Warning: Violence and sex. Please, forgive any typos. I wanted to post it before I left my house.

"It was so real, Gwen. Awful, Aredian found a note from my mom to Gaius. It had my whole name. A burning rage erupted in Arthur, he lost control. I have to check Aredian's room; then, we leave," Merlin told Gwen.

Merlin grabbed Gwen's note as he uttered a few words; flames engulfed the small paper. Gwen felt cool metal around her neck. "He really loves Gwen. He does. Trust me," Merlin implored. "Leaving a note and his necklace will break his heart. It will send Arthur to a dark place, Gwen. He might never return. "

Her tender fingers traced the silver links of Arthur's necklace. I feel like a prawn in a scary game. "I will do as you say, Merlin. I have faith in you."

"Gwen, stay away from a man with dark hair and eyes. He's dangerous. He brings strife to Camelot, his dark desires." Gwen nodded with wide eyes fearful.

Gwen is so tense. Her eyes flickering around every corner. Maybe, I should leave her with Arthur. Can she survive on the run? She's a maid. She doesn't really do anything. Fear eats me. Maybe, I should just say, Hey, I'm Emrys. Arthur could bring people here.

Merlin is hiding something from me. What happens to Arthur? Our departure will cause grief for all involved. I reached Merlin's sharp elbow as a child ran by us. My hearts knows something is wrong.

"Hey!" Merlin's fingers plucked her left ear.

"You're it"

Gwen's little feet hopped over flower beds to catch Merlin. The baker slid his cakes into a hot flaming oven. He always waited until Gwen and Merlin went to work.

Hot waves from the sun blazed upon Morded's face. He bit a firm apple as he eyes roamed over Camelot. Arthur Pendragon was a fortunate man. Camelot was a prosperous kingdom. Surrounded by large grey mountains. Lush green words. A sparkling blue river. The keep was strongly built. Arthur would prove to be a fierce foe.

Morded peered into Camelot's courtyard. A young maid with skin the color of honey leapt on the Castle's front steps. Her unruly curls blew in a morning breeze. She wasn't beautiful like Lady Morgana or Queen Igraine. She was adorably pretty. Her mouth broke into a wide smile when a young man with dark hair approached. Oh, her lover. One last kiss before work. She slapped his arm. Oh, brother or cousin, aren't you lovely? All those curls. Yes, Camelot had many benefits.

Another morning of meetings, another day playing host, another day longing for Guinevere. Hopefully, Nimueh would locate Emrys. Is it worth it? Does Albion need to be united? My kingdom has grown too large. How can I effectively rule so many subjects? Maybe, my father was wrong. Camelot is enough for the Pendragon dynasty.

Arthur shook his head. He was exhausted. Nimueh wanted to discuss Emrys. She spent hours showing Arthur various magical portals. She was determined to locate Emrys. She's more determined than my father. More determined than me. Emrys was never my dream.

Arthur stumbled as Merlin plowed into him. Arthur grabbed Merlin's jacket and shove him against a hard wall, causing a portrait of Arthur's grandmother to fall.

"Good morning, King Arthur."

"Merlin!"

"I'm off to work."

"You can't run in the castle. You could hurt someone."

Merlin smiled at Arthur. Arthur scowled in distaste. Merlin noticed Arthur seemed weary. "Maybe, you should walk with your head up."

Arthur's fists pushed into Merlin's collarbone. "Arthur, is this really necessary? I can't beat you. It will upset Gwen."

Arthur's blue blazed with fury. "Leave her out of this." Merlin shook his head. "No, you don't like me because of Gwen. You just don't get it. I don't love her. Never have. She's like my twin. My sister. My affections are brotherly." Arthur's grip lessened.

"How can I trust you?"

"She cried every night until you returned. She mumbles your name in her sleep. She sleeps with your stupid doll."

"I didn't know."

"Look, I quit. It's your job to protect Gwen from harm."

"What?"

"She needs to run to you with her problems. You need to dry her tears. You're her lover, not me."

"You're nuts."

"Maybe."

"Now, you do, Arthur, you love Gwen. Tell her." Merlin sagged against the wall. His blue eyes popped. Goodness, Arthur is strong. You can feel anger in his veins. Yet, he's gentle with Gwen.

"Look, she getting your mother's breakfast. Speak with her." Merlin wiggled his brown eyebrows. "I'm late." Merlin dashed away.

"You're always late."

"Arthur, just marry her," Merlin called as he disappeared down a south wing.

Arthur crossed his arms. Marry, Guinevere? Wow, I never thought of marrying for love. It would kill me to see her married to someone else. Wait a minute, I'm listening to Merlin. He's a bumbling idiot. He's irresponsible. He's lazy. Yet, he forced me to see the truth. Merlin gave me advice, good advice, he's growing up.

Arthur strolled to Geoffrey's quarters, a smile on his face. Geoffrey enjoys his visits; he's always happy to see me. Arthur rapped on Geoffrey's door.

"Come in"

Arthur smiled at his… What exactly is Geoffrey's job? He does everything accept clean, cook, and fight. A book dropped from Geoffrey's hands; sweat appeared on his forehead. Don't die, man. I'm not going to flog you.

"Good morning, sire."

"I want to marry."

Geoffrey's face twisted in surprise. "Really."

"Yes."

"Which princess?"

"Not a princess." This is going to be fun.

"A duchess?"

"No."

"A lady?"

"Yes, my lady. I'm going to marry Guinevere."

Geoffrey scratched his head as his eyes went blank. He licked his lips. "Your mother's maid?"

"Yes," Arthur said softly.

Geoffrey hated Arthur's tone. That soft one meant don't you dare argue with me. His eyes determined blazing with fire.

"Sire, it's against the law." Geoffrey shook his head as he threw his hands into the air. "I know change it. You don't care if the nobles protest. They can go live with Odin. I understand completely."

"Thank you, Geoffrey."

Geoffrey exhaled. Camelot was a better place. His life was easier. Camelot's coffers were full. He couldn't deny Arthur was a better king than Uther.

"Congratulations sire."

Gwen hummed softly as she walked towards Igraine's wing. She clutched a bowl of grapes. Igraine requested a small bit of fruit for her morning meal; Gwen hoped to catch a glimpse of Arthur.

"What tune is that, milady?"

Gwen's eyes wide in shock as her fingers gripped the bowl tighter. A tall man with dark hair and eyes blocked her path. He looks like the man from Merlin's dream.

"A simple lullaby, milord."

"I'm Lord Morded. And you are?"

"I'm Gwen, Queen Igraine's maid. Have a good day, milord." Gwen attempted to maneuver around Morded as he grabbed her elbow."I'm hungry, Gwen. Care to feed me?" Gwen's head shook furiously.

"No."

"You'll enjoy it."

Gwen trembling aroused Morded's desire. "Perhaps, another maid would suit you, milord."

"I want you."

Grapes scattered around their feet as a clanging vibrated around them. Morded's hand clamped around her wrist. A burning pain flared in her wrist as she tried to flee with tears dropping from her eyes. "Please, milord, "Gwen begged.

"You're a beggar."

"No."

"Morded," Arthur screamed. His jaw clenched as his fingers released his sword fastenings. His knights clambered towards them. "Release her."

"Arthur, she's just a maid."

"Release her. Gwen, would you care to share Lord Morded's bed?"

Gwen shook her head.

"Say it," Arthur requested. "So, it's not in doubt.

"I don't wish to share his bed, sire."

"She's a servant, Pendragon."

Arthur swallowed as his lips bore a fake smile. "Servant women can refuse a noble's advances in Camelot. So, release her."

Morded dropped Gwen's wrist. Gwen scurried around him. "Now, my knights will take you to an Inn. A day of relaxation in Camelot."

Morded smiled darkly. "Of course, Arthur. My apologies, Gwen." Morded winked.

Gwen looked at away in repulsion.

"Phillip, go get my mother another bowl of grapes. Anthony, take Lord Morded to the inn. Pay for it. Charles, clean this mess."

Arthur stepped over a pile of squashed grapes. His blue eyes shot Morded a venomous glance. He grabbed Gwen's trembling elbow. "Let's get you to my mother."

Morded noticed Arthur's thumb tracing her arm. He gave a small laugh. She belongs to Pendragon. His life is nice, too nice. You won't always be around, Arthur Pendragon. Sooner or later, she'll be alone.

Arthur pulled Gwen into his arms as they rounded a corner. His thumbs brushed away her tears. "Shush, he whispered softly. "He's gone. He won't hurt you. I'll kill him." Gwen listened to Arthur's steady heart beat. Gwen's fingers clutched Arthur's tunic opening. Arthur spotted a faint red mark on her wrist.

"Are you hurt?"

"No. just scared."

"Don't be scared. I'm here. I'll be until death. I'll wait an eternity for you to join me."

"I thought you hated me."

"No, we need to talk."

"That didn't work last time.

Arthur blushed. "I'm a prat."

Arthur ushered Gwen into his chamber. He placed her on his bed. Gwen's eyes widen in alarm. "I'm not that bad." Gwen giggled as Arthur feigned hurt. Her giggles soothed his anger. Morded overstepped his boundaries. Then, he didn't realize Gwen was my lover. Merlin was correct. Gwen had to marry me, as my queen, she wouldn't have to fear visiting nobles or dangerous thing outside of Camelot's gates.

Arthur poured cool water on a clean cloth. He eased down beside Gwen on his bed. He gently wrapped her wrist. Gwen winced as he fastened the cloth. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you."

"I know.' Gwen gave Arthur a watery smile. His heart broke into a million pieces. He dropped to the floor. He clutched Gwen's legs. Gwen jumped in surprise. Arthur's clutched tighter.

"Don't go."

"How can I?" Gwen laughed.

Arthur smiled as he breathed deeply. He clambered to his knees. Gently, he clasped Gwen's trembling fingers. His eyes brighten when he saw his necklace around her neck. He noticed a pinkish bracelet around her wrist.

"I don't remember this bracelet, Gwen. Where did it come from? "Arthur asked possessively.

Gwen exhaled. "Tatiana gave it to me as a goodbye present."

"Okay, it's very pretty. "

Maybe, I should say Tatiana is queen of the fairies. He would think I'm mad.

Her hands are really tiny. She's so little and fragile. I just need to tell her. I've conquered most of Albion. I can say I love you, Guinevere. Or should I say my heart is yours. Live in my castle. No, just do it.

Gwen breathing slowed. Her head tilted as she watched Arthur. It was like he was talking to himself except he didn't utter one word. His handsome face twisted in deep thought. He licked his wide sensual lips.

"Arthur?"

"Gwen, I love you," Arthur blurted.

'What?"

Arthur shoulder sagged. She wants me to repeat it. "I love you."

"Arthur…"

'Wait, Gwen. I need to say all of this. Arthur blew air out of his lungs. He gave Gwen a hopefully look. "I'm jealous of Merlin. I hate that you live with him. I hate that you share your meals with him. I hate when you smile at him. I want your smiles to be for me. I hate when you laugh with him, not me. I don't hate Merlin. He's not that bad." Arthur rolled his blue eyes.

"You're really sweet, nice, and sassy. A really gentle girl. Your laughter is like sunshine. My fingers love your hair. I drown in your eyes. You have really nice firm breasts. I'm not very nice. I'm spoiled. I have a bad temper. My chest is really nice. It's strong and muscular. Do you like it?

"Arthur…" Arthur's rambling continued rambling

"I'm not done. I'm sorry about our last conversation. Gorlois baited me about my mother and father. I was angry. I was a prat towards you. I'm sorry about Lord Morded. I want to kill him but I'm trying to remain calm. If he every touches you again, I'll hunt him to hell."

Gwen eyes widen in alarm. "Arthur, he's gone. Don't start a war over me."

Arthur sneered in distaste over Morded. "I'm not done. I'm sorry that I asked you to move into my castle. I just wanted you close to me. I want you with me. I dream of you at night. I reach for you in my sleep. You're not there, ever. Overall, I love you. I'm never going to repeat any of this again. I rather fight a dragon. I'll deny that I said it. Emotions are hard for me. I do love you."

Gwen cupped Arthur's handsome face. "I love you, Arthur Pendragon. You're gentle. You're a fine king. A kind loyal friend. You're stubborn. Set in your ways like an old dog."

Arthur frowned. An old dog? What does that mean? His mouth dropped open. He looked around his chamber. You kill old dogs.

Gwen laughed. "Arthur, I love you. Your chest is quite lovely."

"Show me, Gwen."

Merlin couldn't believe Aredian had a list of chores for him. Wipe the cabinets. Clean the floor. Wash the windows. Label the herbs. Tighten ointment caps. Merlin's clothes were dirty. Merlin smiled.

"Aredian, can we move the couch? I would to sweep under it."

Aredian gave Merlin a look of surprise. Merlin never volunteered to clean. Merlin probably didn't wash his own clothes. Maybe, the boy is growing up, accepting responsibility.

"Yes, Merlin. Let's put in on the other side of my chamber. I never thought you were going to move it.

Merlin rushed over to a ratty couch. He pushed his shoulder under a musty arm. He balanced the heavy couch on his boney shoulder. He dropped it against a wall.

Merlin smiled at Aredian. "I'll sweep."

"Okay."

Merlin spotted his mother's note. He quickly retrieved from the floor as He swept a pile of dirt. Quickly, he threw sand, paper, dirt and dust out of a window.

"Aredian, why don't you have lunch?'

Aredian gave Merlin a skeptical look. His chamber was finally clean; Merlin was different.

"Yes, I will. I'll go to the Inn, relax a bit."

Aredian gave Merlin one last perplexing look as he left his chamber. Merlin listened to Aredian's feet on his staircase. Merlin grabbed a small bowl. He dropped the note in. He struck a fire. He watched the note burn to ashes.

Now, I have to clean another mess. Magic is so easy. Cleaning is awful. Merlin moaned.

Arthur sat on the edge of his bed. His toes pushed against hard marble flooring. Gwen legs wrapped around his waist as she slowly moved against him. Arthur's hot mouth tugged on her nipple. "Arthur," Gwen moaned as pleasure flooded her senses. Her hair wrapped around his hands as Arthur pulled her head back. Quickly, Arthur rolled Gwen on her back. His fingers stroked her trembling face. "Open your eyes, Gwen," Arthur whispered softly. Gwen struggled to focus. "What's wrong, Arthur?" Tears fell on Gwen's breasts. "Say, you love me? Tell me, again." Gwen placed her hands on Arthur's shoulders. Her lips brushed his ear. "I love you. Only you. Forever." Arthur groaned when she licked his damp neck. Arthur pushed hard inside her as Gwen panted his name.

Merlin's arm swung as he ran towards the palace steps. He felt eyes searing his back. Merlin halted as he couldn't control his body. His eyes light blue eyes locked with deep blue eyes, like the sky in summer. A crimson mouth gave him a faint smile. Merlin swallowed softly as his hands shook; his heart racing. He felt heat rising in his stomach. Her eyes searched his soul. She took elegant steps in his direction. Her dark hair bounced off her pale shoulders. Merlin was mesmerized by her beauty. He wanted to touch her.

"Emrys?"

Merlin broke out of his trance. He widely shook his head as he backed away from her.

"No, I'm Merlin."

"Emrys is your middle name. You can't hide from me. As Guinevere was born for Arthur, My life is tied to yours."

"Milady, you're beautiful and all. You're at least then years older than me."

Nimueh smiled. "You play an idiot very well, Emrys. Call me, Nimueh."

"Sure." Merlin scramped from her prying eyes. He gave her one last look.

Merlin stood breathlessly outside the castle waiting for Gwen. How could she break Gaius' spell? Maybe, today was the day to reveal the truth. I'm tired of plotting and planning to runaway. Maybe, we aren't supposed to runaway. Maybe, Gaius tricked us, so we could grow up.

Arthur brushed his lips against Gwen's fingers. "We'll speak later. I have a meeting."

"Later."

Arthur watched Gwen run down the stairs. He saw her hopped towards a waiting Merlin. His hands waving wildly. Merlin spun around. Gwen placed a hand on his shoulder. Arthur scanned the courtyard for Morded.

"Gwen, a woman called me Emrys. She's beautiful. Haunting blue eyes. I wanted to touch her. I wanted to be near her."

Gwen recognized Merlin was out of control. He's rambling about being Emrys in the courtyard. People stared at us, well; people thought Merlin was a little daft.

"Iceberg."

Merlin's eye calmed. His arms lowered. He breathed deeply. He gave Gwen a sleepy look.

"I feel better."

Gwen smiled. Tatiana's word worked. I can control Merlin's erratic behavior. I wish she gave me a word to make him clean.

Merlin rubbed his chin. "Gwen, I don't want to runaway. We're soft. We can't handle life on the run. Arthur loves you. Maybe, she can teach me magic."

Gwen's brown scrunched together. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, every time, something happens to make us, stay here in Camelot. Let's be honest with Arthur."

Arthur, Morgana, and Igraine laughed loudly at Nimueh proclamation. Igraine wiped tears from her eyes.

"Merlin is Emrys," Arthur questioned.

"Yes, Arthur. I saw him a corridor. Our souls met on a different plane. I saw his birth. His mother's sorrow. I read a note written to Gaius. Merlin is Emrys."

Arthur leaned back in his throne. A stunned look on his face. "Does he know?"

Nimueh nodded. "Yes, he panicked when I said Emrys. Scampered away. He found out in winter before he was unaware. His magic is pure and uncontrolled. I saw him with a dark hair girl playing in the woods with Tatiana and Oberon, King and queen of the fairies. Fairy magic is wild. It's usually mastered last. "

Arthur's humor faded as he trembled with rage.

"Guards, bring Merlin and Guinevere to me."

Merlin and Gwen held hands. They peered into the Council room. Queen Igraine covered her mouth with a handchief to stop laughing. Morgana face twisted in amazement. Arthur paced around. His hands wringing. Anger molded his handsome face.

"I'm going to marry Guinevere. I love her," Arthur yelled. "She owns my heart."

Merlin gave Gwen a quick hug. "See, he loves you."

"Then, I'm going charge her with treason. I'm going to try her. I'm going to burn her at a stake," Arthur rambled," I'm going to drawn and quarter Merlin. First, I'm going to boil him in hot oil. Flog him. I'm going to tie ropes to his arms and legs. Tear him into shreds.

Merlin and Gwen's mouths dropped open. Merlin tugged her down the hall. "He's going to kill us. We have to leave."

"Yes," Gwen muttered worriedly.

"How, do we get out of the castle? The guard are looking for us. How come they haven't found us, yet?"

"Merlin, hold my hand." Gwen rubbed her silver links and wished to fade away. Merlin tensed as a group of Guards turned a corner. Gwen grasped his hand firmly.

"This corridor is empty."

The guards moved in another direction.

"Why did they ignore us?"

"Tatiana's bracelet makes me and anyone that I touch disappear. I don't know how long it lasts. Your amulet will shield you, too. We have to go."

Merlin and Gwen ran from the castle. Merlin pulled her towards the royal stables.

"We need horses."

Merlin opened the door. Quickly, he saddled two horses. Merlin helped Gwen mount her horse. He opened the stable gate. They galloped out of Camelot.

"Arthur," Igraine yelled at her angry son. "You're not killing Gwen and Merlin.

Arthur gave his mother a silly look. "Of course not, I love her. I'm angry at them."

Morgana was overwhelmed. Arthur plans to marry Gwen. Good thing, for Arthur, Lancelot would flip, if he could see Gwen's red mark on Arthur's neck. My father isn't dead. Merlin is Emrys. I need Lancelot and a goblet of wine.

Igraine smiled as she wished for a grandchild. "Are you sure, Arthur?"

"I love Guinevere. I changed the law. She will be my queen." Arthur slumped in his throne. "Mother, they are very young. They were afraid. Now, last week, I would have killed them. A year ago, I would have hunted them down. Hell, yesterday, I would have choked the life out of Gwen for her dishonesty and beheaded Merlin. Things are different, today."

Camelot's day faded into a dark, starless night. Harry, Arthur's manservant, quietly arranged his master's dinner. He arranged a roasted chicken, grapes, bread and cheese on a platter, a goblet of rich wine placed near his plate, and sparkling cutlery. Harry refused to cast his eyes in Arthur's direction; Arthur released a primeval scream in the Council Room. Loud shouts of betrayal, dishonesty, and I'll find them floated through Camelot's walls. Arthur sent everyone away, even his mother. Igraine fretted as she attempted to console Arthur with kind words or a tight hug. Morgana tried reasoning with Arthur; she too had been abandon by her loved one. Nimueh departed for her chamber; she began charting possible magical strongholds around Albion.

Servants gossiped about Merlin and Gwen's departure. It was not believable, Merlin was the great Emrys. Merlin was a silly lazy boy. How could Gwen leave their handsome young King? Several nobles snickered in joy; Arthur overstepped his boundaries as king. He changed too many laws in Camelot.

Arthur's hands cradled his blonde head; his feet numbed by immobility. His back ached from sitting alone in his chamber. His stomach grumbled for food or drink; Arthur ignored his body's needs. Struggling to understand Gwen and Merlin's departure, a large spear pierced his heart, leaving him drowning in black despair.

Arthur sat in his chamber for three days. His blonde hair matted against his head; blonde stubble covered his strong chin. He wore a wrinkle white tunic and black pants for three days. He refused to bathe or receive visitors. His voiced growled orders to his knights; his mother and Morgana banished from his sight.

Arthur sleep was haunted by Guinevere; her smile and chocolate eyes drove him to the brink of madness. Her scent lingered in his sheets. He could feel her hair twisting around his fingers.

On the third day, his mother stormed into his chamber holding a note; Arthur ignored her. Igraine's concerned eyes lingered on Arthur's state of decline. He brushed away her hand as she attempted to give him a small slip of paper.

My dearest Arthur,

Hopefully, your anger has subsided. My heart is full of regret for keeping Merlin's secret from you. His magic is untamed. We were going to tell you the truth; until we heard your plans for our deaths. Deep inside my heart, I know you won't kill us. Your rage is uncontrollable like Merlin's magic. I beg for your forgiveness; my heart is full of love for you. Forgive me. I will return.

I will wait an eternity for you.

Gwen

Arthur rose from his chair as he snatched Gwen's note from his mother's hand. "Who brought this note to Camelot? I wanted to speak with them?" Quickly, Igraine rushed to do Arthur's bidding. Arthur pulled his tunic over his head as he rose from his chair. "Tell Harry, I need a bath," Arthur yelled. His fingers traced three days of stubble as he peered at his reflection.

A beard isn't a bad idea, Arthur thought as he stretched his tense back. Hinges squeaked loudly as Arthur searched for clean clothing. He grimaced in pain; his hand firmly brushed knots from his hair. Harry pushed a large wooden tub across Arthur's chamber, leaving black scuff marks. Several male servants followed carrying steaming buckets of water. Splashing water surrounded Arthur's heart; his mind remembered their day at the river. A bucket crashed; water raced around his chamber. Harry grabbed a large old blanket to clean the sopping messy. A young servant boy trembled in fear; his stood rigid waiting for a hard blow, a broken bucket by his feet. He was tall, gangly like Merlin, even had big ears.

"Everyone needs to time to learn," Arthur stated "What's your name?"

"Michael, milord."

"Just take your time, you will learn." Michael nodded as Harry pulled him from Arthur's chamber. "Sire, I will return with your breakfast," Harry replied.

"Yes, I'll wait an eternity for you, Guinevere."

Epilogue: Three months later

Arthur's beard felt prickly against his hands. His eyes were empty. His body harder. He sat listening to reports from Morgana, Lancelot, Leon, and Nimueh. They spoke repeated nonsense. Parties scoured around Albion. Nimueh searched portals. Lancelot spoke with shop owners. At least, that's new. Leon charted maps to evaluate possible towns to search. It's was almost winter, she can't survive winter with Merlin. Merlin can't hunt for food.

Arthur rubbed his eyes. "It's been three months. We didn't know if they are still alive. I need them home at Camelot, "Arthur yelled.

Arthur felt his throne vibrating. Lancelot steady Morgana as she stumbled. Leon looked around in horror. Arthur's hand reached for his sword. A black cloud of smoke filled the council room. Arthur spotted swinging arms as black smoke floated away. Merlin stood in the Council room.

Merlin had changed. His face sported a faint dark beard. His dark hair hung below his ears. His face was gaunt. His blue eyes were bleak.

"Don't kill me."

Arthur waved his hands. "I've been searching for you. Where's Guinevere? Why did you run away?

"You said you were going to burn Gwen at a stake. Boil me in oil," Merlin explained.

"Useless words spoken in a moment of anger. I didn't mean it. Where's Guinevere?"

Tears dropped from Merlin's eyes. "The first six weeks, were fun and easy. In our travels, we met a group of druids; I leaned Druid magic. Things fell apart. Then, Morded arrived at our camp. We fled. He's been hunting us. My magic is untamed. Gwen wasn't made for this."

Arthur rushed to stand in front of Merlin. "Where is Guinevere?"

Merlin looked away in shame. "She's breaking, Kilgharrah, my dragon, watches over her. Fairies patrol in the woods."

Arthur placed his hands on Merlin's shoulders. "I'll take care of everything. Where is she?"

"It's about a three weeks ride away."

Arthur turned towards Lancelot, Leon, and Morgana.

"We ride in the morning." Merlin grabbed Arthur. "You can't go; it's a trap. Morded is using Gwen to lure you to him. Lancelot and Morgana ride in the morning. I'll signal Kilgharrah to bring Gwen to Camelot; the witch will return with me."

Arthur shrugged. "I'll face him."

"I said No, "Merlin yelled. "I need to tell you about the last three months. I have to get back before Gwen awakens. She's afraid during the day."

"Why is she afraid?"

"Morded." Merlin felt Arthur fighting to control his rage; his fingers trembled as his blue eyes dilated.

Merlin gave Nimueh a hard look. "Can you make your eyes brown and curl your hair?"

Arthur's eyes blinked widely as he eyes searched for Merlin, a hand waved in his face. "Arthur, where are you?" Morgana inquired softly. Blinking, Arthur dashed around the Council room in annoyance. "Did you not see Merlin?" Arthur yelled. Lancelot and Leon gave Arthur side glances as Arthur raved like a lunatic. Morgana attempted to calm his rising emotions; her soft soothing words ignored. Arthur exhaled as he remembered Merlin's frantic words of hopelessness and fear. He pictured a frightened Guinevere. His jaw clenched as he imagined Morded hunting Merlin and Gwen, like they were animals.

"Nimueh, what druid camps, towns, or strongholds are a three days ride from Camelot?" Arthur inquired.

Nimueh thought quietly for a few minutes. "Arthur, a small camp lies in Alined's kingdom. However, it's more than three days."

Arthur pursed his lips as he formulated a plan. "Maybe, the Druids marched towards Camelot to meet Emrys. They met in the woods; which means Merlin and Gwen are close to us." Arthur look solemnly into Lancelot and Morgana's eyes. "Morgana and Lancelot, ride to intercept Merlin and Gwen. Look for fairies, be careful, it's a trap for me set by Morded."

Lancelot's face clenched in hate as he thought of Morded touching his sister. Morgana's hand rested on his hard back. They gave Arthur a nod as they rushed to prepare for a potential battle.

Leon stood quietly waiting on Arthur's instruction. "Leon, ride to Odin's lands, and inform him of Morded's acts of aggression against my future queen."

"I'll leave in the morning, Arthur."

Nimueh smiled faintly at the young king. His psychic connection with Merlin had developed. She sensed a strong raw magic present in the council room. Merlin wanted Arthur's help. He's learning.

"Nimueh, tell me everything about fairies and dragons? Can you turn your eyes brown and curl your hair?"

"Sire, I can alter my appearance."

"Can you open a portal next to Tatiana?"

"Tatiana is easy to locate during full moons. One will occur in four days."

"Excellent."

I will find you, Guinevere. Even, if I have to spread Morded's body around Albion. He will pay for his transgressions. Merlin's powers are growing. It's too dangerous for him.

Merlin placed a cool rag against Gwen's bruised face; he noticed the marks on her neckhad started to fade. A new hardness lived in Merlin's eyes; everyday, he struggled to control his magic. Every day, he ignored a voice in his head begging him to find Balinor. Gwen flinched in her sleep.

"Arthur," she mumbled.

"He's coming, Gwen." Merlin gritted his teeth as he stroked Gwen's short hair. "I will find Freya, and she will pay for cutting your hair. She will pay for leading Morded to us. She will pay for everything."

Author's note: I'll start the second part in about a week. I need to finish my other story. It's not dark. Don't worry, Arthur isn't going soft. He's changing. Arthur's moving onto Morded as a foe. Merlin's giving advice. Don't worry, it's not going to be happy, Merlin has to grow up. If you have any suggestions for a title for the next part, send me a message. I'm a lost.

In the historical tale, Morded pulled Gwenfryah (spelt wrong) from her throne. He slapped her hard several times. Arthur fought him to defend his wife. A long way from an adulterous affair with Lancelot. A French writer though adultery and incest were great story points. I guess back then. Arthur was jealous of Merlin in my story. Gwen was a challenge for Arthur. I wonder if he will react to broken Gwen?