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

A/N: I have used quite a few quotes from Merlin in this one: I don't own it, live I have said twice above. D Rose, I hope this answers some of your questions from before (chapter 7, I think). Again, I have no intension whatsoever of abandoning this story, so don't worry - my little circle of frequent reviewers keep me motivated - I have recently had the revelation that there are people out there on Earth reading my story! Wow!

No-One Knew

~ARTHUR~

Arthur opened his eyes.

Well, he wasn't in Camelot, that one thing was for sure. He was lying on something much harder and uncomfortable that his, or anyone's bed, really. The air around him was fresh and clean and... filled with so much of this lively yet calm energy. It was quite cold, however he was comfortably warm, but well aware of the throbbing pain on the right side of his abdomen. He blinked a few times at the stony roof, of what he was positive, was a cave, flickering with the light of a large fire, which he could hear quite distinctly. The memories of the day rushed back into him. Which means that... the sorcerer!

Sure enough, as Arthur turned his neck slightly (his wound was hurting so bad that he didn't dare move it - he almost wished to be blissfully unconscious again - almost) to see him dressing his wound. Arthur stared at the man for he had not seen him up so close before, not that he could see much more clearly as he was still wearing his cloak, no question protecting his identity from the king. Arthur couldn't help but feel that little twinge of hurt at that. But it faded away as he felt a wave of security pass over him. The only difference was, the this wave of emotion didn't pass over him, but remained there, making him feel the safest he has ever felt, regardless of the fact that he did not know where he was and who's mercy he was at, as he had no clue as to who the man was.

He took the chance while the sorcerer tended to him to look around and get his thoughts straight. He was right - it was a cave, and a rather large one at that. He was lying on a more permanent version of a bed roll (the ones that he and his knights frequently used on overnight expeditions), at one end, furthest away from the mouth of the cave, from which the last light of day was currently shining. It must be where he slept each day. Arthur suppressed his guilt and looked on. The man had made fire in the middle, which was sending up golden-red sparks, and breaking what would have been one of the more awkward silences, and for that, he was grateful, not to mention the warmth it was providing, especially in this cooling time of day.

There were many things littered around, like bags and cloaks and bottles filled with colourful potions. There were also many herbs and vials, and a few cauldron pots among other things , not unlike the ones which could be found in Gaius' chambers. There was a wooded staff with a blue stone on top, the wood inscribed with an old language he wouldn't dream of understanding, leaning haphazardly against the wall. A curious ball of light floated gently in a crevice. It reminded him of that light which had saved him when he got the morteus flower to heal Merlin...ohhhh. Revelations. He was the one who helped him. His guardian angel. He stared at it, resisting the urge to look back at the sorcerer knelling right next to him. He shook his head mentally. Moving on. There were piles and piles of books in every corner, some old, some new, possibly (probably) quite a lot of magic. On top on one of the piles sat a hand-carved wooden dragon.

Arthur stared at it, losing himself in his thoughts. He had many questions. But where to start? There were things that he needed to know. Some important, some of no consequence, just to satisfy his inquisitiveness.

He was shaken out of his thoughts when the sorcerers eyes turned golden and the pain numbed dramatically. It made him feel so... protected. It was very familiar, the man's magic. Was it because of the number of times he had used it on Arthur to save him? He had saved Arthur many times - but not that many.

He was broken from his new trail of thought when the sorcerer nodded his head to indicate that he was done. He was yet to speak a word. It looked like Arthur was going to have to make the first move. Well, here goes nothing. He opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He shut it , trying not to look like a fool. He parted his lips again, only to promptly snap them shut. Perhaps sitting up would be a good start. He tried sitting up, and just about managed it with some assistance, without losing all his kingly dignity.

He had the strangest feeling that the sorcerer was smirking at him. Not the evil smirks from the likes of Morgana, but the joking smirks between friends, like Merlin when his 'funny feeling' turned out to be right. He stared at the sorcerer some more. Now or never.

"I, um...well..uh."

Wow. Great start Arthur. Just great.

"You have questions."

"..."

Stop gaping Arthur.

"You know that was just a guess: I didn't break into your mind or anything."

His reply was touched with amusement which was concealed with mastery. The only thing that denounced it was the slight smile that Arthur caught a glimpse of beneath the hood. What did it look so familiar?

I bet that he is laughing in his head right now.

"What-is-your-name?"

He blurted out rapidly. He could have hit himself in the head.

"I have many names. There are some who call me Myrddin, other call me the Ambrosius. In the druidic language, I am Emrys."

What kind of person has many names? A man so great that there were stories and prophecies written about him?

"Why do you protect me? Why do you protect the ruler of the kingdom which has caused misery to your people? You have saved me so many times, yet you do not ask for any credit. I didn't even know your name until today."

There was a pregnant pause.

"Many years ago, before the birth of the five kingdoms, this land was in an endless cycle of bloodshed and war, but one man was determined to end all that. He gathered together the elders of each tribe and drew up plans for the lands to be divided. Each would respect the others' boundaries, and drew it over the land as they saw fit. That man was Camelot's first king, ancestor to all that followed, including you, Arthur."

"Bruta."

He nodded his affirmative. "You know the story."

"Every child in Camelot does."

"There is part of the story that you do not know. When Bruta was on his deathbed, he asked to be taken deep into the forest. There, with the last of his strength, he thrust his sword into a rock. If his lineage was ever questioned, this would form a test. Only a true king of Camelot could pull the weapon free."

"Are you making this up?"

What are you doing Arthur!? You can't be rude to a person who has saved your life countless times! What a great way to repay him!

He got a incredulous splutter from Emrys in return. "Of course not! One day, I will take you to the sword, and you will pull it free, showing your worth to all of Camelot. I protect you because all I know is that, for your many faults, you are honest and brave and true hearted, and you will be known the greatest king this land has ever known. You're destined to be Albion's greatest king, and I will let nothing stand in your way."

He will let nothing stand in my way...

Arthur had no words left. The complete and utter faith he heard in Emrys' words moved something deep inside him.

"I have always dreamed of uniting the land and making the kingdom which is just and true; a place where people may live in peace and happiness. Time and time again, these dreams have been destroyed by those who would see Camelot fall. I know that I have done terrible, unforgivable things." His eyes glassed over recollected events in his past. "But you have shown me hope when there was none. I promise to you, that I will create a world which is fair and welcoming to all people, including those of magic. I promise that they will not have to hide away any longer. I promise to bring magic back to the land. Thank you, Emrys."

Thank you.

"Thank you Arthur." the smile again. "And know this: I forgive you."

A/N: Thank you for reading! The bold italic were Arthur's thoughts, in case that was hard to understand. I will be posting Merlin's thoughts on this conversation next time. To all those who celebrate Thanksgiving, hope you had a great one! I will look forward to hearing your thoughts on this one. Until next time!