Arthur sat down, lost in thought. There were so many questions running through his head, and he didn't know which one to pick. Finally, he said, "You said you've saved my life many times. How many?"
"Honestly, Sire, I've lost count. There's just been to many to even remember."
"Ah," replied Arthur. "Well...who else knows you have magic?"
Merlin paused, then said, "My mum and Gaius, obviously, and Kilgarrah, and-
"Who's Kilgarrah?" interrupted Arthur.
"The Great Dragon," replied Merlin. "Balinor told me his name. Anyway, as of now, you and Gwaine know, and I think that's it. Anyone else who knew is dead."
Arthur reached over and clapped Merlin on the shoulder. "No one else?"
"Well, various magic users in Albion," said Merlin. "But you wouldn't know them."
"Does Morgana know?" asked Arthur.
Merlin smiled. "She doesn't," he said. "She thinks I'm just an ordinary man."
"She knows about Dragoon, doesn't she?"
"She knows him, yes, but she doesn't know it's me. She's very scared of Dragoon, which is useful."
"Why? No offense, Dragoon doesn't seem scary."
"She knows him as Emrys, who is her doom and destiny."
"Emrys?"
"It's what the druids call me," said Merlin. "Emrys is referred to in prophecies about the Once and Future King. They say that the King and Emrys will unite Albion and free
magic."
"So who's the Once and Future King?"
"You, Prat," replied Merlin. "It's why I've stuck with you and protected you all these years. I believe in the future you'll build."
"The future *we* will build," said Arthur, grasping Merlin's arm.