This chapter is chronologically set after 'The Madness Begins' where Merlin learns from Kilgharrah that he'll die and Arthur and Gwen see them talking together, subsequently finding out that Merlin's a dragonlord…

Bedshaped3 beta'ed again, for which I'm very grateful! And thanks to all of you who reviewed or put the story on alert! Enjoy!

Chapter 6: Emergency Meeting

"Are you alright? You were awfully quiet on the horse ride back." Gwen asked after they arrived in the courtyard. She knew she was voicing both of their concerns even if Arthur was still trying hard to remain mad. Her husband could be stubborn sometimes... They had tried to talk to Merlin some more and while he was very informative and honest, he mostly replied in monosyllabic phrases.

"Mm, what? Yes, sure." Merlin answered absentmindedly, which didn't help to ease her concern.

"Guinevere, can you get Gaius? I'll go round up the knights." Arthur asked as he gallantly helped Gwen descend from her horse.

"Of course, Arthur." Gwen answered smiling, rejoicing at the fact Arthur wanted to talk to Merlin alone. "Don't be too hard on him." She whispered before disappearing across the courtyard.

"And you, you come with me, I'm not letting you out of my sight."

"So, you're still mad." Merlin deducted when they marched towards the training fields.

"No, I'm not."

"You're using your angry voice."

"This is not my angry voice."

"Sure." Merlin said unconvinced, but he was wrong this time. Arthur wasn't angry, not really. He was worried and shocked. Shocked at the fact Merlin had been able to keep such a personal thing a secret and shocked that he hadn't picked up on it. Sure the man had his quirks but before this morning he had thought reading Merlin was pretty easy. Boy was he wrong.

"Merlin, I need you to tell the rest what you told me."

"They won't understand, they'll think I'm a freak."

"Merlin, do you really have so little faith in us? You're not a freak. I've come around haven't I?" Arthur tried to argue his point.

"After you tried to strangle me."

"You're never going to let me live that down, are you?"

"Nope, and you're probably still in shock. By tomorrow morning you'll have come to your senses and sent me to the executioner."

"I admit my first reaction left a lot to be desired, but it's a bit surprising to find out your actually good at something." Arthur tried to lighten the mood a bit, which failed as he saw Merlin grimace. He sighed and decided to switch strategies. "You shouldn't hide yourself out of shame or fear though, not to me."

"I'm not ashamed, it's just...Dragonlords were hunted because of their affiliation with magic." Merlin defended his choice while a little voice in the back of his head kept chanting. You're the most powerful warlock ever to have lived.

"It's not like you had a choice in the matter since you inherited your powers, I could never sentence someone to death based solely on that." Arthur stopped suddenly as the mere idea of sentencing Merlin to his death sent shivers down his spine. This sentiment only made Merlin feel more uncomfortable, though it wasn't for the reasons Arthur thought.

"Look, if you don't want to share your big secret with the rest, that's fine. I'll make up a story." Arthur relented.

"No! You don't have to lie for me, I'll tell them." Merlin exclaimed, loathing the idea of more lies.

"Good, so let's gather the rest then shall we?"

"Now where are they?" Arthur scratched his head as they stood on the training field. Half a dozen knights were busy, but not the ones Arthur sought. He eyed his servant suspiciously as Merlin gazed around rather innocently.

"Merlin?" Arthur insisted. "Where's Gwaine, Galahad, Percival and Leon?"

"Well, they weren't expecting you back yet."

"So what, they decided to skip training?"

"Gwaine did, so he dragged Galahad with him, Percival feels rather protective of the boy so joined and Leon's probably tracking them down."

"That actually makes sense." Arthur said impressed.

Merlin hadn't seen much of Arthur's most trusted knights after the Table's resurrection. Elyan had been sent to Queen Annis to strengthen their alliance, each monarch acknowledging that travelling themselves would leave their lands vulnerable. Percival had just returned from consolidating the newly acquired lands, including Ealdor. Galahad had been with the Druids for almost three weeks after his knighting ceremony and was back as well. Leon was a constant, as was Gwaine, but the older knight was busy as hell. Being Arthur's second in command meant he had duties similar to those Arthur had when Merlin first arrived in Camelot. This meant Leon was on patrol half of the time. It was rather fortunate that only one knight would be missed at the Table today.

"So we have some time, can you summon the other dragon, Aithusa was it?" Arthur proceeded to ask. Merlin had told them about that little adventure on the way back. Actually Gwen coaxed it out of him, but he made sure not to say anything that couldn't be attributed to him being a dragonlord.

"Now?" Merlin questioned. To be honest, he hadn't seen Aithusa for months. "That's not a good idea, besides I'm not certain if he'll answer my call."

"You're a dragonlord."

"Yes, but apparently to avoid corruption by men, young dragons don't obey dragonlords. That way, they're free to judge right from wrong on their own. Kilgharrah didn't tell me much, but once upon a time this was different and the results were disastrous. Not all dragonlords had pure intentions." Merlin explained. "Besides, I don't think he'll know more about this upcoming 'storm', he's probably somewhere grilling rabbits for dinner. If possible I want to keep him out of this, if something happened to him Kilgharrah would never forgive me nor would I forgive myself."

Some whistling and the lack of sword clanging interrupted Merlin's explanation as he watched Lauren approach them. As any self-conscious woman, she glared for a second at the knights who had whistled before addressing the king.

"My Lord, Gwen sent me to inform you Gaius is doing his rounds in the Lower Town."

"Thanks, Lauren and please call me Arthur."

"Certainly, si- Arthur, what shall I tell Gwen?"

"Well, the rest of them are missing as well, so the meeting is postponed until further notice."

"Should I be concerned over the men's behaviour?" Arthur enquired as they watched Lauren leave, very aware at least half of the knights were watching her as well.

"Not at all, she wacked one of them with a chamber pot the first week she was here. It was full."

"Ouch."

"Yeah and that wasn't the worst of it. I could hear her from two hallways down. You don't want to be on the receiving end of that temper. I wouldn't be surprised if the man in question wet himself."

"Really?"

"Yep, after that it's only been admiration from afar according to Gwaine."

"Well, I'm going to find Gwen, we didn't finish our picnic so I'll have to make amends. What will you do now?" Arthur asked. Good question, Merlin really wanted nothing more than to crash unto his bed, fall asleep and wake up from this hellish nightmare.

"I'll be at Gaius' freaking out."

"Merlin..." Arthur started in what he thought to be a comforting tone.

"Relax, just joking." Merlin said with a carefree smile and turned around. If he tried hard enough he might even fool himself and not just Arthur that everything was fine.

"One more thing..." Arthur started serious. Merlin flinched, here it comes... "You scream like a girl."

"Oh. Well, you tackle like a donkey." He quipped to cover his surprise.

"What? That-" Arthur uttered indignant.

"Yeah, don't deny it."

"Shut up, Merlin."

Merlin realised he wasn't acting normally as he walked back to his quarters. Whenever a door was slammed shut, he jumped. If a door opened as he walked by, he jumped. When the bells rang – as they did every hour – he jumped. Pull yourself together, Merlin mentally berated himself. It wasn't as if Morgana had summoned an axe murderer from the grave. Even if she did, he could handle an axe murderer. These reassuring thoughts didn't help though. During his conversations with Arthur and Gwen he'd conveniently forgotten to mention the dying part. He had to act like everything was, well, not completely okay, but better than he felt. Much better. Now he was alone once more, he had no distractions to stop Kilgharrah's message from replaying over and over again...

To keep himself busy –and not thinking – he rearranged some of Gaius' books and equipment. That worked for about half an hour before he needed to retreat to his own room because the empty space in the room 'bothered' him. His bedroom wasn't much better; he felt trapped and haunted. He had even looked in his closet for hidden assassins.

"Wondering why it's empty?" A voice suddenly broke the silence, making Merlin gasp for breath as he swiftly turned around. Arthur was casually leaning against the doorpost, apparently very amused by his manservant's reaction.

"Arthur! You startled me! I didn't hear you come in."

"Not all of us feel the need to trip over our own feet every time we enter a room."

"That only happened once!"

"But what's up with the jittery behaviour? Guilty conscience for not cleaning up your bedroom?"

"I'm too busy with yours. Let's see how you'd fare without a servant for a day." Merlin retorted while haphazardly throwing one boot and a shirt in the closet. "Oh wait, that happened already and your room was a mess."

"Clever, Merlin." Arthur remarked, noticing his friend was acting more like himself now.

"Wow, was that a compliment?"

"No, just a veiled insult. What were you doing anyway?"

"Um, cleaning up my bedroom?"

"And that required stealth?"

"Never can be too careful, some of this um-" Merlin kicked one of the many small heaps of clutter scattered across the floor. "Stuff has been here for a while and-"

"Forget I asked." Arthur held up his hands in resignation. "Be at the Round Table in half an hour and try not to get yourself killed," he continued, pointing at the heaps of stuff as he exited Merlin's room.

"Right, I can do that." Merlin answered. I hope...

"You're probably wondering why I summoned you. A matter of great importance has come to my attention. Merlin?"

"There's not an easy way to say it so I'll just... I'm a Dragonlord. I've been hiding it for years but this morning Arthur and Gwen saw me talking to Kilgharrah, the Great Dragon."

"Didn't you kill it?" Gwaine asked Arthur.

"Obviously not. But hold on to your questions for later." Arthur answered, motioning Merlin to carry on. So Merlin told them about the Great Dragon, how he met his father and then lost him again. How he rode to meet Kilgharrah, how he was left standing alone surrounded by unconscious knights and how he felt the powerful tug of kinship. He told them how he spared the dragon, how Kilgharrah came to his aid and gave advice, ending with what happened this morning. During the whole story Gaius was baffled. Here Merlin was telling them of his hidden adventures, but not the way Gaius remembered them. He had omitted any reference to magic, which could only mean one thing: Arthur was still in the dark about that.

"Kilgharrah came to warn me of something dark approaching Camelot." Merlin stated as he ended his story and gazed around the Table, waiting for a reaction.

"He can get in line. A messenger has arrived from Elyan as well – not bearing good news." Gwaine broke the silence and waved around a piece of paper. "And before you say anything else, yes I am capable of behaving responsibly." He quickly added at the surprised looks everyone was sending him, while passing it along to Arthur.

"Thanks Gwaine," Arthur took a quick glance and rolled his eyes, "this would've been shocking if the seal was still intact."

"Well, since it was a dragon, it has to be a magical threat." Galahad cut in before Arthur could lecture Gwaine on proper decorum.

"Morgana." Percival said.

"Yes, I'm afraid so." Arthur agreed, passing on the letter to Gwen. She read the letter quickly, totally ignorant of the discussion going on around her. She sighed, relieved. Elyan was fine. Gwen just hoped he would come home soon.

"... and we haven't heard from her for months." Merlin remarked.

"Yeah, and last time that happened it didn't end well." Gwaine commented darkly.

"Either it is Morgana or we have another magical threat on our hands. I can't really decide which scenario I like less." Gwen entered the discussion again. "But whatever it is, we should prepare for both."

"Gaius, is it possible to suppress someone's magic without the use of magic." Arthur asked curiously.

"It's possible." Gaius answered after giving it some thought. "A physical or mental ailment could prevent the use of magic. The most effective way is fear." Merlin briefly wondered what kind of fear would be able to cut off such an intrinsic part of a person.

"Galahad, have you ever heard of the name Emrys?" Arthur asked out of the blue. For a second the room was silenced, while Arthur looked expectantly at Galahad's wide eyes.

THUD!

"Merlin! If you can't sit on a chair then stay on the floor. Geez, what are you, five?" Arthur shouted exasperated at his manservant, who apparently had tried to balance his chair on two legs instead of four and failed miserably.

"Sorry about that, these chairs are unbelievable. Doesn't anyone else find them shaky? Just let me get this right again. So, what were you talking about?" Merlin ranted as he sat down again, pretending that didn't just happen, that Arthur didn't just asked that question. He really hated this day, he really really did.

"If you listened instead of fooling around, then you would have heard the question I asked Galahad. Sorry, I wish could tell you he isn't like this all the time but alas." The king gestured to the others, resignedly accepting Merlin was a lost cause. "So, Emrys – ever heard of him?" Arthur asked Galahad again.

"The truth is," Galahad started as he looked at Merlin's badly concealed panicked expression. "The truth is that every Druid knows the stories of Emrys."

"Not only the Druids, I've heard the name before today as well. People whisper his name like a sort of prayer. Nobody seems to know who he is though." Percival spoke up, surprising Merlin. It hadn't occurred to him that Emrys would be known outside the magic community.

"He's like a Druid god?" Arthur enquired. Oh no, he didn't just ask that! Merlin thought as he shifted uncomfortably in his chair. He knew Galahad well enough to notice the knight was suppressing a grin. Oh boy, this could not get any more awkward.

"No, certainly not, he's a man. But most of all he embodies Hope." Galahad answered in all seriousness.

"For the Druids?"

"For everyone, Sire."

"Gaius, are you familiar with these tales?" Arthur asked next.

"I am, Sire, but I fear I'm no wiser than Galahad on the matter." Oh, Gaius was shrewd.

"But you haven't actually seen Emrys, so maybe he is really a she and that's why nobody has ever seen him." Gwaine interjected causing Galahad and Gaius to cough simultaneously.

Nope, he was wrong. This conversation was heading rapidly towards another level of awkwardness.

"I'm fairly sure Emrys is a he." Galahad finally managed to utter.

"Question: why are we talking about some bloke named Emrys? I thought we were talking about Morgana?" Gwaine asked confused.

"That's what I want to know." Leon said as he sat down again after pouring Gaius a glass of water.

"Morgana mentioned Emrys, when we confronted her. Remember?" Arthur looked expectantly at Merlin.

"Don't look at me, I'm five remember? OUCH! Why did you do that for?" Merlin asked, a little crestfallen while he rubbed the back of his head where Arthur had smacked him.

"Did that jog your memory?"

"…No… Sometimes I swear this is the only reason why I'm sitting right next to you. Prat."

"Exactly and don't you ever forget."

"Now, to answer Gwaine's excellent question, Morgana briefly talked about him, said something along the lines of..." Arthur trailed off trying to remember the exact words.

"Not even Emrys can save you now." Gwen helped to retell the events. "That's what she said. And after that her spells didn't work and she vanished from the castle."

"Galahad, would you be able to sense Emrys if he's powerful enough to scare Morgana?" Arthur suddenly remembered.

"Only if he wants me to. A sorcerer of Emrys calibre will only reveal himself on his terms not mine." Galahad answered quickly, so quickly that only Merlin noticed the brief pause. He actually admired Galahad's growing skill to bend the truth a bit, but it wasn't an answer Arthur liked.

"Wait, what! You told me your ability to track magic users grows in proportions with the power of said magic user."

"I did, but I also told you about malicious intent. It enhances my reach as well, so an absence of it…"

"May compensate for his powers, that makes sense." Arthur finished Galahad's answer.

No Arthur, it doesn't, Merlin thought rather smugly, but I'm glad you're able to come to the wrong conclusion on your own.

"So he could be hiding in the castle at this very moment?" Leon remarked.

Yes, Leon, he's in this very room.

"Possibly." Galahad admitted.

"That's kind of creepy, just saying." Gwaine and involuntarily looked over his shoulders.

"Arthur, I'm confused. These questions about Emrys...What does it mean for your views on magic?"

"Nothing, Gaius, just a simple application of the enemy of my enemy, nothing to worry you, I promise."

"So your plan is to find Emrys even if magic is still outlawed and ask him to help us?" Percival asked confused.

"Why do you think he'll want to help? I can't understand why he isn't siding with Morgana." Leon stated.

"There is something you should all know." Galahad started and the way he said it set off warning bells inside Merlin's head.

NO!

"Yes?" Arthur asked wondering briefly why Galahad looked so conflicted all of a sudden.

"Emrys chooses to protect the Once and Future King." Galahad admitted apologetically. Oh, Galahad, why did you have to say that? Merlin massaged his temples in vain, as the headache he had developed during this ridiculous discussion refused to recede.

"And that would be?" Arthur frowned.

"You, apparently." Merlin blabbed out.

"Sorry?"

It took every ounce of restraint not to knock his head onto the table out of pure frustration.

"Well, what other kings are there in Camelot, dimwit?"

"It's part of an ancient prophecy. It's foretold that The Once and Future King will unite Albion and create a kingdom so beautiful, that centuries later people will still try to live by the values he set. But the prophecy also tells about the many dangers this King would face. This is where Emrys enters the picture. He protects the King out of the shadows." Galahad elaborated. Everyone around the table was listening intently, wondering what that would mean for the future.

"That still doesn't explain why this Emrys would risk his own life to protect a king that would have him executed for his actions." Percival said. He had always thought Emrys was a mythical figure, an image people conjured to make them feel safe and hopeful for the future. It was rather hard to imagine Emrys as a man of flesh and blood, just like them. And men could be killed. Merlin noticed Arthur was shifting uncomfortably beside him. Good, Merlin thought with a smile, now it is his turn to feel awkward about the situation.

"If what Galahad said is true, I can't imagine a better reason to risk your life. You all do that every day." Merlin spoke up and looked at the knights who nodded. "Why would Emrys be any different?" He glanced at his friend. Arthur cleared his throat and looked around the Table.

"That was very enlightening, Galahad, but I can't wait for the fulfilment of a prophecy – not when Camelot's safety is at stake. Does anyone have an idea that doesn't involve ancient prophecies?" Arthur said, cutting of any further talks about prophecies and hidden sorcerers. Or so he thought...

"Do you think your father would know something more about this threat? Maybe the Druids have some prophecies about this as well." Gwen asked Galahad completely ignoring Arthur's question.

"I can ask him, but unless it is something significant, we wouldn't know. It's not as if we have a book filled with every danger that might have or will ever threaten Camelot."

"Books." Merlin mumbled.

"What?" Arthur frowned, thinking he had missed the point.

"Books. He said 'book'. I'm sure one book wouldn't be enough to cover it all."

"The problem is," Galahad said coming to Merlin's rescue this time when Arthur shot Merlin an angry glare, a sure sign a lecture would follow. "The problem is that even if it would be something significant, it will be vague as well."

"Something along the lines of?" Leon asked curiously.

"A storm's coming, one that will wash away the future if taken lightly."Merlin said gloomy, repeating the dragon's words once more.

"That's not vague. We just need to build a ship." Gwaine joked.

"Can we please get to the point? Thank you." Arthur sighed exasperated. To be honest, all this talk of prophecies was making him lightheaded.

"There's not much we can do at the moment. We can double the patrols," Leon suggested. "But frankly Sire, we have too little information to undertake a clear course of action."

"I agree and this meeting has dragged on long enough. To conclude, we will keep our eyes and ears open for any sign of Morgana

"Like we've been doing these last few months…" Gwaine mumbled loud enough for everyone to hear.

"And we'll do the same regarding Emrys." Arthur ignored him.

"Who won't be found unless he wants to." Gwaine concluded and with that the Round Table members dispersed.

Finally it was over. Merlin sighed with relief as he got up. It hadn't been that bad, he thought, although I should talk to Galahad about his newfound openness. Galahad obviously picked up on that, since he had already scurried out of the room. In his stead, Merlin saw Gwaine coming towards him, undoubtedly ready to bombard him with thousand of questions. It was something he didn't want to deal with right now.

"Sorry, Gwaine um, Gaius needs my help, right Gaius?" Merlin apologised and silently begged Gaius to agree.

"Indeed I do, Gwaine and I fear it will take the rest of the day." Gaius confirmed being remarkably helpful.

"Tomorrow then," Gwaine made him promise and turned around, "Now where did Galahad go? I tell you that boy is even harder to track down than..." He mumbled as he exited the room.

"Thanks Gaius, now if you'll excuse me I need to go." Merlin started moving towards the exit as well.

"Not so fast, you do have a lot of work to do, explaining all of this." Gaius took Merlin by the arm before he could slip away as well. "Were you trying to give me a heart attack?" Gaius started in hushed tones as he lead Merlin towards their chambers. Suddenly, listening to Gwaine's incessant questions didn't seem that unattractive anymore.

"Merlin, I am amazed. I have no idea how you've managed to sit through the whole meeting without anyone suspecting you." Gaius was pacing in front of Merlin. They had arrived at the physician's quarters hours ago, and still Gaius wasn't finished.

"You heard Galahad's tale. Now everyone expects someone dashing and fearsome. I'm not sure if I want to thank him or yell at him for revealing so much."

"Somebody had to." Gaius sighed and sagged down on the bench next to Merlin.

"Merlin, I think you need to tell Arthur. Tell him everything." He said after a long silence.

"Not yet Gaius, believe me."

"He's already accepted you as a Dragonlord."

"That's not the same as using magic, you heard him today. Besides I'm still waiting for him to change his mind."

"He won't, you know he won't." Gaius assured him. "Also, in my experience it's easier to rip the bandage of in one rapid pull, instead of tearing it slowly inch by inch."

"Gaius, I'm really tired of metaphors today, can we just leave it?" Merlin said, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees, cradling his head. He felt very weary all of a sudden.

As if on cue Percival entered. "Merlin, Arthur has asked after you."

"What was with you today? You were even more odd than usual and that started after you told everybody your secret." Arthur looked up as Merlin entered. He was sitting behind his desk writing, probably notes about the Round Table meeting and motioned Merlin to take a seat.

"Well we were discussing Morgana…" Merlin started hesitantly as he sat down. That would be a good explanation, right?

"And what about her?"

"She's pretty scary…"

"So, what, you decided to act completely ridiculous because you'd gotten anxious?"

"Something like that."

"Well, fortunately you keep it together when it matters." Arthur sneered and wrote a couple of things down before looking at his manservant again.

"What do you think about Emrys?" Arthur asked suddenly.

"I don't really have an opinion about him, my lord." Merlin answered, noting the 'my lord' was pushing Arthur's alert button, but he didn't really know what else to say.

"Don't be daft, Merlin. You have an opinion on everything." Arthur said knowing he was right. Because even if Merlin didn't say anything out loud, he was quite versed in a non-verbal manner, rolling his eyes or trying to hid a smirk. Though loud and direct was his default way of being.

Arthur kept looking at him expectantly so Merlin knew he had to say something, anything...

"If Morgana fears him, I'm liking him already."

"Merlin, this isn't a joke."

"I'm not joking. What harm can there be in using him as a shield?"

"Wouldn't that be hypocritical of me?"

"It's not like you asked him to risk his life. He does that of his own accord. If you do try to stop him, I don't know, with a widespread manhunt for example, he'll probably still protect you." Merlin answered knowing that's how he felt and hoping it wouldn't come to that.

"So you think I should trust this Emrys? Possibly even contact him?"

"That's not my place to say."

"You're being very helpful today." Arthur remarked sarcastically.

"Maybe you've forgotten, but it has been a rather tiring day."

"Ah, yeah, sorry." Arthur admitted, surprising Merlin. "Just one more thing. I didn't want to go into detail about it during the meeting, but honestly, this Once and Future King thing is freaking me out," he said nervously. "I mean, it does raise the expectations a bit, don't you think?"

"Arthur," Merlin sighed trying not to grin at the irony of this statement. "Even if you never did hear about this, you would still try to build a better and peaceful life for everyone under your care. That's something you need to do, not because someone or something told you you're meant to do it. You do it because you know it is right. This prophecy doesn't decide your Fate, you do. It merely tells you what will happen eventually. In itself it doesn't carry any power, the power to decide what to do and what not to do lies in here." Merlin pointed at Arthur's heart.

"You should get some sleep, Merlin, the next few days will probably be even more tiring. So get all the rest you can." Arthur said after a long silence. "And don't worry, I promise I won't change my mind about you."

"Don't you need any help?" Merlin asked relieved he could go, but worried about his friend. He too had heard a lot of unexpected things today.

"Just finishing up some things. Good night, Merlin."

"Good night, Arthur." Merlin said as he walked out and closed the door. The silence in the hall felt refreshing after the turmoil of the day. He decided to take a detour on his walk back to Gaius' chambers, hoping the old physician would be sleeping already.

That night a lone figure stood on the Northwest tower. Nobody saw him come. He hadn't brought a torch with him, so he had the full view of the starry sky above. He watched them move, each one following their own fixed path. They moved perpetually and forever, unless they fell...

Merlin was gone again right before the start of a new day. He felt no need to see the sunrise.

Nobody saw him leave.

So, the main story line continues…

I hope nobody found the flashbacks too confusing? And before you all flame me for not letting Merlin reveal more…give the guy a break, he's bound to make some less logical choices :)

Please leave a review if you have the time! Thanks!