boot-licker, he's as good as gone."

"That's not fair, putting an innocent man out of work just because-"

"Don't argue Merlin."

Merlin fell silent, barely stifling a laugh.

Arthur hesitated, and looked pained.

"I forgive you Merlin, but still...I still want some answers, I can't rest until I get them. I need to know."

Merlin nodded to who he was listening, this was only to be expected.

"Why...why did you want to learn magic so much, what was so good about it, you were willing to risk your life for."

At least the answer to this question was simple.

"Magic is me, Arthur. I can't live without it. It's not like a learned skill, like you and your jousting, it's a part of who I am. I need it, as much as you need blood or air."

Arthur nodded.

"You know, there was a time I thought you were too dense to care much about anything other than your food and your bed."

"And there was a time I though you were a tyrannical, good-for-nothing-"

"You're pushing it now Merlin."

"Sorry."

Arthur hesitated again, before he asked his next question.

"That girl, the one I saw, Freya...you were in love with her weren't you?"

Merlin stayed silent, as he contemplated his answer, this was something he was not as keen to talk about.

"Yes...yes, I think I was. I'm sorry I hid her from you, but you can understand why, can't you? I just couldn't leave her in that cage, when it could so easily have been me."

"Yes, yes of course I understand why you did it Merlin, that's not what I'm leading to. It's just...how she died...it...it was me that killed her...wasn't it...?"

Merlin looked at him for one long hard moment.

"Yes. And I forgive you."

He spoke simply, with no doubt.

Arthur wasn't as relaxed.

"How can you forgive that? I killed her Merlin. How could you look at me every day after that, knowing what I did? How? Why?"

He spoke in a great rush, and it was obvious he was eaten away by guilt over what he had done. Merlin did not blame him in the slightest, he had long come to terms with Freya's death, he had never once resented Arthur for it.

"Because, I can understand. You were protecting the people of Camelot. And even I can't deny, she was killing them. It was the only way you could protect them, I don't blame you for that. At least now, the curse is broken for her, she's no longer plagued by it, no more are dying. There's always something good amongst the bad."

"What good Merlin? I killed the woman you loved! I can imagine what would happen to me if Gwen died! How can you be so forgiving? I spent weeks torturing myself over where your loyalties lay, hating you on occasion for what you are. How can you be so forgiving?"

"Because I need to be. Holding onto resentment is like poison in a wound, it'll only get worse. Besides, it's kind of hard to protect someone when you hate them and want them dead."

Arthur stared at him for a moment, pain in his eyes, before asking his next question.

"And Morgana?"

Merlin felt a shudder at that memory, although Morgana had forgiven him, he himself was still racked with guilt.

"It was the only way to protect everyone in Camelot, to protect you, the King. I didn't want to do it Arthur, you have to believe that! It's the hardest thing I've ever done. I told myself it was right, one life for many, but her eyes, the way she looked at me...I can't forgive myself for that, even though my actions did save Camelot."

He looked down at his feet, ashamed. What must Arthur think of him trying to kill the one who was like a sister to him?

"I...I forgive you Merlin. What you did...it wasn't any different for me and Freya. If you can forgive me for that, I can certainly do the same for you."

Merlin looked up, and almost began to feel tears at his eyes, before blinking them away furiously. He had always been too emotional.

Arthur shook himself, it appeared as well he was not unaffected by the conversation.

"I know you didn't want to do it, I saw the way you put it off, the look on your face...And I know Morgana would forgive you too, maybe not at first, but she would come around, I'm sure of it. I only hope one day we can find her and find out for sure."

Merlin shifted guiltily. Should he tell him?

"Arthur...Morgana...she's already forgiven me. She's at the Druid camp I've been staying at. We made it up last night, after three weeks of..well...not exactly cordial relations. She doesn't blame me for what happened, and she's now perfectly healthy, the Druids cured her."

Arthur looked as if he was in shock, but then a huge grin of relief and delight spread across his face. Merlin then fully appreciated how much Arthur really cared for Morgana, despite what he may say occasionally.

"She's all right? Are you absolutely sure?"

Merlin nodded.

Arthur closed his eyes in relief.

"The Druids have been helping her, you know that she has magic right? She can't control it, she can barely use it, and they're teaching her, it's the best place for her, with people where she can be herself."

Arthur nodded, still reeling with happiness. Then a look of dawning comprehension came across his face.

"She was the one that lent you the magic to come to me in my chambers!"

Merlin nodded again.

"She almost used too much, but she's fine now. I didn't want to tell you who she was at the time...I couldn't have explained it to you properly. She's a leader now amongst the Druids, they all respect her."

"Yes, she always was bossy, I can see that role suiting her perfectly."

Merlin only smiled. He was full of apprehension for the next question, he knew what it could only be.

Arthur seemed to realise as well. He seemed nervous about bringing it up, although Merlin had no idea why.

"The dragon..."

He didn't need to say any more.

Merlin took a deep breath.

"I know what happened with the dragon was wrong, I should never have released him, but I felt I was...obliged to. I had promised and...I thought I could trust him to leave Camelot alone...I thought he was good enough to leave the innocent...I didn't think he would be so full of resentment to be so ruthless. I had no choice, I had to release him...you have no idea how much I regret it. But I tried...I tired Arthur to make things right again...I tried so hard...but nothing worked. I can never forgive myself for all of those deaths...I don't expect you to either, I-"

Arthur held up a hand to stop him.

"Everyone has done things they weren't proud of Merlin. I've killed men in battle, and in tournaments. I watched their frightened eyes as they lay there dying, but I tried to tell myself it was for the best, that this was something they had chosen. It didn't make me feel any better. I know what it is to feel responsible for so many deaths, but, if I hadn't killed those men, Camelot would have been in danger from attack, it may be been overrun with invaders. You realised your mistake Merlin, and you did everything within your power to fix it. That takes a lot of maturity, you didn't run away, you stood and fought. You didn't abandon Camelot, you stayed. I saw the pain in your eyes, the guilt you had, I know you did everything you possibly gave your sacrifice Merlin, you lost your father...we all paid for my father's arrogance for locking up the dragon in the first place. Like what you said Merlin, something good always comes from something bad. After war, and all the casualties, there's always an armistice, which means...peace."

Merlin wasn't sure what to say to this.

"Not if you're Cendred it doesn't."

Arthur laughed.

"No, perhaps it doesn't."

But underneath that laugh, there was something deeper. The war still lay heavily on them both. They had put it off, forgotten all about it, but now, it had to be dealt with.

Arthur spoke first.

"Camelot's armies have been mobilised, we're preparing for war, but...we don't have enough men to fight. We're ill-prepared for a siege. I'm not optimistic. I don't see how we can fight a whole army and an army of sorcerers."

Merlin smiled.

"Perhaps we can help there."

Arthur looked confused.

"What are you talking about?"

"The Druids."

Arthur still looked confused.

"The Druids won't fight for us. They hate Camelot, there'd be no benefit for them to fight with their enemies. We'd never convince them."

"I already have."

Arthur looked shocked.

"You mean...they're willing to help us?"

"Of course. Some were unwilling at first, but they've all realised we need to band together to solve this. They all know the risks. But we're willing to prove that we don't harbour resentment towards Uther, we're willing to fight alongside him for the common good."

Arthur was in disbelief.

"They're willing to risk that much? Even when they know my father could have them all executed just for being there?"

Merlin nodded.

"Why?"

"Because...they have faith in you Arthur. Faith that when you are king, you'll bring peace to Camelot, unite the lands of Albion and bring forth a better world for all of us. That's what was prophesied, that's what I'm supposed to help you do, and now, for the first time, I know how."

Arthur nodded, still in shock.

"So, how many are willing to fight?"

"Three of the four disciplines have pledged to help Camelot. Only one, a group of about fifty will actually fight, physically, and with magic. The rest are Healers and defenders and other things. The majority of them hate violence, but they can be useful in other ways."

Arthur wasn't exactly convinced.

"Only fifty? We're expecting Cendred's armies to number ten thousand at least!"

"But you forget, Arthur. Druid warriors are particularly...uh...fierce...in battle. They have magic as well as sword skills. Each one is worth about ten normal men."

Arthur was a little reassured, although he was still apprehensive.

"Can this other 'discipline' not be convinced to fight?"

Merlin thought for a moment.

"Perhaps. Though maybe they need reassurances in person."

"What?"

Merlin smiled, an idea in his mind.

"You could maybe convince them."

Arthur's eyes widened.

"Me? Crown prince of Camelot, son of Uther Pendragon, walk into a camp of Druids! It's suicide!"

"Not really. Most of them are going to fight for you anyway. If you're there in person, they might be more convinced, they would have more faith in you."

"But...they hate me!"

Merlin tried a different tactic.

"What, are you scared?"

Arthur looked indignant.

"I am not scared, I'm just not reckless enough to risk so much."

"You'll do it then?"

Arthur thought for a moment, turning everything over in his mind, finally, a resigned expression came onto his face. He nodded.

Merlin smiled.

"Don't worry, Sire. I'll protect you from the nasty Druids."

Arthur's eyes flashed in annoyance.

"I can perfectly well protect myself!"

"Pfft! What with, a sword? Don't make me laugh. These are people to can make flames, wind, flowers and water appear with a flash of their eyes. Do you really think they'll be scared of a pointy bit of metal?"

Arthur huffed, and said nothing. Merlin grinned in victory.

"So how are we getting to the Druid camp?"

"Hmm. Not sure...well I suppose I could modify the spell a bit...yes, I think it'll work."

"Think?"

"Hey! My spells are always improvised, and they've never let me down yet!"

Arthur rolled his eyes.

"What do I have to do?"

"Just hold on tightly to my arm."

Arthur did so, Merlin spoke his improved enchantment, and they both disappeared in a howling wind.

The wind died down in the clearing, and the normal forest sounds became audible once again. The raven, still sitting in its tree, cawed loudly. It's beady eyes glinted evilly and it took to the air, swooping the the trees like a black ghost on the wind.

It flew and flew and flew through the forest, and out across a valley and the open ground, until it came upon an encampment of soldiers with blue tunics. It flew up to a tent at the head of the temporary settlement, where the royal standard flew.

The raven flew closer and closer to the ground, rushed forward, and where the raven had been, stood a man.

He walked forward to the tent, confidently and without fear.

Inside, at a long table, sat many aged courtiers and war advisers, pouring over maps and old pieces of parchment.

In the middle of all these men, sat the tallest of them, middle-aged, with brown hair and beard, and a cruel look in his eyes. A golden crown sat upon his head.

He looked up as the man entered.

"Well, was the young Druid boy's information useful?"

"Very, King Cendred. When Mordred arranged for Arthur Pendragon to judge for himself whether or not to trust Emrys, I was apprehensive. And indeed, Pendragon has forgiven Emrys."

Cendred scowled.

"I assume who have better information than that to give me if you want to stay in my favour."

The man smiled smugly.

"Camelot is weak, and the Druids are divided. If we attack now they will both fall. The time for action is now."

Cendred regarded him for an instant, before smiling evilly.

"So be it. We march at sunset."

A/N: Thought I'd give the cliffhangers a rest for a while. :D At least, I don't think this is much of a cliffhanger...at least I'm not being completely and downright evil this time.

I love feedback guys! Tell me what you liked and didn't like! My wee sister hasn't actually read this all of the way through coz she says the Druids are too boring...anyone else of the same opinion? Tell me what you think!

Love for all those who review! Roll on 200!