A/N: Thanks to all my amazing reviewers! Love you guys! :D Enjoy!

Chapter 17- Back to the Village

Arthur felt himself fall heavily on the ground, and lay there disorientated and dizzy. That had to have been one of the strangest experiences of his life.

He felt Merlin fall next to him and lay there also. Arthur tried to speak, but found he was unable to, confused, as though he had left part of himself behind.

He looked around him, still lying on the ground. Great, another forest, he thought irritably. He felt ill, and was in no mood to be told by Merlin they were lost, or even worse, that they hadn't moved at all. But this forest was definitely different, the trees were far older. Something resonated through the air, something heavy which permeated through the trees, he could almost taste it on his tongue. He knew it was magic. More ancient magic than he had ever before encountered.

He felt a dull pain in his back from landing so hard on the ground. He shifted uncomfortably.

Merlin noticed this and said:

"Sorry, landing's just something I never got the hang of."

"At least you got us here in one piece," Arthur replied haughtily. He did not appreciate being slammed into the hard earth, but for the sake of his and Merlin's recent reconciliation, he didn't mention it. He'd get him back later.

"Ummm...yeah, about that. You do have all of your fingers don't you?"

"What!" Arthur bolted upright alarmed, and began to frantically examine his hands.

Merlin grinned from the forest floor.

"Just kidding. Knew that'd get you up."

"Merlin! That was not funny!"

Merlin just kept grinning.

"I beg to differ."

Arthur rolled his eyes. Would Merlin ever grow up? You'd think being some big important sorcerer would at least make him a little more mature.

Merlin then picked himself up and looked around the forest carefully, before looking back at Arthur.

"Seriously though. You are in one piece aren't you."

Arthur said nothing.

"That's a yes then? Just checking, this spell is dangerous enough at the best of times, without the fact that just a few hours ago I had no magic at all."

"Yeah, remind me again, how did that happen?" Arthur asked him, surreptitiously checking to make sure he was in one piece.

"Byrne wanted me to join him against Camelot. When I refused, he removed my magic. Morgana helped me to get it back. It's just now I appreciate how much it's a part of me. I've never felt like that before."

Arthur didn't say anything. He saw the truth in Merlin's eyes and the sincerity with which he spoke. He could never have imagined magic could be like that for someone; he had always been taught that magic was just a weapon, learned for the sole use of hurting others. It seemed everything he had ever learned was useless in light of what he was now facing. He had to cast off all old prejudices.

He tried to stand up, but staggered and almost fell. He did not like this method of transport at all, it made him feel so weak.

Merlin came towards him concerned,

"It might take a while to get used to it. We travelled a long way, and this spell was only ever intended for people who could actually use magic. It's probably had a worse effect on you than it did on me on my first journey."

Arthur could well believe it. His head felt as though tiny hammers were sounding inside his skull, his vision was blurred and he staggered around like a sailor at sea.

"Is this normal for sorcerers?

Merlin smirked.

"Not in general, it's a very difficult spell, not many are up to it. I, however, am no ordinary sorcerer."

"Honestly Merlin, a prince calls you his friend just once and you have no grow a head the size of a boulder."

"You know I can't be long outdone by you,"

"Shut up Merlin."

Arthur rubbed his sore limbs,it felt as though they had been almost jerked right out of their sockets by the wind.

"You'd think, that with all the magic in the world, sorcerers would have found a less uncomfortable method of travel."

Merlin looked slightly offended at this.

"It's not that uncomfortable. Far less painful than sitting on a horse all day until you get a right pain up the-"

"Shut up Merlin."

Arthur sighed. He still felt like hell, but that wasn't about to change for some time at least.

"Where are these Druids then? We don't have much time."

Merlin looked as though he'd only just remembered why they were here.

"Oh. Yeah, I suppose we'd better find them. Follow me."

He set off into the trees, and Arthur followed hurriedly.

"What do you mean 'find'? Don't you know where they are?"

Merlin bit his lip.

"Not exactly..."

"And what does that mean?"

"Well, you see, the camp changes position every day, so Uther's men can't find us. If you're trying to find the village, you have to reach out with your senses and feel the magic drawing you in. Only magical people can do this, no one non-magic could ever find the village unless they were led there. And you can only pass through the mists around the village if you have magic or touching some one with magic."

Arthur frowned.

"But...how are you supposed to 'sense' the village. Even I can tell this forest is teeming with magic, how can you tell which is the village and which is the forest."

Merlin grimaced.

"Hence my problem."

Arthur sighed.

"So you've no idea where you're going?"

"Yep."

"Great. Fantastic."

Merlin looked around at him, a small smiled playing on his lips.

"Don't be so pessimistic. I know it's around here somewhere. I'll find it eventually."

"We don't have forever Merlin!"

Merlin grinned.

"Patience, patience Sire."

Arthur raised his hands in frustration.

"Well how did you find it the first time you were here?"

"Someone led me there. And I haven't been out of the village since so I never had to chance to practise finding my way back."

Arthur frowned.

"But didn't you get back after you came to Camelot to warn me.?"

"Yes, but I was just outside of the village at the time, and Morgana's magic drew me back to where she was. And I can't just reappear in the village, the protective enchantments don't let you do that."

"So basically the Druids don't encourage visitors."

Merlin smiled.

"Something like that."

Arthur had nothing more to say. He felt ridiculous walking around in these woods with no idea where he was going, walking around in circles looking for some sort of invisible village.

He followed Merlin for about ten minutes, every so often stopping as Merlin screwed up his eyes in concentration, trying to sense where the village lay hidden.

He went on and on, trampling through the undergrowth in a very undignified manner as thorn bushes caught at his tunic and pulled at the sheath of his sword. He wished he had his horse with him, but his prize stallion had been left behind with Mordred's Druids. He cursed his own folly at leaving him behind.

He finally had had enough.

"Merlin, I refuse to traipse around this forest like an idiot any longer. Don't you have any sense of direction?"

Merlin frowned.

"In my defence, I can hardly be expected to know the exact location of the village every day, what would be the point in changing it then, if everyone knew where it was all the time and could get to it whenever they please? The whole point of this is to make sure no one undeserving finds the village. And anyway, how on earth was I supposed to aim when I was pulling you alongside me?"

"I thought you were some amazing, powerful sorcerer Merlin. Isn't that what you were telling me?"

"I can't be expected to get everything right Arthur. I'm only destined to be the greatest sorcerer who ever lived, I never said I was one now. Just like you're destined to become a great king and you're no where near that."

"You've been going on and on about how powerful you are, do you mean to tell me you were just exaggerating?"

"I never exaggerate Arthur. And besides, after all this time being put down by you and Uther, aren't I allowed to be worth a bit more than a servant?"

"The guilt trip won't work on me Merlin. And unless you find this camp very soon, I swear to the gods I am going to-"

"Found it!"

Arthur stopped.

"That was awfully convenient wasn't it? You don't fool me."

But Merlin paid no attention, just pointed excitedly towards the mists that were snaking through the trees.

"No, I'm being serious, that's it over there! I told you I'd find it! And you didn't believe me! Ha!"

Arthur looked towards the mists. They looked pretty ordinary to him, but then again, so had Merlin when he first met him.

Merlin was grinning broadly, smug in his victory, as though expecting Arthur to apologise for not believing him.

Arthur just shook his head.

"You're so self-important aren't you?"

"Hark who's talking."

Arthur ignored this, and advanced slowly towards the mists. Now he was closer,the mists seemed very sinister. They rolled over the ground and hung in the air. Arthur wished more than anything not to have to go through them. He had a nasty feeling he wouldn't come out again.

He looked around at Merlin.

"Are you sure this is it Merlin?"

Merlin nodded.

"Positive."

Arthur looked back at the smoky obstruction.

"It doesn't feel right to me."

"It isn't supposed to. That's part of the enchantments. It's supposed to discourage people form going near it."

Arthur sucked in a deep breath. He'd just have to trust Merlin.

"All right."

Merlin nodded and strode out in front of Arthur.

"Hold on tight to me. Don't let go."

Arthur reached out and grasped Merlin's bony shoulder. He did not like this at all.

Merlin walked confidently through the mist.

The sense of dread and fear in Arthur heightened within Arthur until it was almost unbearable. It took all of his will power not to run away, to put on foot in front of the other as he followed Merlin.

Gradually, the mists faded away, and Arthur could see the shapes of houses appearing. He stepped out of the mists and immediately the sense of dread was released from him, and he stood blinking in the sunlight of the village, immensely relieved to be rid of the constricting mists.

The village surprised him, he'd expected the Druids to be living in shabby little tents like the last Druid camp he had been in, yet, the village here, looked almost like a village surrounding Camelot, except perhaps that the houses looked as though they had been grown from the ground itself. He had not expected Druids to be so civilised, after all his father's rants about Druids being savages and pure evil. He could tell love and hard work had been what fashioned this village, not hate or vengeance.

Merlin looked around the apparently empty village, worry on his face.

Arthur did the same. There did not appear to be a living soul in sight.

"Do you think they've already left?"

Merlin shook his head.

"They weren't going to leave until sundown."

He stole into the trees around the village and made his way around the outskirts, keeping the houses in sight all of the time. Arthur followed him.

Eventually, they came towards the head of the village, where, finally, a babble of voices could be heard. Arthur sighed in relief.

He looked out at the village. The Druids, far more than he had anticipated were arranged into separate groups. In the largest, all carried heavy packs on their shoulders filled with, what Arthur guessed to be healing equipment. Another group appeared to be made up of children, another seemed to be made of smiths, who were frantically hammering away at metal, with unnatural green fires nearby which seemed to be speeding up the process. Another was a group of Druids mounted on swift, well-shod horses and another, he supposed, were the warriors.

Arthur now realised what Merlin had meant when he said the warriors were fierce. They looked terrifying, painted blue with strange symbols all over their half-naked bodies, and bleached hair. They alone, in this village epitomised everything his father had taught him to believe about Druids. Arthur knew, that if he had been facing them in battle, his courage would almost have failed him.

He saw another group of Druids, who sat haughtily on the earth, watching the war preparations around them with disdain. These must be those that had refused to fight. Their faces were resolved, and Arthur did not see how he would be able to convince them.

Merlin nodded, satisfied, and made to walk out and join them, but Arthur threw out a hand to stop him.

"What are you doing?"

Merlin looked at him in surprise.

"To go and meet them of course. Isn't that what we're here for?"

Arthur knew what he had spoken was the truth. Yet, as he watched the Druids, he was suddenly apprehensive of walking out to them. Despite the fact Merlin had said they had pledged to help Camelot, he knew his appearance would be unsettling for them all. It was unsettling for him, allying himself with those he had been taught to hate. He knew he had to just grit his teeth and do it, but something held him back. Fear. He cursed himself for being a coward.

Merlin looked at him, and seemed to know what he was thinking.

"Don't worry Arthur. They'll hear you out at least. They won't attack you for being here. Remember, they're all prepared to die to protect Camelot. They'll admire your courage for speaking to them, and perhaps those who were hesitant will realise the true course of action."

Arthur nodded. He was grateful at least Merlin had made no jokes about his cowardice. He knew he had to do this. For the good of all Camelot.

He took a deep breath, and stepped out into the village, Merlin at his heels.

The Druids all immediately stopped what they were doing and watched in surprise as Arthur walked out to meet them. Some stood in open awe, some smiled at him, some looked shocked, and others, particularly those apart from the battle preparations, looked angry.

Arthur felt the eyes of everyone of the village upon him and knew this was the moment. He had no second chance.

He stood for a moment, unsure what to say. Then he was resolved.

"My name is Arthur Pendragon. I have come to you now, strolling willingly into the camp of those who were formerly my enemies, to prove my goodwill to you all. Camelot is in danger, and will most certainly fall without your help. I am grateful, more grateful than you can imagine, for the help you are willingly bestowing on Camelot. I know what this means to you, you have every reason to hate Camelot and my father, yet the fact you are still preparing to fight for us gives me hope. It gives me hope that we can all live in peace together. We can exist together side by side, it can be done."

The Druids stood looking at him, no one seemed to be breathing. He strode up and down a line in front of them, looking into each of their faces.

"I have always been brought up to hate those who practise magic, I have been told time after time that magic is used only for evil and to hurt others. Merlin here has proved that to be untrue."

He turned to face Merlin, who gave him an encouraging smile.

"Merlin, or Emrys as you call him, has shown me the good that magic can do, the beauty and truth of magic, and now I trust him more than I ever did. I have accepted that every view I once held about magic was wrong, every idea that was drummed into me by my father. He is wrong in his persecution of magic, I have always believe it deep down, yet now I am certain. No doubt, you all have been taught to hate Camelot, you despise the Pendragon lineage, as it reminds you of the suffering you have had to endure. I can understand this, and I know nothing I can ever say will be able to comfort you, or erase what my father has put you through all these years. But, if I can put aside my old hatred of magic, I sincerely hope you can put aside yours of Camelot. I realise, that without your help, Camelot will fall, my future kingdom will be in ruins, and all hope of a future is lost. If we join together we can keep that future, a place where no one is persecuted for using magic, where Druids, sorcerers, witches and everyone else can live in peace and harmony. My father may never understand, he has suffered personally at the hands of magic, and is blinded by hatred of all those who practise the craft, whether evil or good. I fear nothing can persuade him. But I can promise you all, if you fight, if you throw aside your hatred, you will be rewarded. A better future for us all will rise from the ruins of this war. We must join together to ensure the future of Albion, a united place free from oppression, which I promise to bring. I swear to you all, with everything I believe in, that it will be so. That I will pass through the very fires of hell to make sure this comes to pass. It is time we are united, we can no longer hate each other. If it continues, everyone in these lands will suffer. Join with me now, and secure a better future for us all."

Silence hung over the village after he had finished his speech. No one moved, and for an instant, Arthur feared he had been unsuccessful. But then chaos broke out. The Druids began to cheer, clap, and wipe tears from their eyes. All seemed to be behind him. No one appeared angry, no one seemed to hate him. They all gazed up at him in respect. Even those who had not been willing to fight had been affected. Their faces were not nearly as resolved and disdainful. They looked doubtful, undecided. They no longer seemed to hate him, but had not yet joined him. There was hope.

He heaved a sigh of relief and turned back to Merlin who was regarding him in amusement.

"What?" Arthur demanded.

Merlin smiled.

"You really seem to have a thing for big grand speeches don't you? Remember Ealdor?"

Arthur recognised the truth of this. He'd learned a long time ago that a confident speech was the sure way to earn loyalty and trust amongst those who followed him. He only hoped his promises would be fulfilled, as he intended.

Arthur grinned at Merlin.

"One day you'll be as good as me Merlin, and then I'll drop down dead in shock."

Merlin shook his head.

"I already am. You're forgetting who convinced them all to fight in the first place."

Arthur let out a small laugh, and then turned back to the Druids who were chattering loudly amongst themselves, smiles on every face, along with determination and resolve.

"Do you think I made a difference."

Merlin looked out at them himself.

"Definitely. Beforehand most of them were willing to fight, but none of them were optimistic, they all either expected to die in the battle or be killed afterwards by Uther. You've given them hope."

Arthur hoped sincerely Merlin was right. Before he could speak again, the crowd parted respectfully, and three tall figures came towards Merlin and Arthur. Each of them had wearied faces, though small smiles were on each of them. The tallest of them approached Arthur.

"My young Pendragon, it is an honour to have you here."

Arthur looked at him carefully, to see whether he was really telling the truth, but his eyes were sincere. He truly was glad Arthur was there.

He spoke again.

"I am Fyrmest, the leader here. You have no idea how grateful we are that you have come to us. Your stirring words have influenced many and encouraged those who were hesitant to fight. The fact that you have come gives us hope, hope that the Druids and Camelot may yet be reconciled. You are brave indeed to come to your former enemies like this. You will one day be a great king, Arthur. Far greater than your father ever could be."

Arthur didn't know what to say to this. There was something about Fyrmest that unnerved him slightly, as though he could see what Arthur was thinking. He looked deep into Arthur's eyes and seemed to know everything that was bothering him.

Fyrmest continued to smile at him and there was no hint of anger or hated on his face, only gratitude and hope. Arthur knew what it must cost him to stand here with the son of the man who had likely ruined his life. He was in admiration of Fyrmest, he knew that in his position he would not be nearly so forgiving. Again, the Druids impressed him. He realised how very wrong his old perceptions had been.

Fyrmest turned to Merlin.

"I am overjoyed Emrys to see you here in the company of Arthur. It seems the ancient prophecies are being fulfilled. Everything is now falling into place. I knew that you and Arthur would resolve your differences, and I am delighted that you too have realised this, you have truly accepted your destiny. You once were confused, you did not know how to fulfil it, you were reluctant to believe you truly were Emrys. You have proven today, that you are."

Merlin looked touched by Fyrmest's words, an evident bond was between them. Fyrmest's praise seemed to mean the world to Merlin, who was speechless. It was obvious all of Merlin's doubts and fears had been allayed. Arthur had been so preoccupied by his own, he had not stopped to think of Merlin's. What must it be like to know so much depended on you? To know what you had to do, but at the same time know that the one you were destined to protect was probably hating you, to realise how impossible everything seemed to be. It must have taken a lot for Merlin to accept what he had to do.

At this moment, Fyrmest's attention was taken. His eyes flicked back to one of the other Druids who had accompanied him, who stood still and silent and looked at him for a moment or two. After a while, Fyrmest nodded, as though some form of silent communication had taken place between them and turned back to Merlin and Arthur, excused himself, and walked away with the two Druids.

Arthur turned to Merlin confused.

"What?"

Merlin answered:

"The Druid Elders communicate by mind. Brim just reminded Fyrmest about the war preparations they have to attend to."

The silent look between them now made sense.

"You can hear them?"

Merlin nodded.

"Anyone who has magic can, it's one of the most simple spells to learn."

Arthur thought back. He remembered Merlin's almost-execution, when he had heard those words in his mind.

"But how it is I could hear you, that time you spoke to me?"

"You can hear it, only if I deliberately project my thoughts towards you, but you couldn't reply. It's how we're going to communicate during the battle, the children will relay messages to the commanders."

Arthur looked around at the group of children in horror.

"They're being sent into battle?"

Merlin nodded grimly.

"I don't like it either, but you can't deny they'll be useful. I hate thinking of them even anywhere near the battlefield, but, apparently, they can all protect themselves, though I'm still hoping to persuade them otherwise."

Arthur looked at them, eagerness and enthusiasm in their eyes. It would be hard to convince them to stay.

One of the Druid warriors came towards them, a woman, Arthur was shocked to see. He had not expected women to be fighting in this war, although he knew that as sorceresses they were probably even more powerful than a Knight of Camelot. She was not as fierce looking as the other warriors. She was wearing dark leather trousers, and a dark linen shirt with a hard leather tunic to protect her torso. He arms were coloured a light blue by some sort of dye and the Druidic symbols covered them. She had not bleached her hair like the other warriors, her dark hair was tied in a ponytail with small tendrils resting on her pale shoulders.

Arthur only cast her a fleeting glance as he was still preoccupied with the children, but when he heard Merlin's gasp he turned to face her. The Druid warrior, he now realised, was Morgana. Only a Morgana who was almost unrecognisable.

He looked her up and down for a moment, shock all over his face, while Morgana and Merlin watched him worriedly.

He was at a loss.

"What the bloody hell do you look like?" He practically shouted at her.

She looked at him in anger.

"These are my people now Arthur, I can dress as I like!"

"There is no way you're going into battle like that!"

"Why? Would you prefer I went with a flowing silk dress and high heeled shoes?"

"Don't be ridiculous, you're not going at all!"

"Why not?"

"Because I say so!"

"Because you're all high and mighty and expect everyone to do as you say. Well I won't Arthur! I have as much right to fight as you do! I can handle a blade just as well as you can!"

"You're a girl!"

"Don't you dare patronise me Arthur Pendragon or I'll-"

"Shut up!"

Arthur and Morgana wheeled around to where Merlin stood with his hands raised, looking annoyed.

"Hardly the perfect brother and sister reunion is it?"

Arthur and Morgana said nothing, although Arthur secretly thought considering all the fighting they had done as children this was the perfect way to be reunited.

Merlin seemed to think he had won however.

"That's better. You haven't seen each other in months, not knowing whether either of you were alive or dead and now all you can argue over is Morgana's new fashion?"

Arthur protested:

"Have you seen what she looks like?"

"Yes I have Arthur. She's a Druid now, it's where she belongs. You can't deny that she's a good swords-woman. She's fighting whether you like it or not. You had this argument before in Ealdor remember? You're not going to convince her otherwise, you're both as stubborn as each other. Just accept it Arthur,"

Arthur turned to look at Morgana. He hated to admit it, but Merlin was right. He did know deep down that Morgana could look after herself, but he didn't like it. He'd always been protective of her, and he hated the thought of her going into battle. But he knew Morgana, she would not back down when she was determined.

She looked up at him, her fierce look in her eye dimmed slightly.

"Please Arthur, I need to do this."

Arthur watched her for a moment. The determination on her face was irrefutable.

Slowly he nodded.

Morgana smiled widely at him, and reminded him so much of before she had left, when they were happy in the castle together, continually winding each other up.

"I've missed you," he said quietly.

Morgana only nodded, and strode forward and threw her arms around him.

"Me too Arthur."

Arthur held her for a moment, relishing the fact she was here, alive and well after months of agonising over her whereabouts, yet frightened at the thought she would soon be in danger once more.

She released him and watched him carefully.

"I heard your speech Arthur. You'll be a great king one day, I know it."

Arthur said nothing, but the weight of his responsibilities fell heavily on him. It only heightened

every time someone spoke with confidence that he would become a great king. Everything depended so much on him, yet he was grateful for Morgana's words.

One of the other Druid warriors called on her. She looked apologetically at Arthur before hurrying off to join him. Arthur watched her go, his heart heavy.

Merlin came up beside him

"You really do care about her don't you?"

"Don't be stupid Merlin, of course I do. We grew up together, I've known her more than half my life, she's like a sister to me. Despite what I used to say in Camelot. I don't know what I'd do if she was killed."

Merlin looked up at him.

"She strong you know."

Arthur sighed.

"I do know. That's the problem. I know how far she'll go to protect those she cares about. I worry she may go too far."

Merlin did not answer, and together they stood watching the Druids for a while.

The sun was beginning to set, casting a bloody light over the village. It signalled that time was running out. Everything was counting down to when their doom would be decided. Arthur knew what lay ahead.

He looked around at Merlin.

"You'll follow me Merlin?"

Merlin looked at him without a doubt in his face.

"Until the very end Sire."

Arthur nodded, and together they stepped out into the village, where the Druids were ready for war, knowing that their fate was about to be decided.

A/N: Review please! :D I can't seem to get the hang of the Merlin and Arthur banter, I can't seem to do humour very well so any suggestions would be appreciated!