Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin, this is an alternate universe fanfic, in which I have used the characters, the places and story from the BBC TV show which I do not own.

A/N: Aww thank you , I promise never ever to abandon this fanfic! (even thought you should never say 'never ever' according to the Doctor)

No-One Knew

~MERLIN~

Whoa. That was the first thought Merlin had had in a while. As soon as the renegade band had run away, he had rushed to Arthur's side, giving a start when he saw that Arthur had collapsed on to the ground. There was nothing particularly serious in terms of the physical injury, but it was the impact of magic he was worried about. As quickly as he could, he carried Arthur, with a little aid from magic, as Arthur was as heavy as he looked, and he certainly hadn't forgotten the teasing of this modest build from the knights.

The methodical process of healing allowed him to gather his thoughts. All of this was not part of Merlin's plan. He had not intended to create such a spectacle - his frustration just got the best of him. He was glad though, that he didn't need to attack them. Every time that he had to resort to destructive magic, he felt so much guilt and pain. Hearing the smashing of the bones of his offenders was enough to make sure that he never touched that area of magic ever again.

.

.

.

Merlin sat staring at the fire. He had gone to visit the dragon, making sure that Arthur wouldn't wake until he returned, efficiently making sure Arthur rested enough to heal himself, and that Merlin had enough time to seek advice from Kilgharrah at the same time.

§§§§§§§

He couldn't help but grin with fondness at the old dragon's general vagueness, even though it annoyed him to no end.

"It is your destiny therefore your choice, young warlock. You must make the right decision; you and you alone can set the set the path right to create the land of Albion, and plight to make it flourish."

Talk about pressure.

"Thanks a lot. I guess this is the point where you fly off refusing to say a word more, despite my desperate pleas."

He said, his lips twitching in amusement. He got a laugh in return and watched the dragon take off.

"Really though, Kilgharrah, what do I do?" he conveyed mentally staring at the receding figure in the sky.

"Merlin, you must trust yourself, just as you do other...I would, without hesitation, trust you to the fire of hell and beyond."

"That's not much coming from a fire-breathing dragon."

"Merlin."

"Ha, you sound just like Arthur!"

"Merlin."

"Even more now- sorry."

"You know what I mean."

"I know. Thank you."

§§§§§§§

He brooded over what he should do now, giving in to a superstitious glance at the still unconscious but healing Arthur at the other end of his cave. He checked his glamours once more. The last thing he needed right now, was for Arthur to find out, and all his hard work to be for nothing. It was not as if Arthur would do anything to him if he found out; perhaps banish him at the worst, but he wouldn't even do that. Arthur had begun to see that not all magic is bad.

The real reason that he was hesitant to reveal himself to Arthur was that he valued their friendship above all else. If- no when, he firmly told himself. When Arthur would find out, he would realise that Merlin had lied to him all along. Not to mention the knights, Gwen and Gaius. But above all Arthur. They both knew it - that they were the best of friends - especially when Arthur had admitted much to his fake chagrin, their friendship hidden in his words, or when he full out said it in the deep fireside conversations.

Speaking of which, it was time to rebind Arthur's wound. It was full of dark magic, so it was best to use more conventional methods. Thankfully, a childhood spent in the forest, years living with Camelot's greatest physician, and then to the forest again, had gained him quite the outstanding knowledge of herbs needed for the art of healing (with and without the aid of magic). He tensed as he felt Arthur stirring, but bit his lip, and continued tending to Arthur's wounds after he pulled his hood up and checked his 'notice not who I am' enchantments, for lack of better words, yet again, swallowing his nervousness, and dropping back into his veiled façade.

Arthur opened his eyes.

A/N: I am so excited to write the next chapter...I would do it today if I had the time...I have made no plan whatsoever for the next one, and I am so excited to write as I go along and see where it takes me! Thank you as always for reading!